Where Is Mine Honor?

May the Watchers Become Warriors

"A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a Father, where is mine honour? And if I be a Master, where is my fear?" Malachi 1:6a

I was reflecting last month how every spiritual problem we deal with has its roots in not knowing how to relate to God as our Father.  A number of recent conversations on fatherhood have only served to reinforce this observation.  Why do I say this?  Because the Father's remedy for man was to sacrifice His Son so that we could be reconciled to Him and know His ways (John 1:18; II Corinthians 5:19).  This is the answer for all mankind: to know the Father and be known by Him.

Last week, I was asked to speak on a blog talk radio show regarding the article "Biblical, Godly Authority", which caused a little stir amongst some Christians on Facebook.  What was the big deal?  Asserting that God's authority is patriarchal, stating that there is an order God has established for the home & church, and daring to contend that there is anything like "authority" in the Body of Christ to which we are called to submit.  Even some who said they heard and agreed with the talk show still contacted me to contest these same points again; demonstrating that they really didn't understand what was said at all.

There continues to be a blindness in man's heart as to what it means to know God as our Father and the key to this understanding is found in repentance.  It is not until we turn from sin (align our view of sin with God's) that we can know God in this way.  Unless we do, we will never be able to walk in God's perfect will for our lives.

God Himself wants to be honored as a Father.  Yet if we do not understand what this means, how can we offer Him the reverence He seeks from us?

Perfect in One

Why Is Fellowship of the Saints Important?

"And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."  John 17:22-23

As I was reading the Scriptures this morning, the following phrase stuck out to me "perfect in one".  Last week, I shared with a brother, "Jesus said that He wants us to be one as He and the Father are one, so we should seek to know what that means."  Then of course, we went on in the conversation and I didn't think of it again.  :-)  Yet as I was reading this morning and came across that phrase, God brought back that conversation to mind and said, "This is why you are to be one."

It is God's desire for His people to be "one" the way the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit are one.  God is one because the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are in harmonious agreement with one another, sharing one mind and one spirit (I John 5:7).  They are united and abide together in love, because they each glorify the other (John 13:31-32, 14:13, 15:26, 17:4; Acts 3:13; Hebrews 5:5; Philippians 2:9; I Peter 4:11).

Years ago, a brother once shared with me an understanding he felt God had given him on the importance of the Trinity.  God is love, and the essence of love is selflessness.  The very nature of selflessness almost requires that its manifestation involve more than one person.  How can I demonstrate that I am selfless if I am an island all to myself, never having the opportunity to consistently deny myself for the sake of another?  True love is in giving of one's self for another.  For true love to be exemplified, it needs to be shared; and that requires interaction with more than just one's self.  Hence, the significance in God being a Trinity is to reinforce the fact that God is love.

In the Secret

"Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen." Deuteronomy 27:15

Our bodies are the temple of God and only if we are sanctified and set apart for Him can we dwell with Him in the "Most Holy Place" or the secret place within us; our spirit man.

Seek God and ask Him to reveal any idols and abominations which would prevent His Holy Spirit from filling us completely or prevent us from hearing His voice. Nothing is hidden from God.

"But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself." I Samuel 19:2

When your enemies encompass you about and seek to destroy your very soul, remember to find shelter in the secret place with God and abide there with Him. He is able to and He will sustain you.

"He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies." Psalm 18:11

As discussed in the Paradigm Shift - Part 2, the darkest of moments are oftentimes when we are closest to experiencing God's power.  It is in the darkness where the great light shines forth even more.  To quote that from that article again,

"Your emotional condition is not necessarily your heart condition. Allow this piercing of the heart, for out of the wound shall pour forth all that festers and infects you. Surrender it into My hands with genuine repentance, believe and I shall heal you; you shall have a new heart. I shall shine My light into the darkness, and shall shine light upon your heart. Then shall you see clearly; then shall you know my glory in the face of My Son."

Why Does Sorrow Exist?

Revealing the Mystery of Iniquity

Pastor Gary Price of Omega Church & Ministries Center will be speaking on this topic next month in South Carolina as he addresses the underlying cause of cultural and societal decay, as well as outlining how we - the Church - should respond.

The admission to the meeting is free and the details are as follows:

DATE: March 7, 2012

TIME: 7:30 pm

LOCATION:  Thomas Sumter Academy
                          The Auditorium
                          5265 Camden Hwy
                          Rembert, SC 29128

Conclusions to Offering Violence

I have not included on the blog all parts of Thomas Watson's book "The Christian Soldier: Heaven Taken By Storm", but some key portions which I felt would be most impactful and relevant for the day in which we live. The following is the last portion I will post here which sort of sums up his teachings on the Christians' use of violence in the faith.

If you have not read the other sections, I highly recommend that you do.

Hindrances, Directions, & Conclusions to Offering Violence

I shall, in the next place, lay down some rules or directions on how to get this blessed violence.

Take heed of those things which will hinder this violence for Heaven.

