NOW FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE

NOW FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE
by Pam Clark (pamclark@prophetic.net)

Have you ever done a Bible study and been surprised thinking you understood something but you really didn’t? I’ve been around the Word of Faith movement for many years and I haven’t ever heard this preached like this.

Today this Scripture came into my head (at a time when I wasn’t expecting it) and so when something like that happens, I try to run with it if I can. Most of you know it, Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Now I have really plowed that thought into my head over the years, and felt I had some decent understanding of it – and I have heard it preached on a lot. In American English, I know what “substance” means. But I felt led to look it up since I knew God was saying something to me.

I found this online concordance and looked up the word and here is what it says that word “substance” means, which now makes a whole lot of sense, duh!

Definition of the word “substance” in that verse there: a setting or placing under, thing put under, substructure, foundation, that which has foundation, is firm that which has actual existence, a substance, real being, the substantial quality, nature, of a person or thing, the steadfastness of mind, firmness, courage, resolution confidence, firm trust, assurance.

So….. faith is the FOUNDATION of things hoped for, (a substructure), the evidence of things not seen. You know that buildings have to have a substructure in order to hold their place well. And Jesus said we need to build upon the Rock.

The definition of the word “evidence” in that verse there is: a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested, conviction.

So obviously, and we knew this right? Faith is the foundation that needs to be proved in us, or proven out! Now I am not feeling a major correction over this, but more of an enlightenment. But maybe this is for more than just me!

Three things that abide are FAITH, hope and love, yes? They are Spirit. Faith is not necessarily “the glory” as I know some have thought. But some might think that by the word “substance.”

There is the “chabad”- (Hebrew word for) heavy weight of glory, which if you have experienced a “heavy presence” of God, you know how that feels. But we can’t judge everything by feelings, even though at times they help!

This understanding should help us in BUILDING our faith! Faith is the FOUNDATION of things that we hope for! I like that because it’s interactive! His Spirit of hope is drawing us to faith in His manifested Love. In this apostolic season, God is placing a strong emphasis on foundations and placements, His order. He is building His Church.

God is drawing us to Him with our hope, but we need the right foundations to mature that measure of faith He has given each of us. He has given us a seed, now we have to garden it, water it and nurture it and let it bring forth fruit. It’s unlimited!

A lot of people live and act like faith is separate from every day life. It challenges them as” a concept” rather than supporting them. It’s like Christians have one thing and real life is another. They are not seeing the Kingdom of God.

People believe that Christians have this “thing” going, like a “substance” they can barter with. Well, let’s get it understood right! Faith is the foundation for living. It’s right there for them, at hand!

There is a spirit of favor on the “chabad” (glory), and many people lust for that. There is no greater feeling than the sense of feeling cocooned in God’s love or the sense that nothing can ever go wrong and that we have access to never ending supply. BUT, if faith is not the foundation, we can be fooled by the favor!

The Presence of God can change things and we honestly need that. But that Presence comes because faith is being expressed. We can see and experience a better form of life because His Presence is here or near. But we need can only handle His strong power with certain protocols in place or it is too intense for us. But with those protocols, the dispersion of Life giving energy flow and power can be nurturing for all that is around it.

Another fruit (or evidence) of the Holy Spirit is self discipline or self control. He has that and He gives that to us. That is an evidence or proven thing of faith! (See Galatians 5:22-23 on the fruit of the Spirit.)

We have to know that what we hope for has the right foundation. It may not be seen yet, but in the Spirit, it will be, if it is on the right foundation! Then it is proven by the evidence. It is the evidence of a thing that was not seen yet.

Faith is not meant to be spooky, even though the encounter of His power can sober you! It can be sudden like lightning is, and get your attention. It can be as loud as thunder or as quiet as a smile or a nod. It can be forceful like a volcano erupting. But if we work our faith, our foundation, we can build and thrive, and bring forth the good in ever increasing ways.

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Spiritual Evolution – by Pam Clark

SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION
by Pam Clark (pamclark@prophetic.net)

I have been thinking about the evolution of Spiritual discovery today and how it can change us. We all start with one mindset and then as things press in on us, and we press out, we can evolve to another one. This also happens when our spirit is hungry and senses and reaches out to something more…

Often people just follow the pattern of someone else. But then there comes that day when we realize we can choose for ourselves! That often can happen looking for Jesus or because of Him. It’s wonderful when we discover our freedom – and that God will help us maintain it.

