The Father’s Invitation

There is a difference between being invited and being included.
God’s invitation is clear. He calls us, receives us, and rejoices when the one who was lost is found.

Jesus said: “Likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repent.” Luke 15:7

The Father’s heart is not reluctant toward the one who comes to Him. He does not merely tolerate their presence or allow them to stand at a distance. He receives them, restores them, and rejoices over them.

Luke 15 gives us a beautiful picture of this heart. The father sees his returning son while he is still a great way off, runs toward him, embraces him, clothes him, restores his place, and calls for a celebration.

 

When Invitation Does Not Feel Like Inclusion

But what happens when someone receives the Father’s invitation and then encounters His people, only to experience something very different?

What happens when someone comes into the household of faith and encounters cliques, favoritism, indifference, control, spiritual superiority, rejection, or exclusion? That is a painful contradiction, and perhaps it raises a question the church cannot afford to avoid:

Have we become so familiar with the Father’s house that we have forgotten the Father’s heart?

Familiar With the House, Far From the Heart

Church life can become familiar. The songs, the language, the routines, the programs, and even the Scriptures can become so familiar that people know exactly when to stand, when to sit, when to pray, and when to sing.

Familiarity with the Father’s house does not automatically mean familiarity with the Father’s heart.
Jesus encountered this very problem.

The religious leaders of His day had generations of Scripture, law, ritual, tradition, temple worship, sacrifice, and expectation concerning the Messiah.

Then the Messiah stood among them, and many did not recognize Him.

When Religion Resists the Heart of God

Jesus did not arrive according to their expectations. He confronted hypocrisy and challenged distorted ideas of righteousness.

He healed on the Sabbath, ate with sinners, welcomed the rejected, delivered the oppressed, raised the dead, and taught with an authority that astonished those who heard Him.

Yet instead of allowing His presence and His works to bring them into repentance and revelation, many resisted Him.
Jesus said: “Ye have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith…” Matthew 23:23

They could defend religious practices while neglecting mercy. They could protect familiar systems while failing to recognize the heart of God being revealed directly before them.

Some even witnessed the power of God and attributed it to evil. After Jesus delivered a demonized man, some of the Pharisees said: “This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.” Matthew 12:24

Jesus answered them: “If Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself…” Matthew 12:26

There is something sobering here. A heart can become so committed to preserving its own conclusions that even evidence of God’s activity is explained away rather than honestly considered.

This is one reason spiritual leadership carries such tremendous responsibility. Leadership can bless, protect, nurture, teach, and point people toward Christ. But when leadership becomes controlling, self-protective, partial, dismissive, or abusive, people can be wounded.

Jesus did not ignore religious abuse. He confronted it.

Matthew 23 contains some of His strongest words because He cared deeply about people being burdened by leaders who were failing to reflect the Father’s heart. 

Jesus said: “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders…” Matthew 23:4

Received as Christ Received Us

Romans 15:7 gives us a remarkably high standard: “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”

We are told to receive one another as Christ received us.
There is a difference between inviting someone into a room and receiving that person into a relationship.

Someone can be welcomed into a church building and still remain unseen. A person can be invited to participate and still never experience genuine relational inclusion.
 

Sometimes exclusion is obvious, but often it is much more subtle—being overlooked, sidelined, not welcomed, or treated as an outsider. It is painful, and it is often left unspoken, almost like an unspoken prayer request. The same circles remain closed, the same people are repeatedly chosen, and existing friendships determine who receives access or opportunity.

One person may repeatedly make an effort toward a relationship while others seldom make an effort in return.

James directly warned believers about partiality: “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.”  James 2:1

Paul wrote: “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” 1 Corinthians 12:25

Jesus gave an even simpler identifying mark: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35

The identifying mark was not position, title, visibility, or influence. It was love. Love is supposed to reveal Him.

What About the One Who Has Been Rejected or Persecuted?

The message cannot end with criticism of the church because there are people carrying genuine wounds from exclusion, rejection, misunderstanding, and, in some cases, real persecution.

Some have been dismissed, spoken about, passed over, slandered, pressured, or made to feel spiritually inferior. Others may have been treated as though they were the problem because they asked a difficult question, noticed something unhealthy, did not fit comfortably into the culture, or refused to participate in something that violated their conscience.

There are also believers who experience opposition because of their faithfulness to Christ. Not every painful disagreement or relational wound is persecution, yet persecution is real, and Jesus prepared His followers for it.
 

Jesus said: “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”  John 15:20  

He also said: “Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:10

Paul wrote: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12
Whether the wound comes through rejection, being kept at a distance, misunderstanding, or genuine persecution, the ache is real. But that ache cannot be allowed to become lord over the heart.

Joined to the Lord

Paul gives another powerful truth about belonging:
“But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.”
 1 Corinthians 6:17

This reaches deeper than human inclusion. A believer may experience rejection, misunderstanding, or exclusion from people, but those experiences cannot undo the relationship Christ has established with the one who belongs to Him.

Human acceptance can change. Invitations can disappear. Relationships can become distant. People may fail to recognize someone’s place, worth, or calling.

But the believer is still joined to the Lord.

That truth can become an anchor when rejection tries to speak louder than identity. 

The question is no longer merely, “Do they include me?” It should become: “I belong to Christ. I am joined to Him, regardless of what anyone says, thinks, or does.”

This does not remove the ache of human rejection, but it prevents rejection from becoming the final definition of belonging.
Jesus received them, reconciled them to the Father, and established their identity in Him.

Jesus said: “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
John 6:37

That matters.

People may cast someone aside, but Christ does not cast away those who come to Him. People may misunderstand or misjudge, but Christ sees the heart. People may refuse someone a place at their table, but Christ still prepares a table before them in the presence of their enemies.
Psalm 23:5

Jesus Understands Rejection

Eventually, the wounded believer has to return to this truth: The Lord knows exactly what happened.

Jesus understands rejection and persecution better than anyone.
Isaiah described Him as: “He is despised and rejected of men…” Isaiah 53:3

Jesus also identified Himself with: “The stone which the builders rejected…” Matthew 21:42

Rejection did not change His identity. Persecution did not cancel His assignment. Opposition did not stop the Father’s purpose. Likewise, because believers abide in Christ, neither being cast aside nor suffering has to define who they are.

This does not mean that every rejected person is automatically right, nor does rejection itself prove righteousness. In the same way, not every hardship should be called persecution. But neither rejection nor persecution is proof that someone has missed God.

Sometimes these experiences become unexpected places of formation. They can drive a person toward bitterness, fear, retaliation, or isolation, or they can drive that person deeper into Christ.

