A Prophetic Word- An Exhortation- A Warning- A Prayer For Those In Mnistry

 The title of this article says a lot about what is on my heart. My title encompasses all that I believe this article will be. It is in many ways a Prophetic Word. It will definitely be a mighty exhortation for those with ears to hear. Unfortunately there will be some elements of Divine Warning. Altogether this comes from a deep place of prayer and intercession for The Church, Her People and Her Leaders.

 As I write this I am well aware of my own failings in some of the areas I am compelled to confront my brothers and sisters in Christ about. Many of us have heard of the Pastor who committed suicide this week. The issue of depression and anxiety is touching all aspects of society. From the youngest to the oldest. From the richest to the poorest, depression, anxiety and the spirit of suicide has bound humanity and Those in The Church have not escaped the infection.

 The question for us is, Should this be the case? Why have so many, including myself, not been able to walk in the joy and peace of Christ consistently? Why are both Leaders and Laity alike bound and held in the cages of these emotional,physical and spiritual enemies? Why have so many Apostles,Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors and Teachers fallen victim, sometimes fatally, to these enemies of our souls?

 I will not pretend to have THE ANSWER. However, I have what I believe to be AN ANSWER inspired by The Holy Spirit for right now, in this season, and the one to come. I believe I have an answer for those who will hear, who are ordained to hear it.

 All ministry, after all, is called and directed by God. No Prophet is a Prophet to everyone. They are a Prophet to those whom God has appointed them to be a Prophet to. No Pastor, Teacher, Apostle or even an Evangelist is called to all believers and churches, they have been appointed by God to A Place, A People and A Time.

These truths when understood and embraced removes a great burden from the shoulders of both Leaders and Laity alike, especially those who are given to prayer and the Move of The Spirit.  When Leaders are in The Lords Ordained Place, Fulfilling The Lords Ordained Calling in Service to The Lords People that they are called and appointed to, they can be secure and confident that They Will Succeed as The Lord Directs.

All this being true, and it is 100% true because God never fails or makes a mistake, then why is there so much brokenness in The Church? Why do so many churches fail? So many leaders fall? Why are callings abandoned and giftings rejected while there are flocks of sheep wandering, confused and hurt?

 What are we missing? What erroneous and broken template do we keep using that works for the few  but fails for so many? What yoke of burden is being put on Pastor after Pastor that they were never meant to carry, and were never equipped to handle?

 Some will say that I am posing more questions than I am giving answers, but in these questions lie the answers. They are question with just the right anointing to pull the answers out of the hearts that are longing for truth and freedom. Those longing to know true covenant relationship and ministry, where each one does their part and each ones strengths provides for the others weaknesses.

 Could it be that we have built the structures of The Church in a way that was never meant to be? Could it be that the Business Like Organization Structure is so flawed that only the strong survive, and those who are not strong enough or don't fit into the business image anymore get washed out or feel so much pressure to live up to a well guarded and painted image that they eventually falter?

 Would men like Peter and Paul even make it through the protocols and image cleansing of the modern church? Would Paul be considered to wild, to extreme, to close to those he served? Would Peter be written off as a rebel, a breaker of protocol, one who speaks out of turn, so certainly not worthy of leadership and The High Calling of  Apostleship?

Are there any ministry teams that have a covenant relationship like the picture I posted above and below represents?  And how about the people in The Church?  Do we get it? Do we really get what our responsibility is  to pray and support our leaders spiritually? Of course financially, but lets face it, many that will read this, your Pastor or the Pastors you see in media are living much better off than you financially, so that doesn't carry as much weight as it did for the early church planters and Pastors.

But, if you are from a smaller church with a Pastor who is struggling financially, are you helping him in any way you can? Are you generous, so that they can give themselves to The Word and Prayer for you? Are you behaving like you have a God Ordained Covenant Relationship with them, as long as you call them your Pastor and you eat at that Church?

 How about your words? Are you encouraging and lifting them up in prayer? Are you seeing with Gods eyes and supporting them passionately, so that The Gospel may be Preached, Lives may be Changed and The Devil may be stopped in families and in your community?

