Let There Be PeaceWritten by Joyce C. Lock
If we believe we are in last days, we need to quit calling God's messengers 'false prophets' (Je.25:4). Hell, fire, and brimstone preaching is not a prophet's passion, but result of other's unbelief. Prophets feel whatever God feels and are honor bound to warn unbelieving people they also love. For fear of an antichrist or Jonestown type experience, leaders hush prophets by whatever means possible; all while, feeling justified. And, people continue to believe whatever they are told. "And (they) say, If we had been in days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in blood of prophets." Mt. 23:30 Most prophets dare not come out of closet. 'If we talk to God, we are spiritual. If God talks to us, we are scitsophrenic.' While many truly have a heart for God's people, they error in deciding when, who, and how people can serve (becoming Pharaohs, creating spiritual wounds) when all they would need do is to listen for Spirit and let God sit on their throne. The Spirit cannot lie. It makes no difference how one is qualified, as faithful is He who calls you, who also will do it. For, it is God who builds HIS church. Instead, pride is placed upon one's knowledge and abilities; forgetting such will pass away. You might notice who Jesus would become angry with (not spiritually weak, poor, sick, or lame) but leaders who kept them that way. God will do whatever it takes to make sure those who are saved will be saved. When I asked how many prophecies have to come to pass, God answered, "As many as it takes." "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another," Mt. 24:7-10.
| | A Choice to Believe GodWritten by Joyce C. Lock
It was beyond thrilling once I realized Bible was a How-to Book; a list of Master's tools for overcoming whatever we face in world. I would see all kinds of wonderful instruction and promises, then look around and not see such faith in others. It is as if people believe Jesus died on cross and, then, lied about all rest. "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable," I Co. 15:19. And, if we are miserable, we just might have a contracted a contagious disease called Stinkin' Thinkin'. "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he," Pr. 23:7. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to grow toward protecting ourselves from lies of Satan. Only two options are available for which to place our faith: (1.) to believe God, or (2.) to call Him a liar, (1.) to give glory to God by recognizing Him for who He is and who He said He would be, for and through us, or (2.) to give credit to Satan by focusing on all that is wrong with us and world. Of course, one could choose to place themselves on God's throne; thinking they have no need of Him. Our choice determines to whom we give power; to which presence we will dwell in. And, we know that Satan both promotes pride and accuses brethren. So, next time a negative thought comes your way, before you open your mouth, stop to think. Just who are you representing, anyway? Rejoice in Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Satan is like a roaring lion, all he does is roar. We either give him power to devour us, or we choose to believe God. It is impossible to fall or fail following instruction God speaks to us, as Satan can not defeat God. Being that nothing is too hard for God, rejoice even before He brings it to pass (Ro. 4:17). Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Only God knows how to defeat Satan and where he'll be lurking next (Pr. 14:12). So, it is most advisable to get one's instruction and faith from words God speaks to you (Jb. 23:12).
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