Remember All That God Has Done!

Do you remember that section of the Bible in Mark, Chapter 8, where the Disciples are concerned that they only have one loaf of bread between them for lunch -- this after witnessing the supernatural power from Heaven that multiplied five loaves to feed 5,000; and seven loaves to feed 4,000!  Jesus must have been frustrated with them!  He asks them,  “Why are you discussing [the fact] that you have no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Though you have eyes, do you not see? And though you have ears, do you not hear and listen [to what I have said]? And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces you picked up?”  

In other words, Jesus must have been thinking, Can't you see? Can't you hear? And, can't you remember all that God has done for you? Why are you worrying about what you will have for lunch when you've witnessed over 9,000 people fed with a few loaves of bread?  Actually, the message to focus on God's supernatural works has been a recurring theme in the Bible, beginning in Deuteronomy 6.  The Word says God instructed Moses to tell the Israelites to hear His commandments and to keep them; to keep His statutes (which are His values), and to teach them to their children so that [your generations] "do not forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery"... See, hear, and remember. 

So, it is my opinion that our remembrances, which are kept alive in our testimonies, are the record/history of God's supernatural activities in our lives, and they are the lenses through which we should see everything else around us in this world. But, here's what often happens ... once we get some time and space between that moment when we receive God's invitation to let Jesus become the Lord and Savior of our life, we begin losing some of the awe of that momentous and supernatural occasion.  First, we quit talking about our transformation. Then we quit expecting more supernatural experiences.  And then, pretty soon, if we're not careful, we are no longer seeing or hearing evidence of Him in our daily lives.  It's not too long before we are engaging with a religious form of God -- we still profess faith in Him; go to Church and go through the motions, but there is no power in our Christian walk, no life, no encounters, and no real relationship with our supernatural God. Our connection with God can become so sterile that we can begin to even question whether He is real.  And people will eventually abandon what they perceive to be fake or artificial.

This concept of remembrance is particularly relevant for me today, for it was 35 years ago, on this day in November that God literally saved me. It happened on a Saturday evening around 11 pm, as I returned to my rented house after spending the evening with my soon-to-be husband and his family. I glanced in my rear-view mirror in time to see bright headlights before someone rear-ended me, sending my car rolling up the side of an embankment. Thankfully, I had my seat belt on, because the roof caved in about an inch from my head, while I was being slammed into the driver's-side window as my car rolled up the hill. With each revolution, I cried out to God, with glass spraying me and the sounds of crunching metal assailing my ears. So, when I say that "God saved me", it is the truth. He saved me from a premature death, and saved me by His grace to become an obedient follower of my Savior, Jesus Christ.  

It is important, as a Christian, that I remember and chronicle this testimony of God's hand in my life. This memory has stood the test of time, and is a valuable weapon whenever the Enemy tries to convince me that God is absent or He no longer has work for me to do. This memory is one of the foundations of my faith. It speaks of God's faithfulness to answer when, even in our distance from Him, we cry out and He is still willing to come to our rescue. That's an incredibly important message for today. The world certainly seems upside down; evil is good, and good is called evil. Mankind seems to have sacrificed its humanity for the almighty dollar, and disease and subterfuge are devouring the population. Deception is the byword of governments and corporations, and our children are confused about their gender, our history, and their self-worth. Identity is determined by the number of "likes" we get on social media, and identity politics is the way the game of life is played these days. And where is God is any of this? Are we still capable of knowing who we are as Christians?

You see, Christianity has all the distinctive characteristics of a God who passionately and supernaturally walks with the children He loves: He provided manna from Heaven every day while the Israelites were in the wilderness. When they were desperate for water, He provided it out of a rock. He secured their passage through the Red Sea and the flooding waters of the River Jordan. And I do not doubt that God still desires to work supernaturally in each of our personal lives, and the life of this nation. But it is up to us to make the effort to recall those memories. If we only look at what the Enemy is doing now to disrupt our lives, or how he is manipulating the powers of government, then we do not do our God justice. We should be recounting all the ways He has delivered us and been our stronghold in times of trouble; those times when our world was the darkest, and we feared we may never see the sunshine again. 

For when we lose the memories of God's supernatural works in our lives, we can lose the courage to do the hard stuff, and the strength to get through the hard times.  When trials come our way, it is so important to have those memory touchstones to return to... to be able to recall how God supernaturally delivered us, or provided for us.  And when what seems like an impossible situation arises, and we are called to radical obedience, it is paramount that we rely on our memories of all God has done for us so that we do not become cowardly in the conflict. Because, my friends, I can tell you, that the days seem to be growing darker in the world. We seem to be counting down to that final cataclysmic event when Jesus comes to put an end to all the evil Satan has incited on the earth. And despite many of the Church's doctrines, I believe we will witness that day and play a part in helping people hang on to their faith.

As we approach that final hour, there is one thing we need to realize... by not remembering the displays of His power in our past, we limit Him and restrict what He wants to do.  Remember, He wants us to co-labor with Him to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. But He needs our cooperation and our involvement. When we stop living our lives conscious of the God who invaded this realm, and accomplished the impossible -- healed the sick, cast out demons; freed the oppressed and tormented; and raised the dead -- we begin to reduce the ministry He wants us to do on behalf of the Kingdom.  When we forget what He has done, then it becomes all about our gifts and what we have done. And I never want to reduce the possibilities of Him supernaturally conquering this world!  I want to live with an ever-present awareness that God can invade every situation in my life. And I want the history of my life to be a reflection of His Presence, and I want to remember every detail to share with whomever will listen.  It is vital for the Body of Christ to never lose their memories of God's supernatural activity in this world. 

Just as the Lord instructed Joshua to have one man of each of the 12 tribes of Israel place a stone on the banks of the River Jordan [after the nation of Israel passed over into the Promised Land], we need to leave a lasting testimony that not only preserves the memories of God's Greatness and Provision, but prophecies of His future acts of Righteousness and Justice.  Nothing has changed since those long-ago days in the Bible. We are serving a God that deserves to be praised and lauded for all He has done.  It is important that both we and our future generations never forget. Joshua said it so well ... Testify to the [supernatural] works of the Lord, our God, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is Mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.  

Start compiling those memories -- write them down; preserve them -- because they will be the bedrock of your ability to stand in the coming days. Those testimonies will be the spark that fuels our endurance. To God be all the glory!

Psalm 78:4     We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that He has done.

"Surface Level" Christianity

I'm in the process of developing the outline for a new book I want to write, with the working title of "From 'Surface Level' to 'Deep Roots': What the Body of Christ Needs to Understand About Our Identity in Christ". This subject matter has been stirring up my spirit for awhile now, and I continue to hear the promptings to write another book. I've had ideas in mind since the last one I wrote in the Spring of 2020. But each time I settled on what I thought the focus would be, the Holy Spirit whispered, "Go Deeper". And the events of the last two years certainly call for an awakening in the Body of Christ to understand God's intention for us in these tumultuous times.

I am also struck by the number of times that people of faith have recently mentioned to me their frustration at encountering "surface level" Christians. The age range using that particular phrase has run from a Millennial Christian [in describing the lack of depth in her counterparts in the Church], to a "seasoned" Christian, who bemoaned the absence of substantial understanding of Biblical history or prophecy, to all the age groups in between. Apparently, there is a noticeable lack of commitment to a lifestyle of real faith.

Of course, I'm not painting the entire Body of Christ with this broad brush, but as we continue to be stretched in our faith, due to national and world events, I am unable to ignore what I discern ... that many Christians are struggling with coping with their fears of the future; or making life decisions out of fear; or mistrusting the promises of the Bible. Then there are those who turn a blind eye to the very real threats we face, and struggle to believe that persecution or trials and tribulations are a possibility. Yes, the ultimate victory is ours in Christ and what He accomplished on the Cross, but I think that God wants us to see the "Big Picture" ... the good, the bad, and the ugly that is in this world ... but see it from His perspective; His vantage point from Heaven, and as Creator.

We cannot simply revel in the "Good News" that we are Saved and our victory in Christ is eternal life. Don't mistake me -- that is our ultimate reward and inheritance as a child of God; and it is greatly to be prized and shared! But we have a job to do while we are here, and if at first it is to recognize Jesus as our Savior, how more productive for His Kingdom on earth is our work to advance the knowledge and acceptance of that Kingdom among all peoples, tribes, and nations? At the same time, we cannot remain naive that we have a very real and cunning, calculating Enemy whose sole goal is to stop us from completing our divinely-allocated objective. Just because we can see the finish line of our race, doesn't mean there won't be pitfalls, peril, and dangers to deter us along the way. It is the wise that proceed boldly, but with wisdom.

