Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform > The Troubled Teen Industry
AA Abundant Life Academy
Word of Wisdom:
The Spirit of Lawlessness Part
In the beginning....the Word was God and the Word was with God." Jesus was with God from the beginning; and as the Creator, His desire was that his man be with Him. Adam's independent action of sin separated him from his original experience of connection with God. Adam became disconnected from God as a result of his disobedience. God's first man willfully chose to remove himself from the direct influence and control of God, His Creator. God viewed such presumption as sin. The nature of this independence was passed into the very fabric and nature of mankind. What a grief this was to Almighty God who had specifically created his man to be with Him in relationship as well as intimate fellowship!
There had to be "a way" to re-connect that which was separated. But the righteous God could never be connected with sin! How could He separate man from the sin nature? Such action would have to satisfy the courts of Heaven and fulfill the terms of justice and righteousness. There must be payment for sin.... the disobedience of independence. The payment had to be one great enough to cover the injustice which had taken place. Almighty God had a plan. Ultimately, it included payment, which was to come in the form of a sacrifice. This could not be just any sacrifice, but it must be a blood sacrifice. This blood sacrifice could not be a meager one of lambs or goats as was acceptable under the Old Covenant. To truly cleanse the hearts of all mankind, this must be a Holy blood sacrifice. It must be of such a magnitude that it could - once and for all - wash away, not just the stains of specific sins, but rather the stain of the sin nature itself. God knew that only one blood sacrifice would be capable of doing such a Holy cleansing. That would be the Holy Blood sacrifice of His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ! What a tremendous price this would be! None other of such magnitude had ever been made.
In time, Jesus died on the cross for the sin of all mankind. His blood was poured out on the earth, and the sacrifice was made. The payment was paid.... in full! Justice was satisfied in the courts of Heaven. The choice to receive God's invitation of re-connection with Him would be left up to every human being that would be born. Each would have opportunity to receive the invitation into the Kingdom where Jesus is Lord. In His Kingdom, He is the undisputed Ruler. He is Sovereign. He is King. In His Kingdom, He rules. He reigns. He is in control. There are no other gods before Him. All who enter His Kingdom, must understand the conditions of abiding there. His Kingdom is not a democracy where each is allowed to "do as he or she pleases" in independent action. In His Kingdom, people are not allowed the luxury of "doing what is right in their own eyes." This is a place where He is Master. All who abide there are dependent upon Him and must be obedient and keep His commandments. "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." (John 14:21)
"Therefore, lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately, forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:21-25)
Word of Wisdom:
Solitude and the Deepest Part of
As a widow myself, one of the things the Lord has used greatly in my healing over the last three years is an online Christian Widow's group called Burning Hearts. It was founded and is moderated by a faithful friend and godly woman, Connie Becht. She began a thread in her group talking about loneliness...but went on to talk about solitude and the need for it in all our lives. Solitude...not only time away from others...or time alone...but times in the presence of God....so He can reveal what each of us needs to know about ourselves, so He can heal us and we can develop and know His peace, joy, and abundance individually...and personally. In a post this week when I shared about "Strong, Courageous, and Humble" the author reminded us of Joshua 5:14 where we find this bit of information: "Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, 'What message does my Lord have for His servant?'"
God has a message for each of us, for none knows us as He who created us does. He wants to speak into each of our lives...to speak into our situations, speak to the deepest parts of ourselves where we often harbor secret fears...sometimes so secret that we even hide them from ourselves. As we purpose to set apart times alone with Him....we should seek Him for the keys to our own deepest issues...so we can be delivered from them...freed to finish our lives without the baggage that daily weighs us down and hold us back from fulfilling all we are called to be.
What Connie says is so true...for all of us. I found it interesting and hope it will be a blessing to you, too.
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I believe we all would agree that no matter how busy our lives can be, we are faced head on with loneliness from the very beginning. We can look at loneliness as a wound that needs to be avoided, or we can see it as a time to allow God to minister to us at our deepest level of need. When we are extremely busy and with other people it is often hard to hear what God wants to share with us. It often seems that only when we are alone do we allow ourselves to "hear his voice". God created us to have fellowship with him. Acts 17:27 says, "God did this so that all mankind would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." God wants to be found by us, in order to have fellowship with us.
God wants to meet us in our secret places. He knows what is there already, but he needs to be invited to share and heal those areas in us. Isaiah 42:16 says, "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths. I will guide them, I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth." He longs for entrance into those dark secret areas to make them smooth and to show light. He can't do this unless we allow ourselves to open up to his searching touch. Only when we allow him to guide us in unfamiliar paths can we grow.
It is when we allow ourselves to be alone with God and look honestly at ourselves that we begin to see ourselves as he sees us, and we are able to change those things that should/need not be in our lives and keep the good. Then we can begin to develop his character in our lives and know his peace, joy, and abundance.
As we allow God to search us and know us, we pray with the psalmist: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts" (Psalms 139:23). As we develop friendship and intimacy with God we can begin to see our times of aloneness/loneliness as times of fellowship and learning from God. He then begins to become the companion he longs to be in our lives...one that can meet that deepest innermost need.
It is up to us to decide whether times of aloneness/loneliness will be avoided or embraced. If we embrace these times as times from God, we can grow within ourselves and grow closer to God.
Word of Wisdom:
IN QUIETNESS AND CONFIDENCE
"This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says, 'In
repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your
strength...'" Isaiah 30:15
"'Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.'" Psalm 46:10
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is
my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken" Psalm
62:5-6
Almost three years ago now, I was chatting with a woman who had called
from another city. She related some not-so-good news about her pregnant
niece. A number of tests had been run on the unborn child.
Specialists discovered a mass on the right side of the baby's brain. As
soon as the grim story was shared, God's pager sounded within, and words
swiftly flowed from my spirit: "The infant will be fine! She's healed."
Yesterday, to my pleasant amazement, I entered the Clinic's waiting room
and discovered a relative of the youngster, that same aunt, standing and
smiling with a little picture in her hand. "This is for you, Doctor
Paul. Jillian Grace is two now."
I felt as though this writer were embracing God's Glory in his hands.
There's was a deep inner desire to one day hold, and talk with, that
beautiful blue-eyed blonde. Undoubtedly, having been labeled the
"Miracle Child," she will have heard the story of her healing many
times. Yet, without a doubt, it will never grow old, and always be
Jillian's "Living Epistle," if you will, known and read of all men.
