In a vision

Are you a prophet? It's really not that complicated to find out. The Bible says in Numbers 12:6 , "Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream." Many people take this verse to mean that if you're a prophet you will experience dreams and visions but that's not what this verse means at all. Many have dreams, visions and angelic encounters but not all are prophets.

Through our relationship with Jesus we are privileged to be able to communicate with God and that can involve dreams and visions. To be a prophet God will make Himself know to you in a vision. Has He come to you?

It's quit simple but the church makes it complicated. I think this is because people who are not prophets want to be counted as prophets, so they make their own list of requirements, but the Bible is pretty straight forward. We are spiritual beings with a momentary human experience, so we will experience super natural and prophetic things, but that doesn’t give us the mantel of a prophet.

Now my friend Newman had a vision of Jesus appear to him one day while resting. He's also had other interesting things that place along with that lately. He is more likely to walk in the role of a prophet because the Bible says, "I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision" which has happened to Newman. He also hears and sees God speaking to him in dreams. Whether or not it is time for him to walk in that mantel is not yet known, but he is a more likely candidate than some of the people walking around calling themselves prophets, just because they have a big mouth or strong opinion about something.

If God has not made Himself known to you in a vision you probably are not a prophet but that's okay. No need to be discouraged. Every part of the Body of Christ is important. You can still be prophetic and understand revelation for those things come from the Holy Spirit and are connected with your intimate relationship with Jesus. Why would you want to spend you life believing you were something that you are not? God clearly tells us in the bible how He identifies His prophets. You have strengths, gifts and talents. We all do! Don't you want to walk in your true role in the Body of Christ? I know I do!

The next time someone slaps the title of "prophet" of themselves look at their fruit and see if God has made Himself known to them in a vision. It's really that simple.

Willingly Submitted

"The command of Jesus was to capture the hearts of all people, not to military capture nations as did the Crusaders and the explorers from Christian nations in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The command was not to enforce Christian law on a group of unwilling subjects, but to love each person as God loved them, so that all willingly submitted to God's love" - Core Christianity by Elmer Towns

Which flow?

As spiritual beings, we need to be a little bit more discerning about a few things. For instance when we find, “hatred” in our heart toward a person, it might be because that person is struggling with hatred which is death. I’ve seen this several times especially with Muslim people. Someone could have a root of hatred and death because of the lifestyle they grew up in and that root can cause others to actually hate that person without knowing why. I know this may not make any sense to some readers, but think about the spirit of rejection. If someone walks in rejection because of past hurts and pain, it will actually cause others to reject them, which will in turn confirm to the rejected person that they are rejected, giving that spirit more power in the person’s life.

We have to be ever mindful of the streams we flow in. We hear a lot of people saying today, “just go with the flow” which is fine if you know what “flow” you are “flowing” in. We have to start listening for the voice of God and how the Holy Spirit speaks to us and to be aware of the schemes and plans of the enemy.

The enemy wants you to reject someone struggling with rejection so he can keep that person in bondage, but when you recognize what is happening, you can shower that person with acceptance and love; shining light in their darkness. The enemy wants you to fight and argue with those that have a root of hatred to prove to that person that the world is against them, but when you recognize what is happening, you can show mercy and grace instead of entering into whatever they are “flowing” in.

I hear something

I heard the Holy Spirit say just a second ago, “You can’t move forward, because you hear something” and then Kim Clement’s quote came back to me, “Speak what you hear, so you can see what you said….”

Wow! The reason I can’t settle for just anything is because I hear something diffrent in my heart but I haven’t spoken it, because I didn’t know I was hearing it until the Holy Spirit brought it to my attention. I thought it was just a desire of mine or wishful thinking that kept twirling inside of me.

What I’m hearing makes me expect something different then what I’m seeing. If I want what I’m seeing to change, I must speak out what I’m hearing. And now that I know it’s God’s desire for me I’m going to open my mouth and begin speaking this thing that I hear and THEN I will see it.

