Sickness & Spiritual Attacks

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Sickness & Spiritual Attacks

I recall listening to messages in churches and online where preachers would preach that Satan has no power.  How does their message further afflict those who truly seek the Lord Jesus and preach the Word of God and the good news of Salvation who truly come under demonic attack?

Please do not underestimate real spiritual warfare.  I personally believe that real life is in the Spirit of God and the majority of our afflictions happen in the spiritual realm. I also believe that many healing are inhibited because of the lack of taking authority over these demonic spirits.  Our battle is not carnal, it is spiritual.

 Why would you need spiritual armor if there is no spiritual powers of darkness and evil?

Ephesians 6:10–13 (NKJV)

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

My concern is that so many Christians are being attacked and assaulted by demonic spirits and the works of Satan and they end up embracing the sicknesses and attacks rather than rebuking these attacks.  This often results in the “sickness” becoming their identity verses the Spirit of God.  While there is true sickness we must process and meditate on our sickness in Spirit and Truth.

For example, how sudden did you come under that influence or attack of this sickness?  Who was around you and where were you when this sudden sickness happened?  What were you doing just prior, were you about to preach, teach or witness for Jesus? 

I could give you testimony after testimony of the attacks I have endured but there is no point.  I just want all of you to seek the Lord in Spirit and Truth about your own situations.  Do not assume that your health suffers because of something you did but perhaps something you represent and promote which is Christ Jesus.

The Apostle Paul talks about this in Romans and Thessalonians.

Romans 1:13 (NKJV)

13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.

 

(READ COMMENTARY)

2:18 Satan hindered us Satan is the enemy of God who opposes Paul and his apostolic ministry (e.g., 3:5; 2 Cor 2:11; 11:13–15; 12:7). Some of the Thessalonians likely worried that Paul abandoned them when he abruptly left the city and did not return (see note on 1 Thess 1:1–10). Paul assures the believers at Thessalonica that his separation from them was not his choice—Satan hindered him.

The Greek verb used here, enkoptō, literally means “to cut up.” It could be used to describe an army destroying an enemy’s road, consequently hindering their travel. Satan may have stirred up persecution in Thessalonica or caused an illness that kept Paul (and his companions) from returning to the city. The exact nature of the hindrance is unknown. In other instances, Paul credits God with preventing travel (1 Cor 16:12; Acts 16:6).[1]

 

1 Thessalonians 2:18 (NKJV)

18 Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.

 

Where I live there are principalities but the one that I want to talk about is the principality of infirmity/sickness.  I live in an area where it is common to see young adults and many others using motorized scooters to go shopping. There is much sickness where I live, and many are not aware of the spiritual attacks they embrace through sickness.  It can become a form of personal identity and a stronghold in the spirit realm.    Their sickness becomes their identity and dependency is often found on entitlements, government assistance, etc.  Yes, some are truly sick, and I am not downplaying their sickness.  What I want you to realize is that any dependency other than on Christ Jesus can become an idol.  

I remember not long ago the Lord had me attend a church service where an evangelist was praying for healings.  I waited for the evangelist after church and asked him if he was aware of the principality of infirmity in that area.  I would say that about 80 percent or more of the people needed prayers for sicknesses!  He looked at me as the Lord brought revelation to him. 

Recently I was asked to teach and preach to a leadership meeting in another country.  I talked about the demonic attacks that we come against and endure for the gospel of Christ Jesus amongst other things the Lord placed on my heart to share.  They were encouraged by the teaching knowing that the warfare was real and that they were still ministering even when attacked.  What I didn’t tell them is that 30 minutes before my appointed time to share the Word and teachings that I came under attack as Satan did not want me to encourage and edify the brethren. 

We all know that Ephesians talks about the armor of God but I want you to reflect on Hebrews 4:12.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

What I want you to focus on is the separation of “flesh from spirit”.  Even though our flesh might fail us because of sickness, spiritual attacks, ungodliness around us we must NOT let these things define us in the Spirit of God! 

Jesus never let all of His sufferings, persecutions, whippings or anything define Him in the Holy Spirit or Father. 

I have been receiving many new friend requests from pastors from various countries which are battling sickness.  Please seek the Lord for His wisdom and spiritual truth as it may well be a spiritual attack. 

Our battle is real, and the attacks are real.  We must seek the Lord for His wisdom and grace to overcome.

2 Corinthians 12:7–9 (NKJV)

The Thorn in the Flesh

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

In the end time there will be great false signs and wonders from Satan.  Are we to believe that Satan has no power? 

Revelation 13:7 (NKJV)

7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.

Much of what we are experiencing around the WORLD is written in the Word of God.  If ever there was a time to fulfill the abundant life in Christ Jesus it is now.  Yes, the abundant life is not an earthly life it is a life in Christ Jesus. 

Romans 8:14 (NKJV)

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 

My dear brothers and sisters stay encouraged in the Lord through the perilous times we live in and know that our suffering savior knows our burdens and pains.  Let us rejoice that we are called to partake in the sufferings of Christ for His namesake. 

1 Peter 4:12–19 (NKJV)

Suffering for God’s Glory

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now

“If the righteous one is scarcely saved,

Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Exodus 15:26 (NKJV)

26 and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”



[1] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (1 Th 2:18). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

SANCTIFIED VESSELS

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SANCTIFIED VESSELS

There are many inroads to ungodliness, darkness, lawlessness, immorality and demonic influences and oppression. If you give Satan an opening, he will pry that opening wider and wider.

Matthew 12:43–45 (NKJV)

43 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. 44 Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”

We must cast down vain imaginations and temptations which we know are contrary to the knowledge and way of Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 10:3–6 (NKJV)

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

What most people don’t see, choose not to see, underestimate or disbelieve is that the greatest spiritual battle was fought in heaven and that same battle continues here on earth even within the church assemblies and leadership.  Look across the world today at how exterior influences of Covid19 and other mandates have restricted the assembling of the saints not to mention the attacks from within the church assembly.

Sadly, much of this battle is fought within the church assembly and within leadership as demonic influences constantly attack even from within the church assembly. To deny that Satan puts people or demonic spirits/influences within the church buildings and assemblies to destroy the works of Christ is to deny the battle fought in heaven ever happened and the battle here and now, not to mention the battle which is to come when Christ Jesus returns.

In addition, it was the works of Satan which crucified Christ but even through that, Jesus was in control because Jesus controlled the time that the crucifixion would take place. It was at an appointed time.  Jesus freely gave His life, we need to do the same and lay down our lives to Christ for the salvation of others. 

John 15:13 (NKJV)

13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

I am saddened when I look at profiles that have lustful images and “likes”. There should be modesty in our appearances as this applies to both men and women.  As the Lord leads I private message people to help them work through their struggles and many do comply by repentance and removing those things that are ungodly or invite demonic influences into their lives.  The struggles are real, and we need to rightly deal with these struggles. 

When I see Pastors or church leaders with these things it is even more disheartening yet not surprising. (No condemnation) If Satan can attack leadership then everything under that leadership is subjected to those same demonic influences. Satan will always try to attack “the head” leadership and if that doesn’t work Satan will attack those close to the “head leadership”.  This includes the family structure and why there are so many separations, adulteries and divorces.

We must not sit under false prophets or ministers believing the words of these false prophets. Substituting lies for truth. Then there are those who “like” “false prophets” or a mixture of true prophets and false prophets. I am not being judgmental here I am stating facts.   The truth is every time we receive revelation of the Truth of God we are under judgment.  What are we going to do now that we truly have a revelation of Truth?  We must conform to Truth! 

John 14:6 (NKJV)

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

(Read 2 Peter 2)

As we truly grow in Christ and walk the narrow path so will the people we follow or associate with.  Things we once enjoyed we longer enjoy, things we once did we no longer do. The time is accelerating and of urgency. The bride must prepare for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

See my article:

http://abidingbread.com/2018/01/28/marriage-supper-of-the-lamb/

As the world increases in ungodliness, immorality, perversion and lawlessness the influences and forces of these demonic attacks increase against us. Let us not lose hope or faith in this battle because a born-again follower of Christ knows this earth is not their home.

