Savior

The Blind Shepherd Leading the Blind Sheep – Frank Work

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So this was said by a renown and highly public speaker, of a really big church. She made this statement to the congregation in the church, as well as those listening and watching at home. Not to mention what she released into the atmosphere. We really have to be careful what we are releasing from our lips. Below is what she said on a Sunday morning.

“When we obey God, we aren’t doing it for God, I mean that’s one way to look at it. We’re doing it for ourselves. Because God takes pleasure when were happy, that’s the thing that gives Him the greatest joy this morning. So I want you to know this morning, just do good for your own self. Do good because God wants you to be happy. When you come to church, when you worship Him, your not doing it for God, really, your doing it for yourself. Because that’s what makes God happy, amen

One of the biggest problems in my opinion is that we as a people still have the mentality that we need an earthly king to lead us. So we will flock like blind sheep to whatever shepherd is saying the things that make me feel right about what I am doing at the time, whether right or wrong. More times than naught in my limited experience as a Christian I am seeing this played out more and more.

It almost seems as though that the children of God don’t want to be children of God, but subjects or slaves of God. We want to be told what to do, when to do it and how to do it. This is a learned behavior that is ingrained into our spirits over time. It’s a long process to unlearn this type of behavior, even longer when we don’t allow the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us as we learn what it means to be children of God and not slaves. Until we are willing to step up and take our rightful places in the kingdom of God, this sort of “Anti christ-like” message will continue to take place.

What’s funny is that I don’t blame the people speaking from the pulpits for the deceit and lies coming out of their mouths as much as I am sadden that people who know the Lord are giving ear to this prosperity message, which is warping , in my opinion , the true message of what Jesus preached, died and rose again; which is to embrace the message of the cross and dying to one’s self, and accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.

I am in total agreement with the statement made by a friend of mine,   “God wants to kill us.” Which translate, God wants to destroy our flesh so it can not have sway over our spirit-man and interfere with our relationship with Jesus and hampers communication between the Father and us through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not in agreement with these pastors who are speaking in a direction opposite to Jesus and His word, but I know according to the scripture what will happen, Jer 23:1 ” Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the Lord.”

What can I do for them? I can and should be praying for them. Seeking the direction of the Holy Spirit concerning them. So I don’t have to worry about what’s going to happen to them, I just need to ensure that I am doing what I can to make sure I am hearing God. Which also means seeking His truths where they maybe found, and being open and teachable to the love and Spirit of God.

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.”

The Secret is Love – Karen Austin

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I created you and formed you in My image so that what I do, you can do [Genesis 1:27; John 14:12]. I am your example of how to live, how to love, how to rightly discern without being judgmental and critical. Know you are Mine and I have you in the palm of My hand [Isaiah 49:16; John 10:28]. You are branded and sealed unto Me [Ephesians 1:13]

I have all that you need and will need to walk out all that I have called you to do. Do not limit Me in what I can do in you or what I can do through you.

As you keep your eyes fixed on your Beloved, you will shine brighter and brighter as you are filled with His light [Isaiah 60:1]. You see the secret is love. Love makes a way where there is no way. Love creates. Love heals. Love delivers. Love even raises the dead! See yourself as this – My love dispenser upon the earth [John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 16:14] .

“Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 TPT

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.

The Moment the Bridegroom see’s His Bride – Karen Austin

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A few years back while in prayer I entered a vision where I was an observer of a wedding that was about to take place in a small church. The room was full of guests who came to witness the joining of this couple to become one. There was such joy and excitement in the air!

The bride was at the threshold just getting ready to enter the sanctuary. She was wearing a beautiful white gown with many sequins. As she took her first step into the sanctuary, she looked to the front where her bridegroom stood. It was then their eyes met. It was as if there was no one else in the room. They only had eyes for each other.