 We all need to rethink, reset and relaunch. Leaders and Laity alike, we need a time of Consecration and Prayer, so we can take on the closing of time and be a part of The Remnant that finishes strong and in THE POWER OF HIS LOVE.

 Here is the Exhortation. We can do this! The Lord has a Plan for THIS. He has a PLAN for RIGHT NOW. A Specific and well planned out path He wants His Church to march on. His Love and Covenant Blessing will unite us. Wisdom and Knowledge of His Love and Covenant Blessing will keep us together, in Power, Anointing, Vision and Unity.

 Each member doing its part. Each one in their perfect place, moving in glorious power, fulfilling their part in this incredible End Time Church we have been called to. We see the results of this in the Book of Acts. The Leaders were focused, sober, serious and on The Mission given to them by God. The people were generous, reverent and busy working to establish, build and maintain the fast growing, miracle working and World Changing Church!

 Here is a warning. In this atmosphere, that shall come, both Leaders and Laity alike , need to show great reverence and honor to The Spirit of God and His Holy Name. Dishonor has no place in this atmosphere. Leaders need to honor their place as servants and shepherds of The Lords Sheep. And the people need to honor and show reverence for the The Presence of The Lord working through His Leaders for the benefit of The Church and mankind. All must have a reverential fear of The Lord.

We wouldn't walk up and slap the bride of a man we fear. Yet many of us have slapped The Lords Bride, over and over again. Lord forgive us.

Lord, help us as leaders to honor you among the people, feed your sheep, and tend your pastures the way you showed us, with sacrifice and selflessness. Remove every ounce of a hirelings heart from our souls.

Help us as members and parts of your precious body to act like your children and demonstrate your love toward one another. Help us to fully support our leaders in every way they need it. Help us to praye fervently and in the spirit of wisdom for them. Help us set a guard over our hearts and tongues, so that we may always bless and uplift and never curse or sow discord.

 Teach and instruct us how to do ministry, how to build your church, in the way you wish, so the gates of hell crumble before us. So that we all may walk in your freedom and joy. Lord show us how to build ministry teams called by you, anointed by you, and bound in Covenant , so that we may see your wonderful works again on The Earth!!

Raise up an Epaphras in every Church, in every city and in every nation. Raise up pillars that will stand with The Ministry Gifts they are called to stand with no matter what. Let them fight side by side until all the giants are removed from their land.

Thank you Lord for Anointed Teachers and Words that will reset souls and minds. That will tear down strongholds, and restore peace to your people. Teach us Lord how to command our emotions with Your Word, Name and Authority. We stand as one and will help one another realize the liberty and freedom we have. No burden shall be carried except that which you have empowered each of us to bear.

Finally, In The Name of Jesus we curse the spirit of Depression,Anxiety and Suicide. Flee back to the darkness from which you came. You have no place nor part in The Body of Christ!

Ancient Of Days-Ancient War- Ancient Plan- Ancient Foundations

Foundations are important to The Lord.

His Kingdom Is Eternal.

Built Upon An Eternal Spiritual Foundation.

He cast The Universe with His Hand and built the foundations of  The Earth with His Word as a mirror of  those Spiritual Foundations!

Foundations are important  The LORD.

He has always given His People a Firm Foundation to stand upon and build upon.

He gave us His Word and His Gospel as a solid foundation to build upon.

Foundations are important to The Lord.

This is why He must shake all can be shaken so that nothing remains but that which was built Correctly and with His Word , upon HIS FOUNDATIONS!

Foundations Are Important To The LORD!

He who has an ear

Let them hear!

He who has eyes to see

Let them see!

Foundations are important to The Lord!

In The End- A New Earth will appear. Built upon A Glorious Foundation!

A New Jerusalem, A New Temple  will be built upon A Foundation of Precious Stones , Shining 

With Gods Glory!

