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You are not your brother’s keeper; the Holy Spirit is…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

John 21:15-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”

And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

John 21:20-22 New King James Version (NKJV)

Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

Reflection:

Looking back on my life the one thing that has been constant besides my love for the Lord, was the heart to serve. If there was an issue, I have always felt compelled to figure out how to solve it.  Now this can be a positive and negative “super hero” skill.   On the one hand you can help others going through a difficult season, get back on track; however, at the same time it can become a distraction and may cause you to get off track with the Lord as it relates to your own assignment.

Often, I have cried out to the Lord for loved ones, passed along wisdom given to me by the Him, only to have them to go down the same path. Every once and a while I especially sense a grieving in my spirit. Although it is disappointing, I am never completely discouraged. It is in these moments, I press further into the Holy Spirt…He knows a thing or two about being grieved.

 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

 – Ephesians 4:29-30

The last time this happened, I heard Him very clearly say “You are not your brother’s keeper.” He gently reminded me that I delivered wisdom on behalf of the Lord and that person chose not to hear it and as a result, I had become too emotionally tied to the situation.

It may be hard to comprehend, but the Fruit of the Spirit has nothing to do with the soulish realm – one’s mind, will, and emotions. This kind of fruit is planted by the Holy Spirt to be nurtured and multiplied in your heart (in your spirit) for the Kingdom of God.  For example, peace is not something that is felt per say, as it is something that your spirit experiences through a manifestation of the Lord (Philippians 4:7).  The same is true with love, it is not a feeling, but a person – God is love (1 John 4:8 and 4:16).  If at any point the peace or love that you experience turns into an extreme emotional response, such as drama or anguish check to see if you have not drifted off into a soulish place.  The truth is that not everyone is ready to hear the truth at the time it is given with Godly direction.

I love the disciple Peter, for the simple truths he provided through the examples of his dramatic and emotional statements while he walked alongside the Lord. One that is memorable is Peter’s response to Jesus revealing His assignment:

But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!” Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” – Matthew 16:22-23

Peter later vowed that he would not be offended in the King James Version of the Bible:

Peter answered and said unto Him, though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. – Matthew 26:33-35

If you look at these same scriptures in different versions offended is swapped out for “stumble” (NKJV), “fall away” (NIV), or “desert you” (NLT)… all vows that we have made ourselves at some point during our sanctification walk. The only thing is that we only have control over ourselves and our relationship with the Lord.

Convictions (soul-sourced – Peter) can be challenged and ultimately can be a cause of distraction, but an assignment (heart-sourced – Jesus) is a process of evolution that cannot be derailed.   In this context, a conviction is an emotion where as an assignment is an order.  We must be careful that our responses to things beyond what has been revealed to us by the Holy Spirit are not one of emotion or conviction but one of sound wisdom from the Lord.  This will ensure that your steps and conversations are ordered by the Lord and everything else outside of this is fully in the Lord’s court.

Now, go back and read through our foundational scriptures. Our beloved Peter is commanded to “Feed the Lambs” then “Tend the Sheep” then “Feed the Sheep”.  Slight word changes should be picked up on and meditated on – lambs once and sheep from there after.  We as Believers are given the great commission of going out there and winning the loss, but at the same time we are to encourage and advise with Godly direction our brothers and sisters in Christ.  This will require that we go back and forth between feeding and tending, but the ultimate care and wellbeing of all the lambs/sheep are the Lord’s.  So, don’t get caught up again like Perter did at the end of the chapter observing a fellow saint’s lack of progress in a certain area – John 21:20-22 – instead follow Jesus and continue to feed and tend…feed and tend…feed and tend…

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Do you have a family member or friend that just grieves your heart?
  • Are you overly emotional – good or bad – when interacting with this person?
  • If that person belongs to the Lord, ask the Holy Spirit if you need to change your “feeding” or “tending” techniques.

 

 

When your shorts give you a wedgie…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

2 Corinthians 5:17 New King James Version (NKJV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Romans 12:2 King James Version (KJV)

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Matthew 9:16-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse. Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.