It was then my understanding was opened to know that the bridegroom was Jesus, our Bridegroom King. The bride was the Bride of Christ. There was such love between Jesus and His Bride. It was evident to all how deeply in love they were. As they locked gaze upon each other, I could see fiery love and light coming from His eyes to His Bride. With each step she took, as she slowly walked up the aisle, her dress became brighter and brighter reflecting His light. The people in the pews began falling over because the power of that radiant love and brightness of light between the Bride and her Bridegroom overcame them.

As she got to the altar, they stood face to face, Jesus then removed the veil from His Bride. No longer did she see in part. Her eyes were opened to see Him as He is! The officiant of the wedding was the Father. With such joy, He then presented His Bride to His Son, Jesus.

Holy Spirit revealed to me that each of us are as a sequin on the gown of the Bride of Christ. As we fix our eyes upon our Beloved, our magnificent obsession, our light becomes brighter and brighter, even as we become more pure of heart. I then heard these words, “How long it takes the Bride to get up the isle to meet her Bridegroom, it is up to her.” We must be about making ourselves ready to meet Him. We must endeavor to put aside all that would defile us. [Ephesians 5:25-27, 2 Peter 3:11-12, Revelation 19:8], 1 John 3:2-3, Revelation 19:7-8]

“And The Spirit and The Bride are saying, ‘Come’, and let him who hears, say, “Come”, and let him who thirsts come and take the water of life without charge.” Revelation 22:17 Aramaic Bible

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.

Generations Come Together for Battle – Gary Florence

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There was a guy in our church who shared a vision with us that God had given to him. He saw the younger generation dressed in battle armor standing on this hill that was made out of skulls. They were standing there in victory after defeating the enemy. I thought to myself “where is the older generation?”

I believe the Lord showed me that many of the older generation are in “a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hand” mode. That many are feeling like their time of advancement is over and that it is time to hand the baton to the younger generation. That they have become weary and tired waiting for the Lord and the fulfillment of the promises given to them. That by default they took themselves out of the vision. I am here to tell you this is not about one generation laying down their weapons and armor and allowing another one to pick them up and go on without them, but this about each generation coming together in this hour and flowing into one stream and advancing as one.

I am reminded of Caleb he was 40 years old when he was given a promise about the land that the spies entered into. It took another 40 years for that promise to come to pass. He made the comment “I am as strong and vibrant at 80 years old, as I was at 40.”  Those of us in the older generation do not give up or give in to your circumstances and situations. Though the vision may tarry God is faithful to His promises to you.

There are those who are saying that not only have we entered into a new decade but that we also have entered into a new era. I believe we are entering into a time of acceleration and of suddenlies, we could go to bed one night tired and frustrated and have an encounter with the Lord and everything from that moment on would change and all those prophetic promises begin to come to pass. We have been through the battle of life and we carry the wisdom and scars that the younger generation needs. They need our wisdom and counsel and we need their excitement, enthusiasm and zeal of the Lord. There is a cry in the Spirit for us to arise with them and to advance as one together with the younger generation. Do you have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying? I prophecy to you that your best years are not behind you but that the best is yet to come.

Get ready, get ready, get ready your promises are coming!!!!!

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.

Super Bowl-Game Plan – Karen Austin

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Today I am going to continue spiritual insights from not only the Super Bowl game but also from the character/faith of the Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. This young man may be young in years, but he is mature in His faith in Christ.

I saw spiritual keys during the Super Bowl that can help us visualize the spiritual battles we face. The Word of God is our only plumb line. But Jesus taught in parables using natural things as subject objects when he explained spiritual principles, He teaches us through nature and other natural things. I am not a football fan nor expert by a long shot! I will take some of what was spoken by various sports commentators and the written press to explain the intensity of the battle and the win by faith.

“During this high pressured Super Bowl game, Patrick faced probably one of the most potent defense that he had ever faced. They had a perfect game plan to limit the Chief’s big plays. Patrick was hit enough to become flustered, frustrated, confused and impatient.” Can you relate? Sometimes it seems that no matter what we try, the enemy “seems” to get the upper hand. He pulls strategies out of his playbook to get us off our spiritual game. We begin to doubt ourselves, our abilities and question if we really heard from God. Time passes, the clock is ticking, pressure is on and we wonder if we will ever see victory.

