V-MAIL TO THE FRONTLINE

PART 42

PRAYER III: THE REVELATION OF LOVE

“Though I speak with the tongues (languages) of men and of angels, and have not charity (Agape love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal (annoying noise). And though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I give all my goods to feed the poor and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profits me nothing. Charity suffers long and is kind; charity does not envy; charity vaunteth not itself (does not push itself forward) and is not puffed up. Love does not behave unseemly or seek her own, is not easily provoked, and never thinks evil. Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Love never fails.” (I Corinthians 13:1- 8)

The definition of revelation is; God’s disclosure to man of Himself and His will. His Word is divine knowledge but unless it becomes an “enlightened wisdom” within our conscience – it will remain just ink and paper to us. If the memorization of facts can be compared to “tasting” information, then understanding knowledge is the digesting process. When we receive a revelation from God, it is a gift of wisdom that is quickened and anointed from His Holy Spirit through our spirit and into the fertile, plowed soil of our conscience. It is the revelation that has the power to transform our mind, but enlightenment does not come like gathering walnuts from the ground; it must be desired and pursued like following a map and digging for buried treasure. Those who seriously study God’s Word are like state workers; one digs while the rest stand and watch. And most church goers are perfectly satisfied with listening to someone else share about what they have found instead of doing the digging themselves. (It is much easier to eat at a free buffet and go home, than to cook it and clean it up). The tragedy with not studying or praying individually is that it is like trying to know someone personally while never actually talking to them or listening to them. Most Christians can tell you some bits and pieces about what they have heard but they cannot tell you why they believe their views. Many people have such strong carnal opinions about life and when they mix in some theology they end up with confusion and heresy. Sadly, the reason why many who profess have never had a personal revelation from God is because they do not really want it. I know it sounds odd but humans generally do not like the idea of dealing with someone as intimidating as God Almighty. The image of a God that dwells in the Holy of Holies and who sits on a throne in heaven causes many to be afraid that coming to Him will completely change their life – and they do not want that! Why do you think that in most church environments, when the leadership needs them to help, fast, pray, give or whatever, the ninety percent are willing to let the ten percent do it all?

I have been with large crowds of people and have watched what happens when someone announces there is going to be a prayer spoken over the food. You can feel the atmosphere immediately change and people become nervous and fidgety with anxiety. This comes from the carnal human nature because the flesh hates anything that is associated with God and will instantly set up a defense system against spiritual involvement. The flesh does everything it can to avoid spiritual truth like playing dumb and trying not to think about God. People try to find distractions to take their thoughts away from Jesus like using drugs, alcohol or porn to dull their conscience, or just using television, internet or music to hide from their shame. They live in a fantasy world with their imaginary reality to escape God’s true reality. Some people discover that not thinking about truth is almost the same as not knowing the truth, which in their mind releases them from the guilt of accountability and responsibility. People do not want to know more because – more will be required of them! This false sense of security is a dangerous deception that can steal a life and ultimately steal a soul. Anyone can have all of God they want but many just seek the required amount to make it to heaven. The danger with this attitude is that without Agape love – (according to God’s Word) there will be no heaven for them.

If a poll was taken and every Christian was asked if they would desire that America be a Christian nation, it would be an overwhelming yes. If they were asked if they would like to see a global revival of God’s Word with many souls being saved they would again check yes. But if you told them this was actually possible based on the fervency of THEIR prayers, they would look at you with a blank stare on their face. Many would walk away discouraged, grimacing in pain from an internal agony as they emotionally wave the white flag of defeat. Why? Because they know they will not do it! There is a dangerous reason why God’s people do not do what they know they should. They do not have a revelation of love! They are building on sand. Selah.

You would think that if a Christian invented a vaccine that could save the soul, they would make 6 billion doses and inoculate everyone with a dose of Holy Ghost. Isn’t the gospel of Christ the only medicine that has the power to forgive sin, change a heart, renew a mind and transform a spirit? I thought that allowing Jesus to be seen in our life along with telling everyone about Christ and His Word was supposed to be our highest priority – right? This is basic Christianity! You know, “go tell it on the mountain” and “this little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine”? The church should already know the vaccine IS God’s Word and His super-natural plan to inject everyone – is the dynamo of love and prayer, but it seems we just cannot find the time to do it! “Jesus said unto him, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with ALL thy heart and with ALL thy soul, and with ALL thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it; thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang ALL the law and the prophets”. (Mathew 22: 37-40) We say that we believe God’s Word and desire to obey, but our actions speak louder than our words. We say we want to see people changed but without the burden of love, the cure for being lost will remain packed in boxes and left on the shelf! If the church loses its focus on Jesus and becomes entangled with the hectic, selfish lifestyle of materialism – the world will continue sliding into the abyss. It is not God’s will for this to happen because He said He was willing that none perish, but without our love, prayers and witnessing, how will anyone meet Him? What are we giving to God that He can use? We are convicted – but not condemned.

Have you ever shed tears over a lost person because you knew if they passed away they would spend eternity without God? The definition of burden is; a very heavy load that is hard to bear. Jesus carried the heavy cross as an illustration of how heavy the weight of our sin was, yet He was willing to do it because He loved us so much. The cross that He now requires for us to bear is the burden of love and prayer. It is a spiritual sense of compassion that goes far beyond the understanding of human emotion. Our new spirit weeps with the same feelings of our Lord Jesus, we groan in urgency as we plead with Him to send mercy and protection, along with the sadness and brokenness of knowing that a soul may miss their destiny. Not being able to reach someone is like your family boarding a helicopter before your street explodes in flames but your brother turns around and goes back into the house after the family dog. The pilots can wait no longer and take off and as everything on the ground gets smaller you can barely see him helplessly standing on the front porch. A burden for a soul is an agony, a suffering and a sacrifice of pain that is just a glimpse of love that God feels every second. Have you been walking in a crowded mall or event and looked into the faces of strangers and wondered if they know Jesus? Each day thousands of people launch out into eternity and many of them have never known Christ. Prayers are like throwing out life preservers.

“Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and He said unto the disciples, sit here, while I go and pray over there. And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful and very heavy (downhearted). Then He said unto them, my soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here and watch with me. And He went a little farther and fell on His face and prayed saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And He cometh unto the disciples and found them asleep and said unto Peter, what, could you not watch with me one hour? WATCH AND PRAY THAT YOU ENTER NOT INTO TEMPTATION: THE SPIRIT INDEED IS WILLING, BUT THE FLESH IS WEAK”. (Mathew 26:36-41) Christians are to be the watchmen on the walls. Like air traffic controllers, a 911 operator or those who stand watch on enemy lines, there are no excuses for falling asleep! The determination to stay awake is decided in the courtroom of our freewill. We will never be the disciple Jesus died for us to be, until Agape love fills our heart – and it overflows with prayer.

Dear Father, we are so desperately needy for You to open the eyes of our heart. Teach us how to pray. Forgive us for our lack of compassion, concern and obedience. Please give us the revelation of love and a burden to pray for others. Give us courage to make the bold decision to stand in the gap for those you lay on our heart. Give us determination and strength to overcome our old nature. Convict us of our selfishness. Put a guard on our mouth that we may not speak negatively. We ask You to clothe us in Your humility and the reverential fear and holiness of Your presence, in Jesus Name, amen. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God”. (Mathew 5:8)

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PART 41

PRAYER II: THE LORD OF KINGS

I am in the process of digesting a wonderful revelation from God’s Holy Spirit, and very excited to learn about the keys to abundant living and the mysteries that can enable us to walk as overcomers in this world. Alright! Brother, tell us this new strategy for victory that we need so desperately in this last hour! My friends, it is not new – it is prayer. What? I thought you had come up with something that I have never heard of before. I thought you were going to give us a new religious formula that we could memorize and confess that would bring instant success! Well, prayer is not unfamiliar to God or the devil for that matter but sadly it is probably new to many who call themselves Christians. We must ASK for the revelation of love and then proceed to ASK for the desire to pray. Without us pleading for God to do a work in us, we will remain unchanged.

