During this morning’s Prayer and Worship meeting, I kept hearing in my spirit – ‘the Church.’ At some point, I felt compelled to read Ezekiel chapter 37. After reading the first three verses or so, I got up and went to the back table in the Bob Jones Vision Center and sat to hear what the LORD had to say. Then I began to write the following to the Church of GOD – HIS Body. the words lit up As I read certain words, phrases, footnotes, and verses, certain verses jumped out at me as if the words lifted off the pages and hoover before me as if it was speaking directly to me. As I was captivated by what I was reading and seeing, again, I kept hearing that phrase – ‘the Church, O, MY Church.’ My GOD, what is my LORD speaking to me today? What is HE saying? What is HE trying to show me? Well, let’s not get into that part this morning. But I want to share with you what the LORD showed me this morning in my reading in hopes HE will speak to you as well. So, what I will do now is piece together only the parts of the verses the LORD highlighted to me and share anything else HE may give me so speak along the way. you will live again |
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The Webster's Dictionary defines ‘then’ as follows
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As soon as we as a nation, especially the Body of Christ as a whole say sincerely in our hearts, ‘LORD, forgive us for our abominations – our sins against you and your ways, and we turn completely away from all the wickedness we have come to practice, it is then and only then will GOD turn HIS attention to HIS people and this nation, and relent from casting HIS judgment upon a deserving nation, group of people, or individuals. (Compare to Jonah chapter 3). King Josiah set a perfect example for all leaders in the secular and religious setting concerning this matter of humbling oneself, praying, seeking GOD, and turning away from their sins.
2 Chronicles 34:3 says concerning Josiah, “… while he was still young, he began to seek the GOD of his father David… he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images.” What are some modern type things we engage in today that can be compared to the high places, and wooden, carved, and molded images that King Josiah had to confront and get rid of during his time?
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GOD does not expect a perfect society but HE does have standards we all must uphold. And if we fall short of any of these standards, GOD expects sincere repentance and a turning away from our wrongs. (Compare to Romans 3:20-25).
2 Chronicles chapter 34, verses 3 through 5 goes on and say about Josiah and his supporting leaders, “They broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence, and the incense altars which were above them he cut down; and the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images he broke in pieces, and made dust of them and scattered it on the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. He also burned the bones of the priests on their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.” Simply put, Josiah cleansed house. He did not just clean his own house, but he required and enforced these changes to take place everywhere – in the cities, within the nation, among the people, and especially in GOD’s place of worship (2 Chronicles 34:6-8, 10-13). Let’s stop right there for a minute because we need to clearly understand Josiah’s actions.
As we continue to read, we see a Book of Law of the LORD given to Moses was found. Upon discovering what was in it – what the LORD required of HIS people – what did Hilkiah the priest and Shaphan the scribe do? Verse 16 said, Shaphan carried the book to King Josiah and read it to the king (2 Chronicles 34:16, 18). In response to what the king heard, he needed clarity concerning the things that were read to him. He wanted to know whether judgment was going to come upon his nation because the people and his leaders “… have not kept the word of the LORD…” – the standards of GOD.
So, what did King Josiah and his leaders do? Verse 22 says they sent a selective group of men to Huldah, GOD’s appointed prophetess to get clarity of what was GOD’s stance concerning the king, his people, and his nation at that appointed time based on their discovery – discovering the Book of the Law. Upon hearing King Josiah's request through his appointed leaders, Prophetess Huldah provided them the word of the LORD, which was a word of judgment because they as a nation had abandoned GOD’s laws, HIS commands, HIS ways, HIS standards, decrees, and righteousness. Josiah’s nation (the people) had opted to go their own ways, establishing their own gods, rituals, and traditions outside of what GOD required. They had preferred their own pleasures instead of the standards of GOD. (See 2 Chronicles 34:23-25). But in the Prophetess Huldah’s word of judgment against the nation, there was a message of hope because of the reactions of King Josiah upon discovering and hearing the Book of the Law of the LORD.
Prophetess Huldah said to King Josiah’s men, “Because your heart was tender, and you humble yourself before GOD when you heard HIS word against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the LORD. “… Your eyes shall not see all the calamity which I will bring on this place and its inhabitants…” (2 Chronicles 34:27-28). It was the actions of the king that saved the nation from GOD’s pending judgment.
