Gossip

Trusting God instead of people sounds good in theory, but is brutal during tough times of adversity and controversy.

Sometimes, the best counsel in controversy, is that of brother Kenneth Hagin, ‘When persecuted, let your response be: No attack, no defense. Let love cover the gossip and controversy. If they are right, correct yourself, and go on. If they are wrong, let God deal with them, and He your defense.”

Easily said, but not so easily accomplished!

Lies, insinuations, libel, slander – HURT!

You are doing your best to obey God, love the world, be an instrument of healing and expansion for the kingdom of God, and then BAM! You learn of some dirt spoken about you, that is often so evil, it takes your breath away.

Well, the devil is called, the accuser of the brethren for a reason. He is evil!

Don’t get proud, or self-righteous. We all came from dirt (Adam), and were born and conceived in sin.

Proverbs 13:10

Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom

Though we have become the righteousness of God in Christ, children of the most high, we all have flesh.
Flesh cannot cast out flesh!

 

If we enter into offense and strife, we enter into the devils playground:

James 3:16

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

 

This is not how we must live!
Chasing gossip is like trying to nail Jello to the wall. You can get a nail in it, but it just makes a bigger mess.

Ephesians 6:12

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places

 

So how do we win?

 

Well, here is how I am doing it.

 

1. Acknowledge the pain the breach of trust has caused.

Denial is not a river in Egypt, and doesn’t help heal, nor increase the kingdom of God.

When bad things have been done and said about us, take them to our Father in heaven, and cry the tears you need to. He knows, He cares, He loves, and He will heal you, and correct them if your heart is right. This  is not easy, but will always produce a trip to the cross, to die yet another death to self.

Romans 8:13

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

2. Lift up the shield of faith, and the shield of favor.

Ephesians 6:16

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Notice here, that the shield of faith will do you no good, unless YOU TAKE IT!

Isaiah 54:17 (AMP)

¹⁷ But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord.
God will vindicate, and stop the accuser of the brethren. Weapons WILL be formed, but they will not succeed, if you trust in Jesus and TAKE the shield of faith.

If you do not pray, and do not lift up the word of God to stop demonic forces operating through the minds and lives of people, this mess can go on for a very long time…

 

Yet, in order to fully understand this attack, you need to see it for what it is: it is an attack against the kingdom of God.

 

When we walk with God, He gives us favor with people. This favor comes because He loves us, and to build His kingdom.

When satan sees this, he fears us, so he tries to stop us.

 

His ABC‘s are Accusation, Blame and Criticism. The insidious realm of rumor, slander, and character assignation by insinuation….

It is an attack upon your honor, your promotion, your prosperity, and your favor.

 

Psalm 5:12 For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield

 

Well, Chris, if am not supposed to fight with people, what AM I supposed to do?

 

The shield of faith is only one weapon in the armor of God, there is also a sword, which is the word of God. (Pretty good weapon too, it is the only weapon Jesus used against satan himself in Matt 4: IT IS WRITTEN!)

Warrior: We are to lift up our shield and sword, and take the battle to the enemy!

 

Enough teaching, let’s do this now:

 

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, I hurt. You see what has been done, said, insinuated against me. I forgive them. Now please heal my heart, and give me Your grace to love them, and to overcome evil with good. I take the shield of faith, and choose to declare that No weapon formed against me shall prosper, and that ever tongue risen up against me, shall be shown to be in error, as I deliberately trust you to vindicate me. Father, restore to me, Your favor. I bind every evil spirit arrayed against me today, and stand as Your child, in Your power, in Your kingdom today, with my eyes upon You and Your leadership to me. Jesus, I trust You to show me what to do, and how to walk in Your wisdom, to see Your kingdom advance today. Amen.

Lord Jesus, you promised to never leave me nor forsake me, and that You are my good shepherd, and that I would hear your voice today. Holy Spirit, speak to me what I need to Do, and help me to do it, in your name I pray Lord Jesus. Amen.
Pray, and obey Holy Spirit today!

