fellowship

Am I Being Prudent in What I Watch? – Frank Work

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During this time when many folks have been home bound due to the recent restrictions caused by the corona-virus, I have heard and read from many, “I am just going to binge watch Netflixs, Hulu”, or whatever streaming service you have. Here is the problem. We become complacent and let our guard down in an atmosphere of boredom. This is when the enemy will strike and strike hard. The deception though will be subtle, but devastating at the same time.

You know I have read article after article over the years on movies that have come out and whether I should watch them or not. I know, like many of you, I have watched my share of questionable movies. When I see a movie come out with a Christian undertone, overtone, middle tone, side tone, I instantly want to know, “Is it biblical? Are the messages that are being sent out through the waves of space from the screen to my waiting and eager eyeballs, ready to receive whatever message I am about to ingest?”

I love some of the most bizarre movies I can think of, and I have had more than one eye roll from my lovely wife when I am watching them. I am a “B movie” lover, I also love me a good ol’ fashion kung fu movie, complete with subtitles or bad lip syncing. For some reason for the past year, I have been watching exclusively Korean Television dramas. Why am I sharing what I watch? Because I want you to know, that I am struggling right there with you.

One thing I rarely do when I am watching non-Christian/non-biblical movies or programming, is the one thing I should be doing first, and that’s asking my heavenly Father if this is something he wants me to watch. It’s not hard, takes one or two minutes to ask a simple question. Wait for a response and move accordingly. Oh also, in my opinion, not hearing anything is not a green light to do what I want. Not hearing anything should mean, I need to wait, or I need to go to the word and seek out what the Father may be saying to me through scripture. Don’t fall into the trap of “Well I didn’t hear no so that must mean yes” because I know, dollars to donuts, (I don’t know why I used that analogy) the enemy will also be trying to speak to you and encouraging you to do the opposite of God’s purposes.

Being jaded by the world makes for increasingly poor communication between the Father’s heart and mine. The more I make decisions based off my experiences or others experiences, the more jaded I become. I am no longer trusting in the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, but I am trusting in this world.

It’s easy to fall into a trap of seeking knowledge elsewhere, rather than from the One who has endless knowledge and wisdom. One thing I am not saying is that research into something I don’t have knowledge off or experience in is bad, but if I make that my checks and balances to come to a conclusion, then I am missing the mark, and ultimately allowing my heart to become that much more jaded and distant from God.

Do I have any scriptures about seeking God’s will first and foremost in my life and everything I do? Glad you asked.

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

1 Chronicles 22:19 (NKJV)

19 Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God. Therefore arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy articles of God into the house that is to be built for the name of the Lord.”

Colossians 3:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV)

3 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

1 Chronicles 28:9
9 “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.

Those are promises I can cling to, now I just have to make it a part of my everyday life. I have failed, but I will keep trying as I encourage anyone who has gotten this far in reading this, to do the same.

Don’t Social Distance from God – Karen Austin

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I am sure we have all heard the new buzz words “Social Distancing”. Even though that is what the experts are advising and I concur with this advice, I sense these are the same words Holy Spirit is saying. Not that we do not have a social life or social contact in one form or another, but that we distance ourselves from bingeing on social media and instead spend the time praying and seeking His face. Of course, we should catch the latest updates from our nation’s leaders, but guard against the temptation for 24/7 media gorging. It is so easy to get caught up in that.

We have been given a parenthesis in time from other activities which we say prevent us from spending time as much time as we would like in the Word and with Him. We have entered a new era and can no longer move along our spiritual journey by being on rote. It would behoove us to distance ourselves from hours of intake of Facebook, fear and doom statements from some news media, and enter into His chambers to obtain His wisdom on how to maneuver spiritually in these days and hours that lie ahead. Holy Spirit will share with you what to do to be healthy He will lead you as to where to go or not to go. We must be a people led by the Spirit and a people of peace. After all, He is the One who knows all things! He knows how this will end. I do sense, however, things have changed from now going forward.

We need to social distance ourselves from those who speak nothing but negativity and fear into our lives and have no desire to change. We certainly pray for them, but do not continue to expose our self to their draining negative opinions. Guarding our ear gates and our eye gates will be very important.

Feed yourself on His Word. I can tell you after our son passed, I had very little physical strength or emotional strength from the long season of continual high stressors. When I began spending time in His Word, I would come away from those times actually feeling physical strength coming into my body. It was what made a marked difference in my journey back to health.

My prayer is that a fire has begun in His church and will continue to grow…that His church will not go back to being lukewarm after this virus issue is solved, as in former days. May you and I be a catalyst of His Holy fire spreading faster and more powerful than any virus ever can and this HOLY FIRE brings LIFE!!

