Dangerous Love! by Ed Elliot

30 Dangerous things that can happen to a person who focuses too much on God’s love for them.

love-never-fails1

Recently, I have seen warnings from ministers to “beware” of focusing too much on God’s love. They seem to believe it is a dangerous thing to have too much information, knowledge or experience about God’s love. My question to them is, “what possible danger is there in knowing and experiencing too much of God’s love?”

I came up with a list of 30 possible dangers that could happen if you focus too much on God’s love for you. I could have easily come up with a few hundred more but here are some that I believe to be the most dangerous.

1. They will speak the truth in love. Ephesians 4:15
2. Their faith will work because faith works by love. Galatians 5:6
3. They will know God because He is love. 1 John 4:8
4. They will accurately communicate the gospel because the gospel is a revelation of God’s love for man. Ephesians 3:18-19
5. They will walk in love. Ephesians 5:2
6. They will have a better understanding of the scriptures because they were written by God who was motivated by love. John 3:16
7. They will evangelize because love is the motive to reach a lost world. John 13:34
8. They will have far more confidence in God because they believe in the love He has for them. Romans 8:35-39
9. People who fall in love with God, fall out of love with sin. 2 Corinthians 5:14
10. In loving others, they are actually loving and knowing God. 1 John 4:7-8
11. They will repent quicker because they know God’s goodness for them. Romans 2:4
12. They will know that nothing can ever separate them from God. Romans 8:38-39
13. They will overcome every obstacle and situation because they are convinced God loves them. Romans 8:37
14. They will reflect perfectly and accurately their true nature and God’s character because He is love. Ephesians 5:1
15. They will always know how to treat people, even their enemies. Luke 6:27-28
16. They will have a love, an insatiable appetite, for God’s word. 1 John 2:5
17. They will model what it is like to be loved by God in the same way Jesus did. John 15:9
18. The world will know they belong to Jesus because of their love for one another.
John 13:35
19. Wives will be extravagantly loved because their husbands will love them as Christ loved the church. Ephesians 5:25
20. They will never fail because love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:8
21. They will know the heart of God because it is full of compassion and mercy.
Psalm 145:8-9
22. They will be extravagantly generous because love is giving by nature. John 3:16
23. They will be free from fear because perfect love drives out all fear. 1 John 4:18
24. They will fulfill every expectation that God has for them. Romans 13:10
25. They will never be spiritually unbalanced because they know love is greater than faith and hope. 1 Corinthians 13:13
26. They will never lose their faith because their heart is grounded and rooted in God’s love for them. Ephesians 3:17-21
27. They will always know that God will do exceedingly and abundantly for them beyond anything they could ask, imagine or think. Ephesians 3:20
28. They will always know the truth and live in freedom. John 14:6
29. What comes out of their mouth will always be laced with grace. Colossians 4:6
30. They will be spiritually mature. Ephesians 4:15

No where in the entire Bible does Jesus, Paul or the other apostles ever warn believers that focusing to much on God’s love for them can be dangerous thing.

So, I really don’t see any downside to a believer knowing or experiencing too much of God’s love. Seems like all these minister’s warnings to people to be careful about being exposed to too much of God’s love need a healthy dose of knowing and experiencing God’s love for themselves.

By the way, this list of 30 dangerous things that could happen if you focus too much on God’s love for you, isn’t dangerous to you but it is very dangerous to the devil who knows the impact and transformation that happens when a believer focuses on God’s love for them!

By Ed Elliot https://www.facebook.com/wordoflifeworldoutreach/

https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/08/06/the-purpose-of-this-blog/

https://chrisaomministries.com/2017/02/27/do-you-want-to-go-to-heaven/

The Responsibility of Discipleship – A Word for Leaders

The Responsibility of Discipleship Some time ago, I attended the leadership portion of Word Explosion here at Victory in Tulsa, OK. A pastor that I had never heard of, who reported pastors a church of 15,000+ somewhere in the Eastern United States brought a word about the seasons of God in the church, and he […]

The Responsibility of Discipleship

disciple

Some time ago, I attended the leadership portion of Word Explosion here at Victory in Tulsa, OK.

A pastor that I had never heard of, who reportedly pastors a church of 15,000+ somewhere in the Eastern United States brought a word about the seasons of God in the church, and he was very articulate and relevant, in bringing out the various things Holy Spirit was accenting, decade by decade here in churches  in the United States.

From the Healing movement, to the Charismatic renewal, to teaching and the Word of Faith, to leadership, etc.

Then he made a couple of statements that confirmed things that Holy Spirit is screaming to me.

He explained that the day of a person simply accepting Jesus, receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and attending church, is not enough in this upcoming season of God, but that what must occur is discipleship.

He went on to say, that to the average pastor, you would look for someone saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, attending regular worship services, attending a small group, and then serving somewhere in the ministry as good indicators of what a disciple should look like, and I agree these are good indicators, but here is where he and I take a different path to the same objective.

I believe a true disciple of Jesus, is a person that is fully led of the Holy Spirit, all day, every day.

Historically, there has been grave excesses in what is called ‘the discipleship, or Shepherding movement’

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepherding_Movement

Yet, what about true discipleship?

Jesus said: Matthew 28:19

Go out and make disciples in all the nations.

YOUR Great Commission - Embracing YOUR Destiny!

I think back on my own discipleship experience with my pastor, where, for a period of 5-7 years, he had me read every book in his library, develop a strong devotional life and Bible reading plan, and had me serve in every area of the church for 3-6months.

Was that the end of my spiritual growth?

Was I fully prepared for ministry by this process?

No, but it was a great foundation.

And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
faith believe sunrise

So let’s dig into this concept of discipleship a bit:

Let’s begin by looking at the definition of a disciple:

Full Definition of DISCIPLE

1

:  one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: as

a :  one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ’s followers according to the Gospel accounts

b :  a convinced adherent of a school or individual

2

capitalized :  a member of the Disciples of Christ founded in the United States in 1809 that holds the Bible alone to be the rule of faith and practice, usually baptizes by immersion, and has a congregational polity

 

For the sake of simplicity, I call a disciple ‘a disciplined one’.

For example, when I swam on the college varsity swim team, I was expected to make 7 swim practices a week, and we usually did 2 weight work-outs on top of this. In order to stay on the team, I had to be a full time student and maintain a ‘C’ average academically.

swim

What this meant, was that literally every minute of my week, seven days/week was scheduled, so that we could survive not only the training schedule, but the weekends spent on buses travelling to inter-varsity swim meets all over the province.

I was a disciple of competitive swimming and robotics engineering, listening carefully to my Olympic coach on how to make all this possible.

Obviously I survived and completed three varsity seasons, and completed my BSc in robotics, by being a disciplined one…

I was a disciple of robotics and swimming. No Jesus anywhere though.

Yet, we are called to follow Jesus…

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/01/11/your-great-commission-embracing-your-destiny/

So what does a disciple of Jesus look like in today’s world?

Here are some thoughts:

  1. Aggressively following Jesus, having established a morning prayer watch, deliberately seeking Him first thing, every day.
  2. Walking in the Word in deliberate Bible reading, confession, memorization, study, and meditation.
  3. Consistently demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit, with signs, wonders and miracles flowing in everyday life, in spirit-led days. Flowing in God all day, every day, not merely on Sundays, or in devotional times. Walking with Holy Spirit, one day at a time, fully submitted to Jesus Lordship.
  4. Consistently exhibiting the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our character, carefully watching over our words, that they be faith-filled, representing Jesus well, as an ambassador should.
  5. Consistently witnessing and sharing the gospel.(Here is a way to do this on-line:https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/10/the-gospel-the-power-of-god/)
  6. Consistently growing their families in the call of God, through their example, love, consecration, and recognition and fulfillment of their responsibility in their role in the home
  7. Consistently attending church, and seeking to serve and build it, growing in faithfulness and responsibility.  https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/why-go-to-church/
  8. Living a lifestyle of worship, singing, praying in the spirit, with an attitude of humility and gratefulness, demonstrating the acts of compassion the gospel commands: helping the poor, feeding the hungry, visiting the prisoner, the sick, clothing the naked, empowering the fatherless. https://chrisaomministries.com/2017/01/15/we-worship-by-serving-the-people-god-loves/
  9. Consistently seeking to grow in their gift and calling, spiritually, academically, and physically. https://chrisaomministries.com/2017/01/03/the-chinese-bamboo-a-parable-of-growth/
  10.  Consistently seeking to grow others in their gifts and callings, empowering, equipping, and encouraging them to hear and fully obey God in all things.
  11.    Consistently giving and growing financially, learning how best to keep money under the Lordship of Jesus as a good steward.
  12.    Deliberately seeking and pursuing our personal mandate, vocation, and assignment, individually, growing in responsibility levels, on purpose.

Jesus had 12 disciples.

These are simply 12 guidelines I seek to live by.

Yet, as I have meditated upon the concept of discipleship, I discover questions that have difficult answers.

I remember many years ago, an organization called Promise Keepers, encouraged us to find a Paul, and Barnabas, and a Timothy in our lives. The ‘Paul’ being a spiritual leader we could look to for leadership, mentorship, and instruction. The ‘Barnabas’ being a ‘son of encouragement’, another brother in the Lord we could look to for encouragement in the day to day battles of life, and the ‘Timothy’ being one we could pour life and wisdom into, one we were deliberately discipling.

This is a good start surely.

As we grow in our Christian walk, we surely need a pastor who can gently help us learn the basics of this Christian life and character development.

Through our growth process, God will bring the other 4 ministry offices to add strength and structure to the formation of Christ in us, the hope of glory.

Yet, as I have walked with God these years I see many of these ministers see the kingdom of God only through their particular ministry gift, and for humor I write:

The pastor:

GO TO CHURCH! Is it not written: Ps 122: I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.”

