Category: Patience

You are just ignorant…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Proverbs 12:14-16 – New King James Version (NKJV)

A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise. A fool’s wrath is known at once, but a prudent man covers shame.

Mark 2:17 – New King James Version (NKJV)

When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

1 Peter 4:17-19 – New King James Version (NKJV)

For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Reflection: 

“You are just ignorant”, is a phraseology that is used often in our current political and global climate.  Recently, I had to take a moment to reflect after a high school friend of mine called me ignorant.  I sat down with the Lord and tried to figure out why the comment made me angry. Anger is not a fruit of the Spirit and not something that I wanted to take root in my heart. 

If the truth be told, it was because I have used that same word to describe someone else at some point in time.  Granted not to their face, but that is why long-time friends are in some regard, family. . . no filter whatsoever.     

Ignorant is defined in the Webster dictionary as:

  1. Destitute of knowledge or education, lacking of knowledge or comprehension of the thing specified.
  2. Resulting from or showing a lack of knowledge or intelligence.

For those who know me, I have always had my head in the books.  I have since supplemented that approach with Google and Youtube when I don’t know about something.  When it comes to hot topics, I don’t tend to be adamant on one side or the other.  I am able to see both sides’ perspectives and try to translate points that may seem one-sided to the opposing party.  Yes, there are people that I have described as ignorant, not because they were stupid, but because they were so blind to their viewpoint it was staggering.

Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. – Matthew 7:5(NKJV)

I had another dear friend a couple years ago that told me that when we start following God the obvious sins don’t slip us up anymore.  For example, if we have been delivered of alcohol, we avoid bars. If we don’t go to a bar, we won’t get tempted/caught up with the activities that happen in a bar.  As believers, once we are delivered, we tend to create our own isolated worlds, we go to church/youth group/group fellowships and surround ourselves with like minded people.  This is a good thing, we are following what the Word says:

 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. – Hebrews 10:25 (KJV)

At the same time, we need to be awake and aware that the devil has been using the same playbook since the beginning of time.

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’?” – Genesis 3:1(NKJV)

The serpent went into Adam’s and Eve’s Eden and eroded the voice of Truth in their souls from the inside out. His objective was to question the foundation of Truth. We as believers tend to cherry pick parts of the Bible that support our viewpoint or support our situation at the moment.  The devil also knows the Word and he always cherry picks it for his purposes when dealing with God’s people. He did it with Jesus in the wilderness.

Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, if thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, it is written again, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. – Matthew 4:5-7 (KJV)

By creating our own isolated/insolated worlds and eliminating anything that is counter to our viewpoint is like overindulging in one area.  It makes us lazy spiritually and sets us up for temptation and ultimately sin.  For example, King David decided not to go out to war, but stay back in the palace (his Eden) while his troops went out to war. 

And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. 2 Samuel 11:1-4 (KJV)

The devil may tempt us, but we have to own our own choices and repent where applicable.

Don’t let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, “God is trying to trip me up.” God is impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one’s way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer. – James 1:13(MSG)

If we knowingly stay in the worlds that we create and don’t choose to go out to battle or don’t choose to hold ourselves accountable to our words and our actions, then we will become satisfied with the kingdom we created instead of the Kingdom in which we serve.

Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its own reward. Fools are headstrong and do what they like; wise people take advice. Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults. – Proverbs 12:14-16 (MSG) 

I think the righteous and the sinners that Jesus were referring to in Mark 2:17 are one in the same.

But when Jesus overheard their complaint, he said to them, “Who goes to the doctor for a cure? Those who are well or those who are sick? I have not come to call the ‘righteous,’ but those who are sinners and bring them to repentance.” – Mark 2:17 (TPT)

The difference is if an individual chooses to love despite opposing viewpoints. That person is righteous/well. This individual in spite of any circumstance chooses to get up each morning and put down their flesh and pick up their cross to follow Jesus. That same individual can remove themselves from all challenges and potential for spiritual growth by manipulating their circumstances to fit their narrative, whereby isolating themselves in their sickness. It is really very simple. . .are you choosing to be well or sick?      

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What topics are you adamant about? Your non negotiables. Write them down.
  • Look up at least three scriptures that support your viewpoint. Add them to your list.
  • Now look up the counter arguments to your non negotiables.  Write them down.
  • Look up at least three scriptures concerning love that can be applied to those viewpoints and help you connect to your fellow human being. 

If you are in God, we are on the same team.  We are all ignorant to the Truth at one time or another.  God is faithful when we pray to give us revelation.  Treat family just as kindly as you would a stranger.  Division never ends in peace.

Our faith is as strong as our weakest moment…

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Scriptural Foundation:

2 Thessalonians 2 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Great Apostasy

Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I told you these things? And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Stead Fast

But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

Reflection:  

The last 18-24 months have been the hardest season of my life. A lot of disappointment, a lot of loss, a lot of dysfunction and delusion. Nothing having to do with God but more to do with relationships and interactions with people and reconciling the difference between what I have been studying in the Word of God and what I was seeing in the world around me.

It all started with a great expectancy in my spirit December 2018. And it plunged into a valley of grey.  I know that the God of the mountaintop is the same God of the valley however perspective is one hell of a thing.  I have had to take captive every thought purposely and purposefully that has entered my mind and trace it back to how it got there – eye gates or ear gates. I lived through a season that I felt a drift because I just did not understand what was happening. So, I armored up and looked up and have been standing for a very long time.   

I have realized looking back that I was in a wilderness experience, amplified by our recent global pandemic.  For the first time, my life slowed down to a manageable speed.  Although virtual living has its challenges – the kitchen table being a place we break bread/classroom/home office – it also had its benefits.  It is the little things like doing laundry and having everything put away within the same day.  Planning meals and sitting around the table to enjoy them. Kinda like a non-fancy thanksgiving every night.  I did not realize until the world stopped that I was running on a treadmill at a breakneck speed and there turns out to be a setting for a stroll. Who knew? 

As the world slowly starts ramping up the speed again, I cannot help but think how I do not want to go that fast anymore.  Life becomes a blur when you are not paying attention and you cannot pay attention when your life is running at the speed of light.  It is like sitting in the Adirondacks and then getting transported to Time Square. Wait that sounds familiar…

Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

– Matthew 4:8-11

The devil took Jesus from the physical wilderness He was in, to a high mountain that he could see the kingdoms of the world and asked Him to bow down. Similarly, we are now being asked to compromise on certain things to get things back to “normal”.  These compromises have been causing our minds to be shaken and troubled.  Compromise is the erosion that starts the falling away process.   For those that do not compromise, there is a restraining sense in their spirit like a bit in a horse’s mouth. 

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. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

– James 1:25-27

If we are looking in the perfect law of liberty daily, we should not be deceived when God sends the world strong delusions. But the sad truth of the matter is that the Church has become lukewarm and at times looks like the world because it has downed for itself the cloaked of compromise. 

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.  – Revelation 3:15-16

In our foundational passage, we read about the Great Apostasy.  It makes sense that the enemy will use the Church distracted by the speed of life to usher in the son of perdition.  Having the non-committed believers fall away first. This will clear the way for the people that have not known Christ to be swept away in the currant of deception to be lost forever.  

This difficult season has created a lot of weak moments for everyone.  However, we must be constantly checking that we stand fast and hold the traditions which we were taught.  We know that Jesus is coming, right now we should be fighting for each soul that still hangs in the balance.  I heard something several years ago that has stuck with me.  As Christians, we are here to plunder hell and populate heaven and that is only going to happen when our lives – our words and our actions line up with the Word.  Otherwise, it may be our weakest moment that becomes the postage stamp that send someone to hell.  We can enjoy this life, but saints do not lose track of your assignment.   

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What have you learned about your self during this quiet season?
  • What has disappointed your soul in the wilderness?
  • Have you made some compromises that you have regretted?
  • How do you make your way back to the Lord and your assignment?

If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. – 2 Timothy 2:13

I feel like the maid…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

2 Peter 1:3-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Reflection:

When my step-son was younger he loved the Pixar film, ‘The Incredibles’. As with every five your old, he watched that movie so many times that he knew all the words by heart.  One of the lines that has stayed with me all these years was when Mr. Incredible was asked about saving the world, he said, “No matter how many times you save the world, it always manages to get back in jeopardy again.  I feel like the maid. I just cleaned up this mess, could we keep it clean for ten minutes.”

I am fixer, it is what I do. I observe all the angles of an issue and then seek to solve the problem in the most amicable way I can.  I love peace, the God kind of peace.  This is the atmosphere my husband and I strive to have in our home, marriage, and relationship with our children.  Despite the challenges that may come up, our “no strife” policy in the Word of God has kept us grounded.  Sadly, it is when I venture into other areas of my life, I feel like my peace is constantly being threatened.

And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize—a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion]. – Matthew 11:12 (AMPC)

The world lives in constant chaos. Trying to accomplish a task for the betterment of the whole is like trying to clean up a section of an eight-lane interstate highway.  You have a goal as to what you want to accomplish, but then the preoccupied people that are whizzing past don’t seem to see or care about the bigger picture.  This can become discouraging.  Similar to when you work diligently for or with someone, only for all your hard work to be “wasted” – plans change or directions shifted all because of someone’s ego and pride.

Beloved, I am not saying that change is bad…it is just messy. The motive behind our actions are either for peace or for strife.  It is imperative in whatever environment you find yourself in, that you hold fast to your confessions of faith (Hebrews 10:23).  I have concluded, that it is not my job to fix everything.  As a mom, we carry the burden of being everything to our loved ones.  This is not what we were created to do.  We are vessels to carry God’s Word out into the world (to pour out in due time and in due season).  If you are like me and feel like you are constantly “cleaning up” after other people and/or situations – stop and repent for your own pride.  The Holy Spirit is the greatest fixer there is, He will fix your life and mine if we yield to the Potter’s hand.

The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.” So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over. Jeremiah 18:1-4 (NLT)

Stop striving in your own strength. Let go and let God and see not only your life come into order in all areas, but that it stays that way.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What areas of your life do you feel are out of order? Why is that? Is it something you are doing or is it a person/situation in your life causing it?
  • What is your motivation in this area? Is it self-centered or God-centered?
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where you have missed it and how you can get back on track.

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;  but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:13-16

 

 

No is not my finish line…

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Scriptural Foundation:

Genesis 37:5-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

 Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more. So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.”

And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.”

So he told it to his father and his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?” And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind. 

Genesis 41:14-16 New King James Version (NKJV)

Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it.” So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” 

Genesis 41:39-41 New King James Version (NKJV)

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”

Reflection:

I love the age that others call the “terrible twos”. You know that age, where “no” is their favorite word.  It is in this season where a child goes from not understanding the use of the word “no” by the parent to correct and protect; to understanding it and using that same word to assert their position.  There is so much behind those eyes of innocence as they decode their emotions and figure out how to communicate properly with the world.  The word “no” is seen as something negative or oppressive, when actuality it is just a brief pause in the bigger picture.  Issue arise when we look at these denials as being finish lines instead of starting lines.  I heard a pastor say one time, “your set back is preparing you for your come back”.

So if that is true then Joseph was poster child for the “come back” kid. The path that the Lord had chosen for him, had a lot of setbacks.  As a teenager the Lord gave him a dream, but that dream was not fulfilled until he was in his thirties.  During that time, Joseph encountered several “finish lines” in the natural, but God was positioning him at “starting lines” in the Spirit.

From slavery to management mind set

The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.  And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand.  So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority.  So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. – Genesis 39:2-5

We will at times feel helpless whither it is due to a health challenge, financial stress, or being used for you talents but not compensated the work. As you meditate on the Word and confess it over your life, God will from the inside out change your position in life from helpless to commanding.  We as Believers have such untapped potential and power in us, that at no time should we ever feel helpless in any circumstance.  It is truly a mindset change that only can be brought about through revelation.

From the prison to the palace mind set

But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.  And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing.  The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper. – Genesis 39:21-23

As you walk in your calling you will encounter “trap doors” along the way (i.e. people and/or situations). A diagnosis dragging on and on in the natural when you know it is resolved in the Spirit (Isaiah 53:5).  Hard times in your finances when you know that God has already provided all that you would ever need (Philippians 4:19).  A job promotion alluding you time after time – despite your spirit of excellence someone else is chosen over you.  Beloved, these potential finish lines may side line a weaker person, but they are not where your story ends (Jeremiah 29:11).  Continue to run your race despite the obstacles you encounter.  Settle today in the depth of your soul, loved one, that there is no finish line for the Body of Christ – our work is from here to eternity.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What area(s) in your life do you feel like you have reached a finish line?
    • Why do you feel this way?
  • Ask the Holy Spirt to reveal to you your starting line for that situation in the spirit realm.
    • Then start visualizing yourself healed….start visualizing yourself prosperous….start visualizing yourself recognized for you work….give God all the glory! Remember Jericho, Saints (Joshua 6) – thanksgiving/praise always proceeds victory!

When you are distracted…you will accept anything as true…

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Scriptural Foundation:

Luke 4:17-21 New King James (NKJV)

And He [Jesus] was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

John 8:43-44 New King James (NKJV)

Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

Reflection:

We have all heard the phrase “money does not grow on trees”. At the same time, counterfeiting and money laundering is still a very real threat.  One would think that as a society we have progressed to the point of rightfully discerning between the real thing and something that holds no value, but unfortunately that is not the case. In the spirit realm, the devil is the king of this world:

If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. – 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

His primary objective is to swindle all of God’s children out of our inheritance here on earth and totally rob eternity from those that have not come to know the saving knowledge of Christ.

An expanded interpretive translation of John 10:10 could read this way:

“The thief wants to get his hands into every good thing in your life. In fact, this pickpocket is looking for any opportunity to wiggle his way so deeply into your personal affairs that he can walk off with everything you hold precious and dear. And that’s not all — when he’s finished stealing all your goods and possessions, he’ll take his plan to rob you blind to the next level. He’ll create conditions and situations so horrible that you’ll see no way to solve the problem except to sacrifice everything that remains from his previous attacks. The goal of this thief is to totally waste and devastate your life. If nothing stops him, he’ll leave you insolvent, flat broke, and cleaned out in every area of your life. You’ll end up feeling as if you are finished and out of business! Make no mistake — the enemy’s ultimate aim is to obliterate you….”

“…But I came that they might have, keep, and constantly retain a vitality, gusto, vigor, and zest for living that springs up from deep down inside. I came that they might embrace this unrivaled, unequaled, matchless, incomparable, richly loaded and overflowing life to the ultimate maximum!”

Beloved, no matter where you are on this journey of life it is never too late to spot a counterfeit and turn it in at the Altar for the promises of the Lord. Don’t feel ashamed if you feel like you missed an opportunity or you keep falling for the empty promise of a loved one.  Jesus’ primary objective when He came to earth was to redeem this lost/dying world. Determine in your spirit that you will pay attention, stay vigilant in prayer, and walk out Luke 4:17-21 in Him.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Are you accepting counterfeit feelings, relationships, and/or situations in your life?
  • Why do you think you are accepting something less than what the Lord has pre-destined for you?
  • Ask the Holy Spirit what you can do to trade in these counterfeits for the Blessings of Your Father.

 

 

Is waiting an active or passive stance?

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Scriptural Foundation:

Revelations 2:2-5 New King James (NKJV)

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. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

Ephesians 6:13 New King James (NKJV)

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Titus 2:11-14 New King James (NKJV)

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Reflection:

My husband loves football season. End of July/August marks preseason training and September is right around the corner.  Preseason training, reveals very quickly how prepared a player is for the first game.  Ideally, each player during the off season has been working out in preparation for team training.  Unfortunately, that is not the case and the coach has to prepare certain individuals to advance the whole quad forward.  Players physically have a limited “shelf life”. The primary objective of the coach is to push each player to their ultimate potential.  There is a goal and everyone is pushed towards that goal or is left on the sidelines with the rest of the spectators.

As prayer warriors, our Coach is the Holy Spirit. His job is to guide us to the goal of accomplishing our assignment here on earth. He is a loving and patient Coach; however, He will not do the work for you.

For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as his child.” Hebrews 12:6

That is why I find it very interesting how and in what circumstances Believers choose to use the word wait. Studying out the word wait – 20 Hebrew/Aramaic and 13 Greek words – I have found that over time our understanding in our current vernacular has been watered down tremendously.  From what I gathered after meditating, is that waiting should be an active stance.  The Bible talks of lying in wait, to hunt, to hope, to long, and be in expectation.  Instead, when I hear some Believers talk about waiting, it seems more like a flat-footed approach rather a sprinters forward slanting stance before a race.  What can the Holy Spirit, really accomplish in the life of a flat-footed Believer?

In Revelations, John talks about a group of Believers that have “left” there first love.  I looked up the word left – G863 – aphiēmi. It means to send away; to permit, allow, not to hinder, to give up a thing to a person; to leave on dying, leave behind one; abandon, leave destitute. So, to a group of Believers the Word is telling us that somewhere along our journey we have abandoned our first love – the Word of God. Denying part of the Word, doesn’t forfeit your place on the team, but it does forfeit the impact that you can make for the Kingdom by choosing to be passive with your faith. 

What does an active versus passive stance look like? The Lord broke it down to me this way:

  • Active – keep doing the last thing He (the Lord) told you to do (disclaimer – without helping Him). In due time you will see the fruit of the Spirit abound in your life.
  • Passive – not putting any effort behind the last thing that the Lord told you to do. The Bible says that we will know them by their fruit. The Lord will always provide, but our obedience determines our return.      

There are two ways to keep us in the active waiting stance. That is to stand and to hope.  The Word says to put on the Armor of God and stand, all the while looking for the blessed hope.

Stand – G2476 – histēmi

To stop, stand still, to stand immovable, stand firm; continue safe and sound, stand unharmed, to stand ready or prepared; to be of a steadfast mind; of quality, one who does not hesitate, does not waiver.

Hope – G1680 – elpis

Joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation.

Waiting becomes a passive stance once you stop expecting things to change. When you get so tired of waiting that you fall asleep at your post.  Beloved, we can’t do that!

Then he [Jesus] returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? – Matthew 26:40

In the Spirit, there are no breaks from here till eternity.   There is no time for an off-season mindset, when the game is on now!  Strive to keep yourself in a perpetual state of hope and in a fixed active waiting stance – this will ensure that you will always bare much fruit and you will always move from glory to glory in Christ Jesus.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What was the last thing the Lord told you to do?
  • Are you actively pursuing that directive? – It is a yes or no answer – if there is explanation needed, then the answer is no.
  • Repent and ask the Holy Spirit for direction to get you back in to the active waiting stance position.

Are you willing to be a life-long apprentice?

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Scriptural Foundation:

Job 1:8 New King James (NKJV)

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

Luke 22:31-32 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

Simon, Simon (Peter), listen! Satan has asked excessively that [all of] you be given up to him [out of the power and keeping of God], that he might sift [all of] you like grain,

 But I have prayed especially for you [Peter], that your [own] faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again, strengthen and establish your brethren.

Acts 3:6 King James Version (KJV)

Then Peter said, silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Reflection:

Life at times feels like a constant and continual struggle. It is like wave after wave of someone or something threatening our peace in the Lord.  There are glimpses of eternity bathed in the Anointing of corporate worship, the unabandon laughter of a child, and fellowshipping with other Believers; however, we are quickly brought back to the stark reality of time.

Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it. – James 1:2-5 (TLB)

Instead of looking at our cup as half-full we should rejoice that at least we get to see/experience these glimpses. The sanctification walk is like an apprenticeship/internship. This wisdom is passed down throughout the ages through the Holy Spirit – wisdom that refreshes our weary spirits.  The fruit of the Spirit can’t be bought or acquired through works.  It can only be attained by sacrificing our time.  In the world time is money.  We give up a lot of the time to our jobs and in turn the world gives us money.  However, the world is not our source and we have the seal to prove it.

 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. – Ephesians 1:11-14 (NKJV)

This seal that we have, is a blinding target in the spiritual realm. We may not see it with our natural eyes, but the prince of this world and his cohorts does.  Hence our constant struggle.  In our foundation scriptures, we see the Trinity acknowledging this apprentice program.  Our Heavenly Father proudly boasting about Job; Jesus edifying Peter; and then through Peter, the Holy Spirit revealing the currency of Heaven.

He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. – Matthew 10:39

It takes a lot of spiritual focus and determination to put your flesh under. If you are spending an absorptive time seeking to obtain clarity, prosperity, or prestige you may be missing out on the lessons and blessings that the Lord sends you daily.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. – Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT)

Beloved, consider your life from a different perspective – your apprenticeship in this life is preparing for you to reign with Jesus throughout eternity. Is this slight and momentary affliction worth that revelation?

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • For the next few days meditate on Matthew 6:33.
  • Look back at the last week of your life. Identify your glimpses of eternity compared to the challenges you are facing today.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance living out your apprentice program.

Hope that doesn’t have a finish line…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Hebrews 11:13-16 New King James (NKJV)

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

Reflection:

Hands down my favorite grocery store is Aldi. For those of you that are not familiar with them, it is a small sized retail store that actually closes every evening.  In addition to their “limited” hours (8am-8pm), you need a quarter to borrow a cart (you get it back once you return the cart) and you have to bring your own bags.  In this day and age these adjustments are a foreign concept.  We are so use to our 24/7 stores that offer a wide variety of products.  Although unique, this kind of business platform allows Aldi to sell their products at reduced prices – instead of twenty different brands of toothpaste there are two, etc.  By choosing to shop there, I do compromise on my product selection, but at the same time it has helped me focus on feeding my family a healthier diet and has me in and out of the store quicker – bonus!

The Aldi experience can be liken to our Christian walk. Limited hours and limited selection in a world that there seems to be no limits is reflective of applying Biblical principles to an ego centric society.  Have you heard of the phrase, “pay it forward”?  It is a concept of passing on a good or selfless deed unto someone else.  On a regular basis I have seen in action and heard – “pay it forward” in the parking lot of Aldi, as one customer passes their cart onto another customer.  How does the person that gives their cart to the next person know for sure that person won’t just keep the quarter for themselves?  They don’t… they just trust that their sown act of kindness may be reproduce in the life of the person it is given.

Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. – Philippians 2:17

Our foundational scripture reminds us, that we may not see in our lifetime the harvest we have planted. Instead we may be harvesting the fruit sown by Saints that have gone on before us.  In any case this race of faith that we run is not about us, but is about Christ.    The life of a disciple is one of sacrifice, but the gain from that surrender far outweighs the temporary affliction.  Your “product” selection may be limited, but the souls that you are gaining for the Kingdom is priceless – people you come across are yearning for what you have.  Be purposeful with each interaction knowing that your reward will be seen…seen from here into eternity.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What have you been hoping for? Is it something generic or something specific?
  • Is it something that will better another or something that will only benefit you?
  • Honestly ask yourself if you never see what you are hoping for in this life, will the Lord still be enough?
  • Ask the Holy Spirit daily to purpose your steps towards divine commitments and appointments.

 

 

 

But God, I am still holding my cup…

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Matthew 26:39 New King James (NKJV)

He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

Luke 22:41-42 New King James (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.”

Reflection:

In life looking back I have only three regrets. The first one of course is that I didn’t start my sanctification process until I was in my early twenties (alas maybe that one would have canceled out the other two).  Granted before that, my parents and catholic guilt kept me on the straight and narrow, but it was when I accepted the Jesus as my Lord and Savior is when my perspective in life truly changed.

This past weekend my youngest sibling graduated from college. One of the speakers read a quote that really resonated with me and tied in nicely to what the Lord put on my heart this week – “Life can only be understood backward, but can only be lived forward.”  Graduations are a culmination of crossing a finish line after an exhausting long distance run and receiving a great reward.  On the one hand you are overjoyed that you even made it there, but then on the other you regret you didn’t “place” better as certain people get recognized for their extra ordinary academic achievements.  To regret or not to regret that is the question…

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

The garden of Gethsemane, for me is the single most solitary moment I can sincerely relate to Jesus as it relates to the crushing weight leading up to certain decisions in life.   No one can really share or even understand the agony you are feeling other than our Heavenly Father.  Remember Beloved, the assignment that God has called you to complete will not be one of convenience, but one of extreme discomfort…not to be confused with the self-inflected discomfort due to disobedience.

 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. – Matthew 7:13-14

If you study out the word narrow, it reveals so much more as to the agony of choosing to stand and/or walk down the narrow path. Although the broad way has its own sufferings, misery loves company, so that suffering is not done alone.  On the contrary, on the narrow path this discomfort happens in every season in life and sometimes multiple times if you stay on the path the Lord has laid out before you.  This may all seem really depressing, but with every “pruning” the fruit of the Spirit continues to bloom in your life and that testimony is what not only blesses you, but also everyone around you.

To this day, when I start to feel myself getting tired within my spirit and I start crying out to the Lord as to how long am I going to have to hold this cup of apprehension concerning the road ahead, I speak the words of my Master in Matthew 26:39. Then I start reflecting on Psalms 23:5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Instead of looking at the impeding storm in apprehension I should be looking at it with expectation, because just on the other side of the storm/situation, if I stand firm in the Lord my life will be over flowing with joy, miracles, and blessings.

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” – Mark 4:35

When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. – Mark 5:21

Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. – Mark 8:13

I don’t know about you, but that is a lot of back and forth on a boat for me. Just reading all these scriptures condensed in the same chapter like this makes me sea sick.  Why couldn’t Jesus and the gang, take the scenic route around the lake? Wouldn’t that give them more of an opportunity to see and help more people?

The truth of the matter is that our time on this earth is limited. We have certain predetermined people to help and serve.  Our lives should always be directed by the Holy Spirit so that we are in the right place at the right time to do the work of our Father – that is a lot of wave walking to do. Always remember Saints, your cup can always be overflowing, if you take the time to stand still.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • List out all the regrets that you may have to date.
  • Then think what God did with that situation and list out the blessings that was birthed from those situations.
  • Remember to share your testimonies with others. They will become seeds in their faith gardens that will someday help someone else.

 

Are you skating in the right direction?

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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.