That choice matters. The answer is not to become consumed with the one who rejected or opposed them. The answer is to remain rooted in Christ, pray, speak truth, walk wisely, refuse hatred, and continue shining.

Jesus said: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Matthew 5:44

Prayer does not deny the wound or excuse wrongdoing. It refuses to let another person’s actions determine the condition of the believer’s heart.

Inner Healing, Overcoming, and Reflecting Christ

There is also an inner healing work that needs to happen in the Body of Christ. Being cast aside, misunderstood, spiritually wounded, or carrying long-standing relational pain can leave deep places in the heart that need the Lord’s healing.

Overcoming victory in this area is not pretending the wound never happened. It is allowing Christ to heal what was injured so that the wound does not become the believer’s identity, attitude, or future response.

There are times when faithful believers may feel overlooked, underestimated, or pushed aside. Yet Jesus taught that the values of His Kingdom often overturn the values of the world.
 

“But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.” Matthew 19:30

Being overlooked does not prove spiritual superiority or remnant status. But Scripture repeatedly shows that God is not limited by human status, popularity, position, or approval.

The believer’s responsibility is not to fight for recognition. It is to keep following the Master.

When the heart has been wounded, the response can become prayer, inner healing, deliverance from bitterness and fear, deeper surrender, and a renewed commitment to model the heart of Christ toward others.

This is where the church itself needs healing. If rejection has reproduced itself in the way we treat others, if hurt has produced hardness, if insecurity has produced cliques, if fear has produced control, or if spiritual pride has produced exclusion, then these things need to be brought before the Lord.

The goal is not merely to survive the wound. It is to overcome it without becoming like what wounded us.

 Jesus said: “Ye shall know them by their fruits.”
Matthew 7:16

And Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit as: “Love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…” Galatians 5:22–23

 That is the witness.

The believer may be misunderstood, overlooked, or underestimated, but the answer is not to become bitter or superior. The answer is to become increasingly like Christ.

 Let the fruit speak. Let love speak.

 Let humility speak. Let faithfulness speak.

 Let prayer speak. Let endurance speak.

Let Christ’s character become visible. Because ultimately, the goal is not to rise above people.
It is to rise above the wound and keep following the One who knows how to heal it.

Get your Eyes Off Man

There eventually comes a time when the wounded believer must stop continually looking at those who have shut them out and turn fully toward the One who received them.

Psalm 3:3 says: “But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.”

The Lord is the One who lifts the head. It is not retaliation, proving someone wrong, or finally gaining entrance into the right circle that restores the believer.

God does.

Jesus told Peter: “What is that to thee? follow thou me.”
John 21:22

That verse can become tremendous protection for the heart. It is easy to become consumed with what other people are doing, saying, choosing, or receiving.

Jesus brings the disciple back to something much simpler:

Follow Me.

There is freedom in that instruction.

The disciple can follow Christ whether people understand or misunderstand, receive or dismiss, applaud or ignore.

They can follow Him even when the road becomes narrow.

Jesus said: “Narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life…” Matthew 7:14

The narrow way was never promised to be popular, but it teaches the disciple to keep looking to Christ.

Pray for Those Who Wound

This is difficult, but Jesus taught: “Pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Matthew 5:44
 

Prayer does not mean pretending that wrongdoing was acceptable. It does not require abandoning wisdom, removing necessary boundaries, or immediately restoring trust.
 

Sometimes prayer changes circumstances, and sometimes God changes the other person. Sometimes He opens a door, and sometimes He closes one. At other times, the greatest work happens within the person who is praying.
 

The need for vindication begins to loosen. The mind stops continually replaying the offense. Anger softens, discernment becomes clearer, and the heart becomes less reactive.

 The eyes begin returning to Jesus.

Prayer takes the wound out of human hands and places it back into the hands of the God who sees everything clearly.

Feed on the Word

A believer cannot survive spiritually on another person’s revelation alone.

Pastors matter. Teachers matter. Fellowship matters. The Body of Christ matters. Yet every believer also needs a personal life of fellowship with Jesus.

Christ said: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

At some point, faith must become deeply personal.
The believer must open Scripture, pray, listen, study, ask questions, and allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate truth.
 

This does not mean inventing private doctrines or disregarding sound biblical teaching. It means developing a genuine personal relationship with Jesus in which Scripture is no longer something encountered only through another person’s teaching.

That is where roots deepen. There must eventually be personal prayer, personal engagement with Scripture, personal obedience, personal surrender, and personal intimacy with Jesus.

The Word becomes bread, the presence of God becomes home, and truth received in fellowship with Christ begins strengthening the inner person.

The Altar of the Heart

Eventually, much of the battle comes down to the altar—not merely a physical altar inside a church building, but the inward altar of the heart.

It is the sacred place of surrender where motives are exposed, pride is laid down, bitterness is surrendered, human approval is released, ambition is tested, and wounds are brought honestly before God.

 It is the place where the believer says:
 “Lord, this heart belongs to You.”
Proverbs says: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

The altar of the heart must remain sacred, not because people will never wound it, but because no wound should ever be permitted to become an idol.
 

Rejection must not become the defining story, and no leader, institution, or human approval should occupy the place that belongs to Christ.

This is where the idea of the church within must be handled carefully.
The inward life with Christ does not replace the gathered Body of Christ. Scripture calls believers into fellowship, worship, mutual encouragement, teaching, communion, and life together.

Yet the believer is also indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16

There is a sacred inward life with God that no institution can manufacture.

The gathered church should nurture that life, but it cannot substitute for it. A person can stand inside a sanctuary every week and still neglect the altar of the heart. 

Likewise, someone who has been wounded by church people must be careful not to abandon Christ because other people failed to represent Him accurately.

Their failure is not His failure. Their coldness is not His heart. Their rejection is not His rejection. Their blindness is not His blindness.

The answer is to return to Jesus.

Be Salt. Be Light. Shine Anyway.

Jesus did not call His people to become bitter witnesses. He called them to become salt and light

 He said: “Ye are the salt of the earth…” Matthew 5:13
 and: “Ye are the light of the world…” Matthew 5:14

The answer to exclusion is not becoming someone who excludes others. The answer to lovelessness is not more lovelessness, and the answer to arrogance is not counter-arrogance.

 The answer to darkness is light.

Sometimes one of the brightest witnesses is a believer who had every reason to become bitter but instead chose to remain tender before God.
 

That is overcoming victory!

It means continuing to love, pray, tell the truth, maintain necessary boundaries, refuse retaliation, remain humble and teachable, follow Jesus, guard the heart, feed upon His Word, and continue shining.

 Paul wrote:“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

 That is strength.
  

The Church Is Being Called Back to Love

The church does not need less truth. It needs truth carried in the nature of Christ.