Hebrews 10:25

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Planted in the house of the Lord, They will flourish in the courts of our God

They are right! We all need to be part of a local church, https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/why-go-to-church/

The apostle:

Then we have the apostle, often called the missionary today, whose favorite verse might be

Romans 15:20

And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation

Kind like the old Star Trek television series, ‘To Go Boldly Where No Man Has Gone Before”

star trek

1 Corinthians 4:9

For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.

Since the greatest in the kingdom is the servant of all, the true apostles I have met over the years are often gentle, suffering, humble servants of Jesus, who almost glow when they walk, carrying great spiritual authority and power….

We call them missionaries….

The Prophet:

Then there are prophets:

Wild creatures!

Dreams, Visions, revelations, ‘This is the Way Walk Ye in It!’ people.

A couple of verses from the office of the prophet, you often hear, when they show up:

Numbers 11:29

Then Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!”

Acts 2:17

‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams

1 Corinthians 14:1

[ Prophecy and Tongues ] Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy

It has been my experience that true prophets stir up controversy by what they say, apostles by what they do

Evangelists:

Repent, and get saved!

If you are not winning souls, I question your salvation!

These are the great soul winners, those called to train and equip believers for the work of winning the lost.

Biblically, they usually demonstrate great miracles to draw the crowds to the gospel.

Acts 8:6

And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did

A perfect modern day example of a firely evangelist is Rhinhart Bonnke, or now Danial King.

The Teacher:

Then there are the teachers

2 Timothy 2:15

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon  precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

There have been great studies in the life of Jesus, showing how He is the ultimate apostle, pastor, prophet, evangelist and teacher, but what is the purpose of all of these gifts?

Here is a passage of Scripture I continually come back to:

Eph 4But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says:

“When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.”[b]

(Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first[c] descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

grow

So we are given men and women of God, from God, to grow us in the things of God, that we can be delivered from the trickery of men, that we can take our place in the Body of Christ, our particular spot, gift, place and calling, that the whole Body of Christ might grow as we edify each other in love.

Been thinking about some what a disciple might look like in 2015, and I see questions, not full answers before me.

Since Jesus only ministered on the earth to His 12 disciples for 3-1/2 years before appointing them leaders in His kingdom in the earth, as His representatives, can we as leaders raise up people to send, in a similar three and a half year time period?

Yes, He promised that we would perform greater works than His, yet He lived with His disciples 24/7 for His entire earthly ministry.

time greatest gift

How many of us are willing to embrace twelve people, and lovingly live with, teach, train, equip, and work with for 3-1/2 years until they are raised up in their particular ministries?

As I thought about the church structures in place across the earth, I see churches that place pastoral staff on salaries, but then how are the other four ministry gifts supposed to ethically receive financial support?

Do they simply attend a strong local church, and then perform their particular ministries outside of it’s four walls?

Evangelists raising up evangelistic centers that receive donations from the Body of Christ to finance their living support, and to host the crusades and conferences that train and equip us in the work of evangelism.

Prophets, who host conferences, and produce books and teaching materials to train and equip us in the prophetic…

Missionaries who solicit support to GO and perform missionary assignments, and to raise their families on the missions field.

Teachers, who receive salaries for teaching in the various educational institutes where they are called.

Somehow all this must flow through the local church, and how I have seen cat fights over money!

Should never be. All of us should tithe where the Lord directs, and I honestly believe if the Holy Spirit is fully in charge of the finances of His people, there will be no lack in God’s work being fully supported…

I was speaking about this today with Richard Lyons, who pastors the church we are helping pioneer.

I asked him: ‘Richard, here, in 2015, what does a true disciple of Jesus look like?’

He replied:

John 13:34

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

John 13:35

By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

So we see the fruit of a true disciple of Jesus, is true love exhibited in the earth, unconditional love shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit!

love one another

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

[ Disciples’ Relation to Each Other ] “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.

jesus_loves_you_the_path_to_heaven

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

wealth greater love

This I command you, that you love one another
God is love
and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears muchfruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

love stronger1
My Father is glorified by this, that you bear muchfruit, and so prove to be My disciples

So, as we deliberately seek to receive the love of Jesus, we find ourselves thrust out into this war-torn, sin-sick, broken world, with one great weapon, His love beating in our hearts.

This is the mark of a true disciple, loving people, with no strings attached, simply because He first loved us.

Love Loud Today Leader!

Love Loud0

All the evangelism, miracles, works of the ministry mean nothing without love…and love never fails!

Neither will you or I, as we deliberately love…

1 Timothy 1:5

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

Come on disciple, let’s pray:

Father, I come to You today, knowing my needs! I need Your love, Your direction, Your strength and power to serve You in this, my generation. Flow through me to love loud today, those You have placed in my path today. I ask this, knowing I am loved and heard, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus! AMEN!

The First Nations Mandate – Pray!

The First Nations Mandate: Holy Ghost Mandate: If you get aggressively in the heart of God, seeking His face for revival, and for America, you are going to learn about Indians. Over the years, as I have sought His face for North America, I have discovered my answers lie in the host peoples of this […]

The First Nations Mandate:

sacred voice

Holy Ghost Mandate: If you get aggressively in the heart of God, seeking His face for revival, and for America, you are going to learn about Indians. Over the years, as I have sought His face for North America, I have discovered my answers lie in the host peoples of this land.

As I began to seek the will of the Lord for keys to unlock His power and glory to the United States, I began to get a burden to pray for the host peoples of this land. Many of you know my testimony, of the dramatic encounter with the Holy Spirit that occurred in Canada, in 1995 at an event entitled ‘Sacred Assembly’ hosted by Canadian senator Elijah Harper, where God met me, and made me into a molten puddle of tears, for 2-1/2 hours at the back of the room.

Elijah

From that moment to this, I have loved First Nations peoples .

In Richard Twiss book, ‘One Church, Many Tribes’, (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_11?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=richard+twiss&sprefix=Richard+Twi%2Caps%2C167)  there is an account of another man of God hearing the heart of God for the North American Indian mandate. I am convinced that if you really want to see America saved, see Jesus become Lord of the United States, you will find yourself in First Nations ministries, for IT IS THE PRIMARY MANDATE OF THE FATHER FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Maybe I did not make this plain enough: The Number One priority of Father God, Creator of Heaven and earth, for the United States of America, is His workings among the North American Indian tribes: It is the hour of His visitation and mandate.

I had two recent experiences that were very dramatic, in prayer.

The first, was at a Tulsa City Wide all night prayer watch, headed up by Dexter Sullivan. In this meeting, I experienced a great burden for the 39 Indian tribes of Oklahoma. During the prayer meeting, a microphone was opened to the participants, that we might share what the Lord was directing us to pray. I felt God was dispatching angels to minister to the tribes, and to raise them up to their place in Him, in honor and authority, before His throne. At the same time, a woman on the worship team collapsed in the Holy Spirit. Later in the meeting, she testified, that when I had given the word, dispatching angels to the 39 tribes of Oklahoma, she had a vision. She saw warriors, adorning themselves with war paint and regalia, as Indian warrior braves were known to do, before battle in the ancient days of their power and glory in this land. The Lord caused her to know that these warriors were real angelic hosts, actually dispatched at that time, to fight in the realm of the Spirit for the call and destiny before God, of the 39 Indian tribes of Oklahoma.

angels

The Second, was as I was introduced to defilements upon the land, and how these defilements, gave legal right, to actual demonic spirits to operating in the realm of the Spirit, across this land we call the United States of America. More about this later…

Gibeonites and broken covenants

Read Joshua 9,10, and 1 Sam 21.

God Made a Covenant with the Gibeonites through Israel:

In Joshua chapter 9, we read the story of Joshua and the Gibeonites. You know it, how Joshua had been given the land, and was to destroy and annihilate every person living there. The Gibeonites knew they would die in battle, so to preserve their lives, they deceived Joshua, and appeared before him with moldy bread, and worn out sandals and wineskins.

Josh 9:14  And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.

What God might have counseled Joshua and Israel at this time, is only conjecture. They did not seek God on what their relationship with the host peoples of the land should be, and we will never know what God would have instructed them to do here.

15 ¶  And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.

15 Joshua made peace with them. He made a treaty with them to protect their lives. The leaders of the community made a solemn pledge to them

15 So Joshua made peace with them by making a treaty which allowed them to live. The leaders of the congregation swore to it with an oath

v16  And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbours, and that they dwelt among them.

Joshua and the leaders of Israel entered into covenant with the Gibeonites, and God honored it!

no lie

When their deception was discovered, Joshua made them slaves, (or at least laborers, the Scripture calls them hewers of wood, and drawers of water) but did not kill them, for they had come under the protection of God’s covenant with Israel.

This was the TREATY between the Gibeonites and Israel.

In Joshua Chapter 10, we see the strength of this covenant or treaty:

Gibeon was a great city, but because she entered into covenant with Joshua and the children of Israel, she had problems with her neighbors.

Josh 10:4  Come up unto me, and help me, that we may smite Gibeon: for it hath made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.

5  Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their hosts, and encamped before Gibeon, and made war against it.

6  And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us.

7 ¶  So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour.

8  And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee.

Notice here that God honored the treaty, and sent Joshua to defend Gibeon.

9  Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal all night.

10  And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.

11  And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.

Who sent the hailstones? ‘that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah,’

12  Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.

13  And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.

So the Gibeonites, came not only into covenant with Joshua, and under the military protection of the nation of Israel, but also under the protection of God, for God Himself fought at Gibeon, sending hailstones, and causing the sun to stand still in her protection, that enemies be destroyed.

God honors treaties and covenants!

