We are all on a journey to know the Lord more and more. Individuals who claim they only need the Lord are probably missing the fact that the foundation of His creation (US) is relationships and family. These relationships are both our natural family and church family. Relationships however are a privilege, and to the degree we understand this, and find ourselves with a deep sense of honor, respect, patience and a few other choice adjectives found in 1 Cor 13 we may get the chance to get to know someone as a friend.
1 Cor 13:4-7 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
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We can read in scripture about love and assume we are to be in these deep and loving relationships with everyone around us, but the reality is deep relationships take time, and certainly to get to know everyone around us intimately is not reality. A heart of passion and love however, will give us greater opportunity to know others. In many cases friendships are a call from the Lord for specific tasks and purposes. Love for all yes, but deep relationships with all may not be possible….
Our Fathers children:
As a Father, I have a deep desire to see my children get along. I am sure the heavenly Father has an even deeper desire to see His children walk in deep and abiding relationships that will affect the world around them. The other area as a father I am very aware of is the protection I feel for my children. I remember a individual speaking harshly to my kids and I knew I needed to address this person to never speak to them that way again. I believe our heavenly Father feels much the same way when His children take liberties to judge, or speak about another in certain tones or presumptions, whether that person is present or not. (I am not talking about the need in leaders meetings to discuss how to care for, or discipline as needed) An area of even more concern is taking liberties into another’s life, or assuming we can just invade a person’s life because of our presumed gifting, or the misunderstanding of what true love is. Of course there are those given a mandate from the Lord to speak into others lives, but take heed what is liberty we take with the Fathers kids. Leaders have only certain privileges as given by the Lord to be involved in another’s life. He is jealous over His children and although scripture is clear where leaders are given care for the sheep they will experience even greater judgment for how they lead them.
Before anyone assumes they have liberties in another persons life, we need to remember that each child of God is our Fathers child first, and those given the Privilege to serve and speak into another’s life must do so with great care!
Prov 12:26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Our Fathers and Mothers:
I was reflecting recently how our most senior pastor is received by the body, and in exact contrast how some others who assume they carry great authority and love are received by few, and in most cases people’s spirits reject them because of their presumption about their authority in another persons life. Our Senior Father and other fathers in the church are called, and the very fact that our senior Father birthed the church gives him certain rights by mandate to lead and to speak into the body. There are other Fathers Mothers, and leaders who carry different mandates and spheres of authority to care for and speak into the body. They carry the DNA, or the right seed to impart to others what they carry, however this is only according to a certain order. They have been called and equipped by the Lord with a right spirit and the Fathers heart to care for the flock entrusted to them.
I as a younger Father do not assume I have rights to speak into everyone’s life in the church, nor do I try and be in relationship with everyone, but only to those who the Lord has given to cover me, and in those areas I have been released by the leadership to serve in. There are others who by mutual agreement have developed a friendship as the Lord has led. Now this could sound like some of us are walking in areas that border on the quote “Super spiritual” but I have found the Lord truly does appoint friendships for divine purposes. (More later)
In all other relationships I am at rest and do not try to impose myself upon them. Besides I may be interfering in what another leader or member of the body by the Lords leading is trying to impart.
I remember receiving a call from a acquaintance from another church who was looking for help. I asked him what his leadership team had suggested he do, and whatever they said I completely agree with, and I would not be able to help. We all know individuals who travel from church to church looking for answers when they do not agree with what their own leadership said. The power of love and honor, especially between city pastors and leaders will help stop the divisions some try and bring into the church.
Our Measure:
So what is our measure in another’s life? I heard from a friend recently how he visited a meeting place with some others. Later at breakfast he was sharing some details of his life and some exciting things that happened. Some at the table took it upon themselves to correct and question his choices as though they carried some great authority and weight to speak and correct this brother. Now, there are times the Lord will speak in circumstances like this, but when I asked how he felt he mentioned it was as though they completely invaded his life and took liberties that were not theirs to take. Seems he will not be visiting with these ones any time soon, or at least he said he will not be sharing the details of his life.
Trust is earned, and where another has not given someone place in their life, it should not be presumed we have any rights!
The Lord and His Twelve:
The Lord had his twelve disciples, and yet it seems Peter, James, and John were closer than some others. Scripture also mentions the 70 in Matt 10:17, so we know the Lord had a large group who were with him including women and children at times. It seems however the Lord was closer to some of His disciples. Did he know all of the 70, possibly, but it seems by divine purpose and strategy He was closer to John, the other two apostles Peter and James, and than the twelve. There is wisdom when the Lord gives us certain friendships and places us in the body as He desires, but we must also find contentment in where we are placed, and realize it is His wisdom. I would be remiss not to mention the danger of cliques and those who isolate themselves into friendships that are most comfortable. To truly become family there will be those friendships that can be uncomfortable, but if we persevere the rewards will be great. Adversity allows us to grow in grace and love, but again may the Lord lead in all friendships.
Discipline:
There are times when the Lord will discipline, or speak into another’s life, but we should consider that discipline can be a lot safer coming from a team and those who are more mature. I have learned to be thankful for those who have brought correction and challenged areas of my life. At the time the discipline does not seem pleasant, however in Hebrews we are told discipline is part of the training, and remember the Fathers is trying spare us from missing our destiny and find true friendship with him, and in His body. Without certain disciplines some friendships are not possible.
Heb 12:10-11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Heb 12:6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives."
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Finally:
If there is any lesson to be learned in these few paragraphs, may it be let us grow in understanding what mature love may look like and realize we will not be friends with everyone in our life. We need to allow the Lord to choose, and be open to whomever he gives us, but especially find rest and contentment with our place in the body. We need to allow those in authority to correct and speak into our lives, especially when they are part of a mature team. Beware those who want to correct and speak into your life when they are a leader who has the only say in a church. Beware individuals who always want to speak into your life, but they no place or recognition by a leadership team in any church, but are self proclaimed ministers, or those who just go from church to church without any covering.
We are in a time of great change in the church, and the love we are growing in with one another is how the world will now we are His disciples.
John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
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]]>Generalhttp://www.elijahchronicle.com/index.php?itemid=25Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:32:10 -0700Mature Love "The Preparation"
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I had a number of emails and calls after the “Mature Love” article. A few questions about the heart, and what to do with areas the Lord reveals. Most of us are going through refining these days, and if your not, get ready as everything is being shaken again so we can bear more fruit. I will try and give a few nuggets of wisdom we have learned over the years. I say we, because after being in the same church for 18 years the journey has become more than just personal, although ones own life lessons and the word of our testimony especially helps us and others overcome. This is more a focus on the negative things that come out of our hearts and how to acknowledge them and allow the Lord to change us.
The Preparation!
Lets say you receive my newsletter, and before you even open it your heart simply deletes it, and you find yourself saying “I don’t want to hear what he has to say, or he’s just trying to correct me,” or some other area of judgment. Now I trust that would never happen with the many friends we have on our list. :o)
, but if it did “Do you recognize when these things come out of your heart, or do we justify what we believe about someone and allow these beliefs to taint our love and vision?”
This is exactly what the Apostle James was trying to address and correct in part of his letter. If we believe we have wisdom and love for someone, or about any given situation, then James gives a clarity how this would look. Let’s quickly establish a couple of truths to help us recognize one thing. Those who name the name of the Lord are for the most part sincerely trying to do His will and find His heart, and as the body we must have this foundation or our own life experiences, discernment, or judgments will always cause us to first evaluate and miss the Lords heart.
Love must come first before all revelations, correction, discernment, or we will not see clearly…..
1 Cor 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit .
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The book of James gives us a clear picture of the heart, and what to do with areas that come up for change, but we must be willing to be totally real and vulnerable with ourselves, and with those key ones who can help us break though. In the last several years I have found truths spoken early in my life by mentors bearing fruit now, many years later. What is it that did not cause me to receive years ago, although I thought I was, but to see the change and transformation in recent years? I hope some things we look at here will help some of you take the short road.
James 3:13-16 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.
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If you have the Fruit, you have the Root!
James is talking about relationships, and trying to help us see where deception dwells in our hearts, but he is also warning us to beware of some of these areas as they can be demonic. In verse 14 where he says “But if you have bitter envy and self seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth” We could also ad some terms like: Ambition, boasting, judgments, pride, murmuring, unbelief, and many more, James tells us to not “Boast and lie against the truth
In other words if you have the fruit you have a root issue that needs to be acknowledged to the Lord!!!
