There is a difference between crying out to the LORD and crying out to the LORD. Let me explain but let's first establish a few things about God and His relationship with His people through the account in the book of Judges.
god will respond with justice and judgment In the book of Judges, did we see the above things take place with Israel? Well, after the death of Joshua, God’s people lose their way, and God had to raise judges to deliver His people from their enemies. But the people, God’s people “did not listen to their judges….” They choose to openly sin, and live a debauchery lifestyle. The book of Judges puts it this way. They choose to “played the harlot after other gods and bowed themselves down to them” (Judges 2:16-17). In other words, they prostituted, pimped themselves out to other gods, customs, celebrations, and things that were not of God. They celebrated the same things that the people of the nations were doing and abandoning any and everything God called them to give honor to or celebrate (remember). Therefore, God could not continue to protect, bless, and show His people favor due to their behavior, their sin. Whenever God removes Himself from the midst of His people, this always leads to God turning His face away from them, removing His protective hands from upon them. Resulting in their enemies coming in and plundering them. Verse 14 says it this way. “… Then the anger of the LORD turns against Israel, and He (God) gave them (God’s people – the Israelites) into the hands of the plunderers (God’s people enemies) …. Why? Because of their actions, their behaviors, their sins, their disobedience. Like it or not. This is God’s way, His justice when we are completely in the wrong and refuses to repent, refuses to turn away from our, not His, but our wicked ways. When we refuse to listen to the voices of His chosen vessels. When we choose to outright disobey the commandments of the LORD – breaking our covenant individually, as a family, as a congregation, or as a nation with the LORD. God will respond with justice and judgment (Judges 2:14-15). God raISes judges The purpose of God’s judges was to deliver His people from those who plundered them. But the problem became for Israel was this.
Vicious cycle of sin This is a good place to talk about my opening statement. “There is a difference between crying out to the LORD and crying out to the LORD.” Let’s turn to Judges chapter 6, verse 6. As we read Judges chapter 6, we see God’s people, the Israelites, fall back into their vicious sin cycle. It says in verse 1, “… the sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD.” Of course, this eventually leads to God’s judgment upon His people, which leads to the Midian plundering everything they had for seven years (Judges 6:1-5). So, what did the Israelites do? After much persecution, they begin to cry out to the LORD to deliver them from the hands of their enemy the Midianites. But here is the problem with their outcry. The reason why they keep recycling into old sinful habits, behaviors, customs, traditions, and practices – make sure you get this. THEIR CRIES WASN’T ONE OF REPENTANCE. No. They were not truly repenting from the heart to God. (Compare to Psalm 51:17). They just wanted the persecution, the oppression by their enemies to stop. Their cries to the LORD were due to their anguish toward the Midianites and what the Midian were doing to God’s people. They were not crying out to God because they truly realize they have sinned against a mighty and just God. (Compare to 2 Corinthians13:5). They were mad and fed up with their poverty-stricken state, their losses, their insecurities, and their life of normalcy being taking away. They wanted to go back to what was normal. Therefore, they wanted God to put an end to the Midianites' tyranny. Because the condition and the position of their hearts were not right, God had to remind them of why they were in the situation they were in the first place. Was it because He had failed them or because He was incapable of protecting and taking care of His people? Certainly not! Their condition, their plight was the way it was with the Midianites because of their own historical records, their own accounts, their own deeds, their own actions. (See Judges 6:8-10). What can we learn Simply put. We all are no different from the Israelites. We constantly recycle old sinful habits, behaviors, practices, worldly celebrations, and customs. Serving and worshipping all kinds of false gods and idols and altars by being part of such things of the world that God has not called us to do. We change the names of many of these customs and practices and habits and behaviors and worldly celebrations and customs in order to make them seem to be more acceptable to the LORD. Yet, not one of these things can be found in the Old nor the New Testament of God’s Word. Other than being linked to the historical records of such gods as Baal or Asherah, etc., in some form or way. We simply glazed over these matters as if they are small and do not matter to a Living and Mighty God who calls for complete obedience and exclusive worship. Yet, we the people, are choosing to mix the ways of the world with our worship of God, in order to fit in with a pagan society and call it exclusive worship. How cynical. We have forsaken our first love and call evil good and good evil. And yet, God, out of His love, grace, and mercy, raises voices that speak about such matters from the throne of God – from His nature and His heart so that His people can be delivered. And yet, just like the Israelites in the book of Judges, God’s chosen people. Today, God’s people will not listen to His voices. Instead, they continue to do what is right in his or her own eyes. Resulting in God’s people sinning to a point of no return and provoking God’s anger. And therefore, in His righteous anger, He must respond. He must shake His house. And what does not or no longer belongs must fall out. But what is sorrowful from the heart, will remain. THE LORD HAS SPOKEN HIS FINAL DECREE.
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If we want the madness to stop – the deaths, the corrupted political and religious systems. We got to come to a place, as a Body, and acknowledge what is said at Hoses 4:1-7 and Romans 1:21-32.
Please keep in mind, I am not talking about or referring to the world – BUT TO THE CHURCH. God Requires genuine repentance The fruit of this world is producing corrupted, disobedient, and outright rebellion against the one who created every living thing. Just like in Egypt, God turned things around for His people, which the entire world at that time benefited from. He can stop the destructive direction and plight of this country (the US). But only if His people will recognize their sin and genuinely repent. If His leaders would act more like King Josiah, who upon discovering his error as king, took the hem, and demanded that all of God’s people repent, cover their heads with oil, and consecrate themselves before the LORD. He removed all forms of idol and false worship among God’s people and demand that they give their alliance only to the one true living God. god is doing a new thing In this season, in this hour, God is doing a new thing to safely pass His people through. But some current leaders refuse to follow the example of Moses, who recognized the change God was making in leadership to prepare God’s people for what was next. There had to be, there was a need to change leadership for a new season that God was directing and leading His people. There were new battles that need to be fought that Moses was not called to lead or fight. New leaders were required for this new direction.