The following is a portion of a note, received just after Mom gave
birth:
"Dr. Gervais, I want to thank you for that word for Jillian Grace, our
baby girl. Two ultrasounds had verified that the right ventricle in her
brain was twice the size of the left. We were told that Jillian's
problems could be of a wide range, from mental retardation, a possible
syndrome, to developmental delays. If the mass continued growing,
surgery would be required after birth. We were all beside ourselves.
At her birth, another ultrasound of the baby's head was done. The doctor
said, 'I have no explanation, but the ventricles are both normal and the
same size. She's fine.' To this day, I cannot describe the relief and
joy the family felt. Everyone is so thankful! We have given her the
middle name of Grace, because it means blessing. She is now a happy,
healthy, normal nine-month-old.
I am thankful every day for her miracle! A picture is included. My aunt
told me that you might want to use Jillian in a book. We would be
thrilled if you did!"
The power of life and death has always been in the tongue. Such was the
case at the beginning, in the Garden, when the Father created this
planet's first man and woman. They were without sin, at least for a
season, mandated to rule and reign, enjoy Heaven on earth, absent pain,
toil or worry. Hearing from God was second nature to them.
Most of us know the rest of the story. Adam and Eve partook of the
forbidden fruit, thus resulting in the extinguishment of God's Glory, a
Fiery Pillar enshrouding their bodies. Sin and its consciousness entered
the world for the very first time, a darkness truly foreign to God's
creation. Atoms and molecules were challenged in their efforts to
survive and Glorify their Author. Leaves fell from trees.
That period was the genesis of negative thinking, sickness, poverty,
death, failure, defeat and selfishness. In spite of all that, Heaven
made another decision, one which would redeem us from the pronounced
curse of the law. Jesus came, laid down His Life in many different ways,
descended into the bowels of hell, defeated Satan there, acquired the
keys to hell and death, arose from the dead, and turned all power and
authority over to the Church, promising "greater works than these," then
ascended.
In all honesty, we can never blame Covenant's perceived failure on the
Lord. The absence of His active Presence is not because He's
withholding. But the Church has not always practiced intimacy with God,
and been obedient to that which backs the Great Commission.
Contemplate the Savior's final words on that cross... "It is finished!"
Basically, Jesus was saying, "I've done my job. The rest is up to you
(the Bride). Here are the keys, representing dominion and authority.
Unlock prison doors.
Release captives from sin, death, pain and emotional despair. My Name is
yours to freely use in the accomplishment of that task. All creation
will surely respond to the Word, which originally infused Life into
their cells.
I often think of Jillian and thousands of others who have been led to
Christ and healed through this ministry. Everything began with a word,
that still, small Voice on the inside. Even the TBN manifestation of
Gold, witnessed by millions, began with a prompting, which was
originally resisted, but then yielded to, by me, since beating that
Southern California traffic and spending time at my second home seemed
more appealing to the flesh.
Jesus has promised not to give us a stone for a loaf of bread. So many
fear stepping out, citing, "This may be my own thinking or personal
desire. What if I'm wrong and make a fool of myself, even embarrass God
in the process? People will laugh at me!"
Well, I can make a fool of myself without God's assistance. For the
record, when not walking in the Spirit, that's invariably the case. Man
frankly cannot rule himself. Besides, the Son has promised to never give
us a stone for a loaf of bread. If the Christian turns to the left or
right, travels down the wrong road, they'll be a Voice behind him,
saying, "This is the way. Walk ye in it."
You will be wrong at times. Not unlike taking up a new instrument,
they'll be lots of squeaky noises and hurting ears before you're ready
to be part of a symphony. Furthermore, Heaven's reputation and the
Christian's vindication are God's problem.
Don't worry about it! You never know what's at the other end of that act
of obedience. Take the plunge, and amaze yourself. Lives and souls hang
in the balance. The bully, Satan, has no place in the Family. We can't
permit him to intimidate and stop us.
Turn off your natural mind. Acknowledge the Holy Spirit's Presence and
function within that Vessel. Bring every thought into captivity. Cast
down, pattern interrupt, vain imaginations. Then listen. His words will
be there, accompanied by both a peace and excitement. It won't be long
before there's a knowing of Papa's Voice, a determination to lean not
unto carnal understanding. Let me tell you, nothing can compare to
walking with Him and getting to know the Heavenly Father, His Son and
Spirit, one on one!
Heaven has more to say! Let's listen attentively.
No Room For The Old!
"Beloved, prepare for a materialization of the promises. You are the
Spout where My Glory comes out. It's so easy to temporarily forget, or
not even know of, the many facets of Covenant. Many perish and live far
beneath their rights and privileges in the Kingdom, not discerning the
Lord's Body, the fulness of what the Savior accomplished for the world,
two-thousand years ago.
Life with Me will never be boring. Miraculous exploits are always a part
of what's planned for Glory's pathway. Some desire a spotlight, a full
understanding of the Creator's entire blueprint for their lives. If that
were the way Heaven operated, faith wouldn't be necessary. Neither could
their be wonderful surprises during the journey. Instead, I present you
with a lamp, one candle Power at a time, since the Word is a lamp unto
those feet.
Even though My ways aren't yours, a discovery will be made that Dad is
willing to unveil His plans, as the Believer enters the Throne Room to
obtain. 'Always having full sufficiency in everything pertaining to life
and godliness' is My posture toward the Family. In other words, you
aren't to go without or stand ignorant of God's will before a hungering
and needy world. Wisdom and knowledge will always arrive.
Contemplate the characters in the Bible, who chose to yield and obey.
Were they ever lost for words, or let down and embarrassed by Heaven?
Absolutely not! Let's talk about submission for a moment. Is it not
written that the Church is to yield in the direction of the Spirit's
promptings? To Whom does the Third Person of the Trinity submit? Christ
is the answer to that question. And the world's Savior yields to the
Father, Who is submitted to His Word.
You see, this is very similar to the circuitry of an electric power
system. Flipping a light switch would be fruitless, without connective
wiring and a source. All works in sync. Your words are trip wires of the
miraculous, as I watch over each utterance to perform it. No revelation
from Me is void of the Power necessary to bring itself to pass.
