TESTIMONIES FROM KENYA

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TESTIMONIES FROM KENYA

I wanted to share some wonderful testimony from Kristo Church of East Africa. I was contacted by the lead pastor several weeks ago regarding my postings on my web site www.abidingbread.com and was asked to assist them in their ministry. They are an organization of 25 churches and currently only have one LUO BIBLE which the lead pastor is in possession of. The lead pastor has to write the sermons on paper and distribute the sermons as neither the pastors or saints they have bibles. That is why I created the GoFundMe page on their behalf. These people desire to be Bereans but have no bibles.

https://gofund.me/bd6f6bb6

I hope you are blessed by the testimony of their first church service utilizing what I have shared online and how the pastor translated my writings from English to Luo inspired by the Holy Spirit for the people of Kenya for his churches. What an amazing testimony!

TESTIMONY

Our beloved servant of God pastor Glen thank you so much for being used of God for the teachings of today, God moved mightily and Instantly healed the sick, fourteen years suffering from sickness has been permanently settled today. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! People are being saved, and the baptism of the Holy spirit is being experienced in every congregation. We deeply prayed for God to use you more in touching lives as this and again to provide for these servants of God, my pastors the Bibles each so as to help them deeply study and be strong without being challenged by any false teachings anywhere.

Hallelujah to God be the glory!!! We are still celebrating Christ Jesus for what He has done and we are convinced by the miracles, signs and wonders that you are a God sent into our lives in such a time as this and the teachings of God through you our beloved servant of God pastor Glen Garrity Sr are truly timely. May God Almighty give you the grace to press on in Jesus Name

The glory and praise belongs to the Lord. Jesus is to be praised and worshiped for His outpouring of Spirit and Truth in Kenya healing the sick, preaching the gospel with signs and wonders!

Luke 7:22–23 (NKJV)

22 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

The people of Kenya thank you for your thoughtful and loving donations towards providing them with the Word of God allowing them to purchase Luo Bibles for the pastors and saints.

God bless you.

SPIRITUAL FORNICATION

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SPIRITUAL FORNICATION

I wanted to write something very important regarding fornication that many people might not be aware of because they never stopped to think about it or never heard it preached. Whenever you have sexual intercourse whether married or not you must realize that “everything that is of that person now becomes part of you” and vice versa. This includes not only the natural but the spiritual! Becoming one flesh is two becoming one. So every person you have had sexual relations is a part of you. How fragmented has your soul become? Why do you compare one relationship with another relationship you once had? This is spiritual influences at work. That should be alarming to some people.

If this happens with consensual sex imagine the effects of rape, sodomy, physical abuse, etc. How many people are on antidepressants, drink alcohol or do drugs to try to bring relief to alleviate physical symptoms of a spiritual problem without knowing it is spiritual! This is why psychology falls short as it helps with “coping mechanisms” but not spiritual problems. I have counseled woman that were raped, men that were sodomized and I can tell you that if left untreated spiritually other symptoms can develop such as bi-polar, schizophrenia, etc. We were born with ONE MIND not multiple person disorders.

How is it that a personality changes quicker than you can turn a light switch on or off! It is spiritual influences at work through the thoughts and mind of the afflicted.

Luke 8:26–40 (NKJV)

Demons are Cast into Swine

Matt. 8:28–34; Mark 5:1–20

26 Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” 29 For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.

30 Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?”

And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.

32 Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. 33 Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned.

34 When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. 35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 36 They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. 37 Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned.

38 Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.

40 So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him.

All of creation was created by spirit and so everything has spirit. So every unclean or demonic spirit someone might have can become a part of you through sexual relations. Think about marriage vows of covenant and for better or worse, richer or poorer, health or sickness these are all things through two flesh becoming one flesh as well as the challenges of this world.