Therefore, one who hyper-focuses on the safe, comfort zone of Christianity may only reach a surface level of faith; a level that is most likely being greatly challenged in recent months. We can't always "lie down in green pastures". Sometimes we find ourselves walking in "the valley of the shadow of death" [as so many have experienced in the last two years]. It's easy to rejoice in our faith when we're standing on the top of the mountain, and the view is one of only sunshine, and speaks primarily of God's beauty and grace. But what would your reaction be if you suddenly found yourself plunged into darkness and you couldn't see evidence of God anywhere? Is your trust gone? Do you give in to fear and despair? Do you feel powerless? Or do you simply refuse to acknowledge that it exists or that anything bad can happen?

I've often written that the 21st Century Church needs to return to its 1st Century roots. Those new Christians were walking on unstable ground. The Enemy had just lost his biggest weapon to keep mankind separated from God ... Death. And those faithful few were in the cross-hairs of his rage. They found themselves imprisoned; ship-wrecked; beaten; run out of town; and ultimately all were either scourged, crucified, beheaded with a sword, thrown in boiling oil, lanced by idolatrous priests and burned up in an oven, axed to death, thrown down from the Temple tower and then clubbed to death, stoned or beheaded.

If we call Jesus Christ our Savior, we must be prepared not only to enjoy the seasons of goodness, grace, mercy, and prosperity, but to endure the seasons of troubles, chaos, wickedness and evil. Jesus did not promise us that we would run our race without stumbling or coming under attack. He only promised that He would be with us through it all. I know there are many Christians who think what occurred in the 1st Century could never happen now; that we are destined for another "great awakening" in this nation; a national and worldwide revival; that the saints in Christ will escape to Heaven before suffering the devil's revenge; or that the evil on the earth will be defeated before Jesus returns. But that is not what the Bible says! I pray for an awakening ... that the fire of the Holy Spirit is kindled in the Body of Christ to their identity and their purpose in this hour of history! And I pray that their spirits are revived to know the power they have to resist the devil and take back dominion in their bodies, in their lives, in the Church and in the earth!

It all comes down to the Parable of the Sower, but the meaning will escape the "Surface Christians". Is your faith like the seed that is scattered on the top layer of the ground? Is it shallow and veiled in appearance? Or is it allowed to penetrate and inform your heart with the deeper things of God -- the things that have been known since the beginning of the world and down through the ages, but the modern Church ignores because it doesn't fit their paradigm or theology? Precisely because God sent our spirits to inhabit the earth in this particular time of history, I believe it is important that the roots of our faith grow deep and wide. We are going to need to be grounded in the knowledge of our heart and head, and particularly established in our spiritual abilities to connect to the power of God in Heaven. 

Ancient civilizations as far back as the Sumerians [5500 years ago] wrote about the battles they witnessed between good and evil. Yes, God, Himself came to earth to reconnect with His creation and re-establish our relationship. But the forces of evil did not just submit and go away. The same strategies have been played out through the centuries, and while those stories and legends seem implausible for today, we would be wise to consider them -- not because it has an effect on our salvation -- but because the Enemy is still using the same methods and manipulations to deceive mankind. 

The Church will say that everything in the past changed when Jesus brought the gift of Salvation. But the Church rarely acknowledges that He referred to the past when He said, "As it was in the days of Noah...". Furthermore, most Christians have never taken the time to study or understand all that was going on "in the days of Noah", or the vast history of mankind that led up to it. While the modern Church may think it has no significance for them, I [personally] want to see how my God worked in that situation so that I can take what He reveals to me and spend time with Him in His Throne Room. I want to receive a greater revelation to encourage and exhort others to hang on to their faith when the days on earth grow dark. The more I know about God [in my spirit and through His perspective], the better I can represent Him in all things coming on the earth. It's time for the Body of Christ to go from "surface" to "deep" in their understanding of themselves and God. The times demand it!

Next Time: A Deeper Understanding of Our True Identity

Romans 15:4      Whatever was written beforehand is meant to instruct us in how to live. The Scriptures impart to us encouragement and inspiration so that we can live in hope and endure all things.

 

 

WANTED: Mature Christians!

 I'd like to change the title of this blog post ... from stating that mature Christians are WANTED to NEEDED! I am sincerely concerned that too many of the Body of Christ are lacking in the complete revelation of God's will and His ways; and without that knowledge and their self-identification as Sons and Daughters of the King of Heaven and Earth, the inhabitants of the world are in danger of soon descending into the lawlessness that is prophesied for the Last Days.

I know that many Christians will charge me with a "doomsday" attitude. They might agree with me that Jesus is coming soon, but they will express their opinion that He is coming with Victory and I only need to walk in the faith that He will deliver us who call ourselves His followers -- either by rapturing us out of here, or by sending a Holy Spirit-prompted revival that will sweep the land and delay lawlessness in our lifetime. Believe me, I would love to see either of those events take place! But neither possibility negates the fact that far too many Christians aren't mature enough in their faith to withstand what the Enemy has planned for the generation before Christ's return.

They don't understand that Satan, the fallen angel who was once called Lucifer, is insanely jealous of God's plan to ordain Adam as the Lord of the earth -- the domain that Satan claimed for himself when he was thrown down to the earth after his rebellion in Heaven. But Adam and Eve chose to become independent from God by using their free will to believe the lie of Satan that they could become "like God". That resulted in their fall, and mankind going down a different path than God intended for them. It resulted in a damaged and detached relationship from God until Jesus came with an offer [and the purpose] to restore the relationship that was intended from the beginning. But His sacrifice, and our salvation, has not ended the damage to mankind. Until the end of this age, Satan still holds authority on the earth, and his plan is to increase his lawlessness in an effort to corrupt the planet and mankind, with the ultimate reality that Jesus will put an end to this age and all the evil it holds. The purpose of this post is to point out that Jesus is waiting for us to re-identify ourselves as His creation -- made fully in His image -- to resume our status as kings and lords of the earth. Remember, He is the King of kings, and Lord of lords! Who do you think the Bible is talking about there? US!

But, we in Western civilization, with our Greek thinking, don't know who we are! I recently attended a one-day conference titled, The Kingdom and the End Times, taught by Dan Duval. I have a long history with Dan; my husband and I began listening to him when he first started his podcasts, and have received much wisdom from the revelations that the Father has downloaded to him, and trusted him to share with the Body of Christ. He made a statement during his teaching, that my spirit knew, but I recognized was a surprising fact to some in the room. He said, "If God decided to step down off his throne today, we [because we are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus] would be in line to sit on the throne". That's what it means to be a co-heir with Jesus! 

But are Christians even able to contemplate that? Do we know that we are qualified to do the things of Jesus, and even more, as He stated in John 14:12? The truth is that the Body of Christ is in dire danger of losing their identity when the fullness of Satan's lawlessness comes. And, yes, we win in the end; and yes, we will see pockets of revival in these End Times, but the truth of God's Word says we will see persecution and tribulation before that final victory, and if we don't self-identify as Sons and Daughters of God, then it will be easy for the devil to tempt us to "depart from our faith" as it says in 1 Timothy 4:1. If we don't "grow up", as the Apostle Paul effectually tells us to do -- and get off milk and start eating the meat of Biblical truth and prophecy -- we will never mature into understanding the reality of the Kingdom of God on earth. We will never step into our God-ordained purpose and assignment to be the generation that transitions this earth from Satan's kingdom to God's Kingdom. We have more purpose and power in our bodies and existence than the angels in Heaven! 

The Christian theological doctrine of Dispensationalism has blinded the Church to God's plan and who we are. Dispensationalism teaches that God has ordained specific "ages", or periods of time, to order the affairs of the world. I don't want to dwell on the roots or the author of Dispensationalism, so suffice it say that John Nelson Darby used a lot of Theosophist (occultic) and Freemasonry terms, such as "The Absolute" and "Divine Architect" to describe what he called God. And he maintained that the Bible describes seven ages for mankind: the Ages of Innocence, Conscience, Human Government, the Promise, the Law, the Age of Grace, and the Age of the Reign of Christ [or the Kingdom]. Those who believe in this theology will say we are in the Age of Grace [sometimes known as the Age of the Church]. But here's something that is vitally important that we understand: instead of trying to figure out where we are in the End Times, men and women of faith need to be aware that God is more interested in revealing His Sons and Daughters than He is in ordaining events and timelines! 