I tell you this prophetically. The Word's hour is here. Flesh is being
added to promises of old. Previous mindsets are to be set aside, making
room and way for the new. Additionally, that which has been spoken is
secret is poised for substance. That unseen reaper is on the horizon,
soon to surpass the sower.
You won't be allowed to faint, since Heaven has begun pouring forth
spiritual boxes of supplies and provision from that increasingly
widening rent in the fabric of Glory. God's will is to be done on earth,
as it is in the face of the Throne Room.
Vindication, restoration, reconciliation and unification are part of
that scheme. All opposing those who have been chosen and raised up by Me
will assuredly make fools of themselves. Natural man will always be
ignorant of My ways. That's why the renewed mind is imperative to
understanding and success in matters of Covenant. From success to
failure, everything points to Calvary's cross.
Therein lies certain victory!"
A WORD FOR 2004 AND BEYOND"
"The Apostolic Council Of Prophetic Elders"
1. Intercession can change the course of the events.
2. The mercy of God that is extended when individuals and nations
repent.
Reformation will be a key theme for the coming year wherein many
prophets will call for national reformations as in the time of Josiah.
>>>This reformation will affect the way that we do church in a structural
>>>way as the church moves out into society rather than has primary
>>>functions from a church building. The church will be in the society
>>>rather than separate from it. Many new wine marketplace churches will
>>>spring up in businesses across the world.
Networking will take place more in an electronic way through web casting
rather than physically being in one place for all the weekly meetings.
>>> With this move there will be a strong wave of persecution from a
>>> religious spirit. The Lord admonished us not be get caught up in a
>>> religious spirit even from a prophetic stance and allow God to show us
>>> the areas where the spirit of religion was working.
>>> We are entering into the favor of the Lord in a profound way. This is
>>> the acceptable year of the Lord. For this reason the Body of Christ
>>> should understand how to walk in faith to see a release of this favor.
>>> Part of this favor will manifest in favor with the lost. It is a time
>>> for prophetic evangelism. Intercession has ripened the harvest and it is
>>> not the time to go into the harvest to reap for the fields are white
>>> with harvest. God is calling for a renewed emphasis on evangelism for
>>> every believer. Churches that heed this call and release their people
>>> into this call to win the lost will experience great growth.
>>> Along with this favor, God will require new levels of brokenness and
>>> humility. If this does not happen, pride will enter into the hearts of
>>> those receiving the favor and they will lose what they have gained.
>>> God is removing dead wood and uprooting old things. There is a time of
>>> refining coming to the Body of Christ. In the refining season, we will
>>> be brought into new levels of intimacy which will see the birthing of
>>> new things in our lives.
>>> Great inroads will be made by the Body of Christ into media and
>>> Hollywood. There will be a wave of the Holy Spirit move across Hollywood
>>> and other media, related industries. We will see actors stand up in an
>>> increased measure and profess their faith in Christ.
>>> There will be a power encounter with MTV which will result in children
>>> being set free from the wicked ways it has influenced them.
(Note: This has already begun after the half time show at the Super
Bowl.)
A connection is coming between the prophets and Hollywood and media.
>>> Apostles and prophets are going to see a new teaming on a level not
>>> realized before and this will lead to city transformation movements.
>>> This will include new teachings about the Kingdom of God and seeing it
>>> influence each sector of society. There is a time of shifting and
>>> transitioning taking place as God aligns His leaders for the new wine
>>> anointing' this will particularly occur with apostles and prophets.
>>> 2004 is the year of the more. We are going to see a release of finances
>>> on a bigger scale than before. Whereas some have seen release in the
>>> amounts of thousands, some will begin to receive millions. We are going
>>> to see a breaking of this million dollar barrier for major projects that
>>> the Lord has put into the heart of His people.
>>> This is a year for mysteries to be revealed from the Lord. Even as God
>>> gave prophetic revelation to his prophets when Saddam would be captured,
>>> so there will be other strong prophetic and intercessory releases for
>>> mysteries that have puzzled the Body of Christ.
>>> In seeking the Lord for an answer as to why Osama bin Laden has not been
>>> captured nor has it has been revealed what has happened to him, the Holy
>>> Spirit convicted us that he is supernaturally being hidden by an occult
>>> spirit. The reason that we cannot break through this occult spirit is
>>> that we are not as fervent and radical in our intercession as the Muslim
>>> extremist are in their belief systems. The Lord called for a forty day
>>> fast for the Body of Christ in general to stir up our hearts in passion
>>> for the Lord and a willingness to "love not our lives unto death.
>>> Concerning the 2004 elections, there was a general consensus that we
>>> need to call for massive intercession as the case for the courts which
>>> will affect school prayer , abortion, and other serious matters on the
>>> heart of God will be decided in the next few years. There also was a
>>> concern expressed that this will be a "mean and dirty" election if we do
>>> not intercede. The enemy wants to "polarize" both the church and nation
>>> and cause wounds that will take years to heal.
>>> A new move of "Judicial intercession" will sweep the Body of Christ as
>>> the Lord stirs up people to intercede for the court systems.
>>> The Lord spoke to us through several directions that voting is a
>>> spiritual exercise. This especially needs to be spoken to the youth
>>> movements of the United States. Very few youth have voted, historically,
>>> and this needs to change to see the will of God put into place for this
>>> nation.
>>> There is a mandate from the Lord for the youth to become actively
>>> involved in what happens in their nations. The universities are quite
>>> critical in this next move of God as to whether violence will break out
>>> again or a sweeping move of revival on campuses.
>>> This is the hour when the Spirit of the Lord is going to awaken the
>>> prophetic voice of the youth. Young people prophesying will become a
>>> move of God that will be mainstreamed and infused in church services
>>> across the world.
>>> With this will also come the prophetic recognition and setting into
>>> place through the Word of the Lord of the leaders in the youth who will
>>> rise to bring transformation in every sector of society.
>>> 2004 is the preparation year for that which is coming in 2005 and
>>> beyond. The first quarter of 2004 will be a time of shutting doors. The
>>> second quarter will be a time when the Lord begins to form new doors
>>> before us. The third quarter is a time to go through doors. And the
>>> fourth quarter is a time to be established for the next four years.
>>> Remember, you must shut the doors to the old to transition into the new.
>>> A call for intercession for President Bush concerning his stance on
>>> Israel came from this prophetic group. The decisions that he makes
>>> concerning Israel will either make or break him in this coming election.
>>> As always, there is the call to pray for the President.
