God's Grace/The Acceptable Day of the Lord

December16

God's Overwhelming Grace/The Acceptable Day of the Lord

I was just so blessed this morning as I listened to some preaching and the Lord Jesus was reminding of some things that are so easily forgotten in this day as wickedness rises around us, around the world. This statement came stirred me afresh this morning.  God is not judging America for her sins. He is calling us HOME, to Himself.  What we are seeing is the consequences of sin, of bad choices.

Yes, judgement is coming, but we are still called of the Lord to preach the Acceptable Day of the Lord. Today is still the day of salvation.: that we are still living under an open heaven where there is in Jesus Christ favor, protection and provision.  

I have to admit that way too often I see things through the negative even  though you might eventtually hear me praising God and thanking Him in the midst of it. Yes I often get focused on the negative.  Recently I went through a situation that has had an impact on me of the greatness of God's grace and mercy towards us as revealed in Jesus Christ.

I have told some of this story from another perspective so bear with me if you have heard some of these things before.  Three years ago I felt led to go to a little local congregation association with the Assemblies of God. I knew from day one that it was where I was to be despite being aware that there were folks in that congregation that were on the Board of a congregation I was in back in the 1980s. I wasn't blind to the fact that the pastors in the district of that group of churches also maintain conversation with each  and that I had some "history" with some of the pastors that few would understand unless they knew all the details.  Yet, I knew it was to be "home" for this period of time.  I knew from the second Sunday I attended that pastor had acquired some negative information about me. Suddenly I was not there in their eyes, so to speak. It was clear from other new people in services that he had been to visit them, knew where they lived and some things about their lives. Sunday after Sunday the other new folks were continued to be welcomed, etc. and it was as if I wasn't there. Over the next three years it became very clear it wasn't my imagination, as every effort to open conversation with the pastor failed, invitations to take him and the family to dinner were not responded to. The pastor's wife bypassed me time and time again as if I wasn't even seen, which perhaps God had indeed kept me covered!

Yet, I knew that God had a mighty plan for that congregation, and for three years I "spoke" that plan into that congregation in prayer and service after service as I sat in my pew.  I attended one prayer meeting of the congregation and quickly found that it wasn't a good fit for me. So I left them to do the things they do, knowing so well that God was in charge and doing in and through them what He had planned. And I continued to speak that back to the Lord knowing His faithfulness and love for those who are callled by His Holy name.

I love that little congregation. I loved the three years of worshipping with them and watching the power of Holy Spirit increase little by little over the three years, watching the pastor open himself to yielding to the Holy Spirit's leading instead of conforming to the "order of service" of which they, by their profession/confession "don't have" since it isn't written in the bulletin! LOL!

All this time I knew that there was gossip being spread by the pastor about me, and people being warned, of what I was not sure. Effort to address this with the pastor after he preached a sermon about going to your brother if you know he has some resentment towards you or holds some aught against you so as to be reconciled.  My effort to do that met with a hard wall of denial and that broke only enough for him to tell me he had been "warned about me".  Effort to discuss that or work some reconciliation was frustrated.  YET, my friends, God continued to pour out His Spirit upon that place. He was faithful to His Word.  He wasn't judging them for their sin, for their gossip, for the three years they excluded me from personal fellowship with them. Instead because He is the Lord God who loved them and me so much He gave His Son to reconcile them to Himself, He continued to pour Himself out towards them even as their hearts began to turn towards Him and in answer to the very heart cry He had put in my heart for that group of His children.

One Sunday in September was my last day with that congregation. That Sunday Holy Spirit was welcomed in a way beyond anything previously in that little group of people. A new couple who know how to minister in the power of Holy Spirit had started attending and would be assisting in worship at the piano and in ministry. I knew even with their coming that they brought serious personal issues with them not so different from the issues still unresolved in that congregation. I left without having seen the gossip and half truths which were disseminated related to me addressed.  I was never free to do anything in relationship to those issues because the pastor was the one who listened to the lies and half truths and the door remained shut there. YET, God was blessing!!

 I taught a bible study in the local area for 9 months and then for several months in my home.  During that time some of the ladies let me know they had heard things and I was given the freedom to tell them what the whole story was because it had not affected their relationship to me or kept us from having that precious koinonia that we who are one in Christ Jesus have the privilege of knowing. The ladies wanted the bible study to take place in the church fellowship hall, but their requests were denied because the pastor would not put his "covering" over my ministry.  But folks, this is what I have learned.  GOD IS A GOD OF GRACE............He is still calling His own people to Himself!  Will that congregation be judged for how they treated me..........NO!  God is pouring Himself out to that people and He is going to continue to pour Himself out to them as long as they welcome Him. And they will be given opportunity to receive the fullness of His grace and mercy to be healed and cleansed from their sins, to confess their unloving attitudes to Him, and be conformed to Himself.  That is the greatness of His Grace.   I love those dear saints and continue to pray blessings over them.

A similar situation happened in a previous congregation I was in, except that the pastor extended his "covering" over me and repeatedly prayed for me and blessed me anytime I went to the altar.  There were other big issues in that congregation that weren't about me, personally. For two years I journeyed with them, wonderful lovable saints. Yet a day came when I saw that leadership was no longer welcoming Holy Spirit into the services and began to blame the devil for some things that were actually the Holy Spirit. These were not anything related to me personally, but when the Lord showed me these things,He made it clear it was  time for me to depart which was  confirmed over and over by His most precious Holy Spirit.  The Lord continued to tarry with that congregation. And He still is. However, they made some really poor choices. The pastor made some poor choices, one of which was in his 70s not to "slow down" despite specific warning from one of the apostolic couples in the congregation that he must take his physical body into consideration.  Today, sadly, that poor decision not to slow down led to a stroke that left him unable to talk. He has regained most of his other abilities except those related to talking and also some of the writing skills. Is God still blessing? Yes!! He is the God of Grace and Mercy.

Is that judgement? No, it is consequence of our choices. Judgement is coming. But this is still the Acceptable day of the Lord and may we be found preaching it loud and clear!!  Does it mean we won't pay for our poor choices? Absolutely not! But it also means that we serve a God of Mercy. I don't get the full consequences of my pour choices or I would have been dead many many years ago! He is a God of Grace and Mercy!  Mercy says I don't get "all" the consequences of what I deserve because Jesus bore my sins. Yes it is true,that  if I continue to engage in a pattern of sin, it could lead to death. God's Grace is continually poured out to call us to Him in the midst of our poor choices, in the midst of other' people's  poor choices that impact us.