The church needs holiness, discernment, sound doctrine, and spiritual authority, but all of these must remain governed by love.

Paul wrote: “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge… and have not charity, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2

 That should sober every believer.

A person can be gifted and still need heart transformation. A leader can possess knowledge and still need deeper love. A church can appear outwardly alive while becoming spiritually cold inwardly.

Jesus warned the church at Laodicea about lukewarmness in Revelation 3:15–19.

Yet His response was not abandonment. He called them to repentance. He corrected because He loved them, and He continued standing at the door.

The Lord loves His church enough to confront whatever does not look like Him.
 

Therefore, the prayer cannot simply be: “Lord, expose them.”
It must also become: “Lord, search us.”

Restore our love, humility, unity, reverence, and compassion. Restore the heart of the Father within His house.
Jesus prayed: “That they all may be one…” John 17:21

 Unity matters to Him.

That does not mean manufactured agreement, silence about wrongdoing, or pretending differences do not exist. Biblical unity is rooted in Christ, truth, love, humility, and the Spirit.

That is strength.

Invited — And Received

Perhaps this is where the wounded believer finally learns to rest.
The Father invited. Jesus made the way. The Spirit drew. Grace opened the door.
 

And the Father received.
 People may not always recognize what God is doing. They may not understand the calling, acknowledge the gift, or understand the season. They may exclude, misunderstand, or even wound.
 But they do not possess the authority to rewrite what God has spoken.
 

The believer can therefore pray, forgive, discern, maintain boundaries, remain humble, stay close to Christ, seek healthy Christian community, feed upon the Word, and continue shining.

 Ultimately, no person saved them; Jesus did.
 No person redeemed them; Jesus did.
 No person gave them access to the Father; Jesus did.

 And no person determines their belonging; the Father has received them in Christ.

 Perhaps the question that remains for every church, leader, and believer is this:

 Have we become so familiar with the Father’s house that we have forgotten the Father’s heart?

 If so, there is still time to return.
 There is still time to love again, receive one another again, pray again, repent again, and seek the unity for which Jesus prayed.
 And for the one who has been wounded, the invitation remains to lift up the head and look again toward Christ.

 The Lord understands. He sees what happened, and He knows what others may never understand. He remains God, He remains faithful, and His calling has not changed.

 He is still saying: “Follow Me.”

In the House, But Far From the Heart
 

The older brother had remained in the father’s house, yet he could not celebrate what caused the father to rejoice. He knew the household, understood the responsibilities, and had stayed near physically, but when grace was poured out on someone he believed did not deserve it, the condition of his heart was exposed.
 

He heard the celebration and became angry. He refused to go in, resented the father’s generosity, and referred to the returning brother as “this thy son” rather than “my brother.” His words revealed that although he had stayed close to the father’s house, he had become distant from the father’s joy.
 

The contrast is striking. The younger brother had been far away physically but returned to the father, while the older brother remained near physically yet still needed his heart brought into alignment with the father’s.
 

This is where the church has to be careful. A person can be faithful in attendance, service, knowledge, position, and routine, and still struggle to reflect the Father’s joy when someone else is restored, welcomed, healed, called, promoted, or included.
 

The question becomes: Can we celebrate whom the Father celebrates?

And perhaps an even more searching question is this: Do we secretly resent grace when it is given to someone we would not have chosen?
 

The older brother did not leave the father’s house, but resentment kept him from entering the father’s celebration.
 

The father wanted his sons at the table, and each one needed to receive the Father’s love and heart.
 

The younger son had to come home, and the older son had to come in.
 

Both needed the Father. Both needed His love.
They needed their hearts brought into agreement with His.

That is the deeper truth beneath the story: being near the Father’s house is not the same as knowing the Father’s heart. 

Each person must receive His love, His grace, His correction, and His heart for others.
 

That is what turns Invited — But Not Included into…
Invited — And Received in the heart and love of the Father!

Written: August 22, 2026

2026 copyright Greater Heights Publictions

All scripture references is KJV.

There is so much emphasis today on developing social media platforms, building a following, and growing influence. Many spend countless hours on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms seeking numbers, recognition, financial gain, and status. Some proudly display awards, plaques, and achievements that come with large audiences.

Today’s culture is very different from the 80s and 90s.

Sadly, we can also see this mentality creeping into the Church. Sometimes the pulpit can begin to resemble a concert or a show more than a holy altar of worship. I appreciate creativity, lights, and excellence, but if holy reverence is absent, if our holy God is not being lifted up in pure love and worship, and if His presence and gifts are nowhere to be found, then something essential is missing.

We come first and foremost to lift up the name of Jesus and honor His holy name.

Following: The World’s Way vs. God’s Ways

I have also realized something else. Some people will not listen to you because you are too wordy, you do not have enough charisma, you do not look the part, you do not have it all together by the world’s standards, or perhaps you simply do not have a popular message.

People, including Christians often do not want correction, repentance, or calls to consecration. They want to be seen, be the voice heard. They won’t listen if Jesus Himself stood before them. The will block God, sadly.

John the Baptist carried a spark of real truth. He carried a breaker anointing, crying out from the wilderness. His message was not his own; it was birthed from a consecrated life. It carried the heart of the Father for that hour. This is essential today as well. It will not be popular among all people or leadership. The clarion call is for those with ears to hear!  Take out the earplugs, the distractions, the busyness of the nose from social media. Be still and give Him time to speak. Wait on Him quietly, give Him your time and an attention. He said to me, “No-one wants to listen to Me!” I had to say, Lord, forgive me too, I want to listen. It is essential that we all listen, repent and ask God to give us a wake up call, to pay attention!

Everyone has a voice. Everyone’s word matters when it comes from God. How do you think that you are listening?!

A Consecrated Voice

I believe that in this hour, repentance, consecration, humility, fruit, and integrity should be areas in which we are all seeking to grow. These should be evident to the world, and those around us.

The only way we can do that is by seeking the Lord in humility, crying out for His wisdom, and following Him.

Follow His lead.

Follow His steps.

Follow His path.

Let Him lead.

Let Him guide. Let Him show the way. 

Allow Him to be your Leader, even if at times it is just you and Him in what feels like solitaire. His presence, His peace, and His heartbeat are the rewards that truly matter.

Sometimes God’s delays are not His denial.

His Heart Sees Your Heart

His heart sees your heart.

He knows life, your grief. 

He knows your struggles, and your joys.

He knows where you are. He sees your opposition, your distractions, your discouragement, your delays, and your hardships.

He sees that you are still pressing, still seeking, and still following in spite of the battle that rages against you. 