Take heed of unbelief. Unbelief is a great remora, for it is discouraging. When a Christian is working for Heaven, unbelief whispers thus, 'To what purpose are all these pains? I might just as well sit still. I may pray, and not be heard; I may work, and have no reward; I may come near heaven, yet miss it' Jer viii.12. 'And they said, there is no hope.' Unbelief destroys hope; and if you cut this sinew of religion, all violence for Heaven ceases. Unbelief raiseth a cloud of despondency in the heart. Alas, you will never be able to go through the work of religion.  There are so many precepts to obey; so many temptations to resist; so many afflictions to bear, that you will succumbere oneri, fall under the burden; you will tire in your march to Heaven.

Unbelief raiseth jealous thoughts of God, it represents him as an austere master, and that if we fail in so little a punctilio, he will take the extremity of the law upon us. This discourageth the soul in the use of means. Unbelief doth as Sanballat and Tobiah and to the Jews, Nehem. vi. 9. 'They all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work.' O take heed of unbelief; it destroys this holy violence. We read of Jeroboam's arm being withered, 1 Kings xiii. 4. Unbelief withers the arm of the soul, that it cannot stretch itself forth to any spiritual action. Unbelief doth the Devil the greatest kindness; it makes way for his temptations to enter, which do so enchant and bewitch us that we cannot work. Beware of this sin: believe the promises: God 'is good to the soul that seeketh him,' Lam. iii. 25. Do but seek him with importunity, and he will open both his heart and Heaven to thee.

Arrows of Reproof and Apostasy

In Part 9 of Thomas Watson's "The Christian Soldier: Heaven Taken By Storm", he discusses why the proper use of spiritual violence is a protection against apostasy.

Part 9 - Arrows of Reproof and Apostasy

Out of this text I may draw forth several arrows of reproof.

It reproves slothful Christians who are settled on their knees: they make a lazy profession of religion, but use no violence. -- They are like the lilies, which toil not, neither do they spin. The snail, by reason of its slow motion, was reckoned among the unclean, Levit. xi. 30. St. Augustine calls idleness the burial of a man alive. There are some faint wishes, oh that I had Heaven! but a man may desire venison, and want it, if he does not hunt for it. Prov. xiii. 4. ‘The soul of the sluggard wisheth and hath nothing.’

---- Neque mola, neque farina ----

Men could be content to have the kingdom of Heaven; but they are loath to fight for it. They choose rather to go in a feather bed to Hell than to be carried to Heaven in a ‘fiery chariot’ of zeal and violence. How many sleep away, and play away, their time; as if they were made like the Leviathan, to play in the sea! Psalm civ. 26. It is a saying of Seneca, ‘No man is made wise by chance.’ Sure it is, no man is saved by chance, but he must know how he came by it, namely, by offering violence. Such as have accustomed themselves to an idle, lazy temper will find it hard to shake off, Cant. v. 3. ‘I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on?’ The spouse had laid herself upon the bed of sloth, and though Christ knocked at the door, she was loath to rise and let him in. Some pretend to be believers, but are idle in the vineyard. -- They pretend to make use of faith for seeing, but not for working; this faith is fancy. O that Christians had a spirit of activity in them, 1 Chron. xxii. 16. ‘Arise and be doing, and the Lord be with thee.’

We may sometimes learn of our enemy. The Devil is never idle; he ‘walketh about,’ 1 Peter v. 8. The world is his diocese and he is every day going on his visitation. Is satan active? Is the enemy upon his march com­ing against us? And are we asleep upon our guard? As Satan himself is not idle, so he will not endure that any of his servants should be idle. When the Devil had entered into Judas, how active was Judas! He goes to the high priest, from thence to the band of soldiers and with them back to the garden, and never left till he had betrayed Christ. Satan will not endure an idle servant; and do we think God will? How will the heathen rise up in judgment against slothful Christians! What pains did they take in the Olympian games: they ran for a garland of flowers, and do we stand still who run for a crown of immortality? Certainly, if only the violent take Heaven, the idle person will never come there. God puts no difference between these two, slothful and wicked, Matt. xxv. 26.‘Thou wicked and slothful servant.’

The Christian Offering Violence to Heaven

In this part of the book, "The Christian Soldier: Heaven Taken By Storm" Thomas Watson talks about how the Christian offer violence for the taking of Heaven.

Part 8 - The Christian Offering Violence to Heaven

Fourthly, we must offer violence to Heaven. 'The kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence.' Though Heaven is given us freely, yet we must take pains for it. Canaan was given Israel freely, but they had to fight with the Canaanites. It is not a lazy wish, or a sleepy prayer, will bring us to Heaven; we must offer violence. Therefore in Scripture our earnestness for Heaven is shown by those allegories and metaphors which imply violence.

• Sometimes by striving. Luke xiii.24. 'Strive to enter in at the strait gate.'-The Greek signifies, Strive as in an agony.
  
  
• Wrestling, which is a violent exercise. Eph. vi. 12. We are to wrestle with a body of sin, and with the powers of hell.
  
  
• Running in a race, 1 Cor. ix.24. 'So run that ye may obtain.' We have a long race from earth to Heaven, but a little time to run; it will soon be sunset. Therefore, so run. In a race there's not only a laying aside of all weights that hinder, but a putting forth of all the strength of the body; a straining every joint that men may press on with all swiftness to lay hold on the prize. Thus Paul pressed towards the mark. Phil. iii:14. Alas, where is this holy violence to be found?

