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A Prayer For Our NationPosted: 2011-07-12 00:29:32 by: Betty L. Makris Poetry is a wonderful gift of God! I appreciate what Betty says below in her poem entitled, “A Prayer For Our Nation.” You can read more of Betty’s poetry and other Christian poets at christianpoetry.org
A Prayer For Our Nation © BY:Betty L. Makris
Time for a HEART check...Posted: 2011-06-26 15:24:56 by: Sybil Nelson Over the past days I’ve been thinking about verses 7-11 in Psalm 95: (New King James):
..Today, if you will hear His voice: “Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, As in the day of trial in the wilderness, When your fathers tested Me; They tried Me, though they saw My work. For forty years I was grieved with that generation, And said, “It is a people who go astray in their hearts, And they do not know My ways.' So I swore in My wrath, “They shall not enter My rest.’”
Matthew Henry has insightful thoughts about the verses in the “Matthew Henry Concise Commentary:” “Christ calls upon his people to hear his voice. You call him Master, or Lord; then be his willing, obedient people. Hear the voice of his doctrine, of his law, and in both, of his Spirit: hear and heed; hear and yield. Christ's voice must be heard to-day. This day of opportunity will not last always; improve it while it is called to-day. Hearing the voice of Christ is the same with believing. Hardness of heart is at the bottom of all distrust of the Lord. The sins of others ought to be warnings to us not to tread in their steps. The murmurings of Israel were written for our admonition. God is not subject to such passions as we are; but he is very angry at sin and sinners. That certainly is evil, which deserves such a recompense; and his threatenings are as sure as his promises. Let us be aware of the evils of our hearts, which lead us to wander from the Lord. There is a rest ordained for believers, the rest of everlasting refreshment, begun in this life, and perfected in the life to come. This is the rest which God calls his rest.”
In Biblical times, God’s own people, the Israelites, had hardness of heart towards God. Today, God is speaking to all of us, saying, “Check your hearts—make sure you are not becoming hardened towards Me and My Ways.” Let us be a person, a people, a world, whose hearts are tender towards God. Below are some general thoughts on how to keep our hearts tender towards God:
Strengthen relationships with Christians:
We must turn away from evil and make decisions that honor God in our families, our neighborhoods, cities, states, country, and the world!
Why is a "church" meeting of Utmost Importance to the Lord? What Kind of Meeting is the Lord Desiring?Posted: 2011-04-13 10:34:42 by: David Nelson Why is a "church" Meeting of Utmost Importance to the Lord?
What Kind of Meeting is the Lord Desiring? by David Nelson 4-13-11 The Lord wants to do something new in the Church and yet it has always been what He has wanted. Just as Moses saw in heaven what God wanted on earth (the Tabernacle, the Temple), and as David and other prophetic people saw from heaven what God wanted in the Tabernacle of David, so too today God is showing people what He wants for His Church. Of course, He is the final architect and builder but He is showing the blue-print and the truths to people who are seeking Him. They will know what it should be and what it will look like as it comes into being. The following is a glimpse of the meetings God is looking to create.
The Lord can speak to you as you pray and fellowship with Him privately in your own room. Or He can reveal Himself to you in a vision or in a dream. But His higher goal is for you to share what you hear from Him with others. Sometimes He may say to you, "Don't share this with anyone till I tell you." But most often He shows us things to share with others. The Scriptural plan for how to do this and, I might say, the most practical and logical way to do this is to have believers gather at a meeting. This is God's way, this is the Bible way, to get the most from the Lord. Of course, we will never know until we get there what the Lord may do at a meeting totally open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. He may speak through everyone there in unique and powerful ways. Every person could even be used multiple times and the Lord can say everything He wants to us and show us everything He wants us to know at this time. If you miss the meeting God cannot use you (because you're not there) and you will miss what the Lord spoke through every one who did come. Let's get together and prepare our hearts to hear and see all the Lord has for us!
Also, when God brings people together as He has always wanted Biblically (Old Testament, New Testament, Jesus, the apostle Paul, the church meeting), God is able to shine in His multi-faceted glory in many ways as He is free to do through whomever, whatever He wants. And He will amaze us as to what He will do through the least of the brethren and even through you. If one person is good, it is not so much that 10 people are ten times better but perhaps a 1,000 times better. Remember one can put a 1,000 to flight but two can put 10,000 to flight. It is for God's glory that we gather.
