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COMPROMISE

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COMPROMISE

 

For the last week I have been fasting and praying as my Spirit was grieving for the Body of Christ.  As I was interceding for the Body of Christ and felt The Lord’s grieving for His people He spoke to me about how His people willingly compromising their spiritual lives. 

 

The Lord brought to my attention how many believers will not compromise seeking The Lord for the supernatural when it comes to physical healings such as cancer, leukemia, etc. but are willing to compromise when it comes to their spiritual health.  I was truly grieved for The Lord, as I have witnessed this throughout my travels.   So many seek the Supernatural above the intimate relationship with The Father’s Heart.  Oh how many of us would love to be physically healed but yet still live a worldly life subjected to darkness, perversion and ungodliness.  I reflected on the ten lepers in the book of Luke (Luke 17: 15-19) and how only one gave thanks to Jesus after he was physically healed and then Jesus said that this man was make whole!  Yes, body, soul and Spirit!    

 

When our bodies are physically sick and our mortality, livelihood and way of daily living is in question we often seek another medical opinion or a specialist as second best just won’t do.  We wont’ compromise our physical life and we wont settle for “second best”!  After all, aren’t we worth the best of health?  Have we forgotten that before the fall of man in the Garden we were made in God’s image?  Are we willing to be deceived that Jesus or the Father need inner healing?  Why then do we compromise our inner healing and spiritual life?  Yes Jesus accepted us as sinners yet He said sin no more, be whole, your faith has made you well.  This faith wasn’t in man it was in God.  

 

Do blind people go to church to see the décor?  Do deaf people go to hear the worship music?  Do you go to church to feel accepted?  Did the Pharisees or the High Priest accept Jesus?  Shouldn’t we be going to church for the presence of God and worshiping God through thanksgiving and praise?  If the Father never changes yet our daily circumstances change shouldn’t we praise God and give thanksgiving for who He is and not simply because of our circumstances.  Do we only pray when we have needs or desires yet overlook our daily blessings?  

 

A few weeks ago I was at a prophetic healing conference where The Lord did miraculous healings.  It was so refreshing not only to witness the love, mercy and grace of the Lord but also to witness unrestricted ministry of inner healing and deliverance.  God moved unrestricted by the thoughts of men/women, fleshly beliefs or unwillingness of people to accept the reality of demonic spirits.  I grieved for many of these people as The Lord revealed their inner healing needs and at one point the Prophet stopped before praying and spoke in frustration.  He said that The Lord was grieved as one poor woman suffered for fifteen years captive to a demon because the Pastor at her church would not address it!  The Lord was not pleased with that pastor but the presence of The Lord delivered this woman right there in front of us!  Thank you Lord!

 

Many physical problems are directly related to spiritual problems.  Prolonged neglect on spiritual healing and deliverance only invites more spiritual problems to manifest compounding the physical healing needs and realms.  

 

We are called to cleanse the lepers, heal the sick, cast out demons and proclaim the Gospel.  We are called to be the light where there is darkness.  We are not called to sit under darkness or be subjected to darkness as we are called to be over comers.  

 

We are called to plant seeds.  This doesn’t necessarily mean standing watch day and night 24/7 waiting for the harvest.  Often we are called to speak and reveal Truth and plant seeds of Truth and let the Lord do the cultivating, weeding and fertilizing of those Truths.  The Gospel offends because it breaks strongholds, mindsets and darkness.  Jesus said we would be persecuted or even martyred.  

 

Matthew 10:14 (NKJV)

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.

 

What defines imprisonment?  Is it a building with bars?  Real imprisonment is spiritual.  The Apostle Paul was imprisoned but not spiritually only naturally!  Was his revelations, beliefs or relationship with Jesus defined by an earthly establishment or building?  Didn’t an Angel release Peter from prison?  Is God limited to an earthly building or dwelling?  The Gospel and Testimony of Jesus Christ is what free prisoners just as Jesus proclaimed when He read Isaiah 61.

