PRAYERS

Welcome to this site. My prayer is that you take a look at the site and as you do, let the Holy Spirit speak to your heart and reveal what God wants you to discover. (in Jesus' name)

God tells us that if we see a brother (or sister) in need we should do that which is within our means to help. Prayer is always within our means but we never know what doors Father may open through them. Should you desire prayer for anything (healing, direction, etc.) or if you want supportive prayer along with your own please feel free to e-mail that request to sharbu3@gmail.com and be assured that there are others who will be praying with or for you.


In this blog, I share what the Lord shares with me. I reference scripture a lot in support of what is being said. I realize that what is in each entry is NOT a complete 'word' on what is being said, but is rather enough information to stimulate our spirits to dig deeper (remember the Bereans Acts 17:10-11) thereby gaining a fuller understanding for ourselves.

At the end of each post are the options to share, forward or make a comment. Click 'comment' to respond. Let us know if you like, don't like or are helped by what you read. Comments can be made or read by anyone. All you have to do is select the "comment" at he end of the entry.

Saturday, January 28, 2023

1-28-2023    Ezekiel 37:1-14 - Revisited

          

In Jan. 2016 and again in Jan 2019 I spoke about today’s Application of Ezekiel’s dry bones.  Father says “Let’s do it again.  The condition of Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones is so relevant to today’s church, a revisit doesn't hurt.  (or will it?) 

1    The hand of the Lord was upon me and carried me out, in His Spirit, and set me down in the middle of a valley which was full of bones

2    He caused me to pass by them and all around (them) and there were many bones in this open valley and they were very dry.

Imagine being in a valley full of dead men’s bones?  Sun, bleached white bones.  Envision stepping over leg bones, arm bones, skulls, with only a small open spots to place your foot.  Bones extending from one end of the valley to the other, as far as the eye could see.

3    And He said to me “Son of man, can these bones live?”  And I answered “Oh, Lord God, You know.”

Ezekiel knows God can do anything.  Bones can’t live by their own power but God created by speaking things into existence from nothing.  So Ezekiel knows God can give life to anything He desires.

4    Again He said to me “prophecy unto these bones and say “O dry bones, hear the Word of the Lord.

5    Thus says the Lord God to these bones I will cause breath to enter you and you shall live.

6    I will lay sinews upon you and flesh upon you and I will cover you with skin and put breath in you and you shall live and you will know that I am the Lord.”

Father evaluates a situation, determines what He wants done, then speaks it into existence.  But here, He tells Ezekiel to do it.  God is giving man authority and the power to change the substance of that which is before him (Romans 4:17 - call things which aren’t as though they are).  Ezekiel was hoping for something he was not yet seeing (Heb. 11:1 - faith is substance of things hoped for but not seen).  God knows how to build a man (or church) and He was showing Ezekiel what needed to be done.

7    So I prophesied as I was commanded and as I prophesied there was a noise

      and there was a shaking and the bones came together, bone upon bone.

Ezekiel was no dummy. He did as God commanded.  He was demonstrating faith through works (James 2:18 - faith by my works) by showing his love for the Father by being obedient (Psalm 1:1-2- love is walking in His commandments).

8    Then I watched as sinews and flesh came upon the bones and they were covered with skin, but there was no breath in them.

Ezekiel saw the results of his prayer before his very own eyes.  The bones coming together, no longer strewn all over the place.  The foot bone connected to the ankle bone, the ankle bone connected to the shin bone, the shin bone connected to the knee bone, etc’.  So as he asked, he believed and he saw (Matt.21:22 - ask believing and receive) as bodies took form before his very eyes.

Unfortunately, today’s church has become like Ezekiel’s dry bones.  but God was connecting those Bones with sinews, no longer strewn throughout the valley.  Covering them with muscle so they could do what God has called them to do.  Applying a beautiful covering of skin so they could be the image of their creator, a reflection of God’s love.  But there was no real life in them.

9    Then He said to me Prophecy to the wind, prophecy, son of man and tell the wind “Thus says the Lord God, come from the four winds, O breath, upon these slain that they might live.”

10  So I prophesied as He commanded me and breath came into them and they lived

      and stood up on their feet, an exceedingly great army.

Our Lord is the giver of life.  God gives to all life, breath and the things they need (Acts 17:25).  As He breathed into Adam’s (man’s) nostrils giving him life (Gen.2:7), He gives life to the dead.  Again He is giving man authority to bring life into that which is dead (spiritually AND naturally).  We can bring the life-saving gospel of life to the spiritually dead or even perform CPR to those who, otherwise, have no life in their bodies.  Yet, the Spirit of God must be revived within those hearts for them to truly live. 

11  Then He said to me “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel and behold they say “Our bones are dried and our hope is lost. We are cut off from our parts.

These bones are all of historical Israel and Israel is hopeless.  Israel has no real life because they are cut off from God.  No connection, no real fellowship.  This is also a reference (for today) as the body of Christ is divided between all the denominations and independent churches.  Divided and separating – even from God.  Understanding and acceptance of the scripture has too many variations.  As much as the Protestant Reformation did to wake the church up, it also created many denominations – dividing it.