The Cost of Following Jesus

No matter what, there will always be opposition. When you choose to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, there will be things you must leave behind. You may walk away from people who never truly see you the way He does.

There will be attacks.

There will be delays.

There will be distractions.

There will be strong opposition seeking to deter you.

You may experience misunderstandings with friends, family, and even within the Church dynamics.

You will have many things to weigh and discern. But let God lead your journey. Wait patiently. Prayer is essential to your life, and walk with Him.  Movement forward will be with Him, slow and steady. 

Let Him surround you with His mighty presence, His peace, and His strength.

You will rise and arise. Let us rise like cream in spite of opposition, in spite of delays, in spite of distractions, and in spite of the lies of the enemy.

Let us humble ourselves, cry out, press in, and look to God.

Look to His following. Follow your Lord.

That is where my heart is. Jesus is my following.

I am following Jesus.

Pray for Leaders

And if I am only one, then I pray others who feel alone will know that they are not truly alone. Follow Him. Let Him lead you. Whether your calling is behind the scenes, on a platform, in marketplace ministry, or in intercession, pray into whatever God has called you to do.

Pray for leaders. Pray that they honor God. Pray that they follow Him.

Pray that they listen to His voice in their private lives and in their personal study of His Word. Pray that they take seriously feeding the sheep of the Lord and treat them with kindness, love, respect, and compassion.

Learning to Hear His Voice

The days are dark, and we cannot rely solely upon man to lead us to safety. It is vital that every believer establish trust in the Lord for themselves, learning to recognize His voice and follow His leading, regardless of what others are doing.

You may not fully understand these words today, but perhaps place them on the back burner. There may come a day when they become very important.

Establish the right way to honor God.

Honor Him with your whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Our prayer should be:

“Lord, let me be so close to Your heart that I can hear Your heartbeat, hear Your voice, and discern the truth.”

Walking Through Opposition

I have committed to walk with Him through His pathway, no matter how difficult, challenging, or lonely it may become.

He alone is my best Companion, my Strength, and my Comfort.

I cannot deny His help, His faithfulness, or His sustaining grace.

He has strengthened my resolve to serve Him with greater devotion than ever before, often in silence, often in hiddenness, and sometimes through intense persecution, division, spiritual attacks, delays, and entrapments.

Yet God has faithfully maneuvered and navigated me through every situation the enemy has tried to use to deter me from His path.

Insecurity, lack of confidence, and fear can become huge obstacles to following His path. We naturally want to follow the majority, but we must listen carefully to the Lord.

As we advance in our walk with God, we should expect increased battles, greater resistance, and stronger opposition. But as we seek God first, He equips us with wisdom, guidance, strategies, and spiritual armaments to walk through it faithfully and victoriously.

We understand that the anointing breaks every yoke.

We refuse to become cowardly soldiers.

Instead, we become the warriors Christ has purchased us to be, walking in overcoming victory.

He has given us authority to walk over snakes and scorpions and over every hidden evil—with His undisputed authority.

Read that again.

Yes, we can resist the devil and bind and loose with undisputed authority.

There is no argument about it.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

We walk forward in His footsteps, with His boldness, like hinds’ feet upon high places.

Be BOLD

Be courageous

Jesus Is Enough

I want to have the right motives, proper intentions, and a sincere desire to serve His agendas.

I want to do what pleases Him in this hour.

Following Him will become a new way of life.

It will not always be popular, nor will it always be with the crowd.

But I will always choose Jesus’ way.

Because Jesus is my following.

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto Me.” — John 12:32

His way is higher than mine!!

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us to follow You above all else. Teach us to recognize Your voice, trust Your leadership, and walk faithfully in the path You have prepared for us. Purify our hearts, strengthen us in times of opposition, and help us remain humble, consecrated, and full of love.

Lord, unite the remnant with like-minded believers, that we may walk together in love, unity, and peace with one another. May our lives bring honor to Your holy name.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

Copyright © written April, 26, 2026

 by Tamara Flansaas

Published by Greater Heights Publications

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
—Deuteronomy 31:8

There comes a time when you must abandon yourself to God. This is true in times of uncertainty, in times when you need direction and just in every season. You must know He is God and you are not!
There have been many occasions where I had zero clue how something would work out for me. It seemed I was boxed in, no where to go and had no idea what I was supposed to do. But I prayed, pressed in, waited on Him and I praised Him. Then after awhile He shifted me. He opened up a door. He made the path plain. He made a way through out of nowhere! He will do it for you too!
Now, a new season upon me. I am older. It has been over 10 years since my husband passed away. I have been working and paying rent. God has helped me through all the transitions I have made during times of crisis. He has supported me in moments of uncertainty. He has a proven track record. I know He is faithful. He will always support me and do everything for my good.

Recently, the landlord said they want to sell their property. Alot more things were going on in the natural. I am not sure what to do. In my head all these thoughts swirl. What is the plan?! There are moments of clarity, where I sense it will be better and things will align. Then I overthink and over analyze everything. This makes it difficult because I put myself in a position where I am unable to sense the spirit. I place myself in a situation of warfare. This weakens my faith and cripples my ability to see or hear God. I also have learned to observe, discern, discover, discuss with the Lord and eventually I understand what the Lord is leading me towards. Keeping my heart encouraged is essential. Do I move now or wait? Is there a landmark to watch for? Do I have peace and do I sense God is showing me to turn right now or simply be still.

I live in a rural area. There is a Lithium plant being built and all the workers are renting out the houses, and apartments. I am feeling alone. I am in a tight place. I have a lot of decisions to make. I have to get rid of so much that I have accumulated. This includes my animals. Letting go of them is very hard for me emotionally. I know God understands and I am comforted He knows my heart and hurts. It feels raw at times but I am not afraid. I don’t know what His plan is for me, but I know it is good. I don’t know if it is the end of the road? Or a new beginning? Or a transition before the shift? I reason I can work for awhile, and live with my son or daughter. But is there anything else that God wants me to know and see at this time?! He reminds me of many times before of what He did. I can remember to remind Him that I have full confidence in His ability. I trust in His power.

As I type, I reflect and sense God’s heartbeat. I think of how I must lean in to Him. He is aware and thinking of your story and what you’re processing. He is sharing you can talk to Me about all of the things you’re facing. I am not afraid of your feelings or emotions. You can be vulnerable to Me. He delights in you pouring out your hearts to Him.