But we need to understand that King Josiah did not just stop there. He did not simply just hear the word of GOD from GOD’s prophetess and say, ‘I receive that’ and move on to the next thing that was on his kingly agenda. NO! HE TOOK ACTIONS based on the word of GOD’s prophetess. (Compare to James 1:22).
Verses 29 and 30 of 2 Chronicles chapter 34 said the king gathered all his leaders and went to the house of the LORD with everyone in the nation (all the people) and read the Book of the Law of the LORD to them. Then the king renewed their covenant with GOD and made a sowned declaration to GOD before the people on behalf of the people and its nation and he made all who were present to take the same oath – to be in agreement with the established covenant King Josiah declared before the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:29-33). The nation was spared of GOD’s judgment due to the action of King Josiah and the entire nation (its leaders and citizens) coming together, in agreement.
Go back to Jeremiah 4:1 and 2 Chronicles 7:14 – it is when and only when a nation and its leaders come together in one accord to repent that GOD will relent from pouring out HIS judgment upon a nation that is deserving of HIS righteous judgment.
One more example before we close. We see that GOD only turns away from destroying the livelihood of a nation (the lives and comforts of the people) when they repent and turn away from their sins. Jonah chapter 3, verse 10 expresses this way, “Then” (soon after Nineveh’s king and all its people) “… turned from their evil ways…” – the people acted first. Then “… GOD relented (give in, cease) from the disaster that HE had said HE would bring upon them, and HE did not do it.”
GOD wants to relent. HE wants to change HIS mind. HE wants to extend mercy instead of HIS judgment, but if HE has to compromise HIS standards in the process to extend mercy, HE won't do it – that is, HE will not relent – change HIS mind. If HE did, then that would make HIM a liar, which would contradict what the scriptures say about HIS character and nature – “… it is impossible for GOD to lie…” (Hebrews 6:18).
This brings us back to Ezekiel 15:8 where the LORD said, “… I will make the land desolate” (to wretch or deprive of inhabitants), “because they have persisted” (remained unchanged in their character, condition, or preferred position) “in unfaithfulness” – that is, the breaking of GOD’s standards.
GOD cannot relent, change HIS mind about a pending judgment, and extend mercy, if, we as the people, as a nation, and as HIS church are not willing to change our ways – our course of actions. We have to align ourselves to GOD’s standards and laws and what HE is doing in this season, and not the other way around, before GOD can act, the people must respond. If we do, then GOD will.
GOD wants complete obedience. Otherwise, we are in direct conflict with HIS expectations and that is a sin. And if we refuse to change our ways, it is we who will force GOD’s hand to act and respond as an act of justice. So that the land and its people can be cleansed and restored to the state in which GOD intended. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).
… Thus says the Lord God: ‘Because you have multiplied disobedience more than the nations that are all around you, have not walked in My statutes nor kept My judgments, nor even done according to the judgments of the nations that are all around you. |
Typically, when I feel led to write during my Bible reading – my personal time with GOD while I am studying GOD’s Word, I traditionally write down 4 pieces of information at the top of each page.
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Now, what I am about to say next might sound crazy to some of you. And that’s okay. It won’t bother me at all what most of y’all think. But immediately after that (writing my title content on the top of the first page), the Spirit of the LORD speaks to me about the things I am reading during my Bible reading time and I simply write or take dictations of what I am hearing in the Spirit and then later provide them to you in the form of a blog post.
What I have described is normal behavior of the Spirit of GOD. For there are a selective few that HE speaks through this way all over the world. HE has been doing this since the beginning of time and still is doing it today in order to speak to, direct, and guide HIS people (2 Timothy 3:14-17). For GOD IS the same yesterday, as today, and HE will be forever. Compare to Hebrews 13:8.
Now, with that being said, I want to explain why I felt led to mention how I write out my title information at the top of my pages before continuing with Ezekiel. After I wrote out my date, on page 1, something unusual occurred that had never happened before. Holy Spirit instructed me to look up each number in today’s date – 8, 4, and 23. So, I did and then I was given instructions to write their meaning here and then we will proceed with this writing. So, I have provided the meaning of each number below.
