Greetings,
Misunderstandings abound when someone mentions the word "holiness". The picture I used to get in my mind when someone mentioned the word was that of an elderly woman with her hair stacked about 3 feet into the air and dressed in sackcloth and ashes. But I have since come to realize that Holiness isn't the way we dress or don't dress...
Romans 1:1-7a says: "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection...through whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints..."
Jesus, the Son of the Living God, the Savior of the world, revealed the power of God during His earth walk. But the greatest revelation of the power of God was when God raised Jesus by the Glory of God (Romans 6:4; Ephesians 1:19,20), by the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Holiness. Power and holiness ARE connected even though Peter asked the crowd if they really thought that the lame man in Acts 3 was healed by Peter's holiness. It isn't our holiness, per se, but it is related to how the Son of God can manifest Himself through us to the world.
"Holy" and "Saint" come from the same Greek work "hagios". Paul said to the Romans who are "beloved of God, called to be saints..." or, called to be holy. Peter said the same thing when he wrote, "because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). One aspect of holiness is what God does, through Christ, for and in us. Christ is our holiness. We have no ability to approach God or have any kind of relationship with God apart from Christ. Yet another aspect is where we, by our choice, separate, sanctify, dedicate our life to Him. We love what He loves and despise what He despises. It's this kind of holiness that makes way for the Spirit of Holiness to manifest the resurrected power of the Son of God. It's not OUR holiness, but our yieldedness to His. Jesus did extraordinary things while on earth, yet Paul mentions the resurrection as the way to measure just how powerful God is. And yet the resurrection wasn't possible without Jesus being COMPLETELY sold out to the plans and purposes of His Father. He HUMBLED Himself and became obedient, even to the point of going to the cross...wherefore God has HIGHLY exalted Him and has given Him a Name ABOVE EVERY NAME...Hallelujah!
Holiness and separation is NOT an old-fashioned idea. It is intricately part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord...
Hebrews 1:9 -(speaking of Jesus) You loved righteousness and despised lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions. Notice, because Jesus loved the things God loved and despised what God despised, He was anointed above any and all! Shouldn't that give us a clue as to how to see more of God manifest in and through the Body of Christ TODAY?
Saints (holy, sanctified), let us pursue that which Christ Jesus died to give us; a powerful, holy, glorious walk and relationship with Father God. The world will then stand up and take notice!
Pastor Jan
Monday, July 31, 2006
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
The Love of God
Greetings,
Matthew 24:12 - "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
2 Corinthians 5:14,15 - For the love of Christ constrains us,
Ephesians 3:17-19 - that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 - Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God
Jude 20,21 - But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God,
While walking our dog this evening, walking through our neighborhood, I was meditating on the love of God. I began to think about the different verses such as are listed above. One main thought I'd like to share; it's actually a two-fold thought:
1. Where is the love?
2. The Spirit's Outpouring will be an outpouring of love.
While many may not agree with me, I believe that we are in a period of time that is kind of like a "pre-season". A pre-season to turmoil, birth pangs, tribulation, etc.; things never seen or experienced before. A time to prepare for the "regular season", if you will. However, I don't see the regular season as all gloom and doom. "When the enemy comes in, like a flood the Lord will lift a standard against him", Isaiah says. The pre-season we are in is also a precursor to the season of Heaven touching earth like never before. The season where God manifests Himself TO and THROUGH His Body, the Church, to a lost and dying world. Many will reject the gospel; but many will receive as well. Fact is, there are MANY people that just don't know what to believe or why they should believe in Jesus! This is really the first part of my thoughts; WHERE IS THE LOVE?
It doesn't take much discernment to realize that iniquity is increasing. Unfortunately, it has NOT reached its fullness. But, the more it increases, the more the love of many grows cold. Why? Could it be that those who are losing their love have lost sight of the Love of Christ? Could it be that their love has shifted from devotion to Jesus and has now become a devotion to the world and its way of doing things? Even people who are "tithers", as Jesus said in Luke, have passed over justice and the love of God. The love of Christ no longer is their motivation; it has become a religious phrase. Praying for others has become a chore, a duty. Or, it's become a source of pride; "please let me tell you how much I pray". Love isn't the motivation. Therefore, the power of God isn't there, either.