 

Jesus said just a little leaven ruins the whole loaf of bread.  The Bread of Life, the true Gospel will not tolerate a little leaven or sacrifice the way, Truth and Life!

 

John 14:6 (NKJV)

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

 

 

 

 

 

2 Corinthians 6:14–16 (NKJV)

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

 

“I will dwell in them

And walk among them.

I will be their God,

And they shall be My people.”

 

Galatians 1:6–9 (NKJV)

Only One Gospel

 

6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

 

James 4:8 (NKJV)

 

8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded

 

Isaiah 30:1–2 (NKJV)

Futile Confidence in Egypt

 

30      “Woe to the rebellious children,” says the LORD,

“Who take counsel, but not of Me,

And who devise plans, but not of My Spirit,

That they may add sin to sin;

2      Who walk to go down to Egypt,

And have not asked My advice,

To strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh,

And to trust in the shadow of Egypt!

 

Jesus gave His life to make us whole; body, soul and spirit.  Don’t settle for less than the full atonement of the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.  Lord I pray that the Spirit of Compromise and Complacency will no longer dwell in your people and that they will worship you in the fullness of Spirit and Truth.  Anything less than the Truth is likely idolatry, pride and rebellion.  

 

John 4:24 (NKJV)

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

 

ACCEPTANCE – ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – AGREEMENT

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Acceptance – Acknowledgement – Agreement

 

Acknowledgment does not have to equate to acceptance or agreement.  Acknowledgment should be the first and basic step towards overcoming yet many people are physically and spiritual bound unknowingly by the power of agreement verses listening, discerning and acknowledging what is spoken.  How many times have we all made the simple statement  “I can’t believe what that person said, who do they think they are?”   Yet we walk away still pondering and processing the negativity that was spoken as those evil and destructive words penetrate our very being.

 

When you speak to people, do you have to be right versus simply stating and speaking the truth?  When you need to be right you may have built up a wall or resistance to the truth being received.  If you have to be right your identity and acceptance lies in the hands of others and you will likely be confrontational, ego centered and self-righteous. Your need to be right is not redemptive in nature but rather destructive and abusive which will only turn people away. We are all people of free will and a Godly person will never force something up you or “steer you” in your decision-making. God is love and love is embraced not forced!  

 

1 John 4:8 (NKJV)

 

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

 

Let’s start out by looking at the basic definitions of these words.

 

ACCEPTANCE

acceptance |akˈseptəns|

noun

1 the action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered: charges involving the acceptance of bribes | [ as modifier ] : an acceptance speech | he had an acceptance from the magazine.

• a draft or bill that is accepted by being signed.

2 the action or process of being received as adequate or suitable, typically to be admitted into a group: you must wait for acceptance into the club.

3 agreement with or belief in an idea, opinion, or explanation: acceptance of the teaching of the church.

• willingness to tolerate a difficult or unpleasant situation: a mood of resigned acceptance.

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

acknowledgment |akˈnälijmənt| (also acknowledgement)

noun

1 acceptance of the truth or existence of something: there was no acknowledgment of the family’s trauma.

2 the action of expressing or displaying gratitude or appreciation for something: he received an award in acknowledgment of his work.

• the action of showing that one has noticed someone or something: he touched his hat in acknowledgment of the salute.

• a letter confirming receipt of something: I received an acknowledgment of my application.

3 (usu. acknowledgments) an author’s or publisher’s statement of indebtedness to others, typically one printed at the beginning of a book.

 

AGREEMENT

agreement |əˈgrēmənt|

noun

harmony or accordance in opinion or feeling; a position or result of agreeing: the governments failed to reach agreement | the two officers nodded in agreement | there is wide agreement that investment is necessary.

• a negotiated and typically legally binding arrangement between parties as to a course of action: a trade agreement | a verbal agreement to sell.

• the absence of incompatibility between two things; consistency: agreement between experimental observations and theory.

• Grammar the condition of having the same number, gender, case, or person.