Offering Violence to Satan and The World

Part 7 of Thomas Watson's book, "The Christian Soldier: Heaven Taken by Storm" is on offering violence to Satan and the world.

Part 7 - Offering Violence to Satan and The World

We must offer violence to Satan. Satan opposeth us both by open violence, and secret treachery. By open violence, so he is called the Red Dragon; by secret treachery, so he is called the Old Serpent. We read in Scripture of his snares and darts; he hurts more by his snares than by his darts.

1. His Violence. He labours to storm the castle of the heart; he stirs up passion, lust, and revenge. These are called 'fiery darts,' Ephes. vi.16 because they oft set the soul on fire. Satan in regard to his fierceness is called a Lion, 1 Peter iv. 6. 'Your adversary the Devil is a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour.' Not (saith Chrysostom) whom he may bite, but devour.
   
   
2. His Treachery. What he cannot do by force, he will endeavor to do by fraud. Satan hath several subtle policies in tempting.

In suiting his temptations to the complexion and temper of the body, Satan studies physiognomy, and lays suitable baits. -- He knew Achan's s covetous humour, and tempted him with a wedge of gold. He tempts the sanguine man with beauty.

Another subtlety is to draw men to evil, sub specie boni, under a pretence of good. -- The pirate doeth mischief by hanging out false colours; so does Satan by hanging out the colours of religion.  He puts some men upon sinful actions, and persuades them much good will come of it.  He tells them in some cases that they may dispense with the rule of the Word, and stretch their conscience beyond that line, that they may be in a capacity of doing more service. As if God needed our sin to raise his glory.

Satan tempts to sin gradually. As the husbandman digs about the root of a tree, and by degrees loosens it, and at last it falls. Satan steals by degrees into the heart: he is at first more modest: he did not say to Eve at first, Eat the apple; no, but he goes more subtly to work; he puts forth a question. Hath God said? Sure Eve, thou art mistaken; the bountiful God never intended to debar one of the best trees of the garden. Hath God said? Sure, either God did not say it; or if he did, he never really intended it. Thus by degrees he wrought her to distrust and then she took of the fruit and ate. Oh, take heed of Satan's first motions to sin, that seem more modest -- principiis obsta. He is first a fox, and then a lion.

Violence by Self-Examination

In this section of Thomas Watson's book, "The Christian Soldier: Heaven Taken By Storm", he discusses violence as part of the Christian duty for self-examination.

Part 5 - Self-examination

The fifth duty wherein we are to offer violence to ourselves, self-examination; a duty of great importance: it is a parleying with one's own heart, Psalm lxxxvii. 7. 'I commune with mye own heart.' David did put interrogatories to himself. Self-examination is the setting up a court in conscience and keeping a register there, that by strict scrutiny a man may know how things stand between God and his own soul. Self-examination is a spiritual inquisition; a bringing one's self to trial. A good Christian doth as it were begin the day of Judgment here in his own soul. Self-searching is a heart-anatomy.

As a Chirurgeon, when he makes a dissection in the body, discovers the intestina, the inward parts, the heart, liver, and arteries, so a Christian anatomizeth himself; he searcheth what is flesh and what is spirit; what is sin, and what is grace, Psalm lxxvii. 7. 'My spirit made diligent search:' As the woman in the Gospel did light a candle, and search for her lost groat, Luke xv. 8. so conscience 'is the candle of the Lord,' Prov. xx. 27. A Christian by the light of this candle must search his soul to see if he can find any grace there. The rule by which a Christian must try himself, is the Word of God. Fancy and opinion are false rules to go by. We must judge of our spiritual condition by the canon of Scripture. This David calls a 'lamp unto his feet,' Psalm cxix. 105. Let the word be the umpire to decide the controversy, whether we have grace or no. We judge of colours by the sun. So we must judge of the state of souls by the light of Scripture.

Violence by Prayer and Meditation

In Part 4 of Thomas Watson's writing: The Christian Soldier: Heaven Taken By Storm, he addresses the topic of "violence" in relation to prayer and meditation.

Part 4 - Prayer and Meditation

3. The third duty wherein we are to offer violence to ourselves, is in prayer. Prayer is a duty which keeps the trade of religion flowing. When we either join in prayer with others, or pray alone, we must use holy violence; not eloquence in prayer, but violence carries it. Theodorus, speaking of Luther, 'once (says he) I overheard him in prayer: but, (good God), with what life and spirit did he pray! It was with so much reverence, as if he were speaking to God, yet with so much confidence, as if he had been speaking to his friend.' There must be a stirring up of the heart,

1.To prayer.
2. In prayer.

A stirring up of the heart to prayer, Job xi. 13. 'If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him.' This preparing of our heart by holy thoughts and ejaculations. The musician first tunes his instrument before he plays.

There must be a stirring up of the heart in prayer. Prayer is a lifting up of the mind and soul to God, which cannot be done aright without offering violence to one-self. The names given to prayer imply violence. It is called wrestling, Gen. xxxii. 24. and a pouring out of the soul, 1 Sam. i. 15. both of which imply vehemency. The affection is required as well as invention -- The apostle speaks of an effectual fervent prayer, which is a parallel phrase to offering violence.

