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What privilege it is, to be a part of the remnant!

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:
2 Timothy 4:3-4 New James Version (NKJV)
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

Jeremiah 23:1-6 New James Version (NKJV)
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the LORD. Therefore, thus says the LORD God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,” says the LORD. “But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the LORD.

“Behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD,
“That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness;
A King shall reign and prosper,
And execute judgment and righteousness in the [c]earth.

In His days Judah will be saved,
And Israel will dwell safely;
Now this is His name by which He will be called:
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Reflection:
No physical church body is perfect. Instead it is a gathering of imperfect people striving for the prize.

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippines 3:13-14

We all approach our faith journey a little differently, but we all have the same Spirit within us bearing witness to what is truth.

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. – John 16:13

We are going on two months now of living in isolation from our physical church body. Although most have adjusted to the new streaming platforms like YouTube and Zoom, it at times, still feels disjointed considering the Word.

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:23-24

This Holy Ghost pause is to get the Church’s attention. Given our time back, how are individuals managing that time? Are the same things that we are pursuing and dominating our thoughts, still the same things we are thinking about now? In Revelations, John was taken up in the Spirit and the Lord revealed many things. During this pause I have been studying out the seven churches. One thing that has jumped out at me is how the Word repeated saying “Whoever has ear let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” and “him who overcomes”.

 Church of Ephesus – “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” – Revelations 2:7

Church of Smyrna – “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” – Revelations 2:11

 Church of Pergamos – “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” – Revelations 2:17

Church of Thyatira – And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations – ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron;
They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’ as I also have received from My Father; and I will give him the morning star. – Revelations 2:26-28

 Church of Sardis – He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” – Revelations 3:5-6

 Church of Philadelphia – He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” – Revelations 3:12-13

 Church of Laodicea – To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” – Revelations 3:21-22

I encourage you to do your own study of each church body. Each of them had something that they could be doing better or different, in the end only a few in each body would overcome and qualify to hear what the Spirit of the Lord had to say. It reminds me of the scripture:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ – Matthew 7:21-23

What an eternal tragedy to have gone through this life doing what is right and still have the Lord say that He does not know you! In our remaining time we have left, use it to hear what the Spirit is saying. What strongholds in your life have you been ignoring, what habits have been a stumbling block to your relationship with the Lord, without the excuse of being too busy there is no reason why you can’t and won’t be the remnant of the Lord after this season is over!

Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
Kenneth E. Hagin has been quoted as saying he tried to “live a fasted life”. This didn’t mean that he fasted every day from food, but fasted from things that may be taking his attention away from his relationship with the Lord.
o How has your priorities changed during this time?
o Has your intimacy with the Lord grown?
o What have you given up during this time that previously you could not?
o What are some of the things you have been hearing from the Spirit during this time? (Write it down and reference it often.)
o Which of the churches in Revelations, describes your relationship with the Lord right now? What are some adjustments that you need to make to overcome?

Remember Beloved, your sanctification walk is not a contest with others, but a race that you are running with the Holy Spirit as your conditioning coach. The ministry of Prayer Warriors Advance is to encourage and support you as much as we can while keeping you accountable as you apply the Word of God to your life. We are all in this together!

Do you have fresh faith or packaged perfection?

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:
John 1:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Reflection:
The success of any healthy lifestyle change begins with what you consume. A daily choice must be made between eating fresh products or substitute in packaged/preservative filled food. It is a lot more convenient to pick from a stack of take out menus than to cook something every night after a long day. And that is only one area of life! We are living in an age like never before…we are consuming things through our eye-gates and ear-gates at a faster rate of speed and sometimes going through a full range of emotions in the space of an hour. Our lives are so cluttered with activities, at times it feels like a check list rather than experiencing life.

It is in this place, even among Believers we hear these words uttered, “I don’t feel like I am Christian enough.” Have you heard someone say this or you have even said this yourself?

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. – Romans 8:1

So, what happened?