But today’s leaders refuse to follow the example of Moses even when they see and understand the shift God is making in order to prepare and lead His people into the Promised Land. Moses swiftly took Joshua under his wings and guide and train Joshua to be the proper replacement for him in the next season. Moses was not concerned with his clout, position, power, authority, what he will do next, or his role. He was concerned with getting God’s people ready for what was next and that was entering into the Promised Land. And this required Moses to pass on what God had given him to the next young leader. And then Moses earned his eternal rewards. This morning, let’s open up with this interesting statement made by God.
In this encounter, God calls forth Aaron, Miriam, and Moses to His meeting place – the tent of meeting. When the three of them arrived, they were greeted by God’s presence in a form of a pillar of cloud, which stood in front of the door at the tent of meeting. Then God proceeded to call forward, Aaron and Miriam, so He could clearly identify who He was directly addressing. And then, speaking directly to Aaron and Miriam, God says.
Then God proceeded to make a clear distinction between not only the role, position, and authority between Moses and his siblings – Aaron and Miriam. But God clearly describes how He chooses to interact and reveal matters to Moses in comparison to how He communicates and interacts with Aaron and Miriam (Numbers 12:6-8). Why did God take such an aggressive step in dealing with Aaron and Miriam before Moses? Verse 8 reveals why God responded in this manner. It reads
god takes offence In the court trial that God brought against Aaron and Miriam before the assembly that He formed, God took great displeasure in the actions of His prominent leaders, Aaron and Miriam. They both were in disagreement concerning a matter relating to Moses. Instead of addressing and handling this matter through the proper channels. (See Matthews 18:15-17). The two excessively grumble and complain about Moses among themselves. Before looking at how God dealt with such conspicuous and treasonous acts by Aaron and Miriam. Let’s look at what kind of complaint the two of them had against Moses. At Numbers chapter 12, verse 1, the Bible shows us that Aaron and Miriam had an issue with Moses because of his wife who was of Cushite descent. Based on their grievances against Moses, this led to the two of them questioned who God appointed as an authority figure over them. (Compare to 1 Corinthians chapter 12). They questioned whether God was only speaking and giving instructions through Moses (Numbers 12:2). The two of them said
Then verse 2 ends with this statement.
It was shortly after God heard the criticism spoken by Aaron and Miriam concerning His servant Moses that God called a meeting before His place of assembly with Aaron, Miriam, and Moses. god responDS to the co-conspirators So, Moses, Aaron, and Miriam were all standing before the presence of God at the tent of meeting. God opens up by stating His case against Aaron and Miriam. Then, after announcing the charges against them, God had to decide whether to pass judgment on the two co-conspirators. Notice how God decides to handle this case against His servants, His leaders. Verse 9 says – so the anger of the LORD burned against them…. God was hot, mad with the behavior of Aaron and Miriam concerning His servant, Moses. And immediately after His Spirit departed from before the three, Miriam was struck with leprous [Numbers 12:9-10 (compare to Psalm 5:4)]. what can we learn from this event There is so much we can learn from this dispute and dissension that took place between Moses and his brother and sister – Aaron and Miriam. But to fully receive all you can learn from this account; you should read the entire story for yourself. However, here are a few points I will like you to walk away with from this experience.
Aaron acknowledged his sin and not only repented. But he repented to the one he caused harm toward. In response to Aaron’s plead on behalf of Miriam and himself, Moses cries out to the LORD.
The one who was the target of an attack, the victim of Aaron and Miriam’s insults. Did Moses retaliate, or spoke evil in return, or celebrate and boast when God disciplined Miriam with leprous? No, instead, Moses prayed on Miriam’s behalf. He pleaded for Miriam’s restoration.
How did God respond? After Moses’ requests, God politely reminded Moses how sometimes a father (an earthy father) must discipline his child in accordance to their unrighteous act. As a result, the child must experience the full penalty of their sin. That is the consequence of his or her sinful actions. Therefore, even though God may forgive them of their sin and extend mercy and grace to a person. That person most likely will still feel the full efforts of the consequences of his or her sinful action (Number 12:14-15). We like to call it karma. I strongly believe we are entering in the days of what has been illustrated for us in this situation between Aaron and Miriam and their brother Moses. I believe we are about to see an accounting for our actions and even words on a level that we have never seen in this generation, but only have read about in God's Word. One’s fruit cannot be based on just one standard or should I say, one person’s perspective of what is good fruit. Why?
This is dangerous because when these individuals misrepresent the One True Living God in some way. Whether this is done purposely or not, we the people often time refuse to deal with their failure (or sin) based on Biblical protocols or principles. (Compare to Matthew 18:15-17). As a result, we the people become enablers and give birth to corrupt leaders. Because when we allow leaders to make mistakes without holding them accountable, too often, that one mistake manifests in that leader and takes root. And as that root strengthens, grows, and expands, more corrupted behavior begins to exhibit in that leader's behavior and nature. Until it gives birth to such men like the prophet Hananiah. The removal of hananiah the prophet Now, in this situation, we only need to know one thing about Hananiah the prophet. And it is what the LORD God had Prophet Jeremiah to speak concerning Hananiah. Jeremiah said to Hananiah, “Listen now, Hananiah, the LORD has not sent you, and you have made this people trust a lie” (Jeremiah 28:15).