I have been convicted about my anemic prayer life and have been seeking God to give me a stronger burden to pray. And by His mercy I feel Him drawing nearer to me as I reach out to Him. He is ministering to my mind about how disappointed He is with my attitude and how it seems we are not taking Him seriously. I do not want to go through the motions of mediocre Christianity. As I sit here now I am pouring out my heart to Him trying to sense what He is saying. I am trying to connect with Him and receive the revelation of His Word that I may understand more clearly what is really happening in the spirit realm. I know He is speaking to all of us and I am trying to approach His voice with reverential fear and respect. I see the blatant blasphemy all around and I am broken with humility. I am feeling a stronger urgency and a solemn, trembling awe of His holiness and the terror of His Majesty. I talk to God every morning on the way to work as a special time of fellowship and I have been going to bed early to just lie in the quiet darkness and force my mind and body to submit to my spirit as I communicate with Father. I desire the constant awareness of His presence and to develop the habit of praying at all times of the day and night. This garment of His presence is causing me to think like He thinks and to see His Word in a deeper, more personal understanding. Allow me to share what I have recently been trying to comprehend and by the way it is the theme of this prayer series. In Proverbs chapter 21 the first verse, we find a beautiful, sparkling diamond in scripture. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turns it wherever He wants”. It is very interesting to meditate on this statement. It is short but contains a library of knowledge and wisdom. Last week I was seeing there is a difference between what God desires to do on His own and what He does in association with our prayers of faith. We have known situations where God intervened because someone was praying in faith and likewise we can see things not happen because someone did not pray in faith. The spiritual principal of blessings and curses are based on the “conditions” of obedience, so we can continue to follow this heavenly blueprint when dealing with prayers of faith. Of course we know that all hearts can be convicted by the Holy Spirit and the “kings” heart in this verse represents anyone in authority. Even though it seems the leaders of this default system are not cooperating with God’s divine reality, this verse is saying that God can “motivate” them to do His will. This is an awesome insight and encouragement but let me ask you a question: Why does He not turn every king’s heart to the revelation of Christ? Because He is waiting for His people to pray! Since there are small amounts of prayer, there is very little change in the right direction. Selah.

All of you have ministries, visions and dreams of what you feel God has called you to do and are waiting for doors to open. Let me ask you another question; who stands at the doors of government, finances, the legal system, opportunities, favor, blessings, promotions, distribution, marketing, publishing, producing, employment, respect and success? People in authority! We cannot force others to open doors for us, and most of the time we do not even know where the doors are – but God does! He uses these doorkeepers to build His Kingdom! And if we are ever going to get a miracle – it will come from God moving on their heart! Father has ultimate control over ALL doors but moves through HUMAN agents. He is waiting for His people to receive this revelation so they can obtain the earthly resources they need to build His Kingdom. Many of us approach life with the wrong idea. We whine around and try to push and beg for the doors to open or we are deceived to think that we our personality or intelligence can make a way for us. We murmur, grumble, complain, criticize, judge, protest, become offended, angry, frustrated, bitter, resentful, depressed and wounded when we should invest all of this energy into prayer because all of this carnality is NOT going to open the doors! “These things say’s He that is holy, He that is true, He that has the key of David, He that opens and no man shuts; and shuts and no man opens”. (Revelation 3:7) when we pray and God begins to prepare the way to open or close a door, the doorkeepers also CANNOT PREVENT IT! Everything is done according to the perfection of God’s divine order and many times people in authority do not even realize they are being influenced by The Lord! “Then He answered and spoke unto me saying, this is the Word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, NOT by (human) might, nor by (human influence) power, but by MY SPIRIT, say’s the Lord of Hosts”. (Zechariah 6:4)

The story of Nehemiah is a very awesome example of how Father has designed prayer to open doors and change circumstances to accomplish His will. Nehemiah was a cup bearer for the king and was a man who loved God. He had a very unique position of service as he was allowed to serve the king in his private chambers which was a privilege of favor. Nehemiah received tragic news that Jerusalem was in shambles and as he was a Jew he felt a strong burden to go home and help rebuild the city. “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept and mourned certain days and fasted and prayed before God of heaven”. (Nehemiah 1:4) He prayed for four months that God would open a door for him and I want us to notice that he came into the king’s presence EVERYDAY – but did not mention his need. It is true that he was not allowed to talk freely or even enter into the king’s presence with a depressing countenance but he WAITED for GOD”S TIMING. Nehemiah had to appear happy and remain humble in order to be a successful personal assistant, but one day he could not hide his burden and the king noticed his low countenance and asked him why he seemed down. We must remember that God had been softening the king’s heart the entire time Nehemiah was praying. Nehemiah was very afraid because He knew he was not supposed to bring in a negative emotion or attitude, but God used this to open the atmosphere for the divine appointment. If Nehemiah had been walking in the flesh he would have automatically made excuses out of fear, but he was in the spirit and came right to the point and poured out his heart about how his hometown needed to be repaired and that he wanted to go home and lead the construction. Since God was controlling the heart of the king, it went very smooth as nothing short of an amazing miracle! “Then the king said unto me, for what are you requesting? So I prayed to the God of heaven”. (Chapter 2 verse 4) Not only did the king listen and give him permission to leave but Nehemiah asked the king for signed letters that gave him legal proof and a right to conduct this business with the king’s approval. There is more; he also asked for building materials! He wanted signed letters that to give to the loggers and lumber yard owners for trees to be made into beams for the walls and houses. And on top of all these blessings, the king sent captains of the army and horsemen along with Nehemiah to protect him until he reached his destination. Praise God! “Jesus beheld them and said unto them; with men (human power) this is impossible; but with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE”! (Mathew 19:26)

When we were infants in Christ we thanked God for our food and told Him good-night at bedtime and bowed our head in respect as we listened to those pray at church. But now that we have grown more knowledgeable about His divine reality we realize that He is demanding for us to lay down our toys and pick up our armor. “When I was a child, I spoke as a child; I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things”. (I Corinthians 13:11) There are so many people that need our love and prayers but we will not have the burden for them until we ask Father to give it to us. There is so much to do in God’s Kingdom that is depending on God’s people to stop the negative talk and start interceding. Praying demands intense concentration from our spirit man and a submission from our mind and conscience. We cannot wait for the environment to be perfect because many times we will need to engage in prayer in the heat of battle. Christ is trying to get the attention of His church concerning the seriousness of why we are praying and the reverential respect to acknowledge God as the Father Almighty. The state of our being does not function efficiently when our emotional moods are in control of our spiritual obligations. He has given us His key that will unlock the doors we need to accomplish our mission – now we have the responsibility to use it! “And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power. And has put ALL things under His feet and gave Him to be head over all things to the church which is His body, the FULLNESS of Him that fills all in all”. (Ephesians 1:19, 22, 23) In Jesus Name, please help us to overcome our old nature and breathe into us your passion, fire, energy and anointing. Give us the burden to know and love you deeper. Break our hearts, soften us and open the eyes of our conscience. Master, give us love and teach us to pray. Amen.

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Part 40

PRAYER I: REVELATION AND DETERMINATION

“I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications (humble request) prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for ALL men; for kings and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior”. (I Timothy 2:1-2)

What if I told you that it is possible the church of Jesus Christ could guide the government of this country and through the leading of the Holy Spirit, oversee the legal system with all laws and decisions flying under the Christian flag?

Now brother, Christendom teaches that Satan has been the prince and power of the air since Adam and Eve fell, and now the secular humanistic default system is managed by his kingdom of darkness all over the world.

I know, I’ve always heard that also and I am not disagreeing with how things are, but my point is trying to find the truth about how powerful prayer “can be” and whether or not we “could have” changed the world! Did you notice that I used past tense because I can see through biblical prophecy how the story ends and quite frankly I am very disappointed at what I am beginning to understand. I realize we are too late to change what is written but I also cannot help but think that if all Christians would have “walked the talk”, they would have been more enthusiastic about prayer – and our future “history” would have been different! We know there have been pockets of disciples that felt the burden to seek God’s face which resulted in revivals and higher levels of passion but the saints in general seem to struggle with consistent intensity. God’s perfect will is that each of His children would grow in knowledge and maturity as they develop into a constant, roaring spiritual fire! “And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The EFFECTUAL (unceasing) FERVENT (hot, burning, glowing, boiling, earnestly intense) prayer of a RIGHTEOUS person availeth (accomplishes) much”. (James 5:15-16) Are prayers to be like labor pains?

