JESUS'S SERMON ON THE MOUNT

Joshua Apostolic Prophetic Network

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JESUS: "SERMON ON THE MOUNT"

Dear Joshua Family Subscribers:

This morning, the Lord placed on my heart to share with you some Kingdom foundational teaching outline notes, of Jesus's "Sermon on the Mount" for your personal studies and spiritual growth from Ihop/ Forerunner.

I would like to challenge each and every one of you, to study this outline very throughly, and to check out all of the scripture references as you go. For the Beatitudes are as, the "Constitution of the Kingdom of God" (Foundational) and it is very important for you to understand the terms that Jesus taught about, and to also learn the principles and importance of walking in obedience to God.

Even, if you think that you already know all of this, and don't need it, is a strong sign that you really do. Because it is not just about knowing it in your head, but is also about getting it down in your heart, and making it a part of your everyday lifestyle. And, if that has not already happened, then you still really need it, just as we all do!

You know, these days, we hear a lot of believers talking about the Constitution of our founding Fathers in America, and how there is an agenda to do away with/or parts of the Constitution, and to replace it with something of a more socialistic and/ secular humanistic nature.

So, how much more should we regard the words and teachings of Jesus, and to uphold (to obey) what He and the Apostles taught in the New Testament. For there is already an agenda of the enemy, to either do away with, or to soft-serve a diluted form of sensational Christianity to the masses.

Then, to fuse it together with another subtle demonic force, that has it's origins in Eastern mysticism. A guru-type spirit from the east. (The Lord has shown this to me very clearly, and several times since the end of 2008) Once, in a very clear panoramic open vision, of which I will share later on, in another post in the future.

And, the only way that many believers are going to remain safe from this, is to return to their first love, who is the Lord Jesus Christ, to strengthen their relationships with God, and to give themselves over to more intensive study of the scriptures coupled with the revelation of the Holy Spirit. This is the only way to stay clear of the deceptions and delusions, as they are already at work, and are growing and accelerating every day.

As a Christian believer it is more about knowing and loving God enough to obey Him, and also loving the Truth of His written Word. We need both to live for Him, and to have our spiritual eyes opened.

There is a very strong delusion that is now coming on the scene, to deceive the masses, and even the very elect of God, if it were possible. And the Bible tells us this will happen in the last days, so how could any of us deny it, or attempt to sweep it aside.

And many are already being sucked into it through "make me feel good", Christianized mystical Guru-type messages, placing Angels on the forefront of messages, Extra-Biblical Revelations, Sensationalism, False manifestations, and Super-hyped Christianity. And, I will tell you very honestly today, that there are dangerous spirits of seduction behind most of those things mentioned above.

There has been a clarion call for many years now, to return to our foundations of the faith, and to also, get back to the book of Acts on what the true activity of Spirit of God is supposed to be like, and to look like.

You should also be able to discern the messengers by the messages that they bring forth, and to weigh it against the scriptures. Never judge anything by popular opinion, or receive it just because a popular Apostle, Pastor, or Teacher says so, because many these days are pushing another subtle agenda that is not of God. Search out the scriptures for yourself, and ask the Lord to bring the understanding of the truth (Rhema of the Holy Spirit), and clarity into your life.

Not all manifestations and signs and wonders are of God. Some are, and some are not, but we are living in a day of mixture, of what is of the Holy Spirit, and that which is not. And many apparently cannot discern the difference, as we saw with many of the leaders during some of the 2008 events.

There is also a mixture of truth, and half-truths, as well. And if you do not understand what God has given to us in the scriptures, then you will not know the difference, nor would you be able to discern the difference. Learning from what Jesus taught, and what the Apostles taught will bring you to that conclusion, of what is actually missing in the some of the Christian movements of our day.

And the Lord desires for all of us, to get back to the truth of His Word, and to genuinely follow Him, as we are taught in the scriptures. There are a lot of custom tailor-made beliefs out there today, that are progressively leading many off of the true narrow path, into a subtle form of idolatry and personality worship, and we need to be aware of this, so that we may steer clear, from any of those deceptions of the enemy in the days ahead.

I knew before I wrote this, that it was going to ruffle a few feathers, but my stance in the Lord, is to tell you the truth, and not what you may always desire to hear, to make you feel more comfortable. And it is because, I must share what the Lord places on my heart, and also because I care, and love you enough to tell you the truth.

Be blessed with todays teaching outline, and feel free to write in to leave your comments on our weblog -- on how the message, and teaching outline have helped you today. If you have any of your own insights to share, feel free to do so. Love hearing from you! ~ L.D. Oxford

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Kingdom foundational teaching outline notes, of Jesus's "Sermon on the Mount" for your personal studies and spiritual growth from Ihop/ Forerunner Christian Fellowship with Mike Bickle. More resources found here: Ihop and Mike Bickle Watch on video here

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THE BEATITUDES: THE ONLY WAY TO HAPPINESS AND GREATNESS IN THE KINGDOM (Mt. 5:3-12)

I. THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT: CORE VALUES OF THE KINGDOM

A. THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT IS THE “CONSTITUTION OF GOD'S KINGDOM.” It is the litmus test to measure spiritual development and ministry impact. We measure our ministry impact by how much people seek to walk out the Sermon on the Mount values (not by the size of our ministry).

B. A WISE MAN BUILDS HIS "HOUSE" (LIFE AND MINISTRY) ON THE "ROCK" which refers to relating to Jesus according to the Sermon on the Mount. This lifestyle is do-able for every believer and is the only way to experience God’s Kingdom. To neglect this lifestyle is to neglect and miss the Kingdom.

24, Whoever hears these sayings of Mine (Sermon on the Mount), and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall… (Mt. 7:24-25)

C. WHY DO YOU WANT GOD TO ANOINT YOUR MINISTRY? What is your dream for it? What would you do with more influence? Would you convince others to walk in this lifestyle (secretly/consistently)?

II. OUR PRIMARY LIFE CALLING: TO PURSUE 100-FOLD OBEDIENCE (MT. 5:48)

A. JESUS CALLED US TO BE PERFECT IN OUR OBEDIENCE, that is to be mature or complete in it. This is meant to be the primary issue in our spiritual life yet it is often overlooked and disregarded. We do this by seeking to walk in all the light that the Spirit gives us.

The pursuit of full obedience is not the same as attaining it. Our pursuit for complete obedience is relative in this age and absolute in the age-to-come. Our responsibility is to focus on “seeking” to completely obey God. We trust God’s grace to empower us to “attain” full obedience in an ever-increasing measure.

48, You shall be perfect (walk in all the light you receive) as your Father…is perfect. (Mt. 5:48)

B. THE PURSUIT OF "COMPLETE OBEDIENCE" INCLUDES: bridling our speech (Jas 3:2), disciplining our physical appetites (1 Cor. 9:27), managing our time (for service and prayer with the Word) and money (to increase the Kingdom beyond our comfort and honor; Mt. 6:19-21) and making a covenant with our eyes to refuse to look upon anything that stirs up lust (Job 31:1).

C. BECAUSE OF GOD'S ZEAL FOR DEEP RELATIONSHIP WITH US, HE REQUIRES, that we walk in all the light that He gives us. Our pursuit of full obedience expresses our value of our relationship with Jesus. Our obedience is an expression of our love for Him.

21, He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. (Jn. 14:21)

D. WE ONLY EXPERIENCE THE "FULL LIGHT" OR BRIGHTNESS OF THE SPIRIT, when the eye of our heart is good (single) so that it brings light to our inner man. We only do this by pursuing 100-fold obedience.

22, The lamp (source of light) of the body is the eye (of the heart). If therefore your eye is good (single, KJV), your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad (lacks single focus), your whole body will be full of darkness. (Mt. 6:22-23)

E. ONLY IN A LIFESTYLE THAT SEEKS FULL OBEDIENCE, can we know the “brightness” of being connected to God’s heart and feeling His presence. There are powerful dynamics that occur in us only when we pursue 100-fold obedience. Pursuing obedience in 98% of our life has limited blessing. It is in the last 2% that we receive “double” grace and experience a bright spirit or spiritual vitality.

F. A SPIRITUAL DULLNESS TOUCHES OUR HEART UNLESS WE LOVE RIGHTEOUSNESS. All the areas of our spiritual life are inter-connected. We rob people of joy (oil of gladness) by lowering the truth of the gospel in our human sentiment that seeks to make it easier by presenting a “lesser gospel.”