 

There is a simple fact in life that very few people like to hear or listen to critique.  Critique is often wrongly perceived as judgment and/or criticism leaving us with feelings of unworthiness and not being good enough.  We have all felt this way at times and many people still feel this way today.  Let’s be truthful, many in this world are bound by lies and ungodly words spoken over them by a hurting world. When these type of hurtful words are spoken to us we will be tempted to seek the approval of the person making these statements or accusation thus questioning our self worth, self esteem and worthiness.  When we start validating/believing our feelings of these hurts and untruths, we have fortified the strongholds in our hearts and spirits.  What may be true is not always truth!  It might be true that you feel rejected, hurt, etc. but the truth is you need not feel this way!  Christ is no respecter of persons and He has no partiality or favoritism!  Jesus would have died for one of us yet He died for all of us!

 

Acts 10:34 (AMP)

34  And Peter opened his mouth and said: Most certainly and thoroughly I now perceive and understand that God shows no partiality and is no respecter of persons,

 

Romans 2:11 (AMP)

11  For God shows no partiality [undue favor or unfairness; with Him one man is not different from another]. [Deut. 10:17; II Chron. 19:7.]

 

John 3:16 (AMP)

16  For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

 

 

Since the fall of man/woman back in the Garden there has been a continual plague and spiritual warfare against rebellion to God’s word, desires and will.  Adam and Eve both rebelled against the word of God as they were told not to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.  Knowledge and power that lacks humility is destructive not only to one’s self, but to others also.

 

CRITIQUE

critique |kriˈtēk|

noun

a detailed analysis and assessment of something, esp. a literary, philosophical, or political theory.

verb (critiques, critiquing, critiqued) [ with obj. ]

evaluate (a theory or practice) in a detailed and analytical way: the authors critique the methods and practices used in the research.

 

I have counseled many people and I ask a very simple and straight forward question such as: “what is it you want to do or be for that person.”  They give me a long list of things such as provide, protect, etc. and I say to them so you wish to be their savior?  I tell them there is only one savior and that is Christ Jesus, however you can compliment, encourage, edify and enlighten someone helping to achieve their own personal relationship with Christ Jesus.  

 

Being prideful, controlling and manipulating is not from God. People with these attributes often falsely believe they hear from God and want to be God’s voice over you. They want you to seek their approval on spiritual matters and often earthly/worldly matters thus disconnecting/hindering your relationship and intimacy with the living God and Spirit of God.  We are not called to be God or Lord over people but to connect them to the Lord.  Satan wanted to be exalted above God and people with controlling demonic spirits feel worshipped when you consult them, need them and approve of them.  Even Satan offered Jesus the earthly kingdoms so Satan could be idolatrized.  Idolatry is rampant as many people worship the temple and leadership over the Lord of the temple!  

 

Proverbs 8:13 (NKJV)

13      The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;

Pride and arrogance and the evil way

And the perverse mouth I hate.

 

Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV)

 

18      Pride goes before destruction,

And a haughty spirit before a fall.

 

 

 

Matthew 4:8 (AMP)

8  Again, the devil took Him up on a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory (the splendor, magnificence, preeminence, and excellence) of them.

 

 

None of us is perfect, yet none of us likes to be critiqued.  So how do we edify, encourage and lift people up in a spiritually dying world?  How do we bring worthiness to those who feel unworthy?  Money, wealth and fame won’t make someone feel worthy because worthiness comes from within and can’t be cured externally.  You can’t promote someone “in the flesh” by giving false promotion, worldly possessions and gifts to heal spiritual problems.  I have seen many people attempt this even in ministry leadership and it does not work!  You don’t treat “cancer” with a bandage as it is a blood disease which is internal, the same goes with spiritual health.  You can’t heal someone spiritually with external remedies. Treating a symptom is not treating the problem.

 

When need to speak the truth in love, mercy, compassion and grace while manifesting the fruits of the Spirit.  We need to be submitted to the Lord while ministering to others and we need to put their needs above our desires just as Christ put the needs of others above His own.  Sacrificial love moved by compassion in the spirit of the Lord breaks the yokes of bondage.  You can read over and over in the bible where Jesus was moved with compassion and signs and wonders manifested as people were healed, delivered and the multitudes were fed.  

