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Forsaking Suffering & Embracing Life

Forsaking Suffering & Embracing Life

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

Galatians 6:7

As you connect and become a part of the divine nature, all that isn’t of it is purged from your life.  As you connect to God’s perfect love and truth, it reshapes you from within thus recreates your reality. This transition is leaving death and entering into life. It’s being born of the spirit. It’s gaining a spirit-mind in place of a flesh-mind. It’s leaving the pit and entering into the kingdom of heaven.

To live from a flesh-mind is to abide in the pit; it’s a tortuous place on many levels. Thus to leave the pit, you have to leave all the tortuous/harmful behaviors behind. You have to cease to be a creator and a “proliferator” of harm, and instead embrace the liberty, healing and redemption of a new pure mind of wisdom and love; the mind of Christ. It’s a state of mind in which you are dependent on God’s wisdom to direct you step by step.

Do you want to be healed? Jesus asked the man of an infirmity of 38 years? John 5:5-6

People surprising are unwilling to leave or address what causes harm in their lives to themselves and others. They are unwilling to leave the pit ultimately because of their lack of understanding of the pure wisdom of God; so shouldn’t all be seeking that wisdom? Proverbs 10:21

Death, the pit, the flesh mind is an arena where love doesn’t exist because it’s a separation from God, who is love. In the absence of love; all that is left are unloving actions causing harm to ourselves and others; and often torturous. 1 John 5:19

We have to seek what true love is; thus to truly know our heavenly Father. We have to learn to leave the pit and that means stop engaging in harmful thoughts, words and actions. Ask God to reveal them in your life. Haggai 1:6-7

Here are some areas to consider:

  1. Our consumption. There is massive cruelty done to animals in regards to the foods we eat; meat, dairy, eggs, the products we use, and the clothes/shoes we buy. This world has done a surprisingly good job of covering up this horrific treatment of animals. Seek this truth then choose to be a vessel of honor .. to all. Let your love, the Father’s love, be known to all; even the least of them. Seek to walk in this love. (A Cry Against Hypocrisy & Cruelty)
  2. Our words. Words can be healing or destructive. People easily harm others by the unkind words they speak and the lies they propagate as truth. James 3:8  Let your words be words of life by letting God establish them. For as you speak so shall your life reflect.
  3. Supporting institutions of oppression; which there are many.
  4. Holding fast to a false image of God which promotes good as evil and evil as good. (ie, eternal torment doctrine)
  5. Feeding the lust image; men in desiring it and women in trying to be it. Both create massive ripple effects of destruction. There is a vast continuum in this area, seek to be off the continuum completely as Jesus spoke of. By seeking Truth, this lust spirit can be starved and replaced with true love. Matthew 5:28-29
  6. Criticizing, judging, holding grudges, unwilling to forgive, resentments, bitterness, anger. Many hold onto these behaviors to “punish” others, to feel justified, and as a form of personal vengeance. These destroy those who hold them.
  7. Staying in abusive relationships, and being abusive to ourselves, which takes on many faces. (Separation vs. Healing in Relationships)

Seek to understand how you are holding onto the pit by the harm you are holding onto in this life. Let all be purged but what is of the purest of wisdom and love. Malachi 3:2-3

Christ is returning within. If people continue to wait for an outside happening, they will remain blind to the call within them to walk in the spirit of grace that enables them to walk in righteousness. That walk transitions us into new creations. It is these who seek and grow in the righteousness of Christ working them who will abide in peace.

Zephaniah 2:3 Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the Lord’s anger.


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The Churches of Revelation

The Churches of Revelation

In Which Group Do you Abide?

I’ve been reading Revelation yet once again seeking understanding from the Holy Spirit. In Chapters 2 and 3, Jesus Christ addresses the seven churches, which are representative of the spiritual state of all of God’s children. (churches=called out ones, 7=completion) Some are called Synagogue of Satan and Satan’s throne; those who are following self-will instead of God thus allowing Satan to be on the throne in their lives. 1 John 5:19, Eph 2:2 Some are warned that their lampstand will be removed; the Holy Spirit which is the oil to their lamp or soul. Matthew 25:29 Then there are the rewards for those who truly are abiding in the light, Truth. These are some powerful images that we would be wise to examine our relationship with God by and heed their instruction as God’s children.

While reading through these chapters, I made two lists – one describing the lives of those who overcome and abide in peace with God and one describing the lives of those who are lost in the deception and lies and suffer for it. The lists don’t contain every detail of these chapters – but it was an enlightening practice. I strongly suggest meditating on these chapters as these truths are now manifesting.

The Overcomers …

  • Eat of the tree of life (Rev 2:7) = They feast on God’s truth which is growing and dwelling in them, changing them and manifesting abundant life to all areas of their lives.
  • Are not hurt by second death (Rev 2:11) = they have eternal life now and are spiritually alive; thus their flourishing lives testify to their spiritual life.
  • Are given hidden manna (Rev 2:17) = they are learning deep truths of God that are taught to them by God Himself and not another human; truths that haven’t been revealed until this time.
  • Have power over the nations (Rev 2:26) = they have spiritual power over the enemy and their prayers affect the nations and that power continues to grow. In the regeneration, they will rule with Christ. (Rev 11:5-6, 20:4, John 14:12)
  • Are given the Morning Star (Rev 2:28) = The Spirit of God dwells within them bringing a true transformation inside and out. (2 Peter 1:19)
  • Given white garments (Rev 3:5) = they have the righteousness of God, demonstrated by growing in obedience to God’s will in all things because of His Spirit is growing in them.
  • Are confessed by Jesus Christ before God and the angels (Rev 3:5) = Jesus stands in their place as their reconciliation to God as their High Priest because He knows them. (Matthew 7:22-23)
  • Are saved from the hour of trial that is coming upon the earth. (Rev 3:10) = Are kept in peace and protection while the world faces tribulation. (Psalm 91:10, John 14:27)
  • Are pillars in temple of God (Rev 3:12) = their lives have been built upon the truth of God (Eph 2:19-22), so God’s spirit can dwell and grow within them.
  • Take part of the New Jerusalem of Heaven (Rev 3:12) = their “church” is God’s temple made without hands, the New Jerusalem, which is their souls.
  • Dine with Christ (Rev 3:20) = the fountain of life dwells in them because they continually feast on the bread of life which is Christ, the Truth.
  • Sit on the throne with Christ (Rev 3:21) = they are among the first fruits with Christ as a part of His body, they are where He is, thus separate from this world and it’s ways.

Those Who Fall …

  • Left first love. (Rev 2:4) =  They do many “good” works, but neglect one-on-one fellowship with God on a regular basis, which without this their “good works” have nothing to stand on. (Matthew 7:22-23)
  • Have their lamp stand removed (Rev 2:5) = Holy Spirit, light and truth of God, taken from them and darkness prevails. (Matthew 25:29)
  • Heed the doctrine of demons, false doctrines, believing them to be truth. (Rev 2:14) = They lack a love for the truth so they can’t discern the holy from the profane, thus they are misguided into believing lies. (2 Thess 2:10)
  • Operate in the likeness of Jezebel (Rev 2:20) = They tolerate, compromise, and overlook false doctrines and principles among God’s people that leads them away from God’s truth and will, thus into greater fear, angst and suffering.
  • Are going through great tribulation in their lives. (Rev 2:22) = They are suffering great hardship and bondage in their lives from their self-will and giving into deception governed by evil.
  • Believe they are alive, but are in truth are spiritually dead (Rev 3:1) = they act according to the flesh life and not the spirit; thus there is no power real power of God flowing through their lives, though God continues for a time to extend His mercy to them.
  • Are non-repentant in the depths of their soul in surrendering their self-will to God. (Rev 3:3) = These continue to accept or live in sin (anything contrary to God’s will) and live their lives by their own will and judgment of goodness. For some, Christ’s sacrifice serves as an excuse for sin. They aren’t being transformed glory unto glory. No spiritual growth.
  • Will have Christ comes upon them as a thief (Rev 3:3) = being fleshy minded and taught, they will not know when Christ is returning, unlike those of the Day, who will know because they are of the Day. (1 Thess 5:4)
  • Don’t buy truth from Christ. (Rev 3:18) = They aren’t His disciples learning from His Holy Spirit directly, but disciples of mankind, thus they buy from the beast.  (Rev 13:17, Matthew 25:9)

Revelation is a huge puzzle that is decoded by the Holy Spirit and by the rest of the Bible, not human intellect. It’s layered with imagery and depths of meaning. I feel the time is upon us, when God is unveiling this book in much deeper layers to those who seek Him in Truth, because the time for it to be manifested is dawning upon us.

Mark 7:16 “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!”


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A Journey of a Believer

A Journey of a Believer

I did an audio recording on this topic that goes into greater detail, I strongly suggest listening if you get an opportunity, The Journey of a Believer.

There are many misconceptions about the journey and/or life of a believer, someone who truly wants to be united to God in truth in spirit. From my understanding, there are three significant phases of a believer’s journey to moving into unity with God as we were created to live.

This journey isn’t embracing a religion, which is following man-made doctrines about who God is and what He desires. This journey is drawing near to God in truth as He is and as we are; it’s cultivating a real relationship with Him.

Phase 1: The Awakening

At some point God stirs our souls to what He did for us in Christ that brought reconciliation to Him. In Christ’s physical sacrifice and resurrection, God revealed His forgiveness of all the things we’ve done, do and will do that are contrary to Him (sin). His forgiveness had nothing to do with us earning it and everything to do with His love for us.

This awareness brings excitement and often blessings into our lives as we taste of the forgiveness, mercy, provision, and love of God. Our eyes are opened to the path of life as we are now able to be united to God, but true unity hasn’t happened yet.

Once we understand what it means for God’s love to be poured out upon us in such a way, our response is to draw near to Him in truth. Thus, we diligently seek unity with the One who showed us such a great love. Unity means surrendering to God’s sovereignty, acting in line with His will, abiding in His love and it flowing outward, and gaining His Spirit as a guarantee we are His. If we aren’t seeking Him, which will take us to the next phase, we haven’t grasped the point of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection — an opportunity for true unity with God. John 1:12

Many never get past this stage because of false doctrines about the purpose and meaning of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. For example, they believe it was a free pass to heaven or only a resolution of their sins so they don’t have to carry quilt, when it’s THE doorway to a deep and real relationship with God. But for those who do understand, they move on to phase two.

Phase 2: Discipleship under Christ and the Refining Fire

This phase begins when we truly start seeking God, which means we are devoted to getting to know God as He is through His Word and the instruction of the Holy Spirit. In other words, we become disciples of Christ, the Word of God. Matthew 28:19 We read and meditate on His words, and seek to be taught by God Himself, not another person. For the deep truths of God to become ours, we have to be taught by God. He teaches us in a way that it becomes our truth and changes us. Others can only point toward the truth, they can’t write it on our hearts. Therefore, this tutelage under Christ is an individual endeavor.

When we are first awakened, we’ve become aware of the path of life, but we are still consumed with lies, false images, pains, anger, bitterness, pride, and our self-will. This second phase entails the truth revealing, purging, and replacing all the corruption, so His Spirit can move in … phase 3.

Commitment to abide in the Word on a regular basis and to seek God with all our heart, soul and mind are essential to move through this phase.

The second aspect of this phase, which goes hand in hand with being a disciple of Christ, is the refining fire. As gold is purged of its impurities by fire, so are we. Our fire consists of challenges and trials. James 1:2-4 These put pressures on us to reveal our impurities, to move us ask, seek and dig deep into God and His truth. The fires expose the impurities and purge them, IF we cling to the Truth of God throughout the process and seek His counsel and instruction.

Essentially, the part being purged is our self-will (i.e. flesh, dying to self). It’s the part of us that governs all that goes against God’s will; whether good or bad in our eyes. During this stage lies and deception are purged from our beliefs about God, us, others, and this world and truth is instated. It’s the purging and rebuilding of our souls that prepares us to be God’s temple, phase three.

One note about the refining fire and the tools used – because of the sin of Adam and Eve, in Genesis 3, they both fell under a curse. Adam was cursed in his work and Eve in marriage and childbearing/rearing. Because in Christ we are forgiven, this curse is lifted. These areas, which were once cursed, are now used as tools to refine us. God uses many things in our lives to teach and refine us, but the main and consistent tools seem to be these areas for men and women. Therefore, don’t run from the challenges in these areas. Seek the lessons and grow through them. God is making all things new in His time and His way.

This stage can be  long and difficult because of all those things we need purging of: deception, pride, resentments, pains, anger, and our self-will, which loves to be in control. These are what manifest our hardships, block unity with God and keep us from being who He created us to be. All needs to be removed and replaced with truth, peace, trust in God, and love. The purging, humility and refinement isn’t easy. Yet through it all, God is right there. We need to trust Him and His work, and not what we see.

Many don’t make it through this phase … this is why many are called (phase 1) and yet few are chosen (for phase 3). Matthew 22:14 It’s difficult. Some complain and blame which keeps them blind to God’s work and moving forward. Others turn back to their ways and the wisdom of the world (the things God is purging), by not clinging to the Word.

I’ve done a couple of audio recordings related to this stage, that you will find constructive and helpful:
Growing in Intimacy with God through the Bible
Unlocking the Bible
Holy Spirit as Our Teacher

Phase 3: God’s Spirit at Home in You

As we are refined, we become new creations because we’ve been purified and sanctified. We can over spiritualize this process, but it’s a very real journey that we embark upon, full of real trials and challenges serving a higher purpose if we allow them – God building His temple. If we continue with God, we come out renewed with a framework of truth and God’s love and those change everything. As new creations sanctified by God Himself, we are able to hold the Spirit of God. Before He was with us … how He is a part of us. We are a new wineskin, able to hold new wine. This is phase three.  2 Corinthians 5:17

During this phase, God makes His home in us. John 14:23 We are always learning and growing, but we come to a point when God’s spirit moves in. Needless to say, it’s a significant transition in our lives. The old things pass away; lies, fears, and afflictions. We want only to walk in obedience because of a love for God and truth. We seek to serve God’s will in every way. We live His truth, not just speak it. A pure love for others flows through us. Our prayers are mighty as His truth abides in us. We are powerful vessels to be used by God as our will is submitted to Him.

This is the place we want to be. We can’t jump here as many doctrines profess. It’s a journey, because the relationship is real and based on truth.