Prophetic Words – Handle With Care

Posted on December 9, 2011 by

When it comes to who will win the presidency; everyone has an opinion.  The same was true for the US Election in 2008.  Being curious, I looked to see what some of the prophetic voices, in the Christian community, were saying.  Suffice to say, there were a couple of interesting messages given then.

I am sharing this story to show what God has taught me, during that time.  It is also a forewarning about listening to such messages.  While God, the Father can certainly communicate specific messages about what’s coming.  However, there is a danger of hearing what is desired; rather than what God actually said.

Here is what I’m talking about. Shortly after February 2008, I decided to see what people like Lou Engle, Bob Jones or Kim Clement were saying about the election.

During the primaries, Lou received a message about who the next president would be.  Lou Engle posted the original message on his blog site. Here is what I recall. The original word dealt with two things. The candidate would do a lot with small amount of money and something to do with a brown paper bag.

After sharing what God told him, Lou told of his understanding of what God said.  From what I recall, Lou honestly thought that it would be Gov. Mike Huckabee and so did I.  For me, Gov. Mike Huckabee sounded good and I liked him.

When I read the original prophetic word given by Lou, I interpreted it as meaning Mike would win. This is my error. I read my personal opinions into what God allegedly said to Lou Engle.

Of course, Huckabee did not win the GOP primaries; it was Sen. John McCain.  So much for the brown paper bags that Lou spoke of.  Not so fast!  It turns out that the message given to Lou was true.  It just did not line up with my opinion.

It turns out Gov. Huckabee wasn’t the only one to do much with small amounts of money. Who was the other candidate? I would do a similar thing with something Kim Clement shared on his website.

Politics is not the only place where one can hear prophetic words about possible events.  As with the above story, one needs to exercise care when reading or listening.  The prophetic word could well be true; however, our interpretation can be totally off.

Be not afraid to ask the Holy Spirit about what is being read or heard.  Ask God, “Is it true? Am I understanding this word, correctly? Is there another interpretation that I’ve not considered?”

Here is another idea.  A friend once suggested that I do this with a prophetic word given to me.  Place it on a shelf and leave it alone and let God deal with it.  If the message is of God then it will come to pass without my help. Here is an added thought. Take care not to read into it; what is not there.

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Who Are You Listening To?

Posted on December 8, 2011 by

Ever had to make an important decision and needed wise counsel? I know that I have needed it and went looking for it.  It is wise to take care of who you’re listening to and what is being said.  Here is an illustration.

In 1 King 22, Jehoshaphat has gone to King Ahab to discuss an important military matter.  He wanted help in retaking a citing that rightfully belonged to them.  Before rushing off, Jehoshaphat suggested they’d seek the counsel of God:  (1 King 22:1-5):

1 Three years passed without war between Aram and Israel. 2 In the third year Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. 3 Now the king of Israel said to his servants, “Do you know that Ramoth-gilead belongs to us, and we are still doing nothing to take it out of the hand of the king of Aram?” 4 And he said to Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to battle at Ramoth-gilead?” And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.”

5 Moreover, Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.”

The taking of a city is not an easy task, even by today’s standard.  Jehoshaphat is wise to seek God of Israel on this matter.  At first, King Ahab inquired of the court prophets and here’s what happened (1 King 22:6-12):

6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” 7 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not yet a prophet of the LORD here that we may inquire of him?” 8 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD, but I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” But Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.” 9 Then the king of Israel called an officer and said, “Bring quickly Micaiah son of Imlah.” 10 Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah were sitting each on his throne, arrayed in their robes, at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets were prophesying before them. 11 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made horns of iron for himself and said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘With these you will gore the Arameans until they are consumed.’” 12 All the prophets were prophesying thus, saying, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and prosper, for the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.

King Jehoshaphat was not going to listen to these guys.  For one thing, they were not prophets belonging to God, Almighty.  Secondly, everyone spoke favorably of the coming military endeavor.  One man thought he heard from God of Israel and proceeded to make declarations about what would happen.  There is just one problem; they were deceived.

It was not long before Micaiah showed up.  He was a godly man who spoke what the Father has given him; rather then what sounds good or popular.  Micaiah was not someone who gives in to peer pressure.  According to King Ahab, the man never spoke anything positive about him.

Let me ask you this question.  Would you prefer a man who spoke the truth, in a loving and right fashion?  What if the truth is negative?  Contrary to popular myth, it’s not wrong to say something negative; if done in a loving fashion.

If I was in King Jehoshaphat’s shoes, I’d prefer a man like Micaiah over Ahab’s court prophets.  For Micaiah will tell the truth; even though I may not like it.  This is in sharp contrast Ahab’s court prophets. They never confronted King Ahab about his sins. They only spoke what’s favorable and pleasing to him.

There is more to this story than what I have shared in this blog post.  The rest can be found in 1 King 22:13-28.  It is worth noting that the court prophets were under the influence of a deceiving spirit. What was this spirit’s goal? It was the destruction of King Ahab.

Hence, it is important to listen more to what God, the Father is saying through His Spirit rather than listening to what others are saying.  The Father cares about you and will help you in dealing with your mess.  You can trust God, to reveal what’s true and what’s false.

Are you willing to listen to God, the Father?

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My Thoughts On Richard Cory

Posted on December 7, 2011 by

In 1897, Edwin Robinson wrote a poem called “Richard Cory”.  It would later become better known as the Ballad of Richard Cory sung by Simon and Garfunkel.  As I read the original poem and read some of the commentaries, I am struck by a familiar chord.

In the poem, there is a man who’s extremely wealthy and greatly admired by everyone; including those in poverty.  Richard Cory was not only admired for his wealth, but also his intelligence and his social status.  In the Ballad of Richard Cory, the man was the owner of a company town; where everyone works for him.

Richard Cory’s admirers would even go on to say “Oh, to be like Richard Cory!”  In the same breath, they would complain about their own circumstances and ignore the good things they do have.

It never dawn on them that Richard Cory may have admired the good things they do have.  They never imagined that Richard Cory was empty inside and in deep need.  They have placed Richard Cory on a pedestal and assumed that he had no personal needs.

Someone could say “Why doesn’t he say something or be more transparent?”  With whom? Everyone in the town was too busy assuming.  Even if he could have said something; no one was willing to listen and see clearly the look of pain lurking behind the facade.

One day, it all came to a crashing end.  Richard Cory took a gun and shot himself.  He died alone. Though Richard Cory had wealth, good physical appearance and possibly a good standing in his church; it was all to no avail.

Richard Cory’s tragedy is twofold.  On one level, there was no one to share his life’s struggles, hurts and disappointments or share in his personal joys.  He desperately needed real friends to take an interest in him.  He needed people to reach out and connect with him; even if it’s just a text message.

The second part of Richard’s tragedy is, “Did he even know Jesus?”  Was God ever a real part of Richard Cory’s life.  In truth, I strongly feel that both are needed to overcome depression and loneliness.

I say this, more from experience than anything else.  It is because of Jesus, I am able to overcome my own bout of loneliness and depression.  Jesus has been a true Friend and always will be.  He was a Friend; long before becoming Lord and Savior.

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Are We Forgetting The Reason For Christmas?

Posted on December 5, 2011 by

I am sitting here and considering what to write.  It is in my heart to write something about the birth of Jesus and why He came. Why not? Is not the celebration on December 25th called Christmas Day? Is not Jesus, the reason we celebrate it?

I was originally considering writing something about Mary and why she is called “blessed”.  According to Jesus, it is because Mary heard the words of God and was obedient:

27As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.”

28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” [Luke 11:27-28]

It is worth remembering that Mary showed an incredible amount of balls when she chose to say “yes” to God.  In those days, a woman found pregnant and no husband would have received the death sentence.  As I said, she showed a tremendous amount of courage and she was blessed for it.  The same could be said of her fiance, Joseph.

Instead, I find myself drawn into a foolish controversy over the naming of a tree.  If an alien landed on this planet; he’s likely to think Christmas was about a tree; rather than about Jesus.  He’d never guess with the loudness surrounding the Christmas Tree v. holiday tree debate.

That tree has nothing to do with why I celebrate Christmas. Are we not supposed to be celebrating the birth of Jesus?  Are we not supposed to be filled with joy over why Jesus came?  Are we not to celebrate the good news of Jesus birth?

What good news? Try reading Luke 2:8-14:

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

I, for one do not like calling Christmas Tree, a holiday tree. It is pure foolishness and it doesn’t just offend Christians.  From a general check on the Internet, I’d say that Muslims and others don’t like it, either.

Let’s call it, what it is and move on. It’s a Christmas Tree.  As I already said, this debate is both foolish and a major distraction from the real reason for the season.  Let’s be bold and not timid and share the real reason for celebrating Christmas Day.

Remember, it is not about the tree; it is about Jesus.

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I Am Just The Donkey

Posted on December 4, 2011 by

My friend, Richard once told me of a fascinating comment by Randy Clark.  It was made during a healing conference in Taiwan.  “I am just the donkey!” says Randy.  He was speaking to a group of Christians, who were preparing to help with the conference. What was Randy Clark talking about?

Randy was alluding to Bible passages like this:

7 They *brought the colt to Jesus and put their coats on it; and He sat on it. 8 And many spread their coats in the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields. 9 Those who went in front and those who followed were shouting:

“Hosanna!
BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD;
10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David;
Hosanna in the highest!” [Mark 11:7-10]

In the above passage, you will notice the attention is given to the one riding the donkey’s colt; rather than the donkey’s colt.  Was anyone cheering the donkey or giving it any attention?  No.  It was just a donkey.  People came to see the King Jesus.  They were excited for they thought that the time of salvation has come.

It’s was not about a donkey and it’s not about me.  It is all about King Jesus.  It is about what Jesus is able to do through us.  Like the donkey, we could cooperate with Him by walking in humility.

There is another option.  We could also be like the stubborn mule that insists on its own way. I don’t think there is too many who’d like to ride such an animal.  It is likely they’d get thrown off.  Is God glorified when we act like this?  I don’t think so!

I commend Randy Clark for instructing his people to walk in humility during that conference.  It is real easy to get caught up in the excitement and get puffed up with pride. In such a climate, it is real easy to forget that it is not about us.

We are just the donkey!  It is all about the King who is riding on us, Jesus.

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Overcoming God’s Way

Posted on December 3, 2011 by

Some years ago, I was at Lion’s World School f/t Blind in Little Rock, AR.  While there, I was told an amazing story a woman who had to be hospitalized.  Her mother had died and the young woman had no one to care for her. When they brought her in, they found that the woman would need constant care.

What was wrong with her? Was she an invalid or something? I initially imagined something quite severe.  It was not the case.  What terrifying disability kept her from functioning and enjoying life?  She was born totally blind.  Somebody call the asylum!

It turns out that the mother has taken enabling to an extreme.  She would not allow her daughter to learn essential independent living skills  The mother’s behavior has proven to be quite destructive to everyone; including the daughter that she sought to help.

I don’t know if the above story is true or not; except that it smells of urban legend. Yet, it serves as a good illustration of enabling taken to an extreme. In the above scenario, the mother was acting out of an understandable fear for her daughter, who is only born blind and nothing else.

Let’s contrast this with a young man; who is born with his own set of disabilities.  In this case, the parents decided to go the opposite direction. They raised the kid to be very independent and not rely on anyone for help.  The parents decided that the son would be treated just like everyone else.

I’ll bet this sounds good, to you.  Some of you are likely assuming I’m talking about myself.  Not quite!  Over the years, I discovered that my parents are not the only one to raise me to be self-reliant.  There are just two major problems.  For one thing, my low vision and hearing impairments could not simply be ignored.

As I consider what to say, I am recalling a scene from Tom Sullivan’s book, “A Memoir of An Eleven Year Old”.  The man was born about 10 years earlier than I and Tom went blind shortly after birth. In the story, Tom tells of his father getting a racehorse.  His father had no problem putting his blind 11 year old son on that horse and expected him to ride it.

I’m sure my dad would have given some thoughts before putting me on a horse.  The horse would likely be one that I could safely handle and someone nearby to help.  Yet, this is the same father who let me drive his car on a flat highway in Texas.  I have to take some responsibility; as I didn’t see any problems and thought I could do so.

Are you getting the hint?  I had serious trouble with admitting to my weaknesses and ignored the reality of the situation. The truth is, I could not do things in the same ways that other people could do.  I had to learn to adjust my strategy for doing things.

The second problem is, I was way to independent and could not admit to needing help.  How could I? I had to rely upon myself and no one else.  I was afraid of admitting to having weaknesses.  Oh how foolish of me to think this way.

How does my Heavenly Father view my weakness?  Brace yourself:

7-10Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.  [2 Cor 12:7-9 The Message]

What! I am to boast in my disabilities? Though I don’t see my disabilities as weaknesses; other people do see it in that fashion.  Funny thing is, my Father has a similar problem that my earthly father.  God doesn’t see my disabilities.

When I came to Christ Jesus, everything was covered by the blood of the Lamb.  When my Father looks at me, all my Father sees is His Son, Jesus. He is not looking at my disabilities, my personality quirks or any other shortcomings.  It doesn’t stop here.  God wants to do things with me and through me.

At the beginning of this post, I shared the story of a young woman who was totally dependent on her mother.  God did not call me, to be wholly dependent on other people.  I am to be dependent upon Him.  For His Grace is sufficient for me.  This is not an easy lesson. With God, there is a great deal of freedom which comes from being dependent upon Him.

At the same time, I am not to sit in a pew and keep it warm.  This would be too easy and  quite boring.  If so, why would Paul say this?

12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. [Philippians 4:12-13]

It is Jesus, who is strengthening me and guiding me.  It is the Holy Spirit who is empowering me to do all things to the glory of the Father.  Please notice that I’m to do so in HIS strength and not my own power.

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Getting To Know

Posted on December 2, 2011 by

I have a friend who is a very talented cook. However, cooking is not who Brett is.  It is only what he enjoys doing.  What is he? Brett is a pastor a church in Beachwood, Shore Vineyard.  Yet, Brett would rather you know him as a person and not by a title.

I have another friend who is a skilled artist.  Blair recently had his first showing at LBI Foundation for the Arts and Sciences. You can find out about it at Blair Goold Art.  Is painting Blair’s identity? No, it is not. There is more to Blair than painting.

Writing is what I do and it’s not who I am.  I could say the same things about my glasses and hearing aid.  My disabilities don’t define who I am, as a person  Like many, we like to focus on the things someone does or focus on a distinguishing characteristic; rather than who they are.

We do the same thing to God.  I love it when my Father heals someone of cancer or performs some other miracles.  Who doesn’t?  There is just one thing.  Healing is what the Father does and it’s not the only thing.  Like others, I love going to the Father with my problems.  Here is the catch.  Do I sit and be quiet long enough to listen?  Am I having a conversation or a monologue?

Do you know that God, the Father wants us, to know Him? Try John 17:3:

3 This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

To know someone means spending time with the person or in this case God. It also means taking the time to learn about who He is.  Do you know that the Father has a series of attribute that describes who He is? Try Exodus 34:5-7:

5 The LORD descended in the cloud and stood there with him as he called upon the name of the LORD. 6 Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; 7 who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

I honestly feel that we get so wrapped up in the things God does that we forget to look at who God is.  Let me encourage you to invite God’s presence and just enjoy being with the Father.  I’d also encourage you to sit and listen to what He has to say.  You may be surprised.  Get to know Him. 

As you get to know the Father, you will find it easier to talk with Him.  You will also discover it easier to ask for the miraculous things like healings or supernatural interventions.

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