 

Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

 

We must minister to others in the fruit of the Spirit.  It’s one thing to receive a word of knowledge it’s another thing to deliver that word of knowledge.  We must submit that word of knowledge or prophecy to the Lord seeking how the Lord wants us to deliver and apply that word just as if it was from the Lord Himself.  We must die to self to represent the fullness of Christ thus being totally surrendered to the Spirit and will of the Lord.   

 

So you may wonder where is this all proceeding?  Well the Lord put in on my heart to help people to understand the power of humility and the power of agreement.  Humility is willing to think less of yourself, surrendering pride to the cross of Jesus Christ and crucifying one’s self to become humble and meek.  Don’t confuse meekness with weakness as humility is powerful, freeing and a true manifestation of a Christ filled/centered life.  We must remember above all that we first submit to Christ Jesus while honoring others.  Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess then Christ Jesus must be first, foremost and above all in our lives, hearts and minds.  There is a great difference in “preaching the gospel” vs. “commanding the gospel.”  

 

 

 

Matthew 5:5 (NKJV)

5      Blessed are the meek,

For they shall inherit the earth.

 

Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)

8      Blessed are the pure in heart,

For theyshall see God.

 

Humility will listen while pride shuts and ear.  Humility will seek the Lord Jesus for clarification/confirmation seeking a “witness” from the Lord.  This being said we must always seek the Lord regarding all things spoken to us and about us in our quiet/private time with the Lord.  You will know a Godly person has spoken to you about your inner most problems when they lead you to the Lord Jesus and the atonement of the cross.  The gospel and Jesus will always give you a direction towards redemption and may very well advise you of the consequences of disobedience to the Lord’s will and word. 

 

John 14:6 (NKJV)

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

 

 

Matthew 11:28–30 (NKJV)

 

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

 

John 4:14 (NKJV)

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.”

 

Jeremiah 17:7–8 (NKJV)

 

7      “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,

And whose hope is the LORD.

8      For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,

Which spreads out its roots by the river,

And will not fear when heat comes;

But its leaf will be green,

And will not be anxious in the year of drought,

Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

 

Jesus constantly stood in the face of accusers, are we to truly believe this will not happen to us?  When someone speaks to us we are to remain humble listening, discerning and submitted to the Lord.  We listen but we need not come into agreement with negativity, accusatory nature, ungodly words, lies and manipulations.  We submit everything spoken to us to the Lord without needing/seeking validation or worthiness in the face of our accusers.  Contrary to what I hear many professing Christians speak the Holy Spirit does not confirm our personal identity, it confirms who Christ is in us and through us.  Jesus did not die to become like us.  Jesus died so we could become like him, restored to our original creative state in the image and likeness of the Father.  The Holy Spirit leads us to repentance and sanctification so we can become more Christ like.  Our identity is Christ in us and through us; the flesh must decrease so the spirit can increase.  The lust of the world must die so the desires of the Kingdom and a Christ centered life can be fulfilled.  

 

Psalm 139:23–24 (NKJV)

 

23      Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Try me, and know my anxieties;

24      And see if there is any wicked way in me,

And lead me in the way everlasting.

 

John 15:5 (NKJV)

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.

 

 

Christ Jesus was crucified and resurrected because we are worthy and redeemable in the heart and eyes of the Lord.  You are redeemed through the cross, blood and finished work of the cross of Jesus Christ and NOT by any mortal human!  

 

Humility is very powerful, in fact the enemy hates repentance and humility as these characteristics lead us to the Cross of Jesus Christ and the enemy/Satan was defeated at Calvary.  Does your church preach on repentance, humility, the blood of Jesus and the Cross of Jesus Christ?  If not have you wondered why, isn’t that the basis of salvation and sanctification through Christ!  The enemy does not want you to take up your own cross nor focus on the Cross of Jesus Christ.