8 represents a new beginning, a new order, and a true born again event when he is resurrected from the dead into eternal life. 4 is derived from creation. The 4th day in the Bible is called creation week when GOD completed the material universe – our sun, moon, and all the stars (Genesis 1:14-19). They were not created for the sole purpose of giving off light. But they were to divide day from night. They were a demarcation of time. Demarcation simply means the marking of limits or boundaries of something. It is the act, process, or result of something. The number 23 is a little trickier to define. I wrote down this number out of obedience but because the voice of GOD became silent as I waited to hear what the LORD would say next, I will move on with my reading. |
Did you not read
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Thus says the LORD GOD, I am against you and therefore I will executive judgments according to your deed(s) in front of all the nations in which you stood alongside and supported their unrighteous laws and deeds. And you will see things like not done before and I shall never do again. And Know these things will be done not because of my choosing. But because you refuse to obey, to follow my commandments, and the words of my elected prophets. (Compare to Amos 3:7). You refuse to listen and instead, you helped to resurrect the abominable wiles of this nation. Therefore, some of you will destroy one another, and whatever and whoever is left will be scattered from one place to another. You will no longer have peace nor will you experience freedom. Because you have defiled as well as corrupted My sanctuary, My laws, My regulations, My commandments. (Compare to Ezekiel 5:7-11). You are no different than the people mentioned at Hosea chapter 4. They were disobedient, brazen in their sin to the point, I abhorred them. For they were liars, merciless, thieves, adulterers, murderers (Hosea 4:1-4). For they prefer and love the ways of the world more than they love Me and My commandments. So, with My right hand, I will smite them for their neglect and sin. For it is your love for this system of things, its laws, and the abandonment of My ways that have caused you to stumble many. Did you not read in the book of Ezekiel, chapter 3, I have made you, My house a watchman to the nations. That I would speak through your mouth as a warning to the nations. But you refuse to speak thus says the LORD. Instead, you closed your ears to the things I spoke to you. And opted to tickle the ears of My people and the nation according to the lusts of this world – the abominations of the heart of men (2 Timothy 4:3). Therefore, because you refuse to speak thus says the LORD to My people, I will require this nation’s blood and the blood of the innocent from your own hands (Ezekiel 3:18). For many have died in this season needlessly because of man-made mandates and agenda. It was your actions that illegally allowed one man into this nation as an unauthorized representation of Me when I did not authorize him. You sat him on My throne to represent My decrees, laws, and mandates. And instead, he authorized another as well as the will and agenda of man. Resulting in the unnecessary deaths of many due to the enforcement of illegal procedures. Therefore, as a righteous GOD, the ALMIGHTY GOD, who rules over everything, I must act with justice to the outcries of My people (the remnant) and the outcries of the innocent blood that has been shredded for My Word is binding. (Compare to Ezekiel 5:11-17). |
god is just
Notice the scriptures said that the remnant will ‘escape the sword.’ We need to go back to the word the LORD spoke at Ezekiel 5:2-7 and verse 12. Notice in verses 2 through 4, GOD gave Ezekiel explicit instructions to follow. And then HE provides Ezekiel with the meaning of those verses in verse 12.
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But in verse 3 of Ezekiel chapter 5, GOD makes this statement to Ezekiel.
… Take a small number of them [his hair that he shaved (see verse 1)], and bind them in the edge of your garment. |
Despite this, GOD will preserve HIS remnant. HE will guide and protect them from the destruction to come because of this great nation’s sin and because of the sin of HIS people.
This leads us back to the numbers I wrote down and explained earlier – the 4 and 8 in today’s date. Can you see how these numbers fit into this post? I now can.
Despite what must come – GOD’s judgment for
- The sins and unrighteous acts of this nation that have contributed to the loss of lives of thousands of people since the conception of COVID-19.
- Because of the failure of the Church to
- Seek the Lord for a solution or an answer.
- For their refusal to hear and heed the words of GOD’s prophets during the 2020 Presidential Election. (Compare to Ezekiel 3:11, 27; Amos 3:7).
- For their part of allowing all the current abominations that have passed as laws (allowing and agreeing to laws of the land that conflict with GOD’s Word like same-sex marriage, endangering the lives of young girls and women with their transgender decrees, etc.).