9, You (Jesus) have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions. (Heb. 1:9)

III. THE CALL TO BE COMPLETE IN CHRIST: 2 DIFFERENT REALITIES

A. THE SCRIPTURE PRESENTS TWO ASPECTS OF BEING COMPLETE BEFORE GOD. First, the moment we are born again, we are instantly made complete in Christ in our legal position (justification) because of Jesus’ work on the cross (2 Cor. 5:17-21). Second, we progressively become “complete in our obedience” in our living condition before God (sanctification). Both are foundational truths.

10, You are complete in Him... (Col. 2:10)

B. BEFORE GOD, OUR PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IN THIS LIFE IS TO BECOME PERFECT, OR COMPLETE IN OUR OBEDIENCE.

C. SCRIPTURE USES DIFFERENT TERMS FO THE SAME TRUTH: it exhorts us to be complete in our obedience (2 Cor. 13:9, 11; Phil. 1:6; Col. 4:12; 2 Tim. 3:17; Heb. 13:20-21; Jas. 1:4); perfect (Mt. 5:48; 19:21; Jn. 17:23; Gal. 3:3; Eph. 4:13. Col. 1:28; 1 Thes. 3:10; Jas. 2:22; 3:2; 1 Pet. 5:10; Rev. 3:2);

mature (Phil. 3:15); blameless (Lk. 1:6; 1 Cor. 1:6-8; Phil. 2:15; 1 Thes. 3:13; 5:23; 1 Tim. 3:2, 10; 5:5-7; 6:14; 2 Pet. 3:14; without spot (Eph 5:27); Worthy (2 Thes. 1:5-12; Lk 21:34-36; 20:35-36; Col. 1:9-10 Mt. 10:37-38; 22:8; Rev 3:4-5; Eph. 4:1; Phil. 1:27; 1 Thes. 2:12); Stand (Lk. 21:36; 1 Cor. 10:13; 16:13; Eph. 6:10-14; Phil. 4:1; Col. 4:12; 1 Thes. 3:8; Rev. 6:17).

9, This also we pray, that you may be made complete. (2 Cor. 13:9)

12, Epaphras…always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Col. 4:12)

28, We preach warning every man (believer) and teaching every man…that we may present every man perfect (mature) in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor… (Col. 1:28-29)

3, The testing of your faith produces patience (endurance). 4 Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (in our obedience)… (Jas 1:3-4)

10, Praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith… 12, May the Lord make you increase and abound in love… (1 Thes. 3:10-12)

10, But may the God of all grace…after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. (1 Pet. 5:10)

IV. BEING PERFECT: TO WALK OUT THE 8 BEATITUDES

3, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4, Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5, Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

7, Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

8, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10, Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Mt. 5:3-10)

A. JESUS DEFINED BEING "PERFECT" OR BEING "COMPLETE IN OBEDIENCE", as walking out the 8 beatitudes (Mt. 5:3-12) as we pursue 100-fold obedience(Mt. 5:48). This is our foundational call in life. We cannot focus on walking out the Sermon on the Mount without being very familiar with it. The 8 beatitudes do not make sense separated from the context of pursuing 100-fold obedience.

B. THE BEATITUDES ARE LIKE 8 BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS IN THE "GARDEN OF YOUR HEART" that God wants to fully blossom. They define love, godliness and spiritual maturity and describe life in the Spirit (true discipleship and/or spiritual maturity). They also describe how God wants to bless us and what He wants to duplicate in the nations through ministry.

C. THESE 8 FLOWERS NEED TO BE CAREFULLY AND CONTINUALLY CULTIVATED, as we “weed our garden” by resisting the 6 negative influences (toxins/poisons) related to our natural lusts (Mt. 5:21-48) and as we “water our garden” by pursuing the 5 positive nutrients(prayer, fasting, giving, serving and blessing enemies, Mt. 6:1-18) that position us to receive a greater impartation of grace.

D. JESUS GAVE SIX PRACTICAL AREAS IN WHICH WE MUST WAGE WAR AGAINST, lust (1 Pet. 2:11): anger (spirit of murder, Mt. 5:21-26), adultery (spirit of immorality, Mt. 5:27-30), disregarding the marriage covenant (spirit of treachery, Mal. 2:13-17 that breaks covenant for selfish pursuits, Mt. 5:31-32)

False commitments (spirit of manipulation that seeks to promote ourselves, Mt. 5:33-37), demanding justice (spirit of pride or bitterness that insists on our personal rights, Mt. 5:38-41) and retaliation (spirit of revenge or animosity in relationships, Mt. 5:42-47).

E. JESUS DESCRIBES FIVE "GRACE-RELEASING ACTIVITIES" IN OUR DEVOTIONAL LIFE, that position our heart to receive more strength in the grace of God. Our heart receives more grace as we consistently and secretly serve and give (charitable deeds: giving service and/or money (6:1–4, 19-21), pray (6:5–13), bless adversaries (forgiving, 6:14–15; 5:44) and fast (6:16–18).

F. SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES (PRAYER, FASTING, MEDITATION, ETC.) are ordained by God as a necessary way to posture our heart to freely receive more grace. These activities do not earn us God’s favor but give us the opportunity to express the value we have for our relationship with Jesus.

God gives more to those who are hungry for relationship with Him. Our hunger for Him is an expression of our love for Him. God gives more to our heart but does not love us more when we live in spiritual disciplines.

ANALOGY: We put our cold heart before the bonfire of God’s presence. The power is in the “bonfire of God’s presence” not in the “cold flesh” positioned in front of it.

V. BEATITUDES: ONLY WAY TO BLESSEDNESS (HAPPINESS, GREATNESS IN THE KINGDOM, AND FREEDOM)

A. JESUS REVEALED 8 BEATITUDES OR 8 ATTITUDES THAT RELEASE BLESSEDNESS ON OUR LIVES. To be blessed is to experience abundant life which is the happiness, greatness and freedom that God created us for.

10, I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (Jn. 10:10)

B. WE NEED A REVELATION THAT ONLY IN THE BEATITUDES, CAN WE EXPERIENCE ABUNDANT LIFE. Our natural mind cannot see this without the aid of the Spirit. The natural mindset thinks that happiness is best found through favorable circumstances (much money, honor, influence and ability, etc.).

17, Blessed are you, Simon …for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 …On this rock I will build My church... (Mt. 16:17-18)

C. BY REVELATION, WE CONCLUDE THAT THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT LIFESTYLE Is not just the best way to experience abundant life (happiness, greatness and freedom) but it is the only way.

D. BEING POOR IN SPIRIT, (theirs is the kingdom, Mt. 5:3) – to acknowledge that we are in great need of help to sustain whole-heartedness (Mt. 5:48). This is to understand, that we are in a serious dilemma in needing a breakthrough in our heart (insight/power) and ministry in godliness.

E. MOURNING FOR BREAKTHOUGH (for they shall be comforted, Mt. 5:4) - to be desperate enough to be “extreme” in pursuit of a progressive breakthrough in our heart (insight/power) and ministry.

F. WALKING IN MEEKNESS (shall inherit the earth, Mt. 5:5) – to walk in the fasted lifestyle or to have a servant spirit in the use of our strengths (time, money, energy, reputation, authority etc.).

G. HUNGERING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS (for they shall be filled, Mt. 5:6) – sustained faithfulness in seeking God with wholeheartedness through the changing seasons of our life instead of being burned out by our disappointments with God or by our offense at the way people treat us.

H. RELATING TO OTHERS WITH MERCY (for they shall obtain mercy, Mt. 5:7) – having a tender spirit in how we treat others who fail spiritually as well as those who attack, resist or disappoint us.

I. BEING PURE IN HEART (they shall see God, Mt. 5:8) – breakthrough of purity in our thoughts (bitterness, immorality) and motives(helping people for their benefit without any personal gain). To “see God” even in a small measure causes our spirit to be bright (i.e., fascinated with God).

J. BECOMING AN ANOINTED PEACEMAKER (called sons of God, Mt. 5:9) – anointing to bring peace (healing, restoration) to that which is out of God’s will (broken relationships, sick bodies, etc.)

K. ENDURING PERSECUTION (theirs is the kingdom, Mt. 5:10-12) – bearing the counterattack for plundering Satan’s Kingdom because we operate in power and/or stand for righteousness. We rejoice for the glory of knowing Jesus and the privilege of suffering for His name. (Acts 5:41).

