What Are You . . . A Business Or A Ministry?
If you are going to run your ministry as a business, then at least be professional. If you are going to run it as a ministry, then at least manifest love, consideration, kindness, and the fruit of the spirit. I’m confused, you are not acting like a ministry or a business. What are you? A mess is what you are. You’ll most likely not agree and will say, “I am a ministry or I am a business.” You actions are telling me differently. You actions tell me you don’t know who you are, and that’s the problem.
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways! – James 1:8 KJV
Friday, July 10, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
VOC Writer’s Retreat
Is the Lord awakening you in the night season to write? Did you suddenly start writing prophetically one day without warning or explanation? Is your entire ministry rooted in writing revelation through song, poetry, spoken word, plays, devotions, inspiration, books of instruction and administration and/or other creative works? If so, the 2009 Christian Prophetic Poet’s & Writer’s Retreat: The Birthing of a Scribal Nation is your secret place of habitation, revelation and understanding in this season.
The Voices of Christ family would like to officially invite you to the 2009 Christian Prophetic Poet's & Writer's Retreat. It is scheduled for Wednesday - Sunday, Sept. 16-20, 2009 at the Lodge at Simpsonwood in Norcross, Georgia. Our theme for this year is "The Birthing of a Scribal Nation."
Go here for more information and to register.
An Interview With Prophetess Teresa H. Johnson, Founder and President of Voices of Christ Literary Ministries International
KP: 1) Welcome, Prophetess Theresa, thank you for stopping by our blog today. Tell our readers about yourself . . .
PT: Thank you Prophetess Karen for inviting me. I am Theresa Harvard Johnson, founder and president, of Voices of Christ Literary Ministries International, a mentoring network for Christian writers. My assignment and that of Voices of Christ in the lives of writers is to ignite a fire and a passion in their hearts for the message of the Gospel. I want to see them become so in love with Jesus Christ that their only desire is to convey the Father’s heart through everything they write. When a writer develops that kind of passion they will freely release the things revealed to them; their ears will be attentive to the Father voice and their desire will be to deliver that message to as many people as possible. This kind of passion supersedes personal goals or ambitions and embraces salvation’s greatest call --- reconciliation.
KP: 2) What is the VOC Writer's Retreat?
PT: This retreat is an intimate get-a-way for those focused on writing as ministry. It’s an opportunity to dive into the power of prophetic ministry as it relates to the worship arts and scribal prophecy, or should I say, written prophecy. There are Christian writers all over the world who are hearing streams of words flow from their spirit creatively or even as instructions. They cannot rest until they pick up their pens and record everything they hear. While some people are aware of what is taking place inside them when this happens, there are many others who are not. This retreat focuses exclusively on bringing them into a full understanding of what it means to write this way --- and why we call it prophetic writing.
KP: 3) How did it get started?
PT: Voices of Christ started out as small group of poets who wanted to share the poetic message of the gospel with others. This was around 2001. We didn’t know what we were doing really . . . we just knew that people needed to hear what the Lord was placing in our hearts. The more we ministered through poetry and spoken word, the more the Lord gave us. We would often meet to pray, and I would find myself finding nuggets in the word of God that pertained to the ministry of writing. Over the course of a year, the thirst to learn more about writing as ministry grew within me. In June of 2003, we held our first two-day prophetic writing intensive. So much healing went forth among the writers in attendance. They realized they were not misfits in the body and what they had to say was relevant. They learned that they were just used differently; and that the Lord had given them a kind of uniqueness rooted in words. I watched as these writers found relevance and self worth through the teaching. I saw a fire ignite within them as they began walking into the knowledge of who they are to the Lord. It was during that first two-day intensive six years ago that I fully embraced this teaching mantle and began devoting myself to study in this area. Over the course of the next year, we continued to have classes. Then in 2005, we changed the name from a two-year intensive to the “Christian Prophetic Poet’s & Writer’s Retreat.” Truly the Lord built this. KP: Prophetess Theresa, in listening to you it is obvious the Lord built this and kind of “set you up”. I love it!
KP: 3a) How often do you host the retreat?/Where?