Some have described the conquest of the North American Indian, as ‘manifest destiny’, that the season of their rule upon the land had ended: God had given the land to the white European settlers. “Indians are savages, pagans, worshipping idols and false gods they say, just like the Philistines and enemies of God in the Old Testament, they are to be annihilated.” was the speech and teaching of the day. Churches preached this devilish doctrine, citing Old Testament passages, of the Israelites marching into their promised land and destroying and annihilating the pagan inhabitants there, as the will of God for America. The Calvary was under divine mandate to march against the Indians, and to totally destroy them, for God had given the land to the American empire.

This is where we hear President’s and US Calvary generals making statements like: ‘The only good Indian, is a dead Indian.’ (http://www.onjinjinkta.com/NP/Discrimination/systematic-genocide.html)

scalps

History records posters, offering a $350 reward, for Indian scalps…

scalps bounty

Was this manifest destiny, as some have taught, or demonic genocide of an honorable people, who in many cases knew God, and who had prepared for generations for the coming gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ?

As I study the history, traditions, culture, and worship of the host peoples of America, I am convinced that it was genocide, an abomination in the sight of God, a complete and total violation of the gospel message and the kingdom of God.

Matt 28:18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

God is love! The very word gospel means: GOOD NEWS!

Mark 16:15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

19 ¶  So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

20  And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

gospel

Lu 10:27  Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

1Co 9:22  To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

I do not see settlers and pilgrims coming to Indian tribes in general, in love, honor and respect, and performing the acts of Jesus, healing the sick, raising the dead, teaching all things He commanded.

Learning the traditions of the tribes, or doing as all good missionaries should: become one with the tribe, to discover the ways they lived, spoke, worshipped, the ways God already visited with them, then using these Holy Spirit visitations as entry points for the gospel, and the Word of God.

Some say, that God cannot speak to humanity until after they are born again, but

God spoke to Adam after he had fallen, and His cry is the same today: “Adam, where are you?”

Acts 2:17  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh…

God is still the Creator, and is well able to speak to His creation!

Jesus came to seek and save the lost, not slaughter them….

Nope, pretty black and white what really happened.

Denominational ministers came in certain cases, and when any tribe did not comply immediately to their version of the gospel, they called the Calvary to come and slaughter anyone who did not immediately listen to them.

Okay Chris, you are an Indian lover, but really, I wasn’t there when all this happened, and neither were you, so why are you bringing this mess up again?

Remember our friends the Gibeonites?

They show up in the Bible again, and what happened to them directly applies to the plight of America, today.

God Withheld His Blessings over the Nation of Israel, because of their treatment of the Gibeonites.

2 Sam 21:1 ¶  Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.

Seems genocide is nothing new….

2  And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)

So we see another religious zealot slaughtering innocent people….

3  Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?

Notice here, that God was on the side of the Gibeonites here, and David knew it, and needed their blessing.

In the United States today, we are seeing the hand of God removed as America has yet to fully right her wrongs in her treatment of her host peoples. God is not judging America, we are simply reaping what we have sown.

Even so, I believe, there is authority, given by God to the host peoples of America, to forgive and bless… Let’s read on:

4  And the Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel. And he said, What ye shall say, that will I do for you.

Justice was needed. Money would not fix it, and the Gibeonites had no authority to execute those who committed the atrocities…but David did…

gods side

5  And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel,

6  Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give them.

Notice here that it took blood to atone for blood, for justice to be served here. Now, to my knowledge of these historical events, there is no account given of what part Saul’s son’s played in the genocide committed against the Gibeonites, perhaps they themselves rode in the armies that commanded the killings….

7  But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD’S oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.

8  But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite:

9  And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell all seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, in the beginning of barley harvest.

10 ¶  And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night.

11  And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.

12  And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabeshgilead, which had stolen them from the street of Bethshan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa:

13  And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged.

14  And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was intreated for the land.

Let’s encapsulate the story and see how it applies to us today:

  1. There was a famine, drought in the land, that had lasted for three years.
  2. David cried out to God, to ask Him why?
  3. God spoke to David about the Gibeonites, a people supposedly under the protection of Israel.
  4. David discovers that Saul had gone into their villages and slaughtered their people, and GOD WAS UPHOLDING THEIR CAUSE.
  5. David asks what needed to be done, and no money could atone for the innocent blood of their families slain, blood was required.
  6. They required seven descendants of Saul to be killed, that the judgment of God against the nation might be lifted.
  7. David ordered it done.
  8. God was then entreated (heard and answered prayer) for the land. He healed their land.

Great story Chris, but what does this have to do with America?

Well, since 1492, when Columbus supposedly discovered America, white men were eventually ‘discovered’ upon Indian lands. From that day until this, there has been a trail of blood across this continent. Some was shed in battle, in the war of conquest, but much was shed through treachery, clearly genocide of great peoples, who had neither the weaponry to defend themselves, nor in most cases, the desire to war against these foreigners to their soils.

Historians also record multitudes died in what is known as ‘the great plagues’ that often exterminated entire tribes in a years time, that did not have the immune systems to fight these diseases. Yet, if you understand the very nature of sickness as a demonically inspired result of the fall of mankind, as one man of God stated: ‘Sickness is the foul offspring of mother sin and father satan’ then you see the death of the great indian races such a horrible tragedy in light of the gospel, for the gospel is supposed to be preached with a demonstration of the love and power of God in healing the sick, and demonstration of God’s miracles. Yet I digress…

The US Government, formed and wrote treaties with the host peoples of this land, for in almost every case, each tribe had either received the first American government, in peace, or in cases of war, terms of peace were carefully written by treaties.

These treaties were taken carefully before God, and GOD HIMSELF BORE WITNESS TO THEM, AND UPHELD THEM. In the courts of heaven, these treaties are eternal covenants written, and upheld by God between the United States government, and the host peoples of this land.

Even the language of the treaties was clear to both parties: “Each tribe or band shall have the right to posses, occupy, and use the reserve allotted to it, as long as grass shall grow and water run, and the reserves shall be their own property like their horses and cattle.”

Article 5 of the Treaty with the Comanches and Other Tribes and Bands, 12 August 1861

As in the case of the Gibeonites, where the US government has broken her part, God is now bearing witness to the treachery and genocide that occurred to First Nations peoples in the US, and this root, is what is causing much ugly fruit in US politics presently.

Let’s look at a couple of thoughts on how God views innocent bloodshed.

2Ki 24:4  And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon.

Ps 106:38  And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.

Joel 3:19  Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.

De 19:10  That innocent blood be not shed in thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and so blood be upon thee.

Each tribe, has it’s own particular ‘trail of tears’ in their conquest by the US government. Please read ‘Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee’ by Dee Brown, to learn of some of these.

Truthfully, every treaty, ever written between any Indian tribe, and the US government, was systematically broken by the US government, and any Indian that rose up to discuss it, or who picked up arms to defend his land or family, was killed, without discussion, or anything remotely representing a legal trial. Even our great President Abraham Lincoln depicted above is no hero in native American history, just ask the Lakota Sioux about the Dakota 38, the largest public hanging in US history, of 38 natives accused of war crimes for defending their lands. There was no trial, simply capture of supposed killers, and a public hanging…

So much for freedom, liberty, and justice for all….

The Uneducated Savage?

It was said, ‘the uneducated savage’, could not understand the white man’s ways…

Though English, and white man’s law was new to the Indian, civilization was not. Five tribes had formed the Iroquois confederacy, in the year 1050, and governed this land we call America, according to ‘The Great Law of Peace’, until almost 1800. This ‘Great Law of peace” was passed down through the generations recorded on Wampum belts, carefully given to each generation, as the governing documents or constitution of the confederacy. This constitution was recited, and explained to the framers of the US Constitution (http://www.ratical.org/many_worlds/6Nations/) and is clearly the main line of thought that allowed the creation of our US Constitution.

iroquois founding fathers

During the Albany congress of July 1754, Benjamin Franklin said of the Iroquois confederacy: “It would be a strange thing.. if six nations of ignorant savages should be capable of forming such a union, and yet it has subsisted for ages and appears indissolvable, and yet like a union should be impractical for 10 or a dozen English colonies.”

The contribution of this was finally recognized by congress in 1988: https://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/hconres331.pdf

Yet, the long awaited gospel, came to the First Nations peoples, and in most cases, was received in love, respect, and great honor.

Please read of George Washington, the man that bullets could not kill:

http://www.christiscreator.com/GeorgeWashington.htm

Washington’s Commendation to the Delaware Indian Chiefs

While encamped on the banks of a river, Washington was approached by the Delaware Indian chiefs who desired that their youth be trained in American schools. Washington commended the chiefs for their decision, saying:

“You do well to wish to learn our arts and our ways of life and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are. Congress will do everything they can to assist you in this wise intention.” [4]

george-washington-indian
Yet, though the heart of God was sure, from Columbus til now, to bring the good news of His Son Jesus to the host peoples of the United States, in general, greed, and lust for land and gold has corrupted the dealings of the US government with each and every tribe they interacted with.,

To understand more of God’s plan for America from it’s inception, please read: The Light and the Glory, by Peter Marshall and David Manuel, where it is clear, that God Himself has been speaking to Christopher Columbus for many years before he sailed about His plan for this nation we call the United States of America. In his journal entries, we clearly hear the heart of God for the host peoples of the land, that Columbus bring to them the gospel of Jesus Christ and teach them Christian ways. It is also clear from his entries, that he saw the great riches of this new land, and was corrupted by greed and lust for power, and committed many, many atrocities here, setting a precedent for conquistadors to follow…

Yet, we are talking about the United States government treatment of host peoples, not just Columbus.

The Cherokee Trail of Tears:

One of the most famous cases, of US government treachery, is what resulted in what is now known as the Cherokee ‘Trail of Tears’.

As you know, we have three branches of government here in the US, Executive, Judicial, and Legislative.

