How Prophets Deal With an Imminent Threat

In the study of the Prophetic as exemplified by what is written in the word of God, there are several kinds of approaches that Prophets use to warn, help, encourage, mollify and ameliorate something coming down the road. "Something Wicked this Way Comes".

Sometimes the prophet gives and If - Then word.   IF my people, If you, If nothing changes.  It's a word of warning to change to avoid calamity. 

Sometimes the prophet paints a picture of an outcome that can be avoided if behavior is avoided.

Sometimes the prophet looks far beyond the imminent threat and let's the people know that it will all turn out for good.  The long view.

Sometimes the prophet decries the moral and corrupt state of a people that invites the threat to come.

Sometimes the prophet reassures that despite the threat coming, Jesus is still king and still has subjects who will not bow the knee. 

Sometimes the prophet has the task of letting the people know that when the threat hits, they will have to endure a long period of pain.  Preparation for that is not just in the physical, but in the Spiritual.  It is why Father had me write the little book, Facing the End.  We have to prepare for the days to come.

The main thing a prophet must do is draw a plumb-line between ungodliness and the holiness intended for HIS people that is short of the mark.  That holding up to the bright light the purity of God's intentions toward us and our rebellion leads us to destruction, even inviting the threat.

So much of this is looking at the perfect compared to the present, much looking at the present and the choices we make that creates our future and some is looking into the future to prepare the people for the times to come.  Anything less demeans the prophetic and it's purpose.

It doesn't take much light to extinguish the darkness - be one

Our bedroom is dark. We have blackout curtains that eliminates all light at night.  Streetlamps and such.  If Peggy goes to bed early and I come in later there is nothing for me to find my way to the bed.  It is very dark and I don't want to disturb her.

I do have a light.  It's the "On" light to my charger for the phone.  It's a small blue led.  It isn't much but it's enough to keep me from stubbing my toe at night.

As I did this again last night I heard the Lord say, "It doesn't take much light to defeat the darkness does it"?

As I thought about this and thought about all the scriptural things regarding light, light of the world, let your light so shine and the whole thing I came to realize that we don't need to be a superstar light to defeat whatever dark the enemy brings our way.  In fact being just a small light is enough. 

The big stars on TV, on platforms, in churches, at rallies and all kinds of other high visibility places can be light.  Some however are not.  They don't bring real illumination.  They expand the darkness.  I won't point them out, but many are evangelists of the Deep Dark.  Agents disguised as light.

Many years ago Pappa Joe Frankhauser said to me, "Always follow the path of more light".  It has led me to where I am today.  I have followed the light and as the light has come I have been able to become light for others.. Even in this posting.

Surely we all know how much the enemy wants to use even the verse "satan comes as an agent of light".  We don't have to fear the light if we live in discernment.  I have seen this again and again.

My word for you is "Be Light to the World Around You".  You have people who need light, people who are discouraged, people who are going down a dark path.  Be light.  You don't have to be a bright light, it only takes a little light to crush the darkness. 

When I got this I thought of Don Potter and the Song "I have a light" 

It seems right to post it here:

The Sword of the Spirit is NOT your Bible

Coming up Pentecostal, I would often hear people say, "I'm not going anywhere without my Sword".  They would hold up their Bible proudly.  Certainly the Bible contains weapons, swords.  But it is not your sword.

So what is?  We are told In Ephesians to pick up the Sword of the Spirit.

Jesus is described in Revelation 19:15 as using a sword. 

"Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty".

Sounds pretty rough.  But how does Jesus Wield that weapon? He strikes down the nations. Does He come and knock them in the head?  No he does something else. 

Hebrews 4:12 says:
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

So somehow that Sword in Jesus mouth is able to do great things.  Exposing our innermost thoughts and desires.  It is alive.

I have had some people say that the Bible is alive.. that it is a living testament.  True when it is spoken out.  But a Bible on a bookshelf is as dead as a dictionary.  No life.  Inert. No Sword. 

So how does this happen.  We know that the word of God has power.. when spoken out.  In Genesis ten Times God says "Let there BE" and there is.  Spirit Action. 

Jesus present at creation is called the WORD. John 1:14

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Jesus then before Going back into Heaven, says to His Disciples and you and me... Greater Works shall you do...

HOW?  By using the sword He gave us.

Your Sword, you active to dividing bone and marrow, your creative sword that calls things into being, the weapon that destroys the works of the Devil casting him OUT of people is the Word of GOD in YOUR MOUTH. 