If the Love of God isn't the heart of the believer, it will not be the motivation either. And, without the love of God, there will not be the stamina to make it during the "regular season". Jesus Himself was able to do the tough things because He so loved the world...loved it enough to keep Himself unspotted from it and, at the same time, give His life for it. Jesus, kept His eyes on the joy set before Him and was able to endure the cross. The joy before Him was defined by the love of God. It wasn't defined by His circumstances or how well He was "received". Thank God!
So, where is the love? May we examine our lives and pray for one another the prayer of Paul in Ephesians 3: that we may KNOW (by experience) the love of God that is beyond our natural comprehension.
One more thought: the "regular season" will be marked by the Love of God. As God pours out His Spirit, more and more, it will be evidenced by the love of God. Love, power, holiness, justice, etc, all work hand in hand. In the book of Acts it was seen that the more the Spirit was poured out, in the midst of persecution, the more the Love of God was witnessed. So, while the love of many will grow cold, those who ARE IN LOVE with Jesus, and are KEEPING THEMSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD, will grow stronger. They will be fit for the Master's use! Don't let the iniquity around you keep you from the love of God!
Finally, brethren, "Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ."
Pastor Jan
Matthew 24:12 - "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
2 Corinthians 5:14,15 - For the love of Christ constrains us,
Ephesians 3:17-19 - that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 - Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God
Jude 20,21 - But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God,
While walking our dog this evening, walking through our neighborhood, I was meditating on the love of God. I began to think about the different verses such as are listed above. One main thought I'd like to share; it's actually a two-fold thought:
1. Where is the love?
2. The Spirit's Outpouring will be an outpouring of love.
While many may not agree with me, I believe that we are in a period of time that is kind of like a "pre-season". A pre-season to turmoil, birth pangs, tribulation, etc.; things never seen or experienced before. A time to prepare for the "regular season", if you will. However, I don't see the regular season as all gloom and doom. "When the enemy comes in, like a flood the Lord will lift a standard against him", Isaiah says. The pre-season we are in is also a precursor to the season of Heaven touching earth like never before. The season where God manifests Himself TO and THROUGH His Body, the Church, to a lost and dying world. Many will reject the gospel; but many will receive as well. Fact is, there are MANY people that just don't know what to believe or why they should believe in Jesus! This is really the first part of my thoughts; WHERE IS THE LOVE?
It doesn't take much discernment to realize that iniquity is increasing. Unfortunately, it has NOT reached its fullness. But, the more it increases, the more the love of many grows cold. Why? Could it be that those who are losing their love have lost sight of the Love of Christ? Could it be that their love has shifted from devotion to Jesus and has now become a devotion to the world and its way of doing things? Even people who are "tithers", as Jesus said in Luke, have passed over justice and the love of God. The love of Christ no longer is their motivation; it has become a religious phrase. Praying for others has become a chore, a duty. Or, it's become a source of pride; "please let me tell you how much I pray". Love isn't the motivation. Therefore, the power of God isn't there, either.
If the Love of God isn't the heart of the believer, it will not be the motivation either. And, without the love of God, there will not be the stamina to make it during the "regular season". Jesus Himself was able to do the tough things because He so loved the world...loved it enough to keep Himself unspotted from it and, at the same time, give His life for it. Jesus, kept His eyes on the joy set before Him and was able to endure the cross. The joy before Him was defined by the love of God. It wasn't defined by His circumstances or how well He was "received". Thank God!
So, where is the love? May we examine our lives and pray for one another the prayer of Paul in Ephesians 3: that we may KNOW (by experience) the love of God that is beyond our natural comprehension.
One more thought: the "regular season" will be marked by the Love of God. As God pours out His Spirit, more and more, it will be evidenced by the love of God. Love, power, holiness, justice, etc, all work hand in hand. In the book of Acts it was seen that the more the Spirit was poured out, in the midst of persecution, the more the Love of God was witnessed. So, while the love of many will grow cold, those who ARE IN LOVE with Jesus, and are KEEPING THEMSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD, will grow stronger. They will be fit for the Master's use! Don't let the iniquity around you keep you from the love of God!
Finally, brethren, "Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ."