Prov 27:19 As in water face reflects face, So a man's heart reveals the man.
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Prov 16:1-2 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD . 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits.
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Don’t lie and pretend it is not there, don’t boast and lie against the truth. The Lord already knows the issue is there, but He wants us to know so we can be transformed.
Heb 4:13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
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We need to have a heart and response like King David, who when confronted with his sin did not hide, unlike Saul who was always blaming others when confronted. In (1 Sam 15) Saul is given instructions to destroy the Amalekites completely (Vrs 1). However by
( Vrs 9) Saul had already disobeyed and saved King Agag and the best of the livestock. In (Vrs 15) Saul’s heart is fully revealed when he does not take responsibility for his part, but blames the people. King David in complete contrast when confronted with His sin takes responsibility and declared:
2 Sam 12:13 So David said to Nathan,” I have sinned against the LORD.
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We have all been given revelation personally, and as a body truth has been revealed through many leaders and prophets corporately.
When we do not obey or tests come and our heart is exposed, to the degree we take complete ownership for what comes out of our hearts, is the degree we will be set free and released to the next level.
Can someone else force you to sin?
One area we really need to overcome is blaming others, and until we do maturity will never come. We need to take complete ownership for our own heart responses. In most cases we tend to blame others: They just don’t know who I am, they are unloving, it’s my parents fault, it’s my pastors issue, it’s my boss, etc, etc, etc
However, what comes out or our own heart is our responsibility, completely!
Let’s look at it this way. Sunday church service comes and you go to church full of joy. As you walk by a leader in church they seem to ignore you, and when you want to be close they are distracted by something they are doing and don’t give you that hug you need. As you walk away your heart is subtly offended, or you feel superior to them being unloving, or your hurt they ignored you. The usual response is to blame them, but did they force you think the way you do? Did they force you to sin? Or is what came out of your heart your responsibility? Something they did may have pushed your buttons, but if there was nothing in your heart but love, then love would be the response, but again these situations simply show us what is already there.
So we can be tempted to sin by others responses, but they did not force us to sin, circumstances simply allow us to see what is in our heart, if we are willing!
The lord was tested, tempted, beaten on the cross, yet without sin. When we have a pure heart then nothing will come out when tested, but when we are tested or circumstances allow what comes up is an opportunity for change. The Lord when tested never sinned as there was nothing in Him that the enemy or circumstances could expose.
1 Peter 2:19-23 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22 "Who committed no sin,
Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;
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John 14:30-31 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me .
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I tried 5 years ago….
Let me end with a couple things. About 8-9 years ago the Lord came to me during one of my prayer times and said “I want to change some areas of your life” I answered in a rather casual way by saying “Sure my life is yours.” His reply struck me to the core and broke something in me, and allowed the fear of the Lord to become my standard. I had taken a causal stance about the sins of my heart, and did not realize I had become hard hearted about my issues. I had lost something of the sensitivity I once had. I had lost my first love and did not even know it. The Lords reply was:
“I tried to change these areas in you 5 years ago and you would not let me, and if you do not allow me this time you will wander in the wilderness for another 5 years and then I will try again.”
A deep conviction hit my heart and I found myself on the ground for months during prayer in repentance and deep remorse for my sins. It was as though the Lord needed to warn me in a deep way out of His love for me so I did not walk in the wilderness for another 5 years.
Prov 28:13-14 “13 He who covers his sins will not prosper,
But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”
14 Happy is the man who is always reverent,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
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There are at times two extremes of revelation about the Lord. One is the goodness of God and the Fathers great love for us. This can cause us to rest and find peace with our Father. The danger however is a casual approach to the sins of our life. You know God will understand “He’s my Father. The other extreme is the fear based gospel where one cannot rest and is always looking for something to repent for. Their fear drives them to strive for the Fathers love and rest seems far away. I have found the Lord desires us to be somewhere in the middle where we do find rest in His arms of love, but that deep understanding of the fear of the Lord keeps us from drifting to far into a tolerance of sin. He is after all a Holy God, and when He said “Be Holy for I am Holy” He meant it!
1 Peter 1:13-16 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, "Be holy , for I am holy."
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Don’t Hide:
We have been hearing in this season especially how the Lord is in the process of revealing our hearts, and transforming us into His image. The danger in these times is hiding our sin and not bringing it to the light. If we truly walk in the light we will have fellowship with one another, but when we hide our sin, or issues from one another we make room for the enemy. Only as we walk in the light with him and one another will we be able to see clear. Don’t allow the enemy to decisive us into a religious performance of burying our sin, but rather bring it into the light. I used to have a religious habit of always saying “I’m fine” when asked by close friends or leaders. The truth was I was not, but wanted to be spiritual and have everyone think I was ok. Funny thing is the pastors used to know when I was struggling, so why not shorten the journey by being totally real and get prayer.
1 John 1:5-10 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
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Again, if you think you have wisdom about any relationship or situation listen to what James said it should look like.
James 3:16-18 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
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I trust the general idea the Lord wants to express is clear. Each area could be expanded, but my hope is we grasp the Lords desire for a deep change in this hour and allow Him to have His way…..
Bless you this holiday season,
John Elijah
]]>Generalhttp://www.elijahchronicle.com/index.php?itemid=24Thu, 2 Dec 2010 22:29:12 -0700Mature Love (Part 1)
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“Mature Love”
(Part 1)
We have been hearing about unity, and messages of love are being shared from the pulpit. But what is mature love? How will the Lord cause us to grow in love and recognize where our love is immature and “Where we have not found rest in our place and relationships?” The Lord is clearly after us all to go deeper and become the mature man Paul talks about:
Eph 4:13-14 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
The Greek word for stature here literally means “Maturity”, but it will take an ongoing revelation, and as we allow the Lord to take us deeper a more mature expression of the body will come to the light. No one has the full revelation of love, but along the way we have learned some things. My own journey, being around those who walk in love, and watching the immature as they walk out their own salvation has help with some areas of understanding.
A Recent Message:
Recently we had a powerful message about love in our church. I knew that the Lord was speaking, but I found myself at the back of the church trying to sense the Lords heart for the body as a whole. What are you saying Lord, the church seems unmoved? Being an exhorter and prophetic myself my heart at times leans towards wanting a response, but I also recognize something deep can be happening even in silence, and of course we have such different character in each of us. Some are naturally inclined to be loud and fun (Like the speaker) and some inclined to be quiet and reserved. I then realized that for many of us in relationship, especially the leadership team, there is a mature and deep love for one another, and during the message I knew the Lord was reminding us of that love. There did however come a warning to guard the love we have. I realized the lack of response by many was because we are at rest, and are aware of our place and find peace,
“But she also spoke about expansion and that is where the maturing love we have will need to affect the whole body for us to grow.”
It will need to filter from the Fathers, Mothers, and other leaders to mature the rest for the next steps. The growth of the body directly comes from the top down, or should I say the bottom up as we hold up the body to help each one mature. We are all called to love, but the strength of the five fold ministry in the church, and their love for each other is what equips the saints. ( More in part 3)
Two Extremes:
The immature: I remember when I first got saved, and for several years after, I was the greatest expression of the Fathers love I knew, or so I thought. I remember in my early days as a believer merrily going around hugging and getting to know everyone “Especially leaders.” My heart and mind was always looking for certain key leaders to be close to. I was always aware where they were in a meeting, and after the service was waiting for that special time with them. You see I was right up there in the same caliber of leadership, the most anointed and loving person in the church. What I did not realize was my desire was coming out of a deep need to be loved, and something in me was longing for love, “I just did not know it yet.”
The Mature in love come to place of rest and peace in their Heavenly Fathers deep care for them. They are content whether they get time with a leader or other person, and they can go weeks and months without interaction, and when they do connect they find a rest and joy at seeing one another as though they had been talking daily.
The Immature and needy will always want to remind the body of love, reading scriptures about love, and having a need to touch and know everyone around them. When a leader does not respond as they think, or a quieter person does not want a hug they enter into prayer for the body. They will be in prayer for those who do not love, and sitting in meetings their mind will be thinking “I hope these ones are getting this message”
The Mature: Will be thankful for the body. An appreciation and love for the body will be what flows from their heart. In a recent meeting where a younger leader jumped in to take announcements, although to many of us the Lord was clearly not done, I found myself praying, and just asking the Lord to help them grow and increase in awareness next time. In earlier years my sharp discernment and superior love would have brought me into deep prayer, and “loving judgment.” Their weaknesses would be the first thing I noticed, and next time “I’ll make sure the Lord has His way, and of course I’ll pray for their breakthrough. (There are places for correction and strong discipline; we will talk about that in part 3)
The Immature: Will have a need to attend every meeting they can. Their ambitions will find them looking for some way to be involved in “Ministry at these meetings” These are the ones always calling about this meeting or that as though they have some great part in it. These are ones who because of their great calling and superior love do not need to take care of less important things in life, like paying their bills, working, or serving in church. When you perhaps cannot go, kids you know, you’re missing God!
The Mature: are content being at meetings, and have a deep passion for the Lord, but they are also fine if they stay home, (As the Lord leads) with the family and minister to those closest to them. Did not the Apostle Paul talk to us many times about elders or leaders having their house in order?
The Immature: Will not be content under authority. Because of their great calling and remember that great love, they are always roaming from place to place. Looking for somewhere they can be involved, and if discipline comes from a leader in their life they will have to check with other sources if the word is true. They will find others with similar great love to agree with them, or someone not apart of the situation to ask loaded questions about what they have been asked to do, and when that person says, “That sounds like control not proper discipline” they will have their answer, not knowing their rebellion and witchcraft got the answer they desired.
The Mature: will walk with the body in humility, and when corrected, disciplined, or a suggestion for areas to change, they can receive it and simply say “Thanks for your love for me.” Even when that leader in their life may not see all, and the truth they share is only part of their life, they would never consider not receiving, but cover them and, “Never expose their Fathers weakness”
The Immature: Will find a need to correct their Fathers and Mothers. Their great love and fleshly zeal will seem mature, “whereas older leaders who have been more broken and dealt with by the Lord” can at times seem simple, or they weep more, or at times they say less, and the younger deep loving ones take notice that my Father is starting to miss it. I heard from a dear older pastor friend of mine recently how 3 younger leaders tried to kick him out of his church, saying your time is done! He stood his ground and they left, but let me assure you until they repent of their judgments, rebellion and come back and submit they will struggle the rest of their lives. As a matter of fact these young men are struggling in their growth. This older caring Father is being invited to city meetings, has a beautiful involvement and relationship with other pastors and leaders.
The Mature: will have a compassion, and be unhindered by others weaknesses. (It is here that the body must recognize which leader is to care for whom in the church. More later) they will however also understand the need for order to protect the body, but at the core of their heart is “love to see one redeemed and restored.” I remember as a young person going to my senior pastor about the young Father assigned to disciple me. As I proceeded to list my set of grievances, “Filled with love of course,” my pastor simply looked at me and said, “I don’t even think that way” There was a pause and something struck my heart. “He knows but love covers”
Times are Changing, Fast!
I have given a lot of examples, and there are many more scenarios we could look at, “but somewhere between these extremes we all are all say on a scale from 1-10” in our maturity and love. When we are able to judge ourselves and be aware by the Lords Grace where we do not love the entire body will suddenly mature. We are entering the hour of hearts being exposed and realignments happening.
Eph 4:15-16 but, speaking the truth in love , may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ — 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love .
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Paul 1 Cor 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged .
When Paul wrote about us judging ourselves he was writing from 1 Cor chapter 11. Another time we will explore the hidden meanings behind this chapter, but let’s just look a couple things for now.
When we do not love, or recognize our place in the body, or do not recognize the body we will be immature and especially our own growth will be hindered.
Like when I shared about the 3 young rebels, who until their hearts understand honor and order, they will bear little fruit, which is obvious to all who know them. Paul warned us in this same chapter to discern the Lords body, or the warning is if we do not many will be weak and sickly among us.
1 Cor 11:29-32 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.
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The Father wants us to feel His love!
Do you think the Father is interested in us experience his love in ever increasing dimensions? The very reason He came is so we can, and will. “In this season the increase is happening and we will be moved with Compassion” in ever increasing degrees for one another and for the lost.
Get ready, it is time to really grow up and mature. To those who are willing there is abundant grace, but remember this exhortation from James.
James 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:” God resists the proud ,
But gives grace to the humble."
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Thanks to those who walk in this love and have learned to appreciated one another. Thanks to those who have had the courage to walk with the needy. May we continue to grow together, but more important may we see this same love filter throughout the body where we function and interact.
In Part 2 We will look at other areas of love, and where we have place in one another’s lives.
In Part 3 We will look at Apostolic church structure and how the body is fit together in love.
John Elijah
]]>Generalhttp://www.elijahchronicle.com/index.php?itemid=23Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:24:13 -0700A Day to Remember
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Dear friends,
Nov 11 comes each year as a National holiday here in Canada. It is a time to remember those who have fought and died in various wars in the last century. Nov 11 was the official day when World War 1 ended, and has been called Armistice Day/Remembrance day ever since. In the last week I found myself reflecting upon this coming day and as one whose family members fought in all of Canada’s wars I find a sense of honor and thankfulness that there were those who had the courage to fight against the evils of their day, and stood against those who would destroy the lives of others for there own ambition and gain.
In many ways we as believers are in war in our day. We stand and fight against an invisible enemy would still take peace from the earth, wants to see our families destroyed, and bring division to an army that carries the power to see the earth changed and lives redeemed. Perhaps today is a good day to be reminded of some truths that should hold true for the rest of our lives, and that the greatest enemy is not from without, but from within. For there is truly nothing impossible for this great army that is forming, and when we learn to honor and esteem others better than ourselves we will see the enemy stopped in his tracks and the tide of war continue to turn in our favor. We are each seeking to overcome daily the battles we face in our families and as the larger church the battles that rage around us in our cites, and nations.
At our Tuesday prayer meeting one of our dear saints was remembering many who have passed on. Faithful ones to the end who fought the good fight, but more important gave their lives for those of us who remain to carry on the battle. These ones broke ground for many of us to walk in what we do today.
Honor has become as key word in the church these days, but I felt concerned recently when I heard we can take honor to far. Can we? I guess there are those who exalt leaders beyond what we should, and take honor to an extreme, but I believe honor is a lifestyle and should never be forgotten in the days in which we live. For we are truly entering the times of great sorrow, and honoring one another is going to help us stand tall against an enemy who is out to steal kill and destroy.
Please take the time to read the account below about honoring those going to war, and remember we are all at war and we desperately need each other in this hour to stand. The poem at the end was written by a Canadian doctor in WW1, who wrote it when asked to speak at a dear friend’s funeral the day after His death on the front lines of WW War1.
Snack Lunches
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.
Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation.
'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.
'Petawawa On. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan
After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that snack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time...
As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a snack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base.'
His friend agreed.
I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'
Picking up ten snacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'
'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class.
'This is your thanks.'
After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars..
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand and said, 'I want to shake your hand.' Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.
Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.
When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country.. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little...
A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'Canada, USA' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'
That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'
IN FLANDERS FIELDS POEM
The World’s Most Famous WAR MEMORIAL POEM
By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks still bravely singing fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead: Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved: and now we lie
In Flanders fields!
Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you, from failing hands, we throw
The torch: be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields
Composed at the battlefront on May 3, 1915
during the second battle of Ypres, Belgium
It is a Honor to serve with you all,
John Elijah
]]>Generalhttp://www.elijahchronicle.com/index.php?itemid=22Thu, 18 Nov 2010 22:25:50 -0700
http://www.elijahchronicle.com/index.php?itemid=21
“It’s all Grace”
Although Grace is always available, I believe we are entering a new season of “Grace to Overcome” areas of our lives that have been hindrances. This overcoming grace is not to just be free, but to see the next strategies the Lord has planned come to pass. Grace has always been with us, yet there are a few principles to remember about Grace in the coming days. If we are truly going to be one body, and see the final push to evangelize the world, it is going to take an outpouring of Grace to see it happen. In a series of visions I saw some principles of Grace that will cause us to go forward. A lot could be said about Grace, but we will touch on a few key ones that I trust will help us.
Who among us would call themselves humble? We all know humble people, but we have not attained like Moses who wrote about himself as being humble.
Num 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very humble , more than all men who were on the face of the earth.)
NKJV
We as the church cannot do or be more than the Lords Grace allows. In the coming season those who humble themselves will experience great Grace to change and to accomplish the Lords purposes in an amazing way.
The other area that the Lord was showing me in these visions was the importance of the door keepers. Although each is given a measure of Grace, and all can hear the Lord, there are those in the body who are called to lead, and are given revelation and clarity for the rest to follow. There have been movements about listening to the Lord, “Listening Prayer”, and movements encouraging all to share because all have been given Grace. Both are true and have helped to release the body into hearing the Lord and exercising their gifting. The danger however are these teachings can cause many to miss the door keepers, those Apostles and Prophets who like Paul were wise master builders.
1 Cor 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.
NKJV
(Please read the article in the archives called the tide had turned. In this article the Lord showed me how there are those who breakthrough for the whole, but the danger is forgetting to honor those who were responsible)
We are truly entering the Season of the Kingdom. We are transitioning out of old wineskins, and into the new. We are seeing the Kingdom of Saul pass away and the Kingdom of David come into being.
I pray this article will be a blessing to you all. A special thanks to Pastor Albert Zehr, for rekindling the desire to ask for more Grace in the coming days.
Much Love,
John Elijah
The Doors & The Doors Keepers:
I saw a vision of a great room filled with people. There were multitudes in this room. I knew this room represented our initial salvation and the great Grace that we have been given when we received the Lord. All were walking around rejoicing in the freedom they had. There was great happiness in the room and a sense of the joy of salvation. After a time I saw there were door keepers motioning the people to come through different doors. I could see some of the door keepers were people we knew, such as pastors or leaders. Some we did not know, but they were door keepers who we would hear from other places, churches or messages, but each one had a specific part of their mandate to help people through the doors. I could see the Lord helping, but in almost all cases you could not go through the doors without the door keepers. I looked, and written over the doors were various statements.
- Pride, ambition
- Money, ministry
- Image, cares of this life
- Opinions, judgments.
- Dishonoring Fathers or Mothers.
- On one door was written. Using others Grace to get to the top.
- On another door was written fear, and fear of man.
- On another door was written Spiritual Pride.
As I thought about the door keepers this scripture went through my mind:
1 Peter 5:5-11 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for
"God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace , who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
NKJV
The Choice
I knew that it was a choice to go through the doors. I knew that there had to be a humbling of oneself. Many looked at the door keepers and ignored them. Many could not see who the door keepers really were. They wanted to just stay in this large room where they were free to do what they wanted. It struck me that one needed to acknowledge what was written over the doors was a part of their character. Just looking at the door would often cause conviction.
As a person responded to go through a door relating to something in their life, whatever was on them was stripped away. The threshold of the door was grace, and as I went through there was a new revelation of the grace of God. A new awareness of who he is and who we are not was revealed. Coming through the door there was draped a cloak of Grace. It was quite thin, and you could feel the fabric laying on you. I noticed some from the first room were in the second. I knew that we had all received Grace, and there was a revelation of Grace to be free of whatever was written over the door. I could see however some were still in the first room, and would not go through the doors.
Some in the second room were doing what they could to help others with the Grace they had, but there was a growing longing to experience more Grace. The door keepers were still there encouraging us to go through more doors. There was a sense of Grace coming from the doors, but I also realized that if something was written over the door that was part of my life, the garment of grace that was on me would not cover me. I could feel the sin of it, the conviction. Somehow I knew that going through each door would impart more grace. I and others went through another door, and there was a stripping away of more sin.
Once through the next door there was also a newer garment, but this one was thicker and heavier. It was as though it had more Grace to cover. I did notice however the next room was smaller and you could not stand up as high. If you tried you would bump your head. The interesting thing is I could see the garment, like a cloak on my shoulders; however the cloak stayed in place only when one stayed low. Once up this cloak of Grace could fall off. At this point some decided they did not want the cloak, and went back through the door. That which had fallen off on the way in came back on them on the way out. This pattern went on for many doors as the Lord and door keepers were leading the people. In some cases I could see groups of people not wanting to go through the doors. They all had the same issues and kept each other from going through. Some went hand in hand through the doors with others, but again it was the door keepers who were helping.
Lower and Lower
Each time you went through a door the room was smaller; however the cloak also was changed to a bigger, and thicker garment. It was clear that the cloak of grace covered us better the lower we went and as we responded to the door keepers. I suddenly knew there was a great secret of more Grace. That humility would draw more Grace. Again it became clear, that if you tried to stand up, you would hit your head, and the robe of Grace would fall off. Some choose to stand up, and go back through the doors. Those that continued would go into smaller and smaller rooms. The numbers got less and less of those who would keep going through the doors. At times I looked back and could see some in the other rooms. At times there were some motioning to friends or family to come through the doors, but it was clear they could not see. Without the garment of Grace they seemed blind to greater revelations. From room to room the ceiling became lower and lower. I knew now not to lift up too high so I would not bump my head, but to stay low. As one of the door keepers led me into the last room he had to leave. I was alone. Instinctively I knew there was a final door.
The Final Door:
On the final door were the words written” Only one has the Key”. Now this room was very small, you really had to crouch, but as you struggled along to the last door I noticed I could start to stand up. Suddenly Jesus came in the room, and spoke “You’ve come a long way”, but there is only one way through the door. At this point the Lord was the center. There were no more door keepers, but only Jesus. This scripture came to mind.
Gal 2:20-21 I have been crucified with Christ ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."
NKJV
I realized there was nothing I could do of myself. It was only the Grace of God, and only because Jesus went to the cross could I get this far. This revelation was the key to the final door. Jesus was the key to the final door. He is our example. Only when a person died to themselves could they go through the door. Because I was wearing the garment of Grace he took the key and opened the door.
One Heart:
Going through the door Jesus took me into a large room. Standing around were many of the same ones who were the door keepers from other rooms. As I stood up they gave me a clasp to hold the cloak of Grace on my shoulders. Written on the clasp was the scripture,
1 Cor 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
NKJV
I suddenly knew that it was only Grace that I could stand. Everyone in the room was wearing a cloak. Some in the room I knew, and others I did not. A few were those who went through the doors at the same time as me. On the walls were pictures of saints from the past. Some would never be known by man, but had understood grace and fulfilled the Lord’s desires. Many were the unknowns, people who had a revelation of Grace, and lived their lives by the understanding that it is all Grace. They served and accomplished the task given to them and had received the reward. I knew many in the room were the wise master builders of the church. I knew they were given wisdom like Paul to build the church. As I thought about the wise master builders this scripture went through my mind.
1 Cor 3:9-11 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
NKJV
Jesus the Center:
Jesus had moved to a platform. Some of the door keepers began to follow the Lords instructions and help others to find their place. This scripture went through my mind.
Eph 4:7-10 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore He says:"When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men." 9(Now this, "He ascended" — what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
Eph 4:11-14 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
NKJV
It was like a large army. I knew that Jesus was also explaining to everyone that this was the Kingdom. He was in charge and nothing would be built but by Grace. I began to think of the other part of the verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 3.
1 Cor 3:13-15 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
NKJV
I knew the Lord was talking about the transition from the kingdom of Saul to the Kingdom of David. The Lord was instructing many of the door keepers to go and give new weapons and armor to the people in the room. The armor would only fit them properly if they had the cloak of Grace on. Somehow the armor was fitted to only go over the cloak.
Honour
I became aware of the great Honor the Lord bestowed on the door keepers. These people wore great armor. I could see the nicks and dents from many years of battle. The interesting thing was when I saw them in the rooms previously; I could not see the great honor that was upon them from the Lord. I realized I could not see the armor because they were truly humble and covered by Grace. They had been given a cloak to also cover their armor. They were wearing a cloak of Grace on the inside and were covered by a cloak of Grace on the outside. This outer cloak had been given by the Lord himself. My mind went back again to the first scripture the Lord had given me
1 Peter 5:5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud,But gives grace to the humble."
NKJV
I thought about my past, and realized because I saw the elders weaknesses at times, or they seemed to not have all the answers I had been proud in my attitudes towards them. I could not see who they were because of my pride. These scriptures went through my mind.
James 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:” God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble."
NKJV
Prov 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
KJV.
I realized I had been in tension with some of my elders and leaders because of my pride, but with a new humility and Grace I could see who they really were.
Prov 16:18-19 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
NKJV
It deeply struck me that without humility and the cloak of Grace I could not see them at all. They were just other believers, but I now knew they carried a far greater Grace and wisdom from God. They had been entrusted to help others through the doors, equip them and then send them. Sadly I knew that there were some who had been wearing armor, but it had been taken away from them and given to those who had humbled themselves and were wearing the cloak of Grace.