Alas, how far from offering violence to themselves in prayer, 1. That give God a dead, heartless prayer. God would not have the blind offered, Mal. i. 8; as good offer the blind is as offering the dead. Some are half asleep when they pray, and will a sleepy prayer ever awaken God? Such as mind not their own prayers, how do they think that God should mind them? Those prayers God likes best which come seething hot from the heart.

But I Am Right!

Are You Ready To Go To Hell Being 'Right'?

"For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God." I Peter 2:19-20

I was contacted by someone recently sharing a testimony about learning how to continue in love with others through difficult situations.  As someone who may have been quick to take offense before, this was a tremendous victory for them.  Yet, part of what made it challenging for them was a belief deep down inside that they in fact were the one who was 'right' in the situations.

Reading this testimony, reminded me of the snares we can set when we think of ourselves being 'right' in relation to another.  One thing to keep in mind is that it can be pretty hard for us to truly see ourselves (Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 28:26; Hebrews 3:12). It is often a lot easier for us to see the 'perceived' shortcomings of others.

I have learned that a lot of times when I thought I was "right", I really haven't been. It is just that I have been more tolerant & accepting of my own faults than I have been with the faults of others.  I was quick to see wrong in others - and be offended by it - while giving very little thought to the error of my own ways.

Violence by Reading & Hearing the Word

Looking still at "violence" from a Godly perspective, below is Part 3 of Thomas Watson's writing: The Christian Soldier: Heaven Taken By Storm.

Part 3 - by Reading and Hearing the Word

1. We must provoke ourselves to reading of the word. What an infinite mercy it is that God hath honoured us with the Scriptures! The barbarous Indians have not the oracles of God made known to them; they have the golden mines, but not the Scriptures which are more to be desired 'than much fine gold,' Psalm xix. 10. Our Savior bids us 'search the Scriptures', John v.39. We must not read these holy lines carelessly, as if they did not concern us, or run over them hastily, as Israel ate the passover in haste; but peruse them with reverence and seriousness. The noble Bereans did 'search the Scriptures daily,' Acts xvii.11. The Scripture is the pandect of divine knowledge; it is the rule and touchstone of truth; out of this well we draw the water of life. To provoke to a diligent reading of the word, labor to have a right notion of Scripture.

Read the word as a book made by God Himself. It is given 'by divine inspiration' 2 Tim. iii.16. It is the library of the Holy Ghost. The prophets and apostles were but God's amanuenses or notaries to write the law at his mouth. The word is of divine original, and reveals the deep things of God to us. There is a numen, or sense of deity engraven in man's heart and is to be read in the book of the creatures; quaelibet herba Deum; but who this God is, and the Trinity of persons in the Godhead, is infinitely, above the light of reason; only God Himself could make this known. So for the incarnation of Christ; God and man hypostatically united in one person; the mystery of imputed righteousness; the doctrine of faith: what angel in heaven, who but God himself, could reveal these things to us? How this may provoke to diligence and seriousness in reading the word which is divinely inspired. Other books may be written by holy men, but this book is indicted by the Holy Ghost.

Offering Violence to Ourselves

Continuing in the same topic of examining the attribute of "violence" from a Godly perspective, below is Part 2 of Thomas Watson's writing: The Christian Soldier: Heaven Taken By Storm.

Watson's instructions in this text are so simple (as is Scripture in this area), yet it remains one of the hardest things for man to do.  Perhaps it is because man is not "violent" enough against his own flesh.

Part 2 - Offering violence to ourselves

He must offer violence to himself -- This self-violence consists in two things:

1. Mortification of sin.
2. Provocation to duty.

1. Offering violence to one's self, in a spiritual sense, consists in mortification of sin: Self is the flesh; this we must offer violence to. Hierom,, Chrysostom, and Theophilact, do all expound taking Heaven by force, the mortifying of the flesh; the flesh is a bosom traitor; it is like the Trojan horse within the walls which doth all the mischief. The flesh is a sly enemy; at first it is dulce venenum, afterwards scorpio pungens, it kills by embracing.

The embraces of the flesh are like the ivy embracing the oak; which sucks out the strength of it for its own leaves and berries: So the flesh by its soft embraces, sucks out of the heart all good, Gal. v. 17. The flesh lusteth against the spirit. The pampering of the flesh, is the quenching of God's spirit. The flesh chokes and stifles holy motions: the flesh sides with Satan and is true to its interest. There is a party within that will not pray, that will not believe. The flesh inclines us more to believe a temptation than a promise. There needs no wind to blow to sin when this tide within is so strong to carry us thither. The flesh is so near to us, its counsels are more attractive: no chain of adamant which binds so fast as the chain of lust. Alexander, who was victor mundi, conqueror of the world, was captious vitiorum, led captive by vice. Now a man must offer violence to his fleshly desires if he will be saved, Col. iii. 5. 'Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth.' The mortifying and killing sin at the root, is when we not only forbear the acts of sin, but hate the inbeing. Plurimi peccata radunt non eradicant. Bern.

Taking Heaven by Violence

"And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." Matthew 11:12

violence: swift and intense force; rough or immoderate vehemence.

About a year ago, my son stepped on a bug outside the house and my father was disturbed.  As a Buddhist, he believes that all animals - including insects - possess "the nature of Buddha" within and are therefore capable of being "enlightened".  Further, because humans can be reincarnated as animals according to this belief system, the act was tantamount to killing a person.  My father expressed concern about what he felt might be "violent tendencies" in my son.