Rebuilding Confidence - The Path of Discipleship

 

A few weeks ago I had some extra time at the end of my work day so I decided to watch a few training videos about leading difficult people, building confidence in people and convincing others to follow your lead that you do not have any authority over in a team environment.

The segment that stuck with me, and that The Lord really stirred me to take notes on was: Levels of Confidence.

As I listened to the speaker teach it was very clear that what he was laying out was not only a template to train employees, but unknown to him I imagine, the way The Lord raises up His people and trains up His leaders.

Even deeper for me, I saw a path to freedom for those struggling with addiction, obsessions, abandonment, pain, the list could go on and on. I saw a safe road, escorted by loving and mature believers , where many people could be led safely to freedom

What I was seeing is The Path of Discipleship. What I was seeing is what is demonstrated in The life of Moses, Joseph, Paul, Peter, Mark, Timothy and really just about ever major leader servant in The Word.

As I list these , I want you to really think about each step. Each step is so important in order to move to the next step. Each step requires a mentor, a guide, a teacher to help those on the path, stay on the path. I ask that you pray for a few minutes before and ask The Holy Spirit to show you how you can either start on this path or start leading others on this path.

If you are a Pastor, or a councilor, ask The Lord if this may be a template for discipleship or counseling that He wants you to build a form and function around.

The key aspect to this, that The Lord spoke to me heart about, is the fact that this is a guided journey, with loving, caring, dedicated teachers and guides. Shepherds that are truly dedicated to discipleship. Shepherds that care more for the sheep that their own lives and comfort.

(My thoughts on each step will be in parenthesis) 

Shepherds like Jesus

Confidence Levels:

1. Confidence To Try:

    

      Goal is not necessarily to succeed, BUT TO TRY.

(This is quite possibly the most important step. We need to encourage people that freedom is possible, even guaranteed if they will just take the first step and start the journey with us, and not quit. Draw them from the place of fear and isolation into a place of trust and action.)

2. Confidence To Learn:

  The goal here is to learn and PROGRESS IN GROWTH:

( Line upon line, precept upon precept. Brick upon brick. Confidence not only to learn, but to be okay with the process of growth. To be given grace and mercy to trip, fall, mess up and get frustrated, with no condemnation or retaliation in the least bit. They are on an exciting and at times perilous journey, if they don't quit, they will make it.)

3. Confidence To Do:

  Based on competence and consistently doing.

   (Important transition step. Still learning, still slipping a bit, now it is time TO DO. Depending on the environment of the process whether training up disciples in a church or counselling somebody to break free from chains, many times they go hand and hand, the people need to start doing something to exercise their newly learned talents,abilities, gifts or freedom. This will be more institution based, competence based, but still a safe place to start doing, moving, exercising.)

4. Confidence To Teach

  Mastery, They now have the confidence to teach and lead others.

(This is the goal of Discipleship and Counseling, to raise a person up to the point that they can use all they have experienced and learned to lead others, mentor others, encourage others to take the first step to freedom and a life in the service of The Lord.)

Recap-

1. Confidence To Try:

    

      Goal is not necessarily to succeed, BUT TO TRY.

2. Confidence To Learn:

  The goal here is to learn and PROGRESS IN GROWTH:

3. Confidence To Do:

  Based on competence and consistently doing.

4. Confidence To Teach

  Mastery, They now have the confidence to teach and lead others.

Let The Called Our Ones Arise!!!

Words cant express the groaning of my heart. It seems there is none that understands, none that truly want to help. Some will see this as a complaint, some will see this as whining, but they would be,have been, so wrong.

I know what The Lord has put in me. I know that part of the right team, in the right atmosphere, we will be able to do amazing things and the joy in me will be as un-expressible by words as the groaning is now.

Sometimes people do not understand the pain they inflict when they ignore an email, disregard a text. Maybe they feel as if they are excused from the basic elements of covenant relationship. So tied up by protocol and the rules they put in place they don't even consider the personal lives and families that their man made , not spirit led, decisions have impacted.