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. – Revelations 2:2-4

Anyone will tell you that they would prefer spending time with the one they love more than any gift in the world. That becomes even more bitter-sweet when a loved one has passed on into glory. God’s love for us has always been the same. He has never been looking for perfection. Jesus took care of that for us. Our Heavenly Father wants to spend time with us. He prepares fresh mana for us each day so that we can go out and win the lost to Christ and encourage our fellow prayer warriors in Him. With the Lord, it has never been about the presentation of one’s life, but the actual Word being lived out through our lives.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:14

When Jesus heard this, He said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need of a physician, but [only] those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners [who recognize their sin and humbly seek forgiveness].” Mark 2:17 (AMP)

Individually we can get so caught up with making our lives look perfect – air brushing our sins away – adding and re-moving individuals/situations that seem to make our picture seem messy and cluttered. That should not be our objective. It is when we get so caught up with playing the part of a Christian that we lose the true meaning and impact that the Lord would have us make in the hearts, minds, and lives of others. Packaged Christians don’t grow their harvest, but just maintain what they have. We see in the Gospel of Matthew what the servant with the one talent did:

“Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours. – Matthew 25:24-25

The Lord on the other hand wants to bless us abundantly.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
– Ephesians 3:20-21

I challenge all of us this year to dare to take off our concealers and become real with one another in Love (1 John 4:8) for betterment of the Kingdom. Your imperfections are the things that will draw people closer to Christ in your life, through your life. Whether it is a non-believer or a Believer that has fallen by the wayside. The less packaged Christianity there is out there, the more God’s anointing and glory can flow through each of us and the faster Jesus can come back to take us all into true glory! Beloved, do your part and actively chose fresh faith over packaged perfection!

Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
o Are there situations that you have not seen to completion because it didn’t fit into your personal agenda?
o Are there individuals that the Lord have placed in your heart that are too much at times to deal with? Do they disrupt your well-structured routine?
o Do you feel like you need to be in control of all things you in your life or your children’s life, and if something is not turning out the way you desire, do you either remove yourself from the situation too soon or stay to long?
o Do you lead a life of fresh faith or package perfection?

Don’t play limbo with the devil…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Genesis 3:1-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ”

Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Genesis 3:13-14 New King James Version (NKJV)

So the Lord God said to the serpent:

“Because you have done this,
You are cursed more than all cattle,
And more than every beast of the field;
On your belly you shall go,
And you shall eat dust
All the days of your life.

And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her Seed;
He shall bruise your head,
And you shall bruise His heel.”

Reflection:

Limbo is a fun game at backyard parties or on the deck of a cruise ships. The object is to bend and contort oneself in such way that clears the level set by the limbo stick.  The person that clears the stick at the lowest level is the winner.  Pause here Beloveds…to win the game, one must bend and contort themselves to the lowest level to win.  Did you know the game of limbo started in the garden of Eden?  The Lord said to Adam:

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” – Genesis 2:16-18

God set the standard (the bar or His expectation) for Adam. Adam in turn communicated that to Eve.  Yet when questioned, Eve modified God’s standard.

And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” – Genesis 2:2-3

The Lord spoke a Word and the devil questioned it, then Adam and Eve modified their view point and lowered their standard.

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. – Genesis 3:6

In response to serpent’s question, a seed (a thought was planted) activated Eve’s natural senses. Then using her natural senses, she negated the Word that was originally sown in her heart.  When the Lord held them accountable for their actions, that was the first time “the devil made me do it” excuse was made.

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. – James 1:13-17

As Believers, the Word of God is our standard. It is infallible and unchanging.  The Lord will speak to you via the Holy Spirit intimately about any and every situation we are in.  It is up to us after we have received that clear Word, not to have that modified by the thoughts and suggestions that come after.