- For the inauguration of an unauthorized official into office.
- For their refusal to acknowledge their error, sincerely repent for them, and make the needed correction where applicable before the people.
Despite the response by GOD for the Church’s unlawful deeds, the LORD will provide a way of escape from HIS judgment for HIS righteous remnant. It is then the LORD GOD will start a new beginning, a new order (see the meaning of number 8). HE will set a boundary between what is good, upright, and obedient from those who are disobedient – rebels of HIS name, HIS ways, and HIS commandments. Like what the number 4 represents, HE will separate night from day – darkness from light. Resulting in the resurrection of HIS people, HIS chosen nation from death to life.
As we know, Ezekiel was a prophet appointed BY GOD. I feel it is important to point out the fact that Ezekiel was appointed BY GOD because we have a lot of individuals running around the Body of Christ declaring “I am a prophet.” “I am an apostle.” “I am this or that.” When they are only self-appointed men and women who are masquerading to be something when they are not. For the Scriptures are clear on this matter.
One, it is GOD, not man, that appoints men and women in their proper roles. See 1 Corinthians chapter 12. GOD says it like this through Apostle Paul. “Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don’t want you to misunderstand this” (1 Corinthians 12:1). Verses 4 through 7 – “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other” (NLT). The kinds of spiritual gifts (or abilities) that are granted to men and women in the Body of Christ are listed in verses 8 through 10. And then it is established again, several times, who is responsible for assigning and distributing spiritual gifts to the Body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:11 - But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills (NKJV). 1 Corinthians 12:18 - But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased (NKJV). 1 Corinthians 1:28 - And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues (NKJV). |
When we follow and operate within the plans of the LORD and not the protocols, processes, operation, and will of men, THEN as it says in 1 Corinthians chapter 14, verse 31, all our local churches and ministries will have peace. Because GOD’s plan eliminates confusion, while man’s plans only exasperate it.
And we see this is the case in the book of Ezekiel. So, we see, in the first two chapters, the LORD GOD appoints Ezekiel as HIS prophet specifically to the nation of Israel when Israel was in captivity under the Babylonia regime. As GOD’s appointed prophet, Ezekiel was given one special task. AND THAT IS TO WARN GOD’S PEOPLE OF THEIR OWN PERSONAL DESTRUCTION IF THEY DID NOT HEED THE WARNING OF GOD THROUGH HIS PROPHETS. (Not man’s prophets or self-appointed prophets, but GOD’s prophets).
Ezekiel was a watchman. GOD’s watchman over GOD’s people. And as a watchman, Ezekiel was responsible for instructing the people according to the way and direction of GOD during that season of testing and trials of GOD’s people. With that being said, I want to only highlight, five verses in Ezekiel chapter 3 for all our benefit.
ezekiel 3:17
ezekiel 3:18-21
In verse 18, GOD explains to Ezekiel, as HIS watchman, when GOD tells him that a person will surely die and Ezekiel fails to warn that person that the LORD said he (or she) will surely die; when that person dies because of his or her iniquity, the LORD will require Ezekiel’s own blood for his failure to warn that person according to the LORD’s word.
BUT IF Ezekiel warns that person of his or her unfortunate death and that man or woman listens and does not die in his iniquity, then Ezekiel will save his own soul for his obedience (Ezekiel 3:19).
This is the same in the case of a righteous man (a man or woman of GOD). If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity. GOD will lay a stumbling block before him and that rigtheous man will die because GOD’s prophet failed to warn him. AND ALL THE GOOD OR RIGHTEOUS THINGS THAT RIGHTEOUS MAN HAS DONE FOR THE LORD, THE LORD WILL NOT REMEMBER. The LORD will not recount the righteous man's good deeds nor accredit them to his account in his book of life. It will be as if he has never done a good thing in his life. And for Ezekiel’s failure to warn this righteous man of his plight, the LORD will require the blood of Ezekiel because he failed to warn the man of his sin(s) (Ezekiel 3:20).
But just the same, if Ezekiel warns the righteous man and the righteous man heeds Ezekiel’s warning and does not sin or repent, he surely will live because of Ezekiel’s warning. And Ezekiel too will deliver his own soul from death (Ezekiel 3:21).
