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|  Nuggets of Hope... This is just a place where I grind out and filter my personal and feelings and experiences through GOD's Word. It is important that our traditions, how we were taught, and even our opinions be grind up and out through the filtering system of God's Word that was we walk in accuracy; not just repeating things that may be inaccurate, imabalances, or unecessary.... So here's my take on a number of subjects based on God's Word. HOLD ON, PERFECT WORK IN PROGRESS... Have you ever considered all that goes on in the heavenlies and in the natural for a "perfect work" to take place? Sometimes we underestimate and downplay the reality of what "all things work together for the good of them that love God and are called according to His purposes" entails. But for those of us that truly desire and are going after the perfect will of God as opposed to the permissive, there is yet a cost! Friend, it can be hard and easier declared than lived out! I know it's hard sometimes but be encouraged, my brother and I have this saying "PERFECT WORK IN PROGRESS" Perfect works, take work! Trust me, the past 6 years of my life and ministry have been the most humbling, challenging, stripping, and self denying; however also have been the most graceful, divine, beautiful, faithfilled, transforming, and "PERFECT"! There have been days I have felt reduced down to a child in the natural as well as a spirit, times I have stood back and wondered WHY? and times that I said,"how long will this season last? and is it really bringing GOD glory,when it seems others can take some of the credit?"I have been learning some powerful things, things that go beyond conveying, preaching, or even sharing! Things that are for the mere fact of transformation and being conformed further into His image and likeness. The Spirit is oh so willing, but the flesh is yet weak! I'm so glad that when I'm weak HE is strong! I want to encourage someone today who didn't or doesn't understand... why the delay? why the loss? why the pain? why this process? why the rejection? why the suffering? why the crushing? what? why? when? how?! Guess what? If you are determined to obtain the REAL of God in your life and experience the fulfillment of HIS perfect plans... it takes TIME. You or someone else may have to die, may have to lose, may have to be rejected, may have to shift, may have to be received, may have to gain, may have to be diminished... etc.... for the PERFECT and GOOD thing to be made manifest in your life. As the world turns and I grow in His grace over the years my questions diminish and my tears dry. As I ponder the words of Paul in Romans 8 stating, for we know that ALL THINGS to work together for the good...I receive the revelation that some of them had to begin bad if they are working for good! Friend, what looks bad, really is working for your good and GOD's glory! Maybe you had to be humbled, lose your independence, your status, your finances, and even someone in your life that you thought "was everything" so that you could receive the REAL promises of God without abusing, misusing, or confusing what HE HAS done and SHALL DO! The bible encourages us in Psalms 37 that the steps of a good or righteous man are ordered by the Lord and he delights in his way; though he fall, he will not be cast down because the Lord is holding him with his hand! Guess what? it says that ALL YOUR STEPS are ordered, and that you WILL fall sometimes, but HE WILL NOT CAST YOU DOWN, nor change HIS plans because you are in HIS hand! God is doing a separating, because there is yet the CHURCH within the church (that would be the remnant) and the CHURCH is continually being established, shaped, and released for the glorious return of Christ! We are undergoing a spiritual dry cleaning if you will that will result in no spots and wrinkles when He comes! No matter what has been unleashed in and around your life remember that when the enemy comes in like a flood the LORD will raise up a STANDARD against him! And friends... here is a WORD.. according to Isaiah 54:16 everything that the enemy crushes GOD ordains for a REASON. "I created the smith who blows the coals in the fire and forges a weapon fit for his work; yes I have created the waster to destroy... BUT DON'T you love v 17... AND NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST YOU SHALL PROSPER... and every tongue that rises in judgment I shall refute!! Jesus! What that means is all of crushing, shifting, and losing is indeed OKAYED by the father because we are vessels in His hands through which HE WILL be glorified; but as soon as that devil goes in for the final thrust... IT SHALL NOT PROSPER! That is worth rejoicing over! So I want to encourage you as I encourage myself... be strong and remain diligent. Paul's letter to the church at Galatia encourages us to not be weary in well doing because in due season we will reap if we faint not! So today I rebuke the mentality of fainting! WE WILL NOT FAINT! WE WILL FINISH WELL! The best is yet to come in our lives and our families! So what is the word for today? PERFECT WORK IN PROGRESS!...Remember perfect works take time... but the promise is that the glory of the latter house will be greater than that of the former! Get to the banks of the Jabbok and don't shift until He blesses you. I pray this testimony will bless someone. Sometimes men and women of God get to a place where they are esteemed in such a way that causes them to shrink back from sharing testimonies that help others to know; 1.) we are ALL continually warring in the spirit 2.) we ALL can be led astray or hit if we are not careful to continually address things in our lives both naturally and spiritually. After a powerful time of teaching and prayer this weekend concerning Spiritual Warfare, and reading some wonderful testimonies, I found myself the past two nights awaking to feel as if something was breathing down my neck and last night I literally woke up twice feeling as if I heard a whisper in my ear speaking some specific things. I found myself throughout the night fighting with dreams and imaginations that I knew were not of God and I went to warring in the Spirit until tears, not feeling a lifting. With spiritual wisdom, I began to cry out to the Lord and inquire of Him what is in me that this thing is trying to find a place in? Knowing and having just taught on these matters I quieted myself and searched my soul and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding. I remembered there was a recent incident in my life that caused my soul and Spirit to be torn and while I was healed and had new I had released the matter, the Holy Spirit revealed to me there was still a healing work occurring and showed me that I had not truly realized, nor accepted the depth of the pain incurred; for being “spiritual” and “deep”. Knowing that perverse spirits often enter through the crack of a broken spirit, and knowing my background and area of deliverance, I began to press in. While this was a subtle attack or manifestation in comparison to the greater manifestations of that Spirit (such as rape, abuse, incest, masturbation, sexual perversions, homosexuality, chronic worry, pornography) I knew that nonetheless it was the Spirit of perversion because of the nature of the connotations. I found myself travailing and truly wrestling with this thing, seeing as God said there was a completion of healing occurring that I had not yet realized; while this spirit was yet trying to infiltrate the section “so to speak”. I know where I am with the Lord and my heart towards Him and desire to remain a vessel of holiness and righteousness in Him. I knew the enemy would love to defile me in any way and I remembered a dream I had where the demon said to me, “now I have come for you” in that dream I opened my mouth and the fire burned her to complete and total ashes… I began to cry out before the Lord, do it in me Lord, do it in me, fix me, complete the healing, seal the crack,… I need you and I won't let go until I feel the break and the shift and I know this thing is finished. I begin to bind that Perverse Spirit and send it to deepest