God

Offense is Deadly (Part 1) – Frank Work

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Offense in the Christian community is an interesting concept. I have seen us wield the words of this world to offend people like a sword in battle. I have seen the wounds, and I myself, have felt the wounds, as a result of an offense. It’s, I believe, one of the deadliest weapons in the enemies’ arsenal that the church readily seems to pick up at a moment’s notice, including myself.

I personally have been both. I have been the offended, but also the offender. Sometimes we offend people and we don’t even realize we have done something to hurt our brother and sister. Many times, when I am offended by someone, it’s because of a previous offense I had against that person, and the issues just continue to snowball on top of each other until finally I have built up so many offenses against someone, I can’t remember what the original offense was. WHAT A MAZE!

When this happens, and we have “stockpiled” our offenses, we become bitter and cold inside, because then it’s only a matter of time until we start catching and holding offense from anyone we come in contact with. Our spirit has become so weighed down with offense that the wounds we have given permission to be inflicted upon us, become infested with the maggots of condemnation and self-worth. When I am offended, I am like the man spoken of in Proverbs 18:19 “A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.”

One thing I noticed I was not doing, was something I should have been doing as soon as I took the offense. What was that Frank? I am glad you asked. I will answer it with scripture, Jesus said in Matt 11:28“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Which simple means, if you have taken on an offense, it’s like a pack on your back, that you carry around with you all the time. Until I am willing to release that “heavy laden” burden and give it to Jesus, I will feel no rest and the weight of the heavy-laden offense will increase. In fact, not only will I be carrying around the original offense, I will be carrying around all other offenses.

Also, offense built up can cause your physical body to start to feel the effects of offense and unforgiveness through sickness and depression. That’s a whole other article though.

The next part to this article will give us an idea of how we can combat the spirit of offense with the power of scripture and the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. Stay tuned for part 2!

Whats Eating at You??? (Part 1) – Gary Florence

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Romans 8:1 says “That there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ” yet so many of us find ourselves living under that very thing and more times than not you will find shame and guilt lurking around condemnation. In Heb 12:24 it says “and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood (Jesus’), which speaks better than the blood of Abel.” Why is it than we can easily find ourselves stuck under the old when we have before us something new?

For most of my Christian walk I was under this very thing. Every time I would sin this guilt, shame and condemnation would just eat at me and eat at me. Please do not get me wrong when we sin we should have a healthy conviction stir up within side of us but the key word is “healthy.” I would find myself days even weeks later confessing the same sin over and over knowing deep down in my heart that God had already forgiven me the first time I confessed it. The shame, guilt and condemnation was overwhelming. It would consume me at times. Then what would really confuse me is that even though I would feel unworthy to be used by God, He would still use me, sometimes it even felt like He would use me even more in people’s lives when guilt, shame and condemnation was screaming louder in my head.

I would be like “God how and why would you continue to use me to speak in other’s lives when it feels like my life is spinning out of control?” Many times I would just take myself out of the “game” and say to God “I am going to sideline myself until I get this “sin” under control” because the guilt, shame and condemnation would ramp up the intensity when I would step out in spite of it. Does this sound familiar to anyone reading this, do you find yourself shaking your head in agreement with what I am saying?

If this is you I want to let you know that there is hope for you to get out from under shame, guilt and condemnation. We will continue our discussion the next time we get together.

Peace as a Weapon (Part 3) Karen Austin

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Wherever we walk in peace, i.e. our job, home, it will crush satan’s plans. True peace is the condition of a heart that trusts God, regardless of our circumstances. The peace of God is the power that will lead us to victory over ourselves and the strongholds of the enemy. Peace is a barometer of our trust faith and trust in God.

“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9 AMP

“And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall GUARD your hearts and minds (THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS) through Christ Jesus.” Guard – Mount, guard as a watcher, to protect, to hem in, keep with a garrison, Picture a fort build around your mind that is what peace will do!

“The Lord will give strength to His people, the Lord will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11

We must seek peace because, as we all know, it does not just fall on us in times of trouble. Remember that our words and our actions must sow peace and unity. When we don’t know which way to go, this scripture is key: “For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace...” Isaiah 55:12. Our knees may be shaking, but we will have a supernatural peace within.

It seems like every day, more and more fear is being unleashed upon the earth. Television and social media are now big proponents of spreading fear. There are no natural solutions to things we are facing and will face in the future. But as we, His Bride, walk in peace, we will not only receive our answers but we will shine as a light in dark places. In this hour, I believe His Bride will know unprecedented peace. ‘He will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3. This peace will be a fortress to many. A true sanctuary on earth.