I read an article about the recent issues in Australia and it said something about Satan coming to Australia. I would have laughed  if the circumstances hadn't been so wicked. Satan has been alive and well on Planet Earth for thousands of years. And we are seeing his kingdom coming to the fore even as the scriptures have spoken. But this isn't yet judgement on mankind sins. It is the consequence of our poor choices, of our choice to serve the enemy rather than the Lord God and receive His blessings. Today, that cry of the Father is still there...COME TO ME!  GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, that whosoever believeth in HIm. It is the reason Brother Andrew could go into the midst of Hamas leadership and be welcomed. He didn't go judging. He went full of grace and mercy, with an invitation to be loved!

There is a judgement coming...it is appointed unto men once to die and then the judgement.  And there is the Day of the Lord that is coming that is judgement upon the earth and all that is in it the end of which will be the restoration of all things. So even in judgement the Lord God is a God of mercy and ultimately will give us a new heaven and a new earth.  For now, the earth is filled with His Glory....it covers the earth and it there for us to rely upon in the midst of the bad decisions and consequences we make others decisions upon the earth.

So great is our message, that sometimes I wonder why we have kept so silent! The GOOD NEWS is so powerful. The King is come. He is Here. He is bigger than all our sins, which he himself personally bore on the cross. Everyone of my sins, has HIS name on it. The consequences of my sin, He BORE...past tense. So will I believe Him or continue to walk in the guilt and shame and power of my own sin and separation from Him. Yet, the door of relationship is still open....through the blood of the cross.............through the power of Jesus Name. What a message we have to everyone. 

This message is for everyone, including those who have excluded me, those that rejected me! He is the God of Grace..........His mercy is new every morning.  Without having gone through the things I have these past three years, I have to admit I would really never comprehend this kind of Grace that our God has towards us. That Grace is revealed in the work of the cross and the sacrifice of His Dear Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus! But it has always been. Even under the Law, Grace was poured out all throughout the story of the Old Testament.  Abraham lied but God's Grace, His plan and purpose were greater than Abraham's sin. David sinned and yet God's Grace was greater and lead him on in the blessing of the Lord to the end of His days as David yielded to Him. Yes, there were consequences of David's sins....as there were with Moses' sin. But Grace prevailed...even under the Law!   The blood of the Lamb  that was shed before the foundation of the earth in the mind of God was forever present and continues to cover our sins and allow the Grace of God to be revealed in the midst of our failures and shortcomings. 

May we be agents of such Grace Himself in all we do.

Meri Ford
516 Park Rd
Winlock, WA 98596
360 520 4503
Blogs
http://meriford.blogspot.com/
 http://www.renewedhopesite.wordpress.com/
website: http://www.renewedhopesite.com

More on Psalm 119 words by Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry on Psalm 119 Introduction  as found on Bible Study at

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A3&version=NLT

There are ten different words by which divine revelation is called in this psalm, and they are synonymous, each of them expressive of the whole compass of it (both that which tells us what God expects from us and that which tells us that we may expect from him) and of the system of religion which is founded upon it and guided by it. The things contained in the scripture, and drawn from it, are here called,

1. God’s law, because they are enacted by him as our Sovereign.

2. His way, because they are the rule both of his providence and of our obedience.

3. His testimonies, because they are solemnly declared to the world and attested beyond contradiction.

4. His commandments, because given with authority, and (as the word signifies) lodged with us as a trust.

5. His precepts, because prescribed to us and not left indifferent.

6. His word, or saying, because it is the declaration of his mind, and Christ, the essential eternal Word, is all in all in it.

7. His judgments, because framed in infinite wisdom, and because by them we must both judge and be judged.

8. His righteousness, because it is all holy, just, and good, and the rule and standard of righteousness.

9. His statutes, because they are fixed and determined, and of perpetual obligation.

10. His truth, or faithfulness, because the principles upon which the divine law is built are eternal truths. And I think there is but one verse (it is Ps. 119:122) in all this long psalm in which there is not one or other of these ten words; only in three or four they are used concerning God’s providence or David’s practice (as Ps. 119:75,84, 121), and Ps. 119:132 they are called God’s name.

The great esteem and affection David had for the word of God is the more admirable considering how little he had of it, in comparison with what we have, no more perhaps in writing than the first books of Moses, which were but the dawning of this day, which may shame us who enjoy the full discoveries of divine revelation and yet are so cold towards it.

In singing this psalm there is work for all the devout affections of a sanctified soul, so copious, so various, is the matter of it. We here find that in which we must give glory to God both as our ruler and great benefactor, that in which we are to teach and admonish ourselves and one another (so many are the instructions which we here find about a religious life), and that in which we are to comfort and encourage ourselves and one another, so many are the sweet experiences of one that lived such a life.

Here is something or other to suit the case of every Christian.

Isa. any afflicted? Isa. any merry? Each will find that here which is proper for him. And it is so far from being a tedious repetition of the same thing, as may seem to those who look over it cursorily, that, if we duly meditate upon it, we shall find almost every verse has a new thought and something in it very lively.

And this, as many other of David’s psalms, teaches us to be sententious in our devotions, both alone and when others join with us; for, ordinarily, the affections, especially of weaker Christians, are more likely to be raised and kept by short expressions, the sense of which lies in a little compass, than by long and laboured periods.

Psalm 119 meaning of similar words

How many of us have read this Psalm and wondered about the various words that all seem to mean the same thing? I have looked the words up in Strongs many times only to find it defined the various words all similarly until I was more confused and had even less understanding.

This morning I was reading Psalm 119 in my Complete Jewish Bible, in English of course, and it uses words like Torah, mitzvot for some of the words which I had already looked up in its glossary. But this time I went further to the Internet to see if I could get some clarity.  I won't say that I understand and comprehend the differences but did find a website that explained the Hebrew word more clearly and gave some most interesting understanding into Psalm 119.  I am sure many of you bible and Hebrew students knew all this. Even with this information, I can't say I fully comprehend the differences in context. But it is like the word "law" or "Tora" which refers to teaching or direction from God which means law or revelation...I will need fuller revelation of God on the meaning of his own Torah or law, word (dabar)  judgements *mispatim)  testimonies (edut) commandments (miswah)  Statutes  (hiqqim), precepts ( piqqudim) and word (imrah).

Hope you find the information below informative and the link is included that you can read the whole article.

Law (torah, used 25 times in Psalm 119): “Its parent verb means ‘teach’ or ‘direct’; therefore coming from God it means both ‘law’ and ‘revelation.’ It can be used of a single command or of a whole body of law.” (Kidner)

Word (dabar, used 24 times): The idea is of the spoken word, God’s revealed word to man. “Proceeding from his mouth and revealed by him to us.” (Poole)

Judgments (mispatim, used 23 times): “From shaphat, to judge, determine, regulate, order, and discern, because they judge concerning our words and works; show the rules by which they should be regulated; and cause us to discern what is right and wrong, and decide accordingly.” (Clarke)
Testimonies (edut/edot, used 23 times): This word is related to the word for witness. To obey His testimonies “signifies loyalty to the terms of the covenant made between the Lord and Israel.” (VanGemeren)

Commandments
(miswah/miswot, used 22 times): “This word emphasizes the straight authority of what is said . . . the right to give orders.” (Kidner)

Statutes (huqqim, used 21 times): The noun is derived from the root verb “engrave” or “inscribe”; the idea is of the written word of God and the authority of His written word. “Declaring his authority and power of giving us laws.” (Poole)

Precepts (piqqudim, used 21 times): “This is a word drawn from the sphere of an officer or overseer, and man who is responsible to look closely into a situation and take action. . . . So the word points to the particular instructions of the Lord, as of one who cares about detail.” (Kidner)

Word (imrah, used 19 times): Similar in meaning to dabar, yet a different term. “The ‘word’ may denote anything God has spoken, commanded, or promised.” (VanGemeren)


http://www.enduringword.com/commentaries/19119.htm


Meri Ford

Thoughts on Judgement and Wrath

I read an article recently and I regret to say I don't remember who so cant give them credit. But it was one of the best articles I have read laying out the difference biblically between judgement and wrath.    Many have said that the weather changes and disasters and other issues going on in America isn't judgement.    I have the feeling that they think judgement means God is angry with them when in reality, that would be the wrath of God.  Judgement is always meant to bring someone to the Lord, to cause their eyes to be opened so that they don't get the wrath of God through continued disobedience.

As I listened to the present issues with ISIS and Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and in general the Middle East issues as well as the current issues with Russia and China,  I see that we are facing God's judgement.  The failures of American leadership to appropriately address our national interests and things like ISIS gaining control of all the USA's weapons given to the Iraqi army, isn't just a leadership failure. It is judgement that is intended for American's to wake up and realize that without the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord God, the creator of the Universe, the creator of all mankind, the one who holds the stars in place, there will be no success story coming out of our national politics or foreign policy.   The embarrassment that many feel over the leadership of America in the past 6 years comes because we have neglected 1. to pray for our President and those in authority. 2. we have failed to live out the mandate to "go therefore into all the world and make disciples....." while we gather in our panelled walled buildings with cushy seats and the latest technology and think we are immune to evil because we call ourselves by the name Christians.

American sings the song, God Bless America, and yet, while we find ourselves pleading with God to bless America as tragedy comes to our door step and possible is already ensconced in our homes and houses we fail to bless Him, to in everything give thanks that HE is the Lord God that we might be in His will even as His Word has instructed us.   We want God to bless us but we remove His name from our lives and the freedom to even freely speak of the birth of the Messiah, and wonder why "judgement" is at hand?   The earth itself is revolting at the abortions, the prostitution,and pornography, and greed, and the lies and half truths that abound.  The earth is reeling over the horrible sex crimes engaged in by high school football players. Are we not aware that these things are happening that we might turn to Him, change our way of thinking, remove the idols and all the things that we lift up above the name of Jesus in our lives, and turn to Him in full dependence by faith?

Judgement isn't payback or retribution. It is kind of like letting a kid touch a hot stove so he will find out it is hot and not do it again. Yet we are so much like Israel and Judah who kept on doing their wicked deed, enjoying their wickedness, rather than come into the Light of Almighty God's presence that they might honor Him with changed thinking and changed behaviors...have been washed clean by the blood of the Lamb!

The Day of the Lord IS coming and it  is about wrath. But we have not seen that yet.   Does it mean that God is not angry with His beloved people?  No, but judgement is what comes forth in His mercy that we might be made aware of the cost in part of our idolatry/adultery and turn back to Himself!\

Will we cry out...Oh God our Father, in judgement, remember mercy?  God's judgment is always merciful. Were it not it would be wrath and that time is not yet at hand according to His Word.  Judgment is about giving His people, us, the opportunity to change our ways and be conformed to His image before it is too late and the opportunity is gone.

Wednesday Musings Oct. 1, 2014

Wednesday musings October 1, 2014

Two thoughts this morning about a couple very different things.

I know many of us wonder about the great earthquakes that will come upon the earth as scripture speaks of them. I live in the Pacific NW and all the talk is that another BIG one..8-9 earthquake is on the horizon anytime. As was reading these two scriptures seem to get glued into the frontof my mind.

Ps. 75: 4/3..When the earth quakes with all living in it, it is I who hold its support pillars firm.

And Ps 93 1: The world is well established. It cannot be moved.

I so remember , as I drove alone State Route 508 some years ago, driving back and forth to work , praying for the hillside above the highway. I was encouraged of the Lord to believe Him to have his angels drive stakes into the hillside, holding it. I never dreamed that one day I would live on that hillside and be there when an earthquake shook the region. We suffered no loss on that hillside. But today, Lord....how do we pray facing an earthquake that will shake the very foundations of earth and heaven, as the scripture says, and maybe many  earthquakes previous to that that will do unimagined destruction?  That is my question.

Another thought that seems in the forefront of my thinking as many of the nations of the world face the reality of other groups than Al Queda like ISIL/ISIS coming forth out of the darkness in which their existence has been enshrouded. I so often hear my Christian brothers talk about judgment upon these wicked/evil purposing groups. Yet I read this morning something that cautioned me to ever even think this way.

Ps. 94:1

God of vengeance, ADONAI!

God of vengeance, appear!

Pay back the proud as they deserve!

I was momentarily caught up with the idea of ISIS and other violent extremist groups being dealt the hand of the Lord, when that last part came to my attention.

PAY BACK THE PROUD AS THEY DESERVE!!

How does that apply to us in the USA? How does that apply to us who call ourselves Christians in the USA and we sit in our paneled buildings, the comfort of our “secure” homes, with TVs, smart phones and tons of other conveniences, in what much of the world would call the lap of luxury? How does proud fit a nation with one of the highest abortion rates in the world and one of the highest percentage of people incarcerated in the world? I don't know but somehow the arrogance of the American people and me included, seems to qualify for “proud”!