Reflection:

It is that time of year again…it is like a bomb went off in my bedroom…sigh. The dreaded season shifting process.  Honestly, I don’t know why sometimes I take the time to save things for the kiddos when half the time the kids, apart from our youngest (hand-me-downs are great!), outgrown half their stuff. Don’t get me wrong, I am prepared with some items like shirts, but shorts…I don’t know why I don’t think to buy larger sets at the end of the season in preparation for the next warm season and avoid the mad scramble at the first hot stretch of warm weather.  Thankfully this attempted preparation is not futile because I am able to sow some clothes in season to others which is a big blessing because apparently, I am not the only one that really dreads shopping

In the Spirit, season changing can be just as frustrating. The Bible says to renew our minds daily, if we do this diligently more often than not our spiritual “shorts” may give us a wedgie when things get hot and we approach situations with old tactics.  It is not until we apply new tactics that our “shorts” fit and we can move through that season with ease and comfort in the Lord.

There are things and situations that are meant to carryover between season changes in your life. While others must be purged as testimonies to make room for the new things/people that the Lord wants to bring in.  It is hard letting go of some things or some people that we have out grown spiritually, but to keep them in your spiritual “wardrobe” would only limit your momentum forward.  Trust me, short-shorts are not a one size fits all item.  Do yourself a favor and get yourself some new shorts (deeper things of God) and give away your old shorts (testimonies).

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. – Hebrews 5:12-134

  • In your current season of life, are you pouring new wine into old wine skins?
  • Are there certain situations in your life that are stuck? Certain unproductive cycles?
  • Ask the Holy Spirit if it is time you changed something to fit your new season.

 

Are you skating in the right direction?

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Romans 7:14-25 New Living Translation (NLT)

So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.

Ephesians 4:21-24 New Living Translation (NLT)

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Reflection:

At the center of every failure is human expectation. We expect for a person to act a certain way because it is the way you would act or react.  As a result, that person fails to fulfill whatever expectation that you were looking to receive from them (i.e. love, respect, honesty…etc.).  The only fact in life is that we all follow patterns.  That is why it is so easy to point out faults in one another.  The Bible says in Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  If we are in Christ, we are also the same in a spiritual sense the same yesterday, today, and forever.  The major difference is that we have our flesh to contend with here on earth.  Loving the Lord is the easy part, but submitting your flesh to your calling is a daily struggle.  This struggle begins in the mind and then eventually descends into your heart – good or bad.

My kiddos love going skating, I know it is throwback activity, but it is a great way for them to let out some energy. We have two roller skating rinks in our area – one of which plays Christian music on Thursday nights…score…but I digress…  The best way I can think to describe the struggle in the mind is that it is like changing directions at a roller rink.  For example, let’s say each person skating represents a thought/decision in your life.  The Lord calls to your spirit for you to change directions, most of your thoughts/decisions respond to the Call and start moving in a different direction, however a few habits/areas continue to flow in the original direction.  These few areas can cause confusion, resulting in things being knocked down, hurt or completely sidelined in your life. Now imagine another bus load of “people” coming to the same rink…this bus representing another individual’s thoughts/decisions.  Now there are more factors/obstacles to consider when the Call of God goes out to your heart and the direction is changed again.  This is where individuals get in trouble.

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. – Matthew 7:3-5

We tend to apply God’s Word (i.e. the “plank” in our eye) to others differently than we do ourselves, why, because of our sinful nature that still exists in our earthly being – our scriptural foundation describes this internal struggle. We all know the golden rule – do unto others as you would have done unto you.  You know God was the original Author of that, right?

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. – Matthew 7:12

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. – Luke 6:31

The bottom line is every failure/disappointment you are facing in your life is not due to the Lord not being enough, but because you have misplaced your expectation in someone or something else. Once you start striving again to move in the same direction that the Lord is leading you, individually, He can work on all the other “planks” in your eyes. Now once you can “see” clearer you may realize the issues that you were having in one or two areas in your life have cleared up due to your obedience.  The Lord is the Author and Finisher of all our faiths…He is the only One, through the help of the Holy Spirit, in each Believer that is going to bring peace to any strife-filled relationship/situation you are facing today.  God is not expecting perfection out of us, but He is expecting active obedience when it comes to getting our fleshly nature under control His control.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

  • List our all your stressful and/or strife-filled areas in your life
  • For each item, write down what would make this situation less stressful or less strife-filled.
      • Does those “solutions” require someone else to change?
      • What if that person/situation never changes? Can you live at peace without compromising who you are in Christ?
  • Present this list to the Holy Spirit, ask Him to direct your steps in the direction of peace.
      • For some, the realization may come that you are the source of your own strife and the Lord needs you to stay on the potter’s wheel a little while longer.
      • For others, it may be stepping back until the Lord is done working on that person – without your help.
      • For still others, it may mean letting go completely of certain people/things.