I believe however hard these times are for the body of Christ, all of this is a preparation for what is about to come. Many go without food and shelter. Others are abandoned by loved ones because of the spiritual division of beliefs. Whatever the hardship let us rejoice in the finished work of Calvary. Do not grow weary as our redemption draws near.

Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

 

See my article on Consequences: 

http://abidingbread.com/2020/07/12/consequences/

Meanwhile let us humble ourselves as individuals with truthful personal reflection of our pursuit of holiness and righteousness to Christ Jesus. Our salvation is not dependent upon others it is only dependent upon our personal true and godly devotion to Christ.

 

We need to restore one another in the Spirit of the Lord Jesus in the Fruit of the Spirit. Restoration only happens through true humility, honest reflection, repentance and our true desire towards being the bride of Christ Jesus. NONE OF US IS EXEMPT FROM THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE WE EACH MUST HOLD OURSELVES ACCOUNTABLE.

 

Galatians 6:1 (NKJV)

Bear and Share the Burdens

6 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

 

1 Corinthians 11:27–34 (NKJV)

Examine Yourself

27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

33 Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34 But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.

 

We know that judgment starts in the house of the Lord, the Lord desires His pulpits to be holy, undefiled, sanctified, consecrated just as the Lord wants our bodies to be sanctified and consecrated.

 

1 Corinthians 6:19 (NKJV)

19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

 

True discernment within the church is not only knowing truth from error but also knowing those who are under demonic influences that truly seek deliverance and restoration verses those who come to undermine, kill, steal and destroy on behalf of Satan. As long as we falsely believe the “partial truth” that only the Lord knows the hearts of people we will deny that the heart is wicked and deceitful. To be a preacher of righteousness sin must be addressed and the wages of sin spoken and addressed.

 

Jeremiah 17:9 (NKJV)

9  “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?

 

 

Ezekiel 36:26 (NKJV)

26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 

The Lord always exposed the hearts of people to His true servants. These servants are humble enough yet strong enough in the Spirit of God to approach people for repentance and restoration. Many of these servants are mocked, slandered, demised, persecuted, cast away, ridiculed and were martyred.

(Read 2 Samuel 12)

King David is a prime example and David was a man after God’s heart. The Lord sent Nathan to speak to David and there are times the Lord will send people to us for restoration.  It is also worth noting that if ANYONE merely points out your sin but DOES NOT bring you to the cross of Calvary AND the resurrection of Christ so that we can become new creations in Christ they are NOT of the LORD JESUS!  (The exclude the gospel of Christ and the propitiation of sin through Christ.)

 

1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The time is long overdue that we seek the holiness and righteousness of Christ wearing the full armor of God not only in our personal temple but in the House of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:10–13 (NKJV)

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Luke 22:31–32 (NKJV)

Christ Predicts Peter’s Denial

Matt. 26:31–35; Mark 14:27–31; John 13:36–38

31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

 None of us are exempt from the attempts or sifting of Satan.

 

The grace of God and the blood of Jesus is all sufficient and blessed are those who are cleansed, forgiven, redeemed and reconciled to Christ Jesus.  May the Lord receive the fullness of His inheritance, the hearts and souls of all His children. 

 

Numbers 6:24–26 (NKJV)

    24      “The LORD bless you and keep you;

    25      The LORD make His face shine upon you,

    And be gracious to you;

    26      The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,

    And give you peace.” ’

 

Titus 2 (NKJV)

Qualities of a Sound Church

2 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

 

Trained by Saving Grace

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

 

 

COVID 19 FACE MASKS – SPIRITUAL DUCT TAPE

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COVID 19 FACE MASKS

SPIRITUAL DUCT TAPE

 

Today during worship and prayer with the Lord I was conversing with the Lord regarding a recent posting on Facebook.  I saw a pastor wearing a face mask that had printed on it “Faith over Fear”.  This pastor is not alone as many Christians are wearing face masks, it was what was printed on the mask that truly saddened me as real faith isn’t found in a mask it’s only found in Christ Jesus.  Wearing the mask didn’t demonstrate or witness faith regardless of what was printed on it.  

I realize that each of us as individuals are at different places in our walk with the Lord however the whole gospel is based on the life, death and resurrection of Christ so that we may have eternal life in Christ Jesus.  How can someone preach the gospel of Christ in fear of death, I just don’t see a living witness as in Revelation 12:11.  What is the need of Psalm 91 if your faith is in a face mask?  

Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

 

Psalm 91 (NKJV)

PSALM 91

Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God

1      He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2      I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust.”

 

3      Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler

And from the perilous pestilence.

4      He shall cover you with His feathers,

And under His wings you shall take refuge;

His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

5      You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,

Nor of the arrow that flies by day,

6      Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,

Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

 

7      A thousand may fall at your side,

And ten thousand at your right hand;

But it shall not come near you.

8      Only with your eyes shall you look,

And see the reward of the wicked.

 

9      Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,

Even the Most High, your dwelling place,

10      No evil shall befall you,

Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;

11      For He shall give His angels charge over you,

To keep you in all your ways.

12      In their hands they shall bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

13      You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,

The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

 

14      “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;

I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

15      He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will deliver him and honor him.

16      With long life I will satisfy him,

And show him My salvation.”

 

Where is the spiritual witness and revelation of being a living witness for Christ?  How can you pray for the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead or even speak to the mountain to move wearing a face mask?  If I am missing something I am glad that I am missing it, fear has no dominion over me!  (See my post on spiritual sickness  http://abidingbread.com/2020/07/15/spiritual-sickness/).

As I was conversing with the Lord today about this the Lord said to me in the spirit realm the mask is like spiritual duct tape.  The Lord said that truth is being silenced and people are not standing in faith and speaking or demonstrating faith and truth according to God’s Word.  They should trust in the Lord with all of their heart and lean not on their own understanding.

 While this is a controversial subject the whole Bible is controversial to those that are perishing and life in the spirit is opposed by life in the flesh.   In Exodus 12 when the lamb was sacrificed and the blood of a lamb was put over the doorposts did death strike those covered by the blood?  Has the blood of Jesus lost it’s power, absolutely NOT!

 

Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV)

5      Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

6      In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

You either believe in ALL OF GOD’S WORD or you don’t.  You don’t get to pick and choose, add or subtract. We must demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit and the resurrected life; for all things have passed away and we are a new creation in Christ Jesus.   If you have been crucified in Christ then you should live by faith in Christ.

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

 

In baptism we died just as Christ died and were resurrected in Christ just as Jesus resurrected.  Jesus has risen and is not in the grave!  Hallelujah!  We shouldn’t be living on earth as if we are heading to the grave! Death has been conquered! 

 

Romans 6:4 (NKJV)

4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

 

Colossians 2:12 (NKJV)

12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

 

Matthew 16:25 (KJV 1900)

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV 1900)

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 

1 Corinthians 2:4 (KJV 1900)

4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

 

1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV 1900)

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

 

Romans 8:14 (KJV 1900)

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

 

The Lord then brought to my spirit the death of Lazarus concerning the mandatory face masks and the body of Christ. 

 

John 11 (NKJV)

Christ Raises Lazarus

11 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”

4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. 7 Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”

8 The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?”

9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11 These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.”

12 Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.

14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.”

16 Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”

17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. 19 And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

20 Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

28 And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, “The Teacher has come and is calling for you.” 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came to Him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. 31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, “She is going to the tomb to weep there.”

32 Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

33 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34 And He said, “Where have you laid him?”

They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.”

35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”

37 And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?”

38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”

Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”

40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

The Pharisees Plan to Kill Christ

45 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. 46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48 If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.”

49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.

53 Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. 54 Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples.