These three branches of government, or divisions of powers, were given to the framers of our constitution, directly from the Bible:

Isaiah 33: (NKJV)

22 (For the Lord is our Judge,

The Lord is our Lawgiver,

The Lord is our King;

He will save us);

In the case of the Cherokee, they had written a treaty with the US government in 1785.

Just like the Gibeonites, they had submitted to the government of the United States, AND the United States government had recognized that submission, and granted them a treaty, clearly delineating the lands and rights of the Cherokee in the eyes of the US.

Yet, a new nation was being formed, and a new state wanted their land…

By the 1820’s, Cherokee lands were invaded by citizens of Georgia, and the new found state of Georgia imposed its jurisdiction upon Cherokee lands and inhabitants.

The Cherokees tried many legal remedies to enforce their treaty rights, and in fact won their case against the state of Georgia, in the US Supreme court in 1832.

They now had judicial authority to protect their lands, but not enough military might to do so.

They appealed to the office of the President, to send military to protect and defend them, from Georgia trespassers upon their lands.

President Andrew Jackson, refused to do so. his chilling words: ‘They may have a supreme court decision, now let’s see them enforce it!’

Now the plight of the Cherokee remained in the vote of Congress, and to Congress their case went, holding it in session, for a full five days.

During this time, many impassioned speeches were made, but I quote only one:

Sacred Fire

council fire

Before the removal of the Cherokees (The trail of tears) there was heated debate in Congress. Senator Edward Everett of Massachusetts fought against the removal of the Cherokees, holding the house in session for two whole days, speaking on Cherokee affairs, sometimes with effective irony, On Feb 21st, 1831 he said:

‘Here, at the center of the nation, beneath the portals of the Capitol, let us solemnly auspicate the new era of violated promises, and tarnished faith. Let us kindle a grand council fire, not of treaties made and ratified, but of treaties annulled and broken. Let us send to our archives for the worthless parchments, and burn them in the face of day. There will be some yearnings of humanity as we perform this solemn act. They were negotiated for valuable considerations; we keep the considerations, and break the bond. One gave peace to our afflicted frontier, another protected our infant settlements; nearly all were at our earnest request. Many were negotiated under the instructions of Washington, of Adams, and of Jefferson-the fathers of our liberty. They are gone, and will not witness the spectacle; but our present Chief magistrate, as he lays them, one by one, on the fire, will see his own name subscribed to a goodly number of them. Sir, they ought to be destroyed as a warning to the Indians to make them no more compacts with us.’

John Ridge (Cherokee) and one of his colleagues sat in the gallery of the House and were deeply moved by Everett’s sonorous words reverberating through the chamber. ‘I happened to be a spectator of this debate,’ wrote the correspondent for The New York Observer. On the second day, towards the close of the long speech, he found it hard to “shield his heart” against the “subduing power” of Everett’s words. “Two of the Cherokees stood immediately behind me and over me. In the midst of Mr. Everett’s peroration, I thought I heard something like a drop of rain fall upon…my cloak, near my ear. I looked up, and the head of one of these Cherokees had fallen upon his hand, and he was endeavoring to conceal his tears.”

Excerpt from the book – The Cherokee Tragedy, – Thurmans Wilkins, p 220,221

Despite the just cause of the Cherokee, Congress voted as to whether or not the Cherokee were to be removed from, or protected on their homelands, and the vote went to the state of Georgia, by one vote.

So, we now had two branches of government, directly opposing one, and the result was a compromise of integrity of this nation, that still affects us today.

A Treaty had been made, and then broken by political treachery.

History records that the Cherokee were forcibly removed from their lands, and placed upon the ‘trail of tears’ where it is estimated that over 4000 Cherokees died. They were removed to supposed ‘Indian territory’ here in the state of Oklahoma, where they still reside today.

The great tragedy of the Cherokee, sets historic precedent on the dealings of the US government with North American Indian tribes. Between the years 1860-1890, each Indian tribe was betrayed in some fashion or another, and warriors who rose up to defend their families and lands were slaughtered, those that peacefully submitted were forcibly removed from their homes and lands, and placed upon reservations. Each tribe has its own particular ‘trail of tears’, as solemn oaths and covenants were systematically broken by the Federal government, and any disputes were not handled by rule of law as promised, but at the end of a gun barrel. Any Indian that dared challenge the Calvary, or arbitrary dealings of a treacherous government or Indian agent, was shot without trial, and in many cases, this still goes on today….

And God heard, saw, and watched it all….

Cain’s blood

Gen 4:8 ¶  And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

9 ¶  And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?

10  And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.

11  And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand;

12  When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

In this case, we see the first murder recorded in Scripture. Cain killed Abel, and God judged him for it, and this unjust bloodshed had a voice that God hears: ‘the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.’

Secondly, there were spiritual repercussions from this murder in the earth itself:

11  And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand;

12  When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength;

Notice, here, the earth itself is defiled by unjust bloodshed, and refuses to yield her produce…

 Martyrs before the throne

Rev 6:9 ¶  And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

10  And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

As we study the history of the North American Indian, we discover many tribes had received Christ enmasse, and entered into Christian worship.

Yet, treacherous people, devoid of truth, or fear of the Lord, had them slaughtered.

One night as I was praying, I saw the throne of God, and heard a deep cry, from the throne of God:

‘How long until you avenge our blood?’

Suddenly, Holy Spirit opened my eyes to see before the throne, a great cloud of martyrs, and they were North American Indians!

In an instant, God caused me to know that these had kept their side of the treaty, the covenant between the US government and their tribe, but had been treacherously murdered for their lands…And they loved Jesus, and knew Him! They bear eternal witness to truth before the throne of God still….These are the voices of the ancestors, that still live before the throne of God…

That over the generations, millions of innocent, Christian, native Americans have been slaughtered, and though their spirits have left their bodies, they live, and stand before the throne of God, still crying out for justice in the earth.

In America today, that justice is being worked out…

Time does not heal wounds, only truth, the cross and blood of Jesus can do that.

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

God is speaking to His church to fix this mess!

Today, Heaven is speaking loudly on behalf of the its host peoples, and I pray we have ears to hear, and eyes to see what our Father is doing at this time in the earth!

God speaks

What does all this look like spiritually?

In the earth:

Innocent bloodshed brings a curse to the land, part of the groanings heard in

Romans 8:22  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

Many elders and native people, feel the distress of the land, and many know it is the unjust bloodshed of their ancestors still crying out!

 

Gen 4:9 ¶  And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?

10  And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.

11  And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand;

12  When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

We in the traditional church, love to quote:

2 Chron 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will HEAL THEIR LAND.

Yet, we do not know what this looks like practically.

Does the land itself feel the weight of sin and injustice?

Clearly, YES!

(For More discussion on this, read my article: Redeeming the Land: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/07/03/redeeming-the-land/)

The truth is, there are four main categories of sin listed in the Word of God, that will defile the land.

Winkie Pratney states in his book Healing the Land, “Famine, ecological devastation, war, and disease are four prophetic voices designed to get our attention when our moral madness is full. What we do not want to acknowledge will not be overlooked – that we cannot get away with living as if God does not exist or as if He has nothing to say to us.”

Scripture teaches us that there are at least four major categories of sin and defilement, the result of fallen stewardship and disobedience.

  1. Idolatry (Ex. 20:3-5; Jer. 3:6-10, 16:18; Rom. 1:24-25)
  2. Immorality and Fornication (Lev. 18:1-25, 19:29; Rom. 1:24-25; Ezek. 16:25-27; Gal. 5:16-26: Col. 3:5-10)
  3. Bloodshed (Num. 35:33; Is. 59:2-3, Ps 106:38, Pr 6:17, 2Kings 24:4) – Includes the shedding of innocent blood (abortion) and slaughter of suppressed people groups.
  4. Broken Covenants (Is. 24:5-6; 1 Sam. 18:3-4, 1 Sam 21:1-14)

broken

Remember in the beginning, I said that I had two powerful experiences in the Holy Spirit, that affected my life? Well the second came as I was listening to my audio Bible, and I heard this verse:

Jas 4:3  Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss,

So we pray, and seek the Lord, and ask Him for mercy, to forgive our sins, and the sin of our nation, to heal our land, but are we asking accurately?

Jas 4:3  Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

How many people are willing to pray accurate prayers for the sake of truth, justice, and the manifest glory of God?

Or, do we simply pray, as my friend Billy Joe Daugherty once aptly quoted: ‘Just throw one up there” hoping we might hit something?

Try putting a pump action shotgun to your shoulder, and aim at nothing, and start blasting off rounds into the air. Sure you make a lot noise, and feel the recoil through your whole body, but did you hit anything? No!

Now, set a target out 100 yards, and find yourself a 30/30 deer rifle with a scope, correctly sighted in. Allow for windage, sight in, let out half a breath, remember to squeeze off your shot (not pull the trigger), and bam! Bulls Eye, every time!

Our prayer life is exactly like that. When we pray, we release power from heaven in the earth, to destroy evil and sin.

Yet, are we hitting the mark?

national prayer4

In the case of the groanings in the earth, I heard chief Anne Richardson state it this way:

“In a large measure our people can walk unto any piece of land and literally feel, and intuitively know what the land is feeling and saying, and intuitively know what caused it, and what must be done to heal it.”

Yet, we must read the preceding couple of verses in Romans 8 to understand this:

Rom 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Those of us who know Jesus, have been adopted into the family of God, sons and daughters of the most High God. We are the ones, according to these verses that must deliver creation from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty we have as children of God. God is raising up ‘land warriors’ across America, many of whom are host peoples, to actively, aggressively break curses and shatter demonic destructions over land regions, literally cleansing the lands upon which we walk.

OK, so we see the problem: broken covenants and innocent bloodshed defile the land, and cause God to withhold His blessings from our nation. Now, we need to look at what it takes to fix this, spiritually.

God calls men everywhere to repent!

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Broken Covenants – Now what?

The treaties have all been broken. Millions have been murdered in unjust bloodshed. The lands have been taken, either by conquest or treachery, and the white man now rules, by the law of piracy: dead men tell no tales…

Or do they? Before God, we never die, and clearly our ancestors still live.

Yes, we are all going to live forever, the question is where: Heaven or Hell? Justice will be served, either in this life or the next. We either do business with God now, or we will most surely upon the moment of our death for  Jesus is Lord of Heaven and of earth.

2Co 5:8  We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

So what must be done?

Well, some time ago, my wife and I experienced marital difficulties. Seemed we could not get along, and no matter what she did, I just wanted out of the relationship, I just wanted out! Seemed nothing I could do was good enough for her, so we went and met with a couple of pastors at the church where we attended.

As we got into the ‘He said, she said’ painful dialogue, one of the pastors said boldly: ‘Stop it!, the way I see you two is that you have erected a wall about 20 feet high between you two, and all you are doing is throwing rocks over the wall at each other! What I want you to consider is this: I’m not saying that there are not serious problems in your marriage and in your home, but can you simply forgive each other, and come over to the same side of the wall, and look at it together? Fight the problems, not each other!”

The lights went on in me. My wife is not my enemy, and pain makes a lousy Lord. Unforgiveness, offense, and bitterness are like drinking poison, and hoping our enemy will die! We must forgive, Jesus commands it!

Mt 6:15  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

If we want forgiveness from God, we must forgive. Period.

In the case of broken covenants, and treaties, we must recognize past injustices and begin to attack the problems, not each other…

It is all about the cross of Jesus, the only place we discover true victory and justice in this life: ONLY THE BLOOD OF JESUS CAN FORGIVE SIN AND REMOVE CURSES.

Remember our friends the Gibeonites?

Only the blood of Saul’s sons could provide the justice and atonement needed to heal the land. Likewise, only the cross and blood of Jesus can forgive and remove judgments from this nation.

The message of the cross, must be mixed with faith, in a very living, and active God in this: For the sinner, or oppressor in a historic, or temporal setting, they must see the truth of God’s holiness, and fear Him enough to ask forgiveness, and let those they are oppressing go free. This takes faith, when much money is being generated from their labor and oppression. They must believe the 1. What they are doing is wrong AND 2. That God is love, and well able to supply and provide for them more than they give up monetarily through their oppression. This has been done with words, by the US government…https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/07/07/us-government-apology-to-natives/, yet whether they will take responsibility for their deeds is another question..

talk

Like wise, for the oppressed. When their cries reach heaven, and God moves in power to deliver them from the hands of their oppressors, they must forgive their enemies, but with understanding that when they obey God and forgive their enemies, that He, the Creator of Heaven and earth, is well able to create, provide, and bless them, far greater, than what was stolen and robbed from them.  My friend Quincy AfraidofLightning is right, grace is the gospel, Grace being the power of God made available to any person, anyway, that will look to Jesus, to receive His power, love, and creativity, wisdom, restoration, to literally recreate a new and beautiful way for anyone, anywhere that will believe.

Remember the Gibeonites?

They were mentioned again in Scripture, after God had judged Israel for breaking His covenant with Him. God called everyone together to renew the covenant. Seems idolatry and sin against God is nothing new.

Let’s look at it:

Deut 29:10 Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God; your captains of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, with all the men of Israel, 11 your little ones, your wives, and thy stranger that is in thy camp, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water: 12 that thou shouldest enter into covenant with the Lord thy God, and into his oath, which the Lord thy God maketh with thee this day: 13 that he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. 14 Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath; 15 but with him that standeth here with us this day before the Lord our God, and also with him that is not here with us this day: 1

Notice in this passage that God the Creator, Himself, came down to renew the covenant and He clearly recognized and included the Gibeonites. Today, God has no grandchildren, only children, and He gives no race, language or skin color preferential treatment before His throne. We have all sinned, gone our own way, and can only come to Him humbly, seeking mercy and forgiveness, through the blood of Jesus.

Isaiah 53:All we like sheep have gone astray;

We have turned, every one, to his own way;

And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all

Native American

In the case of the Indian, we cannot remain bitter, hating all white men. Just as all Indians are not perfect, neither are all white men. Forgive, and you go free…Look to our Creator for justice, and let Him deal with the government! He will supply, bless, and move on your behalf, He cannot lie!

At his time in US History, God is again visiting His people and renewing His covenant through Jesus shed blood. There is a major difference between the account of the Gibeonites, and what God is doing presently. In this historic account, the Gibeonites were in covenant with God, only through Israel. Now, He has now second class citizens, only royal children adopted into His family, through Jesus shed blood. Seeing ourselves as he sees us, and moving in His power and authority.. Here are a couple of articles I wrote on this:

Who we are:

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/02/06/in-him-we-live-and-move-and-have-our-being/

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/02/10/seeing-ourselves-as-god-sees-us/

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/02/11/youre-who-affects-your-do-until-we-are-through/

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Ephesians 1:5 [Full Chapter]

having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will..
to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Yet Forgive in faith recognizing that when we come to our Creator in faith, giving Him our broken Hearts, dreams and promises HE AGGRESSIVELY GETS INVOLVED TO RECREATE A BETTER FUTURE FOR US AND OUR PEOPLE!

Refuse to remain bitter or oppressed.

Learn your language, honor your elders, help your tribe heal.

Get educated, and become a force for good in this nation that cannot be stopped, because God is with you!

Warriors

warriors

There is a call to war being issued to you and your people from heaven. In certain cases this will be walked out in military service, but the ultimate call is to hear the voice of our Father in Heaven, and to do like Jesus does, in taking the battle to the real enemy, the demonic spirits that influence and control the minds and souls of men. Please read this and determine to rise up and fight for your people and this nation. When Jesus closest friend, John the Baptist was beheaded, He took the fight to the demonic spirits that caused his death, not in earthly military action.

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/12/12/the-warrior-heart-of-god/integration

White Man

Wake up! America is in great peril! Repent! Learn, and understand the foolishness of our historic Indian policy, and begin to pray, fervently, for God to open your eyes to the plight, culture, and condition of the red man. Truthfully, how many prayer meetings have you ever attended, that even mentioned Indians, or Indian issues? This will not go away, time will not heal it, prayer, true repentance, and the blood of Jesus will.

cross1

If you love America, fess up where we have messed up, and educate yourself to the culture, rich tribal history and traditions of whatever host peoples are around you.

Ask Holy Spirit for ways to reconcile…to be involved in restitution wherever possible.matthew Henry

Educate yourself and get involved with reconciliation, restitution and healing and understanding, wherever possible.

With the Navajo, the Lord directed us to donate 100 peach trees to the tribe as a peace offering for what happened when the Calvary burned their beloved peach orchards under Kit Carson in canyon des Chelley in 1864, and made over 8000 people walk over 800 miles through the snow, in what is now called ‘the long walk of the Navajo’. Over 4000 died on this journey.

Warriors heal warriors. While this was being planned, combat veterans asked to get involved, claiming this is not the freedom, liberty, and justice for all that I fought to defend. One man said, ‘all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, warriors heal warriors’ He then asked for forgiveness for what the military did to their people. He and a marine then presented a medal received in operation Desert Storm, and a Marine Corps K-bar(combat knife) as honor gifts to the tribe, and we worked to plant a garden of reconciliation together. https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/04/26/navajo-ministry-report/

On July 11th, 2014 we had a flag-raising ceremony with Navajo president Ben Shelley:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5pO_8gzR6s. This was part of the Gathering of Tribal Nations where I understand 57 indian tribes were in attendance.

Here is the story of how and why the cedar stage and amphitheatre was donated and constructed in Window Rock, AZ, across from the Sports Complex.

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/07/03/the-legend-of-the-cedars/

The strength of America is its commitment to truth and honor…Freedom has never been free, but where we mess up, we correct ourselves and heal. This is what honor does, this is the heart of America.

Ii heard a man on the radio say this: The wisdom of the ages is simply this: find out what God is doing in this generation and then partner with Him to get it done.

There are many great people here, we can fix this…

The Land

Most First Nations leaders intimately understand the land…

Please read: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/07/03/redeeming-the-land/

The Blessing

blessing

The Blessing of Abraham is still working!

Ge 32:12  And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.

Deut 1:11  (The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you!)

Hosea1:10  Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.

In these verses, we see the promise God made to Abraham, manifesting down the corridor of time…Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Hosea echos the same promise, being fulfilled through the seed of Abraham, Israel, the Jewish people.

Yet Jesus came, born of a Jewish lineage, fulfillment of the seed of Abraham, the promised Messiah. He fulfilled the prophecies, and He died upon the cross, as Isaiah said he would suffer. Yet, He rose from the dead! He’s alive! He ascended into heaven, where He sits at the right hand of Elohim, God our Father.

And so we are commanded to believe, to become adopted into the family of God, sons of the living God…

Ga 3:7  Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

Ga 3:8  And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Ga 3:9  So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

No longer is the covenant only to the Jew, but God, in His infinite mercy, has opened it to us Gentiles too! We can now worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, only through the shed blood of Yeshua! Jesus has made a way, for He is the way, the truth and the life!

Ga 3:14  That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Ga 3:16  Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

Ga 3:18  For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

Ga 3:29  And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

It is by faith that we are saved, not by works. If you believe in Jesus as your Lord, Savior, and redeemer, you shall be saved, and the blessing of Abraham is working in your life.

We are blessed, and called of heaven to establish His blessing in the earth: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/03/12/recreating-eden/

Take Away!

This discussion is not yet complete until we take something away from it!

The Word of God is alive, and so are you and I.

The Question is: What are we to do with what we just learned?