 

What are you doing with your talents?

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Matthew 25:13-30 New King James (NKJV)

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.  And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.  But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’  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.’  He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’  His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

“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.’

“But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Reflection:

The parable of the talents can be meditated on from a couple different perspectives. The obvious one is that of monetary stewardship.  One talent of gold equates to 455kgs. I looked it up and by today’s standards 1 kg of gold is worth approximately $43,371.35. So, looking above at the minimal investment the wealthy man made with a servant was 1 talent or $19, 733,964.20.

Selah, Saints…the rich man gave that servant by present day standards 19 MILLION+ dollars and that servant buried it! What would you do in that sort of situation? The fact that he didn’t spend it at all was remarkable. However, what was a lot more staggering, was the other two servants doubling the resources entrusted by their master…do the math.

Don’t get me wrong, that literal interpretation of this parable is amazing, but I would like to delve deeper from a different perspective that the Lord revealed to me of the late. Consider a talent to be a community of individuals (i.e. family, extended family, church family, friends, co-workers, and any other social network).  Depending on the community, there are set amount of souls that are entrusted to us by the Lord.  To be a Christian is to be Christ-like, look at the following two scriptures. 

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” –   John 10:27-30   

“A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.  He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:19-21

Jesus said in John 10 that no one will snatch out of His hand the individuals that the Father had entrusted to Him. If Jesus is in the Father and then Jesus is in us, then the same goes for the people in our lives. What if the “talents” for each of the servants in the parable represented an interactions with souls that the Lord brought across their paths in their lifetimes?  The first two servants used the people that the Father brought to them to impact others and multiplied the return of souls for the Kingdom. While the last servant didn’t nurture and/or grew any of the relationships that was given to him, hence returning to the Lord souls in the same condition as when the Lord gave him the task of watching them. Saints, interactions we have with others can have ripple effects in one’s immediate circle of influence that then radiates out further than we will ever know…from now into eternity.

Remember Beloved, faith is expensive, but souls are priceless. If you invest your interactions (talents) with the people that the Lord has specifically placed in your life – short term and long term – that time sown in obedience concerning them will yield a harvest for the Kingdom.

Prayer is the currency of Heaven and praise is the exchange rate here on earth. Our goal as Believers is to make an impact for Christ with every interaction that we have.

So, what will be your return unto the Master?

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What talents has the Lord placed in your life? / What communities are you a part of? (i.e. family, extended family, church family, friends, co-workers, and any other social network)
  • How are you impacting that community of individuals for the Lord?
  • Moving forward, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as to where to invest your interactions with individuals to reap the maximum eternal return.

Are you spotless?

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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].

John 13:9-11 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

Simon Peter said to Him, Lord, [wash] not only my feet, but my hands and my head too! Jesus said to him, anyone who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is clean all over. And you [My disciples] are clean, but not all of you.  For He knew who was going to betray Him; that was the reason He said, not all of you are clean.

John 4:23-24 New Living Translation (NLT)

But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

Reflection:

Lately my children’s favorite program has been Keep-it-Spotless.  It is a game show that has two sets of friends competing for a grand prize.  The goal is to go through several obstacles with paint coming from all different directions and try and keep as spotless as possible.  The team that has the highest percentage of “spotlessness” goes to the final round where they can win a cash prize.  Again, the cleaner they are at the end of the challenge the more money they receive at the conclusion of the show.

When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, spiritually speaking we receive our first “bath” in the Spirit. From then on, we have a personal responsibility to keep our spirits pure – That He (Jesus) might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless] (Ephesians 5:26:27).  The Holy Spirit gave me a precious visual for the continuing sanctification process:  Lather, Bathe, Rinse – Repeat…

Lather = Prayer

Definition for Lather – A frothy white mass of bubbles produced by soap.

Bathe = Praise

Definition for Bathe – Wash by immersing one’s body in water.

Rinse = Worship

Definition for Rinse – Wash (something) with clean water to remove soap, detergent, dirt, or impurities.

Let’s start with prayer. The act of prayer…asking the Lord for guidance or asking Him to fulfill a need…starts the suds phase.  In our day-to-day interactions, we come in contact with things that may sullen our countenance, it is through prayer the cleaning process is started.

Once we are all prayed up we need to maintain a spirit of expectancy through the power of praise. There is something about turning our eyes off of self and praising the King of kings and Lord of lords…it is like drinking a refreshing cup of water. 

“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”– John 4:11-14

Praising begins to wash away doubt and unbelief, making way for the Anointing and the Blessing.

Finally worship, true worship, celebrates the Lord with every fiber of your being.  The only way I can describe it is a joy so full, your body can’t contain it.  Nothing can compare to the fulness of joy – a radiant grow – a warm and secure feeling.  People may say it is like an out of body experience without leaving your body.  Still others may go so far as to say for a brief moment in time they feel invincible filled with the Lord’s presence.  This space, this devoted time of worship, is where everything is washed away completely, and you are spotless once again before the Lord.

Lather, Bathe, Rinse…as Believers, we can choose to end this edification cycle at any point. However, rarely getting to the end of this “wash” cycle will leave our hearts feeling inadequate and weary in our walk with the Lord.  Do yourself a favor and give yourself a “bath” as often as you can.  Not only will your spirit fell lighter, the sweet scent of the Anointing coming from you will attract those around you to the Lord and isn’t that why we are here?

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What does your lather phase look like?
  • What does your bathe phase look like?
  • What does your rinse phase look like?
  • Do you allow for the full “bath” cycle to complete in every area of your life?
  • Has the Holy Spirit revealed to you where you have may be habitually stop the process and/or cycle?
  • Determine in yourself to be an individual without spot or wrinkle…because the Holy Spirit is in us…we are the church.

In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.  – Romans 12:4-6 The Message (MSG)

If you follow the Holy Spirit, there will be a pop quiz…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Luke 4:1-13 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

Then Jesus, full of and controlled by the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led in [by] the [Holy] Spirit for (during) forty days in the wilderness (desert), where He was tempted (tried, tested exceedingly) by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they were completed, He was hungry.

Then the devil said to Him, If You are the Son of God, order this stone to turn into a loaf [of bread]. And Jesus replied to him, it is written*, Man shall not live and be sustained by (on) bread alone but by every word and expression of God.

*[A physical temptation scenario]

Then the devil took Him up to a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the habitable world in a moment of time [in the twinkling of an eye]. And he said to Him, To You I will give all this power and authority and their glory (all their magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, and grace), for it has been turned over to me, and I give it to whomever I will. Therefore, if You will do homage to and worship me [just once], it shall all be Yours.

And Jesus replied to him, Get behind Me, Satan! It is written**, you shall do homage to and worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.

**[An idol temptation scenario]

Then he took Him to Jerusalem and set Him on a gable of the temple, and said to Him, If You are the Son of God, cast Yourself down from here; for it is written, He will give His angels charge over you to guard and watch over you closely and carefully; and on their hands, they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. And Jesus replied to him, [The Scripture] says***, you shall not tempt (try, test exceedingly) the Lord your God.

***[A prideful temptation scenario]

And when the devil had ended every [the complete cycle of] temptation, he [temporarily] left Him [that is, stood off from Him] until another more opportune and favorable time.

Reflection:

When I was in school I use to dislike pop quizzes. For a person like myself that wanted to be prepared for every test, pop quizzes left me feeling ill-equipped.  I never really missed class or had any outstanding homework, but the simple fact that I didn’t know the date and the time that my knowledge was going to be tested, I always felt that was unfair and not a true representation of my knowledge. What is wrong with that thought process, Saints?

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

When Jesus was lead into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit, the devil harassed Him for forty days (V2), but didn’t come to speak with Jesus until He was depleted of all human resistance. Isn’t that just like a coward?  Then and only then, did the Lord allow the devil to administer a “pop quiz”.

First the enemy of our souls, suggested a physical temptation scenario.  Physical temptations can take the form of an immediate and present threat to your physical life or your loved ones; a threat to your livelihood; and/or a threat to your generational inheritance. Next the devil suggested an idol temptation scenario.  Idol temptations can take the form of people and/or things that we place in a more important position in our hearts than the Lord – good or bad intentions, it is an indication our priorities are out of whack.  The final scenario was a prideful temptation.  The devil uses “it is written”, an indication that he was acknowledging Jesus’s knowledge of the Word.  However, knowledge of the Word is not enough to overcome this temptation, it is only by abiding with the Lord habitually that we can all respond like Jesus did in wisdom and in truth.  Prideful temptations come only when we as Saints believe that we have arrived in our walk with God.  Doesn’t the Bible explicitly say – the pride comes before the fall (Proverbs 16:18)?   One’s over confidence in the things of the Spirit is an indication that there are still some blind spots in your spiritual sight lines (Romans 11:25).        

As Believers, we are not only preparing in prayer for the known, but we also should be preparing for the unknown. As we praise, we are not praising for only the current difficult circumstances, but for the unknown manifestations of grace that are about to break forth on the horizon.  Staying in a perpetual state of readiness is what is going to aid you through the storms of life, because let’s face it, storms don’t give us any warning and at times, can be relentless.  It is in these times, we must have the Word sown so deep within us, fully persuaded in truth, that the waves/circumstances around us must lay down and be muzzled.

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. ~ Philippians 3:13-14

Jesus said it Himself that there will be trials and tribulations, but He has overcome the world for us (John 16:33).  The word “world” in this scripture, doesn’t really leave anything left for you to do, but to praise Him for what He has already done.

Don’t ever be discouraged in your wilderness season; don’t be dismayed when the Lord allows for a test to be administered; and certainly, don’t look around at your circumstances as nothing more than a temporal landscape. You are being tested because what you “know” is being challenged to make room for more of what you have yet to know.  Embrace each obstacle through praise and worship and watch the devil flee every single time!    

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Think back to a wilderness season in your life. What were the challenges that you faced (i.e. physical, mental, etc.)?
  • What series of events lead you into that isolated place with the Holy Spirit?
  • What series of events lead you out of that isolated place with the Holy Spirit?
  • What is your testimony having gone through that storm?
  • How has that season prepared you for your current season?

Beloved, when you get tempted to quit in your wilderness…think back to your lowest valley prior to this…be grateful that you are not there, but here and that you know that the Lord is working on moving you from here to another victory … very soon your “here” will be a distant memory just like your “there”…just hold on and keep looking up and out to the Lord.

A Stiff Neck Leads to a Hardened Heart…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Deuteronomy 9:5-7 New King James (NKJV)

It is not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart that you go in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord your God drives them out from before you, and that He may fulfill the word which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Therefore, understand that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stiff-necked people.

“Remember! Do not forget how you provoked the Lord your God to wrath in the wilderness. From the day that you departed from the land of Egypt until you came to this place, you have been rebellious against the Lord.

Jeremiah 7:25-27 New Living Translation (NLT)

From the day your ancestors left Egypt until now, I have continued to send my servants, the prophets—day in and day out. But my people have not listened to me or even tried to hear. They have been stubborn and sinful—even worse than their ancestors.

“Tell them all this, but do not expect them to listen. Shout out your warnings, but do not expect them to respond.

Reflection:

It doesn’t happen often, but when it does it usually last for a few days – a stiff neck. There is no warning, you just fall asleep and the next thing you know you wake up and even the simple things become a challenge.  Not being able to turn your neck one way or another becomes a nagging reminder of a restful state becoming a restless state for most of your wakeful hours.

As you know, everything in the natural realm can be applied to the spiritual realm. The Bible speaks often about being vigilant in prayer.  Once awakened to the things of the Spirit through salvation, it is our assignment to keep ourselves awake and alert at our post.  Sometimes despite our best efforts, Believers do become weary and do fall back asleep to the things of the Spirit.  Drawing back from daily fellowship with the Lord and forsaking the assembly of the Saints can cause an induvial to fall back asleep. Then when one is “re-awakened” by the things of the Spirit through Godly relationships, at times, this person may be stiff-necked to receive the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Mark 8:33 – But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Stiff-necks come and go along our sanctification walk, we must make sure our hearts don’t become hardened in the process, because this will have a long-term effect. Just think about it, if the men that walked alongside Jesus missed it – why do we think that we as Believers won’t?

Mark 6:52 – For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.

Later on Jesus calls them out on it…

Mark 8:17 – But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened?

You should also pay attention to the same exact scripture that shows up in both the old and the new Testaments:

Old

Psalm 95:8 – “Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, As in the day of trial in the wilderness,…

New

Hebrews 3:8 – Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness,…

Across the ages the Lord has been communicating via His Word the same message to the world. We are all His vessels. It is our assignment to preserve this Word in its purest form in our hearts and pour it out upon the individuals around us. At any given time, what are you carrying out into the world? How do you show reverence onto the Lord?

Job 9:4 – God is wise in heart and mighty in strength. Who has hardened himself against Him and prospered?

Proverbs 28:14 – Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

Each morning is a new day, we should always hold on to our testimonies, but at the same time these testimonies rehearsed to yourself or the same group of people is not spreading the Good News of Christ to the world. If anything, this rehearsal is like a reoccurring stiff neck and a good indication that the same convictions that you once had, don’t convict you anymore.  And if a Believer has gotten to the point that they can’t tell the difference between the devil condemning and the Spirit convicting…that is a good indication that person has a hardened heart.

Hebrews 3:15 – …while it is said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

Again, when things are repeated in the same Book multiple times it is something for self-refection.

Hebrews 4:7 – …again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.” 

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

If the Word is hidden from the foolish, how much more is it hidden from the ones that know better, but choose to be stiff-necked (stubborn) to the things of the Spirit.

  • Are there areas of your life that seem to be perpetually stagnant? Ask the Lord to reveal to you if you are being stiff-necked about something or worst if you have become desensitized to the things of the Spirit and your heart is hardened in certain areas.

Beloved, it is only through a constant fellowship with the Holy Spirit; honest self-reflection; and the exhortation of a home church, that you will remain awake and effective for the Kingdom of God.

The Parable of the Martyr Son…the Untold Story

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Luke 15:11-32 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

11 And He said, there was a certain man who had two sons;

12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the part of the property that falls [to me]. And he divided the estate between them.

13 And not many days after that, the younger son gathered up all that he had and journeyed into a distant country, and there he wasted his fortune in reckless and loose [from restraint] living.

14 And when he had spent all he had, a mighty famine came upon that country, and he began to fall behind and be in want.

15 So he went and forced (glued) himself upon one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed hogs.

16 And he would gladly have fed on and filled his belly with the carob pods that the hogs were eating, but [they could not satisfy his hunger and] nobody gave him anything [better].

17 Then when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have enough food, and [even food] to spare, but I am perishing (dying) here of hunger!

18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.

19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; [just] make me like one of your hired servants.

20 So he got up and came to his [own] father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity and tenderness [for him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [fervently].

21 And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son [I no longer deserve to be recognized as a son of yours]!

22 But the father said to his bond servants, bring quickly the best robe (the festive robe of honor) and put it on him; and give him a ring for his hand and sandals for his feet.

23 And bring out that [wheat-] fattened calf and kill it; and let us revel and feast and be happy and make merry,

24 Because this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! And they began to revel and feast and make merry.

25 But his older son was in the field; and as he returned and came near the house, he heard music and dancing.

26 And having called one of the servant [boys] to him, he began to ask what this meant.

27 And he said to him, Your brother has come, and your father has killed that [wheat-] fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and well.

28 But [the elder brother] was angry [with deep-seated wrath] and resolved not to go in. Then his father came out and began to plead with him,

29 But he answered his father, Look! These many years I have served you, and I have never disobeyed your command. Yet you never gave me [so much as] a [little] kid, that I might revel and feast and be happy and make merry with my friends;

30 But when this son of yours arrived, who has devoured your estate with immoral women, you have killed for him that [wheat-] fattened calf!

31 And the father said to him, Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.

32 But it was fitting to make merry, to revel and feast and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!

Reflection:

We all know the story of the prodigal son, but have you ever stopped to meditate on the other son. The prodigal son thought that the world had more to offer than his father, whereas the son that stayed with the father had it all and took it for granted.  Let’s call the other son, the martyr son.  This son stayed by his father’s side, worked tirelessly in his fields, and never caused his father any grief; but, instead of being happy with his position in life this son felt betrayed when reward was given to the “bad” behavior.  Some would even call it “treasonous” behavior.  Despite the truth, with rightful access to everything his father had at any time the martyr son chose to look at his position in life as a job rather than a birthright.   Sound familiar?

We see this story played out in churches around the world. Individuals at different stages of their sanctification walk with the Lord becoming stagnant due to the lack of recognition given to them by fellow believers and/or their pastors.  Saints, this should not be!  Mature believers in Christ must become careful of becoming a martyr son.  It is my observation, that some mature believers adamantly believe their faith walk rest with their efforts rather than God’s favor and forgiveness.  Whereas, baby Christians recognize and truly reverence our Lord and constantly look for nourishment from the one true Source.  If you are walking with the Lord on a daily basis, laying your plans aside for His will, then you must be extra vigilant that you don’t take that access, that fellowship for granted.  The Bible says… Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:2-4 ESV). So, we should be jumping for joy when a prodigal comes back to the family. We all at one time were prodigals, never forget your story and never take for granted the life you now lead for the Kingdom.   Remember saints there are no living martyrs. 