PT: I always laugh when I’m asked these two questions because I do not know. VOC host retreats and writing classes by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Even now, I don’t know when we will have another one. I do know that it won’t be in Georgia.
KP: I know exactly what you mean Prophetess Theresa. I chuckle when I receive these type of interview questions also. It’s hard when you are carrying out the Lord’s directions as He gives them. If He hasn’t directed, then we don’t know and certainly will not move out on our own just to be “doing something.” When you are truly doing His work versus your own, it often works one step at a time. Boy can I relate!
KP: 4) So, we can take away from this that VOC is definitely different. What will writers who attend the retreat learn and receive that they will not at any other retreat?
PT: There are some awesome Christian writing retreats across the country. Many of them focus on the mechanics of writing; the ins and outs of publishing, and the marketing process. We need this information; however, the greater need is for the spirit and soul of the Christian writer to be fully committed to Jesus Christ. Our focus is on developing the “epistle” in each and every writer that walks through the doors of Voices of Christ. Sometimes, so much focus is placed on the mechanics and the success of the writer that we can forget that heaven and hell are real. Many forget that the role of a disciple is to make disciples – not to market and sell books. When writers leave a Voices of Christ retreat, their ministry foundation will be solid. No one will be able to tell them who they are as scribes to the King. They will no longer focus on the cosmetics of their books; but on the message inside – ensuring that it is conveying the Lord’s heart. While we want the stories told and the messages published, the desire for transformation in the hearts of men supersedes all. They will not get this from another retreat.
KP: Oh yeah, this is definitely what makes this retreat different than all the other retreats out here!
KP: 5) How can they register and receive more information?
PT: We have a retreat website that provides detailed information on the venue and the registration process. Please visit www.voicesofchrist.com.
KP: 6) As we close, what would you share with our readers about getting their writing projects completed?
PT: Every book given to us by the Holy Spirit has an assignment. This means that there is someone here on earth who needs to read the revelation released to you. As a result, writers must learn to tune their ears to the Father, write when He says write, and begin the publishing process when He says begin. I always know that it is time for me to write because the Lord will begin speaking to me about that book. So, I'll stop what I'm doing. Sit down and just let Him speak to me as I write. When its time to publish, I receive this same type of urgency within my Spirit. I wasn't always obedient when I felt the pull to write and publish; but I quickly learned to follow His leading and to listen. When I did, He always met me with revelation and resources.
A prophetic writer will never successfully complete their work if they lack the discipline to listen to the Lord. This is, in my opinion, the most important step to completing the writing process and completing the publishing process. I've learned not to place to much effort on finding an editor, designing the book cover or any of the other components of the book. What good will all of that do if the book remains unfinished? As the Lord is really teaching that writer how to do things His way versus the ways we've picked up from others, a purging takes place. A part of the listening process is a purging for a prophetic writer. Everything the prophetic writer does will be rooted in "hearing" Him when He speaks. If you remember nothing else about completing your projects, I pray that you remember this.
KP: 7) What else would you like to share with our readers?
PT: The 2009 Christian Prophetic Poet’s & Writer’s Retreat is an intense, Holy Spirit filled event. Every session is interactive. You are not just sitting down getting a lecture, but you’re given opportunities to ask questions, participate and to share your heart with those in attendance. Our speakers are there during the retreat to serve you. We share meals together and even hang out late in the evenings after the sessions have ended in fellowship. Everyone is important and what you need from the Lord matters to us. When you leave, your life will never be the same.
Again, thank you for the opportunity!
KP: You are most welcome, Prophetess Theresa. I’m so glad you were able to drop by our blog and share the work of Voices of Christ and the 2009 Writer’s Retreat. I can’t wait for the retreat. Yes, my husband and I will be there. Why don't you join us?
Monday, June 08, 2009
[Gem News] 6/2009: Unlocking a Key to Healing - Pt. 1
Kingdom greetings,
This month we did a quick review of some obvious reasons many people are not healed. Those reasons are:
1) Little faith
2) No faith
3) Poor stewardship of the body
4) Wrong doctrinal beliefs about healing
Are any of these reasons stopping you from being healed or do you know a leader who is not being healed due to the above-stated reasons? We would love to hear from you. Post your comments below.
In our next two issues, we will discuss unlocking a key that may be turning off the flow of healing in your life and others around you.
Not a subscriber yet? Click here.
Kingdom greetings,
This month we did a quick review of some obvious reasons many people are not healed. Those reasons are:
1) Little faith
2) No faith
3) Poor stewardship of the body
4) Wrong doctrinal beliefs about healing
Are any of these reasons stopping you from being healed or do you know a leader who is not being healed due to the above-stated reasons? We would love to hear from you. Post your comments below.
In our next two issues, we will discuss unlocking a key that may be turning off the flow of healing in your life and others around you.
Not a subscriber yet? Click here.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
What’s everybody else doing?
You were running well. You started off in the spirit; how is it that you have ended up in the flesh? (Galatians 5 AMP)
Business owner, how many times have you asked yourself this question and then went on a research tangent for the answer? Well, let’s play out what happens next.
You find out what everybody else is doing. It “looks like” it’s working for them. I mean . . . they have clients, they have business, they are successful. so if I do the same thing, I will be successful. Not so! Who said you would . . .them, God, or you?
I’m writing to challenge you today to stop looking to others (who may not even be a Christian) for the answers to build the business God gave you.
Well, you can continue to implement the business practices, policies, and terms you’ve acquired, but you are not building a Godly business. God wants us to not “assume” the way everybody else is “doing business” is the way we should be business.
In the opening example we played out together, did you notice what was missing? Prayer! Yes, prayer was missing from the example. This should not be, Christian business owner. The first place you should turn when “setting up shop” (and maintaining “shop” might I add) is to God. When He spoke the business into existence, the answers were wrapped up into what He spoke. Who better knows how to organize it, structure it, and grow it?
I remember the first couple of years after we birthed the coaching practice I started inwardly asking the question, “What’s everybody else doing?” I subscribed to the “top marketing gurus” and “top coaches” e-mail list to glean tips and strategies from “the experts.” What message was I sending God? I don’t know what to do with this uniquely different business/ministry you’ve given me. So I’ll do what everybody else is doing. At the time, I didn’t realize this was the message I was sending God until everything I tried that “the experts” said worked was not working for me. So I repented, humbled myself, and pressed into Him for His wisdom, guidance, and instruction.
When we constantly or even one time at a specified season of our life ask the question that’s the subject of this post, there is something deeper going on. I believe it’s the following:
1) Lack of Godly confidence (i.e., unsure of you, your potential, and self)
2) Lack of confidence in what God has given you (i.e., vacillating about what He’s given because it’s different than what you and others have ever seen before)
3) Spiritual laziness (i.e., praying a business through to success based on God’s standards is hard work. It’s easier to just do what everybody else is doing. I’m too lazy to do all that God requires to build what I keep saying is “God’s business.” This could also be referred to as low God esteem)
4) Spirit of comparison – low self esteem (i.e., failing to believe it’s you He wants to do something uniquely different through me so I think what everybody else has/and is doing is more valuable than what I have and what I’m doing)
5) Flesh (i.e., I’m not getting the results I expected so I’ll try in my flesh to garner the results.)
You were running well. You started off in the spirit; how is it that you have ended up in the flesh? (Galatians 5)
Let God define success for you not what everybody else is doing and saying is success. I remember God sat me down one day and told me to draw a Venn diagram (e.g., the Olympic circles). He said, Now write what success means inside the circles. Fill them up with everything success means to you.” I wrote and wrote and wrote. When all was said and done, He said . . . “Hmm, I don’t see God. I see a lot of stuff centered around Me (meaning a lot of God like stuff), but I don’t see the “word” God. You see having God, (I mean really having Him) following Him, communing with God, being intimate with God, following God’s instructions equals success!
1 “BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.
2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.
3 And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].” – Psalm 1:1-3 AMP
When you are planted by the water flowing from Holy Spirit, whatsoever you do shall prosper! How can a Christian prosper if s/he won’t keep in step with Holy Spirit? (Galatians 5:25 AMP)
So the next time you ask or think, “What’s everybody else doing?” Remember, it doesn’t matter; all that matters is if you are doing what matters to God and what He wants you to do. Truly, the reward or lack thereof that you receive is hinged on doing what He told you to do not what everybody else is doing or should I say what He may have told them to do.
Many will say, Lord didn’t we _______________________ (fill in the blank with what you’re doing in “your business” in His name). - Matthew 7:22 KJV
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” – Matthew 7:22 KJV
Is He Lord or not? The answer is found in what you are doing and thinking not what you are saying with your lips. If He is Lord, there should be no policy, process, strategy, tip, etc. implemented without conferring with Him and asking, “Do you approve?” and “Is this what you want me doing?” This is crucial at the beginning of laying a business foundation, as well as all phases of business. Remember, these are God’s businesses and what we think should be happening in them may not happen at all.
I amazed by how many Christian business owners are deceiving themselves by saying, “This is God’s business,” “He is the creative director,” “My gifts are submitted to Him,” “I put my gifts on the altar . . . they are not mine; they belong to Him.”
This next saying is so powerful it needs to stand alone. Many Christian business owners say, “He sends me clients.” Does He or does the marketing strategy/business policy you picked up send you clients? Now, I’m not saying we aren’t to market. I’m saying did He tell you to employ that marketing strategy/business policy? If yes, then He sends clients as a result of your obedience. If not, “Who is sending the clients (provided they’re coming) . . . the devil, flesh, or the fleshy inspired strategies?
It’s either spirit driven (God’s or demonic) or flesh driven! These are the only two options Christian businesses will be measured and judged by. Yes, judged. God is judging Christian businesses. He has His agents in the marketplace who put the King’s stamp of approval on a business or the King’s disapproval on it. Choose wisely that the business you steward is stamped with the King’s approval. Oh Karen, this is extreme some say. He says, “So is my judgment . . . Xtreme. How will your business fair? The rewards are Xtreme too! How will your business fair. MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. - (Daniel 5:25)
I close with these equations:
GOD is Success
GOD = Success (Colossians 2:15 AMP)
GOD is the Prosperous One
GOD = Prosperity (Psalm 1 KJV)
My prayer is for your sight to be restored even as He restored my sight that the free favors of our God may flow in our businesses as this is the acceptable time (Luke 4:18b)
You were running well. You started off in the spirit; how is it that you have ended up in the flesh? (Galatians 5 AMP)
Business owner, how many times have you asked yourself this question and then went on a research tangent for the answer? Well, let’s play out what happens next.
You find out what everybody else is doing. It “looks like” it’s working for them. I mean . . . they have clients, they have business, they are successful. so if I do the same thing, I will be successful. Not so! Who said you would . . .them, God, or you?
I’m writing to challenge you today to stop looking to others (who may not even be a Christian) for the answers to build the business God gave you.
Well, you can continue to implement the business practices, policies, and terms you’ve acquired, but you are not building a Godly business. God wants us to not “assume” the way everybody else is “doing business” is the way we should be business.
In the opening example we played out together, did you notice what was missing? Prayer! Yes, prayer was missing from the example. This should not be, Christian business owner. The first place you should turn when “setting up shop” (and maintaining “shop” might I add) is to God. When He spoke the business into existence, the answers were wrapped up into what He spoke. Who better knows how to organize it, structure it, and grow it?
I remember the first couple of years after we birthed the coaching practice I started inwardly asking the question, “What’s everybody else doing?” I subscribed to the “top marketing gurus” and “top coaches” e-mail list to glean tips and strategies from “the experts.” What message was I sending God? I don’t know what to do with this uniquely different business/ministry you’ve given me. So I’ll do what everybody else is doing. At the time, I didn’t realize this was the message I was sending God until everything I tried that “the experts” said worked was not working for me. So I repented, humbled myself, and pressed into Him for His wisdom, guidance, and instruction.
When we constantly or even one time at a specified season of our life ask the question that’s the subject of this post, there is something deeper going on. I believe it’s the following:
1) Lack of Godly confidence (i.e., unsure of you, your potential, and self)
2) Lack of confidence in what God has given you (i.e., vacillating about what He’s given because it’s different than what you and others have ever seen before)
3) Spiritual laziness (i.e., praying a business through to success based on God’s standards is hard work. It’s easier to just do what everybody else is doing. I’m too lazy to do all that God requires to build what I keep saying is “God’s business.” This could also be referred to as low God esteem)
4) Spirit of comparison – low self esteem (i.e., failing to believe it’s you He wants to do something uniquely different through me so I think what everybody else has/and is doing is more valuable than what I have and what I’m doing)
5) Flesh (i.e., I’m not getting the results I expected so I’ll try in my flesh to garner the results.)
You were running well. You started off in the spirit; how is it that you have ended up in the flesh? (Galatians 5)
Let God define success for you not what everybody else is doing and saying is success. I remember God sat me down one day and told me to draw a Venn diagram (e.g., the Olympic circles). He said, Now write what success means inside the circles. Fill them up with everything success means to you.” I wrote and wrote and wrote. When all was said and done, He said . . . “Hmm, I don’t see God. I see a lot of stuff centered around Me (meaning a lot of God like stuff), but I don’t see the “word” God. You see having God, (I mean really having Him) following Him, communing with God, being intimate with God, following God’s instructions equals success!
1 “BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.
2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.
3 And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].” – Psalm 1:1-3 AMP
When you are planted by the water flowing from Holy Spirit, whatsoever you do shall prosper! How can a Christian prosper if s/he won’t keep in step with Holy Spirit? (Galatians 5:25 AMP)
So the next time you ask or think, “What’s everybody else doing?” Remember, it doesn’t matter; all that matters is if you are doing what matters to God and what He wants you to do. Truly, the reward or lack thereof that you receive is hinged on doing what He told you to do not what everybody else is doing or should I say what He may have told them to do.
Many will say, Lord didn’t we _______________________ (fill in the blank with what you’re doing in “your business” in His name). - Matthew 7:22 KJV
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” – Matthew 7:22 KJV
Is He Lord or not? The answer is found in what you are doing and thinking not what you are saying with your lips. If He is Lord, there should be no policy, process, strategy, tip, etc. implemented without conferring with Him and asking, “Do you approve?” and “Is this what you want me doing?” This is crucial at the beginning of laying a business foundation, as well as all phases of business. Remember, these are God’s businesses and what we think should be happening in them may not happen at all.
I amazed by how many Christian business owners are deceiving themselves by saying, “This is God’s business,” “He is the creative director,” “My gifts are submitted to Him,” “I put my gifts on the altar . . . they are not mine; they belong to Him.”
This next saying is so powerful it needs to stand alone. Many Christian business owners say, “He sends me clients.” Does He or does the marketing strategy/business policy you picked up send you clients? Now, I’m not saying we aren’t to market. I’m saying did He tell you to employ that marketing strategy/business policy? If yes, then He sends clients as a result of your obedience. If not, “Who is sending the clients (provided they’re coming) . . . the devil, flesh, or the fleshy inspired strategies?
It’s either spirit driven (God’s or demonic) or flesh driven! These are the only two options Christian businesses will be measured and judged by. Yes, judged. God is judging Christian businesses. He has His agents in the marketplace who put the King’s stamp of approval on a business or the King’s disapproval on it. Choose wisely that the business you steward is stamped with the King’s approval. Oh Karen, this is extreme some say. He says, “So is my judgment . . . Xtreme. How will your business fair? The rewards are Xtreme too! How will your business fair. MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. - (Daniel 5:25)
I close with these equations:
GOD is Success
GOD = Success (Colossians 2:15 AMP)
GOD is the Prosperous One
GOD = Prosperity (Psalm 1 KJV)
My prayer is for your sight to be restored even as He restored my sight that the free favors of our God may flow in our businesses as this is the acceptable time (Luke 4:18b)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Kingdom greetings,
I've been feverishly working on the next book God has given me. Today, He allowed me to take a short break to receive this for all of you.
What are you doing about the dirty water in your city?
2 Kings 2:19-22 KJV
19 And the men of the city said unto Elisha, “Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren.”
20 And he said, “Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein.” And they brought it to him.
21 And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, “Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.”
22 So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.
The city was a beautiful, park-like setting, but the water was dirty and bad. The natural surroundings were gorgeous, but the water was bad. I dare say the spiritual water was bad. Does this sound like your city? Beautiful, but bad!
Let God ask you through me, “What are you doing about the dirty water in your city?” How many more miscarriages need to take place before you do something? When I speak of miscarriages here, I’m speaking literal (i.e., women losing babies) and spiritual (i.e., Godly ministries and visions being lost to the enemy). In both cases, the water is bad, and the water I speak of right now is only spiritual water.
In the passage of scripture, when they came to Elisha and told him the problem the city was having, immediately he asked for a new bowl filled with salt. Prophetic announcement: You are that new bowl! The question is: “Are you, the bowl, filled with salt?” Salt preserves, heals, and seals covenants. What are you preserving and healing? How many Godly covenants have you sealed with local ministries as a way to ensure they stay on the straight and narrow?
If you know you are a new bowl (2 Corinthians 5:17) filled with salt (Matthew 5:13-16, Mark 9:49-50, Colossians 4:6, Job 6:6), then take the salt and throw it in and on the water of your city. Then declare and decree, “The LORD, has healed these waters. They will no longer cause death or miscarriage.”
Lord, we thank you that as sure as we declare Your word, the waters in our cities shall be purified. We thank You for those who have come to realize their bowl is empty. Fill them up with Your salt. May their saltiness be evident and not lose its savor. We thank You for healing women who are miscarrying their babies. We thank You for You are life!
We thank You, Lord for all the Godly ministries that You are shoring up right now via salt covenants. We thank You they are being preserved from the enemy’s destruction. They will not die. These ministries will not be physically alive and spiritually dead. For You are life. Breathe life into them this day.
We thank You for Godly repentance is coming to them now enabling them to receive Your healing waters. Thank You LORD for purified waters in our city. May it never be said again that our cities’ natural surroundings are majestic, but the water is bad.
I've been feverishly working on the next book God has given me. Today, He allowed me to take a short break to receive this for all of you.
What are you doing about the dirty water in your city?
2 Kings 2:19-22 KJV
19 And the men of the city said unto Elisha, “Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren.”
20 And he said, “Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein.” And they brought it to him.
21 And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, “Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.”
22 So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.
The city was a beautiful, park-like setting, but the water was dirty and bad. The natural surroundings were gorgeous, but the water was bad. I dare say the spiritual water was bad. Does this sound like your city? Beautiful, but bad!
Let God ask you through me, “What are you doing about the dirty water in your city?” How many more miscarriages need to take place before you do something? When I speak of miscarriages here, I’m speaking literal (i.e., women losing babies) and spiritual (i.e., Godly ministries and visions being lost to the enemy). In both cases, the water is bad, and the water I speak of right now is only spiritual water.
In the passage of scripture, when they came to Elisha and told him the problem the city was having, immediately he asked for a new bowl filled with salt. Prophetic announcement: You are that new bowl! The question is: “Are you, the bowl, filled with salt?” Salt preserves, heals, and seals covenants. What are you preserving and healing? How many Godly covenants have you sealed with local ministries as a way to ensure they stay on the straight and narrow?
If you know you are a new bowl (2 Corinthians 5:17) filled with salt (Matthew 5:13-16, Mark 9:49-50, Colossians 4:6, Job 6:6), then take the salt and throw it in and on the water of your city. Then declare and decree, “The LORD, has healed these waters. They will no longer cause death or miscarriage.”
Lord, we thank you that as sure as we declare Your word, the waters in our cities shall be purified. We thank You for those who have come to realize their bowl is empty. Fill them up with Your salt. May their saltiness be evident and not lose its savor. We thank You for healing women who are miscarrying their babies. We thank You for You are life!
We thank You, Lord for all the Godly ministries that You are shoring up right now via salt covenants. We thank You they are being preserved from the enemy’s destruction. They will not die. These ministries will not be physically alive and spiritually dead. For You are life. Breathe life into them this day.
