THE
MINISTRY LETTER 2006 ISSUE 22
To all
handmaidens and bondservants of the Lord Jesus Christ:
...."Christ
redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us...in order
that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so
that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith"....
Galatians 3:13a-14 NASB
All failure and
defeat and disappointment stem from a "misplaced" faith. Every
believer must take - as their "only" standard [in all things] - the
revealed knowledge of God's Word. For it is then - AND ONLY THEN - that they
will begin to realize "fully" the magnificence of their redemption
and salvation. If any child of God is found to be suffering defeat and failure
in any area of their lives they need only to seek the wisdom of God in that
area. As they begin to "fix" their eyes on the revealed knowledge of
His Word, they will no longer suffer at the hands of Satan - for their faith
and trust will no longer be misplaced, and they will surely have the victory
that is theirs in Christ. There is no problem or difficulty or evil from which
we have not been redeemed. In God's Word is found the provision to meet all of
the needs of every person in this earth. The answer to every question which
could ever cross the mind of man is found in the wisdom of God - for our loving
Father has left NOTHING out, in Christ! Every facet, every minute detail of
human existence has been provided for under the Covenant of grace, and this is
an absolute revelation which must burn in the hearts of every believer in these
days! If one "chooses" to remain outside the covenants of promise
they shall SURELY suffer torment, defeat and serious injury at the hands of
Satan. Indeed, it is only faith - continually exercised in and upon the Word of
God - that will cause the people of God to "survive" (overcome) in
this last hour. It is time that every Christian came to the full realization
that the call to live by faith - in God's Word alone - is not some form of
punishment! In reality, the life of faith (love) is a life of blessing which
has an "unlimited" capacity. Every child of God must repent of any
sinful (self) desire within them to do anything apart from Christ - the
Anointed One and His Anointing - in order that they might experience the
"fulness" of life which their Heavenly Father has for them. The time
has come to lay aside all dependence upon the "flesh" (old nature)
and submit ourselves entirely to the Word of God - and the Word of God alone!
Related Scriptures: Romans 10:17; Mark 4:24; Matthew 7:7; Hebrews 12:2;
Romans 8:2; 1 Corinthians 2:16;
Ephesians
2:12; Romans 14:23; John 10:10;
*****
THE "GIFT OF PROPHECY"
It is
very, very important in this hour for each individual believer to begin to
develop a close and intimate fellowship with the Father and His Word in the
"inner chamber". The days of people running to and fro seeking a
"word" which lines up with "their" agenda ARE OVER! The
gift of prophecy is there to edify and elevate the Church - those who are
"wholly given" to the Father and HIS purposes. UP UNTIL NOW there has
been much misuse - and therefore much misunderstanding - concerning the
spiritual gifts in the midst of God's people, but this is about to be
"cleaned up" in a big way. The apostles and prophets - and indeed
EVERY other believer operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit - are there
mostly to "confirm" what revelation (direction) has ALREADY been
placed on the heart that has been seeking God. As individual believers seek the
Father and His Word first THEN the "gifts" shall begin to function in
perfect order and full capacity in EVERY situation.
THE "SPIRIT OF FALSE PROPHECY" FINDS ITS
GROUND IN THE "FEAR OF MAN"
Every
child of God seeking to carry out the "fulness" of the ministry they
have been called to MUST be aware of the fact that Satan will attempt to work
from "any" ground he can find in the people "around" them.
Simply put, one must keep on diligently pursuing the fulness of the Father's
plan for the establishment of the Glorious Church regardless of ANY attempts by
the Evil One - through some who "should know better" - to hinder the
"pure" work of the Kingdom. As long as the child of God maintains ANY
ground of "self-desire" then they shall "inadvertently"
(although that makes it no less serious a sin of presumption and rebellion in
the sight of the Father) be used to deliver "certain" words in a
"spirit of false prophecy". I have seen this attack of Satan come
forth at "critical times" in "certain" lives and because of
the "hearer's" failure to lay down EVERY element of self-desire, they
"allowed" themselves to be diverted from the "narrow" path
and onto a path that allows them to "maintain" the soulish elements
that they have refused to lay down. It is always a very heart breaking and
grievous thing to me to see this in the midst of God's people. These things
ought not be so! and very, very shortly they will not be - in the midst of the
congregations of the righteous [those who are truly seeking first the Kingdom]!
THE LAW (PRINCIPLE) OF LOVE
There
is still much strife and slanderous gossip amongst believers - betraying an
"evil root" (ground of fear, self-exaltation and bitterness) which
must be removed from within them if they are ever to fulfil their destiny in
Christ. There are many who constantly spew out words of false [unrighteous]
judgement and hatred against their brothers and sisters in Christ, and the
Spirit of God is deeply grieved by this manifestation of the hardness of their
hearts. If the child of God truly keeps their eyes "fixed" on Jesus
then quite simply they would rather die then speak a word against anyone else -
for to do so would cause them to violate the law of love (Mark 12:28-31)! It is
an abomination to the heart of the Father for any one of His children to act as
"accusers" - in bringing vile accusations against their brothers and
sisters in the Lord - for all "accusation" has its root in
self-exaltation and self-justification.
AS WE MINISTER THE LOVE OF GOD, THE WORDS WE SPEAK -
BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD - WILL ALWAYS SUCCEED PERFECTLY IN THE MATTER FOR WHICH
THEY WERE SENT
It is written clearly for all to see in
Ephesians 4:29:
...."Let
no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good
for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give (impart)
grace to those who hear"....
And again it is written in Matthew 5:44:
...."Love
your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"....
It is a serious
thing to willfully disobey a commandment of our Lord in order to gain
"selfish satisfaction" by coming against, and exalting ourselves,
above someone else (regardless of what they have done to us) in the darkness of
our "own" understanding - knowing in our hearts that we are commanded
to "love one another"! Ministering in love is to deny ourselves (at
all cost to ourselves) in order that the one we are speaking or ministering to
- regardless of whether they are a friend or an enemy - might receive those
words of life which the Spirit of God has for them, through us. We can know for
certain that as we minister the love of God, the words we speak - by the Spirit
of God - will ALWAYS succeed perfectly in the matter for which they were sent,
and accomplish all that the Heavenly Father desires to accomplish in the life
of that person no matter who they are (believer or unbeliever, friend or enemy)
(Isaiah 55:11).
REGARDLESS OF WHERE A BELIEVER MAY BE AT IN THEIR
SPIRITUAL JOURNEY THEY MUST FIRST AND FOREMOST REVERE THE COMMAND TO "LOVE
ONE ANOTHER"
Our
"flesh" (old nature) must continually be put aside in every respect -
in order that we might become the "pure" vessels of God's love we
were called to be. There is no greater love that we can exercise than to lay
down our lives (self-life) - in order that all who cross our path might
experience the flowing forth of the Father's great love which He has for them.
Regardless of where a believer may be at in their spiritual journey they must
first and foremost revere the command to "love one another". Any
violation of this commandment will surely put into motion the force of fear -
not only in the life of the one speaking, but also in the life of the one
spoken to.
WORDS OF LOVE VS. WORDS OF PRIDE AND FEAR
Words
spoken in love are ALWAYS in accordance with the Word of God and His purposes
and will bring about the manifested presence of God through the words which are
spoken in obedience by the child of God. Words of pride (which initiate from
the darkened wisdom of man - these words not being in accordance with the Word
of God) will bring about the manifested presence of fear - thus putting into
effect the law of sin and death in that situation. One is now able to grasp the
extreme importance of the words we speak, and also the serious and solemn
responsibility we have, as Christians, to speak the truth in love at ALL times
(Ephesians 4:18). Words spoken in love are ALWAYS words of faith and they will
always "control" [through the force of faith] any given situation to
the greatest glory of the Father - and because of this Satan will continually
suffer defeat. The child of God needs only to dwell and abide in the Word of
God [and thus continually speak words that are in perfect alignment with the
Word] and it is certain that they will experience fully what it means to be
"more than a conqueror" in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:31).
"TRUE SUCCESS"
As
the child of God will faithfully meditate on the Word of God day and night
(Joshua 1:8) they will begin to produce - through their faithfulness and
obedience - the desired result of true success in their walk. "True
success" is defined as the constant ability (produced and sustained in the
heart of the believer who is established in God's Word - by the Holy Spirit) to
walk in the perfect will of the Father at all times. This indeed is true
success, when at the end of our course, we hear our beloved Master speak the words:
"Well done My good and faithful servant!" It is a very clear cut
decision that every child of God must make - this meditating day and night on
the Word of God - for meditating on the things of the world will only produce
fear and death (corruption) and darkness, while meditating on the Word of God
will ALWAYS produce faith and life and light.
FROM THE POSITION OF "ABIDING" IN LOVE ONE
IS CONTINUALLY EMPOWERED TO WALK IN THIS EARTH FAR ABOVE THE "FEAR OF
MAN"
In Psalm 118:5-6 (Amplified Trans.) it is written:
...."Out of
my distress I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free and in
a large place. The Lord is on my side what can man do to me?"....
The Father
desires to have a people who are led by His Spirit every moment of every day -
in order that His will be done on earth just as it is in Heaven. Every child of
God needs to develop the habit of bringing EVERY thought captive to the Word of
God - in order that they might continually discern ALL things in light of God's
Word. It is ONLY in this way that we will become partakers of His holiness and,
as the psalmist wrote in verse 5, experience fully the fact that we have been
set free from the force of fear in every respect. From the position of
"abiding" in love one is continually empowered to walk this earth
with no fear of what man might do because they know that the Greater One
resides within them - and that no "flesh and blood" will be able to
stand against them (1 John 4:4) (Joshua 1:5).
Let us hear the words of the Father:
...."Listen
closely, My children, to My voice! For I am seeking those who are one with My
heart. Do not lean on your own understanding when you see what is going on
around you and amongst you. Walk by faith in all things and not by sight, for
My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.
Lean heavily on My Word in all things and do not fear for I am with
you"....
"LET THOSE WHO HAVE EARS TO HEAR - HEAR!"
...."The
time is coming and now is that everyone of My children will be in the position
of having to use their faith in "all" situations. They must learn to
use their faith in order that they might rely on Me for all things; for surely
I am able to meet all their needs. Yet many turn their faces away from Me,
having been deceived by the Evil One. It is time for My people to build their
firm foundation on the Rock for the "heavy rains" are fast
approaching. I love all of My children, but I cannot take pleasure in those who
continue to walk in their own understanding, for it is only faith which pleases
Me. It grieves Me when I see My children continue to walk in the ways of this
world, for the whole world lies in the power of the Evil One and they leave
themselves wide open to deception, and if they continue to harden their hearts
against Me, inevitably it will lead them into death and destruction in their
lives. I have put forth My Word in every area of My Church and I say with great
urgency in My heart, let those who have ears to hear, hear; for the hour is
late and My judgement is upon My household and great shall be the manifestation
of My glory in all the earth!"....
...."My
ways are not your ways. My ways are past finding out in the flesh. Your task is
to be faithful to what you "know" to do"....
...."Let
everyone be assured that there is nothing more intensely "practical"
in any situation one enters into, than an act of real faith"....
...."The
life of faith is a life of obedience"....
"IN THEM REMAINS THE DESIRE TO GRASP THOSE ELEMENTS
WHICH ARE SEEN"
...."Some
of My children, even ones who are filled with My Spirit, walk with Me in faith
to a certain point, yet in them remains the desire to grasp those elements which
are seen. Every one of My children must seek My face in all things for I desire
to bless them in "all" they set out to do; and I will not bless those
actions which initiate from "self". Surely Satan continues to deceive
those who rely on their "own" wisdom. It is for this reason that I
call My people to consecrate themselves and give Satan no opportunity"....
...."The
highest form of faith is faith in My Word and His authority alone - with no
other evidence (physical) needed to support it"....
"HOLD FAST THE CONFESSION OF FAITH"
...."One's
constant continual confession of having already received the petition sought
after in prayer, in other words continually calling those things which be not
in the natural realm as though they already were, will bring one's actions into
line with their confession in every way and inevitably bring about the physical
manifestation of the blessing in the natural realm. This process "cannot
fail" to inherit the blessing! The key being to hold fast the confession
of faith, despite any adverse circumstances the Evil One attempts to create,
and to walk by faith and not by sight and bring all thoughts
"continually" captive to a perfect obedience"....
"MY WORD AND MY SPIRIT ARE ENOUGH!"
...."My
Word and My Spirit are enough! And to all those who will walk by faith in all
things, I say to you this day, it is you who will inherit the fulness of My
Kingdom; for in humbling yourselves before My presence, you shall surely be
exalted in the sight of all My people and I shall be able to manifest My power
through you and I shall pour forth My Spirit upon all flesh because of
you"....
...."Ego is
a counterfeit of faith. Faith is fully persuaded of what God can do. Ego is
fully persuaded of what self can do. Ego says, "I can do all things".
Faith says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens
me"....
"WHATEVER IS NOT FROM FAITH [LOVE AND OBEDIENCE]
IS SIN"
...."Anything
which causes fear to rear its ugly head in the hearts of My children is
not of Me and should be dealt with immediately, for if any fear is allowed to
exist in their hearts, they will remain in a form of bondage to the Evil One.
For I have said in My Word, whatever is not from faith is sin and we know that
what is not motivated by the heart of faith is motivated by the heart of fear.
Faith is the force which puts into effect the Law of the Spirit of Life in
Christ and fear is the reciprocal force which causes the law of sin and death
to come into effect. I say to you this day, no more shall My Church be a
breeding ground from which the Evil One works his schemes; for in My children
there will be no fear and as I purify the hearts of My people of all those
things which lead them into death, any attempt to dwell on the things of the
flesh will meet with a form of immediate judgement, and each one shall be
called to make the decision to walk in light or continue to walk in
darkness"....
I HAVE SEEN EVERY OUNCE OF FAITH EXERCISED BY MY
CHILDREN
...."It
gives Me great pleasure to look and see those of My children who have
consecrated themselves unto Me, and I say to you this day, they shall be
heavily rewarded for their deeds. I shall move on their behalf in all that they
set their hand to and they shall be prosperous and successful because of their
obedience to My Word, and the world shall continually see great signs and wonders
in their lives and all shall know that they belong to Me and that it is My hand
which is upon them. Do not think for even a moment that I have not seen every
ounce of faith exercised by My children - and again I say to you they shall see
their reward! For I shall exalt them in the sight of all My people and greatly
shall My name be magnified in the earth"....
...."A
wholesome faith is one that does not attempt to peek around corners"....
"IS NOT THE LIFE OF FAITH, ONE OF REST AND
BLESSING, PROSPERITY AND ABUNDANCE IN ALL?"
...."I
discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart as they pertain to My
"overall plan" for every child of Mine at any given moment! It is for
this reason that My children need to cast aside the fleeting feelings of their
flesh and renew their minds and establish their hearts in My Word. For how can
they fellowship wholly with Me unless they think the way I think? How can they
understand My ways when they persist in their own understanding?
Many whom I have chosen for great accomplishment in the establishment of My
Kingdom in the earth have resisted My blessing and My direction which I have
continually placed before them. It is certain that I have a
"supernatural" abhorrence for all that proceeds from evil and it is
the time for each and every one of My children to choose their allegiance: will
their fellowship with the world and its ways continue or will they separate
themselves wholly unto Me? For I desire only pure and simple devotion to My
Word. Many of My children struggle in the area of sin because of their
reluctance to let go of the things of this world; and because of the evil
intent of their hearts, they make their inheritance which was bought for them
with the Blood of My dear Son, of no consequence, and they grumble and complain
of the hardness of the life of faith. Is not the life of faith, one of rest and
blessing, prosperity and abundance in all? Surely I will honor and exalt those
of My children who are not ashamed to confess Me in all that they do, by their
words and actions. Surely I will bring to a place of prominence, both in My
Church and in the eyes of the world, those who "refuse to violate"
the law of love above all else.
"THE TRADITIONS AND DOCTRINES OF MEN SHALL
MELT AS WAX IN THE SUN"
Hold
fast My beloved handmaidens and bondservants! Do not be moved by what you
perceive through your physical senses; for I am about to do a great thing
amongst you. Do not be moved from your position of steadfastness. Take the
authority that has been given to you and tread upon the Evil One at every turn,
for the days of "misrepresentation" are over and it is the time of
the revelation in the earth of My sons and daughters. I say to you this day
that the traditions and the doctrines, which have hardened the hearts of My
people, shall "melt as wax in the sun" for nothing which proceeds
from evil is able to stand before the Word of My power. Truly, truly I say to
you My day has arrived! Blow the trumpet in Zion! Go forth and proclaim the
deepest revelations of My Word unashamedly. Do not fear the taunts of men for
the words you shall speak shall melt the hardness of their hearts and render
them powerless. No "flesh", or any manifestation thereof, shall stand
in the presence of My glory!"....
"MANY OF MY CHILDREN REMAIN BOUND BY THE
TEMPORAL REALM"
...."Many
of My children remain bound by the "temporal realm". There remains
within them, to a certain degree, a deep-rooted fear which only serves to keep
their attention fixed on the circumstances which surround them in their own
individual walks.Thus they become entrenched by this bondage and Satan is able
to keep them from moving nearer to a fuller consecration and reliance upon Me.
As long as My children desire to keep their eyes fixed on the things which are
perceived by the five physical senses instead of Me, they will not be able to
place themselves in "total subjection" to My Word. I desire to
impress upon the hearts and minds of My children the need to uproot the ground
within them in which the seeds of fear (doubt, worry, unbelief) grow and are
nourished by all those things which are apart from My Word. For the days in
which fear is manifest in My church are at an end, for all mankind must choose
their allegiance, and if they choose Me they must know from the beginning that
all those who would call upon My name must walk in faith according to My Word;
for indeed the one who calls upon My name shall never be disappointed. Each one
of My children must come to "know" that it is only faith that pleases
Me and they must know that I am a rewarder of those who seek Me"....
*****
MEDITATIONS ON THE TRUE CHRISTIAN LIFE:
+ Two
paths are clearly opening for the Church of God, with a choice for each member
of the Body of Christ, which has "eternal issues". There is the
conformity to the "Spirit of the Lamb" and the pathway of the Cross
which needs "Divine vision" to discern its heavenly beauty and glory.
On the other hand, the path of saving ourselves from the "full
extent" of all that following the Lamb means of earth, with the loss in
the glory of the sharing of the Throne of the Lamb.
+ Two years ago
a new epoch began in My life. I resolved to know nothing but Christ and
"Him crucified". The result has been a fiercer conflict with the
"invisible" powers of darkness, then I could have previously believed
possible. Misunderstanding, false judgement, envy and strife - and that amongst
Christian workers - seemed to surround me. The strain of what I have passed
through would have caused me to perish had I not learned the secret of the
"hiding place". In spite of being pressed upon all sides, and there
has been "keen" suffering, too, at times - yet in the midst of all,
one knows the secret of victory, and the mind is at rest, and there is peace
within the soul, too deep to express. In consequence, the body is kept in
health, there is restful sleep at night, and one wakes in the morning refreshed
and with renewed strength. There is grace to suffer long and be kind, to pour
out one's life, and expect nothing in return, only that God may be glorified!
+ If we
represent God through an "emotional zeal", the world will
"laugh" at Him; if we represent God through and by an "absolute
faith" in His Word, the world will fall down before Him!
+ All great
works must begin by simple acts of faith.
+ When one
battles in the flesh they are "justifying" themselves not
"defending" God!
+ A heart
willing to follow the Lord can be changed by Him.
+ A man takes
offense against an injustice done to him because he himself "harbors"
some of the same sin within himself.
+ I dare say
that the majority of words "accredited" to God, are not of Him!
+ If there are
"degrees" of Christians it is only because we give only a portion of
ourselves to His service. For God calls "all" as equals in Christ.
+ Jesus came
that we might have an "abundant life"! If we do not have an abundant
life then we are walking by the flesh.
+ The desire to
take things into our "own" hands is a way for Satan to get us off the
path of faith. It means we are "focused" on the physical rather than
the spiritual. Simply put, our eyes are not on the Lord!
+ One cannot
blame others for their "spiritual state". We control our spiritual
state by our "heart" and our heart is controlled by how close we are
standing to God!
+ Trials and temptations
come against all, only those who hold fast to the Word of God can overcome
them.
+ Our fellowship
with God is meant to last the whole day. If we secure the presence of God
through "meditation" on His Word in our morning watch (inner chamber),
we will be brought closer to the experience of the man of God in the first
Psalm: "Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and in
His law doth he meditate day and night." Workers and leaders of God's
people need meditation even more than others, if they are to train others, and
also keep their own "unbroken communication" with the only source of
strength and blessing. Let your prayer and expectation be first of all that
your meditation may be true worship, the living surrender of your heart to
God's Word in His presence.
*****
GOLDEN MANNA FROM THE MOUNT
VISION: A DIFFICULT ROAD
Patsy Shelton
pattiluepeacock@verizon.net
I
saw many people walking bare footed on a rocky, steep road. The rocks were
sharp and as they walked their feet were being bruised and cut by the rocks.
Then Jesus would come to them and bind up the wounded and bleeding feet so that
they could continue on the road. Then as the bandages began to be torn by the
rocks and their feet bruised and bleeding more severely by the rocks. He would
come to them again and change the bandages. This process continued on until
they had reached the end of the road. Then He said:
During this past
season so many of My people have walked a very difficult road. But, they have
completed this journey. Now they have come to the end of the road and as they
look they will see that each time they thought they could go no further, I was
there to enable them to complete the journey. Because of the road that I
ordained for them to walk they have become more than conquerors. Now, they can
see that wherever I call them to walk that I walk with them and enable them to
complete the journey.
Many victories
came as they walked this road and for each one it was a road that I ordained
specifically for them. They walked that was paved with rocks specifically for
their feet. Each person being at a different level and walking the road that
would bring them to awesome victories for their individual lives. Some walked
roads that were steeper than others. Some walked roads that had larger and
sharper rocks than others. Each step ordained to prick an area in their lives
where victory was needed. And some fell along the way and I would run to them,
pick them up and set them on their way again. Some mumbled and complained but
as they walked the road they began to praise Me for the road and the walk
became an act of love.
My people have
completed this phase of the journey, saith God, and they will never be the
same. Now, they no longer remember the pain along the way but see the fruit of
their labor. Now, they see the prize that was awaiting them at the end of the
road and their hearts are filled with joy and thanksgiving for sharp rocks and
a steep road. Rejoice, saith your God, for you have completed and important
part of your journey. Will there be other roads? Yes, but this road has been so
difficult that the rest of the journey will be different. How you say? Because
walking this road has forever changed hearts and mindsets. A victory was won in
walking this road that will enable My own to face challenges in their future's
that they would otherwise not be able to face. Great wisdom has been gained.
Great trust in My plan and purposes has been gained. Great faith has gained
because along this road I have made provision for everything that they needed.
Now saith God,
let's start on a new road. This road will usher My own into the realm of My
Glory. Ah, I am rejoicing, saith God, over the victories that My people have
won. Lives have been changed forevermore and will change again as We start out
on the next phase of our journey. Rejoice for I am doing great things in the
lives of My people and it has only just begun.
BECOMING ONE AND OBTAINING THE PROMISES
My
people have entered into a new season. Just as autumn is being ushered in so I
am ushering in a new season. Nothing will ever be the same. The old season in
the lives of My people has come to a close. They have learned many lessons that
have prepared them for this new time and the new thing that I am doing. Not
only has their lives changed but they have changed. There have been heart
changes; mindset changes and these have come forth from the preparation of the
old season.
Before My own
can enter the Promised land there are things that had to be shucked off. I
can't do a new thing with wineskins that are full of the old. The keys to
opening the door to the Promised land and the promises depend on their hearts
and the intent thereof. My people must be like the palm tree. Its roots grow
very deep so that when the storms come it bends with the winds. They must see
My hand in every situation but must also realize that they have an enemy that
is bent on bringing destruction. The enemy's plan is to change the course of My
will for their lives. They must be wise as a serpent but gently as a lamb.
No good thing
will I withhold from My own but I need their souls; the realm of the mind, will
and emotions. I need for My own to align themselves with Me. The soul fights
against the spirit if it has not been renewed. I will do My part by My people
will also have to do their part. How can two become one if they do not agree.
How can I open doors, and manifest the promises if My people are not aligned
with Me? The process of becoming one requires one of the parties involved to
give up their wants, needs, and desires. How can they be one with Me and
acquire their inheritance if they are walking their own way without regard for
what I want, need, and desire?
For many this
will be a season of laying down their wants, needs, and desires. As they lay
these things at My feet I will pick them up and merge them into My being. Unity
and oneness will begin to manifest as well as many miracles. Come now, saith
God, and let us reason together. Come now with a heart set like flint on
becoming one with Me. Come now, give me your soul your spirit will be free and
We will become one.
*****
RESTORATION
Musa Opiyo
musa@destinytime.com
http://www.musaopiyo.com
For
there is yet an appointed time when all things come together. When situations
and circumstances come to a head. I have come to you in this season to bring
those things that were scattered together again. There are so many of My people
whom I have allowed to be broken, but now I say that I am bringing those pieces
back together. There are those who have said ? I feel like a million pieces and
I don't know where to begin' yet in My wisdom I have come to gather those many
pieces and rebuild and restore you according to My fashion
Restoration is
coming. There are circumstances around you now that do not make sense, but
restoration is coming. I will bring things to a head, to a conclusion, and what
was unclear and obscure shall now make sense. For many of you it has been a
test of faith. You have not been able to see past the next step, yet you have
been faithful to believe that I would guide you, and you faithfully took the
next step, one after another. Now I will bring restoration and you will learn
how to rejoice and leap for joy even in the midst of hard times.
I am bringing
restoration to relationships. You have learned these past few months that it is
about timings and seasons, and that I cause those who I intend to walk with you
to come into alignment and walk the same path as you walk. This has been a
season where some that have walked with you for a considerable amount of time
have simply walked away or changed course and you did not know why. Know that
indeed I have chosen even those who will journey with you, and there are some
that I will bring your way only for a season and then will walk away, and there
are also those that I have removed from your life only for a season only to
return at a later stage. But I am restoring relationships. Where there was
division I will once again bring unity.
For some the
valuable lesson has been learned that it is not relationships, or friendships
groups, or little cliques that you belong to that decide your destiny in Me.
Though relationship is vital and necessary for growth, you have come to know
that only you are accountable for your walk with Me and that you have the
choice of how much or how little I will move and operate in and through your
life. In times of separation, you have learned to lean on Me and let Me be your
source and strength, and even when you were tired and weak, you did not allow
the idea of isolation stop you from being an encouragement to brothers and
sisters who were going through similar things.
You have done
well and now I am restoring true fellowship and unity amongst My children.
This season is
coming to a close and conclusion. Let the past be the past. Learn from the
mistakes that have been made, yet do not revisit them in a way that will cause
your heart to condemn you. For there is nothing too big or too broken that I
cannot restore and make whole. This is also a time of rejoicing because you are
about to enter a season of reclaiming and taking back all that Satan has
stolen. I have promised to restore and equip you with the necessary tools to
war against his forces that come against you to oppose you.
*****
ABIDING - THE PLACE OF AUTHORITY
CONCLUSION
THE ABSOLUTENESS OF GOD'S WORD
We
must realize that one is only a vessel of "true authority" to the
degree that they are in perfect accordance with the Word of God (will of God).
Let it be clearly understood that it is only the lack of a personal
relationship and intimate fellowship with the Father and His Word which shall
cause one to be deceived into submitting themselves to a false authority! All
divisions and disruptions (strife) within the church have their root in
rebellion against God. In order to remove ALL rebellion from the church and
thus establish true authority in every area, "perfect obedience" must
be established fully in the individual lives of believers.
THE LIFE OF THE CROSS - THE ESSENCE OF ALL TRUE
AUTHORITY
Many
attempt to lead the children of God, but they themselves do not know the life
of the Cross - which alone will produce obedience in the believer. To the
degree that one is obedient to the Father in the carrying out of His will, it
is to that degree that they shall wield His authority. If we are not operating
entirely in the revelation God's Word then we are not operating in His
authority. If we are not operating in God's authority then everything that we
"touch" shall lead to death and corruption and darkness. Until the
root of rebellion is removed, and until one's complete dependence is upon the
Word of God, having wholly submitted themselves to that Word, then the power of
God shall be absent from their "ministry".
THE DELEGATED AUTHORITY OF GOD IS TO REMAIN
STEADFAST AND IMMOVABLE IN LIVING INTERCESSION AND MINISTRY TO HIS PEOPLE
As
the Christian enters into the place of "abiding" in the Word of God
THEN the various elements of the Kingdom of Heaven shall become more real to
them than the temporal world around them - and this is precisely what the
Father desires for each one of His children to have a deep revelation of. Even
though He has raised up apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers
to lead and guide His people into the fulness of their inheritance in Christ,
it must be clearly understood that they, as delegated authorities of God, are
not "superior" to the rest of the Body. As shown in the type and
symbol in Joshua chapter 3 in the story of the people of Israel crossing the
Jordan, the delegated authority of God is to remain steadfast and immovable in
living intercession and ministry to His people until they have laid hold upon
all that which has been revealed to them through the apostles and prophets and
other delegated authorities. The true delegated authority is first responsible
for all that has been revealed to them before God. The fact of whether they
walk in true or false ministry, in true or counterfeit authority, is based
solely upon their own personal obedience to the Father's will for their life
and ministry.
FAITH IS THE PRINCIPLE BY WHICH WE OBTAIN LIFE -
OBEDIENCE IS THE PRINCIPLE BY WHICH THAT LIFE WE HAVE OBTAINED IN CHRIST IS
LIVED OUT
...."The
thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have
life, and might have it abundantly"....
John 10:10
...."It is
the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profit nothing; the words that I have
spoken to you are spirit and are life"....
John 6:63
As faith is the
principle by which we obtain life - so obedience is the principle by which that
life we have obtained in Christ is lived out. When one is seeking the Word with
their whole heart, THEN faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). Why? Because
the words that the Father has spoken to us by His Spirit are spirit and are
life, and thus they enter into the "open heart" of the believer and
become embedded there! As these "incorruptible seeds" are nurtured
and watered, an "absolute faith" rises up and is spoken through the
mouth of that child of God. It is only to the degree that "faith has
come" that we shall obtain the precious life (Zoe) that the Father desires
each one of His children to have superabundantly. As we obtain the life of God
to a continually greater degree, the Spirit of obedience shall rest upon us
heavily and, as we continue to guard our hearts with ALL diligence we shall
come to the place of abiding. It is in this place of abiding that we shall live
out - and walk in - the fulness of the authority (ministry) that we were
created to walk in. It is only in this place of abiding that we can be
"pure vessels" of God's authority and truth and love and wisdom - for
if we remain in ANY position apart from constant communion with the Father and His
Word THEN we shall in some way be "purveyors of darkness".
"TO WALK IN THE FULNESS OF THE TRUE CHRISTIAN
LIFE IS TO GO FROM FAITH TO FAITH ND GLORY TO GLORY CONTINUALLY - ALWAYS TAKING
THE POSITION OF A SMALL CHILD WHO TRUSTS "IMPLICITLY" IN THEIR PARENTS"
There
are many who attempt to obtain life and blessing without first exercising a
faith and trust in God. There are also some who began to walk by faith, but
that which began in and by the power of the Holy Spirit has now come to the
place of a "comfortable dependence" upon their own understanding! It
MUST be understood that at the point one stops seeking to hear and see the
revealed Word of God in their hearts - having failed to put themselves (in
obedience to God) in a position to obtain the life needed to carry out the
fulness of His will - it is at that point that they shall become complacent and
content to rely upon their own understanding. To walk in the fulness of the
true Christian life is to go from faith to faith and glory to glory continually
- ALWAYS taking the position of a small child who trusts "implicitly"
in their parents. It is certain that the deeper one proceeds into the life of
consecration and obedience, the deeper the realization they shall have that
they can do NOTHING apart from Christ! The failure to exercise faith in God's
Word does not begin with an abrupt halt or change of direction, but rather with
the child of God somewhere making the decision inwardly to stop seeking the
Word of God with their whole heart, and thus their ability to hear the needed
revelation is seriously impaired - and then eventually blocked. Let us be those
who are seeking first and foremost the revelation of the Father's holy Word for
our entire lives, and thus we shall be trained to continually
"reject" the opportunity to depend upon that which is discerned
through our five physical senses - and come to the place of an absolute trust
and dependence upon the Father and His Word.
LET IT BE CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD THAT THERE IS NO
GREATER SECURITY TO BE FOUND IN THIS EARTH THAN TO "KNOW" THAT WE ARE
IN THE CENTER OF GOD'S WILL
Those
who "practice" obedience and are trained by it NEVER feel bound or
restricted regardless of where they are placed - or NOT placed - by God. If we
take any "preconceived notions" at all of what "we" want to
do or what "we" would like to do - apart from that which has been
revealed to us by the Spirit of God - THEN we are going to rely upon our
"own" understanding to get us to the place where we desire to be. On
the other hand, if one is wholly given to God and willing to do ALL of His will
at ALL times, then they shall not "feel" out of place or
"slighted" in any way, for they shall have the deep assurance in
their hearts that they are in the center of the Father's will. Let it be
clearly understood that there is no greater security to be found in this earth
than to "know" that we are in the center of God's will. As we abide
in the center of the Father's will we are THEN continually in a position to
experience the "fulness" of our salvation (inheritance) in Christ and
the Father's wondrous and magnificent Provision become ever more real than ANY
circumstance or affliction that Satan attempts to destroy us with (Psalm
103:1-8). As we CONTINUALLY acknowledge God by "praying without
ceasing" (communicating with Him at all times in every situation), then
perfect obedience shall become our way of life, and as we walk by the Spirit of
God the "bleating" of the flesh shall be paralyzed and no longer
maintain a deadly influence over us - as long as God's Word has preeminence in
our heart (Galatians 5:16)!
"THE SOLE MOTIVATION OF THE TRUE DELEGATED
AUTHORITY IS THE PERFECTING AND THE FULL EQUIPPING OF THE SAINTS IN ORDER THAT
THEY MIGHT BE FOUND DOING THE WORK REQUIRED OF THEM BY GOD"
...."And
His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us,] some to be
apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and
expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, travelling
missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. His
intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His
consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward
building up Christ's body (the church), [that it might develop] until we all
attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the full and accurate
knowledge of the Son of God; the [we might arrive] at really mature manhood -
the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height
of Christ's own perfection - the measure of the stature of the fullness of the
Christ, and the completeness found in Him. So then, we may no longer be
children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching, and
wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and
cleverness of unscrupulous men, (gamblers engaged) in every shifting form of
trickery in inventing errors to mislead"....
Ephesians 4:11-14 Amplified Translation
As we go on to
study this passage in depth we shall come to understand clearly that the
"sole motivation" of the true delegated authority is the perfecting
and the full equipping of the saints to do the work required of them by God, in
order that the Body of Christ might be built up and that all believers attain
"oneness" in the faith and in the comprehension of the full and
accurate knowledge of the Son of God. In other words, that the people might
walk in the fulness of their inheritance in Christ and the fulness of the
"salvation" provided therein. If there is any other motivation for
one attaining to, or desiring, a position of authority then they are operating
in a false authority - their deepest motivation: to seek after the Glory that
belongs only to the Father and His Word!
"THE FATHER HAS MADE THE PROVISION FOR ALL
THOSE HE HAS CALLED TO WALK ABOVE ERROR AND SELFISHNESS - AND THE POWER WHICH
CORRUPTS"
As we
go on to study some of the examples in the Word of God concerning the
"motivations" of the true delegated authority we shall come to see
clearly that the Father has made the provision in Christ, for all those He has
called, to walk above error and selfishness and the power which corrupts - to
be motivated solely by the love of God which has been shed abroad in their
heart. From this place of abiding love their entire lives shall be the sum
total of obedience after obedience to the command to love their God with ALL of
their heart and to love one another (Luke 10:27; 1 John 3:23). There are those
that have believed the lie that "certain" offices in the five-fold
ministry have passed away. But have we all attained oneness in the faith and in
the comprehension of the full and accurate knowledge of the Son of God? No! but
we shall. We shall cover this more extensively in future teachings.
THE EXTREME IMPORTANCE OF PROPER POSITIONING IN
RELATION TO THE "TRUE" DELEGATED AUTHORITIES OF THE FATHER
As we
continue to study the subject of spiritual authority we shall see also the
importance of the fact that every born-again child of God needs to know who are
the delegated authorities which have been placed over them by God for their
edification - for it is only as one has this revealed to them by the Holy
Spirit that they shall find their "true place" in the Body of Christ.
There are many children of God who have refused to submit themselves to God's
inherent authority, that is, they have not given the Word of God a constant
pre-eminence in their life and - in refusing to submit themselves to God - they
have blocked themselves from partaking of the blessings which the Father has
sought to sent to them in the form of anointed men and women -
"messengers" of the revelations needed for them to be victorious and
overcome in all things! Their very "survival" (the ability to rise
above present circumstances) in the earth, as servants of God, depends upon
their receiving God's delegated authorities - for it is ONLY the revealed knowledge
of God's Word that shall enable any child of God to defeat Satan's schemes
against them.
"IT IS ONLY AS THE "DELEGATED
AUTHORITY" LIVES AND MOVES AND HAS THEIR BEING IN CHRIST THAT WE ARE TO
PARTAKE OF THEIR MINISTRY AND IT IS ONLY AS WE ARE WILLING TO DO ALL OF GOD'S
WILL THAT WE SHALL "KNOW" OF THE TEACHING - WHETHER IT IS OF GOD OR
WHETHER THEY SPEAK FROM THEMSELVES"
Even
though "outwardly" many have submitted themselves to a false
authority (flesh and blood, not walking in an absolute dependence upon God or
in the light of the revelation of His Word) let it be understood this very
moment that one is not called to submit themselves to "flesh and
blood", but rather to the anointing of God that "abides within"
the vessel. This is of the utmost importance! If the child of God truly seeks
to live the life of consecration and obedience then the Father shall surely
reveal to them those whom He has raised up on their behalf. Even at that point
we are NEVER to be submitted to the "people", but rather the
anointing within - and upon - those people. How dangerous is the fear of what
others think and the desire to have their approval! Let it be clearly
understood that it is only as the "delegated authority" lives and
moves and has their being in Christ that we are to partake of their ministry
and it is only as we are willing to do all of God's will that we shall
"know" of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether they speak
from themselves (John 7:17-18). Let us rejoice that God has raised up faithful
men and women who do not seek their own glory, but who seek only the glorifying
of God to the greatest degree in any given situation - and thus their very
lives are a sign and a wonder and a tremendous source of edification and
spiritual strength to all those who love God - and a "severe stumbling
block" to the path of all those who have chosen their own way.
*****