If we can see the problem AND the result, it is time to decide which group of Christians we are going to side with; the ones who put on their battle gear and started marching in the mud and cold toward the frontlines of faith or the ones that enjoyed their carnal comfort zone of sleepiness and self-indulgence! Father gave us the key that could unlock any door, breakdown any stronghold and open any treasure chest of blessing but many would rather put it on the shelf and play crossword puzzles! To think about how prayer can open up the divine appointment for the power of the Holy Spirit to convict a heart to reach out to Christ for salvation is thrilling! But how many of us have a notebook of all the names of everyone we know that desperately need God and do we have the burden to commit ourselves to standing in the gap for them? How many Christians in our network need healing or need blessings that we could be asking the Lord to help them? How many children are connected to all of these people that urgently need the hedge of spiritual protection and encouragement? If God’s people would receive the revelation of their prayer responsibility and become DISCIPLINED in their “frontline” DUTY to abide in this awareness, the windows of miracles would open as never before! It is not God’s will that is holding back an ocean of power to CHANGE – it is the love of self! Selah. Why does He not intervene on His own? Many times He does – but remember He is moved by faith – not necessarily need and this is what the confidence in our prayers is all about! We know all of this is true but yet for the love of God, we still cannot find motivation. What is wrong with those who say they are hungry and can see the meal prepared in the kitchen but are too lazy to get up and eat? I want to say that as much as God reminds me of my own failures and the depravity of our old nature, actually the fleshly body will serve whoever gives the command whether from our spirit or our brain. Our flesh can heavily influence our mind when it cries and acts like a big baby but ultimately the decision will always come down to OUR WILL which chooses its master. We are our will! Selah. When other people are being controlled by their brain they are acting as puppets to demonic persuasion, thus the truth being that we should acknowledge the spiritual power or “puppet master” is actually Satan governing their conscience and that is who we are to pray against – not their flesh. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles (cunning devices) of the devil. For we wrestle NOT against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”. (Ephesians 6:10-12) This is not patty cake day care; this is the difference between LIFE AND DEATH – literally! People’s souls are at stake – people are going to hell all around us! Prayer can transform minds and open the eyes of hearts. When parents become enlightened to God’s Word, He can raise them up to lead their children to God. Look at all of the dysfunctional families, the abused children, alcoholism, drug addiction, pornography, poverty, disease, demonic bondage and torment, emotional disorders, the sadness, chaos and confusion, hopelessness, loneliness, the lack of biblical knowledge, divorce, denial, unforgiveness, resentment, hatred and misery. We have been called to be the light holder in a world of darkness and the death of sin – but it is more than just sticking a fish on the back of our car or singing in the choir! The closet of prayer and fasting is all about spiritual love. Selah.

My intention is not to be depressing by revealing our guilt but to always observe reality under the microscope of God’s discernment. I am seeing that I have not understood the big picture of prayer because I have not had the revelation. The burden to pray must become engraved on the tables of our heart or we will not do it. It must become a burning passion to love others enough to make it a priority to pray for them, but if it is not we will just remain a potato peeler! Do you believe there are limitations to the power of praying according to God’s will? Do you believe that prayer could have changed the world? Do you believe that interceding, fervent prayer can move the hand of God to convict and save a soul? These questions are not intended to chase meaningless rabbits across a wintry field but are focused on seeing the difference between the Father’s “pre-destined ideas” and His foreknowledge. I believe we can agree that God has a specific PLAN for all things throughout time. But have you ever considered that even though He can see with His foreknowledge, many of His blueprints will not turn out like He would have desired. I believe that as each person is born they come with an instruction manual and their own unique course that is charted out by the Master designer and navigator. But included in the fine print is the clause that bases the effectiveness of a spiritual life on the decisions made by the free-will of the conscience. The creator leaves quite a bit of the decision making process up to us (the creation) and the more obedient the individual is to God’s directions the more of His blueprint is fulfilled. Those who learn to “trust and obey” are pleasing in His sight and have learned the true meaning of life.

Now, brother everyone knows that everything that happens is God’s will and we do not need to worry about it. Oh really? How many miracles of life has He given in conception that has been terminated with abortion? Did He ever predestinate anyone to commit suicide? Is it His will that innocent children be abused? Is it His perfect will that children starve to death? No! Because His people fail to pray and live obedient to His Word, many times He is left to sweep up the broken pieces of lives that were NOT supposed to be shattered. Selah. “The thief comes not but for to steal, and to kill and to destroy: I (Jesus) am come that they (us) might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”. (John 10:10)

My opening statement was not based on a hope that God’s Word is true and that prayer might work, but I declare this day that anything is “possible” with faith in Jesus. Looking to the end of this age, I cannot comprehend that it was Fathers pre-destined, burning passion to slaughter the inhabitants of this realm and burn the planet with scorching fire from the foundations of the world. I believe with His foreknowledge He saw through time and always knew that sin would continue to infect and corrupt the human race to the point where He would have to do it – but that does not mean He wanted it to happen. He gave His Word to His followers and the authority to walk and rule in the power of His Holy Spirit and the commission to live and set the standard of truth for the glory and honor of His Name. But evidently many of His followers could not endure the difficulty of peer pressure and the spiritual discipline that was needed to stand strong in the heat of temptation. If each Christian family throughout history had lived and prayed according to the uncompromised teachings of the Lord, the omniscient presence of Christ would now be feared and respected instead of a target for the modern media to laugh at! The church slowly became drowsy and allowed tiny baby steps of compromise to deteriorate the standards of holiness. When God’s people stopped praying they lost their spiritual sense of direction. The brokenness, humility and sensitivity were voted out as old fashioned. And when the gates were left open – the enemy freely plundered the house. “Therefore to him that knows to do good and does it not, to him it is sin”. (James 4:17) We can make a difference now – if we really want to.

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PART 39

ACCEPTING THE REAL JESUS

Being a student of the Bible you have already seen the outline of its message; it is all about revealing who Jesus is and how much He loves us. This will always immediately (and unfortunately) draw a line in the sand between the ones that have been born once and the redeemed that have been born twice. It does not take very long when the discussion turns to Jesus to discover just how much the world really hates Him. When Christ is introduced as the Divine Word that was made flesh, His absolute authority is what causes most people to be offended. The masses (including many in the religious world) simply do not respect who He is. For example, most people at Christmas can tolerate the baby Jesus in a manger because it is such a pitiful story of a child being poor and homeless. He seems so far away on the other side of the world and He lived so many years ago that his “distant” image gives the outsider a comfortable feeling of (false) security. It is easy to look at a painting of an infant and feel “large and in charge” because babies are so weak, helpless and non-threatening. And, of course the holidays are a time when most people are relaxed and in a festive mood of cheer and good will, as they celebrate with the delicious food, opening of gifts, decorations and the twinkling lights. Even for the unsaved that never mention or think about His Name throughout the year, Jesus is harmless as long as He is kept in His place and not allowed to be the judge of the soul. When He is presented as Lord of Lords and proclaimed as the ruler of heaven and earth, the crowd immediately begins to head to the exits. Why? Because it is very uncomfortable to be exposed as a renegade non-believer that is lost – trying to come up with an excuse why they have not accepted the One who died to save them. The rebellious heart tries to hide from the conviction of truth by building an illusion of Jesus as they try to escape the need to repent – all the while their brain is telling their feet to literally, “run for your life”! His presence will always cause a response to accept or deny. Selah.

If Jesus had grown up as only a teacher that went around doing good deeds, He would have blended in with the rest of the world’s notable movers and shakers. Society has always respected and admired those who lead positive minded, social reform and at times even select special “saints” of mercy that sacrifice their life for humanity. If Christ had just led His followers in peaceful demonstrations and cooperated with the political game playing, the historians would have been happy to categorize Him along with Socrates, Plato, Zeno of Citium or Thomas Aquinas. Then the world could have judged Him and criticized Him along with all the other educators and prophets, but what causes society to hate Him is the heart piercing reality that He is not a philosopher OF truth – He IS ABSOLUTE truth and the judge of every soul! Humans love to build and control their own destiny and will do everything they can to dull the thought of a deity “King of Kings” that will hold every human accountable for their thoughts, motives, words and deeds.

