IN THIS ISSUE:
Heading for A Safe Harbor (A Prophetic Vision) – Betty Miller
Do Blessings and Curses Affect New Covenant Believers? — R.S. “Bud” Miller
Spiritual Warfare — Putting On The Protective Armor of God
Exposing Satan’s Devices — Dress For Battle
End Times — Lying Wonders of Satan
Prophecy — The Wealth of the Sinner — Cindy Jacobs
Book Review — An Affair of the Mind — Laurie Hall
Poetry Corner – He Is Risen – Margie M. Baker
Little Foxes (Little Compromises) — Exercising Our Civil Responsibility of Voting
Counselor’s Corner — Acquiring Humility – Alfred H. Ells
Personal Word From the Millers — Spring Greeting
Purpose and Vision — Ministry Information
HEADING FOR A SAFE HARBOR
A Prophetic Vision Given to Betty Miller
This vision and revelation was given to me on Sunday morning, February 27, 2000. In the Bible, Jesus spoke to the people many times in parables and allegories when He wanted to explain spiritual truths. I was seeking the Lord as to what message He wanted me to share in the Overcoming Life Digest for this month. I feel this revelation came to me as an answer to that prayer. May we all seek the Lord in this hour and be in the right boat that leads us to His “safe haven.”
THE SHIPS ON THE OCEAN
As I awoke on a Sunday morning, I saw an ocean with many ships on it. The majority of these ships and boats were headed in two different directions. Some were headed out to sea, while the others were headed for port. Others seemed to be merely drifting, going one way and then the other. The first thing I noticed about some of these ships, was that they were taking on water and were in the process of sinking slowly. Some were even capsized and leaning on their sides and I knew it would not be long until they went under. These ships had been damaged as they had apparently been through some previous storms. Others, though not damaged, were taking pleasure cruises or bound for their own predetermined destinations.
THE COMING STORM
I realized that the reason many of the ships were headed for safe harbor was because there were enormous black clouds gathering on the horizon. No one had previously seen this kind of storm brewing. It was so huge and ominous that even the most seasoned of sailors had never seen anything like it before. Every barometer was dipping to the lowest measurements ever recorded as this gigantic storm was nearing. I wondered why anyone would even attempt to go out to sea, especially those vessels that were damaged and the ones that were small in size.
I also noticed that some of the ships were so far away from the others that nobody would be able to reach them before the storm arrived and I knew that when it hit they would go under. Many of the ships that were headed for port came upon some of the other reachable sinking ships and immediately offered to take the people with them to safety. I found it so strange that most of the people didn’t want to leave the sinking ships. They acted as if everything was fine and clung fiercely to their ships all the more. Only a few were willing to leave–even though their ships were in the process of going down. These sinking ships reminded me of the Titanic. On the upper deck they were partying and dancing, while below the ship was taking on water. The crash into the iceberg had only caused the people to feel a slight bump so they were unaware of the serious damage beneath the surface. They had no idea of their impending doom. (Personal comment apart from this vision: I couldn’t help but think about the Y2K predicted disruptions that turned out to be what many referred to as just a “bump” in the road. Could this bump be the beginning of some bigger troubles that lie just ahead?).
THE SHIPS WERE WARNED OF THE APPROACHING STORM
The ships that were headed into the various harbors were warning those who were headed out to sea about the approaching storm. However it was as if many of those who were setting sail were blinded, and could not see the perilous clouds in the distance. Those who were able to see the clouds coming, either thought the tempest would miss them; or that their ship could ride out the storm; or that it wasn’t as serious as the warnings said it would be. They were consumed with local matters on their own ships and scarcely paid attention to anything else. The captains of all of these ships were much like the captain of the Titanic; they truly believed that their ships were unsinkable, and therefore they gave the order to go full speed ahead.
Some of the ships that were headed to port were so concerned about the great number of ships going in the wrong direction, that they turned around chased the reckless crews to warn them of the coming storm. Most of the time, the sea-bound ships wouldn’t listen. However, there were usually a few crew members and passengers that did want off, and the good ships took these ones back to safety.
Sadly, some of the ships that were headed for port were so completely absorbed with their own safety and welfare, that they never even tried to help those who were headed in the wrong direction. These ships, although headed in the right direction, were filled with fearful and anxious people. There was so much confusion aboard these boats that the captain and crew could not make good time as they were continually dealing with the problems that the fear and confusion created aboard the ship. This kept them from their job of steering the ship. Because of this it was doubtful that they would make harbor before the storm hit.
Although, I did not see the fury of the storm when it hit nor the damage that was done, I knew that it would be very great and that the sinking ships would not survive. However, I also sensed that some of the people aboard these sinking ships would manage to get into the life boats and would later be picked up during and after the storm. The greatest problem I saw, was that even as the Titanic didn’t have enough life boats, neither did any of the deceived ships. I felt an overwhelming grief at the loss of all the people and ships that would not heed the warnings, and for the great suffering of all of those who would be rescued. They would have to go through great trauma, but at least their lives would be spared.