Here are some thoughts:

  1. Begin to seek the heart of our Father, for His heart with respect to the host peoples of this land.
  2. Add the names of the Indian tribes in your area, to your daily prayer list.
  3. Begin to include Indians in corporate prayer.
  4. Ask Holy Spirit for what He would have you to do to heal your land.
  5. Study, treaties, covenants, history, of the host peoples in your area.
  6. Go, and learn from them, and ask to pray with them.
  7. Guard your heart against bitterness, offense, and deliberately take the pain of what you are discovering to the heart of the Father in prayer.
  8. Pray for the bureau of Indian affairs.
  9. Pray for the tribal councils, chiefs, and elders in your area.
  10. Organize events of reconciliation based upon what you have learned.
  11. Always tell the story of Jesus, He is still the answer, and only His power and wisdom can fix this…
  12. Tell others what you are learning, educate the next generation….

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/02/06/and-the-young-white-ones-will-come/

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/01/14/reading-the-bible-with-red-mans-eyes/

For prayer, comments, or to donate online:

Email: chris.aomministries@gmail.com

paypal

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!

In Tune with our Father’s Heart….

The Heart of Faith! Ps 145: 15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. 16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. Simple verse, keeps us focused. Every day, whether circumstances are stress free and it is our season of […]

In Tune with our Father's Heart....

The Heart of Faith!

Ps 145: 15 The eyes of all look to you,

and you give them their food at the proper time.

16 You open your hand

and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

Simple verse, keeps us focused. Every day, whether circumstances are stress free and it is our season of great prosperity of blessing, OR, we are in the trial of our life, trying to fully transition into our new season and place of perfect provision and blessing, our eyes must remain fixed upon Jesus, Yeshua, master and captain of our souls!

Jesus only did the will of our heavenly Father, and as He is, so should we be in this earth.

Let’s Pray:

“Father, again today, I seek to do Your perfect will, as You again do for me, what I cannot do for myself. Cause me to hear, see, and do, exactly what you need done, today, for my heart and eyes are fixed upon You. I love You Lord Jesus, thank You for again hearing, and answering…Amen!”

Fresh Sin – Must meet fresh fire from the alter

fresh sin

There must be a fresh revelation of the fear of the Lord in the earth. People have lost the actual fear of sin, therefore they think there are no consequences for it. It pays, always, in death! Death to relationships, businesses, families, churches, and nations. You either kill it, or it will kill you. Bring back the cross!

Sin costs

1 Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Seems, the message inside of me, is becoming louder: Repent!

Truth seems to fall on the streets, people have lost their fear of the Lord. It is like I must cut through scar tissue to reveal the horrible infection within that is killing people.

Yet, I must preach truth, no matter how unpopular, Loving God is HATING Sin!

preach the word

Yes, Jesus really does love us, but He Hates sin. We must kill it, or it will surely kill us.

Ever wonder why your prayers are not getting answered like they used to?

Ever wonder why the Lord does not show up intimately like He used to in your prayer, praise and worship times?

Consider this verse:

Psalm 66:18

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

It’s like the old story about cooking the live frog. If you get the water boiling hot and throw him in, he jumps out. So, you put him in, and turn up the heat slowly. He gets comfortable, and viola! The water boils, and you have cooked yourself a frog.

cook a live frog

Exactly how deceptive sin becomes. Satan brings it subtly, gently turning up the heat in our lives, until we make that one fatal error, and our lives are cut short by tragedy, sickness, or calamity. Started off with small, almost insignificant compromises in the business of life, we compromise on purity of thought, our personal walk of holiness – the little white lie, the rationalization, the extra look at a seductive image on the internet, the extra movie or time in front of the television, the weekends in recreation instead of church, and the water be getting hotter around it, and we become comfortable with compromise;

vile

JUMP FROGGY!

It is called repentance!

Pray all night if you must. Get yourself away someplace and take a bath in the Word of God, listening to audio Bible for however many hours and days it takes to get cleansed, renewed, washed by the water of the word.

God does see our lives, all of them, and one day, the scariest words ever spoken by Jesus are:

iniquity

Never on here, have I posted such a strong Word, yet I believe I have heard the heart of God to do so.

Yes, we in the last days. Perhaps this word finds you already far down the slippery slope of moral compromise, almost completely numb to the intensity of these truths.

There really is a straight and narrow way we might follow Jesus in.

There is a specific plan, purpose and design for your life, full of love, life, grace, and good things, but sin will destroy everything joyful, honorable, and holy in it!

Let’s pray:

‘Father, Creator of Heaven and earth, forgive me. Lord Jesus, wash me in Your precious blood. Holy Spirit, fill me, wash me, empower me to again hunger and thirst for righteousness. Open again to me Your Word, and make it alive to every dead area of my heart and weariness of my soul. I ask this, knowing I am heard and answered, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, AMEN.

#‎FollowJesus‬ ‪#‎FearGod

If you are able to help us get the Word of God out: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/10/02/october-newsletter-aomministries-chris-and-karen-walsh/‬

The Responsibility of Discipleship

The Responsibility of Discipleship

disciple

Some time ago, I attended the leadership portion of Word Explosion here at Victory in Tulsa, OK.

A pastor that I had never heard of, who reported pastors a church of 15,000+ somewhere in the Eastern United States brought a word about the seasons of God in the church, and he was very articulate and relevant, in bringing out the various things Holy Spirit was accenting, decade by decade here in churches  in the United States.

From the Healing movement, to the Charismatic renewal, to teaching and the Word of Faith, to leadership, etc.

Then he made a couple of statements that confirmed things that Holy Spirit is screaming to me.

He explained that the day of a person simply accepting Jesus, receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and attending church, is not enough in this upcoming season of God, but that what must occur is discipleship.

He went on to say, that to the average pastor, you would look for someone saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, attending regular worship services, attending a small group, and then serving somewhere in the ministry as good indicators of what a disciple should look like, and I agree these are good indicators, but here is where he and I take a different path to the same objective.

I believe a true disciple of Jesus, is a person that is fully led of the Holy Spirit, all day, every day.

Historically, there has been grave excesses in what is called ‘the discipleship, or Shepherding movement’

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepherding_Movement

Yet, what about true discipleship?

Jesus said: Matthew 28:19

Go out and make disciples in all the nations.

YOUR Great Commission - Embracing YOUR Destiny!

I think back on my own discipleship experience with my pastor, where, for a period of 5-7 years, he had me read every book in his library, develop a strong devotional life and Bible reading plan, and had me serve in every area of the church for 3-6months.

Was that the end of my spiritual growth?

Was I fully prepared for ministry by this process?

No, but it was a great foundation.

And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
faith believe sunrise

So let’s dig into this concept of discipleship a bit:

Let’s begin by looking at the definition of a disciple:

Full Definition of DISCIPLE

1

:  one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: as

a :  one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ’s followers according to the Gospel accounts

b :  a convinced adherent of a school or individual

2

capitalized :  a member of the Disciples of Christ founded in the United States in 1809 that holds the Bible alone to be the rule of faith and practice, usually baptizes by immersion, and has a congregational polity

 

For the sake of simplicity, I call a disciple ‘a disciplined one’.

For example, when I swam on the college varsity swim team, I was expected to make 7 swim practices a week, and we usually did 2 weight work-outs on top of this. In order to stay on the team, I had to be a full time student and maintain a ‘C’ average academically.

swim

What this meant, was that literally every minute of my week, seven days/week was scheduled, so that we could survive not only the training schedule, but the weekends spent on buses travelling to inter-varsity swim meets all over the province.

I was a disciple of competitive swimming and robotics engineering, listening carefully to my Olympic coach on how to make all this possible.

Obviously I survived and completed three varsity seasons, and completed my BSc in robotics, by being a disciplined one…

I was a disciple of robotics and swimming. No Jesus anywhere though.

Yet, we are called to follow Jesus…

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/01/11/your-great-commission-embracing-your-destiny/

So what does a disciple of Jesus look like in today’s world?

Here are some thoughts:

  1. Aggressively following Jesus, having established a morning prayer watch, deliberately seeking Him first thing, every day.
  2. Walking in the Word in deliberate Bible reading, confession, memorization, study, and meditation.
  3. Consistently demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit, with signs, wonders and miracles flowing in everyday life, in spirit-led days. Flowing in God all day, every day, not merely on Sundays, or in devotional times. Walking with Holy Spirit, one day at a time, fully submitted to Jesus Lordship.
  4. Consistently exhibiting the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our character, carefully watching over our words, that they be faith-filled, representing Jesus well, as an ambassador should.
  5. Consistently witnessing and sharing the gospel.(Here is a way to do this on-line:https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/10/the-gospel-the-power-of-god/)
  6. Consistently growing their families in the call of God, through their example, love, consecration, and recognition and fulfillment of their responsibility in their role in the home
  7. Consistently attending church, and seeking to serve and build it, growing in faithfulness and responsibility.  https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/why-go-to-church/
  8. Living a lifestyle of worship, singing, praying in the spirit, with an attitude of humility and gratefulness, demonstrating the acts of compassion the gospel commands: helping the poor, feeding the hungry, visiting the prisoner, the sick, clothing the naked, empowering the fatherless..
  9. Consistently seeking to grow in their gift and calling, spiritually, academically, and physically.
  10.  Consistently seeking to grow others in their gifts and callings, empowering, equipping, and encouraging them to hear and fully obey God in all things.
  11.    Consistently giving and growing financially, learning how best to keep money under the Lordship of Jesus as a good steward.
  12.    Deliberately seeking and pursuing our personal mandate, vocation, and assignment, individually, growing in responsibility levels, on purpose.

Jesus had 12 disciples.

These are simply 12 guidelines I seek to live by.

Yet, as I have meditated upon the concept of discipleship, I discover questions that have difficult answers.