The trumpets are sounding
“I will hear your case myself when your accusers arrive,” the governor told him. Then the governor ordered him kept in the prison at Herod’s headquarters” (Greek Herod’s Praetorium.) (Acts 9:3-4, NLT) |
As I read Acts chapters 22 and 23 this morning, I see the ways of GOD. How HE intervenes on behalf of HIS servants to rescue them from the plots and evil plans of men who try to steal, kill, and destroy HIS people. (Compare to John 10:10). We can see this in the way GOD throttle the plans of the Jews who plotted to kill Paul.
the plans of man
These men wanted to halt how the Living GOD was moving and operating in Paul. They were blinded by their own self-interest; their own position and evaluation. Their pride. So much so, they could not see that it was GOD who was causing Paul to do and say what he was doing. They could not see the man of GOD and the direction GOD was moving. Instead, they judged Paul based on how they felt. For Paul was not acting in the direction they wanted to go. How they really did not want to see any changes in how they were doing things. They desired for things to remain the same.
But Paul had come on behalf of the LORD to disrupt their plans as usual. To create waves. So that the Jewish community could properly align themselves with the plans of GOD and not the direction, the actions, and the self-made laws and practices of men who wanted to keep things as they were. Therefore, they turned against Paul. GOD’s chosen vessel, who came with instructions from the LORD according to what GOD wanted. But these men had already decided in their hearts what GOD should do and how GOD should not intervene in their plans and way of life – the way they prefer to do things. So, they had become gods unto themselves by turning against the one, Paul, whom GOD had sent.
when god steps in
“Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men! Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered. “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” (Acts 5:35-39, NTL). |
This leads us to Acts chapters 22 and 23, where these men deviously thought that their plot will be successful against Paul. In verses 32 through 36 of chapter 21, this mob of Jews that came up against Paul, plans were quickly interrupted when the situation got to the commander of the garrison who showed up in the middle of their witch hunt to mess up their destructive plans against Paul.
As Paul stood before these evil men (as in divisiveness) – that is the Sadducees and Pharisees. A division arose among them in the Sanhedrin – a Jewish court where the official Jewish council resided. Some were for Paul, while others were not. In fact, the Pharisees rose and protested concerning Paul.
“We see nothing wrong with him,” they shouted. “Perhaps a spirit or an angel spoke to him.” |
Did they listen? Did they heed the counsel of GOD through men? No, they did not. They were so caught up in their own self-interest and progress – that they missed the move of GOD and what GOD was doing. As a result, they turned against the very man GOD sent to them.
we are no different today
But far too many are blind and allowing themselves to be held captive by the fear of man. So instead, they bow down and align themselves with men and women who are blind guides and do know not the plans of GOD. Resulting in them forming alliances with men and women that GOD did not call, whom HE has not sent. Causing many to come up against individuals that GOD has hand-picked to lead and direct them according to the plans of GOD.
But what is occurring instead is that these men and women – these blinded guides are stirring up members in the Body of Christ to gather themselves together to band with them in order to plot against GOD’s chosen vessels in order that these ones are bound and their ministry and souls are destroyed. Oh, the wickedness that is occurring in GOD’s houses among a crooked generation. It is their desire that their houses of GOD do not make the needed shift in this hour so that GOD’s houses may properly align themselves with the plans of GOD. Instead, these men and women want and are working hard to prevent the move of GOD so that they can remain in power and their spirit of influence stay intact.
We see this in verses 20 through 21 in Acts chapter 23. Paul's nephew secretly informs the commander of the Roman army.
“Some Jews are going to ask you to bring Paul before the high council tomorrow, pretending they want to get some more information. But don’t do it! There are more than forty men hiding along the way ready to ambush him. They have vowed not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him. They are ready now, just waiting for your consent.” (NLT) |
But GOD will intervene on your behalf. HE will rescue you from the hands of man and expose their evil plans before the eyes of the public. HE will not only uncover their plot. But HE will send men after HIS own heart to guide and protect you. Just as HE did for Paul.