The sower sows the word. And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. – Mark 2:14-15

By nature, we are all hard of hearing. Meaning simply, we get so focused on the task or situation in the natural, that we tend to forget the bigger picture.  The devil’s game of spiritual limbo attempts to slowly erode the plans that the Lord has for us.  He wasn’t identified as cunning from the beginning of time for nothing.  He studies our actions, learns our habits, and plays on our fears.  He is constantly adjusting his approach to gain access between what God has said and our actions.  All with one objective…to lower our spiritual and natural standards.  It is a very subtle downward transition.  We slowly become insensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirt, dull in our thoughts, words, and actions.  In some cases, we fall back asleep to the things of the Spirit. Wake up, Beloveds, the Bible wasn’t written for the non-believer, it was written for you and me, for our protection.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” – Psalm 91: 1-2

As we continue our sanctification journey with the Lord in this natural life, we must constantly evaluate our thoughts, our heart intents, and carnal desires. Making sure they always line up with the Word and making the Word be our intentional spiritual and natural actions.

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. – James 1:23-25

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Are you keeping in your mouth the original Word that God has sown into your heart for a certain situation or area in your life?
    • What daily things are you confessing and acting on to maintain that Word in your heart?
    • Meditate on: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • Are there certain situations or areas in your life that you have been playing limbo with the devil?
    • Have you been trying to make your circumstance fit into the Word or the Word fit into your circumstance?
    • Meditate on: James 1:5-8

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! – Psalm 34:8

A familiar face in the cloud…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Hebrews 12:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV)

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Reflection:

My Dad passed away last week. Similar to the transition to life – a birthing mother in immense pain followed by relief after her child is born – the reverse – a loved one passing on to glory is relief that your loved one is no longer suffering followed by the immense pain of the void that person’s absence has left in your life.  My heart knows without a shadow of a doubt that when our days end on this earth we will be going home to be with Jesus.

We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

– 2 Corinthians 5:8

In spite of my heart knowing this, it wasn’t until now I realized that my mind never really grasped it.

After moving around a lot as a child, I was a professional about leaving people behind. As an adult, the Lord has very much rooted me in one place.  From this vantage point the seasons of life still changed, but other people are the ones leaving my life.  I have had close friends in the Lord move away; while others drift away for other social spaces; and still others get offended and fall away from our fellowship.  My Dad’s passing was the first time that I had personally experienced the heartbreak of a heavenly transition.  Honestly, a little part of me was jealous because of all that there is in store for us in eternity, at the same time there is so much to do in this lifetime.

For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. – Philippians 1:23-26

In our foundational scripture it talks about a great cloud of witnesses. The Holy Spirit truly knows how to prepare one’s soul.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

A word like ‘witnesses’ becomes more personal when you are able to picture a person you have known and loved in that cloud. My Dad became one of those witnesses this past week.  Believe you me, I don’t ascribe to the belief that our loved ones are up in Heaven just watching our lives in real time.  However, I do believe that there are defining spiritual moments in all of our lives that this cloud of witnesses is watching God’s glory manifest itself through you and I here on earth.

In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. – Matthew 6:9-10

My Dad left a gap on this side of Heaven for myself and my family, but he also illuminated my mind to the truth – the truth that my heart already knew – the Kingdom of Heaven is a destination. I have never laid my eye upon Jesus, but I am excited when that time comes.  Until then, I must keep running my race and hoping that every now and again, there will be moments that will draw the great cloud of witnesses to see what the Lord has done in my life.  In that joy, I will celebrate the love I have for my Heavenly Father and remember my Dad as he is, radiant in the glory of the Lord.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What challenging situation are you facing today? God has a “app” for that – find a scripture(s) that speaks directly to that situation.
  • Meditate on them daily until revelation comes. Once your spirit is awakened to the truth continue renewing your mind so that can it also can be illuminated to the truth of God’s Word.
  • Remember, in all seasons give praise to the One that restores your soul.

What does victory really look like…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Matthew 16:24 New King James Version (NKJV)

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

John 19:30 New King James Version (NKJV)

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

Hebrews 12:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV)

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Reflection:

Since mid-last year, I have had an unexplainable excitement in my spirit. Something about 2019 would be different…God had something amazing planned. Like a child waiting for Christmas, I have been looking on the horizon ever since maintaining my child like awe that God can do anything He wills in the blink of an eye. Fast forward to today, the last few weeks and months has been very challenging. Unbearable so, for me personally and for individuals I have come along side in prayer concerning a specific season in their lives. The challenges haven’t shaken my faith in the Lord, however it has changed the way I look at victories.

