So many, including ministers, priests, and other church leaders, using the same verbiage, have rebuked me in error saying: "That's why God is doing this to you." As though I have done something to warrant the situation this city has subjected me to. Proper discernment is key. They almost got it right. But again, this is God's assessment of my situation:
"Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." Isaiah 66:5
Unfortunately, due to lack of understanding necessary to properly discern, they themselves continue to forfeit their own reward by continually pursuing their own vengeance and dishonoring their spiritual mother.
“Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise." Ephesians 6:2
Certainly, we are to treat all mankind with love and respect, especially our mothers and fathers. But, even Jesus prioritized spiritual mothers over biological ones.
"Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!” Matthew 12:50
Therefore, God's instruction to the church family is:
"Treat older women as you would your mother." Timothy 5:2a (Spiritual mothers)
They almost got it right. And, if it weren't for the fact that I responded correctly to God's command to seek Him; embrace the opportunity to enter into relationship with Him; and receive His counsel, I too may have succumbed to man's misjudgment of both me and my situation. Although God did in fact place me in this environment, it was not at all for the reasons people assume. Proper discernment is key.
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16
What do wolves do? They gather together in packs to devour. Yet, just as I heeded Jesus's instruction nine years ago, and as God himself does, I patiently look on as my enemies attempt to carry out their, ever so skillfully crafted plots, plans, and schemes – to no avail.
The reason Jesus taught "His disciples" to make the people sit down, was to avoid the chaos that could prevent them from being fed. This has been the consequence this city has brought upon herself due to her ongoing interference. But, it is the sheer envy in response to her sister cities' triumphs that has been truly unbearable to witness. They can't even see that they're the ones who have literally been gathering themselves together against their own sister cities (Isaiah 54:15), many of whom have indeed been battered by various types of exceedingly harsh storms.
While the battle may not be mine, the assignment certainly is. I don't call forth the cities; like any messenger, I merely announce them. Reward comes through honor. Food, shelter and clothing is what should've been my wages. Oh, if only this city had simply sat down (i.e. not interfered). But again, had she behaved any differently, Jesus would be a liar. Jesus cannot lie.
Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home." Mark 6:4 (NIV)
Almost doesn't count.
Note: I have but one request, especially of the cities that have already received: Do yourselves a favor, be kind to one another; extending extra compassion to elder women of God who happen to be counted among the least.
"Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." Isaiah 66:5
Unfortunately, due to lack of understanding necessary to properly discern, they themselves continue to forfeit their own reward by continually pursuing their own vengeance and dishonoring their spiritual mother.
“Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise." Ephesians 6:2
Certainly, we are to treat all mankind with love and respect, especially our mothers and fathers. But, even Jesus prioritized spiritual mothers over biological ones.
"Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!” Matthew 12:50
Therefore, God's instruction to the church family is:
"Treat older women as you would your mother." Timothy 5:2a (Spiritual mothers)
They almost got it right. And, if it weren't for the fact that I responded correctly to God's command to seek Him; embrace the opportunity to enter into relationship with Him; and receive His counsel, I too may have succumbed to man's misjudgment of both me and my situation. Although God did in fact place me in this environment, it was not at all for the reasons people assume. Proper discernment is key.
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16
What do wolves do? They gather together in packs to devour. Yet, just as I heeded Jesus's instruction nine years ago, and as God himself does, I patiently look on as my enemies attempt to carry out their, ever so skillfully crafted plots, plans, and schemes – to no avail.
The reason Jesus taught "His disciples" to make the people sit down, was to avoid the chaos that could prevent them from being fed. This has been the consequence this city has brought upon herself due to her ongoing interference. But, it is the sheer envy in response to her sister cities' triumphs that has been truly unbearable to witness. They can't even see that they're the ones who have literally been gathering themselves together against their own sister cities (Isaiah 54:15), many of whom have indeed been battered by various types of exceedingly harsh storms.
While the battle may not be mine, the assignment certainly is. I don't call forth the cities; like any messenger, I merely announce them. Reward comes through honor. Food, shelter and clothing is what should've been my wages. Oh, if only this city had simply sat down (i.e. not interfered). But again, had she behaved any differently, Jesus would be a liar. Jesus cannot lie.
Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home." Mark 6:4 (NIV)
Almost doesn't count.
Note: I have but one request, especially of the cities that have already received: Do yourselves a favor, be kind to one another; extending extra compassion to elder women of God who happen to be counted among the least.
