From Christian Couchey:
The hour has come for Jacob to become Israel. No more will my people look for revival to fall from heaven, but those who have come to dwell in heaven while on the earth will cause my kingdom to come. The new Jerusalem that comes from heaven is about to be unveiled as a bride in preparation for the marriage supper.
Those who have gone beyond simply interceding but have become intercession will find they have entered a new day of release and power. My heavenly portals ARE my people who are the gateway between the heavens (spiritual realm) and the earth (physical realm).
Those who have bypassed titles of authority and position with men to come into union with me and seek my favor alone will walk in a place of My authority that those with titles and authority with men will look from the outside in on and weep. I will display My glory upon these who have picked up their cross and followed me, forsaking the praise of men.
All that men have built for Me will be seen as the stubble and chaff that it is. All that I have built WITHIN the hearts of those who have heeded and followed me in the way of suffering, will be blessed and will be the wind that blows away the stubble and chaff. Be prepared to see the face of God's love and the hand of God's compassion, be prepared to see them in the face and hands of His sons. You ARE the kingdom come to earth.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Pig Returns to it's Wallow 2 Peter 2:22
It has happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog turning to his own vomit again, and the sow that had washed to wallowing in the mire. 2 Peter 2:22This is more true than you can possibly imagine. It has much to do with comfort. A clean HOG is an unhappy hog. She doesn't like being clean. It's better to return to the mudhole.
This is true particulalrly of Churches. Breakthru comes and then.......Mudhole.
The Prosperity Message: the Good, Bad, and Ugly
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NO ROOM FOR OUR PET DOCTRINES:
As you read this article today, I prayerfully ask that you would set aside any pet doctrines you may have in this area – either for or against, and just consider God’s word. My desire, as I believe yours is, is to walk in the full counsel and truth of God’s word, I desire to rightly divide the word of truth, understand it, and walk completely in it.
THE BABY AND THE BATH WATER:
When we see abuse or extremes in the church, many times our first response, is to turn and run all out in the opposite direction. I think we have all been guilty of this at some point in our lives. But, we must be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water, ie. We mustn’t abandon the pure truths of God’s word because someone mixed them with error, excess or manipulated God’s word for their own personal gain.
What Does God’s Word Have To Say?
THE SAME HOLY SPIRIT: (II Timothy 3:16)
If all scripture is inspired by God, then the same God who inspired the words in Deuteronomy 8:18 – but thou shalt remember the Lord thy God, for it is He who gives us the power to create wealth, that He may establish His covenant… also inspired Jesus to speak what we find written in Matthew 19:23 – it is hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God,…. but with God all things are possible.
When we do a general overview of the Old and New Testaments we see quite a difference in the message on this topic. I used to find this confusing until one day when God gave me great understanding and showed me His purpose in this.
OLD TESTAMENT PROMISES & PROSPERITY
To be completely honest with you, I cannot read through the Old Testament including the Prophets, Psalms, and Proverbs without coming across numerous accounts of God’s promises to His people. If God’s people would obey Him, they had the promise of blessing, prosperity, success, and victory, this is very consistent throughout the Old Testament. But, if they disobeyed and rebelled, typically the result was a curse, famine, sickness, invasion by their enemies, early death etc. You will find examples of this throughout the Old Testament as well.
NEW TESTAMENT WARNINGS
However, when I move into the New Testament, I find mostly warnings about wealth and a few promises. In the parable of the sower in Mark 4:19 we see a warning about the deceitfulness of riches and how they choke out the word and make us unfruitful. I Timothy 6:9 warns those who desire to be rich, that they will fall into many temptations. And I Timothy 6:10 warns that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, and those eager to get rich would wander from the faith and pierce themselves with many sorrows.
PROMISES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
I do think it important to bring out a few of the promises in the New Testament. Many who followed Jesus left everything they had. Peter said, Lord we’ve left everything to follow you! But, we do see that Jesus made a promise in Mark 10: 29-30 for those who sacrificed all, a promise for a 100 fold return in this life and in the life to come eternal life. We see another instance in III John 2 which is more of a prayer than a promise for prosperity. For the most part, if we will be honest, we see mostly warnings in the New Testament about riches and wealth. Why is this?
SO WHAT IS OUR CONCLUSION?
Are the Old Testament Promises for His people today or should we disregard them because of all the warnings we see in the New Testament. Why do the two Testaments seem so different on this issue? Are they really different, or is there something deeper being dealt with here?
JESUS COMES TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUES & IDOLS OF THE HEART!
When Jesus came, He did not come to do away with the Promises in the Old Testament, for Heaven and earth will pass away, but His word will never pass away. Nor, did He need to teach the Jews about the blessings of obedience or the curse of disobedience and rebellion. They knew this teaching all too well, they had learned it from early childhood. But, Jesus did come to confront and deal with the issues and idols of the heart. I love that about Jesus, He always went straight for the heart!
BALANCE & THE FULL COUNSEL OF GOD’S WORD
If we will embrace the full counsel of God’s Word and not just our favorite scriptures, God will keep us in balance, and our hearts right. His Word washes and cleanses us. The Old and New Testament scriptures we mentioned today do not contradict each other but rather compliment and bring balance to one another. This is the beauty of God’s Word. It keeps us on the straight and narrow path that leads to life.
GOD WANTS OUR HEARTS AND AFFECTIONS SET ON HIM!
God wants all of us, not just a part. He wants us chasing after His heart and not just His hand! Colossians 3:2 admonishes us to set our affections upon those things which are above, not things of the earth. God wants us to be spiritually minded which is life. He wants us to fix our eyes on Christ.
CONCLUSION: SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD
I believe Matthew 6:32-33 communicates so well what our focus and priorities should be as His people. God does not want us chasing after and worrying about all the things the world does, He wants us to seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, then He promises that everything we have need of will be added to us. We should keep this truth close to our heart so we do not get pulled into the world and its ways and patterns.
IN CLOSING:
I want to close by making a few comments regarding the prosperity message. I pray this will help bring understanding and balance.
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY of the Prosperity Message:
THE GOOD:
When parts of the prosperity message are preached and taught in balance and in context it can have a great affect and influence.
1. PUTTING OUR HOPE IN GOD:
It can cause people to look to God as their provider and source, encouraging them to put their trust in God rather than man or money.
2. BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND ESTABLISHING HIS COVENANT:
When people with a pure heart motivation to give towards the gospel, apply God’s word regarding prosperity in their lives, it. can have great impact. God responds to faith and acting on His word and this results in us being able to give more generously to advance the purposes of God in the earth, to give to missions, feed and care for the poor. Care for our families and the elderly, give to organizations who are taking a stand for righteousness in our land – this is all a very good thing. So this prosperity has purpose and is not to feed our pride or the lusts of the flesh, but to build the kingdom of God.
THE BAD:
When not in balance this message can really draw people’s hearts away from the things of God and more into chasing after things, materialism and worldliness. They get there eyes on the blessings rather than God. It becomes deceptive and dangerous, and more self serving than God serving. When out of balance, there is no teaching on surrender, dying to self and taking up our cross, but instead hearts can become filled with the pride of life.
THE UGLY:
I think the saddest, and I will label the ugliest of all is when God merely becomes the means to an end. The relationship is so cheapened that God is no longer God, but becomes nothing more than a slot machine and someone we go to when we want something. The person is no longer a yielded servant of God but rather sees God as His servant.
IT'S TIME TO EMBRACE THE FULL COUNSEL OF GOD'S WORD
It is time for the Church to embrace all of God's word, we must set aside our pet doctrines and be willing to embrace correction. God wants His Church to be glorious in the earth and that will only happen when we walk in the light of His counsel and words.
But, Seek First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and everything you have need of will be added to you. Matthew 6:33
The Urgency with Which you Engage ME will Put all your OTHER Urgencies in their Proper Place
This morning I heard the Lord say:
The amount of urgency you place on your intimacy with Me will position all the other urgencies in your life. You will see them for what they are.
Some are critical, need to be taken care of, important.....and I will give you grace to face them with confidence and peace
Some are loud and urgent, insistent, but not of long lasting importance. They are just noisy gongs going off all around you. Keep your eye on them, but don't become distracted by the noise. Sometimes the urgent is a tool of the enemy to keep you off kilter. Filter the noise thru my word.
Some things are those you "Should" do are not even on your list. Some of these things can be easily shunted aside, but you don't realize that they are critical, important but silent in your life. Make time for them, find your place in them. They are the important but not noisy. Tell someone you love them. Call an old friend. Start with ME. I'm your God, I'm that friend that sticks closer than a brother. I want to hear from you. It's critical. I will reward you with peace as you diligently seek me.