Victory is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as: the overcoming of an enemy or antagonist; achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties. Trials are the victories that testimonies are made out of…yeah try to get your soul and mind around that one. Trials are the victories that testimonies are made out of!

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. but let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. – James 1:2-8

Trials are the substance that produces victories. So, if you are going to have any kind of victory, it is not going to seem in the moment as a victory. Victories are only victories seen in the rearview mirror of our lives. We must learn to appreciate the process of the trial, knowing a testimony will come from it.

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it – Matthew 7:13-14

It is easy to be content in captivity. Captivity meaning, safely insolating ourselves in the lives that we have built. As much as is within our control avoiding challenges and perceived hardship through compromises. “I know God said this, but…; God’s Word says that. but” Moving in the flesh will ensure that you stay in this kind of captivity and become ineffective for the Kingdom. Moving in the Spirit, requires you to step out of captivity. It requires that you get pressured and squeezed beyond natural comprehension and still maintain your peace.

We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you. – 2 Corinthians 4:8-12

As for me, the fight still rages in my mind, but my soul remains at peace. I actively choose daily to pick up my cross and follow Jesus into the unknown – the Author and Finisher of my faith. What does victory look like, Beloveds…it looks like hopelessness…it looks like defeat, but God… BUT GOD takes dead things and resurrects them for the good of His glory. If you are going through a challenging time in your life, double up on your worshiping time. In the shower…in the car…on the job…wherever and whenever you can. Saturate yourself in praise, because it is praise that will proceed the inevitable victory!

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Write down items that the Lord has clearly spoken to your heart.
  • Find a scriptural promise goes along with that spoken word. Write it down.
  • Meditate these things day and night until His joy comes. Remember the darker it gets the nearer your victory in the Lord is!

God is not human, that He should lie, not a human being, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? – Numbers 23:19

Purpose starts with prayer

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

1 Corinthians 2:9-16 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [[who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed].

Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man’s scrutiny].

For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man’s thoughts except the man’s own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God.

And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit].

But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.

But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].

For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart.

Reflection:

As far back as I can remember I have always strived to organize the chaos around me. My mom tells me all the time, as a child, how would I always walk around with a pencil, papers, and a clipboard. My husband tells me now, I am the most organized disorganized person he has ever met. It all comes from a good place but looking back it wasn’t always what I should have been doing at that time.

In my early years of walking with the Lord, He spoke two specific things into my heart – sign up for Bible correspondence school and that handsome young man that I had just met would be my husband. How exciting! I signed up for school and deeply enjoyed courtship with my soon-to-be husband. As the years flowed by, my need for organization kicked into full gear. Marriage and family became my top priority and school fell on the back burner. Despite initially responding to both items of what the Lord told me to do, I prioritized them my own way.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:8-11

I have learned that rushing towards the next thing, we miss out on the God thing. The Lord has blessed me tremendously, however, my past priorities in the natural has delayed the purpose that the Lord has put on my life. Praise God, it doesn’t matter how much time has gone by, if we repent, the Lord will redeem it and put us back on course. I am back in school now…would it have been easier prior to having kids…yes…but the richness of the application of what I am learning now is awe inspiring. The women that I am fellowshipping with and encouraging in this season of my life is so invigorating. If anything, the “delay” only is making for fire for the Lord in my belly that much hotter and my urgency for accomplishing my purpose that much immediate.

Remember Beloved, prayer unlocks priority which in turn reveals God’s purpose for your life. Faith is the currency of Heaven, but prayer is the exchange rate. Prayer is the beginning of purpose, but keeping your priorities synced up with the Holy Spirit will insure that you accomplish your purpose here on earth in His divine timing.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Think back to the things that the Lord have placed on your heart.
  • Write that list down.
  • Repent for going your own way.
  • Start praying and yield to the Holy Spirit as to the priority of that list.
  • Keep after it until the job is done.