Because if we don't grow up and mature into the fullness of Christ [as God intends us to do], we will be defeated in this battle to be kings and lords of the earth, dethroning Satan from his counterfeit and false position as ruler and god. We must begin to receive the divine knowledge that Jesus had access to! We must walk in the power and authority assigned to us as rightful co-heirs to God's throne in Heaven! We have scrolls written in Heaven, detailing who we are and why we were sent in this time. We have a divinely-ordained and orchestrated rendezvous with the destiny of the world, and yet we barely know who we are. Please! Do not cower from the role you have been given since the foundation of the world was created! If you don't know who you were as your spirit in Heaven before Jesus knit you in your mother's womb -- ask Him to show you! Begin to identify the reality of who God wants you to be -- not the world, or your own flesh. You were created to be greater than the angels; to be here at this time in history. Learn who you are through the Word and the Spirit. You have been initiated into this mystery of who we were designed to be. So we all need to step into our true and spiritual identities -- all creation is groaning and eagerly waiting for us to stand up and say, "I know who I am!" ... and then to act like it!

1 Corinthians 2:6    However, there is a wisdom that we continually speak of when we are among the spiritually mature. It’s wisdom that didn’t originate in this present age, nor did it come from the rulers of this age who are in the process of being dethroned.

"Will We Stone Those Sent to Us?"

This is the title of an article written by Guy Cohen, founder of the Harvest of Asher Congregation and Ministry in Acco, Israel. He is affiliated with Tikkun International, a global family of ministries dedicated to the dual restoration of Israel and the Biblical Church. Tikkun means restoration, renewal, rehabilitation, and repair [in Hebrew]. It is the cry of the Hebrew prophets for the Messianic Age, and for about 10 years I have been blessed to see the dedication and the work of this organization for the Kingdom of God.

Mr. Cohen's title captured my attention and I wondered if there might be some common ground of understanding between a Messianic Jew in Israel, and a Christian woman in America. Furthermore, I found his religious background interesting, as well. He grew up in an orthodox Jewish religious environment in Israel, studying the Old Testament and rabbinical teachings. Then in 1997, the Lord opened Guy's eyes and he accepted Yeshua as his Messiah! His background and training in the Hebrew Scriptures gives him a unique perspective into the Word of God and the Jewish roots of faith in Yeshua. I am a serious lay student of those same roots in reference to the Christian Bible and my faith. 

The subject of Cohen's article was the prophet Elijah and the environment in which he lived. Elijah was one of the major prophets God sent to Israel to call His people back to Him. But Elijah ran into some formidable foes in King Ahab and his pagan queen Jezebel. According to Scripture, Ahab had done more evil in the sight of the Lord than all the kings who were before him. He built a house for the worship of his wife's false god, Baal, and there he built an altar to Baal and worshiped him. At his wife's instigation, he also built an Asherah pole, a sacred monument and tribute to the Canaanite goddess, Asherah, who was said to be "the mother" of a pantheon of gods with the other "creator god", El. The nation of Israel was tempted to follow these false gods, just as their king had. Elijah could not convince them to choose whom they would worship; their noncommittal attitude only served to greatly provoke the Lord God of Israel. 

But Elijah was anointed by God to confront the idolators, and he fulfilled his mission, gaining a fiery victory on Mount Carmel. As you will recall, the spiritual showdown occurred after Israel had suffered three years without rain, due to their unrepentant idolatry. All Israel gathered at Mount Carmel, where Elijah confronted the evil king and his false prophets. The challenge went like this: Elijah was the lone prophet of the God of Israel. Against him were 450 prophets of the false god, Baal, and 400 prophets of the false goddess Asherah. The challenge was to prepare a bull as an offering to their respective gods. But there was a condition that had to be met ... they could light no fire on their altar. The God who answered with fire from the sky would be declared the true God.  

The fire of the Lord fell and consumed Elijah's offering, after which the people of Israel fell on their faces, saying, "The Lord, He is God"! And after God provided evidence to the people of His sovereignty as the one true God, you have to believe Elijah would be thinking, "I've known why I was sent; to harken the people to the Lord's voice and His presence. How can they not repent and return to the Lord, now?" Instead of what he thought was irrefutable proof of God's supremacy and the truth, Elijah found himself the target of Jezebel's wrath and on the run for his life. The spirits of fear and doubt engulfed him and he ended up in a cave, ready to give up. How dispirited he must have been! He saw his beloved nation forsaking the covenant they had with their God. He witnessed the altars to God being destroyed, and the prophets were all killed. He was the only one left, and they were trying to kill him, too. 

But the Lord did not abandon Elijah. He didn't appear in the grand manner that Elijah expected Him to, but rather as a still, small voice that encouraged him and then sent him back into the spiritual battle. Elijah followed the Lords commands to anoint Hazael as king over Syria; Jehu as king over Israel; and Elisha as a prophetic voice to take his [Elijah's] place. Sadly, both kings failed to do as God bid, and only Elisha carried out his assignment. 

So, why does this ancient situation spoken of in an article by a Messianic minister speak so much to my spirit today? Mr. Cohen fights the battle of speaking as a believer in Yeshua, the Messiah, to a nation of orthodox or unbelieving Jews. He identifies with Elijah in speaking to an unbelieving nation that bows the knee to political Zionism. For me, as a Christian in America, I see how much our governmental leadership and so-called prophetic voices have disappointed. The nation's leaders are as guilty of idolatry and abandoning the true God as King Ahab was. They worship at the altars of power and wealth, and the "voices" of so many prophets assault our ears! What is God's Truth in the midst of all this? Both government leaders and "prophets" battle for their messages to be heard, leading to deception and confusion among the brethren of believers. So what are we seeing? False prophets leading many astray, lawlessness increasing, and love for our fellow man growing cold. 

Did the Lord identify with Elijah, when He said, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!"? Today, we often find that Christians don't want a message that interferes with their comfort zone, or troubles their spirit, or challenges their belief system. We need the spirit of Elijah today! We need the true prophets who are willing to call out the false gods this world is bowing down to.  We need an Elijah willing to challenge and confront the false prophets and their empty promises. We need an Elijah to call the Church to account for compromising with the culture and beast system. We all need the spirit of Elijah in us to be bold to declare, "The Lord, He is God"!

It may seem as if we are alone; like Elijah, we may feel like most around us have abandoned this nation's covenant with God; that all our foundations have been torn away. God is no longer welcome in government, our schools, or the public square. He and His statutes are openly mocked by what seems like a growing mob of haters. It may feel like we are facing overwhelming odds. That's how Elijah felt. But God reminded him that he was not serving the Lord alone. In fact, God told Elijah there were 7,000 left in Israel that "had not bowed their knee to Baal nor kissed his mouth". 

I believe God is doing the same in our generation! There is a faithful remnant that echoes the 7,000 in ancient Israel. And it is up to us to discern the ones God has sent, and listen to their words in truth and spirit. We will know them by their fruit! The challenge will be to accept the ones God sends and reject those with messages that draw us away from Him. It will be tempting to listen to those who only preach what makes us feel good. That's the lesson to be learned from the people of Israel, who followed the false prophets of Baal, and rejected the Lord's prophet, Elijah. If we are true followers of Christ, we know the whole agenda ... it includes troubles, hardship, and persecution, BUT concludes with victory, eternal life, and glory to God in the highest! Again, let us be diligent to accept the ones God sends to us and resist "stoning" them if the messages seem uncomfortable. And if the Lord calls us to be His voice, we can be the Elijah, Daniel, and Jeremiah of the generation that sees the return of Jesus! Remember, the Lord was with Elijah the whole way, encouraged him, and provided his successor. May we all receive the same favor from our faithful God!

Luke 1:17     It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous [which is to seek and submit to the will of God]—in order to make ready a people [perfectly] prepared [spiritually and morally] for the Lord.”

 

 

"From Now On, I'm Gonna Wear Comfortable Clothes, & Start Running My Mouth!"

That is an accurate quote from yesterday by my husband, after we spent time with two other members of our Ekklesia in an intimate time with the Lord. In case you think that sounds arrogant and even a touch blasphemous, let me explain the context in which it was spoken...