In the case of Paul as these self-righteous men plot to have him killed. GOD used the Roman army – 200 hundred fighting and strongmen to circle around Paul and remove Paul at an hour these zealous and wicked Jews did not expect. (See Acts 23:23-24). Then GOD used the high officer of that army to send a letter of approval to the governor concerning Paul (Acts 23:24-30). Upon the governor receiving this letter, the governor required these evil men – the Jews who plotted against Paul to appear before his court of law to explain before this man of power the questionable charges they had against Paul. The commander of the Roman army wrote to Felix the governor.
“From Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings! “This man was seized by some Jews, and they were about to kill him when I arrived with the troops. When I learned that he was a Roman citizen, I removed him to safety. Then I took him to their high council to try to learn the basis of the accusations against him. I soon discovered the charge was something regarding their religious law—certainly nothing worthy of imprisonment or death. But when I was informed of a plot to kill him, I immediately sent him on to you. I have told his accusers to bring their charges before you” (Acts 23:26-30, NLT). |
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (NIV). |
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (NKJV). |
The Greek word for scorpins is skorpios (G4651). Figuratively speaking, a scorpion denotes a wicked person. For example, the prophet, Ezekiel, depicts a scorpion this way.
“Son of man, do not fear them or their words. Don’t be afraid even though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are rebels” (NLT). |
“Elymas, the sorcerer… interfered and urged the governor to pay no attention to what Barnabas and Saul said. He was trying to keep the governor from believing (NKJV). |
Once Paul recognized what Elymas was doing. Paul turned his attention to Elymas. With much boldness, Paul said to Elymas. Because he opposed the truth of GOD, “… the hand of the LORD is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time” (Acts 13:11, NKJV).
Did you see what Paul did there? Before we answer that, turn to John chapter 14, verse 12, and note what Jesus said to His disciples.
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works….” (NLT) |
“... Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men! Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered. So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown” (NLT). SIDEBAR: Now be mindful, the men that Gamaliel warned, in this case, were brothers, men of faith just like Peter and the apostles. In this season, IF men and women are not careful, and they attempt to come against men and women who have been vetted by GOD (not by men but by GOD), Gamaliel’s warning applies to you. This kind of protection does not apply to men and women who THINK they have the seal of approval from GOD. This applies to those GOD has handed picked for HIS specific purposes. |
Let’s personalize this
Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. |
Lesson for us
Now, although GOD did sent His ministering angel to minister to me – which did bring me a level of peace. But evidently, I bottled up my frustrations and took them to bed with me because I woke up the next morning frustrated and irritable, and initially, I did not know why. So, I was like, “LORD! What is going on with me? Because for the past few days, I have been just really like AH! about some things?”
So, yesterday morning, after GOD showed me what was really at the core of my frustrations and disclosed to me that I already had the solution to this one particular issue – my atmosphere finally took a turn for the better.
Now, I won’t share with you everything GOD and I talked about surrounding my frustrations. Somethings, well, a lot of things are just between GOD and me. But there were a few scriptures GOD took me through that I do feel would benefit anyone here who receives this word.
from man’s perspective
god’s perspective
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. |
At Joshua chapter 1, verse 8, reads this way
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. |
So, at Joshua 1:8, GOD makes a clear distinction on how HE defines success. Joshua 1:8 provides us with two clear points.
1. The first thing HE tells us is that we should ‘meditate’ in HIS word day and night. Reading and studying GOD’s word is a critical part of each one of us becoming successful. 2. Then He said, whenever we read and or study GOD’s word, we must apply what we read. It said, “observe to do according to all that is written in it.” As a result of reading and studying GOD’s word on regular bases, then we will ‘prosper’ and ‘have good success.’ |
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. |
Okay, some of y’all are taking issue with this, so let’s look at another scripture. At 1 Samuel, chapter 15, the prophet Samuel is talking with King Saul. After King Saul had failed to follow the explicit instructions that the LORD had given him, Samuel said to Saul at verse 22.
What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices…. (NLT) |
“What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22 NLT). |
Alright, one more point.
Far too many of us have diluted what is success because we have accepted the world’s view of what success is – which is an increase by some significant number, i.e. social media platform, membership, headcount, subscribers, material goods, wealth, etc. But Jesus said something interesting in one of HIS parables that I think we should consider.
