Things Christians Say...(That Are Demonically Inspired) Part 3 of 5

Onward to part 3! If you'd like to catch up, you can find part 1 here and part 2 here.

You know what else well meaning Christians say that is demonically inspired? "QUIT JUDGING!!" and if you really want to get down right demonic, add "We ALL have fallen short of God's glory and are sinners!"...and if you seriously want to feel the fire add "Only God can judge me. He knows my heart."

As this tolerance movement goes forward full steam ahead, these cries get louder and louder. It is very unfortunate that many in "the church" have allowed the world to influence how they view judging. Yah, His Son, and His Spirit should always be our influence. This judging/tolerance movement has been very well crafted by satan. For He knows that those in the first resurrection will have the honor to judge angels and the world. We'll talk more about that later. But first, let's get to the root of the problem. Why do many Christians carry the demonic thought that we aren't suppose to judge? I think it starts with the false humbleness that has been taught over time that says "we all are sinners". I did a full write up called "Why I Am Not A Sinner" as a guest on my husband's blog, you can find that here.

The cliff notes of this blog write up is this - many people use this claim to avoid being "cleansed from unrighteousness" as described in 1 John 1:9. Using this claim of "everyone is a sinner" is something used to pacify the mind and make people - both Christians and unbelievers alike - feel ok in their sin. It creates an attitude of expectancy of sinning.  We take on the mind set that if we do sin, it's no big deal - we all do it. But the truth of the matter is, it IS a big deal. Those who sin DON'T know Him and are going to be cast to Hell.

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. - Hebrews 10:26

No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. - 1 John 3:6

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. - Galatians 5:19-21

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ - Matthew 7:21-23

Do you see what the enemy of our souls is tricking many into doing? He is tricking them into giving up their right to eternal life. By making people believe there is no chance for righteousness because we are all sinners, he keeps them in perpetual sin. Now follow me here - those who are in perpetual sin are also in perpetual guilt....and therefore don't feel fit to judge another. I honestly don't know one person who understands they are no longer a sinner that feels guilt about judging righteously or skirts around judging a matter. Many of those who will not judge righteously on a matter and make excuses/avoids judging, in my experience either still live by the Law of Moses that condemns (read a great book on that here), or believes the lie that they are sinners.

Now, let's look at scripture about judging, The first one we need to investigate is the one that is often thrown around by both Christians and unbelievers alike. Just putting those two groups together should alert you that the claim is a lie. Unbelievers can not spiritually discern spiritual things - therefore as the word says - can not understand the Word of God....but I

“Judge not, that you be not judged..." Matthew 7:1

Twisted scripture. This is the first thing that many shout when someone points out sin. But, did you know there was more to this verse, and this is not what Yahshua was teaching us in this verse?

“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. - Matthew 7:1-5

Do you understand now? Christ was not telling us not to judge, but not to judge and be a hypocrite about it. We can not judge someone in a sin that we ourselves are committing. For in the same way we are judging them, that same treatment should be given to us because we are doing the same thing. Christ is urging us to come out of that sin before we start pointing at others doing the sin we are in.

Let's look at another response thrown as a result of judging. "Only God can judge me!"

Now, I really love the meme posted to the right. Many make this claim, but really don't understand the ramifications of what they are saying. However, before I go on, I do want to share this truth with you - it will not be God Yahweh who judges us, but His Son.

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” - Acts 17:30-31

The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. - John 5:22-24

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. - 2 Corinthians 5:10

 Many would wonder - "why should that scare me?" Because of this verse right here:

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. - Hebrews 4:15

Yahweh-God is holy. He has NEVER sinned, nor knew sin. He has never been tempted or had to overcome temptation. So to be fair in His judgement, He is sending His Son to judge. His only Son that for a very short while on the cross took on the sin of the world, and because while He was fully God, He was also fully human experienced temptations of this world. This will make all judgement fair and just. Several times over, the word talks about us "overcoming" sin and temptation. Why? Because Christ as human set an example and left us a blueprint for how to do so. And because He was successful, He expects all who follow Him to be successful. This should scare us at judgement time. To stand before one that overcame what you went through - there will be NO excuses you can use.