My Precious child, avoid the clutter of your life. Those things that are just things you could do, think or waste you life on that are neither important nor urgent. Say NO to them. Your time with ME will be easier to find as you throw away these clutter things in your life. In the end it will just be you and ME. You will bring nothing with you except your love for Me.
What you don't realize is you to ME are both urgent and important. Nothing is trivial about you. Everything is focused. You are my favorite one. I spend all time on you since I live in eternity.
There is no one else but you to me. Please make it so for me. I will give you the faith. Every precious child of mine is my favorite. Every one deserves and gets all my attention. Every hair on their head is counted. I am the Eternal Father. I will never ever leave or forsake you. You are supremely important and every need and desire you have is urgent for me. I will work it all out for you, for your good because you love me and I called you for a purpose. I will not waste your purpose...your purpose is both urgent and important on the earth as well as in Heaven.
Trust me to work it out for you.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The Chuch that Treats a Prophet without Honor Slaps God's face
Jesus said that a prophet has no honor in his own home town. Or extrapolated, in his home church. This is a misunderstanding of the Gift of the Prophet God Sent...
Jon Cressy and I may not see Eye to Eye on many things, and we have argued.
But, he has written a couple pieces I endorse. I believe that the Church of Jesus that fails to deal appropriately with the gift of the Prophetic slaps the face of the Giver of the Gift. That doesn't in my opinion seem to be a smart thing to do. So, here is a primer:
Here's How the Church is to treat the Prophet among them:
Jon Cressy and I may not see Eye to Eye on many things, and we have argued.
But, he has written a couple pieces I endorse. I believe that the Church of Jesus that fails to deal appropriately with the gift of the Prophetic slaps the face of the Giver of the Gift. That doesn't in my opinion seem to be a smart thing to do. So, here is a primer:
Here's How the Church is to treat the Prophet among them:
Here's what the Church Should EXPECT of the Prophet Among them:#1 Pray for the prophetic person - Paul Cain is always asking for prayer. I am not sure that he always believes that God is going to answer that prayer, but he appreciates it. Pray for God’s wisdom an favour so that they will be a blessing to those they minister to.
#2 Pray that they will get on with Church leadership without sulking if they do not get their own way. Prophets with strong and remarkable gifting rarely get told ‘no’ when they should!
#3 When it comes to the prophets in your midst give them titles! Make sure that everyone knows that they are a prophet by Calling them ‘Prophet’ instead of just by their first name. The ones who are in it for titles love this one. For the rest - call them friend and invite them home for a meal and talk about 24, Lost or James Bond and have fun together!
#4 Never pay them for interpreting your dreams or giving you words. It’s not what they are about. But, as has happened to me, if you want to give them a slap up steak meal, it is appreciated!
#5 Pastors; if prophets have contributed in the meeting let them know how they did. But tell them in a sensitive way, the way you would like them to talk to you if they were evaluating your preaching. Like you, they probably are not as good as they think - we all need encouragement and direction.
#6 Prophets really should not be treated in any way different to other folks in the Church. The apostle James made that very clear in his epistle. Some of the prophets today expect lots of little perks. Don’t give in to them!
I don’t expect any favoritism, a special seat or a financial gift - if folks want to show that favour then I will praise God for it, but it certainly is never about faith with hinting!!
I say most of this lightly - but there is a challenge that we need to face and it is that prophets are in place to serve. Our expectations can only ever be met in Christ - He alone is the author of our salvation. We love Christ and serve Him, and in serving the Church with love, commitment and loyalty we reflect a little of that love for our wonderful God. The Church owes us nothing, but we do appreciate the prayers, love and affection that they show us.
#1 Honesty
If God has not spoken to you don’t say he has, and don’t share something that God spoke to someone else as if He said it to you personally. The Church is not at all impressed when they accidentally stumble upon the original source of such ‘revelation’. If anything it just makes you look a bit desperate for profile and attention. If you want to share something that someone else has said, then admit that they said it, but you think it is relevant. Do that, and you may be on your way to finding God’s blessing!#2 Opportunity
If God is speaking to you and wants you to share things with others, He will give you opportunity. Don’t moan at your church leadership if you are not getting the opportunities that you think you deserve, it just turns them off. True story! When the right moment comes, with humility and gentleness you will seize it - with God’s help.#3 Be like Elijah
That sounds very emotive, but the issue is a very simple one. When Elijah realised that the rain was coming he made the prophetic declaration and then he did something radical. He went and prayed for what was coming to come. Don’t assume that God’s blessing is coming because you have ‘decreed’ (awful religious term) it. Pray, pray, pray!#4 Make a mark in history
If you are a prophet, and not just one of those who likes the title, do something really radical. Commit yourself to doing something that few are doing. Pray like few do, and read your Bible like few do. But don’t go bragging about your devotion time, keep it to yourself. When was the last time you read the entire gospel of Mark in one go? When did you last pray for an hour or more? I am not talking of a ’should or must’ that comes from legalism, but of investing your life fully into your calling. What kind of a prophet does not immerse themselves deeply in prayer and scripture? Only the presumptuous ones in my view.#5 Have fun
Prophets can be intense and not much fun to be around. That makes them nothing like Jesus. Crowds gathered around Him at every opportunity. He was amazing, kind, generous, encouraging and, although Scripture never says that Jesus was fun to be around, it does mention that the Spirit of Joy was on Him. Instead of having the ‘burden of the Lord’ this weekend (the one that makes everyone know what a mighty prophet of God you are - not!)try joy! There is time for serious words, but learn to have fun - I beg you!
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Grace Shortage
More than once I have had the Spirit of God say over and over again to me, "My Grace is Sufficient for you".
I love to hear it. I don't always believe it. I'm sometimes painfully unspiritual.
Then, all at once, like candid camera, when I least expect it he floods me with love. He washes over me. He gives me boldness. He fills me with hope and faith. It's a gift.
That's grace. That's what is enough, not just enough, more than I can possibly imagine and then double that.
When he says My Grace is Sufficient... He means there is so much that no matter what comes up, no matter what goes down, no matter what twists and turns come along, His grace is more than enough to make up for it all.
I'm just prophesying to ME. You got to ride along.
I love to hear it. I don't always believe it. I'm sometimes painfully unspiritual.
Then, all at once, like candid camera, when I least expect it he floods me with love. He washes over me. He gives me boldness. He fills me with hope and faith. It's a gift.
That's grace. That's what is enough, not just enough, more than I can possibly imagine and then double that.
When he says My Grace is Sufficient... He means there is so much that no matter what comes up, no matter what goes down, no matter what twists and turns come along, His grace is more than enough to make up for it all.
I'm just prophesying to ME. You got to ride along.
Shammah
Sometimes when the presence of the Lord is great, when I am overcome with His goodness, I find myself expressing it in a word.....Shammah.
This has been for years. I always had a sense this did NOT come from the gift of Tongues. I didn't have any idea that it originated in a name for God.
It just never came up.
So in reading David Wilkerson today I noticed he identified the word Shammah as a name for the God who is THERE. The very last words of the Book of Ezekiel. Here's a bit more.
It blessed me. I recognized that many times in worship, in meetings, in times of glory that the word came from my mouth and I didn't understand it. I do now.
SHAMMAH!!
This has been for years. I always had a sense this did NOT come from the gift of Tongues. I didn't have any idea that it originated in a name for God.
It just never came up.
So in reading David Wilkerson today I noticed he identified the word Shammah as a name for the God who is THERE. The very last words of the Book of Ezekiel. Here's a bit more.
It blessed me. I recognized that many times in worship, in meetings, in times of glory that the word came from my mouth and I didn't understand it. I do now.
SHAMMAH!!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
A Subjective Prophetic Event
There was an Spruce Tree planted the spring I was born. It was 63 feet tall. I have a picture of it.
Last summer in a windstorm it blew down.
I don't really attach any importance to it any more than the old song:
Last summer in a windstorm it blew down.
I don't really attach any importance to it any more than the old song:
My grandfather's clock
Was too large for the shelf,
So it stood ninety years on the floor;
It was taller by half
Than the old man himself,
Though it weighed not a pennyweight more.
It was bought on the morn
Of the day that he was born,
And was always his treasure and pride;
But it stopped short
Never to go again,
When the old man died.
