Five-Fold Today - God is LOVE - Unblurring the Lines - My Shining Stones - Do My People Trust Me? - A Diamond From The Midst Of The Ash - The Ministry of Life - Godly Submission
God is LOVE
Cathy
God is Love......seems so simple doesn't it? We've read that in our bibles, we've heard it in Sunday school since we were children. Do we really feel it? Do we really "know" God's love? Recently in my prayer time I was overwhelmed with the awsome presence of God's Love. I truly believe that it was a life changing experience. I will never see God in quite the same way as before that day. I knew before that day that God loved me. I knew it with my "head" and to a degree....with my heart. God told me......"I am pouring out my love on this earth. I am pouring continuously.....I do not stop.......my love flows from me and pours on the earth like warm golden honey.....it smells sweet and it is life giving. You walk along this path, and see the beauty around you. That is my love. You hear the birdsong....that is my love....my creations are beautiful, they are for you. The warmth of the sun....for you....my love is beauty. Any beauty is from me. If it smells sweet it is from me. If it is ugly and stinks.....it is not of me. I want your life to be filled with my love. So full that it spills out, flows out to everyone you come into contact with everyday. I want you to be my vessel....empty yourself of anything that is not of me, so that I may fill you completely.
Lord, I want to smell sweet to you. I want to be a conduit for your love to flow through. Lord, Daddy God, I submit myself to you. Please Lord bring to mind anything not of you that is in me, so that I can present it to you for removal. Lord, prune me, if you must cut me back to the stump....so that only the roots remain, grounded in You, so that I may grow new....then I am willing Lord. I am willing to be loved by you and allow you to love others through me. AMEN
Cathy
Unblurring the Lines
Jim Grayson
The time for change is upon us. The time to awaken from our slumber has come and gone. The Holy Spirit is preparing the Bride for the return of the Groom and, contrary to what many in leadership believe, there is much to be done. We cannot continue to send so many mixed signals to the world when there is but one signal, the Cross of Christ and His shed blood for the world. We have divided ourselves with titles and names on the doors of our churches, which we call "denominations", each one thinking they have something others don't and in doing so, become the laughing stock of the world.
I believe with all my heart there is no denomination on this earth which has been ordained by God the Father, otherwise He would be a God of confusion. If there were, the Word would surely have spoken of it. As it is, the organized church presents a god of their own making rather than the true God, One Who's promises are not always "yes and amen" as His Word says they are but rather, a God who's promises are "maybe" and "no". They often present Him as a monster Who rejoices in the suffering of His kids, gaining glory from their sickness. If I did such a thing, I'd be in jail and yet, this is often the god presented to the unbelieving world and when they don't want this kind of god, we try to make Him more appealing by creating programs to meet all manner of needs in all manner of people and, beloved, it's simply not working. Anyone with a spiritual eye can see it.
I have found one thing to be true...the church has utterly failed in representing even the character of this God Who dwells in us, and His ultra-willingness to move and act among His people. Instead, because of our lack of faith in Him and our corporate shunning of the entire Gospel of Christ in It's fullness, we have assigned Him human characteristics and made Him into our present image, rather than teaching the full Truth and allowing the Holy Spirit to redeem us from the image of man and make us, once again, into the image of God...loving, kind, full of grace and walking, when needed, in the realm of miracles, and here on this earth, not just when we go Home. Presently, we are far from that image but we're drawing closer...not many but a few, even as the rest of the church is slumbering or condemning those who move forward as "emotional" or "taking it too far". I say, if it's in the Word, one cannot take it too far. What price is too much to pay?
Many of those in leadership, especially pastors, are beginning to realize their denomination and organized religion limits the growth and movement of the Holy Spirit within the flock the Lord has graciously given them. They are told what they can teach and what they cannot and the Holy Spirit is touching their hearts with the knowledge that things need to change, including the name on the door which creates an instant division between them and other denominations and other churches. They feel this call to separation from the world of religion, which will bring the unity Jesus spoke of in John 17, but some fear making the break with what they consider to be the security of their denomination but they will soon realize the only true security lies with God the Father, through the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ and that their denomination is merely milking their funds away to support those who hold jobs to keep that organized religious group running.