The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God Spoken from our Mouth.  Just Like Jesus in Revelation.  Just like the creative Power of Creation.  Just like the capacity to reveal intentions.

We must learn to use the Sword of the Spirit in our mouth to accomplish great things in God.. and in our destiny..  NOW warrior of God, take up your sword and speak His word and His will with confidence.

Comprehend the mission, power and obedience of Angels

1. They carry out the word and will of God on the earth. They are not able to deviate from that mission. Psalm 103:20

"Bless the LORD, you His angels, Mighty in strength, who perform His word, Obeying the voice of His word!"

They are voice activated. When you proclaim the will of God by His word Concerning you the Angels go into action. It's who they are.

2. IF YOU are an inheritor of salvation, YOU are their assignment. They wait to go into action when you speak words of faith according to the goodness and will of God. Hebrews 1:14

"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?"

3. There is no shortage of the Angelic Realm to do battle for you, even while you sleep, even if you don't see them. They are there. Sometimes you might see them. You can rely on the presence of God in their midst. You don't need to do anything. Like Elisha's servant who couldn't see them, he had his eyes open. Use the eyes of faith to see God move in your behalf. Psalm 68:17

"The chariots of God are twice ten thousand, thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them"

This is all good news, but let me warn you the opposite is true. The angels stand and wait for you to speak words of faith and trust. When you speak doubt and fear they cannot act in your behalf for that is not the will of God regarding you. In fact if you speak fear and dread enough you will find fallen angels willing to cooperate with your confession of and evil report.

Just reading your bible is not enough. Your bible has no voice except yours. You must speak it out. Smith Wigglesworth never just read the Bible, he rehearsed it out loud again and again and as he did the Angels went before him. The confession of the word out loud went into his own ears and built up his spirit. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing yourself speak words of Faith is the most powerful words you ever speak. As you do, the Angels respond and move in your behalf.

First law of Faith.. you shall have what you say. JESUS SAID SO!!

Mark 11:24 NLT

I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours.

SURGE - Don't be washed away

A few years ago there was a prophetic theme in the Impact network.  It was Surge.  It meant that things were going to  accelerate.

I haven't thought about that much until the last few days.

I can't tell you how or when, but I have a sense of a surge in the Spirit.  There is a coming realization that things cannot go on as they are.  That something is out of order. 

This has already manifested in many ways.  People are revolting against the accepted status quo in many areas.  Those who have long controlled the status quo are in fear.  That there is a revolution coming. This goes to the very highest halls of power and controlling influencers.  They have had their way for a long time in government, religion, education, politics, business. finance, news media and entertainment.  Those who have always been the agents of control, even the police and military feel it.

Change is always difficult, it takes a flexible soul to deal with  it.  Many are not.  They are resorting to old ways.  Many are resisting the coming surge.  It is futile.

Everything you thought was fixed is moving.   Now we must move.

This will cause division, but it will also create consolidation.  This will be a wonderful time for the Church of Jesus. She does best when uncertain times are manifesting.

Be prepared to find your footing on Jesus.. for the change coming will wash many away.. lost in a flood of convention and conformity.  I look forward to this.    We will look at these days that we feared with JOY.

As my Wife once said to me years ago before we decided to move to Chicagoland, "I'm up for a Change".  So am I.

SURGE!!

What Should Christians Consider When Deciding Whom To Vote For? by Dutch Sheets

America is in a fight for her destiny. Our upcoming presidential election is about more than which personality or political party we prefer. A well-known Christian author has written a well-circulated blog suggesting Christians shouldn't vote for Donald Trump. His reasons center around the poor witness and example of Christianity he believes Trump has demonstrated, and his fears that this might continue, should he be elected. (As you may know, Trump professes to be a Christian.)

Others, even major Republican leaders, have also refused to support Trump on the basis of "principle." Many good and sincere people are struggling to decide where they stand on this important decision. Though we cannot, as a non-profit ministry, endorse a candidate, I do have some thoughts that may help as you think and pray about your choice for President.

1) Firstly, like the aforementioned Christian author, I passionately desire to have a God-honoring, Christian President; and obviously, I too would prefer one that exemplifies Christian principles.

2) I, also, have been appalled by some of Trump's rude, mean-spirited, and even vicious attacks on others; I've also been disappointed at times by the pride I've seen in him.

3) I am as suspicious as anyone when the timing of a person's "conversion" to Christ occurs when it is conveniently needed, whether it be prior to an election or when going before a judge; and I, too, am always looking for the fruit such a conversion should begin to manifest.

4) I do not agree with all of Trump’s positions.

But here's where I differ with some Christians: whether or not a person speaks kindly, would provide an appropriate Christian witness or, frankly, even professes to be a believer—though, again, this would always be my preference—are not my primary litmus tests for presidential candidates or important positions of national leadership. I’m glad General George Patton helped save the world during World War II, foul mouth and all.

Like all of us, I've known many individuals I would thoroughly trust in leadership or government who did not profess to be a Christian. And, on the other hand, I've known many professing Christians whom I would NEVER trust to govern. (The names Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama come to mind.)

I fear that sometimes we Christians insert the same religious mindset into elections that has divided the church for centuries: if one's theologies and religious standards don't agree with ours, we refuse to walk or work together. It seems as though many Christians have the mistaken belief that partnering or working with someone means we agree with and support everything they believe. How absurd...and how costly.

As an example, millions of Christians in the last presidential election refused to vote for Governor Romney because he was a Mormon. Their Christian principles, ideals and theology simply wouldn't permit it. And what did those well-meaning, "principled" decisions give us? To name just a few:

We Christians need to take another look at the principles we allow to guide us at the polls! We've "principled" ourselves into irrelevance and, ironically, a national loss of biblical principles. We must remember we are not electing a religious leader. And we will always be electing a flawed person to lead a flawed people. Unfortunately, the perfect candidate doesn’t exist.

When voting, consider not just the candidate, but also the issues we face. Which candidate is gong to make the decisions that are best for the whole nation? And whose policies more closely align with the Word of God? Here is my suggested list of the ideals we should allow to steer us when we vote (not including the obvious intangibles of intellect, wisdom, etc.):

1) God-honoring. Does this person at least profess to believe in and honor God?

2) The sanctity of life. Where does this candidate stand on abortion?

3) The Supreme Court. What type of judges will this person appoint? At least 2 (and perhaps up to 5!) Supreme Court Justices will be appointed by the next President, which will tip the balance of power FOR DECADES. Life, morality, family, religious freedom, the Constitution and our very destiny as a nation are at stake. Reining in a renegade Supreme Court is of the utmost urgency.

4) Family. Where does this individual stand on marriage and the family unit?

5) America's Judeo-Christian heritage. Does this candidate recognize, honor, and want to perpetuate this?

6) Our military. In light of the tenuous state of affairs around the world, would this individual build our military or cut it and make us weaker?

7) Limited government. Does this person believe government, higher taxes, and state-run programs are the solution to most problems; OR do they believe government should always be the last resort...and should be decreased in size?

It is absolutely critical—indeed, in my opinion it is a sacred responsibility—that all Christians vote in this election, and that we vote for the person who most fulfills these qualifications. Remember that no one is perfect and that we are NOT endorsing everything about the person for whom we vote. But never again should we lose by default, giving further control of our nation to those with whom we disagree most and who stand in opposition to God.

Never.

God Doesn't (just) LOVE YOU.. He Likes YOU

Why do parents of little kids get down on the floor and play dolls, tea party, toy cars or Legos with their children?  Because they LIKE to do that?  NO, they do it because they love them and they like what their kids like.  They want to help them find joy.  So whatever they like, the parent likes.

That's just how it is with the Father.  He loves you, but more important He likes you.

We have a birdbath.  I'm not excited but my wife loves to watch the birds splash around.  So I make sure there is water in there for them.  That it is changed so the birds come.  Do I do this because I love birds, no, I do it because I love my wife.  What she likes I like. If it brings her joy then I like it.

We have a lot of monkey see, monkey do.  If I have something to eat, Peggy wants to have some to.  She likes what I like.

That's the way it is with Father God.  He likes what you like.  He laughs with you.  He loves to see you smile.  If you enjoy flowers as I do, He likes that too.  He likes what I like and it brings Him joy.  He likes what you like and He likes YOU.  In a way He enhances the enjoyment you are already getting.

So next time you feel a little guilty about some pleasure you enjoy... chocolate or a cold drink.  HE LIKES IT TOO.  He likes you!

This is not for the religious but he really likes you, I know He loves me, but to know God Likes me gives me great peace. Rest in that truth.  God not only loves you, He likes everything about you.