So simple, so basic, so elementary but it went straight over my head hahaha! Thank you Holy Spirit.

Geography

"Geography is very important to destiny. It is where all those you are designed to influence live." - John Paul Jackson

Rain, Rain where have you been today?

For the last few weeks, the weather has been one big tease. The clouds roll in and the winds blow. I even hear thunder and see flashes of lightening from time to time, but no rain…ever! All the signs of rain, but no actual rain. The wind simply blows the clouds on through and the sun begins to peek out again. It gets pretty frustrating after awhile.

Well today the same thing happened and I really didn’t believe it was actually going to rain, but Holy Spirit began talking to me and I saw how this pattern is exactly what my friend and I are going through in this season. Are you going through the same thing? Maybe it is an ex-spouse you are believing God to bring back into your life, a job promotion, a ministry opportunity or anything else you are believing God for. It comes so close and yet still so far. Just when everything looks like it is about to manifest, it suddenly dissolves. I can’t count how many times this has happened to my friend and I. Everything we are believing God for comes within inches of us but instead of manifesting, it disappears like a mirage in the dessert, clouds without rain. After awhile if you are not careful, you can develop a sour attitude and become extremely skeptical. It is like, “I will believe it when I can touch it”.

Luckily today it acutely rained, and the Holy Spirit encouraged me, by reminding me that we will reap a harvest if we don’t grow weary. The clouds may not bring an outpouring today or tomorrow but they will. One day all the signs will manifest what we’ve been waiting for. God sees everything!! He knows everything in your heart and in the hearts of those around you. He knows what needs to happen before other things can happen. It all makes sense to Him even though it doesn’t always make sense to us. He has not forgotten you! He is not teasing you by dangling your promise in front of you and then snatching it away. He is a good God! There is a time for everything under heaven. The clouds and the wind may not bring your promise. The distant sounds of thunder may not bring the rain you are anticipating, but at the appointed time those clouds will break and you will dance in your rain. You will rejoice and know that God has been faithful. He always is!

Investing

It’s easy to want to invest in something that will pay off in the future, something that will help promote our cause. We all want to make a good deal in a sense and that’s okay in a lot of things but our heart should take a different turn when dealing with people. It’s easy for our flesh to want to mentor and sow into a prestigious person’s child, because you may think it will win you favor with their parents but what about the child who has nothing to offer you but his or her brokenness? What about the people we size up and write off based on their social status, look or income?

I saw a video of Britains Got Talent on YouTube that sort of shows this exact issue. The judges and even the audience thought this one lady was ridiculous before giving her a chance but she ends up proving all her critics wrong. Check it out !

Sadly we often don’t find value in those who don’t have something obvious to offer us. It’s you and me who are missing out when we act this way because God has hidden treasures in jars of clay. He’s hidden some of His most powerful gifts within people who seemingly have nothing.

Dare to invest in those that seem like a “bad investment” to the world and see if beautiful things don’t begin to flow out.

1John 2:26-27

"I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit- just as it has taught you, remain in him"

As for me and my....Temple !!

Most of you have walked into someone’s house with a little greeting on the wall saying, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord!" In the same respect, it doesn’t matter what the world is doing with their body, whether it’s some sort of sinful behavior or disrespecting and treating the homeless badly. It doesn’t matter because as for me and my temple we will serve the Lord. It’s not my job to try and figure out how a needy person is going to spend the money I give them. It’s not my job to sit around waiting for someone to pay back my acts of kindness. It is my job however to pass out love and grace freely!!! Yes my body will honor the Lord, my words will honor the Lord, and my attitude will honor the Lord the best way I know how. This body will continually be in a position of worship for Jesus. It doesn’t matter what goes on around me, or who’s who of this or that because I have made a choice!! This body, God’s temple WILL serve the Lord, Amen!!