What is next for all of us? I believe many people are in this same boat. He is leading us through the next phase, just as He led Moses through the wilderness. They never walked that way before, nor have we never been here before. It is daunting and dark. It is like a ship navigating through the ocean to find a new land. Columbus had his ships. He counted the costs for the journey. The passage was through unknown territory. It wasn’t clear what they would face or what would happen to them. Would they run out of food and water? Would they face deadly storms? They considered all the questions and concerns. They had the funding from the King. They prepared for potential diseases, possible complications, mutiny, and shipwreck. I suppose they asked all these questions, and more and thought out all of the possibilities. However, they didn’t played it safe by staying home to dream about finding a new land. But they endured all the stress of uncertainty. They faced the reality of actually boarding the ship. They set out into the unknown abyss. It took guts and grit to face their fears. They pressed thru and decided to allow faith to see their way to lift anchor and sailed out to sea. Uncertainties await us all. We can walk on with faith, hope, and praise. We trust in a God who knows our hearts want to follow Him. He sees we are trying to be pleasing to Him. In these last days, dark and uncertain times are upon us all. It is a season of transformation. It is a time for training to conquer our fears. Our hearts must commit fully to the God we are following. We know He will never leave us or abandon us in the darkness. We must remember the darkness is as day to Him. He see all thing’s. We remember all the tight ropes we walk before and know He was faithful then and will continue to be.

So with us, and with the disciples, in Matthew 8, Jesus told them to board the boat. He said to sail to the other side, and He will meet them. Along the way, a fierce squall came upon them. They feared for their lives when the wind and waves were covering the boat. They were all in a manic panic, but Jesus was sleeping soundly. They went in to wake him up out of concern for their safety. He said, why are you fearful, oh you of little faith! I certainly can say, I have been in some situations that scared me as well. Jesus did say, go to the otherside, but noone questioned that! Someone should have said, come on guys we are going to be ok, and let’s not panic!

I want to think about what He has said to me in my quiet time. He said I will be ok! So I will stay in faith and talk to my heart. I will trust Him to make a way and open a door or show the path He has for me. To reveal His will for me in this time. He won’t let me down and He will provide a place for me and protect me. I will also reflect on the areas in my heart. These are the areas where I need to step up and grow more mature in my walk. What about you? What is it He is saying to you right now?!

In my experience, there is always a challenge getting to the next level. When God gives a direction, there seems to be a hindering spirit of delay or a hiccup of some sort. These disciples were expert fishermen and they were very experienced in navigating the waters. But what they didn’t know was what awaited them on the other side. See how the warfare begins? They didn’t see anything wrong. They didn’t think anything spiritual was happening. They didn’t see the enemy hindering them. They did not recognize the troubled waters were a precursor to where they were going. They didn’t know what was ahead of them when they arrived on the land. They would be met by two fierce demon possessed men. When we gain experience, we can foresee that something is around the corner. We put up a shield of faith, armor up, and stay on guard for an attack. We can be prepared to see something ahead and coming before it happens and begin to pray. The Lord knew what was ahead and coming. Jesus knew that he would drive the demons out in a herd of pigs. He wasn’t caught off guard by circumstances ahead ever. He was resting in His Father.

It made me think of Moses and the Israelites traveling about in the wilderness. There were several huge lessons they missed over and over and neglected to ever learn from them. Walking through a dry sea bed would have been enough for me to get it! They spent 40 years going around the same thing and still remained stuck, and at an impasse. They never learned to trust or see anything from the lesson of experience. They did not gain from any experience they faced. That is the lesson for us! We must continue to grow, and learn from our mistakes, failures and successes.

It is also different than the other scripture in Matthew 14. In that passage, Jesus said to go to the other side. He would meet them there. And he went up to have a time to Himself to pray. A storm struck and caused violent winds to blow the disciples ship. They were all fearful, and out of nowhere, they saw an image, a ghost or someone walking on water. Who does this, defying gravity by walking on water?! It is not a normal scene. The natural body of man was overcome by terror and shock. This overwhelmed all their natural senses, and it moved the heart of the Lord. He assured them by speaking to them, saying don’t be afraid, it is I. And Peter said, Jesus, if it is you bid me to come to you. Before, I say the next part, what the heck is wrong with Peter in this crazy situation?!! He blurts out that insane statement. Then he barrels ahead over the boat. He steps out, and stands on the water, as he walks towards Jesus. Even the thought he stood on the water for just a moment jars the mind. It defies gravity and all instincts. He looked around. One could imagine he was in shock. He felt his legs like sea legs on land, stunned by what he said and did. Then all of a sudden, he was back in his head where all the fear and questions overtook him. Then he started to sink. Just as we do in our own lives of reasoning. Jesus then came up under Peter. He lifted him up. They walked over and into the boat. Then the storm calmed itself. Jesus said, and made a life impacting statement, oh you of little faith. There is a lesson here. We must walk more after the Spirit than the natural. We must learn from the Spirit at this present time and going forward. We are too earth bound.
I think Peter showed great faith. One day, I hope to ask how he felt and what his reaction was. He spoke with the spirit and got out of the boat within his spirit. However, when he took his eyes off Jesus, he sank and went back into his own mind.

As I was writing in the beginning, I shared my thoughts and heart regards to my personal life. I became vulnerable when I shared with you. My hope was the Lord would use it to speak to you about your own life. I wanted it to touch on your well being and humanity. The church doesn’t want to hear about it or talk about it. Just sweep it under the rug. Nonetheless, Jesus Christ wants you to know you can talk to Him in private. Share anything that is pressing your heart. He is always available for you. His attention is constant. Tell Him His advice is always welcome. It is a necessary need for your life. I place great importance and value on His friendship and commitment to come alongside as a comforter and companion. I have learned this from my own life. I cherish the way He has shown me His love and His heart. Just as He spoke to disciples as He walked towards them on water, fear not, it is I. He was moved by their emotions and they were in a state of fear and trauma. He emphasized His concern for those who are struggling, suffering, and lost. They have no one to listen to them, and they are hopeless and drowning in feelings of loneliness and despair. It is a reminder that we became sensitive to the heart of God. We will always remember that so many are suffering. His heart will always seek for someone to be His hand extension to lift them up.

I don’t want to take my eyes off the Lord. I have seen the enemy distract, cause fear, unbelief, and he always has us questioning God and our circumstances. In weariness and fear, it can cripple a person. It causes you to sink in despair. You may lose sight of the Lord and your faith. You must not allow this! Trusting God isn’t that complicated, when you’re fully committed and engaged in your faith. But when you lose sight of Jesus, and don’t sense Him, or hear from Him it becomes very frightening. In this hour, many are presently facing the same situation. If you thought, I am not hearing anything and I don’t know what to do. Let me share, don’t be dismayed. Get your heart and mind to still. Quiet your thoughts. Get out of your head and don’t focus on everything in your thought life. That is where the enemy will disturb your peace everytime. I was attacked to think God was upset with me, alot of condemnation. He told me, if I am upset I will tell you. So you can have your heart not be overwhelmed and anxious if you don’t sense anything. Just know He is silent for a reason. Just show the Lord that regardless what you sense, say I will not be moved. I will trust you and stay still and wait for your presence to come and lead me on.