CHORUS:
Ninety years without slumbering,
Tick, tock, tick, tock,
His life seconds numbering,
Tick, tock, tick, tock,
It stopped short
Never to go again,
When the old man died.
Money Doesn't change some people
I am around some moneyed people right now. People I have known all my life.
They are today like they were when they had money.
The Spirit of the Lord says, sometimes people have money, sometimes money has them.
This is that....
They are today like they were when they had money.
The Spirit of the Lord says, sometimes people have money, sometimes money has them.
This is that....
Friday, April 24, 2009
Molestation of the Body of Christ
A year ago in a conversation with a man who was involved sexually with a very young woman outside marriage, the pastor said to the man "How could you do this to your sister in Christ"?
This was in a church setting.
It happens. He's in jail now.
I bring that up because of some voiced concerns I have over a man who is an anointed minister of the Gospel getting people under his influence involved in an Multi Level Marketing scheme, this morning the thought that sometimes what seems to be a good business venture shared with friends crosses over to become molestation of the Body of Christ. This is that.
Of course, people should be careful, discerning, wise. Not all are. Particularly when a gifted anointed man or woman of God says with the same confidence as thus saith the Lord that you should consider getting into this business.
Some can't discern the difference.
The part that is most disturbing to the Spirit of God is that this damages and sometimes destroys relationships as the whole Ponzi unravels.
Just as the man fornicating with the young woman in the church is body molestation, this is like unto that.
This was in a church setting.
It happens. He's in jail now.
I bring that up because of some voiced concerns I have over a man who is an anointed minister of the Gospel getting people under his influence involved in an Multi Level Marketing scheme, this morning the thought that sometimes what seems to be a good business venture shared with friends crosses over to become molestation of the Body of Christ. This is that.
Of course, people should be careful, discerning, wise. Not all are. Particularly when a gifted anointed man or woman of God says with the same confidence as thus saith the Lord that you should consider getting into this business.
Some can't discern the difference.
The part that is most disturbing to the Spirit of God is that this damages and sometimes destroys relationships as the whole Ponzi unravels.
Just as the man fornicating with the young woman in the church is body molestation, this is like unto that.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thanklessness to God and Man
David was concerned when he sinned with Bathsheba that he had sinned against God. But, it seems to me, if you consider Uriah the Hittite, He sinned against man too.
If you can sin against God, you can sin against man.
I don't think I'll get any argument about that.
On the other hand, if you are a thankless person, you might be thankless to God and in turn, thankless to Man. I have seen it. So have you.
In the last couple weeks I have extended hands of help to some people who asked for it. I did what I could. It was substantial enough.
Yet, the thanks I have received is zip. I didn't need groveling. I didn't need bless you Gene. I would have appreciated at least acknowledgement.
In many cases particularly in the Body of Christ we get sooooo busy doing the work of the ministry we forget some basic graces, like saying thanks.
This isn't a big deal. I'm not injured. But, if they are thankless to their brother in Christ, are they as thankless to the Father?
I suspect yes. Thanklessness is a disease. I might do a study on it. Sufficient to say, it's not a good thing.
An afterthought. One of these people when he does upon occasion express thanks, always starts by saying, "I can't thank you enough".
Just thanks would be enough. But that doesn't show up either. Am I being picky? I'll let you decide. It's a heart thing.
If you can sin against God, you can sin against man.
I don't think I'll get any argument about that.
On the other hand, if you are a thankless person, you might be thankless to God and in turn, thankless to Man. I have seen it. So have you.
In the last couple weeks I have extended hands of help to some people who asked for it. I did what I could. It was substantial enough.
Yet, the thanks I have received is zip. I didn't need groveling. I didn't need bless you Gene. I would have appreciated at least acknowledgement.
In many cases particularly in the Body of Christ we get sooooo busy doing the work of the ministry we forget some basic graces, like saying thanks.
This isn't a big deal. I'm not injured. But, if they are thankless to their brother in Christ, are they as thankless to the Father?
I suspect yes. Thanklessness is a disease. I might do a study on it. Sufficient to say, it's not a good thing.
An afterthought. One of these people when he does upon occasion express thanks, always starts by saying, "I can't thank you enough".
Just thanks would be enough. But that doesn't show up either. Am I being picky? I'll let you decide. It's a heart thing.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Amazed once again at the Prophetic Universal Flow
Yesterday I was moved by the Holy Ghost to speak out against some excesses in the Body of Christ. Particularly among Pentecostals of which I am one.
Today another Prophet, Matt Sorger confirmed independently that this is on the Mind of God.
I won't expose the problem here. That's for others to do. Sufficient to say there are real problems. And as Pentecostals we seem to turn off our discerner when it comes to money. This is particularly true in times of financial difficulties. During the last economic downturn whole congregations were led to financial destruction by pastors and leaders who got them into some of the most inane financial schemes ever. You see even whole ministries buying into these speculations from hell.
We believe in myths and old wives tales. Paul told Timothy to avoid these. 1 Timothy 4: 7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly
Here are a few myths and old wives tales:
I don't know why Pentecostals are so prone to buy into these myths except we believe in miracles, loaves and fish and all that. So we leap off the high cliff and expect the angels to bear us up. Jesus wouldn't even do this.
When it doesn't work out we blame God as we go splat on the ground.
He didn't do it. He doesn't always cause natural disasters either. He might use them for his purpose and withhold his hand of protection. But sometimes like the bumper sticker on the back of the pickup truck in Forrest Gump....."thing" happens. (Edited for family distribution).
Today another Prophet, Matt Sorger confirmed independently that this is on the Mind of God.
I won't expose the problem here. That's for others to do. Sufficient to say there are real problems. And as Pentecostals we seem to turn off our discerner when it comes to money. This is particularly true in times of financial difficulties. During the last economic downturn whole congregations were led to financial destruction by pastors and leaders who got them into some of the most inane financial schemes ever. You see even whole ministries buying into these speculations from hell.
We believe in myths and old wives tales. Paul told Timothy to avoid these. 1 Timothy 4: 7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly
Here are a few myths and old wives tales:
- The Lottery
- Multi Level Marketing
- Debt Cancellation because the Fed is a Fraud
- Free Money from the Government in the form of Grants
- Excesses of Christian Ministries (TV) that suck life out of the local Church
I don't know why Pentecostals are so prone to buy into these myths except we believe in miracles, loaves and fish and all that. So we leap off the high cliff and expect the angels to bear us up. Jesus wouldn't even do this.
When it doesn't work out we blame God as we go splat on the ground.
He didn't do it. He doesn't always cause natural disasters either. He might use them for his purpose and withhold his hand of protection. But sometimes like the bumper sticker on the back of the pickup truck in Forrest Gump....."thing" happens. (Edited for family distribution).
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Earth Day from God's Perspective
I created it. It's all mine. Everything. You are allowed to use it. Don't abuse it. Don't worship it.
There will come a day when it will all be destroyed in fire. Keep your eyes on eternal things. The earth is Temporary. Seedtime and harvest will go on till the end. Don't forget to thank ME for the harvest, don't thank the earth. It's just a vehicle. You were placed on it to take dominion over all of creation. As long as the earth endures .
Psalm 104
There will come a day when it will all be destroyed in fire. Keep your eyes on eternal things. The earth is Temporary. Seedtime and harvest will go on till the end. Don't forget to thank ME for the harvest, don't thank the earth. It's just a vehicle. You were placed on it to take dominion over all of creation. As long as the earth endures .
Psalm 104
Monday, April 20, 2009
Shaking Off the Dust of False Systems, Religious and Otherwise
There's a Shaking Going On
To believers who are the least bit observant, it is clear that there's a shaking going on within the world's systems, the church's systems and individual believers. The shaking we are experiencing today is a move of God, who wants to live and move and have His being through His people. He wants to change the world through us!
God is bearing down on established systems of men, whether they be government institutions or institutional churches. He is truly shaking all things so that the only place we can find security is in Him. He is making it clear that He is a jealous God, jealous for our love, our affection and our very lives. During this season, He is giving us a tremendous opportunity to go a better way, to walk in His eternal ways, and to love with His supernatural and transforming love.
Because we have continued to make the wrong things the main things, He is causing us to have to face and accept this important truth: It's all about Him. We have relied on government systems, yet Jesus paid very little attention to Caesar and made it clear that Caesar was to be given only that which was his. Certainly we are not to entrust ourselves to these systems or rely on them for sustenance that can come only from Him.