Pastor Jan
Monday, July 17, 2006
Transition
Greetings,
Last evening was very refreshing as we worshiped and exalted the Name of the Lord. It was also a very important evening, I believe, for what the Lord is in the PROCESS of accomplishing in the central Iowa area. A lot of prophetic words were spoken; I see them as "road signs" along the path of the Lord. Words that encourage and words that chastise. Both are necessary from time to time. I won't take the time to repeat the words verbatim, but simply give the gist of a couple.
- Valley Junction is a dry place but because of the efforts and obedience of the Body of Christ the Valley will be flooded with the waters of God.
- Before the floods can be released, the spirit of rebellion (which is the same as witchcraft, and would include, to a measure, the spirit of pride) must be pulled down. Repentance must prevail among the people of God if the enemy is to be overcome.
Another thought came to me as I was ministering to the Lord earlier in the afternoon in preparation for the time of worship. I will speak on that in just a moment, but first I'd like to touch on the idea of preparing to enter the Presence of the Lord. Over and over the Lord speaks to His people about the need to prepare themselves to worship, pray, give, etc. Yet, over and over, people are so rushed that if they do get to a worship service it's just in the nick of time and they are so keyed up that they are in no position to hear the voice of God even if He was to walk up to them in a red hat and scream, "I AM GOD!". I believe the Lord desires for us to fellowship with Him BEFORE we go to fellowship with others and Him. That way, we don't arrive empty, but we are able bring TO the time of fellowship, worship, prayer, etc, that which we've received from Him. There just may be someone there that could use what we've received from the Lord. After all, aren't we supposed to be carriers of the Glory? Amen!
Now, on to my main thought. Transition. I was reading in Judges 21:25- "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." As you probably know, 1 Samuel begins where Judges ends. So, when you begin to read 1 Samuel you see where there is a woman, Hannah, who is desperate to have a child. She pours out her heart to the Lord, the Lord hears her and gives her a son which she names Samuel; "heard of God".
This wasn't just a coincidence or a nice story. God found a woman who was desperate to bear fruit, who would take that desperation to Him, and He in turn could use the fruit of her desperation to transition His people from following their own ways to following His order of things. Someone will say, "Israel wasn't supposed to have a king". That's true to a degree. Yet King David is a type of Christ in many ways. I believe that God raised up Samuel, the fruit of Hannah's desperation, to demonstrate how the Kingdom of God is to operate.
God has NEVER been a democratic God. (He isn't republican, either!) The Lord's Kingdom is a Theocratic Kingdom. It is to have ONE RULER! GOD! He is NOT pleased with everyone doing their own thing. He does not subscribe to a "let's just keep people happy, comfortable, and lazy". His words are like such: "if anyone will follow Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily...".
There is a transition taking place. Keep your eyes and ears open to the voice of the Spirit of God. There is a King that has been given the authority and the anointing to rule; JESUS! And, there is a move of the Spirit of God, through those who are desperate to bear fruit, that will take our desperation (which comes from God in the first place) and use the fruit of it to speak truth to the world around us. The truth is FIRST to be preached, proclaimed, to the church (1 Peter 4:17). Judgment must begin with us. Out of judgment comes either Glory or rejection.
Samuel came on to the scene where corruption, manipulation, covetousness, selfishness, etc, were prevalent among God's leaders; those who were designated to be His "witnesses". Before the Lord could touch the Nations (which has always been His plan) through His people, He had to change the way His people were. Samuel brought about the transition. And even though the people cried out for a king like all the other nations; and even though the Lord said to Samuel, "they haven't rejected you, just Me", the Lord still brought about great glory when the tabernacle of David was erected in Jerusalem.
Eli (the one who couldn't "see" well) and his sons had to be "eliminated". God was to preserve AND expand His work in His people and in the NATIONS! He needed to transition from one move to get to another. That's what's happening today. The old is going to be set aside; that which will yield to His plans and purposes (and allow His Son to rule and reign) will be established and those who have ears to hear His voice and a heart that yearns for His Presence will experience His Glory as never before.
Transition, transition, transition. Fairly easy to talk about, but change will not be easy. It will be VERY hard on the flesh. That is God's intent!
Time to go. "but seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness..."
Pastor Jan
Last evening was very refreshing as we worshiped and exalted the Name of the Lord. It was also a very important evening, I believe, for what the Lord is in the PROCESS of accomplishing in the central Iowa area. A lot of prophetic words were spoken; I see them as "road signs" along the path of the Lord. Words that encourage and words that chastise. Both are necessary from time to time. I won't take the time to repeat the words verbatim, but simply give the gist of a couple.