Should Women Keep Silent in the Church? (Part 3) – Gary Florence

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Yes, finally we are coming to the conclusion “Should Women Keep Silent in the Church.” Let’s ask our questions from Part 2.

  • Who wrote it? (Paul),
  • Who was it written to? (Timothy).

Now we will do a little digging into the historical context. In 1 Timothy chapter 2, Paul is giving advice on how a church service should be ran. Let’s look at something interesting in verse 8 it says “Likewise I want WOMEN to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments.” (NASB) This is how the women who were leaders at the temple of Diana (Artemis) dressed because prostitution was one of the many things that went on there.

Now look at verses 11-12 “Let a WOMAN learn in silence with all submission and I do not permit a WOMAN to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be silence.”

Look how Paul changed from women to woman. Some scholars believe he was talking about one particular woman not women as a whole.

Continuing on, Verses 13-14. “For it was Adam who was created and then Eve, and it was not Adam who was deceived but the woman being deceived fell into transgression.”

Where did that come from and why did Paul have to say that? One of the teachings of Diana (Artemis) was that they believed Eve was created first and that Adam was the one who was deceived in the garden. Therefore they pointed fingers of blame at the men. So when these idol worshipers got saved they brought this mentality into the church and it caused them to have a negative attitude toward men and the men Timothy put into leadership. Could Paul have been pointing out this WOMAN’S inappropriate behavior? People were literally jumping up in the middle of the services and yelling what they believed and were taught to them regarding their false religion that they had now come out of. So if we look at the historical context of what was happening in the services of that day. Paul was addressing women or particular a “woman” that was an outspoken leader of Diana (Artemis) not women of today.

I would like to say as a man if these scriptures or any others dealing with women have been held over you. First of all I want to apologize on behalf of us men and ask for your forgiveness. You are not to be off to the side or in the background but we are to be standing side by side together as one voice. So finally what is my “opinion” on “Should Women Keep Silent in the Church” it is a resounding NOOOOO!!! They should not keep silent in church.

I would like now to speak into the women’s lives “May the Wonder Women you truly are begin to rise within you and may the lasso of truth be wrapped around your minds. May all the gifting’s, callings and your destiny come into fruition and you be those Wonder Women that you have been created to be.” As men we need you ladies and we love you and speak blessings over you. So do not keep silent any longer!!!

We must Love Because Liking is not Enough – Frank Work

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Today the Lord really spoke to me, well let’s be honest, the Holy Spirit really convicted my spirit about how I view my brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. Not only how I view but what I say to them because of the judgement I may or may not hold against them. This morning I was reading in the word and this scripture jumped out like an anvil. The scripture is out of 1 John 4:21

21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Now before you say, “Ok I love God and I love my brother, what more do you want Frank?” Exactly.

The question, I need to be asking myself on a constant basis, “God what more do you want?” In my opinion I am really good at superficial love, I can smile, laugh, shake your hand, or even give you a hug. I can have a long conversation with you about whatever topic may be on our hearts at that time. Sure, no problem let’s go grab a coffee at the local coffee cafe and enjoy the music of a young man playing a guitar, singing a song called Cherry Grove. It’s amazing what I can do when I really set my mind to it. All in the name of superficial relationship.

That of course until you decide to rub me the wrong way, or say something I don’t agree with. Oh and let’s not even discuss about the disagreement we have in scripture, because you know in your heart that I am absolutely correct, you just haven’t realized it yet. You will hear my battle cry come forth, “Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war!” Oh, my, then and only then will you know what it means when I make the statement, “I love you brother, but I don’t like you very much.” That’s right….you got my point…right? I mean you know I still love you, don’t you? You still love me to, right?

Honestly, that has been the style of my relationships that I have had with my fellow christian brothers and sisters through most of my life in knowing Jesus. I thought through the action of love, I could somehow obtain the reality of love, which is the love Jesus spoke about in John 13:35,

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Jesus was not just talking about the emotion of love, but the actual commitment of love. I am not much of a Greek scholar, but it has always intrigued me how complex the Greek can be. One word can have many meanings, which are all in depth depending on the mood and tense. Below are 4 types of love the bible consistently speaks of;

  • Storge is an affectionate love, the type of love one might have for family or a spouse.
  • Eros is passionate or sexual love eros is important within a marriage relationship and is created by God (see Song of Solomon)
  • Agape speaks of the most powerful, noblest type of love: sacrificial love. Agape love is more than a feeling—it is an act of the will. This is the love that God has for His people and that prompted the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus, for our sins.
  • Phileo refers to brotherly love and is most often exhibited in a close friendship. Best friends will display this generous and affectionate love for each other as each seeks to make the other happy. The Scriptural account of David and Jonathan is an excellent illustration of phileo love.