Nor are we to depend on our church structures, because at best they are inadequate in light of who He is. This is not to diminish our need for gathering with one another or making sure we engage with those whom God has ordained as teachers and nurturers of our souls. But He wants our attention to be focused on Him and not on the peripherals of this world. His original design did not call for religion but for a people freely willing to be called unto Himself.
We are seeing so many looking here and there, for "this" and "that," while expecting the deceptive "this" and "that" to be the keys to finding Him. Our Father desires for us to come to Him so He can show us this, that and the next thing He has for us.
If you are spiritually unsatisfied, don't remove yourself from your faith community to search for a better one; seek Him first, and He will point you to all the right places and all the right faces. Don't expect that by moving from one system to the next, you are going to find what you are looking for. Our Father knows best, so ask Him what you must do.
The Lord is bringing a mighty shaking to man-made religious, government and other structures in this hour. He is beckoning us to be free. He does not want anyone or anything to interfere with His personal guidance for each of His children.
In other words, He desires for us to be in the world, but not of it. Our divine priority should be not to so much establishing organizations that grow but establishing people who grow in relationship with Him and with each other while pursuing Christlikeness.
I like the way The Message describes the shaking we are experiencing: "‘One last shaking, from top to bottom, stem to stern.' The phrase ‘one last shaking' means ‘a thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered'" (Heb. 12:26-27).
We have seen various movements and church systems come and go through the years, and many have been ineffective in producing lasting spiritual fruit that releases people into God's directive destiny. We have institutions that have done little to impart to, empower or release God's people so that we can have a genuine impact for the kingdom of God.
None of these organizations is necessarily wrong, but often they point to men or methods rather than releasing people to hear from the Father themselves. Scripture-inspired control that is described as "protection," "covering" or "obedience" often enslaves those whom Christ has set free.
When we become free from systematic controls and false "coverings," Jesus can rule and reign within us and guide us into all truth. But we will continue to chase experience, chills and frills as substitutes for the real thing until we decide to use our brains, common sense and at least an ounce of discernment. A friend of mine recently made a profound comment about what we are seeing. He said, "We have taken a quart of His Spirit and three quarts of humanity and called it a gallon of God."
Please do not misunderstand me. I am not issuing a call for believers to leave a system or institution to go to another form; I am calling forth a revolutionary people who will not settle for what was, or even what is, but who will engage in what the Father wants. His desire is for us to relate to Him personally, outside our larger gatherings, while going to another level in relating to and loving one another within them. As we live as His disciples, we can take His love and presence into the marketplace and into every area of society in which the Lord has released us.
The shaking we are experiencing today is a move of God, who wants to live and move and have His being through His people. He wants to disciple and transform nations through us! He is working a divine exchange by demanding that His plans prevail over ours.
The rumbling we hear will continue until our revelation of Him increases to the point that we begin to walk powerfully in the reality of His purposes for each of us. As we yield our will to His, He will empower us to present His supernatural kingdom to the world. His power and love will pour out of us as we allow Him to use us to bring about His purposes. Let us now choose to embrace the shaking, examine ourselves and shake more of the flesh away to reveal His Spirit.
About the author: Robert Ricciardelli is co-founder with his wife, Joyce, of Visionary Advancement Strategies (vision2advance.com) and the Converging Zone Network, a global effort to release God's presence by encouraging relational cohesion among individuals and communities. He ministers at churches and conferences worldwide, teaching practical ways to advance God's kingdom into every sphere of society.
Prophetic Insight is a weekly bulletin offering timely and relevant messages for the body of Christ from recognized prophetic voices. It is prepared by Maureen Eha, features editor for Charisma magazine. If you'd like to share a message with Maureen, send it to
Trying to hold your breath to work underwater
I saw a vision of what it is like for many Christians who try to venture out into the world without the prophetic destiny and anointing released in their lives. It is a disaster. It's like a diver who takes a deep breath and dives into deep water attempting to do some work near the bottom and holding their breath while they work. They can go for a little while. They can even look good. But unless they get a fresh breath of oxygen they will have to retreat to breath and go back to work again.
They are intermittent, they are occasional, they can't stay in the fight.
It's too hard.
But, there is a way they can breath underwater, a way they can have a steady flow of Oxygen to keep them in the fight longer and stronger than before. It is by My Spirit says the Lord.
Once you know your purpose and destiny, once you have received the anointing to do what you have been called to do, once you have the life giving flow of the prophetic you will stay on the front much longer.
The Prophetic is the oxygen to give you a fresh blood flow of strength for the journey.
They are intermittent, they are occasional, they can't stay in the fight.
It's too hard.
But, there is a way they can breath underwater, a way they can have a steady flow of Oxygen to keep them in the fight longer and stronger than before. It is by My Spirit says the Lord.
Once you know your purpose and destiny, once you have received the anointing to do what you have been called to do, once you have the life giving flow of the prophetic you will stay on the front much longer.
The Prophetic is the oxygen to give you a fresh blood flow of strength for the journey.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
A Sure Word of Prophecy
This morning I was looking for some things. I ran across this prophecy from December 1.
In view of what is going on I understand the wisdom of God in this word. What is more important is the fact that we must not be offended by his perfect correction on the earth. Here's what the Lord said to me on December 1.
In view of what is going on I understand the wisdom of God in this word. What is more important is the fact that we must not be offended by his perfect correction on the earth. Here's what the Lord said to me on December 1.
I am not surprised ever, nothing ever happens that shocks Me. So what you are going thru, the way it appears is not new to Me.
The world you knew before that you knew in your heart was headed in a wrong direction, a world you lived in once, is gone. It reached a point like in the days of Noah. I did not bring Judgement, I brought correction. I love you too much not too. There are righteous that will feel loss but there are wicked who will be desperate in loss.
These sudden and thorough cleansing affects everything you know. Do not panic. I am still on the throne. This is necessary and in the end you will see it as a sovereign move of My Spirit.
So, watch and see what I will do. Be ready to be used for my purposes when I call you. Do not long for the former things. They are gone. I am taking you to a new place. What you knew will never return again.
What you will come into will be better, much better, but it will be different from what you knew. You will not long for those days before as the Good Old Days, you will see them for what they were.
My promises are still intact and Still Yea and amen.
So, trust me, I know the future and it is a good place you are going. It is not loss, it is gain, not as you will understand at first, but when you see it, it will be a treasure found only in Me that you never could have known otherwise.
I am cleansing my Body as I pour out my spirit. You will see collapses and failures in ministries and churches all around and at the same time will see explosions of my mercy and moves of My Spirit in ways you only read about up until now. The obedient will be established in Me and as they hear the sure word of Prophecy they will prosper.
Your treasure is locked up in ME alone. If you try to find it any other place you will find only deception and disappointment.
Look only to ME. I am Author. I am Finisher. I began a good work in you. I am faithful to fulfill it.
When you wonder who knows what is happening - I AM.
When you wonder there is any hope - I AM.
More than Enough - I AM.
I AM YOUR FUTURE
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Medium IS the Message
I have long believed that the big black book I carry around was enough. That preaching was enough. That a good worship chorus was enough. It was enough 75 years ago. People read, people were engaged, people were willing to dig.
Not now.
Then I got this video. It spoke to me. I hope it speaks to you.
Our Mission Field from City on a Hill Productions on Vimeo.
What the Spirit of God said to me as I watched this was this, "My word never comes back void, but it must be sent. People aren't sending it for it take any root at all. These who I love are being left alone and set aside. My word said that Signs Wonders Tongues Manifestations are as a Sign for those who do not believe. This generation is moved by what they see not what they hear or read. What they experience, not theory. These generation is my chosen generation to usher in a great move that the last generation only dreamed about. I will show myself mighty among them. They will understand who I am in ways former generations never could have. Have the Faith of God and In God. Act boldly. I will never leave you nor forsake you".
Not now.
Then I got this video. It spoke to me. I hope it speaks to you.
Our Mission Field from City on a Hill Productions on Vimeo.
What the Spirit of God said to me as I watched this was this, "My word never comes back void, but it must be sent. People aren't sending it for it take any root at all. These who I love are being left alone and set aside. My word said that Signs Wonders Tongues Manifestations are as a Sign for those who do not believe. This generation is moved by what they see not what they hear or read. What they experience, not theory. These generation is my chosen generation to usher in a great move that the last generation only dreamed about. I will show myself mighty among them. They will understand who I am in ways former generations never could have. Have the Faith of God and In God. Act boldly. I will never leave you nor forsake you".