- Valley Junction is a dry place but because of the efforts and obedience of the Body of Christ the Valley will be flooded with the waters of God.
- Before the floods can be released, the spirit of rebellion (which is the same as witchcraft, and would include, to a measure, the spirit of pride) must be pulled down. Repentance must prevail among the people of God if the enemy is to be overcome.
Another thought came to me as I was ministering to the Lord earlier in the afternoon in preparation for the time of worship. I will speak on that in just a moment, but first I'd like to touch on the idea of preparing to enter the Presence of the Lord. Over and over the Lord speaks to His people about the need to prepare themselves to worship, pray, give, etc. Yet, over and over, people are so rushed that if they do get to a worship service it's just in the nick of time and they are so keyed up that they are in no position to hear the voice of God even if He was to walk up to them in a red hat and scream, "I AM GOD!". I believe the Lord desires for us to fellowship with Him BEFORE we go to fellowship with others and Him. That way, we don't arrive empty, but we are able bring TO the time of fellowship, worship, prayer, etc, that which we've received from Him. There just may be someone there that could use what we've received from the Lord. After all, aren't we supposed to be carriers of the Glory? Amen!
Now, on to my main thought. Transition. I was reading in Judges 21:25- "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." As you probably know, 1 Samuel begins where Judges ends. So, when you begin to read 1 Samuel you see where there is a woman, Hannah, who is desperate to have a child. She pours out her heart to the Lord, the Lord hears her and gives her a son which she names Samuel; "heard of God".
This wasn't just a coincidence or a nice story. God found a woman who was desperate to bear fruit, who would take that desperation to Him, and He in turn could use the fruit of her desperation to transition His people from following their own ways to following His order of things. Someone will say, "Israel wasn't supposed to have a king". That's true to a degree. Yet King David is a type of Christ in many ways. I believe that God raised up Samuel, the fruit of Hannah's desperation, to demonstrate how the Kingdom of God is to operate.
God has NEVER been a democratic God. (He isn't republican, either!) The Lord's Kingdom is a Theocratic Kingdom. It is to have ONE RULER! GOD! He is NOT pleased with everyone doing their own thing. He does not subscribe to a "let's just keep people happy, comfortable, and lazy". His words are like such: "if anyone will follow Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily...".
There is a transition taking place. Keep your eyes and ears open to the voice of the Spirit of God. There is a King that has been given the authority and the anointing to rule; JESUS! And, there is a move of the Spirit of God, through those who are desperate to bear fruit, that will take our desperation (which comes from God in the first place) and use the fruit of it to speak truth to the world around us. The truth is FIRST to be preached, proclaimed, to the church (1 Peter 4:17). Judgment must begin with us. Out of judgment comes either Glory or rejection.
Samuel came on to the scene where corruption, manipulation, covetousness, selfishness, etc, were prevalent among God's leaders; those who were designated to be His "witnesses". Before the Lord could touch the Nations (which has always been His plan) through His people, He had to change the way His people were. Samuel brought about the transition. And even though the people cried out for a king like all the other nations; and even though the Lord said to Samuel, "they haven't rejected you, just Me", the Lord still brought about great glory when the tabernacle of David was erected in Jerusalem.
Eli (the one who couldn't "see" well) and his sons had to be "eliminated". God was to preserve AND expand His work in His people and in the NATIONS! He needed to transition from one move to get to another. That's what's happening today. The old is going to be set aside; that which will yield to His plans and purposes (and allow His Son to rule and reign) will be established and those who have ears to hear His voice and a heart that yearns for His Presence will experience His Glory as never before.
Transition, transition, transition. Fairly easy to talk about, but change will not be easy. It will be VERY hard on the flesh. That is God's intent!
Time to go. "but seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness..."
Pastor Jan
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Calling All Backsliders
Greetings,
I have a word to share with each of you. A word that may be hard to hear; I know it's hard to write. It's a word that has been on my heart for better than a week. It's a word that will bring forth a harvest of righteousness or more hardening of the heart. Maybe the word isn't for you, maybe it's for someone you know and love. I believe it's a call from the Almighty One; a call that will help us discern the thoughts and intents of our hearts before Him (of Whom we must give account).