Apparently, that's my gift !! :)

"The best way to find out your spiritual gifts is by living a Spirit-filled life, see what God does through you, look back in retrospect and say, "Oh, that's what I do when God has control of me. Apparently, that's my gift" - John MacArthur

Dream 4/9/09

While I slept I was given a name for God, "The Good One". No images or anything just, "The Good One" and I knew it was talking about God. I guess the Holy Spirit knew I needed to remember that God is indeed good. I was feeling really discouraged and this encouraged me. Thank you Jesus.

"Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good?No one is good but One, that is, God.But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” - Matthew 19:16-17

If you too are feeling discouraged by anything today remember God is good, not only good as in perfect but good to you. The Psalms says that He delights in you!

I was reading a short devotional today out of a book called "Streams In The Dessert" that might also encourage you. Here is a short excerpt

"Many people are wanting power. Now how is power produced? The other day we passed the great works where the trolley engines are supplied with electricity. We heard the hum and roar of the countless wheels, and we asked our friend, "How do they make the power?"

"Why," he said, "just by the revolution of those wheels and the friction they produce. The rubbing creates the electric current."

And so , when God wants to bring more power into your life, He brings more pressure. He is generating spiritual force by hard rubbing. Some do not like it and try to run away from the pressure, instead of getting the power and using it to rise above the painful causes."

Anyways I know this is part of my dream blog but I couldn't help pouring a little water in your bucket. Love ya!

-Amber

"All these things are against me" -Gen. 42:36
"All things work together for good to them that love God" -Romans 8:28

Vindication

Vindication in front our critics? In front of those who never believed in us? In front of those who looked down at us? Vindication, sounds good, eh? It’s easy to eagerly await the day God prepares a table for us in front of our enemies but I’d like to challenge all of us to take a step back. Take a moment or two to see who we have been a critic of, never believed in, or looked down upon.

Don’t be self righteous and think, “Oh not me. I’d never do that” because we’ve all done it. It’s easy to want God to right all the wrongs in our life, but how many wrong are we inflicting on others? What pain and hurt have we caused in other people’s lives that they’d seek vindication over? We run crying to God to fix our problems and to heal our wounds when we don’t mind continually wounding others. Many times you may not hurt your friends, family, boss, leadership team or co-workers but what about those who are lower on your list. Those you don’t have to love or be kind to, those that make you uncomfortable or seem distant enough not to matter. They to will be vindicated and it may be in front of you, depending on how you treated them.

Man looks on the outside but God looks at a man’s heart. I’m constantly reminded of a quote by Jason Upton, “God does not create for man’s approval but discovery. Man creates for approval and even judges God’s creations according to their approval.” It’s so easy to apply that verse to our selves and say something like, “I’m not created for man’s approval, so don’t judge me.” but that’s the problem. We should apply that quote to those we come in contact with daily, “They were not created for MY approval but discovery.” And though we may not understand those that cross our path at times we should strive to see past the outer shell and into their heart and help them pull out the beauty God has placed within.

One definition of “enemy” is, “a person who is hostile or opposed to a person, group, or idea.” Are you anyone’s enemy? If so, why? Don’t be surprised if God prepares a table for them right smack dab in front of you. God loves all His people and His word applies to them just as much as it applies to you. God will display His victory through those that are His whether we understand it or not. He will display His love and His favor for them before the enemy’s camp. Will you be among that camp? Or sitting at the table?

Matthew 7:6 The Message

"Don't be flip with the sacred. Banter and silliness give no honor to God. Don't reduce holy mysteries to slogans. In trying to be relevant, you're only being cute and inviting sacrilege"

Ministering from a place of rejection

Okay so I've been wanting to type this blog for awhile now. I've been taking notes and trying to find a way to teach something or make the blog longer but it's just not happening. So I'm just going to get to the point.

Have you been rejected? Severely hurt by a person or group of people? Was it the Church? The reason I ask is because I've come across a few people with ministries that kinda stink. I don't say that to be rude but they are ministering from a place of rejection. Sadly they have beautiful hearts but have been hurt. We all have. I guess it depends what we do with that hurt. Some turn inward and blame themselves, that's what I do. Others lash out and become aggressive, angry and spiteful. If you find that your ministry is continually pointing fingers at other churches and believers then take a step back and ask God why? Is there any unforgiveness and pain hiding in your heart? God has great plans for you but choosing to ignore the pain inflicted upon you is only going to lead you down the wrong road or maybe even the right road but with the wrong attitude. You know you can say and do the right things but with the wrong attitude they'd be considered wrong. Just ask yourself if your trying to prove a point, trying to show your offenders in a round about way that you're right and they are wrong. It breaks my heart because I know the sting of rejection. I know what if feels like not to fit in or belong but we must take responsibility for our own hearts. Though we may still feel pain we can't not allow our hearts to turn cold toward fellow brothers in sisters in Christ.

Those who have been rejected, attacked emotionally, left out and forgotten about your ministries would have a great effect if you'd just forgive those who caused your pain. Maybe you need to find a friend or pray for God to send you a friend. Someone who can help walk you through the healing process. Whatever it is ask God to bring restoration.

Ministering from a place of rejection blurs everything and that's what I believe God wants you to hear when summed up.

He stays the same

In seasons of struggle and seasons of pain I can’t help but look at the past and see God’s track record. He’s been faithful and strong to so many who have gone before. He stood with Moses. He’s been with Samuel and defended Daniel. He’s healed blind men and delivered the oppressed. He’s calmed the sea and cleansed an issue of blood. He’s forgiven sin and healed diseases. He’s brought wisdom and courage, and comforted the weary and has taken the load for the heavy laden.

My God reigns in power. He reigns in glory and honor. He has been faithful since before time began. He is no respecter of persons and gives freely to those who ask. In seasons of struggle and seasons of pain I can’t help but see that my God stays the same.

2 Corinthians 4:7-18 NIV

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken."With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Finding an Escape

There were times when I shined. Times I truly sparkled, my wings were out, ready to fly but there was no wind, no grace, no hand to hold me. My light grew dim and my heart faint. I faded away, running in fear to hide in my cave where I could be safe. But the time has come when I want out, but is there a road? Am I strong enough to take it if there was? What if I’m not brave enough to spread my wings again? Will I rot away if I stay? To be productive and fruitful is all I want. It’s all I ever wanted but I can’t seem to manage this life. It’s a car that won’t start, a game I can’t play. My hope is in You, Oh Lord it’s always been in You! There were moments I shined, moments when I thought I could fly but things are different now and tears flood my eyes every day. I long to be diffrent but I’ve backed myself into a corner and now all I want to do is escape. Escape life.

Hope in Jesus

Feeling down and discouraged? Ready to give up and leave this world behind? Tired of the way things are? Frustrated with bad choices? Does it seem like things could never get better? Are you clouded with despair? Running from your mistakes? Hiding from the truth?

Well my friend, what you need is hope. The kind of hope only found in Jesus. He is the light that casts away all darkness and the redeemer who wipes away your mistakes. Only through Jesus can you be made new. You can start again! Yes! Just as if you never sinned. This is the day to lay it all down. Leave your cares and worries at His feet for He cares for you. Trust in the name of the Lord and the peace that surpasses all understanding will wash over you. Yes! This is the day! Surly it is time!! New life awaits for you! All who are weak and weary, come! Come to the Lord for He has good plans for you! Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and future.

Your hurts and pains, the world has no remedy for, but the Lord, oh He has healing in his wings. There is nothing He can’t do. He is able! He is willing! Will you come? Come now, come all! This is the day of salvation!

They might change their minds...

“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God let the people around by the desert road toward the Red Seas. “- Exodus 1316

While reading my Bible this morning, this verse really stood out and I’d like to encourage you with it.

