And He (Jesus) spoke a parable to them that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect,which cry day and night unto him (earnestly and continuously pray to Him) though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (Lk. 18: 1-8)
Prayer and Faith
In these scriptures, the Lord Jesus Christ interrelates the parable of the Widow with the timing of His coming to earth. He, interestingly, finishes His instructions with a question as denoted by the Question Mark. In written language, a Question Mark is used to illustrate a question or a request for an answer to something. At times, it also includes a statement. In this case, the statement to the question posed is found in the parable. In brief, Jesus was stating – telling – His disciples about the importance of strength and guidance received in prayer. He was disclosing the importance of imparted persistence, determination and resilience; key attributes that are direly needed before He returns.
For Now and Coming Days
Despite life’s losses and disappointments; despite the latter-day shaking including the injustices and persecutions Believers are and will increasingly confront, we are called to never give up but to always pray. And importantly, to always keep on keeping on with faith and belief. Though the Lord might appear to tarry in coming days, He will return and come exactly as disclosed by Him. You can count on His Word!
GOD hears the prayers of His elect and faithful people. Though the going might be rough and the answers tarry…..wait for it. Sometimes, valuable lessons are learned while waiting. I am reminded of the vintage Timex Watch commercial series. Known for its extreme durability despite rugged tests, its slogan was: “It takes a licking but it keeps on ticking.” Be a Timex!
Following a recent discussion, I felt moved to post the appended link. After prayerfully asking the Lord how to entitle this message, the following Word of Knowledge was spoken: Stone. (A title that is in itself a message.)
Prophet Isaiah
Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes shall not make haste.(will never be shaken) (Is. 28:15)
Apostle Peter 700+ Years Later
Coming to Him as toa living stone (Jesus Christ as a Rock: The Rock who guided Israel in the wilderness 1.Cor. 10:4) rejected indeed by men (Israel’s unbelief and rejection of Jesus Christ.) but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones(Faithful Believers) are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone (In relation to architecture, a cornerstone is traditionally the first stone laid for a structure with all other stones laid in reference.) elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”( Conditional on Israel’s recognition, acceptance and belief of Jesus Christ as the First and Last Messiah and His finished works of redemption.) Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected (unbelief) Has become the chief cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” (1 Peter 2:4-8)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Prov. 3:5-6)
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Today’s message is primarily directed at faithful Leaders who form part of the five fold ministry. On another level, it is also directed at Believers who have been entrusted with various responsibilities in the Body of Christ.
King David and the Census
After having defeated the Ammonites and the Syrians; even after having slain giants, King David did one thing that was very displeasing to GOD. He took a census – he numbered the people of Israel – which had not been ordered by HIM. Regardless of the many explanations and biblical commentaries that have been brought forth, the main reason GOD was displeased was because David had been disobedient. It caused a critical fracture in GOD’S plans for him. David’s disobedience (and I am hearing his Pride) opened cracks through which the enemy entered. It incited him to rely on his own efforts, his own human strength, his own strategies. And it cost him and the Israelites dearly. (1 Chr. 21:1-17)
King Jesus and the Census
During these latter days a great number, a great harvest, of souls will be coming in and with it tremendous responsibilities for those in leadership positions. I am moved to remind the faithful ones that whatever battle you might be confronting during this great time of harvest, GOD is on your side, is in front of you, behind you, in you and above you. HE sees and knows all the tactics of the enemy, all the details of the battle, what you can endure and where you can or cannot go. One day while battling something that was clearly out of my strength and control, the Lord spoke these relieving Words of Wisdom: “Trust Me”. The Lord had released me from the pressure and responsibility that was causing this Believer to become weary. It was a burden that was never mine to carry, regardless of apparent circumstances and the outcome.
In the natural, a census is something that is required by law. And because Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law, we are no longer under legalism. In light of this, the Church – regardless of what roles and offices members occupy – is called to not legalistically nor pridefully lean on its own self merits and efforts during these final days of the great harvest. Yes, it is certainly encouraged to be alert and do its part in battling the enemy who wants to steal, kill and destroy the final harvest. A harvest fit to be numbered only by King Jesus to populate the New Kingdom. But it is, first and foremost, called to acknowledge and trust the Lord in all its ways lest it consequentially steps outside its boundary of responsibilities. If we do our part, Christ the Lord will do His part. Trust Him. Biblical history bears witness to that fact, to that truth.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 6:23)
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Paul instructed that Jesus, the great I Am, who was the exact imprint of the FATHER, was also “the image of the invisible GOD” and that “In Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily. (Col. 1:15, Col. 2:9) Jesus, furthermore, instructed that there is no way to the FATHER but through Him. To know the Son, He said, was to know the FATHER. And that by seeing and knowing Him, the FATHER can also be seen and known. (Jn. 14:6-7) Clearly, there is no denying the Oneness between the Son and the FATHER. (Jn. 10:30) And to deny One is to deny the Other.