pit underneath the earth, while loosing purity, holiness, The Spirit of God, and the love of God; declaring my sonship and apostleship in Christ Jesus, asking him to fill any and every crack or space created by the break. I realized my frailness and futility in my flesh, but the strength that is mine through the blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells within me. Friend, we all endure attacks, some self-imposed and others under the hands of those of those who in their own pain and confusion become a channels of pain or hurt to others. As I wrestled with this thing that I knew wanted to attach itself to me and defile me, I also wrestled with myself, my own pain, some past, and even present realities. I thought about Jacob in Genesis 33:22-32 and his wrestling match on the banks of the Jabbok. I thought about his determination and perseverance for his “fix”. I remembered how all night Jacob wrestled with the angel, making supplication for a blessing. The angel seemed to be resisting his prayer, and at the same time endeavoring to break away from him but I love how Jacob was determined to hold the angel, not by physical strength, but by the power of living faith. I believe in this time of distress and reflection and this time of tussle Jacob referred to the repentance of his soul, the deep humility he now felt, and the relentless desire and determination to be free from the pain and daunting of the deceiving and lying spirit. Friend, the angel might have exercised his supernatural power and forced himself from Jacob's grasp, but he did not choose to do this. Seeing that He could not prevail in the struggle, but to convince Jacob of his supernatural power, he touched his thigh, which was immediately thrown out of joint. I caught a revelation that even being touched to pain in the middle of this struggle so much so that it would change the course of his natural walk, Jacob knew the very one who struck the thigh was the very one that held the blessing and the “fix”. Jacob would not give up his earnest efforts for fleshly pain. His object was to obtain a blessing, and pain of his flesh was not sufficient to divert his mind from his object and goal. His determination was stronger even in the physical brokenness in the last moments of the conflict than at the beginning. His faith grew more earnest and persevering until the very last moment or as the bible records, “the breaking of the day”. He would not let go his hold of the angel until he blessed him. The angel said said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. Jacob replied, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." The angel then inquired, "What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. As if to remind Jacob as to who he WAS and Jacob had to speak it out of his own mouth, yet the Angel quickly replied, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." Jacob's perseverance and his unwavering faith that his “fix” was coming was honored by God. His name was then changed and outcomes of his concerns and his pains shifted. The bible records that Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: meaning for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." It was Christ that was with Jacob all through that night and he was determined that he just wouldn’t let this angel go. Because God is so awesome friend, not only does he free us from the hopes and defilements of Satan, change our name, and gives us a pardon from our sins and “issues”; He is so loving and gracious that His blessing always includes the shifting of circumstances, what I often refer to as the divine reversal! The very thing that plagued our minds and that we thought the enemy would surely accomplish, is reversed to the glory of God and to our good, proving Romans 8:28 which teaches us that ALL things work together for the GOOD of them WHO LOVE GOD and ARE CALLED ACCORDING to HIS purposes! The Lord heard the supplications of Jacob, and changed the purposes of Esau's heart. He did not sanction any wrong course which Jacob pursued. His life had been one of doubt, perplexity, and remorse because of his sins and issues until his earnest wrestling with the angel, and the very time that Jacob was in warfare for the blessing with one angel, there was another released to touch the heart and mind of Esau. Friend, we must understand the reality of perseverance in prayer, travailing, and times of intercession. The very angels in Heaven are responding to our cries! So cry out to God believers, take up a whailing. No matter the pain, no matter the issue, whether it be at your hands or the hands of another; release it and ask God to cleanse you. It’s me, OH Lord, standing in the need!!! Jacob's earnest, persevering wrestling with the angel should be an example for us. He prevailed not because of some attained perfection on his part. No he saw his own inability, futility, and propensity to mess up. Friends, Jacob prevailed because he humbled himself and was persevering and determined. All who desire the blessing of God, as Jacob, and possess this determination will lay hold of the promises and succeed in the midnight struggle as he did, and as I did. There is so little exercise of true faith and so little of the weight of truth resting upon many of us because of our indolence in spiritual things. We are unwilling to make exertions, to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for our fix and then go forward in faith as did Jacob believing God had indeed changed not only our name but our very course, therefore we receive the love of God, but never obtain the manifestation of the “fix”. We never really received the new name. Friend, receive your fix and your new name and watch every demon and in hell and around hell flee and the results of even your own hurt, pain, or past evils be reversed. God is raising up those of us who will make the efforts now to exercise persevering faith, as by His grace we will be prepared to exercise that faith which will enable us to stand against the wiles of the devil and in this evil day. Get to the banks of Jabbok and get your wrestle on. It’s not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit. He has a new name and a new course for you, and it yours for the taking. However, the bible declares in Matthew 11:12 since the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force. The Essentials of Fruitful Lifelong Unions In 2002 I asked myself, "what is the essence of what I truly desire in a relationship?" … Immediately I was convicted hearing the Holy Spirit say, “No HOPE… What should be asked is WHAT IS THE ESSENCE OF WHAT I DESIRE IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS?” I sat to listen to Him and completed this…I BELIEVE IT CAME FROM HIS HEART TO MINE... Hope it blesses you. If you look at the tumble and crumble of relationships even amongst Christians, you can clearly see that something is going wrong. Unfortunately, there is a decline in HOLY MATRIMONIES and many begin in impure or even spiritually immoral relationships hoping to get something pure out of them or let the desires of their flesh be the "qualifiers" for potential mates. Interestingly enough, even some of the teaching received in the church concerning marriage is warped, adding to the issues. I believe as believers we need to die to our flesh in such a way that it will nullify the leading of our flesh in such serious life altering decisions. We must really get back to the basics so to speak. In 2002, as I began to express my heart to God in my journal concerning relationships and the idea of what it really means to be fruitful and multiply, the Holy Spirit began to unveil His heart and intentions to me. As simple as it may sound if you really look deeply at these 3 essentials you will see how when followed, a "demonproof" union is created! 