INTERPRETATION OF THE VISION
The Lord then gave me the interpretation of this allegory. The ships that were headed for safe harbor are ships prepared by God for His people. God desires all of His people to be in His ships which represent being in the will of God. The ships that were headed out to sea are vessels designed by Satan to carry people away from God’s will, which ultimately leads to destruction. These ships carried people in the world who are unknowingly following Satan, as well as some Christians who are deceived by pride and rebellion and therefore out of the will of God. Soon these outgoing ships would be dashed to pieces by the magnitude of this coming storm. They were not as seaworthy as they appeared to be. Even though they had weathered other storms, they were no match for this one. Those in the drifting ships are those who are ignorant of the Word of God and therefore have no guidance. Because of this, they are blown about by every wind. The inhabitants of the sinking boats are those who have followed the path of the world and the devil’s ways. Because they have not repented and followed God, they will find that the things they have put their trust in will eventually fail them.
The Lord showed me the people clinging to their ships are doing so because of these reasons: deception, ignorance, lust, pride and fear. I did not see all of the names on the sinking ships and the vessels that were headed out to sea but the Lord did show me the names if the following ones:
Worldly Entertainment
False Security
False Religion
Worldly Desires
THE SHIP OF WORLDLY ENTERTAINMENT
The appearance of this ship was very glitzy and most inviting. The number of ways that people were being entertained was endless. The people on this ship were engrossed in all the things that the world had to offer them: eating, drinking, partying, games, sports, movies, computers, T.V., music and art; to name a few. None of these things are wrong in themselves. However, these people were totally absorbed in these activities to the exclusion of serving God. They were selfishly seeking to be entertained to avoid their responsibilities to God and man. Their lives revolved around the things that the world had to offer them while they rejected God. They loved the world more than God.
1 John 2:15-17: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
THE SHIP OF FALSE SECURITY
At first glance it looked like this impressive ship could weather any storm, as it was such a huge vessel and stocked with all manner of things. It was truly a ship of Titanic proportions. Those in this ship represented those who had made worldly goods and institutions their foundation of security. Many had made provision for the days ahead and had placed their faith in their planning and in the institutions that would bring that security when needed. They had their homes paid for, money in the stock market, a savings account, insurance policies, emergency and survival preparations done. They seemed to be secure, as they had accomplished the “American Dream.” Many of these were enjoying this dream with no thought of it being shattered.
However, the most important preparation was left undone. They had failed to seek the will of God and enter into the plan He had for them. Therefore all their preparation was in vain. They had made no spiritual preparations, so when the big storm came they had no faith to sustain them and lost all. Their faith had been in their own abilities, without God in the equation Not only did this turn out to be false security, but foolhardy as well.
Those who could not attain the “American Dream” on their own, looked instead, to the government to make provision for them. Many were shocked when this ship began to sink, as they were utterly dependent on the welfare, grants, disability, social security, veteran and entitlement programs that had afforded them the security they sought. Again, let me clarify, it is not wrong to receive any of these provisions. However, the people in this boat had looked to the government as God, instead of looking to God as their source of provision. In their thinking, the government was supposed to solve all their problems for them and it seemed to them that this institution was invincible and could not fail. The ship of false security went down with a mighty roar.
Luke 17:26-30: “And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. 27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”
Luke 21:25-26: “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”
THE SHIP OF FALSE RELIGION
This ship appeared on the surface as a very beautiful ship. However, its appearance was deceiving. The people on this ship all thought they were heading for the safety of the harbor. They had no idea that they were heading out to sea. They were so busy going through rituals, keeping the traditions of their fathers, and listening to the wonderful assurances of their leaders, that they never took time to check the course of the ship they were on. They simply were followers of men, who assured them that the way they were going was the right way. Some had been on this ship so long, there were several generations of families aboard. They had been born on this ship and grew up on it and never thought it might not be taking them to the place they had been told about. However, some began to question where they were going when the storm clouds grew closer and the promises of a safe haven never seemed to come. As the good ships passed this ship, many were convinced they were headed in the wrong way and decided to choose a different direction and go with the ships headed for the harbor. The promises of a safe haven never had materialized after years of assurance from these false prophets who were steering the ship of false religion.
Luke 6:39: “And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?“
John 14:6: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Matthew 7:15-23: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
THE SHIP OF WORLDLY DESIRES
This ship was so ugly that I could not understand how anyone wanted to stay on it. It was extremely filthy and dirty. The people on this ship were filled with unholy desires that drove them to lust, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, pornography and all kinds of other sexual perversions and addictions. It also had people on board who were full of greed, materialism, lasciviousness and all manner of evil desires. They were addicted to so many things. Among them were drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gambling and even things like shopping and running around. They would receive a temporary gratification from their fleshy indulgences. However, they were the most miserable of all the people on the ships. When they finally came to the end of themselves, many did accept the invitation to leave with the good ships when they came by. They were so full of torment and suffering that they were willing to go anywhere to get off this nasty ship. Others, out of desperation, even got on other ships going in the wrong direction just to get away. Many more of them were rescued when the ship sank. This ship had more life boats than the others so the number rescued was greater. However, there were still not enough life boats. The Lord showed me the life boats were the prayers of the saints for these people. Many Christians have been praying for loved ones and family for years who are on this boat–and they will be rescued!
2 Timothy 3:1-4: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”
Matthew 22:9-10: “Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.”
Although the names of these ships were different, behind each of them was the evil one; the Devil, masterminding his plots and schemes to lead people to their destruction by enticing them into the fateful ships that would end their lives.
THE CAPTAINS OF THE GOOD SHIPS
The good ships that were headed for the safety of the harbor all had the same name on them. That name was: JESUS.
Hebrews 2:9-11: “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.”
The only difference in the Jesus ships was that they had different captains. The Lord gave me the names of some of the Old and New Testament prophets as the captains of some of these ships. These were symbolic names that described the nature of the ships, thus assuring that they would reach safe harbor. These names were as follows:
JOHN THE BAPTIST: His mission was to bring people to repentance and tell them to prepare for the coming of the Lord. This tells us that if we do not repent we cannot hope to enter into the safety and protection of God. When we harbor resentment, hatred, unforgiveness and embrace other sinful attitudes and commit sinful acts, we in danger of sinking. We must prepare our hearts now for the second coming of the Lord by not only repenting but also by obeying the word of the Lord (Matthew 3).
MOSES: His mission was to deliver and guide Israel (represents the people of God) into their blessings and promised land. This tells us that if we are to steer our ships to safety and blessing we must allow the Lord to deliver us from the snares of the world just as Israel was delivered out of the land of Egypt. As Christians, our compass is the Word of God. If we want to remain on the right course, we must read and study the Bible so the Lord can steer our helm in the right direction. (Exodus 3).
JOSEPH: His mission was to make provision for the people in the time of famine. This tells us that the Lord will show us how to prepare for the future in a physical way, so that not only will we be prepared, but we will also be able to help others who are not. It is not wrong to prepare for the coming days in a physical way; in fact, it is wisdom. I believe the Lord used the threat of Y2K disruptions as an incentive to cause people to think about and make emergency preparations for the days ahead. The ships that had no life boats, (or too few, like the Titanic), sank, with many going to their death. It is prideful to think that we will never experience any needs, hardships or trials. Those who built the Titanic thought it to be unsinkable, so they only prepared minimally for the possibility of actually facing the danger of sinking. They didn’t even furnish the sailors in the lookout with a pair of binoculars to keep watch for icebergs. As Christians, we need to keep watch in prayer so that the enemy doesn’t cause us to ship wreck. Certainly, the Lord promises to take care of us, but He uses generally uses people to care for people. Those who have resources should help those that do not. (Genesis 41).
ELIJAH: His mission encompassed warning of the coming famine as well as demonstrating supernatural provision during the times of judgement. After using Elijah to warn of the coming famine He then spoke to him to go and dwell by a brook called Cherith and sent a raven to bring food to him at this time. When the brook dried up due to the lack of rain, the Lord then sent Elijah to a widow woman in Zarephath and told him to pray over the last provisions that she had. She gave her last portions of meal and oil to make a cake for Elijah. When she did, the Lord multiplied the remainder of her barrel of meal and her bottle of oil so that it never ran dry until the Lord sent the rains again to break the drought. I believe this shows us that the Lord will also perform miracles of provision for those who obey the Word of the Lord in the days ahead as things become more difficult (1Kings 17).
PREPARE NOW FOR THE STORM
We still have time to prepare for this coming storm. However, as each day passes, the time is running out. We must make our preparations now. First of all, make sure we are on the right ship! We can also make spiritual preparations by using our time wisely; in prayer and the study of God’s Word. Then the Lord will lead us as to what kind of physical preparations we should make. Remember, fear is not of the Lord and no matter how big the storm is, our God is bigger! This will be a time that the Lord will use His people mightily to show His love, grace and power to the people of the world who do not know Him. He will use us to rescue the perishing. We will be the lighthouse in the storm and a ship over troubled waters to rescue those who are in need.
Psalm 20:6-8: “Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.”
Psalm 18:2-3: “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.”
Psalm 118:6-9: “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? 7 The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. 8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. 9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.”
Jonah 2:5-10: “The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. 6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God. 7 When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. 8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. 9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. 10 And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.”
Return to Table of Contents for this Issue
COVENANT: GOD’S GUARANTEE FOR VICTORIOUS LIVING
By Pastor R.S. “Bud” Miller
Do Blessings and Curses Affect New Covenant Believers?
“And they shall be my people, and I will be their God: and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: and I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good” (Jeremiah 32:38-41).