MY CHURCH IS GOING FORTH INTO THE STREETS
God is going to show His glory forth-through our weaknesses- He WILL be
glorified!! and lifted up.
He WILL be exalted!! not a man lifted up, BUT the Lord Jesus Christ -
through an army of believers- the young and the old- the hurt, the
wounded, the rejected sheep's- those whom He's prepared for such a time.
Those whom he's placed for such a time- in strategic places- the
unknowns- those that need to rely on him to stand, to speak, to sing, to
go forth.... whom He's prepared- to STAND!!.. to follow His lead and not
be persuaded by man or religion.
IT"S HERE!!
The ARMY IS arisen!
ALL to HIS glory-
Praise HIS name. Praise him! Praise him!
It's those who don't feel capable but KNOW God CAN!! The reliance is on
HIM and not on any of fleshes ability- but through HIM- whom we have our
being and life!!
LIFE SHALL spring forth, readily- speedily!! The banks over flood with
more of him. HIS Spirit flowing freely..., and flooding out into the
streets, overtaking cites- bringing LIFE!!! LIFE more abundantly!!
LIFE- I speak forth LIFE- I call you forth! Rivers overflow!! Yes, Have
your way Lord.
"CALL FORTH LIFE! CALL FORTH LIFE! CALL FORTH LIFE!!
I am overflowing the banks of the churches-into the streets it shall
flow. And wherever it goes, life SHALL flourish! And fruit SHALL abound.
My hearts cry SHALL be heard. My people are taking the land. MOVE
forward! It's time! Time to take the land. The harvest is plentiful.
REJOICE! REJOICE! REJOICE for great is your reward.
The light is going- even now- it's penetrating the darkness. It's making
a path before you. See it now- It's right there. Follow it and I'll go
before you making a way. Look not to the right of what was- Look not to
the left of what is now.. Look not behind you at what was...but look
before you ... to what is to come.
Go forward to what is to become, because it is I. It is now. The doors
are open. I've made it clear before you, as long as you rely on me. Keep
your eyes on me. Follow me. I will be the plower- the door opener- for
have not I ALREADY opened the door. IT'S OPEN!
It's before you, but many are distracted and led astray by the cares of
today, and of the worries of tomorrow... and stuck in the hurts of
yesterday... to move forward... that cloud comes up from within of
darkness that obscures the Son..
I said MY SON.. from shining brightly, and blocks the clear view of the
horizon- of what I am doing. Look even now- on the horizon- the SON HAS
Risen!!
Your things I have ordained of you, are mine to bring to pass-just do
what I ask- when I ask- don't worry about yesterday. Don't worry about
tomorrow of the what if's or who may be offended because your stepping
out. Look to the SON that HAS Risen upon you.
Don't worry about How it will ALL be accomplished... know that I WILL do
it- as you step in obedience. There are angels sent forth.. way ahead of
you in time... they are in the time before you, making a way... walk ye
in it. They are way ahead of you... preparing a way- preparing a people.
What is needed WILL be there at that time.
Money will come forth as needed. You won't need to beg, borrow, or
plead- only share your heart- My heart. And I have the money!! As
needed... as needed... things WILL be supplied to you, even before a
need comes- or an area I want you to branch out into... It WILL be
there. I WILL be THERE... as long as you walk in obedience to my voice.
There is much to come forth. You won't have to force it.. cry to me and
I will, and already have dispatched angels. I AM! And I ALWAYS SHALL BE!
LOOK UPON ME. There's a place- there's a place.. I have prepared for
you. REjoice for I AM! and I AM BEFORE you.
It's not a name- It's not a church. It's me. My name WILL be lifted up
and exalted. The fruit is abounding -my fruit- good fruit. Do not worry.
Do not fear. Stay focused on Me.
There are many people I have prepared even today- I say to you as you
step out- in love! Love is the key!-just reflect my love.. Don't worry
because NOT all will accept you, some are going to reject you, and even
come against you... because your going against the grain of religion...
but know I have those who you now know and some you have not yet met.
I am calling out the obscure- and I will bring those that are equipped
to teach and help...and those who WILL grow rapidly into their gifts.
There are connection already made in heaven that are yet to come- It
will not all be on your shoulders(as individuals), but your team of
many, and it WILL grow.
There will be College students. They will be young... of all ages...the
young and old.. this isn't about age, but it's about hearts. Those that
desire me- to know me. They'll be ALL ages- as they are all my children,
and many have only needed a safe place to heal, and giftings pulled out,
to be encouraged.
And there are those that I have took through the wilderness and have
prepared them to move forward and take the land- to take my people
deeper into the promise land.
You'll, (when I say you- I mean ministries- team members and those that
will come out of you-My people), You will be breakers. It's not one-
it's many. I'll be brought into the schools- into colleges, I'm going to
the streets through you-
There is a release bursting forth now- coming down upon you- your
streets- my people- that have been strategically placed. There are
others through-out the U.S. and the world-wherever you live- this is a
word for you) small fires, that shall grow to raging fires!!
Where you-(my willing people) step, little fires will break out and
there grow lots of separate fires... that SHALL shoot forth fireballs-
but all from the same flame. ALL one!
WATCH OUT! BE ready in season and out. Look upon me. Keep your eyes upon
me. LET me increase in you and through you.
I SHALL consume churches and break forth- I AM breaking out of the
confines placed upon me. There is healing in my wings- a mighty
deliverance for my people. There is not one leader but many, many called
out ones- some will come through you...
It will be of every nation and tongue, and of every denomination... Be
Prepared! Raise up others to go forth.. the multiplication process of
disciples.
Raise them- bless them. release them.
Raise them- bless them- release them.
Raise them- bless them- release them.
When they go out from among you.. bless them- release them. If they talk
badly of you... bless them- release them- move on, because this won't be
a small thing. They'll be branches off of branches.. each separate but a
part of the whole- the whole of MY picture!
Again I say MY picture. It won't always be what you think it should be.
It's MY masterpiece. ONLY do what I put before you. I will bless you. I
will multiply you. I will equip, and I WILL send out... so more fires
can spread.
I am well pleased with you. You may think your small and feel small in
my army but I will use you in your weakness- as you dwell in me. You
will flow in me- as your head is upon my breast- you will stay in beat
with my heart beat.
I am branching you out, only rely on me. Don't worry about funds- just
lean on me. Rest at my feet. It will be in that place as you rest at my
feet- worshiping only me, as Mary- from there...