At times during the game a play would be reviewed with an aerial view of the playing field and the play. I remember thinking if the quarterback could just see from that view, he would know exactly how to aim at his target! I sensed that this is where the Body of Christ is losing some battles. To many times, especially in the heat of the battle, our perspective is from the ground game, satan’s territory. It is primarily on the things we see happening. While we certainly need to be keenly aware of what is going on, our focus for victory must come from a higher perspective, Heaven’s perspective. We are seated FAR above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians. 1:21]. He has battle plans we have never dreamed of!

Patrick could see doubt beginning to come into the eyes of his team. It took him to the last minute to find himself and he finally did. He pulled on his faith and began to speak to his team, “You just got to believe, brother.” At this point, I receive a private message stating the Chiefs were down 10 points and didn’t look good. I sensed Holy Spirit say this is how it appears in spiritual battles. We start out strong but as the battle intensifies and we seem to be blocked at every step. It appears we will not win and the enemy has the upper hand, but this is when to hold onto faith with a tight grip. That is exactly what Patrick did. He said, “I mean – We never lost faith. That’s the biggest thing.” I’ve heard said “Setback is a setup for comeback!”

This game was approximately four hours. Our battles may take days, months or even years. But I leave you with these wise words from Patrick Mahomes. “You’ve just got to believe brother, it’s going to happen man, I can feel it.”

2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we live by faith, not by sight”

Super Bowl Insights – Redeeming the Land – Karen Austin

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Today I will lay the ground work regarding what I sensed about the Super Bowl game. Along with the prophecy that Bob Jones had given years ago, I sensed this game represented the great spiritual battle we now see taking place in the world. So, what I will share is from a spiritual perspective.

I am sure there are God loving people in the city of San Francisco and on the 49er’s team. Remember we wrestle not with flesh and blood but against principalities, powers rulers of darkness in this world and wickedness in high places {Ephesians 6:12]. .What I sensed during the game was a war between the spiritual dominions that reign in the areas of these two cities. We could readily see the spiritual battle with many players giving glory to God, praying vs the half-time show promoting sexual exploitation.

Mike Bickle began the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in 1999 with 24/7 prayer. Also God raised up prophets called the “Kansas City Prophets.” They were Bob Jones, Bill Hamon, Paul Cain, James Goll and John Paul Jackson. So we see the land being set apart for the Kingdom of God…to train and raise up other leaders in the Body of Christ, to establish the Presence of the Lord in that city. Although I am sure there are acts of darkness taking place in this city, what I am stating is the establishment of the Kingdom of God over the land for more than 21 years.

While I am not familiar with the spiritual roots of San Francisco, I am aware of the rapid decline of what was once a beautiful city now taking place on the land…outdoor drug markets, homeless taking over the streets, individuals with mental illnesses living in streets and parks, filth and the spread of disease. Government given authority to release murderers, rapists, child molesters, illegals, etc. The advancement of abortion and gay rights is prominent. The effects of darkness is blatant over this land. I do pray for light to invade the darkness to set the people free! Light always overcomes darkness and there is a redemption He wants to take place in this city.

I sensed not only the truth about revival and Apostolic Chiefs arising, but also that the tide has turned. Something has shifted in the spiritual realm. Just as Kansas City Chiefs appeared to be losing for 50 years, in truth, they were in training for this sweet victory.

Holy Spirit is moving as the wind beneath our sails causing us to rise up above this earthly playing field into the realms of Heavenly authority and victory. We will begin to see more and more spiritual victories. I sense that the Father has given His Bride an open playing field. He is not only inviting us to receive this end-time favor and victories for in the church, but in the market place, the schools, the political field, and wherever we find ourselves! As we maintain Heaven’s perspective of the battle, we will no longer become weary, but energized by the victories we see ahead of us. New vision is being released. New confidence is rising up in His Bride to become all He has called us to be and to do all He has called us to do! Arise Church! The victory is ours and our reward in Heaven will outweigh any Vince Lombardi trophy!