Do you recall what He said about the poor widow with the two mites? In this parable, Jesus speaks about two groups of people that enter the treasury to deposit a donation. The first group that donates their money is a part of the wealthy class. Jesus states that these gave out of their surplus. Meaning, what they gave into the treasury will not impact them in any way. Although their giving is good, they are not sacrificing anything. Then Jesus mentions the poor widow who can only give two mites. (A single mite was a copper coin worth a fraction of a penny). So, just imagine. The rich were donating hundreds, if not thousands of dollars to the treasury. But this poor widow could only donate two coins that were worth less than a penny each. Yet, Jesus said this concerning both groups.
“Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury….” (Luke 21:3) |
So, let’s conclude with this. What makes a person successful is NOT this number game that many like to play or what the world defines as success. We all need to see success in the same manner as Christ does. And He considers those who are successful are those who are obedient to every word HE utters in HIS word.
1. It simply means that I am more open to being challenged by the things I know and have been taught. I don't limit myself to the basic teachings and belief systems that we have been taught by the Church. So, when I am presented with a Bible truth that I am unfamiliar with or ignorant of, I don't automatically reject it, regardless of the source it's come from. I wait for clarity or for GOD to provide me with new revelation. I acknowledge that some may have grabbed a hold of some spiritual truths that I may not have grown to understand as of yet. 2. When you are favored by GOD and HE knows HE can trust you with Kingdom secrets and mysteries. Man! The things GOD will show you through everyday activities, during your study/worship time, and through dreams and visions that HE provides you to grace you with the deeper aspects of HIS Kingdom that the average Christian does not have the privilege to. But if I would share everything that GOD has shared, shown, or revealed to me, over the years, some of y’all will start tripping. There are many things I only share with my ministry partner. Because I know, even if she cannot see it or comprehend what I am trying to share and reveal to her, she would not be stumbled by it. She simply waits for GOD to provide her the insight and revelation to see what I see that she has not been able to grasp as of yet. |
Case in point. When Donald Trump came on the scene to run for president, many elite leaders and almost every prophet in the Body of Christ were comparing Trump to be similar to King Cyprus. (This was based on an interpretation of a dream of a brother that one respectable sister provided. See the movie The Trump Prophecy for details. And please keep this in mind, as you read what I am about to say next. I AM NOT SAYING THAT WHAT THESE BROTHERS OR SISTERS HAVE DECLARED IS NOT TRUE. For we all know in part and we prophesy in part.)
For months, GOD did not speak to me about Trump and nor did I ask. I really did not have any interest in Trump. But because of the favor of GOD on my life and that HE can trust me to deliver things just as HE says. (Compare to John 8:28). Christ revealed something to me that no one else, not one single prophet and prophetic leader were saying about Donald Trump. GOD had revealed to me that Trump was more like King Nebuchadnezzar and then HE proceeded to explain why, which I shared in my December 9, 2021 blog, titled, 2019 PROPHETIC WORD - DONALD TRUMP. I opened up that blog by saying.
“I am about to go against what many Christians believe and are saying about Donald Trump. But that’s okay. I believe all genuine Christians that are really God’s, have something of significance to add to the Kingdom's work. For the Scripture says, “we know in part and we prophesy in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9)…. I feel many Christians who are saying that President Trump is Cyrus the Great, who was the king of Persia, are leaving out one important point in the case of President Trump. Trump’s presidency is threefold that should not be taken lightly…. |
1. God is using Trump’s presidency to shield the Church from much persecution and to allow additional time for the Church, the Body of Christ, to get their act together…. 2. But Trump is no Cyrus the Great. He is more like King Nebuchadnezzar. For Cyrus, the Great never came to acknowledge God. However, King Nebuchadnezzar did…. Just like King Nebuchadnezzar, Trump’s lack of repentance for his sins, which has been accounted for in the heavens, God judged King Nebuchadnezzar harshly, and President Trump is no exception to God’s standards, statutes, or decrees (Romans 14:12). Although God is using President Trump, if Trump fails to change, that is to sincerely repent of the things he needs to repent of. At the end of his presidency, God will come down on him with a sword…. 3. God is casting a final judgment on Trump and his family as his presidency comes to an end, despite if he serves a second term or not…. |
Why do I say that? Because like King Nebuchadnezzar, they both acknowledge GOD’s existence and have seen some of GOD’s powerful acts. But both of these men were not Christians (men of GOD). And they both carried air about themselves as if they were gods themselves. Therefore, they both felt they did not need to repent to a perfect, supreme, and holy GOD.
