Warning: This may be somewhat lengthy, but because the Holy Spirit kept imparting, I discerned to keep it as one entry.
To Those Who Have Ears To Hear:
This is tuth: Jesus preached peace throughout His ministry. But, when He prophesied, He spoke of destruction. Therefore, to reject a confirmed prophetic word is to reject the Holy Spirit whom Jesus sent to lead us into all truth whereby true prophetic messages are imparted. Thus, it is commanded: "Despise not prophesyings." Those who teach others must align their messages with Christ's by highlighting how God desires His prophets to be treated: "Believe and Bless." For therein lies uncorrupt abundance and longevity of life, as illustrated in the story of the widow of Zarephat.
¹¹Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. ¹²Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. ¹³This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. ¹⁴Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. ¹⁵Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
Ephesians 4 (NLT)
Mature leadership is crucial. However, it is also important to acknowledge that our leaders are only human. Therefore, where community is concerned, those who lead must first seek forgiveness before God will listen to the petitions from the people. Moreover, those who are in positions of authority, within God's kingdom, must not conspire with wrongdoers to oppress or misuse those of us who are currently of lower rank. Instead, they should reflect Christ's character by humbling themselves in service to those us in need of assistance without favoritism or resentment.
²⁵Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ ²⁶But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. ²⁷Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. ²⁸“You have stayed with me in my time of trial. ²⁹And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right ³⁰to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ³¹“Simon, Simon, satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. ³²But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:25-32 (NLT)
Indeed, "You will know them by their fruit." While false prophets influence those who possess the world's goods to flaunt them and to even mock an elder who has been denied basic resources, Jesus taught His disciples, to reject such leaven which corrupts their thinking, and in turning (repenting) help other believers who are facing hardships. This directive extends far beyond just speaking a word of encouragement.
¹⁵Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. ¹⁶This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. ¹⁷If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? ¹⁸Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:15-18 (NIV)
God does not send His prophets to enrich others with material possessions. Our mission is to deliver the prophetic word and to teach fellow believers how to properly serve according to God's stipulations—in this way we help to build up the body of Christ. There is reward to those who listen and obey. Howbeit, when religious leaders err in teaching serious repercussions follow for all.
"And it will be: Like people, like priests. I will punish both of them for their ways and repay them for their deeds."
Hosea 4:9 (NIV)
Prophets serve as conduits of blessings. Howbeit, those blessed prophet’s rewards are earned through tests of obedience. Therefore, it is absolutely possible to forfeit a prophet’s reward by failing to pass the test. Again, reflect on the narrative of "The Widow of Zarephat." Notice how God did not speak to her through an overtly dramatic billow of smoke. He spoke to her through an ordinary person —a complete stranger to her. He sent His messenger, the prophet Elijah. Even though she was pagan, God had commanded (purposed her) to care for Elijah. She sought no counsel from outside influencers. No time was wasted trying to manipulate, exploit, or destroy the messenger. Rather, through proper discernment, she simply BELIEVED and BLESSED. God used the same prophet to address Ahab and Jezebel, who were also pagan. Howbeit, the outcome was vastly different due to their disrespectful attitude. Yet, in both scenarios God's glory shone through as purposed.
Unlike Ahab and Jezebel, God's people should never take part in robbery nor turn a blind eye to it. Instead, we are commanded to respond as the good Samaritan did to lift up our neighbor, whom has been knocked down, that he or she may continue along their journey. The ministry of those to whom resources have been given is to minister through those resources to the advancement of the kingdom of God: Even if it seems unorthodox to man's "outer cup" thinking. For we know not the mind of God that we can set the agenda for Him. Rather, we must operate with the mind of Christ, through obedient submission to Him.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Both city and counsel must change their mindset regarding their respective roles in God's processes. God is not looking for your agenda. Rather, like the widow at Zarephat, He purposed you to surrender to His agenda. If ### had to seek forgiveness for his imprudent interference, what leads you to believe that you are exempt from repentance?
Vet your counsel.
Revisit: Hosea Ch. 4
The Holy Spirit leads further...
Speaking of responses: This brings to mind another parable. The parable of the two sons mentioned in Matthew 21, which again reinforces 1 John 3:18 which, in turn evokes James 2:17, which makes me chuckle at the Bible's boomerang nature. It always circles back to Jesus's fundamental message of love, compassion, justice, and mercy. When kept in context, the principle of "faith without works is dead" reinforces Jesus's teaching that those who hold the world's goods are called to give to those who lack. Jesus's teachings were intentional. Because, when we share what God has shared with us—with a willing heart and cheerful spirit—Jesus is glorified. When Jesus is glorified, God is honored. God rewards those who honor Him in this way. Jesus knew exactly what He was doing. What a blessed circle. That's the kind of compassing Jesus espouses. (My intrusive thought: "Jesus is something else"
)
Please understand, this is not a requirement for man to give what he created—for man created nothing. The protocol is for man to share because it was shared with him.
"For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen." Romans 11:36
It's all about Him...
"For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."
1 Timothy 6:7
To Those Who Have Ears To Hear:
This is tuth: Jesus preached peace throughout His ministry. But, when He prophesied, He spoke of destruction. Therefore, to reject a confirmed prophetic word is to reject the Holy Spirit whom Jesus sent to lead us into all truth whereby true prophetic messages are imparted. Thus, it is commanded: "Despise not prophesyings." Those who teach others must align their messages with Christ's by highlighting how God desires His prophets to be treated: "Believe and Bless." For therein lies uncorrupt abundance and longevity of life, as illustrated in the story of the widow of Zarephat.
¹¹Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. ¹²Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. ¹³This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. ¹⁴Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. ¹⁵Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
Ephesians 4 (NLT)
Mature leadership is crucial. However, it is also important to acknowledge that our leaders are only human. Therefore, where community is concerned, those who lead must first seek forgiveness before God will listen to the petitions from the people. Moreover, those who are in positions of authority, within God's kingdom, must not conspire with wrongdoers to oppress or misuse those of us who are currently of lower rank. Instead, they should reflect Christ's character by humbling themselves in service to those us in need of assistance without favoritism or resentment.
²⁵Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ ²⁶But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. ²⁷Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. ²⁸“You have stayed with me in my time of trial. ²⁹And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right ³⁰to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ³¹“Simon, Simon, satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. ³²But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:25-32 (NLT)
Indeed, "You will know them by their fruit." While false prophets influence those who possess the world's goods to flaunt them and to even mock an elder who has been denied basic resources, Jesus taught His disciples, to reject such leaven which corrupts their thinking, and in turning (repenting) help other believers who are facing hardships. This directive extends far beyond just speaking a word of encouragement.
¹⁵Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. ¹⁶This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. ¹⁷If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? ¹⁸Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:15-18 (NIV)
God does not send His prophets to enrich others with material possessions. Our mission is to deliver the prophetic word and to teach fellow believers how to properly serve according to God's stipulations—in this way we help to build up the body of Christ. There is reward to those who listen and obey. Howbeit, when religious leaders err in teaching serious repercussions follow for all.
"And it will be: Like people, like priests. I will punish both of them for their ways and repay them for their deeds."
Hosea 4:9 (NIV)
Prophets serve as conduits of blessings. Howbeit, those blessed prophet’s rewards are earned through tests of obedience. Therefore, it is absolutely possible to forfeit a prophet’s reward by failing to pass the test. Again, reflect on the narrative of "The Widow of Zarephat." Notice how God did not speak to her through an overtly dramatic billow of smoke. He spoke to her through an ordinary person —a complete stranger to her. He sent His messenger, the prophet Elijah. Even though she was pagan, God had commanded (purposed her) to care for Elijah. She sought no counsel from outside influencers. No time was wasted trying to manipulate, exploit, or destroy the messenger. Rather, through proper discernment, she simply BELIEVED and BLESSED. God used the same prophet to address Ahab and Jezebel, who were also pagan. Howbeit, the outcome was vastly different due to their disrespectful attitude. Yet, in both scenarios God's glory shone through as purposed.
Unlike Ahab and Jezebel, God's people should never take part in robbery nor turn a blind eye to it. Instead, we are commanded to respond as the good Samaritan did to lift up our neighbor, whom has been knocked down, that he or she may continue along their journey. The ministry of those to whom resources have been given is to minister through those resources to the advancement of the kingdom of God: Even if it seems unorthodox to man's "outer cup" thinking. For we know not the mind of God that we can set the agenda for Him. Rather, we must operate with the mind of Christ, through obedient submission to Him.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Both city and counsel must change their mindset regarding their respective roles in God's processes. God is not looking for your agenda. Rather, like the widow at Zarephat, He purposed you to surrender to His agenda. If ### had to seek forgiveness for his imprudent interference, what leads you to believe that you are exempt from repentance?
Vet your counsel.
Revisit: Hosea Ch. 4
The Holy Spirit leads further...
Speaking of responses: This brings to mind another parable. The parable of the two sons mentioned in Matthew 21, which again reinforces 1 John 3:18 which, in turn evokes James 2:17, which makes me chuckle at the Bible's boomerang nature. It always circles back to Jesus's fundamental message of love, compassion, justice, and mercy. When kept in context, the principle of "faith without works is dead" reinforces Jesus's teaching that those who hold the world's goods are called to give to those who lack. Jesus's teachings were intentional. Because, when we share what God has shared with us—with a willing heart and cheerful spirit—Jesus is glorified. When Jesus is glorified, God is honored. God rewards those who honor Him in this way. Jesus knew exactly what He was doing. What a blessed circle. That's the kind of compassing Jesus espouses. (My intrusive thought: "Jesus is something else"
)Please understand, this is not a requirement for man to give what he created—for man created nothing. The protocol is for man to share because it was shared with him.
"For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen." Romans 11:36
It's all about Him...
"For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."
1 Timothy 6:7
I L
VE MY ASSIGNMENT!
VE MY ASSIGNMENT!