"Re-Baptizing" - or Baptising - Obediance or Rebellion
Internet Monk has a post on how churches should view or do view the idea of "Re-Baptizing" people who come from other churches and have a conversion experience. Lots of opinions. Lots of views. All revolving around the idea that a person was baptized usually as a baby at another denomination from where they are today. How does that denomination FEEL about all that.
The Spirit of God in me stirred when I read this. First let me say with as much grace as I can. The Father is NOT interested in your opinion on the rightness or wrongness of baptism, once, twice, fifty times. He is interested in your heart toward HIM. Baptism is essential to signal your flesh, the world and the devil of your heart change. Believe and be Baptized. That is the order given by JESUS. I'll take his opinion over the opinion of denominational leaders any day.
Our churches, particularly evangelical, catholic and denominational are filled to the brim with unconverted baptized pew sitters. How do I know. I was one. So were some of you. Maybe most of you.
When I was converted, saved, whatever term you use, when I came to Jesus I was a different person. I knew life as I knew it had changed. I was a new creation. Old things passed away. All things became new.
The Blood of Jesus not only cleansed me, that same blood by the Holy Ghost flowed thru my veins.
So what am I to do about the issue of Baptism. No one preached to me. No one condemned me. I just looked at what Jesus said and the Jailer of Paul and Silas and I knew by the Spirit of God, not tradition, not man's rules, not by denomination, that I believed and now must be baptized in water according to the scriptures.
For that reason, I do not embrace baby Baptism nor do I see it as efficacious. I do embrace infant dedication, which in a way is what baby Baptism really is. But, a person must obey his or her conscience as it is stirred by the Holy Ghost. The word says:
That applies here. If we resist being Baptised in Water, preferably by immersion, because of some denominational constriction or the attitudes of men after we are converted then your Father KNOWS where your allegiance and obedience lies. It is about obedience after all. He will know you would NOT have slain Issac on the Altar and will not use you as he might have if you are unwilling to be obedient in this. Here's where following what people think can take you:
This IS the word of the Lord. Not the word of Churchianity.
The Spirit of God in me stirred when I read this. First let me say with as much grace as I can. The Father is NOT interested in your opinion on the rightness or wrongness of baptism, once, twice, fifty times. He is interested in your heart toward HIM. Baptism is essential to signal your flesh, the world and the devil of your heart change. Believe and be Baptized. That is the order given by JESUS. I'll take his opinion over the opinion of denominational leaders any day.
Our churches, particularly evangelical, catholic and denominational are filled to the brim with unconverted baptized pew sitters. How do I know. I was one. So were some of you. Maybe most of you.
When I was converted, saved, whatever term you use, when I came to Jesus I was a different person. I knew life as I knew it had changed. I was a new creation. Old things passed away. All things became new.
The Blood of Jesus not only cleansed me, that same blood by the Holy Ghost flowed thru my veins.
So what am I to do about the issue of Baptism. No one preached to me. No one condemned me. I just looked at what Jesus said and the Jailer of Paul and Silas and I knew by the Spirit of God, not tradition, not man's rules, not by denomination, that I believed and now must be baptized in water according to the scriptures.
For that reason, I do not embrace baby Baptism nor do I see it as efficacious. I do embrace infant dedication, which in a way is what baby Baptism really is. But, a person must obey his or her conscience as it is stirred by the Holy Ghost. The word says:
If you know how to do the right and yet do it not, the sin is the greater on account of your knowledge. James 4:15
That applies here. If we resist being Baptised in Water, preferably by immersion, because of some denominational constriction or the attitudes of men after we are converted then your Father KNOWS where your allegiance and obedience lies. It is about obedience after all. He will know you would NOT have slain Issac on the Altar and will not use you as he might have if you are unwilling to be obedient in this. Here's where following what people think can take you:
If God calls you to be Baptized and you choose the traditions of men over obedience to the word of God you will be set aside. You will probably make heaven, but set aside none the less.1 Samuel 15:22-23 (New International Version)
22 But Samuel replied:
"Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
he has rejected you as king."
This IS the word of the Lord. Not the word of Churchianity.
Drive Carefully in Construction Zones
Apostle Nancy Minor in her Blog wrote this today. It's really good. Read the whole thing. In part she says this:
Today the Lord quickened several things to me. I've pondered them, what does this mean, where do they fit with this week following Resurrection? Let me share them with you, even as the figures in Jerusalem pondered how to live their lives in light of all that Jesus had shared with them...
The following two were in a safety letter I received;
* Drive carefully and attentively through construction zones.
Immediate thought: We are ALL under construction-thus we should use care in how we 'drive' through each others lives.
* Be courteous and kind to other drivers and especially to the construction workers.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Who Are These Self Appointed Pretenders?
I hear a lot of criticism from churchy types about people who hear from God and because of that do great and mighty exploits. They are criticized because they weren't somehow officially recognized by this or that eccesial authority or organization. Certainly there is authority within the organizations. If the Presbyterians recognize you, you can do with authority whatever Presbyterians want to have you do. If God recognizes and calls you, you can do with authority whatever God calls you to do.
I carry credentials. I get that. There is a place for worldly credentials. It's just far lower than the Calling of God.
What about those that God calls, by opportunity, anointing or audibly? The 1 Corinthian 12 spirituals are often given by opportunity. God calls his spirit filled believers who they are and when they are to a specific need. No ordination committee is formed to release the gift.
When this morning I contemplated all the examples in scripture where someone could have said that someone was self described, self appointed, self identified as if that's a bad thing I wonder what the headline might have been.
AND the list could go on.
So, if you are called of God, be that. Be sure you hear from God but then, walk in your gift. If you choose to be recognized by others, that's OK. It's more important to be recognized by God.
That is the word of the Lord for some Apostle or Prophet today.
I carry credentials. I get that. There is a place for worldly credentials. It's just far lower than the Calling of God.
What about those that God calls, by opportunity, anointing or audibly? The 1 Corinthian 12 spirituals are often given by opportunity. God calls his spirit filled believers who they are and when they are to a specific need. No ordination committee is formed to release the gift.
When this morning I contemplated all the examples in scripture where someone could have said that someone was self described, self appointed, self identified as if that's a bad thing I wonder what the headline might have been.
Mr Moses, a Shepherd by trade and rumored to be a fugitive from justice, has self appointed himself leader of the people currently in Egypt who are descendants of Israel. No comment was available from Mr Moses.
Mr Gideon, a man who was unknown a week ago and who was always considered a mild mannered man by his neighbors has decided to lead an uprising against the Midianites. It must be noted that Gideon has no formal military background and is only doing this as a self described leader because he claims to have heard from a god. His father, who was a leader in a religious organization, had no comment. It appears that Mr Gideon had torn down an altar his father worked in.
Mr Jeremiah who resides with captives in the country of Babylon has been bringing some bad news lately. Most other recognized prophets of the land reject his pronouncements. He is considered by many to be a self identified "holy man". No record of any formal installation or recognition of him is on record. When cornered by one of our reporters, Mr Jeremiah only would say that GOD called him from his mothers womb. This is unlikely in our opinion and without formal endorsement of his view we at CNN recommend you ignore his statements in favor of those more recognized by church authorities.
AND the list could go on.
So, if you are called of God, be that. Be sure you hear from God but then, walk in your gift. If you choose to be recognized by others, that's OK. It's more important to be recognized by God.
That is the word of the Lord for some Apostle or Prophet today.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Since Hell is a place of confusion, It's chief is even MORE confused
As Christians we sometimes believe we are dealing with an organized enemy. Sometimes it even looks that way. The minions of hell, on the earth and in the spirit world, are demons and people influenced by demons who's core value is rebellion. The net result of the efforts coming out from the schemes of the enemy are most often thwarted by their own devices. They author confusion only.
Or to put it less elegantly, the Devil always seems to shoot himself in the foot. He did it with Jesus. If he had know he would not have....
So, when you see confusion and delusion everywhere around you, be aware that is the trademark of the Devil. Confusion and Delusion, Inc.
Keep a clear mind, have no fear, think on things above and wash your spirit with the word of God constantly. You will walk proud, tall and strong. There is no fear in Love.
Expect even more confusion in the days to come, the Devil has his 45 trained squarely on his own Buster Browns right NOW!
Or to put it less elegantly, the Devil always seems to shoot himself in the foot. He did it with Jesus. If he had know he would not have....
So, when you see confusion and delusion everywhere around you, be aware that is the trademark of the Devil. Confusion and Delusion, Inc.
Keep a clear mind, have no fear, think on things above and wash your spirit with the word of God constantly. You will walk proud, tall and strong. There is no fear in Love.