55 And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?” 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.

 

Once again, the Lord is weeping regarding the lack of faith and disbelief in those that proclaim that Jesus is the Life & Resurrection.  We either believe that the Holy Spirit bears witness that we are sons and daughters of Christ or we don’t.  Our actions speak louder than words and without faith it is impossible to please God.

 

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

 

 

Romans 8:16 (NKJV)

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

 

John 11:25–26 (NKJV)

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

 

 

It would be wise to remember that the bloodline of Christ has always faced death.  Moses was floated down a stream in a basket and Joseph and Mary had to move because every male infant was ordered to be executed.  John the baptist was beheaded, the apostles were martyred and today people wear face masks. 

 

The Lord is grieving just as He did with Lazarus. If we reflect on the 10 virgins in the marriage supper 5 didn’t have their lamps full.  Are we witnessing today the foolish virgins wearing face masks because their lamps are not full? It’s a question that each of us needs to address and pray upon.  It would be wise to remember that the “DOOR” was closed to the foolish virgins.

 

John 10:9–11 (NKJV)

9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

 

 

Luke 18:8 (KJV 1900)

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

 

There are religions that teach that you must die to experience the Glory of God or be in the presence of God.  This is a lie from the pit of hell!  The glory of God is for the here and now and blessed are those who have tasted and seen who have not departed from the faith.

 

Hebrews 6 (NKJV)

The Peril of Not Progressing

 

6 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits.

4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8 but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.

A Better Estimate 

9 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. 10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

 

God’s Infallible Purpose in Christ

 13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16 For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. 17 Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.

19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

WITCHCRAFT

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Witchcraft

When the Lord says we will be held accountable for every spoken word and He truly means it!  We must remember that words either render life or death and this includes written words also.  Everything is inspired by something and it’s either good or evil in God’s standards and virtues. 

 The Lord had me assisting a person through a season which the Lord revealed to me was a season of repentance for this person as the Lord desired this person to come to Christ.  This person followed people that were false prophets and utilized witchcraft, divination, etc. 

 This person told me that they “loved” this certain minister and wanted me to read the books from this false minister.  I said I would not allow those books in my home and I didn’t want to read them as they were ungodly and not from the Lord.  Without my knowledge this person brought one of those books and left it in my house and placed it in my bookshelf. Similar as in Revelation 2 the Lord was giving this person a “season” to repent but this person chose not to surrender to the Lord.  

 It was about that time that the Lord told me break free from this person and stop mentoring them.   The Lord had revealed to me much about this person so I wasn’t surprised and knew that this person was involved in witchcraft but I also knew that the Lord desired this person to repent and was giving this person an opportunity to do just that as in Revelation 2.  So I broke off the mentoring and communication with this person.  I began to feel ill at times and the intensity of my spiritual battles seemed to escalate which is nothing alarming as it’s part of the journey and normal to the Christian life.  After a few days my spirit was “restless” for lack of better definition, so I got in my chair and got still before the Lord seeking revelation of what I was battling.  The Lord spoke to me and said to pick up one of my books on my bookshelf and when I did the book I refused to have in my house and read was under the book I picked up.

I immediately took this book outside, got some gasoline and offered it as a burnt offering to the Lord and prayed against the demonic spirits attached to this book.  For some reason I felt compelled to take pictures of this book as it burned. 

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(You might have to zoom in on picture)

I am thankful to the Lord Jesus for revealing this attack and breaking the curses which were assigned against me.  There are times I have used this picture to teach others and now the Lord has me posting this online.  Look at the picture and notice the many manifestations in this picture.  Just as the Holy Spirit inspired the written Word of God demonic spirits inspired the book that was left in my house. 

 People need to take notice of gifts and other items that are given to them which may have evil spirits attached or inspired those writings or gifts.  Many “trinkets” might well be idols to false gods……

 Acts 16:16 (NKJV)

16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling.

 

Acts 19:19 (NKJV)

19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.

 

I urge all of you to use caution in what you read, listen to and watch.  Too many people seeking other spirits for insight and revelation which is NOT of the Lord Jesus.

SPIRITUAL SICKNESS

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SPIRITUAL SICKNESS

 

One of the greatest sicknesses isn’t a disease it’s a spirit which embraces other destructive spirits rendering sound decision making impaired, health restoration inhibited and attempts to destroy the same attributes in those we love and care about!

 

This spirit perverts, twists, manipulates, enforces tactics, methods, and protocols contrary to what is needed for restoration of true health. It can leave a person with feelings of hopelessness, destruction, abandonment, isolation, lack of self-worth, loss of strength, loss of motive and render complete paranoia and even the embracement of death.

 

Ultimately, its goal is to bring death to the soul and eventually to the life of the person and all those people exposed to this spirit. If this spirit were classified in human military terminology perhaps it would be called “friendly fire” because spirits work through people and affect other people. Its true spiritual purpose is to kill, steal and destroy every life possible!

 

There is no human antidote or medical cure because it is a spirit and not a disease! A disease can’t kill the soul only the flesh! Does this resemble what is transpiring across the globe now? 

 

SPIRIT OF FEAR

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

 

There is a very simple reality about the fear of death and I in no way in stating this attempting to undervalue a person’s life.  Many fear death because the wages of sin is death.  They are not in right standing with God and/or truly not “born again”.  I am astonished at the number of professing Christians who fear death while openly proclaiming that the “Resurrection” dwells within them.  How can you fear a disease when the “Resurrection” dwells within you?  How can you embrace John 3:16 in faith and embrace death simultaneously?  How can you truly preach Christ fearing death, were not the Apostles martyred? 

I’d like to expound on what I have never heard preached, but the Lord revealed to me.  When Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane, He sweat drops of blood as the crucifixion drew near.  Jesus then spoke not my will, but your will be done Father.  Was that the son of man or the Son of God speaking?  If flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of Heaven what was displayed and truly happening was the separation of the son of Man and the Son of God.  The flesh (human soul) needed to die/surrender to fulfill the will of God!  The last thing any person desires is to die so the conversion, sanctification and human will of the human soul is only overcome by the Spirit of God!  The Son of God is eternal and cannot die so it was the Son of Man totally surrendered to the Son of God in the garden of Gethsemane. 

 

Matthew 16:25 (NKJV)

25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

 

Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

 

John 11:25 (NKJV)

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

 

If we reflect on Psalm 23 which is often quoted at funerals this Psalm is for those who live in Christ not for those who are not.  The good news is the Gospel of Christ where redemption is available, and atonement has been in Christ Jesus!

 

John 3:16 (NKJV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

 

Where is the “valley of the shadow of death”?   I am not referring to a city, country or specific location but generally speaking it is the earth.  We are surrounded by death, spiritual death.  There are people dying spiritually and they don’t even know it because the enemy has them captive.  Only through Christ are the captives set free!

 

Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death “I will fear no evil for thou are with me!” 

 

The table that is prepared is symbolic of the last supper and we are able no matter how much darkness and death tries to consume us partake of the “BREAD OF LIFE”!  Praise the Lord!  Glory to God! 

 

In these last days or as I see it last HOURS the professing body of Christ must overcome the fear of death!  Why are so many Christians afraid of death, let each of us search our hearts humbly before the Lord on this.  How will you be able to refuse the mark of the beast if you fear death? 

 

Satan is likely laughing as humanity fights whether to wear a mask or not to wear a mask when in reality the mask is NOT the problem it is a diversion and smoke screen to what is really happening.  A mask cannot save your life!  There is an evil agenda at work and who is anyone to Lord over us saying we can’t buy food without a mask?  How did they get to decide who lives and dies?  Satan wants to make himself God, what spirits are at work?  To simply say it is a mandate does not make it godly!  Is abortion godly?  It may be legal, but it is NOT GODLY! 

 

Has the mask become an idol, is your faith in your mask?  To be told you don’t love because you won’t wear a mask is absolute hypocrisy.  Are we bowing to a mask?  Do you believe in the Resurrection, have you encountered the Resurrection, or have you been conquered by the grave?  If you choose to wear a mask that is a PERSONAL decision and should remain a PERSONAL decision. 