I remember many years ago, an organization called Promise Keepers, encouraged us to find a Paul, and Barnabas, and a Timothy in our lives. The ‘Paul’ being a spiritual leader we could look to for leadership, mentorship, and instruction. The ‘Barnabas’ being a ‘son of encouragement’, another brother in the Lord we could look to for encouragement in the day to day battles of life, and the ‘Timothy’ being one we could pour life and wisdom into, one we were deliberately discipling.

This is a good start surely.

As we grow in our Christian walk, we surely need a pastor who can gently help us learn the basics of this Christian life and character development.

Through our growth process, God will bring the other 4 ministry offices to add strength and structure to the formation of Christ in us, the hope of glory.

Yet, as I have walked with God these years I see many of these ministers see the kingdom of God only through their particular ministry gift, and for humor I write:

The pastor:

GO TO CHURCH! Is it not written: Ps 122: I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.”

Hebrews 10:25

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Planted in the house of the Lord, They will flourish in the courts of our God

They are right! We all need to be part of a local church, https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/why-go-to-church/

The apostle:

Then we have the apostle, often called the missionary today, whose favorite verse might be

Romans 15:20

And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation

Kind like the old Star Trek television series, ‘To Go Boldly Where No Man Has Gone Before”

star trek

1 Corinthians 4:9

For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.

Since the greatest in the kingdom is the servant of all, the true apostles I have met over the years are often gentle, suffering, humble servants of Jesus, who almost glow when they walk, carrying great spiritual authority and power….

We call them missionaries….

The Prophet:

Then there are prophets:

Wild creatures!

Dreams, Visions, revelations, ‘This is the Way Walk Ye in It!’ people.

A couple of verses from the office of the prophet, you often hear, when they show up:

Numbers 11:29

Then Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!”

Acts 2:17

‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams

1 Corinthians 14:1

[ Prophecy and Tongues ] Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy

It has been my experience that true prophets stir up controversy by what they say, apostles by what they do

Evangelists:

Repent, and get saved!

If you are not winning souls, I question your salvation!

These are the great soul winners, those called to train and equip believers for the work of winning the lost.

Biblically, they usually demonstrate great miracles to draw the crowds to the gospel.

Acts 8:6

And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did

A perfect modern day example of a firely evangelist is Rhinhart Bonnke, or now Danial King.

The Teacher:

Then there are the teachers

2 Timothy 2:15

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon  precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

There have been great studies in the life of Jesus, showing how He is the ultimate apostle, pastor, prophet, evangelist and teacher, but what is the purpose of all of these gifts?

Here is a passage of Scripture I continually come back to:

Eph 4But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says:

“When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.”[b]

(Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first[c] descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

grow

So we are given men and women of God, from God, to grow us in the things of God, that we can be delivered from the trickery of men, that we can take our place in the Body of Christ, our particular spot, gift, place and calling, that the whole Body of Christ might grow as we edify each other in love.

Been thinking about some what a disciple might look like in 2015, and I see questions, not full answers before me.

Since Jesus only ministered on the earth to His 12 disciples for 3-1/2 years before appointing them leaders in His kingdom in the earth, as His representatives, can we as leaders raise up people to send, in a similar three and a half year time period?

Yes, He promised that we would perform greater works than His, yet He lived with His disciples 24/7 for His entire earthly ministry.

time greatest gift

How many of us are willing to embrace twelve people, and lovingly live with, teach, train, equip, and work with for 3-1/2 years until they are raised up in their particular ministries?

As I thought about the church structures in place across the earth, I see churches that place pastoral staff on salaries, but then how are the other four ministry gifts supposed to ethically receive financial support?

Do they simply attend a strong local church, and then perform their particular ministries outside of it’s four walls?

Evangelists raising up evangelistic centers that receive donations from the Body of Christ to finance their living support, and to host the crusades and conferences that train and equip us in the work of evangelism.

Prophets, who host conferences, and produce books and teaching materials to train and equip us in the prophetic…

Missionaries who solicit support to GO and perform missionary assignments, and to raise their families on the missions field.

Teachers, who receive salaries for teaching in the various educational institutes where they are called.

Somehow all this must flow through the local church, and how I have seen cat fights over money!

Should never be. All of us should tithe where the Lord directs, and I honestly believe if the Holy Spirit is fully in charge of the finances of His people, there will be no lack in God’s work being fully supported…

I was speaking about this today with Richard Lyons, who pastors the church we are helping pioneer.

I asked him: ‘Richard, here, in 2015, what does a true disciple of Jesus look like?’

He replied:

John 13:34

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

John 13:35

By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

So we see the fruit of a true disciple of Jesus, is true love exhibited in the earth, unconditional love shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit!

love one another

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

[ Disciples’ Relation to Each Other ] “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.

jesus_loves_you_the_path_to_heaven

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

wealth greater love

This I command you, that you love one another
God is love
and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears muchfruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

love stronger1
My Father is glorified by this, that you bear muchfruit, and so prove to be My disciples

So, as we deliberately seek to receive the love of Jesus, we find ourselves thrust out into this war-torn, sin-sick, broken world, with one great weapon, His love beating in our hearts.

This is the mark of a true disciple, loving people, with no strings attached, simply because He first loved us.

Love Loud Today Leader!

Love Loud0

All the evangelism, miracles, works of the ministry mean nothing without love…and love never fails!

Neither will you or I, as we deliberately love…

1 Timothy 1:5

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

Come on disciple, let’s pray:

Father, I come to You today, knowing my needs! I need Your love, Your direction, Your strength and power to serve You in this, my generation. Flow through me to love loud today, those You have placed in my path today. I ask this, knowing I am loved and heard, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus! AMEN!

A Critical Spirit

A Critical Spirit

Tim Hawkins, the comedian, makes the joke that, if you go to a church where others do not judge you, you’re really in a bar, not a church. So many women will not set foot in a church b/c they are sure that they will be judged (criticized). Some women are even called to ministry but would rather hide in the woods than take their place b/c of other women judging.

dont look

Frankly, it is just a work of the flesh, a critical spirit. Trust me, I know. How many have criticized me just from my pic–I am really overweight at the moment. I think also women do judge b/c they haven’t realized that their criticisms of other women need to meet the cross.

victory-in-the-cross

Not too long ago I was standing in the lobby at church and a lady came to me and said hi and immediately looked at my kids and started evaluating them in their appearance and behavior. She made the conclusion at the end that I was an ‘OK’ mom. She shook my hand and walked away. I just wondered if she did that thinking I was judged by her.

You see, I usually don’t say very much. I often think that I am being judged b/c of my weight and appearance. So, perhaps she thought I was judging and decided to follow suit. Now, actually, I wasn’t thinking anything. However, many women THINK you are thinking something (?)–don’t try to figure it out.

judge

A critical spirit can be an underlying current among people. It is a work of the flesh and the devil hooks up with it pretty readily. It can get darker and darker. I can see why people would shun it. It is a root in racism and its mother is pride.

The solution really is not complicated. It is called the cross. When we take it to the cross and ask God to cleanse it, according to 1 John 1:9, the Blood of Jesus will do what it was given to do. It is the power to remove it. (And clean up the mess it made)

1 John 1:9 (KJV)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness

Now you can take care of it in your own life. Just decide that you won’t sow it, nor will you reap it. You can determine to love in the face of it before you ‘face’ it. Confessing it as sin that you don’t want in your life is the first step. Now to ask God to help you to love in spite of it coming at you.

overcome1

You distance yourself spiritually first; then, if needed, you separate physically. We can just decide we are not going to participate with that spirit. Don’t worry, God will take care of you and will give you relationships that are precious b/c He puts you with others who do not criticize.

You learn to choose your words.

You can go to church and enjoy it, even if you are a pastor’s wife or a pastor yourself. Cant worry what people think. Not your responsibility. When you see someone, try to think of something positive about them, even if you don’t like the way they dress, etc.

Karen

Chris: Here is something God is working on me for:

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
I am determined to grow in the love of Jesus, to love like Jesus. No small task…
How do I treat people clearly doing wrong?
Well, I have to set clear boundaries to protect my family, and that may involve distancing me from certain people, for a time yet just because I’m not wise enough to help them, does not mean God has given up on them. He knows them, knows why they are the way they are, and He has infinite resources to help, so I pray:
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Philippians 1:6 [Full Chapter]

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:
So, this is what I pray:
‘Father, help me to grow in Jesus love. For these people that are mistreating me, work in them, to will and to do of your good pleasure. I choose to believe that You who created this person in Your image, have begun a good work in them, and that You are holy, and faithful to hear and answer my prayer for them, to complete the good work you began in them, til the day of Jesus Christ. I ask this, knowing I am heard and answered, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen’

began

For prayer, comments, or to donate online:

Email: chris.aomministries@gmail.com

paypal

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!

AOMMinistries – Ask of Me and I will give the nations – January Newsletter

Trusting you all had a wonderful HOLY day season and New Year!

Traditionally, we all set goals at New Years – wrote a couple articles on this:

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/12/17/teach-us-to-number-our-days/

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/12/22/the-timing-of-miracles/

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/12/29/leadership-the-fate-of-the-world-depends-upon-it-3/

goals

I guess we all look back on 2014, learn from our victories, or tragedies, and discover that Jesus was faithful through it all. Yet, though we grow year by year, in wisdom and grace, yesterday’s obedience is no substitute for today’s faith – His name is I AM, and NOW faith is!

Over the month of January, I am encouraging people to do a 21 day fast of something, with the purpose of taking more time to seek God, personally. Here are my thoughts on fasting in faith – God loves us, and does not need His children on a hunger strike!

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/01/03/a-call-to-fast-and-pray/

I have determined to always be a voice for Jesus, not an echo, and that takes time, in prayer. My regular daily prayer time includes 3-5 hours of praying in the Holy Spirit, and much of that time is spent praying for you and your family, faithfully.