I know this all seems harsh but it's true. The church must change and it starts with those who are called to lead. So much of the church right now is not even aware of the changes coming to the Body of Christ because their leadership does not recognize nor approve of in-church prophetic utterance, or tongues and interpretation of tongues. They rely strictly on their pastor to tell them what God is doing and this is wrong, and will change as time goes on, or that church will fail.
I pray with all my heart that my brothers and sisters in leadership open their eyes to the Truth. I also pray there are people within their flocks who will dare to speak to the leadership and ask them why certain things aren't being done, and refuse to accept the pat answer of "we don't believe in that" when it's plainly in the Word of the Living God, into Who's hands it's a terrible thing to fall. That, beloved, is what will happen to those who deny His Word and keep the course they have for centuries. The time for change is now, not later. May we all be found in His will.
You have my heart.
Love,
My Shining Stones
Olivia Long
Many of My chosen ones are at the peak of despair. Hidden away, while enduring all manners of sickness and disease, financial problems, ridicule, rejection and persecution. David was "elected and anointed" in a secret hidden away place by the prophet of the Lord, so also, I have elected and anointed and hidden you in My secret hidden away place. David did not 'outwardly' see the possession of his kingdom for many years. But although you have been following a similar path as David, waiting for you emergence from this wilderness and to receive My promises ... hear ME... "AS, DAVID, YOUR ELECTION SHALL STAND AND I WILL BRING IT FORTH AS A RISING SUN"........
The twelve foundational stones in the New Jerusalem are all fire stones, tempered and compacted together wherein is hidden the deepest secrets of wisdom. My scattered flock, my called-out ones, are also fire stones - enduring the tempering and compacting of my fire and will possess the same qualities as my twelve foundational stones:
Jasper - The Creating Word of Light, multiplied sevenfold Sapphire - Truth, never tainted or adulterated. Chalcedony - Victory, Dominion and Glory Emerald - Everlasting Righteousness Sardonix - Triumphant Joy and Delight Carnelian - Faith, dispelling all fears and doubts Chrysolite - Power Beryl - Humbleness, mild and kind; overcoming harshness. Topaz - Peace, healing all wounds, will not permit disquietings. Chrysoprase - Invincible Fortitude and Strength , overruling opposition. Jacinth - LOVE ... Multiplying and manifesting as Burning Gold. Amethyst - Impartial Justice and Judgment
Behold, I will do a new thing and when it comes forth, it shall condemn the highest forms and appearances that are now considered sacred. You have been going through a process where you must fervently worship in "your own temple", till MY breath of Power calls you all together.
My Spirit of Government will be put upon mortal figures, with another body put on them after a priestly order, the Melchizadec Order, which I will give you when I call you together.... and .... I will give you Power to fulfill that which you are being called to do in these last days.
There has been only "one" requirement on your part, and that was to submit to the Refining Work, until the Holy Spirit has searched every part of you. It has not been easy, you have said "Here am I, send me", but through the many seasons, the testing, rejection and ridicule, even from the ones closest to you, they have taken their toll at times. Although you have feared that you might give up, you have not --- For, I, your living God, have NOT given up on you! YOU SHALL NOT FAIL !!! After the refiners work is completed, you will come before ME and be acceptable to worship before MY HOLY THRONE.
I AM putting ALL things in order for MY FIRE STONES OF LOVE. Tried as pure gold and done so by your Master and for your Master's use. You are a priestly church, taught and prepared by MY hand, coming out of the wilderness, sealed and carrying MY Banner. Prepare for your emergence............ MY SHINING STONES.
livjoe@awesomenet.net
Do My People Trust Me?
Joseph Todd
"Do My people trust Me? Do they trust Me to deliver them from the snare of the enemy? If they do, My people will not walk in fear. Do they trust Me to deliver their cities and nation from the enemies that intend to destroy them? If they do, they will fall asleep in peace the moment they lie down because I alone am the God that gives them security and peace of mind.
"Do My people trust Me? If they do My people will not think and act as the world thinks and acts. Does not My Spirit lead them, teach them, instruct them and encourage them to walk in all My ways and not the ways of the stranger? Have I not promised to fill their every need?
"Do My people trust Me? Then My people will be delivered from sickness and disease as I sent My Word to heal all of their diseases. Have I not given My Best that they might walk in strength and wholeness and as a testimony to My divine power in them, on them and through them?