SIDEBAR: Trump has admitted in a public interview that he has never repented to GOD about anything nor did he see a need for him to do so. According to him, he just tries to do better. |
Have we considered, that this is Donald Trump’s problem? He has the same mindset that King Nebuchadnezzar had pre-Nebuchadnezzar's mental breakdown and wilderness experience. No matter whether we are faithful servants of GOD or someone GOD is using outside of HIS Body of Christ. If we do not humble ourselves before a Mighty and Gracious GOD. Or we act or see ourselves as equal to a god. Or we publicly or secretly yearn for people to worship us like we are some kind of god. Eventually, GOD will have to humble us and maybe even temporarily remove us from our post like King Nebuchadnezzar.
decency and order
But we all have to be mindful that GOD is a GOD who does things in all decency and order. Nothing about HIM is chaotic. (Compare to 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40).
For instance, we read at Isaiah chapter 13 and chapter 21, verses 1 through 10 about Babylon’s depending prophetic fall. We even read, years in advance of this event, at Isaiah chapter 44, verse 28 and chapter 45, verses 1 through 7, the prophecy that announces King Cyrus as the one who would bring Babylon down from their glory and how he would do it.
This prophetic word was spoken by the Prophet Isaiah, about King Cyrus, about 150 years before Cyrus was born. And when Cyrus became of age and became the king of Medo-Persian, Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled just as he said (according to the word of the LORD). And secular historical records support the Biblical account of the fall of the Babylon empire and King Cyrus conquering this once great nation – just as GOD said. These accounts reflect how GOD does all things in decency and order.
The key here was that the Prophet Isaiah, just like many of the prophets in the Old and New Testament, spoke ONLY what the LORD said. They all had a proper fear of the LORD and therefore, they only spoke what thus saith the LORD. The prophets in the Bible followed GOD’s direction explicitly. The Old and New Testament prophets were not concerned about speaking the same prophetic message as their contemporaries. They were only concerned about hearing from GOD and speaking exactly what the LORD told them to speak.
This should be no different for prophets and prophetic speaking voices today. We should not be concerned about saying the same prophetic message as Brother So and So. Nor should we be pressed by prophetic trends or what we think people need or want to hear. Each prophet or prophetic voice that speaks on behalf of GOD should only be concerned about speaking whatever prophetic message GOD has given one to speak. For we all know in part and therefore, prophesy in part.
So, when we speak only the part that the LORD gives us. Then in time, we all see and understand how each part that was distributed by GOD to HIS trusted voices, makes sense and is done in all decency and order. (Compare to 1 Corinthians 12:11). And not in a chaotic manner. Prophetic voices can sound chaotic or like clashing cymbals, when most of our prophetic voices in the Body of Christ are trying to (1) match what is trending or (2) predict in their own strength and gifting – (prophesying based on what they would like to see happen).
Also, when we follow only the script that GOD provides us to declare. Then, whenever there needs to be a sudden shift in GOD’s plan because an anointed vessel or shepherd that GOD is using for HIS divine purpose has lost sight of GOD’s plan. Or that vessel begins to think too much of himself and needs to be humble by GOD. Then, GOD can clearly speak to us without any hindrance or distraction due to social media or prophetic trends. GOD can trust us with not only a prophetic word, in a given season. He can also trust us to deliver sudden changes whenever they need to be expressed. For, after all, GOD does everything in all decency and order.
The word of the lord
When the LORD God gives a word, it is for the sole purpose to teach, reproof, correct, or train His servants - His Body, so that every member within the Body of Christ may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). For the LORD has given the Body of Christ apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the Saints for the work of service, to encourage one another, and to build up the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).
This page will focus on providing the Body of Christ words of the LORD, that He has spoken through Deaidre. Regardless of the nature of the words of the LORD below - whether there is a word that teaches, reproofs, corrects, or trains, it is all for the purpose to build up the Body of Christ so that each one of us is made righteous, adequate, equipped for every good work.
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