I told my father that - while I didn't want my son unnecessarily killing bugs - neither did I want to castrate him or effeminize him by rebuking the natural instinct behind that action.  There is a place in God's kingdom...even for violence; we simply needed to guide him about the proper way to display that impulse.  We are to pray vehemently.  We are to confront Satan forcefully.  We are to address our own flesh mercilessly...  I referenced Matthew 11:12 and tried to explain this to him further, but I think I did a fairly poor job.

On the surface, "violence" can be seen as something bad or unGodly, even to Christians.  I recently wrote about a father's chastening of his daughter to show how certain attributes - which have Godly applications - are being demonized by the world.  A number of people decried what they saw as "violence" in this father's actions, but I was reminded of the interaction with my own son.  The instinct is correct; it just needs to be redirected towards God's purposes.

To look more closely at our assumptions about violence, I would like to post text from a book that I recommended in that article.  It is by  Thomas Watson and is entitled, "The Christian Soldier: Heaven Taken By Storm".  In it, he provides a pretty thorough review of this topic including God's expectations for us in it.

The Heart of Foolishness

"God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar..." Romans 3:4

A college student shared some feedback they received on one of their class assignments.  The type of "teaching" seen here reflects a mentality which is in concert with the educational goals of even U.S. public schools: erasing any knowledge of God.

Because the identity of the student and the college are irrelevant, I am blocking out any descriptive info as to those identities with an "XXX".

I hardly know you, but just to be clear, the biblical angle will not be appropriate in coming assignments and I expect that it would not be relevant in other courses as well...

Something that is in general demanded at XXX is critical thinking – in a different way than what some XXX students have been used to... Here, critical thinking will often mean looking into and questioning one’s own assumptions, thoughts and conclusions. In a paper like the one you just wrote, a way of doing this could be to discuss the controversy within Christianity regarding how to interpret the messages of the Bible. Which passages are to be seen as metaphors, which are non-figurative?...This kind of critical thinking will be very important in coming papers.

For coming assignments, academic sources will be needed...

XXX are rather private about religion and a lot are non-believers even if they are members of and share the values of the protestant church.  I hope that no matter what, you will enjoy your stay thoroughly and that you already have or will met people with whom you can have worthwhile discussions on your faith. If you have not already met any, do go find some. It can be really important for one’s well-being to have people to share one’s beliefs with!

Paradigm Shift - Part 3

This is the last part of A.B. Chenoa's series on the Paradigm Shift.

Paradigm Shift - Part 3

There is much occurring in these last days, in the physical realm and in the spiritual. Many have suffered many years, going from faith to faith and glory to glory, learning obedience by the things they suffered, just as My Son Jesus did.

Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him; [Heb5: 8,9]

Multitudes have prayed for many years for true revival to come upon all nations. It shall come, not as the appearance of the false revivals, where unclean spirits cause the people to do everything except genuinely repent, looking to the Lamb slain.

True revival begins within My people. A paradigm shift is occurring where miracles shall abound; multitudes shall know the weight of My glory upon them, causing them to cry out to Jesus/Y’shua, My Son, whose blood was poured out to save them.

As in the days when My Son walked upon the earth, people will come from far and wide for salvation, deliverance, healing and restoration. Their hearts shall be pierced and they shall cry out to Me, for the weight of their iniquities will break their hearts. Their heart shall be broken and contrite. They will look to the Savior and not to any man.

Multitudes will turn their hearts as My judgments pass over each and every nation. My hand has not been slack concerning the promise (of My Son’s return), but I have been longsuffering, for I am not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. [2Pet3:9]

Yet, I have risen from My throne in righteous anger, declaring, Enough is enough. It has been prophesied by My prophets that in the last days My judgment shall be upon all nations. Repent (change your mind) and draw nigh unto Me with a broken and contrite heart; in spirit and in truth.

A paradigm shift is occurring…My people will move from areas of unbelief to steadfast faith, expecting to see the greater works as My Son prophesied, expecting to see miracles such as have never been seen before. My Son said, ‘Greater works… [because I go to the Father].

From children to the elderly, miracles will go forth through My vessels of honor, to those who are empowered by My Holy Spirit, and who have Christ reigning upon the throne of their heart. Many who have been hidden away shall come forth into plain view. Many, who call themselves by My name shall hate them, persecute them and seek to destroy them, but they have no power over them.

Paradigm Shift - Part 2

The following is Part 2 of the article entitled ""Paradigm Shift" by A.B. Chenoa.

Paradigm Shift – Part 2

In determining to understand a couple of things, the Lord led me. In a paradigm shift, there comes an absolute change in a belief system, as well as in the way things are processed in our thoughts, our perception. This allows a new condition to be created, with things that were previously unacceptable or considered impossible.

This can be shaped by the choices of an individual or society or by ‘something’ (forces) beyond our control, or both. It opposes what you normally believe or have understood. I read somewhere (not sure where) that ‘when anomalies or inconsistencies arise within a given paradigm, presenting problems that we are unable to solve, our view of reality must change.’