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Outside the Lord none of us are perfect. In the following Bible excerpt which son are you more like when the Lord asks you to do something for Him?

 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?”

They said to Him, “The first.”

Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him. ~Matthew 21:28-32

 

 

Don’t let your light go out…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Matthew 5:14-16 New King James (NKJV)

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

John 1:5 New International Version (NIV)

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 New King James (NKJV)

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Reflection:

I have always loved the function of a light house. Light houses were originally created for the sole purpose of navigating ships safely through the darkness.  It is my most favorite symbol of a “civilian” post in the natural.  Similarly, we as saints are light houses in this world.  In this life we each have a part to play in the Lord’s plan – a post in the spiritual warfare.

Each of us has an eternal light that shines forth from our souls. As our intimacy with the Lord deepens in the Spirit that light burns brighter. The enemy tries to discourage and distract us from tending to and maintaining that light.  We may think that our relationship with the Lord is a personal thing, but in reality, it is a light that radiates out into the darkness around you.  You may never know what affect that your walk with the Lord will have another.  Your light may encourage others when their lights are growing dim at their post or your light that keeps others from floating out to the dark abyss.  The words you say at the right time or your reaction in front of someone to distressing news that may draw that person into your life as they try to learn more about the God you serve.

As humans, we will always fall short of the glory, the Word says in 2 Timothy 2:13 – If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. Like a light house it is our obligation to the Call to maintain our post and to manage the strength of our light. Don’t let your light go out, you don’t know how many people are depending on it. 

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

Ask yourself the following questions.

  • What are you doing on a daily basis to maintain the strength of your light?
  • What individuals are looking to you for encouragement in their walk with the Lord?
  • How would a person in your life that is not following the Lord describe you?
  • Are you a good witness for the Lord?

When praising doesn’t make sense…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

James 1:2-4 New King James (NKJV)

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.

Hebrews 13:15 New King James (NKJV)

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

1 Peter 4:16 New King James (NKJV)

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

Reflection:

Have you ever been so mad that you felt like your head would pop? The last thing one thinks about at that time is praising God. Instead we want to talk about the issue with a friend, prepare a pre-meditated response the next time we come across that situation. Anger, similarly to sadness or hopeless are jarring emotions that draw us out of the spiritual realm into the natural.

The Bible says in Galatians 6:8 whoever sows to their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Along those same lines, my pastor shared a great quote recently with the congregation: “If Satan can keep you in the sense realm he will destroy you, but if you keep him in the faith realm we will keep him under our feet.”  At the time the quote went off in my spirit like a bomb.  Not realizing, the Lord was preparing me for the upcoming. That week turned out to be very challenging on multiple fronts.  The Holy Spirit knew and that is why it had such an impact on me when I initially heard it.  With my daily devotionals, I was able to stay in rest despite what was going on around me.

When waves of emotion start crashing against your soul the only solace we have is the Word of God. It is very counter intuitive to the flesh to praise, when all you feel like doing is screaming; praise, when all you feel like doing is crying; or praise, when all you feel like doing is ignoring the situation.  Screaming, crying, or ignoring will only keep you in bondage.  The Lord inhabits the praises of His people.  Think about it for a minute, praising Him through words or songs breaks the bonds keeping you in the sense realm and transfers you back into the faith realm. That alone should have you shouting right now! There is power in praise and worship.  Don’t ever let the devil steal your praise.  In James 3:10 it says, out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.  Praise is the fuel that drives you towards victory every time.  What a better witness for Christ, by responding to people and situations in the Spirit rather than in the flesh.  So the next time you feel like your head is going to pop, take a deep breath in and exhale out the emotion that is trying to over take your spirit and praise the Lord instead.

The only way to truly be thankful is to have lost something.

Praise the Lord.

The only way to truly be grateful is to have lived through something.

Praise the Lord.

The only way to truly be humble is to have a testimony to share with some on the other side.

Praise the Lord.

Live each day as if it were your last; listen with compassion; and love unconditionally like our Lord has taught us to.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Sit down and honestly reflect on the individuals and/or situations that “push your buttons”
  • Present your list to the Lord and ask Him what emotion(s) is drawing you way from Him.
  • The next time you find yourself feeling “fleshly”, make it a point to pause and praise yourself from under that emotional bondage.
  • Repeat this exercise often.