12  Therefore prophecy and say to them ‘Thus says the Lord God behold, O my people, I will open up your graves and cause you to come up out of your graves and bring you into the land of Israel.

 By using His own hand God can bring Israel back from the dead.  He will cause them to rise and live giving them their own domain.  He brings Israel back from death into life.  In other words, Father will unite His church – not into one mega church, but each segment realizing that we ARE the body of Christ and we each have a task to perform.  All fellowships who truly walk under the banner of Jesus Christ must realize the each has a unique calling in the body.  Just each one of us, as individuals, have a unique gift to which Father has called us.  Though many of us may have the ‘same’ gift, Father has given each one of us a unique way of administering that gift.  Coming into our own land is recognizing that all who have received Jesus into our heart are all brothers and sisters in the body of Christ and the Holy Ghost should unify us in one mind (the mind of Christ), one heart (true love for our Savior) and one Spirit (as we are guided by the Holy Ghost).

Me, being in a ‘full gospel’ church, ran into a Baptist brother in a store one day.  We talked and he realized that even though we weren’t in agreement on some things, we were indeed brothers in Christ.  we were unified in our love for God.

13  And you will know that I am the Lord when I have opened your graves, O my people and brought you up out of your graves.                                                                   

14  And I will put My Spirit in you and you shall live.  I will place you in your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it, says the Lord.

For Israel, this is the promise of re-patriation in the ‘promised land of Israel.  For today church it realizing we are ALL under Jesus Christ – and acting like it.  No, not just acting like but living like it!

Father has shown me that for 7 seasons, 700 years, He has been rebuilding His church for this timetoday.

The church will recognize God as God because He has brought us back from the dead

We will understand that He is the One who has done this miraculous thing and breathed life back into that (us) which was dead.  

Yet, Father has given His children authority to bring life back into His church!  Expressing our love for Jesus by absorbing scripture (not just learning the words).  Then  prophecy helps us to see and return to Godly basics.  As we grow, we start applying God’s will into our own lives, giving us substance.  That is we can do that which He has called us to do – demonstrate His love and to be a true we witness by expressing His goodness in our own lives.  The Holy Ghost helps us to grow in God’s love through prophetic encouragement and teaching God’s ways to those whom we encounter.  We grow in His kingdom and others will follow our example because, through the Holy Ghost, we now have His authority (Matt. 10:1) and power (Acts 1:8), His love in our lives.

As Christians, we know God is the only and true living God (Jer. 10:10, Isa. 45:5-12).  Jesus is our doorway into eternity (John 14:6).  Because we love Jesus, we keep His commandments (John 14:15) and show our faith by living it (James 2:17-18).  Like what the first admiral of the navy, David Farragut, said “Damn the torpedoes (the enemy), full speed ahead!”, We don’t let Satan’s attempts divert us. We have (or are) developing our relationship with our heavenly Father, we have the courage to press forward.  Father gives us the knowledge and strength to pursue our eternal goals!  We can get it done through our Lord Jesus Christ (Phil. 4:13).

Father designated Israel as His spokesman to the world, the responsibilities of the first covenant (10 Commandments) transferred over to today’s Christian church as the new covenant (banner) carriers.  Israel was saved by ‘keeping’ (doing) the Law where the New Covenant is sealed by our living in the law from our heart (Ezek. 36:26).  So, Father has spent seven seasons (700 yrs., 15th C – 21st C) rebuilding His church.    

God has been rebuilding His church through the centuries

Today’s church are largely these dry bones.

            Basics have been there (Father is God & Jesus is Savior)

            Needs a little more substance

               (knowing Word, holiness, Spiritual obedience, works from heart)

Protestant Reformation added sinew to those old bones

            All parts starting to connect (connect parts via understanding Word)

                 Though creating division through doctrinal interpretation.

            Realization of that God is personal

Holiness movements added a little muscle

            Back to basics (life to live, abstain from evil)

            Living according to God’s will

Pentecostal movement added covering (skin) of the Holy Ghost

            Pulling things together into one package

            So we could truly start functioning under God’s will

            We looked like what we were supposed to

            We acted (somewhat) how we were supposed to act

Holy Ghost completes visual package

 Apostolic/prophetic brings breath from the ‘four winds’ (life)

            Full power from our heavenly Father

            That is even a deeper understanding of authority

            Talking ‘with’ God and not ‘to’ and listening (shut your mouth)

            There is ‘true’ life

            Fuller life

            So we can magnify His Holy Name

Draw souls into His kingdom (though evangelism has always been a part of

     Christianity)

            Establish a true relationship with our Father

Through Protestant Reformation (1500’s), Holiness movements (17 & 1800’s), Pentecostalism (18 & 1900’s) and the Apostolic/Prophetic movements (1900’s & 2000’s) 

Father has been bringing His body from a bunch of ‘dead bones’ to a vibrant church which praises Him.  Glorifies Him.  Which acknowledges Him for who He is and what He has done.