 

The next time you are being critiqued/reproofed submit everything to the Lord while listening WITHOUT coming into agreement.  A godly person will tell you to seek the Lord about what they are speaking/ministering for they have no personal ownership in the words spoken on behalf of The Lord they are just humble servants of the Lord.  Notice they are HUMBLE servants, not prideful, boastful, forceful, demanding, coercing, manipulation or steering you into a decision process.  

 

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan Jesus did not raise his voice, shout back or seek the approval of Satan.  He stayed submitted to the will of the Father and walked in the fruit of the Spirit.  

 

Jesus was the master at asking questions testing the hearts of people.  Jesus already knew the answers so why did he ask questions?  Questioning is a way of testing the spirit, hearts and motives of people.  The word of God is sharper than a double-edged sword able to divide soul from spirit and discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.  

 

1 John 4:1 (NKJV)

 

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

 

Hebrews 4:12 (AMP)

12  For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

 

 

Questions are very valuable in adding to your discernment and will validate what you discerned in the spirit or what was revealed in the spirit.  We are told to test every spirit and this is done and aided through questioning.  Once you discern something we should observe what you have discerned.   You will notice that spirits have characteristics which aide in your discernment.  These are behavioral characteristics NOT physical characteristics (although they may manifest in the physical/natural).  This is very important to understand that we judge no one by the flesh, but by the spirit and we war not against flesh but in the spirit.  (Ephesians 5&6)  Questions bring things to “light” and there is great power and revelations through questioning.  

 

1 Corinthians 2:14–15 (NKJV)

14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.

 

 

 

It is very important to seek Godly wisdom and we do this first by submitting and seeking Christ Jesus and secondly by seeking Godly counsel.  We must remember that what appears to be godly is not always godly!  Soul ties are created through/by ungodly people who often appear godly.  A controlling spirit often seeks knowledge to your inner hurts, feelings and emotions.  They seek to share experiences of similar hurts, feelings and emotions.  They want to relate “relationally” to your experiences so they can speak into and over your life while appearing to be genuinely concerned, caring and compassionate yet they themselves are spiritually bound and seek to create a soul tie with you in the spirit so they can become the voice of God over your life.  This is a very easy way to come into agreement with a controlling, manipulating and coercive demonic spirit.  (There are various ways soul ties are created, this article is about the power of agreement.)

 

2 Timothy 3:5 (AMP)

5  For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them].

 

 

We must test every spirit and by asking methodical questions this will help you to validate what you have discerned.  We must remember that the Spirit of God leads to ALL TRUTH and the Spirit of God is incapable of lies!  

 

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].

 

Asking questions is very powerful in discerning spirits and quite often the spirits will elevate or even manifest during reasonable questioning.  A controlling spirit does not like it’s authority being questioned. If you ask a question regarding something minuscule asked of you to do or perform or directed towards you; the spirit will likely elevate and show itself.  

 

Don’t confuse “fruit” with followers.  Fruit is the manifestation of the Spirit of the Lord.  With so many people feeling rejected, oppressed and abused they easily submit to the “crowd” mentality as fellowship supersedes a relationship with Christ Jesus.  I have personally witnessed the worship of sensual feelings over the worshipping of Christ in many worship services and churches.  It’s easy to confuse sensual “feeling good” with real God centered worship.

 

I pray and hope that this has been enlightening and edifying as there is much greater depth that could be discussed.  We must remember to submit everything to the Lord in Spirit and truth and to first seek the Kingdom of God and all things shall be added.

 

 

 

Matthew 6:33 (AMP)

33  But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

 

There will be false teachers, prophets, apostles as well as false signs and wonders.  It is imperative that we seek the Lord’s heart with passion, humility, honesty and integrity of heart.  If you truly desire the gift of discernment seek to know the heart, will and love of the Lord in fullness.  There is only on true God.