The innermost desire of God is to accomplish the best for us in our lives, because we are entered into a blood covenant with Him. He wants to draw us unto Himself, to teach us to trust and totally depend upon Him. He wants to brings us into a relationship where we are at one with Him.
Drawing us to Himself is God’s purpose for “cutting covenant” with man. His desire is to fill us with Himself: His love, His blessings, His nature as expressed in Jesus, and His grace (Ephesians 1:23, 3:19, 4:13). In this covenant relationship, He desires that we delight ourselves in Him, that we love Him with our entire beings, that we know He is all in all to us.
Many Christians want to claim all of the “blessings of Abraham” but forget about the curses that are also listed in Bible. There are curses that come upon us if we fail to keep our part of the covenant (Deuteronomy 28; Leviticus 26). However, if the Old Covenant simply was swallowed up in a better covenant, or fulfilled in Jesus, then the new covenant–also a blood covenant–still has all of the same “clauses” or parts as the old. A blood covenant is a blood covenant.
The part that changed was how the covenant was sealed, memorialized, and received. As you study these aspects of the Old and New Covenants, you will notice many striking similarities between them:
The Old Covenant was sealed with circumcision in the flesh of the male heads of households, which covered all of the women in that house as well.
The New Covenant is sealed by “circumcision” of the heart (Romans 2:29), which happens when a person is born again, adopted into the family of God through a blood covenant. The entering in to this covenant with God is publicly displayed through baptism, much like a wedding ceremony publicly seals the marriage covenant between a man and woman.
What the Old Covenant emphasized outwardly, the New Covenant emphasizes inwardly. Yet, all along, God has looked for those who are His, through more than a mere fleshly ritual. Even in the Old Covenant, what He was really after was the hearts of His people:
“Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem” (Jeremiah 4:4).
The Old Covenant was memorialized by Passover, signifying that those under His covenant blessings were not susceptible to the curses, plagues or judgments that God reserves for those who oppose His ways. People under His covenant are blessed, while those that are not under His covenant are cursed when their “iniquity” is full (Genesis 15:16). That means the wrath of God in judgment falls when they have refused all the attempts of God to bring them to repentance and there is no other possibility of their hearts turning to Him.
The New Covenant is memorialized by Communion (Luke 22:15-20), the Passover meal that Jesus ate with His disciples during the Last Supper. Today, when we partake of Communion, we are partaking of a type of the Passover meal that the Israelites ate. The ritual of Communion does not save us, but as we mix this tradition with faith towards God, we receive the blessings of Covenant with Him. As with circumcision, the real issue once again, is our hearts toward God. That is why Paul warned that we must partake of Communion in a worthy manner and check our hearts before partaking of it.
“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged” (1 Corinthians 11:26-31).
The Old Covenant was “received” by the animal sacrifices. However, once again, the person’s heart also was involved. One could sacrifice animals for their sins, and still have a rebellious and unpleasing heart towards the Lord. Without a heart toward God which was manifested in willing obedience, the Covenant promises were null and void over that person, tribe, or nation. Disobedience to the Lord brings the curses. Today we see the fruit of disobedience to God’s laws manifested in various curses in people’s lives. Broken family relationships, extreme poverty, lack of self-discipline and many other similar things are part of the curses that we see in the world today. Being willing and obedient, however, allows God’s people to “…eat of the fat of the land” (Isaiah 1:10).
The New Covenant is received by faith in the one-time, eternal sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary (Romans 10:9,10). Though Jesus died for the whole world’s sins, many will never receive the benefits of it because they do not believe in Him. Even many Christians who are under the blood of Jesus do not fully understand, nor believe that the blessings of the New Covenant can really be theirs. From the beginning, those who entered into a covenant with God, followed more than mere outward directions given by God. Always, these directions and religious traditions were to be mixed with faith, hope and love. Otherwise they mean nothing to God.
Born again Christians are children of Abraham by faith (Galatians 3:29) through His Promised Seed, Jesus, (Galatians 3:2,19). However, without a heart manifested in willing obedience, the promises are null and void. This means the curses automatically begin to operate.
In the next issue of the Overcoming Life Digest, we will examine various aspects of the blessings and the curses and how God’s covenant partners can walk in all the blessings He has for them.
(Continued next issue)
Note: This teaching is continued from last month’s Overcoming Life Digest. See Table of Contents for Archives.
(Excerpt from the book entitled: COVENANT God’s Guarantee for Victorious Living by R.S. “Bud” Miller)
Return to Table of Contents for this Issue
SPIRITUAL WARFARE
By Betty Miller
Putting On The Protective Armor of God
In putting on our spiritual armor, we are told to have on the protective armor of God (Ephesians 6:14). Other pieces of this protective armor are the “Shoes of Peace.”
Putting on Shoes of Peace
We are told to have our “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15). This has two meanings. First, as children of God, we are to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). If we are in strife with someone, we will not be victorious against the devil. To receive from God, we must walk in peace toward everyone. We are to walk in forgiveness and love. Maybe others have not made up with us yet, but as long as we have forgiven them and from our heart we have asked for forgiveness, then we are free from strife. We have the gospel of peace on our feet. Second, we are to take the gospel of peace to others. At all times we are to be ready to share what God has given us: reconciliation to Him through Christ. That is the gospel of peace: God is not mad at us anymore. His anger has been appeased through the blood of Jesus. God is angry at sin, but we have repented and given our sins to Jesus and are now cleansed by His blood. God is no longer angry with us as our sins have been taken care of through the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus on the cross. That is the good news that we ought to be sharing with others. We ought to be telling them God loves them and has made a way for them to be free from their sins, that God will wash them clean in Christ. We need to be prepared, ready at any moment to share the gospel of peace, never backing away from our position.
Take the Shield of Faith
In donning our armor, we are told, “Above all, taking the shield of faith” (Ephesians 6:16). Above all! Faith is the most important piece of our armor. In fact, the Bible says “…whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). Faith is so crucial that besides being part of the armor, it is listed as both a gift and a fruit of the Spirit. That is why we emphasize faith; that is why faith teachings have been spread throughout the land. Yes, there have been abuses and extremes in the faith teaching, but that is the case with any truth of God. Just because people go to extremes does not nullify our responsibility to walk in faith.
In learning to walk in faith and believe for something from God, sometimes we have to start at the level we are on. Many Christians start by believing for a physical thing. That is fine. Then having exercised their faith on that level, they can believe for spiritual things, for souls to be saved. I have used faith in every realm—physical and spiritual. It is by faith we are going to overcome. Our faith will deliver our children. Our faith will bring healing from God. Our faith will bring the financial releases. Our faith will end Satanic pressures. Our faith will bring us through anything.
Raise the shield of faith. Why? Because by it we will “be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16). No matter what fiery dart the devil releases, no matter what he would mean to destroy us with, faith will stop his attack. We are not immune from his attacks, but as we raise the shield of faith, we will end them.
In the parable of the two houses (Matthew 7:24-27), one was built on sand and the other on rock. When the storms raged, only the house on the rock (Jesus and His Word) stood. Note that the storms of life came against both houses. We are not exempt from trouble, but we are exempt from what the enemy could make of that trouble. We have victory over what it could otherwise produce. By raising the shield of faith we quench the fiery darts that would otherwise bring destruction.
(Continued next issue)
Excerpt from the book Personal Spiritual Warfare; Click here to order from the CHAPEL BOOKSTORE
Return to Table of Contents for this Issue
EXPOSING SATAN’S DEVICES
By Betty Miller
DRESS FOR BATTLE
Let us look at the armour we are to put on in Ephesians 6:14-18, “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.” 1 Peter 1:13 gives us a definition of the loins.” “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” We are to gird the loins of our mind with truth. Jesus and His Word are truth, so this Scripture means that we are to allow Jesus to rule our minds and we are to read God’s Word. As we read and study God’s Word and fellowship with Him, we soon will find our thinking changed. Our task is to put the Word into our minds; God’s part is to transfer it from our minds to our hearts. If we are truly fellowshipping with the Lord, we will not allow a day to go by without reading the Bible. In fact, this is a good gauge that can reveal our relationship with God. If we love the Lord, we will love His Word.
SATAN RESISTS GOD’S WORD
Satan tries to hinder us from reading God’s Word as he knows, better than most, the power and strength that is gained by giving the Word of God priority. We need to be on guard and recognize Satan’s lies in this area. He will tell us, “You cannot understand what you are reading, so why read the Bible?” or, “This is not ministering to you, and you cannot even keep your mind on it, so why read it?” These are only a few of his lies to try to keep us out of the Word. If we are faithful and continue to read regardless of our mental understanding, we will push past that difficulty because it will minister to our spirits regardless of our comprehension. We must take the Word in us, so that the Holy Spirit will have something to “quicken” to us or bring to our recall when we need a Word from the Lord.
Another lie Satan tells some is that the early Christians did not have Bibles and God spoke to them, so we don’t need Bibles today. The disciples taught the first-century Christians God’s Word as they had studied under Jesus. When a Christian has no access to God’s Word, the Lord can supernaturally teach them His Word. This is rare, however, as God’s Word has circled the globe. Nevertheless some underground Christians have testified of this miracle. For those who have received the Lord and do not have a Bible, their very first cry is to try and get a Bible. Every true Christian will always have a desire to read the Word, God’s message to His people.
FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT IS THE WORD
God’s Word is spiritual food to our spirit man, just as natural food is sustenance to our physical bodies. If we do not feed our spirits, soon they become weak and lifeless. Jesus is the “Bread of Life” and we must partake of Him to have His life flowing in us. “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). If we are filled with God’s Word we shall be satisfied. Many are filling their minds with “garbage” they have taken in through television, secular magazines and harmful movies. It is no wonder many Christians are sick, weak and on the verge of moral collapse. It is just like making one’s diet one of junk food that eventually leads to ill health. If they would spend as many hours studying and reading God’s Word as they do watching TV, we would see the church making a greater impact on this world.