(The following section has been gleaned from the book Azusa Street by Frank Bartleman but also describes what God is desiring for today)
Now, what kind of meeting is the Lord looking for? What kind of meeting can He be over and do everything He wants to do? Let's imagine some things and see what strikes you as to what the Lord would like. What if there was a place where there were meetings day and night, every day, 7 days a week, and 24 hours a day. That seems pretty radical but just imagine a place like that. The doors were always open. When you came to this place you didn't come to see man perform but you expected to meet with God and that He was going to reveal Himself to you if you came. Let's say whoever came to this place to hear from God that it didn't matter if there was a "leader" or a "preacher" there, God was going to reveal Himself through whoever came. No matter when you came the meeting was always being run by the Holy Spirit. The meetings moved along unguided by human hands. There was a Holy fear of God at this place and you could feel the fire of God burning there. Sometimes a burden would come upon you there that was almost unbearable. Sometimes Jesus' presence was so strong and so real you could not move and you could not look. Sometimes what you saw and heard made you speechless and even took your breath away. Every day the Holy Spirit was with you when you went to work or when you had to leave the meetings so that you could hardly talk about normal things. Earthly fellowship seemed so empty and it was a torment to you. Then when you were able to come back to the meetings within 2 or 3 blocks of the meeting place the conviction of the Holy Spirit would fall upon you. A divine love began to permeate your life more and more so that everyone you saw at the meetings or in your regular life you were touched in your heart with more love towards them than you ever had before. It was as though you were living in a sea of pure, divine love now. At these meetings, whenever you could come, nothing contrary to the pure Spirit was there, the Lord reigned there. The POWERFUL crucifixion of JesusPosted: 2011-04-08 18:23:08 by: Sybil Nelson The Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 27, recounts many POWERFUL events that surrounded the crucifixion of Jesus: Verse 45 states, "Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour (Noon to 3 pm) there was darkness over all the land." Verses 51-53 state, "Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked; and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. Verse 54 states, "So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!" Tear Down the WallsPosted: 2011-04-08 09:27:25 by: David Stansell (with comments by David Nelson This is a short vision but I believe very accurate. After you have read this vision I (David Nelson) will make some concluding comments.
"TEAR DOWN the WALLS" - A Vision
Now begins some comments that I (David Nelson) would like to add. What the Lord is doing now in His Church and what He is revealing is that He does not want any mixture of man-made and God-made ideas in His Church. The Lord wants more purity. And He wants His truth. There is corruption in the foundation, in the wood, in the bricks of the “church” we see, and it is all coming down. It says in Ezekiel chapter 13 that the “spiritual leaders” (prophets) over God’s people have spoken their ideas (lies) stating that what they say is from God but they are man’s ideas. They have built a wall and put the bricks together with untempered mortar (mortar that will break apart causing all the bricks to fall when the Lord’s winds, rains, floods, and hailstones come). Prophecy, says the Lord, to the “spiritual leaders” of the present, so called “church,” “This wall will fall.” (Ezek. 13:11) When the “church wall” falls surely people will say, “Where now are the teachings (the wall has fallen) and where are those who taught these things?” (Ezek. 13:12 and 15)
It says in Ezek. 13:14 that even some of the foundation teachings of “the church” will be seen for what they are, not acceptable to the Lord. Of course, there is some truth in “the church” but the Lord does not want His truth mixed with false teachings any more because of what He is now doing in His Bride. All spots and wrinkles will be dealt with. There is a righteous remnant that exists now. They do not feel they are better than others but they just want “what saith the Lord” and they have ears to hear only “what saith the Lord.” This remnant is sad about what is going on in the “church,” they don’t feel it is going right or teaching all that is right. The “spiritual leaders” seem to be saying everything is OK, and are saying to people who are not even close to the Lord, your OK, your saved. (Ezek. 13:10 and 22) (You do not need to READ MORE, this is the whole writing)
If God isn't done with you...Posted: 2011-04-03 22:18:45 by: David Nelson
Here is what I wrote a brother after he sent me the photos and captions below.
Hey my brother, this is such a powerful set of pictures. I just wrote someone that even if they don't feel they are being used very much the Lord has a very excellent plan for us and will not fail to fulfill His purposes in us. (the person I wrote I know has been used and will be used for God's excellent plans as He restores His church to what He wants it to be). I too feel He will use you and me, He has put good longings in our heart and He is showing us good things that will help many. Thanks so much for these good encouraging pictures. I have heard somewhere a picture is worth a thousand words and that seems true here. It's like the Lord is saying, I love you, I have good things ahead for you, don't be afraid when terrible things seem to be happening all around you. I am with you! Thanks again my brotrher for this good encouragement. Look forward to talking to you again soon. Your brother in Christ, David (Please see pictures below and read the captions, thanks)
Subject: FW: If God isn't done with you.