1) A relationship birthed of pure agape love (initially void of eros love): selfless love for another without sexual or physical implications. The bible describes the characteristics of this love in 1Co 13:4 as these patient, kind; not envious, not vain, not puffed up; does not behave indecently, does not seek her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth, quietly covers all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. To find out if something will never fail, you need time. Time, situations, and circumstances will prove if the love is pure, because pure love never fails. It may fall, it may be challenged, it may be tested, or proved; but it cannot fail because pure agape love is birthed of the divine nature within those of us that have been reborn. Apape love should be the foundation of every relationship, particularly those leading to marriage. That kind of love is a selfless friendship and Godly love that is free of the flesh’s qualifiers. It is born of God and is normally given the time and care that proves the characteristics of love mentioned in I Co 13. This kind of love when real and vision is there has the power to produce the most purest and life lasting relationship where both people are nurtured, encouraged, strengthened, and feel the selfless covering that each person brings to the other. This love and friendship proves to endure all things, believe all things and it cannot fail. Indeed love is primary in the foundation for the most pure and successful of love relationships. 2) A relationship of birthed of two people of humility: Lack of false pride; unpretentious; not seeing oneself or one’s issues as more important than another’s; the gift of seeing the real and living in proper relationships and proportion; teachable and unarrogant. Greek philosophers and often people with religious spirits despise true humility because to them it implies worthlessness, a lack of dignity, and inadequacy. To apologize or even humble oneself before another human is considered in their minds a lowering of oneself or acting undignified. That is a true characteristic of a religious or proud spirit.James 4:6 instructs us this way, “Therefore He says, God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble”. It is critical to walk in humility. When people feel true humility, they open up more, they give more, and they share more. They sense that they are valued and that their feelings, ideas, and thoughts are actually important. Humility creates safety. That is why God can give more grace to the humble; not only do they come to Him with the right attitude, but they deal with others with the same care meekness. Humility is part of the foundation of giving and receiving, sharing, loving, and considering others as yourself. A relationship with two people who walk in genuine humility will have the key ingredients for success, and not only that; but they will have MORE GRACE according to the Word, which is what we all need; particularly two people desiring to become one. 3) A relationship birthed of purity: (Pure): to be free from extraneous elements of any kind (in other words no additions, extras or additives). Free from discordant qualities (harsh mixtures) I have discovered that a relationship that is birthed in purity or innocence, free from the motivation of flesh and lust (lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes or the pride of life) releases a protective and comforting quality that enables both a woman and a man to feel respected, comforted, and encouraged; often bypassing the concerns that would normally exist outside of purity. When the make-up of something is pure, (like pure water or pure gold or anything that still has the “pure” stamp) it is deemed and treated as more valuable and accepted without question. Consider the knowledge of purity existing in the hearts of two people who can truly bypass the issues and questions that plague those who have received the pain of impurities or “harsh mixture” in their relationships and even past marriages in some cases. There is still hope! God will lead you into truth and purity free from the need to seek out the things normally needed to sift through the impure. It is important though that this is birthed of the relationship, meaning born of both participants! OR IT CAN BE DEADLY IF ONLY ONE IS PURE.. yikes! The bible tells us in Titus 1:15 “To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled”. So it is essential to come together with pure hearts and minds that have been either untainted or healed! When still tainted through defilements you can see nothing or receive nothing as pure. Even that which is pure will be impure! 1Pe 1:22 instructs us as believers that since we have purified our souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love, to love one another fervently with a pure heart. We know whatever we think in our hearts so are we, and whatever we think in our hearts towards others, so are they. Loving with a pure heart is of the essence so that which the heart thinks…. remains pure, good, holy, and lovely! Purity is definitely of the essence and following these truths will prove to birth and cultivate the purity necessary for a successful union! Seems like a small list? ….Interestingly the bible says even ALL the law and the prophets hang on “number 1”, which is love. So commitment, service, loyalty, dedication, selflessness, and strength definitely will follow those of this “dynamic duo” whose relationship is anchored in agape love. ….Interestingly the bible says the extended grace of God is given to those of “number 2”, who are truly humble. So favor, career, success, family, victory, and divine enablement definitely follow this “powerful pair” who walk in GENUINE humility in daily living and personal relationship with one another. ….Interestingly enough the bible says that the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy… Try all those additions for a great future amongst the “collective couple” who build on our “number 3” attribute which is purity! Not so small of a list after all! God is interested in us allowing Him to walk in His divine attributes of being the author and finisher…. The alpha and omega… the first and the last….. and the beginning and the end.. In essence, it must remain all about Him and not us. Everything that is founded in Him is purposeful and eternal. Let us be sure as singles and married people that in creating and cultivating relationships we allow the “reality of our divinity” to lead. STRENGTHENING IN TIMES OF FERVENT PRAYER There must be an understanding about prayer and the seriousness of prayer and intercession in the life of the believer. James 5:16 states that the effectual fervent prayers of the righteous avails much. EFFECTUAL (efficacious) producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect.. legal term: (having legal efficacy or force). FERVENT: conviction, persistence, or belief; having or showing great warmth, fervor, or passion. Friend, this is the prayer style that avails!
Let us look at Daniel for our example: (Reference Daniel 10)
Daniel fasted and prayed for the manifestation of understanding and wisdom concerning the things God showed him and we know he got results…. What kind of prayer brought about the manifestation of two angels and the pre appearance of the very son of God….to release strength and instructions to him? He wasn't praying for stuff. Wasn’t praying for personal healing, wealth, prosperity, etc….I’m not negating the need to pray for things… but the bible declares in Matthew 6:33 that we are to seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and ALL other THINGS.. SHALL BE ADDED… SEEK YE FIRST, THE KINGDOM (the rule and reign of Christ as King over the domain of heaven and earth) .. seek kingdom understanding, kingdom wisdom, kingdom assignment, kingdom agenda….We should be seeking what is the nature and purpose of our King in this thing?
Look at Daniels prayer:
1.) His posture was one of humility (POOR IN SPIRIT)- The bible says BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD)…He was mourning and travailing for the sins of the people, but even his own sins recognizing he too had issues. Even in the midst of his frustration with the jews and knowing the ways of many of them, he took the humble posture of prayer and intercession and with his compassion he tapped into the heart of God. How are you coming to God? and how are you dealing with his people? All of them, that is - Participators, Spectators, and YES Haters too!