Last, let's talk about "He knows my heart". You are correct. He does, and in its sinful and rebellious condition, it disgusts Him. Which is Yah offers in His word to change it:

The heart is deceitful above all things,and desperately sick; who can understand it? 10“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind,to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” - Jeremiah 17:9-10

And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20 that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. - Ezekiel 11:19-20

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Many of these sound bites used are directly opposed to Yah's word. The enemy uses them to make us ok with sin. But as we see, these things are not ok. His plan is to draw you further and further away from Yah into hell...with him. He can not stand to bear the thought of you being an heir to the throne that HE wants. What better way to get back at the One who kicked him out than to destroy the creation that is the only one "in His likeness". Don't fall for it...it's a trap.

So what shall we say about this judging thing? I talked about it once before in a blog. But here are a few pointers:

1. Yes the righteous are to judge with righteous judgement
2. We can not be a hypocrite (doing the same sin) when judging
3. This is an honor given to the righteous as we will also judge angels

Stop letting the enemy of your soul teach you that "not judging" is godly and that we are not suppose to do it. The Father gave His children this privilege along with His wisdom and discernment to do so. Practice now, for we will one day, with our King judge with Him - even the angels....

2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! - 1 Corinthians 6:2-3

Part 1  Part 2

Hypocrites and Unrighteous Judgement

In a world where so much evil is being called good, and so much good is being called evil, there has to be at least one who will stand up and tell the truth. The truth is not relative, it is absolutely absolute. There can only be one truth - not many, otherwise, it's not the truth. What it is, is  just an opinion.

However, in our telling the truth, we must be careful. Telling the truth comes with huge responsibilities. For in telling the truth, we must rightly be able to understand and judge a situation. The word calls it "righteous judgement". Yes, all of the Father's children are called to judge and do it righteously.

If we are going to judge righteously, then we must also not be hypocritical. This blog is meant to help us understand the difference between judging unrighteously and being a hypocrite. Just like in another blog on the proper context of an apology, we got the understanding that being "offended" is not the same as having "hurt feelings". Here, let us understand that unrighteous judgement is not the same as being hypocriitcal, but they both must be avoided.

The definition for hypocracy can be found to state:

hy·poc·ri·sy

həˈpäkrəsē/

noun, plural hypocrisies.

1.a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.

2.a pretense of having some desirable or publicly approved attitude.

3.an act or instance of hypocrisy.

In scripture hypocrisy is defined as Strong's Concordance:

H2610; moral filth, i.e. wickedness:—hypocrisy.

G5271; acting under a feigned part, i.e. (figuratively) deceit ("hypocrisy"):—condemnation, dissimulation, hypocrisy.

It is no coincidence that underlying meaning of hypocrisy is defined both in the secular and in the bible as something that is fake. Let's take a closer look at the examples of what Christ gives as hypocrisy:

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. - Matt 7:15 

You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” - Matt 15:7-9 

Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. - Matt 6:1 

Early the next morning, Jesus was going back to the city. He was very hungry. He saw a fig tree beside the road and went to get a fig from it. But there were no figs on the tree. There were only leaves. So Jesus said to the tree, “You will never again produce fruit!” The tree immediately dried up and died. - Matthew 21:18-19

These few examples gives us a deeper meaning into what hypocrisy is. It is an outward appearance that doesn't match the inner. It is the "clean on the outside, but dirty on the inside" cup that Christ spoke of once before. To be a hypocrite is to put on a show. To have a religious spirit. One that looks squeaky clean and operable in the kingdom, but in reality is bearing no fruit, is dirty, and isn't redeemed.

Hypocrites will be quick to point out faults and sins while still in those same faults and sins. Hypocrites will want to be seen doing righteous things, but not want to be actually cleansed from their unrighteousness. Hypocrites will try to shed light while living in darkness. Hypocrites will believe they have the keys to the kingdom, but ultimately be told in the end "Away from Me worker of iniquity, I never knew you!"

Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? - Romans 2:3

Because hypocrites are more concerned with their appearance than true salvation, repentance is foreign to them. Repentance will require them to leave the life they want hidden, behind. Repentance will require them to face the reality that the comfort of life they live in is riddled with sin and unrighteousness. They subconsciously push repentance out of mind by allowing themselves to think they have "checked all the boxes" and are "good" with the Lord.