Hananiah the prophet had become so corrupted that he spoke false prophecy to God’s people. He spoke lies and the people choose to believe the words of Hananiah instead of what Jeremiah, God’s prophet was speaking. Despite the failures of the people to judge righteously between the prophet Hananiah and the Prophet Jeremiah. God still is a righteous God, and He judged between Jeremiah and Hananiah righteously. As a result, God had Jeremiah say to Hananiah, “… thus says the LORD, behold, I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. THIS YEAR you are going to die….” (Jeremiah 28:16) Why such a harsh judgment? Jeremiah explains why in that same verse. “… Because you have counseled rebellion against the LORD” (Jeremiah 28:16). Rebellion. Hananiah the prophet was preaching and teaching rebellion. Hananiah the prophet was declaring the opposite of God’s plan and direction for His people. At that time, God instructs His people that He was allowing them (the nation of Israel – God’s people) to go into captivity (slavery) by the Babylonians because of the people (God’s people) unrepentant spirit and acts of rebellion against God. So, through God’s prophet, like Jeremiah, He instructed them to tell His people to submit (surrender) to the Babylonians. (Compare to Amos 3:7; Jeremiah chapters 25 and 27). But prophets like Hananiah were proclaiming the opposite of what God was actually saying. THIS IS REBELLION! AKA, A SIN. A rebellion, or should I say, unrepentant rebellion deserves such a harsh judgment as stated by God’s prophet Jeremiah at Jeremiah 28:16 – “… THIS YEAR you are going to die….” Hananiah NEVER REPENTED for his misrepresentation of God’s direction for His people. Hananiah kept preaching his own opinion instead of what God actually was saying. So, God passed judgment on Hananiah through His prophet Jeremiah. Therefore, what Jeremiah declared concerning the prophet Hananiah, was fulfilled that year. “… Hananiah, the prophet died on the same year in the 7th month” (Jeremiah 28:17). We all need to heed the counsel and insight provided here in Jeremiah chapter 28. For the Bible is written for us as a warning, insight to what can happen to us if we preach and teach the opposite of what God is actually saying and declaring. Here, the insight given at Jeremiah chapter 28 is a clear indication that there is nothing new under the sun, for God is the same today as He was yesterday and will be forever. (Compare to 1 Corinthians 10:11-12; Ecclesiastes 1:9; Hebrews 13:7-9). Too many of us want it easy. As a result, many leaders are declaring, “God will have mercy. God will have mercy!” And it is certainly true that God is a merciful God. It states that throughout His Word from its beginning to the very end. BUT! But, God is a God of justice. He cannot and will not forsake His just will for the sake of a rebellious people or nation. Abraham once asked the LORD. “Suppose there are fifty… forty-five… forty… thirty… twenty… ten… righteous within the city; will You indeed sweep it away and not spare the place for…” the righteous? (Genesis 18:24,28-32). Now, God gave Abraham His word IN THAT SITUATION, UNDER THAT CIRCUMSTANCE, He would NOT destroy them. God said in verse 26 of Genesis chapter 18. “… I will spare the whole place on their account...” if He found at least 10 righteous people in Sodom or Gomorrah. Indeed, that’s mercy. An entire nation in that situation could be spared from God’s judgment and wrath, if God could find at least 10 righteous people. But we need to understand two things here in that situation. 1. Amos 3:7 says, “Surely the LORD GOD does nothing unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets.” Hence why God asked the rhetorical question at Genesis 18:17. “… Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do…”? Now, it was not that God needed Abraham’s permission to do what He had planned to do concerning Sodom and Gomorrah. God had already made up His mind that He was going to pass judgment upon those two cities. Why? He explains His reasoning why in verse 20, which says. “The outcry (the prayers of God’s servants) of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave.” God’s mercy had run out for these two cities. The people in these cities had become so rebellious and far away from God that He was no longer willing to allow them any more time to repent and turn back to Him. And now God was ready to act, enforce His judgment against these two cities. Because He had already made His decision concerning them, He asked that rhetorical question, should I tell Abraham what I AM about to do? At some point, God reveals His plans to Abraham, which prompts Abraham to ask. LORD! Will You destroy the righteous with the wicked? And that’s the point! Abraham wasn’t really concerned about whether God will destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. For Abraham knew that God is a just God. He does nothing out of unrighteousness. Therefore, if God has planned to destroy these two cities and all the people in it. Then, as sad as it is to say this, THEY EARNED IT. Now, you can go back through the previous chapters in Genesis to learn why Sodom and Gomorrah had reached a point of deserving God’s judgment poured out on these two cities. But to make this easy, I want to compare the waywardness of these cities – how sinful and rebellious they had become and how far they have moved away from God by looking at Hosea chapter 4. Now, I won’t read that chapter here because I have spoken of the verses in this chapter far too many times in the past to rehash its significance. But I will quote this from that chapter, which is some of the same things that Sodom and Gomorrah were doing that made God’s judgment warranted. They (the people of Sodom and Gomorrah) were
These two cities had reached a point of no return as far as God was concerned. Therefore, due to the prayers of God’s people. God sent two angels from His heavenly courts to go investigate the claims that were being made (Genesis 18:20-22; Also, Genesis 19:1-29). As we go on and read chapter 19, which we won’t read here, we see that the two angels determined the claims (the outcries through prayer) of God’s people were true. AS A RESULT, God enforced His judgment upon these two cities and destroyed everything in them except for 3 souls – Lot (Abraham’s nephew) and Lot’s two daughters. 2. WE GOT TO UNDERSTAND THIS! Two things occurred here. God’s mercy and God’s justice. americaSo, this brings us to America. Today, it is a nation that has wandered so far away from God. When considering the historical Biblical records such as stated at Hosea chapter 4, these United States of America and its people (the Church, it's political systems, and we the people) have reached the top of the cup of unrighteous acts that are all stated there in Hosea. And when considering Matthew chapter 24, verses 15 through 28, these are perilous times. We see “… abomination of desolation… standing in the holy place…” (v15). As a result, there will be great persecution and tribulation (v21). As much as we want peace and security and we want to avoid any suffering because we want it easy, that is not the path that is set for us according to the Scriptures. JESUS SUFFERED A GUT WRENCHING DEATH SO THAT WE CAN HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY AT LIFE. Now, here is Jesus, the King of kings and the Lord of lords and he suffered. SUFFERED! And yet, far too many of us believe we have some kind of special privilege, a special get out of jail card, an exempt from suffering as Christ did. Many of us really believe that we will continue to see nothing but peace and security. That God will continue to extend mercy to us despite our continuous rebellion nature and state. That it is our responsibility to establish God’s Kingdom here on the earth. Ours? Not God’s? So, if we are to establish His Kingdom – why is there a need for His return? Why is there a need for the rapture?