PROPHETIC WORDS FOR 2011

Joshua Apostolic Prophetic Network

Home Central: www.joshua-ap.net/


"PROPHETIC WORDS FOR 2011"

Dear Joshua Family Subscribers:

Today, I would like to share with you an excerpt of some prophetic insight given by Loren Sanford for the year 2011. There is also a video that you can watch, for the full-length message delivered at New Song Fellowship (his Church) on December 12th, 2010 in Denver, Colo.. The video is supposedly a Quicktime video, but, I also found that it will play on Windows Media Player.

I would encourage you to listen to the entire message, to get the full scope of what I believe, is some very important prophetic insight for this year. A video that we can all discover something new from, I'm sure. I found it very interesting and confirming, with plenty of scripture references given, which is always a big plus.

After reading the following message and watching the video, feel free to leave your comments on our weblog here. Would love to hear how this message impacts your heart, or brings confirmation to you. I always enjoy hearing from our subscribers, and receiving your notes and input. Have a blessed day, and remember to stay in touch when you can! ~ L.D. Oxford

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"PROPHETIC WORDS FOR 2011"

- R. Loren Sanford

Resources: http://www.newsongfellowship.org/


(This is the last few minutes of my annual prophetic word delivered at NEW SONG FELLOWSHIP December 12, 2011.)

To view the entire message in Quicktime video format click HERE

I have hesitated to publish this and have pondered carefully how I might word it in order to avoid contributing to the frenzy of fear-mongering that too often passes for the prophetic word these days. Because I value accuracy in the prophetic I don’t like to speak until I am fairly certain of what I’m hearing or sensing.

To the point: We, the United States of America, are headed toward an intense crisis at the presidential level, the outcome of which will determine the direction of this country for a number of years to come. I sense this crisis coming at or before the beginning of President Obama’s fourth year in office. I am therefore issuing an intense call to prayer because the prayers of God’s people, together with the spirit in which we offer them, will shape the aftermath of this crisis for either good or ill.

It can be a wonderful and historic turning point for the nation or it can be the beginning of the shattering of our country with depths of division beyond any we have seen since the Civil War. Much depends on what believers choose to do now in the months we have in which to prepare.

Please note that I am making no political statements here. I merely point out that a crisis is coming, whatever form it may take, that it will directly affect our president and that the outcome of the crisis will be either restorative or destructive for us as a nation.

In order to be effective in praying toward and shaping the outcome of this coming crisis, we must first shed the anger that many of us with a conservative political orientation seem to allow to so easily overtake us. James 1:20 teaches that “the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God” and yet I continue to hear growing choruses of anger and bitterness coming from those who should know better.

Many of us will have to learn the meaning of Romans 12:20-21, "But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” We must prepare ourselves to be servants, even to those whose opinions – or sins - offend our sense of what is right.

All of us must plumb the depths of I Timothy 2:1-2 and understand the true heart of Father God in it whose nature is love: “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” No prayer offered in any spirit but His will be heard in heaven.

Even more importantly, we must understand the meaning of our true citizenship. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). I love my country and am glad to have been born an American, but I will never allow my love for my country to become an article of faith.

I belong to the kingdom of God. America is a place on a map. The kingdom of God is an eternal state of being in which the rule and reign of God are realized. Therein lies my allegiance. When patriotism becomes an item of faith, hatred is birthed and people always get hurt.

We are rushing toward a nexus in time, a very narrow passage in which even small events and minor decisions will loom large in their effect. We will need the intervening hand of God to achieve a good outcome and enter a season of hope. Saints pray! Pray in whatever way the Lord guides you to pray, but above all, pray in His Spirit and with His heart. We can affect the course of history.

I believe it is time for prophetic people to be held accountable for the fulfillment of their words – or lack thereof. If I therefore turn out to be wrong on this one, I commit to publish an apology to the body of Christ.

PROPHECY UPDATE: SIGNS IN THE HEAVENS

Joshua Apostolic Prophetic Network

Home Central: www.joshua-ap.net/


Prophecy Update: Signs in the Heavens

(Amazing and Informative Video in three parts on the heavenly signs of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah)


Dear Joshua Family Subscribers:

Today, I wanted to share with you some important prophetic information, with a Prophecy Update video (Parts 1-3) on the Signs in the Heavens. This is the most amazing video series on what will happen in the heavens during 2014-15. The Solar and Lunar eclipses will fall on the Jewish Feasts as signs of the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, on the Hebrew Calendar.

The following video series will blow your mind, when you watch them carefully, as Pastor Steve Hadley of Harvest Family Fellowship in Reno, discusses the past events, and then, on to the upcoming Solar and Lunar eclipses on the Hebrew Calendar, which are signs of major fulfillment of Biblical Prophetic events. This shows just how very close we actually are to the end of the age, the catching away, the war of Ezekiel 38-39, and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

This Pastor is not trying to be a date-setter of an actual date, but believes that the prophetic heavenly signs of this prophecy update should prompt the Body of Christ to repent, to make ourselves ready, and to watch for the soon coming of Christ. The Bible does tell us to make ourselves ready, and to be watching for His coming. I have included some scripture references below the conclusion of the third video. Feel free to leave your feedback in the comments area. ~ L.D. Oxford


Signs in the Heavens -- Part 1 of 3 - Watch Here

Signs in the Heavens -- Part 2 of 3 - Watch Here

Signs in the Heavens -- Part 3 or 3 - Watch Here

(Scriptures References from NIV)

Joel 2:30-31- I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 31 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. Repeated in NT - See Act 2:19-20

Matthew 24:27- For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Matthew 24:30- "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.

Mark 13:26-27- At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27, And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

Mark 13:35-37- Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back - whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 37, If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'

Matthew 24:42- "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come."

Luke 21:25-28- "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26, Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27, At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28, When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Acts 3:19-21- Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you - even Jesus. 21,`He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.

1 Thessalonians 4:15-18- According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16, For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of god, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17, After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18, Therefore encourage each other with these words.

1 John 3:2-3- Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, We shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3, Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.

Revelation 1:7-8- Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. 8, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 22:12- “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.

ELEVEN WORDS FOR 2011 -- INTRO

Joshua Apostolic Prophetic Network

Home Central: www.joshua-ap.net/



On Eleven Words for 2011 -- "It is Time to Dust Off Your Bible!"



Dear Joshua Family Subscribers:

The following message is one of the best prophetic articles that I have seen so far, this year. Eleven Words For 2011 - It Is Time To Dust Off Your Bible, written by Dennis Cramer. Kudos to Dennis for sharing this with the Body of Christ!

At first, I wondered what all of the fuss was about concerning the Eleven Words - 2011 prophetic article on the net? It was a great prophetic article, and the message was quite clear and accurate. I understand, that it was originally posted on the Elijah list, but since I unsubscribed last year after the Lord had dealt with me about 'not reading' most of the type of messages being posted there, I had to check out a few other blog sites to finally learn what was actually going on.

Evidently, some people were not happy about the article and complained because it wasn't to their liking, (not ear-tickling) so, it was deleted and then reposted again with an explanation to please the people. But, if many of the people were already way-off/ or deceived by tainted doctrines and soulish prophetic words themselves, then how would they recognize the truth when they finally do see, or hear it? Most of them probably would not, but there might always be some who would.

Usually, when this sort of thing happens in the case of some ministries, it is pretty evident, that it is likely done, to keep the money flowing in. :) Lord help your people!

Now, my question to our readers here: Is there a major shake-down and challenge concerning deceptive teachings taking place in some of the Charismatic churches and ministries these days? I believe so, and so do so many others who are in the movement themselves.

It's now time to dust off those Bibles again, for those who are taking part in Extreme Charismatic Doctrinal error, Bizarre mystical manifestations, an over-emphasis on Angelic encounters (some are fallen angels), and Extra-Biblical revelation/ or New-age type experiences that run outside of the boundaries of the truth of the Word of God.

It's time to get rooted and grounded in the scriptures, get back to the basics, and look to Jesus Christ, who is the only true author and finisher of our faith! Let's never settle for a cheap imitation when we can have the real thing. Selah! (Pause and reflect on this!) ~ L.D. Oxford

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Eleven Words for 2011 -- "It is Time to Dust Off Your Bible!"

(with clarification from Dennis Cramer)

Resources: http://www.denniscramer.com/



INTRODUCTION:



• What Exactly is Meant by the Phrase "At Will"?

I would like to add some clarity to explain my 2011 (global) prophecy, a "word in season" for the Body of Christ in every nation. Perhaps, the phrase "at will" that appears after a number of the "doctrines of concern" that I address in point three below, could be more clearly understood by the reader.