Proverbs 14: 9-16
9. Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor.
10. The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy.
11. The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12. There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of .
13. Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, and the end of mirth may be grief.
14. The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above.
15. The simple believes every word, but the prudent man considers well his steps.
16. A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident.
Verses 12 and 14 are the main focus for this word. There is such focus these days, especially throughout America, on being blessed and happy. The problem is when we are the ones who define what "blessed" and "happy" are. We are so easily upset when we don't get our way. We become jealous of others when it appears they have more toys, more money, more people in their churches, more people "falling under the power", more...whatever, than we have. We feel that since we did God such a nice thing by "getting saved" then we are entitled to the blessings. Notice the word of God. There is a WAY that SEEMS right...the BACKSLIDER in heart is filled with his OWN WAYS...
The call from God is for each of us to turn to Him with ALL our heart. To lean not on our own understanding but in ALL our ways acknowledge Him as Lord (the One Who has the right to rule over us). To lay aside our supposed grievance with God because He didn't perform as we expected. To quit holding God accountable to our theology; instead, to take Him at HIS word.
Backsliders in heart are those who find themselves in the wilderness; they never cross to the promised land. They become hard hearted to the point that nothing moves them to God any more. Oh, they still may go to "church" but they've quit being part of the church. The ways they once knew and embraced have been replaced with more important things. Things such as being "right", "comfortable", "rested", "having family time", "making more money", etc. Backsliders are FILLED with THEIR OWN WAYS. That means they can not be filled with God!
The children of Israel left Egypt and began to follow God. God had a specific route to take them. He didn't ask their opinion about the route, or anything else. He just told them to follow. But, as we all know, follow was the hardest thing for them to do. Every time they murmured about what God was doing they became more and more set in their OWN WAYS. THE WILDERNESS WAS GOD'S METHOD OF DELIVERING THEM, NOT FROM EGYPT, BUT FROM THEIR OWN WAYS. I've noticed, in my life and in others, that it's easy to start out with God. He's all we'll ever need, we're so quick to say. Sometime down the road of life, however, there are decisions we have to make: who do I trust in this situation, what's the path the Lord is taking me, etc; or, we become offended at God or one of His kids when things don't go as we thought they should. We let ourselves get worked up and start becoming cold to the promptings of the Spirit of God. We pull back from faith and start living according to our own ways and knowledge. WE BACKSLIDE.
It's time to answer the call of God and RETURN to HIM with ALL OUR HEART! The Lord is building a people who will SHOW FORTH His Glory and Power. He is igniting a fire among those who will stand before Him and allow Him to strike the match, light the torch, and set us ablaze with the Fire of God. He will do that with those who allow themselves to be FILLED WITH HIS WAYS!
Backslider in heart, turn to GOD!!!
I will close with some scriptures of HOPE. If your heart is stirred by this word and you are hearing God call you, IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO TURN FROM YOUR BACKSLIDING WAYS. Also, for a really stirring message by Charles Finney, please see the link on the blog site entitled "the Backslider in heart".
Isaiah 55:6-9
6. Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.
7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.
8. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,'' says the Lord.
9. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.
Hosea 14:4-7
4. "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from him.
5. I will be like the dew to Israel; He shall grow like the lily, and lengthen his roots like Lebanon.
6. His branches shall spread; his beauty shall be like an olive tree, and his fragrance like Lebanon.
7. Those who dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall be revived like grain, and grow like the vine. Their scent shall be like the wine of Lebanon.
Psalm 32:1-7
1. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.
2. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no guile.
3. When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long.
4. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah
5. I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,'' And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
6. For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You In a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters They shall not come near him.
7. You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah
1 John 1:9
9. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
This is the day to run TO God. Turn from YOUR WAYS and submit to HIS, regardless of how hard it will be. The Grace to obey is right before you, if you'll only start by admitting your sin and your need for Him. I pray for you now that you will hear the voice of God and repent of backsliding and turn back to the God you once knew. Remember, He is STILL able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all you ask or even think. Answer His call and let Him reveal Himself to YOU.
