Who Left The Gate Open?

John 10:12, “But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.”

The hireling has left the door open and the wolf, Satan, has entered in and made havoc of the flock. However, we cannot continue down this path. We must rise up in the power of the Holy Spirit and take back what the enemy has stolen. You might ask, “what has he stolen?” He has taken our families and our homes. He has taken our schools and educational systems. From there he has taken control of our local governments, state governments, national and international governments. Over the period of the last few decades, Satan has moved God out of these institutions and governing bodies and he almost does at will what he wants when he wants. Except for the “Restrainer!”

2 Thessalonians 2:6, “And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:”

God is still in control and His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, is still restraining the full-blown takeover by Satan and his world of darkness. That time is coming and is quickly approaching but God will determine when!

At present, we are in the battle of our lives as we stand against the evil that has been unleashed upon our world. What we are experiencing did not come about overnight. This has been in the making for decades. The Wolf, Satan, has moved quietly but intently among the flock doing his treacherous work. But, his work has taken on a new level of intensity because he knows he only has a short time to work.

There is a monstrous storm gathering and is even now forming into a catastrophic event. Those who can’t weather the storm will be broken off! There will be casualties in the ensuing conflict. We cannot allow ourselves to be driven by the winds of this world. We must know the TRUTH and stand upon the TRUTH. Ephesians 4:14, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”

The days ahead will require that we have and maintain a real experience in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our faith in Him will be put to the test and even now the battle has become more intense. You can feel it in your spirit! This is an attack by Satan and his demons from hell. But, greater is He that lives within me than he that is in the world.

We must maintain a healthy connection to Jesus Christ. Jesus said Himself, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing,” John 15:5. All our strength comes from Him. If our relationship in Christ remains vibrant and healthy, He will sustain us through any storm. Otherwise, the storm will break us and we will be like so much discarded refuse! God have mercy upon us!

Listen To The Voice Of God! by Myra Boozer

Do you want to tell others about Jesus but just don’t know where to start? Being a Christian and feeling the everyday challenge to share Jesus with your world is sometimes overwhelming. Many people shy away from talking about their personal experience with Him. They want to push that responsibility off on the “Minister”. But when you have a heart for people you want to somehow relay the “Good News Message” to them.

This is where a person starts. "Listen to the voice of God." He will lead you! It may be small steps at first but keep listening and obeying His Word. God knows your heart, and He will give you those desires as they are rooted and grounded in HIM. As we are changed more and more into His likeness, people will see and know who He is. They may not tell you or admit but they will see and know. That means the Holy Spirit can and will deal with their heart and they will make a choice to accept or reject what has been shared with them thru your life. Because of your love for Jesus, people will be reached.

Keep your light burning for Him every day in every way by spending time in prayer, meditation, and study of His Word. When He opens doors or windows you will know and understand the way you are to go.

Alone time with Him is what we all need more than anything. So many distractions today so many voices saying come and do this or that. But, when God directs, their voices become very faint and His voice becomes stronger. He will confirm Himself over and over to you that you are in His will. Rejection will be evident at times and it HURTS, but Jesus heals our hurts in His time.

Keep on keeping on for Christ in the area you feel He is calling. We are not all called to do the exact same thing, but we have the same purpose...Telling the world the “Good News” of Jesus Christ...the one who saves, delivers, gives hope, and a future with Him in Heaven. Keep a hunger and thirst for His righteousness. The promise is, YOU will be FILLED...you will overflow...and others will receive Light for this journey if they so desire. His light shining thru you puts them face to face with His TRUTH! Listen To The Voice Of God!

A Mighty Wind! Breath Of Heaven Breathe On Us!

(I wrote this some time ago but it is most relevant today to where we are as a people.)

It was a hot summer morning in the South. You could say that it was a typical day for the season, high humidity with little to no wind. I went about my business without really giving attention to these details but that was about to change.