Our little Ekklesia has around 15 faithful followers of Jesus, and after this last week when 5 of them (that's 33%!) were hit hard with "the virus", we made a deliberate decision to suspend our usual study and fellowship. Then a few days later, the Lord prompted me that we needed to stand as the government of Heaven on earth and pray for not only their health and recovery, but the restoration of our nation to God's will. So we called a gathering of the remaining members of our Ekklesia. We did it on short notice, so those that could not attend agreed to pray with us in spirit. So, the four of us gathered together in our living room, got quiet, submitted our flesh, souls and spirits to the Lord, and went into the presence of the Father. 

Now, I don't know what that looks like to you, but it is a very effortless action for us. We come before the throne of God, expressing what is on our hearts; what we are burdened with; sharing with God what [and how] we see the strategies of the Enemy on the earth. In short, we just have an in-depth conversation that is a characteristic of our relationship with Him. After all, a relationship is defined as "the state of being connected by blood or marriage". We are both! The blood of Jesus covers us and we are His beloved Bride, making ourselves ready, that we might be holy and without blemish before our Bridegroom on His return.

We simply got quiet, and asked Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit to speak to us and show us how to pray and what to pray for. We asked them to show us what they wanted us to see, and we let our spirits receive the heart and will of the Father, just as Jesus did. We were just four people with no pre-planned agenda or rule book to play by; no restrictions on expressing what we saw or heard; and no limitations put on God with what He wanted to share. It was pure, unadulterated relationship with our Creator -- uncontaminated by this world or dictated to by its "authorities".

We interceded on behalf of those among us who are fighting for their health, and for those among us and our families who have lost that battle. We asked for discernment regarding what heavenly strategies to use against the evil agendas that are in play, and which realms need to be torn asunder. We asked for an increase of the Lord's strength and power to enhance our own, so that we can be more effective in tearing down strongholds. We declared the Word spoken over Israel's enemy, Moab, and applied it to those in power over us and in the world ... "You will end their pride and all their evil works. You will bring down the high walls of their fortifications. You will bring them down to the ground, to the dust". We brought the testimonies of the afflicted before the Courts and Councils of Heaven as evidence of the injustice on earth, and asked for judgment and restitution to a hundred-fold. We prayed against weaponized grids in the spiritual realms; to close all the portal access points of demonic infiltration; to dismantle the structures of invasion; to destroy the webs of deception; and we pleaded for the uploading of a "Jesus virus" into the quantum entanglements established by wicked entities. And then we all concentrated on establishing the importance of true relationship with God among the Body of Christ. We declared that God does not need [nor desire!] long-winded speeches or empty phrases of praise. He wants our hearts aligned with His heart and with His purposes. He wants a holy interchange between Him and us -- we seek His voice and His heart, and then we act on what He reveals to us! It's really that simple! 

And that's where my husband's comment comes in. I'm sure -- no, I know -- that his words will be misunderstood by those within the Body of Christ who possess a religious spirit. They will not understand that he is a man of direct and frank language, but with a loving and compassionate heart. His name literally means "Peace-Loving Warrior", and he is the perfect embodiment of every characteristic of that appellation. And, if I can speak for him, he is tired of the same old modes by which we Christians identify ourselves. We need to be more than subservient sheep to habitual and predictable methods of engaging God. We need to become more than our titles and giftings; it can no longer be about how we appear in the world. We are not of this world, and if we don't start acting from our place in the spiritual realms, there will not be a place for us in the world!

My husband has tried to speak and act within the restraints of accepted Christian practices, but it is becoming more and more difficult for him to walk that line. I believe God is calling those who will be bold and undeterred from His purposes during this time. These are men and women who know that the hour is approaching when compromise and conciliatory gestures towards the Enemy will no longer hold back Evil. These are men and women who know they are watchmen on the wall -- but they are not just warning about the players from their position on the physical walls of the earth, but also from the spiritual walls in the heavenly realms. And the magnitude of what they see coming does not fit any paradigm of the modern Church. And that can put them in conflict with the traditional Body of Christ. But thank the Lord that God has a purpose for them that both includes the hope and encouragement of victory that their Christian brothers and sisters espouse, but also includes the honest, outspoken, and open dialogue of a John the Baptist, a Jeremiah, or an Elijah ... a remnant that is willing to look different, sound different, and swim against the current of conventional Church-ology. 

I will tell you that this is not a place of faith that is for the faint-hearted. You will be despised, discounted, dismissed, and disregarded. You will be called a heretic and worse. But you can no longer go along to get along, and you can no longer pretend that you don't know what you know. As a wife who marches in step with my husband, I sometimes wonder if more grace and mercy would soften the message God has given us. But God has time and again told me that there is a time and place for His grace and mercy [and He will make those times discernable], but now is the time for clear, concise and deliberate discourse with the world. It's no time to hold back, or ease the pain of the reality of this Age. God needs more Peace-Loving Warriors who can carry out His purpose in witnessing to both the wise and the ill-advised. My husband might appear foolish to some within the Body of Christ, and misdirected by most who are on a different path, but he's ready to lay it all on the line for Christ and His Kingdom. Hence, the statement, From now on, I'm gonna wear comfortable clothes and start running my mouth. Translation: "I'm going to be free from worrying about what others think, and instead, be comfortable and content in my Kingdom assignment. And I'm not going to worry about how the message God has given me is received or interpreted. I'm going to be bold in declaring it ... within every realm of influence God gives me ... and without hesitancy, trusting Him to transform lives". 

It might not be your style of presentation. But know that he, and the members of God's remnant like him, recognize the time is critical, and their severe and stern demeanor is evidence of their compassionate heart for those who have not yet perceived or entered the Kingdom. Call it tough love, if you will. But it is precisely because they love their fellow man, that they are willing to be controversial. May God strengthen them, protect them, and encourage them to finish their race. 

2 Corinthians 11:19   And since you are so smart and so wise to gladly put up with the foolishness of others, now put up with mine.

Christians: It's Time To Get Battle-Hardened!

 

Mario Murillo, a pastor who boldly proclaims the power of Christ to transform lives and heal every area of affliction, recently posted a blog article titled, You Are Now A Wartime Pastor. Aimed at ministers and church leadership, Mario exhorts his fellow pastors to get on the front lines of this spiritual battle that the Enemy has brought to us. He calls for Christian leaders to no longer shy away from the evil that has permeated our governing authorities, our schools, our health care system, technology, and nearly every sphere of influence over our lives.

Yes, it is about time that pastors lead their flocks in the manner God ordained the Israelites as they crossed into the Promised Land. It is time for pastors to command the people to prepare for the spiritual war that is upon us and to take back all that has been lost through compromise, complicity, and collusion. But I want to take it a step further. If your pastor is not leading and calling out evil where it plainly exists, what is holding you back? We may not all carry titles that organized religion recognizes and honors, but we all have the potential to be the shepherd boy, David, or a Joshua, or a Jael. And the truth is, that whether you want to admit it or not, we should all be on a war footing against Evil; and in a state of readiness for this spiritual war that portends the End Times. While most have been waiting for a God-sent hero to take the lead, or to follow someone clearly in charge of commanding a spiritual army, the Enemy has steadily moved the line of encroachment until our backs are against the wall. The time of waiting is over. We must each take our battle positions on that wall and declare that the battle is the Lord's and the God of Israel will triumph!

The Lord is [even now] speaking to many in dreams, visions, and words of knowledge, saying, "The time has come to stand and engage the Enemy! The time is near for the cataclysm -- the violent upheaval in the world that the Bible prophecies -- and everyone must be prepared to recognize what is coming on the earth! Will you simply stand and watch? Or will you serve Me, the Lord of the Universe,  and obey My voice?" 

To stick our heads in the sand, or to run away from the evidence that is before our eyes, is to deny what the Spirit is showing us. The nations are lining up for war. Famine and plagues are threatening to decimate vast populations. Even the elements of nature are warning that upheaval could be imminent; the La Palma volcano off the northwest coast of Africa is acting up, and should it erupt, 500 billion tons of rock will slide into the Atlantic Ocean, sending a 3000-foot wall of water careening across the ocean towards the United States and Europe, killing untold millions. And last but not least, Good has become evil and Evil is now called good. But the Lord will not abandon those in covenant with Him!

That's why it is important that we, who call ourselves followers of Jesus, realize that we must battle this spiritual war on two fronts. First, we battle from a position of spiritual protection, just as Psalm 91 instructs us. In the shadow of, and under the wings of the Most High and Almighty God, we battle from a place of protection and safekeeping; fighting in the confidence of one who trusts the Name of the Lord of Hosts to defend him. This is how the shepherd boy, David went into battle against the giant, Goliath.