In this world there is the destitution of Spiritual life – meaning that some don’t even know they have access to a Spiritual world. These kind of people are easily programmed. They can feel trapped. But then with the discovery of their spiritual life, options begin to occur. For those who just want power, any avenue will do. But not all paths lead to eternal life.

Many people are fed by their anger and sometimes that energy is needed to get them out (and keep them out) of where they once were. It can be noble in the right ways. But if people get “stuck” with a bad “attitude,” it can be a hindrance.

Some are turned on to “Book knowledge.” Man has created big institutions for that. But hopefully people will later discover Spirit knowledge. Some tune in to the crowd’s mindset, where ever they are. But there is more!

There really is that place where you can encounter Jesus, the King of the Universe, and receive portions of His Mind. Obviously His Mind is a bit beyond ours, but He will let us receive as much as we can and are willing to hold at any time! There are no limitations.

His Mind is connected with His Spirit, and His Spirit has a nature, a character, a personality. When we engage Him, some things that seemed so dramatic and traumatic are not so much anymore BECAUSE He has revealed a greater way to us. His Cause INCLUDES us, and does not deny us.

We all have issues and we probably will have some as long as we live in this fallen world. But the HOPE that is “out there” can become “in there” inside of us! And an evolutionary process begins when we invite it in.

It’s wonderful to get to that place where the judgment of others does not bother us. They may still judge, but you have found your freedom! We can call it “Peace like a River.” And the Bible says this peace will crush Satan under our feet! (Romans 16:20)

It’s a funny thing that as I begin to discover this in one area, I find many more areas in my sould where I want this River to run. But that also is the beginning of a new evolutionary process! I seek the fellowship of those who also have found these wonderful places and it’s great, even if just for moments. It’s the rest of the Lord, and it’s refreshing!

Some people call it “centering” but it really is more than that. It’s not something we do, it’s something He does for us and we accept it into our lives. I have discovered that I am a discovery! And it’s often joyful!

There are moments of bliss, and then we have to choose “The Path.” Things start getting interesting here! Some encounters are not what we want or expect, but “the bait” leads us on. We can go through “soul turmoil” but we keep going back until we have built a confidence in our Shepherd.

Some things do call for “group think” and some things do not! The honor of the King must stay within us. The “crowd” cannot pull us away, even if it is in a church, and I am all for churches that preach truth. We need people. But “the crowd” can also cause us to miss something. The peer pressure can take us off course. We have to get back to the Divine Discovery within us.

This is not “all about self.” True Divine Discovery will be more about Him! And our effectiveness to serve others will increase. It’s about changing the mindsets guide us, and it is a joyful discovery!

The birth of a Spiritual life…

Jesus said, “You must be born again!”

Nicodemus in John 3 replied, (my paraphrase), “In the natural?” And Jesus said, “No, in the supernatural.” But it’s not “anything goes.” There is a path.

And you don’t have to “show out” to everyone when you discover it, but they will see the difference! Sometimes the first energy release is so great, that zeal abounds everywhere. It’s really beautiful to behold if people are treated right.

Someone jokingly said that God does His best work with new believers because they hold nothing back that they see. But in time you learn that humility is an asset. It’s okay to be bold, in fact, it is good to be bold! We are admonished to be strong and courageous. But you need to be secure in your Cause because there are challenges and challengers out there.

On “The Path” we learn how to overcome those by hearing the Lord, learning His Word and applying His ways to our life. Without question we see change! And His Word endures, so those who are grounded in the Words of Life will be secure.

Later you learn the frustration of the Lord who wants and ENJOYS our fellowship, like Jeremiah 8:19 exclaims:

Listen! The voice, The cry of the daughter of my people from a far country: “Is not the Lord in Zion? Is not her King in her?” “Why have they provoked Me to anger with their carved images— with foreign idols?”

When we are young, we are managed, but when we are older, we learn to manage ourselves. There is a Spiritual growth possible in us that many still have not realized, but when they do, it will change the world dramatically for the better.

These are powerful words here: JESUS LOVES YOU!!!! The God of the Universe CARES! But it’s discovery because a relationship is requested.

Others can call you a “religious nut.” They can assume that their thoughts must also be yours, but you know are engaging in the Mind of Christ. If we have “a King” in us, we’ll be fine! We can then come to know that total salvation that is offered – of spirit, soul and body.

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A Prophecy for our Times

 

A prophecy the Lord gave me this morning:

 

Have you covered what I want to give birth to?, asks the Lord. 

 

Have you agreed with Me?

 

You will reap according as to what you have done…

 

Have you loved as I have loved?  Have you loved as I have loved you?