"At will" means a Believer makes a decision, on his own, to initiate or attempt to duplicate a particular sovereign, supernatural experience. The individual wants a particular supernatural experience to happen so badly, he will do anything (within his power) to make it happen – to force it, to duplicate or copy it, whether or not it is God's sovereign will. Rather, a Believer should allow God to SOVEREIGNLY cause it to happen at His chosen time, as we see recorded in all similar Bible examples.

When a Believer unwisely exercises his (soulish) human will, outside of or in conflict with the sovereign will of God (anything contrary to the written Word of God, the Bible), he is producing a seemingly supernatural (source unclear) experience from his own will or "at will." This is the meaning of "at will." "At will" is self-will, and self-will can be sinful and can lead to all kinds of spiritual deception and questionable practices.


• The Question of Supernatural Sovereign Experiences "At Will"

Do I believe in Third Heaven experiences? Absolutely, I do. The Bible supports such sovereign experiences as in the example of Paul in 2 Corinthians 12. Do I believe in being physically transported? Absolutely, I do! By a sovereign act of God, Phillip was physically transported ( Acts 8 ) from one location to another. So if it's in the Bible I believe it! I believe it all! Amen!

However, there is a HUGE difference between God willing you to have a certain sovereign Bible experience (like Paul or Phillip), as opposed to you willing it or trying to make it happen, to duplicate it through mere human effort or merely through the exercising of your human or soulish will, in other words, "at will." These Bible experiences were 100% sovereign. They did not happen because these individuals willed them into existence or willed them to happen. God and God alone initiated them – He and He alone willed them.

This is the very nature of a sovereign experience: God makes it happen when He wants, where He wants, and with whom He wants. Period! And they usually happened when the candidates or recipients least expected it. Why? Because these were sovereign events, not planned or initiated by man, but by God.

When discussing a sovereign experience there is a big difference between initiating versus cooperating. God INITIATES all sovereign experiences and the Believer COOPERATES with them. Mix the two, crisscross them, and this can lead to some real doctrinal confusion and counter-productive measures.


• It's All About God's Sovereignty

The critical issue with operating in the supernatural is: who is initiating what or who is "willing" what? Teaching Believers that by following certain steps, teachings, formulas, and/or merely exercising their own human wills, they can duplicate any sovereign supernatural experience – is dangerous and unscriptural.

One cannot go to Heaven like Paul or be transported physically like Phillip simply because they want to or because they feel like it (at will). Teachings like this often crossover into dangerous methods and techniques that resemble New Age, Mysticism, Spiritism or other occult manipulative practices. A Believer cannot and must not force, manipulate, or otherwise attempt to reproduce a sovereign supernatural Bible experience by merely following a method, a series of steps, or worst of all "willing it" to happen.

Whether we are discussing being translated in the spirit or transported physically, or any supernatural sovereign experience we read about in the Bible, the critical difference between whether it is God or not is who "willed" it to happen: Was it you or was it God? If you willed it to happen it ceases to be a sovereign, God ordained, supernatural, Bible experience, and you risk experiencing a counterfeit.

ELEVEN WORDS FOR 2011 -- PART 1 of 2

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ELEVEN WORDS FOR 2011 -- PART 1 of 2

Resources: http://www.denniscramer.com/


Below are the "Eleven Words for 2011" with clarification from Dennis Cramer:


It is Time to Dust Off Your Bible!

Picture in your mind, if you will, the image of an unused, dust-covered Bible. Now picture in your mind that this same dust-covered Bible is your Bible! This is not a good image to be sure, especially for a Bible-believing Christian in 2011. Sadly, many Christians now read more books about the Bible then they do the Bible itself.

Consequently, many in the Church have gradually and somewhat unknowingly, become Biblically ignorant, unaware or stunted. And doctrinally speaking, anything goes. There is now wide-spread acceptance of "marginal to heretical" doctrines. Just 25 years ago individuals would have been thrown out of the Church if caught teaching these heresies. How did this happen?

Simply, we have become Biblically ignorant. We have not been diligent to feed on the unadulterated Word of God. We are at best malnourished, and in some cases, starving to death. Biblical ignorance is on the increase in the Church, even to epidemic levels! Like any form of "lack" created by ignorance which can lead to sickness, only the proper "intake," or in these cases, only proper Biblical education can remedy it.


Warning: We Live in an Age of "Anything Goes" Theology! The Charismatic Church is in Big Trouble!

So, here is my 2011 prophetic "prescription" for this beautiful but Biblically challenged, even unhealthy, Bride.


1. Orthodoxy! I would like to prescribe a good healthy dose of the written Word of God, the Bible. The Church needs an immediate injection of the truth! We must all pray for the Church to return to the orthodoxy (traditional belief) of Scripture. This means a return to the proper reading, INTERPRETATION, and application of the Bible in our lives. There is a growing trend toward some really bad doctrine out there. And we, the Church, must put a stop to it! If we don't, no one else will! The Church must begin to police herself against unorthodox (false) teaching and bizarre practices. You must reaquaint yourself with the Scriptures and know your Bible.

In 40 years of serving God, I have not heard so much bad doctrine preached from so-called "Bible-believing" Christians – specifically charismatic Christians.


2. Berea! We must pray for a "Berean Revival" in the Church – a revival which returns us all to our roots – our roots in the Word of God. In the Bible, the original Bereans were Believers who "searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things be so." There is a lot of doctrine currently in circulation in the charismatic Church that is highly questionable – even heretical.

Each Believer must begin to "search the Scriptures" for himself to discover whether what he is believing is Biblical or not (Acts 17:11). Stop unequivocally trusting ministers and their pulpits to always and completely preach the truth – some do, some do not. You need to search and know the Scriptures for yourself. If their teachings sound too good to be true – they very well may be! Know your Bible.

3. Preach the Word! (2 Timothy 4:2). It is time for the Church to return to her basic Bible beliefs (fundamental doctrines) and the core values these fundamental doctrines produce. Peripheral doctrines or beliefs are peripheral for a reason, and can lead to dangerous theologically positions and questionable practices. We must stop extracting obscure, vague, single, solitary verses out of context, and stop trying to make major "sound" doctrines out of them.

This "stretching of the truth" must stop. Some of our so-called "proof texts" do not prove what's being preached at all. We are "twisting the Scriptures to our own destruction." We must again major in major doctrine and minor in the minor ones. My prophetic word to all Pastors/Teachers for 2011 is simple: "Preach the Word!" Know your Bible.

Some examples of current doctrine circulating in the Church: You must believe me that I am NOT making this stuff up!

ELEVEN WORDS FOR 2011 -- (Continued in PART 2 of 2)

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PROPHETIC WORD FOR 2010

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Dear Joshua Family Subscribers:


The following word was received and first published at the beginning of 2010. Was just sitting here re-reading and reflecting on this tonight, and wanted to share it with all of you here. Felt, it would encourage you and give you a fresh perspective on some of what the Lord is doing this year. More to share a little later on. ~ L.D.


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Prophetic Word for 2010

David Wagner

fathersheartministries.org


Note: The following prophetic word was first published on Jan 1, 2010


I hear the Spirit of the Lord saying: “This is the year to hang on My every word. I am going to honor and perform My word right in front of your eyes. Many have been weary in the waiting and they have tried to help Me but today I say: Take your hands off; I hold this moment in the palm of My hands. I have been bringing you to a place of full dependence on Me. My strength is made perfect in your weakness and I have now positioned you in the place where I can show Myself strong and mighty.


Surely the hour has come where some would say: “It is too late and how could this be…”, but I say watch me turn things around and bring you to the place of fulfillment and completion. I have not forgotten you or forsaken you. I have not switched plans nor has my will flip-flopped. I am awakening you to a new season of wonder and I am removing the scales off of your eyes that have not allowed you to see how far I have brought you already and how truly close you are to the place of promise.”


“Step out of your comfort zones, you must not remain comfortable with the way things were, are, or always have been. I am doing a New thing that requires you to think, act, and respond in a new way. Shake off the dust of yesterday, and close the door to the past. I am breaking off the chains that bind and I am removing every excuse for not moving ahead. It is time for my people to make a clean get away from yesterday. Do not ponder it or hide from it any longer. This is a season of exposure for my people. I am sweeping out the corners and closets and calling you to a new place of purity, honor and holiness. “


“Listen to Me. Hear My voice. Get rid of the spiritual static and cast out the conflicting opinions that have caused some of you to doubt what I have said. Do not be double-minded. I am looking for a single minded people who can discern their time and season in the earth. I am calling forth those who will be willing to hear My voice and obey the first time. Do not get caught up in striving or performance mentalities.