We gloss over these scriptures as if Daniel prayed some mediocre 21 day prayer and got a breakthrough and heard your blessing is on the way… is on the way … QUITE THE CONTRARY…It is those sayings void of Christ’s teachings that release the kind of inaccuracy that causes pain in God’s people when the realities of life and ministry hit them and they stand void of the deep truths of God’s Word, looking around as if something is wrong with them! When indeed it isn’t, but to all things there are processes. Daniel was engaged in the purest of lamenting, mourning, and crying out to God over what he was indeed seeing and experiencing.
2.) His intent was wisdom not personal gain… he wanted wisdom concerning the plight of the people (Pr 4:7 – before you just start railing, the bible instructs us to get wisdom and in all your getting get understanding, wisdom is the principal thing) He wanted full understanding and instructions concerning the vision. He was seeking intervention, revelation, understanding, and instructions.
How often do we pray intense repetitions and immediately get up to hurry on, not even pausing to spend time in the presence of God, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak, direct, reveal, or even minister to us? Daniels prayer was one that did indeed invoke the very presence and help of God.
3.) His desire was to walk in the will of God, in understanding and wisdom of the thing no matter how long or at what cost- (the appointed time was long.. Angels said this vision was for many days to come)
With proper posture, intent, and desires, look at the results: Da 10:12 Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.
The angel who we believe or assume was actually Gabriel the messenger angel had the message and revelation to give Daniel, so the first day that Daniel began to fast and pray, his answer was produced in heaven. (God knows your thoughts afar off, prayers before prayed) However, we have a responsibility as citizens of the kingdom to pray to our king, who moves on behalf of the true citizens in accordance with His will. THY KINGDOM COME THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN… SEE IT’S THE PRAYER OF KINGDOM CITIZENS THAT RELEASES THE KINGDOM ON EARTH TO BE AS IT IS IN HEAVEN!!
Now, the angel tells Daniel I was released on day one but for 21 days got in a battle in the heavenlies with the prince (angel) of kingdom of Persia… Friend, the enemy is called the prince of the air, the prince of the kingdoms of this world … and there are provinces that have spiritual wickedness in high places that are at war with the kingdom of God to block what is to manifest through our prayers. So the Prince of Persia was indeed an agent of darkness put in position to obstruct and block the will of God from being made manifest. What we must know and understand fully is that God has ALL power over these forces and as the sons of the King we do too, but we must pray to our King to see the release of such things that we can decree on earth. While we live on earth, our citizenship is in heaven and we have heavenly abilities that are backed up by God and angels while we are yet in the earth. (Matthew 18:18, “I have given you the keys to the kingdom of heaven and whatsoever you bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven”… etc…) So we have been given kingdom authorization.. that when we bind (heaven responds) when we loose (heaven responds)
So friend, After the heartfelt, effectual, fervent prayer of Daniel; and the prevailing of Gabriel (and Michael –the warring angel, who the scripture states in Da 10:13 came to assist Gabriel), Daniel received understanding about his vision and what would come upon the people. He even received the understanding that the manifestation of this vision was quite awhile away. What I love about this prayer is that if you study the Word of God in the 10th chapter of Daniel it is encouraging in that when we approach God with a proper heart, proper attitude, wisdom, and pure motives, ALL of Heaven is moved and help is released for such times. It is a glorious thing that not only do the chief warring and messenger angels Michael and Gabriel get released in the case of Daniels vision and seeking God for understanding and wisdom, but there is the vision of the Lord Jesus himself in a preincarnate appearance sent to Daniel who released the supernatural strength Daniel needed! (see v.18 then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and He strengthened me)!
The bible goes on to say that our Lord called Daniel “greatly beloved” and told him to be at peace and be strong! Friend I say to you, you are God’s greatly beloved, so too be at peace and remain strong. Remember the effectual and fervent prayers of the RIGHTEOUS avail much! Press into God and His will for your life. Seek Him with the posture of humility, the intent to get wisdom and understanding of Him and His Will, and the desire to walk in obedience LET'S GET BACK TO EDEN AND LIVE ON TOP OF THE WORLD!! Exposing the D’s to Every Defeat : Genesis 2:25 – 3: 10
What are the 8 D’s to Defeat?
1. Detection
2. Dialogue
3. Doubt
4. Deception
5. Desire
6. Disobedience
7. Diversion
8. Destruction
In order to have victory over Satan we must expose him and his strategies. We must go Back to the Garden and look at the D’s that occurred in Genesis and literally are occurring in many of our lives everyday. The text opens up telling us about the subtle and craftiness of Satan setting up the stage to try to bring down the woman, who he knew was linked to the man, who he knew was linked to generations and generations. If I can get her to sin… I can wreck everybody!
Why did he go after the woman? Can I disspell some myths preached in the days of old? It wasn’t because she was slick, weak, out to get Adam, couldn’t hear from God…..However, it was because she was strong, called to be the helper, and was a protector, yes I said PROTECTOR. It was because she had great influence and was a woman of power and authority. Peep this, the enemy looked at the situation and said I’ve got to go after the most influential one because if I can get her, Ill have them both. Let me validate with the Word of God:
1.) I understand that the man is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church.. But you have to understand something. Although the man is the head, if the neck is broke, out of place, stiff, inadequate to be a support to the head- the head will go nowhere!
2.) The bible declares that God made eve but formed Adam.. It states that God took a rib from the man and made He a woman… A rib is defined as a curved rod, that wraps around the vital organs and protects them from harm! ...and you thought your husband was supposed to protect you from everything. In other words called to protect everything that’s vital to the plan of God.. including your husband… Talk about a rib. See the enemy knew the level of power and influence God placed in you… but we didn’t know and many still don't... UNTIL THEY HAVE A BACK TO THE GARDEN EXPERIENCE!
Let me tell you two things concerning this rib before we get into the D’s
1.) A healed rib in place protects- matter of fact it’s flexible in that it’s the only bone in the body that expands and contracts to give room for the organs to function!, but a damaged rib broken and not healed, can shift and pierce the very thing that it was designed and put in place to protect. This is why the body of Christ is out of joint and out of wack, because women have to be healed and get back in position to support, assist, and help!
2.) There is a disease called bifurcated rib disorder and often if exrayed a physician/ex ray tech can miss it, because it looks normal on the ex-ray but if you study the ex-ray and the symptoms closely 1 out of every 700,000 suffer from it.. it’s where when the rib is inflamed and won’t contract and expand properly and before you know it the heart liver and lungs are shut down because of this damaged rib that looks healed! Once again out of place and out of wack, looking the part, but slowly dying and killing everything in sight for lack of understanding that you’re more precious than rubies, that you’re fearfully & wonderfully made, that there’s healing in you, deliverance to the nations through you.
God is saying now in this season I need the influential women of God, the mighty women of God who are no longer bruised and broken and and will walk in your role, who will walk as the true daughters of Zion, as the holy woman of scripture, as the proverbs 31 woman, who by the way was the head of her household and was proud. Looking at me funny. The bible never in scripture says that the man was the head of the household, it says in Eph 5:23 that the husband is the head of the wife. See we are killing men because we want them to be the head of the wife, the kids, the household, the church, the community and if you look at proverbs 31: 10-31 this woman clearly lead her household and did it well and didn’t complain about doing it. She wasn’t lazy somewhere sitting waiting on her husband to do it all and mouth poked out, or somewhere waiting for somebody’s wealth to get her out of a hole she was in, she was making it happen in her household, walking in wisdom, skill, and authority. She first was determined to do her husband good and not evil all the days of her life, so she did what she had to do for her man, she worked with her hands, had a job! Everyone isn’t called to FT ministry if everyone is going to leave the marketplace how are we going to win lost souls and get the wealth of the wicked that’s laid up for the righteous to build God’s kingdom, she worked, managed the staff of maidens, she stayed up late and she riseth with it is night and giveth meat to the household and her maidens, she considered a field and bought it, real estate tycoon buying up property probably to be used for the kingdom of God, and look not afraid of the snow household is straight, she opens her mouth with kindness and wisdom, and it says that she reaches for the needy and helps the poor. SHE had it going on, and was in place did it all, The man was her leader.. but look at this her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. Her children rise up and called her blessed, her husband also.. See I say all that to say we’re out of position.. The enemies job is to get us out of place, no longer strong, no longer praying, no longer serving, no longer working to the glory of God.. see in today’s times we feel I would be tired and beat doing all of that. I need some help! You fail to realize that you are supposed to be the helper, not get the help! Helpmeet sometimes called to do more than the one their helping. Assistant does all the work! So if you think about this thing the right way in a way that’s not all about you then you’ll note the level of responsibility and selflessness should increase when you’re married.
So here then we see the enemy saying…. I gotta take this one out, because if I can get her caught out there unhealed, deceived, in her emotions, I got him… Why does Satan want to defeat me?
The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy: I am come that they might have life and they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10 Got to destroy you before you walk in all that God has called you too. See I’m hard on women. I’m hard on myself because after my young years of being saved, sanctified, & filled with the holy ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues I realized the enemy was taking me out and I was letting him because I was broken and not healed and didn’t know what being a woman meant in my family, in the community, in the Kingdom.. so when I went into the deep intimacy when I said Holy Ghost have your way and I mean it forreal!! God began to raise up the former desolations and repair the waste cities in my life the desolations of many generations (isaiah 61:4). So God revealed to me the D’s of defeat and showed me the tricks of Satan so I wouldn’t get knocked out of place over and over again, yet the struggle continues, BUT through HIM I'm victorious!
Let's Expose the tricks of the satan: Take a look!
1. Detection: V.1 (He was subtle and crafty and looking for an enroads to Eve!)
Strategically looks at your situation and detects the area of weakness to use as a vehicle for exchange and entryway into you. It could be a tiny crack area of weakness, disappointment, place where you’re still bruised or have desires or emotions unsubmitted to the Lord. Satan is looking for the perfect set-up! Area of weakness? In each of your lives there is an area of weakness. Some crack or space that Satan is looking to destroy you and kill, steal, destroy before you can experience the abundant life found in Christ. Phil 2:5; Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. John 14:30 when the prince of this world cometh he findeth nothing in me. Nehemiah Ch 6: 12 Nehemiah said, and Lo I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: told neh. Come into the temple and close the doors because at night they were coming to kill him.- see this was the last attempt of sanballot and tobiah to get Nehemiah off wall – deception: but he could perceive because he was close to God. Intimacy with God and allowing Him to reveal and heal is key to being snared in his scheme of detection. Satan is walking around as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.. Will it be you?
2. Dialogue: V.2, 3 (He was interested in conversing with Eve- the one thing that you see very little of in the scriptures. He appealed to a woman's need to communicate!) )Enters into dialogue, communication or exchange with you in this area. Wants to get you in dialogue and ultimately agreement with him so that then you will question the will of God the things of God and the plan of God. Time for casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought unto the obedience of Jesus Christ. II Cor 10:5
3. Doubt: V.4 ((His whole concept was to get Eve to doubt God's Word) Attacks the truth of God’s word and instructions and gets you to doubt the validity of God’s word. Challenges truth with a lie. When you began to question what you know to be true. That could never happen to me! You surely won’t get caught if you talk to ___ or go _. numbers 23;19 balaam said to barak: God is not a man that he should lie; neither the son of man that he should repent Roman 3:4 Let God be true and every man be a liar.
4. Deception: V.5 (He wanted to deceive Eve and get her to believe his suggestions- some of which were true) Able to now trick you into believing his lies because now you doubt or question what God said, while falling for his suggestions. When you are tricked into believe there is good in what God said is bad! When you start thinking that you will get a good feeling out of something that is only going to destroy you. Eph 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience 2 Peter 2:18 When they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness (gk aselgeia for lasciviousness –the promoting or partaking of that which produces lewd emotions; anything that fosters sin and lust ) those that were clean escaped from those who live in error!... the reason so many women are deceived is because once you are deceived then you tap into desire and the lust of the flesh… or works of the flesh…in gal 5:19
5. Desire: V.6 (Once he has detected your weakness, caused you to dialogue with him, planted the seed of doubt and deceived you - now your desires and cravings have kicked into full domination!) Desire is opened up once deceived. Once deceived then your carnal desires are aroused and you began to lose vision which causes you to lose vision. What was bad has become good and now you have a desire- epithumia (greek). A craving, longing, passion or a turning towards the thing you desire. So now there is a battle in the flesh and the mind! The good I would do I don’t do because evil is everpresent. Romans 12:2 Be not conformed to this world but be ye therefore transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.