But, we also battle from a position of God's power and authority in the physical. If we trust that the battle is His, we can be bold, even in the midst of our fears of what is coming. We can release ourselves to Him to be used for the advancement of His Kingdom here on earth, no matter what it looks like or what is required of us... because we know that it will be accomplished in HIS strength and power. He just needs men and women to work with [and through], and our agreement to be in covenant with Him to see His will done. We need not be afraid of the power of men on the earth; knowing that if God tells us to take that mountain, He will go before us and we will see our victory. We can defeat anything -- corrupt governments, empires, evil domains, demonic entities -- if we will just have faith and do not doubt. We can trust, as did King David, that God has trained our hands for war and our fingers for battle. He will stretch out His hand and fortify us because we know His Name.

But, as a watchman on the wall, I will tell you that now is the time to get settled in your spirit that this war is coming. Indeed, the opening salvos have been fired. Failing to respond is to hasten Satan's agenda, as written in the Bible. The Enemy's forces are on the battlefield and advancing rapidly. We know who wins in the End. But far too many Christians want to skip to the victory and are refusing to look at [or prepare for] the battle that precedes that glorious outcome. You can hope for an escape through the Rapture. But read the Good Book. I don't believe it says that! We will need to be Jesus's witnesses on the earth; proclaiming His Truth and renouncing the works and lies of Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet; always pointing the peoples and nations towards Jesus, the Messiah and Savior of the World. We will battle on the earth, alongside Jesus, and His Heavenly Host, taking part in the final battle before the Millennial Kingdom is ushered in. We have lots of work to do as the end of this Age unfolds, and we need to get battle-hardened.

Our nation just declared the end of a 20-year war in Afghanistan. The nation is weary of war. But the truth is, wars never end... they just mutate into a different name, plan and objective. That's the way Satan has been operating for the last two millennia. Our soldiers may be weary and disillusioned [with good reason], but they are battle-hardened; experienced in combat and effective at fighting. As spiritual soldiers, we cannot afford to get weary, and we sure better get focused on sharpening our skills at fighting in both the spiritual and physical theaters of this war with Satan. Let us not be blind to the battle we're in, and let us be ready and equipped to fight on all fronts. The Glory of the Lord will prevail!

Psalm 18:39-41   For You have encircled me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me. You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me [in defeat], And I silenced and destroyed those who hated me. They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—Even to the Lord [they cried], but He did not answer them.

The Anti-Christ Spirit in the Church

If you have never contemplated the possibility that the Antichrist Spirit has gained access to the Church on the earth, then I hope you will let me share my thoughts on this subject. I'd like to explain what I perceive the Antichrist spirit to be, and offer up some characteristics and how to identify it. And then let's examine how this pernicious spirit has gained a way to enter our church buildings.

First, I think it is important to understand that there are many Christians, when one brings up the subject of Antichrist, who picture the devil incarnate; an evil, sinister, giant of an individual who strikes fear in the hearts of all men. I cannot say that he won't eventually become that, but I deliberately used the word "pernicious" to describe his spirit because this is how I believe he will actually be able to insinuate himself into the inner sanctums of our places of worship. The word pernicious means "to have a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way". Which is exactly why the Antichrist spirit has gone so undetected.

We know that Jesus became flesh and blood to do the will of His Father in Heaven. He became a man so He could empathize with all that we, as humans, experience in our everyday lives, and so that He could teach us how to avoid the sin with which this life tempts us. But Jesus was the Christ -- the Anointed One, the Messiah; without sin and undefiled. The name, Antichrist, means exactly what it says; "against Christ". He is Satan's emissary on earth. And since Satan seeks to be like God, He counterfeits everything the True God does. There will soon be a man who makes himself known, who comes to do the will of his father, Satan. And just as Jesus possesses the Spirit of His Father, so will the Antichrist possess a spirit -- although it will be far from the Holy one that is part of our Lord.

If we are going to defeat this spirit, we must come to realize that the Body of Christ is not always cognizant of just how crafty and cunning the Enemy can be! Satan saw, from the beginning of the Christian Church, that God was warning the new Believers to be wary; to test the spirits that entered their meetings and congregations to see if they were of God. Even though it had been just a relatively short time since the witnesses of Jesus's resurrection had begun to give their eyewitness testimonies, there were already spirits influencing men to assert that Jesus was just a man, and not of God. The Bible tells us in 1 John 4:2-3, "By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of Antichrist, which you've heard is coming, and is now already in the world". Well, folks, that spirit has now had 2000 years to become fully entrenched here on earth, and that includes the institutions of the Church. And he has proven himself a formidable foe when it comes to preparing the Church to be battle-worthy when the Antichrist shows up in person.

Remember that I said that Satan is crafty and cunning? He hasn't been so brazen as to send people into the Church that blatantly deny that the Son of God came in the flesh and was resurrected to eternal life. [That assignment was given to spirits in the secular world]. No, instead Satan has sent spirits of pride and deception into the hearts of many of our church leaders and religious organizations. How does this happen? Again, Satan has accomplished this in a pernicious manner -- it's been gradual and subtle, yet no less harmful. You see, this spirit coaxes the Church to forgive the things God calls sin, without actually ceasing from the sin, allowing the Body of Christ to live comfortably without a guilty conscience. 

Take for instance Pastors who have begun preaching that they doubt the existence of hell; or that an eternal hell exists, citing their opinion that what the Bible is really intimating is that this life amounts to separation from God, and is therefore what the Bible intends for us to understand as hell. Another popular teaching is that our God is a loving God, and He would not actually subject someone to eternal torment. But they fail to teach that it is not God who decides to send people to hell -- they choose it by rejecting Jesus. God has made a way for all to receive salvation through faith in Jesus, so there is no excuse. I actually attended a church for 20 years where the Pastor, at the end of his life-long ministry, announced that he no longer believed in hell. What about Revelation 20:14-15, which says, "Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire". The truth of Scripture, whether it makes us uncomfortable or not is that either eternal torment in hell or eternal joy in heaven awaits us all, depending on whether we trust in Christ's payment for our sins on the Cross, or we reject Him and His sacrifice for us.

Then there are those who deny the authority of the Believer and our power in Christ. Jesus clearly says in Luke 10:19, "Now you understand that I have imparted to you My authority to trample over his [Satan's] kingdom. You will trample upon every demon before you and overcome every power Satan possesses. Absolutely nothing will harm you as you walk in this authority". We are told that only church leaders have authority in the Body of Christ, and we should not venture out from under their covering. These same Pastors will not only deny that spiritual warfare exists, but they will preach it is unnecessary -- leaving their flock unguided and unprotected from the schemes of the Enemy! Jesus taught His Disciples [and modeled for them] how to cast out a demon; how to lay hands on the sick and heal them; how to preach the Good News that it could be "on earth as it is in Heaven". And then He tells us in John 14:12, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father". 

Jesus taught that we are to be representatives of His Father's Kingdom here on earth. Just as He sought to do His Father's will, so should we. Which is exactly why Satan has worked so diligently to suppress that purpose in the Church. He has sent spirits that whisper "we must keep the people entertained"; "we must protect our finances with the 501(c)3 exemption"; "titles and positions and validation are important in the Church" -- and none of these are requirements established by Jesus. In fact, they go "against Christ" and all that He stood for. And that makes them Antichrist spirits. 

I do not write this today to disparage the Church or Church leaders, in general. Instead, I am incredibly encouraged by the number of Pastors, Ministers, and members of the clergy who step out of the box, aren't controlling, and actually disciple their flock to do the work of Jesus. It stirs my spirit to see leaders of faith -- both inside and out of the traditional building -- break old traditions of orthodoxy in order to walk in the footsteps of the Early Church fathers. Those brave men and women were people who "upset the apple cart", so to speak, and embarked on a journey into new territory blazed by Jesus Christ, Himself. The organized religion of today is just as guilty as the Sadducees and Pharisees of "shutting the kingdom of heaven in people's faces". It is just as true today that there are church leaders who "neither enter themselves nor allow those who would enter to go in". That is evidence of an Antichrist spirit. 

And now, in this time and age, it is evident that the fruit of all the Antichrist spirits that have been operating in the last two thousand years [to delay the return of our Savior], are readying for a man who will be Satan's representative and counterfeit Savior of the world. So, it is time for the Church and the Body of Believers to rise to their true identity; to throw off any trepidation or doubt that the very Power and Authority of Heaven has been given to us to prepare the way for the return of the Messiah and His heavenly host. No more compromise with the world! No more fear or doubt! Our Enemy is revealing Himself and those who have chosen his side. It is time to pray that they will change their allegiance before it's too late. It is time to pray that all Believers will endure in their faith and be strengthened in their spirits. It is the time for courage, commitment, and stepping into the destiny God has written in our Book of Life. May the True Church be all it was meant to be ... pure from the Antichrist spirit, following Jesus's commandments, and preparing to rule and reign with Him! Get ready! Jesus is about to show us how powerless Satan and his Antichrist really are, and we will soon see Yeshua Ha Mashiach ruling the kingdoms of the world!

1 John 2:18-25      Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour... This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son... Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you, too, will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He made to us—eternal life.

 

Twenty Years Later ...

 

 The memories of this day are most likely burned into the souls of everyone over the age of 30. We all remember exactly where we were twenty years ago this morning. Every American most likely has a distinct memory of that tragic day ... the ash-colored faces of panicking people rushing to escape the falling Towers behind them; the grief-stricken families wandering the streets of New York City in the aftermath, holding photos of their loved ones and hoping beyond hope that someone would tell them their son/daughter/father/mother/spouse had been spotted among the injured; the courage of those brave passengers on United Airlines Flight 93, who knew they were most likely sacrificing their lives to save those at the U.S. Capitol; the images of NYC firefighters atop mountains of rubble continuing to do their jobs after 343 of their comrades died trying to rescue those trapped in the buildings. And that's not counting the tens of thousands who have gotten sick or died from recovery efforts at Ground Zero.

The pain and loss of that day extends [as well] over 20 years of war; to all the families of all the wounded and deceased combat members of our military who answered the call to stop decimate the evil that had attacked our country. It is difficult to get a final figure of those who paid the ultimate price, but to each family whose lives were forever changed, the only number that matters is the one who came home to them -- whether in a flag-draped coffin, or a shattered body that took months or years to put back together. And there are many more whose wounds are not visible to the naked eye. 

It is hard for me to fathom what our Father in Heaven thinks as He looks down on the consequences of decisions made over these past 20 years. I am aware that this stretch of two decades in our lives is but a moment on His divine timeline. And I know that there have been similar tragedies, atrocities, and wars throughout history. But my human mind asks, "God, where does it end"? Is the cost we've paid in human life, national treasure, loss of freedoms, and societal/cultural division worth it? "What is your perspective, Father"?

I know the Bible says there is a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace (Ecclesiastes 3:8). I know that God can lead us into wars that are righteous, but I also know that He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore (Isaiah 2:3-4). Oh, how we long for that time!

I don't have the mind of the Father, but I think I perceive the heart of Jesus, who desires that we love our enemies. That's a hard thing to do when Evil comes knocking at your door. And the Apostle Paul tells us to never take our own revenge, but leave room for the wrath of God. I believe that God is a God of Justice, and there will be judgment against all who act out of evil hearts. But how do we reconcile these last 20 years, and where do we go from here?

There have been considerable changes inner nation since that fateful day in 2001. We are not the same country in so many ways. The unity we experienced in the days immediately following 9/11 seems like a fleeting memory. The Enemy has done everything within his power to divide us along economic, social, political and spiritual lines. We have mocked God's authority in covenantal marriage; the assigning of gender to our children; and have desecrated what is holy. And that's saying nothing of the greed and arrogance shown by our government leaders and corporations. The media and many ministries have fallen prey unto tempting deceptions, and the truth is often hard to discern.

But, I also want to mention that there is an entire generation that wasn't born when this evil came to our country. It is important that we never forget all those that died on that day, and in service to this country, so that we teach them this history. Let us take to heart, Deuteronomy 4:9, Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. 

And it is important to share the ideals that our flag stands for, and why it is important to so many when they see it flying high and proud. This latest generation needs to know it is about more than deciding whether to kneel or not at a football game. That flag represents the blood that has been shed throughout our 245 years of existence as a nation. We have been far from perfect and we have lost some of that national pride, and much more of our national identity, in the last 20 years. But I believe our God can return our hearts to Him and the purpose for which this nation exists. 

I could go on and on about all the ways that we, as a nation, and as a people have gone astray. It all comes down to this: We have defied the Living God, while deifying the unholy alliance among ungodly men and institutions. It may look as if we've gone too far to be redeemed, but we must never forget that God is always faithful. He keeps His Covenants, Promises, and Steadfast Love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations, and repays to their face those who hate Him, by destroying them. Judgment and Vengeance are His!

So, 20 years later, I want you to know that we have much to look forward to. Do not look at the world ... yes, the Taliban is still in power; Israel is still under attack; and the threats against our country may be even greater than they were in 2001. But we are still here, and there is still hope! On this 20th anniversary of the greatest national tragedy in our lifetime, we honor our dead and those who have displayed the American spirit of courage, bravery, and service. We recognize that there is a faithful remnant who will not bow down to worship evil; nor will they flinch at their duty; nor abandon their post. We have been called to a holy calling, and we have been raised up for this time and this season to display the power of the Almighty God of the Universe! We must trust that He has gone out ahead of us to establish our steps, and that we will witness His shaking in the land. We will be given the strength to stand in courage and boldness as we proclaim His strategies and plans that will lead us to victory!

Do not believe the false images or the defeat that the Enemy is feeding our hearts, eyes, and minds. Seek the Lord! His face is not hidden! He honors our grief over September 1, 2001 and all the years in-between. The souls of those who cry out from beneath the heavenly altar [for justice] will soon receive it! And we must not be afraid of what is coming. Remember, our God goes with us and fights for us. When we pray in the Might and Power of the Name of Jesus, we will have the opportunity to see something extraordinary in our nation! So, let's honor those who have paid the price for unrighteousness in the land; stand against those who would destroy what this nation stands for; and then look forward to what the Lord can do when we believe [in faith] and set our eyes upon Him! Get ready to witness His Kingdom, Power and Glory!

Isaiah 28:5-6      In that day the Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of His people. He will be a Spirit of Justice to the one who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.

Wickedness on the Earth: Do We Really Understand the Depth of It?

 

"And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually". We 21st Century Christians will recognize this verse as immediately following the controversial Genesis 6:1-4 revelation of fallen angels mating with human women to produce a race of giants called Nephilim. We know that it so greatly grieved God's heart that He regretted creating mankind and He determined that He would destroy all men, animals, crawling things, and birds of the air from the face of the earth. And then came The Flood.

From our Sunday School classes, we know the rest of the story ... or we think we do. Noah builds an ark, and as the only righteous man on earth, God saves him and his family from the 40-day flood, and then commands them (and all the living creatures) to go forth, be fruitful, and multiply on the earth. I think most Christians assume that the evil Nephilim perished in the Flood, and wickedness and corruption were reborn through some genetic carry-over from the Nephilim bloodline.

But here we are, somewhere around 4300 years later, and those events are regarded almost as folk lore -- even if they're believed at all. The stories of a race of hybrid giants born to fallen angels and human women [in Genesis 6], and our God so grieved over the state of wickedness in the race of humans He created that He determined to destroy them [in Genesis 7], are viewed, even by Christians, as seemingly disconnected and autonomous from our reality in the 21st Century. We convince ourselves that there's nothing in our existence that compares to the wickedness that occurred then. Every evil thing that happened before the Flood was destroyed and God simply pushed "restart" with Noah. Sounds simple, right? But how did mankind get back off track so easily? Can we simply blame the devil for tempting man to sin? 

I think it's quite apparent that Evil is still alive and well in our modern world. We may not understand its origin or source, but those who have been redeemed by Jesus are familiar with the Scripture that tells us "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" [Ephesians 6:12]. But do we even have a concept of who or what those titles mean? Are we so removed in time or spiritual adeptness that we are oblivious to the identity and effect these evil forces have had down through the ages? That what was "then" is still at work now?

It has been interesting to delve into the ancient writings and see them hinted at in the Bible. It's like seeing puzzling reflections in a mirror. I know there is more definition than what I am seeing, but it has been blurred or obscured by thousands of years, corrupted theology, and Satan and the fallen angel's attempts to counterfeit the government of God. The Bible records the sanctified partners of our Holy God ... Seraphim (Isaiah 6:1-7); Cherubim (Genesis 3:24); Thrones, Dominions, Rulers, Authorities (Colossians 1:16); Powers (Ephesians 1:21); Principalities (Romans 8:38); and Archangels and Angels (I Thessalonians 4:16 and Luke 22:43).