"Do My people trust Me? Then My people will submit to Me. They will resist the enemy by drawing close to Me that I may draw close to them in their moment of sin's decision. It is good for them to draw near to Me that they would put their trust only in Me and do good and not evil.
"Do My people trust Me? Then My people will not rely on their own understanding. They will trust in Me with all of their heart so that My Spirit may lead them; they no longer trust in themselves first or the ways of the world. They will be known as my friend and no longer a friend of the world.
"Do My people trust Me? Then My people will acknowledge Me in all of their ways. For My ways are higher than their ways and My thoughts higher than their thoughts. They have been given the mind of Christ that My ways and My thoughts would be meditated upon day and night.
"Those that trust Me bear much fruit in their lives and I will anoint them for every good work that I set before them. They are my trusted ones!"
joseph@toddministries.org
I Will Resurrect A Diamond From The Midst Of The Ash
Marsha Smith
I am worthy of all your praise. Open the floodgates of your heart and let praises spring forth from your lips. From the hidden depths of your soul my water will rise up from within and break over the brim and gush forth with a mighty rushing. Rise up and sing. Shake loose the fetters that bind your hands to your side. Lift your head above the cloud of despair and see my glory that shines with radiant brilliance. Kick off those weights that have anchored your feet to the ground. Dance and leap on the high places. I am setting you free. The walls are coming down and the bars that hold you are melting like wax. Let the clouds be parted and the rocks cleared. Let the storms recede and the fires quenched. Let your darkness be turned to light and let your enemies be scattered.
Rejoice and sing praises for I am worthy of all praise. Rise and shine, I am your deliverer, your healer, your redeemer and king. I am the restorer of your soul. I heal what is broken and I gather what is scattered. My vessel has been broken, crushed, trampled and discarded. I see wounds that are deep and grievous and there is tremendous sorrow and anguish of soul. My ears are filled with the sounds of weeping from a heart that is crying out to me. My heart is pierced through by the cries that rise and fall in my ear and by the devastation and ruin I see before me. I will resurrect a diamond from the midst of the ash. A jewel for my crown will be brought forth from the smoldering rubble.
Though the fire has raged and the storm fierce, through the furnace I walked with you and in the midst of waves I held you up. In the desert I consoled you and over rocky crags I carried you. I have remained at your side and will continue to walk with you. I will never leave nor forsake you. What the enemy intended for destruction I have used to bring glory and honor to me. What was intended for harm, I have used it for your good. What was intended to uproot you and snatch you from my grasp, I have used to anchor your roots deep in me. What the enemy has intended for evil I have used to try you and test you. What was meant to scorch and set you ablaze I have used as a refiner's fire to purify and set you apart for my purpose. I have revealed a part of me that can only be known through suffering and pain.
I have drawn you close and held you to my breast until your heart has become fused with mine. I have brought you in to my inner chambers and dined and fellowshipped with you. I planted my word in your heart and your mouth will speak it forth in the time ahead. I trained your ear to hear and your eyes to see. I have taught you to trust and to obey.
Soon, I will teach you to fly. On eagles wings you will soar above the mountain peaks as my spirit sweeps beneath your wings. You will glide upon the wind and I will carry you up and above all these things. You will look down and know that I am your beginning and ending and all that is between. When you pass through the veil that separates time from eternity, I am your eternal reward. Rejoice in this and be exceedingly glad. Lift up your voice to me I am worthy of all praise!
marshas@theworks.com
The Ministry of Life
Teresa M. Daly-Crews
When we look at the word ministry generally what comes to mind is the image of formal religion, denomination or church. The title, credentials or placement of a person has taken precedence over the true call of ministry as ordained by Jesus. We have allowed respect of persons and the hierarchy of position to diminish the power given to each and every believer and follower of Christ. We have been taught by religion that ministry is only for those who formally dedicate their lives to full time ministry and does not apply to anyone else. This is a lie and the Spirit of Truth desires for us all to understand that we have all been called unto service to the King.
Anyone who has accepted Jesus as their Lord and King is called and anointed to the “Ministry of Life”. This form of ministry is ministering one towards another as true servants of Christ, daily laying down our lives in prayer and intercession for the needs of others. The “Ministry of Life” comes with no personal recognition, outward title or respect. The blessings that come through this form of ministry may not be temporally seen nor outwardly manifested but instead they are sent unto our storehouse in heaven.