Expect even more confusion in the days to come, the Devil has his 45 trained squarely on his own Buster Browns right NOW!
No man can Buy or Sell - OR NOT?
I have been aware of the potential for a one world currency for some time. It seems like it is in the book of Revelation. Seems like.
But, as I have been watching carefully the events of the world around us it has become apparent in the spirit that there is an offsetting prophetic inclination that puts the one world currency into question regarding our time.
Jesus said it. Matthew 24:
The money will fail and as it does it will be replaced with methods of exchange. Nations against nations. Even the Euro will not survive this. There is no Amero. Fiat Currency demands trust and confidence, something in short supply in our world right now.
Now to the prophecy, No man shall buy or sell.....Revelation 13
This prophecy will increase the distrust of any supposed world currency, even non believers know this passage pretty well. It appears that at some point there will come a point when the Beast has taken control that he will outlaw all of the many exchange methods. Trying to implement a world exchange system. If the wise Christian is diligent he or she will not be willing to take the mark. Therefore buying and selling will be off limits to Christians and those who take know and understand this prophecy.
Many non believers will take the mark. And there will be many non believers according to Jesus. More than we expect. The system will come into place, but it will be only integrated by force. Cause.
A one world currency will not be able to be implemented as long as there are men and women on the earth who are unwilling to use or embrace it. We will trade sea shells rather than trade in a devil based currency. So, be brave and be strong and don't fear the talk of a one world currency......yet.
Which is why either we will be killed or taken up. Evenso, come Lord Jesus.
But, as I have been watching carefully the events of the world around us it has become apparent in the spirit that there is an offsetting prophetic inclination that puts the one world currency into question regarding our time.
Jesus said it. Matthew 24:
As economic pains increase, as famine and warfare become more widespread, as difficulties expand, I see that Jesus is right, nation will rise up against nation, in various places, in response to difficulty. That will mean that in the end there will be an expansion of national, regional and even local exchange methodologies. Currencies if you want to call them that.4Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,a]"> and will deceive many. 6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains.
9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
The money will fail and as it does it will be replaced with methods of exchange. Nations against nations. Even the Euro will not survive this. There is no Amero. Fiat Currency demands trust and confidence, something in short supply in our world right now.
Now to the prophecy, No man shall buy or sell.....Revelation 13
16 He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. 17 And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. 18 Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666.
This prophecy will increase the distrust of any supposed world currency, even non believers know this passage pretty well. It appears that at some point there will come a point when the Beast has taken control that he will outlaw all of the many exchange methods. Trying to implement a world exchange system. If the wise Christian is diligent he or she will not be willing to take the mark. Therefore buying and selling will be off limits to Christians and those who take know and understand this prophecy.
Many non believers will take the mark. And there will be many non believers according to Jesus. More than we expect. The system will come into place, but it will be only integrated by force. Cause.
A one world currency will not be able to be implemented as long as there are men and women on the earth who are unwilling to use or embrace it. We will trade sea shells rather than trade in a devil based currency. So, be brave and be strong and don't fear the talk of a one world currency......yet.
Which is why either we will be killed or taken up. Evenso, come Lord Jesus.
Cutting off the Root
Yesterday I was doing some work for a dear Pastor. In the process we had an old planting. There were several roots holding on old YEW in the ground. Several were cut. Yet it would not be uprooted. It took a long time and hard work to get it uprooted.
Just like things in our lives. We think we can get the things out of our lives easily. It's true, but you have to cut and poke and trim and dig to find the roots.
When they are all cut off, you can get rid of that thing that has grown in your life.
But, you will have to cut EVERY ROOT.
Just like things in our lives. We think we can get the things out of our lives easily. It's true, but you have to cut and poke and trim and dig to find the roots.
When they are all cut off, you can get rid of that thing that has grown in your life.
But, you will have to cut EVERY ROOT.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Taking Credit for the Move of God
I am concerned for ministries and organizations who get on board with what God is doing and then take credit for it. I DID THIS.
God says, NO MAN will be allowed to share my Glory.
So, cut it out. If you give, if you serve, if you provide help, stop blowing your own horn. Don't let your right hand know what your left hand is doing.
TV evangelists are the worst for this. CBN's Operation Blessing is a sham designed for raising money. Sorry Pat. Transparency should be your friend. It's not.
God says, NO MAN will be allowed to share my Glory.
Isaiah 42:8 I am Jehovah, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.
Isaiah 48:11 For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it; For how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another.
So, cut it out. If you give, if you serve, if you provide help, stop blowing your own horn. Don't let your right hand know what your left hand is doing.
TV evangelists are the worst for this. CBN's Operation Blessing is a sham designed for raising money. Sorry Pat. Transparency should be your friend. It's not.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
A Picture of the New Church in the West
I have been given a glimpse what the new church in the west will look like. It won't be your grandfathers church. It will be a different community. It will be more interactive. More fluid. More vital. More viral.
There will be dinosaur holdovers from the previous iteration, but they will dissolve to the wails of the structural hierarchies that existed to control them. I see what it looks like now. Interconnected, viral, alive, passionate. Not big. Not centralized. Not even labeled. You can't put a label on Blood, it's blood and it flows, no one knows if that is head blood, foot blood, heart blood, finger blood, ear blood, eye blood or kidney blood. It's just blood. Think of the new as blood cells who don't belong to any appendage who support and keep the body alive.
I can't tell you exactly what it looks like, but I see it now. I have carried in my spirit a prophetic vision of the new church for almost 20 years. I kept hoping, particularly in the Fox Valley where I live that this new church would arise. I have had a few misreads. I thought it was this one, then that one. It's none of those. I was not seeing clearly. I saw the result, thousands of passionate sold out worshippers of Jesus walking in freedom and joy together as a church. I saw the healing power of Jesus manifested as an organized fellowship. That was my fault. I thought it was about a church, no, it's about a Body. HIM!
It is an every member and no member assembly of passion. It will ebb, flow and revitalize and ebb and flow and find a new place in Jesus. Lakeland was an example. And look what is flowing from that. LIFE.
People holding together people who need to be encouraged and nurtured. And those doing the encouraging being nurtured.
Just like blood.
I know what I am saying seems to be disconnected, almost nebulous.
YES.
That's it. The Body of Christ is bigger than Church. Let's get on board what God is doing in the earth today.
There is Life in the Blood!
There will be dinosaur holdovers from the previous iteration, but they will dissolve to the wails of the structural hierarchies that existed to control them. I see what it looks like now. Interconnected, viral, alive, passionate. Not big. Not centralized. Not even labeled. You can't put a label on Blood, it's blood and it flows, no one knows if that is head blood, foot blood, heart blood, finger blood, ear blood, eye blood or kidney blood. It's just blood. Think of the new as blood cells who don't belong to any appendage who support and keep the body alive.
I can't tell you exactly what it looks like, but I see it now. I have carried in my spirit a prophetic vision of the new church for almost 20 years. I kept hoping, particularly in the Fox Valley where I live that this new church would arise. I have had a few misreads. I thought it was this one, then that one. It's none of those. I was not seeing clearly. I saw the result, thousands of passionate sold out worshippers of Jesus walking in freedom and joy together as a church. I saw the healing power of Jesus manifested as an organized fellowship. That was my fault. I thought it was about a church, no, it's about a Body. HIM!
It is an every member and no member assembly of passion. It will ebb, flow and revitalize and ebb and flow and find a new place in Jesus. Lakeland was an example. And look what is flowing from that. LIFE.
People holding together people who need to be encouraged and nurtured. And those doing the encouraging being nurtured.
Just like blood.
I know what I am saying seems to be disconnected, almost nebulous.
YES.
That's it. The Body of Christ is bigger than Church. Let's get on board what God is doing in the earth today.
There is Life in the Blood!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Prophets need Prophets
I know people who do not understand the prophetic think that if a person says he needs to hear the prophetic, that he is somehow weak. That is far from the truth.
In fact, when someone who considers themselves a prophet says that they don't need to hear from other prophets, I question the gift of prophecy in their lives. As a prophet, I desperately desire, need to hear what the spirit of God is saying. That's why sometimes the most electric times are when I am with another man or woman who flows in the prophetic freely.
More important, I need prophetic watchmen on the wall around me. Sometime they may have a word of warning that could just save my life.
What brings this up? Bill Johnson, a prophet and a great man of God was warned out of the clear blue by Prophet Bob Jones. Bob told Pastor Johnson that something was wrong, that he should get checked out by a physician.