Another picture of Jesus that is mildly accepted is when He graciously fed and healed people. The mind registers this view of Him as a provider and supplier of everyone’s needs. Who doesn’t like the idea of someone presenting us a delicious buffet or relieving our pain? This is a positive image that is tolerated among those who do not acknowledge Him as Lord until they desperately need something. These simple-minded thoughts about Christ are easy to deal with and are about as much of God as most people want because – it is all about receiving the blessings without paying a price! They will take His fishes and loaves without a thought, but will not consider His authority or truth because they are too busy avoiding Him. “No one can serve two masters: for either they will hate the one, and love the other; or else they will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve (give reverence to) God (divine reality) and mammon (default system)”. (Mathew 6:24) In this life the love, worship and devotion of the heart cannot be divided. “A double-minded man is unstable (unreliable) in all his ways”. (James 1:8) The Lord presents the individual with a choice of submitting to His way or following their own way! This is the spiritual meaning of “not my will, but Thy will be done”.

To most individuals life is an amusement ride built for their enjoyment as human nature wants to stimulate every nerve and indulge in every pleasure with constant gratification and to consume it in as much lust as possible. The world does not want to be told what to do in their personal thoughts and actions and they certainly hate to develop self-discipline (and unfortunately many will have the last say or die trying). It is the ever present attitude of resistance to obey and conform to God’s Word and the age old battle of control between the spirit and the flesh. In fact the more people understand that Jesus desires to sit on the throne of their heart as Lord – the more they realize it is just too high of a price to pay. The rich young ruler walked away because He would not let go of worldly pleasure, as religion lives in denial and has always compromised, distorted, and watered down the Word of God. In today’s world of modern spirituality we see that, weeping, prayer alters and uncomfortable preaching about sacrifice is being replaced with psychology, politics and entertainment. Jesus and his teachings are being pushed farther back into shadows while the “happy church” programs are being offered as the “new idea”. His “real gospel” is an offence to the rebellious and the churches that are deep in debt and have huge salaries to pay out, certainly do not want to “spook” those who contribute. In fact they are constantly trying to “market” the bible as painless as possible, as they twist and mold it into a lifestyle that is politically correct and socially acceptable. It is not an exaggeration that the masses are being deceived with cupcake philosophy and dangerous moral relativism which disables and disconnects the potential of God’s power. The remnant church must draw the line and not be afraid of being labeled as narrow-minded and dogmatic about crucial, absolute, foundational truths. While the arrogant religious system follows the path of a tolerant, compromising, self-improvement program, it is slowly and subtly establishing itself as an enabler of secular humanism.

Do you personally believe the religious masses are becoming closer to God or do you feel they are drifting farther away? I sense the dividing line of sensitivity is growing wider everyday. For one reason, the less “genuine” gospel that is being preached, the weaker the people become. Many of the visible churches that meet openly every week are NOT necessarily growing more anointed or seeing more miracle manifestations. As a matter of fact it is prophesied that in the end of this dispensation the traditional religious programs will represent the mustard plant that became abnormally large and grew into a tree. The birds that roosted in its branches represent the demons of carnality that influence its direction leaving nothing but the coldness and formality of a public service organization. This same false church that cried out for His execution is still hindering the advancement of God’s Kingdom today! The haughty spirit of pride and arrogance wants to control the people as they glory in their own ability. The bottom line is simple; they love their flesh and hate His Word. “Jesus wept”.

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PART 38

MAN THE BATTLESTATIONS

The battle is intensifying for those who are fighting on the frontline. As we daily feel the stirring within our heart to draw nearer to God we will also continue to feel the enemy trying to pull us down. Being alone must not become a snare-trap of discouragement or depression but rather a “special” time to develop a closer relationship with Father. “Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold of the eternal life to which you were summoned and (for which) you confessed the good confession (of faith) before many witnesses.” (I Timothy 6:12 Amp.)

Today is the day to contend (be aggressive) for the faith! “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints”. (Jude 3)

Now is not the time to allow your mind to be entangled with the confusion of this life. Father will saturate you in His presence if you will spend time alone with Him. “Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that wars (fights on the frontline) entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who has chosen him to be a soldier”. (II Timothy 2:3-4) Remain aware of His presence.

But why is it when I start reaching out for Jesus in a deeper way – the battle increases? Because as you yield to the Lord, His presence moves upon you and the spirit realm notices that you are becoming more like Him. Satan becomes alarmed when someone becomes determined to seek God. The reason spiritual resistance becomes more fierce is because you’re moving in the right direction to destroy the devil’s strongholds. Be encouraged and stay focused; victory is definite! (II Timothy 1:10).

IF we keep putting our faith and works together in the authority of Christ we will take the Kingdom by force (Mathew 11:12; I Corinthians 15:57). Keep walking on the devil and know that he is defeated every day, (John 17:18; I John 3:8; Mathew 10:7-8). Don’t stop treading and don’t stop taking the land! (Joshua 1:3; Luke 10:19) Remember that we are on the winning side!
It does not matter how you feel because feelings are just emotions – not true reality. God is REALITY! He holds the universe in His hands, He is worthy of all praise, He is never going to change, His Word is true and He is in total control!

Whether you are excited or not – God’s pure, holy bride is on the rise, the uncompromised gospel is still being preached, the lost are getting saved, people are being filled with the Holy Ghost, disciples are being called to minister and miracles are happening all over this world. The older saints are dreaming the warnings of preparation and the young warriors are seeing visions of holiness and how to overcome in this last hour.

Even if you have lost your faith and feel that you cannot trust anyone and that it seems everything is hopeless – God is still pouring out His Spirit on His children. Father knows how bad the world has become – but the gates of hell will not prevail! His miracle power is still being manifested, spiritual battles are being won, bodies are being healed, minds are being delivered, hearts are being changed and His glory is still being revealed.

Whether you feel like praising Him or not – the angels are constantly crying holy, holy, holy around God’s throne, alters are still being tear stained and prayer closets are still being used. The remnant is fasting, praying, weeping, dancing and shouting, running, clapping and raising holy hands in Spirit and truth. The way is narrow, the followers are few – but no one will be blamed for making your decisions, except you.

Just because the masses are becoming calloused and desensitized from the distractions of this age, it does not mean that everything is hopeless. It is a warning to guard your own heart and stay in the secret place under the shadow of His wings. It is a time to learn how to pray, how to obey and how to release your faith. Simple songs of love and appreciation are rising to the heavens, the humble are on their knees, spiritual revelation is being released, missions are being accomplished and the thirsty are being satisfied with His awesome presence.

All of these things may not be happening where you can see them – but in the quiet places of seclusion and the enclosed private places of isolation, God is with the remnant because they are drawing near to Him. A broken, contrite and sensitive conscience must be maintained by our determination to abide in a personal, constant and intimate relationship with Him. Selah.

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PART 37
AMMUNITION SELECTION

Every day, we are faced with a decision about how we will react to life’s circumstances. Those who know what God’s Word says about how to act, realize that we are to think according to God’s Spirit which in turn will control our behavior. Thus, the bride, (who abides in God’s Word) has no excuse for reacting in her unrestrained emotions. It is not a negative confession or curse to admit that we are going to face challenging situations everyday – so we might as well get ready for them. There are booby-traps and ambushes up ahead that will continue to force us to choose how we are going to handle the next confrontation. We all know the initial temptation is to react with our carnal nature, but in every situation, we will always decide how we are going to respond. We may have failed the last ten years but WE CAN draw a line with determination to turn the right way when we find ourselves standing in the next crossroad – if we really want to.
Every person is like a loaded gun. The ammo is what we have stored in the abundance of our heart and mind, our mouth releases the explosive forces that are called words and the trigger is our “free-will” decision where, how and when to fire. But the difference between being a positive or negative weapon is the type of ammo we choose to use. It is simple; if we are determined to walk in God’s Spirit and speak His Word, our life and ministry has unlimited potential because God’s power is being released. But, if we allow our conscience to be loaded with the “buckshot” of carnal emotions, we will spray everyone around us with the darkness of sin. So, the problem is not with the mouth (or barrel) – the question is; what exactly is our mind, heart and conscience filled with? “For a good tree brings not forth corrupt fruit; neither does a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks”. (Luke 6:43-45)