The key to the door of opportunity that awaits you is simple. Trust and obey. Do not try to figure things out, do not try to make things happen in your own power or strength, and simply do everything I tell you to do. There is a new clarity coming in 2010 so that you may know My way and walk in it.”


"Refuse to entertain the enemy's voice of discouragement, who attempts to keep you from fulfilling your destiny. You are called and chosen to demonstrate the light of God's Kingdom in this hour. You live in the generation where darkness is attempting to abound, but God's grace and truth will abound much more. I have empowered you to do the impossible, because with Me all things are possible.”


“I have heard the cries of the chosen and the whispers of the voiceless. I have caught the tears of the broken and I have seen the works of the faithful. I have not forgotten you, hidden from you, nor abandoned you. Instead, I have been waiting for you to come to this place in time and history. This is the time and place that you find me to be your all in all. I am the all sufficient one. Trust me. Remember the plans that I have for you are good and that my ways are perfect. It is time to once again taste and see that the Lord is good.


“Wrap yourselves in My light, and clothe yourselves in My love. Let the world see Me, hear Me, and feel Me through you. Do not be caught off guard. This is a year of divine appointments and opportunities to show forth My perfect love and hand of kindness. I am bringing you back to your first love. Fall in love with Me and then fall in love with those I love. I am releasing a new mandate and mantle of evangelism. There is an urgency in the spirit to take the church beyond the walls. I am releasing a new zeal and fire upon the lives and ministries who will dare to step out as pioneers.”


“This is going to be a year of new spiritual order. I am once again bringing order to the chaos of this world. I am bringing you out of recession into restoration, reformation, and revival. Do not try to hang on to what I have not given you and do not despise what you thought was small beginnings. I am bringing you to a new level of increase but you must prepare for it. Prepare your character.


I desire to cause My character to flow through you, like rivers of living water. Prepare the container of your hearts so that My love can flow out of you to a dry and desolate city and nation. Prepare My church to accommodate the unseen and unexpected harvest. I see what you do not see and I have My eye on the overlooked harvest.


2010 will be a year of supernatural world wide harvest especially in the hardest places and among the hardest people. As I bring you into this new season, you must keep your eyes on Me because you have never been this way before.” “Heed the warnings and the signs of the times. Watch in awe; listen in wonder as the earth comes into alignment with the sound of voice and the movement of My finger.


The birthing process has started. I have induced the labor pains. All that has been held back from my people is being released as the judgment of God is being heaped upon the head of the enemy.” “It is time to maximize your moment. There is a new momentum of acceleration. This acceleration will move mountains, shift things in the natural and bring about the judgments of God in the earth.”


“I am bringing about correction to government offices and I am shifting the scales of justice in My favor. I will dethrone and defrock those who would abuse their power and My people. Secure the borders and awaken the watchmen. See the danger on the horizon and speak to it, sound the alarm. I am requiring My servants to say the hard things as well as the good. Do not speak to tickle the itching ears of men but speak truth to the heart so that true change will come.”


“2010 is a year of increased responsibility and stewardship. As the economy of the world has decreased, it is imperative of My people to give more faithfully than ever before. Giving will sustain the new spiritual order of supernatural resources and provision for your life. The economy of My kingdom is not based on working and wages but rather sowing and reaping. You cannot reap what you have not sown. Be mindful of the gifts and talents I have placed in your hands. Start with what you have and do not focus or worry about what you do not have yet.”


“Many have been on a journey through the wilderness. This has been a season of trials and testing by fire for many. It was not a test to break you but rather a test to promote you to your next level and place of appointment. Do not panic or be anxious. Do not be afraid of the schemes, attacks, or persecution of your enemies. Allow the enemy to work on your behalf. Remember that I am able to work all things together for your good. Some of these difficulties have been allowed because on the other side of it your heart is becoming even more pure through the fire.”


“The glory of the Lord is increasing upon individuals. It is time to arise and shine; for the light has come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you." I want you to know the reality and power of the living God in you. Remember it is Christ in you, the hope of glory. There is also a new anointing coming upon those called to the fivefold ministry to equip the people of God to destroy the works of the enemy. The works of the sons and daughters of God are going to surpass that of generations past. It is time to pass on the mantles and batons because it is time to run like never before.”


“It is time to gather the harvest that awaits you. I am bringing a new unity of heart to my church as I breakdown and breakthrough walls of division and separation. Obstacles and distractions that once seemed insurmountable will be overcome "suddenly," These suddenlies will bring significant change and breakthrough. I am ushering My people into the place of the total turn around. ”


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THE FATHER'S HEART

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"THE FATHER'S HEART"



Dear Joshua Family Subscribers:


The following video is an awesome depiction of the Father's heart. May each one of us, as true believers and followers of Christ, learn more of what it means to genuinely care and to love others.


It is the Love of God dwelling within, that makes it possible to reach out to that one who is hurting. Perhaps, it could be someone who may be right in front of you, or next to you. That one who is often overlooked, passed by, and forgotten.


It is easy to love those who love you, excite you, make you feel good about yourself, or 'wow you' with the anointing in Church. That is just too easy to do, but is not what the Lord considers to be, the love of God in action. Even, those who do not know God can love those who make them feel good.


But, what about the one who really needs to experience the Father's love, and is hurting and desperate. And yet, so many are still ignored, day by day, and left to die on the cold and lonely side of the road of life, and may be hanging right on the very edge of eternity. What about them?

To reach out to those would be the love of the Father in action through you. And it all starts by just reaching out, one by one.


~ L.D. Oxford



RELATED SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:


Mark: 12: 28-34, One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"


29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’


31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these." 32 "Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."


34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions. - (NIV)


Luke 6:31-33, Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. - (NIV)


1 John 3:16-18, This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?


18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 19 This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence. - (NIV)


1 John 4:7-11, Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.


10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. - (NIV)


1 John 4:16-21, And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17 In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.


18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19 We love because he first loved us.


20 If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. - (NIV)


1 John 5:1-4, Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.


3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. - (NIV)


2 John 1:5-6, And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. - (NIV)



WATCH NOW -- "THE FATHER'S HEART" ON VIDEO -- WITH HEIDI BAKER


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Browse through the best selection of apostolic and prophetic books, excellent bible choices, anointed worship music cds, and more. Then, save to your favorites for easy reference:


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THE NATURE OF GOD -- PARTS 1 & 2

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"THE NATURE OF GOD" -- PARTS 1 & 2


ON THE "JOSHUA AP FEATURED VIDEOS" PAGE

-- WATCH NOW !!!


Dear Joshua Family Subscribers & Friends:

Please take the time to watch "The Nature of God" -- Parts 1 & 2 -- By Graham Cooke, that i have posted on the Joshua AP Featured Videos Page located here . I also, have these two videos posted on my Face Book profile page for our Face Book friends. :)


Just go to the page, and click on the videos to watch them. Just make sure that you are clicking on Part 1 first, because both videos have a very similar appearance. Then, after you have watched both of them, feel free to leave your comments here on the Blog . It is very easy to leave comments here, and would be very much appreciated.


I would be interested in knowing how these two videos affected your lives after watching them. These videos are awesomely anointed, and i believe that there are some very powerful truths within the content of both of them, which will help so many in their walks with the Lord.


If you would add these links to your favorites, then you will have quick access, the next time you need to go there. Have a great morning, and let us hear from you often, as feedback is always so important here.


Thanks so much, to those who have been writing in recently, and for your prayers and support. God is most definitely on the move here, and, your prayers and encouragement, are making a bigger difference these days. Much love, L.D.


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"MORE GREASY GRACE"

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"MORE GREASY GRACE"

(Lee Grady's Article on "The Tragic Scandal of Greasy Grace" followed up by Rick Joyner's heated response)


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Dear Joshua Family Subscribers:

I do not usually go to the Charisma website, because I do not have alot of time to spend on websites, unless I really need to either visit a ministry friends site, or do some updating of our own.

But the other day, I did check out the "Fire In My Bones" articles and blog section of Charisma, although, I already had a copy of this particular article in one of my inboxes.

Read Lee Grady's article on "The Tragic Scandal of Greasy Grace" followed up by Rick Joyners heated response: Go here . There are also alot of interesting blog responses found on both articles. If you are a networking friend whether here, or on MySpace, then feel free to share your own responses (blog comments) with me on our weblogs also.

Just make sure that you uphold what God has to say in the scriptures, over and above personal feelings.

And please, no putting others down here. :) Just speak the truth in God's love and everything will be great for all concerned. Thanks and Many blissings, L.D.