Now, let us take a look at what unrighteous judgement entails. To do so, we need to first look at two definitions:

Unrighteous

1. not righteous :  sinful, wicked

2. unjust, unmerited

Judgment

1. an act or instance of judging.

2. the ability to judge, make a decision, or form an opinion objectively, authoritatively, and wisely, especially in matters affecting action; good sense; discretion:

From these definitions, we see that unrighteous judgement is to make a decision or form an opinion wickedly and in an unjust manner. So, the question becomes, how does one do it the right way? A glimpse into Deuteronomy chapter 1 will give us some historical hints. The criteria set long ago for someone to be able to judge righteously was that they be:

"...wise, understanding, and experienced men..." - v. 13

And then they must:

16"Hear the cases between your brothers, and judge righteously between a man and his brother or the alien who is with him. 17 You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God's. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.

Now, let's look to some New Testament words of wisdom:

The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. - 1 Cor 2:15

Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. - John 7:24

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

For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? - 1 Cor 5:12 

So, let's put it all together. If one is to judge righteously, they must first have the Spirit dwelling in them. The Spirit of Yah is what gives us wisdom, discernment, understanding and knowledge (Proverbs 2:6). This Spirit knows the mind of Yahweh, and He is able to give us the mind of Christ. A mind clothed in righteousness, therefore, we will be able to understand matters and think clearly when judging them.

We also have to be willing to hear matters. When we are trying to decide on a matter in front of us we can not have our ears closed. In other words, we have to take the time for the matters to be heard and not rush to judgement right away. Many already go in with a preconceived notion of what an outcome should be for a situation. Or they already have a preconceived idea because of who is involved whether or not something is true. So, when the situation comes along, they don't even want to hear what needs to be said or done. The decision is already made and there is no need to seek the truth of the matter. That is not good judgement.

From there, we are not to be impressed with outter appearances or make a "partial" judgement (based on favoritism) and let them influence our decision. This one trips up a lot of people. Many times, we let our past experiences, both good and bad, with a person/people, situation effect our decision making. The outter appearance is taken into consideration instead of seeking the truth of the matter. We see it happen often. A person would rather believe someone they consider "knowledgeable", "upstanding", "well mannered", "well dressed", "well spoken", "sympathetic", and give them the benefit of the doubt. This is one trick often used in the courtroom with a defendant - they make them "look" presentable and humble. Their defenders know that if that same person looked like a "thug" and was "loud" those who are in charge of judging would quickly dismiss what they had to say.

I am going to talk about this one a little more in-depth because it is a huge failure point for many - especially in Christ. It is this that keeps many from being able to use discernment and seek truth about false teachers/pastors. It is this that keeps many from hearing the pleas of other brothers and sisters in Christ warning them that something isn't right and to pay attention. Many wolves have entered into the assemblies of those who profess Christ because they LOOK like a sheep. Yet no one has decided to check what exactly is under the wool (Matthew 7:15).

That is just one example. Let's give a "worldly" example that fueled this particular blog. Just about everyone is aware of the Planned Parenthood debacle that went down this week. They were discovered to have sold aborted baby parts to those who would pay for them. All of a sudden, everyone is in an uproar. However, there were several warnings from those who were able to see past the "good" this organization was supposedly doing. Many only chose to look at the fact that they were touted for "helping women" pushing aside that they also performed abortions. Now, that they found out that these same aborted babies are being sold for profit, now this organization is evil and needs to be boycotted and defunded. Perfect example of judging based on appearances. This organization put on the face of one that "helps" and people chose to turn their heads to the warnings... until now.

Listen, we can not continue to judge this way. Many will be judged falsely (good or bad) as deception grows. Many will be able to put on the good "public" face while having a wicked heart. Just as many will be deemed wicked that have a good and godly heart. We must learn to go deeper than what we think we see, which leads me to...

Testing the spirit of a person. This is also called in the bible "checking the fruit" or, knowing people by their fruit. Yahshua (Jesus) tells us this is how we will be able to know false teachers and also how we will know those who belong to Him. The Spirit in us should be able to bear witness of those who follow Him. Many people will profess Him with their mouth, but their hearts will be far from them. All we have to do is watch, pray, listen and let people speak. It will become evident which spirit they follow. By understanding which spirit is operating, you will definitely be able to judge in a right manner.