By acting on God’s Word and not merely reacting to the situation, we are always able to manage our emotions instead of allowing them to manage us. I strongly recommend confessing the Word of God out loud. Even though what you confess may be the opposite of how you feel, keep doing it because eventually the seeds will sprout and bear fruit. God’s Word has inherent power to change our feelings, bring comfort to us, and quiet our distraught feelings. When someone is rude to us, we feel our emotions rise up and prepare to launch, wanting us to follow them and unleash the fury of what we consider to be a fair and just retaliation. That’s when our awareness needs to remind us we are not to fight fire with fire – plus, I am vulnerable to being offended and that definitely hurts my relationship with Father. By reacting the way Jesus would react I am not only allowing Him to show love but also protecting my right standing with Him. Unforgiveness will always build a wall of sin between us and Father and the absence of His presence is NOT a good place to be. This is another perfect example of how the “overcoming” Christian life is conditional upon the hard work and concentration to walk in obedience. We must turn to the Holy Spirit and draw strength from God’s grace for the ability to act on His Word when people hurt us – instead of merely reacting with an evil behavior that matches or tops theirs. When Jesus was on the cross He was trying to explain this when He forgave them, that they were spiritually blind and did not understand what they were doing.
Jesus teaches us how to respond to those who treat us well and those who do not. “And as you would that men should do to you, do you also to them likewise. For if you love them which love you, what thank have you? For sinners also love those that love them. And if you do good to them which do good to you, what thank have you? For sinners also do the same. And if you lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what thank have you? For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But – love your enemies and do good and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great and you shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be you therefore merciful as your Father also is merciful”. (Luke 6:31-36)
If you are in a situation that requires you to be with one of these hard-to-get-along-with people every day, I urge you to pray for them instead of reacting emotionally to them. We know that our prayers open a door for God to help them (and us) but sometimes our anger opposes our mercy. Bitterness can be a root of hatred and these emotions are very powerful. We may not even be aware of a deep resentment but it can be the very cause of our aggressiveness and intensity against any ideas of compassion. One thing can be sure; we will not find the sensitivity and spiritual clarity we need to deal with the problem until we pray. Without prayer we are just trying to blanket one emotion with another one. Prayer finds the heart and mind of God and softens our conscience that we may see through the clouds of frustration and discover the most important ingredient of love. We are never going to spiritually outgrow our feelings or emotions but when we choose to live by God’s Word and not our flesh we are definitely moving in the right direction to abide in His divine reality. God needs soldiers that can stay focused on the battle instead of crawling behind the bushes to have a pity party. The whole point of studying God’s Word is to grow stronger and become more mature. We can only walk in His Spirit if our mind is being transformed. A carnal Christian is a terrible representative of the Kingdom of God and causes many unbelievers to remain in doubt and confusion.
Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinks in his heart – so is he”. So we can realize that whatever has set up camp so to speak in our conscience is what will overflow in our words and actions. The old saying of, “what is in the well – will come up in the bucket” connects us with the truth about who we really are. Many claim to be filled with God’s Spirit but there seems to be some confusion. Speaking in tongues, eloquent prayers, tithing, going to church, reading the bible or even ministering the Word does not necessarily mean a person is filled with the Holy Spirit! It is how much of the Holy Spirit that is released in someone’s words and actions that PROVES they are “over-flowing”. Selah.

Let us close with noticing a key word within the list given in Galatians 5 and verses 22-25. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, TEMPERANCE: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have “crucified the flesh” with the affections (passions) and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Temperance means to restrain or to harness our carnal freedom. It is the demonstration of self-control which is once again exposing our responsibility to LIVE the Christian life instead of just knowing about it. The true Christian is not to be like an old car that is taken in to a body shop and re-painted because everything on the inside is still the same. Crucifixion means to die – and being born-again means to be re-created.

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PART 36

ABIDING IN HIS BLOOD VIII

HIS OATH HIS COVENANT, HIS BLOOD
SUPPORTS ME IN THE WHELMING FLOOD
WHEN ALL AROUND MY SOUL GIVES WAY
HE THEN IS ALL MY HOPE AND STAY

ON CHRIST THE SOLID ROCK I STAND
ALL OTHER GROUND IS SINKING SAND
ALL OTHER GROUND IS SINKING SAND

As we continue with our parallels of the blood, let us realize this mystery of covenant has been given to the heirs of salvation. The same faith that is needed to believe in Christ as our Lord and Savior is also required to accept His promises of abundant life. His blood paid for our sins and we accept this act as true – by faith. His blood also re-opened the door to His divine reality and the dominion of His authority in us. This truth must also be seen with our spirit and known in our heart. I personally know Christians that do not believe that God wants to do miracles in their life and consequently they do not receive His perfect will. This is not to say that He does not help them at all, but works with each individual at the level they are at.

9. BLOOD GIVES STRENGTH: Our digestive process breaks down our food with enzymes into soluble molecular components that are absorbed and transported through our blood. Our organs and muscles STORE what is to be RELEASED as energy. This “power in the blood” reveals a perfect metaphor of how our studies and prayers are absorbed into our mind and spirit to be released as the faith anointing of God’s wisdom and power. “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and OVER all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19) “I can do ALL things through Christ which STRENGTHENS me.” (Philippians 4:13) “He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint”. (Isaiah 40:29-31)

10. BLOOD CLEANSES: Our blood has a continual purifying ability all of its own. As old cells die and new cells are born, we have what is called a “scavenging cell system.” These scavenging cells eat the dead cells and release energy back into blood stream to be distributed. As the blood works as a transporter with the kidneys to remove all waste, the blood works constantly to keep our “internal” body clean. This is a perfect picture of how the blood of Jesus works night and day to forgive us and keep us pure when we repent His blood is pure, holy and perfect which is the fountain of forgiveness, restoration, healing and sanctification. Obedience is a choice that we make to STAY CLEAN and sin-free before God. It is our refusal to change (repent, humble ourselves, awaken, listen and obey our convictions, (fall on our face to God) that causes our own pollution and misery. The natural progression of our faith is to learn from our mistakes and grow stronger in His grace. Our lives should be growing cleaner as His presence grows stronger within us. The blood of Jesus not only cleanses us from our old sins but also keeps us “current” when we stay in an awareness of prayer (without ceasing) and humility (grace). “Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out ALL my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me “. (Psalm 51:9-10)

Listening to God’s voice and responding with obedience is the heart of knowing Father. If we do all the talking He does not have a chance to lead us or explain His personal will to us. Religion spends their energy trying to do things they “feel” and that fit their agenda. God simply wants us to do what He says. When learning how to receive God’s super-natural intervention it is crucial to remember that Christians must learn self-control. Well, brother what do you mean? One reason why Christians do not receive from God is because; they are living just as carnal as were before they accepted Christ. We cannot serve God while operating in our own emotions because the mind being renewed is what transforms us into His image (thinking and acting). If the mind is not changed under the influence of God’s Word and Spirit, the character of the individual will remain the same and this is NOT God’s concept of being a disciple. This is the foundation of our spiritual development and yet the most difficult to understand. One reason this could be such a struggle is the confusion of receiving Christ as Savior and not comprehending the “fine print” of accepting Him as Lord. The responsibility to submit our will to God includes our thoughts, attitudes and feelings which in turn keeps our focus on His voice. The discipline associated with our free-will is crucial to experiencing the reality of walking in His Spirit. Without surrendering our mind there is no chance of abiding as an anointed overcomer.

Another reason people do not receive from God is because they do not understand the concept of prayer. Prayer is not an independent wish-list apart from the journey that God has carefully planned. Our life is not open to whatever we desire in our flesh because it would be filled with confusion and disappointment. Trusting Him to lead us through this life and fulfilling His hope and desire FOR US is why we talk so much about FOLLOWING Him. I have been guilty at times of talking so much that I did not take the time to hear HOW God was going to answer my crisis. Prayer was never intended to be completely left up to our intelligence or the etiquette of our orator skills but instead was designed to flow with God’s desires. Our prayers should be an agreement of His will. After all we must come to terms that He chose us, created us and called us by His mercy because He has a specific destiny for us to reach. As we draw near to Him and listen intently He will reveal His divine appointments to us and then we pray and ask Him to help us according to what He has allowed us to understand. This is not to say that we cannot ask Him for specific needs but the closer we are to Him the more we can perceive His perfect destiny for us. If we ask for something over and over He may not respond immediately but that does not necessarily mean He will not make it happen at all. If a request does not manifest it could simply mean that He wanted to do it HIS way, in HIS time and not how we imagined it. Maybe there was unrepentant sin that was hindering our prayers, unforgiveness and bitterness, resentment, praying amiss, selfish intentions, bad attitudes or other failures on our part concerning our present spiritual condition. If the timing was not right, if the request had wrong motives or if we did not produce genuine faith – we prevented our own miracle from happening.