 

You will be judged for this, right or wrong.

 

Now is the time to repent.  Now is the time to turn away from your wicked ways.

 

If you want to see My Kingdom, you must change  your mind, you must change your ways and accomodate my Goodness.

 

You say you want change but are you willing to change?

 

If you are not willing, then what you have sown will be measured back to you.

 

I Am asking for heart change.  I am asking for life-outlook changes. 

 

I am asking for you to see Me in your everyday life.

 

Do you love Me?  As you have done it to the least of these, you have done it unto Me.

 

Do you give Me honor as your Creator?  Is there another?

 

I Am a God who is giving birth to many new things, but should I bring to birth that which cannot be borne?

 

Where must I seek My people, should it not be among  you?

 

Do you know Me?  Do you want Me?  All day long I stretch out My hands…

 

I want a people whose hearts reach out to Me, not just lip service only.

 

What kind of signs and wonders do you want?  I can do anything! 

 

What are you seeking? Do you know Me, My child?  Do you really know Me?

 

Deep cries unto deep at the noise of My waterfalls.

 

Does this earth know how to cry out to Me? 

 

I long for the days of embrace.  I long to hear My love songs. 

 

I long to hear you say “Come meet my Friend.”

 

My arms are wide enough.  My heart is big enough! 

 

My Mind is all  you need.

 

Come away with Me, My beloved, and we shall ride the high places. 

 

We shall bless the low places. 

 

My tears with yours shall water the ground of My Love.

 

Come away with Me, My beloved, and we shall ride. 

 

Together, we shall ride.

Interpreting Prophetic Words

INTERPRETING PROPHETIC WORDS
by Pam Clark (pamclark@prophetic.net)

Now this is a big subject, so I can only highlight a few things, but they are things that I think are important and hopefully will be helpful to you. Because of the awakening of the prophetic gift in this last generation, it is a fascinating and captivating study.

Prophets have always been around but they began to be celebrated on the public stage in a big way about 20 or so years ago. A lot of the pentecostal type churches had recognized them, but not all were that educated on them and I believe one reason for that is that God had a special season of emphasis for them.

We have the prophets in the Bible whose stories or writings are shared in the canon of Scriptures. We know the Bible is an ordained book of God for our blessing, help and doctrine. God chose this Spiritual book for us for His reasons, and the predictive prophecies are unquestionably amazing. There is rich history and Spiritual help for us in many facets. The Bible is God’s Book!

Now Jesus Himself obviously taught about the five fold ministry, and Paul writes about it and especially defines it in the book of Ephesians chapter 4. It is very important for us to understand the role of ministry as we work at discerning prophetic words, so let me share God’s definition of His ministry callings:

Ephesian 4:
7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it….
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. [NKJV]

Winning Over Mind Games

WINNING OVER MIND GAMES
by Pam Clark  (pamclark@prophetic.net)

You will never be worshipped like God, because God can always outdo your goodness and your works.  God can create and manipulate things that man cannot.  He can always do another wonder to astound the world and never compromise Who He is.

You also will not ever outdo the devil.  Just when you think you have gotten good at playing his game and impressing others, he will pull a move to outdo you to show you that he is the king of evil.  God gave him that authority and he uses it well.

The goodness of God will outdo the devil, but if we do not know how to call on God, we will never see it.

The devil, or Lucifer, knows how to play “the good game” because he once was in Heaven with God, leading the worship of God.   This is what makes him crafty and manipulative.  He will use good to accomplish the desires of his heart.  Without really knowing God, you cannot overcome the devil.  We are instructed to stand against his wiles.

Goodness overcomes evil when we worship God, when we glorify Him and declare His majesty. 

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”  Revelation 12:11

Faith is not an option, it is not a toy.  It is not a weapon or “tool” only, it is a lifestyle.  It is something that fully demands our all, and it is not mental assent only.  It involves the mind, will and emotions, the body, soul and spirit.  It is not “easy,” and it is not just “a game.”

It is very critical that we understand how this works because how our very life lines up is the eternal direction and increasing manifestion that we are heading into.  As has been stated by “the law of attraction,”  what you focus on you will go toward and have – good or evil.

This is why we must have and pray for discerning of spirits.  We will have questions; we will not know everything because we are not God.  Some may try to claim that, but their limitations will be seen for who they really are. 

People will do evil and the goodness of God, often through His people, will find them out and track them down.  And if they persist in their evil ways, God may have a very special plan to let them know they are not all powerful nor the masters of eternity.