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(Three recommended teachings from the ministry of Francis Frangipane)


*ASK OF ME

*THOSE WHO MAKE A COVENANT WITH GOD

*WHERE A DESOLATE SOUL FINDS GOD


***


"ASK OF ME"

~ by Francis Frangipane

Resources: www.frangipane.org


We live in unparalleled times. Not since the first century have more Scriptures been fulfilled in a single generation. Each unfolding word brings down another mountain; it lifts another valley. In truth, the way is being prepared for our King's return into this world.


"THE GREAT REVOLT"

The Lord forewarned that, during the end-time, "many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase" (Dan. 12:4). Contrast our time with any other in history: Not only are we traveling farther and more frequently, but we do so in a world inundated with increasing knowledge.


It has been our privilege to behold the prophetic return of Israel to its land (see Jer. 16:14-15), and our misfortune to live when "the earth is . . . polluted by its inhabitants" (Isa. 24:5). As though Jesus were reading a news summary of recent years, His prophecies of two thousand years ago clearly describe our times. Thus, we are compelled to discern accurately the significant era in which we live.


Indeed, of the many prophetic fulfillments of our day, one in particular rises with undimmed candor. I am speaking of what the Bible calls the "apostasy." You will recall Paul's warning: "Let no one in any way deceive you, for [the day of the Lord] will not come unless the apostasy comes first" (2 Thess. 2:3).


The apostasy has traditionally been described as a time of deception and massive falling away from authentic faith in Christ. Depending upon your specific view, sometime before or after the apostasy the rapture of the church will occur.


However, the concept of apostasy as merely “a falling away” is incomplete. The original Greek word for apostasy, apostasia, when used in classical Greek literature, meant “a political revolt.” From this we understand that the end-time apostasy is not just a time of sinfulness or large scale backsliding; it is actually a time of open defiance and warlike aggression against divine moral foundations. In other words, the apostasia is a political insurrection against the laws of God.


This interpretation of the apostasy is not an isolated view. The new International Version, Revised Standard Version, Philips Translation, and New English Bible all render apostasia as "the rebellion." The Living Bible interprets the apostasy as the "great rebellion," while the Jerusalem Bible assigns a proper name to this era: "The Great Revolt."


As we consider the fulfillment of so many other prophecies, let us carefully observe: Mankind has entered an era of open revolt and outright rebellion---an apostasy---against the moral standards of God.


Today, we are witnessing a large-scale rebellion against godliness and moral values. Indeed, this brazen attitude has had a name for itself since the 1960s: the sexual revolution. And "revolution" is exactly what it is.


Our moral standards have not only been challenged, they have been replaced by a non-standard. Indeed, the great rebellion seeks to legitimize and then mainstream every perversity known to man!


There is much to say on behalf of those trapped in perversity and who hate sin's affect on their lives. We must be compassionate toward them and not strident; many are sitting in our churches afraid to even speak of their need lest they be disowned.


I am not speaking with reference to the victims of this advance, but of those who are engaged in a mutiny against the sway of God in our nation. They argue the only standard Americans have is the standard of individual freedom.


In their view, freedom itself is the "god" ruling America, with self-indulgence sitting as chief counsel. Yet, the God of heaven desires the nations of the world. Though the apostasy will certainly intensify, we must remember it is only one of many prophecies unfolding in our day. The same Divine Word that warned of the Great Rebellion also assures us that ultimately God's kingdom shall crush the demonic influences in our world (see Dan. 2:44).


Yes, evil shall mature into full rebellion, but good is also ripening into full Christlikeness! (see Matt. 13:40-43; John 17:22-23). True, the apostasy shall reveal the nature of Satan, but the true church shall manifest the nature of Christ!


Our king is not only coming in the skies; He is coming "to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed" (2 Thess. 1:10). What seems to be Satan's hour, full of darkness and rebellion, is simply the opportunity for grace to abound to the glory of God in the church!


"SEATED WITH CHRIST!"

The Second Psalm, perhaps more then any other Bible text, accurately portrays the spirit of our time. Indeed, it also proclaims our correct response to Satan's bold advance. Although it was quoted by the early church (see Acts 4:25-26), God has set its full realization for the end of this age.


"Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, ‘Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!'" (Ps. 2:1-3).


Although "the rebellion" reveals itself worldwide in many ways, in America many of our leaders have certainly been counseling together "against the Lord" in their recent decisions. We see it in the legal protection offered the gay movement and the shelter provided for satanic rock music. Again, our anti-censorship laws, like armor plating, have been established to defend sin against the Lord, shielding the perversity of our entertainment industry. The virulent cry of those in rebellion hammers relentlessly upon the fetters of moral restraint!


This railing against God has not gone unnoticed in heaven. Is the Almighty confounded? Has fear concerning recent developments gripped the Lord's heart? No. The Psalm continues, "He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury" (Ps 2:4-5).


The Lord laughs at the foolishness of those in full revolt, as they imagine God's judgments cannot reach them. Why then, you ask, does the Lord delay His full judgment? In part, the Lord waits for us, His church.


For while the world shall demand, and receive, the reign of hell, the goal of the praying church shall be for the reign of heaven. You see, all of God's prophecies shall be fulfilled: those concerning evil and also those concerning righteousness.


The Lord has purposed to have a "bride without spot or wrinkle" and a "kingdom" of wheat without tares. The transformation of the church will be fulfilled as surely as every other prophecy occurring before the Lord's return.


Thus, with great fear and holy trembling, we must review what God has promised concerning us! Let us remember, the Lord is not alone in the heavens. According to His Word, He has seated us with Him in the heavenly places (see Eph. 2:6).


It is time for our identity as Christians to shift. Our nationalities only define our ambassador status; our true citizenship is in heaven (see Phil. 3:20). And if God is laughing at the mocking of those in the rebellion, let us also, as His subjects, share His confidence!


Thus, He commands us to sit with Him in the completeness of His purpose. He requires us not only to live without fear but to stand in prayer for these very nations that defy Him!


Listen again to this Second Psalm, for in the very context of worldwide rebellion against the Lord, it records the most remarkable discourse: "Ask of Me," the Father says to the Son, "and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession" (Ps. 2:8).


When I first came to Christ in 1970, churches in America were deeply divided and rather cold in organized prayer. Today, leaders of denominations are working together, and it is estimated that more than a quarter of a million American churches are moving toward deeper unity and increased prayer for this nation. Jesus has asked the Father for the United States, and in response, the prayer movement has been born!


As Christ's church, we do not deserve a national revival, but Jesus does! As His representatives, in His name and virtue, we ask of the Father for America! More than an expression of faith, our prayer is actually an act of obedience: We are commanded to ask God for the nations!


Therefore, while the perverse strive toward complete rejection of God, even as their mocking words fill the air, the Almighty's unchangeable promise to His Son (and by extension, His church as Christ's body) is "Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations!''


As violence, New Age religions and witchcraft flourish in our schools, ask God for this nation. While all restraint is removed from the entertainment industry, ask God for this nation! While perversity dresses in normalcy, ask God for America!


While abortion remains protected by laws, ask God with confidence, with boldness, and with faith for our land! Where you see injustice in any form, ask God for His kingdom to manifest on earth!


"HE WHO SITS IN THE HEAVENS LAUGHS."

Put away fear and discouragement; repent of fretting. The more we accept our place in the divine plan, the more we shall laugh at the enemies' plans. The faith that relentlessly asks God, pleases God.


Now, as the fullness of the times unfolds, as the world around us clothes itself in prophetic fulfillments, let us put away unbelief; let us repent for withdrawal. It is a time to boldly ask of God. As He has promised: He will give the nations as an inheritance to Christ!


Let's pray: Lord Jesus, how blessed we are that as evil matures into full rebellion, Your church matures into full Christlikeness. Teach me to pray for my inheritance, my nation. Use me to stand in the gap until my people become Your people.


***


"THOSE WHO MAKE A COVENANT WITH GOD"

~ by Francis Frangipane


THE COVENANT-KEEPING GOD

Throughout the history of God's dealings with man, He has revealed Himself as a covenant-making God. The Almighty covenanted with Noah, Abraham, Moses and David; He renewed His Abrahamic covenant in His call to Isaac and Jacob. Each covenant initiated a new wave of redemptive power into the world and forever impacted the human condition.


The word covenant means "to fetter" or chain together. It was the highest form of commitment that two individuals could share. Any of several rituals were employed to express the covenant partners’ unity:


A sword might be passed, signifying that the two would be united against the enemy as one. They might pass a sandal between themselves, which symbolized they would travel any distance to be at one another's side.