If the road seems long and if the road seems empty, be encouraged! It just may be that the Lord is taking you through the desert to avoid obstacles that could discourage you and ultimately hinder your destiny. Many times the road to our destiny and the fulfillment of God’s promises is much longer than we anticipate. A little push or shove so easily sends many of us heading back to the land of “comfortable” or “Egypt”a place of bondage because of this God may not to take us the shortest way, but completely around those things that would cause us to quit. Faced with too many obstacles, road blocks, and adversaries, we may grow weary and pack our bags. The desert gets lonely and it gets dry and sometimes it seems like the worst possible road to freedom, but God knows what He’s doing. It just may be the safest way for you, “for God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”

Trust in the Lord though the road seems long. Allow Him to marinate in you while you walk through the desert and when you make it through, you will rejoice and say, “God has been faithful to me!”

There will always be something!

I know people expect you to be perfect before stepping out in faith to do what God has placed in your heart to do. But honestly, you’ll never be perfect. I don’t say that as a discouragement, but encouragement. There will always be something that leaves something to be desired.

I use to be one of those people that would just sit around and wait until everything in my life lined up perfectly, but then my super sharp mind (ha-ha) figured it out that nothing will ever be lined up exactly right. God may be dealing with you about your attitude this season, but once you’ve grown up and matured over that issue, you’ll face something else next season. There will always be something.

Also, there will always be someone who thinks you are not good enough or lack talent, even denies your gifting completely. But you cannot back down because every season will hold another growth experience. The blood of Jesus is our righteousness. He is perfect so we don’t have to be. Press forward and continue to allow the Lord to purify you, yes! But don’t shrink back and wait around doing nothing until some imaginary day arrives when you’ll be “perfect” because it won’t happen. God is pleased with you now and he’ll be pleased with you later too! People will put unrealistic expectations on you and even judge you when you let them down, but ultimately that is a problem that they have to work out within themselves. Don’t allow their ideals to make you feel unqualified and somehow broken. I believe that’s a trick of the enemy.

Your gifts were given to you by God to encourage and bless those around you and if He’s given you the gifts, don’t you think that He too will open a door for them? What parent would buy their kids a pair of skates but turn around and say, “They must sit on the shelf and never be touched!” or give their child a flat basketball without air? If you wouldn’t do that to your kids, why would God; the one who displayed the ultimate expression of love? Wouldn’t you want to see your kids laughing and skating with their new skates? Or shooting a hoop with their new basketball? Why would God have any less joy in watching us thrive in our spiritual gifts? Would you take your kids' skates away just because they didn’t know how to use them at first and fell down a few times? Or would you encourage them by saying, “You are doing great, get back up, and keep practicing, you’ll get the hang of it before you know it.” So why in the Body of Christ do we see people trying to take away another's gifts?

Yes you may have fallen short and yes you may have to work on a particular issue for a few season and yes God may have to teach you how to walk with your head held high full of His boldness, and yes there might be a lot of other things that look less than what they should be, BUT don’t give up. Don’t allow the words of bystanders to slow you down. Most of the world and even the Body of Christ only sees what is in the natural. They can’t comprehend the wonderful things the Lord is mending, molding, birthing, and fashioning inside of you.

If you have been discouraged by the words and attitudes of man, start today anew and forget what others have said about you or thought about you and even done to you and surrender your gifts and talents to the Lord. Step out in faith knowing your righteousness comes from the Blood of Jesus not on performance or lack thereof. You will never be perfect on your own; there will always be something in need of growth and maturity in your life. So stop waiting for an appointed day and just jump in the river.

Biggest Loser or Biggest Lover?

Isn’t it funny how people copy and mimic one another without realizing it? How easily we take on another’s offense or join in spirit with someone without even knowing why?