God is good, kind, and remember, He is love!

They Say?

Proverbs 26:20

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so wherethere is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

I liked this picture, it made me think about the verse I quoted above. Why? Notice the matchstick? It is unlit.

Seems we can avoid many, many problems and controversies by simply refusing to gossip. Sure, something might be true, but love covers a multitude of sins. If you messed up, would you want your friends broadcasting your mess?

It is better to be quick to pray, and slow to spread rumors or tales of others woe. It doesn’t help them, you, or our communities, nor bring healing, hope, or anything constructive. Prayer, on the other hand, in the mighty name of Jesus, always is heard in heaven, and invokes God’s power to make wrongs right, and to fix the impossible.

Some people struggle with identity crisis – we forget who we are before the throne of God – children of the most High God, ambassadors of heaven, royalty. Instead of letting God’s love permeate our deepest thoughts, and give us that deep inner confidence that can only come from heaven, we find ourselves trying to ‘keep up with the Jones’, more concerned with what ‘They’ think, than what God thinks.

Read this poem that sums it up pretty well:

Have you heard of the terrible family They,
And the dreadful venomous things They say?
Why, half the gossip under the sun,
If you trace it back, you will find begun
In that wretched House of They.

Ellen Wilcox Wheeler

I have heard stories about the life of my friend and pastor, Billy Joe Daugherty about how he handled it when someone approached him with a juicy piece of gossip. He would either grab the persons hand and say: ‘Great! Let’s pray for that person, right now!’

In one instance, his son complained to him about the behavior of one of the staff, and he said: ‘Let’s get them over here right now, so that we can pray together about this!” His son, was like, ‘But Dad, I want you take my side in this! Yet, he refused to do it, determined to walk in love and impartially towards everyone in the church.

If you have not really dug into the Scriptures yet, to discover who you are in God’s sight by looking in the mirror of His Word, please check out this article I wrote entitled ‘Identity Crisis’. In it, I’ve included several articles and confessions that agree with who Gods says we are: https://wordpress.com/post/chrisaomministries.com/8195

I have written a couple articles on the topic of gossip and words over the years you might find helpful:

https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/03/22/hidden-by-god-from-the-hard-words-of-people/

https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/05/15/all-liars-shall-be-silenced/

http://chrisaomministries.com/2016/03/13/backstabbers/

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/08/04/do-you-talk-to-much/

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/05/14/how-to-defeat-gossip/

Words are containers, servants that should be used carefully and wisely.

Like vessels, they contain the spirit in which they were uttered: either words of love, faith, and authority backed up by heaven, or vain, foolish non-productive words that don’t build anything, but only tear down people through insinuation, allegation, accusation, or lies.

Be a builder today, of people, places and things, using your words as tools to create a better piece of the world you occupy.

‘Father, put Your words in my mouth today. Words of life, love, power, and faith that change my world, and the lives of those around me. Set a watch upon my lips, a rein on my tongue, that I might not tear down what You have called me to build. May Your perfect love destroy my deepest insecurities, your peace that passes all understanding, reign in my heart. Let me truly love, and honestly not care what others think about me and mine, but let me walk free from the tyranny of others expectations, manipulations, and control. I ask this, knowing I am heard, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen’

 

The Spirit of Absalom – Avoid it!

The Spirit of Absalom

2 Sam 13: 6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

David never touched God’s anointed, even when Saul was hunting him in the mountains, and throwing spears at him. When someone comes to you, trying to discredit godly leadership, gently say: ‘Guess we need to pray for them, they have a lot of responsibility’. If the person bringing a bad report refuses to pray, leave. Touch not God’s anointed!

I was in a ministers conference once, and heard a man of God say that it was easy to discover the wolves who entered the flock of God by this simple test. From the pulpit, disclose some personal shortcoming, or moral failure God has forgiven you of. Some personal struggle that Jesus is seeing you through.

The sheep will immediately hit their knees in prayer, for love covers a multitude of sins. The wolves, excited at the sight of blood, will form a gossip network to attempt to destroy you as a leader. Sheep pray, wolves prey. Be one of God’s sheep today.