Or, they might cut an animal in two and pass between its halves. Just as the two halves, though separated, were still one animal, so the two covenant partners would become as one individual.


When the Lord initiated His covenant with a man, He did so as an extension of His eternal purpose; the man was a component in a series of divine initiatives. Contained within the Lord's covenant was His divine intervention, His supernatural wisdom and strategies, and His provisions.


Thus, if we look at the Lord's call to Noah, we see that it was not the ark, but the covenant of God, that preserved Noah and his family during worldwide judgment. Noah was a component, a factor in a series of divine initiatives, which accomplished the Lord's predetermined plans. God established the covenant, designed the ark and brought the animals. The Lord even shut the door after Noah entered the ark.


When the Lord established His covenant with Abraham, twice a flaming torch passed through the halves of the animals Abraham offered in sacrifice. The two passes signified that God would keep His part of the covenant and He would keep Abraham's part of the covenant as well!


Today, a restored Israel testifies to God's faithfulness in His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And it is God's covenant with Abraham, not merely the Jewish military, which preserves Israel in our times.


When the Lord entered into covenant with man, God promised that the covenant conditions and possibilities would not only apply to His servant, but His servant's descendants as well. Noah and his family, Abraham and his seed, and David and his family were all united as beneficiaries of God's covenant relationship. Similarly, we are saved and sustained through life's battles by Christ's covenant with the Father.


"PAYMENT AND PATTERN"

Our salvation has been secured, not only because Jesus died for our sins, but because His death was part of a covenant He had with the Father. The fact that Jesus suffered on my behalf is staggering, but His crucifixion was a component of an even more powerful reality: His covenant with the Father.


The terms of Christ's covenant were such that, if He would live His life blamelessly and offer that holy life upon the cross for sins, everyone who looked to the Son of God would be granted forgiveness.


The Father would look to Christ's sacrifice and see justice; and sinners would look to Jesus and find mercy. Yet, as maturing disciples, we find in Christ's covenant-mission not only our peace, but also a pattern Christ calls us to follow. He told His disciples, "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you" (John 20:21).


Having laid down His life in covenant surrender, He now bids us, "Take up [your] cross, and follow Me" (Matt. 16:24). Of course, our cross does not replace His cross nor do the sub-covenants we make with God supersede Christ's covenant.


The truth is, our cross extends the power of Christ's cross into our world and times, and our sub-covenant with God finds its backing because of Christ's covenant with God.


Thus, the Lord calls us to follow Him in personal covenants for our homes, cities and nations. The covenant we embrace is nothing less than the expression of Christ's nature, revealed again through us for our families, cities and nation.


"THE HARVEST AND COVENANT POWER"

To many Christians, the idea of making a special covenant with God is unfamiliar. Yet, I believe that many have already felt the Holy Spirit speaking, urging them to deepen their commitment to Christ.


Even so, covenants and our obedience to them must come from our hearts in response to the Lord's initiative. You will know the extent of your covenant by the measure of vision and faith, which also come from God.


Especially in the last days, we need to become a people who know the truth given us through Christ's covenant. And, in following Him, we should also know the unique endowment of grace He brings in making special covenants with us.


Indeed, Daniel 11:28-32 warns that the last days will be a time of unprecedented deception and spiritual intrigue. According to this text, Satan's rage will be hurled uniquely against "the holy covenant"! (v. 28a).


Yet, in this same chapter we read, "But the people who know their God will display strength and take action. And those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many" (Dan. 11:32-33a).


The prophecy continues, "And those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever" (Dan. 12:3).


In the midst of great deception there will be a time and a people who know their God, have great insight, do exploits and lead many to righteousness. They will receive a new and powerful endorsement of God's Spirit.


Additionally, if the enemy will be warring specifically against the holy covenant, we can assume there is something of unparalleled power that Christ's covenant provides against Satan!


A new authority is coming to those who desire full conformity to Christ. For a great harvest is indeed prophesied for the end of this age, and those leading the way will be individuals who understand Christ's covenant and have themselves covenanted with God for their land.


"GOD'S UNALTERABLE COMMITMENT"

It is right to pray for the Lord to bless our lives. However, praying for the blessing and provision of God is not the same as covenanting with Him. A covenant is an altar upon which the Lord and His covenant partner give themselves fully to each other.


The quality of a covenant relationship with God does not cease once prayers have been answered. For, in covenant love we mature from simply being "believers" to becoming living sacrifices, given to God's highest plans. By so yielding, He creates within us a life that He can use extraordinarily in the process of divine redemption.


Covenant power is greater than that which comes through prayer alone. The effects of a covenant reach far beyond simple faith. Prayer and faith are essentials; they are prerequisites, but not substitutes, for covenant power. The covenant relationship is a lifelong pledge, an unbreakable oath that God Himself initiates and promises to sustain.


Contained within His promise is His unalterable commitment, not only to satisfy His redemptive purposes, but also to supply grace and faith to His human counterpart. Together, the all-sufficient God and a believing man accomplish the impossible through their covenant relationship.


"THE POWER RELEASED IN A COVENANT"

A covenant with God accomplishes two interconnected goals. It thrusts us beyond "subjective prayer" (prayer made primarily for our personal needs), and it brings us into a deeper commitment to God. Out of greater commitment comes greater grace to accomplish God's redemptive work in the world.


An example of covenant power is seen in ancient Israel during the revival that occurred after Athaliah, an idolatrous Judean queen, was dethroned. Jehoiada, the high priest, looked to God in covenant prayer. We read, "Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and the people, that they should be the Lord's people" (2 Kings 11:17).


The result of his covenant was that grace came upon the people and they cleansed the land of idolatry. We read, "So all the people of the land rejoiced and the city was quiet" (v. 20). Jehoiada's covenant brought the nation back to God and ended violence in Jerusalem!


Consider also the power released in Hezekiah's covenant with God. The nation of Judah had been fully corrupted by Ahaz, the preceding king. However, Hezekiah began his reign by seeking God's highest favor. He opened the doors of the temple and reconsecrated the priests.


Yet, the purification of priests and buildings by themselves would not have brought about revival had not Hezekiah taken one further step. He said, "Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that His burning anger may turn away from us" (2 Chr. 29:10).


Just eight days after the king made a covenant with the Lord, we read, "Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced over what God had prepared for the people, because the thing came about suddenly" (v. 36). The difference between a long-term struggle and a speedy turning of the nation was, I believe, in the power that was released when the king covenanted with the Almighty.


It is vital that we who are Americans remember that our spiritual forefathers were people who knew and exercised principles of covenant sacrifice. When they came to this country, they knelt on its shores and covenanted with God for this land, dedicating the "new world" to Christ and His kingdom. It is unlikely that the revival of our nation will come without local and national church leaders covenanting together with God for their land.


"MAKING A COVENANT WITH GOD"

A personal covenant with God is a serious commitment, worthy of extended prayer and focused waiting before God. I have covenanted with the Lord to see the body of Christ delivered of carnal divisions and racism; my covenant goal is that Christ's prayer of John 17 be answered.


I have also united my life and faith with the covenants of our Pilgrim forefathers. Together with other brethren, both locally and nationally, we have covenanted with God to see this land restored according to 2 Chronicles 7:14.


I believe there will be a time when this nation, like all nations, will become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ (Rev 11:15). Until then, whether revival comes quickly or we pass through the fires of divine judgments, our lives belong to Christ-not simply to be blessed or prosperous, but to see His highest purposes accomplished in our land.


However, not all of us will covenant with God for the nation. According to their faith, some will make covenants with Him for their families. Others will covenant to see abortion ended in their cities. While still others will covenant with God for the church--to see unity established in the citywide church in their cities.


Making a covenant with God takes us further into our goal of Christlikeness. It is the highest relationship we can enjoy with God and it is the most deeply surrendered. It is, in truth, that which brings Him the most pleasure.


To those who covenant with God, He says, "Gather My godly ones to Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice" (Ps 50:5).


Today, as this nation stands at the threshold of two realities, let us take time in contemplative prayer and kneel before the Almighty Father. In Christlike, focused surrender, as Christ was a living sacrifice for our sins, so let us become living sacrifices to God for those we love. Let us embrace covenant oneness with God that His purpose and passions be fulfilled in our lives and in our times.


***


"WHERE A DESOLATE SOUL FINDS GOD"

~ by Francis Frangipane


Jesus gave the last hours of this age a poignant headline. He called this period "The Great Tribulation." The word rendered tribulation means "grievous affliction or distress; pressure or burden upon the spirit." As we move closer toward the end of this age, we should expect that catastrophic distresses and pressures on man shall increase.