You may stray from the path you are supposed to follow. However, it is your responsibility to keep on the pathway. Stay the course, know you are going to the other side. It is either to another town as He said no matter and either way, I am staying the course. I want to show my Lord I have great confidence in Him! He has always been faithful to me. Jesus is so wonderful to all of us. So we elect to elevate our praises to Him. He is so kind and loving to know you are human and understands you need assurances. He also knows that you will always struggle with your faith. It will be a super important for you to finally resolve this issue with in your heart. You need to accept the truth. You must accept that you can trust Him completely without hesitation. Make the commitment and get on board with God by telling Him, I want to get there. I have come to far to turn back! I will arise in my faith. I will stop the struggle within my heart and quiet my mind! Turn off the noise and listen for His voice. Doubt the doubt to accept His will no matter what is happening. I know I can trust Him. He is worthy of the praise and highest respect! He always has good things ahead.

As you can read, these pictures above say it all. But, it is not always easy nor is the way clear. There is alot of fog ahead. Walk with caution. Be slow. There is uncertainty about what will happen next. But the key is not to get ahead of the Lord. He has provided for you every single time. You don’t want to get in fear, or worry about tomorrow. It is best for your soul to rest and trust the Lord. Your life truly depends on it! This is the time of showing your God great confidence in Him! It is a time to step up with courage, to stand firm and strong in whatever challenges arise. To be focused and ready for action. Be equipped to handle the situation with resolve. Believe all is well. You will be ok regardless of the warfare you’re experiencing. Remind the Lord, He has been good and faithful! Give Him praise, even when you don’t feel like it. You must press in, prepare and go forward in your faith and trust in Him. Rise up under the pressure and circumstances that you sense is hindering your walk. There is a time when you and I must resist the urge to be victims. We need to stop allowing the devil to control our emotions. Forbid him any access to your life. He is a defeated foe and a enemy of your soul. The important thing, is to know that God wants you in tune and hearing and seeing His directives. Seek Him. Pursuing His heart is essential to shift into the next wave of His glory!

No-one knows what is upon us, with all the prophetic events happening on a daily basis. We have never been this way before or in this position. We all need to prepare ourselves for this new reality. We must make our hearts and minds ready. God has been quiet and we must remember He is always here for us. We will pass this test and we will have overcoming victory, not overwhelming disappointment. No matter what, we must be patient and get prepared. So many of us have been waiting a long while for this moment.

We are on a precipice, on a brink of a dangerous or critical situation, very close to disaster or a major change.  The phrase is a metaphor for standing at the edge of a steep cliff, described being close to failure, crisis, or a significant historical or personal turning point.  It is extremely important that we all understand that we must pray and seek God for His help and aid during these times of great warfare. The enemy is pursuing world war and his desire is to destroy all God will do. We must watch and pray and listen to God’s instructions and make sure His agendas are met. We must prioritize our lives by seeking His will through the course of our life. It is essential for each of us, to lay down our will and seek His will for our lives. It is time to let go, and let God rule and lead us to the path that leads to victory.

It is the hour that we need to make ready. Will we be a wise virgin, or foolish one? Will we gather the oil and prepare for the wait of our Bridegroom? I want to meet Him eagerly and ready. We all have much more to do. We need God to cleanse us. He must clothe us and make us ready for His coming. We all can’t wait for the day, but we really don’t know what the extent of the time. It says, it will be a great and terrible day, with much weeping. The weeping and gnashing of teeth will occur. This is a consequence of being cast out of the kingdom, as described in Luke 13. For believers, the coming of the Lord is a day of hope. Jesus said, “I will come again and receive you to Myself,” as described in John 14:1-3. We cannot let up, in our hearts and continually seek God in regards to our own salvation and heart condition. Let us not forget the Lord. We must keep the faith. We should keep our hearts in hot pursuit of His love and grace. Didn’t He say, in the last days many hearts will grow cold? There will be many cases where people will be caught off guard. The devil has caused so many to become dull, worldly, seeking pleasure and power versus His kingdom agendas. We can’t loose sight of our destiny and home… Heaven! The prize is nearer than ever before. We must awaken to our calls, get ready and allow His positioning. Shifting the way we have been and adjusting to the new move His is bringing us into. We have to rise above all the noise and distractions. We must get dialed into His presence and hear His voice on a new level of frequency. The alarm will be sounded. Those who are listening will be positioned in place. Those who are not watching will be shut out. The hardest part is grabbing yourself by your own collar. You must shake yourself awake. Will you manage to distinguish and discern between where you are stuck now and where you are suppose to be? And then arise and get ready and awaken again to prepare?

We must cry out to Him. Ask for His help to navigate and find the right path forward. He is calling each one to be on this path. We need to be positioned in the right place. He is shifting and moving people around and taking others out of their comfort zone and others will be removed. This hour is very strategic. God alone is taking up the mantle of leadership. He is moving the chess players about. We can know that God is in control and in charge of these end time events. He will have the enemy in checkmate and He will win. Not just win, but He will have us all in overcoming victory! So regardless, what you may be dealing with. Whether you are struggling for victory or trying to keep your heart engaged in prayer. Keep your heart fully in His Word. The attacks you’re facing are real. It is not easy, He never said it would be. He wants you to fight. Cry out in the midst of the battle that concerns your life and your family. This is the way to do war. It is the way He will develop your Spirit to become stronger and learn to be a warrior for Him. Engage in prayer. Even if it is crying out for help. He is your greatest friend and intercessor. He knows the struggle is not over. He knows the enemy desires to destroy you and your loved ones. Come out of agreement with the enemy desire and join the Lord’s will for your life. Which is life and freedom. See your self beyond the darkness your in, and know the battle is not only yours but His. He will help you to overcome and endure the challenges and darkness that everyone will face. Deal with the interior motives of your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you through the uncertain times, to make His will and plan clear to see. Deal with any fleshy thoughts and longings that may arise and take you out of His light. Be wary of any kind of bitterness, hardness or coldness in your heart. Recognize any weakness, and sinful feelings such as unbelief, anger and guilt. The enemy is crafty and subtle. Don’t think it could never happen to you. Peter was certain he would follow Jesus to the end not denying that he knew Jesus. He went through a tough transition to become a better leader and minister of the Lord. We all must be broken and die before we can live and be the men and woman of His Kingdom. To do the greatest work of the Lord for these last days. We must be willing to sacrifice our lives. We must make the Lord’s work and will the sole purpose of our heart. Not my will but yours must be accomplished. Then we can find true satisfaction and happiness in serving the Lord with all our hearts, soul and mind. He will align your life with His. Allow the Lord to position you into the position He has for you. Be willing to let go of your own desires and agendas. Then He can become the Lord of all your desires and dreams. He can fulfill your destiny with purpose and the calling He has given you. This is what I am sure we all long for, to walk fully into the will of our Lord. This is an hour where He is establishing a relationship. It is between Himself and individuals who are in love with Him. They are crying out for His will to be accomplished in their life. It is a time where He is positioning His people to have a personal connection and encounters in intimacy. He needs people who will let Him shape their hearts, trust Him to break them and remake them. The arrow must move swiftly and smoothly to reach His chosen ones. They are part of the great harvest. They will become a tool for His tool belt. You have a great destiny to lead many people to the altar of Christ. Will you let Him break away the hard places in your heart? Can you allow Him to strip away the calcification of past traumas and tragedies? This is the most beautiful aspiration we can have. Adapting to it allows Him to have the final word in our lives. Then we can make Him the Lord over all our hearts. We can be satisfied that He will be our God and we will be His people. This is truly making the heart of God happy! So make it a prayer, to get your heart ready, in love and happy in God! Regardless, what you are going through. His desire is for you to have safe passage and peace. In these difficult days, His will is for His church to trust in His timing. We must also be in the right step with God. Then we will be united in our hearts with one another. We will work as a team together to usher in the greatest end time move ever. It is all in God’s timing. It is God’s will and God’s dream. It is for God’s story. He has waited a long time. Forever, it is God’s rule. It is all for GOD’s GLORY!