 

1 Timothy 2:5 (AMP)

5  For there [is only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

Knowing Him and Trusting in His Love and Goodness

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Yesterday my niece and her husband lost their 10 month old baby girl.  In our grieving the Lord impressed upon me the words He spoke to me several years ago; “Your kingdom walk is in your knows and what you speculate about I will bring to your knowing when you need to know it.”  We cannot understand why we suffer such tragic loss in our life, but we know our Lord and that He is with us and we must rest in what we know in Him.  My wife Sherry felt impressed to write the following concerning the loss of little sweet Cate. I am posting these words because I believe they may be a salve to open wounds and a heavenly perspective for those suffering their own loss. This is the Facebook post she made:

“I by no means have been appointed official spokesperson by my wonderful family.  No one even knew I would post, nor did I know I would be posting anything on Facebook today.  The Lord has been dealing with my heart as Scott and I have been praying for sweet Brittany, Lane, Olivia and Ava, Kenny, Rhonda, Hayley (the most amazing Aunt in the world) and the entire Thompson, Baker and Roberts families.  I would first like to say that we love and appreciate everyone so much for your prayers and words of encouragement.  Where would we be without the Lord, and where would we be without all of you rallying around us so lovingly and prayerfully at the sorrowful passing of our beloved Baby Cate.  Cate was truly a precious gift from the Lord, as are all of our children.  As James says in scripture, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”  Baby Cate is a perfect gift that we have been so blessed to love and cherish and will continue to love and cherish as we remember her sweetness and beautiful face full of smiles.  Can anyone explain why things like this happen?  I sure cannot, and I will not try.  What the Lord has been dealing with me about is to trust who He is and know that there is no variation or shadow of turning with Him.  He is good all the time, His mercies are new every morning, His love and faithfulness is great and everlasting,  and there is nowhere we can go nor any pain we can go through that He does not cherish us and hold us in the palm of His hand.  We do mourn, as right now, Brittany and Lane would love nothing more than to have their little family together again, but we do not mourn as those who have no hope.  Our hope is in you Lord and the promise that we will see you, Cate and all of our loved ones in you again.  As you tell us in Isaiah, it is you, Lord, who gives us a crown of beauty instead of ashes and the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  We will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.  If you do not know this wonderful loving Jesus we serve, you can.  Please seek Him today with your whole heart, and He will meet you right where you are.  We love you all.”

God Bless you, and thank you Lord for allowing us to have each other and the precious gift of our time with baby Cate. We are grateful she is with you and we will be with her again because of you Lord.

 

Everlasting Arms Of Jesus

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“Underneath are the everlasting arms.” 

— Deuteronomy 33:27

 

God—the eternal God—is himself our support at all times, and especially when we are sinking in deep trouble. There are seasons when the Christian sinks very low in humiliation. Under a deep sense of his great sinfulness, he is humbled before God till he scarcely knows how to pray, because he appears, in his own sight, so worthless. Well, child of God, remember that when thou art at thy worst and lowest, yet “underneath” thee “are everlasting arms.” Sin may drag thee ever so low, but Christ’s great atonement is still under all. You may have descended into the deeps, but you cannot have fallen so low as “the uttermost”; and to the uttermost he saves. Again, the Christian sometimes sinks very deeply in sore trial from without. Every earthly prop is cut away. What then? Still underneath him are “the everlasting arms.” He cannot fall so deep in distress and affliction but what the covenant grace of an ever-faithful God will still encircle him. The Christian may be sinking under trouble from within through fierce conflict, but even then he cannot be brought so low as to be beyond the reach of the “everlasting arms”—they are underneath him; and, while thus sustained, all Satan’s efforts to harm him avail nothing. 

 

This assurance of support is a comfort to any weary but earnest worker in the service of God. It implies a promise of strength for each day, grace for each need, and power for each duty. And, further, when death comes, the promise shall still hold good. When we stand in the midst of Jordan, we shall be able to say with David, “I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.” We shall descend into the grave, but we shall go no lower, for the eternal arms prevent our further fall. All through life, and at its close, we shall be upheld by the “everlasting arms”—arms that neither flag nor lose their strength, for “the everlasting God fainteth not, neither is weary.” 

 

 Spurgeon, C. H. (2006). Morning and evening: Daily readings (Complete and unabridged; New modern edition.). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.