An Invitation to All for an Iowa Revival GatheringPosted: 2011-02-24 09:13:11 by: David Nelson An Invitation to All for an Iowa Revival Gathering Saturday, March 26th, 2011, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., 4300 Ingersoll, Des Moines, Iowa 50312 Lunch and supper meals will be provided by Prophetic Ministry Iowa, please click info@propheticministryiowa to confirm which meal(s) you will be attending by March 19th. Parking is available on either side of Ingersoll Ave. (You do not need to READ MORE, this is the entire writing) A Clarion Call to GatherPosted: 2011-02-16 20:26:35 by: Clay Sikes A Clarion Call to Gather by Clay Sikes with comments by David Nelson
I read two articles recently, both written in January of 2011, and I’d like to share my thoughts with you. Actually I feel this is a call from the Lord to us. As to how we are to do what is written below, the Lord must show us. First I’d like to call out to all who live in Iowa and who are willing to travel 75 miles (or so), please consider how we could gather in Iowa. After you read the following two articles, think about it and ask the Lord what He wants. I am willing to get together with people in Iowa if we can decide on a place where people may only have to drive 75 miles or so one way. I believe the Lord wants His people to get together. If you live in other places please consider how and when and where to get together with others of like heart in the Lord. I will be free to travel more extensively to other places outside Iowa in September of 2011. After you read these writings tell me what the Lord lays on your heart. The 1st writing is entitled A Clarion Call to Gather by Clay Sikes (Hinesville, Georgia). I have edited, paraphrased and added my own thoughts from time to time below, so if you want read the articles purely as they were written in their entirety go to the web site www.lighthouseprophecy.org. I do not know all that brother Sikes stands for theologically but I liked this word he gave. Here is the 1st article: We are looking for “God called” gatherings and connections with God’s people. If you have a “nose” for this “word” sniff it out, go through the swamp or go through the brush, go wherever God leads you and find out what He wants. The whole creation is groaning for the manifestation of the sons of God. (Rom. 8:19) We are yearning as never before to see His Kingdom upon earth as it is in heaven. (I (Dave Nelson) do not necessarily agree with all Kingdom teachings today and I do not know what brother Sikes believes in this area either). There will be a new power and authority released into the earth as the Body connects to the parts that it is called to be “connected to.” The Army of God is now beginning to make strategy for VICTORY, the primary focus of the strategy involves unifying the Body (bringing people together more) and joining the parts that are “called” to be JOINED. We must work to properly discern and join the Body properly. We are not to join with each other just for the sake of joining but rather a fitting of the parts that are CALLED to be joined. (Another way to say this is, who does God want to meet each other and who does He want to get to know each other? Because these connections with others will have real meaning in the days, months and even in the next few years to come. These people that God wants our hearts to connect with are not just to be for one weekend or just for a little time together but we may be working side by side for some of God’s important works in the future). We must now allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to those who will have a part in ushering in our calling, purpose and destiny. It is critical to understand that this joining and gathering will not be done by man—man will only serve as a point of contact. The Spirit of God will deal with hearts with strong direction “to gather.” Spirit appointed gatherings have already begun on the earth. (We should ask brother Sikes where have these been? And when did they occur? I at least am interested in this). Discernment will distinguish between what is a “good conference” and the real thing (the thing God is wanting to do)! The real thing may not look or sound like what our preconceived notions think it may. Hirelings will fall aside as true sons emerge as God’s appointed leaders in the earth (the sons are all of us, each one will have critically needed giftings from the Lord. There should be no distinction between who is called a “leader” and the “least of the brethren.” All have their specific gifts and all are crucially needed. No one is above another). This is the year of “Solemn Assembly” as the Clarion Call has been sounded. As the proper joinings are starting to materialize, more and more our Commander in chief will instruct us from His Oval Office. Is your desire to gather increasing? Are you longing to meet other remnant forerunners of like spirit?