Now, it is time to truly live for Him

He is building His true church for Himself

are WE a part of that churcH

Saturday, January 14, 2023

1-14-2023 What is love?

 

1 John 4:8b      GOD IS LOVE!

Since 9/24-2022, we’ve been talking about who God is, which, of course, is love.  The unity of the Godhead, Father, Son & Holy Ghost.  That fact that we desire eternal fellowship with the Father.  Through Jesus Christ, we seek ‘salvation’ and once we’ve given our hearts to Him, we learn what God expects from us.  And, of course, a seventh item of ‘how the church could and should grow.  It is ALL based in love.  God’s love.  If you will – ‘agape love’.  That unconditional love that seeks and does that which edifies others.

In the last entry (12/31/2022), ‘A New Year’, we closed saying that this love has to begin at home.  With us. 

This year, let’s make it personal.  Let each one of us say “with ME”.  So let’s bring it on home bringing our attitudes and relationship into alignment with the love of our Lord God.

The closer we walk with the Lord, the more His love will shine in and through our lives because we are seeking to do His will and to please Him.  This doesn’t mean we hide out in our closets and just feel good as we bask in His presence.  We can do that, but Father wants us to extend that love and good will towards those who are close to us, around us and then to those whom we encounter.  after all, Jesus did say that the Holy Ghost gives us power and the ability to be witnesses for Him and to take His Word to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:7-8).  We do have to get up off our duffs and do something! 

Love.  I’m not talking about a ‘pasted on smile’, but having a genuine concern and compassion for other people. 

Do we fall all over people trying to please them?  Of course not.  We have to understand and be confident in our own relationship with the Lord, then learn where our talents and gifts are as we interact with others appropriately.  Yes, we can do all things through Jesus Christ (Phil. 4:13), but we need to also consider the two previous verses in that passage, “I don’t speak out of my need for I have learned to be content in whatever state I find myself (says Paul).  I know how to live with little and I know how to live when having more than enough.  I know hunger and how to be full.  I know how to live having plenty or to be in need” (Phil. 4:11-12).  Whatever state we find ourselves, we need to be content knowing that God is with us. 

God is my shepherd!  He satisfies my needs and gives me rest.  He refreshes me as He guides my steps down His pathways (of course, I have to listen to His direction).  Though trouble may be all around me, I will not be fearful for my God comforts me.  He gives me peace in my troubles.  He anoints my head with oil and blesses me.  He prepares my table before those who don’t like me.  I know His goodness and mercies are with me no matter what I do or wherever I go.  I will follow His direction, always, with all my heart, mind, soul and strength (Psalms 23, Mark 12:28-34).

I know who I am in Christ Jesus so I am not overbearing towards others, but neither am I a doormat.  I follow Jesus’ example of love.  Jesus is the true example of being assertive.  So, as with Jesus, I am tender with those who truly seek Jesus (Matt. 9:20-29) but carry a sharp, two-edged sword for those who truly are not (Matt. 23:23-28). 

Living in God’s love is the key to our success in this world.  Living in His love means being obedient to what He tells us and then treating others as Father treats us.

Yes, He reprimands us when we get off track and that reprimand brings us back into proper alignment in His will.  As our heart lines up with Father’s will, that’s when He will give us our heart’s desire (Psalm 37:4, Matt. 6:31-34).

Jesus tells us that love fulfills the law and the prophets (Matt. 22:36-40).  Starting with the Ten Commandments (Exod. 20:3-17), God describes His love towards us.  Then, through the actions of forty-two prophets mentioned in the bible (not all have their own book), how He guides and directs us, provides for us, saves us from peril and even reprimands us when we get off track.     

From Genesis through Revelation we get a pretty good picture of how God’s love works.  Yet, understand, that even our knowing the bible, Father has still not shown us all about His love. 

Remember, even before His birth, Jesus was also called Emmanuelle (God is with us – Matt. 1:23) and He is the Word (Jesus).  So, in the beginning, the Word was with God and the Word was God (John 1:1).  God, the Father, came into this world, Himself, in the person of Jesus, to redeem us from our sins and reconnect us back with Him – forever (John 3:16).  There is no greater love that one can demonstrate towards another than to give his life for him (15:13).  Yes, there have been martyrs for God over the ages and we are appointed to die once (Heb. 9:27), thank you Adam and Eve (Gen. 2:17).  Yet, we all don’t die for Jesus, literally (in the flesh).  Once we’ve accepted Him into our heart, we do crucify the old man and allow the new man (now in us) to live for Him (Rom. 6:6-9).  If you will, the old man dies in Christ and the new man lives in His love. 

So what is love?  Jesus tells us that when we do something to/for any of His brothers, we’ve done it unto Him (Matt. 25:40).  We receive Jesus into our heart allowing His love to abide in our heart and allowing Him to work in us and through us via our speech and our actions.  And all this is possible because the Holy Ghost has taken up residence within our heart.  Thus, we return our love to Jesus by doing for others.  Truly loving because the Creator has first loved us.

Amen