Excerpt from the book Exposing Satan’s Devices; Click here to order from the CHAPEL BOOKSTORE
Return to Table of Contents for this Issue
END TIMES
MARK OF GOD OR MARK OF THE BEAST
Betty Miller
INTRODUCTION
Much has been said on this subject of the mark of the beast, but little said about the mark of God. Will there be a literal mark tattooed on people’s foreheads and/or their hands in these end times to make it possible to buy and sell in a one-world monetary system that is being set up by an antichrist?
We can certainly see the possibilities of this becoming a literal reality in our day with the technology of laser beam tattoos and our president speaking of a “new world order.” Even now, pets can be tracked by tiny computer chips about the size of a grain of rice which have an identification number programmed into it that can be injected under the skin with a hypodermic needle. A special scanner generates a radio signal that reads the number through the skin of the animal when it is found.
This book is not disputing the possibilities of a literal tattoo, but rather exposing the spiritual implications behind that plan of Satan. How will this come about? Will it be one of the above new technologies or something yet to come? Personally, I find it hard to believe that men are going to be tattooed or branded with a literal set of three sixes on their foreheads or hands or that the letters J-E-S-U-S will be literally on the foreheads of God’s servants as spoken of in Revelation 22: 3-4: “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.”
How will the beast mark those who follow him, and what is the mark of God set upon those who follow Christ? Let us begin with the mark of the beast, then look at how we are to receive God’s mark which protects us from destruction in these end times.
Throughout the Scriptures, the word beast refers to a system, and not to a man. The beast is a system that rules the world; it’s an antichrist system. Daniel 7 speaks of beasts and identifies them as earthly kingdoms. So the beast in Revelation is a beastly system that’s ruling the world (it’s a dictator beast). This beast is not just one human being, rather it is a system that has infiltrated every area whether it be politics, medicine, art or science; the beastly system is everywhere. This system is typically overseen by a powerful government with those in power making decisions that perpetrate the worldly system throughout mankind. When Revelation 13:1 speaks of the beast rising up out of the sea, what is meant by the sea? The Scriptures speak of the sea as “masses of humanity.” This beastly system is rising up out of humanity, out of all the people on the earth. When John, the author of Revelation, stood upon the sand of the sea, he was standing upon that which could not be numbered, among all the people of the earth.
THE DECEPTION OF THE BEASTS
Lying Wonders of Satan
“And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live” (Revelation 13: 14). An image is a mirror of a reality. It reflects or looks like something else. Making an image to the beast is talking about, I believe, people who have so taken on the beastly system that they end up looking like Satan. They’ll look like him because they do the things he does. They’ll be like him. In contrast, we’re to be like Jesus, following in His footsteps, acting like and reflecting Him.
Satan will even perform lying wonders. 2 Thessalonians 2: 9 says, “Whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” Not all healing and miracles done in the name of Jesus are from God. In parts of the world there are healers who espouse the Bible, yet their work is done by satanic power. They supposedly perform surgery with their bare hands as they pull out bloody growths without making any incision. There are also other witchcraft activities that use the Bible. Many signs and wonders are occurring out there, but every miracle doesn’t come from God. If it doesn’t glorify Jesus, it isn’t coming from Him. Also, there are supposed occurrences of religious paintings or statues weeping, so people start worshipping such objects. Such activities certainly are not of God; in fact we are forbidden to worship any images. (Exodus 20:3-5). We are to worship God in spirit and in truth. John 4:24: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
“So that he (Satan) maketh fire come down from heaven” (Revelation 13: 13b). That could be literal fire from heaven caused by Satan or a flashy display of Satan’s power. God caused fire to fall from heaven on Sodom and Gomorrah. The fire of the Holy Spirit fell on the 120 on Pentecost. Fire displays power. Satan loves to counterfeit the things of God. So false fire from heaven indicates displays of power coming from Satan’s camp, from the Beast system.
(Continued next issue)
Excerpt taken from the book The Mark of God or The Mark of the Beast; Click here to order from the CHAPEL BOOKSTORE
Return to Table of Contents for this Issue
PROPHETIC VOICE TO THE CHURCH
As some may not be familiar with prophecy in the church, we want to share this short explanation of Biblical prophecy before
we share an actual prophecy from God.
First, what is godly prophecy? It can be summed up as words that are spoken on behalf of God. A prophet or prophetess is one who is a spokesman for God. It is a divine utterance that comes from the Holy Spirit. (Note: Just as there are prophetic words from God, there are also false prophecies that the Lord warned us about in the Bible. In Matthew 7:15-16 Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits….” We must prove the source of prophecy before accepting it as coming from the Lord).
