SPIRITUAL MARTYRDOM – JEZEBEL

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SPIRITUAL MARTYRDOM – JEZEBEL

The slaughter of the sheep and the onslaught of the church has reached levels that only few truly recognize. Most people think that they won’t be here for the great tribulation because they can’t discern the spirits or the times we live in and twist scriptures to support their beliefs rather than Spirit and Truth. When you read in Revelations that the beast was given power to overcome the saints this can be spiritual and NOT just physical martyrdom.

It would be wise to know that Satan doesn’t need to kill us physically because Satan can kill us spiritually just as he did with Eve and Eve did to Adam. The wages of sin is death! Eve got Adam to partake. So today it’s not which gender gets you to partake it is about partaking! This is why Jesus warns many times about deception. You can be spiritually killed by believing, following and partaking in lies and deception! THIS IS A FORM OF MARTYRDOM.

JEZEBEL

This is why when Jezebel could not kill the prophets in the Spirit she attempted to killed them physically! The first objection is to get you into sin and this would include pagan worship to Baal so you will be killed spiritually and if that doesn’t work she will seek to kill you physically. While this might sound outrageous but it is true, Jezebel will even try to get you to kill yourself by suicide. I know this first hand! Suicide is spiritual! Going on medications and seeking psychological counseling will not deliver you from a Jezebel! If Jezebel can’t kill you spiritually she will attempt to take your life! Jezebel will use witchcraft, lies, manipulation, false accusations and turn friends and family against you making you feel abandoned and all alone.

Don’t make a mockery of Elijah by saying he lost faith because that is not true. Also stop just thinking of Jezebel as a spirit when it is also a principality! Jezebel ruled over Ahab and even used Ahab’s signature and king’s seal! Now when you read Revelations 2:20 think of Jezebel ruling the church of Jesus from within and how the church leaders and saints tolerated Jezebel. Where ever the Jezebel spirit is, it seeks to create Jezreel total dominance and authority for Baal worship. A Jezebel spirit seeks to clone itself in her own children. In my travels for the Lord I witnessed a Jezebel female pastor who was spiritually cloning her daughters into Jezebel pastors also. There are NO women pastors or preachers and you need to go back to the Levitical priesthood to see there was never a Levitical woman priest or preacher. That is why Jehu was instructed to kill all of Jezebel’s offspring.

2 Kings 10:23–28 (NKJV)

23 Then Jehu and Jehonadab the son of Rechab went into the temple of Baal, and said to the worshipers of Baal, “Search and see that no servants of the Lord are here with you, but only the worshipers of Baal.” 24 So they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings. Now Jehu had appointed for himself eighty men on the outside, and had said, “If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escapes, whoever lets him escape, it shall be his life for the life of the other.”

25 Now it happened, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, “Go in and kill them; let no one come out!” And they killed them with the edge of the sword; then the guards and the officers threw them out, and went into the inner room of the temple of Baal. 26 And they brought the sacred pillars out of the temple of Baal and burned them. 27 Then they broke down the sacred pillar of Baal, and tore down the temple of Baal and made it a refuse dump to this day. 28 Thus Jehu destroyed Baal from Israel.

I’ve read several books and teachings on a Jezebel spirit but from my experiences and revelations received from the Lord there are many things not written about the Jezebel spirit. As I mentioned suicide tendencies and actual suicide in males is from the Jezebel spirit as you will read in scripture below. I know because I was suicidal from the age of 5 to the age of 49 off and on. Dealing with a Jezebel spirit is not an easy task especially when this spirit controls someone you love. I am thankful to the Lord for hearing my cries in the wilderness as I wanted to take my life that the Lord heard my cries and delivered me from the hands and spirit of Jezebel.

The Jezebel spirit is also the spirit behind the LGTBQ movement. This spirit emasculates men and feminizes them while making females with this spirit gets more masculine, authoritarian, dominant, overbearing and ungodly. Role reversal equals “gender reversal”. We need to recognize this not only as a spirit but a principality! Jezebel ruled the Israelite’s over king Ahab. What is happening in this world now with with transgender men in women’s sports, sex trafficking, etc. 

When you read about Jezebel in the scriptures you will read she was given a “season of repentance” but when a Jezebel goes beyond the point of repentance she was killed by Jehu. You really need to think about the progression of the evil spirit(s) in Jezebel. Let’s remember the name Jezebel is used but the spirits involved are what needs to be focused on. I don’t have time to elaborate more on the Jezebel spirit but I did want to touch on suicide and the LGTBQ movement as those I have not heard any other person mention or preach upon.

1 Kings 19:1–4 (NKJV)

Elijah Escapes from Jezebel

19 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” 3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.

4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”

When Jezebel said “so let the gods do to me” she was speaking of principalities where Jezebel received her evil powers and strength from. This is why we must not underestimate the effects that a Jezebel power has, or the ungodly influences of the Jezebel Spirit. It is the most alluring evil spirit as Jezebel gets others to do her dirty work so Jezebel can portray herself as a victim. When Jezebel lied about Naboth to get his vineyard she brought false accusations of Naboth cursing God and the king which led to Naboth’s stoning and seizure of his vineyard into the hands of Ahab. She portrayed Ahab as a victim! This is how manipulations transfers guilt and accusations onto the innocent which in this case was Naboth’s innocence. True spiritual discernment is needed to discern that Jezebel worships another god!  So Jezebel can appear to be spiritual, prophetic and can even display false humility and tears.  Fasting and prayer may be required and also getting out of the “spiritual atmosphere” of Jezebel, get into the wilderness with the Lord and seek the Lord for true spiritual discernment.

Notice Elijah saying he prayed he might die and even asked the Lord to take his life! This is suicide from a spiritual attack!

In closing I want to reiterate that martyrdom can be in the spirit and NOT just the natural death. Spiritual death is real just as the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden. There is no true life without Christ Jesus dwelling in your heart.

Blessings to all, I hope this has helped you see the condition of the church as well as the times we are living in.

RAPTURED IN CHRIST JESUS

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RAPTURED IN CHRIST JESUS

Let me start off by saying that the revelations I received today I could write a book as these revelations and principles apply all through the Word of God and biblical history. These revelations are already written and contained in the Holy Scriptures. We must pursue the wisdom of God and not the teachings and wisdom of men/women. This statement is not meant to be offensive but it is the truth. That is why we meditate on the Word of God and not just read the Word of God. It is the Holy Spirit that gives revelations of God’s Word and by His grace and Spirit we can receive revelation of His Word. The Lord gave me much more but what I have written here is what started the Spiritual Revelations to flow. I pray you will receive revelations in Spirit and Truth.

While the title of this posting includes the topic of the rapture there is much more needed to reveal to render understanding regarding the rapture. I will bring to you what the Lord has revealed to me in Spirit and Truth but I won’t have time to expound and completely address some of those points at this time. Otherwise I would have to write a book instead of a short story. I ask you to seek the Lord on matters that I do not expound on but I will give you thoughts to consider in your time with the Lord.

Today as I was meditating with the Lord I was once again was troubled in my spirit about the lack of love, faith and trust in the Lord and the Truth of His Written Word that I read online and have seen in the church. These virtues of the Lord Jesus should be as a three stranded cord the scriptures tell us about. This is why I am so troubled by what I read online in peoples statements as when ONE virtue falls short it compromises all of the virtues of Christ Jesus. So I began to go back to the beginning which was Genesis as any “detective” searching for truth would do. In my Spirit I was called to the fall of humanity. In my spirit it was as if I was there personally which is possible with the Lord regardless of anyone’s belief or lack of.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NKJV)

12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.

And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Let’s begin:

Jesus told Adam about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam later told Eve about this same knowledge. They were told if they partook of the forbidden fruit they would die.

Genesis 2:16–17 (NKJV)

16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Now pause there for a moment. Eve had not yet been created yet as we know in scripture. We do not exactly know how long Adam was alive before Eve but we can determine it was for some time before the Lord said it was not good for the man to be alone.

Genesis 2:18–23 (NKJV)

18 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” 19 Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.

21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.

23 And Adam said:

“This is now bone of my bones

And flesh of my flesh;

She shall be called Woman,

Because she was taken out of Man.”

Now that we have established God’s divine order of man before woman lets expound on how the Devil got to Adam. We know the devil came to Eve and made the fruit appealing to her not only naturally but spiritually because the true word of God was twisted, manipulated, and lies and deception were spoken denying the truth about the forbidden fruit causing DEATH. The devil is the father of lies, he is a lying spirit so his words had spiritual powers of deception.

When Eve later presented the forbidden fruit to Adam he partook of the forbidden fruit. Now let’s look at how crafty and cunning the serpent really is. The devil perverted the LOVE OF GOD. You may not see it yet but you will. The serpent presented the fruit as sensual love which is NOT godly love. What did Jezebel do when Jehu arrived, she adorned herself to appear sensual. What happened to Sampson with the sensuality of Delilah? Does this sound familiar!

In my travels I have witnessed many spiritual manifestations and I can tell you this, the HOLY SPIRIT is NOT CARNAL and will not appear or manifest as sensual love! I have seen false mimicking spirits that are sensual and not the Holy Spirit. There was an old song and the lyrics said something like this. “I’m hooked on a feeling and I am high on believing” and that is what this false manifestation spirit does. People are under the illusion and deception that this is the Holy Spirit and it is from the Devil! Okay like I said I won’t go to far on this but it needed to be said.

Let’s get back to the fall in the garden. Adam had divine/agape love for God but when Eve came Adam loved the Eve also, in fact it was Adam that called her woman. When Eve presented Adam with the forbidden fruit she presented it just as the devil presented it to her, sensual because Eve had already fallen. What was presented to Adam by Eve was sensual love because she had already fallen. Not all love is the same there is only one form of Godly love. Just because a man is attracted to a woman doesn’t mean the man has godly love for that woman and it’s the same with a woman loving a man. Intimacy with your spouse should NEVER be put above or before your intimacy and love with the Lord!

This is why in 1 Corinthians 7 Paul expounds of husbands and wives and loving as Christ loves his church. I suggest you read this whole chapter so you will understand that Paul is addressing the original sin from the garden of Eden. Now Eve was deceived but Adam was NOT deceived. Now ladies do not take this as offensive but several years ago the Lord spoke to me and said to me as I was meditating, “I did not come back as the second Eve, I came as the second Adam.” Ladies please hear what I am about to say because this is a controversial subject today regarding divine order. Adam was Eve’s spiritual covering. In 1 Corinthians 7 Paul talks about if one spouse is not of the faith/believing and the other spouse is of faith/believing, then that spouse is the covering for the unsaved/unbelieving spouse. So before Adam fell, Adam was a “covering for Eve”even though she had fallen. When Adam fell the covering was removed, thus both fell. So IF the Lord came as the second Eve that would have meant Adam would not have been restored and the divine order needed to be restored. By coming as the second Adam everything that preceded after Adam could be restored. The original created order needed to be re-established.

So men build up your wives in the ways of the Lord and wives build up your husband in the ways of the Lord and stop letting the Devil destroy your marriage. Stop blaming one another and get Christ Centered, and put Christ first and foremost in your marriage honoring and adhering to God’s Covenant of Marriage. Paul is addressing the original sin and it is Paul who said the mystery of iniquity/lawlessness was given unto him. Paul is talking about how Adam fell by loving Eve more than God. So whatever a man or woman follows is what they worship. Adam chose to worship Eve, it was sensual love and not Agape love. This is why a spirit of “lust” masquerades of love. Jesus told the woman at the well the time was coming and was here now that HIS people would worship in Spirit and Truth. Adam fell from Truth, he knew the truth but denied the truth. What you follow whether right or wrong is what you worship in spirit. If you are following lies, what spirit are you worshiping? God’s Spirit is Truth! Shortly I will tie this all together from the book of Genesis all the way to the topic of the rapture.  Bear with me a little longer.

2 Thessalonians 2:7 (NKJV)

7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.

Now let us look at the exchange Jesus had with Peter when the Lord asked Peter if Peter loved the Lord.

John 21:15–18 (NKJV)

Christ Speaks to Peter

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”

And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.”

Peter had to be restored to Godly love verses brotherly love. Brotherly love in retrospect is no different than Adam choosing Eve over the Lord. Adam’s love for Eve superseded the love for God! It takes Godly love, the very love of Jesus and nothing short of it to overcome this world. Jesus himself makes reference to this:

Revelation 2:4–5 (NKJV)

4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

Now let’s share the initial revelation the Lord gave me.

Let’s start from a parents perspective. When a parent tells their child don’t touch the stove top because it is HOT you hope that they will listen to you. What is really challenged is love, trust and faith. Let’s go further. This child has never touched the stove top before thus your initial warning DO NOT PARTAKE/TOUCH requires the virtues of trust, faith and love. What does a child do that has never experienced touching a hot stove? They test the theory for themselves. Is mom and/or dad telling me the truth? The child’s disposition is I need to see and know for myself. So they touch a hot stove and get burned.

Now take that concept back to the garden with Adam and Eve. The Lord tells them not to partake of tree of knowledge of good and evil or they would die. So ask yourselves as you reflect on this “What is death” where death never was before! Adam and Eve didn’t know what dying/death was they were supposed to have loving faith and trust that the Lord loved them to tell them NOT TO PARTAKE. Just as you told your child not to touch the stove. This was an advantage the devil, had he knew what it was to be “kicked out”! The devil knew they would be “kicked out” and die. So the devil presented sensual love to Eve who in turn presented sensual love to Adam. Love for each other is NOT the same as true love for the Lord! Now let’s look at what Jesus tells us the two greatest commands are, and don’t reverse the order like so many preach!!!!

Matthew 22:37–40 (NKJV)

37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Now let’s take this further. What did Noah warn the people of, the imminent flood. What is a flood where there is no rain! Same principle applies here also! This is why the Lord gives us this warning:

Matthew 16:4 (NKJV)

4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed.

If you need a sign you don’t have love, faith and trust in God’s Word. It’s no different than mocking Jesus on the cross and saying if you are the King of the Jews remove yourself from this cross. That is Satan speaking through a man. It was the will of the Father for Jesus to go to the cross. “GIVE ME A SIGN!”

The sign of Jonah is dying to yourself just as Jesus spent three days in the tomb! Paul fasted three days after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus and this was before Paul received the Holy Spirit.

How many plagues did Pharaoh have to go through which were “signs” and yet Pharaoh hardened his heart! Once again imagine death in a place that knew no death. A flood in a place that had no rain. Now we can go to the rapture.

How many believe that it is as the Word of God states in Matthew 24? Why do they not conform to God’s Word and Spirit and Truth. Why do they not believe what is written? Why do they take other scriptures out of context to validate false belief? What does Jesus tell us, let’s take a look.


Matthew 24:4–26 (NKJV)

The Tribulation

Mark 13:5–23; Luke 21:5–24

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.

23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand.

26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it.


Now I pose this question to you having read what the Lord inspired me to write why is there so much controversy regarding a rapture? It’s because people don’t believe God’s Word so they twist things to their own belief verses what the Word of God clearly says and the pick a couple of scriptures out of context so they can believe the lies Satan has inspired.

Just as what happened to Adam and Eve so it is today. When you don’t want to believe what the Word of God says you make yourself as god and create your own plan of salvation, not God’s way to be saved and overcome the world. It’s an escape mentality not an overcoming in spiritual and truth given by the Word of God and Spirit of the Lord. I can boldly tell you if you have difficulty believing any of the written Word of God that doesn’t mean it is not true. You need to believe even if you don’t understand, TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART.

James 1:5–8 (NKJV)

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Now please take these matters to the Lord if needed. I believe many will receive witness from the Holy Spirit. Given what you have read I have a warning. Many are not prepared for the great tribulation such as the world has never seen before. When things get difficult many will likely turn away and get bitterness falsely believing the Lord Jesus didn’t love them because of the false teachings and beliefs of other people and preachers. But above all SEEK THE LORD! If we knew everything faith would not be necessary, we would be as god which is the original lie of Satan. There are also times the Lord is protecting us because we are not prepared or totally strengthened in a certain matter or issue. He even told his disciples this when Jesus told them He would send the comforter/Holy Spirit.

The problem is what Jesus address time and again, Faith verses unbelief! Jesus told many throughout the scriptures their faith has made them well. Jesus Himself was concerned about His second coming with the following statement, please take it to heart:

Luke 18:8 (NKJV)

8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

TAKE HEED OF ANY UNBELIEF IN GOD’S WORD OF TRUTH

INCLUDING MATTHEW 24 & LUKE 21

Matthew 17:19–21 (NKJV)

19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”

20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

John 20:29 (NKJV)

29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Romans 3:4 (NKJV)

4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written:

“That You may be justified in Your words,

And may overcome when You are judged.”

My closing statements. I was once in a bible study with two pastors and a group of people and the two pastors were going through the book of Revelations. I don’t claim to be a biblical scholar in any means but if someone is just going to read the bible I can do that on my own. I want spiritual meat not fluff.

In all honesty it wasn’t much more than reading it word for word verses giving revelation of meaning. One pastor and I use that term lightly and with hesitance said: We need to tell people about what is going to happen with the great tribulation and revelations so they will come to Jesus and be raptured out before any of this happens. The other pastor made no comment and just continued to read the bible like it was a comic book, NO MEAT just entertainment.

I said to the first pastor telling him that the tribulation and book of revelations is NOT THE GOSPEL! You two are trying to get people raptured but I am already raptured. I got looks like I had six heads or something. I said yes I am raptured, I was delivered from the kingdom of darkness and I am seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. I am in this world but I am not of this world so I don’t need to be raptured I am already home in Spirit and Truth! I was next in line to lead a bible study and my bible study was “who’s voice do you listen too”. After my bible study they closed it down for the saints to lead study and only the pastor could lead the study. That was okay with me as my time there came to a close as TRUTH was rejected so someone’s ministry could be built and NOT THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.

Galatians 2:20–21 (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. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

Galatians 6:14–15 (NKJV)

14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

If this post has blessed you please feel free to share. I had never before seen origin sin in 1 Corinthians 7 as I was more focused on Covenant but today the Lord showed me how loved failed in the garden and in 1 Corinthians 7 was the original sin. Thus in the end of the age and the coming of the Lord Jesus is the “MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB”. That in itself should help you see 1 Corinthians 7 in a different perspective.

Please feel free to read my other articles which will help you with this article if you struggle with what I have said here they may help broaden your understanding.

https://abidingbread.com/2025/04/12/the-greatest-perverted-virtue-of-christ-jesus/

https://abidingbread.com/2025/04/10/the-new-testament-church-through-the-life-of-apostle-paul/

https://abidingbread.com/2025/04/15/salvation-unto-being-born-again/

https://abidingbread.com/2017/02/06/love-faith-trust-2/

THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH

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THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH

When I was a youth and I would be at a funeral I would hear Psalm 23 spoken and I would imagine as it was recited that it reflected the after death journey from this earth to heaven because it was spoken after people died and at their funeral. Mind you I was young and not a born again Christian The religious affiliation I had only heard Psalm 23 spoken at a grave site and I had never actually heard it elsewhere and it was not even mentioned in church growing up other than for funerals. Thus my perception although wrong was what I believed. If you will continue to read further you will understand that the valley of the shadow of death is not some far distant land of the days of old.

While the Lord inspired me to write this I believe it relates to a recent YouTube video I saw about tours of the Holy Land where a man stood up on a hill and pointed to a valley between two hills and said this is the valley of the shadow of death were David walked. I thought no that isn’t the valley of the shadow of death because of the revelation the Lord gave me. This is why the Lord prompted me to write this post. When you understand that the whole earth is the valley of the shadow of death you will understand the great commission to preach the Gospel of Christ Jesus throughout the earth. Under the curse of sin and the consequence of death from sin the whole earth groans for the sons of God to come forth.

Romans 8:19–22 (NKJV)

19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.

8:22 groans together and suffers agony The created order is in turmoil. Like God’s people, it is longing for Christ’s return, when He will liberate the world from death and decay (see Rev 21:1 and note). This restoration is a prominent theme of the ot1 prophets2 (compare Isa 35:1–10).3

Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)

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.

The true spiritual battle is based on the great commission and Ephesians 6 tells us about our opposition to fulfilling the great commission. The objective is by preaching the good news of the gospel which will deliver people from the kingdom of darkness and into the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus. This can only be done by preaching the gospel in power through the Holy Spirit. In short people need to believe in the whole gospel, repent and be baptized in the Holy Spirit. Not a sinners prayer. Too many are deceived believing in the prayer and not the finished work of Calvary which includes the death, resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus.

1 Corinthians 2:4–5 (NKJV)

4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Sadly I was visiting a church in Florida during one of my ministry travels. At the end of the sermon the pastor asked everyone to close their eyes and then asked those in attendance who wanted to be saved to raise their hand and he said no peaking. He then said you can put your hands down and everyone can open their eyes. He said I will lead “everyone” in a prayer for salvation. First of all I was already saved and filled with the Holy Spirit by saying this prayer the enemy would likely laugh at me as in the form of a question. “Look he doesn’t know if he is saved or not”. In addition the Word of God clearly states that we are not to be ashamed of the gospel. So why was everyone told to close their eyes! The deceptions of Satan!

Matthew 10:33 (NKJV)

33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

While we battle with spiritual hosts, principalities, rulers of this world the gospel must be preached. In any type of warfare you must know your adversary along with your “equipment” and plan of action. In spiritual warfare we need the equipment listed in Ephesians 6 and plan of engagement being LED by the Spirit of God. Take for instance Moses conversing with the Lord about delivering the Israelites (Exodus 3) Moses was raised in Egypt in the Egyptian palace and their traditions. Who better to be commissioned as Moses knew the enemy of the Israelites personally.

Romans 5:17 (NKJV)

17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

Let’s look at Psalm 23

Psalm 23 NKJV

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.

One day about three years ago, give or take, I was walking with the Lord in a remote area by a river praising the Lord and meditating on scriptures. This was only about 4 or 5 years after my born again experience. As I was meditating the Lord spoke to me and asked me a question which really opened my eyes to Psalm 23. The Lord asked me “where was David when he wrote Psalm 23”? I said Lord David was in Israel but Lord, that answer does not witness in your spirit with me to be the correct answer. So I kept talking with the Lord as He listened I said Lord in the beginning (Genesis) of creation you make no mention of creating Israel. You created the heavens and the earth. Lord the earth is the Valley of the Shadow of Death. I said Lord even though they recite Psalm 23 at funerals David was alive when He wrote Psalm 23. The Lord said yes, that is correct and confirmed that the earth is the valley of the shadow of death.

I never doubted or had any misconceptions that evil spirits existed as the Lord has had me come against demons in people and command them to come out. I guess in my mind I just did as the Lord led me each day but I never really thought of the bigger picture. I was focused on what was in my immediate area in my daily walk and the spiritual realm that would come against me and the will of God that I didn’t see the bigger picture. For me it was natural to share Christ Jesus with people and I never really saw the bigger picture and to me each day no matter where I was there was the great commission.

I said Lord, now everything come into proper understanding of the spiritual realm and why the battle is so real. I am alive in Christ, but I am surrounded by people who are physically alive, but spiritual dead to the Lord. If they are dead to you Lord then the devil uses those people who are not of you Lord (born again) to come against us because their father is the Devil and they are influenced and blinded by the spirit of this world the Devil. Now Ephesians six took on a whole new perspective so did the great commission to go throughout the world and preach the gospel.

Rather than put an overwhelming amount of scripture I thought I would just list them as a timeline as most of us know about the Garden’s provisions, the tree of Life, etc.

Let’s go back and read Genesis 1:1

Genesis 1:1 (NKJV)

The History of Creation

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

When the Lord God created the earth He saw that it was good.

Genesis 2:7 (NKJV)

7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

Man was created from the dust of the earth which God saw that the earth was good. In Genesis the serpent was cast to his belly to eat the dust of the earth. Wasn’t humanity/man created from the dust of the earth. The devil comes to kill, steal and destroy!

Genesis 3:14 (NKJV)

14 So the Lord God said to the serpent:

“Because you have done this,

You are cursed more than all cattle,

And more than every beast of the field;

On your belly you shall go,

And you shall eat dust

All the days of your life.

Genesis 2:15–17 (NKJV)

15 Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Genesis 3:22–24 (NKJV)

22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”—23 therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. 24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

Garden of Eden. Location east of Eden (Gn 2:8) in the Tigris-Euphrates area of Mesopotamia, referred to 14 times in the OT4. The data in Genesis 2:8–10 show that it was in the Shinar Plain area, and that four “heads” were formed from the one river flowing through Eden to water the garden. The heads were the Tigris and Euphrates (both of which are familiar modern rivers), and two rivers which have disappeared—the Pishon and Gihon. The latter were most probably irrigation canals, since in cuneiform there is no separate word for “river” and “irrigation canal.” Thus the Eden area was irrigated after the Sumerian manner, making for a highly fertile garden. If Pishon and Gihon were in fact irrigation canals, the narrative places Adamic man firmly in a historic high culture, and takes him out of the realm of myth and legend. If the above identification is correct, Cush referred to the land of the ancient Kassites, while Havilah may have indicated Arabia.

The notions that the rivers were the four encircling the earth and that Eden is to be identified with the Sumerian Dilmun are based on inadequate geographical information.

Eden was the testing ground of man’s fidelity to God’s commands, and through disobedience, the garden was lost. It will be regained in the form of the new paradise (Rv 22:14).5

So as you see the whole earth is the valley of the shadow of death. Now lets look at some of the verses from Psalm 23.

Psalm 23:1 (NKJV)

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

This passage reflects the Lord’s care and protection.

Psalm 23:2 (NKJV)

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

Sheep graze in pastures so this reflects the Lord’s provisions and nourishment for us.

Psalm 23:3 (NKJV)

3 He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

This would reflect being led by the Spirit of God as the Lord orders our steps and those who are led by the Spirit are the sons of god. (Proverbs 16:9 & Romans 8:14)

Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)

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.

This symbolizes that life will not always be characterized by green pastures and that we will walk through darkness and gloom.

Psalm 23:5 (NKJV)

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

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

While my study bible does not specifically state this, I see this as a prophesy of the last supper as well as David uses the term “table” and yet it also refers to David’s daily walk with the Lord. The holy Spirit revealed this to me and as I continue you will see it more clearly. Seeing how it prophesies of the “table in the presence of enemies” it is telling us that even surrounded by darkness and enemies we can partake of the Bread of Life Christ Jesus. See how this ties in the last supper. Hallelujah, praise the Lord. The anointing of oil symbolized constant refreshing of the Lord. (Psalm 92:10)

Psalm 23:6 (NKJV)

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.

This statement refers to being led and guided by the Lord through the Holy Spirit and the Lord’s unfailing convenantal love. I also see Psalm 91:1 even though it is not mentioned in my study bible. So when you meditate on God’s Word you will see the last supper and Psalm 91 in Psalm 23.

I would also like to make this statement because to many speak Psalm 91 like they are entitled to this. The rest of the Psalm 91 will not apply to you unless you yourselves fulfill line one. This is also stated in John 15 as I always like to provide more than one scripture.

Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)

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.

So know I hope you see the greater picture and revelation of the spiritual battle and significance of the valley of the shadow of death how it relates to the great commission. I would also like to state while I have been invited in the past to travel to other nations the whole world is our mission field and a saint must be sent by the Lord and in the Lord’s timing. It is not that I do not want to go so please do not take it personal or feel offended or left out.

We must be led by the Spirit, this is just the plain truth. You can see in the book of Acts for yourselves that Jesus sent the Apostles out to different areas they did not chose where they were sent and commissioned. While I know there are many afflictions of the righteous and many degrees of affliction globally I also know that suffering is not local it is global. That being said my mission field is always before me and not confined in a region as the whole world is the valley of the shadow of death.

Psalm 34:19 (NKJV)

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

Perhaps now you can see why when the second coming of the Lord arrives the Lord will create a new heaven and a new earth as the corruptible and evil ways of this world will be no more.

Numbers 6:24–27 (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.” ’

27 “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.

1ot The biblical books produced by the “writing” prophets, including the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve minor prophets.

2 prophets The biblical books produced by the “writing” prophets, including the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve minor prophets.

3 Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Ro 8:22). Lexham Press.

4OT Old Testament

5 Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Garden of Eden. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 1, p. 839). Baker Book House.

A WARNING FROM THE LORD – IMMINENT AND SUDDEN DEATH COMING

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A WARNING FROM THE LORD – IMMINENT AND SUDDEN DEATH COMING

This is a Word From The Lord Jesus: My Spirit will once again be as it was in the days of Ananias and Sapphira when they were struck dead and also as it was in the days of Moses when the earth opened and swallowed them up and sent them to the pit. Take heed, for it is I says the Lord who gives life and takes life!

The Lord Jesus has a warning to those who are wolves in sheep’s clothing and masquerade as angels of light. He has a warning for all those who oppose the Lord Jesus in Spirit and Truth. Soon, my tolerance will come to an end and I will no longer allow these wicked people to defile my sanctuaries and lead my sheep astray! I will bring imminent and sudden death upon them!

LYING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Acts 5:1–11 (NKJV)

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. 7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

Numbers 16:25–40 (NKJV)

25 Then Moses rose and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. 26 And he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart now from the tents of these wicked men! Touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins.” 27 So they got away from around the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram; and Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the door of their tents, with their wives, their sons, and their little children. 28 And Moses said: “By this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of my own will. 29 If these men die naturally like all men, or if they are visited by the common fate of all men, then the Lord has not sent me. 30 But if the Lord creates a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the pit, then you will understand that these men have rejected the Lord.” 31 Now it came to pass, as he finished speaking all these words, that the ground split apart under them, 32 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods. 33 So they and all those with them went down alive into the pit; the earth closed over them, and they perished from among the assembly. 34 Then all Israel who were around them fled at their cry, for they said, “Lest the earth swallow us up also!” 35 And a fire came out from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering incense. 36 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 37 “Tell Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, to pick up the censers out of the blaze, for they are holy, and scatter the fire some distance away. 38 The censers of these men who sinned against their own souls, let them be made into hammered plates as a covering for the altar. Because they presented them before the Lord, therefore they are holy; and they shall be a sign to the children of Israel.” 39 So Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers, which those who were burned up had presented, and they were hammered out as a covering on the altar, 40 to be a memorial to the children of Israel that no outsider, who is not a descendant of Aaron, should come near to offer incense before the Lord, that he might not become like Korah and his companions, just as the Lord had said to him through Moses.

The Lord Jesus is telling His people to “come out of the sanctuary/synagogue of Satan” for it shall be for them as it was with Sodom and Gomorrah. Do not look back when the Lord calls you out!

Revelation 2:9 (NKJV)

9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Revelation 3:9 (NKJV)

9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

Please notice that Revelation 3:9 states they will come to you! This means you are not a part of them or have fellowship with them!

2 Corinthians 6:17–7:1 (NKJV)

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.” 1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Come out and cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God. You have defiled not only your flesh but also the Spirit by being under the teachings of false prophets. Get out from among them and have no fellowship with them as you repent ask for forgiveness from the Lord and ask the Lord to lead you in HIS righteousness and Truth.

THE TWO WITNESSES

Revelation 11:1–6 (NKJV)

1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. 3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. 5 And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. 6 These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.

I pray you hear, understand and obey the Words of the Lord in this post and come out of Babylon and worship the Lord in Spirit and TRUTH!

The Fall of Babylon the Great

Revelation 18:1–8 (NKJV)

1 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” 4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. 7 In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.’ 8 Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.

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.

FALSE ARRIVAL RENDERS FALSE REVIVAL

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FALSE ARRIVAL RENDERS FASLE REVIVAL 

The moral/human compass or lack thereof verses full obedience and complete trust and submittance to the Spirit of The Lord in Spirit and Truth has many people deceived and believing they are in a revival in victory for the Lord when it is a revival of disobedience and lawlessness.  When we believe we “have arrived” as the Apostle Paul states we are in rebellion, pride, idolatry, witchcraft and self-reliant, self-trusting and believe we are more knowledgeable than the Lord Jesus.  We must remember that the “son’s of God are lead by the Spirit of the Lord”! 

Colossians 3:6 (AMP)

6 It is on account of these [very sins] that the [holy] anger of God is ever coming upon the sons of disobedience (those who are obstinately opposed to the divine will),

Romans 8:14 (NKJV)

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

Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV)

Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

Psalm 37:23 (NKJV)

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD,

And He delights in his way.

When we reflect on the inspired Word of God concerning king Saul we see a man who started out humble but fell into pride believing that his own merits obtained the position of king and that his personal knowledge, decisions, actions and the approval of others was above the Lord Jesus and the Word of The Lord.  Self-arrival is NOT self-denial!  A true humble servant of the Lord need not seek validation, vindication or approval of humanity for it is the Lord that vindicates not the servant.  Humility speaks truth, reveals truth and allows the Lord to reveal truth just as Agape love is not self-seeking humility is not self promoting, self-righteous.  Let us not confuse building a ministry with building the Kingdom of God they are not one in the same!   

John 16:13 (AMP)

13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].

Let us review the Word of God concerning king Saul.

1 Samuel 15:10–35 (NKJV)

Saul Rejected as King

10 Now the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying, 11 “I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.” And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the LORD all night. 12 So when Samuel rose early in the morning to meet Saul, it was told Samuel, saying, “Saul went to Carmel, and indeed, he set up a monument for himself; and he has gone on around, passed by, and gone down to Gilgal.” 13 Then Samuel went to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed are you of the LORD! I have performed the commandment of the LORD.”

14 But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?”

15 And Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people spared the best of the sheep and the oxen, to sacrifice to the LORD your God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.”

16 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Be quiet! And I will tell you what the LORD said to me last night.”

And he said to him, “Speak on.”

17 So Samuel said, “When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the LORD anoint you king over Israel? 18 Now the LORD sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go, and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ 19 Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD? Why did you swoop down on the spoil, and do evil in the sight of the LORD?”

20 And Saul said to Samuel, “But I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and gone on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and brought back Agag king of Amalek; I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal.”

22 So Samuel said:

“Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,

As in obeying the voice of the LORD?

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,

And to heed than the fat of rams.

23      For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,

And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.

Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,

He also has rejected you from being king.”

24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. 25 Now therefore, please pardon my sin, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD.”

26 But Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel.”

27 And as Samuel turned around to go away, Saul seized the edge of his robe, and it tore. 28 So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today, and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you. 29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor relent. For He is not a man, that He should relent.”

30 Then he said, “I have sinned; yet honor me now, please, before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD your God.” 31 So Samuel turned back after Saul, and Saul worshiped the LORD.

32 Then Samuel said, “Bring Agag king of the Amalekites here to me.” So Agag came to him cautiously.

And Agag said, “Surely the bitterness of death is past.”

33 But Samuel said, “As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women.” And Samuel hacked Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.

34 Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went up to his house at Gibeah of Saul. 35 And Samuel went no more to see Saul until the day of his death. Nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.

Saul allowed “worldliness” and the accolades, praises and his personal reputation became dependent on the approval of humanity and his personal followers. The joy of the Lord had been reduced to the praises of his peer’s verses having intimacy, grace and favor of being in right standing with the Lord.  If we read the books of Ezekiel we read that the church’s outside appearance might seem to be okay but the interior/spiritual attributes are wicked, deceitful and an abomination to the Lord.  Just as the Pharisee’s Saul wanted to appear right amongst people.

As if it were not bad enough Saul built a monument so he could be admonished and praised by humanity.  What is the difference between a monument and a building, ministry or calling?  Saul’s actions are totally opposite of the Words of Jesus in the Beatitudes in Mathew 5 where blessed is the man who is mocked, ridiculed, persecuted and despised for the Lord’s namesake.  All of Saul’s followers celebrated in their “false victory and revival” by offering the fatten calf as a burnt offering.  They celebrated a false victory and false revival and it was the prophet Samuel who then slayed Agag a false king who promoted sin, rebellion and created a childless woman!  We know the “woman” to be the church and a childless church is a spiritual dead church with FALSE conversions embracing, rejoicing and praising rebellion, idolatry and witchcraft!  To be very frank and candid much of this is apparent in the church today as the praises of rebellion, idolatry and witchcraft in the very temple that is to be holy and pure without spot or wrinkle. 

What people refuse to see is that when Truth is denied Jesus is denied and if you are denying Truth you likely will renounce your faith when the mark of the beast is enforced as you have already denied Jesus. 

Isaiah 66:2 (NKJV)

2      For all those things My hand has made,

And all those things exist,”

Says the LORD.

“But on this one will I look:

On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,

And who trembles at My word.

Notice how Saul tore Samuel’s robe and how the Lord would not allow that which is unholy to touch that which is holy!  The kingdom of Israel was “torn” from Saul as darkness and lawlessness will not inherit the Kingdom of God!  Just as Adam and Eve were removed so it was with Saul.

Saul stated that he had fulfilled the Word of the Lord (1 Samuel 15:13) and demonstrated and believed that a servant is greater than his master and that he fulfilled the Word of the Lord!  Where is “picking up your cross and denying yourself and following Jesus”?

John 15:20 (NKJV)

Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

Matthew 16:24–26 (NKJV)

Revelation of Jesus’ Reward

24 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?

Perhaps we need to reflect on what is a bride and to whom a bride is totally submitted to in covenant.  A bride belongs to the “Bridegroom” and not the bridal party, in-laws, family, the congregation or the world. 

Luke 14:25–27 (AMP)

25 Now huge crowds were going along with [Jesus], and He turned and said to them,

26 If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his [own] father and mother [in the sense of indifference to or relative disregard for them in comparison with his attitude toward God] and [likewise] his wife and children and brothers and sisters—[yes] and even his own life also—he cannot be My disciple.

27 Whoever does not persevere and carry his own cross and come after (follow) Me cannot be My disciple.

Is fellowship above intimacy with Christ Jesus? Are we intimate with the congregation or Christ Jesus? Are we partakers of Christ or the assembly? 

1 John 1:7 (AMP)

7 But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. 

2 Corinthians 6:14–18 (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.]

18 And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. [Isa. 43:6; Hos. 1:10.]

 

Did Paul, Peter or John die for us? It is obvious that the church according the book of ACTS is not prevalent today as there is no true “oneness” in Spirit and Truth and there is little desire for Spirit and Truth as true worshippers.  Let us not confuse or distort truth for ridicule, as that is not my intent.  Truth is not slanderous or gossip, Truth is what we are called to conform to in Christ Jesus. 

 

1 John 2:15 (NKJV)

Do Not Love the World

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

John 4:24 (NKJV)

24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

The story of the prodigal son is a spiritual house not merely and earthly house and we tend to overlook the bigger picture only focusing on the sinful nature of the prodigal son.  We need to seek the big picture and ask questions seeking the Lord.  Where was the prodigal son before he left, what became of him and how did he return? 

The prodigal son was in “HIS FATHER’S HOUSE” and backslid by desiring the blessings of the Father but didn’t want or feel a need for his Father!  This is about the “son’s of God” in the Father’s House who have backslidden.  Knowing this we can now see the importance of 2 Chronicles 7:14! If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and repent of their wicked ways, lawlessness, rebellion, idolatry, spiritual adultery/fornication and return to their Father’s house He will heal their land and restore them back to blessings.

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)

14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Is the bride ready for her Bridegroom?  Has the bride prepared herself in holiness without spot or wrinkle?  Whom are you totally committed and submitted too? 

While it is apparent even to the unsaved that we are in the “last hours” in this fallen and wicked world why is everyone so focused on the Rapture or “Catching away” rather than being prepared!  I am not here to debate pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation or post tribulation but rather propose a question.  Why are you not already raptured!  If you totally belong to Jesus you are in this world but not of this world!  You have already been raptured in the Spirit and the life you live now is not your own because you have died to self to live in Christ!  To be an ambassador for Christ means the earth is not your home and you are a pilgrim in a foreign land.  The world loves their own and because you are not of the world the world hates you just as it hates Christ Jesus.

John 15:18–25 (AMP)

18 If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you.

19 If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you.

20 Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master [is not superior to him]. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word and obeyed My teachings, they will also keep and obey yours.

21 But they will do all this to you [inflict all this suffering on you] because of [your bearing] My name and on My account, for they do not know or understand the One Who sent Me.

22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin [would be blameless]; but now they have no excuse for their sin.

23 Whoever hates Me also hates My Father.

24 If I had not done (accomplished) among them the works which no one else ever did, they would not be guilty of sin. But [the fact is] now they have both seen [these works] and have hated both Me and My Father.

25 But [this is so] that the word written in their Law might be fulfilled, They hated Me without a cause. [Ps. 35:19; 69:4.]

Luke 17:33 (NKJV)

33 Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.

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.

Why doesn’t the church address and expose sin and foster and promote holiness for without holiness no one will see God!  Is this not false arrival and false revival!  Have we arrived and are we in our glorified bodies?  We are surrounded by a fallen world surrounded by lawlessness, immorality and darkness and there is no contrast within much of the professing church but rather worldliness, sin, lies, deceit and wickedness.

When someone says that they won’t address sin because it is offensive are we to let that person and soul spend eternity in separation from God! We are called to be ministers of righteousness and speak in Spirit and Truth and allow the Holy Spirit to convict sin.

Matthew 23:15 (AMP)

15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you travel over sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes one [a proselyte], you make him doubly as much a child of hell (Gehenna) as you are.

John 16:8 (AMP)

8 And when He comes, He will convict and convince the world and bring demonstration to it about sin and about righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God) and about judgment:

The lack of spiritual discernment within the body of Christ is the direct correlation of worldliness within our own hearts. Deceit is a HEART CONDITION!

 

Luke 16:15 (AMP)

15 But He said to them, You are the ones who declare yourselves just and upright before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted and highly thought of among men is detestable and abhorrent (an abomination) in the sight of God. [I Sam. 16:7; Prov. 21:2.]

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.]

Does victory in Christ stop at salvation?  What is Jesus doing in your heart daily and how is Jesus helping you to overcome by the blood of the Lamb, your testimony and not loving your life unto death!  Are you putting to death the members of your flesh or resurrecting the “old nature”?

Colossians 3:5 (AMP)

5 So kill (deaden, deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God).

What is Communion? 

Is communion just a reflection and memory or is it continually life changing?  Partaking in the “Body & Blood” is a personal call to personal crucifixion dying to self and being resurrected in Christ as well as suffering for Christ to advance His Kingdom not our ministries, gifting or calling!  What is communion without covenant?  What is communion without intimacy, self-reflection and reflecting on John 3:16?  Why has the prosperity gospel/message corrupted communion with covetousness, idolatry and worldliness, do we not know that the abundant life is a spiritual life not a carnal or worldly life.  Communion is a lifestyle not just a formality!

Have we allowed the professing church to become a house of thieves, wolves, covetousness, idolatry and rebellion?  Are we praising king Saul or the King of kings and Lord of lords in church? Jesus didn’t preach to the religious leaders, as they were the ones who called for Jesus to be crucified not wanting themselves to be seen in their lustful, deceitful, rebellious and idolatrous ways.

Hebrews 6:6 (AMP)

6 If they then deviate from the faith and turn away from their allegiance—[it is impossible] to bring them back to repentance, for (because, while, as long as) they nail upon the cross the Son of God afresh [as far as they are concerned] and are holding [Him] up to contempt and shame and public disgrace.

The Lord has been sending messengers to the leaders of the church to bring correction and to choose this day whom they will serve but they will not head the Word of the Lord just as king Saul didn’t head the Word of the Lord. 

Jesus tells us why they are not heading the Word of the Lord in Spirit and Truth.

John 9:41 (NKJV)

41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.

Mark 8:18 (NKJV)

18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?

Matthew 23:13 (NKJV)

Jesus Condemns the Pharisees

13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.

The eight woes are upon the church as judgment begins in the house of the Lord.  Ichobod is prevelant within the church for the Lord’s Spirit will not dwell in temples made with human hands nor in rebellious hearts.  Rebellion is rampant within the church and rebellion is witchcraft and the Lord will have no part with it at all. 

The church of Christ is a church of Holiness, Holy Spirit, Truth, Love and obedience to the Lord Jesus and does NOT seek the accolades of humanity or the lust of the flesh as flesh and blood will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 15:50 (AMP)

50 But I tell you this, brethren, flesh and blood cannot [become partakers of eternal salvation and] inherit or share in the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable (that which is decaying) inherit or share in the imperishable (the immortal).

Romans 3:4 (AMP)

4 By no means! Let God be found true though every human being is false and a liar, as it is written, That You may be justified and shown to be upright in what You say, and prevail when You are judged [by sinful men]. [Ps. 51:4.]

Revelation 2:29 (AMP)

29 He who is able to hear, let him listen to and heed what the [Holy] Spirit says to the assemblies (churches).

Ezekiel 2:7 (AMP)

7 And you shall speak My words to them whether they will hear or refuse to hear, for they are most rebellious. 

Jeremiah 7:27 (AMP)

27 Speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to and obey you; also call to them, but they will not answer you.

Luke 10:16 (AMP)

16 He who hears and heeds you [disciples] hears and heeds Me; and he who slights and rejects you slights and rejects Me; and he who slights and rejects Me slights and rejects Him who sent Me.

Deuteronomy 18:19 (AMP)

19 And whoever will not hearken to My words which he shall speak in My name, I Myself will require it of him. 

Isaiah 5:20 (AMP)

20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

Matthew 24:12 (AMP)

12 And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity, 

Matthew 24:37–39 (AMP)

37 As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

38 For just as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, [men] marrying and [women] being given in marriage, until the [very] day when Noah went into the ark,

39 And they did not know or understand until the flood came and swept them all away—so will be the coming of the Son of Man. [Gen. 6:5-8; 7:6-24.]

Noah was a preacher of righteousness walking and submitted in obedience to the Lord.  In order to achieve the Covenant promises we must walk and submit to the Lord in His covenants.  Marriage is a covenant ordained by God and many will be invited but only a few will be allowed into the marriage ceremony. 

Matthew 7:21–23 (AMP)

21 Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven.

22 Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name?

23 And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]. [Ps. 6:8.]. 

1 Samuel 4:19–21 (AMP)

19 Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, was with child, about to be delivered. And when she heard that the ark of God was captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and gave birth, for her pains came upon her.

20 And about the time of her death the women attending her said to her, Fear not, for you have borne a son. But she did not answer or notice.

21 And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel!—because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband. 

Matthew 7:15–20 (AMP)

15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside they are devouring wolves. [Ezek. 22:27.]

16 You will fully recognize them by their fruits. Do people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?

17 Even so, every healthy (sound) tree bears good fruit [worthy of admiration], but the sickly (decaying, worthless) tree bears bad (worthless) fruit.

18 A good (healthy) tree cannot bear bad (worthless) fruit, nor can a bad (diseased) tree bear excellent fruit [worthy of admiration].

19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire.

20 Therefore, you will fully know them by their fruits. 

The Lord is calling His Bride to holiness, purity of heart with hearts of fire and passion towards His Truth.  We must be lovers of Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

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.

Revelation 2:4 (AMP)

4 But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love].

The Lord has prompted me to share my article about the Marriage Supper of the Lamb which coincides with this article which can be read at this link:  http://abidingbread.com/2018/01/28/marriage-supper-of-the-lamb/

THE NARROW PATH

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PROPHETIC VISION – FUNNEL

A few days ago during a prayer meeting.  The Lord showed me a picture of a funnel.  While seeing a vision of a funnel might seem strange to some people when the Lord reveals pictures and dreams they are not to be taken lightly.  As I saw the picture

of the funnel I asked the Lord what the funnel represented.

The Lord said the funnel represents His people and their human temples/bodies.  The Lord then said that the funnels are upside down.  The picture the Lord showed me was our traditional method of using a funnel.

The Lord then said look at the funnel upside down.  So I visualized the funnel upside down.

 The Lord said, see with the narrow part up it is pointed directly to Him and there is less impurity, corruption, false teaching and manipulation.  More of a “pure” stream! I then asked the Lord about the volume of pouring into us as the rate of flow would be less upside down.  He said in the natural/human usage of the funnel (human temples) with the pouring right side up we might receive more volume being “poured into” us quicker but it is contaminated, impure and not soley from the Lord.

I then began to press into this vision more and the Lord said, see when the funnel is upside down the diameter is wider.  Your freedom is increased as well as your sphere of influence to reach my people.  I then visualized me standing under the funnel and realized how “bound” we standing under the “spout” of the funnel vs. when the funnel is upside down.

I believe the Lord’s message is critical in breaking false influences, false teachings and worldly contaminants from corrupting our spiritual growth and our spiritual callings from the Lord.  I believe the Lord is reiterating that everything must be tested in the spirit and in the Word of God and that we must seek revelations as well as witness in our spirits.  Many people have not put God first and this was a message that reinstates that the Lord needs to be put first.

I pray that you will receive the warning and insight in this prophetic vision and embrace the word of the Lord.  Seek first the Kingdom of the Lord.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

(Matthew 6:33 KJV)

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.

 

 

 

 

MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB

/in , , , , , , /by

THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB

PREFACE: 

I am not an author or scholar as surely you will discover.  I don’t claim to have any wisdom of my own so if you find something you don’t agree with please take it the Lord in prayer, as we all should do.  I write from my heart, as that is where the foundation of true relationship, intimacy and abiding with Christ Jesus dwells. (PSALM 91) It is a Covenant of Love with Christ that manifests the life of Christ in us. I pray that this post may touch our hearts and Spirits to grow deeper in love with the Lord Jesus.  I am not a theologian and I have no desire to become one as I have tried that route several times and the Lord closed those doors and told me no and that I needed to seek Him and trust in Him.  Having worked with very troubled young adults after my salvation I wanted to return to school to obtain a counseling degree and the Lord said no and said He was the Mighty Counselor.  So I am no master of scripture but I know my Master Jesus intimately.  There is more to intimacy than knowing about someone verses the reality of knowing someone. 

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The Lord has put this on my heart for many months now and has prompted me to write this.  I would like to say that this has been very challenging as when I write the Lord gives me more and then I go back and edit trying hard to keep the structure of context flowing smoothly.  While it is lengthy I believe it covers a vast amount of information and insight reflecting what the Lord has placed on my heart.  I have traveled for the past five plus years for the Lord across the USA and some international travel as well so this personal observation and spiritual revelation is not just local to my current area but very wide spread and reaching.  Surely we all have wept for loved ones who are hurting, suffering or burdened but weeping under the burden of the Lord is so much more because of His omnipresence/wide reaching the Burden you feel is also.

It is my hearts desire that the Lord Jesus would be glorified by the purity and simplicity of the Gospel of Salvation so that many would be reconciled to the Father and Christ Jesus.  May the Lord Jesus bless you and reveal Himself to you and may you experience the genuine AGAPE Love of Christ Jesus. 

My goal is to simplify salvation unto Jesus without all the complications and try to reveal that the basis of Salvation is the very essence of God, which is love.  

What I write comes from my personal love relationship with Jesus.  (1John 2:27)  Thus a “childlike” nature not influenced by ritual, formality, earthly principles, religion or the thoughts of mankind but simply genuine authentic reciprocated love to my loving Savior Jesus who has given His life for me even when I was suicidal throughout my life wanting to end my life.  One day in the middle of a field wanting to end my life abandoned and destitute I looked up to the sky and conversed with a God I believed in all my life and never had a relationship/intimacy with.  I didn’t ask for deliverance I simply asked God if you are real answer me this one question:  “Why am I unworthy of love and everyone I love has abandoned me”.  The Lord Jesus came to me and spoke and revealed himself to me and said to me “I have loved you from before the foundation of the earth, I will show you true love”.  I fell to my knees weeping as the Lord began to reveal His living waters flowing through me and over me.  I had tasted and encountered pure divine love, the Love of Christ Jesus.  No church, sermon or person involved just the Lord Jesus. It is a personal intimate covenant relationship with reciprocated love. (Short Testimony)  I tell you this testimony to reveal how simple and loving a genuine reciprocated love relationship with Christ Jesus can be. 

1 John 2:27 (NKJV)

27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

Matthew 18:2–4 (NKJV)

2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Following Jesus and walking in the Holy Spirit isn’t man made or subject to man’s ways. It’s supernatural and spiritual and not a man made educational program. My own thoughts from my own experiences and I am not discouraging anyone from seeking formal schooling I merely state this once again that even a child can come to salvation and walk in the Spirit of the Lord. Our relationship and intimacy with Christ Jesus is personal so let’s put away and foolishness about how long someone has been saved or “born again”.  Intimacy is a heart condition not age discrimination.  Jesus said to come to him as a child and doesn’t a child learn from their heavenly Father? 

What I am about to share with you is a Word that the Lord has given me and I have spoken this Word under the unction of the Holy Spirit where and when the Lord has asked.  The Lord has said that now is the time to release it to His Children/Church also.

WORD OF THE LORD

The love of God is holy, pure, undefiled, unadulterated, sanctified, reverenced and to glorify, reveal and magnify God/Christ Jesus.

There is far too much adultery and un-holiness in the house of the Lord and within His children.  If anyone is using horoscopes, astrology, taro cards, palm reading, Ouija boards, fortune cookies, pagan idol figures, pagan symbols, etc. it is spiritual adultery.  There should be NO fornication or consummation outside of Covenant marriage as the two become one exchanging both physical and spiritual transference.  Additionally God defines marriage as A man and Woman there is no exception.  There are also many ungodly clubs and associations that are spiritual adultery and an abomination to the Lord. Let us all be humble as there is to much self-righteousness and pride within the professing body of Christ.  It would be wise to be humble as pride comes before the fall!  Please renounce, repent and turn back to Jesus.

Exodus 20:3–5 (NKJV)

3      “You shall have no other gods before Me.

4      “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor 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 generations of those who hate Me,

Matthew 22:37 (NKJV)

37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

I also would like to tell you that “Covenant” is “critical” and God designed and created covenant and that is the heart of this message!  A covenant of Love!   A genuine Covenant is freely and mutually reciprocated/relational or there is likely no real Covenant and only a desire to be loved and no genuine return of love.  How many hurting souls are out there in this world seeking the desire to feel loved?  Only God the Father through Christ Jesus our Lord can fill and occupy that part of our hearts. 

The Kingdom of God is the Heart of Christ Jesus because God is love!  Are we reciprocating genuine covenant AGAPE love to Jesus.  Personally for me I want people to taste living water and reveal Christ to them so they will thirst after Christ Jesus. Without walking in the Agape Love of Christ Jesus from true reciprocated covenant love with Christ how are people we meet or witness to going to experience Christ Jesus, which is the source of the divine love they were created to receive.  Bottom line if we don’t hunger and thirst for Jesus how will others we meet desire to hunger and thirst for Jesus!

The measure you love God is in direct correlation with the Fear of God!  You don’t desire nor want sin because sin is death and damnation and being cast away from God!  If you truly love with all of your heart there is no room for spiritual adultery or placing anything in priority before Jesus. It is the fear of God as well as the love of God that submits us to one another amongst the body of Christ.  As well as the love of God and Fear of the Lord that separates us from ungodliness in others, have NO fellowship with darkness or be un-equally yoked. (If neither spouse is born again and one becomes born again that is different.)

As Peter was called to shepherd the Church Jesus had to restore Peter before Peter could be over the Church.  Phileo love is NOT AGAPE love!  I believe we will all discover this is the foundational key to the Kingdom. Why did Paul say that if he did all those things without Love He was nothing!

FOUNDATIONAL PRICIPLES TO FOLLOW 

1)    Let the Word of God and Spirit of God be true and the source of all TRUTH! 

Romans 3:4 (NKJV)

 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written:

“That You may be justified in Your words,

And may overcome when You are judged 

2)    The rule/law of first mention. This simply means God’s governing Order, for example Lord and Savior according to Romans 10!  NOT Savior and then Lord. God’s order of sequence and government is not subject to mankind we are subjected to God’s divine order.

3)    Third, let us establish that GOD IS LOVE and GOD IS SPIRIT. 

John 4:24 (NKJV)

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

1 John 4:8 (NKJV)

 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

4)     The Fourth principle is the importance of numbers and what those numbers signify and mean.  (Book of Genesis as example)

5)    We must use the full counsel of God and all of His Word not just pulling scripture out of context as God’s Word is not contradictive.  There are many scriptures today taken out of context for self validation and vindication and not to glorify God.

LET’S BEGIN WITH OUR STUDY

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.

As I reflect on our suffering Savior Christ Jesus let us remember that there is NO greater love than to lay down one’s life for another.  It is God’s Love in us that empowers and manifests in us un-wavering sacrificial love for one another.  Love comes before the sacrifice/atonement of Jesus on Calvary just as Samuel said obedience is better than sacrifice.  If you love God you will keep His commandments being obedient to them.  Are you beginning to see the beauty of God’s Word and how the Word confirms itself.  Powerful and not contradictive! God so loved the world that he gave His only Son Jesus.  Love comes before the “Blood of Jesus” as GOD is LOVE!  Hallelujah. 

Godly love covers a multitude of sins!  If we forgive others we too shall receive forgiveness!  Law of first mention, we must forgive to be forgiven!  Therefore you have the Holy Spirit dwelling/manifesting the Love of God in you, forgiveness lives and dwells inside of you!  Hallelujah there is deliverance from bitterness and unforgiveness and freedom in the Spirit of God!  How can a “born again” believer live in unforgiveness if Jesus forgave the whole world and The Holy Spirit dwells within us?  John 3:16 states God loved the whole world and Jesus died for the remittance/propitiation for the whole World.  (I will say that we can forgive someone however we need not tolerate their sinful nature.)  It is Love in action and love that paid the price for our sins!  Jesus died for us and as us to fulfill Covenant AGAPE love with Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:15 (NKJV)

But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 

1 John 4:20 (NKJV)

Obedience by Faith

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

In regard to repentance and forgiveness I would also like to mention that Jesus is faithful to forgive and keeps no record of our past sins if we ask for His forgiveness and truly repent seeking His righteousness His way of godly living.

That being said do not be fooled as the Holy Spirit reveals all truth I can attest that some people can make false confessions so if The Holy Spirit reveals something don’t be fooled!  I put this out there because of the seriousness of false conversion and false repentance as some are only preaching forgiveness absent of repentance!   Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. There are many people who get deliverance only to face the same temptations and don’t cast down the temptations and strongholds.  I am not getting personal I merely want people to rely on The Holy Spirit.  The primary principle to spiritual discernment is to keep us free so Christ in us can free others as well as “righteous spiritual judgement/discernment”.  (Matthew 7)

2 Peter 2:22 (NKJV)

But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

Proverbs 26:11 (NKJV)

As a dog returns to his own vomit,

So a fool repeats his folly.

NEXT SCRIPTURE TO LOOK AT IS JOHN 21:15-19

John 21:15–19 (NKJV)

Christ Speaks to Peter 

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”

And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

In John 21:15-19 listed above Jesus is revealing Agape love verses Phileo love which is God’s pure AGAPE love forsaking all others even unto death.  Love comes before feeding the sheep! How would this relate to Galatians 2:20 / Philippians 3:8-10 /Revelation 12:11 / Matthew 22:37-39?

Please note that Jesus asked Peter 3 times, which also signifies the death and resurrection of Christ and then Jesus said even unto death!  Also notice that when Peter was younger he walked as he wished.  If you read Saul (Paul) encounter on the road to Damascus you will note that Paul fasted three days denying himself after His encounter with Jesus!  Amazingly Paul writes Galatians 2:20!  Have you ever wondered why Galatians 2:20 is the total opposite to Revelations 2:20.

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.

Philippians 3:8–14 (NKJV)

8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Why would Paul need to “gain Christ” if the Holy Spirit already dwelled within Paul?  Why would Paul need to obtain resurrection if the Holy Spirit dwelled within Paul? 

Pressing Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

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.

Matthew 22:37–39 (NKJV)

37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Notice the law/rule of first mention is to love God first then love your neighbor.  What type of love are we reciprocating to our neighbors, family, loved ones and friends and within the church structure?  Are we loving like Jesus or Pileo love like Peter before Jesus asked him and revealed AGAPE love? 

Without AGAPE true covenant love it will very difficult if not impossible in the days ahead as the Bride of Christ will not be prepared.  The Lord has showed me this many times.  Please hear my heart brothers and sisters I am not saying you don’t love Jesus or that Jesus doesn’t love you.  I am merely pointing out what the Lord has revealed to me many times during my travels unto the Lord.  Human nature is to receive love because we are created for intimacy but are we genuinely reciprocating true covenant love back to the Lord?  How is it that Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego went into the furnace of fire and didn’t get burned or even smell of smoke?  Had they offered themselves as a sacrifice to the Lord to stand true to the Lord which includes the truth of His Word. Does that sound similar to Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son?  Will we become broken bread for a burnt offering to be in the fullness of Christ?  If you love Jesus you will keep His commandments, that is what is written and we must not add or subtract from the Word of God or our names are blotted out of the Lamb’s book of life.  We have the Holy Spirit in us which is also the Written Word of God upon our hearts.

Deuteronomy 11:18 (KJV 1900)

18 Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

John 15:7 (KJV 1900)

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

The Holy Spirit inspired the Written Word why can’t it inspire the fullness of the Living Word in us?

Revelation 22:19 (NKJV)

and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Some of you have heard me say this time and again.  You can’t separate the Written Word From the Holy Spirit or Living Word!  Satan tries very hard to blind us of this and he is the master of deception.  We should be walking in the Holy Spirit not just talking the Word but living out the Word producing real spiritual fruit and spiritual discernment .  We are called to the life of Christ not just following a written method. 

2 Timothy 1:9 (NKJV)

who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

John 1:12 (KJV 1900)

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

1 Corinthians 1:26 (NKJV)

Glory Only in the Lord

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.

We know that Peter was told to feed Jesus’ sheep what was Jesus telling Peter to feed them?  Was it merely referring to the Written Word or did it include AGAPE LOVE?  Hadn’t Peter just learned the difference between Phileo love and AGAPE love?  Are we the body of Christ walking in Agape Love or Phileo Love?  This is the burden of the Lord that He has given me.  Jesus has spoken this to me many times about the lack of Agape covenant love in His church/people.  I have had professing Christian friends do the same to me as Peter did to Jesus. Jesus has literally told me they are your Peter.  I thought dear Lord that was before Pentecost!  I pray for those people that Jesus would restore them as Jesus did for Peter.  As you grow in covenant love with Jesus you will lose friends and you may or may not even initiate the separation. Most of the time they just walk out from your life.  Don’t be disheartened Jesus came for His own and they did not receive Him.

Matthew 16:23 (NKJV)

23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

John 1:11–13 (NKJV)

11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

The Acceptance of Christ

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

When reading John 1:12 you will notice Jesus gave us the right to become children of God.  Today we see every battle for rights except to become a child of God.  Just because you have a “born again” right doesn’t mean you won’t have to fight to keep that right or holiness and sanctification.  Just because someone gives you something it is of little use if it isn’t used or executed.  A right is not a guarantee!

It is shocking when you walk in the love of Jesus and are not received amongst professing followers of Jesus yet I have received directly from the Lord Matthew 10:11-15 and it is very disheartening.  EVERYTHING comes out of the heart!   We are told to guard our hearts Proverb 4:23 as everything flows out from the heart.  I share this because of the complete sadness that I hear Christians dealing with rejection and folks if you are walking with Jesus you too will face and deal with rejection even amongst professing Christians.  Embrace the promises of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 as great is your reward in heaven.  So those dealing with rejection must not embrace rejection merely the truth as Jesus is truth and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.  Most of the persecution doesn’t come from the lost souls in the streets but the sinners in the pews.  It was the religious leaders who demanded Jesus crucified. 

Matthew 10:11–15 (NKJV)

11 “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!

1 John 1:7 (NKJV)

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Matthew 6:23 (NKJV)

 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

For some time now the Lord has truly put this burden upon my heart to bring attention to the difference of AGAPE love verses Phileo. Let’s dig a little deeper on this.  When we read 1 John 1:7 we are to walk in the light as Jesus is in the light!  Is your lamp full of light or is it dim?  What are we doing with the light we have been given?  Are we walking in Covenant love with Jesus?  A Covenant is fully surrendered just as Christ Jesus fully surrendered on Calvary.  Are we fully surrendered to Jesus and living in His will or our own will?  If there is darkness how great is that darkness?

1 John 2:19 (NKJV)

19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

I added 1John 2:19 to make a brief point as I have witnessed this taken out of context used by the enemy to make it appear that we are walking away from  light and truth when in fact we are separating ourselves and walking away from darkness.  There are many false prophets.  Don’t take separation to heart it is part of the journey and walk with Jesus.  “Because they say they can see they are blind, because they say they can hear they are deaf”.  There will be separation in this pilgrimage journey until we get to our heavenly home.  Once again there are saints dealing with rejection feeling they are alone.  My brothers and sisters loneliness is part of the journey at times if we are to forsake all others and put Christ first.  When you are lonely get into the quiet place with the Lord as loneliness is a call to greater intimacy with Jesus.  Loneliness can be easy prey for ungodly spirits to attack, cast down those strongholds and seek the Lord for His love.  We must each be obedient to the Holy Spirit because Jesus will bring light where there is darkness.  Seek the Lord and He will guide our steps if you should stay or leave.  Sometimes we reach one, sometimes the multitude.  We need to stay in the will of the Lord Jesus as Jesus might be teaching us and revealing things to us increasing us through what we are going through or experiencing.  (Reflect on 1John4:4)  I can attest to this as I/we are constantly tested and will continue to be tested  as I would not partake and the Lord spoke to me Deuteronomy 13.

Luke 12:51 (NKJV)

Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.

Matthew 10:37 (NKJV)

37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

FINAL SCRIPTURE TO LOOK AT

Matthew 25:1–13 (NKJV)

Parable of the Ten Virgins

25 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

I would briefly like to say that I a merely opening up this scripture (Matthew 25:1-13) for analysis and I pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to each of us what we need.  Just as with the Word of God we must stay Abiding in the Living Word of God Christ Jesus.   Intimacy is found both in the Person of Christ Jesus and the Written Word of God.  To love Jesus is to love truth and abide in Truth. (John 14:6) We are to abide in the Written Word as well as the Living Word Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit.  The Word became Flesh.

I would like to start with another section of scripture to attempt to tie in what I believe the Lord has shown me.  So let’s start with John 2:1-11.

John 2:1–11 (NKJV)

Christ Changes Water to Wine

2 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”

4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”

5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.”And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”

The Disciples Believe

11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

Did you notice the number three signifying the death and resurrection of Christ signifying and correlation to becoming (future tense) born again through the death and resurrection of Christ? There were six water pots of stone, six being the number of man with a heart of stone!  Notice the 6 stones were filled with water for purification.  What did Jesus tell the woman at the well? Did you notice the reciprocation of returning what we received back to our Master!  Did you notice that the Father/Master called the Bridegroom? Are we returning and reciprocating the Love of God in Genuine Covenant relationship and intimacy back to the Lord?  That corresponds to drawing some wine out and taking it to the Master of the feast!  Are we in Covenant love and truly reciprocated love with Jesus?

Ezekiel 36:26 (NKJV)

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.

John 4:13–14 (KJV 1900)

13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Jesus was going to fill us with living water/The Holy Spirit which would become wine at the Marriage supper of the Lamb.

The man did not know where the wine came from because Jesus won’t dwell in things made with human hands!  Jesus couldn’t be touched in the tomb because He hadn’t ascended.

Acts 7:48 (KJV 1900)

48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

Every man at the beginning sets out the best wine and then puts out the lesser wine.  This is a backslidden nature of a born again follower/believer or fleshly living going from good to bad!  Jesus gave us His best and gave us the Holy Spirit what are we doing with the best of Jesus through the Holy Spirit are we prepared for the Marriage supper of the Lamb?  Are we walking, manifesting and abiding in Covenant relationship with Jesus.  If we love Jesus we Abide in His Word and follow his commandments.

The best wine will be at the Marriage supper of the Lamb.  Now when we go back to Matthew 25:1-13 we can properly assess the 10 virgin parable.  This corresponds the Word of the Lord that Jesus has had me speak under His unction and has now put it on my heart to release to the body.  All 10 virgins were engaged, being engaged signifies you belong to someone! The engagement signifies you belong to someone whom is Jesus, thus the invitation of the Holy Spirit was already received dwelling within them.  You don’t go to a wedding you are not invited too!  No man comes to the Son unless the Father draws them!  The invitation was received which is the Holy Spirit.  Jesus knocks on the door and if we invite Jesus in He enters so the invitation or Holy Spirit was received.

John 6:44 (KJV 1900)

44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

They all had their lamps signifying that a measure of light/Holy Spirit was given to them.  Notice slumbering and sleeping is backsliding in nature.  Notice Ephesians 5:14 is after Pentecost. 

Ephesians 5:14 (NKJV)

14 Therefore He says:

“Awake, you who sleep,

Arise from the dead,

And Christ will give you light.”

PAUL IS PREACHING TO THE CHURCH!

When I think of the ten virgins only five were in AGAPE Covenant love with Christ Jesus and their lamps were full! They all had lamps, they all had oil, yet five were not full of the love of God!  Revelation 3 address this, this is the Church that is being addressed!

Revelation 3:15–17 (NKJV)

15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—

The foolish virgins asked for oil from those that were prepared.  This correlates with each of us giving an individual account for our lives here on earth at the judgment seat of Christ Jesus.  Only Jesus can give the oil as it does not come from any other human!  The brides then tried to buy the oil just as Simon tried to buy the anointing which is the Holy Spirit.  After the door was shut the virgins asked to open the door and Jesus said that He did not know them.  Does this sound familiar as it lines up with Matthew 7!

Matthew 7:21–23 (NKJV)

True Way into the Kingdom

(Luke 6:46)

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!’

 

I urge you to read Matthew 21 where Jesus cleansed the Temple.  They were merchandising doves!  What were they selling and what were people buying if they were merchandising doves?  They were selling lies and apostasy and people were buying them buying the FALSE GOSPEL because the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth!  Where do we bring our tithes so what were they paying for?  Surely Jesus wouldn’t cast out His own that He was going to die for!  We are supposed to come prepared with The Holy Spirit and the belt of Truth  (Ephesians 6) not buying the lies from false prophets merchandising apostasy.  We are called to test the spirits!

John 16:13 (NKJV)

13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

2 Timothy 3:5 (NKJV)

5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Luke 11:52 (NKJV)

52 “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.”

 

Acts 8:18 (KJV 1900)

18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

Matthew 7:23 (NKJV)

23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

The trimming of the lamps is in direct correlation to John 15.  Have you allowed the Vinedresser to trim away ungodliness to bear good fruit! Notice Jesus said that every branch in HIM!  So it’s not that we have not received Christ we are not Abiding in Christ in Covenant Loving Relationship.  Wow, I am getting revelations as I write.  Don’t follow a gift or calling they are irrevocable, we need to walk in the Holy Spirit.

When I prayed for months about my Website the Lord told me to call it Abiding Bread!  Thank you Jesus!

John 15:1–10 (NKJV)

The Relationship of Believers to Christ

15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

I underlined John 15 as this ties in the parable of the ten virgins and I want you to see what the Lord is revealing.  Many feel like the return of Christ Jesus is soon to come regardless if Jesus is or not, are you ready for Jesus return! 

Fruit is evidence of discipleship there is no disciple where there is no discipline or obedience to the Lord Jesus.  Don’t follow a gift or calling they are irrevocable, we need to walk in the Holy Spirit.  Many are called but few are chosen.

John 17:21 (NKJV)

21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

In Jewish marriage the “groom” leaves to prepare a home for his bride and the bride must keep herself prepared for the return of the bridegroom keeping herself without spot or wrinkle.  Jesus is returning for His bride without spot or wrinkle.  Also the Father is the one who tells the groom when to get his bride!  I hope you can see how severe, challenging and delicate this post has been for me to write.  This is the burden of the Lord that He has called me to share with all of you.   

Jude 21 (NKJV)

keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

It is true that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us but have we forsaken Jesus?  People it is time to meditate and search our hearts and get in true Covenant Agape Love with Christ out Lord.

I am posting a few other scriptures for meditation and prayer purposes.  I thank you for reading this post as it the burden of the Lord Jesus that His bride be prepared!  Jesus has given me this burden and by His grace I have broken down things for you to consider and take to prayer.

Matthew 4:17 (NKJV)

17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV 1900)

27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 

In 1Corinthians 9:27 we have the Apostle Paul stating the he could be castaway!  Let us remember Paul was healed of his blindness and filled with The Holy Spirit so why would Paul address his own concern of being castaway?  How is that Paul mentions both being castaway and in Thessalonians Paul talks about being “caught up in the air with Jesus”? Where does the bible say we are cast into!  Lucifer was cast down, Adam and Eve were cast out and five virgins were not allowed at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb of God. 

1 Thessalonians 4:17 (KJV 1900)

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Romans 8:35–39 (KJV 1900)

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If you meditate on Romans 8:35-39 you will notice that all of the things Paul addresses are external conditions that challenge us yet Paul never states that what is internal or within us our very own hearts! Notice it starts out with “WHO” shall separate us from the love of Christ, who signifies a person?

Matthew 24:12 (KJV 1900)

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

1 Timothy 4:1–2 (KJV 1900)

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

 Only we (born again people) ourselves can separate ourselves from God as we are created with free will just as the angels have free will.  The Lord wanted me to expose this as Satan has twisted the mindsets and people believe that they can’t lose salvation.

How does this apply to todays messages of “once saved always saved”, “once in grace always in grace”,  “eat the meat and spit out the bones”, “don’t through out the baby with the dirty bath water”.  I have heard these statements from the pulpits and I want to vomit!  Why would you put a clean baby the Lord has cleaned back in the dirty water! 

Philippians 2:12 (NKJV)

Light Bearers

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

1 Corinthians 11:28 (NKJV)

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

FINAL MEDITATION TO PRAY OVER WHICH SHOULD TIE ALL THIS TOGETHER

Matthew 22:1–14 (NKJV)

Parable of the Marriage Feast

22 And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, 3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. 4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” ’ 5 But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. 6 And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. 7 But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9 Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.’ 10 So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.

11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. 12 So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”


I did not write this post to create controversy or debate and I tried very hard to incorporate the full counsel of God’s Word.  We are individuals and will be judged individually so please take what the Lord put on my heart and revealed to me in prayer. 

My dear brothers and sisters it is with a heavy burden that the Lord has given me and what I have shared with you that the Lord put on my heart.  I have worked very carefully to bring seriousness, truth and love in this post.  Please take what you have read into prayer with our Lord Jesus.  It was with a heavy heart and burden that the Lord wanted me to release this to all of you.  I pray that the Lord’s will with be done in the hearts of His children.  I pray for grace, mercy, love and peace from our Heavenly Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

From your brother in Christ. 

Glen