We must be willing to judge without being intimidated. The world has done a great job at stifling those who stand for truth of what is "good and bad". Many yell "don't judge!!" But who is better to judge situations and call out evil than one who is connected to the One who tells us what good and evil is? We can not be intimidated by those who can push their weight around and keep us silent, or worse yet try to "make" us rule/judge in their favor.

Last, we must understand our limitations. There will be times where we can not, and should not judge. We may not have all the information, we may not have the experience, we may not be able to hear both sides or may even be partial to one side verses another, and to be honest, there may be situations that just may be over our heads and too hard for us to judge. Moses told the men in that case take the problem to him and he will judge the matter. Moses is dead now. But there is One who is alive, and I encourage us to take all things to Him. Let Him judge the matter and we stay quiet in these cases.

As believers, we have the duty to judge matters. But we also must be careful to judge within the body of Christ and not be hypocritical while doing so.  For us, it is our duty to seek the truth of a matter and if possible, shield and warn our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ from danger. We also are to try and correct them and get them back on the right path. As far as judging the world, scripture tells us that we let Yah do that. We warn and point out the sin, but we are not to judge their fruit for we already know that without Christ, they can not bear "good fruit", even though they can have the appearance of a fruit bearing tree.

So, there we have it. The difference between hypocrisy and unrighteous judgement. It is a lot of it going on now days. Let us be careful, that as believers, if we are going to judge, we must do it in a righteous manner making sure that we don't also share the same sins we are judging. Let us make sure to seek truth in matters - no matter where that truth leads. And let us make sure, that we seek the Spirit so that He will lead our spirit to make correct decisions.

Take care!

Things Christians Say...(That Are Demonically Inspired) Part 2 of 5

Here we are at "part two". In part one we discussed that there are many things well intentioned Christians say that are actually demonically inspired. This will be a continuation of that blog.

Social media has become a huge part of our lives. We "like" this, "share" that, have "tweets" and "grams". Need a job? Get on "LinkedIn". Want to show the world what you can do? Get an account at Pinterest! Always wanted to be a star? Get your very own channel and become popular on Youtube. Social media effects us all and it's no wonder. With social media, it opens up doors to worlds you probably never have the money to travel to. It lets you meet people that you never would have seen before.

So, if this is the case, then why do many Christians say "Stop preaching on social media" or "Stop being a Facebook preacher!"? I even witnessed a conversation where someone compared what they were doing in ministry, deeming it better than someone else because at least he was out preaching instead of preaching on Facebook. Talk about pride!

Let's look at scripture....

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:18-20

Christ gave the mandate to go and make disciples...of all the nations. I do not want to take liberty with scripture, but really - how awesome is social media? We can literally make disciples of ALL nations. If you are connected in such a way, you have the ability to touch someone with the gospel all the way in Zimbabwe right from the comfort of North Dakota. There is the ability to meet people and have bible studies, prayer, ask questions all through social media - you can teach people to observe the commands and follow the Spirit of Yah all through social media!

Next, let us not forget, Paul didn't go everywhere when he taught, rebuked, or encouraged. Much of our New Testament is written by Paul, and many of those are letters to the churches. Now, Paul didn't have social media in his day, but, a letter to preach the gospel is the same thing. He was not "face to face" with people, on the street corners, or in the synagogue and he still was effective in his ministry in the Lord.

Imagine Paul scribblin away

To look down on someone for sharing through a tool what they have learned from the Spirit of Yah is prideful. It is to say "your way isn't better than mine". Who are we to try and control/move the hand of the Spirit leading that person? If that person is teaching under the influence of the Spirit, who are we to scoff? If that is the platform He has given, who are we to trample on it? Our mandate is to make disciples, teach people about Christ and His redemptive power. Who cares how it's done so long that it is done?

Now granted, many people try to stifle the truth on social media because they are in sin, and sin hates the light. But if you are a believer, you are to love the truth/light no matter where it is found or who gives it - less you fall into darkness.

...that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. - 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10

So, the next time you see a brother or sister in Christ "preaching" and sharing Truth on social media and you find yourself scoffing or comparing - stop - and check yourself. They are hopefully following the Spirit and it would do good to listen.. For only the devil and his children would scoff and want to hinder the truth from going forward...