The true Ministry of Life is without the recognition of man and is performed by following the Spirits guidance every day of our life. As we awaken and surrender each day unto the Lords guidance and go about our work and daily activities the Spirit of God will shine His light unto others. Thereby giving hope and faith unto those who may need a touch of life that only can come from the throne of God. It may be made manifest by speaking a word in season to the cashier at the grocery store or praying with a co-worker who is bound in fear. It may be simply silently praying for someone as the Spirit speaks to your heart.
The perfect love that flows from the throne of God as we minister life breaks every barrier and overcomes all attacks of the enemy. It gives peace and comfort in time of need and heals the brokenhearted. This is true ministry and cannot be taught by the ordination of man nor through a school of ministry. It goes far beyond the attendance of church or the performance of works. This is where the true POWER of HIS LOVE is made manifest, through believers as ambassadors of the Kingdom of God.
We must embrace the alignment set forth by God and surrender to true Kingdom authority, not by the hierarchy and placement of man but through the acknowledgement that we are all called and anointed to minister at varied levels. Some to a more outwardly seen position others in more obscure ways, every part important and necessary to make up the whole. It is the Spirit who works through surrendered believers and it is NOT the vessel that counts. Kingdom authority is set and ruled by our King Jesus not by the hand of man. As royal subjects we are all appointed to be ambassadors and Ministers of Life, sharing HIS love with all. Every believer has been ordained and called unto the Ministry of Life and commanded to lay down their lives for others, not esteeming themselves above others nor having a respect of persons.
Ask the Spirit of God to show you exactly where He desires to use you in your calling as a Minister of Life in the Kingdom of God. As you go about your day open up your spirit-man to the guidance of the Spirit of Truth and He will give unction unto your spirit when He desires to minister life unto another. It may come in the most surprising way and bless those who may otherwise not feel the true power of God. You will be amazed at how you will be blessed in return as the River of Life flows through you unto the world! There is NO insignificant position in the Body of Christ. Each and every part has unique power and authority and is necessary for proper function. Don’t allow the enemy to diminish your part as it matters not whether you are the head or the toe, it all works together in unity for the good of the KING!
In HIS Service,
Godly Submission
Doug Morrell
Disciples are always in a different relationship to one another than unbelievers are. Christians are brothers and sisters, children of one Father, and members one of another. Jesus put it clearly in Matthew 23:8:
"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers."
Throughout the centuries the church has largely disregarded these words of Lord Jesus Christ. Most likely with the best of intentions. Nevertheless, the church has tended to borrow titles of authority from the world, changing the names of executives from kings, generals, captains, presidents, governors, secretaries, heads, and chiefs to popes, patriarchs, bishops, stewards, deacons, pastors, and elders, and continuing to "lord it over" the brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus and thus destroying the model of servant-hood which our Lord both modeled and intended. Christians have so totally forgotten Jesus' words that they frequently have set up the world's pattern of government without bothering to change the names, and have operated churches, missions, youth organizations, schools, colleges, and seminaries, all in the name of Jesus Christ, but with presidents, directors, managers, heads and chiefs and in no way apparent different from corresponding secular structures.
But Jesus pointedly said, "...it shall not be so among you."
How are we to respond to those in leadership and to what degree are we to adhere to their message? In other words, what is the correct Biblical pattern for mutual submission in the church? Regarding those in leadership, the following Scripture is often times used:
This verse has been carried to extremes, with a "shepherd" who oversees all a person's activities. In truth, godly leadership should teach us to submit to God, not to himself. Jesus is our absolute model for godly leadership. If we know God's Word and follow it, our leader(s) can give a good account of us.
Hebrews 13:17, along with 1 Thessalonians 5:12, has been widely misunderstood because of the faulty translation of the KJV, NIV and other versions. The words obey (twice here) and submit and the phrase from 1 Thessalonians 5:12 "are over you in the Lord" have often fueled a harmful authoritarianism that has turned those who are in positions of leadership into autocrats and congregations into personal domains. Such a twisted view of authority ignores entirely Jesus' words to the disciples: "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you: but whoever would be great among you must be your servant" (Mark 10:42-43 RSV).