As I see our nation's leadership calling forth a coalition with those we ourselves have declared to be our enemy and even ignoring the power of one of our enemies to develop nuclear bomb capacity, I wonder if it isn't bringing us closer to when this Awesome God of ours, the God of Vengeance will indeed pay us back for what we deserve? A nation who appears to not be able to see through our own ideology to see the difference between civilians killed in Gaza and the few civilians killed in Israel in the Israeli/Hamas conflict?

As we come to that time when the spotlight of the world is on Israel as never before, is it possible we, in the USA, are blinded by our own pride in thinking that somehow we really know what is “right and what is wrong” in the world even though our own infrastructure is failing at an unprecedented rate, the number of abortions continues to arise, the use of drugs is legalized and yet not enforced within the legal parameters of the law and violent escalates in numerous ways across the country, especially near our borders?

I hear some of the prophets saying that we won't see another 9/11 because the body of Christ is crying out. And I do hear cries, but sadly the cries that I hear aren't ones addressing the failures and shortcomings of us, the body of Christ! But then I don't hear what God is hearing.

However, I may  be in over my head in these matters. Yet  I don't see the changes that need to come to “protect” America either in the spiritual dimension or in the practical dimension of our borders being protected. Instead I see wide open doors letting all kinds of those who are our enemy come into this nation without any check, and at times it seems the welcome mat is out for even the worst of the kind of terrorists such as MS-13.

It would seem that the type of things that run our airways also must change if we are going to see a turn around in our nation of the violence and cruelty that is on the increase. Yes, we see some “religious/spiritual” things coming to TV and the theaters but that is such a dribble of effect considering the attendance at the horror, violent and sexually explicit movies and programs infiltrating our nation on a regular basis.

I think of how the Lord told Jerusalem that her behavior even the Philistine women found revolting. (Ezekiel 16:27) Today, much of what is going on in the USA, would cause much of the world to blush as we have “outdone ourselves” in corruption and sexual deviancy. Are we as “bad” as them yet? That isn't the issue...the issue is that this nation represented Christian values and a standard which stands as it always has to judge us.

Oh Lord, what then are we to do? We are but frail human beings whose lives are as a piece of grass that wilts and dies at your very breath!

And I hear Arise and Shine, for the glory of the Lord is risen upon you!

Yes, there is still a place for each of us as the dark gets darker, for then even a little light appears brighter and is seen in the darkness.

Shine where you are planted! Even in the deepest darkest pit, a tiny light might shine to give encouragement to another. But there is no “pride” in shining. A time will come when we are only able to “save ourselves” not those around us. Even now, it is about Him, our trust and faith in who He is. Somehow as Christians in the USA, we have gained some sense of “identity” as Christians rather than finding our identity in Him. In a world lost in the ravages of violence and sexual deviancy, I think of what Paul said...and remember you too were once captive of these very things. Remembering that, we don't elevate ourselves in pride, but gain “common ground” with those, who like us, are beloved of the Father and who are being called into a relationship of discipleship with Him for eternity! There and there only, it seems we can cry out for the mercy of the Lord God Almighty, the God who is the God of Vengeance, as well as the God of Mercy and Justice, and in judgment, Lord, remember mercy!

Meri Ford

Meri Ford 516 Park Rd Winlock, WA 98596

                              360 520 4503 Blogs
                              http://meriford.blogspot.com/
                              http://www.renewedhopesite.wordpress.com/
                              website: http://www.renewedhopesite.com

Obviously From Another Perspective

Obviously from another perspective by Meri Ford  September 13, 2014

This week I participation in a nationwide conference call calling Christians to pray for our nation. I understand at least two other nations were represented among those that called in.  I was waiting all afternoon for 4pm our time for the time to call in and before I knew it it was 4:15pm. So, perhaps there were some things said in the first 15 min that I missed.  I am thankful that I had the opportunity to be a part of that nationwide conference call.

I listened to it on my cell hands free as I dug potatoes out in my garden knowing I could say anything I wanted out in the garden as folks were led in prayer.  The very last prayer done by the organizer a Dr. Theresa something I seemed to have forgotten her last name was one of the most profound declaration of the power and authority of the name of Jesus spoken into various aspects of our government. Her prayer was unlike most of the previous prayers which were prayers of petition asking God to do this and do that, save our school, move on our legislature, etc. etc.  And they were gracious sounding prayers I know prayed from the very heart cry of the people praying. And then the director or organizer had all listening in to sing God Bless America!

Sorry folks, but that did it!!   Throughout the conference call I kept hearing 2 Chronicles 7:14 ...if My people who are called by My Name..will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from THEIR wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and heal their land.

We were praying for healing and righteousness in government, in our schools, asking God for this...and that...and to bless us. Yet, His Word says...if we want Him to bless us...we who are called by His name must humble ourselves. Granted I missed the first 15 min. but I didn't hear any of the ones praying address their own propensity or the "church's" propensity to do the same type of thing going on in our schools, in our local, state, and federal governments. I didn't hear anyone talk about their own failure to take care of the widows and orphans...and to welcome the "aliens".

How do we think God will hear us crying out to him when "we the church" carry within ourselves all the very sin of this nation, the pornography, the adultery and other sex sin, alcoholism and drug addiction, thievry and control?  When we the body of Christ repent of our idolatry in all the forms it takes, of all the ways we put people, places and things ahead of relationship with Him, then I think He is going to hear us and help us as we seek His face..and His grace will empower us as His own body to turn from our wicked ways.

Please,.....I've already been told that God looks at our hearts and that I need to be "careful" when I address things like this.  I write this figuring I will pull some more of that kind of thinking.  God is a god of mercy and as soon as the Israelites would turn back to Him, look towards Him tired of their own wicked ways, He heard. Until the point came when he said no more....and told them He'd hear them if they "cried to him early and then in the day of trouble he'd hear them."

Somehow I don't think it is "early" for the USA. Yes, I believe God is a gracious God, and He will hear the cry of the righteous over this nation, for the righteous one is humble, knows his own frame, and knows that apart from Himself and our life in Him, we will make even more messes than we see governmental agencies making.  

I would like your input on this.  It is crucial I think for us to really know what God wants of His own people in this hour..those who are called by His Name, who live out of Jesus Christ and live and move and have their being in Him.

May we grow in wisdom and knowledge and redeem the time for the days are evil.

Meri

              Meri Ford

              516 Park Rd

              Winlock, WA 98596

              360 520 4503

              Blogs

              
                http://meriford.blogspot.com/

               http://www.renewedhopesite.wordpress.com/

              website: http://www.renewedhopesite.com

A Dream August 24, 2014 Marker Gods

THE DREAM 8/24/2014

SEPTEMBER 2, 2014 RENEWEDHOPEMERIFORD LEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

Kriston Couchy posted on Facebook recently that he was now seeing that dreams and visions were the ways that the Lord spoke to him about things that day by day conversation with the Lord didn’t facilitate. He said that most often they were some kind of issue that he was otherwise blind to, needed correction in, or freedom from, or other things beyond his own level of understanding that it was spelled out in a dream or vision.

I have found this true also and sometimes things He shows me in dreams are things that pertain to me that He is showing me and sometimes those things are relevant to other people and their walk with God also. Believing that a recent dream I had holds insight that not only is about me but has relevance to others in their walk with the Lord I am sharing most of this dream with you and what I have come to understand that it means.

Please remember any names aren’t about specific people though specific names are mentioned but are representative of some group or type.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I

On August 24 in the morning I had gone back to sleep after my husband got up to go to breakfast as I hadn’t slept well. And this is the dream I had:

I was in a courtyard and there was a woman on a bench along the side that was sick and I ministered healing to her and then told her to go outside where the others were and minister to them. Many had been in the courtyard but they had been sent out through the beautiful doors of gold and brass that had cut glass/opaque windows through which the sun was shining into the courtyard.

I knew this woman had been with the group of people who had been sent out of the courtyard earlier and had stayed behind on the bench waiting because she was sick and wanted ministry. I told her to go out and motioned for her to go through a side door not through those beautiful doors.

As she left, a group of people came in through those big brass shiny doors being led by Robert Holmes. I went to go see what they were doing and to minister to some of the outsiders that came in with them. Somehow I got roughed up by the group and got my nose broken. I hurt!!

A few minutes later I spoke to Robert on the side near the bench where the sick lady had been sitting and he apologized for my nose getting broken saying he didn’t realize it happened. It was then he told me, with the group that had come in with him to his back,” My marker god is Buddha.” He and the group then gathered all around a table in the middle of the room having fellowship together. I wasn’t invited.

To my right was another bench (the first bench was now to my back around a short wall) This other bench sat along the wall of the room and the table the group was fellowshipping around was in the middle of that room probably 5-6 feet away somewhat separated from where this bench was..This bench was facing the doors which were to my left. And on that bench was a man I recognized from the movie Heaven is Real which we had watched the evening before. My husband had told me during the movie that this man’s name was Church but he couldn’t remember the first name so I I had looked it up and it was Robert Hayden Church. In my dream he was just called Mr. Church and I recognized him.

Mr. Church had a scroll in his hand and he fumbled the scroll and it almost fell out of his hands and he caught it just before it fell on the ground. As the scroll fell, it opened partially and I saw some green highlighting on it. I asked Mr. Church what the green highlighting was and he said that it was things he had gotten or learned from the sermon. About this time I found myself saying, My marker god is church/pastors.

Mr. Church welcomed me even though he knew I was in great pain with the broken nose. He, too ,was excluded from the group fellowshipping around the table. But he also didn’t have any help for my hurt.

I woke up wondering what marker gods were, what it meant that the one person had said his marker god was Buddha and that I had myself said my marker god was church/pastors.

After writing the dream down I began talking to the Lord about it and repenting of having idolatry in my heart and life for years. Then I began to explore my bible dictionary of dream language and found that Buddha in dreams refers to a religious spirit. I began to realize that Robert Holmes represented in part the apostolic/prophetic leadership. The sending the people outside and then having a group follow them inside, referred to what is often the “shuttling” of the sick and wounded who were in those places to help minister to people, often got wounded in the chaos surrounding apostolic/prophetic ministry. The other thing it referred to was that often there are those who are sick and in need of healing that get sidelined or who are persistent enough to not leave when they are told and wait to be healed, and often someone other than the “minister” is the agent the Lord uses to heal.

The lady that was sidelined on the bench ( which is the meaning of the bench—to be sidelined) went out the side door because the front door is “dangerous” as the crowds that come and go are often not mindful or thoughtful of people, even ones God has healed. She was sent out to those outside to minister. It isn’t always safe to minister even to folks within the congregation or group or whatever we want to call those who gather with apostolic/prophetic leadership. It is most often necessary to go outside the gates to minister to folks because the crowd inside the gates is within their own group and ways.

I looked up Buddha and marker god Buddha means a “religious spirit.”

These things mentioned above happen because of the “religious spirit” that often permeates the apostolic prophetic leadership despite what often is great verbalization of “casting out every religious spirit” before services, etc. The religious spirit is “exclusive”…it excludes, ignores, doesn’t welcome everyone, even those called into ministry, and those working in ministry. We see this in the “fellowship around the table”. But it can’t be cast out as it resides in the hearts of us who are called Christians and which tends to have a stronghold in many of us.

My broken nose appears to mean a broken spirit. It speaks of the wounding that comes from the religious spirit that has permeated the apostolic/prophetic community which I have been a part. It often comes from being “unseen”, ignored and/or left out. In the dream Robert didn’t even realize I had gotten injured. He was quick to apologize but there still was no “inclusion” and I continued to have a broken nose which really hurt. It is interesting to note that Robert Church (interesting that both had the first name) welcomed me and recognized I was hurting, but still no healing. The name is a compound word of hrod and berht, the first part meaning fame/glory and the berht means bright. In the dream I didn’t not know Mr. Church’s name was Robert. I had to look it up again though I had looked it up when my husband had mentioned it the night before when we watched the movie Heaven is Real as Robert Hayden Church was one of the actors in that movie. So bright fame/glory both exist in the apostolic/prophetic community as well as in the Church. But I found it interesting that Mr. Church wasn’t really welcomed into the fellowship of the apostolic/prophetic either.

Mr. Church had the scroll representing the Word of God but he fumbled handling it and almost dropped it…which means just what it says, to let go of the responsibility of the Word of God. Mr. Church had his priorities out of whack. The value of the Word of God related to what he had heard in the sermon. It was what he heard in the sermon that he highlighted in the bible/scroll. He was looking to the sermon for illumination rather than the Word of God. However, it was when he picked up the Scroll, the Word of God that I suddenly knew that my marker god was church/pastors. And as I edit this today, I suddenly realized I saw what I saw by the illumination of the Word of God not from a sermon.

I did some research on markers and found that they are used to IDENTIFY something. Ones own marker is often ones signature as is the case in gambling when one has a debt; the gambler signs the IOU with his marker, his signature or initials so someone knows who it belongs to. So to have church/pastors as my marker god, means that over the years I have drawn my identity from church/pastors rather than from the Word of God. To have Buddha as ones marker god, is to refer to having ones identity tied up in religious activity and even spiritual activity rather than in Himself.

And most of us who have been in the apostolic/prophetic community the past 20 years know the propensity of those in that community to focus on spiritual experiences, spiritual activity, and supernatural things. I am pleased to see more and more this community are holding up Himself, the Lord of All, and focusing on Him and the personal and corporate identity we have IN CHRIST JESUS.

This is what I have come to understand from this dream. It is not, I mentioned again about Robert Holmes the real person who is an apostolic/prophetic leader and is not about Robert Hayden Church, a real actor who plays in many godly films. They are just people who represent something by their name and position, not necessarily their own lifestyle, etc.

My broken spirit bothered me until Holy Spirit brought to mind that scripture

Psalm 51:17 “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” The meaning of this is connected with the verse .

However, if one doesn’t recognize one is broken in spirit, they don’t realize it can cause one to not hear like as in Exodus 6:9. Here is a neat link to an article that addresses broken spirits. How awesome that God considers a broken spirit a sacrifice that God will accept!! I am made whole again when my spirit is nourished by Holy Spirit either by Himself or through His Body.http://theworksofgod.com/2011/02/24/do-you-have-a-broken-spirit/

I finish this with saying with some sense of humor and relief , that I started to wonder as I looked over the dream if “broken nose” was the same as a nose out of joint? And I have to say I was glad to find broken nose means broken spirit…and is something different that a nose out of joint…which we refer to more as a sense of offense.

If you have some further understanding to parts of this dream or other comments, you are welcome to share them with me and as I consider them appropriate to share with the list I will do that.

Most appreciatively,

Meri Ford

Repentance in our daily lives

I had the privilege of gathering with a group of about 10 people in the localarea on Thursday August 21 when we enjoyed a great time of teaching and sharing from the group as God poured Himself out in our midst.

I was given the freedom to write some of what was shared together in that meeting. And I will do it through the eyes that I see and know, and it could be that others, seeing from another vantage point, might have heard what God was saying to them differently.

So I am sharing what has impacted me today. And what has impacted me the most is the confirmation and reaffirmation of several other prophetic words that I have read recently by other known apostles/prophets.

It is not anything shocking to us that hard times are coming to the USA. We know the threats of ISSI to come to America, and beyond that their leaders have said that they are already here! Nor is it shocking as we think about also having a renewed,, energized Russia sitting off our Northwest border of Alaska which sees that the leadership of this nation is passive in the face of global threat. As I have talked with others about these things and pondered them myself over the past week or two, it appears clear to me that some of these things are “set” as far as the fact that they are going to happen. The question is WHEN:what the timing of the event is? And it appears that we, the saints of God, do have some opportunity in participating in the timing of the events that will come upon the USA.

Yet, as I listen and wait upon the Lord personally, and seek to assimilate the understanding that He is working in me, seeking to comprehend His overall message which was reiterated today and also in other posts, I see rather clearly is NOT about what is going to happen or even the time. In fact, I see Him asking us to get our eyes off those things and allow Him to work in us what He is doing. There seems to be many issues in front of each of us that He is taking us through, and it is these “obstacles” that we are experiencing that are the training grounds for the days ahead. Today it was mentioned that a new Army recruit doesn’t put on the uniform and go right into war. He has the lovely opportunity to go through Basic Training,where he will be required to work through a variety of obstacles by which he is equipped, strengthened and trained for the days ahead. Even the infantry men then go through Advanced training before they go out on the field of battle.

Some of us are tired of the obstacles in our path, and there is within the Body of Christ a philosophy or way of thinking that says those obstacles are the devil working and effort is made to identify the “spirit” working in that obstacle and remove it. My heart heard Him say tonight that it is the condition of OUR HEART that the obstacle is giving us opportunity to be changed. Psalm 150:1 talks about Praising Him in the sanctuary. This house of flesh that I dwell in is presently the sanctuary in which the Holy Spirit joined with my spirit is living in. He wants to rule and reign in my house of flesh on this earth in August 2014.Thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. And that will require that we come to know Him in whom we abide and put our faith and trust in who He is in us above all else.

Perhaps this is what is meant when preachers speak and say, “Seek my Face not my hand.” I think in part this means that we seek Him in the sanctuary, which is Christ in me the hope of glory rather than looking at the things He does around us and the circumstances around us that frustrate us and make life difficult for us. His way seems to be to focus on allowing HIm to be all He is IN us,. He is inviting us to open the gates of our hearts by yielding our mouths to Him in thanksgiving in all things. For the scriptures say, “In everything give thanks for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

We cry out to the Father that we want to do His will and we focus on doing doing doing for that is what we have been taught so long. Yet He says…”it is My will that you open up the gates of your heart to me in thanksgiving and THEN come into My courts/presence with praise.” There He says He will dwell and where two or three gather together and walk IN HIS NAME, He will manifest Himself. It is all about Him, not even what He is doing much less even than what I am doing. It isn’t about what I want HIm to do in a given situation or circumstances. And NOT what the devil is doing in a given situation. Where the saints are operating out of the sanctuary, having entered through the act of obedience called thanksgiving and praise, He is free to do what only He can do and has purposed. There He can teach us His way that we might walk with Him in what He is doing. We quickly learn and come to be aware of what “dead works” are no matter how effective they are in terms of results. They leave us empty hearted.

We are blessed as children of the Father and sons and brothers in Christ Jesus that Papa sees our frame that we are weak and frail. So as I look out at those who are spending most of their time dealing with “spirits” that are “out there” instead of dealing with the Spirit of God that would rise up within us when we are in thanksgiving and praise, “oned” with Him in Him, I get concerned. Spiritual works aren’t a whole lot different than social works. I know my share of both types of activities and both, though they may accomplish something in the natural and God may even use to proclaim His name, will leave our hearts void. Spiritual gifts don’t mature us. Abiding in Him, dying into life, offering up the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, these are the foundation stones of life in Christ Jesus and the process by which we are “established” in Him! Yes there is a place for spiritual gifts, thank you Jesus! Whatever we receive by spiritual gifting must eventually be worked out of us to become Christ Himself in us. Spiritual gifts are free. True Spirituality or a life in Jesus or allow Christ to be himself in us requires dying, the work of the cross, REPENTANCE.

And at the gathering there we had some teaching on Repentance. I like the Hebrew word for repentance and the rabbinical way of addressing it and it fits in so well with the message given us today and which I am hearing across the nation. Here is a quote that gives some perspective.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To regret doing something alone without changing your way or making amends is NOT to repent.

The Hebrew word for repent is teshuvah.

“Teshuvah” is the word for repent which comprises the two steps involved, nicham (to feel regret or sorrow) and shuv (to return)

`When a man or woman wrongs another in any way and so is unfaithful to the Eternal, that person is guilty and must confess the sin he

has committed. He must make full restitution for his wrong, add one fifth to it and give it all to the person he has wronged. [Numbers 5:6-7]
30:8 You will repent and obey God, keeping all His commandments, as I prescribe them to you today.

Ve’atah tashuv veshamata bekol Adonay ve’asita et-kol-mitsvotav asher anochi metsavecha hayom.

Deuteronomy 30:8

note the Hebrew word tashuv there

teshuvah is the NOUN for repenthttps://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20111011101706AAKZ3ax
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Today the key word was RESET. One could look at it as if one was rebooting. It means we turned off the power or recognized we had turned the power off and turn it back on. When my computer updates the software for the computer itself, it always requires a “reboot.” How many times have we taken in a ton of new information, been stirred, sometimes out of our wits, so to speak, but we never “rebooted?” It takes the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives to bring us awareness of the need to reboot/reset the way of life we were living. Otherwise we continue in the same patterns. How do we know we are doing that? One of the ways is when we hear ourselves saying to ourselves or others,”I know that!” I may know it. I may have knowledge of something, of information, but if I haven’t reset the system, that new information isn’t integrated into the programing to create a new path. The old errors and bad scripts remain and we are never truly set free of the bondage that those errors and bad scripts held us in.

Once we are willing to reset/reboot which is the initial step of repentance brought about by the Holy Spirit, then comes the reassignment. And most of us know that just because we “hear” or gain insightfrom the Father that we have a destiny, mission, or call, doesn’t mean that we are to step out and start doing those things. Instead, it requires the next “R”.

The next aspect of repentance is realignment. This involves being realigned to God and his plan and to get our actions and reactions in align with His. This means learning to hear and see what God is doing and learning to be a colaborer in what He is doing and what He is saying.

The next aspect of repentance is REACT. When we have reset and been reassigned and brought into the alignment with Him that will allow us to co-labor with him in that “assignment” then we will be reacting out of Himself:Christ in us our hope of glory.

And that will bring us back to repentance because our reactions in our assignments will always be imperfect. For we are human beings being formed in His image, a process that will continue until the image of Christ predetermined before the foundation of the world is completed in us.We will mess us, we will screw up, we will make major mistakes and each of these brings us back to Repentance as Holy Spirit reveals things in us that aren’t like Him and gives us the opportunity to be formed in that area in to His image.

These five R words describe fairly clearly what I read about “Teshuvah”. And I suggest you might find it profitable to do your own study on the OT concept of repentance. The NT concept which comes from the word metanoia is often seen and interpreted in a much more limited basis though clearly not within the full biblical context of repentance. Once we change our minds about something, it alters our feelings and prompts us to choices of different behaviors. Which is why scripture speaks of the “renewing of the spirit of the mind.” As a man thinketh so is he. And if we have the full concept of metanoia which involves literally a change of behavior as a result of incorporated thinking change, then we see Repentance in its fullness as the OT illustrates.

As this gathering was also discussion of the letter R which is the 18th letter of the alphabet which is associated with or symbolic of bondage. If you look up some of the biblical use of the number 18, you will gain some further understanding about the way we come out of bondage, which is through repentance.

In closing, I am copying and pasting the words of a song that was shared at the gathering with slight change in the repeated phrase because Jehovah is not just another god…THERE IS NO OTHER GOD BUT JEHOVAH!! These indeed are the Days of Elijah.

The Days of Elijah

These are the days of Elijah
Declaring the word of the Lord
And these are the days of Your servant Moses
Righteousness being restored

And these are the days of great trials
Of famine and darkness and sword
Still we are the voice in the desert crying
Prepare ye the way of the Lord!

Behold He comes, riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun at the trumpet’s call
So, lift your voice, it’s the year of Jubilee
Out of Zions hill, salvation comes

And these are the days of Ezekiel
The dry bones becoming as flesh
And these are the days of Your servant, David
Rebuilding a temple of praise

And these are the days of the harvest
The fields are all white in Your world
And we are the laborers in Your vineyard
Declaring the Word of the Lord

Behold He comes, riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun at the trumpet’s call
So, lift your voice, it’s the year of Jubilee
Out of Zions hill, salvation comes

Behold He comes, riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun at the trumpet’s call
So, lift your voice, it’s the year of Jubilee
Out of Zions hill, salvation comes

Theres no God BUT Jehovah!
Theres no God BUT Jehovah!
Theres no God BUT Jehovah!
Theres no God BUT Jehovah!

Theres no God BUT Jehovah!
Theres no God BUT Jehovah!
Theres no God BUT Jehovah!
Theres no God BUT Jehovah!

Theres no God BUT Jehovah!
Theres no God BUT Jehovah!
Theres no God BUT Jehovah!
Theres no God BUT Jehovah!

Behold He comes, riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun at the trumpet’s call
So, lift your voice, it’s the year of Jubilee
Out of Zions hill, salvation comes

Behold He comes, riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun at the trumpet’s call
So, lift your voice, it’s the year of Jubilee
Out of Zions hill, salvation comes

Saturday Musings Augus 16 Rule of Law

I was looking at a YouTube post recently https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCW2hxux3Ro  In it this man speaks about the rule of law and that where the rule of law is missing, there is "no protection of life." Repeatedly we have seen the coming forth of the "man of lawlessness"  so to speak where laws that are on the books are ignored or superseded by states and other governmental officials. And it is easy to point fingers at those people. I live in a State that voted in laws that violate the laws of the United States and now there is effort to get the federal laws repealed.  This is "lawlessness."  When a nation's leaders choose to enforce some laws and not enforce other laws, we are well into a state of "lawlessness." However, if we look at the Body of Christ, perhaps we can find explanation for what is happening in the larger realm in states and nations. And I must use myself as an example as I am guilty of the very thing that I deplore that takes place in government these days and find that many of my brothers and sisters don't recognize  their own guilt in this situation. My guilt is under the blood and I have changed my thinking on this matter (repented) and no longer advocate the behavior that I once myself engaged in. So I am free to share this story. Back from 1986 up until 2001 I was a part of a marriage in which domestic violence involving physical injury or threats occurred. On repeated occasions starting in 1992 the police were called in when my life was threatened and as a result restraining orders were put in place by the court.  In repeated ways I violated those restraining orders thinking they were "impeding" my ability to work on my marriage.   That is why, of course, that the issues continued from 1992-2003 when the marriage was finally dissolved. One of the things my children have expressed their disgust with me over has been the fact that in spite of the "law" that was there to protect me, I wanted my husband back in the home and my marriage "intact."   So I took calls from my estranged husband while there were restraining/no contact orders in place. I went places with him and at one point even invited him back into the home. All the time I was praying and trusting God to be healing my marriage and dealing with the issues of alcoholism and anger that had destroyed it.  As you are reading this you probably wonder, how could she be so silly?   One principle that I have come to learn since then that is not subject to compromise, is that  when a law is broken deliberately that is not against the "royal law" don't expect blessing!!!!!    As a counselor in the past 12 years I have seen this scenario replayed over and over and see it currently in friends who are going through the same thing.  It comes down to a very basic principle concerning the rule of law and God's ways. If we deliberately break the rule of law (except where it violates Royal Law) we cannot expect the blessing of God.  I do have to say that during the years that my husband and I both violated those laws meant to protect us that God's hand was still on my life and He protected me and my children and my husband many many times, for which I am thankful. I did call upon His Name, I did pray, I did seek His Presence....it "felt good", it was all I had to hold onto in those years. But it wasn't about HIM, it was about ME and what I wanted. People often refer to the Isaiah scripture that speaks of the fire not kindling upon you, the flood not overtaking you, Isaiah 43.2  But that wasn't the scripture that God performed in my life..Instead it was Isaiah 28:16-22 but of course ending in verses 23-29. One doesn't often hear sermons on Isaiah 28:16-22.  When the floods come, it wipes out stuff....all that has kept a person from the knowledge of the Lord!  All the idols in ones life gets wiped out.  And I had called upon the Lord and trusted Him, so He was faithful to removed all in my life that was exalted before Him. Talk about being stripped naked! If we violate the law, expect consequences. I was a part of groups of Christians and pastors who rather joked about their "speeding" on the highway.  There are consequences in our lives when we engage openly in such behavior against the law. Today it is true of those who will text or be on their cell phones when they drive without using speaker phones or other bluetooth mechanisms when the state says it is against the law. My daughter went on a Father Daughter outing with her dad  years ago and her dad was  a professional truck driver and generally an excellent driver. During the outing, the pastor who was driving the van of dads and daughter played games with the vehicle while he was driving.  He called it "fun".   It is never fun when it is a violation of the law. The law was there to "protect lives"...the initial intent of the "law".  Sadly, the "Christian pastor" was bearing witness to a non-Christian of lawlessness, not of Jesus Christ. Where there is no rule of law there is no protection of Life, and more so, there is given an open door to destroy life. How many churches do you know that violated their own bylaws?  One of the precious groups I was apart of in my youth and early adult hood did just that, never repented, and they literally lost their lampstand. It was one of the earliest founded churches in this county and it no longer exists. Many of you on this list carry a prophetic voice. It is time we were listening to The Spirit of Truth in the fear of the Lord. Holiness is being ONED with Christ who himself said He was the Truth.   If we look across the world at the disasters and tragedies that are coming, it is easy to see Truth has been buried.  In our nation, the rule of law itself and the procedures to enact law have been circumvented in so many ways. Yet, if we are going to combat this, it isnt' enough to "speak about them."  First of all it is about us personally, then secondly the congregations that we are a part of.  I know friends who have been given the left foot of fellowship because they spoke Truth into a situation that leadership didn't want to hear. Ok, so some us have learned wisdom and discretion the hard way but that in no way changes the reality of Truth that some of us have spoken or that we are being asked to speak about today.  Speaking the Truth IN LOVE!  Love isn't some attitude...it is GOD HImself, Christ in me...is love. So when I speak what He is saying about a situation, it will be "in him".  Learning just who we are in Him and who He is in us, will only increase our understanding of HIm as Truth. If we take this one step further on the international scene: where Truth isn't held up, any opinion that disagrees with my opinion, philosophy, etc, is subject to my wrath....or the opposite, my "love."   Love never despises Truth but they are intrinsically connected because they ARE HIMSELF. God is Love, Jesus said I am the Truth...the way, the life. My heart breaks as I see a close friend violating a protection order while their domestic violence issues awaits a court date for resolution.  Most of all I understand her situation because I was there and no counsel anyone could give me or stories of their own failures and consequences could "change my heart" that had a idol in it...my marriage, my husband. How do we tell others that when we violate the law, we have idols in our hearts and if we are crying out to God, we can expect some things to come tearing down.   I have lost so much over the years because of the "idols" in my own heart. And there will not be the ability to be all we want as Christians until we deal with our own hearts, and in Christ show forth a respect for the law and show a measure of honor to our leadership. Then we will be able to speak Truth and have a major effect upon this society. Recently someone on Facebook spoke about stubbornness. Stubbornness is as idolatry..just as rebellion is as witchcraft so the scripture says.  Stubbornness in the life of a Christian who is calling out to the Lord, will find themselves broken if they truly are crying out to God.  He says he will bring the blind by a way they know not of!  I was blind to my idolatry. I was not blind to the fact that I was breaking the law. I just didn't understand or "want to see" what the significance of breaking the law spiritually was. I didn't ever get caught nor did my husband at the time but we paid a horrible price. My own integrity becomes suspect if I encourage another to break a law and be a coconspirator with it.  But our God is faithful to allow the Isaiah 28 scriptures to be fulfilled if we are really serious and he promises that He won't plow for ever or blow out a dim burning wick.  Sometimes we give up without yielding to the Lord and the risks at that point are pretty serious which accounts for much of the depression and suicide in the Body of Christ.  It is a choice at some point to hold onto our own way of doing and thinking rather than choosing His ways in this type of situation and many others.  I have seen it over and over as a counselor. The most difficult client in drug and alcohol counseling was a Christian who wasn't willing to own his own problems. In the Domestic Violence field, the most difficult clients are those that don't own their own problems. If those who live with these issues don't get their own lives in right order, how do we really think God will bring healing and restoration? Instead many of us like me, actually bind the ones we love in their blindness because we fail to own our own idolatry. If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face.....and of course we forget what goes on before this...if the rains don't come ( or maybe if they do come in super abundance and floods)....etc.. THEN....he will heal the land! Meri