So there I have 4 rules which by all rights, should be easy, comprehensible, and fulfilled in my everyday walk with Jesus, and my brothers and sisters. Problem is my carnal flesh has no idea what real, spirit lead love is. My flesh desire is to fulfill its’ own need, which is lustful and carnal in nature. To understand what true love is in the spirit, I must allow Jesus to show me through the scriptures and through the leading of the Holy Spirit, what true, blood bought love is. I must walk, depending on the type of relationship I have with someone, in all 4 of those examples of love. This is only done by following the leading of the Holy Spirit, and the will of the Father. Any other motivation of love is born of the flesh, and leading to a path of disillusionment, disappointment, and ultimately destruction.

Lastly, I have to understand that I can’t sustain relationship through my own will and intent. Desire of the Fathers love, and understanding what it means to be a son in the Lord, is the only way I will be able to sustain my relationships in the Lord, which envelops my wife, my children, grandchildren, family members and so on. Be rich in the Lord, and walk in His ways, and we will have a true concept of love.

I Am a Son, Not a Slave – Frank Work

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Ephesians 1:17-19
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

This portion of scripture really opened up to me this past week. I remember years ago we had a four day conference at my church, and there were special speakers throughout that time who ministered and shared the heart of God concerning the “now “days of the Lord. What always comes to mind when talking about the “now” is how it pertains to my life on an everyday basis is Matt 6:34;

Matthew 6:34(NKJV)
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:34(NIV)
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I personally am trying to remember that I can’t live on yesterday’s blessings but must live in the now, especially in these perilous days. Perilous because our society is decaying in and around us, and we are walking in a state of purposeful unawareness. We do this willing because we aren’t asking our Father, but we are begging Him. If I can remember that I am no longer a slave to sin, but I am a son of my heavenly Father and co-heir in the body of Christ, I am assured by the Word of God, and His Holy Spirit that if I ask, then it will be given (Matt 7:7-8, 21:22). I look at it this way, a slave begs, a servant begs, a son ask.

When I was a slave to sin, I had no one to ask, so I had to beg of the world to obtain what I wanted. Now, I don’t have to beg of the world, I only need to ask of my heavenly Father. Now, now that I am in the kingdom of God I don’t ask for myself, because I do not know what to ask. I must take my lessons from Jesus when He said in John 5:19, “Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” I must hunger and thirst after the desires of God’s heart for my life, and not my own.

When scripture speaks of God giving us the desires of our heart, it’s not about our own selfish desires and wants. It’s about being in alignment with His heart and yearning to know what is on His heart, then when our hearts are in alignment with His heart, then and only then do we receive the desires of our heart. Because it’s no longer our desires that we long for, but Jesus.

I believe it’s essential to live in this day, this moment, this second. How am I to know what I am to do, unless I know what the Holy Spirit is saying to me? All dependency must be on Jesus.

Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Should Women Keep Silent In the Church (Part 1) – Gary Florence

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I believe before we dive into this very controversial topic, I need to put a disclaimer out here. I am by no means claiming to have all the answers on this topic. This is one person’s opinion on the matter. You may agree with it or you may not agree with it. There may be portions you are ok with and others you are not ok with, and that is ok. We have to come to a place in the body that it is ok at times to disagree with one another in love but in our society we focus more on the disagreeing and proving we are right rather than on the loving part and that really needs to change in the body of Christ.

Now with that out of the way let’s begin shall we. If you read 1 Timothy 2: 11-12 out of the NKJV it reads,

“Let a woman learn in silence with all submission and I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.”

Taking this scripture out of context and at face value one would think that Paul has a problem with women. Yet in some of his earlier writings he talks about women who are apostles and prophets. He also makes mention “I wish that you ALL would prophecy.” So what is going on here? Is Paul in his older years changing his mind or what? I have watched and heard from both sides of the aisle concerning this issue. As I stated earlier this is only one person’s opinion, who just happens to be a man. This is why grabbing a scripture out of context and inserting it into a circumstance and situation or even in our modern culture can at times be detrimental to us or to others. I know in my own life there have been many times depending on what was or wasn’t happening in my life I would grab a scripture out of context only to find out later that it really wasn’t for that moment in my life. Ok now I know some of you might be scratching your heads thinking to yourself “I thought the word was the same yesterday, today and forever.”

The next time we get together I will pick up right here where we left off because I want to explain myself a little better and clearer. Then I will give my answer, which is an opinion “Should Women Keep Silent in the Church”?  So you can put your hot buttons away for a few more days because this can be a very hot button topic.

I Believed and So I Spoke – Frank Work

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2 Corinthians 4:13-14(ESV)

13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.