The attacks of the adversary/devil are real because marriage is a covenant ordained by God. So let it be no surprise that the prince and power of the air is going to try to break your covenant of marriage. Now imagine that you had previous sexual relations with someone other than your current spouse. What are you potentially bringing to this marriage in the spiritual realm and transferring to your current spouse?

1 Corinthians 6:16–20 (NKJV)

16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 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? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Think of the spiritual attractions that become a part of you through sexual relations. Why do people tend to leave one partner/spouse to only find another one of the same spirit? That is because that spirit is now in them from the previous sexual relations. Just think of the spiritual rebellion of the 60’s when FALSE PEACE was propagated and sex, drugs and rock’n roll was promoted. Are you seeing Woodstock? It was really spiritual rebellion called a “peace movement”. See it for what it is and not for what people call it.

Galatians 5:19–21 (NKJV)

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Eventually those spirits in that person get stronger and have more influence, power and “self interest” seeking personal gratification over covenant marriage relationship. What you might have thought was just casual has now taken root to destroy you and others.

2 Corinthians 6:14–18 (NKJV)

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will dwell in them

And walk among them.

I will be their God,

And they shall be My people.”

17 Therefore

“Come out from among them

And be separate, says the Lord.

Do not touch what is unclean,

And I will receive you.”

18  “I will be a Father to you,

and you shall be My sons and daughters,

says the Lord Almighty.”

Now please hear my heart. It is not my intentions to condemn anyone only to point out what is spirit and truth. You may get divorced 5 times and remarried 5 times without truly knowing what is working in the background which is spiritual. The Lord does NOT approve of divorce and remarriage unless your FIRST spouse is dead and your future second spouse is not divorced with his or her spouse still alive. 1 Corinthians 7

I often use this analogy for men but it can be used for women also. Let’s say a man sees three eighteen year old women who are identical triplets in bikinis and on a scale of physical attraction from 1 to 10 they rate a 15. Now you look at triplet number one, then number two, but when you look at triplet number three you say to yourself “what I wouldn’t do to spend 30 minutes in bed with her”. Tell me knowing that all three triplets are identical are the first two ugly? What is there about the third triplet that put those thoughts in your mind? Could it be a lustful spirit. What would happen if you went forth and had sexual relations with her knowing the transference of spirits though sexual relations?

I could give you ministry testimony after testimony about this so I will just make a simple statement for you to understand the spiritual side. Whenever someone is feeling “lonely” the devil will tempt you with LUST masquerading as LOVE. Whenever you are lonely seek the Lord for His companionship and love! Spirits play “piggy back” so going to a night club or adult entertainment club can bring these spirits home with you! They will attempt to attack the whole household.

Colossians 3:5–6 (NKJV)

5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,

Please consider this thought which some will say I am over spiritual. Everything starts in the spiritual realm and manifest in the natural/physical realm. I will give you a quick testimony for insight. I was asked to join another Christian to meet and pray for an older gentleman who struggled with his faith and emotional feelings. This man always stated that he had a hard time urinating. So when I met the man at his apartment I asked if I could pray for him. He said yes. The Lord had revealed to me that this man was sexually violated so the defilement of the spirit in him was causing this problem with urination. I laid hands on him and prayed for him and the unclean spirit came out and the man jolted as it left him. I then said Lord a house swept clean that is not filled invites seven fold unclean spirits. Lord fill him with your Holy Spirit. The following week the person I went with to pray for this older man told me that the older man told him that he had been sexually abused. I said yes I know that is why I prayed the way I did and now he is free to share testimony with you of the Lord setting him free. He is no longer bound by an unclean spirit.

I wanted to share this with you so you can see how the spirits effect the natural/physical. Ladies and gentleman you only get one body and have one soul and surely you don’t want to go through torment from unclean spirits.

The human soul will never be satisfied with “HUMAN” love as it was created for GODLY LOVE. You need to repent and ask the Lord for forgiveness, cleansing by His blood and be baptized in water and the Holy Spirit. This true repentance, cleansing and baptism of the Holy Spirit will begin cleansing and sanctification of your soul and allow the Love of Christ Jesus to dwell within you. Divine heavenly love that no mortal can provide you. Then by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit you will walk by the spirit of God not fulfilling the desires of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16–21 (NKJV)

Walking in the Spirit

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Genesis 2:24 (NKJV)

24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Matthew 19:5–6 (NKJV)

5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

I hope this article has been helpful to you see the significance of the spiritual affects of fornication. Fornication is of the spirit realm which manifests in the natural realm. So when you worship false gods, seek palm readings, tarot cards, horoscopes, astrology or ANYTHING other than the Lord Jesus for spirit and Truth you are worshiping evil spirits and performing spiritual fornication against the Lord Jesus. This would include many traditional holidays which are pagan holidays worshiping false and evil deities.

May the Lord bless you. If you know someone that could benefit from this article please share. I could give many other examples but I believe you will see the overall significance.

SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT

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SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT

Without spiritual discernment you will end up doing what many try to do within the church. You will try to bring redemption to the ungodly spirits in a person that needs deliverance because you do not discern the spirits. There is no redemption for unclean spirits. Thus the people remain captives and your efforts are futile. It takes discernment of The Holy Spirit and power of The Holy Spirit to cast out unclean spirits not the wisdom of man.

This is no different that the woman with the blood issue seeking physical wellness and healing. The carnal man can not heal or deliver someone from what is spiritual.

1 Corinthians 2:14–16 (NKJV)
14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

Acts 16:18 (NKJV)

18 And this she did for many days.

But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.

PROBING SPIRITS

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PROBING SPIRITS

I would like to share some insight on demonic probing spirits which lead to deadly spiritual bondage and even potential spiritual death which is separation from the Lord. Let me start out by saying the Lord is omniscient, all knowing and speaks by divine revelation through His servants, or at least this should be the norm. Don’t believe the twisted lie that only the Lord knows the heart because while it is true, the truth is the Lord reveals the heart to His faithful servants. What that statement reveals is someone who doesn’t hear the voice of God! It also goes to show that they preach to the mind/head and not to the heart in Spirit and Truth. The Lord is faithful to reveal to HIS servants the hearts of people. How else do you set the captives free! Psychology and motivational speaking will not deliver someone from spiritual bondage. The darkness is exposed and eliminated by light and Truth and the power of the Holy Spirit.

It is not unusual for a true servant of the Lord Jesus to get a true word of knowledge which may lead to prophetic utterance or simply revealing the word of knowledge. So the Lord may prompt a servant of the Lord Jesus to ask a question, but they will never continue to keep asking question after question. The initial question usually will lead to more revelations from the Lord about what is going on. Continued questions from someone who claims to be or acts spiritual is not needed from someone who hears from the Lord.

Here is an example. I was in Florida during my ministry travels and a local church was going to have a public event under a tent to preach and pray for people. I asked the pastor if he minded that I minister as the Lord led me. He said no problem as I met him about a year earlier so he knew me.

There was a couple under tent that needed ministry. The man was a really nice guy with “biker apparel” and a really gentle spirit. He wanted prayer for arthritis. The Lord did not have me to pray for him because the Lord revealed to me that He wanted another church member to start praying as he was held back because of leadership. I called over to him, his name was Jay. Jay, the Lord told me your palms are sweaty and you feel like praying. He said yes, well it’s your time. Come pray for this man as the Lord wishes.

When Jay finished I told the couple, especially the woman that I would be right back to pray for her as I was being called. I went outside the tent to see what was needed and I turned towards the woman before re-entering the tent. I stopped and asked the Lord what is her needs and what would you like to do for her. The Lord spoke to me and said she had been beaten badly by a man and raped.

I went to the couple and asked them if they would follow me outside of the tent so I could pray for her. They followed me where it was more private. I said to the woman the Lord has revealed what He would like me to pray but I have a question first, may I whisper it into your ear. She said okay. I said tell about the time you were beaten and raped by a man. She began to sob and tears flowed down both cheeks as I held her in a godly hug. She immediately said I have never told anyone but God about that. This verified to her that the Lord had spoken to me thus her faith and trust was NOT in me but of the Lord Jesus. I said well here is the good news. Jesus is going to set you free! I said here is the word of the Lord. You are not defiled, you are not unworthy, you are not unloved. You didn’t ask or deserve for this to happen but you suffered great hurt and pain from an ungodly person. The Lord says your heart is still pure in His eyes. I said Lord reveal your love, your mercy and compassion touch her oh Lord as only you can. The woman was set free! The light exposed the darkness!

I followed up in about a week at the woman’s home and she had reconciled with members of her family. Her boyfriend now understood why his girlfriend wouldn’t get close to him not in the form of sexual intimacy but conversational intimacy, as in getting to know one another. I was blessed by her testimony.

I am very reluctant to share testimony like this because I don’t want people to look to me as they should look to the Lord. I am only sharing this because what the Lord gave me was by divine revelation not by a probing spirit. A probing spirit would have asked how was your relationship with your dad, your mom, your siblings, etc. How about this or how about that.

What that probing spirit is trying to do if find a spiritual wound that it can create a sole tie! By creating that sole tie that spirit manipulates you into confiding more and more which is that demonic spirit probing for more openings such as bitterness, unforgiveness, etc. Eventually they will say well the Lord told me this, the Lord told me that or I have a prophesy for you. What they are doing is putting themselves between you and the Lord Jesus and making themselves Lord over you! They make you dependent upon them and not the Lord Jesus.

Here is another problem. While in Florida I was fasting and interceding for a local church which was under spiritual attack FROM WITHIN! When I called the pastor and told him I was interceding he blew me off saying he’d been ministering for 12 years and it was nothing new. He never even asked me what the Lord revealed. That was probably good because the demonic spirits were in His elders and they were big tithers. I was on my seventh day of fasting when a person I was staying with was talking to a friend on the telephone. I walked up to the person I was staying with and I said mute the phone. They didn’t mute the phone so I said it again with more reverence. Mute the phone. So they muted the phone. I said the person you are talking to is telling you about all of their physical illnesses, all their family problems, all the things their children and friends say about them and they are repeating those spiritual assignments on you! If you have any unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, etc. the devil is searching for it so he can stir up those emotional feelings up and bind you and create a stronghold.

I know personally growing up in a house filled with abuse sometimes you only associate with a relational friend or people who have been abused. In friendship you counsel one another. While this appears to be good it falls short for so many because a coping mechanism has been substituted for deliverance.

Let me explain. I lived this so I understand first hand. I was accused of many lies and abuse because the person that accused me had truly been abused but not by ME! So the pain and trauma that person had was real and now I was the problem because I was the closest male figure and all that toxicity, poison, hatred, anguish fell upon. I grew up in that from my siblings as they would take their anger and hurts upon me from growing up in abuse. So this woman went to other woman and falsely accused me of being the perpetrator and those people knew me but believed her BECAUSE they had been through similar things. Now here is the vital point, she really believed I was the one. What was the real problem was the one who perpetrated the hurt was from her family and dying. She couldn’t forgive him or reconcile so all that pain had to come out. It led me to thoughts of suicide because I deeply cared for this person. So I cried out to the Lord, Lord if this is how you chose to set her free and while it is costing me personal relationships with people I love then give me your grace so she may be set free and I may bear her pain. Lord whatever it takes get that toxicity out of her.

So when wounded people who are not set free by the Lord Jesus tell someone they know how they feel and that you understand their pain, you validate the lies, the hurts, the pains and self vengeance and deny deliverance. YOU FORTIFY THE DEMONIC STRONGHOLD. A truly saved person who is under the lead of the Holy Spirit will NEVER validate demonic strongholds! These statements are not gender specific as we are dealing with spirits of darkness not human gender.

While I am on this topic let me clearly state I don’t care who comes to you, if they point out your sins WITHOUT POINTING YOU TO THE CROSS OF CHRIST AND THE FINISHED WORK OF CALVARY IT’S FROM THE DEVIL! The Devil is the accuser of the brethren! If you have sin then you need to repent and ask the Lord for forgiveness and cleansing as you should. It would be wise to remember Job’s friends accused him of having sin but Job was righteous and the Devil was testing Job’s love and devotion for the Lord Jesus.

Now what I have told you about probing spirits is true. I will also tell you that most of the time it is from a Jezebel spirit. Remember Jezebel has false prophets and Jezebel likes to prophesy and speak over and into as many lives as that spirit can. What they end up doing is becoming Lord over you without you even realizing it. Now you seek them for counseling, encouragement and false revelations. They become your LORD! There are many characteristics of the Jezebel spirit, false humility, false compassion and even crying tears to appear sorrowful. The list goes on.

I could go on with much more but I believe what I set out to share is a good foundational basis for you to think about. Remember the woman that was beaten and raped. She said she never shared it with anyone but the Lord. As Christians the Lord Jesus is our first, foremost and the only one who can set captives free!

(Isaiah 61)

I can’t stress this enough. What I share is for spiritual edification not for self glorification. Please seek the Lord and share all of your heart with the Lord. The good, the bad and the ugly. Jesus is strong enough and more than capable enough to deal with it and bear your burdens.

I hope this posting will assist you in discernment and reinforce that put your trust only in the Lord Jesus not in the wisdom of humanity. If the Lord leads to share, please feel free. There are millions of captives that need to set free!

1 John 4:1 (NKJV)

4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

God bless you.

PREACHING VERSES MINISTERING

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PREACHING VERSES MINISTERING

I believe that if when people read in the bible where Jesus ministered one on one and examine how Jesus ministered and focus on the interaction between Jesus and the person receiving ministry from Jesus, they would have greater understanding of ministry verses preaching. Truthfully speaking both should be together not singular in nature. It’s called Spirit and Truth together and it is the Spirit and fruit of the Spirit that bears witness on a heart of flesh and a new Spirit which ONLY comes from Christ Jesus.

Too often we look at the outcome which is important but NOT the requirements for that outcome! With this being said look at what was required of the individual to receive the ministry, Word, healing or revelation that Jesus was the Christ! Ask yourself, who, what, when, where, why, and how. What might have been different if they had not responded as they did.

Don’t confuse preaching the Word with ministering to the HEART! The main reasons there is no true transformation with many people is because there is no true honesty of the condition of their heart AND/OR there was no Fruit of The Holy Spirit. It is the anointing that breaks the yoke of bondage! (Isaiah 61)

I think if you start with the woman at the well you will see what ministry is verses preaching is. Preaching is the “call to Christ”, a call to repentance while ministering is revealing the heart of Christ to someone.

The objective is not ONLY TRUTH but TRANSFORMATION!  A new heart and a new Spirit!  Preaching is only half of the equation as the anointing is what breaks the yoke of bondage and in that anointing is the Fruit of the Spirit. Isaiah 61 clearly reveals that preaching without ministering does NOT heal the brokenhearted.

 

John 4:1–26 (NKJV)

1 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), 3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. 4 But He needed to go through Samaria. 5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” 15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.” 19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”

Isaiah 61:1–11 (NKJV)

— 1 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” 4 And they shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations. 5 Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, And the sons of the foreigner Shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. 6 But you shall be named the priests of the Lord, They shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, And in their glory you shall boast. 7 Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs. 8 “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth, And will make with them an everlasting covenant. 9 Their descendants shall be known among the Gentiles, And their offspring among the people. All who see them shall acknowledge them, That they are the posterity whom the Lord has blessed.” 10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its bud, As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

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.