Vindication Is The Lord’s

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Vindication is Mine Says The Lord

Romans 12:19 (AMP)

 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.]

 

The snare of self-vindication/self-righteousness can be a deadly spiritual snare.  It “binds” a person internally by external influences.  We mustn’t confuse being free in the spirit of the Lord with being freed from this fallen world and the opinions and persecutions of this world. 

When a person knows the truth they are defined by the truth not the accusations, lies, opinions, thoughts, interpretations or deceptions of others.  The need to be right can and often will allow compromising being right with the Lord Jesus. 

I am not inferring that we shouldn’t speak truth but truth without love is not palatable and definitely not in the fruit of the spirit of the Lord Jesus.  People wrongfully accused should be at an inner/spiritual peace still walking in the Spirit and Fruits of The Spirit of the Lord.  Gas doesn’t put out a fire only “living water” puts out the fire!

The Truth of Christ is absolute; but absolutely many won’t come to the truth!  When a person seeks self-validation they are not free in the spirit/heart/mind as they are bound by the impressions and influences of others or perhaps their own lack of knowledge, deceit or revelation of Truth.  Self-vindication is based on proving one’s self/character to be right verses living accordingly to what is right.  This is when the temptations of self vindication become works of the flesh and we often respond in the spirits and demeanor of our accusers, cussing, cursing, gossip, slander, accusing and bringing up past relational/personal problems which we have claimed to have forgiven!

Whenever we walk in “works of the flesh” we are not walking in the Spirit of the Lord or the fruits of the Spirit! We are consumed by the needs, opinions, impressions and worthiness in the sight/opinions of others; which is outside of Christ Jesus. 

Jesus didn’t come merely to tell us the Truth, HE REVEALED THE TRUTH!  Truth is a revelation as a revelation has application and implication; which brings light to darkness and deception.  Without revelation truth becomes factual!  This is why the Cross of Christ is foolishness to people because they need a revelation not just words that are true and when we walk in the flesh and not the spirit we block the spiritual revelation from being revealed because we are seeking “self” instead of revealing Christ!  Fallen nature doesn’t redeem fallen nature!  You have responded in the flesh and there is not spiritual truth being revealed.  You likely, raised your voice, gave ultimatums, accused and accursed the very person you want to come to the revelation of truth!  Who would want to come to Christ with that representation of Christ? 

1 Corinthians 1:18 (AMP)

For the story and message of the cross is sheer absurdity and folly to those who are perishing and on their way to perdition, but to us who are being saved it is the [manifestation of] the power of God.

When Jesus asked His disciples who people said that He was they named everything that others claimed Him to be verses seeking the truth of who He was.  When the opinions of men/women were all brought forth Jesus said but who do you say that I am?  Then Peter said you’re the Messiah the Christ!  Jesus said flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in Heaven has revealed this to you! 

Jesus wasn’t/isn’t influenced by opinions He walked/walks in Truth!  If we walk in the Truth of Christ why should opinions define us?  The unsaved/un-regenerated person is a friend of this world (knowingly or unknowingly) and not of the Kingdom of God, do you really expect them to know the truth of the gospel in truthful revelation?  Are you revealing and demonstrating Christ in the fruit of the Spirit to them?  When you seek vindication all you are likely demonstrating/revealing is the fallen nature that the Lord came to deliver us from!  We are not righteous on our own we are only righteous in Christ.  If we walk in the Truth of Christ we should also walk in the Spirit of The Lord as they are not separate!  It is possible to speak what is true and not be “born again” or walk/have the spirit of the Lord.  Jesus did not say you will know them by the words they speak.  He said you will know them by their fruit! Even a lie can be partial truth!  It is possible to be educated in the Word of God and not be “born again” or walking in the Spirit of the Lord.  Even Satan is a master of scripture that is why he manipulates the Word of God out of context and distorts the Truth.  The Word of God is true but is the SPIRIT OF THE LORD THAT REVEALS THE TRUTH.  Legalism uses the Word of God to bind us and restrict us while the Spirit of the Lord uses the Word to redeem, reconcile and give us liberty!  Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty/freedom! 