40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are doing the works your father did.”..44"You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45"But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me.… - John 8:40-41,44-45

Think about it....

Things Christians Say...(That Are Demonically Inspired) Part 1 of 5

The road to hell is paved with good intentions - Proverb

There has been an insurgency of demonic thoughts flowing out of the hearts and mouths of "well meaning" Christians lately. But, as the saying goes - the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Why do I call the thoughts demonic? "I thought Christians couldn't be possessed", you may be thinking. And I would agree, those with the Spirit of Yah dwelling in them can't be possessed, but they certainly can be influenced.  And if what we say doesn't match up with the "mind of Christ" that is given to us, it is of a demonic spiritual nature. Much of the influence comes from not totally surrendering to the Father. Parts of our hearts and thinking haven't been renewed so we speak something contradictory to the word of Yah. Often times, the main cause of this is pride as well as control - or lack of it. These two things are the hallmark of the enemy of our souls, Satan. One who has not completely given over themselves to Yah will no doubt have traces of this left.

So, lets get to it, what are some of the things said that many Christians have good intentions behind but are really satanic in thought?

1. Stop praying and do something
2. Stop "preaching" on social media
3. Quit judging
4. Be tolerant and stop being hypocritical
5. When you talk about evil, you give the devil glory

Each one of these statements does four things that the bible speaks against:

1. Leans to our own understanding and might
2. For those who are not strong in mind yet, it creates condemnation, confusion and guilt 
3. Takes the focus off of Yah and puts it onto self (comparison)
4. It suppresses discernment and allows those seeking control to dictate how the Spirit "should move"

So, now lets take time to examine these four thoughts in depth and seek the words of the Father. Because there is so much to talk about, I will without a doubt have to make this a five part writing.

1. "Stop praying and do something" 

This quip usually comes at the onset of some publicized social injustice. This thought in turn makes us run either to the might of man or the government instead of the Father. Many Christians use the scripture to support their stance:

Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. - Isaiah 1:17

But, we have to remember who was being talked to by Whom. This verse is given as correction from Yahweh to the Israelites. They were a very rebellious people. Even after all that Yah had done for them, they still refused to do what was right in His eyes. They did what they wanted and were not pleasing to the Father. This admonishment was for them to get back on track and do what He had given them to do. These are a people that did not have the opportunity to know Christ or live by His Spirit either. But now, let's look at the admonishment for those who do have this opportunity....us:

And He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart....7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” - Luke 18:1,7-8

...pray without ceasing... - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. - 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Let's really take a look at that last verse 1 Timothy 2:4 "who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

I often say, that we will never change culture. It is and has been prophesied that this world will grow colder and more evil and ultimately be destroyed. There is nothing to "save" or "change" except people's hearts and souls. I don't care how many marches you do, how many sit-ins someone convinces you to participate in, how much money you give - this is a train that is not going to stop. The enemy has done a GREAT job at getting our minds off of our assigned task:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you."- Matthew 28:19-20

Our task is to go and make disciples. The only way to do that is to get people "saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."  When we start getting involved in the "cares of this world" we lose our focus. And slowly we get sucked into seeing the "flesh" instead of the demonic spirits in high places. We get sucked into "injustice" and wanting "justice" which is really revenge - something Yah tells us not to seek. The Father tells us not to seek to use our own might to change things. In fact, in Jeremiah 17:5, He calls that person cursed!

Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord." - Jeremiah 17:5

So the question becomes - have prayers of the righteous ever changed any circumstance? The bible says "yes" in fact, they "availeth much". But let's take another example of how just prayers - no marches, no sit-ins, no "volunteer in the neighborhood days", changed a situation that seemed impossible.

 Acts 12 (Shortened for brevity sake. But please read Acts 12:1-19 for full and miraculous context)

12 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also...delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him...but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church...Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9 And he went out and followed him...and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him...When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying...13 And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.

Prayer....that is doing something. Only the inspiration of the enemy would claim that it's "not enough". Let us be mindful to not discount the value of prayer and the effects it can have on a situation.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ. If the Spirit of Yah has lead you to pray, be obedient. It is better to serve Yah than man - for they have no heaven or hell to put you in. Pray on family....pray on....

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. - Romans 8:14

Who's Planting In Your Garden?

