Snakes and Lizards, Bugs and all "Wee Beasties''
Part 1
As we find ourselves finding 'things' of the prophetic on a dramatic increase, the issue of 'judging' is finding itself in our thoughts. One Brother in a post to me brought up a couple of issues that seems to be more obvious each day. He was sent a post that was described as very important, and had to be sent out. The zeal was there as well as impatience and impertinence. We all remember how we reacted to the Voice of the LORD. On fire and full of ourselves. As I pointed out in my response...."at one time I had high appreciation of my own immense value to GOD, the world, but most of all to myself. (Please stop laughing Bill..) It took some nasty falls for me to realize even a few fundamental truths....
1 Open doors are easier to walk through.... and more preferred than walls....
2 THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT is the best advanceman if you think you need influence spread before you step through the door....
3 If it is GOD'S perfect will for the message to be given there will be someone on the other end watching and waiting for it with more desire to receive than you have to give....
4 If the message is that important....remember the Balaam PRINCIPLE..... ''any jackass will do.....".....
Because of the escalation of the spiritual realm, we find more people interacting on this medium called the Internet. By it's nature there is open access to any who is willing to step through the open door. This requires the prophetic people to take the job of Watchman with deadly seriousness, for the wolves are always eager to sneak into the fold.
THE WORD itself requires us to judge all men as trees that bear fruit. Likewise we are to judge all teachings and prophetic words by the MOST HOLY SPIRIT that is within each of us. Being prophetic is not a licensee. It is a call to both service and accountability. Our greatest priority is to protect baby lambs: those who are most vulnerable to enticing and familiar spirits that sound close enough to the real thing so they can get a foothold into young impressionable hearts: those who have been wounded, abused, and betrayed by false authority in the past: those who fell away and now struggle to get back to where they belong. That is our duty as Watchman. To intercede for the brethren.
We are required to judge...not necessarily to make judgments. A judgement is required when someone has been harmed, placed at risk, or made vulnerable in some way, to confront the issue, protect those in danger, and separate the one in question from 'the camp' till the danger is past and reoccurrence is eliminated. This falls far short of the condemnation and execution many associate with the concept of ''to judge''. THE WORD says that we have been given "THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION". Simply put we are trying to keep people in 'vital relationships', often in spite of themselves.
To judge prophecy we need two specific qualities active in our walk and our diverse ministries: WISDOM and DISCERNMENT. While related to each other as "GIFTS" of the MOST HOLY SPIRIT, their activation and utilization are distinct and separate. While they often flow together in ministry, each has separate facets that require activation in the lives of all who minister in the "Five Fold Ministry".
The first aspect on which all seem to follow is the simple issue of "BALANCE". Theoretically, we and everything we do need to be lined up with the WILL OF GOD. Simple theory. And we all know none of us are perfect and completely ''without spot or blemish". Anyone who says that they are...and GOD told them so, you need to take three steps away from and check all your armor to see that it is securely in place. For the WORD itself says that we all have sinned and fallen short of the GLORY of GOD. THE WORD declares that we are being 'conformed'. A process of change that takes time, and often enough, a little bit of heat and/or pressure.
So the first question is Am I in balance with GOD? Am I securely in the center of HIS WILL, or have I wandered off and away somewhere? Am I listening attentively for HIM, or am I continuously being 'caught' off balance and off stride?
Am I waiting on THE LORD, or am I perpetually surprised and often stunned by what GOD has just done. Am I watching HIS HAND as eagerly as I am listening for HIS VOICE? Am I aware of the subtle differences and intonations that THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT specifically uses when ministering to HIS CHILDREN? Am I as quick to obey as I am quick to speak?
When this area of our lives is established, then to some degree, we can venture into the realm of judging "the prophetic word".
Again, we start with balance. Does the RHEMA WORD find itself in BALANCE with the LOGOS/WRITTEN WORD? There are times when we definitely "hear" GOD and the 'word' ,itself, seems way out, so to speak.
A quick look on the computer concordance leaves us blank. We are caught 'between' THE LOGOS and THE RHEMA.... This leads us to a second concept of BALANCE which we may be familiar with, but I wish to take to a new level that is in reality very old.
That is, the BALANCE between THE PROPHETIC and THE APOSTOLIC.
For many years we have barked back and forth about/over/around/through the issue of "covering". Covering scripturally was 'protection' and 'security' based on intimacy. The Babylonian Religious system uses it as a means of control and authority. THE APOSTOLIC MINISTRY is a 'dad' thing. Grow them up and send them up to raise their own....Scripturally it is ''the equipping the saints to do the work of the ministry''.... Sound familiar?
But does the average ministry that you have witnessed in action really send them out? Or do they keep them close to be able to 'watch over them'? Too many pastors are overly suspicious of anyone moving in the GIFTS of the MOST HOLY SPIRIT. All too many shepherds are so into micromanaging every single minute detail of "their ministry" that they create their own idols. They are so busy and so insecure that they have minimal prayer time and they wonder why they are in continuous struggle to survive.
SO THEY SURRENDER WHAT SHOULD BE GOD'S TO A RELIGIOUS SPIRIT....and they don't know it.... The Babylonian System is a 'moma' thing. Always worried that the nest will be empty... Their purpose in life just up and went....so now a smothering, controlling spirit is released....feed the kids milk and pablum so they don't grow and will stay at home under "MOMA"S CARE".... and we all know 'moma' well....THE JEZEBEL SPIRIT....THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN.
Prophets without Apostolic covering will typically sound OLD TESTAMENT-ISH.... and we all have been, haven't we?
But there was always someone eager to 'correct' us.... even if it was a PURE word. So we toned down to please 'moma'...or we shut up and waited. What we were waiting for was ABBA to bring forth SONS who could be Fathers.
We have had men and women we labeled as "APOSTLES'' and defined them as church planters....the job of an evangelist as exampled by Paul, Silas, Philip, Barnabus and all that went out taking the GOSPEL to the WORLD.....or the founder of a denomination, bible college, a 'movement', and any guy/gal who can survive 40+ years in the wilderness we call 'church'.
Paul said : 1 Corinthians 4:15.
For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. (KJV) 1 Corinthians 4:15.
THE APOSTLE IS THE FATHER'S Heart in this Body we call the church. The Apostle can give balance and insight to the prophetic WORD...and to the Prophet. Providing a 'cover' based on protection and security through the Anointing. The only problem is knowing who/where they are...and being willing to be a part of what GOD is doing in our midst.
When there is no Apostle, then the Prophets must gather when issues and relationships become strained. For when two or more gather....even by phone or email, THE LORD is there and will bring things into agreement with HIS WILL. Sounds too simple? Think about it. We have wondered why we have struggled so long and so hard at just "walking" the walk.
ANSWER...lack of balance. Rug rats scoot all over the place and seem always looking for something to pull themselves up to a standing position. Our nature requires us to try to stand and walk. As it is in the natural so too is it in the SPIRITUAL. We need ABBA'S hand to get to our feet. Seeing that all well dressed ''spiritual toddler's" wear the Gospel on their feet we can only stand on THE WORD....LOGOS and RHEMA....one for each tootsy.
Then if we run into trouble Daddy will tend to walk you through....Moma picks you up.
So Balance begins with intimacy with our ABBA. It grows with strength in the WORD. Then centers on the Heart of the Father....
We then have one tool at 'weighing' and 'judging' the prophetic word.
There are more when they are required.
selah bob in miami
Part 2
Dear SR M and Members of the LIST,
when first I approached Sister Meri about this I had four solid areas with notes sitting in a pile and one churning hard in my spirit. but knowing how THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT works I 'inflated' the estimate by 30% and said 6-8 installments.
during the night ABBA spoke and I am now going to wing one....no notes or scriptures... please chew on it. I will keep the medical jargon as simple as possible.
to you with many years in ministry and expect to hear a certain harmony with your mode of thinking I regret the culture shock that may follow.... but i'll get over it....
"Syncope" is defined as a loss of balance. A ''syncopal episode'' is how 'we' label a sudden wave of 'dizziness'. Another label is ''acute'' meaning sudden and of usually short duration. The opposite of this label is "chronic" meaning it is a continuous problem of long duration and pathophysiology with multiple origins.
Long ago I was given a 'nugget' from the THRONE that every physical aspect I can see within the realm of the natural world, will be played out in the Realm of THE SPIRIT. Physical laws that we accept daily have Spiritual Laws on which they are based. Having some fundamental knowledge of science this means there are Spiritual Realities in the blueprint of the Universe obviously completely beyond our scope of understanding. Then came a 'little' rhema from JEHOVAH RAPHA....all diseases, aberrations in homeostasis, genetic disorders that affect the body will have a counterpart in the SPIRIT.
a personal note....this is not anything I have 'withheld' but shared as the LORD has led in order to 'minister' as I am presently attempting to do. what many of ABBA'S dear children might call ''harsh'', ''hard'', or some similar label is merely deep enough to place unacceptable pressure to their comfort zones.....do I have a witness on this???
To understand the disease pathology we must know the 'anatomy and physiology'....
both in the body...and the spirit. The Sense of Balance is an autonomic system in the body. It works without us thinking about it. In the Spirit we would call it Discernment.
It should be working all the time. We spiritually prophetic types sometimes speak of proverbial "red flags". This means something has touched off an early warning alarm... in some cases it is a psychic smoke alarm....there is something out there. The problem is there is a lack in this. Is it 'discernment' or 'intuition'. We will define that later.... Balance is as you can imagine part of the Sense of Hearing in the Natural. Within the structure of the Ear there is a tiny structure called the Cochlea. It is a marvelous system of chambers and fluid that man has studied intensely and understand how it works. Yet have not a clue on how to duplicate it. If you can picture a carpenter's level hooked to gyroscopes with instantaneous feedback you have a grossly rudimentary attempt one of the most profound works of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the CREATOR. All subtle allusion to a carpenter's tool is far from subtle...selah...
The SIMPLICITY of PERFECTION can be seen in the staggered steps of a newborn colt and a toddler holding the coffee table suddenly aware it is erect and the feet do not work the same way as when on all fours. Balance is learned autonomically. The colt after a fall or two and a shaky first few minutes will stand and immediately nurse. Divine Order from a Divine Creator. The toddler will spend some time acquiring Balance without thinking about anything but the nearest balloon, kitten, or whatever has it's attention at the moment. But in the passage of time and acquiring experience the toddler gains enough confidence to boldly walk alone. Regrettably said same boldness will earn more meaningful bruises as the falls are from greater distances. The few of us who have survived the terrible "2's" can attest to the 'lack' of fear that our little ones seem to have in common. Yet it is all part of growing up.
So it is in the Prophetic. Suddenly we are walking and we can do all things through.... and we fall on our face. Everyone looks disapprovingly and we learn to 'fear' the thoughts of man. Authority sets guidelines, erects fences. There are to few fathers who will say get up and try again. So we spend time in the wilderness, in the doghouse, places where few want to go till we learn acceptability....but not always balance.
Balance allows us to pick up the burden and to carry it without hurting ourselves. To those of you in the work place, whether as employees or as an employer, you have probably ran into OSHA. "BIG BROTHER'S" efforts to keep us 'safe'. The US Government has spent millions of dollars to teach us everything we forget when we grew up. The fancy name is body mechanics. Pick up a heavy load...spread your legs to improve your center of gravity....bend down to lower said center of gravity....and hold close to body...over the center of gravity. Interesting?
Now think in the spiritual....we can carry things in 'proper balance' by expanding our base of support. THE MORE WORD in us, LOGOS/RHEMA the wider we have our GOSPEL 'FEET'....the more foundation under us. When we get 'down' we get closer to that same foundation. We can carry more 'weight' longer and farther if we hold it on our chest(heart), or on our shoulders(mantle/anointing). All this is to minimize strain and to prevent injury.... In healthy people....
But what happens when you lose 'your balance'. The most common cause of Acute Syncope is Motion Sickness/Seasickness/etc.... The Organ of Balance with in the ear... part of our 'hearing apparatus is suddenly overwhelmed by sensory input. Too many signals coming all at once for the brain to handle. In the time of tall ships and sails where the 'boat' went as often against the sea as with it people got used to it to some degree or stayed on land. Commonly called getting your 'sealegs' it was the brain and body working together to compensate and adjust. Today people buy Dramamine and other over the counter 'drugs' that deaden the sensory input. Call it ''better living through chemistry", useful but potentially dangerous reality.
When the body gets this over load there are some interesting characteristics....we call them symptoms. The most pronounced is the distortion of sensorium, a sense that everything is moving around you. Vision becomes unfocused, blurred, distorted. This leads to a sense of weakness. Often severe nausea followed by vomiting follows quickly.
Headaches often contribute to the general misery.
The second most often reported cause of acute syncope is medically induced as much as it happens without chemical cause. It is called ''orthopnic hypotension''. Elderly people and those on antihypertensive therapy will have 'low blood pressure' while asleep or lying down. If this person suddenly attempts to sit up their 'pressure' is too low to supply blood to the brain. While all the reasons for syncope are different the dangers are more pronounced. Distortion of sensorium followed by 'fainting', 'black out', and loss of memory. The tragedy here is when blood flow is sufficiently restored to the brain the person awakens on the floor, often confused and unaware where they are. Often they have sustained traumatic injuries ranging from lacerations and contusions to severe hip fractures, concussions, and internal injuries. To tie just where I am going let me add one 'disease' where syncope is almost universal. Migraine headaches. Here again syncope and alterations in 'vision' go hand in hand. Tunnel vision, seeing colors and spots are common. Sensitivity to light is common. Sensitivity to sounds and smells are often documented.
While we have discussed the physical/natural aspects of syncope a few glimpses of the spiritual syncope has hopefully shined through.
SPIRITUAL SYNCOPE comes from spiritual overload.....or a sudden Lack of THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT....or a combination of both. If one is under the typical stress of daily living and are suddenly the target of spiritual assault our "sensorium'' and our ''sight'' is distorted. How many of us have had sudden 'migraine like' headache with nausea, weakness, and general helplessness. SPIRITUAL ASSAULT is the cause, and as in the natural dizziness can go away by getting off the boat. To sit and be still.
Yet if the 'journey' is required spiritual dramamine can be used....prayer, praise, and worship. For more 'severe' cases....call your intercessors. They probably knew you were in trouble before you figured it out.
Then there are those times your spirit man is running on near empty...and suddenly you try to react to a 'red flag'. "THE LIFE IS IN THE BLOOD" is as natural as it is scriptural.
Blood carries oxygen to the body. Cut off, restrict, or limit the FLOW of the SPIRIT and we are in trouble.... don't know it, and don't remember it after it is over. Balance has been compromised but we don't know we have been hurt. Vision and Hearing have been distorted and our sensorium is out of whack.
Now take it to the extreme...chronic syncope is heart breaking. Walking is staggered and difficult. Alteration in vision and hearing are the norm. It is seen in different disease processes....tumors, infectious processes of the inner ear, brain, menenges....trauma.... and 'substance abuse'. In the spirit we can see it in cases of spiritual strongholds and bondages. The problem in the natural is that it is often a slow and progressive degeneration ignored until more lethal symptoms arise. So it is in the spirit. The 'victim' can ignor the alterations and compensate with out much notice by others. We create 'excuses' to ourselves...and vigorously deny it when others voice their concern.
As Balance gives us strength and security, allowing us to discern and to judge that which is around us, spiritual syncope takes us out of balance.
Our vision is distorted and our hearing is compromised. We go through it, or we accommodate for it. Accommodation never restores PURE SPIRITUAL BALANCE ....merely replaces it out of our own strength and dexterity. Such are the breeding grounds of deception, delusion, and destruction. Going through the problem forges strength and resilience. All useful for the battle.
Sister Meri....I believe I have hit all the points ABBA desired....and it was a battle...
whoever may have needed this specifically today ABBA is concerned and calling....
but your reception is a bit off...pray for restoration of what was....'what is' is far less than you think or remember.
in PEACE
bob in miami
Part 3
For us to judge prophecy, or anything else if you think about it, we must have clear vision. Breaking it down to it's simplest we have to really see what we are looking at.
As stated in part 2, one of the main symptoms of spiritual attack in our lives is distortion of "vision". May I place before you the concept that such may indeed be the whole purpose of the forces of darkness? The idea of spiritual blindness has been talked about a very long time now. So the attack on the ''seer'' would seem the most natural consequence of being a ''prophet''.
We all know and have used the scripture that speaks of the lack of vision.... Proverbs 29:18 18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. But lack of vision was not the key problem in ancient Israel. In fact it might have been the least of their worries.....Isaiah 28:7..... 7 But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment. Lack of sobriety seems to be a source of problem here. Not only is the vision in error but so is their judgement. But look again at the repetition of the terms 'wine' and 'strong drink''. When we speak of "new wine'' we are talking of THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT. This scripture is actually referring to the interaction with 'familiar spirits'. The term ''drunkard'' as in one who habitually abuses a 'substance' is synonymous in hebrew as the term idolater. The practice of 'sacramental' drunkenness has long been part and parcel to pagan worship. Point of fact, visible inebriation was a major reason why Paul addressed the church in Corinth (1Cor 11:21).
"Chronic syncope" is an outcome of habitual abuse of the temple. But let's move on...
Clear vision is by nature binocular...requiring two eyes to be balanced and true. Again looking to the natural world we talk about having 20/20 vision. In the natural if the numbers are not the same our vision is less than it could be. So prescription lenses are available in the physical realm. In the spiritual realm we are back to the image of balance...LOGOS and Rhema, APOSTOLIC AND PROPHETIC...and they have a purpose. Please keep in mind the image of 20/20....2 Chronicles 20:20.... 20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
There are so many images in this one single verse it is hard to stay on the subject....but let me ask you if you have ever heard/read/witnessed anyone quote..."OBEY THE PROPHET(S)"? It seems a common thread when you come across false prophets/ anointings of late. Strangely they quote a verse that GOD did not say. A mark of a false prophet since the beginning. But no one seems to notice. Maybe a lack of discernment somewhere. Jehosaphat is saying obey GOD, and believe what the prophets GOD sends.
The phrase rose/rise early (in the morning) repeats itself frequently in Isaiah and Jeremiah when GOD speaks of how HE repeatedly attempts to warn his people of their sins and rebellion. Taking Jehosaphat to the extreme 'believing' God establishes us. We call this the 'firm foundation of faith'. But believing the prophets causes us to prosper. If anyone is caught 'up' in the "prosperity gospel" you need to understand the term.
"Prosper'' to them ment to mature, to come to the peak of ripeness. It refurs to spiritually 'growing up' and not material wealth. Call it 'full balance'.....
Strange as it seems there only seems to be one incident where GOD'S people actually "listened and obeyed''....Haggai 1:12.....
12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD.
And it occurs after the Remnant returns from Captivity. this explains Daniel's statement...Daniel 9:10
10 Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. (KJV)
The issue that Vision in proper balance must deal with of course is sin. Today many go far and long to distance themselves from the Old Testament stereotypes. But is that balanced by LOGOS and RHEMA? Let's take a brief look at Isaiah.....
Isaiah 30 1 Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:
Hard beginning...the thought that is formost for us to comprehend is if they are not taking GOD'S council, who are they listening to? What follows is an interesting call by GOD to speak to us today....Isaiah 30:8-15
8 Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:
9 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:
10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.
12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon:
13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.
14 And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit.
15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. (KJV) and we accuse each other for being 'harsh', 'lacking in love', 'doom and gloomers'.... the problem is that GOD has this thing about sin and is most willing to confront HIS PEOPLE face to face with a 'servant' sent for HIS PURPOSES. We really need to look at verses 10 and 11 closely. The first to taste the people's 'unhappiness' are the 'seers', those with clear balanced vision...
10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
then they can tell the prophets to shut up. Once this happens the prophet has given his/her submission to the people in rebellion against GOD. Now they are required to perform ...speak to us 'smooth'....tell us lies...
11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.
The prophet stands firmly on the wide road to destruction and shouts, “get off this road.” The prophet stands firmly in the wilderness and cries out to the city... “come out of Babylon.” The one who is sent to speak from GOD is in the way because his/her vision is clear and is standing in the intimacy of a balanced walk before the LORD.
When we hear things slick and sweet that tickles ears it does not balance with our spirit man. When we read some harsh judgement that we see no promise of obedience attached the scales teeter out of alignment. When we hear curses ring forth from someone saying they are a servant of GOD and we feel the slight touch of spiritual syncope we know it is not GOD. We see clearly because of HE who is in us. And we label it discernment.
So what happens when vision is not clear and become distorted. Then the vision comes from other than GOD....Ezekiel 13:16-17....
16 To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord GOD.
While we all see through a glass darkly and prophesy but in part...all the parts should fit. When what we see/hear/read does not fit we may be required to more than comment and/or judge....
17 Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them, (KJV)
Anyone notice GOD did not say curse....to prophesy against is not curse. To expose sin and call to repentance is not to say..."Br Bob....you are a false prophet and a servant of Satan. You will burn in hell forever. Amen....in love...have a nice day....."
after the third one I realized the cosmic humor of it all....
and the lack of balance even though they were ''cursing me in love"....I do love oxymorons don't you....but I know the last one especially 'knew' it was from GOD... and was 'obedient'.....
The problem was bad vision. They saw something and did not weigh it to see the balance. And spoke. In discernment? Each of us must judge. To judge for us is to rely on the faithfulness of A MOST HOLY SPIRIT, A GLORIOUS KING, AND A LOVING ABBA to safely guide us into WISDOM.....
selah
bob in miami
Dear Sr Moderator,
Once again it was 4:44 and I am awake with a burden and a target. Nothing is 'wrong' or apparently 'out of order' ...or should I say ''out of balance''. This was thought to be a focused look at 'judging' the prophetic word, this was the issue Meri raised because of 'the list' and 'stuff happening' that we were seeing played out before us. And I was told "ANSWER HER" by THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT. Obedience is a great thing when you understand and move in it fully. Besides being in a pure balance with the HEART and WILL of our HEAVENLY FATHER gives HIS SERVANT a PEACE and a FREEDOM the world can not duplicate. So once again I am hearing clearly and seeing at a spiritual 20/20 ...but this is not where it seemed we were called to go. There is more to all this than it seemed. I have once again been directed to deal with aberration of the norm ...alteration in physiology... what messes up that which ABBA is doing in HIS VESSELS. I have no problem with "GOD DOING A NEW THING" for we all are ...by HIS GRACE AND HIS MERCY ...HIS WAYS ARE PERFECT ...FOR HE IS RIGHTEOUS AND HOLY.
Yet there is a deep hunger to see HIS PATTERN and to acquire WISDOM so I may appreciate in a greater fullness HIS GLORY.
So I have spent the last hour or so seeking the WHY. And to do so you go to THE TRUTH and learn at HIS FEET. And to be quite honest all I could see was a "SWORD"... like this is new??? And once again ABBA begins to pour out....
HIS WORD IS A TWO EDGED SWORD...two edges...two purposes...a 'handle' to hold and a blade to cut...and a hilt to protect/separate the one who wields it from the cutting/slashing part of this tool. Having the ability to deliver blows....and to turn blows away....
ABBA is telling me to run...to pull no punches...you wanted a way to 'judge' that which has began to come against each of you. Bigger obstacles and oppressions are but the 'feeling out' skirmishes of the coming battles. You think of 'judging' when you flow quite well in MY SPIRIT. You want something you already have...DISCERNMENT, WISDOM, and MY PRESENCE and MY PEACE...what you need is to practice it ...to become proficient as trained soldiers and not last minute conscripts. You will have enough of those on your hands soon enough. I am giving you time to get the 'edge' I will require in you for the work of MY KINGDOM I have chosen you here for...awkward as you may feel you must learn to use MY WORD in all it's manifestations. Now you must think of a two edged sword...not a distant weapon of ancient and bloody times...but a tool that is taught to every SERVANT in MY HOUSE. you and MY WORD must be one ...no longer just doing MY WORD but BEING MY WORD....as MY WORD IS LIVING IT HAS A PURPOSE....and that PURPOSE requires a precisionly balanced WEAPON functioning in your hand.
As you and MY WORD become a single weapon/tool in BALANCE with MY WILL you will learn the PROPER ORDER I have established. Any and all 'words', 'utterances', 'tongues', 'interpretations', 'dreams', 'visions' that do not line up with MY PROPER ORDER will feel 'out of balance'. Let them fall to the ground. Like the Levites, you shall "TOUCH'' no dead thing that would defile you. Trust ME...I have shaped and set you in place. Each of you are different...each of you have been blessed and placed...to fit together...to compliment each other.
Your discernment will be as natural as your senses. Some will 'see' when others 'hear'.... Some will 'smell' as others 'taste'...and all will 'feel' the discord and distortion any and all that comes against MY WILL always manifests. You will discern the 'disorder' and 'unbalance' as easily as you breathe...as easily as you discern MY PRESENCE....
FEAR NOT CHILD...I AM ALWAYS WITH YOU...I DO NOT CHANGE....
TOO OFTEN YOU STILL WONDER IF YOU HAVE ''MISSED'' ME AND HAVE FALLEN. STILL TOO OFTEN YOU QUESTION MY VOICE BECAUSE ARE UNSURE OF HOW I 'SOUND' AND 'ACT'. THE SOLUTION IS SIMPLE...COME TO ME AND LEARN...NONE OF YOU ARE TOO OLD OR TOO BIG...BEWARE SUCH THOUGHTS FOR THEY COME AGAINST YOU WHEN YOU ARE TOO LONG AND TOO FAR FROM ME...RETURN TO ME AND LISTEN NOT TO WHISPERS THAT GO ALONG WITH YOUR 'EVALUATION' OF HOW THINGS SHOULD BE. LISTEN NOT TO THOSE WHO GO OUT OF THEIR WAY TO PRAISE AND EXALT YOU. LIFTING YOU UP TO ASSURE YOUR FALL IS LONG AND HARD. RETURN TO ME AND ABIDE WITH ME.
I NOW TAKE AWAY ALL YOUR QUESTIONS, DOUBTS, AND FEARS IF YOU SIMPLY PAY THE COST OF KEEPING YOUR EYES ON ME...LISTENING FOR MY VOICE ONLY.... AND OBEYING ME IN CONFIDENCE AND JOY
(It seems I am to stop here and wait....
Selah...Bob)
Just as I posted it our exterminator came by for our monthly service...there are times I know that I know that I know that the LORD likes to see the reaction when 'the light bulb' finally goes on in that old hard melon sitting on my shoulders.....
Bear witness please as I make this an official application for the position of 'court jester' to the KING OF GLORY...during the MILLENNIAL REIGN of our LORD AND KING...truly I enjoy hearing HIS LAUGH...and that is what this whole 'thing' is about....
Part 5
(my apologies to Robert Burns)
It seems we have discussed, battled, and generally talked to death the issue on whether we are to judge and how to judge prophecy. In fact it was these very issues by which I first began corresponding with Sr Meri and all on the A/P List. In the past week or so enough fuel has been thrown on the fire to get everyone's attention...or is it really a lot of smoke being blown to get everyone's attention away from the slight of hand taking place.
A year ago I had the experience else where on this thing called the internet with a self proclaimed 'apostle'. He came in with the expressed commission to "take over". His teachings were convolutions of scripture, and in some cases refuted the LOGOS and basically established his own gospel. When you attempted to correspond personally by email he would publish it on the net. If you dared to ask a question he rebuked, if you asked for help he was condescending. If you sided with him he was exceedingly flattering and then stick the knife in and twisted it with great joy. When the moderator tried to intervene he cursed it and mocked all who tried 'in love' to open dialog....
A great learning experience. A truly living example of the apostolic anointing? Afraid not... when I sought THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT I was given two very vivid images..... SMOKE and MIRRORS...manufactured illusion, and a critter called ''the gadfly''. The interpretation is that all we were ''seeing'' was the illusion of the internet…and a little bug that buzzed all over the place annoying and in some case angering people. Also abused and bruised many who believed his accusations, condemnations, and predictions.
I noticed 'he' just came back yesterday...I wonder how many friends he sent ahead this time?????
Last night in our service there were a number of deliverance's ...and in a couple of cases some seriously resistant foul spirits were cast out. Yes, it does happen where THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT can move in FREEDOM and POWER. I have had the experience of people being trampled when a 'saint' suddenly realized I am in their 'comfort zone'.
Likewise I have had bizarre 'psychotic' episodes in our local grocery store. I wonder how many fire fighters have figured out that this bizarre behavior does not always fit the label of 'seizure'. Manifestations do seem to be on the increase...what will happen when we go looking for them????
Has anyone else noted an escalation of demonic manifestation? Among new and old members? Maybe it is just Florida. Famous for lizards of all sizes, snakes in abundance, bugs of all sizes, shapes, and peculiarities......
Indeed there was a time our main concern was whether this word or that word was 'from GOD' or from the ''flesssshhhhhhhh''. It seemed so bad back then until we see true abomination. Please go back to Meri's site and the Mini Series...still good stuff....
In fact we need to look at one aspect that was discussed for foundation and balance. It all revolves with the Prophet/Psalmist/King David's prayer...Psalm 19:13-14 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (KJV)
We have often tried to deal with the idea of man speaking when GOD did not. David openly asks to have Grace and strength to stay away from presumptuous sin. Here David points out that it is this 'sin' of presuming what GOD WOULD say or do is 'them'. Maybe this is a stretch for some, for he categorically states that these 'sins' would take 'dominion' over his life. Certainly we can think of sin producing bondages, but is bondage the same as strongholds? "DOMINION" is more closely tied to rulership...submission to authority outside itself. When a man yields the authority over his life to a spirit what would the 'symptoms' be like?
Verse 13 ends with David acknowledging that GOD'S protection allows him to be 'upright' before GOD, and it allows him to withstand the attack and remain innocent of "THE GREAT TRANSGRESSION". We can debate what ''THE GREAT TRANSGRESSION" is and all sound good. Lack of Love, unforgiveness, disobedience, rebellion, witchcraft ...blaspheming /grieving THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT.... Please allow me to suggest.... Exodus 20:1-3
1 And God spake all these words, saying,
2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (KJV)
Surrendering authority, submitting to Demonic Dominion is the GREATEST ABOMINATION I can think of and believe that it was what David was referring to. But that leaves us the problem of diagnosing this 'disease' and treating it. In the time of Moses the diseased were cast out of the camp. They either died or recovered. That has not changed much...but once recovered they would be inspected by the Levites and allowed to return to the camp if they posed 'no danger' to ''the camp''. So we need a protocol, a set of standing orders on how to even approach the concept.
Since we believe on "line upon line and precept upon precept'' let's look again at David's prayer...14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (KJV)
"Let the words" is a good beginning...and the Key of discernment. If our spirit man is invigorated and flowing in THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT we can be conscious of the ebb and flow of HIS PRESENCE and HIS PEACE. When we hear, see, or read something that is not acceptable IN HIS SIGHT we have a symptom. But does that prove a diagnosis? What allows a diagnosis is prevalence of symptoms....
There are times I hear and 'feel' nothing but GOD seems to be satisfied. It was not for me, but did minister to someone else. Sometime I read posts that set my teeth on edge and my 'spirit' is untroubled because HIS PEACE is there. My lack of 'feeling' and/or my uncomfortable feeling is nothing more than my own flesh reacting. The Key is what HIS SPIRIT within me is responding to...and that is anointing, the lack there of, and in worse case scenario, a perverted anointing. Fleshly utterance, while far from HIS Perfect will has to this time been a problem. Now it can be a possible future threat.
There are times we try too hard, or get ahead of GOD and fail to wait on HIM. Likewise we can wait too long and miss HIS timing. Such is the process we are going through as we conform to HIS IMAGE. The problem is when we fall into a pattern of resumption.... bad timing, speaking what we want to hear, or worse, speaking what will please the crowd.
It is that point we are setting ourselves up for seduction. This may come from those little voices in our spirit that are not holy. Sometimes it comes from people around us who can push our buttons and pull our strings for their demons know exactly our most vulnerable spots.
What to do? Follow the WORD...approach the one and speaking in love reach out to them. If THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT still can be heard help carry the burden and free one from the trap that has been laid. IF THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT has departed...or possibly never knew this ''false brethren expect to be rebuked, cursed, and assaulted...in body, mind and spirit. REMEMBER THE COMMERCIAL...THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD...NEVER GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT IT!!!
But what if you are not treated violently. What do you do if you get smoke and mirrors... pleasantly misdirected, given false reassurances or just plain ignored? Again you go to the WORD and take a couple of witnesses.
Now if this is in the body and I have a doubt or two or twelve I will wait till someone else approaches me concerning BR/SR so and so. Often I have had brethren come to me and ask 'was that GOD?'...and it was. But there have been some where we then go to Pastor. Usually he mentions Br/Sr so and so before I can ask. Then the process of
Reconciliation begins. Usually the person leaves cursing and angry, but the sheep are safe.
Now the internet is a whole other problem. For the Pastor and the Prophet to go in the leading of THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT to someone in fellowship with them the dynamics are fluid and face to face. For two or more saints whose only contact is their computer to approach someone needs HIS GRACE AND POWER IN ABUNDANCE. Email is cute but without face to face contact the work of reconciliation must be backed by solid intercession and fasting. As Jesus said ''some only come out'' when we follow HIS EXAMPLE.
For a long time we have referred to the enemy as the dragon because the scriptures depict him as such. Likewise the serpent since the garden has been suspect. Now throw in the images we have seen of recent years of spirits openly in conflict with the church labeled 'python' and 'cobra'. Interestingly enough 'python' has links to Greek, Egyptian, and Hindu paganism. 'Cobra’ was a deity in ancient Egypt and still is in India today. That would make things interesting enough, until you understand the numbers of people who still worship them. And we wonder why our intercessors are always being targeted.
To me the greater threat is not some entity far off, but the bugs that have crawled in. We should remember who "the lord of the flies'' still is.....and 'gadflies'.... I knew what a gadfly was...a petty annoyance....and then THE MOST HOLYSPIRIT leg swept me and made me come into agreement with HIM that nothing HE said was irrelevant or trivial.
SO...I did a net search on flies. Did you know that there is a specific family of flies that has but one desire in life...to crawl up the nasal passage of sheep to lay their eggs.
Upon hatching the worms/maggots dig to the brain. The pain is so excruciating the sheep will bash their heads on rocks and trees and such to stop the pain that can not be stopped. In mercy the Shepherd must put down the infected sheep. To prevent the flies from doing this the shepherd oils their head and nose. I don't know why the head but the nose makes sense. And once again the natural reflects the SPIRITUAL.
2 final thoughts on bugs...THE BRIGHTER YOUR LIGHT SHINES....the more bugs you will attract....and no 'bug' is too little to be ignored...
selah
bob in miami
A QUESTION OF BALANCE/Part6
Dear Sis,
Let me start by saying that ABBA has a sense of humor. When this idea started with a question you posed ABBA clearly said BALANCE and I started chasing rabbits. What was that??? A week ago? Seems like a whole lot fell into place and that things I never imagined seemed to fit together. Quite well to my amazement.
Sis we once passed posts a few months ago on whether anyone noticed that 70% of an AP posting was missing...remember?
So let me thank Sr Suzie for rising up and sharing....we all needed to be reminded that we are not here to be spectators....but part of the Kingdom....living stones.....
I want to thank Br Jim Weis's for his question yesterday...for a long time I have thought of "us prophetic types" in the frame of being in some way similar. Then as Jim pointed out most people's opinion of us is not something to boast about. and I do appreciate your humor Jim. but I think there is a valid issue that is sneaking in here.while personally I know all of us are warm compassionate people, often grossly misunderstood and definitely unappreciated....there are many out there who I would find it difficult to fellowship with for more than 5 minutes without strangling....a momentary pleasure
immediately repented I assure you.... and as Jim alluded to...if we had a scripture that explains it.... like 2 Hezakiah 3:16....but we don't....or maybe there is.... any body remember ''choose you this day...." somebody made a choice to be a ''jerk''...all other terminology is more inflammatory and I am already close to the edge.
And I find this as an appropriate lead in to...
One of the great tragedies we must deal with is the fact that sometimes what we think we say is not heard quite the same way it was intended. Communications is as much an art as it is a science. The tragedy lies in the fact that unintentional outcomes are inevitable when emotions rule. Sr Suzie articulated clearly the problem when she wrote.... " It is all too easy, on the Internet, to misunderstand a person's heart, just because we do not fully understand their way of "putting things in English".
Words are our only way to convey the ideas and images we desire to share with others. But quite often how we say it is more critical to the dynamics of communications than what is said. We can negate ourselves as easily as any demonic attack that can be mounted. We often become our own worse enemy....and not know it till it is too late and the harm is done.
So the question is.... can GOD use a 'jerk'? We all need to answer that for ourselves. For anyone having a problem finding an answer, let me help...everytime I look into a mirror I know the answer is YES!. But the key here is that I 'chose' to be a jerk. When I chose to be a servant I made another choice. The jerk in me is part of the 'old man' that needs to be kept under submission at all times. Each time he gets loose things become bad news in a hurry. And it takes another 'tragedy' to happen to awaken me to the fact. Bob the Jerk does dumb and careless things. His humor is sharp and dry (there was a time sophisticated and witty...if not scathing was a goal to attain). Out of sheer stupidity people were bruised and hurt. Sr Suzie was correct about dead men.
DEAD MEN cannot be offended...simple fact. But most who we are ministering to are sheep and children. 'Dying to self' is a phrase we hear often but you have to ''grow up'' before you make that decision. So the ones hurt are the weakest and most defenseless. And it came not from a desire to harm. There was no malicious intent or vindictive
agenda.
What if there is?
When this whole work started there were 2 topics THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT brought to my attention. In my initial brainstorm part 3 was "FALSE VISIONS" and part 4 was "EMPTY WORDS''. Both came from issues Sr Meri placed before me and I chased like two big rabbits. As time moved and ABBA began to shape things evidence mounted that both were on the rise in almost a geometric progression. Add to that the sudden escalation of spiritual oppression and it took little for THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT to convince me they are really the same problem. So let's go to the start.... Genesis 3:14-15
14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:
15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (KJV)
We all know this prophecy. We also know that Jesus said ''either you are for ME or against ME''. This leaves absolutely no room to debate or discuss anything. Simple logic will tell us that everything GOD does the serpent will attack by any and every means available. So if GOD is using Prophets and Prophecy the enemy must attack. Br Jim's description of how people are accustomed to prophets acting is sadly quite mild to what we have heard and experienced. Personally I do not believe in coincidences. For years 'prophets' have ''ministered'' in churches that 'accept' the SPIRIT and the GIFTS but had no anointing. They were talented and performed well in the areas expected of them. Likewise there are many labeled 'prophetic' that are really 'psychic'. No one can discern the difference because they have never seen "THE REAL DEAL".
So the enemy has had the first shot...making it difficult for an anointed prophet to be received. But the anointing makes place if the servant is obedient and can wait. Now we have the issue of the internet and the prophetic. Once again we see the pattern of the Old Testament. ABBA sends a prophet to warn of judgement for sin, and the enemy counters it....
Jeremiah 14:13-16 13 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. 14 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. 15 Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. 16 And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them. (KJV)
There is a lot of criticism of "doom and gloom" prophets...but we don't see any ''fire and brimstone" preachers very often either. There are WORDs, Dreams, and Visions that ABBA in HIS FAITHFULNESS has sent. If you go back a few years there were quite a few ''prophets'' crying peace, prosperity, and all kinds of nice stuff. Occasionally we see one even today. All nice, loving and comfortable. The problem is that PRESENT KNOWLEDGE caught up to them. The abominations continue to escalate, and even the most jaded pagan knows wickedness has escalated. Most of the unsaved are aware of the increase in the storms, earthquakes, violence that lead to THE DAY OF THE LORD. So that lie has lost it's effect....
So we have a conundrum of sorts....what has happened to the attack? Where is the enemy's strategy now? Personally I believe it is two fold....desensitize the masses and assault THE SERVANTS.
Desensitize....there is a line from the past that fits this scenario...."if you can't dazzle them with brilliance....bury them in bullshit"
If you have noticed the # of ''prophetic types'' has skyrocketed...and the volume of email is staggering. This is why the whole issue has been raised on "judging prophecy". The first obvious thing is the rise in "absolute judgement" words. Bill Somers mentioned this point..."I have found that the key to giving a judgmental word, is to balance it with some promises. Like If you repent then ... etc."
What we are getting is a lot of stuff without a call to repentance and restoration. A few days ago I posted a 'word' that had no 'balance' as Bill described. The key is that it was not addressed to the church...something new to me but not to GOD. Yesterday on the AP List an article concerning China seemed to confirm what THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT told me to post. Much of this "absolute judgement" stuff we get no confirmations of in our spirit man. It can sound King James religious and have all the right 'jargon'....but our discernment is triggered.
Sr Meri shared a couple of "prophetic posts'' and shared with me the feeling she had that 'there was nothing there''. Upon reading them I found a dull blank and had to scratch the old head....and sought THE LORD. In answer came an old tune from my young pagan days
How Is It (We Are Here) (Mike Pinder)
How is it we are here, on this path we walk, In this world of pointless fear, filled with empty talk, Descending from the ape [the scientist-priests all think, Will they save us in the end, we're trembling on the brink.][***the bracketed section I could not remember****]While a starving frightened world fills the sea with grain.
ABBA had my attention from an album called "A QUESTION OF BALANCE"....at that time in my life I looked for TRUTH in all the wrong places. For some reason I do not remember this album caught my attention and I felt it of high spiritual significance. Who would have thought of it as prophetic? But please 'catch' that line of ''pointless fear, filled with empty talk" and you had the whole issue in the proverbial nutshell.
"EMPTY TALK CREATING """POINTLESS"""FEAR....
THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM. And these empty words led no one to ABBA but raised peoples anxiety levels.....now let's have fun....we were warned that just this strategy would come against us....Ephesians 5....
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Vain here can be translated as 'empty' or 'without value'. All three can apply as easily as any one for we see all three degrees coming against us. So let's look at the whole warning ...in context to the attack...
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
We are not to fellowship with men/women throwing us dead, lifeless 'empty' words. Not to align ourselves with them...
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
IF they really of GOD their fruit will show it...goodness, righteousness and truth...
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
here is a little fun...what is not acceptable to GOD....as IT IS WRITTEN....
12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
{froward Websters from framweard fram –away weard- ward. Wayward Not willing to yield or comply with what is required or is reasonable; perverse; unyielding; ungovernable; refractory; disobedient; peevish; as a froward child, Deut 23:20 generation of froward children syn perverse, untoward, wayward, unyielding, ungovernable, refractory, disobedient, petulant, cross, peevish.} [an apparent spirit may be prevalent in ADHD ADD people must be expelled… also a seeming form of attack for the distortion of vision and balance]
13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Seems obvious once you look at it in an open mindset....but it is nice to remember the little details. Especialy if GOD hates them....SELAH....
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Sounds simple...don't 'get in bed with' anyone who serves the serpent. Consorting with demons is a disqualifying attribute according to HIS WORD...
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
Again the concept of abomination rather than error or presumption by a struggling brother or sister....
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT will expose that which is not of GOD...but we must be sober and vigilant. Such is the DUTY of all Watchmen....like it or not for the LORD and HIS PROPHETS are still on duty watching over HIS PEOPLE. Serving...not lording over as the nicolaotins of BABYLON presently do....
14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, {Websters circum-around specere -to look literally to looking around syn cautious discreet prudent careful scrupulous} not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Can anyone say AMEN LORD....
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
If we who are seeking HIM diligently do not see HIS WILL in those WORDS, DREAMS, and VISIONS that come before us...who will? Yes, LORD it is time
for the Watchmen to wake and be sober...
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD....none of these "false visions'' and "empty words'' bring joy to our hearts...lift up our LORD and EXALT HIS HOLY NAME....DO THEY POINT US TO THE FATHER? or do they spue second hand stuff anyone can piece together from newsstand tabloids?
IS HIS FRAGRANCE STILL LINGERING WHERE HIS HAND TOUCHED?
IS HIS SWEETNESS AND FLAVOR EASILY DISTINGUISHED.....HIS GOODNESS....
of such is THE GIFT OF DISCERNMENT which HE HAS GIVEN to all HIS CHILDREN for ABBA cares deeply for even the littlest one of us.
All that is left to discuss is WISDOM.
selah
bob in miami
Part 7
One of the things I thank GOD for is HIS LOVE of variety. Everything HE touches throughout creation shows versatility and purpose behind HIS BLUEPRINT. Infinity and eternity are characteristics of HIS ESSENCE that set me in absolute awe of our ABBA.
Sunsets and a baby's laughter seem to point me to HIS ESSENCE and that overwhelming acknowledgment of HIS PRESENCE. THE FEAR OF THE LORD is that continuous awareness of MAJESTIC HOLINESS that permeates every atom in your being. I have read terms like "HOLY DREAD" or "AWESOME" and they seem to lack a little something....and I really don't have the words. But I 'know' it, and I leave it at that.
The Term "WISDOM" first appears in Exodus 28:3, "first reference".... 3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. (KJV)
GOD filled them with the SPIRIT OF WISDOM because HE wanted a "job'' done. Too simple but extremely efficient. Could it be the same today? May I point out a little detail in this verse....GOD'S PRIORITY is to 'appropriately dress' the priests/high priest. HE starts with those who will minister specifically to HIM for HISPEOPLE.....SELAH....
The next time it appears and is expanded upon...Exodus 31:1-7
1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel (God is protection) the son of Uri, (enlightened) the son of Hur, (free, noble)of the tribe of Judah: (praise)
3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, please look at the sequence here and see the DIVINE PATTERN....we receive HIS SPIRIT....in filled....and through the in filling WISDOM is accessed. From there flows understanding, knowledge....by which 'workmanship' that pleases ABBA is accomplished...
4 To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
5 And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
6 And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, (a father’s tent) the son of Ahisamach, (supporting brother) of the tribe of Dan (judge) and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;
7 The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle,
(KJV)
and why is man blessed through HIS MOST HOLY SPIRIT ? to erect HIS TABERNACLE among HIS PEOPLE....now it seems we have just begun a similar work in HIS SPIRIT as HIS SPIRIT creates a VESSEL within each of us.
The next time WISDOM is mentioned, outside the context of erecting THE MISHKON is in Deuteronomy 4:1-8. To get the full power of this image of WISDOM you need to take each line by line....and digest the whole thing one bite at a time.
1 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.
2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
3 Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor:(Midean idol lord of the opening) for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you.
4 But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day.
5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.
6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?
8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? (KJV)
Here in verse 6 we see a direct relationship between obedience and WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING. On top of that verses 1 and 2 begin with a warning that obedience is required for survival and success at taking the land.
But does anyone notice a stark similarity in verse 2 with warnings in the BOOK of Revelations? It seems ALMIGHTY GOD does not like anyone messing with HIS WORDS.
selah.
Probably the most quoted line we hear is really but a portion of a verse: Psalm 111:10
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever. (KJV)
Does anyone know why we never hear the last 2/3rds of this verse? Could it be that we have no problem mentioning THE FEAR OF THE LORD because very few really have a grasp on what it means? No one can find excuses to misunderstanding "DO HIS COMMANDMENTS". With this we can chew on the "REAL MEAT"... Proverbs 1:1-7
1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT places wisdom and instruction together. Coincidence that when JESUS said HE would send THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH in order to instruct HIS disciples once HE had returned to the FATHER. Then HE takes it beyond that....
13 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. " THE SPIRITOF TRUTH SHALL REVEAL WHAT IS TO COME.
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
Here it shows that 'understanding' allows us to receive not only wisdom, but an interesting trio...justice, judgement, and equity all follow wisdom. Has anyone ever heard this preached or taught. Or have you had encore after encore of "JUDGE NOT!''? Now that we are being required to take deep and serious looks at things around us, the issue seems to be proven more and more valid. BUT let's keep going...
4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
Does anyone hear the WORD in your spirits about GOD using the 'simple' to confound those that see themselves as wise? Subtlety to the simple....'sly as serpents and meek as doves' takes on a much deeper meaning. Then there is something we never see. Knowledge and discretion to the young man. Do you have the sense that we have been shortchanged somewhere down the line?
5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
love that line 'DARK SAYINGS'....but it begins with a 'wise man' hearing....he who has ears to hear...Verse 6 gives us another sequence....we should be desirous of "WISE COUNCIL to understand not just the proverb/prophecy and it's interpretation. But to look to the wisdom in the interpretation, and even for a 'deeper revelation' within that wisdom.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (KJV)
The KEY here is the single word 'beginning'. What we are entering into is a process. This process is growing up, maturing. In the images of the Kingdom, ripening to fullness. Like everything else in the LOGOS there is a caveat...a warning from ABBA that follows. Proverbs 2...the image of the FATHER telling us to persue WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING as a GREAT TREASURE in order to "UNDERSTAND THE FEAR OF THE LORD"....
1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Does verse 8 sound familiar to an aspect we previously covered in this series....? Maybe there is a treasure beyond what we see?
9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
Our safety and security comes from the discretion, and the understanding of which GODLY WISDOM alone can give us. Yet if ABBA has given us something the patterns of HIS KINGDOM establishes that there is a purpose behind everything that ABBA has done, is doing, and will do on our behalf.
12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; 13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; 14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; 15 Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:
Here again we see the repetition of that which GOD hates....all that would takes us off the narrow path. What is interesting is verses 12-15 THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT speaks of this in a 'male' persona only to shift to a female reference....
16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;
But ABBA spoke of seeking WISDOM as a young man would woo a virgin. In Hosea we have that image as GOD entices an adulterous Israel to return to HIS RELATIONSHIP AS HUSBAND. The prophetic SHADOW of THE BRIDE who waits yearning for the BELOVED BRIDEGROOM. SO IF THE KINGDOM HAS A PURPOSE...then the kingdom of darkness has a counterfeit....and her attack begins with ''flattering words''....Paul taught without flattering words giving us again a piece of this pattern....3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
Simply put the way we move and act is our witness to the world. "TO TRIETH HEARTS" is the purpose for which we are called to service. To be poured out AS IT PLEASES GOD. Now we need to finish this look at the counterfeit.... but again there is a promise for obedience...and a severe warning for those who refuse HIS INSTRUCTION......
17 Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.
18 For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.
19 None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.
20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.
SELAH.....
to go into the 'bed' of she that entices and flatters is a one way trip. ANYONE
think of Samson? GOD still used him, but what a cost. Is this why we are burdened so heavily for each other when THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT calls us to the PLACE OF INTERCESSION? Is that why we go to a brother or sister trembling and weeping to find not a fellow servant of our ABBA....but a contentious, mocking spirit that corrupts and curses? SELAH.....
Now the fullness of David's psalm of thanksgiving hits like a ton of bricks.....maybe we should also rejoice if we serve GOD and not something that has taken DOMINION over us....Psalm 19:1-14 , a song of ABBA'S loving Faithfulness to a 'child' who has 'learned' at ABBA'S FEET ABBA'S WISDOM.....
1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (KJV)
Not long ago I was given an image of being a servant of THE GREAT FATHER....but it placed ABBA as MASTER, which HE IS, but not all HIS KIDS will accept. Goes along with the issue of "JESUS IS SAVIOR, but not LORD"....
"There is no cause to think of yourself above any other servant. for it is not another person we look upon but a fellow servant in whom my MASTER delights. for if one falls we all fall and THE MASTER is diminished. If one is lost my MASTER is decreased. if one is struck down HIS HOUSE and HIS PERSON is assaulted.... and this my MASTER does not take lightly."
We are being "assaulted" on many levels, with all kinds of devils....but we see flesh and blood. So our only recourse when we have attempted reconciliation and been 'cut off' is to pray as THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT leads us. So many would pray from their own self to "BIND AND LOOSE". BUT DOES IT WORK? or have we been taught something other than HIS PERFECT WILL.
Matthew 16:19 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (KJV)
Here is the principle on which HIS KINGDOM AUTHORITY shall prevail...to overcome and to rejoice in HIS VICTORY....but that is all it is...a principle until HE INSTRUCTS US on it's application.
SO SISTER MERI ''line on line, precept upon precept" HE HAS TAUGHT US....past tense...HOW TO....WHEN TO.....WHERE TO....but have we been taught it by the hirelings???? selah....MATTHEW 18....
10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
DO we bind demons or spirits in public prayer because everyone does it. OR do we get on our face and weep before our FATHER. When we contend against the brethren we follow the pattern of reconciliation. WE DO SO for the brother/sister has been 'ensnared' and needs to be loosed. But the only binding comes when the "LOST LAMB" refuses and gives DOMINION to the enemy. In the pattern KING JESUS gives us three chances in each case.
As brother to brother....as three or more witnesses that confirm and bear witness....then as HIS BODY. Nothing to do with church, pastor, denomination whatsoever. Just as ervants of a LOVING FATHER.
WISDOM is to know GOD. HIS WAYS. HIS PURPOSES. To Listen with Discerning Ears.
To See with Clear Vision.
To Stand Balanced....STRONG IN/ON/WITH HIS WORD. AND WE STAND "against the wiles of the devil."
SELAH
bob in miami