We must be on guard because the Holy Spirit showed me that the way we express things in our faith, as disciples of Jesus the Christ of Nazareth (Y’shua ha Mashiach), is also the way that those who believe in a different god or different Jesus speak. New agers, mystics, Luciferians and Satanists (for starters) speak very similar.

They will speak of ‘the voice within’, Father, unity, love, destiny, paradigm shift, spiritual awakening, ‘voice of the spirit’ (not the most Holy Spirit, so which spirit?) and on it goes. Danger, danger, danger! Discernment!

We have to be so careful, truly! We must cling to the Lord (I just cannot emphasize it or say it enough!) and we must cry out for repentance, as John the Baptist roared it forth. This is most relevant today, as in the days of Noah, Jesus forewarned.

Also, about Gethsemane; the word is Aramaic, a dialect of the Hebrew language. In Aramaic, it means ‘oil press’; in Hebrew, ‘pressing of the oil’. In his book named, ‘Weight of the World, Ray Vander Laan explains: “Gethsemane was a stone column, under which bags of olives were laid and the weight of the column was allowed to exert a strong, steady pressure for the oil to exude.”

The garden of Gethsemane is a time of preparation; preparation for the death to self. Jesus/Y’shua went to the garden at nighttime (in darkness). He brought supporters (a few apostles) and asked them to pray for Him.  He had to go into the garden (the time of preparation) alone, but His faithful supporters fell asleep. In all His travailing, and as He poured His heart out to the Father, He submitted Himself. He was suffering; He prostrated Himself and prayed.

And He went a little further, 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 you will.  He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, Thy will be done. [Mat26: 39,42]

We go through a dark season. Many call it the ‘dark night of the soul’ and it is meant to be a good thing. We come to see God, to know Him in a way we have not known Him before, if we do not give up, but go through. He will strengthen us, only ask… He will minister to us, as He did Jesus.

The difference is that Jesus/Y’shua was without sin, yet He knew that His death was a sacrifice for the sins of mankind, to reconcile sinful man back to a holy God/Yhvh. Even Jesus/Y’shua needed to prepare for that which was ahead, the worst of his life… and the last, yet He also knew that He would be victorious after it all.

Remember, humility always precedes honor.

We have all fallen short of the glory of God. This time of preparation, this darkness that comes upon us will shake us to the core. It will be as a refiner’s fire and we (our flesh) will want out of that fire. The Lord will allow this purifying to bring the dross to the surface. It will hurt, but we will not be burned. We must go through because He is doing a good work in us. He will strengthen us, just as He did Jesus.

And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if You be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done.  And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him. [Lk 22: 41-43]

Paradigm Shift - Part 1

The following is an article written by A.B. Chenoa and is part of a 3-part series called "Paradigm Shift".   Chenoa has given me permission to repost them here and I hope you can take a moment to read them. 

Paradigm Shift

I would ask that you read about Faith and Quiet Confidence first, if you have not already. It seemed that it would be a short article, when the Lord put 'paradigm shift' in my spirit some days back, but it seems not. He is Sovereign. This is the first part.

Paradigm Shift - Part 1

Can you still trust Me when you seemingly have no outward joy in life, faint hope and trials that seem never-ending? Will you wait upon Me and wait for Me, when I am silent?

Have you been in hiding or gone into hiding, just as Elijah was in hiding in a cave by Brook of Cherith? Yes, David hid in caves as well. Do you feel cut off from the world and everything worldly? Do you feel cut off by others who have called themselves by My name?

Do you feel bound, hand and foot – desiring to go where I will send you, but unable to yet go, for I have not said where, when or how? Do your hands feel inactive – desiring to do more, to do greater works, to be more empowered by My Holy Spirit?

Do you feel that I have passed you over? Do you wonder what you have done for Me that has pleased Me or been of any real significance? Do you search your heart and weep because you seem so far from where you desire to be, or think you should be, yet you know that I have brought you far from where you once were?

Have you covered your mouth at times, unsure if you should speak forth that which is burning deep within? Do you feel that when you do speak, it seems as though no one listens and those that do are few? Is your spirit heavy; are you struggling to speak life over the aching of your shattered heart? Do you feel at times as if your light is hidden under a bushel?

Does it seem at times like your candle has been put out or very weak at best? In a moment of weakness, do you feel as though your holiness is defiled? Do you feel burnt out; sifted as wheat; misunderstood, unappreciated, profaned or weak? Do you struggle within, desiring for it all to end? Do you feel close to death or do you desire that your time here ends soon? You have cried out like Job, like Elijah …

Let My people go, I spoke through Moses. Unbind him and let him go, My Son Jesus/Y’shua spoke about Lazarus when he came forth from the grave. Come out; come out from amongst them.

I have spoken to My people, come out of the tombs of the dead churches. I have said to come out of Babylon; come out of Egypt; come out from the world; touch no unclean thing. Be ye separate, for you are in the world, but not of this world.

As Lazarus, My people could not see ahead at first, nor were their steps sure. Unbind them and let them go, I have said to the tormenting spirits. Death must come, death to the old and you shall see My resurrection power in the new.

Tommy Jordan For President?

Tommy Jordan responding to his daughter's rant on
Facebook about chores.

Yesterday, someone asked me who I was voting for in the presidential election.  Truthfully, there is no one I would vote for...at least that is what I thought before today.