No, Jesus' exact words were that we will have the same experiences as Christ. In fact, he warns us by prepping us for what is to come. At Matthew chapter 10 he indicates there is a hard road before us. We that are a part of Christ’s rib will be driven to courts for his name’s sake (v17). We will be handed over and dragged before governors and kings for his name’s sake (vv18-19). Family members will betray us to the point that it will lead some of us to our death for his name’s sake (v21). We will be hated by ALL for his name’s sake (v22). Many of us will have to flee from one city to the next for his name’s sake (v23). As a result of these sufferings as well as others that are not listed here, we must endure. That is the keyword - endure. We have to endure suffering. Let me say it the way the Apostle Matthew says it, who is credited for writing the book of Matthew. “… It is the one who HAS ENDURED TO THE END who will be saved” (v22). Now, the mercy God extends here is that He helps us endure this suffering we will experience on some level. To endure to the end. He helps us to finish our race despite the suffering we will undergo. (Compare 2 Timothy 4:7; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27). So, I have to say this. To those who think God is going to continue to extend mercy to a rebellious nation without any accountability for their rebellious condition, they simply don’t want to suffer like Christ has. They don’t want to drink from the cup that Jesus was willing to drink from for each one of us – that is the cup of suffering (Compare to Matthew 20:22; Luke 22:42). Instead, they want only peace. They want only security. They want only prosperity. They want it easy. And this is the reason why God will extend His mercy once again, for the sake of His righteous servants by cutting the perilous (our suffering) days short. Otherwise, even His righteous servants will not be able to survive it (v22). THAT is His mercy! Today, there are false teachers twisting the Scriptures; false prophets proclaiming they are speaking truth; and false Christs claiming they are He and have returned but they have no power, no authority, nor can they take any of God’s people home in a twinkle of an eye (Matthew 24:23-27, 29-31; compare to John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:52). Let’s close this out with this. America has reached its peak in its rebellion. God has heard the outcries of His servants through their prayers asking not only for God’s mercy but also His justice. To make this nation and its leaders, this nation’s Church who profess to belong to God – right. To bring about His justice throughout this nation. God a God of justice who cannot ignore the cries of His people – His chosen nation. So, what is left for God to do? To continue to extend mercy to a nation of people who have not drawn closer to Him but have fallen ever far away from Him out of rebellion and disobedience as time continues to pass us by? Is God supposed to sit around and wait for His people to establish His Kingdom on the earth? An assignment God has never assigned to His people – that is to establish God’s Kingdom here on this earth. God has given us the responsibility to preach and teach the Good News to all the nations with the goal of baptizing them so that they will become true disciples of Christ. So that, the Kingdom of God will be established in their hearts (Matthew 28:18-20; compare to Deuteronomy 30:6; Romans 2:29; Jeremiah 4:4). This is God’s justice. Allowing each one of us to be a part of His Kingdom and His Body of servants. His mercy is the time He has allowed humans to live out our lives over the years, decades, centuries, in order to make the right choice to live and not die. (Compare to Deuteronomy chapter 28). I don't know why this is in my spirit to say this morning. But I am not looking for men and women who MAN has vetted. But I am searching for those who God has vetted.