Bill was feeling OK but just to be sure, he went to see the doc. Sure enough. Well, you can read the whole story here. I'll bet Bill Johnson as prophetic as he is, is really happy that he has a Prophet for a Friend who will watch on the wall for him.
Prophets need other prophets and if they think they don't, they will fall.....
In fact, when someone who considers themselves a prophet says that they don't need to hear from other prophets, I question the gift of prophecy in their lives. As a prophet, I desperately desire, need to hear what the spirit of God is saying. That's why sometimes the most electric times are when I am with another man or woman who flows in the prophetic freely.
More important, I need prophetic watchmen on the wall around me. Sometime they may have a word of warning that could just save my life.
What brings this up? Bill Johnson, a prophet and a great man of God was warned out of the clear blue by Prophet Bob Jones. Bob told Pastor Johnson that something was wrong, that he should get checked out by a physician.
Bill was feeling OK but just to be sure, he went to see the doc. Sure enough. Well, you can read the whole story here. I'll bet Bill Johnson as prophetic as he is, is really happy that he has a Prophet for a Friend who will watch on the wall for him.
Prophets need other prophets and if they think they don't, they will fall.....
The light shines brightest in the darkness
The world seems dark, government seems dark, corruptions seems dark, tyranny seems to be in charge of us all.
This is the city of Jerusalem about 33 AD. You are there. You see the darkness all around.
Something is happening just outside of town. You hear about it. You wonder.
Then about 3 in the afternoon it gets really dark, the ground heaves, apparitions appear.
The temple is torn up and the veil is torn down.
Things are not as they should be. Just like today in the USA.
It's dark......but......I have a light, and it always shines.... Don Potter wrote that song:
I have a light
And it always shines
It shines in the day
It shines in the night
And when the dark days come
And the sun isn’t bright
I will be shining
For I have a light
(Repeat)
(Bridge:)
My light is the Lord
Jesus by name
My light is the Spirit
Who leads me to change
My light is the Father
Who gave up His own
My light is the hope
I’ll be with Him in a heavenly home
This is the city of Jerusalem about 33 AD. You are there. You see the darkness all around.
Something is happening just outside of town. You hear about it. You wonder.
Then about 3 in the afternoon it gets really dark, the ground heaves, apparitions appear.
The temple is torn up and the veil is torn down.
Things are not as they should be. Just like today in the USA.
It's dark......but......I have a light, and it always shines.... Don Potter wrote that song:
I have a light
And it always shines
It shines in the day
It shines in the night
And when the dark days come
And the sun isn’t bright
I will be shining
For I have a light
(Repeat)
(Bridge:)
My light is the Lord
Jesus by name
My light is the Spirit
Who leads me to change
My light is the Father
Who gave up His own
My light is the hope
I’ll be with Him in a heavenly home
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The car that isn't in the parking lot is steered
I heard Peggy talk to someone on the phone... She made the comment that God can't steer a parked car.
I know what she meant. Sometimes we find ourselves frozen by fear. Not acting. Immobilized.
Abraham was told to leave his country of UR. He didn't know where he was going, just that he was. The Children of Israel wandered in the desert. The only time God could lead was when they were ready to move.
It seems like the Father is saying, keep on, do what you know to do, have faith in ME, don't quit.
For that reason, I know that the Father's purpose in YOU is to keep on. No matter what it seems like, to stop is to fail.
He is asking us to trust him. He's asking me.
I will trust you Father.
Lead on. I release the wheel of my life.
I know what she meant. Sometimes we find ourselves frozen by fear. Not acting. Immobilized.
Abraham was told to leave his country of UR. He didn't know where he was going, just that he was. The Children of Israel wandered in the desert. The only time God could lead was when they were ready to move.
It seems like the Father is saying, keep on, do what you know to do, have faith in ME, don't quit.
For that reason, I know that the Father's purpose in YOU is to keep on. No matter what it seems like, to stop is to fail.
He is asking us to trust him. He's asking me.
I will trust you Father.
Lead on. I release the wheel of my life.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
God May be tearing down more than worldly altars of Baal
I'm careful in how I give this word. I don't want anyone to misconstrue. I'm not even sure it's a thus saith the Lord. But it might be. It's pretty fresh.
I have been concerned about the decline of mainstream Christianity in the USA. Churches closing and empty.
Why?
I am starting to see that the revival (new growth) can't come unless the old dead and diseased wood is first pruned off and thrown into the fire. I should of all people know this.
Maybe what we see statistically is the sprouting of new fresh life in Jesus and Old Churchianity dying off as it should. If that's the case, bring it on.
Maybe this economic depression is in fact God cleaning house of a lost religious system once and for all. Some will make it. But they are going to stick pretty close to the heart of Jesus to do so. That will mean change. That will mean abandoning the hierarchies and practices that brought them to ruin in the first.
Even so, Come Lord Jesus. I know you reign victoriously. Let's see how that is going to look. Better than the mess we men have created I'll wager.
I have been concerned about the decline of mainstream Christianity in the USA. Churches closing and empty.
Why?
I am starting to see that the revival (new growth) can't come unless the old dead and diseased wood is first pruned off and thrown into the fire. I should of all people know this.
Maybe what we see statistically is the sprouting of new fresh life in Jesus and Old Churchianity dying off as it should. If that's the case, bring it on.
Maybe this economic depression is in fact God cleaning house of a lost religious system once and for all. Some will make it. But they are going to stick pretty close to the heart of Jesus to do so. That will mean change. That will mean abandoning the hierarchies and practices that brought them to ruin in the first.
Even so, Come Lord Jesus. I know you reign victoriously. Let's see how that is going to look. Better than the mess we men have created I'll wager.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Worthy of Praise
We all have people in our lives who we admire, who have done great things, who have been selfless. They need to receive our praise and appreciation. They are worthy. But sometimes we have to understand that it is who they are and what they do that is most important.
Sometimes concentration on the actions of others misses the reality of the situation. A mother, according to scripture, who cares for her child, who changes the babies diapers, who is nurses the baby at her breast and who because of her love for that child would even give her life for it to protect the child is doing what she was born to do, doing what she must do, not out of heroism, not out of extraordinary humanity or heroism. She is the mother of that Child and that reality of who she is must inform her action. She sacrifices because she is the mother.
That in a tiny tiny way illustrates what we must praise, Jesus sacrifice, his pain, his suffering, his horrible death on the Cross is meaningful not because he suffered and died, to concentrate on that misses the point. Thousands of people in those days suffered and died on a cross. What makes it meaningful at all is who he IS. He is worthy of Praise not for what he did, but for who he is.
King of all Glory steps out of eternity to live perfectly and die horribly for you. Now he rules and reigns over sin, death and the devil. For that he is worthy to be praised.
The cross is not the focus, the victory over evil is, and that the ONE WORTHY LAMB was slain from the foundations of the earth to buy us all back from certain eternal condemnation.
That is worthy of praise.
Sometimes concentration on the actions of others misses the reality of the situation. A mother, according to scripture, who cares for her child, who changes the babies diapers, who is nurses the baby at her breast and who because of her love for that child would even give her life for it to protect the child is doing what she was born to do, doing what she must do, not out of heroism, not out of extraordinary humanity or heroism. She is the mother of that Child and that reality of who she is must inform her action. She sacrifices because she is the mother.
That in a tiny tiny way illustrates what we must praise, Jesus sacrifice, his pain, his suffering, his horrible death on the Cross is meaningful not because he suffered and died, to concentrate on that misses the point. Thousands of people in those days suffered and died on a cross. What makes it meaningful at all is who he IS. He is worthy of Praise not for what he did, but for who he is.
King of all Glory steps out of eternity to live perfectly and die horribly for you. Now he rules and reigns over sin, death and the devil. For that he is worthy to be praised.
The cross is not the focus, the victory over evil is, and that the ONE WORTHY LAMB was slain from the foundations of the earth to buy us all back from certain eternal condemnation.
That is worthy of praise.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
......Should not Perish, but have Everlasting Life (or is it Eternal)
Friday I spoke with an old friend. He has been suffering some Chronic things in health. So has his wife.
It's hard to hear about.
This morning in praying for them the Lord spoke:
I know that at one time long ago I may have heard this in a teaching. I don't recall. There are a lot of things up in that old cranium. But, in pondering my friends situation, and knowing how richly God has provided, to now sideline him by infirmity is PERISHING.
I hate the Devil. Yesterday I taught the healing power revealed in Isahia 53. Somehow we have to get that released in this situation. My friend has eternal life, it's his everlasting life I am concerned about.