The 2nd writing is entitled Kingdom Relational Gatherings and is written by Ron McGatlin. (I do not know brother McGatlin’s theological beliefs but his article seemed good to me, or at least it is something important we should consider). I believe that God wants some larger gathering between individuals and between small groups to get to know each other. At this point the fullness of what God desires for these (larger) gatherings has not been given to me. But these meetings will begin to bring all the spiritual gifts and assets of each person and group into "ligament" type connections causing the strength of the co-joined gathering to be greater than the sum of the strength of the individuals or small groups by themselves. The "Hidden Ones"Posted: 2011-02-14 17:22:41 by: David Nelson The “Hidden Ones” by David Nelson 2-8-11
I read this phrase the other day from another author (Andrew Strom) and thought it would be good to write about these who are called the “hidden ones.” I have heard a lot of encouraging words about people in the Body of Christ who have not been fully revealed, fully used in their gifts as yet, or who remain “hidden” and yet are accomplishing or who will accomplish much for the Lord. Sometimes I wonder if these encouraging words are just “wishful thinking” (just what we want to hear) for those who are waiting to be used by the Lord or who have not been used to their fullest potential? Nevertheless, here is my encouraging word for the “hidden ones.” Consider for a moment people in the Bible like Noah, Enoch, Abraham, Jesus, and John the Baptist. As God looked at Noah he received grace from the Lord. (“Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord”) (Gen. 6:8,9) Noah walked with God, was righteous before the Lord, and was a preacher of righteousness. (Gen. 7:1 and II Pet. 2:5) Enoch while he lived on the earth had this testimony, he pleased God. (Heb. 11:5) It says in the Bible twice, Enoch walked with God (he walked with God for 300 years). (Gen. 5:22,24) And God took him, he did not die. It is recorded in the Bible on 8 separate occasions that the Lord spoke to Abraham and it is written exactly what God said. God made promises to Abraham about how He was going to multiply him greatly and make him the father of many nations. But Abraham only saw with his eyes one descendant, Isaac. Abraham went where God told him to go, Abraham believed all God’s promises, and he was going to offer Isaac as a sacrifice as he was instructed to do till the angel stopped him. Everything that God promised him and said to him he believed. According to Rom. 4:18, Abraham’s life and experiences were contrary to what he was hoping for and believing God for. (he hoped against hope) But Abraham did not weaken in his faith (when nothing was seen with his eyes), he did not look at his old body (already “dead”) or Sarah’s body (also “dead”). He did not waver in his faith large promises God had made to him but grew stronger in his faith and gave glory to God. Abraham was fully convinced that the things God had promised that He would perform. And Abraham’s faith was considered righteousness. Even for us today who believe God when nothing yet has been seen of our dreams (or His promises to us), God will bless us if we hold on to the vision He has given us in our heart. Has He spoken to you as to what He has planned for you? (see Rom. 4:18-24) Abraham lived to be 160 years old and all he ever saw was one descendant, Isaac. In Heb. 11:10-13 it says that Abraham waited to see the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob all died in faith not having received the promises but having seen them afar off, and they were assured of them, and embraced them, stating that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. They were seeking a homeland not yet attained, for they desired a better, that is, a heavenly country. And God is glad to be their God and He is preparing a city for them. Jesus and John the Baptist (born about the same time) were both hidden for 30 years. Then they began their 3 year ministries (John’s was a little shorter than 3 years). And that was the total ministry they were required to do. That was their calling. Noah preached and built an ark (and brought all the animals into the ark). Enoch pleased God and walked with God. Abraham believed everything God said to him seeing little in his lifetime. Jesus and John the Baptist had 3 years of ministry. So now, look at your life, your ministry, what God has called you to do. What do you see? What results do you see? Do you know for sure how many lives you have touched or changed? Do you know how many souls you may have helped to get saved? Do people flock to hear your teachings, sermons, or musical gifts? Are you invited places for people to receive from your spiritual gifts? Does anyone ever congratulate you for what you do for the Lord? Are you hungry and longing to be used more by the Lord and feel and hope that God will one day help you to break out of the “smaller things” you do and accomplish some “bigger things” for Him? You want to be used to your fullest potential for the Lord and do what you have always dreamed in your heart is your destiny (but it hasn’t quite happened yet). I think there are many out there who feel this way. Joseph was 17 when God gave him dreams about himself but spent the next 13 crazy years waiting for them to start to materialize. David wasn’t even considered by his own father to be a some-day potential king. David went through a lot of years of rejection, hiding, waiting before God allowed him to really be the king, even though many years before he had been anointed and had been told you will one day be the king of Israel. If you look at yourself and say, I think I am one of those “hidden ones,” be assured God has put a dream and a desire in your heart that will not go away. It is a desire and an ache in your heart to be all that you were destined to be. It may not all be unfolding according to your timetable but this is what God says to you and me, “For I know the many thoughts I think toward you and the plans I have for you, My thoughts are for you and not evil, plans of welfare to prosper you, not for calamity or to harm you, plans to give you hope and a good future (of My planning), and you will have a good, desired, and expected end result, and a good and final outcome (when you look back at all I will do with you).” (Jer. 29:11) “Watch and see what the Lord will say to you. Write down what I (the Lord) will show you. The vision is for an appointed time. You will see in the end it will be true. Though it tarries (seems slow) wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not be late.” (Habakkuk 2:1-3) If you are a “hidden one,” you are in good company. God has a dream, a vision, a prophetic word and a plan for you. Do whatever He shows you to do (like those we read about in the Bible), trust Him that Happy Valentine's Day-2011Posted: 2011-02-11 19:25:19 by: Sybil Nelson
Below are a few GREAT verses about God’s love and mercy: “We love Him because he first loved us.” I John 4:19 “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),” Ephesians 2:4-5
“And now abide faith, hope, and love, these three, but the greatest of these is love.” I Cor 13:13 |