The Greatest Love of All
The Love between FATHER and Son is so unfathomable that we cannot, with human faculties, wrap our minds around this truth except through faith. Love is what moved the FATHER to send the Son to earth to overcome the works of the beguiling Serpent on our behalf. Jesus’ Love for His FATHER and for a fallen humanity is what moved Him to obediently go to the Cross of Redemption. And when considering this greatest Love of all, the mystery of what took place on the Cross on that predestined day is understood in greater light.
Temporary Separation
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin (!) that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Cor. 5:20-21)
Scriptures detail the unthinkable agony Jesus endured during His Crucifixion. And yet something took place that surpasses, if possible, even the deepest imaginations of Jesus’ physical suffering. It is a truth that has yet to be fully understood and is not well taught, if at all, in churches around the world. It can be said that for a temporary moment in time only, the perfect and most holy Lamb who knew no sin, experienced something unprecedented on the Cross.
When the darkness of sin and evil is understood in juxtaposition to GOD’S Light and holiness, a greater revelation of what happened on the Cross dawns on the human mind. And it is this. Darkness cannot coexist with Light as much as sin cannot co-exist with holiness. Scriptures teach that sin is death which is also separation from GOD who is LIFE. And despite Jesus being the exact imprint (I am hearing: Replica) of the FATHER, a temporary veil of separation between FATHER and Son had to have taken place in order to allow redemption to work in the human form. It’s not that the FATHER left HIS Beloved Son alone on the Cross; far from it, their unity and Love are inseparable. It’s that the visible Person of Jesus could no longer behold the invisible PERSON of the FATHER through the darkness of mankind’s sin that was in the process of being redeemed through Him. And with physical human pain, coupled with what could only have been agonizing and blinding separation from His FATHER, our precious Lord cried out: “Father, Father, Why Hath Thou Forsaken Me?”
Permanent Reconciliation
In whose case the god of this world has *blinded* the minds of the unbelieving so that they *might not see* the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, **who is the image of God.** (2 Cor. 4:4)
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Praise and rejoice in the Lord! On that fateful day, Jesus dethroned Satan and overturned sin on our behalf through the greatest transference of all by the shedding of His holy and LIFE-giving blood. (Lev. 17:11) Because mankind’s sin caused Jesus to endure temporary separation from His FATHER, His redeeming blood now reconciles exiled, outcast and repentant sinners into a state of unity with HIM. And because mankind’s sin caused the Lord to temporarily lose sight of His FATHER’S presence, His redeeming blood can now bring repentant and sightless sinners into GOD’S presence permanently – eternally. Sin and death had touched the life, the holiness of the Son’s blood and it was destroyed! And that is what Love did for us. Volumes could be written about the sanctifying, healing and redeeming benefits that can flow to mankind because of Jesus’ Crucifixion but is much too extensive to capture in one message.
Seeing the Invisible
The greatest Love of all shows us that sin blinds and separates us from GOD’S invisible presence and truth. But it also importantly brings to our most profound remembrance that during one epic moment in time Amazing Grace stepped up to the plate, to the Cross, through the visible Person of our Beloved Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed, once we were blind but now we see because Of Him (Spoken Word). Glory, praise, honor be to the Lord our Holiness. And thanksgiving be to the FATHER, Son and Holy Spirit; together, they are One gift that makes the complete plan of salvation possible. Faithful Believers are infinitely and eternally blessed!
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves;it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Eph. 2:8-9)
Then He (Jesus) spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man,yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Lk. 18:1-8)
Signs of the Apostate Times
Recently I was told of certain things happening in the world that are too unspeakably dark and evil to even repeat. And yet, deep darkness and deception is all part and parcel of the latter day scenario. They will cause tragic effects and invoke adverse reactions, even on Believers who have not solidly made the Lord their Rock. Many on earth will become faint of heart at what is yet to take place. Many more will fall back and even renounce their faith in GOD and in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and His finished works. The Word furthermore tells us that even the very elect are, and will be, at risk of deception.
And so I prayed for the Lord’s continued protection and to keep faith intact in all His faithful Believers when suddenly the following Word of Knowledge was spoken: “Contend”! It was followed by the Word “Persevere”. And while I wondered if I should post what I was hearing as a message, the Word: “Minister” was heard.
Affiliated Verses
Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 1:3)
Contend: Strongs #1864: To contend earnestly for. From epi and agonizomai; to struggle for. KeyWord Study Battle:….”To fight for something that gives the occasion.”
Faith: Strongs #4102 Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness (in Jesus Christ and His complete plan of salvation)
Saints: Strongs: #40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.
Just Want You To Know
To be clear, I am not a Pastor nor well learned in eschatology. In this case, I believe the word minister has two meanings: 1) To let others know the importance of contending for the faith during this late hour, and 2) To minister in prayers. (1 Pet. 2:5)
Dear faithful Believers and Saints, we do not know the hour of the Lord’s return nor the day. Nor the intensity and nor the length of the Time of Sorrows preceding the great Tribulations. Until then, contend for the Faith! I encourage you to take advantage of the time you have left on this earth to make right what might be wrong in your life (repentance). To cultivate your faith by learning and living the Word daily. To look at every challenge, test and trial as an opportunity to grow and exercise your faith. To stand firm in the doctrine of true salvation. To deny the lowly self, pick up your cross and follow our Forerunner, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! To always keep the heart soft with love but objective with truth! To abide in the Lord and rejoice in Him even if all things fall apart – and they will, it’s prophecy! To never lose hope! To exercise your role as a minister; that is to say, to share with others the gospel of the good news! To pray! And pray without ceasing during this late hour! (1 Pet. 2:5; 1 Thess. 5:16-18) And finally, knowing and believing that GOD has a plan, always had and will always have a plan. HE is, after all, GOD! So give the Lord your conflict and burden today; whatever it might be, He will surely direct and sustain you. (Ps. 55:22; Mat. 11:28-30). And then keep on keeping on as you grow in faith. It’s like keeping oil in your Lamp – in You – in preparation for the Midnight hour and call!
I am hearing: Perfect. Praise GOD and thank you Jesus!
Keep contending for the Faith! And keep persevering! “….nevertheless when the Son of man comes will he really find faith on the earth?.…”
It bears repeating to not put off until tomorrow what is in your power to do today. Believers are encouraged to enter their prayer closets and follow the guidance and lead of the Holy Spirit during these latter days.
Always be, first and foremost, prepared spiritually. And then prepare physically as moved by Him and by common sense of what is happening in the world today.
Harpazo is a Greek word that that has been translated from the New Testament to the more commonly known term: ‘The Rapture.’ Although it is a word that does not appear in scriptures, multiple scriptural verses validate this unprecedented historical event that will ‘forcefully’ whisk the faithful up in the air to be with the Lord forever:
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thess. 4:13-18)
Scoffers and Unbelievers
Recently I have had discussions with a few people who do not believe in ‘The Rapture’. It is, yet and again, another sign of the latter days. We, as the latter-day generation, had already been warned by Apostle Peter more than two thousand years ago that this would be the case – many presently scoff and mock this truth:
“Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Pet. 3:1-17)
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“It Will Happen”
The intent in posting this message is not to explain ‘The Rapture’ in detail but I am encouraging all who doubt to research this cosmic event in holy scriptures to the the exclusion of misleading religious systems and mindsets that teach Preterism or that we are already living in the dispensation age of the New Millennial Kingdom. Yes, the Kingdom is at hand and we are seated in higher places with Christ but this does not, at all, represent the new millennial age. Nowhere in scriptures is it taught that all the signs we are presently witnessing are part of the new millennial reign. What we are witnessing, instead, are signs preceding the Lord’s return in the clouds and not His second coming when He will establish a thousand year of His new millennial reign. After which time, Satan will be put away permanently.
“Believe It Will Happen” (Spoken Words of Knowledge about the Rapture a few weeks ago.)
No one knows the time nor the day of the Rapture. But, as noted previously in other messages, GOD being ever merciful might well be pausing time to allow as many as are called to come to repentance. Neither does anyone know exactly how it will take place with the exception that the faithful will be taken up by ‘force’. While thinking about all this, the Word “Visual” was spoken. The Rapture might well be an event that will be witnessed visually with physical eyes! And considering the Lord’s authority as the mighty Lion of Judah and Archangel Michael’s empowerment over the fallen ones, it makes sense why this event will require a ‘forceful’ work of strength. Last week I was awakened to hear a loud trumpet sound in the spirit world (it had two tones) – it came from the right side and appeared to be positioned over the East. This is a warning sign of angelic mobilization and it might well point to events coinciding with the Lord’s return. (The Lord does, after all, return with the sound of a trumpet!)
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The Pulpit’s Responsibility
It is mind boggling why those in pulpits are not advising their congregations to prepare not only spiritually but also physically for coming days – this should be the subject of the hour! Everyone, regardless of the geographic regions they live in, will be affected. And having the guidance of scriptures and the Holy Spirit will be extremely critical. But GOD still gave us common sense and reason which helps us to discern the times and the importance of preparing. Already there are shortages and interruptions in the food supply chain. War is looming on the horizon. Erratic weather patterns are creating droughts, fires and floods. Clearly, creation is heaving as natural disasters are increasing . The ‘times of sorrow’ can be very intense considering that the period of heavy tribulations will be an unprecedented time of upheaval on earth.(Mat. 24:21) In case you need to leave quickly or ‘bug out’, have a plan ready. In case you have to stay in-house, prepare for that as well. In the event of a nuclear fallout, there are things you can do at home to protect yourself and your family against the winds of radiation. And yet, there are many who do not have the means nor the resources to prepare which is why a church or a believing community who prepares is so essential to provide support, counsel and advice.
The Believer’s Accountability
Finally the most, most, important preparation anyone can do is to prepare to meet the Lord and give an account of their life. And what a day that will be for those who have prepared and are ready! Praise GOD!
Keep the Faith. I pray that you all will be guided with GOD’S wisdom. knowledge and understanding and be fortified with the spiritual and physical gumption to do what is right for you and yours.
I am hearing: “Perfect“. Praise GOD and thank you Lord.
“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” (Dan. 12:4)
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A Scientific Perspective
I am encouraging you to give a listen to the following video sent to me today. It explains in scientific terms the benefits of “Autophagy” (or Intermittent Fasting) as a form of protection against disease. During Autophagy (or Intermittent Fasting) the body’s own cells become, by analogy, likened to a disposal system that not only damages but even destroys foreign cellular waste that has entered the human body. [It is believed that plant compounds found in wheat germ and in grapes (resveratrol) stimulate the process of Autophagy.]
A Biblical Perspective
Of course, Science is only now catching up to GOD our MAKER in this respect! It should not be surprising that the body has an ability to heal itself given the right conditions and corrections; we are after all fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm. 139:14) And much to the monetary chagrin of Big Pharma, GOD’S natural pharmacy is found in the amazing and safe healing plants HE created. (Ps. 104:14) Note: Autophagy (or Intermittent Fasting) is also believed by some in the scientific community to negate side effects related to the V******. With our merciful GOD, all things are possible. All things!
The Video
The video is about 1 hour long with scientific and medical terminology but the conclusion brings it all home in simpler terms. Watch it before ‘you know who’ deletes it. And as always and in all things, common sense is essential. I encourage you to be prayerfully led by GOD’S Holy Spirit who guides and heals above all things.
Keep the Faith! And stay healthy until the Lord returns.
“Fast Together and Pray” “Testify” “Do it” (Words of Knowledge spoken yesterday afternoon and today).
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Related Verses:
“Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly (a call to fast in numbers). Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. Alas for that day! For the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty. Has not the food been cut off before our very eyes (witnessing shortages of food supply)— joy and gladness from the house of our God? (Believers are becoming despondent). The seeds are shriveled beneath the clods.The storehouses are in ruins, the granaries have been broken down (destruction of a great number of food factories in the U.S) for the grain has dried up. How the cattle moan! (large numbers of cattle recently dying of unknown cause.) The herds mill about because they have no pasture (elites are purchasing land for their own purposes and self-serving agenda) even the flocks (the dying of a multitude of chickens recently of supposed viruses) of sheep are suffering (domesticated animals will suffer due to a lack of feed.) To you, LORD, I call (pray) for fire has devoured the pastures in the wilderness and flames have burned up all the trees of the field. Even the wild animals pant for you (I have seen this in visions) the streams of water have dried up and fire has devoured the pastures in the wilderness.” (Joel 1:14-20)
Our precious Lord left us instructions about fasting – it is not a mandated practice of the past. Fasting and prayers keep us close to our FATHER who hears our petitions and reciprocates in accordance with HIS divine Will. It strengthens Believers and detracts powers and principalities that set themselves up against the knowledge of GOD. Together, fasting and prayers from genuine hearts takes captive every thought the enemy is imposing on the Church. It reveals the condition of the human heart and exposes *the enemy’s tactics and work.* If the Lord Himself underscored the importance of fasting and praying to cast out demons, how much more now when the devil is intensifying his latter-day assaults against the inhabitants of the earth, including the Church. (Mk 9:29; Rev. 12:12)
We do not fully know what is taking place behind the scenes, what lurks around the corners and what will happen tomorrow – not even today – but our omniscient GOD does. HE holds today and our future in HIS mighty Hands! And HE wants us prepared. It follows that when there is call and revelation to fast and pray, there is a supreme reason for it.
Christians are not called to be lukewarm, disfigured (Mat 6:16) and non-repented while fasting – it is such a terrible affront to GOD. We form part of a heavenly army of Light that is led by the King and Lord of all, Jesus Christ! If you feel moved by this call, then I am highly encouraging you to pray and fast in whatever capacity you are guided by the Word and Holy Spirit to do so. I am also encouraging you to let others know. Fasting and Prayers are the Believer and Restrainers’ weapons. And there is strength in numbers!
“When there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint” (Prov. 29:18)
I am hearing the Words: “Wisdom” “Protection”“Blessing”. And that all three words mean the same thing.
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