Let’s pray:
‘Father, you know the difficulties our leaders face, the responsibility they walk in every day. Let me be quick to pray for them, and not to judge them. Protect me from treacherous people, and add to me, people of integrity and honor today, in your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen”

 

Hidden by God from the Hard Words of People

Hidden in God from the hard words of people

Ps 31: 19 ¶ Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

You know, I have discovered over the years, that being sold out for Jesus, keeps us out of a world of pain. As we spend time with Him in prayer, in reading His Word, and in doing wonderful things for His kingdom, since we can’t be two places at once, we automatically avoid a lot of hard places in life. People who are doing wrong things, in wrong places, cannot harm us, if we are not with them.

Kind of simple, but this verse in today’s reading, goes much deeper than that. Seems people have a great ideas about what they think we ought to be doing: problem is these ideas are their ideas, not necessarily God’s.

When we get into the word of God, and over in the Holy Spirit, we enter into the higher ways of life, the ways of the Spirit of God, kingdom authority and leadership.

These ways are usually contrary to the minds of man, in fact, they are foolishness to them:

1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Yet, as we authentically walk with Jesus, we find: 1Co 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

In this world, we have challenges, tests, troubles, Jesus promised it would be so.

1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Jesus is still the way, and the waymaker. There is always a way of escape.

Let’s pray:
“Father, I thank you for your Word, and for surrounding me with favor as with a shield, with songs of your deliverance. I thank you that you have given your angels charge over me to keep me in all of my ways. I thank you that your angels encamp about me and deliver me. I thank you Jesus that you are my way, and my waymaker, making a way for me, where there seems to be no way. I thank you for performing this very word for me, for delivering me from the pride of man and the strife of tongues! You are so good to me Father, I thank you for your love, power, and grace towards me, all because of you Lord Jesus. I love you God, thank you for hearing and answering! Amen’

 

Do You Talk Too Much?

Do you talk too much?

Proverbs 20:19 (NLT)19 A gossip goes around telling secrets,
so don’t hang around with chatterers

Cell phones!

In my moving and shaking days, I used 6000 minutes/month spinning the dial on my IPhone, and hustling up work for the crews of men working for us. Then, Jesus got ahold of me, and dealt with me about trusting Him for my support, and using His words to get things done, not my effort.

Proverbs 10:19…
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise

Learned to spend way more time talking to God instead of people. Save a lot on the phone too, because I rarely use more than 300 minutes a month talking to people.

Use your words wisely, and God will watch over them to perform them.

Jesus said: Matthew 12:36

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.The sense here, is of chatter. Idle words being non-productive, non-working words.

Put Your Words to Work for YOU!

You have been given kingdom authority and responsibility, and you can submit to the Lord, and have Holy Spirit literally create things through you: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/02/05/let-your-spirit-free/

Then, as you use your faith on purpose, with rein of the Holy Spirit upon your mouth, you will discover:

Proverbs 16:13

Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right

You will put a smile on King Jesus face!

He will cause you to rise above your circumstances, and lead and feed many!How?

With your faith-filled words!

Recently, I have spent many days with a pastor, who is also a Christian contractor. I have been greatly blessed by his cell-phone etiquette. He is always loving, courteous, and pleasant on the phone, and brief, to the point, and almost blunt in ending calls. Yet, He has more business than he could possible desire. He knows what He is doing, He is using his time and words correctly, on-purpose, and clearly, God is working with him in it.

Proverbs 10:21

The lips of the righteous feed many:

Let’s Pray:

Father God, set a rein upon my mouth, my words! Holy Spirit, flow through my speech, to create Your plans, provision, and vision for my life and family.  I ask this, knowing I am heard and answered, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen’

Check the facts Jack!

 ‘Gossip is the most deadly microbe. It has neither legs nor wings. It is composed entirely of tales, and most of them have stings.’

Morris Mandel in Bits & Pieces, June, 1990, p. 22

 

Recently, we went through a wonderful trial, that occurred when another person accused us of some financial mismanagement, that was totally untrue. Gossip is like a serpents venom, it poisons people against you, and may take years to rebuild trust in relationships.

Just because ‘Everyone is saying it’, does not make it true!

The Bible says we are kings and priest unto God, and we must conduct ourselves as royalty!

Proverbs 16:10

A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.

As leaders we hear a lot of stories, and we need to judge not only actions, but motives. Had a situation last year, where we wanted to donate to a certain ministry, and one of the businesses needed to know exactly where the building materials donated were going. So, I sent him an email with the ministers name and location of the construction project we were planning, because he grew up in that state, and knew the area. Seems another person who ‘wanted to get involved’ asked for the material list I sent my former client, so I sent it to them. They got involved alright, instead of helping, they accused me of ‘taking up offerings in the name of the other ministry’, and then spread the ‘rumor’ of this to many, many other ministries. I could not believe they had done this, so I attempted to meet with them, to discuss it, but they have not returned telephone calls nor emails since then.

As far as I’m concerned, I have forgiven them, and am aggressively using my faith to believe the best of them, and for them, declaring these two verses over their lives:

Philippians 1:6

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Philippians 2:13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Faith works by love, and so I am using my faith on purpose for their growth and instruction in the things of God.

Check the facts before you judge leader, it is for your glory and promotion.

Proverbs 25:2

It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

In the midst of my particular trial, I had a good friend of mine, who is studying to be a rabbi, who lives in Jerusalem, call me. I told him what I was going through, and he said, “Interesting. Chris, did you know that here, in Israel, we take character assassination of more consequence than even murder? He then reminded me of a story I had heard before, he had heard in synagogue:

If you don’t say it, they can’t repeat it. Yiddish folklore offers a telling tale about gossip-makers. One such man had told so many malicious untruths about the local rabbi that, overcome by remorse, he begged the rabbi to forgive him. “And, Rabbi, tell me how I can make amends.” The rabbi sighed, “Take two pillows, go to the public square and there cut the pillows open. Wave them in the air. Then come back.” The rumormonger quickly went home, got two pillows and a knife, hastened to the square, cut the pillows open, waved them in the air and hastened back to the rabbi’s chambers. “I did just what you said, Rabbi!” “Good.” The rabbi smiled. “Now, to realize how much harm is done by gossip, go back to the square…” “And?” “And collect all your feathers.”

From Hooray for Yiddish.

Looks like the work of this person has blown feathers all over America. Gotta believe the blood of Jesus can wash away their mess…I need to believe what I preach!

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/05/14/how-to-defeat-gossip/

Here are a couple of thoughts, before speaking and decision making:

I once formed a mutual encouragement fellowship at a time of stress in one of my pastorates. The members subscribed to a simple formula applied before speaking of any person or subject that was perhaps controversial.

T–Is it true? H–Is it helpful? I–Is it inspiring? N–Is it necessary? K–Is it kind?

If what I am about to say does not pass those tests, I will keep my mouth shut! And it worked!

Alan Redpath, A Passion for Preaching.

God is love, and He will work it all out, as only He can.

Let’s pray:

‘Father, I come before you, determined to walk free from offense, and in Your love. Give me grace to see correctly into situations, and before I judge, to investigate to see what is being done, and why. May I victoriously obey you, and press forward towards the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus, Amen.’

Venom – Poisoness People

In this mornings Bible reading, I read:

Psalm 140

For the choir director: A psalm of David.
1 O Lord, rescue me from evil people.
Protect me from those who are violent,…

2 those who plot evil in their hearts
and stir up trouble all day long.

3 Their tongues sting like a snake;
the venom of a viper drips from their lips.

Venomous vipers have sunk their poison into some people I love and trust, to discredit, dishonor, and destroy me. I choose to forgive them, and trust Jesus to vindicate and deliver me from their attacks and destruction.

How about you?

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/05/14/how-to-defeat-gossip/

How to defeat Gossip…

Proverbs 26:20 English Standard Version
For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.

Sometimes, the best counsel in controversy, is that of brother  Kenneth Hagin, ‘When persecuted, let your response be: No attack, no defense.” Let love cover the gossip and controversy. If they are right, correct yourself, and go on. If they are wrong, let God deal with them, let Him be your defense.

Easily said, but not so easily accomplished!

Lies, insinuations, libel, slander – HURT!

You are doing your best to obey God, love the world, be an instrument of healing and expansion for the kingdom of God, and then BAM! You learn of some dirt spoken about you, that is often so evil, it takes your breath away.

God knows how you feel:

Psalm 109

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

¹ O God, whom I praise,
    don’t stand silent and aloof
² while the wicked slander me
    and tell lies about me.
³ They surround me with hateful words
    and fight against me for no reason.
⁴ I love them, but they try to destroy me with accusations
    even as I am praying for them!
⁵ They repay evil for good,
    and hatred for my love.

Don’t get proud, or self-righteous. We all came from dirt (Adam), and were born and conceived in sin.

Don’t throw another log on the fire of controversy!

Proverbs 13:10

Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom

Though we have become the righteousness of God in Christ, children of the most high, we all have flesh.

Flesh cannot cast out flesh!

If we enter into offense and strife, we enter into the devils playground:

James 3:16

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Well, the devil is called, the accuser of the brethren for a reason. He is a liar and the father of all lies, and he comes to kill…your relationships, your calling, your dreams, your honor, your business, your marriage, your ministry, and if possible,  take your very life

.

This is not how we must live!

Chasing gossip is like trying to nail Jello to the wall. You can get a nail in it, but it just makes a bigger mess.

Ephesians 6:12

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places

So how do we win?

Well, here is how I am doing it.

1. Acknowledge the pain the breach of trust has caused.

Denial is not a river in Egypt, and doesn’t help heal, nor increase the kingdom of God.

When bad things have been done and said about us, take them to our Father in heaven, and cry the tears you need to. He knows, He cares, He loves, and He will heal you, and correct them if your heart is right. This  is not easy, but will always produce a trip to the cross, to die yet another death to self.

Romans 8:13

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

2. Lift up the shield of faith, and the shield of favor.

Ephesians 6:16

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Notice here, that the shield of faith will do you no good, unless YOU TAKE IT!

Isaiah 54:17 (AMP)

¹⁷ But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord.

God will vindicate, and stop the accuser of the brethren.

Yet, in order to fully understand this attack, you need to see it for what it is, an attack against the kingdom of God.

When we walk with God, He gives us favor with people. This favor comes because He loves us, and to build His kingdom.

When satan sees this, he fears us, so he tries to stop us.

His ABC’s are Accusation, Blame and Criticism. The insidious realm of rumor, slander, and character assassination by insinuation….

It is an attack upon your honor, your promotion, your prosperity, and your favor.

Psalm 5:12

For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield

You have friends in high places! (https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/01/18/you-have-friends-in-high-places/)

Well, Chris, if am not supposed to fight with people, what AM I supposed to do?

The shield of faith is only one weapon in the armor of God, there is also a sword, which is the word of God. (Pretty good weapon too, it is the only weapon Jesus used against satan himself in Matt 4: (IT IS WRITTEN!)

We are to lift up our shield and sword, and take the battle to the enemy!

Enough teaching, let’s do this now:

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, I hurt. You see what has been done, said, insinuated against me. I forgive them. Now please heal my heart, and give me Your grace to love them, and to overcome evil with good. I take the shield of faith, and choose to declare that No weapon formed against me shall prosper, and that ever tongue risen up against me, shall be shown to be in error, as I deliberately trust you to vindicate me. Father, restore to me, Your favor. I bind every evil spirit arrayed against me today, and stand as Your child, in Your power, in Your kingdom today, with my eyes upon You and Your leadership to me. Jesus, I trust You to show me what to do, and how to walk in Your wisdom, to see Your kingdom advance today. Amen.