 

Personally, I can’t imagine believing in the healing power of God and praying for someone’s health while wearing a mask.  I am either delivered from death or I am not.  Is sickness real, sure it is.  Does sickness define me, definitely NOT!  There is a separation of the flesh and the spirit!

 

Hebrews 4:12–13 (NKJV)

12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

 

For example, I NEVER force prayer on anyone, and I respect their personal decisions and boundaries.  While in a store recently the Lord prompted me to pray for an elderly woman with difficulty walking.  I sought the Lord then approached the woman telling her the Lord wanted me to pray for her and asked if she would like prayer.  She said yes, I stated I am not wearing a mask does this make you uncomfortable and she said no.  Both her and her husband were wearing masks.  I laid hands on her and prayed.  I then looked at her husband and the Lord gave me words of knowledge and through those words of knowledge came prophetic utterance.  I said The Lord says you are a strong man and you do not wish to burden your loved ones with your troubles the Lord says that you need to cast those burdens upon Him as only the Lord can deliver you from your burdens.  There were other words from the Lord, but I am merely giving this as an example.

 

Psalm 55:22 (NKJV)

22 Cast your burden on the Lord,

And He shall sustain you;

He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

 

Matthew 11:28–30 (NKJV)

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

 

His wife then spoke and said he was just diagnosed with dementia.  I asked if he would like prayer.  He said yes, The Lord had me break the curses of his diagnosis as lead by the Lord and spoke the mind of Christ over him and proclaimed that the Spirit of God is not ruled or subjected to the flesh but the flesh is subjected to the Spirit of God.  I continued to pray as the Holy Spirit guided me.  We continued to pray and fellowship for a while. 

 

My point is that I respect your personal liberties and I merely ask the same in return.  I believe in the resurrection and I believe my destiny is in Christ and in NOTHING else.

 

Psalm 23 (NKJV)

Psalm 23

The Lord The Shepherd of His People

A Psalm of David.

1  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2   He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

3   He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

4   Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

6   Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever.

 

It would be good to remember that a house divided will not stand and that the foundation of TRUE faith is ONLY in Christ Jesus.  My life is not my own but the life I live know is in the faith of Christ.

 

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

 

Daniel 3:16–18 (NKJV)

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

 

We know the story of Shadrach, Meshack and Abed-Nego and through meditation and perhaps the way the Lord has me process things I try to examine not only the truths of God’s word but also the consequences of God’s word.  For example, why something happened following God and what happens or could happen not following God.  There are consequences and I meditate on both sides for clarity.

 

An example would be who, what, when, why, how and why not.  The why not has me question why didn’t the rest of the Israelites go into the fiery furnace after Jesus was in there with the three Jews?  If you truly are seeking the Lord, HIS glory and to be one with the Lord why wouldn’t you go into the fire?  Jesus is an “All Consuming Fire” and everything will be tested by fire.  This question would also include the book of Exodus when they would not go up the mountain with Moses, but they made idols.  When I say Israelites, I am not being specific regarding Israel or Jewish people but followers of Christ.  If you are truly seeking and following Christ wouldn’t you want to dwell and abide in His presence?

 

I encourage all of us me included to continuously embrace these thoughts humbly in prayer.  Will the Lord be glorified in my life and death (human death) for His glory and will I be a living witness unto death for His name sake?

 

John 14:27 (NKJV)

27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

 

 

Fear is often used for manipulation, control, dominance and submission of a person’s personal liberties to life that is dictated by others.  The forces behind fear is evil and demonic in nature.

FALSE SALVATION

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FALSE SALVATION

 

I am praying and grieving for the lost who falsely believe they are “born again” and saved who are being led to the slaughter by exalting the sinful nature by proclaiming false grace, false love and false mercy.  Rather than declare in Spirit and Truth the old man is dead to the flesh/sinful nature and the new creation in Christ lives they embrace the fallen and sinful nature creating excuses, alibis, lies and eliminate the resurrection power of Christ Jesus.  It’s no wonder Holiness isn’t preached and sin isn’t being addressed because holiness is only found in the Holy One, Christ Jesus.  

 

The truth is that no man, woman or even Satan himself can keep someone who is truly seeking Jesus in Spirit and Truth from Christ Jesus.  (Psalm 23)  Seeking fellowship and acceptance isn’t the same as seeking Christ Jesus.  

 

John the Baptist was in the wilderness for a reason, he wasn’t in the religious assembly and falseness.  He was born in the Spirit of God and when the religious leaders came into the wilderness John the Baptist rebuked them because they were not coming to seek Christ but destroy the works of Christ!  Just as the religious leaders crucified Christ.  

 

I have witnessed people get baptized as a formality but not from a heart of flesh with true repentance thus true rebirth in Christ hasn’t happened and they are deceived believing they are truly saved/born again by formality or rituals!  I’ve been swimming many times but only baptized once.  Don’t confuse earthly water with LIVING WATER!  TRUE BAPTISM IS AN OUTWARD EXPRESSION OF AN INNER WORKING AS SANCTIFICATION IS AN INWARD PROCESS WITH AN OUTWARD MANIFESTATION.  You will know them by their FRUIT!  GALATIANS 5!  Many desire “healing and deliverance” but don’t truly want Jesus and a life of holiness just as the parable with the lepers.

 

Matthew 3:7 (AMP)

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee and escape from the wrath and indignation [of God against disobedience] that is coming?

 

Matthew 23:33 (AMP)

33 You serpents! You spawn of vipers! How can you escape the penalty to be suffered in hell (Gehenna)?

 

2 Corinthians 6:14–17 (AMP)

14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismated alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership have right living and right standing with God with iniquity and lawlessness? Or how can light have fellowship with darkness? 

15 What harmony can there be between Christ and Belial [the devil]? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 

16 What agreement [can there be between] a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in and with and among them and will walk in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. [Exod. 25:8; 29:45; Lev. 26:12; Jer. 31:1; Ezek. 37:27.]

17 So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not [any] unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly and treat you with favor, [Isa. 52:11.]

 

1 Peter 1:16 (AMP)

16 For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy. [Lev. 11:44, 45.]

 

Acts 26:18 (AMP)

18 To open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may thus receive forgiveness and release from their sins and a place and portion among those who are consecrated and purified by faith in Me. [Isa. 42:7, 16.]

 

Romans 6:1–2 (AMP)

WHAT SHALL we say [to all this]? Are we to remain in sin in order that God’s grace (favor and mercy) may multiply and overflow? 

2 Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?

 

2 Thessalonians 2:13 (AMP)

13 But we, brethren beloved by the Lord, ought and are obligated [as those who are in debt] to give thanks always to God for you, because God chose you from the beginning as His firstfruits (first converts) for salvation through the sanctifying work of the [Holy] Spirit and [your] belief in (adherence to, trust in, and reliance on) the Truth.

 

2 Timothy 2:21 (AMP)

21 So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.

 

The “Kingdom of God” ISN’T within them for the old man/fallen sinful nature rules and reigns and isn’t being put to death by the LIVING GOD by the Holy Spirit.  Please see my article:  FALSE ARRIVAL RENDERS FALSE REVIVAL

 

http://abidingbread.com/2019/01/13/false-arrival-renders-false-revival/

 

LIFE – DEATH -RESURRECTION OF CHRIST JESUS

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LIFE – DEATH –RESURRECTION

OF CHRIST

This morning as I awakened the Lord gave me this section of the book of Daniel and revealed to me what He wanted to share with everyone. I am blessed to have received this request from the Lord and share it with all of you.

I truly love reading the Word of God and meditating/communing with the Lord and reading His Word.  All throughout the bible we see the prophecy of the coming Messiah Lord Christ Jesus.