I have yet to find anywhere in the Bible where a man was needed to vet God's chosen vessel. Those He has handpicked for a purpose. The prophet Jeremiah was alone when God called him out and said, before you were born I consecrated you, I have appointed you a prophet to the nations. Wherever I send you, you shall go. All where I commanded you, you shall speak. Then. THEN the LORD stretched out His hand and touched Jeremiah's mouth and put His words in a boy's mouth. And then God said to Jeremiah in the absence of an another man. It is I. Let me repeat that. IT IS I who appointed you over the nations and kingdoms for the sole purpose to break, destroy, and tear down any and everything that is not of God and then turn around to build and plant for God's glory. My God! My God! My God! The shame of man who thinks He can do any planning, building, planting, uprooting, establishing, and appointing without or in the place of God. And we see this standard or protocol with other men and women throughout the Bible. God hand picks His servants, His leaders, those who have a certain destiny or purpose, for God's glory. Now, there are instances where God would use His prophets to lay their hands on an anointed vessel. Such is the case where God used the prophet, Samuel, to lay his hands and pour oil on the head of David as a sign of God's appointment and selection (1 Samuel 16:12-13). But note! The prophet Samuel did not selected, chose, handpicked, appointed, nor vetted David as the king. If that was the case and if Samuel would have selected the king himself without the guidance of God, he would have certainly chosen the wrong king. (Compare to 1 Samuel 16:1-11). For Samuel was prone to the habits of man and was leaning to select a king that looked the part. But God corrected Samuel's way of thinking and selection process by saying, "do not look at his appearance... nor the height of his stature...." (1 Samuel 16:7). For the man Samuel would have chosen, God rejected. Every one of the men that Samuel thought looked the part and was suited for the role, God rejected. It is God who vets a man or woman into their role, position, and or calling upon their life. And men, those who are currently in the position of leaders - whether that be a prophet, apostle, priest, bishop, or pastor. Their responsibility is to accept and receive those God has called. Samuel was God's prophet, a leader over God's people. And when God gave Samuel instructions that He was going to appoint a new king and He needed Samuel to go and lay his hands on him to confirm God's selection. What did Samuel do? Questioned? Hesitated? Sat back and watched to see if he heard right? Avoid David? Waited? NO! Immediately, Samuel got up, went to the house of Jesse under God's direction and guidance, and inquired about Jesse's sons. And as soon as God said, "arise, anoint him, for this is he" whom God has chosen! Samuel the prophet did exactly as God had said without delay (1 Samuel 16:13). Oh, there is a distinct difference in the way men, leaders, vet, men and women in the Bible compare to the way it is done today. We are extremely far away from the council that is stated concerning the appointment of spiritual gifts that are in God's house. For 1 Corinthians chapter 12 states, it is God who wills our gifts. It is God who has placed the members, each one of us where He desires within His body. It is God who appoints (or may I say vets) individuals in the church. For He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, who knows all things and in Him whom we should trust His appointment that He has chosen (Vv. 11-14; 18; 21; 25; 28-30). Amen and Amen. I was awakened early this morning by the LORD’s Spirit, as He begins to immediately minister to me with another heavy word from the LORD. So, I really need people to understand this and Lord knows I'm not trying to be insensitive. Because there is not one insensitive bone in my body. But when God places a calling on your life and you can see it and understand it clearly. Your obligation, your first priority is the things God has given you to say and or do. Nothing and no one takes precedence. You cannot be overly concerned about how people will respond or not respond to how God is moving in and through you. You must do as the LORD says, in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). Serving the LORD is not a popularity contest. Ask the prophet Jeremiah, Daniel, Moses, Paul, and even Jesus can attest to this. They all were mocked, picked on, persecuted, shunned, isolated, etc (Matthew 10:22-24; 5:10-16; 24:9). All for the purpose of doing and saying the things that God placed in their hearts to do and say. With that being said, listen. the whyI've been hearing time and time again, people, we the people, mourning. Sadden over the loss of our love ones. I'm hearing people quote this statement far too often nowadays. "People are dying from left and right." And - "too many people are dying out here." That may be true. But we the people, got to seriously consider some factors concerning the increase of deaths. Because with the dreams and visions many prophets and even ministers in my own ministry are reporting, this thing is about to get worse. And two things must be clearly understood that only a few have really talked about and that’s including members from my ministry who have pleaded and preached about this several times right here on this platform. We the people must acknowledge “the why”. Why and how we as the people, as a nation, have gotten here. Now, I don't know, just based on the things we (my ministry partner and I) have been seeing lately in dreams and visions, can we the people turn things around through prayer and repentance? Because with God, He is always fair and just. He will warn and warn, and send His prophets, giving us the people, plenty enough time to turn things around BEFORE He acts out His judgment on the people. (Compare to 1 Peter 3:9; Amos 3:7; and Jonah chapters 1-4). But far too often, we the people refuse to turn around and repent. To stop doing the evil works we practice. And when we the people failed to do so, God has to respond in judgment, i.e. the Garden of Eden, Noah's flood, the Israelites being placed in bondage and slavery over their disobedience time after time, the death of King David' son, King Saul's fall from his throne, etc. Our acts of wickedness and disobedience have led we the people to destruction over and over again. we, the people todaySo, here we are today. Again, standing before our Maker and we at the cuff of His grace and mercy because we the people and our leaders of not only this nation, but our leaders within God's House - refuses to set aside their difference, their will for power and control; in order to come together, to bring the people together, and repent with a true and contrite heart to a God who can repent, change His mind about acting out His judgment on this nation. (Compare to Psalm 51). During this season of grace. I have time and time again prayed and even said on this platform many times over. “LORD! HAVE MERCY ON US!” Crying out with much fervent because God has shown me and members in this ministry the destruction that is ahead if we the people don't change our ways. But like the prophets before, who pleaded with the people before them. We too preach and warn to a deaf crowd. And we are here. Where the sand in the hourglass has almost run out. And we are about to see what real divine justice looks like when we have failed and continue to ignore the warnings of God through His servants (Amos 3:7). And I say this with a heavy heart. More so because we all had plenty of time to repent, stop what we are doing, and change our outcome before a merciful God. But we didn't! We didn't. So, this will be my final words concerning this case against, we the people, in these United States that are being judged concerning the following. For I have, and this ministry has, giving a thorough witness and spoke the will of God before the people time and time again. And now the day has come where the verdict has been prepared. And this is the case My LORD has against you, the people. God's case against the peopleHear the word of the LORD. The LORD has brought charges against you, saying:
final wordsMy heart is broken because this does not have to be. It did not have to be.
I think the allegory at Luke chapter 15 is a really good metaphor that we don't meditate on enough. Here’s the parable. There are 100 sheep in an open field along with their shepherd. With all the things that are occurring within the boundaries of this field, one sheep is separated from the group. Initially, unknowingly to the shepherd. Some time passes, and the shepherd noticed one of the sheep is missing. Now, what do you think is the shepherd’s reaction?
Even if you are not familiar with your Bible, most are aware of the answer to this story. But let’s take a closer look at this parable so that we don’t miss what is really being pointed out to us here. Sheep needs a good shepherdNow, watch this. At Luke chapter 15 in verses one and two, all the tax collectors gathered to hear Jesus, who is the true shepherd, speak. Alongside, the tax collectors, both the Pharisees and the scribes, the religious elite leaders, begin to gather as well. These two groups of men begin to complain among themselves about Jesus, the true shepherd. Overhearing their complaint, Jesus begins to tell a story, a parable that directly reflects the true heart condition of the scribes and the Pharisees. Now, it is important to note that these men are the religious leaders of that time. These are the men that the people should be able to look to for pure and accurate Godly counsel and direction, for encouragement and correction, for Scriptural education and moral direction and examples. (Compare to 2 Timothy 3:13-17; 1 Peter 5:2-3; 1 Timothy 3:1-13). These are the men that should always point the people to Christ and not to men. As Jesus listens to the Pharisees and scribes complain, Jesus begins with this parable.
What was Jesus' point here? Now, remember who is in the crowd listening. All the tax collectors came and gathered to hear Jesus speak. In the eyes of many, the tax collectors were the scum of the earth. For many in this profession were known for their unjust deeds – charging extremely high taxes, taking bribes, stealing from the people, and just downright greedy individuals. And yet, in this illustration, Jesus received these ones while teaching them Biblical truths. In response to this, the Pharisees and the scribes scoffed by saying, “This man (meaning Jesus) receives sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). In the eyes of the religious elite, they believe that these men, the tax collectors, were unworthy. Unworthy of what?
Hence, why Jesus introduces this parable before the crowd as he speaks about and directly to the Pharisees and the scribes. Let’s walk through that parable together. Jesus says in verse 4.
We have to understand the true value of sheep in Jesus’ day to fully benefit from what Jesus is saying here. During Jesus’ day, sheep, especially a herd of sheep were very valuable. Sheep provided his owner meat, milk, and fabrics as well as an increase in his herd through producing other offspring. Hence, why shepherds went through great extremes to protect their flock as well as to retrieve any one of them if they got lost. Sheep, especially a herd of sheep were priceless to their owner. In fact, if a man owns a large herd of sheep, it was a status symbol that he was a wealthy man. So, during Jesus’ day, sheep were extremely important to the Hebrew economy and a sign of wealth. a good shepherd must retrieve the one that is lost This is why a shepherd did not hesitate to leave behind a flock of sheep, in this case, based on Luke chapter 15, 99 sheep, to go after one that has left the fold. Why? Because that one sheep was priceless, extremely valuable to its owner. Now, picture for a moment, that in this illustration that Jesus is the good Shepherd and God is the owner of this large pasture. The sheep, of course, is us. Those who have CHOSEN to be under the guiding hands of Christ our Good Shepherd and chosen to follow Christ. As the Shepherd over this field, Christ is not only watching over and caring for all of us, it is his job to make sure none of us wander off from the pasture – from among the group of the other sheep. It does not matter how or why we wander off. Whether we are belligerent or not. IT IS THE SHEPHERD (pastor and elders) JOB TO GO AFTER AND RETURN THE ONE WHO HAS WANDER OFF. There is no exception to this rule as Jesus has clearly illustrated in this parable at Luke chapter 15. A sheep, even a sheep who has wandered off on his or her own accord is valuable to the owner and therefore, is of the concern of the shepherd. And therefore, the one lost sheep should be the shepherd's greatest concern than the 99 that remains within the boundaries of the owner’s pasture. Or is it? Well, let’s explore that. If a shepherd in Jesus’ day had to leave behind his remaining sheep to seek out the one who had gotten lost, how did the shepherd manage through this problem? Did he leave the 99 uncared for and unprotected? Not exactly. Before going off to search for the lost missing sheep, the shepherd put some provisions in place to ensure the remaining sheep will stay put until he returns with the one that was lost. Around his pasture’s boundaries, the shepherd builds a pile of sticks and rocks around the herd to make them feel as if there is a sense of borders around them. And then he goes off to find the one who has strayed. This is the point that Jesus is making to the Pharisees and scribes who are murmuring about Jesus receiving sinners and eating with them. That is, Jesus was doing exactly what a good shepherd is supposed to do. And he pointing this out clearly to the Pharisees and scribes who were not attending to the needs of the people. In verse 5, Jesus says to the crowd concerning the lost sheep that was found.
This beautiful illustration depicts what the actions of the Pharisees and scribes should have been toward the crowd, which included countless tax collectors – or “sinners” as the Pharisees and scribes alluded to them as. And this should be the same mentality and attitude of pastors, Bible teachers, and elders today. So, let’s break down why and how shepherds in Jesus’ day cared for their sheep. caring for what belongs to godIt’s important to recognize the nature of a sheep is closely similar to the characteristics of God’s people. We can’t cover all the different characteristics, but let’s look at two. 1. Sheep have the tendency to follow whoever is leading them. Often time, no questions are asked. It does not matter to a herd of sheep, whether the one leading them, leads them off a cliff. They will follow! Sounds familiar? Now, back in 2013, Tim Challies, a popular Christian blogger, and author shared this famous story. In Eastern Turkey, a shepherd left his herd of 1,500 sheep unattended. One of the sheep begins to stray away from the pasture where the shepherd had left them unattended and the 1,499 other sheep begins to follow the sheep that was leading the herd. The sheep that was leading the herd fell over a cliff to its death. Instead of the remaining sheep stopping, after observing what had happened to the lead sheep, they too fell over the cliff to their death. Of the 1,500 sheep, 400 immediately died from the injury of their fall. But the remaining 1,100 were saved ONLY because the 400 that fell over the cliff before them provided a fluffy cushion that broke their fall from the cliff. Sheep needs a good leader that attends to them at all times. Unfortunately, we the people, are no different. We are in need of good leaders, good shepherds to guard us because we all are hardwired to follow. Hence, why many of us will even continue to follow bad leaders or bad shepherds to our destruction. We are like the Eastern Turkey sheep that will follow any leader if left unattended. 2. Have you ever seen a sheep when it gets knocked over? Whenever a sheep falls over on its side and ends up on its back, it cannot get up without help. If they are left on their back too long, gas begins to build up in their stomachs, which causes it to harden. Resulting in cutting off their air supply, and then the sheep eventually suffocates. This is called a “cast down” position. When a shepherd comes along to rescue the sheep, he massages the sheep's legs to restore circulation. Then he gently turns over the sheep, lifts it, and then holds the sheep until it regains its equilibrium. This is one of many tasks a shepherd must do, time and time again to care for and protect his sheep. The word I want you to get out of that description is “restore”. When a sheep experiences a medical emergency, such as a “cast down,” the shepherd is right there to immediately pick them up or restore them to an upright position. This is the point Jesus is making to the Pharisees and scribes who are grumbling about Jesus’ willingness to care for the needs of the crown of tax collectors. In Jesus’ illustration, the shepherd in verse 5 finds his wandering sheep, places the sheep on his shoulders, and carries it safely back home. And the shepherd does not just stop there, according to Jesus. In verse 6, when the shepherd arrives home with the sheep that have been found, he calls everyone to gather to celebrate. For the one sheep that was lost, is now found. This is the job of pastors, Bible teachers, and elders who should all work together, to retrieve these wandering sheep. Upon retrieving anyone that was once lost, they all should come together to celebrate the one who has been found. In fact, Jesus closes out this particular parable this way.
Let’s not miss that. Did Jesus say 100? 1,000? A group of people who stands up and says a salvation prayer? No, he said “one.” Jesus is concerned about the “one” whom his shepherd goes through hell and back to retrieve and bring back home to the owner of the pasture. The one that the shepherd sweats for; cries out for; constantly prayers for; pursues with all he has in order to bring that one back home to his Master.
For the ninety-nine who are healthy do not need a physician. They are safe in the pasture of the Master. It is the one who wanders off that needs a doctor. The Pharisees and the scribes that Jesus was addressing in the crowd of the tax collectors needed to go and learn what the parable of Luke chapter 15 meant. For what Jesus did desire was compassion from the religious leaders toward the tax collectors and other sinners like them. For it was the sinners, the sick that Jesus was after. Let me say that one again. For it was the sinners, the sick that Jesus was after. The one that wandered away from the safety of the Master’s pasture and not the ninety-nine who remained. (Compare to Matthew 9:11-13).
Go and learn what this means and do. (Also compare to Matthew 28:18-20). What, we the people, have failed to accept is that God is a just God. He blesses His people as well as disciplines those He loves. (Compare to Hebrews 12:6). Hebrews 12:6 reads this way,
Let me say that part again. He disciplines, punishes, and scourges those He loves. Let’s go back to verse 5 in Hebrews chapter 12. Verse 5 reads.
We do not want to make this mistake. In most cases, when God corrects us, He uses other servants, that is people, often time His prophets to discipline, punish, warn, counsel, or scourge us. (Compare to 2 Samuel chapter 12). And when He acts out His judgment to punish us, He often time will use tyrant leaders and dictators and ruthless nations and warfare, to administrate His justice. (Compare to Exodus chapters 1 and 2; First and Second Chronicles). As we read verses 7 and 8 of Hebrews chapter 12, God explains why discipline, punishment, or correction is important. It reads.
For if the LORD is not disciplining, correcting, chastising our bad choices, behaviors, and attitudes; when we stray from His counsel and warnings; or whenever we completely abandon His requirements, then the Scriptures make it clear here. WE ARE NOT HIS TRUE SONS AND DAUGHTERS – WE ARE ILLEGITIMATE HEIRS CLAIMING TO BE HIS WHEN WE ARE NOT. The word of caution here is to do not reject correction, the counsel, and warnings of the LORD when given. But God does not stop there when it is necessary. He goes as far as eliminating the wicked - those who violate His statutes, laws, precepts, commandments, standards. (Compare to 2 Chronicles 34:22-25). There is NOTHING unjust or unfair about how God chooses to deal with mankind as a whole and individually. (Compare to Job 36:6; Luke 18:7; Acts 17:31; 1 John 1:9). We get what we deserve, each and every time (Proverbs 1:31). god is a just god God is so fair that He lays out His actions clearly to us today by having the entire Bible written for Himself? No, for us, as a warning, an example, so we are clear how God responds to every single thing we do and speak.