6. Disobedience: V.6 (What he really wanted was disobedience and sin- The wages of sin is death!)
Once desires are aroused and cravings opened up then disobedience takes place. Once you’re cornered and have fallen pray it’s hard to all of a sudden be obedient. Have to see the strategy early because you will be in a position of great temptation and the enemy wants you to walk in disobedience! I Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape that you will be able to bear it. If you yield to temptation you will be diverted off the path that leads to purpose
7. Diversion: V.7 ( Diversion is when now you have found yourself derailed from the plans and purposes of God) After disobedience then there is diversion. Disobedience hi-jacks the plan of God and causes you to get diverted from the plan of God because once you have sinned the enemy wants you to be bound by that sin, drawn away into desire. Once you have tapped into it, by way of disobedience… entered into the wrong conversation, the wrong man, the wrong job, the wrong attitude wrong move: then there is the hi-jacking... James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lusts, and enticed.
8. Destruction or Defeat: V.8 Inevitable at this point)Once you have been diverted from the plan of God then the enemy has you trapped in defeat… in the garden hiding. He has you feeling so ashamed because you have been violated. Like a child who used to be pure but once they’ve been violated a new door of perversion and shame has been opened. (shame creeps in which blocks you from walking in purpose). The enemy knows if I can keep them ashamed, even after they’ve been forgiven the shame will keep them in bondage, still diverted from the plan and promise… James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin, and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death.
Time to come out of shame, the trap of Satan, understand the power and authority you have in you. Be wise to the tricks and strategies of Satan and you will overcome the D’s to defeat. It’s time to go back to the garden the place of purity, the unashamed place where you can walk in freedom and deliverance to the place of being unashamed and naked again. See the enemy knew in the beginning in Ch 2:25 that the man and his wife were naked and unashamed.. He knew if I can get them to dialogue with me, to doubt God, to walk in disobedience, then I can defeat them. He knew if he could stain us with shame and guilt that we would hide and shut up! The bible declares I, even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions form mine own sake, and I will not remember thy sins. Isaiah 43:25 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. Romans 8:1 But on this day you need to understand that you’re are living under grace and just like the blood sacrifice that God allowed through the shedding of blood of the animals skins that were used to cover Adam and Eve once they sinned, He sent His only son as a blood sacrifice that would cover every one of our sins and disobedience and give us the right to eternal life. His blood sacrifice not only saved us and put us back in right standing with God but released power in us to crush the authority over Satan and walk in victory, power, and authority! ! Because the plan and promise and victory are to those who overcome him by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death rev 12:11
Be free from the D's to Every Defeat and tell Satan Kick Rocks in Jesus Name! It is your time to come Back to the Garden to the Freedom and Victory that God put in place even right there when He promised that we would crush the head (authority) of the enemy!
DON'T MISS THE TALK BECAUSE YOU WALKED!! When reviewing the story of the rich young guy who professed to really want to follow the Jesus crew, I found some powerful truths... (Mark 10:17-31)
First - THE QUESTION SALVATION- He asked what was required to obtain eternal life... What must I do to be saved?
Second - THE PROFESSION OF FAITH - He professed to have observed ALL these commands every since his childhood... Been there done that Jesus, got the T shirt.
and the part we always miss or never heard because we got so hyped with salvation and profession of faith we failed to realize...
Third - THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP - Jesus told him that there is one little thing I need to mention- go and get rid of EVERYTHING, yeah EVERYTHING, coach, Louie, Jones NY, your Emerald Greens and Church Point spot, CLK, BMW 745, emm hmm IRA's, CD's Oh yeah the 401 K to dude and give that stuff to those in poverty and hang out with us... BECAUSE you shall have TREASURE IN HEAVEN and come TAKE UP THE CROSS (the message of the gospel) and FOLLOW ME... and the bible says LITERALLY "he was sad at those sayings and went away grieved.. because he had great possessions.. Yeah too many toys, to big of play yard, and too many soul ties to material wealth accumulation. Once you begin to be enticed and continue adding, you then have to keep the up the standard and before you know it, you're in bondage...
It was sad that the young man really in his heart wanted to walk with Jesus and be a follower, even seeing the importance of observing the commandments to the letter. I believe he was like many of us who say "Good Master, what shall I do?" just as he did. I'm sure Jesus was saddened and maybe even frustrated. But what was even more sad than his answer was HE MISSED THE TALK, because He walked!
After going back and forth with the "Jesus Crew", Jesus made a powerful statement that I wish the young man would've stayed around for.... When Peter asked, well we have left all and have followed thee... Jesus said, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's,who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time--houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions--and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first."He missed it. The fact that God's promise was much greater than anything he could've given up. That he would've "been only giving it up, to get it back"
The poor guy missed the promises of God because He walked away from the TEMPORARY cost of following Christ. What I find interesting is that even our understanding of the Kingdom is altered by things and material accumulation. I hear people teach and preach that poverty is not of God.I hear people teach single women that if a man can't take you to the finest restaurants and but you the finest things, he is not a good candidate for a mate.. WOW! How far we have come past just being able to provide for a family. A kingdom marriage that could be gone down the tubes because the teaching is laced with greed and selfishness. I believe we cross the line too often and it's time to come back to the side of Christ! Well no one wants to be poor, but if it were not of God and no blessings for those without wealth, why did God allow Jesus not accumulate any? He was the ultimate example and he only multiplied things for the sake of giving to others, not pleasing himself. I am not saying that we should not enjoy things or have anything BY NO MEANS.. but I think that the love and control of those things over our lives is of the flesh and the devil. I think as believers, we are called to be free and a channel like Jesus where blessings can flow and miracles can occur. THink of all the times multiplication took place in your life when you blessed others or were concerned about the kingdom.. see what I mean?
The truth of todays lesson is don't miss the talk, because of the walk. The young man thought he really wanted ALL of Christ, but when "the rubber met the road" he couldn't pay the cost to follow... and didn't even hang around long enough to find out ALL BELONG TO GOD ANYWAY and HE WOULD RETURN AND RESTORE IN HIS TIMING, and GIVE ETERNAL LIFE TO THOSE WHO GAVE UP ALL FOR HIM. What's making you walk today? Is it worth it? NOT...
Be Blessed.