copyright journey to fruit WATW 2025

Today, I had a conversation with a man. He asked me do I believe in once saved always saved? When people start a conversation with a question as a statement, I won’t debate or argue with them. It doesn’t matter whether he agrees or disagrees with my answers. It is unfortunate, people will test you because they have a disagreement with you about their beliefs.

Just like the Sadducees in Matthew 22, they tested Jesus regards to the resurrection. They only believed in the Pentateuch. They didn’t accept any later scriptures or oral traditions as the Pharasies. They also denied angels and spirits. I sensed set up, but I will always try to have healthy, and respectful talk. I walk in love and I told him that 1 Corn. 13, states without love everything is a tinkling brass and means nothing. I shared my thoughts to the best of my ability. I told him I believe in Jesus. I accepted Him as my personal Savior, and repented of my sins. I have a relationship with the Lord. He has been faithful to me and helped me through many difficult times. He asked me many other questions, if I believed in healing, spiritual gifts, etc. I boldly said, yes I do. Because God healed me. I told him how the Lord grew out my short leg at the knee many years ago.

I listened carefully to the Lord for my response. What should I say? I heard the Lord say, ask him if one of his beautiful daughters got sick. Wouldn’t he ask God to heal her? I stepped out boldly and said it. He didn’t say anything!

I made it clear that all the gifts are wonderful. Still, without love, they are nothing. They too will fade away. Only faith, hope and love remains, but the greatest is love. I believe the Lord wants us all to reach back to help others get up and over a hard spot. Walking in step with Jesus. He will guide us to see who needs a kind word. He will show us who needs a prayer. Jesus will help us find something that will help them understand what is happening in their life. We don’t want to be judgmental, or harsh. But we want to be respectful and considerate of others.

The man, who is a Southern Baptist minister, asked whether I believe in the gifts of tongues, and faith healing? He was pushing the questions and was anxious for me to confess. I told him, I am filled with the Spirit, he said oh no,Tamara! Like I committed the unpardonable sin. He seemed to be judging and said I base my faith on experience.
I said, no! The bottom line is I am saved based on my faith in Jesus. My confession and my repentance of sins guarantee this. Receiving Jesus as my personal Savior. I can’t enter heaven on anything else, but the shed blood of Jesus. His works on Calvary. It is not by my good works, tongues, prophecy, or my feelings! I have had plenty of times where feelings changed but my experience did not! I can still remember my salvation, my conversion and my submission to God.
I stood many years as a widow. I was alone with nothing but my faith. I clung for life to the hem on His garment. While all around me was chaos. The Lord kept me safe and my faith was stronger because of the severe trials. Not one person, but My God can know what I endured during this season. Accepting Jesus as our personal Savior and repenting of our sins is essential. But, we must also live a holy, godly, and sanctified life unto Jesus. Dying to flesh, and walking in the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-23.

Many Christians will throw you out with the bathwater because of your personal beliefs. How can anyone understand what you lived through but your God?! How many years of hardship and suffering? How harsh is man’s critical spirit, scrutinizing and interrogating others? So many have fallen away due to this. They have backslid. I have even heard stories of people leaving church and going into witchcraft. Because the church was unkind, they were ostracized by their own religion!

I personally, kept my heart in love. I won’t deny my love for Jesus and His presence, even when I don’t sense it. I will trust Him, as if my life depends on it. The man still wasn’t convinced of my salvation. He gave me a tract on how to avoid hell. It explained how to know if I would go to heaven or have eternal life. When he left, I watched him drive away. I made it a point to wave goodbye, but he didn’t even look my way. This is how I learned about the topic today.

2 Corinthians 13, the greatest gift is LOVE! “If I speak in the tongues^[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,^[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies,they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. ¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror;then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.But the greatest of these is love.”

The Pastor doesn’t believe in the gifts, tongues, or healing and says it was for another time. I quoted Isaiah 53:4-5. What about the scripture, “by My stripes you ARE healed?” It is as matter fact as anyone can be! You are and still are, and ARE is what matters, if you will believe it and received it. You ARE healed! By faith. Jesus even said, by your faith you are made whole. The Lexicon, Strongs # 7495. rapha: To heal, to cure, to restore.
KJV: cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, X thoroughly, make whole See H7503 
NASB: heal, healed, physicians, become fresh, heals, healing, purified.

Jehovah Rapha, “The Lord’s Hebrew name translates to, “ The Lord who heals”. Not, He did heal, but now he doesn’t feel like it. He decided He did enough of it in His short 3 year ministry. I am sorry for my sarcasm, but I can’t wrap my mind around it. Why would He rent the huge heavy curtain in the Holy of Holies? That curtain separated us from the presence of God. He certainly would want us to enjoy His fellowship. He gave us healing, a variety of gifts, spiritual revelations, prophecy, and speaking in a heavenly language. There is so much evidence of these truths. I just don’t understand how they can believe that. Denying the power within. I don’t take the energy to make arguments about it. It just doesn’t justify what the Lord did for ALL of the people. He died a cruel death. He suffered greatly for people to say that the gifts were to help them build the church.

Today, more than ever we need ALL He has for us. Even more than the beginnings of the New Covenant. We are in desperate need to have it in this hour. So much is being compromised and denied. Arguing over who can preach, and other doctrines. Just because it fits in your denomination regulations, or suits your ideology doesn’t make it true or right.

Why would so many experience miracles and healings, if He stopped!?

“ It signifies God’s role as the divine physician, capable of healing both physical and spiritual ailments. This name, Jehovah Rapha, emphasizes God’s power and willingness to restore wholeness to those who are broken.”  What a loving Savior. He is so kind, compassionate and loving! We all should strive to be more like our Lord. We see Jesus in daily life. He went from town to town. He met men, women, children, and families with great personal needs.

He is moved by their cries. However, God can’t push past human will. I told the man, one day we will know all things. We will stand before Him. We will all know the truth! Because His truth and our rosy color glasses don’t match! He is not in error!

The Lord guided me to Matthew 22:29. The Pharisees came to test Jesus, and He was aware of it! Problem was, they didn’t know the Word of God nor the power of God. They only wanted to trip him up, argue, and justify their stand. As you read further down the chapter, you will see Jesus silenced them. They didn’t dare ask anything else.

After the conversation with the Pastor, I thought what am I dealing with? I googled and found the words Cessationism and Continuationism. I was asking the Lord for help because I wanted to understand. I desire to help the one who isn’t strong in their faith. Someone can easily feel tripped up and confused by this type of conversation. Many are wounded by others who use the Bible and doctrine to thump people over the head. I am sure there are well meaning people everywhere who do this. It saddens me. The Lord was grieved by religious leaders and people. Their actions are destructive to the building of His Kingdom.

We need to talk about how this affects the Church, and those who serve Jesus. It is a division, and a chasm. It made me think what a waste of belief, denying what Jesus did for each person He died for. He came to give us life, and not just life but an abundant life. It is a shame people believe this way. Saying so much is not for today! Denying the power of God. Feels such a sad shame. Considering, all Jesus Christ did out of His great love for people. He gave His all, died, suffered and sent His Holy Spirit. To break off the curse and then it stopped!?? Why would He stop it? He changed the whole pattern of the religious practice in Israel. Look thru the Bible and read the book of Acts and Hebrews. Read of all the prophets prophesying of future events, and still all the things Revelations say, that haven’t happened yet. God is still evolving His grand vision. He has plans for the great awakening of the world. Many people from different cultures and religions are being saved. Today, we see that there is a move of God in the earth!

In Iran, people are getting saved because Jesus is showing up in their dreams, to reveal Himself to them. He is making Himself real to the people going to Him in prayer for the truth! How can anyone deny that testimony? Not just one but many! I didn’t share this with him, and I am sure that he would have been undone by hearing that.

Let’s recognize one thing. Pointing the finger and judging others is a common thing that most denominations all do. Sadly, it is a part of the fallen nature. It is a sin. Judge not, least you be judged. Are you going to judge with mercy, or are you going to be without? According to James, that is the way God will treat you.

How dare anyone question a personal experience that someone lived through!? It is ignorance that makes people think they have all the answers and knowledge. The letter of the law kills, but the Spirit brings life! Matthew 5:17-18 Jesus, states, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” This verse emphasizes that Jesus came to uphold the law, but also to reveal its deeper meaning and purpose. 2 Corinthians 3:6 further clarifies, “For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” It’s finished, doesn’t mean, He is done. Why would the curtain rent in two!? He wanted us to live in peace with Him. We can boldly enter His presence. We can enjoy the freedom of walking in the garden with Him again. He waited a very long time, to have that phase restored. The devil is out to rob, steal and destroy, But I have come that they may have eternal life.

The Lord used Paul, a religious scholar, to evangelize the Gentiles and the world as He knew it. Peter and other disciples were sent to transform Asia. They evangelized the area’s they felt God say to go. God did a clean up in the Churches affected by other religious practices and idol worship. There was too much anointing and power of God going on during that move, it transformed hearts. And today, the same. Yet, as in that day, it is quenched by the spirit of religion, dogma and lack of understanding.
He said, I base my faith on experience! Again, he doesn’t know me or my story. What about the stories of Joseph and David? What about Lazarus and the lame man at the gate Beautiful? Consider Mary Magdalene, blind Bartimaeus, and the Woman at the Well. What of their testimonies and their transformation, experience and their change? Noone can take it away from them! They can’t deny what Jesus did in their lives. They had a personal encounter, a deep connection and they were delivered, changed and impacted by Jesus’ love!

What do these words mean?
Cessationism, is the theological belief that certain spiritual gifts, particularly those of a supernatural nature like speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing, ceased to be given to believers after the apostolic age, or the time of the early church. Essentially, cessationists believe these gifts were temporary and served a specific purpose in the early church’s establishment, but are no longer needed or active today.

Continuationism is a Christian theological belief that the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the spiritual gifts, have continued to the present age. Continuationism as a distinct theological position arose in opposition to cessationism. It is often manifested in advocacy of the recovery of spiritual gifts in the Church today. It also encompasses any tradition that does not argue the gifts have necessarily ceased.

That day, 2 people stood in the room, representing Cessationism versus continuationism. We both represented our beliefs. He was firm in His. I was firm in mine! Cessationism versus continuationism is a thing today. We will be dealing with many different types of problems as we wind down the clock to the next era. The devil is not just hindering the believer. It is meant for them to question their faith and their beliefs system. To get the believer to doubt and reason in their intellect. We will be in a position where the truth will prevail and shake up the room you’re standing in. Demons get angered because of your existence. You will sense the mockery of the people who are lost. Those who are not saved or serving the fallen nature are unsubmitted vessels. The enemy will use them to mock, gossip, and revile against you. These spirits hate you. You can sense all of hell pushing up against your back. This is where you must dig in your heels in and put your focus on the Lord! The author and finisher of your faith. You are standing out like a sore thumb with unbelievers.

When he left that day, he drove by the window. I saw a man upset. That was sad. In 2 Corn. it says, all of the gifts will pass away. Salvation isn’t based on the spirit filled life, but on faith in God. That shouldn’t be an issue. That’s not good enough for ministers who don’t want to treat others as they should. We all will stand before the Lord alone. Truth will be revealed that day. All the fussing and needless nonsense of doctrine and religion will be revealed. Seems like a waste of oxygen. Why can’t we just embrace each other in love, and not worry about the jots and tittles. They really don’t amount to diddly squat. In a literal sense, “jot” refers to the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet (yod). “Tittle” refers to a small mark or stroke that distinguishes similar letters.