False Teachers Part two. There's more? Oh yes, absolutely there's more. You bet your bottom dollar there's more. There's so much more, that the bible from the beginning warns us about false prophets and teachers. But, I was studying today and ran across the parable that I wanted to share. And now that I think about it, this blog is really a good combo of the first "false teachers" blog and my other one about the need to "stay awake".

A Story About Wheat and Weeds

Matthew 13:24-30 (Easy-to-Read Version) 

24 Then Jesus used another story to teach them. Jesus said, “God’s kingdom is like a man who planted good seed in his field. 25 That night, while everyone was asleep, the man’s enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat and then left. 26 Later, the wheat grew, and heads of grain grew on the plants. But at the same time the weeds also grew. 27 Then the man’s servants came to him and said, ‘You planted good seed in your field. Where did the weeds come from?’

28 “The man answered, ‘An enemy planted weeds.’

“The servants asked, ‘Do you want us to go and pull up the weeds?’

29 “He answered, ‘No, because when you pull up the weeds, you might also pull up the wheat. 30 Let the weeds and the wheat grow together until the harvest time. At the harvest time I will tell the workers this: First, gather the weeds and tie them together to be burned. Then gather the wheat and bring it to my barn.’”

Let's pay special attention to verse 25. It says that "while everyone was asleep...". That is a very important part of this parable. I did a blog entry entitled "Sweet Dreams, Horrible Lies". In it, I spoke about how it was time to wake up and pay attention to the things going on around us. In this parable above, people were sleeping - unaware, at ease, comfortable. At that point, the enemy was able to come in and sow weeds among the plants to later be harvested.

What does that have to do with false teachers? It is the modus operandi - or "M.O." for short. It is their method of how they operate. Let's look at what the parable warns us about concerning them:

• They strike when people are least expecting it under the cover of darkness so their actions can't be seen. "That night..."
• They strike while people are comfortable and unaware. "...while everyone was asleep..."
• They seek a garden to defile. " ...the man’s enemy came..." 
• They "plant" what will later result in separation of what is "growing together". "... Let the weeds and the wheat grow together until the harvest time..."

Let's look at weeds for a second. A weed by definition is any wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants. So, if the plant is wanted, it is not a weed.  A weed is wild, untameable, uncontainable, and is something that will suck the life and nutrients out of a particular already existing form of vegetation. 

The man knew his crop and what didn't belong. But, the crop had no idea it was contending with weeds that were planted and had taken root. The crop may have known that getting what it needed was a little harder and its surroundings were not what it was used to. In fact, it by nature may have even later adapted to get some kind of normalcy so it can survive (note surviving and thriving are two different states of being), but it didn't know that in time it could be overtaken and killed. Surely not all the crop will make it out unscathed by the weeds. Some of the crop will succumb to the changing environment the weeds that were planted will bring, while some will be able to be harvested.

Now let's put faces to these characters.

The man is the Father. He sees and assesses the situation. He knows what is good and bad and exacts judgement on the "bad seed".

The enemy is just that, the enemy of our souls. BUT, sometimes we also know that the enemy will use people to carry out his plan i.e. false teachers. They plant weeds - thoughts, ideas, false teaching, even other people into the midst of good seed with the intention of dividing and choking the life out of the good seed.

The wheat are Yah's people. The Word often talks about people as some sort of vegetation. It refers to the righteous as like a tree planted by the water, it speaks of man being like grass, and flowers of the field. In this particular instance, the word is referring to the people of Yah are the good seed. 

The weeds (in this particular story) are those who the Father considers unrighteous. Those who are unrighteous also have unrighteous thoughts, do things that are contrary to Yah's will, and will be removed from the field and burned in the lake of fire.

Please listen to what I am saying here. The bible warns us that in these times, there WILL BE false teachers among us. To ignore that warning is to be asleep. To think it can't happen to you and your assembly is to deny the words of Yah. There will be some crop/wheat that will grow among the weeds that are slyly planted and SOME CROP WILL NOT MAKE IT. Some will be choked out - their strength taken because of the enemy that crept in with weeds (thoughts, deeds, people etc). Some will "survive" just barely making it by the grace of Yah.

So, please, stay awake and beware of who comes into your garden and what they are planting.....