His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ – Matthew 25:31

I am not religious…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Proverbs 18:24 New King James Version (NKJV)

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 

John 15:13 New King James Version (NKJV)

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Reflection:

I said it…I am not religious. The relationship that I have with the Creator of the universe cannot be summed up in a generic descriptor like religion. I have a relationship with God – my Heavenly Father; Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior; and the Holy Spirit my life counselor; cannot be contained in an adjective and just one word.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. – 1 Corinthians 2:9

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 – Romans 8:38-39 (AMPC)

The world views anyone that takes the time to go to church as religious. For them, it is just another pass time, like golf or jogging.  That is a broad and blind observation, but sadly how most people feel. A person once told me that she saw religion as “another form of therapy”. Gasp…I will leave that there…

Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. – Matthew 13:13 (AMPC)

Religious rituals and traditions are man’s additions to God’s Word. To know someone is to spend time with them.  Religion is void of intimacy between a person and God.  Instead, it is perceived as means to breed hypercritical behavior.  The devil has deceived many people into thinking that the Bible is a rule book instead of a love story.  Tony Boraz once preached that the Bible stood for Jesus’ “basic instructions before leaving earth.’  To add or take away anything from the Word would contaminate it.

You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. – Deuteronomy 4:2 (AMPC)

I [personally solemnly] warn everyone who listens to the statements of the prophecy [the predictions and the consolations and admonitions pertaining to them] in this book: If anyone shall add anything to them, God will add and lay upon him the plagues (the afflictions and the calamities) that are recorded and described in this book. And if anyone cancels or takes away from the statements of the book of this prophecy [these predictions relating to Christ’s kingdom and its speedy triumph, together with the consolations and admonitions or warnings pertaining to them], God will cancel and take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the city of holiness (purity and hallowedness), which are described and promised in this book.

 – Revelations 22:18-19(AMPC)

When Jesus came to earth, the hallmark of His ministry was relationships. His objective with his disciples were intimate and incremental changes to their souls through daily fellowship.  He didn’t want to totally get rid of what was there, but just to build up, in the Lord, their God given purpose.  A relationship with the Lord will prune off non-profitable behavior to allow for ones God given gifts to thrive.

Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me? – Hebrews 13:5-6 (AMPC)

Experiencing God requires that we go beyond our six senses; to our seventh and most important sense; spiritual enlightenment given to us by the Holy Spirit. Don’t be content with the label of religious.  Transform the minds of others through your personal relationship with Christ.  The fruit that you will bare will have these same people seeking you out to find out your secret.  Through your relationships with them, you will continue to live out God’s mission on this earth –

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. – 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • When someone calls you religious are you insulted? Why or why not?
  • It is all about souls, what people are you ministering through your actions? Look for opportunities to sow seeds (kind words and actions) and pray for their relationship of Christ’s love for them.

Stop drilling holes in your boat…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Hebrews 11:1 New King James Version (NKJV)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Romans 8:24-25 New King James Version (NKJV)

For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

Reflection:

We are our own worst enemies. Yup, you heard that right…we are our own worst enemy. The devil can do nothing to us, unless we allow him access.  The Bible is clear:

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. – Galatians 5:19-21

If we are cultivating any of these works in our hearts, we are exposing ourselves to the wiles of the enemy. Jesus told His disciples that we are going to the other side. He meant it literally and figuratively.  A lot happened in the middle of their boat trips – Jesus on water (Matthew 14:22-33) and rebuked the storm (Mark 4:35-41).

In both instances, Jesus commented on their faith. His disciples despite several miracle mile markers in His ministry, they chose not to believe His words, but default back to their religious roots – tangible and predictable rules and regulations (i.e. a Carnal Christian). Their lack of belief and application of the Jesus’ parables was like drilling holes in their personal faith vessels (personal ministries/testimonies).