2 Timothy 3:16 (AMP)

16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action),

2 Peter 1:21 (AMP)

21 For no prophecy ever originated because some man willed it [to do so—it never came by human impulse], but men spoke from God who were borne along (moved and impelled) by the Holy Spirit.

 2 Corinthians 5:16 (AMP)

16 Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a [purely] human point of view [in terms of natural standards of value]. [No] even though we once did estimate Christ from a human viewpoint and as a man, yet now [we have such knowledge of Him that] we know Him no longer [in terms of the flesh].

 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].

When you hold an “offense” (people offend you) you can become offensive!  If “iron sharpens iron” then HUMILITY is the honing oil that allows both people to be sharpened!  Humble people seek the Truth which is pleasing to the Lord in the fruit of the Spirit. They put Christ first and the ways of Christ first seeking the Lord’s revelatory truth!  To truly know Christ is to have peace within us!  The love of Christ casts out all fear!

I’ve heard it said that the Lord doesn’t bring any new revelations!  This is false!  The Lord is always bringing new revelations but NOT CONTRADICTIVE TO HIS WORD, VIRTUES OR ATTRIBUTES!  If the Lord doesn’t bring new revelations then why do we pray?  Don’t we pray for His guidance, wisdom and will to be done!  Do we not pray for revelations through our adversities, tribulations and afflictions? When Moses was told to deliver the Lord’s people He wasn’t given a manual of all the events that would happen in this process?  Moses had no instruction manual however He had a promise as God told Moses bring the Israelites back to the mountain.  Moses now had God’s purpose, promise and destiny without a manual or directions only a directive!  To Trust the Word of God would be to trust the Person of Christ and the Spirit of God!   Jesus is the Word that became flesh, if we abide in Jesus don’t we have the Word written upon our heart?  (John 15)  Imagine the Patriarch of Faith Abraham trying to intellectualize being asked to sacrifice his son?  Imagine getting second, third or forth opinions from others?  Is not faith without works dead!  Is not “works” without faith fleshly, religious or a tradition. 

To win a heart you don’t speak to the mind you speak to the heart in the fruit of the Spirit.  I see post after post and hear sermon after sermon “who knows the heart of a person but only God”…  Well according to Hebrews 4:12 and John 15:5-7 we should know the hearts of people!  If Christ abides in you and the flesh is crucified shouldn’t we have the mind of Christ?  Are we ministering to the minds or the hearts?  Are we walking intellectually or spiritually?  In Romans 10 do we not confess with our mouth and believe in our heart that Jesus is Lord?  Do we love with our mind or our heart!  Lord help us if we love from our mind as that is the battlefield of spiritual warfare and we are told/instructed to renew our minds through the washing of the Word of God!

Hebrews 4:12 (AMP)

12 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

John 15:5–7 (AMP)

5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.

6 If a person does not dwell in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken-off] branch, and withers; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and they are burned.

7 If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.

Jesus didn’t come to play intellectual games he came to redeem the broken hearted, proclaim the “good news”, set the captives free and to reveal the Father!  (Isaiah 61)

John 14:7–9 (AMP)

7 If you had known Me [had learned to recognize Me], you would also have known My Father. From now on, you know Him and have seen Him.

8 Philip said to Him, Lord, show us the Father [cause us to see the Father—that is all we ask]; then we shall be satisfied.

9 Jesus replied, Have I been with all of you for so long a time, and do you not recognize and know Me yet, Philip? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say then, Show us the Father?

John 17:21 (AMP)

21 That they all may be one, [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me.

Self-vindication is the rollercoaster of emotions and emotions that rule and reign within us is not Christ ruling and reigning within us.  There are many storms in life but only One that can calm the storms of life, Christ Jesus.  Let us deny ourselves and pick up our cross so that Christ may rule and reign in us, through us and to those around us! May the peace of the Lord be with you always for that is the desire of our Lord Christ Jesus.

John 14:27 (AMP)

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]