The GREAT Masquerade

^“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Matthew 7:15. Just what is a “masquerade”? Definition: “A masquerade ball (or bal masqué) is an event which the participants attend in costume wearing a mask.”

Recently I began to ponder (once again) the dissoluteness of our culture, the church and the combined state in these last days we are in. It was brought to my attention. Prayerfully searching this out, and grasping the reality and magnitude of such depravity is gut wrenching and heart sickening!!! Look at the state of the “modern” church! Lies, hypocrisies, meditations, and witchcraft have seeped deep within the church walls. Many Bible believing Christians have fallen prey to the underlined tactics of the enemy.

Today’s modern church spiritual deception has become the great masquerade! Let’s take a look at a few things that have crept in…

“Emergent Church- offers: Questions as the new answers. Maybe as the new yes. Doubt as the new faith. Indecision as the new plan. A journey as the new destination.” Dr. Peter Hammond, Post Modernism and the Emergent Church

Prosperity theology or gospel (also known as the health and wealth gospel) is a Christian religious belief whose proponents claim the Bible teaches that financial blessing is the will of God for Christians. Most teachers of prosperity theology maintain that a combination of faith, positive speech, and donations to Christian ministries will always cause an increase in material wealth for those who practice these actions. Prosperity theology is almost always taught in conjunction with continuationism. ~Wikipedia.org
Dominionism Theology- “The Gospel of Salvation [according to dominionism] is achieved by setting up the “Kingdom of God” as a literal and physical kingdom to be “advanced” on Earth in the present age. Some dominionists liken the New Testament Kingdom to the Old Testament Israel in ways that justify taking up the sword, or other methods of punitive judgment, to war against enemies of their kingdom. Dominionists teach that men can be coerced or compelled to enter the kingdom. They assign to the Church duties and rights that belong scripturally only to Jesus Christ.”~ Sarah Leslie, Dominionism and the Rise of Christian Imperialism
Pantheism &Panentheism- Pantheism~ God is all things. The universe and all life are connected in a sum. This sum is the total reality of God. Thus, man, animals, plants, and all physical matter are seen as equal. The assumption all is one, therefore all is deity. Panentheism~ God is in all things. In panentheism God is both personal and is also in all of creation. It is a universal view that believes God is in all people and that someday all of God’s creation will be saved and be one with Him. – Lighthousetrailsresearch.com
Universalism- The belief that all humanity has or will ultimately have a positive connection and relationship with God. (Glossary of A Time of Departing)
Ecumenism or oecumenism mainly refers to initiatives aimed at greater Christian unity or cooperation. It is used predominantly by and with reference to Christian denominations and Christian Churches separated by doctrine, history, and practice. Within this particular context, the term ecumenism refers to the idea of a Christian unity in the literal meaning: that there should be a single Christian Church. The word contrasts with interfaith dialogue or interfaith pluralism aimed at unity or cooperation among diverse religions and referring to a worldwide 'religious unity' by the advocacy of a greater sense of shared spirituality. The word is derived from Greek οἰκουμένη (oikoumene), which means "the whole inhabited world", ~ Wikipedia.org
A WORD OF CAUTION:
“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Roman 1:26-32

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 1:9

Sadly the state of the church is in trouble! Those who know the TRUTH of God’s Word must expose that which is false and warn those who are prey! WE ARE ALL PREY! Jesus said, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”Matthew 24:24 So, when invited to this great masquerade ball, be prepared! BE GROUNDED in the Word of GOD! You cannot know the lies, if you don’t first know the TRUTH. This is a small list of what’s entered into many churches. The enemy, the father of lies (John 8:44) has conglomerated enough material worldwide to please anyone and allow him/her to walk in any direction. Something for everyone? YOU BET!

Jesus also said, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16 The Masquerade Ball may be beautifully enticing, but it is spiritual DEATH to all who partake.

Quiet time with the Lord

"And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;" Isaiah 32:17-18 Quiet time with the Lord is vital in our walk with Him! Praising Him all the more for making this time possible! It is here that we rest; we're renewed and rejuvenated to continue to fight the good fight! Christ is our peaceable habitation!

I have a little picture by my coffee pot that reads, “Make time for quiet moments, as God whispers quiet moments.” I’ve kept it there for years. It’s my reminder each and every day to give the Lord His time. When I rush out of bed straight into the day without quiet time with Him, my whole day seriously falls apart!

Why is time spent with Him so vital? It is here that we grow! All relationships require TIME! The more time we give Him, the stronger our faith grows! It is in the stillness we can hear His voice. He tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10. If we are busy right off are we acknowledging Him and basking in His presence? A lop-sided relationship doesn’t work. It’s through prayer we commune with God and by His Word that we are able to know His will.

How can anyone be an effective soldier without listening to the commands of their leader? Our commander in Chief is the King of kings and Lord of lords… He is our Abba Father. He grants us consolation, peace, wisdom, strength, endurance, joy… just to name a few! Time spent with Him is important in every aspect of our lives. There is nothing that He cannot do for us! He requires every ounce of our being!

When our prayer life is under attack, which mine have been the last few weeks, it affects every area of our lives. It is our direct streamline communication with our Daddy God! I’ve experienced technical issues the last couple weeks with the internet, phone & fax. Not being able to communicate on a regular basis with our business contacts can have detrimental consequences! Same thing holds true. If we don’t communicate, walk and talk with God regularly, it will stunt our growth, we can become distraught and we lose focus on our main goal and objective… JESUS! Praise God we don’t have to rely on man to be heard by our amazing God. All it takes is a pure heart before Him and He hears. In His time He answers! He’s ever ready to receive your voice before Him. Take all things to Him big and small and TRUST He has your best interest in mind!

Just as it isn’t enough to eat one meal a week for our physical bodies, we need to feast at the Lord’s Table on a regular basis as well. We must feed our spiritual man with the Word of God. It is the Bread of Life! Talk with Him, spend time with Him in prayer on a regular basis as well as seek Him in the Word. It will make all the difference in your day! I know it does mine!  I don’t know about you, but my Lord God is my best friend, always near, He’s my lover and my LIFE! Without Him I’m incomplete! If you don’t know this longing yet, I pray you soon will. No other is as satisfying!

Counting the COST of Discipleship

There are very few who understands what it truly means to follow Christ. Those of us, who fully get it, understand there is no other option!

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:23-26

To carry our cross requires every ounce of our being, time, attention, sacrifice of our will to accomplish the Lord’s Will regardless of what others say, think or do against us. After all, it is Christ they reject not us. It means letting go of the temporary fulfillments of the flesh, our own desires & plans to completely trade it for all God is and offers. It is being ready and willing at all times to share with all people the life transforming message of Jesus Christ.

Considering the COST:

“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26-33

Jesus gave us two examples here of one who began a great work in building a tower, but didn’t take in consideration the cost, with not enough means to complete the task. The other is a king who plans an attack, but doesn’t take in consideration the number of his army verse his enemy. Neither sat down and looked at the bigger picture.

Jesus is saying, we must keep Him first and foremost above all we hold near and dear. He is the first priority! Loyalty to Him above all people in our lives and things we desire is absolutely PARAMOUNT! Not an easy choice, especially in the day and age we live in. Society teaches we ourselves are to be number one. What Jesus teaches us couldn’t be more opposite. It’s easy to live for self over Christ, but it’s the first He requires we sacrifice.

"This is the true life of faith. Not according to what nature sees or thinks to be acceptable, do I live, but according to what Jesus says and would have. Every day and every hour I confirm the wonderful thought, “Not I, but Christ” (Galatians 2:20). I am nothing, Christ is everything. “You are dead,” and no longer have power, or will, or honour, “your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). Christ’s power and will alone prevail. Christians, cheerfully deny that sinful wretched self so that the glorious Christ may dwell in you." -- Andrew Murray

I’ve made the commitment whole hearted to follow Christ, I’ve counted the cost and I surrender all I am to His purpose, glory and gain. It is no secret what He requires of you. Will you too count the cost and carry your cross daily?

The Seed & the Sower

"Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." Matthew 13:18-23

Let's take a good look at each type of soil and the roots it produces.

*The way side: Are those who are totaly unresponsive to the Gospel of Jesus. They don't care to hear so the let it go in one ear and out the other. Or they hear, but don't believe. Quickly disregarding the message.

*Stony ground:  is a shallow hearted person or one who acts on impulse, is one who hears the Word, accepts it quickly and emotionally receives with joy. Since the seed fell on ground where no roots can form, the seed is quickly taken away by the enemy. Their so excited to follow Jesus, but haven't counted the cost. They believe for a time, but as soon as opposition and persecution come they let go as quickly as they received.

*Among the thorns: This individual accepts the message in part. They like what they hear, but aren't willing to let go of the cares of the world. They are overtaken by their own desires and lust. They receive the truth, but are quickly overtaken by the world and it's ways. (Worldliness and materialism) Not willing to part with the past, they cling to what they know over the unseen, inevitably their roots are choked out by the thorns. Attempting to serve two masters the challenge becomes too difficult and the half hearted commitment it quickly dies.

Good Ground: This is the believer who hears, understands and accepts, fully counting the cost and willingly lets go of the former life with honest eager anticipation of following Christ. The soil allows the roots to grow deep, which in turn allows them to bear fruit. Fruit is evidence of a true conversion. They are hungry for the Word of God! This person allows the Holy Spirit to come in and begin to mold them into the image of Christ. They take the message to heart and apply it, they live by faith. Each obstacle, challenge and opposition met is an opportunity for they faith to grow. They are drawn to service by the Lord's calling and humbly accept the responsibility os sharing the gospel message with all people at any cost.

How can we be sure the seed of "LOVE" was planted on good ground in our hearts?

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matt 7:20-23

GOOD FRUIT = GOOD GROUND!!! Point to ponder... what kind of fruit do you produce? Can others see Jesus in you, your attitude, actions, speech, dress etc. OR do you blend in with everyone else in the world? If you are His, He WILL be evident in your life. Going to church won't save you, praying a prayer one time won't save you, depending on others belief in Jesus won't save you... only trusting Him with your life in every aspect... If you have made that commitment to Him, be sure to trust Him, talk with Him, read His Word, be around those who love Him as much as you do!

Hungry for More of Jesus ~ Study

Hungry for More of Jesus

By David Wilkerson

Study by Michelle James

Chapter 1- Feeding on Christ

Section1 – The Bread of God

Read Amos 8:11-12 What is “spiritual drought”: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Read John 6:33 what is the Bread of God?

______________________________________________________________________________

Read John 6:57 In order to have life we must ___________________________

How often should we partake? _______________________________________

Honestly, how often do you? _________________________________________

Describe your thought/vision of today’s “modern” church: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Worship from unclean lips is actually an abomination to God. Praise that flows from hearts full of adultery, lust or pride is a stench in God’s nostrils. Christian banners held high by sin stained hands are nothing more than arrogant flauntings of rebellion” ~ David Wilkerson Pg. 15

Where does TRUE praise stem from? ______________________________________________________

What happens when we partake of the Bread of God? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Section 2 – The Holy Remnant

Why do we observe the Lord’s Supper? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How does Wilkerson describe a “holy, levitical priesthood that’s rising in the land?” Is this your desire? Why or why not? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is one of the biggest distractions for Christians today? How?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Read: Jeremiah 2:11, 13

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

“We need to ask ourselves honestly: at whose table will we be seated at when the Redeemer comes suddenly to Zion?” ~ Wilkerson pg. 18

Section 3—Bread of Strength

What has the Lord given us to strengthen us? ______________________________________________________________________________

How was Jesus sustained daily? ______________________________________________________________________________

Our secret to strength: Read John 4:32-34 & John 6:27

How long should we feast at the Lord’s table? ____________________________________________

“Don’t grieve with Christians who have forsaken my table. Don’t weep with them or let their problems burden you. They do not pray anymore or read My Word, though they waste hours recklessly on themselves. They have forgotten Me day after day. They will go on hurting until they return and eat the Bread that I have provided to heal and strengthen them.” ~Holy Spirit to David Wilkerson

Why do you think he/we are told to do this? ____________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Read Deuteronomy 8:16

Why did God keep the people humbled?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

“What we ate of Christ yesterday will not supply our need for today. We must admit we will starve spiritually and become weak and helpless without a fresh, daily supply of Heavenly Bread. We must come to the Lord’s table often. We must be diligent to keep the feast?” ~ Wilkerson

God wants to satisfy you – your hunger for Christ, but are you willing to feast at His table regularly?

A couple I know...

My heart is saddened over a couple I know.
One is holding tight and the other is ready to go.
Both have come to know Jesus, but yet doubt His mighty plan.
Restoratin and healing are available in the Master's hand. Let go of the hurt, let go of the pain and let Jesus take the lead; it is why He came.
The grass may look greener on the other side, but really there is misery and devistation behind the lurking tide.
You can live in the past, but God holds the key of what a family in Him is meant to be!
Don't let go and venture your way, give God a chance in your marriage this day!
I love you both and it's so hard to see the misery you carry when Jesus can set you free.
No one knows the best and the worse in your mate like God and no matter what He's the one in whom you should confide. Don't let others add to the tide that will destroy in an instant and add to your pride.
Only the Lord knows the misery and pain, but when you let Him work free you will see, this marriage in Him is meant to be.
Just as Christ loves His church regardless of where they've been. It's time to let His healing begin. Unconditional love is true; after all isn't that what He gave you?

I am praying for you!

Money here money there...

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:13 “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight; but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him we have to do.” Hebrews 4:13. We cannot hide our actions nor our thoughts and intents from the Lord. He knows all things and exposes that which is in opposition to His will and call. This most definitely pertains to our money!

In studying a virtuous woman (Proverbs 31) I’m learning more about our responsibilities and our requirements & expectations not only as women, but as being our husband’s help mate. “She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:27. Carefully tending the needs of her family:

Mentally~ encouraging and building them up.

Physically~ making sure they are properly clothed, clean and fed healthy.

Emotionally~ giving words of encouragement, hugs and wiping tears.  

Spiritually~ Training our children in the ways of the Lord, giving them a firm foundation in Christ, and being the example they need us to be in doing as we say according to the Word of God not influencing them in the ways of the world. Praying with them regularly and sharing the Word of God.

Financially~ we must spend and save our money wisely. God has given us what we need to meet our needs, but it’s up to us to prayerfully go about each penny according to His will... and saving for the days ahead so we are prepared in times of need.

In asking the Lord to place me in the refiner’s fire, He is showing me this is an area I must allow Him to work in me and change the ways I’ve grown accustom to. The world screams independence! The Lord on the other hand demands unity! He wants to bless us yes, but He wants us to seek His will over ours in every matter. This most definitely includes our money. My husband and I have separate bank accounts. The relationship and mentality of our finances has always been, what’s mine is mine and what’s yours is yours. Too much independence can be bad when abused. This will cause great division. Just what the enemy wants! Separation in our marriages due to walls put up from lack of trust will also put up walls between us and God.

If the financial responsibility is yours as it is mine, I strongly urge you to seek the Lord’s council in everything! Every penny spent and every penny saved! The Lord wants us to rely on Him, when we take matters into our own hands we bring upon ourselves chaos and destruction! Wrecked finances lead to ruin. Be responsible with what the Lord has given you and trust Him to provide every need. Praying restoration be upon you and yours as I know the Lord is working behind the scenes for you and me!  We can’t hide from Him, He knows all… give the Lord what belongs to Him, budget and be prepared for the days ahead. We are in the last days and those who are unprepared for what lies ahead will find themselves in a whole heap of trouble. Start with a little backup food and water, but always pray about each thing. Go as the Lord leads and you will see He’s met it all with enough for a backup reserve! Speak to those mountains in faith and the Lord will move them. Some of us have had to learn the hard way and I’m trying to share wisdom gained. The refiner’s fire is HOT and is PAINFUL, but well worth the changes the Lord has made and continues to do. Take that leap of faith and do what’s right. There will be far less messes to clean up and a more peaceful environment within your home.  No one has a money tree, but we do have the riches of the Lord and when used according to His purpose for out number any money tree possibilites. TRUST is KEY! Do you trust Him enough to give Him every aspect of your life?

Every choice with every breath is an open door to glorify the Lord! May we be more diligent in living OUTLOUD in every area of our life. From big to small, the Lord requires all. The longer you hold tight to your own ways, the tougher the struggle becomes. Nothing is hidden from Him. What He's entrusted to you belongs to Him. How will you handle these great responsibilities?

The tangled web of Words!

Ah, the issues and reality of life continuously bring me to the Word of God for answers, direction, renewal and change. It truly does pertain to every area of life. One of the realities in our daily lives is the choice in our words. The Words says so much about this! All my life, even in recent days, I’ve seen the building up and the tearing down of lives around me (Including mine) due to the power of the tongue!

Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” I love the breakdown Francis Frangipane gives on this topic… the topic of GOSSIP!

"The Scriptures say that we will be justified or condemned by our words. Yes, our words, even those spoken in secret with a spouse or friend about others, are used by God to measure our obedience to His will. Simple words, yet James writes, "If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man..." (James 3:2). Scripture reveals that "Life and death are in the power of the tongue..." Prov. 18:21). Words have power. Your words and their confession of faith brought you into salvation; but words without faith can lead us and others into destruction and heartache. Indeed, James 3:8 warns, "the tongue...is a restless evil...full of deadly poison." This little organ, he says, "is a fire, the very world of iniquity." He then reveals a most profound thought, that the "tongue . . . sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell." If we talk negatively about someone or maliciously gossip, the destructive fire released in our words has its origin in hell itself! Lord, help us to understand the power of our words!” ~Francis Fangipane

Watching this happen over and over, my heart is saddened that we often times don’t regard the person we are speaking of when opening our mouth! To what do our words reveal? Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. To what is our gain and who shall receive the glory… ourselves or the Lord? The Psalmist writes, “They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:  Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?” Psalm 12:2-4

Our words reveal the TRUE us! How we react and respond to situations around us makes all the difference. Do we speak ill of another; whether behind their back or face to face, both are wrong and is unfruitful! Who does it profit but the enemy? NONE! What is the enemy’s main objective here, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: …” John 10:10 Yes, he wants to kill our friendships and relationships and what better way than to twist our words, to use them against us and destroy what the Lord is doing in our lives. He wants to steal our testimonies unto the Lord!

Take a look around, and take note of the power of our tongues. Let us delclare as the Psalmist and say, “I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.” Psalm 39:1 Watch the company you keep! “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” Proverbs 17:9

Lesson From The Garden

 

I've learned so many lessons while gardening this summer. The most recent happened just a few days ago! Last week I wanted to go in and harvest the veggies that are ripe and enjoy the fruits of my labor, BUT while attempting to enter, I met opposition! Lol, yes, an 8 legged critter... later found out it is a Brown Recluse! A very dangerous and can be fatal spider!

The Lord used this incident to speak GREATLY to my heart! After being grossed out and intimidated by this spider, not knowing if it was dead or not, my friend and I gathered the kids and went inside the house... YES WITHOUT THE HARVEST!

Here is the spiritual relation to my experience:
This spider is representative of Satan. He and his ways are so poisonous! Even though Christ within us is greater than he, we still allow his lies to intimidate us and keep us from the Lord’s work. See where this is going? Instead of standing firm in Christ, fully armed in the Armor of God (Eph 6:10-19), grounded & gripping our Sword which is the Word of God and fighting we cower and retreat! Leaving the Lord’s work unfinished!

Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38 You and I, in Christ, are the NEEDED labourers! Have you counted the cost? I have and the age old saying holds true; “no pain, no gain!” Jesus endured it, and we shall too. Isn’t one lost soul worth all that Jesus gives… hope, peace, joy, love, fulfillment~ Life everlasting? To trade all the burdens of this life for the yoke He gives? Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

Every person on this earth is the harvest! Who will stand firm against the enemy and proclaim the True Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world? Yes, the enemy is relentless! Christ is VICTORIOUS! So, great lesson learned is… be on guard, be vigilant, stand firm on the Word of God and GO REAP THE HARVEST! If we don’t bring them in, what will happen to them? Will their blood be upon our hands? “But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.” Ezekiel 33:6 YES!

I could go on and on about this, but sadly the bottom line is we need to rely upon Jesus, His strength and promises. We don’t have time to let the enemy keep us from the harvest! The days are few and time is nearly up before Jesus returns. While we wait no one knows when their time here is finished. Jesus is the hope for this world, and He is the very reason for this life! Let the Word of God crush the enemy! The harvest is plenty! People want to hear and receive Jesus, but sadly all too often, we are intimidated by them… giving into the lies the enemy spins in his web waiting to consume us. I choose to stand and fight—do you?

He Staggered Not

"(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness." Romans 4:17-22

The Lord has given us many promises too, just as He gave Abraham! Abraham's faith was strong. We as believers can experience the fullness the Lord has offered too... FAITH IS REQUIRED! As we mature in our walk, our faith grows. Each trial and triumph as well as our failures all help us grow in our reliance upon the Lord. That faith that began as the tiny mustard seed, eventually will grow into the size of a great tree (Luke 13:19). We can take Him at His Word and TRUST what He says He will do, will be DONE. We in our humanness allow doubt to creep in and when this happens it affects every area of our lives.

The trial of patience: Look at Abraham! His age, his body, his wife Sara and the "deadness of her womb". She was well past child bearing years, as were the loins of Abraham- You know how many today would say, "well, I guess it just wasn't meant to be... it must've just been a thought in my crazy head!"... Countless would walk away from a beautiful promise!  With the attitude "God took too long" or "wow, what a joke!" Would Abraham and Sarah saw the promise come to life, watching Sarah's belly grow and the joyous birth of Isaac? NO! Abraham took God at His Word, his faith GREW, He BELIEVED what the Lord had in store (regardless of how LONG he had to wait) that it was the Lord's will. They saw past the "physical evidence" and gripped ahold of the unseen! A prime example of "...The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:17 Which is WHY "it was imputed to him for righteousness".

So no matter what your circumstances are, be patient, let the LORD work! He is true to His promises and He is FAITHFUL to complete them! The very work He's started in you and I, will be completed one fine day too! Don't stagger... fully BELIEVE! "For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him." Job 23:14 Pull out that Bible and start standing on God's promises for your life! When kids aren't listening or misbehaving... "And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children." Isaiah 54:13. When the bills start piling up and work is minimal to none... "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."  Psalm 55:22. When health is failing... "Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me;..." Psalm 6:2. When the enemy starts to attack your mind... "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8

There will be countless things in this life beyond your control. You can allow the enemy to steal your joy, or you CAN stand firm in knowing GOD IS ABLE and WILL PERFORM the very things He has appointed for you! His will be done. You can't do it, you weren’t created to do it, you can't fix it nor change it on your own. The Lord is building FAITH in your walk with Him. Cling to Him, His Word, be steadfast in prayer, give Him your burdens and worries, STOP looking at the physical impossibilities of man and GRIP tight to the Lord!

"Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations." Deuteronomy 7:9

Praise Him in your storm and when that mountain is victoriously conquered; shout it from the rooftops! "I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations." Psalm 89:1

His love is real, His promises are true. He is faithful to the very end. His love is unconditional and He requires total reliance upon Him. Allow that seed of faith to grow in this life you've given to Him. Trust Him with it! He's given all we need to make it through, but the tough part is allowing Him to do it. He wants to help you in your time of need. Grant God your hand and allow Him to prove all He is. His Word is life, grants peace and pertains to every situation we face!  

Jesus said, “…, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Love in Christ,
Michelle James