If you don't know Jesus as your PERSONAL SAVIOR and LORD of YOUR LIFE, and you want to pray this prayer then hit me in the inbox:
Lord Jesus, at this moment I open my heart to receive you. I believe you are the son of God and came and died for my sins, and rose again with all power. Lord, I'm a sinner and I want to be saved. Save me, cleanse me, heal me, and make me new. I turn from my old ways and I turn now to you. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus name, Amen
TIME TO LOVE Today, I’m sharing the reality of true love which words cannot accurately explain. It is solely based on the spiritual realm of true love achieved only in Christ free from the influences of the physical realm- sight, touch, sound, knowledge, desire, or the physical. It is an unfortunate truth that genuine love is missing in the world, and it is even more heartbreaking to see the fullness of it is often missing in Christian marriages, Christian families, among Christian leaders, and in many the Christian churches. This is a love that we have determined to demonstrate, illuminate, and inoculate into the world (and the church) once again, through our love for Christ, His people, and one another. What is the cure to our issues? LOVE! The bible says LOVE never fails. Let us pick up and use what never fails. Not our own self made convenient kind of love, but the true LOVE only found through TRUE relationship with the TRUE and LIVING GOD! The bible declares in 2 Cor 13: 1-13 some deep truths about love, often read, but rarely taught or lived in its fullness.God will give us mind to comprehend, the heart to receive, and the will to fully accept the truths of LOVE for the saving of souls and building of Your Kingdom.
NOTE: Reference 2 Co 13:1-13 (of course!!)
THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love I AM BECOME as a sounding brass, at tinkling cymbal. And though I have the GIFT of prophecy and understand ALL MYSTERIES, and ALL KNOWLEDGE: and thou I have ALL FAITH, so that I could REMOVE mountains, and have not LOVE, I AM NOTHING. And though I bestow ALL my GOOD TO FEED THE POOR, and THOUGH I give my BODY TO BE BURNED, and HAVE NOT LOVE, it PROPHITETH ME NOTHING.
Love SUFFERS LONG, AND is KIND, Love EVIETH NOT, love vaunteth NOT itself, is NOT puffed up. Does NOT behave itself unseemly, seeketh NOT her own, is NOT easily provoked, thinketh NO EVIL; REJOICETH NOT in iniquity, BUT REJOICE IN TRUTH! Love BEARETH ALL THINGS, BELIEVETH ALL THINGS, HOPETH ALL THINGS, AND ENDURETH ALL THINGS.
Love NEVER FAILS. But whether there be prophecies, they SHALL FAIL, whether there be tongues they SHALL CEASE; whether there be knowledge, it SHALL VANISH AWAY. For we know IN PART, and we prophesy IN PART. But WHEN that WHICH IS PERFECT is COME, then that WHICH IS IN PART SHALL BE DONE AWAY! When I WAS A CHILD, I SPOKE as a child, I UNDERSTOOD as a child, I THOUGHT as a child; but when I became a man I PUT AWAY CHILDISH THINGS. For NOW we see THROUGH A GLASS, DARKLY; but THEN FACE TO FACE: now I know IN PART, but then SHALL I KNOW EVEN AS ALSO I AM KNOWN. AND NOW abideth faith, hope, and love, BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE!
What Kind of love is this of our Father? A perfect love, a LOVE that covers a multitude of sins, a love that doesn’t judge, or criticize, a love that extends hope and peace. Let me speak first of the natural love that cannot be explained in my life for such a time as this. It has challenged me to a greater demonstration of the true selfless and sacrificial love of Christ in every area of my life. I said I wanted to love like Him who first loved me, and He is revealing and breaking me of the selfish love that I once demonstrated even as a Christian who says, “I want to love like Christ”, yet often still remain bound by the ties of personal comfort, convenience, desires, motives, fears, protective barriers, and lack of understanding or even erroneous teaching, which leads to the subtle deceptions found in our comfortable means of giving of love. More often, the love of God is greatest demonstrated in times of discomfort, sacrifice, and inconvenience. Love provokes us to action, and that action is often one of discomfort, oh but the gratification and joys after. The Bible declares in John 3: 16 that GOD SO LOVED the world that HE GAVE His ONLY BEGOTTEN SON....emphasis on His love provoking His action of giving, then the gift of His love was a sacrifice and natural discomfort! Consider Christ our perfect example. How much more was He destined for discomfort, pain, a life of sacrifice, and ridicule, yet filled with a love in His heart for us that drove and empowered Him to find joy and pleasure in this kind of sacrificial living to do the will of His father. A king that came in this world not to be served but to serve! A king that would yet die for His people… Amazing Love How Can it Be? That my King would die for me? (newsboys – adoration album) So, what kind of love is this that would cause Him, our King to lay down His life with no sin, and call us friends?.. the very ones that put Him on the cross. It was and remains a love that cannot be explained. This love that cannot be explained makes us so rich and brings great joy, but often its greatest manifestation is found in our willingness to give and serve in discomfort. The blessing of God maketh rich and addeth no sorrow. However, it doesn’t say that the blessings of God are always comfortable and convenient. Imagine the discomfort of Christ. He was still clothed in flesh and had emotions and felt like we too feel, yet was selfless and filled with love and compassion.
The world is awaiting the manifestation of the sons and daughters of God. These are the matured who have allowed the Spirit of God to manifest in them. The area impressed in my Spirit where God desires to manifest himself in us, is first the area of love. The bible says in Matthew 22, after the greatest commandment of loving the Lord with all of our heart, mind, and soul; the second greatest commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves and that on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. The bible also declares in John 13, I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. As I have loved you, you should also love one another. BY THIS ALL shall know that you are my disciples, if you have love toward one another. In other words the power of almighty God would be demonstrated through this love towards others, as was with Jesus and we would see the miraculous! FRIEND, It's Time To Love! This Word given in John indicates that the world would KNOW that we are of Christ, not by our gifts, songs, sacrifices, church services, preaching, healing, BUT BY OUR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER. WOW... it's really that simple! Yet... we've made it more complex.