Perhaps Jesus' words, "it shall not be so among you," have been among the most ignored instructions of Jesus within the church. Wherever and whenever leadership views itself as having God-given authority to impose rules or limitations outside that which is expressly forbidden in the Bible on individual Christians or even the congregation without their being in agreement, these words of Jesus are being violated. Warnings against "lording it over the brethren" are also provided by Paul, Peter, and by John (2 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Peter 5:3; 3 John 9, 10).
The author of Hebrews basis for urging his readers to give willing response to their leaders is that the leaders are godly men who feel deeply their responsibility to lead wisely and lovingly as men who must give an account; not only for those they serve (disciples), but also to God for themselves (disciplers). This account must be given, not to the congregation, but to the Lord (1 Pet 5:2-4).
If an individual yields voluntary submission to such responsible, godly leadership, it makes the leader's work a joy and of great advantage to all. Please note that the responsibility for making the operations of a church a joy, and not a burden, is placed on the congregation, not on their leaders.
Regarding the same, the "Spirit Filled Life Bible" says, "Christian believers are not only to remember past church leaders, but are to heed present leaders who are responsible in discharging their duties in providing spiritual oversight to the congregation. The obedience commanded denotes assenting to someone else's directions, and submission means yielding one's contrary opinions in favor of another's. The writer of Hebrews does not suggest blind, unquestioning obedience to everything a leader says, even in decisions pertaining to changing jobs, making purchases, taking a trip, and the like."
The New Testament teaches the necessity of the following regarding submission to leadership:
1. Discernment:
"Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits" means that we shouldn't believe everything we hear just because someone says it is a message they believe is inspired by God. There are many ways to test teachers to see if their message or counsel is truly from the Lord. One is to check to see if their words match what God says in the Bible. Other tests include their commitment to the body of believers (1 John 2:19), their life-style (1 John 3:23, 24), and the fruit of their ministry (1 John 4:6). But the most important test of all, says the Bible, is what they believe about Christ. Do they teach that Jesus is fully God and fully man? Our world is filled with voices claiming to speak for God. Give them these tests to see if they are indeed speaking God's truth. Some people believe everything they read or hear. Unfortunately, many ideas printed and taught are not true. Christians should have faith, but they should not be gullible. Verify every message you hear, even if the person who brings it says it's from God. If the message is truly from God, it will be consistent with Christ's teachings.
2. Personal Accountability To God:
"So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." (Rom. 14:12)
"...for each one should carry his own load." (Gal. 6:5)
3. Mutual Submission
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." (Rom. 12:10)
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." (Gal. 5:13)
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." (Eph. 5:21)
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Phil. 2:3, 4)
We can honor others in one of two ways. One involves ulterior motives. We honor our employers so they will reward us, our employees so they will work harder, the wealthy so they will contribute to our cause, the powerful so they will use their power for us and not against us. However, God's way involves love. As Christians, we honor people because they have been created in God's image, because they are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and because they have a unique contribution to make to Christ's church.
Submitting to another person is an often misunderstood concept. It does not mean becoming a doormat. Christ--at whose name "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" (Philippians 2:10)--submitted his will to the Father, and we honor Christ by following his example. When we submit to God, we become more willing to obey his command to submit to others, that is, to subordinate our rights to theirs. For instance, in a marriage relationship, both husband and wife are called to submit to each other. For the wife, this means willingly following her husband's leadership in Christ (if in fact he is in Christ). For the husband, it means putting aside his own interests in order to care for his wife (just as Christ cared for the church). Submission is rarely a problem in homes where both partners have a strong relationship with Christ and where each is concerned for the happiness of the other. Likewise, this is applicable in the church.
Grow in grace and truth...
doug morrell
--
info@christianoutfitters.com
April 16, 2002
pray2be@yahoo.com
I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony. My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father--that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are-- I in them and you in me, all being perfected into one. Then the world will know that you sent me and will understand that you love them as much as you love me. John 17:20-23 (NLT)
Till then...the Spirit and the Bride say, "Come."
Strength and Honor,
Hail the Lamb!
Jim Grayson "What we do in life...echoes in eternity." "Gladiator"
AFresheningWind@aol.comThe Foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth ameythyst. Rev. 21: 19-20 NIV
FAITHBUILDERS MINISTRIES
Victoria, TXTrust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3: 5, 6
Teresa M. Daly-Crews
www.jesusrministries.org Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. (Mark 10:43)
Obey them [leaders in the church] that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Heb. 13:17)
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)
A fellow servant in the work of the Kingdom.
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