Now is the time to be armed with the peace of God. This peace will be a profound contrast to the fears that are coming upon the world and causing men’s hearts to fail because of fear. It is through abiding in His supernatural peace, we will crush every manifestation of the enemy in our lives.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

Jesus Really Does Have a Plan – Frank Work

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Today, today I have this overwhelming feeling of sadness. I feel a sadness as though my heart is broken. I don’t feel this often, but when I do and there is a sadness and heartache to the core of my being, I know that I am feeling God’s heart on a matter. When Paul the apostle said that our war is not against flesh and blood, that is precisely what he meant. My battles in the natural are carnal and therefore contrary to how God intended me to accomplish warfare in the spirit. If I truly believe in the power of Christ, then I need to believe that no matter what I see with my natural eyes, that God’s hand is somehow in it, and I need to ask for the eyes to see and ears to hear. Today I am being reminded that no matter how heart breaking the things of this world are, my Savior has a plan.

I don’t know how many times I have heard the age old saying, “If there really is a God, how come He allows….” And the list is endless. Our Father in heaven is not an angry tyrant who paces back and forth, throwing curses down upon man because they continually mess up. He doesn’t look upon this earth and scream, “You deserve what you get!” No, I believe that our heavenly Father cries out to His son Jesus and says..”Save my children, bring them back to Me.” Then Jesus tells the Holy Spirit, “Go, teach them the love of the Father and the Son. Give them wisdom and understanding. Give them what they seek most, though they do not even know it. Give them the heart of the Father and of the Son. Give them Love.”

Problem is man likes to find his own way and then blame God when it suits him. It’s easy to blame God, because it takes responsibility off my shoulders. Instead of blaming God for the problems I see around me, I should be asking God how I can be a part of the solution. The song I am sharing is perfect. One of the lines in the song is…”I shake my fist at heaven and yell , God why don’t you do something… and He says I did, I created you.”

We live in a Hellenistic society where the motto is, “If it feels good, do it.” Or “Don’t deny yourself your indulgence, you only live for so long.” Then with the same breathe I will curse God because He isn’t answering any of my prayers. You can’t serve yourself and then expect God to work like a fast food burger joint, “I want it my way.”

Our Father in heaven did create a solution to the lost and dying world around us. It’s you and I. Not because He had to, but because He wanted to. He wants to include us in the plans of heaven. He wants us to be the weapons of His warfare. He wants us to cry out to Him in prayer and intercession to be a light to the dark places of this world.

The following song really ministered to me.

Peace as a Weapon (Part 1) – Karen Austin

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Today I am going to begin a short series of blogs regarding peace. Not a natural peace, which can change in a moment, but a supernatural peace which is part of what makes up His Kingdom and stands forever.

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” Romans 14:17 NIV

Just as there are natural weapons, we who have given our lives to Jesus have been given spiritual weapons. One that is often overlooked is the weapon of peace – even though it is one of the most powerful weapons. We may think that it is not a weapon, but Paul wrote about it in Romans 16:20- “And the God of peace shall soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

CRUSH- the base meaning is to crush completely, that is, to shatter – break (in pieces), broken to shivers, bruise.

It is the God of Peace who will crush the enemy when we abide in the peace of God. It is a fortress and a weapon that the enemy has no power against.

Think about the times you have been under attack, i.e. a family issue, car problems, sickness or serious medical diagnosis. The first thing that happened was your mind began to go in a million directions at once…thinking of different scenarios. Confusion, anxiety and fear tried to settle in. We then begin to contemplate how we are going to fix this problem. Do we have the means to correct it? Do we know anyone who can help us out of this? Our minds begin frantically seeking an answer that is within our own abilities to solve.

I know I have a tendency to become frustrated when I first come under attack. It is a great temptation to step out of peace and step into anger and then anxiety. Our ability to reason with Holy Spirit influence becomes difficult because confusion and chaos flood our minds. Our ability to see the situation through His eyes becomes difficult. It is hard to hear God when we are in a state of anxiety.

Once we lose the peace of God, we quickly lose our patience which affects our love walk. This in turn affects our faith because faith works by love.

But know this, the peace of God is the anchor that will hold all of the fruits of the Spirit in place. Peace will give us the ability to search the heart of God for an answer.

~~to be continued

Rejoice His Spirit is Moving – Karen Austin

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So many of us have longed for years to see the lame walk, the blind to see, for the multitudes to come into His Kingdom. Sometimes we wonder if we will see it in our lifetime. I don’t think I am alone in this. But I sense from the Lord, that these shall surely take place as He has promised in His word…greater works…greater works we would not only see, but we will be a part of.

I sense He is saying to not give up believing for His signs, His wonders and the mighty miracles to manifest upon the earth in greater measure than we have seen before. For when these miracles begin to take place, we will quickly forget how long we have waited. It will seem like it was just yesterday, for we will be caught up in this move of His Spirit and no longer will our focus be on time as it is on earth. We will be caught up into eternity time where everything seems now.

I have been getting glimpses of this that is next on our Father’s agenda. I tell you it truly is above anything we can imagine! There is much that He has stored up for the times that are upon us. When it begins, it will be like a flood that cannot be contained! All we will be able to do is jump in and allow the flow of His mighty Spirit to sweep us up in what He is doing upon the earth. This move will not be by the sweat of man, but a sovereign move, a holy flow of His Spirit. Oh, the rejoicing that shall take place as we enter into His glory…such overwhelming joy!