I stood in quiet solitude and listened to the tree leaves as they began to respond to a slight breeze. It was as though they were individual instruments in a grand symphony, the pitch and tempo rising and falling but in perfect harmony, each separate but still in sync.

The wind was slight at first, barely noticeable except for the song the leaves sang. I began to feel the cool wind as it caressed my face and hair. The sensation grew in intensity! The wind blew stronger and then subsided. It came in pulsating burst, strong enough to take the hat from my head and then at rest.

I observed and felt this scenario repeated for several moments. And then, a voice spoke into my spirit, “a rushing mighty wind.” Yes Lord, I know it is You and I hear what You are saying! Our Lord, Jesus Christ wants to reveal Himself through the Holy Ghost to change our world. His desire is to fill you and me with the Holy Ghost, endue with power (His Power) from on high, and turn our world upside down. He wants the world to see and acknowledge His presence in us.

Jesus had instructed His disciples to go to Jerusalem and tarry (pray) until the Holy Ghost comes. Luke 24:49, “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” The Holy Ghost is the power part of our commission to spread the Gospel message. Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Jesus fulfilled His promise in Acts 2:1, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” The presence of the Holy Ghost was “a rushing mighty wind.” That is the way Christ wants to affect our world today. This rushing mighty wind of God changed the world in the lifetime of those very disciples.

In Acts 17, the Gospel message had met with tremendous opposition. The messengers of the Gospel put their lives at stake. The unbelieving Jews of Thessalonica were so indifferent to the Gospel that they sought to take Paul and Silas and give them to the angry crowd. Acts 17:6, “And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;” The unbelievers were compelled to declare that these Christians had turned the world upside down and had come to their city to do the same.

I would to God that it could be said of this present generation of Christians, that they have turned the world upside down for Jesus Christ. However, if we are to be instruments of this harvest, we must be endued with power. It will take being filled with the Holy Ghost, “the rushing mighty wind,” to fulfill Jesus’ commission and finish our mission in these last days. Only the power of the Holy Ghost can seal and protect us from the darkness and evil that has flooded this world. The Holy Ghost in us will make us victorious in this spiritual war.  Lord, send Your Mighty Wind upon us!

Sing Your Song Of Deliverance! by Myra Boozer

When you feel caught and destined to die in a trap that Satan has laid out before you, call to remembrance some people from the Bible. Joseph was rejected by his own brothers, thrown in a pit, and sold as a slave. Paul was shipwrecked and so much more. Daniel was thrown into a den of Lions. Job lost everything including his health and his family. But, each of these men had songs of Deliverance to sing in the end. You can also if you choose!

A trap or a pit of despair can seem like an eternity. When you feel forsaken, lonely, depressed, financially stripped, sick, and even at death's door as these men were, what do you do? What did they do? They called out to their God and trusted Him to deliver them.

You must not look at your circumstances but look straight up from your pit and cry out to the Lord your God. I pray you will see the Light and the Angel of the Lord will be your Deliverer!

Most of us would do anything to avoid life's tests and trials, especially the temptations set before us because of our own desires. But they still happen and we have the choice to remain caught or be set free by the delivering power of God. God will always bring good out of the hard times when we endure and trust in Him.

Acknowledge your fleshly desires and the sin that has beset you and repent. Give all your pain to God and confess your hurt, the resentment, and the anger. Allow God to help you to forgive those involved in your hurt and receive God's forgiveness and His love for you.

Remember, He cares! He loves you and He will stay close during your healing process as long as it takes. He is never far, always near. Soon, you'll be ready for the grand finale. So sing your Song of Deliverance and Freedom!

Psalm 40:3, “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”

The Quest For Truth! Conclusion

1 Timothy 4:1, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;”

Paul is dealing with some questions that had arisen in the Church at Ephesus. He was inspired by the Holy Ghost to deliver a warning for that present time but also equally as relevant to today. Some followers of Christ had already turned aside. (see 1 Tim. 1:6) Unless Timothy could counteract these “soldiers of deception,” more would depart from the faith in the time just ahead. They would give in to seducing spirits and be deceived! They would accept and teach doctrines of devils instead of teaching and living the Truth of God.

Paul also describes what will happen to these soldiers of deception. They will follow after lies having their conscience seared over and being non-responsive to the Spirit of Truth. It is easy to go from an honest mistake to an outright lie. The carnal man will justify a half-truth to benefit selfish goals. But, such a lifestyle will move a person from attempting to follow Christ to being deceived and deceiving others.

Timothy’s primary task at Ephesus was to put a stop to false teaching and replace it with the Truth. He was to teach the Truth and prepare others to teach it. He was also to set the example by being a follower of the Truth which he taught.

1 Timothy 4:6, “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” These things may include not only what we read in chapter 4 but also the other things covered in the entire letter. In sharing the teachings of the Lord, Timothy would also benefit from being nourished by the Word of Truth.

Paul calls for a life of godliness which is a reverent, worshipful, obedient attitude toward God. Such an attitude leads to right living. 1 Timothy 4:7, “But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” An authentic teacher of Truth will fulfill that role through verbal expression and a living example. Jesus became our example in word and deed. We should acquaint ourselves with His Word in such a way as to know the Truth and recognize deceptive teaching.

Many have been led astray because of their failure to recognize untruths. They have been deceived and have followed on to deceive many others having their conscience seared, unwilling to follow God’s leading. 2 Thessalonians 2:8, “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

The Soul Cries Out For Truth! by Myra Boozer

May those that are spiritually hungry rise up and say so…

May they call out to the teachers, preachers, the elders,

the Body of Christ...the Church...

May they tell them they are looking for a refuge, a half-way

house until they get HOME...

May they tell them the decor and the newest electronics

are not their interest...

May they tell them it is the Fresh Bread that brings

Life and Hope...

It isn't found in the steeple or the pews…

Neither is it found in the technology of the service...

But in the TRUTH OF GOD'S WORD...the Spirit, the life-giving transformation...

It is found in the revelation of Jesus and His love for their

cries, their struggles, and heartaches...

The world is heartless, cold, and cruel...

They don't need to become another face in the crowd,

overlooked and forsaken...

The hungry need to be fed...

"Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind: Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock," I Peter 5:2-3.

The Quest For Truth!

John 8:31, “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

We are engaged in a full-scale spiritual war! Satan has equipped his army with every measure of deception possible in an attempt to deceive the very elect if it were possible. As the battle unfolds before us, we find ourselves desperately and almost frantically seeking to find that most essential element of our spiritual liberty which is Truth.

Truth is a precious treasure! It is so valuable that Jesus said that when we find it, we will utilize all our resources to obtain it. Matthew 13:44, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” Jesus compared the revelation of His Kingdom to finding a treasure hidden in a field or discovering a valuable jewel. Upon such a discovery a prudent man would sell or give up all that he may possess in order to obtain them. That is the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and worth the investment of a lifetime to secure. Our goal is to be free and Truth is the doorway to our release!

The Truth is our salvation! 1 Timothy 4:16, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” Paul had left Timothy to shepherd the Church at Ephesus. Now he is writing to him to warn of the troublesome teachers there. These teachers were apparently Jewish Christians who wanted to enforce the Old Testament Law in the Church. They wanted to be teachers of the Law though they did not understand it. 1 Timothy 1:7, “Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.”

In the First Century as in the Twenty-First, some teachers denied that the dead are raised. Others said that Jesus never really was human, and still, others said He was not divine. But, it seems that the teachers which Paul spoke about spent much time with genealogies, perhaps to exalt themselves as priests or as descendants of David. The Old Covenant Law was so mixed with tradition and fable that their teaching produced confusion instead of enlightenment. The result was questions and fruitless discussions. 1 Timothy 1:4, “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 5Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;” The revelation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will not cause confusion! 1 Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” (continued)