Today I’d like to focus on the bible scripture relating to Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego.  Let us read this wonderful scripture that reveals and witnessed to the Lord Jesus.  So often we think of just the faith that these men had but there is so much more in this scripture to meditate on.  After reading it I will break it down as the Lord has revealed.  I hope this will bless you. 

Daniel 3:1–30 (AMP)

NEBUCHADNEZZAR THE king [caused to be] made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits or ninety feet and its breadth six cubits or nine feet. He set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.

2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, the governors, the judges and chief stargazers, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs and lawyers, and all the chief officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had [caused to be] set up.

3 Then the satraps, the deputies, the governors, the judges and chief stargazers, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs and lawyers, and all the chief officials of the provinces were gathered together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

4 Then the herald cried aloud, You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages,

5 That when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, dulcimer or bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.

6 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall that very hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

7 Therefore, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, dulcimer or bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

8 Therefore at that time certain men of Chaldean descent came near and brought [malicious] accusations against the Jews.

9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live forever!

10 You, O king, have made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, dulcimer or bagpipe, and every kind of music shall fall down and worship the golden image,

11 And that whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed and set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; and these men were brought before the king.

14 [Then] Nebuchadnezzar said to them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image which I have set up?

15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, dulcimer or bagpipe, and every kind of music to fall down and worship the image which I have made, very good. But if you do not worship, you shall be cast at once into the midst of a burning fiery furnace, and who is that god who can deliver you out of my hands?

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, it is not necessary for us to answer you on this point.

17 If our God Whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up! [Job 13:15; Acts 4:19, 20.]

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury and his facial expression was changed [to antagonism] against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Therefore he commanded that the furnace should be heated seven times hotter than it was usually heated.

20 And he commanded the strongest men in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

21 Then these [three] men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics or undergarments, their turbans, and their other clothing, and they were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

22 Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame and sparks from the fire killed those men who handled Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king [saw and] was astounded, and he jumped up and said to his counselors, Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered, True, O king.

25 He answered, Behold, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt! And the form of the fourth is like a son of the gods! [Phil. 2:5-8.]

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God, come out and come here. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the midst of the fire.

27 And the satraps, the deputies, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered around together and saw these men—that the fire had no power upon their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed; neither were their garments scorched or changed in color or condition, nor had even the smell of smoke clung to them.

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who believed in, trusted in, and relied on Him! And they set aside the king’s command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, and language that speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be cut in pieces and their houses be made a dunghill, for there is no other God who can deliver in this way!

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

LET’S BEGIN TO ANALYZE THE SCRIPTURES

Daniel 3:1 (AMP)

NEBUCHADNEZZAR THE king [caused to be] made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits or ninety feet and its breadth six cubits or nine feet. He set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.

As I reflect on line one I immediately know that we are not to worship idols, figures, statues, people and shall have nothing in our lives placed in preeminence of the Lord Jesus.  We also know that Satan was the first idol in heaven as a third of the angels followed Satan and whatever comes before the one Triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) is an idol of the heart.  The first deceitful and wicked heart was Satan as iniquity was found in him and angels also have free will.  Idols desire to be worshiped, exalted and glorified.  So here in verse one you have a king that wants to lord over people while we know there is only one King of kings Christ Jesus. 

Exodus 20:3–5 (AMP)

3 You shall have no other gods before or besides Me.

4 You shall not make yourself any graven image [to worship it] or any likeness of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;

5 You shall not bow down yourself to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, [Isa. 42:8; 48:11.]

Jeremiah 17:9 (AMP)

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick! Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]? [Matt. 13:15-17; Mark 7:21-23; Eph. 4:20-24.]

Let’s begin to look at lines two and three and analyze those scriptures with the Word of God.

Daniel 3:2–3 (AMP)

2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, the governors, the judges and chief stargazers, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs and lawyers, and all the chief officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had [caused to be] set up.

3 Then the satraps, the deputies, the governors, the judges and chief stargazers, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs and lawyers, and all the chief officials of the provinces were gathered together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

In lines 2 and 3 we notice the government of mankind and all the human rulers of mankind coming together under Satan’s influence and control.  Does this align with what we are seeing in the world today?  Satan wants to exalt himself above the Most High and Satan desires to usurp God and establish his own ruling power.  The world we live in is vastly against the Authoritative Word of God and the government of God.  Who rules the earth and is the prince of the air?

LET’S CONTINUE WITH LINE 4

Daniel 3:4 (AMP)

4 Then the herald cried aloud, You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages,

Notice, “you are commanded” signifying control, manipulation, commanded glorification and idolatry.  How does this statement portray martyrdom? How will this apply towards taking the mark of the beast?  “Do this or else”!   Surely we are created with free will.  Surely free will includes seeking truth, knowledge and revelations of Christ Jesus.  Adam and Eve had free will and they knew what God had spoken yet allowed themselves to be deceived choosing to go against what God had spoken as Truth. 

Revelation 3:20 (AMP)

20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.

LET’S CONTINUE WITH LINE 6

Daniel 3:6 (AMP)

6 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall that very hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

Did you notice in line six Nebuchadnezzar is using God’s word out of context to glorify and worship Satan (demonic spirits)? Every knee shall bow unto the Lord Jesus as it is written.

Philippians 2:10 (AMP)

10 That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Revelation 20:10 (AMP)

10 Then the devil who had led them astray [deceiving and seducing them] was hurled into the fiery lake of burning brimstone, where the beast and false prophet were; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (through the ages of the ages).

2 Peter 3:9 (AMP)

9 The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people’s conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance. 

LET’S NOW LOOK AT LINE 8

Daniel 3:8 (AMP)

8 Therefore at that time certain men of Chaldean descent came near and brought [malicious] accusations against the Jews.

When I read line eight I think of the tares and wheat together including in the local assembly.  Yes, the accuser of the brethren sits amongst us and falsely accuses those who are God’s true messengers.  That is what Jezebel does also, kills the message and the messengers.  Think of the Beatitudes, blessed are those who are mocked, slandered and persecuted for Jesus’ namesake. 

 

Matthew 13:24–30 (AMP)

24 Another parable He set forth before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.

25 But while he was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed also darnel (weeds resembling wheat) among the wheat, and went on his way.

26 So when the plants sprouted and formed grain, the darnel (weeds) appeared also.

27 And the servants of the owner came to him and said, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Then how does it have darnel shoots in it?

28 He replied to them, An enemy has done this. The servants said to him, Then do you want us to go and weed them out?

29 But he said, No, lest in gathering the wild wheat (weeds resembling wheat), you root up the [true] wheat along with it.

30 Let them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will say to the reapers, Gather the darnel first and bind it in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my granary.

Matthew 5:10–12 (AMP)

10 Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!

11 Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account.

12 Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you. [II Chron. 36:16.]

LET’S NOW LOOK AT LINE 9

Daniel 3:9 (AMP)

9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live forever!

It is amazing how such a short sentence can have such a great impact when you mediate on the scripture.  We know that there is no other true God other than Christ Jesus so this is idolatry bowing to other gods and will not render eternal life but eternal damnation. What did Satan say to Eve in the garden contrary to God’s Word?  Surely God did not say you would die if you eat this fruit!  Satan is death/damnation not life.  It was the “tares” that exalted and praised Nebuchadnezzar and exalted the spirits of Satan.  Tares are mixed amongst the wheat just as wolves prey upon and devour sheep. 

John 14:6 (AMP)

6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.

John 8:43–44 (AMP)

43 Why do you misunderstand what I say? It is because you are unable to hear what I am saying. [You cannot bear to listen to My message; your ears are shut to My teaching.]

44 You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false.

John 10:10 (AMP)

10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 11

Daniel 3:11 (AMP)

11 And that whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

What did the fiery furnace represent?  Eternity after death!  It’s either going to be the lake of fire for Satan and his followers/workers of iniquity or the refiners fire of holiness to eternal life in Christ Jesus.  What we bow to is our Lord!  Out of the heart the mouth speaks.  Just as in Romans 10 we must believe in our heart and confess with our mouth in faith unto salvation that Jesus is Lord and Savior.  The three Jews first spoke, we shall not bow and even if our Lord doesn’t save us we will not bow unto you, your gods or idols! 