So I say to you today, remain faithful. Keep believing. Keep dreaming. For it shall all be worth the price we have paid to be a part of this last days movement and the demonstration of His power! Shout Hallelujah!!!!

I have included a clip of prophetic worship with JoAnn McFatter and Andre Ashby. Be prepared to enter His Presence!

Times of Consecration – Karen Austin

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I received this in 2018, I believe it was the beginning of times of consecration, shifting and alignment.

“2018 will be a year of Divine consecration. My people consecrating themselves and all they have unto Me. As these ones set themselves apart, even more for My pleasure and purposes, they shall see a greater measure of Divine Presence resting upon them. As Divine Presence rests upon them, My favor will make a way where there has not been before.

There will be a separating of unfruitful works and even unfruitful relationships as I am causing even Divine alignment in these areas. There will be a synergy, a coming together of those that I align, for My will to be executed upon the earth. I sense even a parting, as like the Red Sea, of evil structures that have been in place for centuries hindering the work of His Kingdom. Just as the sea parted and My people crossed over onto dry land, so shall you see those things that have previously been unmovable, begin to shift in this New Year. It is a new season for My people, a season of oneness with your God.”

Divine Signals (Part 2) – Karen Austin

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There is a pure river of revelation flowing to those who are pure in heart. Contend for this. Rid yourself of the tares in your soul. It is time to release those things that hinder our walk with Him.

There is a higher way that God is calling His Bride; one that will cause her to walk above that which is to come upon the earth. As a child, when our father wanted us to move along quickly (such as we needed to get out of the way because a car was coming or when we were playing instead of getting ready for school) our father may have said to us, “No Dilly Dallying!” This is what I sense the Father is saying to the church, “No Dilly Dallying with what I have told you to do!”

There are things coming that He needs us to be in a certain position and it is getting late. Things are changing quickly. Things have been set in motion to happen soon upon the earth. They will not wait for us to get into the place He has been calling us to. The Father needs us to be in position, in that place of freedom from the past that would hold us back – hold us down from the place of elevation that He is bringing His Bride.

He is calling His Bride to a place upon the mountain as He did with Moses. Sadly, some will chose to hold onto the things of this world and therefore cannot go. He is sounding the trumpet to assemble, to prepare and to ascend into the Holy Place.

For it shall be there that He will give us instructions for the times that are coming. As we climb higher, as we maintain our clear signal from Heaven, He will send us forth as He did Moses to cause the enemy to Let His People GO! The methods we have used up to this point have been good, but He, from upon His holy mountain, will grant deeper insights which shall enable us to quickly set ones free from deception, sickness, disease, oppression, depression and possession – so we will be able to set multitudes free with a greater effectiveness – for it shall be necessary.

So you may say, “How do we climb this Mountain?” The Father says to you,”It is a mountain that you will climb in worship. It shall be a Mountain of Worship in which you will ascend into the Cloud. In this place, He will speak to us face 2 face, heart 2 heart. Instead of writing His instructions upon stones, He will imprint them upon our hearts.

As we descend from this place, I sense He was showing me that man will come to us and say “Where did you learn this?” and you will simply smile and say, “The Glory, in the Glory of God.”

Divine Signals (Part 1) – Karen Austin

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Spiritual pictures and revelations coming from Heaven must be unobstructed in order to be clearly received. There are strategic truths that Heaven is releasing in this hour that we must receive and activate!

Technology has improved picture clarity by way of high definition, which is a result of more reliable signals with less interference. God is increasing the ability of those who will turn their receiver towards Heaven to have greater spiritual clarity. In order for us to have less interference, other forms of communication must be disconnected or it will draw on the power that is being released and the fullness of what He desires to release. My understanding of this is that our receivers are more toward cell phones, internet, Facebook and TV than towards receiving divine signals from Heaven. His church is on overload.

We must be clearly connected to His signal or our reception of His revelation will be distorted. This is a time of separation, a setting ourselves apart so we will not be distracted from the greatness of our God and His instructions for this hour.

Our receivers must be cleansed and cleared of any obstruction, anything that stands in the way of receiving His divine signals. Thing such as hardness of heart, unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment and jealousies. We must understand the works of the flesh are of no effect and profit nothing in His Kingdom. Only by reflecting His nature and manifesting His gifts will His Kingdom be demonstrated on earth.

As antennas of old are a thing of the past, so are many of the ways that we have done things in past seasons. Old methods and compromise in our lives will not produce Heaven’s desired results. There is a higher calling and definition, a higher understanding of the things that we see taking place in the natural. The Father is calling us to a higher perspective, a higher way to see and a higher way to touch those around us. There is also a higher definition of the operation of His Spirit that He will reveal to those who have singleness of heart.

~~to be continued

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!!!