In the news lately, there has been much talk about North Carolina father Tommy Jordan who made a video response to his daughter's disrespectful posting on Facebook.  Now I will warn that the language in this video is appalling.  Yet, I also know that this is how many teens are speaking today...and believing they can do so outside of their parents' earshot through social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter...

Now there is a major outcry from some saying how the Dad has, "Completely ruined his 15-year old daughter's life now."  Really?  Since when does social networking become the essence of one's "whole life"?  If they are speaking of how things linger and follow you on the Internet, then most assuredly the profanity-ridden rant she posted against her parents did very little for establishing her as a person of character.  If she feels free to openly post such disregard for her family and herself, then I sure see no problem with him responding in kind to express his displeasure and disappointment.

Babylon is Falling

Two years in a row (2007 & 2008) the reigning Miss USA
fell down on the world stage at the Miss Universe pageants.

"And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." Revelation 18:2

I was told yesterday to be hopeful because "The economy is recovering."  About a year ago, a family member told me, "The economy will bounce back.  It always does."

I have to wonder how many people are living each day thinking (even subconsciously) that life is just going to continue as we expect each day.  Do even Christians understand that, at some point, all of this will end and be judged by God?

When discussing the end times with a professing Christian a year ago and speaking of how the signs in which we live seem to indicate that time is short, they responded, "Well, I just believe that God is a God of love & mercy and I am praying that He won't do that."  To this, I was perplexed.  Do people not understand that the same loving & merciful God is the very one who states that He will bring this age to an end?  We cannot live in "la la" land about God and what He says that He will do. God is not at our beck & call so that He may accomplish our wills, but He is working to bring about His own will.

This world is full of illusions, smoke & mirrors, and we cannot afford to have this attitude in the Church.  Let's determine to be sober-minded and spirit-filled as the days are wickedly evil and the deceptions many.

A Super Black Mass

"For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." I Thessalonians 5:3

The following is an excerpt from The Parables Blog entitled "Super Bowl XLVI: Strange Flesh and Giants".  To read the entire article, please click on the link above.

Article by Joseph Herrin

While Satan’s message is coming forth as a flood of darkness, the church today is failing miserably at countering this assault with the light of truth. Madonna made a profound statement the week before the Super Bowl as she gave an interview to Anderson Cooper. She stated:

“The Superbowl is kind of like the Holy of Holies in America. So here I am, I’ll come at halfway of the “church experience” and I’m gonna have to deliver a sermon. It’ll have to be very impactful.”

...Satan most certainly held a church service. One might call it a Black Mass. Madonna was high priestess officiating at the event. There was even a choir of black robed singers in attendance at one point in the half-time show to further sanctify this event as a religious convocation...It was a celebration of Lucifer, and the half-time show served as a “coming-out party” for Satan as the god of this world.

God Speaks Order Out of Chaos

"Let all things be done decently and in order." I Corinthians 14:40

The following article is from The Kingdom Proclamation and addresses the issue of government and order in God's Kingdom.

Recognizing spiritual authority is not about being a respecter of persons, but respecting God.  It is the equivalent of saying, "Lord, I see you; I see you in this vessel.  I recognize that the words they are speaking to me are really your words as you speak through them, and I will heed these words.  The life I see manifested through them is your life as you live in them, and I will follow that example."  (I Peter 5:1-6)  When Godly authority is manifested, our attention will always be drawn to Christ and not the vessel.

Even when we are with Jesus face to face there will still be a government and spiritual authority invested in men to represent that government.  There will be varying rewards and varying levels of authority given to God's people based on the lives we have lived in this world, as we reign with Him when He returns to rule the earth (Daniel 7:27; Matthew 25:21; Revelation 2:26-27, 22:4-5). 

The solution to Babylon is not to dismiss authority or order, for such is righteous.  Our goal must be to be converted in the inner man and filled with the Spirit so that we can recognize God's authority, for the Kingdom does not come by observation.

May God give us the eyes to see, the wisdom to discern the difference, and the will to walk in His authority.

King for a Day

"And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all." Mark 10:44

Someone posted a comment the other day asking what was wrong with the coronation ceremony recently performed on Eddie Long at New Birth Church, which has become a viral video on the Internet.  The issue however has very little to do with Eddie Long (who is just one of many).  It is merely an example of the sideshows that go on in Babylon. 

One of the main attributes of Babylon is SELF.  It promotes self-seeking and is filled with those who are self-seekers.  And I am not talking about a "building", but the hidden man of the heart.   If we still desire to be the center of attention, to be exalted before men, to be lifted up by man's praises, to be "king" over others...then Babylon is still in our hearts.

The essence of understanding what is from Christ is not about the external things we see, but the motivations of our heart.  Those whom God has called to minister to His people will have a heart after God's, a heart of selflessness; which is love (Jeremiah 3:15, 23:4; John 21:15-17; I Corinthians 13:5; I Peter 5:1-3).

The following article is from Sleepers Awakened: Waking up The Fighting Men and addresses differences between Babylon and true Christianity.  I am hoping that it will shed some light for those who cannot see past the religious facade behind the spirit of these things going on in the churchworld.

Let Him Lead

The following article was written by Truly Faithful Ministries and I wanted to share here in case it blesses others.