Take God's people, for example, the nation of Israel, during the era of the kings. From one generation to the next, His people kept flip-flopping, limping between two opinions concerning who is God and who God is not. (Compare to 1 Kings chapter 18). As a result, they consistently got involved with false worship, celebrations, idolatry, and all forms of abominations that God hated. (Compare to Proverbs 6:16-19). Time and time again, God sent His prophets, His servants to warn His people. But the people choose to believe the many false teachers and prophets that exist because these ones tickle their ears with words and actions that yield to the pleasures of man instead of the desire and standards of God. (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Men do not want to be restricted by the rules and regulations of God that places boundaries on their activities – that is, how they act, talk, and live. They preferred to use their free will to engage in practices that stroke their ego and satisfy every sexual sensation that is known to man; then to honor God by means of acting and living holy. Unholy acts are what they prefer and therefore they sided with unholy leaders. Despite this, God still is a God of justice. (Compare to Isaiah 61:8; Psalm 33:5; Deuteronomy 32:4). And therefore, He will always act justifiably. Here is one example of a Holy God acting justifiably concerning His people.
the word of the lorD With that being said, here is the word of the LORD.
Not all of us are privy to the mysteries of God. Yet, God has chosen certain men to pen His words of revelation to unveil or expose God’s plan or program for the world through Christ. So, God uses men, who He selects, and shows these individuals the mysteries of God for these ones to bare witness of what they see to make a public record for those who believe to read and know what it is that the LORD is doing – what the LORD is doing in this hour. (Compare to 1 Corinthians 12:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Amos 3:7). For this is the purpose of prophecy. To communicate new truth, that is, divine revelation from the LORD. (Compare to Revelation 1:3).
[This is a threefold condition: read, hear (that is, understand), and obey]. The purpose of prophecy is not for an open forum where one lecture – discusses and debates about its prudence. God has provided new revelation through His servants so that man would obey. For “…thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘If you will walk in My ways and if you will perform My service, then you will also govern (judge) My house and also have charge of My courts, and I will grant you free access among these who are standing here” (Zechariah 3:7). Then the LORD said, “this is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel—these are the eyes of the Lord which range to and fro throughout the earth” (Zechariah 4:6, 10). The OLIVE TREE VISIONsAfter receiving this written word this morning, then the Spirit of the LORD reminded me of the Olive Tree visions He gave me in the early part of this year. I retrieved them from our ministry’s archive and provided their content below in association with today’s word from the LORD. Vision 1: January 8, 2021 Olive Tree visionAs I woke up, when I opened my eyes, I saw the top part of what looked like an olive tree. It hovered for a few seconds in front of me, and then floated upward towards the sky until it slowly disappeared.... vision 2: january 15, 2021 olive tree visionThis was the second vision I have had in the past week concerning this olive tree branch. But this time the vision happened in reverse and other elements occurred in my vision along side the olive tree. The fact that I had this vision twice within a week's time, I have to assume that it may have some significant meaning. So, I shared it with our ministry prophetess, which we prayed and the following occurred. As Felicia was praying, 4 different elements appeared.
And then the vision ended. vision 3: January 20, 2021 the third olive tree visionI had a third vision about the same olive tree visions I had on Friday, January 8, and Friday, January 15. Again, my ministry partner, Felicia, and I were praying around 7:00 p.m. when I had this third olive tree vision. And finally, we were given an interpretation of what these three similar olive tree visions mean. At this point, I am waiting to see if God will allow me to share the third vision and the interpretation of all three olive tree visions. In the meantime, we can now pray into these three visions with confidence, knowing God’s will and plan for 2021 concerning the Ecclesia. the releasing of the word of the lord - the olive tree visionsThis is the interpretation of the Olive Tree Visions as the LORD has given it to me. On Wednesday, January 20, 2021, Prophetess Felicia Crawford asked me to meet her in our corporate prayer room with my prayer shawl around 7:00 p.m. She had three candles burning, and she immediately begins to prayer as soon as I walked into the room without any other interactions between us two. About 15 minutes may have past when the olive tree that was in my vision on Friday, January 8 and January 15 came in view. It was hovering high in the sky and then disappeared after a few seconds.... Then the Lord God provided this interpretation of my vision.
Then Holy Spirit reminded me of a text conversation I had with Felicia early that morning and instructed me to go back and look at Felicia's words. When I looked at it, Holy Spirit highlighted Felicia's words, "I believe that there is about to be a resurrection and ascension of the Body of Christ." Felicia's words confirmed the interpretation of my 3 olive tree visions I have had these past three weeks. Then I wrote down the following meaning that stood out as I looked up the meaning of an olive tree.
Then Holy Spirit closed with the following instructions on January 20. He instructed me to share my olive tree visions but not its interpretation. (Click here to see my olive tree post). That this vision was a reminder to his Body of the season and time. And then the Spirit of the LORD exited the same way He entered as Felicia closed out in prayer. On that same day, the Spirit of the LORD spoke the following about my olive tree visions. JUST LIKE I WILL REPLACE WHAT ONCE WAS TO WHAT IS NOW (MEANING THE OLD CHURCH AND ITS PROGRAMS AND LEADERSHIP WITH GOD'S NEW APPOINTED LEADERS AS HIS BODY). SO TOO WILL BE THE CASE WITH BIDEN - WHAT ONCE WAS WILL ALSO BE REPLACED WITH WHAT IS. For what the LORD has spoken is faithful and true. |
The word of the lordWhen 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). Archives
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