A boat full of holes will not get us to our desired destination. Instead, we must take the time (prayer time) in the Lord to address these deficiencies. By cultivating and applying the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) in our lives, we not only sail from victory to victory, but the Lord can use our lives as a wonderful witness in the lost and dying world.  Determine in your heart that you will put down the manual drill of the flesh and pick up the spackle* of the Word today!

Beloved, remember without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).  We were all given a measure of faith (Romans 12:3).  You may think that you don’t have faith because you can’t feel it, but that is just it, faith can’t be felt, it can only be known.

*If you are wondering what a is spackle, it is a tool used to smooth out a building material (ie. putty, cement, etc)

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Are there holes in your faith vessel? What are they?
  • What fruits of the flesh are your cultivating in that situation? What fruit of the Spirit can you replace that with?

 

 

Every confession is an act of war…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Luke 22:41-44 New King James Version (NKJV)

And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Hebrews 5:6-10 New King James Version (NKJV)

As He also says in another place: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek”; who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Reflection:

The two hardest things you will ever do in this life is starting and finishing. Jesus did both.

The start…

Jesus gave up His kingly garments(linen) and came into this world as a babe wrapped in swaddling clothing. Amid a decree from Herod to slaughter all the male children that according to prophecy would become the King of the Jews. Only to put down His earthly garb and don again in linen in the tomb.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. – Matthew 2:1-3

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. – Matthew 2:16

The process…

This past week…Holy week, I saturated myself in the Word of God. I combed through the gospels, comparing and contrasting, each account. In our foundational scriptures, we see Jesus the Man struggle with a choice that would reverberate throughout eternity. He chose to submit His will to the Father’s ultimate purpose. As before, prior to entering the garden, He continued to confess the victory of His resurrection long before it happened in the natural.

It always amazes me when I think the same crowd that said “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” (John 12:12-14), by the end of the week was demanding “Crucify Him”.

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified. Matthew 27:20-26

Barabbas probably broke all the ten of God’s commandments, but the Father still sent His Son to take his place. And look what the people said about Jesus after Pilot washed his hands of the situation, “His Blood be on us and on our children.” Praise God! Thank you God for the Blood! It covers any and everything we have and will ever do. The confession by the Jewish people that put in motion God’s ultimate plan in place for redemption.

There is a lot of moments like that can be gleaned from studying the days prior to the crucifixion. I could literally talk for days about the revelations that have jumped out at me over the years. Instead, I will just focus on three statements that Jesus said during those days.

  • “I am He”

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” 5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth. ”Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. – John 18:4-6

After submitting to His will to the Father, Jesus confessed Who He was in God. Three words knocked over the men that came to arrest Him. The restraint He must have had to harness and control that power was remarkable. Not only did He heal the ear of the solider that Peter recklessly cut off, but I think those same words caused a man to be raised from the dead.

Now a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of him, and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked. – Mark 14:51-52

  • “Forgive them”

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. – Luke 23:34

After being abandoned by all of His followers and experiencing all of the injustices done to Him in the flesh, He remained centered in the Spirit. Despite all of these earthly violations He for gave. Praise God! Thank you God for the Blood! It covers any and everything that has been or will ever be done to us.

  • “It is finished”

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. – John 19:30 

Jesus confessed His resurrection from the other side of the tomb! Echoing the faith of a man – Abraham had when he said that he would return with Isaac. The power in those words were so impactful that there was a preview of the end of times.

Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. – Matthew 27:51-53

The finish…

And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. – Revelations 19:14

Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father ruling and reigning forever according to the order of Melchizedek. He is just as excited as we are waiting for that trumpet to sound signaling His return. The Author and Finisher of our faith. Till then we pray and apply the Word of God to the harvest fields that the Lord has entrusted to us.

Every confession you make in line with the Word of God over your life is an act of war in the spiritual realm. Each conscious decision to ignore what you are seeing or feeling that is contrary to what the Lord has spoken to your heart, is an offensive stance. The devil wants, we as Believers to think we are playing on defense. The day that Jesus rose from the grave was the day that the children of God stopped playing defense and started playing offense.

Renew your mind daily to the truth that the battle has already been won. Wherever you are on your sanctification walk (your process), praise God that you have started and continue to pray that you will finish up strong!