So, what is “genuine” faith? It is more than making a wish when we throw a coin into a fountain or blowing out some candles. It is a “knowing” connection that generates God’s power. He is not always moved by our begging, hoping, crying and pity parties – He is moved by our confidence that He will do it – not that He “might” do it. Could it be that what some people have thought was faith might not have actually been true faith?
People become offended when you mention that because no one wants to admit that maybe they missed it. Maybe, that is where the traditional, religious idea came from to explain that whatever happens “good or bad” was completely God’s will.
You see, there is no way to really know what was in someone else’s mind or heart even though they may “seem” to be a spiritual giant. So, some people would rather say that God chose not to answer prayer rather than take the blame themselves? Is real faith becoming extinct like the absence of weeping at the alters? You see, something has to give. It is impossible to say that someone had perfect faith and God did not come through! That makes it sound like God missed it – but GOD NEVER FAILS! I don’t care how many times someone goes to church or how many chapters of the bible they read each day, if they are not being transformed by the renewing of their mind, they are not walking in the divine reality of faith! When disaster happens I do not want to hear about how God made an exception or forgot or denied a genuine faith request. God is not mocked, He knows if someone is using Him like a gum ball machine and He will not tolerate it or compromise His Word. Overcomers walk in His Spirit! They know who He is and ABIDE in the revelation of who they are in Christ Jesus.

People will try to use Paul’s thorn as a way of proving that God does not desire to heal everyone. I have never seen this train of thought because the only people the Lord did not heal were the ones that did not believe. I see this as Paul whining about a demonic attack and Jesus trying to remind him about the authority of the covenant to SPEAK to his situation with covenant authority. Jesus has already paid the price to establish the authority of the believer to generate the power needed to overcome. Again we see that God is not always moved by crying or begging but His grace THROUGH our faith is sufficient to change circumstances for His glory. This is in no way to be interpreted that it was God’s will that he (or anyone else) live in misery or defeat. The Lord is using this example to reveal our responsibility to speak to our bodies like Jesus spoke to the wind and waves. This is a reminder to seek the available, infinite power of God’s Word and to dedicate our life to allowing Him to move mountains in Jesus Name! Revelation is the unveiling and illumination that brings to light what was once hidden. To learn this mystery of blood covenant salvation is unfortunately the part of the iceberg that most cannot see.

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PART 35

ABIDING IN THE BLOOD VII

“And they overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death”. (Revelation 12:11)

“For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even OUR FAITH”.
(I John 5:4)

“Ye are of God, little children and HAVE overcome them: because greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (I John 4:4)

This is the seventh part of the series and I had planned to stop here but as I continued to write I sensed the direction (and excitement) to keep going. I will make no plans of my own to stop but rather just take these insights one week at a time. They are such a joy to my spirit as I long to become “melted” into God’s Word! All glory and honor to His Name! All praise and worship to God who is worthy of all love and adoration!

The earth knows who we are with our birth certificate but the spirit realm recognizes our “spiritual birth” certificate with those who are in covenant! The angels rejoice and are committed to helping us in our journey. “For God shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in ALL thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone”. (Psalm 91:11-12) “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14) And as darkness flees when light is released – the kingdom of darkness knows exactly who we are and how much light is generating with us. Most people live in a world of worry and are confused about believing and receiving what Ephesians 3:20 promises because they believe in the evening news more than God’s covenant. Selah. “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us”. Did you notice the word “ACCORDING”? That means OUR faith! Father wrote that scripture for us and knew that we would read it and meditate on what this could possibly mean. And He wanted to make sure we understood that He is “willing and able” to do all that His disciples ask or think – and that He meant what He said!

Notice how verse 11 in Revelation 12 mentions they DID overcome the devil! So let us agree that – “IT IS POSSIBLE” to defeat Satan through the blood of Jesus. This is a key point that supports the view of it being God’s will for US to “engage” the enemy and to use the power and authority of the blood in accordance with our obedience and faith. If God wants us to defeat everything associated with the devil then why do Christians sit around and cry about being defeated? We have been seeing how God has provided the treasures of His grace to equip His children with not only everything He owns – but with the legal, spiritual RIGHTS to take their legal POSITIONS and manifest the super-natural miracles that God wants us to do in our journey. We have not only been called to guard and defend, but to be aggressive and alert to be on the offense. “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace but a sword”. “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me is not worthy of me.” (Mathew 10: 34 and 38) We will never need to worry about God fulfilling or backing us with His end of the covenant which is the power-source of all signs, wonders and miracles. It is OUR part of the covenant which is “shaky” because it is hard to find a remnant believer that desires to be completely sold-out! Father is unlimited in His spiritual power but is waiting for His children to receive the revelation of what they have been called to do. He desires for His disciples to become so intense in their prayers and worship, that His love will be a “glow” of God’s genuine compassion and mercy. But, it requires commitment, courage and sacrifice to put on His armor and run to the battlefield. It’s much more comfortable to go to church, sing a song, listen to someone speak and go home and watch football. Beware of being a tare.

The second part of the verse mentions the “word of our testimony”. What is that? Well, a testimony is being an eyewitness that can describe the truth of an event. In this context it is spoken in future tense as prophecy and I interpret this as; we (are, will be and were) witnesses to stunning miracles and glorious manifestations of God’s presence as we “PROCLAIMED” what we experienced to everyone we met. Our boldness and aggressiveness was so convincing that even the demons were intimidated. As we “decreased” our identity and allowed Jesus to increase His presence inside of us, the power of God became more intense. As He is triumphant in all things we became vessels for Him to reach through and speak through. His anointing became so strong that people were saved, healed and delivered just like when He walked the earth. Our testimony was that we confessed God’s Word and lived in His presence. We declared to the devil, “No, you will not defeat me in the Name of Jesus! I declare that I know my spiritual rights and the authority God has given to me! In the Name of Jesus, I bind you and cast you out of my life! I plead the blood of Jesus over me and I walk in the divine reality of God’s will. Jesus is my King and the Lord of my life and I will abide according to His Word and be what He died for me to be. I operate in the REALITY of His Word because His covenant makes it true and now I am the temple of His presence.” YES!

Let’s look at some foundational principals of our faith and try to discover the difference between thinking and knowing. One of the most common questions that people have is, “why did faith not work for some people that were dear to me and while we’re on the subject, it doesn’t seem to work for me either”. To begin with, let us presume that we are talking about a Christian because anyone that is not born again is not a child of God and cannot access His covenant. Non-Christians cannot operate in God’s divine reality because blood identifies family and only His children are authorized to interact in that realm. Let me stop here just for a moment because I need to make a bold statement that will no doubt offend the politically correct. People around the world that put their hope in other religious world views other than Father being the only true God of the universe are wasting their time praying, believing and devoting their life. There is only one true God and the only way to heaven is through the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Since the one true God only allows those who are His heirs to be in Him and He in them, there is allowed no other idols, belief systems, cults, philosophies or religions. He does not tolerate, respect or compromise with any person that does not have Jesus Christ sitting on the throne of their heart as Lord. No matter how religious or how many good deeds are done in the name of whomever – it is no more than an act of compassionate, moral self-righteousness. The unsaved are candidates for the Fathers grace to be saved but must feel the drawing power of His Word that will convict them to the point of asking Jesus to forgive, redeem and be the Master of their life. Without being spiritually transformed there is no relationship, no “real” faith, divine love, being led by the Holy Spirit, revelation knowledge, heavenly communication or covenant power connection. For those who are born-again, it is crucial to nourish the new spirit with large doses of meditating on His Rhema Word, fervent prayer and worshipping in His presence to develop a personal, intimate, covenant relationship with Father. One God – one way. Amen.

I believe there are times when answers are not given because people had the “head knowledge” of God but never really found the spiritual connection of what “total salvation” was intended to be. It is more than thinking and more than just confessing. Just because you know there is such a thing and you mumble the words that it can happen – that might not be any more powerful than singing, “twinkle, twinkle little star”. You must KNOW that your Father owns everything and that as His CHILD you ALREADY “posses” what He owns! Selah. There is nothing you could ask for that God cannot afford. But the world is enjoying, possessing, occupying and selling OUR inheritance. Adam lost dominion, authority and possession of the earth as the devil deceived and stole it. But through the covenant God has unlocked the door and offered the opportunity for us to reclaim what was lost by faith. The restoration and regaining of what was taken from us can now be recovered through the power of JESUS BLOOD and the AUTHORITY of the believer. “And this is the CONFIDENCE that we have in HIM, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us: And if we KNOW that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE THE PETITIONS THAT WE DESIRED OF HIM.” (I John 5:14-15) Now that is a covenant promise! Praise God!