I was watching Biggest Loser this past week and saw a few things that really began to stir within me. You see each contestant on Biggest Loser gets to have a partner but on this season they sent one partner home for a few weeks to see how much weight they could loose on their own while the other partner stayed at the show with the benefit of trainers. When it was finally time for the sent home partners to return the show weighed them all to see their progress. Everyone that was sent home lost a surprisingly large amount of weight expect one girl who only lost 2 lbs. She tried to make excuses about why she lost such a small number but the trainers quickly put her in her place by basically saying she lost a small number because she put in a small amount of work toward that goal. But all to soon does this contestant forget her shortcomings because later in the show the trainers get on this other girl’s case named Joelle for being lazy and unproductive in the gym. The trainers had issues with Joelle’s performance for awhile and it had stirred up a few of the other teams already but in this episode the very girl who lost only 2 lbs was seemingly the ring leader of accusation and condemnation toward this other girl Joelle.

It really made me think about how soon we forget our own need for mercy and grace. How often we forget the extent in which God has stretched His arm to us. We are so quick at condemning and accusing others of the very things we have been guilty of. Not only did this show highlight our eagerness to point the finger at someone but it also showed how quickly others jump on board to condemn someone just because someone else is doing it. Why do we take part in such spirits? Do we even ask ourselves “why?” we feel what we feel or say what we say? How many times are we taking on someone else’s offense or bad attitude for no reason at all, just going with the flow but obviously the wrong flow.

I’d encourage each of us including myself to slow down and examine what flow we are choosing to flow with. As Christians we need to be different. Let’s extend mercy where others are not. Let’s give the benefit of the doubt to those in need. Let’s speak life not death. Just because everyone else is mad at someone doesn’t mean you should jump on board. I acutely challenge you not to jump on board but to stand up for those who can not stand up for themselves. It doesn’t matter what a person’s done, they are never to far that God’s love can not reach. As Christians we should be the first to chase others down with God’s mercy. Don’t allow unclean and bitter spirits to influence the love you extend. Step away from the crowd and their flow and begin to walk up stream. Be the life, love and grace the world needs. The ones that frustrate us the most are the ones who need our love the most.

He built a bridge

I think it’s sad that when people get to a certain level of Christian maturity they assume they know whether or not someone else is anointed or if they really love Jesus. Haven’t we all seen people like that? If you haven’t you’re probably the one doing it, no offense or anything.

Who are we to make judgments about other people’s spiritual life? Maybe it’s because we get jealous or insecure? Maybe it’s because we feel intimidated or maybe even convicted? Whatever the reason it’s just sad.

Lets give people room to be who God created them to be because assuming we know all about another person is really not mature at all.

If we do see something out of line or weird why don’t we run to that person instead of forming a wall against them? Doesn’t that make more sense?

Jesus didn't form a wall against you. He built a bridge!

Spiritual Gift Assessment tests

Most people who have been involved in church for any length of time have come across spiritual gifting assessment tests. These tests ask a list of questions in hopes to identify your biblical spiritual gifts. Being a psychology student, I’ve always enjoyed the tests because I enjoy personalities and understanding why people do what they do.

Over the years, I have noticed how different spiritual gifts can indeed cause a person to have specific characteristics and these characteristics can be identified at times through these tests. It's very fascinating. Even with myself, I see how certain gifts affect my personality and things I enjoy and so forth. But what worries me about these tests is when people expect them to be 100% accurate, when they allow the test to be the deciding factor instead of God.

We must remember that God is the giver of all gifts. He alone chooses whoever He wants and how many times has God chosen someone who fit the part?? 

Our weaknesses are not off limits to God, and we are not always able to see what He sees in ourselves and in others. Many times the things God wants us to do are the very things we think we can't do.

Though I've taken many spiritual gifting tests over the years, I didn’t find out my spiritual gifts through a test. I found them out through desperation. I felt left out and left behind and I began crying out to the Lord. I wanted Him to show me what He had deposited in me and He answered me in a dream. But even now at 24, God is still sharing pieces to the puzzle with me about what He wants me to do for Him. 

It is a process and one man made test just doesn’t cover it all. God is wonderful at making something beautiful out of our insecurities and doing great things through people who aren't so great. So trust God and know that when and where we are weak, He surely is strong!

God is the giver and He will show you!