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:4-6 (NIV)

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What things have the Lord told you to do that you are not actively pursuing now? Why?
  • Course correct (aka repent) and start today taking steps back to that place and pick up what you have allowed the enemy to let go of through deception.

Praise the Lord! Remember Beloveds, praise always precedes victory.

Half-washed. . .

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Psalm 51:1-3 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to the multitude of Your tender mercy and loving-kindness blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly [and repeatedly] from my iniquity and guilt and cleanse me and make me wholly pure from my sin! For I am conscious of my transgressions and I acknowledge them; my sin is ever before me.

Psalm 73:12-14 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

Behold, these are the ungodly, who always prosper and are at ease in the world; they increase in riches.  Surely then in vain have I cleansed my heart and washed my hands in innocency.  For all the day long have I been smitten and plagued, and chastened every morning.

Reflection:

As it gets nicer outside, smells become more prevalent, good and bad. I love taking a deep breath of freshly cut flowers. At the same time, I can’t stand an unidentified smell from an unclear source. The latter disturbs my peace and sends me on a hunt to extricate the assault on my nostrils. Can you relate?

The same is true, as we become more diligent concerning to the things of God. The way we conduct ourselves gives off an “aroma”, good and bad. Once we have committed ourselves to Christ, we become living epistles unto the Lord. We can smell like a flower bed of roses or a stinky sock at the bottom of a hamper. It is a daily choice and a lifetime obligation. The Lord promises to wash and cleanse us, when we come to Him with a repenting heart.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

 – Psalm 103:12(NKJV)

However, sometimes we don’t want to be cleansed from certain fleshly comforts (i.e. someone that has deeply hurt us) and believe we can bury it enough that others (other Believers) won’t notice. Wrong… The Bible says:

Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17(NKJV)

A part of our obligation to the Lord is to stay humble and advise our brothers and sisters in the Lord in love. The key is that all things are done in love.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. – 1 Corinthians 13:1

The only way are we going to be better warriors for the Kingdom of God is to call each other out, when things don’t “smell” right. That could be the words that are coming out of your mouth when you are talking about a challenging situation or a pattern of behavior you maybe repeating – trying to put off a decision that needs to be made. Sin comes in many forms. I must remind myself often that the Bible was written for the Believer, not to condemn, but the protect us. In my mind’s eye, I always thought when the Bible mentioned fools it was talking about the non-believer. It wasn’t until it came to me, what would a non-believer be doing studying the Bible. God is calling us fools, when we have miss the mark(sin)..ouch. Sometimes the truth hurts, but done as the Lord leads, will yield harvest and huge blessing in your life and the lives of others around you.

So, in our second foundation scriptures, when the Word calls out the ungodly, He is calling out the ungodly/fleshly behavior of the Saints…insert shock emoji! We have brothers and sisters in the Lord that don’t seem to be taking seriously the awesome responsibility of carrying our own crosses.

Then He(Jesus) said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross [daily, and follow Me. – Luke 9:23

These individuals’ lives seem to be perfect, while we silently struggle with our spiritual short comings. The Bible says that we will know them by their fruit (Matthew7:15-20). If their lives, seem “insolated” as it relates to their blessing, more than likely they are short cutting the potential of God’s harvest through their hands. This is one example of many of half-washed Saints. To the other extreme, are the individuals that do things to get acknowledged.

“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the [hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. – Matthew 6:16-18

In his book, How to Deal with the Cares of this Life, Charles Cowan states: “Whatever is ungodly, or unlike God, is carnal.” Again, ouch! The Lord promises to wash us as white as snow, but we have a part to play in that process. Are we going to allow, Him full access in all things and in all areas or are we going to walk around half-washed?

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Be honest with yourself, are their areas in your life that are half-washed.
    • List those areas.
    • Reflect on the reason(s) for each item.
  • As the Lord leads, find yourself an accountability partner – one that can keep it real (in love).
  • Revisit your list often and watch that list whittled away under the power of the Lord.