When God speaks, demons tremble and flee and darkness tries to hide. God lives inside of us – so the only thing that holds God’s people in bondage is how they think! It is poverty of thought that keeps poverty in our life! Small thoughts are the results of small faith and this in turn produces small results. There is nothing small, weak or intimidating about God and He wants us to not only KNOW IT – but to SHOW IT! God does everything big and dramatic because HE IS GOD! Overcomers are not panicking about what is going to happen to them or afraid about being defeated. That’s because they KNOW they are on the WINNING side! Worry and anxiety is not in their vocabulary because they are more than conquerors in the Spirit – because that is who GOD IS! There is no limit to our imagination and asking – only in our thinking! We have built walls of doubt, skepticism and fear within our own mentality and until these are removed, we will not be an instrument for the Fathers glory that Jesus shed His blood for us to be. Selah.

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PART 34

LORD, HELP US TO SEE

Would you not think that as a Christian, the most awesome event in heaven and earth would be to talk to God in person? Brother Billy, I talk to God everyday! I know, so do I – but I mean to sit down at the table and to look Him in the eyes as you both carry on a conversation. Would you like to embrace Him and ask Him questions about everything you have always wanted to know? Would you like to have His undivided attention for a whole day with just you and Him in deep thought and discussion? Moses had conversations with Him many times within clouds of smoke but he too also really wanted to “see” God and touch him – up close and personal. He thought he could get to know the Almighty better if he could function with Him physically like a close friend and companion. We sing the song, “Show me your glory” as it comes from Exodus chapter 33 and verse 18, but in verse 20 we see that His glorious presence was just too powerful and overwhelming to the natural human as it could not withstand the power. “But, He said, you cannot see my face, for no man shall see me and live”. Not being able to have a physical relationship was just as frustrating to God as it was to Moses. The Almighty made man in His image with His own hands but man’s sin had caused this terrible separation. The divine dimension where the spiritual eyes of the heart could once see was now closed, leaving man to stumble in the darkness of a “natural” realm. Man was left with a substance of things hoped for and only an evidence of things invisible. Just out of curiosity I wonder how many people during this time really wanted to see God and know Him? To be honest I also wonder how many people right now that really wants to walk with Him? I believe that wherever you invest your time, energy and focus is where your treasure is and your treasure always has your heart captivated. Selah.

Not unlike many of you, bible study has been a normal part of my life. People have different interest where they invest their time and mine is reading and writing. I thank God for the internal drive to be interested but still believe that I understand very little. I in no way want to give the impression that I comprehend all spiritual mysteries or that I am walking in total perfection. I just want to know the way it really is. Philosophers have this type of brain that are never satisfied to just accept the views of tradition and I guess you could call Christians who love to seek knowledge about God – “spiritual philosophers” because they are building a personal view about life. They have studied God’s Word and have researched and cross referenced the doctrines with prayer until they settle on an interpretation that confirms their convictions. God’s front line warriors are LEADERS because they learn how to pray, they know what God is saying and have the faith to do it! Followers accept what their family believes or their church and really do not concern themselves with it at all. They have put their trust in other scholars that have built a case for the “cause” and are perfectly at peace with the conclusions. Oddly, they are always ready to build walls around their religious views and argue how they are right and everyone else is wrong even though they are not exactly sure why. These individuals presume that God thinks the way they do and in their attempt to construct their own concept of how they want God to be, they pull Him down to their level. In a lifestyle of unbelief, they can create the comfortable, understanding, forgiving “image” of God that perfectly fits their philosophy. Many walk in a false peace and have convinced themselves that everything is good, God’s Word is lenient and all that is done or not done will be alright someday in the bye and bye. Lord, help us to see.

Before we finish with the blood covenant series I just wanted to take a break and share my heart. I am amazed at how many Christians do not know about blood covenant. I have talked with several people over the last few weeks and have received some very interesting comments. I am naïve to think that all Christians sit around every night studying the bible. I am naïve to believe that all Christians are thirsty to learn about God and desire to expand their spiritual knowledge. Guess what? I can hardly find ANYONE that is really interested in anything spiritual AT ALL! Yes, of course I am worried about the condition of the body of Christ. And I struggle with discouragement about this just like all the pastors who lead tiny congregations all over the world or Sunday school teachers that feel they are not really making a difference. And what about missionaries that work for years preaching the gospel but find very little enthusiasm or interest? The more I talk with Christians about their faith the more I realize they already have all the gospel they want! Some might read a verse per day or listen to song but I am talking about the desire to know how they can increase in their spiritual authority so they can fight on the frontlines. I wonder how someone who claims to be born again can ignore the hunger cries of their transformed spirit man to feast on God’s Word. How can the Christian spirit man not have a desire to pray, worship or live in the glory of God’s presence? It seems that many will go to church but that is all. I know our flesh competes for control and our free-will chooses what it wants but why do many Christians live carnal? Could we say, those who claim to be Christians that do not feel the “drawing” of the Holy Spirit to be with Father, along with not sensing His burdens and convictions are either lukewarm and backslidden or have never been truly saved? I know that is a tough question but are there other reasons? I realize the remnant will be small in comparison to the religious world but just how tiny are we talking? In this last hour push to deceive the masses, the darkness of Satan’s media is attacking the mind and spreading the depression of hopelessness? Does the conscience being seared and becoming a victim of a strong delusion apply only to the lost – or can this include Christians? Worry and fear will drain our joy and victory! Everywhere we go and almost everyone we talk with has become heavy with panic, anxiety and negativity. We must not become so absorbed with the condition of the world that we become a part of the problem! Instead of agreeing how everything is sliding down the toilet we should not lose focus that we are ambassadors sent from heaven to promote the GOOD news! Lord, help us to see.

In order for spiritual metamorphosis to occur there must be more than emotion, more than going to church and more than just reading the bible and knowing its stories! How can that be? Because there is a huge difference between general knowledge and spiritual revelation! There are people that have read the bible all their life but do not have a clue what it means or have allowed it to change them. Unless the seed is planted and allowed to grow – there is no fruit. I am not trying to judge who is saved and who is not because only God knows a persons heart but at the same time I believe that what I am saying is a true fact that all of us are surrounded with. The Pharisees are an example of how someone can be religious and live in a “legalistic” knowledge but not necessarily having it absorbed into their spirit man as rhema. Their heart had not become softer and closer to God but actually through pride had become hard and defiant. Some might say that Jesus was blasting them with condemnation but the truth is that He was presenting a spiritual reality that pricked their heart with Holy Spirit conviction. You can see that small congregations are the evidence of how the crowds do not want a deeper Word of truth that convicts. In today’s world of “feel good church” we see large assemblies that concentrate on politics and entertainment that satisfy the need to be a respected member of the community. I wonder how the religious world would react if Jesus was allowed to speak at the pulpit on a Sunday morning? I know that everyone is at a different spiritual level and that God will take that into account, so the best thing we can do is to be available and sensitive to help everyone all we can. What I am trying to say is that God wants us to grow-up listening to HIS voice instead of being distracted with mans traditions and programs. The narrow path is keeping our eyes on His face as the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. Lord, help us to see.

One more thing before I close. I have been talking to people lately about what I have been writing and to tell you the truth it has bothered me. Like I mentioned earlier I have also asked several that is on the mailing list if they even read the messages and most have said they do not have the time. I do not want to be a pest by filling up people’s e-mails with more things they have to delete each week. I receive messages each day and I also just do not have time to read it all. If you want to continue just let me know that you want to keep reading but if you would rather not receive any more v-mails just do not reply and I will understand and remove you from the mail-out. Now, about the covenant. In my pursuit of truth, I am not trying to insult or offend anyone. I am simply trying to learn if God’s Word can be applied straight across the board or if there are exceptions. I understand about God’s sovereignty and that He can do whatever He wants – but does that include being a respecter of persons? Can God cross over His Word to make unique provisions for certain situations or is His Word perfect and unchangeable without exception? Most of the people I have talked with have brought up scenarios of disaster where it seemed that faith did not work and that God caused disease, poverty and death for His own purposes. My view is that man fails in his revelation knowledge and faith to embrace the blood covenant as the answer (and deliverer) to every problem. I have yet to see where God changes His mind about His promises according to each individual circumstance. If that is true then it would put us all back to square one with praying that everything is done according to God’s will. I believe that God’s Word IS His will and His desire is that we walk in this divine reality of authority. (Share with me your insights). Lord, please help us to see your absolute truth and not our opinions. Amen.