Lord Jesus, you promised to never leave me nor forsake me, and that You are my good shepherd, and that I would hear your voice today. Holy Spirit, speak to me what I need to Do, and help me to do it, in your name I pray Lord Jesus. Amen.

If you would like some more teaching about how to be truly led by Holy Spirit each day:(

Spirit Led Living

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/02/seven-ways-to-hear-the-voice-of-god-part-one/

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/03/seven-that-ways-god-speaks-to-you-part-2/

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/05/seven-that-ways-god-speaks-to-you-part-3/

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/05/seven-that-ways-god-speaks-to-you-part-4/

Vision – Testimony https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/06/seven-that-ways-god-speaks-to-you-part-5/

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/07/seven-that-ways-god-speaks-to-you-part-6/

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/03/11/seven-that-ways-god-speaks-to-you-part-7-prophesy/

God is good, kind, and remember, He is love!

For prayer, comments, or to donate online:

Email: chris.aomministries@gmail.com

Donate on-line: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=95XHSDDXDS7MC

Give in faith!

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?

1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.

I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…

As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.

Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

I am a five-fold ministry gift and office – this is my life – I pray, I hear, I write, and wonderful things happen. You have your job description, I have mine – this is mine….

I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.

Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:

Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies

It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!

Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!

Beware of Third Party Offence!

Someone, is filling your ears with poison about anothers actions and motives, because they did not get their own way.

Remember, satan is the accuser of the brethren, and he loves to insinuate, whisper, slander, through creating suspicions about another, to discredit the work of God in and through them.

Problem is, if that other person is actually hearing and obeying Jesus, you will end up with a trip to the woodshed WITH the offended person, because you sided with them.

Save yourself the pain, anytime you hear gossip or garbage about anyone, politely ask: ‘I am not sure if that is true, but even if it is, they surely need Jesus to help them. Can we pray for them?’

If it is a serious matter, that will affect you. Investigate!

1 Corinthians 2:10

But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.

God will show you! Refuse to judge until after prayer, and research!

1 Cor 2:¹⁵ But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

‪#‎RefuseToJudgeErroneously‬

Love believes the best, and Jesus is still a friend of sinners. We need to use our faith on purpose, for people not doing well or right before God, we might be the only hope they have….Love covers a multitude of sins, by praying for sinners, not exposing and destroying them.

Galatians 6:1

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

The wages of sin, is death.

The word death used here, literally means ‘separation from.’

When people willingly sin, there can be destruction of godly relationships, or separation between people, yet we can always choose to forgive them, love them, and pray for them, no matter what they do.

Let’s pray:

‘Father, as I go through the hustle and bustle of life, there are people I judge, or have written off, based upon the counsel or reports of others. Where I have judged erroneously, please forgive me, and restore right relationships. Where I have been poisoned through gossip, wash me, cleanse me, and cause me to pray for those who I have hurt through my erroneous judgments. For those in my life who have entered into this slimy, treacherous behavior, please remove them, and bring into my life, godly counsel, and people of honor and integrity. In Your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen!’

Hidden from the scourge of the tongue…

Hidden from the scourge of the tongue…
Job 5:21 Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.
Seems when you authentically step out to obey Jesus, people talk.
Some of them, speak loud, antagonistic words, to discredit and dishonor you.
Love them, forgive them, for they know not what they do…
Deep down, they are terrified of your stand for Christ, because your very life threatens the status quo, and shows them, the reality of who He is…
Love them, and hide yourself in God, He will protect and deliver you!
Psalm 31:20
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.
Colossians 3:3
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Yep, we are hidden with Christ, in God almighty.
Like the pic?
Seems that as we walk with Him, Holy Spirit creates a big bubble of glory around our lives, that deflects the wicked and unkind words of those that would oppose us.
Stay centered in Him, His Word, and keep walking forward, while He deals with your critics.
Let’s Pray:
‘Father, I don’t know who this is for, but I ask that you shield them, and perform these very words on their behalf today, delivering them from the words of men. In Your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’