We thank You for Godly repentance is coming to them now enabling them to receive Your healing waters. Thank You LORD for purified waters in our city. May it never be said again that our cities’ natural surroundings are majestic, but the water is bad.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Gem News 5/09: Strategies for Paying Small Business Taxes
Kingdom greetings,
This month we learned some strategies for paying taxes to the IRS. As a way to solidify this topic and go deeper, answer any or all of these questions:
1) Which strategy will work best for you?
2) What new tip did you pick up from this issue?
3) After reading this issue, what further questions would you like to ask me about this topic?
4) After reading this issue, what else would you need to avoid stressing about paying your business taxes? Ask me now . . .
Kingdom greetings,
This month we learned some strategies for paying taxes to the IRS. As a way to solidify this topic and go deeper, answer any or all of these questions:
1) Which strategy will work best for you?
2) What new tip did you pick up from this issue?
3) After reading this issue, what further questions would you like to ask me about this topic?
4) After reading this issue, what else would you need to avoid stressing about paying your business taxes? Ask me now . . .
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Why? Their oracle is speaking
Yesterday, we spoke about the “peoples” and the “they” of Psalm 33:10b-11 and how they devise their own thoughts and plans concerning you and the ministry God has assigned to you. We learned that what they think and plan has no power over us because God causes their plans and thoughts to be of no effect.
Continuing in this theme for further deliverance. Today, we answer the question many of you may have asked or are asking. Why? Why do they treat me like this? Why do they hate my righteous cause? I’ve been so good to them. I’ve supported the ministry God has given them. I’ve prayed countless hours for them to prosper. I thought they loved the Lord like me . . . why are they like this? Why? Why? Why?
Psalm 36:1 holds the answer:
“TRANSGRESSION [like an oracle] speaks to the wicked deep in his heart. There is no fear or dread of God before his eyes.”
See the prophetic ministry is a great threat to the kingdom of darkness. So he and his imps hurl accusations and javelins to wear us out and keep us out of God’s face. What are they really trying to stop . . . you? Oh no, the oracle of God within you. The word God has impregnated you with and the fire in your belly.
Now, what I’m amazed at is the very thing they are after is the very thing driving them. An oracle is speaking to them too, but it’s a counterfeit oracle. Remember, Satan is still bent on being like God. So while God is speaking to you, he is speaking to them. It’s the things he utters that drives them, and I don’t know about you, but it’s what God utters that drives me.
The oracle Satan has spoken causes them to transgress (meaning do something knowingly and purposely wrong against God). The oracle he speaks to them penetrates deep into their heart. They have entertained and even conjured up this false oracle for so long they no longer hesitate to act on what he’s speaking to them. They no longer despise or reject evil. Dare I say their conscience has been seared with a demonic iron, and their love has waxed cold. There is no fear or dread of God in them.
They believe lies like their father, the devil. They flatter themselves like their father, the devil. They are so deceived they even believe God doesn’t see them and that they won’t be found out. They are walking in ungodly wisdom and no longer in God’s wisdom. While you are sleeping, they lie in their bed planning the next act wrong against God and his anointed . . . you.
Now you know! Now you know their nature and what’s driving them . . . hence, the why is answered.
What does God say about all this? Three things:
1) I have javelins to draw out too (Psalm 35:3)
2) My mercy, loving-kindness, and faithfulness extends to the skies and clouds. My judgments are like the great deep. I preserve man and beast (Psalm 36:5-6). So, what should our posture be? As led, heap coals of fire on their head with acts of kindness. Rest in the fact that we don’t always comprehend God’s mercy, loving-kindness, faithfulness, or judgment, but He is acting on our behalf and on the behalf of what’s right and best for His children.
3) Soon God shall crust Satan under His feet (Romans 16:20). Selah on that the next time they transgress in your direction against God!