Let Him Lead

A Message on Divine Order in Marriage

In 2005, my husband and I went to church very late.  We had been having a long conversation that lead over into the time of service as we were actually talking about leaving this church for various reasons.  When we walked into service, the pastor was calling for everyone to go to the altar.  When we got to the altar, we immediately fell to our knees.

The Holy Spirit began to deal with me right then as I heard Him CLEARLY say "LET HIM LEAD".  I listened to everything else the Spirit said, but that first statement stood out to me the most and I knew He was saying to let my husband lead in our marriage. But when I talked to my husband, I instead told him that the Holy Spirit said to let HIM lead - as in let the Holy Spirit lead us - which was NOT what the Holy Spirit meant.

So as time went on, I was trying to call all the shots in our marriage.  And that was because I was more college educated than my husband so I would really act as if I knew it all.  I had had a few businesses that had been successful, had known and met many successful people, had also been away to college on full scholarship and could also easily recognize business scams that my husband thought were legit.  So in my mind, I was much smarter than my husband, so I felt that I needed to make the bulk of the decisions.  My husband would say something and I would always find a way to make what he said even better, like it was my idea.

The thing was I wasn’t quite aware that I was doing that.  I didn’t realize I was really undermining his authority as my head. I felt since I had more experience in so many things that he should listen to me and not make any decisions unless he talked to me. (SMH)

Jesus, the Hope for Our Children

"That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace." Psalms 144:12

The following sermon by Min. David Wilkerson is called "Who Is Guarding the Front Door of Your House" and was posted in a comment today. 

We have written before about how the education system in this country has been designed to destroy our young people by indoctrinating them with new age, anti-Christ teaching.   We have spoken about the defiled music which imparts a spirit of rebellion into them so that they resent authority and are desensitized to illicit sexual activity. 

Many things in our culture work to pervert the youth of today, but the first lessons that our children will learn are in the home.  We cannot leave the raising of our children to anyone else; it is not the responsibility of the schools or of the churches.  It is the responsibility of the parents.

Get Out of the Refrigerator!

The Power of Godliness

"He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." Revelation 22:11

I was speaking with a brother earlier this week about how that which is on the inside of people is becoming more & more prominent as the days progress.  This is why we cannot be caught up in what goes on in the world...or even the churchworld.  Nothing which happens should surprise us for God has already exposed what is in many hearts.  Therefore, why continue to focus on it?  It is filthy and will become more filthy still.  The true nature people possess (whether fallen or redeemed) is being shown for all who have eyes to see and will become increasingly more manifest as time continues. 

Such is even true of ourselves.  God lets us see everyday what is really in our hearts versus what we like to acknowledge or have others see in us.  Why?  So that we can repent, turn away from such, and be cleansed from it.  Maybe we run to entertainment to escape the disciplines of God.  Or maybe we have carnal desires which cause us to lust after and covet the things of this world; wasting that which God is giving us to benefit His Kingdom on indulging our flesh. 

No matter the attraction, at its core we are battling a love of our own selves.  What is really in our hearts?  What are these days telling us about where our treasure really is? Are we focused solely on ourselves and our own comforts or on the will of God?

Hadassah

Calling All Women

I was reflecting on some comments this morning regarding the desperate need for men to take their God-assigned place as leaders in the home & church.  In discussing this topic, it is not uncommon to hear folks (particularly women) say something like, "If only the men would stand up and take their place."

Yet as I was dropping off the kids this morning, God reminded me that the word Eve means "life".  In fact, women were designed by God to be a life-giving force to those around them.

"So," God said, "If there is death in the church, maybe it is because the women are not in their place?" Now you know I almost had to pull off on the side of the road for that one!  LOL

The point is not to place blame, and neither is that why God brought this to my attention.  The bottom line is that everyone needs to do what God has purposed us to do.  There is no such thing as sitting around and waiting for someone else to get it right.  We each need to be about the Father's business.

To be honest, many women who talk about how "men aren't doing what they are supposed to do" are simply using that as an excuse to justify their own rebellion.  When I used to pray for my husband to be saved, God would immediately counter with, "But are you prepared to submit to him when I do?"  Of course I would quickly answer, "Yes, Lord."; although honestly I was becoming quite frustrated with His continuing to question me in that area.

Are Your Friends God's Enemies?

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." Psalm 1:1

Someone sent me an article written by their "friend" who had twisted Scriptures and put forth lies in order to justify the rebellion of matriarchal authority in the Church.  In spite of the error of the article, my highest concern was for the person who sent it to me.  I let them know that I would never call any person who could so deliberately pervert God's word a "friend".

Similarly, another person had a "friend" on Facebook who was forwarding vulgar and perverse items under the guise of them being "funny".  However, the truth is that such persons merely delights in perversion and finds amusement in that which is vulgar.  The things which are offensive to God is entertainment to this "friend".

In this day and age, it is common to call everyone a "friend", especially on many of the popular social networking sites.  However, we must be very careful who we let into the inner circle of our lives.  Not everyone we meet is sent to us by the Lord, but some are sent by Satan in order to derail us from the things of God.  We can be so concerned about offending others by not referring to them as friends, that we wind up endearing to ourselves those who are the enemy of God.