These two verses really stuck out to me. It’s not a big secret that what we hold in our hearts we will also speak and do. I know Jesus said the same thing about the treasures of our hearts (Matt 6:21). What we believe, we will hold true to our hearts in all that we say and all that we do. If I hold malice and discontent, that will be evident in my actions and thoughts. If I hold joy and love, that also will be evident. Belief though, that’s a game changer. Belief can cause us to do some fantastic things, but it can also cause us to do some really questionable things. Belief can drive us to help the poor in spirit and minister to the widows, orphans, and the homeless. Belief can also drive us to darker times, like hate, jealousy, envy, and war.

Even though everything I am is given over to Jesus, I still must ask myself…”Frank, what do you believe?” What do I believe about Jesus? What do I believe about my heavenly Father? Are my beliefs in line with scripture or am I straying away from the foundation of the word?

Romans 10:8-10 (ESV) speaks to the exact concept of belief;

8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word [the message, the basis] of faith which we preach— 9 because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation.

We can talk all day about what we believe and who we believe in and how we believe it. But truly everything comes from our heart, the innermost core of who we are. Our thoughts are constantly changing, but our belief system is constant. I really have to ask myself; What do I really believe about my faith and my walk with Jesus? How is my belief system affecting my walk and more importantly, who is affected by my belief system? Because what I believe will spill over to my family, friends, and people I meet.

My beliefs will also cause me to do things I shouldn’t do, but because I have such a strong sense of belief in what I am doing, I will justify it as being right and true. I believe..(haha), but really, I believe that accountability will help me stay true to the very nature of Jesus. Not just accountability from family and brothers/sisters in Christ, but accountability from the Holy Spirit. Honestly, the only way I am truly going to know if I am hearing God correctly is to bring it before my trusted brothers/sisters and give it over to prayer. The Holy Spirit will then begin to give me the Father’s truth.

When I am going through trials and tribulations I must ask the question, “What do I believe about this?” My beliefs will dictate my prayers and how I respond. I need to respond with the heart of God and according to the foundation of His word. Any other way is soulish and selfish and will cater to my flesh and not strengthen my spirit.

The Secret Place of Overcoming- Karen Austin

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As you press into My goodness, I shall reveal the secret place of My goodness, your refuge, “in the Spirit”. As you spend time with Me, you will no longer wonder where you belong. This is where you belong.

It is here that I shall hold you close and wipe away every tear. I will speak truth to the places where you have believed a lie. You see this is the place of overcoming. You cannot overcome spiritual battles by your flesh or by your wisdom. I have given you My Word and My Spirit. The battles that are coming upon the earth, at times will be fierce. This is why you must know the way to My heart now, your place of refuge. For it is he who dwells in the secret place of the Most High who shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. [Psalm 91]

It is only in this secret place that you will arise above every situation and circumstance. For you see, even My Son would separate Himself. He would go alone to this place to commune with Me. It is here that He saw what I was doing and would then have instructions to carry out upon the earth. All things that My Son did were birthed in My heart.

It is the same with you, my dear child. Come away with Me and learn of My. Learn of My ways and not just My acts. For you see, no one knows you as I know you. I know every pain, every disappointment, every fear and I know that which brings you joy. I long to spend time with you without distractions. I long to speak to those places in your heart that need reassurance of My love and My desire to do good unto you. Come away with Me…I am waiting…

The Five Who Were Wise – Karen Austin

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Be not as the five foolish virgins who did not discern the times and allowed their oil supply to run dry [Matthew 25]. But be as the wise, who kept lit the fire of passion for their Heaven Bridegroom. Keep your oil fresh by giving of what you have received. For any stream that does not continue to flow out into others will become stagnant. My treasures and My gifts were meant to be given. For what is a gift, but that which is meant to be given.

Many, many are waiting to be touched by My goodness, which will lead many to repentance. Many souls are searching for truth. I AM TRUTH! I AM LIFE! I AM GOOD! And I live inside you! Freely you have received. Freely give. [Matthew 10:8] For each of you have a measure of My goodness within you. As you give, more will be given to you. Be as the wise servant who did not bury his talent. As he gave, more was given [Matthew 25:14-30].

Each man who has ever lived was given a measure of time on this earth. [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8] Time is ticking away. I am coming quickly, but there is much yet to be done. Many have yet to come into My Kingdom. Do you hear the sound of time ticking..passing quickly? I want you to hear so you will realize the seriousness of working while it is still day.

For it shall happen that the light of My Presence shall be removed from the earth all that will be left will be gross darkness – the darkest of days. Oh, but My desire is that none should perish. [2 Peter 3:9]

Everyday look for opportunities that I present to you to bring My Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. Be wise with your time, for this is My time to move as never seen before upon this earth. Demonstrations of My Power, My Might, My signs and wonders will be seen in the Heavens and in the earth.

Fear not, for I am with you and I am in you to fulfill My purposes upon this earth. Know that this time for you shall be glorious for I will keep you, says the Lord.