God is raising up many prophetic voices in the earth today. His gifts of prophecy are basically of two types. One is the “simple gift of prophecy” which every believer can express under the unction or direction of the Holy Spirit after they have been filled with the Holy Ghost.
The other is the “office gift” of the spirit which is given to a prophet or prophetess who is called to the “five-fold” ministry office as outlined in 1 Corinthians 12:28 which says “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”
Ephesians 4:11-12: “And he gave some, apostles; and some prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
The basic difference between these two types, is that the simple gift of prophecy is given to all spirit filled believers as spoken of in 1 Corinthians 14:31, “For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.”
It is for the purpose of edification, exhortation and comfort as spoken of in 1 Corinthians 14:3, “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.”
The “office gift” of a prophet or prophetess is given to speak to the body of Christ at large. The ministers who are called to the office of a prophet or prophetess will deliver messages which include edification, exhortation and comfort, but their messages can also be directive in nature and futuristic in content as well (Ephesians 4:11-15).
Presently God is leading His people with prophetic preaching and teaching. A prophetic movement is taking place in the world.
————————————————
The Wealth of the Sinner
by Cindy Jacobs
There is a shifting in the spirit in the area of finance. For I, the Lord have tested and tried the hearts of my people concerning mammon. The wealth of the sinner has been heaped up for these end times when I will use it to fund the end-time revival. Some of the greatest and most influential economic strongholds will crumble, as I, Jehovah Jireh, position my people to harvest what is necessary to see that the gospel be taken to the ends of the earth.
Violent warfare in the heavenlies has, and is, being fought, against those to whom I desire to release My heaviest anointings to fund this end time move. The enemy is attempting to squeeze the life out of My chosen ones; the Jobs and Josephs. Intercessors arise! Cry out to me for a breakthrough in the area of finance. Pray that those who are called to provide great blessings through the gift of giving will not be discouraged in the day of battle, but stand firm.
In this coming move of the spirit, in the area of Harvest financing, I will only use those who keep their hearts pure and are not out for personal gain, but who will simply be conduits of the blessings. I am pouring out a large vision to My Christian leaders, and will link and network them with those to whom I am giving the power to get wealth.
Believe me for the outpouring. Stand against Satan’s plan to stop what I am sending from the windows of Heaven. Keep giving and do not withhold from Me. Be alert to those places the enemy will try to rob from you. Live a life of integrity and you will see rivers of prosperity pour into the storehouses of My ministries for My end-time harvest of the nations of the earth.
———————————————————————
Cindy Jacobs, president of Generals of Intercession and on the executive council of the National Prayer Embassy,travels widely and teaches on intercession. An intercessory participant in the Lausanne II Congress on World Evangelism and coordinator of the first 24-hour intercessory prayer team for InterVarsity’s Urbana 1990, she lives with her husband, Mike, and two children in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Mike and Cindy Jacobs can be reached by e-mail at: gihdq@ibm.net or you can visit their Generals of Intercession Website at: www.generals.org
The Voice of God, Women of Destiny and Possessing The Gates of the Enemy by Cindy Jacobs are available in our CHAPEL BOOKSTORE (Click here to order)
Return to Table of Contents for this Issue
BOOK REVIEW
An Affair of the Mind
by Laurie Hall
Published by Focus On The Family and written from the first-hand perspective of a wife whose husband was addicted to pornography for over 20 years, this powerful book delves deep into many facets of sexual addiction. The principles in this book, if applied, can save many marriages and restore even those who are most bound to sexual addiction. The author shares candidly of her struggles as she sought the Lord for the salvation of her marriage and restoration of her husband. The things she learned from the Holy Spirit along the way will minister to every person who reads the book.
This book touches on the many facets and symptoms of pornographic addiction, discussing everything from its effect of society, to its devastation of private lives. The book delves into the spiritual, emotional and relational consequences of sexual addiction and marital unfaithfulness. With the Holy Spirit, Laurie Hall unflinchingly looks sin in the face and exposes the common lies and deception that often shroud this issue. As well, she ministers with a great compassion, filling the her message with hope and healing, and leading the reader to a true path of restoration rather than a quick and simple fix.
Who should read this book? I believe that ministers of all kinds should read it to gain insight on how to effectively help those who are ensnared in sexual addition. As well, husbands or wives, whose spouses have been unfaithful to them; prisoners of sexual addiction, both past and present; and children of the sexually addicted will all gain insight and healing from these pages.
As a single woman who has not struggled with pornography, I was surprised to find that this message touched me so deeply. I read the book cover to cover, in a period of 24 hours, pausing occasionally to let the wisdom and powerful truths seep into my heart. The anointing of God is evident on this book and the principles that are exposed here can be applied to many situations aside from pornography. As I read, I often found myself wiping away tears, as the Holy Spirit ministered to me deep inside my heart.
If you, or anyone you know is touched by the issue of pornography, prostitution, marital unfaithfulness, and/or other like issues, we strongly recommend this book.