So, for all who have felt this way. For all those in debt, for all those in mourning, for all those cast to the side.......

1 Samuel 22:1-2  (NLT)

David at the Cave of Adullam

22 So David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Soon his brothers and all his other relatives joined him there.

2 Then others began coming—men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented—until David was the captain of about 400 men.

THE LORD SAYS: WELCOME TO THE CAVE OF ADULLAM!!!

I believe The LORD is making places for Ministers of THE LORD, who have been called by God, but discounted by man.

I believe He is making place to EMPLOY and DEPLOY them into place HE NEEDS them. Fret not my brothers. My God is about to make you one of HIS MIGHTY MEN!! Let the comfortable rest protected in their palaces and stay safe behind their protocols and walls.

You know you are called. You have known since you were young, but no door has opened , no place has been found for you to rest your head. Fret not, You King Is Calling!

I do not know how. I do not know when. I do not know the way He will open. But, He shall open the way!

1 Chronicles 11:10-37 New Living Translation (NLT)

David’s Mightiest Warriors

10 These are the leaders of David’s mighty warriors. Together with all Israel, they decided to make David their king, just as the Lord had promised concerning Israel.

11 Here is the record of David’s mightiest warriors: The first was Jashobeam the Hacmonite, who was leader of the Three—the mightiest warriors among David’s men. He once used his spear to kill 300 enemy warriors in a single battle.

12 Next in rank among the Three was Eleazar son of Dodai, a descendant of Ahoah. 13 He was with David when the Philistines gathered for battle at Pas-dammim and attacked the Israelites in a field full of barley. The Israelite army fled, 14 but Eleazar and David held their ground in the middle of the field and beat back the Philistines. So the Lord saved them by giving them a great victory.

15 Once when David was at the rock near the cave of Adullam, the Philistine army was camped in the valley of Rephaim. The Three (who were among the Thirty—an elite group among David’s fighting men) went down to meet him there. 16 David was staying in the stronghold at the time, and a Philistine detachment had occupied the town of Bethlehem.

17 David remarked longingly to his men, “Oh, how I would love some of that good water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem.” 18 So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew some water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But David refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as an offering to the Lord. 19 “God forbid that I should drink this!” he exclaimed. “This water is as precious as the blood of these men who risked their lives to bring it to me.” So David did not drink it. These are examples of the exploits of the Three.

David’s Thirty Mighty Men

20 Abishai, the brother of Joab, was the leader of the Thirty. He once used his spear to kill 300 enemy warriors in a single battle. It was by such feats that he became as famous as the Three. 21 Abishai was the most famous of the Thirty and was their commander, though he was not one of the Three.

22 There was also Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant warrior from Kabzeel. He did many heroic deeds, which included killing two champions of Moab. Another time, on a snowy day, he chased a lion down into a pit and killed it. 23 Once, armed only with a club, he killed an Egyptian warrior who was 7 1⁄2 feet tall and who was armed with a spear as thick as a weaver’s beam. Benaiah wrenched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with it. 24 Deeds like these made Benaiah as famous as the three mightiest warriors. 25 He was more honored than the other members of the Thirty, though he was not one of the Three. And David made him captain of his bodyguard.

26 David’s mighty warriors also included:

Asahel, Joab’s brother;
Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem;

27 Shammah from Harod;
Helez from Pelon;

28 Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa;
Abiezer from Anathoth;

29 Sibbecai from Hushah;
Zalmon from Ahoah;

30 Maharai from Netophah;
Heled son of Baanah from Netophah;

31 Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah (in the land of Benjamin);
Benaiah from Pirathon;

32 Hurai from near Nahale-gaash;
Abi-albon from Arabah;

33 Azmaveth from Bahurim;
Eliahba from Shaalbon;

34 the sons of Jashen from Gizon;
Jonathan son of Shagee from Harar;

35 Ahiam son of Sharar from Harar;
Eliphal son of Ur;

36Hepher from Mekerah;
Ahijah from Pelon;

37 Hezro from Carmel;
Paarai son of Ezbai;

The Remnant

Time is running out for The Church to return to her foundations, before The Lord has to shake us to those foundations.