Watch out for that One who would cause you to Perish.
It's hard to hear about.
This morning in praying for them the Lord spoke:
"The devil comes to rob you of your life. He is out to kill, steal and destroy. Even from MY people. He wants to see to it they PERISH right here, right now. Not about hell, it's about living your purposes in ME! When you were born again you received ETERNAL Life, that is you entered into the no end and no beginning eternal now that I live in but you also, from the moment you stepped from time into eternity entered into EVERLASTING life. You had a beginning. But now you will go on Forever. Yes in heaven, but in the results of the divine purpose for which you were created on earth in your generation and all those that come after you. It's that life more than anything the Devil wants to keep you from, even though you will be with ME in heaven forever, he wants to destroy your Purpose on earth, to cause it to PERISH".
I know that at one time long ago I may have heard this in a teaching. I don't recall. There are a lot of things up in that old cranium. But, in pondering my friends situation, and knowing how richly God has provided, to now sideline him by infirmity is PERISHING.
I hate the Devil. Yesterday I taught the healing power revealed in Isahia 53. Somehow we have to get that released in this situation. My friend has eternal life, it's his everlasting life I am concerned about.
Watch out for that One who would cause you to Perish.
Friday, April 3, 2009
In the end, Who recognized Jesus??
Isaiah tells us that Jesus was beaten until he was almost unrecognizable as a man.
His mother and disciples had given up. They fled and then buried him without much expectation.
But he Was recognized. So will you be my brother or sister. As you hide yourself in him, God is in the business of seeing to it people and things who you least expect will see you for who you are. Sometimes in the strangest ways of all. He is busy helping you find your place in God and your place of ministry service in the world.
When Jesus hung on the cross, it appears as if NO ONE recognized him. He was not understood to be who he is, true man, true God. But, even dying on the Cross he WAS recognized:
His mother, his disciples, his friends they didn't know him for who he REALLY is.
At the end, The FATHER recognized him as the living sacrifice, the lamb slain before the foundations of the earth and rolled the stone away. Pushed death back and bodily brought Jesus victorious from the tomb. The place where people had given him up for dead.
People may have given you up for dead. They may have tried to bury you. You are not buried, just unrecognized by the world. But ONE knows your name, he wrote it on the palm of his hand. Even if you look broken and destroyed, your are recognized, by your name.
The tomb they tried to place you in is soon to be empty.
ARISE!!
Isaiah 52:14
his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man
and his form marred beyond human likeness—
His mother and disciples had given up. They fled and then buried him without much expectation.
But he Was recognized. So will you be my brother or sister. As you hide yourself in him, God is in the business of seeing to it people and things who you least expect will see you for who you are. Sometimes in the strangest ways of all. He is busy helping you find your place in God and your place of ministry service in the world.
When Jesus hung on the cross, it appears as if NO ONE recognized him. He was not understood to be who he is, true man, true God. But, even dying on the Cross he WAS recognized:
- The centurion Recognized him, Truly this is the son of God
- The Robber on his left recognized him, "Remember me when you come into your Kingdom"
- The Earth recognized him, it trembled, quaked and opened up at his death
- The religious symbols recognized him. The temple veil was torn top to bottom.
- Death Recognized the Resurrection and the life and upon his death men got out of the grave and walked around Jerusalem.
Matthew 27: 52The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
His mother, his disciples, his friends they didn't know him for who he REALLY is.
At the end, The FATHER recognized him as the living sacrifice, the lamb slain before the foundations of the earth and rolled the stone away. Pushed death back and bodily brought Jesus victorious from the tomb. The place where people had given him up for dead.
People may have given you up for dead. They may have tried to bury you. You are not buried, just unrecognized by the world. But ONE knows your name, he wrote it on the palm of his hand. Even if you look broken and destroyed, your are recognized, by your name.
The tomb they tried to place you in is soon to be empty.
ARISE!!
Sometimes a Prophecy isn't
I try hard not to be critical of another prophet. I do judge. It's what I am supposed to do. But sometimes a good man, usually a man with the ministry gift of a Pastor Teacher will publish something he says is Prophetic. I know prophetic. This isn't it. Be careful sir....
I wouldn't have picked that from the smorgasbord
If prophetic callings were smorgasbord entre's that we could just select from a long line available, I can think of some I would rather have than the one I seem to be wearing right now.
Being Issiah, kings courts, Ussiah and all.
Or Micah, his contemporary.
Even Jonah. Not welcome but effective.
I guess if Jeremiah's prophetic ministry were examined by the court prophets of his day they would have picked away at it pretty aggressively.
But, if I am a watchman placed on a prophetic wall and do not cry out an alarm, then why did God choose me. How responsible has he made me for this message?
If I am not hearing from God or if I'm a crackpot time will tell that tale. I have nothing to gain and everything to lose by walking in the shoes Jeremiah left behind. I may not fill them, but I must keep walking.
If I were God I wouldn't have picked me and if I were making a choice, I would rather have had the job of being the happy positive prophet at all times.
I don't and he did.
So, get ready.
Being Issiah, kings courts, Ussiah and all.
Or Micah, his contemporary.
Even Jonah. Not welcome but effective.
I guess if Jeremiah's prophetic ministry were examined by the court prophets of his day they would have picked away at it pretty aggressively.
But, if I am a watchman placed on a prophetic wall and do not cry out an alarm, then why did God choose me. How responsible has he made me for this message?
If I am not hearing from God or if I'm a crackpot time will tell that tale. I have nothing to gain and everything to lose by walking in the shoes Jeremiah left behind. I may not fill them, but I must keep walking.
If I were God I wouldn't have picked me and if I were making a choice, I would rather have had the job of being the happy positive prophet at all times.
I don't and he did.
So, get ready.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Pit Diggers arise when the Gospel (good news) isn't convenient
May an outcry be heard from their houses, When You suddenly bring raiders upon them; For they have dug a pit to capture me And hidden snares for my feet. Jeremiah 18:22
The Pharisees hated that idea that Jesus brought, you had access to the Father, most of the ceremony was meaningless, that 72AD was coming. They hated Jesus and killed him.
They threw Jeremiah in a pit. The bad news is the good news might not mesh with what you always believed. Jesus is still in the Miracle Business. He's still making things happen for those who trust him.
We don't need to fear, but we must trust. We are to be the leaders in this new day. This is supposed to be the finest day ever for Christians if we do not lose heart.
I'm afraid many who hate having their little hierarchies disturbed will be looking for a place to set a snare and dig a pit.
Have at it. My God is Well Able!
The Pharisees hated that idea that Jesus brought, you had access to the Father, most of the ceremony was meaningless, that 72AD was coming. They hated Jesus and killed him.
They threw Jeremiah in a pit. The bad news is the good news might not mesh with what you always believed. Jesus is still in the Miracle Business. He's still making things happen for those who trust him.
We don't need to fear, but we must trust. We are to be the leaders in this new day. This is supposed to be the finest day ever for Christians if we do not lose heart.
I'm afraid many who hate having their little hierarchies disturbed will be looking for a place to set a snare and dig a pit.
Have at it. My God is Well Able!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
A Nightmare
I had a dream, more like a nightmare, leading a church service, suddenly, people got up and left just as the anointing fell. Turned and looked behind me and the worship team was gone. I was all alone, in front. Befuddled. Couldn't remember what had or had not happened at all in the whole service if anything. Dream interpretation anyone?
La La La La La La La
Itching ears only hear what they like, what fits into their paradigm.
Abraham didn't like the idea that God was about to destroy Sodom. He argued with God.
Many today are arguing with God over the things he is doing right now. Why? They ask.
Because I am a JUST God and things are out of adJUSTment. I must readJUST things to make them right. This will be painful, but it will be best in the end.
This seems to be impossible for the people of God to hear. They expect that God will allow inJUSTice to continue unabated. He won't. It won't. Things are about to change.
Abraham didn't like the idea that God was about to destroy Sodom. He argued with God.
Many today are arguing with God over the things he is doing right now. Why? They ask.
Because I am a JUST God and things are out of adJUSTment. I must readJUST things to make them right. This will be painful, but it will be best in the end.
This seems to be impossible for the people of God to hear. They expect that God will allow inJUSTice to continue unabated. He won't. It won't. Things are about to change.
Words of Hope
I am the Lord that Healeth thee. That's been going thru my spirit while I cough wheese and hack.
I need to know that, because right now I don't feel it.
I need to know that, because right now I don't feel it.
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