Luke 6:45 (AMP)

45 The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 12

Daniel 3:12 (AMP)

12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed and set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.

We must refer to the number three here.  What does the number three signify referring to the three Jews?  Notice it says “certain Jews” not all Jews.  Gentiles had not yet been addressed at this time.  What type of Jews or people were “certain Jews”.  The number three signifies the life, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus and these three “certain Jews” were being utilized by Jesus to reveal the life, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus and the eternal consequences of our earthly lives here on earth.  The fiery furnace portrayed their eternal destiny as they were sent into the furnace to die/perish or into everlasting life with Christ Jesus the all consuming fire.

Matthew 10:33 (AMP)

33 But whoever denies and disowns Me before men, I also will deny and disown him before My Father Who is in heaven.

Matthew 18:19–20 (AMP)

19 Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.

20 For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. [Exod. 3:14.]

What does “into My name” mean?  The vagabond Jews tried to perform exorcism in the name of Jesus and they were attacked by the demons and the demons replied, Jesus I know, Paul I know but who are you?  So what is in the name of Jesus?  Merely calling on the name of Jesus doesn’t necessarily mean we are fully walking in the Way, Truth and Life of Jesus. Paul addresses this nicely in Galatians 6:14 as there is no “worldliness” in Paul’s statement.  Peter stated that we are to be Holy as Jesus is Holy.

John 14:6 (AMP)

6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.

Galatians 6:14 (AMP)

14 But far be it from me to glory [in anything or anyone] except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) through Whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world!

Colossians 3:3 (AMP)

3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.

John 1:11 (AMP)

11 He came to that which belonged to Him [to His own—His domain, creation, things, world], and they who were His own did not receive Him and did not welcome Him.

Now the three Jews also revealed something from the book of revelations.  How are we to overcome according to revelations?   We over come by the Blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony and we love not our own life unto death.  The three Jews gave a testimony of Jesus and overcame because they loved not their own lives unto death.

Revelation 12:11 (AMP)

11 And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 14 & 15

Daniel 3:14–15 (AMP)

14 [Then] Nebuchadnezzar said to them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image which I have set up?

15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, dulcimer or bagpipe, and every kind of music to fall down and worship the image which I have made, very good. But if you do not worship, you shall be cast at once into the midst of a burning fiery furnace, and who is that god who can deliver you out of my hands?

When we read line 14 we see Nebuchadnezzar questioning truth.  Does this sound familiar with the serpent in the garden when the serpent questioned did God surely say? We also know that genuine worship is in Spirit and Truth.  We must also consider the “threat” that was spoken as threats reveal the condition of the heart!  In the last part of the 15th sentence Nebuchadnezzar having demonic influences of Satan questions whom God is to try to get us into disbelief or lack of faith.  Satan tries to get us into disbelieve and doubt, but Satan himself doesn’t doubt his own actions or intentions. 

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 16

Daniel 3:16 (AMP)

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, O Nebuchadnezzar; it is not necessary for us to answer you on this point.

In verse sixteen we can the humility that the three Jews portrayed as they did not need to validate or vindicate themselves.  They did not cast pearls before swine!  They let Jesus be true and everyman a liar. 

Matthew 5:5 (AMP)

5 Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth! [Ps. 37:11.]

Matthew 7:6 (AMP)

6 Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you in pieces.

Romans 12:19 (AMP)

19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. [Deut. 32:35.]

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 16

Daniel 3:16 (AMP)

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, O Nebuchadnezzar; it is not necessary for us to answer you on this point.

Once again we see that vindication is the Lord’s.  Notice also there was a display of the “fruit of the Spirit” as they didn’t speak or return “evil for evil”.  Remember the power of the tongue.  Remember when the Apostles wanted to bring fire upon the people of Samaria for not accepting the Gospel/Jesus and Jesus said you know not what spirit you are of, the three Jews did not speak evil.

Luke 9:54–56 (AMP)

54 And when His disciples James and John observed this, they said, Lord, do You wish us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, even as Elijah did? [II Kings 1:9-16.]

55 But He turned and rebuked and severely censured them. He said, You do not know of what sort of spirit you are,

56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them [from the penalty of eternal death]. And they journeyed on to another village.

 

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 18

Daniel 3:18 (AMP)

18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up!

Although the three Jews were uncertain of their outcome their faith and commitment to Christ Jesus was true and unwavering.  They trusted the Lord with all of their heart.  This reminds me of Job.

Job 13:15 (AMP)

15 [I do it because, though He slay me, yet will I wait for and trust Him and] behold, He will slay me; I have no hope—nevertheless, I will maintain and argue my ways before Him and even to His face.

Proverbs 3:5–6 (AMP)

5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 19

Daniel 3:19 (AMP)

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury and his facial expression was changed [to antagonism] against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Therefore he commanded that the furnace should be heated seven times hotter than it was usually heated.

Let’s notice the paradox of good verses evil in this scripture as we reflect on the number seven.  We know that the number seven is the number of completion as God rested on the seventh day.  We also know when spiritual deliverance takes place that a “house swept clean” that is not filled with the Holy Spirit invites 7 more demons worse than himself back into the house/body.  Nebuchadnezzar ordered the fire to be intensified 7 times hotter and yet Jesus the perfect and complete Savior redeems the three Jewish men.  Satan’s number 7 was the completion unto death not unto life in Christ Jesus or God’s original creation as in Genesis. 

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 20

Daniel 3:20 (AMP)

20 And he commanded the strongest men in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 

This scripture reminds me of David battling Goliath and how the Lord of Hosts was there with David.  It also reminds me when Jesus opened the book of Isaiah and spoke that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him to set the captives free.

1 Samuel 17:45 (AMP)

45 Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the ranks of Israel, Whom you have defied.

Luke 4:17–19 (AMP)

17 And there was handed to Him [the roll of] the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened (unrolled) the book and found the place where it was written, [Isa. 61:1, 2.]

18 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity],

19 To proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord [the day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound.][Isa. 61:1, 2.]

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 24

Daniel 3:24 (AMP)

24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king [saw and] was astounded, and he jumped up and said to his counselors, Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered, True, O king.

When I read the 24th line I reflect on Noah being a preacher of righteousness and how only 8 people were delivered from the flood.  When I reflect on Daniel 3 and how only 3 stood up for righteousness that signifies a potential of backsliding nature as fewer people were willing to be totally submitted to the Lord according to Revelation 12:11.  If you include Jesus as King of the Jews you have 4 Jews in the fiery furnace even though the incarnate Jesus had not yet been born.

John 1:1 (AMP)

IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. [Isa. 9:6.]

Matthew 18:20 (AMP)

20 For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. [Exod. 3:14.]

LET’S GO TO LINE 27

Daniel 3:27 (AMP)

27 And the satraps, the deputies, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered around together and saw these men—that the fire had no power upon their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed; neither were their garments scorched or changed in color or condition, nor had even the smell of smoke clung to them.

Just as I commented earlier about the fiery furnace representing eternity after death when I read the 27th line of scripture I think of what Paul mentioned about being caught up in the air.  When Jesus returns as an all consuming fire the earth will be destroyed and no earthly life or flesh will remain.  Are we living each day as if the Lord is returning?  Are we prepared and are our “lamps full” of oil for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb Christ Jesus?

1 Thessalonians 4:17 (AMP)

17 Then we, the living ones who remain [on the earth], shall simultaneously be caught up along with [the resurrected dead] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so always (through the eternity of the eternities) we shall be with the Lord!