It is clear that there is no desire by too many leaders to truly follow the example of Christ. We can't be content with social outreaches and entertainment, motivational speeches that we sell tickets to.

The Lord has had enough. We will return to our foundations, or He will shake everything off that doesn't belong.

People need The Lord, His Presence and The Power of The Gospel. Jesus shall reach them, the way He demonstrated and commissioned us to do the same. Let The Remnant say Amen.

Don't say amen until you really consider the cost.

The LORD Hears Your Cries

 

 There are many warnings in The Word about how we think, speak and act during times of visitation and abundance from God. On the other hand there are not really any WARNINGS about how to think,speak and act during times of lack,pain and bondage. Matter of fact, God has always heard and honored the cry of His hurting people.

 This is an important truth to consider. Let me explain why I believe misunderstanding this has led to us placing unnecessary burdens on Gods People who are already weighed down and in a place of bondage and pain. 

 I want to use a well used story from The Bible and give a different perspective on them. I am certainly not negating all that has been taught on this subject, however I do believe That The Lord wants to give His People a new perspective on this subject.

 For as long as there has been sermons we have heard how God did not allow His People in The Promised Land because of how the grumbled and complained in The Wilderness. They thought,spoke and acted in a way that was displeasing to The Lord. Their continual lack of faith in God and His Goodness led to a whole generation wandering and ultimately dying in The Wilderness.

 All of this is scriptural, solid and good teaching. The perspective I want to challenge is what we commonly consider "The Wilderness Experience." 

 Was the great sin of Gods People complaining in a place of barrenness and lack? Are they a good example of how we need to stay in faith during the painful times of life? Did they dishonor God by crying out to Him, lifting up a compliant , expressing their pain, during a time of bondage and dryness, like so many sermons and books have taught?

 Or have we taught The Wilderness Experience with a flipped perspective? Is the lesson we need to learn, sort of the opposite of the lesson that is revealed in scripture?

 First lets look at how They were brought out of bondage. God heard the cries, and complaints of His people who were in hard bondage and slavery in Egypt. He wasn't angry with their complaints and cries from Egypt and the place of pain. No, He answered them, by setting them free, miraculously and with great abundance. Their cries were in line with His will for them to be free. 

Remember this, it is very important to the message I believe The Lord wants us to receive from this article.

 Lets start here with their journey. God heard their cries and he brought them forth in abundance healing and strength. They were a rich, healed and free people. This is the definition of The Wilderness Experience. Not quite like how we teach on our own Wilderness Experiences: Wandering, not in God promises yet, lacking, barren etc. 

 Doesn't seem like an important difference, after all, the teachings we have on The Wilderness Experience seem good, they teach us not to grumble and complain, to stay moving even if we are not in The Promised Land yet.

 But, just because something seems to work, doesn't mean it is scriptural and it doesn't mean that the small difference in perspective isn't causing some of Gods people to stay in bondage, when they do not have to be.

 The distinction is important and the application to Gods People now, makes all the difference.The real lesson we need to receive from The Wilderness Experience of The Children of Israel, is not that they complained and grumbled from the place of bondage and lack. Quite the opposite , it is that they complained, grumbled and dishonored God during a time of a great outpouring of His Presence and Abundance. God broke through into this world and demonstrated all His Mighty Attributes and Character. 

He showed Himself as Deliverer, Provider, Healer, Protector, Father.

This is what we need to teach those who are hurting and in bondage:

 God hears your cries. Your groaning to be free is your spirit connecting with Gods Will for you to be free. He understands your pain. He doesn't want you in bondage and pain. He lays no further burden on you to perform for Him. He wants you free.

 We have taught so often that God expects us to be joyful in pain, to not complain or cry out when life has us in bondage and lack (here is where we erroneously connect this to The Wilderness Journey) that we have inadvertently caused people to be afraid to be real with God. 

 We have caused people to believe that God somehow expects them to embrace Egypt, to dance in the brick pits of pharaohs hard bondage. When God is looking for us to cry out to Him, BE HONEST WITH HIM, and acknowledge that He is The Same God that sets His People free into rich abundance and healing.

 I want to share an experience I had at a prayer meeting some time ago. I have never shared this with anyone, however it was a very important moment in time for me and this message. I want to start by saying that I am not negating anything that happened during this experience. I am not disrespecting those involved or saying that they were wrong in anyway. I am simply sharing a very powerful experience I had with The Lord and what stirred in my heart as a result.

 I was attending a prayer meeting and there was a woman that was in an extreme amount of pain and had been for a very long time. She was suffering from a life threatening disease. My heart broke for her. A group of us began to pray for her. The theme was rejoicing in pain, there were a few ladies worshiping loudly, praising GOD, and encouraging her to rejoice in the pain, that she had to laugh at the enemy, that she had to rejoice in the trial.

 The scene was almost celebratory, but, my spirit man was troubled. I found myself backing away, and actually trying to leave a few times, but The Holy Spirit kept pulling me back. I stood there watching, troubled in spirit, not exactly sure why. 

 I left that meeting carrying something The Lord has deposited in my spirit. Sometime later this woman went home to be with The Lord, finally receiving peace from her pain. When I heard about it, a flood of revelation came to my spirit.

 Does The Lord really expect us to find a way to rejoice even when we are in deep bondage and pain?Does He really require us to be able to stir up joy, in order to be considered to be in faith, even when broken, dying and in the mud pits of Egypt , under the whip of our enemy?

You see, we have used scriptures on how to endure trials, how to travel The Wilderness, and how to go from The Pit to The Palace, as evidence that God somehow wants us to embrace bondage and not cry out, call out or even lift up a complaint to God for deliverance.

So many of The Lords precious people are suffering in silence. They are putting on an act. They are carrying a burden, they are not meant to carry. There are leaders throughout this land that think they have to put on some sort of show. They wont share their pain, their weaknesses or their struggles with anyone because they fear looking weak or of being accused of not being qualified.

I have seen people with life threatening diagnosis say they didn't want to say anything to anyone because they thought they had to stand on their own faith and didn't want to lay any burden on their Pastor. This is a direct result of a misunderstanding of things like The Wilderness Experience.

We must allow people to hurt. We must let them know that they can be real with God. We must let them know that Jesus paid the full price, took the burden of bondage, and opened the door to approach God with no mask, no show, no false joy, to try and prove something to Him.

If people do not feel safe and free to express their pain, discomfort, fears and doubts to The Lord fully, they will never trust Him enough to be open and honest with Him. They will think that He wants them stuck in Egypt, they will never see Him as deliverer, but just another task master, expecting them to perform for His blessing and if they don't, they fear the whip of his displeasure and abandonment. 

This is real, these things have been sowed into our hearts for to long. We are supposed to be those who help each other lift  burdens. We need to tear the roof off Peters house if need be to help our friends. We don't leave people to stand on their own faith when they are in severe bondage and broken in pain. We can never make people feel guilty for not being able to shout for joy while pounding out bricks , starving and under the whips of Egypt.

Lets stand as one body, carrying each others burdens. Lets be true covenant people, being strong for those who are weak and fighting for and with those who are in battle. Cry out to The Lord in your distress, and He will deliver you. We will stand with you, help you and even carry you until that day comes.

Weclome To The Cave of Adullam

An army you were supposed to lead, is now led against you.
A kingdom you were anointed to guard, has now expelled you.
A king you served with all your might, now rejects and hunts you.
The mighty with whom you once stood, now are arrayed against you.

Welcome to The Cave of Adullam!
Seek only God and His plan!

Welcome to The Cave of Adullam!
Trust in Him alone and His Mighty Hand!

Welcome to The Cave of Adullam!
Cry out with all your strength to The Lord!

Welcome to The Cave of Adullam!
You'll have to die to all, and cleave to but His Word!

Welcome to The Cave of Adullam!
When the appointed day comes, Mighty Men shall arise!

Welcome to The Cave of Adullam!
Your enemies shall flee,and be destroyed before your eyes!

Welcome to The Cave of Adullam

Welcome to The Cave of Adullam

The Rocky Paths

Luke 9:57-58  (NLT)

57 As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

58 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

 

Setting Our Souls For A Mission

What does it really mean to set our faces like flint? We have heard that scripture pulled out and used so many times, it has almost become cliche, like a self motivating slogan at a pep rally. 

But, this is The Word of God, full of Power. All of His WORD is Alive and Active, made for battle and a weapon of great light against the darkness that covers this earth and mans hearts. There must be a more powerful meaning to this, and if so, it must be a concept that is a constant thread of instruction and wisdom throughout The Word and the history of Gods People.

What are the promises of obedience to this command , what are the consequences of treating it as just another cliche or powerless self motivational slogan?

Deuteronomy 28:1-14 (NKJV)


1 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:

3 “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.

4 “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks.

5 “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

6 “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.

7 “The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.

8 “The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

9 “The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. 10 Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. 11 And the Lord will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. 

12 The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. 13 And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. 

14 So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

We can see that even in The Old Testament God promised great blessing upon His people for following Him diligently. He knew for His people to be blessed as they worked the earth, they would have to remain diligent and committed to The Covenant Protections He provided for them. 

This was not a command from a power hungry God who just wanted obedient servants, His promises, legally and spiritually, brought His people under His protection amidst an earth that was full of both natural and spiritual enemies, both working in unison to destroy all of Gods people and plans.

Throughout the Old Testament we see His People leaving the cover of His Covenant and suffering the consequences for it. We also see them returning fully, with all their hearts, set like flint toward The Lord in prayer and repentance, and being restored to blessing.

They were not aware, or at least fully aware of the spiritual enemies they had that were backing and instigating their enemies and the sin in their own camp. Their connection and access to that world was hidden and limited, until Their Messiah came to free them not only from natural enemies, but to expose and openly defeat the real enemies behind the scenes, The Kingdom Of Darkness and Satan.

Jesus came with a ministry and message that all wanted to see and experience. Many saw the miracles and authority that He and His Disciples demonstrated and were drawn to it.

Some may have thought this was a new thing that didn't require the same commitment as trying to follow the myriad of Old Testament Laws. Some may have thought all they had to do was follow this new prophet and all would be well. They may have thought following this guy will be a cake walk. However Jesus made it very clear the cost of truly walking as a Disciple.

Luke 9:57-62 (NKJV)

57 Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.”

58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

59 Then He said to another, “Follow Me.”

But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”

60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.”

61 And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.”


62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Even at the very end of the age we see The Lord telling His People to be on fire for Him, to be diligent, focused, mission led and Spirit Filled. He tells them their natural state without Him and His Spirit giving them life, and He, even at the last hour, calls them to return fully and be blessed fully.

Revelation 3:14-22 (NKJV)

The Lukewarm Church

14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,[b] I will vomit you out of My mouth. 

17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

So what is this mission that we are to be giving our all to? What are the better promises of the better covenant that Jesus secured for us by His own Blood? 

What mission can we only fully enter into when we have set our faces and hearts like flint toward The Lord and His Commands?

What does He promise those who "lose their lives" in order to "save their lives"? What military victories does He have for His people in the New Testament, that the battles of The Old Testament were only shadows and forms of?

Well I could copy and paste the entire Book of Acts, but instead I encourage you with all my heart to read it once again with this post in mind.

I will end with one final scripture. The Last Commission of Our Commander and King. What a great call and responsibility to join Him in His Work. 

Are we ready to forsake the things of this world fully in order to do His Will Fully? Be honest with yourself, He will help reveal and remove all that hinders us and His People, as long as we are fully engaged and set like flint toward His Face.

Mark 16:15-20 (NKJV)

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Christ Ascends to God’s Right Hand

19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen