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Coming as a Thief

Coming as a Thief

Christ is coming as a thief. Where to look? Look within.

Matthew 24:43 “But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.

Satan is the master in this verse. (notation 4-15-15: Satan is the cumulative false-judging self of humankind) The kingdoms of this world belong to him. Matthew 4:8-9 The whole world is under his sway. 1 John 5:19 At Christ’s return, Christ penetrates Satan’s kingdom of darkness as a thief thus in a way unknown to Satan and to the world.

The exact details of Christ’s return have been hidden from our eyes in the scriptures so the manifestation of His return is protected from Satan’s scheming as the verse above reveals. However, as the Day of the Lord and the revelation of Jesus Christ dawn upon us, we will start to learn and experience the perfection of God’s plan as it unfolds. God has been teaching me about this plan by opening up scriptures and putting them together in a perfect formation like I’ve never seen. Thus, one reason I believe the end is upon us. I’m sharing with you what I’m learning so that if you too are being taught by God, the posts will serve as a confirmation to some amazing truths. The truth is our protection. How important it is to seek, know, trust and believe.

A Mustard Seed

Christ’s kingdom starts as a mustard seed. Matthew 13:31 His Kingdom is within us.

Luke 17:21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

Many are looking externally for Christ’s Kingdom, just as they did in the NT at Christ’s first coming. The religious people of Christ’s day read the scriptures, but they did not understand.  They didn’t trust upon God’s timing for revelation but relied on their own logical deduction. Hebrews 4:2, 1 Corin 2:14  Never a good idea. As a result they conceived of an image of His Kingdom of their own creation, an image that they clung to as truth and therefore missed Christ although He stood right in front of them.

The same situation is happening again. People are looking and waiting for physical images of Christ’s return, which they’ve received from religious leaders. For example, they are looking for people to be physically raptured into the clouds or to disappear. They are waiting for the physical body of Christ to come in the physical clouds. There are many variations and many images. And until people see events that fit their man-contrived images, they won’t think Christ has returned. Don’t fall into the same trap, but seek to be taught by God through the scriptures. To learn of God, we have to be willing to let go of all images, otherwise those images will mar and hide the true God, truth, and what lies ahead.

There is much confusion about Christ’s return, and much speculation is outwardly focused. But if that is your focus, you will miss the call of the Bridegroom.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

The Kingdom of God is Within

The Kingdom of God is built from within us. We are the temple. Christ died so that His Spirit could be resurrected in us. He gave up His Spirit as it was, so that He could be resurrected in many.

John 12:23-24 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified ” Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.

Christ’s physical resurrection is a testimony that His words are true. It’s proof to His words; He came to destroy death, give life, and resurrect our dead spiritual souls by filling us with His perfect righteous spirit. (Things we are waiting to see fulfilled, which I believe is beginning as the fig tree buds Matthew 24:31-32)

Bridegroom’s Call

With Christ coming as a thief, a separation will occur that you see throughout the NT. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 Some are hearing His call, thus being filled with His faith/spirit, which is growing in them a new mind. Hebrews 12:2 This new mind is their salvation as they become new creations; creations who can stand in the fiery presence of a holy God. Isaiah 33:6 They are experiencing a truly born-again experience as all becomes new in and by Christ.  As they receive the mind of Christ and thus walking in true wisdom, they are growing in peace, true love, joy and righteousness as they are being filled with Him. They are entering the Kingdom of Heaven on earth; a place of safety and rest.

Others are not attending to that call, because they are holding onto false images.  They are headed deeper in the wrong direction. This path leads to outer darkness, a place without mercy as mercy is being lifted to reveal the works of darkness and bring in judgment. Matthew 22:13, Hosea 1:6, 2 Thess 2:6-11 It’s a place of increasing fear as one bad decision leads to another. The kingdom of darkness, ruled by Satan who rules by fear, is God’s tool of judgment as people’s choices and beliefs are manifesting for what they are – rebellion to God thus full of death and destruction. Luke 21:25-26  God’s mercy has sustained people and protected them, when it is lifted the depravity of their minds will be revealed leading to more depravity. The wisdom they thought they had will manifest for what it is, ways of death. Luke 19:26 

When the mustard seed reveals itself, Satan knows His time is short, woe to the inhabitants of the earth. Now is the time to listen to the Bridegroom’s call and become an inhabitant of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Revelation 12:12 “Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”


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God’s Voice Leading to Repentance

God’s Voice Leading to Repentance

God speaks to us in a still, small voice .. by Christ, His spirit becomes our good conscience to lead us into the paths of righteousness. True repentance is listening and following His counsel, direction and word to us within our spirit (harmonizing with the Bible) that leads us in the details of our lives. This is truly the helmet of salvation because as we walk this path of repentance, we gain the mind of Christ. Christ is our salvation – this mind is our salvation for it saves us from ourselves, our controlling self-will. That newness of mind is our protection these days and the days ahead as Christ will destroy all that is not of Him. He is the truth. If we hold onto the lies and don’t embrace His counsel to each one of us, we are going to suffer in the coming tribulation. Now is the time to repent .. truly repent


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Chastening By God PART 1

Chastening By God PART 1

 

Talking about the chastening of God for the purpose of establishing His kingdom on this earth. All will learn righteousness .. and I talk a bit about that process.

 


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Masquerading as Voice of Truth

Masquerading as Voice of Truth

Most people believe they can detect a lying spirit, but given the abundance of religions and denominations in those religions … we better take another look at our surety in this matter.

Proverbs 14:15 The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps. 

1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 

1 Timothy 4:2  Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,

We are to believe God’s words to us from His Holy Spirit above ALL others’ words. Do you do this? Do you spend time with God listening and learning from His Spirit to be able to place His words of life above all others?

If you do, it’s your greatest defense and protection. It will lead you down paths of life (rest, peace, joy and righteous love).

If you don’t, it’s your greatest downfall. It will lead you down paths of hardship, affliction, pain and suffering.

What does your life reveal about what path you are on? Your life is your testimony.

Sovereignty of God’s Words

In abiding in the sovereignty of God’s words, I’m not talking about your pastor or favorite teacher giving their opinions about God’s Word and truth. I’m talking about what YOU have learned YOURSELF from God directly about God, you, others, His truths, and this world.

Make a list of your beliefs. Then next to them write where you learned that belief from (e.g. heaven, hell, salvation, end times, anti-christ, surrender, worship, service to God, relationship to God, love, forgiveness).  You should be moving to learning from God Himself in all things. 1 John 2:27

We are to put God’s words to us; words spoken to our spirit by the Holy Spirit above all others regardless of what “authority” or position they hold in this world. God desires to lead us down the paths of life, but if don’t heed His word above all others we won’t travel very far with Him. Putting other’s words first can and often does lead to great bondage and damage to our souls. For this reason, we have the Holy Spirit. But our part is to listen to and follow Him.

When it comes to God, we’ve been ill-taught to rely on others in a way we were never meant to. We put people in authority and put their words over the promptings of our heart. We put the masses concepts of God over seeking to know Him as He is from God Himself. Surely that many people can’t be wrong … really? Mark 13:22

Especially in these days, if we haven’t developed a strong connection with the source of truth we have a high propensity to be greatly led astray. 2 Thess 2:10

Masquerade as Angel of light

It’s easy for Satan to masquerade as an angel of light; to mimic the words and appearances of what we deem good and loving, for he has manufactured those images. 2 Corinthians 11:14 He is the designer of the sheep’s clothing and over the thousands of years has gotten quite good at it; the external humble, loving, and good person.

If we don’t have a solid foundation of truth and built our house (soul) upon the Rock, it will be easy to fool us for he knows the scriptures better than most professing believers who spend very little time seeking and learning from the Holy Spirit. He knows how to twist them just enough to keep us blinded and sending us into bondage. Scriptures people don’t know because haven’t been taught them one-on-one by the Holy Spirit. The very words that can free us if we would trust God to teach us, he uses to bind us with a few twists and misinterpretations. He has created false doctrines.  He has created a false image of God; how to serve Him, worship Him, and how He works. Question is, if you haven’t sought to know about God from God Himself, then who do you really know and worship? He gives signs and wonders, like healings, to misled people and more deeply ensnare them into his doctrines of death.

Some masqueraders are caught in their hypocrisy, but many continue to mislead because those listening to them lack a love for truth and thus fall for their false doctrines that keep them bound in lies and out of abundant life.

Beware of the images you hold of “godly” people, and putting your trust in them because of that image. Instead seek to know God as He is and His truth.


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God is Speaking; Are you Listening?

God is Speaking

Are you Listening?

 

I’ve been seeking God for a long time and this year I’ve experienced a newness of life which continues to grow and expand … God is speaking … and He is pouring out transforming words of life leading to a rebirth to those who listen; words that usher you into His Kingdom on earth. Matthew 6:10

1 John 2:8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.

There is a voice of truth within you, if you will listen. Hebrews 8:10-11, John 18:37 It’s the voice of God directing you into eternal abundant life. Isaiah 30:21 It’s telling you how to think, act, and live in the smallest detail. If heeded, it establishes your thoughts to be thoughts of life, which causes true life to grow in you and around you. Proverbs 16:3 Its counsel is perfect, powerful and of the purest love. It’s not about religion, mankind’s contrived images/doctrines of God. It’s about you and your Creator and your connection to Him grounded in truth and spirit.

If you listen, believe, and follow you will experience growing rest, peace, joy and righteous love in your life for it directs you to this type of life. John 10:10, Matthew 11:29

If you don’t listen and continue to give other voices authority, you will see growing unrest, angst, suffering, afflictions and hardships.

The Day of the Lord is Dawning

This voice of truth will guide you in these days and the tribulation upon us. It will transform you into a new creation by the makeover of your mind as words of life take root within you. It will lead you into your deepest desires without corruption and in perfection. Psalm 37:4

If you listen, it will teach you the scriptures leading to life. 1 John 2:27 It will speak loudly through the prophets and their adamant instructions, warnings and guidance to what is happening in these days.  It will show you the great mysteries of God. Its truth will protect you for it will keep you from the traps, snares and pits of the enemy. Psalm 18:30 It will teach you what is happening beyond the physical layer of life into the spiritual. As it does, it will morph the spiritual world with the physical and thus you will start to experience the kingdom of heaven on earth in a new power and presence.

It will protect you from the spiritual warfare; the raging battle for the souls of mankind. It will provide a haven from the fire (God’s chastening and judgment) as it will guide you out of the lies and into truth. It will purge the idols and false images from your life so you don’t get consumed in destruction and intense darkness that are coming upon them. It will create in you true love and life. Ezekiel 34:12

There should be no greater authority in your mind; not family, friends, spouse, religious leaders, experts, PHDs, doctors, government, and any form of media.

Courage

It requires immense courage to follow this voice of truth from within, because it’s contrary to this world’s philosophies and religion. God’s ways are not our ways. It will push you out of your comfort zone. It will cause division with some. Luke 12:51 It will unite others. Yet, as you follow bit by bit, the wisdom and perfection of this voice and the effect on your life (rest, peace, joy and love) will motivate you to press on. It’s establishing a righteous love in this earth. A love unlike anything this world has experienced. It starts by righteous love abiding within you, which brings you into a greater state of honor, forgiveness, compassion, and mercy.

How do you hear God more clearly?

  1. Do what God has asked, seek His face above all others. Matthew 6:33,  Amos 5:4,  2 Chronicles 7:14  Seek Him like your life depends on it, for it does. Put Him FIRST. Rev 2:4 This is abiding in His presence, talking, listening and trusting Him to teach you all things. John 14:26
  2. Put away ALL other teachings about God for at least 7 weeks. Spend time with God and learn only from His Spirit through creation, the Bible, and your circumstances.
  3. Let Him teach you the Bible, what it truly says. Have no other commentary, books, teachers, teachings, church … nothing. In this 7-week sabbatical, you will learn to trust God and not another to show you truth, and this will be your deliverance these days. 2 Thess 2:10 Not reading the Bible as it has been taught by others, but the Bible taught to you by the Holy Spirit.
  4. Converse with God through writing. Pour out your heart, ask questions, and write what you believe He is telling you. Listen and obey in the small things.

These are the truest acts of worship.

Ask God …

  1. To make your desires to be His desires.
  2. To know God as He is, especially as Righteous love – sum of all commandments.
  3. To reveal and purge the lies your mind is holding on to, then be willing to learn something new.  Pray to be protected from deception.

The Kingdom of God is at hand, and those listening are entering in. To remain on the outside, the kingdom of darkness, is to be with those who partake in weeping and gnashing of teeth, which is self-destructing. Matthew 13:50, Matthew 8:12, Matthew 24:51, Matthew 25:30

Those who listen will be separated unto the Kingdom of God, those who don’t will be separated into darkness. Chose your path.


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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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The Day of the Lord

The Day of the Lord

1 Corinthians 3:13-14 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.

The Day of the Lord (span of time and testing of Christ; the Word of God, The Day) will reveal each one’s work by fire. Though each one will experience the testing “fire” of this Day, it will turn out very differently depending on what type of “work” each one has engaged in.

The Work

What is the work? It’s what you have built your faith on and trust in. It’s what you’ve established your hope in. We all have faith, it’s a matter of what or whom it’s in. Our actions and decisions show what we truly trust.

The enduring work is establishing a life built on faith on the everlasting God of truth and love. Only God is life and eternal. If our lives are built upon Him and His truths, they will endure. John 6:28-29

The work that doesn’t endure is our faith in anything else of this world; worldly wisdom, our resources, our personal ability and strength, idols of our own making, elements of this physical existence, religious rituals, whatever we are trusting in other than the One true God. Ezekiel 14:4

The “fires” or trials used to test each one’s trust are many and varied. They can take on just about any form. They are what challenge our faith, test the sources of our trust, and push us to the edge of ourselves exposing the truth of our hearts and minds. As the trials come to us to test our faith, our responses will show who or what we honestly trust in, it will reveal the type of work we’ve been engaged in during our lives.

Enduring Work

For those who have cultivated a trust in God and whose work endures, though the fires of testing may look daunting, they will be as a small flickering flame, with no power and easily extinguished.

Their stories will resemble that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in Daniel 3. They have built up a faith in God through their life experiences and knowledge. Thus when it comes to the ultimate test, they are able to stand strong and refuse to bow down and serve (look to anything for deliverance but God) any god but the God. Thus the fire will have no power in their lives. They know their God and their actions show their trust in His power.

Daniel 3:27 And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.

These are those who will endure and receive the rewards of those who diligently seek God. Hebrews 11:6. Those who deeply trust God will continue to trust in the midst of the greatest challenges of their faith and will come out unscathed. Though the fires seem to be at their door, God goes before them and completely protects them. These will be kept from experiencing the Great Tribulation in their lives, for the fire has no power. Rev 3:10

How are they able to stand in the midst of the fire? Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, they have a life of seeking, knowing and cultivating trust in God and are able to stand at the greatest challenges. These were the ones buying the gold refined by fire from Christ. They are His disciples learning His truths directly from Him, and those truths refine their corrupted spirits to be vessels of light to hold the Spirit of God. Rev 3:18

1 Corinthians 13:14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward

Perishing Work

For those who trust in themselves and other idols and whose works are burned, the fires will be daunting. The fire of testing of the Day of the Lord will cause great grief as what they’ve trusted in comes to nothing. Fear will grip them as what they’ve relied on is threatened and consumed. These are the ones who experience the great tribulation. However, though all the elements that led them from the truth will be burned and they will suffer loss, they will be saved through the fire.

1 Corinthians 3:15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

Unlike the ones who bought gold refined from Christ, these did not. They bought their treasures from what isn’t truly life but death, this world’s wisdom and its lies and deception. Rev 13:17 Thus when their faith is tested it reveals their work – building up trust in entities other than God. They lived by their own will, followed what they deemed was good, and didn’t FIRST seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Matthew 6:33

What will your work reveal in the Day of the Lord? What is your hope in … truly?

Revelation 22:12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.

Psalm 146:5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God,

Romans 15:13  Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit


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Out of the Church System – Into God’s Arms

Out of the Church System

Into God’s Arms

 

As I read and hear about all the unrest around this issue, I felt compelled to share part of my story with you. This is a difficult topic to talk about – no doubt. My prayer is that you will listen with an open heart and that you will get from it whatever God has for you.

This second video is my thoughts on an issue that is often raised when people mention leaving the church system – the assembling of believers mentioned in Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Some Unhealthy Fellowship Verses: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, 1 Corinthians 5:9-13, Psalm 26:4-5, 1 Timothy 6:5, 2 Timothy 3:5

I’ll be posting more related videos in the following weeks.

First Video Transcriped . . .

Out of the Church System – Into His Arms (Video Transcribed)

Hi, I’m Rachel with Stirring the Deep and I wanted to talk to you about what has been happening in the church community regarding people leaving the church system – not the true church, the body of believers, but the system, the institution, the business.  I see a lot of restlessness occurring, so I wanted to share with you my story.  Now, I know this topic brings up an lot of different questions and issues. I want to address some of those – not in this video but in a later one when I have more time. For example, the verse Hebrews 10:25 where it talks about not forsaking the assembling together, issues about young Christians, fellowship and those sorts of issues.

But here I want to tell you about my story.