I pray that God will anoint your eyes with His eye salve that you may see them and these situations in the Spirit and in the way He sees them. I pray that God’s precious and steadfast love surround you like a blanket and become your refuge. I pray you learn to trust your God’s protection even the more. No one can do anything to you He doesn’t allow. I pray for His abundance to overtake you that you may relish and feast on heavenly food and that He cause you to drink and delight in His pleasures. For truly, He is your fountain of life. I pray for God to remove the foot of pride from you that you’ll be able to submit to His leading and resist the devil’s snares. I pray you’ll remain steadfast, unmoveable, unable to be shaken, and always abounding in the work God has assigned your hands. I declare the wicked shall never drive you away from your assignment, call, or ministry. I thank my God that according to His word, today the workers of iniquity will fall, they will be thrust down, and unable to rise against God and His anointed.
Yesterday, we spoke about the “peoples” and the “they” of Psalm 33:10b-11 and how they devise their own thoughts and plans concerning you and the ministry God has assigned to you. We learned that what they think and plan has no power over us because God causes their plans and thoughts to be of no effect.
Continuing in this theme for further deliverance. Today, we answer the question many of you may have asked or are asking. Why? Why do they treat me like this? Why do they hate my righteous cause? I’ve been so good to them. I’ve supported the ministry God has given them. I’ve prayed countless hours for them to prosper. I thought they loved the Lord like me . . . why are they like this? Why? Why? Why?
Psalm 36:1 holds the answer:
“TRANSGRESSION [like an oracle] speaks to the wicked deep in his heart. There is no fear or dread of God before his eyes.”
See the prophetic ministry is a great threat to the kingdom of darkness. So he and his imps hurl accusations and javelins to wear us out and keep us out of God’s face. What are they really trying to stop . . . you? Oh no, the oracle of God within you. The word God has impregnated you with and the fire in your belly.
Now, what I’m amazed at is the very thing they are after is the very thing driving them. An oracle is speaking to them too, but it’s a counterfeit oracle. Remember, Satan is still bent on being like God. So while God is speaking to you, he is speaking to them. It’s the things he utters that drives them, and I don’t know about you, but it’s what God utters that drives me.
The oracle Satan has spoken causes them to transgress (meaning do something knowingly and purposely wrong against God). The oracle he speaks to them penetrates deep into their heart. They have entertained and even conjured up this false oracle for so long they no longer hesitate to act on what he’s speaking to them. They no longer despise or reject evil. Dare I say their conscience has been seared with a demonic iron, and their love has waxed cold. There is no fear or dread of God in them.
They believe lies like their father, the devil. They flatter themselves like their father, the devil. They are so deceived they even believe God doesn’t see them and that they won’t be found out. They are walking in ungodly wisdom and no longer in God’s wisdom. While you are sleeping, they lie in their bed planning the next act wrong against God and his anointed . . . you.
Now you know! Now you know their nature and what’s driving them . . . hence, the why is answered.
What does God say about all this? Three things:
1) I have javelins to draw out too (Psalm 35:3)
2) My mercy, loving-kindness, and faithfulness extends to the skies and clouds. My judgments are like the great deep. I preserve man and beast (Psalm 36:5-6). So, what should our posture be? As led, heap coals of fire on their head with acts of kindness. Rest in the fact that we don’t always comprehend God’s mercy, loving-kindness, faithfulness, or judgment, but He is acting on our behalf and on the behalf of what’s right and best for His children.
3) Soon God shall crust Satan under His feet (Romans 16:20). Selah on that the next time they transgress in your direction against God!
I pray that God will anoint your eyes with His eye salve that you may see them and these situations in the Spirit and in the way He sees them. I pray that God’s precious and steadfast love surround you like a blanket and become your refuge. I pray you learn to trust your God’s protection even the more. No one can do anything to you He doesn’t allow. I pray for His abundance to overtake you that you may relish and feast on heavenly food and that He cause you to drink and delight in His pleasures. For truly, He is your fountain of life. I pray for God to remove the foot of pride from you that you’ll be able to submit to His leading and resist the devil’s snares. I pray you’ll remain steadfast, unmoveable, unable to be shaken, and always abounding in the work God has assigned your hands. I declare the wicked shall never drive you away from your assignment, call, or ministry. I thank my God that according to His word, today the workers of iniquity will fall, they will be thrust down, and unable to rise against God and His anointed.
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