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 28

Daniel 3:28 (AMP)

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who believed in, trusted in, and relied on Him! And they set aside the king’s command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

When I read this passage of scripture I think of Joshua and what Nebuchadnezzar witnessed and needed to decide.  Whom this day shall we serve?  Are we totally submitted and obedient to God’s Word and will for our lives.  Do we fully trust Jesus in all of His ways and seek Jesus in all of our days?

Joshua 24:14–15 (AMP)

14 Now therefore, [reverently] fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in truth; put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the [Euphrates] River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.

15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 29

Daniel 3:29 (AMP)

29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, and language that speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be cut in pieces and their houses be made a dunghill, for there is no other God who can deliver in this way!

Nebuchadnezzar states that there is only one true god and that is Christ Jesus.  I also reflect on Paul saying he counted everything as loss and as dung for the knowledge and revelations of Christ Jesus.

Deuteronomy 6:13 (AMP)

13 You shall [reverently] fear the Lord your God and serve Him and swear by His name [and presence].

Philippians 3:8–10 (AMP)

8 Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),

9 And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law’s demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith.

10 [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]

In summary you can see how Daniel 3 reveals the Life, Death and Resurrection of Christ Jesus and the eternal plan of salvation unto eternal life in Christ Jesus.  I hope you have been blessed by this message as I was blessed to share it with you.

 

 

 

 

THE COST OF TRUE DICIPLESHIP

/in , , , , , /by

THE COST OF TRUE DICIPLESHIP

 As we celebration the birth of our Savior, Lord and King Jesus Christ this Christmas I was quiet before the Lord and thanking the Lord Jesus for the atonement and the gift of salvation through Christ Jesus when the Lord spoke to me about the season we are in and how it will get more profound and intensify.

We mustn’t confuse “believing” in Christ Jesus with “following” Christ Jesus.  After all even the demons believe, treble and fear at the name of Jesus.  We must be FULLY SUBMITTED, COMMITTED AND OBEDIENT TO BOTH THE WRITTEN WORD AND SPIRIT OF THE LORD JESUS.

James 2:19 (NKJV)

19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!

Matthew 16:24–26 (NKJV)

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

John 14:15 (NKJV)

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.

The season we are in and quickly progressing in is a season of “true discipleship” and the true cost of being a disciple of Christ Jesus.  We MUST be willing to go through the “refiners fire” of the Lord Jesus! We must reflect and ask ourselves what will it cost each of us to follow Christ Jesus to do the work of HIS Kingdom and the works of the Holy Spirit?  Everything that is not godly or of the Lord Jesus is about to be shaken and challenged! Our free will to cast down every idol as well as the repentance of sins for the purposes of the Lord Jesus will be challenged and must be forsaken as we put Jesus first as LORD AND SAVIOR.  As Joshua spoke, choose this day whom you will serve WITH FULLNESS OF HEART.  Each breath and every moment we draw closer to the return of the Lord Jesus and everything that is not of Jesus will be consumed in fire, thus the “heat” of the “refiners fire” is intensifying as evil is called good and good is called evil in an ungodly world.

Joshua 24:14–15 (NKJV)

14 “Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD! 15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” 

Malachi 3:3 (NKJV)

He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver;

He will purify the sons of Levi,

And purge them as gold and silver,

That they may offer to the LORD

An offering in righteousness.

We must not confuse fellowships and friendships with being fully/truly submitted and committed with abiding and dwelling in ONE ACCORD with Christ Jesus.  Every relationship is being tested and refined as well as earthly possessions and every idol of the heart! We must put Jesus first and foremost in our lives and hearts.  We must return fully to our “First Love” Christ Jesus.

Acts 2:1 (NKJV)

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Luke 14:26 (NKJV)

 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.

Abraham was called to sacrifice his only son, Job was tested to the point that even his own wife told him to curse the Lord and die.  Job’s friends accused him of sin, Job’s losses were many while trying to stay committed and devoted to the Lord.  His family, wealth, friends and health were test and tried.  We are going to go through much of the same to reach the fullness of Christ Jesus as the intensity and refiners fire is being turned up.  We must decide like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego if we are willing to give our lives unto death for the Lord Jesus.  We must choose the fire of refinement over the fires of eternal damnation and destruction.

Daniel 3:14–18 (NKJV)

14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” 

Much of today’s church is building up gifting and callings but omit Holiness and righteousness of Christ Jesus!  It would be wise to remember that the Lord is returning for a Bride without spot or wrinkle!  The callings and giftings are irrevocable and they are no true sign of holiness, righteousness or even the true Holy Spirit! 

Romans 11:29 (NKJV)

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

Matthew 7:21–23 (NKJV)

True Way into the Kingdom

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Ephesians 5:27 (NKJV)

that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

We must each examine ourselves before partaking of the bread and wine of our Lord Jesus.  We must come before the Lord with purity of heart.  We must repent and get right with the Lord Jesus.

1 Corinthians 11:28 (NKJV)

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 

Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)

Blessed are the pure in heart,

For they shall see God.

 

Psalm 51 (NKJV)

PSALM 51

A Prayer of Repentance

 

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David When Nathan the Prophet Went to Him, After He Had Gone in to Bathsheba.

 

1      Have mercy upon me, O God,

According to Your lovingkindness;

According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,

Blot out my transgressions.

2      Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

And cleanse me from my sin.

 

3      For I acknowledge my transgressions,

And my sin is always before me.

4      Against You, You only, have I sinned,

And done this evil in Your sight—

That You may be found just when You speak,

And blameless when You judge.

 

5      Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,

And in sin my mother conceived me.

6      Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,

And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

 

7      Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8      Make me hear joy and gladness,

That the bones You have broken may rejoice.

9      Hide Your face from my sins,

And blot out all my iniquities.

 

10      Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11      Do not cast me away from Your presence,

And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

 

12      Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

13      Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,

And sinners shall be converted to You.

 

14      Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,

The God of my salvation,

And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.

15      O Lord, open my lips,

And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.

16      For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;

You do not delight in burnt offering.

17      The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,

A broken and a contrite heart—

These, O God, You will not despise.

 

18      Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion;

Build the walls of Jerusalem.

19      Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness,

With burnt offering and whole burnt offering;

Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.

 

We are called to the LIFE OF CHIST not merely to believe in the existence of Christ Jesus.  It would be wise to read and reflect on all of the Pauline Epistles of Timothy.

 

Ephesians 4:1–6 (NKJV)

Walk in Unity

4 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

 

1 Corinthians 16:13 (NKJV)

Final Exhortations

13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

 

May the fullness of Christ be with you!  Blessing, peace and joy from our Lord Jesus.

ROOT OF BITTERNESS

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– WARNING FROM THE LORD –

BEWARE OF THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS

 

Hebrews 12:15 (AMP)

15 Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it—

During my prayer time with the Lord the Lord spoke to me several times regarding the root of bitterness, which is trying to take root within His people.

 In a world full of slander, mockery, persecution as well as the hand of the Lord being removed with judgments coming forth the root of bitterness must not be embraced and in some cases must be rebuked and removed from the hearts of God’s people.

 In the past few weeks I have heard several personal accounts and ministered to people with various questions:  why this, why me, where is God, where are the promises of God, I am no longer sure of my calling from the Lord, etc.!

 Let us rebuke this root of bitterness, which is trying to hinder us with a “victim mindset” and stronghold!  The Bride of Christ needs to fortify their spiritual armor and be rooted and grounded in Christ as the Heavens are in a very intense spiritual battle and that battle is unfolding in the “natural” which is the world we live in.

 Heed the Word of The Lord as we each search our hearts before the Lord cleansing us of any bitterness, resentments, anger or strife which may defile our hearts before the Lord causing us to slip an fall from the grace of God.

2 Corinthians 10:3–6 (AMP)

3 For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons.

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,

5 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),

6 Being in readiness to punish every [insubordinate for his] disobedience, when your own submission and obedience [as a church] are fully secured and complete.

 

Blessings in Christ, rejoice as our salvation draws near!

 

Luke 21:28 (AMP)

28 Now when these things begin to occur, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption (deliverance) is drawing near.

CODDLING vs. CUDDLING

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Coddling Vs. Cuddling

Do you coddle or cuddle?  They are not the same even though the motives may be genuine and heartfelt.

Coddle: coddle |ˈkädl|

verb [ with obj. ]

1 treat in an indulgent or overprotective way: I was coddled and cosseted.

Cuddle:  cuddle |ˈkədl|

verb [ with obj. ]

hold close in one’s arms as a way of showing love or affection: he cuddles the baby close | they were cuddling each other in the back seat | [ no obj. ] : the pairhave been spotted kissing and cuddling.

• [ no obj. ] lie or sit close and snug: I love cuddling upin front of a fire | they cuddled together to keep out the cold.

I have witnessed many times the devastation caused by coddling vs. cuddling and the destruction that it causes.  I’d like to share a couple of real testimonies to help address these problems.

 

Our human characteristics are geared toward coping mechanisms and this can be a slow painful experience for many people.  This coping or coddling is extremely unhealthy and I have found myself ministering to many people who unknowingly are coddlers believing they are cuddlers!  Coddling does not free people.  Coddling actually creates the very atmosphere of what you are attempting to safeguard others from.  It is based in fear feeding the need to protect.  Protecting someone doesn’t assist them in self protection it only makes you the protector!  When this coddling through control is present an increase in rebellion is built in the very people you wish to protect and strife, division and frustration are likely to increase.

 

When someone has a spiritual wound, scar or stronghold from a painful and emotional event or trauma and doesn’t get spiritual healing, they do as many others have done and learn to cope or manage with that problem falsely believing and even perceiving that they received potential healing or deliverance.  Surpressing and coping are not overcoming!   What inevitably happens is out of love to protect others from the same traumatic or painful event we have experienced we create the spiritual atmosphere of our own wounds by controlling, dominating or even manipulative in and effort of protection and/or love.  While the intent of the heart is genuine the spirit behind this is ungodly and quite frankly often witchcraft.

 

I can’t express enough the necessity to fully embrace Matthew 11 28-30.

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV)

Let me share with you a couple of testimonies of ministry that might help you achieve revelations.

Last summer while returning to Northern New England I received an online message from a woman in her thirties who I met through a local church.  She sent me an online message and wanted to seek counsel.  I messaged her back and told her to pick a time to meet over the next couple of days and I would adjust to her schedule.  Two days later I received and online message that she was hospitalized with the symptoms of a heart attack.  I told her I would come to see in the hospital her after church.  When I arrived at the hospital I received another message that she was moved to another hospital with a better cardiac facility.

As I drove to the hospital I prayed and sought the Lord for His wisdom and counsel.  I asked the Lord what I was dealing with and the Lord spoke to me and said it was “broken heart syndrome”.  When I arrived I met her mother in the hallway prior to seeing her daughter.  I knew the mother from prior events.  I told her that her daughter wanted to see me and the mother was glad to see me and said she didn’t know I had returned to the area after traveling the country several times in ministry the previous year.

I told the mother that the Lord told me her daughter would be ok and that she would not need surgery as her heart would recover normally even though she had indeed damaged her heart.  I told her that the Lord said it was “broken heart syndrome”.  When we walked toward the ICU room the charge nurse approached us and said the test results returned.  He informed the mother that the daughter had a torn heart valve and that it would mend on it’s own in about 6 months and the cause of this was classified as “broken heart syndrome”.  The mother looked at me and was speechless.  I told the charge nurse that this is exactly what the Lord revealed to me on the way to the hospital and that I would pray for the young lady.

After the mother had left I ministered to the daughter a while and prayed for her.  We discussed some matters and then I let her rest and said I would return the following day.

When I returned the following day the young lady was having heart pain and pressure and was receiving nitro pills. Her younger sister was there.  I then ministered to them both and gave them the word of the Lord.  I said your symptoms are real and the effects are devastating to your health but the root of the problem is not yours.  I continued to tell them that the root was the condemnation their mother felt as a failed parent and that their mother needed to forgive herself.  I said your mom is feeling responsible for your bad decisions in life from when you were growing up and the enemy has her bound and she needs to forgive herself.  I said your mother is attempting to control your life in an attempt to safeguard you.  This controlling and overbearing nature was creating the extreme pressure and strife causing her heart problems.  The older sister told her younger sister to listen closely as this really witnessed to them.  I said your mom loves you and is trying to protect you but because she is bound by overwhelming guilt and condemnation (not from the Lord) that the enemy put on her she was in essence redeeming herself in a protective or coddling manner.  This witnessed to them both.  I said you need to forgive your mother and understand how the enemy is working.  I said you made wrong decisions growing up and your mom is feeling accountable and needs to forgive herself.  I told her she needed to discuss this with her mom and admit that she made wrong decisions growing up and that her mom wasn’t at fault and needed to forgive herself.

The following day I returned to the hospital and visited with her.  We were both laughing and rejoicing as she was feeling so much better and had a release of burdens as “light and truth” were spoken.  She was discharged the following day and returned home to her mothers house and I never heard again from her even after attempting to follow up.  I was hoping to minister to her mother but I never received any reply after attempting to contact her.

The other day I had a similar instance happen at a conference I was hosting.  I noticed a woman who was receiving prayer after the meeting from the guest speaker.  As she was receiving prayer I saw in the spirit a whirlwind like a sandstorm over her head and as it kept spinning it progressively got clearer in time.  I prayed into this and then went and sat with her and shared what the Lord revealed.  I told her about the whirlwind and I told her that I also saw her holding her head up and smiling from ear to ear.  She said she couldn’t imaging a smile as she was depressed.  I said well this is what the Lord spoke to me with the vision.

The Lord showed me your need for inner healing from a traumatic event which you have tried for quite sometime to cope with.  He said that He sees your heart’s intent and that is out of love to protect your children but you are controlling them because you are coddling them in a protective mode because of this inner healing need.  The Lord is going to heal this inner healing need but He wants you to release it to Him.  That is why the whirlwind/dust storm got clearer as it kept spinning in the vision and the dust began to disappear.  The dust was the confusion caused by the controlling spirit which is witchcraft and the Lord is going to break this, I declare it in Jesus name!  She then went from tears to a big smile as I felt the Lord touch her as I rested my hand on her shoulder.  I said see, that is the smile the Lord showed me and the Lord just touched you.  She said yes He did and then the Lord touched her again.  She then said why don’t we receive this type of ministry at church.  I said I can’t answer for your church but unfortunately the Lord is sadden by this also.  I told her to seek the Lord first as He is your redeemer.  She then asked me if she could contact me if necessary and I said yes.  I often receive calls from people later as they share their testimony of what the Lord is doing in their life and we rejoice in the goodness of the Lord.

I love evangelism and I often do this simply by just making myself available to be a servant to the Lord.  I will often do my computer work or journaling in public and let the Lord highlight people that I can intercede in prayer or witness to.

So I ask you once again are you a coddler or cuddler?  Is fear motiving your need to coddle?  Are people more rebellious around you? If so, seek and ask the Lord to reveal any inner healing needs, need for forgiveness (self or others) or fearful things that are causing this coddling nature.

If you believe you are a coddler I’d like to pray with you.

Father I thank you that you discern all things and that you know the motives and intentions of our hearts.  Father I submit myself to you and pray that you reveal, expose and heal me from any inner healing needs or spirits of trauma, abuse, bitterness, unforgiveness, controlling spirits and all things which are ungodly or against the will of God over my life.  Lord I thank you for your redemptive love and the joy of my salvation through finished work of the Cross of Christ Jesus.  Lord I thank you that your perfect love casts out all fear and that where the Spirit of The Lord is there is Freedom.  Lord thank you for never forsaking me, redeeming me and cleansing me with your blood.  I declare and proclaim that I am washed clean through the gift of repentance and the blood of Christ Jesus.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18 KJV)

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV)