- Mar 29, 2017
Ungodly Behavior Among Christians.
This post is thought provoking and is written in the interest of Unity among those who are members of His Body, bringing healing to those who need it and correction to those who need it. Grace and Peace to all.
We are called to be like Jesus, reflecting His Nature with each other and to those who don’t know Him. We are also meant to “encourage and strengthen each-other all the more as the Coming of The Lord draws near. Uplift and Edify” 1 Thess 5:11 (JV)
Every so often, I am prompted to write articles concerning Christian's behavior because it is so necessary. Do you know that our manner is supposed to bring healing to those around us and the fragrance of Christ into someone's day? (including our fellow Christian) Not the opposite. So like the servants of God in Scripture, it is on my heart to remind you of these things once again. I did some research on the Net this time to see how much these things are being addressed. I think you would be surprised. The following excerpts from an excellent article ring so true to me, so I have included them in this address and I wish to say “well done!”
Slander and Gossip: Destructive to Friendships in Church Community, and Grieving to God.
This writer wrote “If I had a dollar for every time that someone said they had a “prayer request” or a “concern” about someone, and then they proceeded to gossip and slander another fellow Christian, I really do think I’d be rich beyond belief. It has, quite honestly, occurred around me my entire life.
I don’t believe I’ve ever been a part of a church community that didn’t have an issue with gossips and slanderers.
In my experience, the great majority of “prayer requests” and “concerns” and everything else that is called ‘exposing sin’ is nothing but a cover-up for clear and undeniable sin. Which sin? Gossip and slander. That does not mean that confrontation is unbiblical.
We are to guard the truth (1 Tim. 6:20; 2 Tim. 1:14), to contend for apostolic faith (Jude 3), and to stand firm (Eph. 6:10-20). But Christians are commanded to
build each-other up (1 Cor. 12) and to strive for peace (Heb. 12:14).”
I don’t see much of this!
“I believe that most slanderers rarely take a look at their own sin and their own need for grace and mercy and love and compassion. They tend to ignore their own sin and shortcomings, but they are really good at pointing out the flaws of others” however, they do this rashly without sensitivity or perception of those they hurt and defame.
_____________________
In Australia, that is called Deformation of Character and punishable by law, yet there are many Christians who get away with this in small communities.
I have a wonderful friend who is a Carer for a mother with Schizophrenia and had this condition since my friend was little. She was brought up mostly by a Christian grandparent. She is a fine caring Christian woman who has a prayer-life and wisdom that few Christians could match. Her life has been far from easy and she is faithful to God, conducting herself well and capably in all her affairs. Her church community has a number of busybodies who have attempted to impose their standards on her and have made malicious gossip about her behind her back. What are your thoughts about such people?
The writer goes on to say “They tend to ignore facts. Those who slander others generally work on little to no actual substance. The stuff that they say isn’t based on facts, but is often based on perceptions. Or worse, it’s based on their own opinions and actually ignores facts. For example, someone continues to make false statements about someone’s beliefs and will not, under any circumstance, adjust those statements when they are presented with facts.”
That is true of some people in my friend’s community – sorry to say, I cannot call them Christians.
Should they not encourage her and stand by her?
If they were busy pleasing The Lord, surely they would find less time to meddle in her affairs and maybe each-others:) Have you heard the favorite phrase of some Christians? "The Lord told me to tell you" when they think up a few cookies for you. There's a name for that in our Bible, it's called "taking the name of The Lord in vain." When The Lord truly speaks to us concerning someone, we don't even need to use that phrase, because it will witness in their spirit - He will never direct anyone to say something that clashes with the way He speaks to them - this simply means you are trespassing, so we should maybe watch our step. Not many of us like to say
"what can I do to help?" Then we could be sure we are in God's Will, couldn't we?
This may sound like an indictment: Someone in my family fellowships in a Christian cult (there are some major doctrinal errors) but they are taught to Walk in Love with each-other and be ready for Jesus Coming. My family member has a serious medical condition for some months now and they gather around her through the week and weekends, cheering her up, doing things together and have brought her much comfort when she lost her mum – they helped to fill in the gap. What's more is, Christians from her fellowship visit each-other often like the best of friends. They gather together at a friends house just to read Scriptures and sing together (wholesome scriptures). And also, they show great respect and interest in the elderly.
Isn't that how Evangelical and Charismatic Christians should be?
“We have all the right teaching” don't we? Where is the LOVE and commitment to one-another?
The fellowship I've just mentioned sounds similar to the Early Church, do they not?
To tell you the truth, it has been my observation for 40 years now, that the enemy is willing for us to have the TRUTH without the Love or the LOVE with Error.......but not
TRUTH without Error and LOVE. There are not many Fellowships (Churches) with Both.
I knew someone in a different Christian Cult years ago who had close fellowship with
each-other too. They would phone each-other through the week, and have
Casserole and Buffet nights in different homes – similar to the Home Church Movement.
There is a song that goes “Come on Aussie, come on, come on” in Australia, and there's a Christian song from the early 70s “They will know we are Christians by our Love.”
There was a really nice Pastor some years ago who had a good Evangelistic gifting. He had an exceptionally good way of preaching straight from his heart. Members of his church community destroyed his ministry by making slanderous accusations behind his back, after he changed the premises they were in, to reach more people who needed to find Jesus. He commenced a Natural Health practice some months after disillusion and brought his patients to The Lord. They're always befriending Christians, even when he was a Pastor – very open and generous hearted.
Wouldn't you say there were no grounds to be discontent with him and his family? Much less, gossip and slander – behind the poor man's back, mind you? And it kept getting back to him!
Merciless people, wicked! And that's what good living people in the world think when they see unloving Christians too!
Sorry to say, back-biting, envy, gossip, slander and strife does not only go on in religious main-line churches, it goes on in Pentecostal and Evangelical churches as well, like the two stories above.
“We have to remember that we were created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26). And those whom Christ has saved, He has saved by His precious blood. He has saved them because of His great love (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16). Your slander is against someone created in God’s image who Christ Loves so much that He was willing to die for them and Save them.”
Does your slander appropriately match the feelings and actions that Jesus has? “NO!”
And finally the writer says, “It is Destructive to Friendships. It’s sad to think that strong friendships have been destroyed due to gossip and slander. Yet I have witnessed it happen many times. But Proverbs 16:18 tells us that “a gossip separates the closest friends” (NET).
"If you stop and really consider this, you’ll probably think of some personal examples. And it’s really sad. It may even hurt a little bit. People who were once close and in strong relationships are now bitter rivals and have nothing but bitterness and unforgiveness in their hearts towards the other.”
The very same transgressors described in this post will tell you that they are Christians, Born Again and Saved by the Blood of Jesus…….He is Coming again, they are going to be with Him and so forth. But are they?
The Apostle Paul would say “I could not address you as spiritual but as those who are still worldly, behaving like kids” 1 Co 3:1 (JV)
The writer mentioned above comes from Theology.Org
I’ve been researching a little to see how much these things are being addressed,
because according to Jesus, James and John, it’s serious business!
A member of my family has had an overactive imagination since she was young, and wrecked a marriage and a family with unhealthy thoughts that were troubling her, followed by unkind slanderous words. I could not begin to tell you of all the damage caused by a destructive thought-life and tongue about a perfectly innocent man who is now with Jesus out of it all. He had the forgiveness of Jesus under the most extreme circumstances and kept himself busy living for Jesus and helping others instead of dwelling on offenses.
Please guard yourselves against suspicion and letting upsetting thoughts get the better of you. All that could have been spared this priceless brother whose physical health could not take anymore pressure, if she had “nipped things in the bud”. In other words, don’t let disturbing thoughts get out of hand but ask the Holy Spirit to help you deal with them immediately before they grow into something beyond your ability to manage and an apology band-aid can’t fix. I do believe James 3:1-6 is right about “this unruly member being set on fire by the evil one” (abbreviated) Take care you don’t spread grief that way.
A God-fearing prophetic preacher recently said The Lord instructed him to tell us that the enemy’s three major weapons against the Body of Christ are Slander, Gossip and Offenses and that they are the greatest hindrances to our prayers being answered – believe it or not!
“Let those who use the Name of The Lord depart from iniquity” I am writing this post because enough is enough!
I can personally tell you that the enemy's favorite weapons against my Calling through the years has been unkind words, rash judgements and sharp remarks. Sometimes he would wait until I was really close to someone and then they would turn on me, totally unprecedented , when I was off guard. If any of this describes your experience, I feel for you. And I also want to let you know that it isn't always the person against you, it's something else. When a Christian is Walking in Love on a daily basis, the enemy is much less likely to use them that way.
Practice forgiveness dear brother and sister, and you will be the Winner in God's sight.
You do not have to “feel good” about the person who hurt or offended you but we do need to separate the sin from the Christian when they behave like sinners, and recognise the evil one without labelling that Christian.
So “how do I forgive them when they behaved so badly or damaged me?”
I asked The Lord once. He said “Consider their misdeeds no-more and cancel their debts.”
It is an Act of Will, that will benefit you instead of making you ill – emotionally or spiritually.
Have you ever noticed that one can feel quite “ill” when hearing gossip, unkind words or slanderous remarks? That is because our body has a physical reaction to unhealthy emotions – if they are our own OR someone else’s.
According to a Christian Neuroscientist Dr Caroline Leaf, our brain is wired for Love – and Joy and Peace. When our thoughts are in harmony with these Godly traits, our brain resembles a tree with beautifully formed branches and pretty green foliage….when we give in to ungodly traits of fear, hate, resentment etc our brain looks the opposite.
This would certainly apply to those of us who dish-out or entertain slander, gossip, unforgiveness etc Unhealthy thoughts, words and deeds do affect our body and brain so we do not function at our best. No wonder so many are in need of healing – they are either infected with these traits or affected by them often (through others) it isn’t always diet or lifestyle. Let’s fill our thoughts and those of others with Love, Joy and Peace!
Christians should watch their quick tempers too because such things can be so devastating. I call it ‘hit and run’ when someone doesn’t stop to apologise or go back to that person like Jesus told us to. That is not love. You may have said something wrong to someone when stressed and needing rest whatever – you need to ask that person forgiveness, not only The Lord. True prayer leads to repentance. Don't ask The Lord for forgiveness and leave that person hurting or offended – go and do the right thing!
Three Important things Not to do:
1) Partake of The Lord's Supper when you have not made amends with the person.
2) Forget what you said or did like nothing happened and go about your daily life.
3) Make yourself unavailable to someone you lost your temper at – that's cruel!
And you can be sure, The Lord will make His Presence unavailable to you.
(the real blessings won't be yours)
“WHERE THERE IS UNITY, THE LORD COMMANDS HIS BLESSING”
We all need to practice this!
So “LOVE ONE-ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU”
(Jesus did none of those ungodly things when He walked with us,
He was Gentle, Peaceful and Loving).
LET'S SEEK TO BUILD EACH-OTHER UP!
Has this Post Spoken To You?
If you have been behaving in ways you shouldn’t, The Lord sees a repentant heart.
Jesus said these words to a woman, and a man in Scripture
“GO AND SIN NO-MORE”
And if you slip, you need to:
Confess your sin to a Merciful God
AND
Show Mercy to that person.
Be careful to meditate on Scriptures daily
Include the ones you need
and apply them each day.
Meditate on them and ask the Holy Spirit to
soften your heart and strengthen your spirit.
No-one can live this way without His Help
and it is a walk of commitment.
Some Christians make the mistake of having
a “holy time” with The Lord and not practicing
this between times – they still say things that offend.
You need to get yourself a good Devotional
and read it daily. Prayer-read the Scriptures
and seek The Lord’s Presence often.
A change will come, if you desire to love
your brothers and sisters.
To those who consider themselves spiritual
and do not make amends if they offend
I say “who are you kidding?"
THE LORD IS NEAR!
Did this post help you? Let me know.
- Dec 13, 2016
At this time, The Lord is calling many of us to walk closer to Him. To come closer - like we were when we first loved Him – and stay in that place of fellowship with Him.
So many of His children are estranged from Him for months or even years and it was never meant to be that way. It partly has to do with how we are introduced to Christ through the modern day church system, not just the world.
Yes church as we know it Today – with buildings and services – actually commenced with the Roman emperor Constantine in 330 AD, not with the Apostles as is commonly thought.
It is institutionalized Christianity, that lacks the CLOSENESS to JESUS we are meant to have and the Closeness to Each-other. Many are finding this in Home Churches after really seeking The Lord, because they knew there’s something more than they were experiencing.
Follow Me – Abide in Me
The Lord likes to speak to us in our spirit and many of us have this experience – some more so than others and some less, some occasionally and some even daily. I first experienced this when I set quality time apart with Him one evening, decided that I would spend that time in prayer, nothing else, and again 3 days later, when He gave me direction about bible college (I commenced 2 weeks before that) saying “I give you good teaching, do not forsake My teaching”. I knew instinctively, I was to leave immediately. When I went that evening to cancel arrangements in response to The Lord, it was early, before anyone arrived. I desired to pray for a short time and went to a closet with a stack of chairs for privacy, and He gave me a promise in my spirit, I remember to this day.
Jesus spoke two pivotal words to us in Scripture. One is “Follow Me” and the other is
“Abide in Me”……..on both occasions, He was directing our hearts and lives to Him.
These days, so much of what “the ministry” says and church programs take up a lot of space in a Christian’s mind and heart that is meant to be reserved for Jesus – His Presence, His Words and He can’t be the Guest where He is not invited – those times we’re after spiritual pursuits sometimes, can hinder His intentions for us. And it is good to remember that mental assent has nothing to do with spiritual assent……..in other words, a lot of knowledge we consider to be spiritual, does not feed our spirit or impress The Lord……..He truly wants more than that.
To “Follow Jesus” is just that – to follow Him – not “the ministry” not the “next person”.
At this time, Jesus wants us to come out of the clamor of voices around us, so He can speak to us. Yes personally. He cannot do this as long as you are occupied with what the minister says, your favorite program or author. What He has to say to you – and sometimes teach you – is so different to what they say to you or He says to them. It’s tailor made for you, that’s why. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter and Counselor “He will take what is mine and give it to you”……..in other words, He will speak to you first-hand by the Holy Spirit…… not second hand or third hand but directly. Ministries are good, if they truly follow The Lord closely but they are not meant to live your spiritual life for you and they don’t walk your walk either, so Jesus is the One you should be giving most of your hearing to……He is the One to direct you in life’s decisions and day to day. He really is – two is company, three is a crowd, when it comes to that special place that belongs to HIM ALONE!
A Heavenly Invitation
No-one can speak to us like Jesus, is’nt that what Scripture says? And it’s True!
He always knows exactly what to say…..and…..He does not make mistakes.
I still wonder at the ability of The Lord to say just the right thing. Sometimes it would be through a scripture, sometimes His voice in my spirit, and sometimes through a phrase of a song I am hearing or He brings to remembrance. Occasionally He will bring part of a prophecy to mind. He is wonderful at that, once you start walking close to Him.
The Invitation is there for each one of us. He does not have favorites…….it only seems that way when others are close and we are not. But His resident Spirit is as close as our breath and He wishes to “fellowship and sup with you” just like it says in scripture. Find this true.
I Can Identify With You
I’ve been close to Jesus, very close to Him, distant in my walk and busy every day, drifting off to sleep when it came to prayer time, I postponed through the day. I have been all four of these descriptions, so I can address Christians in each one of those. I would have preferred otherwise, believe me, and could not have imagined. A medically induced disorder sapped up most my energies after managing to stay close, so you don’t have to turn away from Jesus to “be far” fellowship-wise with Him. He gave me a lovely gifting of Poems like Helen Steiner Rice a few years ago, where I would write so many in His Presence (it did not occur outside of those times) for many months.
A Word To Ministries
Then I got busy with making a number of websites with multiple pages, and I spent so little time in prayer really and lived on the inspiration He was giving me for others – one of them was a ministry website that was really feeding my readers spirit. So The Lord was faithfulto them and to me. Is that you maybe? A word of advice: it is better to live with Him in worship than to work for Him. Work…..Ministry…..I don’t see the difference!
Just because His Spirit is flowing through you in inspiration OR revelation, does not mean to say your heart and spirit are flowing towards Him. It’s GRACE……believe me, when you honestly compare it to a quality time of WORSHIP each day. I can truthfully say that it is possible to love others more than you do JESUS (in expression) when you love others so much that you keep giving out to them and you fail to give out to Him as much as you do them – it should be more to Jesus, not less. Besides, we can usually give out in the “Anointing” once we have experienced it…….but it is a totally different matter to give out of the Presence of God. One is with you when you are moving in it, the other is with you all the time. What are you going to do about it? Take that to The Lord.
______________________
AND THAT, MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS, IS THE DIFFERENCE YOU SENSE WITH
SOME MINISTRIES MORE THAT OTHERS AND YOU ARE DRAWN SO CLOSE TO THE LORD
AFTERWARDS. IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS, IS’NT IT? IT REALLY IS.
My advice to ALL of you is: once you sense just a little distance with Jesus,
“Nip it in the Bud” don’t wait till it gets out of hand, like “a garden with more weeds than flowers” and treat temptations the same way before they get really hard to manage.
An Important Word Study
After an extended time of working with websites and other responsibilities once, The Lord spoke a word to me that contained the word CLEAVE……I changed that word to cling (just out of preference) when I wrote it and had a check in my spirit, to compare these two words. He knows I study word definitions pretty thoroughly and it’s surprising what I come up with. I will share this with you.
Cling is only part of the definition of Cleave.
Cling: To hold on tightly, to remain close.
To resist separation, to remain attached.
It denotes embracing and to be entwined.
Cleave: To cling and adhere to.
Stresses strength of attachment.
To be devoted and grow together.
To hold-fast and agree with.
Adhere: To follow and carry out.
To comply and conform.
To observe and follow.
Devoted: To be loyal and very loving.
To give quality time to.
To stay attached, to trust.
Believe in and follow the practice of.
Loyal: To be committed and faithful to.
To be trustworthy and always true.
This is about being a loyal subject to the King
And a faithful friend to Jesus.
Make No Mistake About It
To these, Jesus said “If you ask anything in My Name, I will do it”
not the distant in heart but those who stay close to The Lord and bond with Him.
That’s why He said “he/she who hears My Words and does them, he/she is my friend”
and also, He gave the parable about the Five Maidens who were Ready
with Oil in their Lamps.
IN THESE LAST DAYS, THE ENEMY HAS A TIRELESS AGENDA TO MAKE LIFE SO BUSY – YOU DON’T HAVE MUCH TIME FOR THE LORD (UNLESS YOU MAKE TIME). AND SO STRESSFUL, SO YOU ARE STRESSED TO THE MAX – IF YOU DON’T STAY CLOSE TO THE PRINCE OF PEACE (YOUR HEARTS CAN GROW COLD LIKE SCRIPTURE SAID).
My friends, that’s when you start to think “It is too hard to follow Jesus” when you run out of time or inclination to stay Close to Jesus……..not “I love Jesus, I love You Lord” but showing Him you DO by spending quality time with Him in Worship (love and adoration).
This is the description of the Bride of Christ when He Comes.
To these He will say “Come see the Home I have Prepared for You”
He did not say The Church (all Christians) would leave in the Rapture, He said
those who are READY.
And you say to yourself, you’re not ready to spend precious time with The Lord?
The Maidens in the Parable who were not ready were sleeping, remember?
That speaks of the lethargic state so many of His children are in
that leads to spiritual apathy that can cause you to miss out on that Glorious Event
if you do not attend to that.
Remember Jesus saying about The Feast He has Prepared and not many were interested to come? We need to be careful that does not describe us who have received Jesus, when it comes to The Marriage Supper – that Great Celebration, hey?
And if you are concerned for your loved-ones, you can reflect the Love of Jesus much more to them after being In His Presence, than lots of church services – that only makes them feel left out of your life anyway, to the extent that they don’t want our God because they can associate him with a lack of interest in them so to speak.
You will be more inclined to show them the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Gentleness and Patience etc when you have been with Jesus. Don’t preach to them, Live It.
Gospel means Good News, not religious, they need to see that God is Good:
they can best see this through you on the home scene, that is something
church services cannot do for them. There are so many testimonies as
living proof of this. Be of Good Cheer.
THE ORDER IN NEW TESTAMENT TIMES WAS “BELIEVE IN JESUS AND YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SHALL BE SAVED”……… THE HOLY SPIRIT IS INTO RESTORING THAT PROMISE AT THIS TIME. LET THEM SEE JESUS IN YOU, NOT “RELIGION”
BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT SO MANY OF THEM CAN SEE.
“FOLLOW JESUS!”
- Aug 6, 2016
There is so much said about 'The Ministry' since the ninety's I thought I would address this topic one day. On the About Me page, you will see a mention of my ministry that is necessary now.....but I never introduce myself saying "My name is______ and I'm in the ministry" to people when I meet them (so to speak). Someone asked me the question today and I simply said "Yes" and then shared about us all having a ministry. You don't have to be a Pastor or Evangelist to be used of God. There are many ways we can serve The Lord and many giftings Jesus imparts so we can. And it is exciting to see what He is doing in this Day.
There are spiritual giftings and natural giftings. Whatever your gifting is, you
can be led of the Spirit just like a pastor or evangelist can. We all have the
same Holy Spirit and the same Lord over all.
I shall give honor to the so-called lesser Ministries First.
You will be surprised and delighted when you see
how wonderfully we can function in these special roles.
They don't have to be mediocre - there is no mediocrity in God.
Ask the Holy Spirit how to find your best expression in
your gifting and if you are faithful with it, you don't know what else He has planned for you!
If we care for someone and run errands for them, it is no less important because
we can show the Love and Compassion of Christ on a constant basis to that person,
making them feel loved and accepted.......bringing them Mercy and Comfort and Cheer.
I know someone who changed from a small business role he was passionate about
to a carer role a year ago. He enjoys it and the people love him!
My sister is a natural, when it comes to hospitality. So is a friend who had a real desire
to mix with other Christians and meet together often. She enjoys fellow-shipping
and bestowing honor on others. She is such a gracious hostess and delights to hear
everyone's stories. For eight years, she has a small cluster of Christian friends (now) who seek to be with her and each-other. They even go out to Cafes together and spread the Joy of The Lord - the way they relate is contagious and they have had requests from a few people (from other tables) to join them. How is that? I will mention something else about them. They don't attend the same church and they are from different areas......north, south, east and west of the city. These women travel miles out of their way to fellowship together!
Sometimes we can have two ministry giftings. My sister is also a wonderful Carer who
brings Peace, Joy and Comfort to our mum in her senior years. You cannot call basic caring what my sister does with and for our dearly loved mum. Among other things, she is helping her grow in The Lord before meeting Him in Glory. And those she fellowships with around her table are still coming and gathering around my mum these days who lives with her. My sister loves to make meals for these occasions. She also plays piano
and they sing together. My mum waits for them to arrive with great anticipation
every time she hears they are coming.
Sometimes our ministry role can change too. My nephew had homeless people staying with him years ago - different times - and led them to The Lord. Since then, he has been a Helper for several years in the lives of different people. He loves to give practical assistance in various situations. His tasks vary considerably. He has been a skilled Carpenter and had other types of work - an interesting mix - and likes to put his talents to use. After years of faithfulness, he has been called to something else in God's time (near future). The gifting was actually in him for some years but he did not strive for it - he is happy to do whatever The Lord wants him to do at any time.
There is a lovely Spanish sister who prays every morning for The Lord to lead her to people when she goes out and give her the right words for them. She brings blessing to them in her own quiet simple way. She does this with wisdom and sensitivity people welcome. Sarah reflects the nature of Christ in her daily life and loves to pray.
You can find links to articles in my blog she comments on Here. She really knows her God and I will be commencing a Sarah's Page on a new website blog similar to this one soon. I feel to do this because she has a Christlike spirit and has so much to offer.
Sarah and my sister spread the fragrance of Christ everywhere they go because
they so love Jesus and want to be like Him.
We can be like Him in our homes as well - this is such a blessing to spouse, children or parents. There is a saying "Bloom where you are planted" we don't need a platform.
There's too many leaders in churches and work places - a glut of them. That kind of imbalance displeases Him.The Holy Spirit is into Body Ministries (every member).
He is also into everyday living through everyday Christians. He started this with
Early Church believers (read Acts). He moved in believers, not just the Apostles.
Since Constantine changed the Church into a State Institution in 300AD and
Christians have gathered in buildings, that has been lost (in the main).
In the Restoration of All Things to the Body of Christ, Home Churches are
coming in again - as was listed in Romans 16 and many Christians are
desiring a closer walk with JESUS.
There is plenty of opportunity for Lifestyle Evangelism in the work place most Christians don't think of. You can ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom like Sarah does when she goes shopping and different places. There was a brother once, who wanted different work because he was unhappy in his work situation. The Lord spoke to his heart on one occasion and instructed him to work as if he was working for Him. He responded to this and did his best. Some months later, Jesus had seen his faithfulness and showed His favor. His work place promoted him to work he liked very much in another work place they had. They needed someone to fill that position and they chose him!
In the year 2000, I heard words in a message I have never forgotten. There was a simple country town preacher who said "The children of Israel moaned in the wilderness and it was their complaining that prevented them from entering into the Promised Land. The Lord wants us to stop murmuring about things in life so He can move us on. The Land we desire is conditional. Decide in your hearts that you are not going to complain anymore". Friends, the promised land for us is the Good Things of God and those things soon awaiting us in the Moving of His Spirit - they are only for those who
have the right spirit and live close to The Lord. Everyone wants the promises but not everyone wants to be a Father Pleaser.
Prophetic preachers have no right to tell us about the Good Things that are Coming without making a people ready. They simply let us assume we will be included - regardless of our attitudes and walk with God - giving illusions as it were, because the things they have seen for the coming days are only for those who are ready. Neither does any Pastor or Teacher have any right to tell us that "we're all going to meet Jesus in the Rapture when He Comes because there is no mention of the Church in Revelations after that glorious event. The Church is removed from the Earth".
The truth is that only the latter part of that is true. The Church - Ecclesia (called out ones) will be called out of this Earth and those who are not ready for Him will be left on the Earth because they are not ready according to JESUS and will no longer be referred to as the Church but will need to work out the Salvation of their souls for eternity in Heaven like everyone else. But The Lord wishes to spare us from those perilous times. He has given us full counsel in Scripture, how dare anyone give us different.
That will simply not be so.
And we are not meant to live to ourselves and be concerned with
"I, Me and Mine" all the time like those in the world.
We are called out of that mind-set.
How many of our prayers and "spiritual" pursuits are centered on ourselves, if we're honest? Try to think outside the square!
And speaking about squares, how about that Television or computer that claims so much of your time - would'nt you be better off spending some of that time seeking God?
We say that we're waiting for Him to do this and to do that.
Could it be that He is waiting for us?
Honestly, there is no other way He is going to
impart precious things to you and me.
Remember, for now, there is a Promised Land to enter this side of Heaven - don't miss out. His Spirit will start to Move in the Earth in the Miraculous, transforming hearts and lives. How can we expect to carry the miraculous if we can't be trusted with the ministry roles we have now - in the various Graces of God - and live with a close Prayer-Life? We are only deluding ourselves. An Evangelist prays for a few hours early each morning before he/she moves in the miraculous. Do we honestly think we can offer half-efforts and Jesus will do the same through us.
I remember a sister in her late 20s years ago. She had a lovely gift of personal prophecy that she moved in evangelistically among people she met and in her place of work.
She had a prayer life to match. She did written work at a Solicitor's Firm and was not ashamed of the Gospel. Please Note: we need to be careful we are really led by the Spirit of God to do such things and she had a proven gift of prophecy. She reached many people for Jesus who would not have found Him on the church scene. Notice, a church leader could not do this? We all have different ministry roles - different faces for different places. In God's economy, you are not left out......that is His order of things, different than the way He has been presented often.
There is a young Christian man who has a way of finding gems in scripture and can also prove the validity of the Bible through Scripture. The Holy Spirit gives him the ability to do this. That is his gifting from The Lord. He selects whoever He wills to do various things. I met this brother at an informal Christian gathering 4 years ago and recently catching up with him.
There was another young man (from teenage years) who had a revelatory gifting of bringing Scriptures to Life and you just wanted to be around him wherever he was, so you could take in the wonderful things he had to impart. He learned all this directly from The Lord - he did not attend a bible school, but He taught in one some years later. Do you know how he started? I personally witnessed this in the 70s.
When he was a teenager, he would go often to the Jesus House (for young people in a Christian center) and meet with Christian friends after school. They helped themselves to refreshments then gathered together in a room there and he would share those precious gems with them. Now, no-one told him to do this - it was spontaneous on his part - he would faithfully show up on a regular basis. A few years later, he was a young people's pastor and a much sought after Teacher sometime after that.
There is a key-note here, David was faithful to The Lord with his gifting and applied himself diligently to his tasks - even as a teenager when other things could have attracted him. He had a real thirst for the things of God and loved the scriptures. He would constantly enquire of The Lord and soak his spirit in them.
As we can see from his story, the gifting from Jesus is often resident in a person sometime before acknowledgements and positions take place. However, his young friends obviously acknowledged this gifting (without a name tag). Don't you love it?
The way we do not need credentials etc to move with The Lord in simple ways?
Please read the following Post
for Update
True Ministries and Giftings, What is a Healthy Church?