Acts 6:4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

This has become no small challenge, as our original (I thought) one week stay with good friends, has now extended to six weeks. Amazing grace with 10 people in a small house, that includes 6 children! Jesus make a way for the Walsh’s!

We all have our part to play in the kingdom of God, and we are the Body of Christ. Each of us remain connected by the bonds of love.

I have much in my heart for 2015, but until I have finished praying it out, and can articulate it clearly, I will not share yet, starting to feel like Smith Wigglesworth: ‘I’m 1000 times bigger on the inside, than what you see outwardly!”

Deliberately seek Jesus for His highest and best in 2015 – NO COMPROMISE!

For prayer, comments, or to donate online:

paypal

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.

living

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!

eye

AOMMinistries December Newsletter – Psalm 2:8 Ask of Me, and I will give the Nations!

December Newsletter;

Trusting everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is preparing for CHRISTmas!

Jesus reason

Hebrews 11:8

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went

 

As many of you know, we are in wonderful transition, having moved from our home of eight years, going we know not where. Our furniture and appliances are currently in storage, and we have believed God for a four bed/two bath home, so that the line-up for the facilities is not as long in the morning, and so that we can host missionary friends coming though our region, as He leads.

We have left our home, and fully expect God’s next step to be glorious!

I am encouraged by these words of Jesus found in Mark 10: 28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,

30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life

As far as the ministry is concerned, it is my heart to build the internet presence through Social Media, to one million people following our blog each day. Here is where we are at presently:

 

WordPress – 162 following total 6880 views, Comments – Prayer requests 416

Twitter:ChrisWalsh5 195 following, following 729

Google+ :chris.aomministries: 170 Friends, 4 Family, 4249 Aquaintances, following 88 people

Facebook: Chris Karen Walsh 3464 Friends

Tumblr: Chris.Aomministries 53

Reddit: AOMMinistries2014 sharing daily with 90,363

Pinterest: 128 Followers, Following 110

Linked In: 388 followers

Totals following: 8818

Total Broadcast to: 99,181 daily, not counting shares etc.

Response: Over 4000 contacts, prayer requests, etc.

WOG grew

 

I have some ideas on how to both broaden and deepen this outreach, and am aggressively working on them daily.

As you know, the book I co-authored with Siv Adoks of Nigeria has published on both Amazon, createspace, and Kindle. Check it out: http://www.amazon.com/Worship-Just-Song-Christopher-Walsh/dp/1502875519/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417728157&sr=8-1&keywords=worship+not+just+a+song

If somehow, you have not met Jesus, please read this, and invite Him into your life:https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/10/the-gospel-the-power-of-god/

If you have not yet received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in other tongues, please read:https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/is-speaking-in-other-tongues-of-god/

Yet, seems that life and life more abundantly costs money. My friend Bill still comes around every month, and He needs to be paid.

For prayer, comments, or to donate online:

Email: chris.aomministries@gmail.com

donate

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 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!

If you need to meet Jesus as your great physician and healer, please read this, and listen to the audio recordings: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/10/30/be-healed-jesus-wants-you-strong/

We love you and pray for you and your family daily!

Hear God – Even if you are in trouble!

Revelation brings persecution!

possible not easy

Heb 10: 32  But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

Mr 4:17  And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.

2Co 12:7  And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

When you honestly hear God, Satan will oppose you. The very direction, illumination, and revelation you have been seeking God for, when granted, brings Satan on the scene.

Why?

Containment.

If he can’t take the Word from you, he will try and shake it from you, and he does this to stop the work of God in the earth.  You cannot judge what you hear from God by your circumstances, or the voices of other people, but must judge what you hear by the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God.

Jesus said: Joh 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

faith John 16-33

The apostles knew this, and taught it to the early church, clearly:

Ac 14:22  Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

You will have victory in this life, when you believe God, and walk out what He is telling you, but it is not always a walk of ease. There can be intense hardship, affliction, and persecution for following Jesus, to try to get you off of your heavenly mandate and vision.

1Jo 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

faith stand

Your belief will see you through, and you will become stronger than your trial, as you obey God.

1Co 15:57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

If you are in a trial of your faith now, know that you are not alone. All of us that have stepped out in faith have experienced challenges, sometimes very, very severely. Yet, God did not bring the trial, He loves us, and is a good God. He will give you overwhelming, supernatural power and grace to not only go through it, but to explode out the other side in total victory, not just a winner, a conquerer, but more than a conquerer in Him. Keep on walking friend, you are not alone warrior, history making and nation shaking is our duty and responsibility, let’s walk through it in JOY!

33  Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

Had a group of businessmen that I had led to the Lord buy me a plaque, that read, ‘He is no fool, that gives up what he cannot keep, to gain that which he can never lose!”

It is a statement made by a missionary named Jim Elliot, who was killed for trying to share the gospel with an unreached Indian tribe in South America.

In the eyes of the world, we may look like fools, laughingstocks to people who have no understanding of who we are and what we do. Yet our testimony is making headlines in heaven! What we are doing has eternal weight and consequence!

34  For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

These Christians loved Paul, their minister, when everyone else wanted him imprisoned or killed. It cost them their stuff, the joyful spoiling of their goods, yet they saw their lives through heavens eyes.

35  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

The word Confidence here, is the same word translated in other verses as Boldness. Live boldly for Jesus, and do not back down on what He has told you.

36  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

37  For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Who is He? Jesus! King of kings, Lord of Lords, king of glory! When He shows up on the scene, you trial ends, with His power and glory displayed!

faith king

38  Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

What we believe keeps us alive! No matter what the circumstances are screaming, believe, and continue walking forward! You are putting a smile on God’s face as you do, and with all the heartache and evil in the world, that alone should be enough to encourage you. He has been good to us, let’s give Him pleasure!

39  But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

You are going to make it! Jesus is with you, and I am praying for you! You are not alone, but have heaven on it’s feet, the great cloud of witnesses, cheering you on! Don’t let up, shut up, nor put up with compromise! WHATEVER HE SAYS, DO IT!

faith voice

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
Jesus knows, He sees, He feels, and He understands!
He loves you! Even if you feel you cannot see Him:
faith believe sunrise

Is 63:9  In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

Heb 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Jesus knows! Jesus cares! He knows what you are going through, and these verses declare that He is in it with you! He will never leave you nor forsake you, and has given you Holy Spirit and angels to get you through.

Ro 8:26  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

When you have come to the end of yourself, pray in the Holy Spirit. He will help you, strengthen you, comfort, encourage, direct, and reveal to you what needs to be done. Jesus loves you, and so do I, you are not alone….

Is 64:1 ¶  Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence,

2  As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!

3  When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.

4  For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

This is the cry of my heart these days. I was in a meeting once, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, at a conference in the revival there, at Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship. Worship had been deep and rich, and there was an incredible presence of God in the air, as the man of God came to the pulpit to preach. Then, it happened: God moved. The minister was knocked to the floor, and like a wave, so were the 5000 people present in the meeting. We laid on the floor, some under chairs, for over an hour, the only sound being the occasional deep sobbing and weeping of God’s people as He ministered. There was a tremendous fear of the Lord in the place. God showed up, not in some Holy Ghost giftings, and goose bumps, but in His power, majesty and glory, and no man could stand to minister, nor speak for that matter.

This is my cry for the church here in the United States, and for America. That God show up, and reveal again His power, majesty, holiness, and glory, to this generation. For this I am pressing in, the hope of the nations, the only hope for this nation….Jesus is Lord!

Yet, even after the manifest presence and glory of God is revealed, we must still walk by faith:

Hebrews 11:6 [Full Chapter]

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Matthew 13:21

yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended

Rev dim light

Seems that in the glory of God, God speaks clearly. When He does, He expects us to believe what He says, to the exclusion of every other voice and circumstance. His passion is to be believed and trusted…this is a way we can put a smile on His face!

When we actually believe that He has not only spoken to us, but that despite the often incredibly contrary circumstances, He, Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth is both willing and able to bring to pass exactly what He said He would….

This, and distractions are the main reasons the works of Jesus do not fully happen in the earth…

He is developing us, for eternal rank and privilege, and this life becomes a training ground for this process, as we learn to live and walk by faith!

Romans 8:29 (King James)

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

He loves us! Holy Spirit will both bring to our remembrance things He has already told us to do, and will show us things to come…

Yet, His name is ‘I AM’, the one who will never leave nor forsake us, and NOW, faith is.

He has opened doors for you and I:

John 10:3

To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out

13 A temptation has not seized you except what is common-to-humanity. And God is faithful, Who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but also with the temptation will make the way-out, that you may be able to endure

 

Even now, as we seek Him in His Word, He speaks, He leads, He reveals, and He guides…

 

Acts 22:14

And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth

 

voice

 

Hebrews 3:7

Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,

 

Hebrews 4:7

again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

 

 

Revelation 21:3

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

 

We are called to bring Heaven to earth, by His Word and our obedience to His Spirit.

 

There are always people on the other side of our obedience, people who are good works for us, prepared from before the foundation of the world, for His glory.

 

Yesterdays tragedies, failures, or victories are but memories and instruction points: we learn from them, but today is the day of salvation, and NOW faith is what is required.

 

Today is a great day to obey God, a great day for your miracle, a great day to work miracles in the lives of those He has called you to serve!

 

Let’s Pray:

 

‘Father, Today, I would obey You! Today, I release my faith in You for direction, breakthroughs, wisdom, the hearing afresh and anew, Your voice. I expect You to use me and flow through me today to promote Your kingdom and Your glory, for I come before Your throne, knowing I am loved, heard, and answered, for I have come in Your mighty and matchless name Lord Jesus, Amen!’

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

OR

Bluebird Account#: 315150058661505

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 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!