After I saw the Lord approach and drape a cloak of Grace over the armor I had been given, I clearly saw some more friends wearing their cloaks of Grace also. Together with the door keepers we went back out to help others find their way through the doors. It struck me that I could now see really who the door keepers were. As we went to help, many were still stuck in different rooms. Even the door keepers were still not seen by many, but we kept trying to help others through the doors. Every so often we would meet back in the big meeting room to see others come through the final door and receive their armor.
As I thought about all these things I remembered a scripture from Peter:
1 Peter 4:7-11 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
NKJV
Famous Quotes:
“I know nothing, except what everyone knows – if there when Grace dances, I should dance.
Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's Grace. And your best days are never so good that you're beyond the need of God's Grace.”
“The will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you”
“The winds of Grace are always blowing; all we need to do is raise our sails.”
“Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live.”
]]>Generalhttp://www.elijahchronicle.com/index.php?itemid=21Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:13:55 -0700
http://www.elijahchronicle.com/index.php?itemid=18
April 1, 2009
Dear friends,
In recent days I have had a series of vision relating to the season we are in. I saw the Lord try and harness his people for greater purposes than ever before; however those who resist the training will find themselves used in lesser degrees by the Lord, than those who embrace the bit and bridle.
We have seen a measure of obedience in the church that has begun to change nations, and turn the tide in this hour for his faithful ones. But we are also entering an hour when the church is learning to move as one new man, much like a team of horses pulling the masters carriage for all to see.
It was while meditating on these things, that a good friend and trusted Prophet came to stay with us. He mentioned having a vision of someone as a wild horse whom the Lord was trying to harness. This was the exact thing I had been considering these days relating to different ones in the body. While we talked he remembered a article from years ago about this exact issue and asked to look it up on the internet. His desire was to help, and to pass on to someone. I found the article quite insightful, and felt in the context of recent insights to pass it on for the benefit of all.
Although the focus in this article is mostly about the horse the Lord is trying to carrel, I found my attention also drawn to the team who had learned to move as one, and was only obedient to the masters’ voice. In light of where the church had been going in recent years, and the clear words about the unity in (John 17), and One New man (Eph 2:14-15) I believe this article will shed some fresh insight on the current focus of the Lord.
Years ago there was a movie released called “Ben Hur” about a Jewish noble in the time of Christ. One scene in the movie finds Judah Ben Hur observing a team of Arabian horses being driven by an inexperienced chariot driver. As the team turned the corner, he commented they would miss the turn and go off the track. Sure enough the team missed the turn and would up off the track in the deep sand. Questioned as to his knowledge of the situation this seasoned driver mentioned the horses are in the wrong places. The strong one should be on the outside to steer the corner, and gentler horse should be on the inside to steady them all, etc, etc.
As you read this article, there are two themes. One is those whom the Lord is trying to harness to his purposes, and those who are part of the team whom the Lord has harnessed To pull the Kings Carriage, His Glory!!!
It is not individual submission only, but the corporate submission of the body theses days that will cause us to enter the fullness in this hour.
We are each at different stages of this process, but more important is the younger ones learning from those whom the Lord has harnessed, and are already walking as one.
Finally, may the Lord be merciful to us in the coming days. There is a clear sense that we have gone beyond the days of focusing on individuals, ministries, and movements. In this hour the Father has declared
Mark 9:7-8 And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him !" 8 Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.
NKJV
This was right after the Moses and Elijah had appeared to Jesus and the disciples wanted to build alters to them. There is only going to be one honored in this hour.
The Apostle Paul gave us some insight in the following verses in Timothy that speak plainly of what I am trying to share, and what the following article tries to warn us of.
2 Tim 2:20-21 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
NKJV
I trust the Lord will speak to you thorough this message
Much Love,
John Elijah
The Harness of the Lord
( vision given to Pastor Bill Britton of Springfield, MO)
There is a terrific operation of the Spirit going on today to bring the Sons of God into an absolute confinement to the perfect will of God. This is the Day of His perfection, the day in which He is preparing the channel through which He shall pour forth His Glory for all the world to see. This channel is His Body in the earth, that glorious company of people who are being conformed through much tribulation and fiery tests to the image of the Son of God. This is His "battle axe and weapons of war" with which He shall subdue kingdoms and overcome all His enemies. This is His "mighty and strong One" to whom He shall commit the work of judging this world. This is His Overcomer, His "great army" with which He shall bring the nations into submission. The weapons of their warfare are not carnal, natural weapons, but they are mighty weapons, mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. These are those who shall "be strong and do exploits."
But before God can commit this great and tremendous ministry into their hands, they must submit themselves to the discipline of the Lord, letting Him truly be the Lord of their entire lives. We have long since dealt with the question of open sin, but now God is dealing with the inward rebellion of our own wills. Some good Christians are not now being so dealt with, for they are not in this Firstfruits Company, but nevertheless there is a real dealing of God going on within those who are called into the High Calling of God. This is a very real thing, and is the work of the Refiner's Fire. To those who are going through it, some of its aspects are horrible, but very necessary, and the end result thereof is glorious as we are brought into absolute and complete submission to the will of our Lord.
It was in a minister's conference and convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma that God gave me a vision which I want to share with you concerning this harnessing of our own wills. There were more than 30 ministers present in this particular Thursday morning service, and God, the Father of spirits, was present to deal with His sons, to correct and discipline them in absolute obedience to His will. there was such a stern dealing in the Spirit that no one could go to the pulpit and minister. There was a reluctance among the ministers to say anything except that which was directly ordered by the Spirit. And as those men of God sat there in the awesome presence of Almighty God, some of them having many years of ministry, some missionaries, all of them capable of getting up and preaching a powerful sermon, I was impressed by the way they responded to the discipline of the Spirit. And in the midst of this terrific dealing of God with our spirits, the Holy Ghost gave me this vision…
I SAW THE KING'S CARRIAGE
On a dirt road in the middle of a wide field stood a beautiful carriage, something on the order of a stagecoach, but all edged in gold, and with beautiful carvings. It was pulled by six large chestnut horses, two in the lead, two in the middle and two in the rear. But they were not moving, they were not pulling the carriage, and I wondered why. Then I saw the driver underneath the carriage, on the ground on his back, just behind the last two horses' heels. He was working on something between the front wheels on the carriage. I thought, "My, he is in a dangerous place; for if one of those horses kicked or stepped back, they would kill him, or if they decided to go forward, or got frightened somehow, they would pull the carriage right over him." But he didn't seem afraid, for he knew that the horses were discipline and would not move until he told them to move. The horses were not stomping their feet nor acting restless, and though there were bells on their feet, the bells were not tinkling. There were pom-poms on their harness, over their heads, but the pom-poms were not moving. They were simply standing still and waiting for the voice of the Master.
THERE WERE TWO YOUNG COLTS IN THE FIELD
As I watched the harnessed horses, I noticed two young colts coming out of the open field, and they approached the carriage and seemed to say to the horses: "Come and play with us, we have many fine games, we will race with you, come catch us." And with that the colts kicked up their heels, flicked their tails and raced across the open field. but when they looked back and saw the horses were not following, they were puzzled. They knew nothing of the harness, and could not understand why the horses did not want to play. So they called to them: "Why do you not race with us? Are you tired? Are you to weak? Do you not have strength to run? You are much too solemn, you need more joy in life." But the horses answered not a word, nor did they stomp their feet or toss their heads. But they stood, quiet and still, waiting for the voice of the Master.
Again the colts called to them: "Why do you stand in the hot sun? Come over here in the shade of this nice tree. See how green the grass is? You must be hungry, come and feed with us, it is so green and so good. You look thirsty, come drink of one of our many streams of cool clear water." But the horses answered them not so much as a glance, but stood still, waiting for the command to go forward with the King.
COLTS IN THE MASTER'S CORRAL
And then the scene changed, and I saw lariat nooses fall around the necks of the two colts. They were led off to the Master's corral for training and discipline. How sad they were as the lovely green fields disappeared, and they were put into the confinement of the Corral with its brown dirt and high fence. The colts ran from fence to fence, seeking freedom, but found that they were confined to this place of training. And then the trainer began to work on them, with His whip and His bridle. What a death for those who had been all their lives accustomed to such a freedom! They could not understand for this torture, this terrible discipline. What crime had they done to deserve this? Little did they know of the responsibility that was to be theirs when they had submitted to the discipline, learned to perfectly obey the Master, and finished their training. All they knew was that this processing was the most horrible thing they had ever known.
SUBMISSION AND REBELLION
One of the colts rebelled under training, and said, "This is not for me. I like my freedom, my green hills, my flowing streams of fresh water. I will not take any more of this confinement, this terrible training." So he found a way out, jumped the fence and ran happily back to the meadows of grass. I was astonished that the Master let him go, and went not after him. But He devoted His attention to the remaining colt. This colt, though he had the same opportunity to escape, decided to submit his own will, and learn the ways of the Master. This training got harder than ever, but he was rapidly learning more and more how to obey the slightest wish of the Master, and to respond to even the quietness of His voice. And I saw that had there been no training, no testing, there would have been neither submission nor rebellion from either of the colts. For in the field they did not have the choice to rebel or submit. they were sinless in their innocence. But when brought to the place of testing and training and discipline, then was made manifest the obedience of one and the rebellion of the other. And though it seemed safer not to come to the place of discipline because of the risk of being found rebellious, yet I saw that without this there could be no sharing of His glory, no son ship.
INTO THE HARNESS
Finally this period of training was over. Was he now rewarded with His freedom, and sent back to the fields? Oh no. But a greater confinement than ever now took place, as a harness dropped about his shoulders. Now he found there was not even the freedom to run about the small corral, for in the harness he could only move where and when his Master spoke. And unless the Master spoke, he stood still.
The scene changed, and I saw the other colt standing on the side of a hill, nibbling at some grass. Then across the fields, down the road came the Kings carriage, drawn by six horses. With amazement he saw that in the lead, on the right side, was his brother colt, now made strong and mature on the good corn in the Master's stable. He saw the lovely pom-poms shaking in the wind, noticed the glittering gold bordered harness about his brothers, heard the beautiful tinkling of the bells on his feet …and envy came into his heart. Thus he complained to himself: "Why has my brother been so honored, and I am neglected? they have not put bells on MY feet, nor pom-poms on MY head. the master has not given ME the wonderful responsibility of pulling His carriage, nor put about ME the gold harness. Why have they chosen my brother instead of me?" And by the Spirit the answer came back to me as I watched. "Because one submitted to the will and discipline of the Master, and one rebelled, thus has one been chosen and the other set aside."
A FAMINE IN THE LAND
Then I saw a great drought sweep across the countryside, and the green grass became dead, dry, brown and brittle. The little streams of water dried up, stopped flowing, and there was only a small muddy puddle here and there. I saw the little colt (I was amazed that it never seemed to grow or mature) as he ran here and there, across the fields looking for fresh streams and green pastures, finding none. Still he ran, seemingly in circles, always looking for something to feed his famished spirit. But there was a famine in the land, and the rich green pastures and flowing streams of yesterday were not to be had. And one day the colt stood on the hillside on weak and wobbly legs, wondering where to go next to find food, and how to get strength to go. It seemed like there was no use, for good food and flowing streams were a thing of the past, and all the efforts to find more only taxed his waning strength. Suddenly he saw the King's carriage coming down the road, pulled by six great horses. And he saw his brother, fat and strong, muscles rippling, sleek and beautiful with much grooming. His heart was amazed and perplexed, and he cried out: "My brother, where do you find the food to keep you strong and fat in these days of famine? I have run everywhere in my freedom, searching for food, and I find none. Where do you, in your awful confinement, find food in this time of drought? Tell me, please, for I must know!" And then the answer came back from a voice filled with victory and praise: "In my Master's House, there is a secret place in the confining limitations of His stables where He feeds me by His own hand, and His granaries never run empty, and His well never runs dry." And with this the Lord made me to know that in the day when people are weak and famished in their spirits - in the time of spiritual famine, that those who have lost their own wills, and have come into the secret place of the Most High, into the utter confinement of His perfect will, shall have plenty of the corn of Heaven, and never ending flow of fresh streams of revelation by His Spirit. Thus the vision ended.
INTERPRETATION OF THE VISION
"Write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that reads it." (Hab.2:2). "Harness the horses: and get up, ye horseman." (Jer.46:4). I am sure that many of you who can hear what the Spirit says to the Church, have already seen what God was showing in the vision. But let me make it plain. Being born into the Family of God, feeding in the green pastures and drinking of the many streams of the unfolding revelation of His purpose is fine and wonderful. but it is not enough. While we were children, young and undisciplined, limited only by the outer fence of the Law and ran around the limits of the pastures (that kept us from getting into the dark pastures of poison weeds), He was content to watch us develop into young manhood, spiritually speaking. But the time came to those who fed in His pastures, and drank from His streams, when they were to be brought into the discipline or "child training" for the purpose of making them mature sons. Many of the children today cannot understand why some of those who have put on the harness of God cannot get excited by many religious games and the playful antics of the immature. They wonder why the disciplined ones run not after every new revelation or feed on every opportunity to engage in seemingly "good and profitable" religious activities. They wonder why some will not race with them in their frantic effort to build great works and great and notable ministries. They cannot understand the simple fact that this company of saints is waiting for the voice of the Master, and they do not hear God in all this outward activity. They will move in their time, when the Master speaks. But not before, though many temptations come from the playful colts. And the colts cannot understand why those who seemingly appear to have great abilities and strength are not putting it to good use. "Get the carriage on the road," they say, but the disciplined ones, those in God's harness, know better than to move before they hear the voice of the Master. They will move in His time, with purpose and great responsibility.
And the Lord made me to know that there were many whom He had brought into training who had rebelled against the discipline, the chastising of the Father. They could not be trusted with the great responsibility of mature son ship, so He let them go back to their freedom, back to their religious activities and revelations and gifts. They are still His people, still feeding in His pastures, but He has set them aside from the great purposes for this end of the age. So they revel in their freedom, feeling that they were the Chosen Ones with the many streams of living water, not knowing that they have been set aside as unfit for His great work in this end of the age.
He showed me that through the chastising seems grievous for the time, and the discipline hard to endure, yet the result with all the glory of son ship is worth it all, and the glory to follow far exceeds the suffering we endure. And though some lose even their lives in this training, yet they will share alike in the glory of His eternal purposes. So faint not saints of God, for it is the Lord that doth bring thee into confinement, and not the enemy. It is for thy good, and for His glory, so endure all things with praises and thanksgiving that He hath counted thee worthy to share His glory! Fear thou not the whip in His hand, for it is not to punish thee, but to correct and train thee, that thou might come into submission to His will, and be found in His likeness in that hour. Rejoice thou in thy trials, in all thy tribulations, and glory in His cross, and in the confining limitations of His harness, for He hath chosen thee and He hath taken upon Himself the responsibility of keeping thee strong and well fed. So lean thou upon Him, and trust not in your own ability and your own understanding. So you shall be fed, and His hand shall be upon thee, and His glory shall overshadow thee and shall flow through thee as it goes forth to cover the earth. Glory to God! Bless the Lord, He's wonderful! Let Him be Lord of your life, friends, and complain not at that which He brings to pass in your life.
PLENTY IN THE TIME OF FAMINE
For in the hour when famine sweeps the land, He shall feed by His own hand those who are submitted to His perfect will, and who dwell in the secret place of the Most High. When terror stalks the land, those in His harness shall not be afraid, for they shall feel His bit and bridle and know the guidance of His Spirit. When others are weak and frail and fearful, there shall be those who shall be strong in the power of His might, and shall lack for no good thing. In the hour when the traditions of the religious systems have proven false, and their streams have dried up, then His Chosen Ones shall speak forth with the true Word of the Lord. So rejoice, sons of God that you have been chosen by His grace for this great work in this last hour.
The fence which kept the colts in their own meadows and their own pastures mean nothing to the team in the harness, for the gates open to them, and they go forth pulling the King's carriage into many strange and wonderful places. They do not stop to eat the poison weeds of sin, for they feed only in the Master's stables. These fields they trample under their feet as they go forth on the King's business. And so to those who are brought into absolute subjection to His will, there is no law. For they move in the Grace of God, led only by His Spirit where all things are lawful but not all tings are expedient. This is a dangerous realm for the undisciplined, and many have perished in sin as they leaped over the fence without His harness and His bride. Some have thought themselves as being completely harnessed and submissive to Him, only to find that in some avenue of their live there dwelled rebellion and self-will. Let us wait before Him until He puts His noose around us and draws us to His place of training. And let us learn of the dealings of God and the moving of His Spirit until at last we feel His harness drop about us, and hear His voice guiding us. Then there is safety from the traps and pitfalls of sin, and then we shall abide in His House forever!
]]>Generalhttp://www.elijahchronicle.com/index.php?itemid=18Wed, 1 Apr 2009 20:27:21 -0600Faith Comes by hearing
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In recent months I have been hearing different revelations in the body. Although some are terms we have heard before, it seems the Spirit is breathing fresh life on his word. Familiarity with the things of the spirit can be a weakness of those who walk with him. Although we may or may not have heard some of the truths we will share, open your heart and allow the Lord to breath a fresh wind on our souls. I was reading a book by Rick Joiner recently, and he mentioned the average person needs to hear something at least 17 times for it to take root.
I trust you are all well in these times of shaking, and may these few insights give you hope and guidance in the next season. In many ways these revelations tie together to help us see the hour in which we live.
1)The Eyes of the church: In recent years we have been hearing about the restoration of the Seers ministry to the church. Although we have had seers functioning for years I believe we will see an increase of the revelation to see what the spirit is doing in this hour. We will begin to see the unraveling of many of the Lords end time purposes. Although there is a shaking we should use caution proclaiming we have entered the book of revelation. We need to be careful with some comments like “Time is Short”, although it may be. The Word indicates many will be about their daily business. As we walk with him in our daily lives, we are always to be ready.
Matt 24:40-44 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
The wisdom in a multitude of councilors ( Prov 11:14 ), and the lord will do nothing unless he reveals his secrets to his servants the Prophets ( Amos 3:7 ) are our safety nets in this hour. There an admonition in the book of revelations to ask that we may see, however many are still blind and unaware of the season we are entering into. Clearly we are entering a unique time in church history, but let us be on guard, and have our lamps full. ( Matt 25:4 )While in Taiwan a couple of years ago, the Lord spoke to Pastor Gideon and myself this message about blindness. In many of the major transitions in the history of Israel, the enemy struck those in authority with blindness.
• The last judge Samson was blinded in - Samson (Judges 16:21),
• The last king of Southern Kingdom had his eyes put out. - Zedekiah
• (2 Kings 25:7),
• The last high priest, Eli, eyes went dim. He could not see. (1 Sam 3:2),
• The church of Laodicea (Rev. 3:17)
All these had common thread of blindness, but the Lord has already given us his wisdom. For the church he has warned us in the Book of revelations.
Rev 3:18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve , that you may see.
NKJV
May we ask the Lord in this hour to anoint our eyes that we may see!!!
2)John the Baptist was called to prepare the way for the Messiah. His ministry was marked by the words “ He must increase, but I must decrease” ( John 3:30 ) There is a shaking these days in all areas, but to those who hear the decree of the Spirit “He must Increase, and I must decrease” there is coming a grace to change, and be transformed into his image. There will be a shaking of all things not of him, or that are attached to the world system. Whether those things are business, finances, personal or the way ministries are organized or how they function. May we only be found in him these days.
3)John the Beloved: The Apostle John, a type of the last days church, was the disciple who was closest to Jesus. The church in these coming days will be known by there intimacy with the Lord. Like John the end time church will lay their heads on Jesus breast to hear his heart beat. This end time church will also have a heart like John, that no matter where Jesus is they will be there. When Jesus` was brought before Caiaphis the High Priest, there were 2 disciples who followed Jesus. John wrote about Peter and “ Another disciple who followed Jesus”
John 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.
NKJV
John was known to the High Priest, yet he was seemingly ignored unlike Peter who was exposed and fled. In these days of shaking and in times of persecution our hearts will be exposed just like Peter if the enemy has something in us. Like Jesus who decreed the wicked one comes and has nothing in me (John 14:30), there is an emerging generation who the enemy will not be able to touch. Unless The Lord gives permission they will be protected by him. We need to remember “We belong to the Lord”, and he will take care of us. This emerging generation will know the Lord’s love that will give them a confidence to follow him wherever he may lead.
John 12: 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am , there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
NKJV
This emerging generation will have no fear of death. Through deception, the enemy has pushed a generation of young people to give their lives in the name of their religion. The Lord will have an army who will have no fear of death. These emerging warriors are being sent, and will be sent into those areas where the gospel is yet to influence the masses. As scripture declares the last enemy to be destroyed is death. Although this scripture in (1 Cor 15:26) is speaking about the end of the age, a fresh revelation is coming to the church that death has no power over us. That we the church are fully his, and nothing can touch unless he allows.
4)A New Sound: I have been hearing the sounds of sirens. At first I thought they were fire alarms, but then realized they are the sounds of sirens on an army base. I saw in the Lord is calling an army together in these days that will be prepared to fight the final battles. In times of war it the young who are called, however it is the wisdom, covering and anointing of the generals who will help guide and direct the army. This army of young believers will have courage that will be unprecedented in church history.
5)I know you by your name: A few months ago I heard a brother declaring he was hearing the Lord calling peoples names. About the same time I also began to hear peoples names being called by the Lord. In Ex 33 Moses is leading the people of Israel into the Promised Land. Moses would settle for nothing less than the Lord himself leading his people. He was not satisfied with Angels leading them. There are those being called by the Lord in this hour who have the same desire. We will not go forward unless you go with us Lord!!! The Lord himself is calling them by name, and in the coming years they will be recognized by the church for their intimacy and desire for the Lord to go with them. Miracles are wonderful, to have Angels is exciting, but there is an generation who will only desire Jesus to go with them. This is the bride who is called to prepare church for his second coming.
6) Wedding Bells: I have been hearing the sound of wedding bells in the distance. In the next months and years we are going to increasingly hear the call of the bride. In any wedding it takes time to get everything ready. Those who have an ear to hear will increasingly hear the sound of the wedding bells for the bride to prepare herself.
]]>Nationshttp://www.elijahchronicle.com/index.php?itemid=17Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:38:21 -0700The Tide Has Turned
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Gravities Pull
For many of us watching the tide go out is an adventure. Walking out with my children brings great joy as they explore the new ground. They find treasures, crabs under rocks, pools of water with fish, and many other wonders that seem to amaze us all. Most of us may not realize it is the moon and suns gravitational pull causing the tide to turn, and are unaware of the reasons behind the waters receding.
Likewise having a lack of knowledge about how the Lord pushed back the enemy could cause many of us to misunderstand the reasons behind events happening, and potentially venture out as the tides recede, but get caught or trapped as the tides come back in.
Knowing your measure:
Let’s suppose the tide going out is the enemy giving up ground. This clearing in the spirit may seem like an open door for many to advance and experience new freedom and explore the new opportunities in God.
The danger however is venturing out beyond ones measure of influence, and also missing the fact that it is the Lord’s doing, and those whom he has given authority for the push.
When the tide goes out it is the sun and moons gravity that has pulled back the tides. The new freedom in the spirit can create a vacuum effect where others can suddenly surge forward. In the churches case the Lord is doing the work and the authority given to local, national, or international leaders can make the way clear. Venturing into the new without a proper covering, or assuming we have more authority than we do can open the door to being hit as the tide is sure to come back in due time.
The enemy knows human nature is prone to advance in excitement, or human zeal, or in some cases a pride of thinking, I am somehow responsible for the new ground.
Not recognizing our measure of influence is the first danger. Like Paul we need to recognize the measure of influence the Lord has given us.
2 Cor 10:13 But we will not boast of authority we do not have. Our goal is to stay within the boundaries of God's plan for us, and this plan includes our working there with you. NLT
We have each been given grace according to Gods calling, but venturing beyond this measure of grace can leave us open to getting hit as we go beyond the Lords call on our lives at any given time.
The second, and perhaps more dangerous area, is not honoring those who pushed through to get us thus far. There is always a local national and international authority, and if we are truly walking in John 17 these days, then there will always be a unity in the advancement. Perhaps more important than this is recognizing those with authority in each sphere of influence, and honoring those chosen by the Lord at this time for certain tasks. At what point do we venture out on our own, and where does it involve those with Authority in each sphere of influence.
Rip Tides and Lifeguards
When tides recede water finds the path of least resistance. As the tide goes out it seems to flow smoothly along until it finds an area where the ground is lower. This is where rip tides form, where waters can suddenly rush out to sea. Rip tides however often seem calm on the surface, but just under the calm waters are the fast moving current of a rip tide. It is these areas that the unwary can not see as they are venturing out to explore the new ground. Wading in to see whats happening as the tide goes out, and getting caught in a rip tide or trap of the enemy can be prevented.
The safety is those Life guards who have the experience to see from a certain vantage point. They are those who warn us of the dangers they can see as the tides go out, and give us those words of wisdom and caution us as we advance. It is only as we recognize their gifting and authority that we are safe. It is the overconfident who say I know what I am doing. Many are those who ask the lifeguards if it safe to proceed, however their asking is not an asking to want to hear the truth, but they have already made up their mind I`m going anyway. The lifeguards often have no choice but to say go ahead. Intuitively they know their words of caution would not be heeded, so they stay silent. Only as we advance as a body will the new ground be held. No one ministry, person or movement will hold the ground. We are entering the season when the enemy knows his time is short, we desperately need one another. Nothing birthed out of bitterness, pride, presumption, or rebellion will stand in this hour.
Rev 12:11-12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time."
NKJV
May we be clothed with humility, and walk in unity as the grace we have each been given allows.
1 Peter 5:5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
NKJV
In Conclusion:
I have heard comments recently about the Lord doing many things, and he is. Clearly he is working all over the earth. The Lord in his mercies allows us in some cases to venture out for a season. There may be some fruit to our labors, but in the end they may not last. How much more fruit could be if we truly become one. Let’s say there is 2% fruit from our labor. How much more fruit would there be if we truly walked in unity. Time will tell as the Lord will have a people who break through and walk together as he intended.
The enemies strategy is to cause many to venture out in this hour beyond their measure of influence. Some will venture out at the urging of well meaning friends, others out of ambition, and for some they will venture out with the blessings of leaders who know they are not yet in a place of humility to hear the truth.
In this hour there has been a focus on the Glory of God, but one thing I have noticed in John 17 is Jesus prayer of Unity.
John 17:22-23 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
NKJV
Jesus asks that the Glory may make us one. Sometimes it seems that the Glory divides, but to those who are walking in the spirit they will be one even in the midst of trials.
Only as we recognize those who carry authority in each area of influence will we be safe. Submission is not a word to fear, but a word to protect us from the enemies strategies of independence and the subtle rebellion that seems to spring up as the ground becomes more clear before us.
Rev 2:7"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."'
NKJV
John Elijah
]]>Generalhttp://www.elijahchronicle.com/index.php?itemid=15Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:26:40 -0600You Began at Conception
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For those in Zion I found Alan’s article interesting. Perhaps for us it is the reminder how important the call is from the womb. This is an important hour for the birthing. Abortion must be the ultimate in selfishness, whereas giving up ones life for another is the ultimate in unselfishness. Much like the Lord’s sacrifice for us. May we continue to lay down our lives.
And the angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, "Behold, you are barren and have not borne children, but you shall conceive and bear a son. Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines." (Shoftim / Judges 13:3-5; ESV)
Ever since I came to believe in Yeshua, I have considered myself pro-life, or more specifically anti-abortion. Up until then I had accepted what I had been taught in 1973 while attending high school in the United States: that a fetus doesn't become a true human being until the fifth month.
I can't remember the process I went through regarding this issue a few years later after I had become a follower of the Messiah. Somehow believing that abortion was wrong went along with believing in the God of the Bible. I don't remember reading about it, having discussions about it, or hearing sermons about it. I just thought it was wrong.
To be totally honest, while I believed abortion was wrong and that human life began at conception, I was not convinced that we are called by God to protect preborn human life in the same way as we are to protect people who have been born. My thoughts were along the line that a baby breathing on its own was so considerably different from one who was still attached to his mother that abortion - wrong as it might be - should not be regarded as equivalent to murder.
Don't misunderstand me, whatever the differences may be between the preborn and the born, I still regarded abortion as a crime against humanity. That human beings would willfully terminate our preborn offspring is a sign of great depravity and should be considered a crime. Whatever differences there may be between the preborn and born children, the preborn must be protected from the misguided desires of those who wish to destroy it.
Whatever my views were on the subject, I had never really thought too deeply about it until recently. I am only now beginning to understand this evil for what it really is and have been looking to God to help me understand what should be done about it.
With regard to when human life begins - or more to the point - when does an individual's life begin - a life that should be protected by law and deserves to be viewed as precious and valued by all?
This week's Haftarah gives us some insight into God's perspective on this. It is the story of the foretelling of the birth of Samson. The angel that appeared to Samson's parents before he was born informed them that he would be a "Nazirite to God from the womb." A Nazirite was someone who took a special vow of consecration to God, usually for a limited time set by the person taking the vow. This is explained in this week's Torah portion, which is most likely the reason for the choosing of this particular Haftarah.
Normally being a Nazirite was completely voluntary on the part of the person taking the vow. In Samson's case, however, God predetermined that he would be such for his whole life even prior to birth. There are other biblical references to God having determined something about someone "from the womb." In these cases, it might simply be a way of saying "before he was born," without implying anything about the nature of the preborn. But in Samson's case, he actually was set apart as a Nazirite while still in the womb, implying individuality while in his preborn state. This is also made clear by the angel's instructions regarding his mother. While pregnant she was not to consume anything forbidden to a Nazirite. Samson was personally and individually a Nazirite while still in his preborn state.
This understanding of the nature of the preborn is also found in at least two other occasions in the Bible. Before Jacob and Esau were born, the Torah reads, "The children struggled together within her" (Bereshit / Genesis 25:22). Jacob and Esau were not non-person fetuses who would eventually become children. They were already children with personalities while still in their mother's womb. In the case of Yochanan HaMatbil (John the Baptist), when Miryam (Mary) greeted Yochanan's mother, Elisheva (Elizabeth), the preborn Yochanan leapt in his mother's womb (Luke 1:41). Elisheva described what happened as "the baby in my womb leaped for joy" (Luke 1:44).
To consider the preborn as anything less than a true human person is contrary to the biblical perspective. You began at conception. From that point the only significant changes you experienced were development and birth. Terminating a pregnancy is the murder of an individual person in their preborn state. Just as Samson's parents needed to adjust their lives for the sake of their preborn child, so we need to make whatever adjustments are necessary to protect the lives of our preborn children.
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Alan Gilman]]>Generalhttp://www.elijahchronicle.com/index.php?itemid=14Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:18:31 -0600A Three Fold Cord
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Dr Bing Wang is a Nuclear Physicist, and is currently the Pastor of a Mandarin speaking church under the covering of Church of Zion. Recently the Lord has been giving him revelations about science and spiritual things. This article is a recent revelation that is appropriate in this hour. Truly the season to see the fulfillment of John 17 is upon us, not just that we may be one, but that the world may know he is alive.
John 17:20-23 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one , as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
NKJV
In a vision Bing saw three lengths of rope made of straw holding up a large weight. Each strand is stretched and appears to be sharing the load equally. Dr Bing explained that scientifically however, and under a microscope you would actually find that one of the single strands was actually bearing most of the load with the others in support. It seems that it is impossible to cut any two lengths the same, and based on the make up of rope made from straw it will naturally stretch to different lengths. Thus one length will be taking more of the weight than the others. This is the traditional pattern of the church, where one leader will take the load with the others in support.
As the vision unfolded the Lord showed Bing the difference between a single strand of rope and three strands woven together. The first difference is three strands of rope can carry more than 1000 times more weight than a single strand. No wonder the Lord said a 3 fold cord is not easily broken.
Eccl 4:12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
NKJV
The other dynamics at work are force and friction. When weight is added to the three fold cord, then force and friction cause the cords to bind together, even though they may be at different lengths. These differences may only be seen under a microscope, but they do exist. We often blame the devil when things are difficult and there is friction in our relationships. These are opportunities for the Lord to bind us together, and cause us to rub together and become stronger. As Bing put it, “The friction causes us to back each other up as the weight pulls. We want unity, but not when it involves force or friction.
In these days we are going to see forces at work, and friction that will either cause us to come together, or walk in different directions. When we are bound together we have no choice but to feel the weight and pressure.
As we mature as a body, and walk together, perhaps we will understand the Lords purpose in the forces and pressure and stop asking him to remove this cup from us.
John Elijah on behalf of Dr. Bing Wang
]]>Generalhttp://www.elijahchronicle.com/index.php?itemid=13Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:13:38 -0600