But remember that Lucifer served God in the Throne Room, so when his pride led to his ejection from Heaven, he was able to commit spiritual forgery with the deceived angels who followed him. These condemned ranks of spurious angels would become the forefathers of the Nephilim race of giants, and they were alternatively known as Watchers, Archons, and Rulers. These are the rebellious angels that Jude is referring to when he calls them, "heavenly messengers in rebellion who went outside their rightful domain of authority and abandoned their appointed realms. God bound them in everlasting chains and is keeping them in the dark abyss of the netherworld until the judgment of the great day."

According to ancient Jewish lore, Azazel was the leader of the 200 angels who followed Lucifer in his rebellion. He is charged with teaching mankind the art of war, the art of jewelry, all forms of conceit and arrogance, metal work, medicine, promiscuity and illicit sexual pleasure. He is represented in the Hebrew ritual as the "scapegoat"; plunged over a steep cliff as a reminder to the people of his perpetual punishment for all sins of rebellion and transgression in the pre-Flood world. It was Azazel who commanded and taught other rebellious angels to infiltrate the earthly realm with corrupted heavenly knowledge that held forbidden secrets for mankind. They did it by seducing the women they slept with and teaching them enchantments, root arts and magical arts; astrology and secrets to the zodiac signs; the art of building instruments of war and killing (swords, breastplates, knives and metalworking); secrets to herbs and spices; using paper and ink for spurious purposes; the depths of evil and spirits, and abortion. 

All this led to an increased ignorance of God, and a loss of the concept of the difference between war and peace. The women began to murder their children through abortion, as they participated in initiation rituals to a new religion, the bull cult of Poseidon. Idolatry led to sexual immorality, which led to adultery, and treachery. The Book of Wisdom, also known as Wisdom of Solomon is considered by the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, and the Assyrian Orthodox Churches of the East to be a canonical book of the Old Testament. These churches were founded mostly from 200 BC–AD 70, before the definite separation of the Christian church from Judaism, and are therefore some of the earliest churches teaching Christian theology. They take note of what the Book of Wisdom says about the influence of the corrupted Watchers in the Pre-Flood world: "Everything was a complete riot of bloody murder, robbery, deceit, corruption, unfaithfulness, disorder, falsehood, harassment of innocent people, ingratitude, moral decay, sexual perversion, broken marriages, adultery, and immorality. The worship of idols, whose names should never be spoken, is the beginning and the end, the cause and the result of every evil".

The Nephilim, the offspring of the utterly and unnatural union violating God's created order of being, were so ferocious and terrifying that the people of the Pre-Flood epoch fled before the tyranny and intimidation because they feared for their lives. They also fled from their convictions of the true God because they lived under a powerful and totalitarian regime. They lived under the evil dictatorship of cruel and corrupt giants who soon became the Kings of the land -- whose descendants would one day become the Nephilim giant kings that Abraham, Moses and Joshua would battle. Because of their unbridled violence, plundering, and slaughter, the omnipotent, true God, exercised His divine judgment to stop the carnage through the manifestation of The Flood. 

But here is the point I want to get to, as I wrap up this deeper, historical explanation of the significance of Genesis 6 and 7 ... we should not be so naive to think that this level of wickedness vanished in the aftermath of The Flood. The arrogance, the idol worship, the tyranny, the rituals, the mysticism all survived! It was taught by the fallen angels to earthly women and their offspring, the Nephilim. Most of us probably believe that the Nephilim were wiped out by The Flood, and their influence was washed from the face of the earth. But the Book of Enoch [in Chapter 15] says, “Now the giants [Nephilim], who have been born of spirit and of flesh, shall be called upon earth evil spirits, and on earth shall be their habitation. Evil spirits shall proceed from their flesh, because they were created from above from the holy Watchers was their beginning and primary foundation. Evil spirits shall they be upon earth and the spirits of the wicked shall they be called. The habitation of the spirits of heaven shall be in heaven, but upon earth shall be the habitation of terrestrial spirits, who were born on earth. The spirits of the giants [Nephilim], shall be like clouds, which oppress, corrupt, fall, contend and bruise those upon earth.” 

So, this appears to be describing the disembodied spirits of dead Nephilim, to be called what we know as demons. And I know that the Book of Enoch is not considered canonical Scripture, but since it is referenced in Jude, I am willing to consider that God verifies it as a historical resource. Then there is the curious wording in Genesis 6:4 ... There were Nephilim (men of stature, notorious men) on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God lived with the daughters of men, and they gave birth to their children. These were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown (great reputation, fame). If we yield to the assumption that Noah and his family were the only survivors of The Flood [and there are disparate views on that hypothesis], then how could the Nephilim be on the earth? As disembodied evil spirits, called demons, is the most probable answer.

I submit this hypothesis to you with the purpose of suggesting that the depth of wickedness on the earth was greater than we have been taught in our churches. And the result of that wickedness and rebellion against the Creator of the Universe [and everything in it] has led to cruelty, tyranny, the murder of innocents, and all kinds of perversion and corruptness. It's all been part of Lucifer's revenge. And until his final judgment, he and the spiritual forces that align with him will continue to wreak devastation, destruction, and desolation on the earth and its inhabitants. We can still see mankind falling under the influence of the original Rebellious One and his army of subordinates. We must never forget that these rebellious angels did not foresee God creating the resurrection of human-kind into the eternity and the spirit realm of heaven through the Word, Yeshua HaMashiac. We may soon encounter the same level of evil that precluded The Flood, but like Noah, we will be delivered from its intended purpose, and we will emerge triumphant, declaring the Majesty and the Power and the Glory of the One True God. Keep the faith and stay focused on Eternity!

 I wish to give thanks and much credit to author Gary Wayne, for his extraordinary knowledge and research on this subject. Be sure and check out his website, genesis6conspiracy.com.

Matthew 25:41    Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'

 

 

 

 

 

What Are You Afraid Of?

I guess the answer to that question depends on your worldview, doesn't it? And for those who aren't sure what constitutes a worldview, here is a great definition from Ravi Zacharias International Ministries: 1) It is the metaphysical (conceptual), or philosophical, or ideological reality of the world you and I live in; 2) It governs how we live, not where we live. It defines why we live, what we live for, what we appreciate, what we reject, what we are passionate about, and what we detest. So, it makes sense, that our worldview can define who we are, how we see ourselves, and what we define as valuable. 

If we define ourselves as Christians, let's see how that definition breaks down ... and let me speak for myself. My concept, philosophy and reality of the world I live in is that the human race lives in a fallen state, in which mankind surrendered his divinely-bestowed authority over the earth to the Enemy of the God that created this planet we inhabit. Therefore, history is a record of the battle between Good and Evil; between those who follow the Most High God, and those who pledge their allegiance to the Prince of Darkness. But the God who created us was not willing to give up on us and sacrificed a part of Himself to offer us a rescue plan; a way to defeat the consequences of Death and His wrath, and to restore this earth to its original design and ownership. 

Now, I know that sounds really religious, and although that is the knowledge that underlies my worldview, I also know that I have to live in this world, make a living to support myself, and that I don't live alone segregated from the rest of humankind. There is a way to treat people that is moral and right. This view of the world governs how I live as well as my purpose for living.

I have made a choice to align myself with my Creator and His character and nature. That means I exist because I have a job to do while I'm on this earth. I have been afforded a great gift -- forgiveness of the life I used to live, when I thought only of myself in unbridled self-absorption. And I know I've been given the opportunity to share what my faith has done in changing who I am. I know that the number of my days on this earth are short and I was created to point the way to the One True God. That means that I'm aware of how people operate in the world -- from the people I call friends to those in the highest levels of world government. I know that there is judgment coming upon the earth for how we've treated others, and I know that it is my desire to please the God who saved me from falling for the lies of the world. I am passionate about living a life that has eternal meaning, not just existing for the material comforts this world can offer. I rejoice that I know my Savior, and He knows me! And I detest anything that comes against that and my purpose for being alive. I am not afraid of dying because I know what comes after this and it is glorious!

Yet, as Christians, we still find ourselves battling those feelings of anxiety and apprehension in these days. I am seeing and hearing from many people who I know love Jesus, but are still firmly tied to this world. Fear of losing jobs, homes, health, family members, and freedom has shaken our foundation. And for some, even the foundation of their faith is now unbalanced. Sadly, those who have benefited from the extraordinary opportunities to amass wealth in this country (both Christian and non-believers alike) are now focused on trying to protect their storehouses of treasure. I see people still looking for political leaders to be resurrected and lead us out of this nightmare. I see many of the faithful denying what Scripture says about what happens when God's cup of wrath is full, and wanting to lean on only the hope-filled verses that make us feel good. 