–Book Review —
An Affair of the Mind is priced at $10.99 (Special Price the month of March, 2000 is $9.34). Check our CHAPEL BOOKSTORE (Click here to order)
Return to Table of Contents for this Issue
POETRY CORNER
He Is Risen
By Margie M. Baker
The mournful Sabbath day was past
When all had been at rest;
Then in the dawn, three women came
To Him who they loved best.
The morn was bright, but oh, the gloom
In tender loving hearts!
No joy for them, but anguish keen
To pierce like fiery darts.
Three crosses stood upon a hill,
And on one he had died;
No wonder then the awful grief
Not one of them could hide.
The sweet aroma of the spice
They carried for the task
Of anointing His dear body
Caused one of them to ask:
“Who shall roll away the stone
That we may enter in
To anoint the One who gave His life
To free us all from sin?”
When they looked, they saw the stone
Was already rolled away
And an angel clothed in raiment white
Began to softly say:
“Be not afraid, the One you seek,
For the whole world crucified,
Is not here among the dead
‘Though on the cross He died.
Behold the place where He was laid,
Then go your way and tell
All who love Him that some day
In heaven they will dwell.
“For He is risen, and He lives
To walk among His own.
No grave could hold Him even tho’
His enemies sealed the stone.”
The women did as they were bid
And quickly spread the word,
“He is risen, He is risen,
Jesus Christ, Our Lord!“
Return to Table of Contents for this Issue
LITTLE FOXES
(Little Compromises That Cause Big Problems)
By Betty Miller
Song of Solomon 2:15 says, “Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.” Foxes sometimes in search of food would enter into the grape orchards and devour the grapes and spoil the crop. However, the little foxes were too small to reach the grape bunches so they would chew on the vines and it would kill the whole vine. Instead of the farmer just losing his crop, he would lose his vine which was more disastrous. Spiritually some things we do or allow that we might think are little or insignificant can also be disastrous for us.
Exercising Our Civil Responsibility of Voting
Listed below are some of the “little foxes” that generally keep us from our civic responsibilities, in the area of voting. The devil uses these lies and others so that he can keep godly men and women away from the polls and get the candidates of his choice elected. If we do nothing, it makes it easy for the enemy to help those who could become the wrong leadership for our nation.
“My one vote doesn’t count anyway.” “I’m disillusioned by the whole political process.” “I’m already too busy to take the time to cast an informed vote, so I just don’t vote at all.” “Politics are corrupt anyway and as a Christian I don’t want to be involved.”
These are just some of the excuses that people use to justify their failure to exercise their civil responsibility to vote. Only heaven will reveal the many opportunities that we had to change things for the better in this nation, yet, we failed to do so because we failed to use our right to vote. We do not realize the privilege we have to be able to have a voice in the choice of “who shall be our leaders and what kind of laws should govern our land.” If we were to go to a country that did not afford its people this right and live under the usual dictators that rule those countries, we might be more thankful for this advantage.
The heart of God is expressed in the Bible as to His concern for government leaders and leadership by telling us as Christians that we should pray in this vein when we look at the admonition in the following verses:
1 Timothy 2:1-42:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Should we not assume that if the Lord would have us pray for leaders, would He not also want us to use every opportunity to assist in electing the leaders that would be the best ones for promoting peace and righteousness? Yes, Jesus, himself said to “…Render unto Caesar the things that Caesar”.
Matthew 22:16: “And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
19 Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”
Caesar was the Roman emperor at that time, so Jesus was telling them they were to pay their taxes, as well as support the work of God. These scriptures tell us as Christians that we are to be good citizens and pay our taxes as well. As good citizens in our government structure here in the U.S.A., we should not leave the operation of the government to ungodly men. How can we prevent that? One way is to use our one vote wisely. We will be accountable before God as to how we voted. Another issue will be did we spend the time in study and prayer so that we could vote wisely for the proper candidates, as well as the right issues?
According to George Barna in his book, The Second Coming of the Church, the number of Christians that registered to vote in a poll taken in 1997 was 83% as compared to 79% of non-Christians. If we have complaints about those in leadership that are immoral and the new laws that have been passed that are offensive and anti-Biblical; we might lay the complaint at the steps of the church. What about our responsibility as good citizens? Are you registered to vote? Will you take the time to study the voting records and lifestyles of candidates? Which candidates most closely follow Bible standards? Will you set apart some time to pray about who would make the best leader? Will you take time to study the propositions? How will voting “for” or “against” an issue affect God’s plans for humanity? Then, most importantly… WILL YOU VOTE?
Return to Table of Contents for this Issue
COUNSELOR’S CORNER
By Alfred H. Ells, M.C.
____________________________
ACQUIRING HUMILITY
“…And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8
Perhaps you have heard the story of the parishioner who received recognition for being the humblest man in the church? They gave him a pin to wear. The following Sunday he wore it and th