It is amazing how envy, jealousy, pride, self deceit, pain, feelings, insecurities, and criticalness often cause us to circumvent the manifestation of God in us through love. As believers, we have actually become so marred and often overwhelmed by offenses, unrealistic expectations, disappointments, hurts, and our swiftness to judge others, we are often far from exemplifying the reality of God’s love with one another as well as the sinners we pass by each day. We are so deep now we have to be “led” to love, failing to grasp the concept of love Paul shares in Corinthians (above). As I laid in my bed and cried out for Him to manifest in me through His love, after a lengthy period, I realized it was no longer personal, but I’d entered into a time of intercession for the Church of Christ. We need so desperately to walk in this love. The love that is never ever tired of waiting, or is kind, has no pride, that is always fair, that is not concerned about itself and is not easily frustrated and angered, and that takes no account of evil or wrongdoing; This real love has the power to undergo and endure ALL THINGS, have faith in ALL THINGS, and even hope ALL THINGS. This includes even the most hopeless of circumstances and situations. SOME OF YOUR STUFF IS ON HOLD BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT AND CAN NOT LOVE UNTIL YOU ALLOW THE TRUE INNER WORKINGS OF THE HOLY GHOST TO PURGE THOSE HURTS, DESIRES, LUSTS, and UNHEALTHY EMOTIONS OUT OF YOU!
God is calling us to break the perpetuation of false love through the power of Jesus Christ. Because now through Christ, within us lies the power to walk in freedom beyond those areas. In our marriages, relationships with family, employers, neighbors, and those we pass by everyday; we must move past the superficial and selfish love that contradicts the very sacrificial and selfless nature of real love. If we desire to see the manifestation of God so needed in these times of life, we must, like Paul, catch the revelation of the need to demonstrate mature love and join him in saying the words … when I was a child, I made use of a child's language, I had a child's feelings and a child's thoughts: now that I am a man, I have put away the things of a child. In other words, we now must grow up and allow the Holy Spirit to manifest in us through matured love. We must no longer behave like the child who fears being wronged, being hurt, being mistreated, ridiculed, or even laughed at… or the childish one who has to voice their opinion, has to win, has to be heard or seen… or even the child who says…. “they don’t deserve it”. How dare we? Sinners saved only by God’s grace, who actually didn’t deserve eternal life, but rather hell. So as we ask God to manifest in us though love, let us take up the mantle of Paul who said in my maturity and understanding, I put away all of these childish thoughts, speech, and feelings.
The bible declares in Jon 12: 24 that except a grain of wheat falls in the ground and dies, it abides alone, but if it would die, it is then that it would bring forth fruit. In order to see the fruitfulness that is produced from love, we must die to these feelings, emotions and motivations within our flesh that hinder the manifestation of God in us. It is the selfless love that will prove to be the thing that produces the “breakthrough” we so desire.
Imagine when you received the pure, selfless love of Christ and what it felt like. Consider the power that it had and still has in your life. It convicted, compelled, constrained, and ultimately transformed and changed you. Now imagine being a conduit of that love flowing in the life of someone else in its pure and selfless form. Imagine the lives that will be changed and people drawn to Christ.
As Christians we have a love background. It is our heritage. We are born of God, and God is love. We are partakers of his nature, and his nature is love. The new creation is a love creation. It was designed by Love. It was wrought by Love. If Love is your nature, selfishness is dethroned. But we are surrounded by selfishness. Everything connected with the nature life is tinged and colored by selfishness. You see it in natural man everywhere. Our labor and capital war is the war of selfishness. The thing that the world needs is the love nature of God. If we follow the recreated spirit's impulses we would live just as the Master lived, in love, but we quench the recreated spirit, and we say that we are not able to do it and that we can not afford to do it, the price is too high. We are afraid to walk the way of His true love. We are afraid to depend upon the Word. We are afraid to give love a free course. We have not taken into consideration that He is with us. We can speak the truth in love, correctively, yet peaceably. We can live in love, think in terms of love, and bless the world. We have been afraid and so we have quenched love until it has lost its initiative. It no longer dares to suggest action. Husbands and wives, do you know there would never be a quarrel in your home if you were big enough to say dear forgive me. I should not have said that. I should not have done that. I love you so much and I apologize for not demonstrating that love. After we have confessed our lack of demonstration of love and have given love its place, we will stop doing the thing that breaks fellowship and spoils the harmony of our home. This real love life in us, let loose, will solve our domestic problems.
Friends, everything has failed. Our human wisdom and our human ability have failed. We have made life bankrupt, because we did not dare to give love its place and let love have right-of-way. God is Love, and he that loves abides in God, and God abides in him. Then if God is in you, you have the solution of the world’s problems in you. Real love will destroy all that is unreal. A sham can not abide in the light of love. Selfishness is destroyed in the heart when love takes over the life. Self preservation is the first law of selfishness. The preservation of others is the first law of love. Only love made it possible for God to give His son. Love drove him to give Jesus. Love drove Jesus to give Himself. LOVE IS THE PROPELLING POWER THAT MAKES US CARE FOR THE NEEDY AND THE WEAK. The strong according to the love law, must bear the infirmities of weak and not please themselves. Selfishness is the mother of practically all our miseries. Most our tears are born of selfishness. Love makes one light-hearted, companionable, and helpful. The way Jesus loves is the God cure for every ill. If we will walk in love we will walk in wisdom. When His love governs our life, we will say nothing that injures anyone. Love will make us thoughtful, grateful, joyful, mindful, thankful and Godful. Everything that has life longs for love. Love lifts one out of the realm of the senses into the realm of the spirit.If we both walk in the reality of Love in Christ, like love, we will never fail. I believe and decree that in time full trust will arise, all of our fears and insecurities will be dismissed, and our hearts will one day open and God will then give us both the passion and desire to truly sacrificially meet each others needs and serve one another to the fullest capacity recognizing that we will get back all that we give and more in return; receiving a level of fulfillment that we did not know was possible.
Years ago, I heard a great man of God, Bishop B, Courtney McBath say something like this, “I’d rather build relationships in love and risk being hurt or wronged knowing I love as God requires, than stand before God as a man who can’t be heard or respected because He cannot truly make the sacrifice to love, risking the fear. On the very rod of loving God purely and others, hang ALL the law and the prophets, and I won't blow it because I couldn't love."
So today friends, take this great study to heart and choose to walk in the fullness of the love that God said the world would see and know we were his disciples. Stop sweating the other things so much and let God manifest in you through His love. Everyone wants the power and the manifestation of the gifts, but who wants to love? You can do it because the greater one lives in you and He is love.
More to come... | |
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