I was fortunate in stumbling upon these couple of sentences by Pastor Bob Deffinbaugh of Richardson, Texas, and I think they sum up what I'm trying to say ... "God is judging men for their sin today and few even know it is happening. Unbelievers are unaware of God’s judgment, because they do not know God, nor are they alert to His presence and power in the world today. This is to be expected. But many Christians are equally ignorant of God’s present judgment of sin. They think of God’s judgment only in terms of the future." So, we ask why the world is deteriorating, and keep expecting that it is going to "return to normal", or at least get better. Or we preach that a return to godliness is just around the corner, "because we have victory in Christ"! What are we really afraid we're going to see, if we face our fears?

Could it be that our Christian worldview has become tarnished or tepid? Have we become self-indulgent even in believing what our Bible tells us? If we are afraid of losing everything [all our possessions or all that we've worked for and dreamed of ] ... or we are afraid of losing relationships and even our own life ... then we are afraid that eternal life might cost us something, and we aren't willing or prepared to give all of it to Jesus. 

I understand that this time is unprecedented in the history of our nation. When considered from the lens of all of history, we have seen our country fall from grace and favor in what seems like the blink of an eye. But if we have a solid Christian worldview, then we should be seeing the battlefield and the forces lining up in their strategic positions. But we should not cower in fear! There is no need to panic! The Lord battles with us and for us! We know the ultimate plan and who wins! Our God is the Everlasting God and He sits on His throne and will never be ousted. It will be in His timing and His administration that we will be victorious in more than what we've accumulated in this life, and in this world. We may lose everything that the present world defines as precious -- but we have everything to gain! 

So, if you find yourself obsessed about what is at risk in the treacherous days ahead, please stop and reassess what you are afraid of losing. If the focus is all on your material possessions or status, then maybe you don't believe the Bible is truth; or maybe you're afraid Jesus won't really come through for you. You might even doubt the reality of an afterlife or eternal life. But I'm here to tell you that now is the time to establish who you are and what is the foundation of your worldview. It is my prayer that you will build a spiritual house, with Jesus as your Cornerstone; and where you can weather all the slings and arrows thrown at you by the Enemy; where you rest in confidence that the One who is Faithful and True can and will establish you as an heir of the Kingdom. You will suffer no fear or anxiety, as you bask in the Source of Life everlasting. There is no fear for what tomorrow may bring, because there will soon be a day that dawns bright in the Kingdom of God! That day is worth more than all we can accumulate in this life! Let that worldview be yours today!

Psalm 56:11     What harm could man do to me? With God on my side, I will not be afraid of what comes. My heart overflows with praise to God and for His promises. I will always trust in Him.

 

Christians: Are You Fit For the Kingdom?

As this world becomes more unsettled and chaotic, my husband and I are hearing from more people seeking help through our Inner Healing and Deliverance ministry. It's understandable. People are finding it increasingly difficult to recognize not only our nation, but each other, and even themselves. The Enemy is sowing division, confusion, and false images of everything we thought we knew. Old wounds -- physical, emotional, and spiritual -- are resurfacing; ones we thought were long buried and under control. Established belief systems are coming under scrutiny as they seem to be collapsing under increasing oppression from the world systems. Our faith seems under attack as we see the foundations in Christ [that we thought were unshakeable] begin to crack and yield to Doubt and Fear. We feel on unstable ground. Why is that so? We've always held ourselves up as the most faithful country in the world. We were founded on the Christian faith, right? Can you conceive that as Western Christians, we might not know our true identity?

I think the most common issue we deal with in this ministry is that very lack of true identity. In fact, if you were asked to describe your identity, what would you say? After all, your identity is what makes you uniquely you; the characteristics that determine who you are.  On a deeper, more spiritual level, your identity defines how you see yourself from your own perspective, as well as God's -- and those two viewpoints can be drastically different.

But if you are going to call yourself a Believer, shouldn't they be as similar as possible?  I mean, the Bible tells us that if we are "in Christ", we are a new creation. Our old identity has passed away and a new one has come. There is another definition of identity that pertains to this Biblical truth: identity is “the quality or condition of being the same as something else.” So, in the case of our identity in Christ, our lives should indicate that we are the same as Christ, both in seeing ourselves through His eyes, and in our actions and deeds. But have we forgotten that He came as the representative of God's Kingdom and to give us earthly citizens a new identity?

But how many people who call themselves Christians have really embraced the idea of a "new identity" in Christ? How many still compare themselves to the world's standards or their own? How many are still trying to achieve the dreams they had set for themselves before Christ came to live in their hearts? You see, I don't think there is room in our heart for both identities. That's not to say that those dreams and identities can't be in harmony with a life in Christ, but we must ask ourselves, "How is my life to be different now that I accept Jesus Christ as my Savior? How am I to live my life, now that my old self has been crucified with Him, and I am a new creation? Do my old desires count for nothing now? What should my priorities be?"

Too many times [in our ministry] we meet with people whose lives are in turmoil because they don't truly understand what it means to identify with Christ. They cling to the old identity and the old image of themselves that the Enemy has skillfully crafted through his ability to tempt them to sin, or others to sin against them. It is this sort of identity problem that is at the very heart of any Deliverance Ministry. Faithful Believers, who sincerely love Jesus and proclaim Him as their Savior and Redeemer, nevertheless fall prey to the lies of Satan, who convinces them that under the Christian mask they wear, is the same old self which has not been renewed or regenerated. The devil whispers to their minds that because of the sin in their lives they are worthless, unlovable, guilty, condemned, ugly, dirty, unfit to be called a son or daughter of God -- let alone, an ambassador of the Kingdom! In fact, the concept of the Kingdom of God on earth [and their part in it] is a foreign idea; one the Church has failed to teach, equip or train. The lack of understanding that part of their identity is most often the biggest missing piece of the Christian experience.

Without that component of our identity, we can continue to tell ourselves that we are Saved, and that's enough. But our spirits long to return to the identity given to us at the beginning of the world when we were created in the image of God and Jesus. Our spirits long to inherit the kingdom that was prepared for us from the foundation of this world! But when we don't even know who we are supposed to be in that kingdom, then it is easy for the Enemy to whisper that our salvation isn't enough. Then we fall into destructive patterns of behavior and false belief systems about who we are. 

The biggest struggle we have in our Inner Healing and Deliverance Ministry is convincing people to not only understand what the Kingdom of God on earth looks like, but that they have a purpose in that Kingdom, and it is bigger than anything this world offers. Self-worth cannot be measured from the world's standards. Wealth, position, status, beauty, popularity, recognition, and approval or validation by man is not esteemed in the Kingdom of God. Nor is seeking after any of those goals. As a Body of Believers, we need to begin identifying as members of a new family that is stronger and more powerful than the Enemy.  We need to recognize that we are part of a new family image that has dual citizenship: on earth and in heaven.  In the past we were committed to our earthly lives, but as a new creation, our values have changed and we have died to the things that used to run our lives.

I believe we are now called [and it is absolutely essential] that we become soldiers and ambassadors of our Lord's Kingdom here on earth.  The Enemy is accelerating his plan to dominate the earth, and we are running out of time to step in to our true identities. We are in desperate jeopardy of losing our opportunities to share the Gospel of the Kingdom and to see lives radically changed -- beginning with our own. We must embrace the Kingdom and step into our fullness in Christ, designed to bear much fruit. Let us be intentional to receive our inheritance and the riches of the Kingdom [that He desires to give us] even as we grow into His very likeness.  Don't let the devil rob this generation of our identity as chosen, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a temple of the Holy Spirit, God's special possession, His beloved children, and ambassadors and citizens of Heaven. It is imperative that we know Whose we are, and Who we are!

In this new identity, we must not look back, or listen to the Father of Lies who would have us miss our purpose for the Kingdom and squander God's love. So, trust God's voice when He says who you are, and stand guard against the Enemy's lies. Let us commit to each other that we will give support, confidence, and hope to our fellow Christians who struggle to claim their spirit-filled identities.  And I pray that in these new identities we can love all mankind as Jesus loves us, and show the world what it looks like to abandon the darkness and come into the Light of Truth and Life. You are the Kingdom of God on earth! How does that identity suit you? 

Luke 9:62     But Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things left behind] is fit for the kingdom of God.”