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PART 33

ABIDING IN THE BLOOD VI

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness and receive with meekness the ENGRAFTED Word, which is able to save your souls. And be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves”. (James 1:21-22)

Many churches over the centuries have failed to explain the true meaning of salvation. Covenant must be taught as a responsibility – not an option. People have been told they can live in sin because God understands that we are naturally stubborn and rebellious. Many have used the grace of God to excuse a lifestyle of carnality and unfortunately have presented this concept as normal Christianity. This might be accepted in the world of lukewarm religion but I cannot find the Lord excusing sin or doubt anywhere at anytime. Yes, newborns have much to learn but it is how they are trained that charts the course of their views. Pressing toward the “mark” would seem to teach the idea of striving for perfection which is being more like God. I thought the “less of me – more of Him” concept was allowing Him to be our LORD. Erroneous teachings along with the lack of discipline compound the problem while pleasing the devil, as he can keep God’s people in the misery of defeat while not having to work overtime trying to make war against them.

No doubt the covers are being pulled back on our nation which is revealing spiritual paralysis from the absence of the fear of God. We are now seeing extreme interpretations of liberal Christianity where many churches are flooded with pride filled, seeker sensitive programs, erotic dress, politically correct lectures, heavy metal music and the tolerance of everything from “all roads lead to heaven” to the gay agenda. On the flip side we observe the legalistic extremes of Quakers, Puritans, holiness and Amish that are strictly focused on isolation, independence, segregation, and sanctification. Whatever the case, people will usually follow what they have been taught because world views are the result of an “accumulation of information” process that is directly connected with learning. Problems occur when truth is distorted, knowledge is misinterpreted, we are traveling on the wrong road and we trust what we hear – instead of what God says. No matter how sincere or filled with zeal – if our understanding is in error, God cannot honor our faith because we are sincerely wrong. Many of God’s potential warriors are reduced by ignorance as the lack of God’s presence and anointing has made them harmless.

God’s salvation is based on covenant which means “cutting”. Covenants are “cut” and always require blood. Christianity is known as a bloody religion and always will be – thank God! Abraham entered into covenant with El Shaddai, (YHVH, Jehovah, the Almighty God), as he represented God’s nation – Israel. This is described to us in Genesis 15:17-21. God instructed Abraham to prepare for a covenant agreement with Him and was told to slaughter several animals. Following the common ritual of this time Abraham cut the animals in two halves and laid them on the ground opposite each other. The two parties would then walk around those two halves in a figure of eight path through the blood. In that ritual they would pledge themselves to each other to the extent of all they had, – even to their very lives. In that covenant they would name all the blessings and benefits of the covenant and also would name the curses to be exacted should that covenant be broken or violated. There in the bloody ground they would pledge themselves to each other and promise to uphold the covenant requirements come what may. It was a covenant of life unto death as they affirmed in effect that if either side violates this covenant then may that person be as this animal that was sacrificed and in whose blood we are now standing. This scripture shows this passing through when the fiery torch (representing God) appeared rushing to and fro between the slaughtered animals. Father is literally promising Abraham an eternal covenant, everlasting reliability and security but God required an obvious seal of this covenant – the circumcision (Genesis 17:1-14). This circumcision is an act done in faith and is another example of blood and faith involved with sacrifice. Every male descendant of Abraham was required to bear this covenant mark. In verse 13 God is repeating HIS promise confirming the eternal character of this covenant, but the following verse gives us the clear consequences if this covenant should ever be broken; it is the death of the perpetrator. Could this have eternal implications? Just how crucial is it to walk in God’s Sprit? Grace obviously does not supersede being lukewarm. Selah. How much sin will God tolerate in the life of His children? Is there a line a Christian can cross from being saved to being lost? Is there a place where back-sliding outweighs forgiveness? 

This was the covenant God made with Abraham – and this covenant is still alive and available now! Some might say, “The old covenant has been replaced” and that we should not follow, believe or apply its promises for our lives today. On the contrary! Just because a new covenant has been established, it does not mean the original laws of God should be abolished! “Thou shalt not steal” is still a true commandment that demands honor, respect and obedience. “Since it is the one and the same God who will justify the circumcised by faith (which came from Abraham) and the uncircumcised through their (newly acquired) faith. (For it is the same trusting faith in both cases, a firmly relying faith in Jesus Christ). Do we then by this faith make the law of no effect, overthrow it or make it a dead letter? CERTAINLY NOT! On the contrary, we CONFIRM and ESTABLISH and UPHOLD the law”. (Romans 3:30-31, AMP.) Others might say, “The Old Testament promises were just for the Jews” but let us observe another very interesting passage about that subject. In Romans chapter eleven we see the Jews being a symbol of an olive tree and the gentiles portraying a wild olive shoot that is being super-naturally grafted into the tree of life by the grace of God. “You will say then, branches were pruned off so that I might be GRAFTED in! That is true, but they were pruned off because of their unbelief (their lack of real faith) and you are established through faith (because you do believe). So do not become proud and conceited but rather stand in awe and be reverently afraid”. (Romans 11:19-20) This is a type and shadow of a spiritual reality and given as an encouragement to us that His covenant applies to us. I do not see anywhere that says these promises are not valid to be received BY FAITH today! Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to FULFILL”. (Mathew 5:17) I believe the powerful lesson to learn is the truth that living in covenant with God and ALL of His Word is a vow of commitment and we can always depend on Father for everything. I realize this covenant was (and is) conditional to obedience but it should not discourage or intimidate us from walking in it. We should not pull back from the pain of sacrifice or run away from it because we feel we cannot live up to its requirements. Some have made comments lately that it is hard enough to just go to work and pay the bills let alone try to digest this revelation about living on a higher plane of tranquility. I realize that for the most part, people are simple thinkers and basic down-to-earth survivors but I will always believe we have not even scratched the surface of our spiritual potential. (I know this because of the lost look on the faces of those when covenant or walking in the divine reality is mentioned). I believe we can evolve into a spiritual overcomer – if that is what we really want. Is that what we really want? Selah. Our old nature becomes “insulted” at the truth. You see; if the gospel does not soften you – it will harden you. God’s Word was offensive and His gospel is provoking to those who are blind and calloused. The increase of lukewarmness and rebellion can be the personal rejection and resentment of God’s expectations. Jesus presented the “offensive” truth to the religious world and instead of them becoming humble and willing to change they became enraged. He was simply asking the question (and is still asking); “could it be possible that you could be blind?” The most natural and common response from a deceived person is, “how dare you presume I am blind! I am not blind and I am very offended that you would even imply that I am”. (Conviction is like deciding whether or not to have surgery). “But He gives more grace. Wherefore He said, God resist the proud but gives grace to the humble”. (James 4:6)

8. BLOOD PROTECTS: Our bloodstream provides the access for anti-bodies to patrol around the clock trying to guard against intruders. A healthy body has a strong army of these warriors that are constantly ready to fight. Our immune system is the command post that is connected to a highly advanced security system, ready to sound an alarm against all infections. Our blood also has a built-in ability to instantly coagulate in case of rupture or damage to stop the loss of our life source. This ability to repair, regenerate and heal provides “life-saving” preservation. In the spirit realm we see a shadow and type of the blood covenant of Jesus When God brought judgment upon every first born in Egypt. He commanded the children of Israel to sacrifice a lamb and paint the door post with its blood. “And the blood shall be to you for a token (sign) upon the houses where you are: and when I see the blood – I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you when I smite the land of Egypt”. (Exodus 12:13) When we are washed in Jesus blood we are recognized in heaven and earth as being in covenant with Him as the “door post” of our heart is painted with His blood. As we honor and obey Him, He promises that He will NOT pour out His wrath upon His children. Correction is the discipline of love but not destruction. We know when Father sees our blood covenant relationship with Jesus that we will be saved and protected. Salvation IS deliverance and security.