God does give angelic assistance, but not just because we want it, but because He knows we will need it.  The angelic realm in the scope of spiritual power is very intense, and far outweighs the human frame.  Humans often have to have assistance and supplemental increase in power to sustain strong spiritual forces.  Even Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemene had to have angelic ministry to face the evil He was to face on the following days of His suffering and Crucifixion.

One third of the angelic host followed the rebellious “cherub that covered,” the one who led worship.  It was the highest treason, but God allowed it.  In the intercoursings of merchandising or trafficking (trading or exchanging), pride was found and the seed of competition with God was birthed and manifested.

Yet God allowed it to manifest because He was creating a people with choice – to choose good or evil.  The choice to love would become His highest honor.  It would allow freedoms and expressions from the deepest places of the heart and soul that could display the many facets of our ability to love and express Him.  We just need to know “what manner of spirit we are of,” as Jesus declared to His disciples in Luke 9:55.

This is why we need to be changed by the transforming of our minds.  It causes us to know God better.  It motivates us towards humility.  This humility seeks to honor God and enjoy His Life.  God has an eco-system of Life that is full of abundance.  Jesus said, “I came that you might have life and that more abundantly.”  That means there is increase!

We can be fascinated with the things of our own life, but we must be sure to avoid the temptations of corruption.  While it is okay to see and acknowledge the wonders and ways of God, even in ourselves, we also must choose to have Him be “our Higher Power” and the Master of our Universe.   The true Wonder of it all is that He will speak to us and converse with us and even share interactions with us – Spirit to spirit.  As the expression goes, “There is no high like the Most High!”

We must learn His Character, His Nature and know when we fall short.  “For all have sinned, missed the mark, and come short of the glory of God.”  In other words, they have missed the best He has for our lives because He is the Best.  There is a dynamic in the seeking that allows us to “share” with Him and “know” Him intimately by those interactions, even as a husband and wife “know” each other in their intimate ways through sharing all their lives together.  This is indeed the mystery of the Church!

Beyond the personal side, there is the corporate, and things will polarize in the end times.  But we must remember and realize that these birthpangs of tribulations are such that are bringing forth the goodness of God.

Some are addicted to fear.  They are addicted to the adrenaline rush it gives, but do not realize that the excessive demand tears down their physical and mental system.  It really is a tool of the devil’s.   We must avoid fear and know that “the fear of God” could be better said “a deep and sobering respect for God.”  It is the goodness of God that leads to repentance; it is the goodness of God that overcomes evil!

When Jesus is formed in us, we will be able to share with Him in the Heavenly things that also affect the Earth.  There is a grand Plan at work and we very much are each to play a part in it.  The Presence of God will change the earth and its atmosphere.  Haven’t there been places where you have enjoyed the atmosphere and other places where you couldn’t leave fast enough?

We speak of “the dry places,”  those are the place without the Presence or “waters” of God.  He is the Voice of many waters, the many divine words that we need to sustain life.  There is a River that flows from His Throne.  He comes in the Wind, in the cool of the day, as the ever proceeding Voice of God.  He nourishes all that is around Him.  He opens His Hand and satisfies the desire of every living thing.  (Psalm 145:16)

But He is not a great “Thing,” He is alive as a great Entity that has will and volition.  He is never ending.  He is Unlimited, Omnicient and Omni (ever) Present everywhere.  Nothing hides or escapes Him. 

He asked Job in chapter 38:

4 “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements?
Surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 To what were its foundations fastened?
Or who laid its cornerstone,
7 When the morning stars sang together,
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?

To which Job’s reply was nothing.  He is the King, He is the Ultimate.

And those closest to the Throne in Revelation 19 declare:

5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!”
6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!
7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”

We do outward things to reflect the inner glory and when it is pure, His anointing rests upon it.

The Pearl of Great Price

THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE
by Pam Clark (pamclark@prophetic.net)

I heard another preacher talk about his big income. Well, I guess it’s big depending on the eyes of the beholder. It’s amazing though how I hear different ones talk about their six figure plus incomes. And they are willing to pray for you – and some have been at a price. I learned how to stay away from those!

But I did go up to one for prayer to ask for the right “side job” as a minister because side jobs can really take a lot of your time and energy focus that you know you can use for what seems like the better things. And these days you can wonder if people understand or respect callings at all.

When the money is not flowing in from ministry, you still need to live and sometimes it’s a big challenge. Especially when it seems not so hard for others, like these with their six figure plus incomes. This man said jobs and ministry were all the same, and to believe God. Well, I could be wrong, but I had a hard time seeing it that way. I’ve been in full time ministry and I’ve been in full time work; there is a difference. And I’ve done both at the same time, but never gotten rich.

Now I know there are the ups and downs in life and in finances. I’ve been there, both ways. And there is a place where worrying about money does become a problem, and there is a place when the ministry you give does not bring in the finances you need to live. So you go to secular work rather than burdening people with your problems or developing a bad attitude about it.

The apostle Paul didn’t want to burden the people and did talit making (the prayer tents). And I even got to the place with all the “junk” appeals that are out there where I felt the Lord tell me not to even ask for money. In the past it didn’t bother me that much to ask because I knew where it was going – to the work of the ministry. And when I have it, it still does. Then I consider that apostle Paul did his greatest ministry from a prison cell. Oh my.

I love doing work for ministry because when “the preach” comes on me as it often does, they don’t get as offended. (LOL, I’ve lost jobs over “the preach.”) I believe ministers should be as nice as possible, but there can be that prophetic message burning like a fire in your bones and who can help but prophesy? I never want to quench that.

Later many do come to say thank you. But in the meantime, you want to eat or go somewhere sometimes that is not always ministry related. I like having a personal life. My best work comes from writing more than speaking, I believe. Traveling ministry is hard for the single woman. I admire the ones who do it.

If you have a need and don’t make it known, sometimes people who are willing to give don’t. I don’t give fake promises over it, and the people of God have blessed me generously in the past and they got a lot of prayer for it. I give thanks to God for what they did and celebrate them before Him.

I know the Spiritual principles, too, that when they give, they also get a portion of the prophetic spirit in my life, as well as what they believed for, and then they can decide what to do with that! I believe the Lord puts ministers on a hard path for His reasons. One big one is that it gives them true empathetic compassion. God loved Job and gave him a hard time. Well, the devil did, but God allowed it.

I have learned the message that just because bad things happen doesn’t mean it was God (who is a good God if you are serving the right One) who wanted it to happen. He does allow things for our growth, and learning how to call on Him on a regular basis is a good habit to develop. I love what RW Shambach used to say: “God calls the worst ones first to be an inspiration to the rest.” Oh, God knows how to keep us humble!

But not all humbling is from the Lord, but He will allow it so we will seek Him out. I’ve learned a lot in seeking “the whys” of why things happen the way they do. It gives you wisdom, and patience seems to be an ever learning virtue!

Life can be hard for anyone, not just the ministers. I have a high stress level, but I have to believe that God either put some of that on me or allows it for His purposes. I don’t find it so easy to make disappear and most don’t want to face what I face. (They have their own problems.) When people want to know about your gift, they really don’t want to know about the price you paid for it. Just make it impressive.

You have to work to keep your stamina and your drive and your outlook. Some days I am glad my life is almost over. You overcome things. As Rick Joyner says, “You have authority in the places of your afflictions because you overcome.” True! It’s a spiritual war we are engaged in, whether we want to believe that or not, the devil is the one going for the throat, and God is the One who has all the answers.

The disciples said when everyone was departing from Jesus and He asked “Will you go too?” and they said, “Where would we go? You are the One who has the words of eternal life!” And you can find out to your surprise that not everyone is seeking that so much. People want the benefits but not the cost of admission.

God is compassionate and if we are wise we will learn to observe and discover His eco-system. I live in a country setting right now and need to use firewood in the winter. Finding it sometimes can be a challenge, because you want the right kind and the right price. Not all firewood is the same. But you think about the wood when you deal with it a lot, and you use different kinds and sizes even just to get it started or to keep it going. Even the pine cones can play a role in a quick start.

There is a real eco-system with wood. We use trees for so much, building houses, furniture, and so many other things, and when trees die, they are great to burn, to cook and keep warm. Even matches are made out of wood! Getting kindling wood will help you keep your yard picked up from those loose sticks that fall in the way of your mowing. Trees offer shade, oxygen, beauty, a place for wildlife, some offer food, there is just a lot to trees!

There is a real eco-system to just using trees and the more we learn about God’s eco-systems, the easier it is to understand and live life. There really is a plan and sense to it. A stress level comes when the ideal systems don’t work out so well. As shared, I have encountered a lot of stress, but also know that I am not alone in that.

Being around church and the people in the church, if I wanted to start a wailing party, it wouldn’t be that hard to find a crowd who could do it with sincerity. I know some people with some hard life situations and feel I could hold my own with the rest of them!

Oh, you can always find someone who has it better or worse than you do. My real battle is for the patience and wisdom to deal with them – and myself! If I was God I would want to give everyone everything they wanted, but I think they made a movie out of that. It didn’t work.

Today as I had another “temporary” time of frustration over some things, and the enemy who is ever present to give you a shallow or erroneous view of things, the battle is again on for the faith – the faith in God to believe and overcome.

Feeling some stress again, I had to say, “Lord! I am working ~again~ to hold on, to have patience, to believe right, to put up with this junk I see in the church and the world, but this is like sand in the oyster – it’s really irritating me! To which He so quickly replied, “And yes, it’s a pearl of great price.”

Okay, He is funny. Who can argue with the Lord? At least He is talking! So press on, this may turn out better than we think! I’m sticking with Him.

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We Need A Lot More!

WE NEED A LOT MORE
by Pam Clark (pamclark@prophetic.net)

In this picture, where do your eyes go? Is this symbolic of the state of Christianity today? Rusty, weak, no longer elegant, uncared for, unnoticed because of the state of the world? Do we ignore it and try another way, another god? Do we compete or do we call meetings to lament and mourn?

The real solution is praying to God for Him and His ways! We ask Him to bless the works of our hands, but we need to pray for Him, His Presence, His Move, His Atmosphere, His Lordship, His Kingdom…

When enough of His people come together and pray for THAT – for HIM to manifest to us – then He will!

We are a woundrous creation and we do get impressed with ourselves and all our witty schemes and inventions, but His Presence and Lordship is really better. People won’t be putting on their junk in His Presence when it’s really there! But to see that, we need our unity and that can really only happen with Him and in Him.

I’m not saying this to hurt anyone, but when the world is doing better than the Church, the world is not impressed with our Christianity. I’d rather be content with a little and have His Presence.

But when I KNOW there is more, when I have SEEN more, when I have EXPERIENCED Him, then I contend for that! I can’t make it happen. I can only hope to open the eyes of some.

But some day the glory of THE LORD will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. It’s a promise, and it will happen when we want it to. It will happen by our prayers for it!

Violence won’t make it happen, although violent prayers are sometimes necessary. We do need to know how to defend ourselves and navigate in this world. Think about the world situation today – do we want a defense to preserve the good life we know? Or a destruction that will take decades to fix, if then?

Men can do a lot, but God can do MUCH more! Remember Jericho? God will protect that which gives honor to Him. We can defend our own works with our own strength, but when will we be jealous for GOD?

Experience with a Presence greater than you has value. You have to learn how to navigate it. Today, the great hope seems to be learning how to navigate in the dark world. But you aren’t navigating the Presence, you are navigating yourself IN the Presence. People can say all they want that you are just “missing something,” but it’s not you that is missing something; it’s HIM that you want!

It’s true that when He comes, some will run the other way. But if you know what the Kingdom is supposed to be all about, you will work to submit to it. Sometimes we have these great moments. But they can be fleeting and then you go back to the world and all its mess. I want His Presence sustained!

When the battle is the Lord’s, you have a great win. But saying it and having it is two different things! When will we be needy enough to want HIM?

At the very place of this picture, this happened:

I Chronicles 21: [NKJV]
18Therefore, the angel of the Lord commanded Gad to say to David that David should go and erect an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
19 So David went up at the word of Gad, which he had spoken in the name of the Lord.
20 Now Ornan turned and saw the angel; and his four sons who were with him hid themselves, but Ornan continued threshing wheat.
21 So David came to Ornan, and Ornan looked and saw David. And he went out from the threshing floor, and bowed before David with his face to the ground.

Ornan could handle the Presence, his sons could not. Now which God do we want? Do we want our own works, or the Presence of the Lord?

If your visitations don’t really affect me, then I don’t care so much, even if I find them interesting. And they may be very helpful, but whose Kingdom are you in? Yours, mine or His?

What Ornan faced was a Presence that changed a nation. His sons apparently had no experience with it, and sin can make you run, too. Don’t be too quick to judge! But he was ready to encounter it and submit to it.

God CAN meet your needs. The flesh most often cannot. Maybe for a moment here and there, but not sustained! If you train your children to know the Lord, you’ve done well. If you train them to know about the Lord, they stand a chance. And God help those who don’t know Him at all. The devil seeks whom he may devour. That’s what the Bible says!

It can be very popular to know about God, and sometimes less popular to know Him! The world the Apostle Paul knew was a rough world. Do you realize we have seen greater than that? And we need to see a lot more.