Pastor Jan
I have a word to share with each of you. A word that may be hard to hear; I know it's hard to write. It's a word that has been on my heart for better than a week. It's a word that will bring forth a harvest of righteousness or more hardening of the heart. Maybe the word isn't for you, maybe it's for someone you know and love. I believe it's a call from the Almighty One; a call that will help us discern the thoughts and intents of our hearts before Him (of Whom we must give account).
Proverbs 14: 9-16
9. Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor.
10. The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy.
11. The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12. There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of .
13. Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, and the end of mirth may be grief.
14. The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above.
15. The simple believes every word, but the prudent man considers well his steps.
16. A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident.
Verses 12 and 14 are the main focus for this word. There is such focus these days, especially throughout America, on being blessed and happy. The problem is when we are the ones who define what "blessed" and "happy" are. We are so easily upset when we don't get our way. We become jealous of others when it appears they have more toys, more money, more people in their churches, more people "falling under the power", more...whatever, than we have. We feel that since we did God such a nice thing by "getting saved" then we are entitled to the blessings. Notice the word of God. There is a WAY that SEEMS right...the BACKSLIDER in heart is filled with his OWN WAYS...
The call from God is for each of us to turn to Him with ALL our heart. To lean not on our own understanding but in ALL our ways acknowledge Him as Lord (the One Who has the right to rule over us). To lay aside our supposed grievance with God because He didn't perform as we expected. To quit holding God accountable to our theology; instead, to take Him at HIS word.
Backsliders in heart are those who find themselves in the wilderness; they never cross to the promised land. They become hard hearted to the point that nothing moves them to God any more. Oh, they still may go to "church" but they've quit being part of the church. The ways they once knew and embraced have been replaced with more important things. Things such as being "right", "comfortable", "rested", "having family time", "making more money", etc. Backsliders are FILLED with THEIR OWN WAYS. That means they can not be filled with God!
The children of Israel left Egypt and began to follow God. God had a specific route to take them. He didn't ask their opinion about the route, or anything else. He just told them to follow. But, as we all know, follow was the hardest thing for them to do. Every time they murmured about what God was doing they became more and more set in their OWN WAYS. THE WILDERNESS WAS GOD'S METHOD OF DELIVERING THEM, NOT FROM EGYPT, BUT FROM THEIR OWN WAYS. I've noticed, in my life and in others, that it's easy to start out with God. He's all we'll ever need, we're so quick to say. Sometime down the road of life, however, there are decisions we have to make: who do I trust in this situation, what's the path the Lord is taking me, etc; or, we become offended at God or one of His kids when things don't go as we thought they should. We let ourselves get worked up and start becoming cold to the promptings of the Spirit of God. We pull back from faith and start living according to our own ways and knowledge. WE BACKSLIDE.
It's time to answer the call of God and RETURN to HIM with ALL OUR HEART! The Lord is building a people who will SHOW FORTH His Glory and Power. He is igniting a fire among those who will stand before Him and allow Him to strike the match, light the torch, and set us ablaze with the Fire of God. He will do that with those who allow themselves to be FILLED WITH HIS WAYS!
Backslider in heart, turn to GOD!!!
I will close with some scriptures of HOPE. If your heart is stirred by this word and you are hearing God call you, IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO TURN FROM YOUR BACKSLIDING WAYS. Also, for a really stirring message by Charles Finney, please see the link on the blog site entitled "the Backslider in heart".
Isaiah 55:6-9
6. Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.
7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.
8. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,'' says the Lord.
9. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.
Hosea 14:4-7
4. "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from him.
5. I will be like the dew to Israel; He shall grow like the lily, and lengthen his roots like Lebanon.
6. His branches shall spread; his beauty shall be like an olive tree, and his fragrance like Lebanon.
7. Those who dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall be revived like grain, and grow like the vine. Their scent shall be like the wine of Lebanon.
Psalm 32:1-7
1. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.
2. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no guile.
3. When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long.
4. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah
5. I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,'' And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
6. For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You In a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters They shall not come near him.
7. You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah
1 John 1:9
9. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
This is the day to run TO God. Turn from YOUR WAYS and submit to HIS, regardless of how hard it will be. The Grace to obey is right before you, if you'll only start by admitting your sin and your need for Him. I pray for you now that you will hear the voice of God and repent of backsliding and turn back to the God you once knew. Remember, He is STILL able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all you ask or even think. Answer His call and let Him reveal Himself to YOU.
Pastor Jan
Monday, July 03, 2006
Prophetic Words - Edify, Exhort, Comfort
Greetings,
Quite a bit happening lately. I figured it was time to write an update. I will start with a scripture from 1 Corinthians 14:3 - "But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men." I am going to share some prophetic words that have been spoken either at church, or they have been spoken concerning Valley Assembly over the last couple of weeks. I write these to share with you so that you will be edified, exhorted, or comforted. God is not a silent God. He also does not want us to walk in darkness. Psalm 119:130 says, "The entrance of Your Word gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." A Word spoken by the inspiration of the Lord helps us to hear what His plans and purposes are and to encourage us to get and stay on course. His "right now word" is also for exhortation; exhorting us to change our thinking at times so we don't miss what He's trying to accomplish in and through us. So, with all that said, please read the rest with a prayerful heart.
Sunday evening a week ago the Lord directed us to take some time to read scriptures out loud. He instructed us (He put it on my heart to tell the people) to read verses that express what they believe the Lord is saying to us at that particular time. One of the brethren wrote down the scripture references as the people shared. A lot of the verses had to do with comfort and trust in the Lord. Others had something to say about a shaking in the earth and a parting of the heavens. Later, as we were in worship the Lord spoke through the gift of tongues with interpretation. He said, "For there is yet a hope, My children, a hope reserved for My people, a hope reserved for those who are called by My name. For the ocean will rise and the earth will tremble, but those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High will remain unmoved. As the day of great despair comes, do not be afraid. I have not left you orphans.
You are not without hope.
You are not without comfort.
You are not without weapons of warfare.
You are not without supply.
I AM the Almighty God and I will supply your need. Look to Me, all who tremble in the wake of these tragedies, and I will uphold you. For I AM the Lord. I AM the Lord."
A little later on there was another word spoken.
"It will be kingdom against kingdom. It will be light against darkness...It will be My grace and glory against the counterfeit. A time of great frustration and tragedy; the battle will be visible to those with eyes that see.
You will prevail. I am your strength. You are part of a kingdom that cannot be shaken."
Jesus said, over and over to the churches in Revelation, "he that has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches." I believe He also intends (as Paul writes in 1 Thes. 5) for us who have "eyes to see, let them SEE what the Spirit is doing in the churches and around the world." It's time to watch very closely. It's time to pay very close attention to the things the Spirit is saying AND doing. It's time to nestle in close to Father's heart and be quick to respond to even the "smallest" desire He has. It will mean living or dying.
Living or dying? Jesus said, "the words I speak to you are spirit and they are life." If we hear and obey His words of life, they will cause life to prevail. If we don't hear or judge the words not worthy of our compliance (putting it as nice as I can) then dying will ultimately ensue. One cannot base the results of obedience or disobedience by the immediate consequences. Be not deceived; whatever a person sows, THAT shall they also reap.
Another word was given by the Lord about the middle of last week. It pertained specifically to the Valley Junction area. It was given in 2 parts. The first was short:
"Clear the woods, knock down the giants"
The second was this: "As it was in '93, so shall it be also in the coming months and year. The rains came and the rivers rose. The people prepared to resist by using sandbags to keep the waters from changing their lives, their city. They united as one to hold back the floods of heaven. But ultimately they could not keep their world unaffected. See, it shall be that way now. The water of heaven is rising, rising. People are doing all they can to keep their world unchanged. But it will be, that just as every shop (in the Valley Junction area) was flooded by the rains of heaven and the river that could not be contained, it shall be that every life in the Valley Junction area shall be affected. The river is rising. The river is rising. Don't be discouraged at the inactivity of the people, or the way it seems that people are preoccupied with their own world. This, too, will change. There will be many to minister My grace to. Many that will be hungry to know Me. Many that will forever be changed..."
"Strategy - hear Me, learn from Me, work with Me - trust Me to do what I said I'd do. It's time the rain fell - INCREASE - FLOOD PROPORTIONS - it's time."
The Lord has since opened up my understanding, to some degree, concerning the "woods" that need cleared and the "giants" that need knocked down. I'll share more as the Lord allows, some other time.
Brethren, as we see THE DAY approaching, let's get and stay focused to what the Lord is saying and doing. I believe He's looking for us to look to Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Amen!
Blessings,
Pastor Jan
Quite a bit happening lately. I figured it was time to write an update. I will start with a scripture from 1 Corinthians 14:3 - "But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men." I am going to share some prophetic words that have been spoken either at church, or they have been spoken concerning Valley Assembly over the last couple of weeks. I write these to share with you so that you will be edified, exhorted, or comforted. God is not a silent God. He also does not want us to walk in darkness. Psalm 119:130 says, "The entrance of Your Word gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." A Word spoken by the inspiration of the Lord helps us to hear what His plans and purposes are and to encourage us to get and stay on course. His "right now word" is also for exhortation; exhorting us to change our thinking at times so we don't miss what He's trying to accomplish in and through us. So, with all that said, please read the rest with a prayerful heart.
Sunday evening a week ago the Lord directed us to take some time to read scriptures out loud. He instructed us (He put it on my heart to tell the people) to read verses that express what they believe the Lord is saying to us at that particular time. One of the brethren wrote down the scripture references as the people shared. A lot of the verses had to do with comfort and trust in the Lord. Others had something to say about a shaking in the earth and a parting of the heavens. Later, as we were in worship the Lord spoke through the gift of tongues with interpretation. He said, "For there is yet a hope, My children, a hope reserved for My people, a hope reserved for those who are called by My name. For the ocean will rise and the earth will tremble, but those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High will remain unmoved. As the day of great despair comes, do not be afraid. I have not left you orphans.
You are not without hope.
You are not without comfort.
You are not without weapons of warfare.
You are not without supply.
I AM the Almighty God and I will supply your need. Look to Me, all who tremble in the wake of these tragedies, and I will uphold you. For I AM the Lord. I AM the Lord."
A little later on there was another word spoken.
"It will be kingdom against kingdom. It will be light against darkness...It will be My grace and glory against the counterfeit. A time of great frustration and tragedy; the battle will be visible to those with eyes that see.
You will prevail. I am your strength. You are part of a kingdom that cannot be shaken."
Jesus said, over and over to the churches in Revelation, "he that has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches." I believe He also intends (as Paul writes in 1 Thes. 5) for us who have "eyes to see, let them SEE what the Spirit is doing in the churches and around the world." It's time to watch very closely. It's time to pay very close attention to the things the Spirit is saying AND doing. It's time to nestle in close to Father's heart and be quick to respond to even the "smallest" desire He has. It will mean living or dying.
Living or dying? Jesus said, "the words I speak to you are spirit and they are life." If we hear and obey His words of life, they will cause life to prevail. If we don't hear or judge the words not worthy of our compliance (putting it as nice as I can) then dying will ultimately ensue. One cannot base the results of obedience or disobedience by the immediate consequences. Be not deceived; whatever a person sows, THAT shall they also reap.
Another word was given by the Lord about the middle of last week. It pertained specifically to the Valley Junction area. It was given in 2 parts. The first was short:
"Clear the woods, knock down the giants"
The second was this: "As it was in '93, so shall it be also in the coming months and year. The rains came and the rivers rose. The people prepared to resist by using sandbags to keep the waters from changing their lives, their city. They united as one to hold back the floods of heaven. But ultimately they could not keep their world unaffected. See, it shall be that way now. The water of heaven is rising, rising. People are doing all they can to keep their world unchanged. But it will be, that just as every shop (in the Valley Junction area) was flooded by the rains of heaven and the river that could not be contained, it shall be that every life in the Valley Junction area shall be affected. The river is rising. The river is rising. Don't be discouraged at the inactivity of the people, or the way it seems that people are preoccupied with their own world. This, too, will change. There will be many to minister My grace to. Many that will be hungry to know Me. Many that will forever be changed..."
"Strategy - hear Me, learn from Me, work with Me - trust Me to do what I said I'd do. It's time the rain fell - INCREASE - FLOOD PROPORTIONS - it's time."
The Lord has since opened up my understanding, to some degree, concerning the "woods" that need cleared and the "giants" that need knocked down. I'll share more as the Lord allows, some other time.
Brethren, as we see THE DAY approaching, let's get and stay focused to what the Lord is saying and doing. I believe He's looking for us to look to Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Amen!
Blessings,
Pastor Jan
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