Added to the increasing stress of our times is the decreasing desire of government and society in general to restrain moral decadence. We live in a time when a significant portion of our society is in open and defiant rebellion toward God.


The prophetic words of Psalm 2 are being fulfilled before our eyes: World and local leaders "take their stand and the rulers take counsel together Against the Lord and against His Anointed" (v. 2). As they renounce moral values, their militant cry is, "Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!" (v. 3).


Jesus warned of this day, saying, "Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold" (Matt. 24:12, NKJV). If you are one who has resisted the increasing darkness, you know how intense and multifaceted the battle is.


Whether you are fighting to remedy an injustice in your community or just trying to keep your family together, barely do we make headway in one area before five other areas are breeched. In spite of breakthroughs occurring in several cities, many good people have grown weary. They are just going through the motions. The prophet Daniel warned of a time when the enemy would "…wear down the saints of the Highest One" (Dan. 7:25).


To emerge victorious in this day, we must climb into the reality given to us by God in Psalm 91. There is place of replenishing life--a fountain of eternal life where we can abide. The Bible calls this place the shelter of the Most High.


"ELIJAH: A MAN LIKE US"

Elijah was a man with passions like ours, and he fought in a spiritual war similar to ours. In his battle for the soul of Israel, he stood against the wiles of Jezebel and her husband, King Ahab. Yet his most intense battle was not against visible foes but against personal discouragement.


As bold as Elijah was, he lived as a fugitive moving in and out of caves and places of hiding. Jezebel had murdered nearly all of the Lord's prophets, replacing their godly influence with the dark, satanic oppression accompanying the priests of Baal and the Asherah.


A new initiative, however, had come from the Lord: Both Elijah and the prophets of Baal were to build altars, each to the deity they individually served. The God who answered with fire would be acknowledged as Lord over the nation.


King Ahab and all Israel came to the confrontation. Try as they may, the priests of Baal could draw no response from their demonic idol, Baal. In dramatic contrast, at Elijah's prayer, fire immediately fell from heaven and consumed his sacrifice.


This was Elijah's greatest victory. And when the Israelites saw the display of God's power, they bowed to the ground saying, "The Lord, He is God; the Lord, He is God" (1 Kings 18:39).


But the Lord was not finished. After Elijah had the priests of Baal executed, he went to the top of Mount Carmel, and, kneeling face down, he prayed seven times for rain until the Lord brought a great downpour that ended a devastating three-year drought. On this one day, both fire and rain miraculously fell from heaven!


Perhaps if this tremendous day had occurred at almost any other time in Israel's history, the nation would have repented, but it did not. Baal worship should have ended, but it continued. In fact, nothing changed.


Instead of the revival that Elijah envisioned, the opposite occurred: an enraged Jezebel vowed to kill the Lord's prophet, spurring Elijah to flee into the wilderness. There Elijah collapsed, exhausted and despondent, beneath a juniper tree. "It is enough; now O Lord," the weary prophet prayed, "take my life, for I am not better than my fathers" (1 Kings 19:4).


Elijah had offered the Lord his very best effort. This day had been the culminating event of his life. Elijah had prayed that Israel would know the Lord was their God and that, in response, the Lord would turn Israel's "heart back again" (1 Kings 18:37). Yet, like the prophets before him, Elijah could not trigger revival for Israel. Discouragement overwhelmed him. He had had enough.


Have you been to the point of spiritual or emotional exhaustion where you too have said, "It is enough"? Perhaps you were frustrated by your own inability to effect positive change in your family or you've fasted and prayed for your church or society but no visible change occurred. You gave your all but found little success. Disheartened and weary like Elijah, all your resources were spent.


Elijah laid down and slept. As he did, an angel touched him and said, "Arise, eat" (1 Kings 19:5). At his head were bread and water. Elijah, weary with life itself, ate and withdrew back into sleep.


Once more the angel touched him. "Arise," he said "Eat, because the journey is too great for you" (v. 7). For all our visions, plans, and programs, the journey before each of us is also "too great." Indeed our journey is divinely designed to be too great for us. The Lord has no plan where we succeed without Him. Life is so constructed to drive us to God.


"BACK TO OUR FOUNDATIONS"

"So [Elijah] arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God" (1 Kings 19:8).


The Lord gave Elijah strength, not to send him back to battle but to bring him back to basics. If we become more consumed with our task than we are with our love for God, our lives will eventually become brittle and desolate.


To restore our souls, the Lord brings us back to the essentials of our faith. Indeed, He might even stop our labors completely and direct us to the simpler realities of prayer, time in the Word, and worship.


He reminds us that, of all He calls us to accomplish, His greatest commandment is to love Him with all our "heart…soul…mind…and…strength" (Mark 12:30). Without this focus, we lose touch with God's presence; we are outside the shelter of the Most High.


The Lord brought Elijah to "Horeb, the mountain of God." In Hebrew, Horeb means "desolation."[Hebrew: Charab - to make desolate.] The barren environment mirrored Elijah's soul. Yet to God, Horeb was actually a place where the issues of a man's heart were flushed to the surface. There is no theater at Horeb, no acting. It is the place of unembellished honesty and core-to-surface transparency.


"HOW DID YOU GET HERE?"

Perhaps Elijah's greatest virtue was his zeal. Indeed, twice in his communication with God, Elijah speaks of having been "very zealous" for the Lord. But zeal unaccompanied by wisdom eventually becomes its own god. It compels us toward expectations that are unrealistic and outside the timing and anointing of the Lord.


To remain balanced, zeal must be reined in and harnessed by strategic encounters with the living God. Otherwise we become frustrated with people and discouraged with delays. We step outside our place of strength and spiritual protection.


Elijah had come to Horeb and lodged there in a cave. Soon the Word of the Lord came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (v. 9). This is one of the most important questions God will ever ask us.


His question probes the reality of our spiritual state: "How did your service to Me become dry and desolate?" God wants us to know that when we fail to esteem Him as our first love, we will always find a desert awaiting us.


Our primary purpose in life must be to abide in Christ. Otherwise we can become so consumed with the deteriorating condition of the world that we fail to see the deteriorating condition of our own soul. In His love, the Lord stops us and forces us to look honestly at our heart: Is this existence that I now live the abundant life promised me from Christ?


Let's speak candidly. We have nothing to prove and no need to pretend. We can abandon the internal mechanisms of defensiveness and pride. If we are disappointed, we are free to express it; if frustrated, we can admit it. We must simply and truthfully evaluate, without rationalization, our true spiritual condition.


Lord, reveal to me my heart. Bring to the surface of my consciousness those disappointments and heartaches, as well as my sins and failures. Remove Remove the cargo of oppression from my soul. Help me, Master, to lie still as You perform heart surgery on me.


Transparency is the outer garment of humility, and humility draws the grace of God to our hearts. Is not intimacy with God the very thing we most neglect? And is not the Lord alone our source of strength in battle? If the enemy can distract us from our time alone with God, he will isolate us from the help that comes from God alone.


Let us, therefore, approach the living God without any garment other than transparency.


"A FRESH ANOINTING"

As the pressures of this age escalate, we will soon discover that yesterday's anointing will not suffice for today's battles. The Lord brought a new beginning to Elijah's life at Horeb---one that would ultimately release a "double portion" of power to Elijah's successor, Elisha. Under this new anointing, Jezebel would be destroyed, Baal worship abolished, and the only period of revival the northern tribes ever experienced would begin.


To reach a similar place of breakthrough, it will take more than the momentum of our own zeal. We should not be surprised if God calls us to pass through our own Horeb.


How will we recognize this place? Horeb is the voice of personal desolation; it is the desperate compelling of our heart to possess more of God. We must now listen carefully to the voice of God. For it is at Horeb that He brings us deeper into Himself. It is here, under the canopy of His compassion, that we discover the purpose of our brokenness: our desolation is, in fact, a time of preparation.


The Lord is about to bring a new beginning to you. When you return to the battle, you shall war from the shelter of the Most High.


Lord Jesus, apart from You, my life is dry and desolate. Forgive me for trying to do Your will without abiding in Your presence. I desperately need You, Lord. This day, I commit my heart to return to my first love.


Teach me, Lord, to consider intimacy with You the greatest measure of my success. Let me see Your glory; reveal to me Your goodness. Guide me, Oh Holy Spirit, into the spiritual fortress of the presence of God. Amen.

Resources: www.frangipane.org/


***

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