I grew up in the church. Like a lot of us that grew up in the Church, there comes a time when you have to make God your God and the faith your faith.  God brought me to a point in my life where He basically turned everything upside down. Where I was just tired of my life. I wanted God to take over. It came to a point that I wanted a relationship with God that was real. I didn’t want a religion. I didn’t want to go through the acts anymore. I wanted a real relationship with God.

So I started seeking Him in His Word. But now when I read, I was reading on a daily basis getting to know Him – asking God who are you? Show me who you are. I want this to be real because that is what a real relationship is, right? It is communication back and forth. It’s really getting to know somebody.  And God started to open up His Word to me. It was slow . . that development of a relationship with Him because I had a lot of things I had to let go of. It was a process. But that is what started to happen in my life, this relationship developing.  I was no longer reading to do a Bible Study or to “fix” myself. I was reading to build intimacy with God.

Around this same time, I was involved in a church, highly involved. My husband and I would go to Bible Studies and small groups. We helped out at the church, and built a great sense of community, friends and support. It was wonderful what we had. But over time, a gap started forming between the cultivation of our relationship/intimacy with God as we spent time in His Word one-on-one, listening to His Spirit in our life AND our church involvement. It wasn’t just that we disagreed about different truths in the Bible. It was more than that – it was a bigger gap happening underneath it all. This gap created a restlessness in us that at first we really didn’t understand. As this restlessness continued, we decided to take a break from the church. Whenever you are so wrapped up in something it’s very hard to hear clearly. We said, God we just want to be still and be with you and give ourselves time and not be influenced by all these other things, including our own thoughts because we had enjoyed all that community, all the social aspects and all that it offered.  We had to honor that restlessness and figure out what was going on.

We sat with God day after day seeking, reading in His Word – old prophets, Revelation, reading everything. Over time, from His Word and the prompting of the Spirit, we felt that God was calling us out of the church, not the true body of believers. We’re always connected with them, but the church system, the business, the institution. This was a radical thought, because I had grown up in the church. I had always been in the church. It was a part of my life. Can this be? But the more I prayed and the more I read, I felt YES, this is exactly what you’re hearing. I started seeking around and other people where feeling the same thing and had already left the church. It was incredible.

Having been in the church for so long, we decided to go back and see how we felt in our spirits. This is now we often are – we ask God and He answers us in His Word, confirms it in our spirits, and through other people, but we still say, are you sure God?

Leaving was such a big deal and it was hard because we had a community of friends. But when we went back, it was like the spirit was pushing us out the door. It was undeniable that we weren’t supposed to be there.  We haven’t been back since, that was 2004. It wasn’t to go find another church that is also something else that was very clear. It was to come out of the church system.

It was difficult and I continued to pray, why, is this right? Because I have friends and family in the church. But the message has only grown clearer and stronger over time. The basic message was, that I’m reading from God’s Word, judgment is coming upon the church. And part of that judgment is that the sanctuary, the house of God, will be given over to the enemy. It talks about this in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations and so on and it all connects back to Revelations – it’s incredible. That’s prophecy and that’s what is going to happen, I believe. God is going to call His people out and He will protect them. Those who are really listening to Him will follow Him, His voice wherever He leads. He will be their sanctuary, their Shepherd, and protect, guard and provide for them in every way. This message is what I’ve been seeing happening exactly. You see what the church is starting to and has become. How the enemy is taking over the sanctuary. How people are giving into a big delusion. The church has become the center and not God. People are trusting in the church and man for their provision, protection, comfort, and teaching. Everything is really centered on the church. They can’t pull away from it because they wonder what’s going to happen to them. That kind of dependency means that is where your trust is thus your idol.  And all of this is exactly what God’s Word talks about. Our trust should be in God. God can use different things, but who is the source of our trust – our dependency will tell us.

Anyway, God continued to unfold His Word and lay out this plan. It has been hard because being outside the system isn’t where the majority of people are. But the choice really came down not so much leave the church or not, because you can give all these reasons why church can be bad or good, but it was about whose voice was I going to listen to, man’s or God’s?

I hope that my story encourages you to seek God’s truth in this, not anyone else’s like your church’s, but what is God saying to you. What is His will? And give yourself time to really listen to His voice – that still small voice. If we truly seek and we really want to know the truth, then He will open up His Word to us. He will lead and show us His will for us. But we have to be willing to listen. We have to be willing to truly follow Him. It’s my prayer that you would have that seeking heart.

2 Thessalonians 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

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