I WILL flow through you. Rest in me.
It will be a natural overflow. Rest in me!
It will be an outflow of my love- through you. Rest in me!!
THE POWER OF A SEPARATED LIFE
After I became a Christian I committed quality time to memorizing
scripture. One of the key Bible portions I memorized was as follows:
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship
has righteousness with unrighteousness? And, what communion has light
with darkness?
Wherefore come out from among them, and you be separate, says the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
And I will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty. [2 Corinthians 6:14, 17-18]
I didnt have to leave my friends when I became a Christian; they left
me! When my lifestyle became different and my interests were focused in
Godly avenues, there was no common ground. However, I still witnessed to
my friends, and prayed for them, and loved them with Christs compassion.
Thankfully, many of them are now Christians who serve the Lord,
including my immediate birth family, uncles, aunts, cousins . . . and
now all of my children and grandchildren.
What a beautiful promise! God will be a Father to us: He will protect
us, provide for us, and be personal in His relationship to us. Do you
want to have a REALLY CLOSE walk with the Lord? Then learn and practice
the beauty of a separated life.
In this newsletter we will study the PURPOSE, the PRIVILEGE, the
PROTECTION, and the PRODUCTIVITY of a separated life.
THE PURPOSE OF A SEPARATED LIFE
Why live a separated life?
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former
lusts in your ignorance: But as He which has called you is holy, so you
be holy in all manner of behavior; because it is written, You be holy,
for I am holy. [Leviticus 11:45; 1 Peter 1:15-16]
THE PRIVILEGE OF SEPARATION
Why is it a privilege to live a separated life?
For as much as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible
things, like silver and gold, from your vain manner of living which you
received by tradition from your fathers; but you were redeemed with the
precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
who truly was foreordained BEFORE the foundation of the world, but was
manifest in these last times for YOU. [1 Peter 1:18-20]
According as He has CHOSEN us in Him BEFORE the foundation of the world,
that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. [Ephesians
1:4]
THE PROTECTION OF SEPARATION
Living a separated life of holiness unto the Lord provides extra angelic
protection for the believer.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those that fear Him and delivers
them. [Psalm 34:7]
Because you have made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High,
your habitation; there shall no evil befall you, neither shall any
plague come near your dwelling. For He shall give his angels charge over
you, to keep you in all your ways. [Psalm 91:9-11 - read the whole
Psalm]
And he answered, fear not: for they that be with us are more than they
that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open
his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young
man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and
chariots of fire round about Elisha. [2 Kings 6:16-17]
Other examples: Daniel in the den of lions and the three Hebrew
teenagers in the furnace of fire. These were Hebrews, who as teenagers
had separated themselves unto God.
[] THE PRODUCTIVITY OF SEPARATION
Why is it productive to live a separated life?
Let everyone that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in
a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also
of wood and earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor.
If a person therefore cleanses himself from these [the works of dishonor
and iniquity], he shall be a vessel unto honor, set apart, worthy,
competent and profitable for the masters use, prepared unto every good
work. [2 Timothy 2:19-21]
The greatest blessing you can have on earth is to walk with God!
Enoch walked with God, and he was not found anymore here on earth
because God took him. [Genesis 5:24]
Elijah walked with God, and when it was time for him to go to Heaven, he
was taken up by angels in a chariot surrounded by fire. [2 Kings 2:11]
You say, But Apostle Handley, these were SPECIAL people. Yes, and so are
YOU . . . if you WANT to be. They were special people because they
wanted to be special people.
The question is: Do you WANT to be SPECIAL?
The Holy Bible shows us that Elijah was just like you and me. He had the
same emotions, the same temptations, and the same faculties. Elijah was
a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that
it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three
years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and
the earth brought forth her fruit. [James 5:17-18]
As we approach the last days of Planet Earth and the return of Israels
Messiah we should all the more want to live a separated life. The
Apostle Peter told us ahead of time:
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which
the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall
melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein
shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be
dissolved, what manner of people should you be in all holy manner of
living and godliness . . . [2 Peter 3:10-11]
The Apostle Paul assigned Titus, a young preacher, the responsibility of
pastoring and appointing elders in Crete and explained to him that it
was profitable for believers to maintain good works.
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that you affirm
constantly, that those people who have believed in God might be careful
to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
[Titus 3:8]
Paul also taught Timothy, who he placed in charge of the church at
Ephesus, that there is great gain in living for God. But godliness with
contentment is great gain. [1 Timothy 6:6]
If we are going to live a separated life so that we will be prepared to
be used by the Master, then we have to be like a soldier. You therefore
must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this
life, so that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. [2
Timothy 2:3-4]
Holiness is the principle that separates the believer from the world.
Holiness is a quality of personal conduct that consecrates us to Gods
service. The Apostle Paul urged the believers in his day . . . and urges
us today through the scripture . . . to walk in holiness and thereby
please God.
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should
abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to
possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor. [1 Thessalonians
4:3-4]
Notice, in the verse above, that YOU are to POSSESS your vessel: you are
the owner . . . you are in control. Dont say The devil made me do it!
Dont say, I couldnt resist! Have you been struggling with a certain
temptation? Then get on your knees and CRY OUT to God. Ask Him to
deliver you and sanctify you.
The Bible says, Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you,
and you shall glorify me. [Psalm 50:15]
God is not dangling temptation in front of you to tempt you. Let no man
say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted
with evil, neither does he tempt anyone. [James 1:13]
God has made a WAY for you to exit temptation, but you have to WANT to
exit! There has NO temptation taken you but such as is common to man:
but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above that
which you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to
escape, that you may be able to bear it. [1 Corinthians 10:13]
In the original Greek of which this passage was written it is actually
saying that God will do the same as cut a path through a rock for you to
make a way for you to escape . . . IF you WANT to escape! Cry out to Him
and He will deliver you! God loves you and wants to help you. He also
wants to use you to help others!
God may allow you to be tested from time to time, but only to see if you
are worthy of Him investing His future talents and gifts in you so that
you can be used for GREAT WORKS. What if after you have been used
greatly, you mess up and ruin your testimony? Or, what if you make God
or His people look bad?
Set apart a time for prayer and fasting to consecrate yourself to His
service. Pray for a consecrated life: a life set apart in holiness and
separation so you can be a vessel unto honor . . . worthy, competent,
and profitable for the Masters use . . . prepared unto every good work.
The more you are in the arena and productive for God, the more you will
be shot at! And there will be different times you will need to draw on
Gods strength through prayer and fasting. But always remember, your best
defense is a good offense. Keep reaching people for Christ . . . keep
under the anointing!
"THIS IS THE STATE OF AFFAIRS OF MY BODY IN THIS HOUR"~
JN 4:21 Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when
you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.
[22] You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do
know, for salvation is from the Jews.
[23] Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will
worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of
worshipers the Father seeks.
[24] God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in
truth."
After spending some time in prayer this morning, the Lord showed me a
few things abcout the conditon of the church. He began by showing me a
short series of visions.
In it I saw a woman who was dancing as if at a ball. She was dressed in
a glittering dress and was spinning around and around. She was by
herself but I noticed that the scenery was as if she were in a ballroom
somewhere.
She was then carried away into the air and she kept spinning and
enjoying herself as if she were at a party. The Lord then said:
"This is the condtion of many who are in my church. They think that
their life should be lived as if they were at a party. "
The scene continued from before and I saw a dancer who was dancing like
a Spainish dancer would to the beat. She continued in this fashion for
a while and then she seemed to fall through a chasm of some type.
Then I saw various acrobats performing on stage. They would be standing
on top of each other doing various feats very much like what might
happend at a three-ring circus. The Lord said again:
"This is the condition of the church. For too long these things have
dominated my body of believers. I will take away these things for they
distract you and keep you from worshiping Me in spirit and in the
truth.
Take away the party and you may not have fun, but you will then know
what "true church" is meant to be. This is the state of affairs of my
body in this hour. "
GET WISDOM
I would have you know Me as the Spirit of Wisdom. Get wisdom, says the
Lord, for in these days you shall need My wisdom.
The gift of discernment that I am about to bestow upon My people will
birth and bring forth the wisdom of My Spirit. In that wisdom you will
know the way and have the right to speak forth the treasures that come
from heavenly places.
I am about to give wisdom that will manifest in the power of judgment.
There now comes the necessity of becoming spiritually aware, sensitive
to your environment and the attitudes that prevail.
Seek to know Me as your Friend, and I shall birth in you that spiritual
sensitivity.
Begin today to set yourself to pursue wisdom, and you will hear My voice
and know the way in which you should walk.
******
I WILL SHOW YOU SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
Behold, I will show you simple solutions to difficult problems if you
will only quiet your soul and be sensitive to My leading. I will indeed
give wisdom when you ask, and I will go before you to make the crooked
places straight. But, you must depend on Me and not try to accomplish
what is before you in your own strength. Learn to lean on Me. Learn to
partner with Me so that we are a team.
Too many times you have tried to go it alone with great difficulty and
limited success, says the Lord. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:29-30)
DO NOT FEAR FOR YOUR HERITAGE
Do not fear for your heritage. It is I who will cause a man to rise or
fall. Your heritage is in Me. Protect that heritage with all your heart
through the intensity of your fear of the Lord.
When you really fear Me, nothing will shake you. Attacks may come and
even physical and soul shakings may occur but you will be safe and
secure in me. My arm of protection is around those who fear me.
Give your descendents to Me. Let your faith rise up to believe that
through your prayers I will accomplish what seems impossible. Do not
give up.
Hang on to the end. Never flag in your zeal to pray. Only pray for them
in that holy fear I give. And I promise I will hear every prayer. Do not
fear for your heritage.
Proverbs 14:26-27 "In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence,
and his children will have refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of
life, that one may avoid the snares of death."
I HAVE NOT FAILED YOU
I WILL NOT FAIL YOU
So many of My Beloved have been crying out to ME and seeking My face as
to the pressures and times you have been going through and you have
looked for 'reasons' - but I say to you .... Set your sight upon ME
and Rest In Me - do not 'toil' to look for reasons but "rest in My
presence."
I have your life and your purpose in My hands. I have the power and the
ability to place you in the place I have ordained for you. As I carry
you into that higher place, KNOW that I WILL do ALL that I have
promised!
You have been obedient to My calling and you have been obedient to My
work, even with the sands of adversity swirling round about you. Do you
think that I would forsake you or abandon you now? Many are swimming in
a sea of financial problems ... Many can only see a big debt with no way
out. Many are in dire need of a healing...
I am a miracle working God do you not think that I have the resources to
turn you around? Do not fret over finances for greater will be your
testimony of how your God delivers and provides. Believe that I heal
now as I always have healed.
Everyone will see what your God can do. Your God is greater than the
largest debt you can imagine or the greatest of disease and sickness.
Your God is greater than ANY problem that is currently besetting you.
Know that I AM close and not far away. Continue to stand on the Words
which have been spoken over you. Do not allow the enemy to steal them
from you or your hope for I AM your hope, your refuge and your
strength.
All will be done by MY hand that the I AM shall be glorified. The only
thing that you must do is trust in ME as I will perform your miracle and
I will do it quickly, for none of My Own will be ashamed.
The eyes of your Lord move to and fro, seeking those who would serve
Me. Seeking those who would truly follow Me and give ALL to Me. As I
sought, I saw you saying ... "Here am I Lord, a vessel empty and ready
to be filled with You." I have emptied you still more, cleansing you and
filling you with Myself.
I have been making you ready. Ready for the work I have called you to
do ... a joint heir and servant ready to move into the place I have
called you to go.
Rise up and be alert for the very circumstances and opportunities that
you seek are presenting themselves, having the potential of bringing
GREAT CHANGE into your life. You will never be the same!
Seek My face and yield to My plans. Have I forsaken even one of My
chosen? No, I have not forsaken even 'one' of My chosen - you have gone
through the fire "for Me." I have been purging and making you fit for
My chosen vessel and you have not been forsaken or abandoned.
There is a great breaking forth as everything is lining up for "your
day", the day for which you are longing. What the enemy has used to
attempt to destroy you - I AM using to perform the miracle that will be
your testimony.
Beloved, I extend to you, MY PEACE, take it - the peace that I have
given you as your sign that I AM bringing forth the miracles that you
need. Take My Peace, the peace of KNOWING that I have heard each
prayer, each cry and each pleading now KNOWING that I AM answering each
of your cries for help.
FEAR NOT - that I will not do as I said I would do. FEAR NOT - that I
will not meet your every need as I have promised. FEAR NOT, that I will
not keep My Word to you. FEAR NOT, My Beloved child, for I AM always
with you. Through 'every moment of your life', I AM there with you.
I have given you the love and support that you have needed to make it
through the most challenging of times and you will always come through
'whole and well.' Where-ever you go, I AM right there with you.
Your destiny In Me is at your door and I shall provide every need. -The
road ahead may challenge you but you are more than capable of meeting
and overcoming any obstacle in your way. If ever you have a doubt - let
My wisdom be your guide.
Beloved, I AM a vast God. My vastness so supercedes all that you can
imagine. That is why you can't fully comprehend what I AM doing and will
continue to do in your life. My ways and thoughts so supercede your
thoughts and ways, seeing the beginning from the end and I AM never too
late, but always on time.
FEAR NOT - My chosen one, for I AM RIGHT ON TIME IN YOUR LIFE.
You have been moving into a new realm of the Spirit. You will now see
new manifestations of My Spirit. You will have a new understanding in
the Spirit in a new and powerful way.
I AM your source and you will comprehend Me as your source as never
before. I AM your source and your power, it comes from ME, saith the
Lord and I AM bringing change into your life. A change that will be
seen by those around you.
Just as I wrestled with Jacob, you have been wrestling with your God,
and I have changed you. As you have said "I will not let go until you
bless me", I AM BLESSING YOU! My Word says "IN DUE SEASON", this IS
your season and time. You have sowed in faith over the years and your
due season is here.
Arise, My child, let no condemnation come against you, for there is no
condemnation for those who are in ME! Feel MY FAITH flooding over you
NOW!!! I AM coming in 'like a flood' and driving away your enemies and
"ALL who have risen against you shall fall to the ground."
I will satisfy all of your needs and there shall be no doubt that it is
the I AM who is leading you! Faith has opened the door and you shall
be far from oppression - you shall have MY heart and My heart is for you
and the lost.
Do not look to feelings as feelings will lie - look to ME knowing I AM
giving ALL for My Beloved. Stand firm on everything that I have already
spoken to you, knowing that the I AM ALWAYS fights the battle.
Precious in the sight of your God is My child who puts his trust in ME.
You have put your trust In Me, entrusting me with your very life and
everything that pertains to your life. You are precious in My
sight. Have you trusted in vain? I say No, My child.
I HAVE NOT FAILED YOU AND I WILL NOT FAIL YOU! You have trusted Me
for all and now see ALL come to pass!
A JOSEPH CALLING
And he sent a man before them - Joseph, sold as a slave. ~ Psalm 105:17
God is doing a unique work around the world today. He is raising up
Josephs throughout the world. Some are still in the "pit" stage of their
pilgrimage, while others are heading toward fruitfulness. What does it
take for a man to become a true Joseph?
It takes years of preparation and testing to be a true Joseph. It takes
what the psalmist says in Psalm 105:17. He called down famine on the
land and destroyed all their supplies of food; and he sent a man before
them - Joseph, sold as a slave.
They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till
what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the Lord proved him
true. The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free
(Psalm 105:16-20).
A true Joseph is one who is a provider both spiritually and materially
for those in the Body of Christ. It is a person who understands that he
is simply a manager of all that God has entrusted to him. It is a person
who has humility and a broken and contrite heart before God. But how
does God prepare modern-day Josephs?
Modern-day Josephs are prepared through their own versions of bruised
feet, with shackles and necks put in irons. It is often through the
adversity of failed finances, failed marriages, failed relationships,
and broken dreams.
These are the things that try men the most. These are the things God
uses to allow the Josephs of our day to be proven by the Word of the
Lord. Once proven, God brings them out of their prisons and uses them
mightily for His purposes.
Joseph went through his own trials - not because of any failure, but
because of an incredible calling: to save and provide for an entire
nation. God had to prepare this man with 13 years of broken dreams and
humble circumstances in order to break every ounce of pride and
self-will. God could not afford to have a 30-year-old steeped in
arrogance and pride running an entire nation.
When I attended a world conference on global evangelization in South
Africa, I was privileged to sit among 45 other men from different parts
of the world who had a Joseph calling on their lives.
These men of means had humility of heart and a spirit unlike any others
I have met in my country. Each one had his own Joseph story. It was an
incredible scene that changed my life and my own view of business. This
allowed me to see firsthand this phenomenon that is going on throughout
the world.
Many believe God is raising up these servants to prepare for a worldwide
economic earthquake and to fund a global harvest of souls. Even since
this conference, one nation is being dramatically affected because of a
Joseph who has stepped forward to fulfill his calling for that nation.
It is an awesome demonstration of God's power working today.
Are you willing to allow God to do whatever it takes for you to become a
true Joseph? Ask the Lord today to do whatever is necessary to fully use
your gifts and talents for His eternal Kingdom.
Choose Life Part 1Sandy BrunsonFeb 15, 2004
I cannot get away from the importance of "decisions and choices". These things are not only daily opportunities to obey the Lord, but they are moment by moment opportunities, also. Let us continue with this thread to see where the Lord is leading.
Our God speaks to our hearts by His Spirit. What He speaks ALWAYS "agrees with" His written Word. He never leads us in ways that are not founded and grounded in His written Word. His Word and His Spirit are "timeless". They are not bound by the conventions of time or space, for they are Spirit, and they are Life!
Open your heart to His Word and His Spirit, day by day, and learn of Him; for He wants to teach us by these things. Teach us to trust His Word and His Spirit and teach us to trust Him and His ways, for they are higher than our ways and higher than the traditions of man and earth. We are transformed and changed by His Word and His Spirit when we will humble ourselves under His mighty Hand and submit to Him and His ways working in and through us.
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"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you LIFE and DEATH, blessing and cursing; therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His Voice, and that you may cling to Him, for HE IS YOUR LIFE and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them." Deuteronomy 30: 19-20
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Fear not, for I have called you by your name. You are Mine. I have said to you that delay is not denial. So as you wait upon Me, remind yourself, daily, that My Word IS Truth; and your circumstance will change as you speak My Word...My Truth to your situation. When it does change, you will know WHY the delay...you will see clearly as you look back upon it. But for now, you MUST take My Word that the circumstances you are in will change in My time. Fret not yourself!
All will see it change, and many will give glory to Me for the change they see. Some will not, for it is not their choice to give Me the glory due My name - now or before; for their heart is selfish and deceived. They want the glory for themselves. But those who love Me will see, and they will rejoice with you over the outward victory and change that I have wrought in your life. They will "know", for they will recognize my fingerprints on your life and circumstances.
You are not where you have been; and the period of waiting has been a period of stretching...a period of distancing yourself from old ways, old habits, old thoughts, the doctrines and traditions of men which are lifeless. Go forth freely! Go forward freely! DO NOT LOOK BACK! Drag none of the old ways of the past with you! Wonder no more about it, for the past it over! You are living in a new day...in a changing world. You need My ways and My Truth to not only survive but to succeed in this present world.
Do not return to methods and ways I have previously brought you out of! Leave them behind as yesterday's garments that do not fit for today's purposes. My desire to show you a better way has not changed. Press toward the mark of the prize of the HIGH CALLING that is in Christ Jesus! Press on. Go forward. LOOK away from all that would distract....UNTO JESUS! Life is in Him. Look to Him. Choose Jesus.
Do not attempt or try to explain it...just say what I say! Teach and exhort by My testimony. It is My word of prophecy. The explanation and the revelation is up to Me, and it is only for the SEEKER, the one who WANTS to deny himself and follow Me! It is not for others to know, for to know the "secret place" and to "know Me"....I MUST be the pivotal choice for that one. I MUST be their Lord. I MUST be known by them in spirit and in truth as a result of a surrendered heart for the secret, the mystery, to be revealed unto that one.
Some want Me!
Some do not.
All need Me!
Many will not receive Me.
Many are called, but few are chosen.
You CHOOSE LIFE that you and your seed my live!
Choose Life Part 2Sandy BrunsonFeb 16, 2004
"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you LIFE and DEATH, blessing and cursing; therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His Voice, and that you may cling to Him, for HE IS YOUR LIFE and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them." Deuteronomy 30: 19-20
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YOU...LOOK AT ME!
As you look at Me, tell Me...what do you see?
Do you see apathy or complacency in Me?
Do you see indifference or passivity in Me?
NO! You wee FIRE and EXCITEMENT! You see LIFE and CREATIVITY! You see VISION and PURPOSE and PROMISE! You see FULFILLMENT and JOY and LOVE and GLORY! These characterize Me.
COME UNTO ME! These are what you will see. I will give you rest from the indifferent, the apathetic, the passive, the unexcited and the unpurposed. Oh, they will still be there, but them you will no longer see, for you will see Me! In "looking unto Me" you have chosen OBEDIENCE...not sympathy to man or distraction because of it. As you "look away from all that would distract," that will be your VICTORY! As you "look unto Me" you will see that I AM! That will also be your VICTORY, for in Me...you will also find out truly who you are! As you "look at Me" and "fix your gaze upon Me", you will "draw Me unto yourself...and you will LIVE!"
Do not look unto people, for many do not have a fixed gaze upon Me. Those who do not are apathetic and complacent spiritually. They are "poor of spirit", and you will always have such people among you, but cease being distracted by them. STOP being drawn aside from My purpose by them! STOP being drawn aside by those which have a lack of feeling, or excitement concerning Me! STOP being agitated by those who are indifferent to Me! STOP being puzzled or confused by those who are passive toward Me!
As you look to Me...and LIVE...then, others, the apathetic and the complacent will look at you and they will see LIFE! They will see ME demonstrated before them, and then they can choose which they want to follow....their indifference, or the FIRE and the LIFE that is MINE in you! But give them a choice by choosing yourself to be as I AM and not as they are!
Choose ye this day whom YOU will serve! Life or death?
It is a daily choice for EACH of My people. BOTH leaders and followers. Are YOU choosing LIFE, daily?
If you are WAITING UPON ME, daily, as your individual part, you will begin to effect a change in the apathetic and complacent ones around you. If you do not, you will become as they are.
Do not be overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good! Do not be overcome yourself with apathy and complacency, but rather, overcome these with MY SPIRIT LIFE!
Yes, DECISIONS!
A choice! Which do YOU choose?
Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen Part 1Sandy BrunsonFeb 17, 2004
It is as we "choose" to follow Jesus in Spirit and in Truth and are faithful to follow through in obedience ...that we are "chosen" by Him to have a place in His Kingdom. One follows the other. This is a daily exercise...a moment by moment opportunity. To choose to follow Jesus in spirit and in truth is to not choose to follow the "crowd"; for His way is not the way that is "slick and popular...nor is it favored as "all-the-rage and stylish". Multitudes came out to see Jesus speak and even saw some miracles, but not all committed to Him...to relinquish their way for His.
Everyone did not leave all to follow Him, for living in His way is not "successful" by the world's standards nor does it draw attention to itself in a way that showcases its leaders nor does it exploit His followers. Jesus did not commercialize His Father God nor the things of God....and neither should those who "come in His Name" do so today. Following Jesus is a sacrifice in humility that has its own reward. It is not a popular promotional gimmick to manipulate people into thinking that they need to be "in with the IN crowd"! People who truly make the choice to "follow Him in spirit and in truth must count the cost...for it WILL cost them...everything!
Those who follow Him in spirit and in truth will be reviled and persecuted. They will be reviled and be falsely spoken of in an evil way. They will be criticized, reproached, harangued, tongue-lashed and cursed by those who are "popular"...both in the world and many times even by those in the "church world". Truth tellers are not "popular", for they represent the One who is the Light that shines in the darkness. But Jesus knew this and spoke openly to His disciples in His day saying.....
"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." --Matthew 5:11-12
What a high price we will pay to "choose to truly follow Jesus". We may lose "position". We may lose some "power" in this world. We may lose a "paycheck" from this world. We may lose some "relationships" in losing "popularity". We will know persecution from many fronts...but we will "know Jesus" and walk in His favor in the face of the difficulties that will come upon this earth in the last days. To those who "chose Him" above all these things...He gives that holy and comforting "peace that passes all understanding!" He will sustain and keep us in the midst of tests and trials as we constantly and continually "choose" to look unto Him and call upon His Name.
Lord, what would YOU have me do....what would YOU have me say?
Looking unto Jesus in every choice and decision,
RTP2003:
RTP 20:03 "Thou art a Christ-loving buffoon"
Word of Wisdom:
Thank you!
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