A Season of Grace & Mercy for Sanballat and Tobias

Nehemiah 4 NIV

4 ^[a] When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall; he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, ² and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?”

³ Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!”

⁴ Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. ⁵ Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of^[b] the builders.

⁶ So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.

⁷ But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. ⁸ They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. ⁹ But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.

¹⁰ Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.”

¹¹ Also our enemies said, “Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.”

¹² Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.”

¹³ Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. ¹⁴ After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

¹⁵ When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work.

¹⁶ From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah ¹⁷ who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, ¹⁸ and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.

¹⁹ Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. ²⁰ Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”

²¹ So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. ²² At that time I also said to the people, “Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and as workers by day.” ²³ Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.^[c]

Scriptural Reference: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah+4&version=NIV

Prophetic Insight:

A wellspring of revelation came forth this morning as it relates to kingdom building. It was revealed that the time has come for the Sanballats and Tobiahs of this past season to repent and purify their hands. They have worked tirelessly in order to block or stop the work of those (brothers and sisters in the Lord) who have been working and focused on kingdom building. Blinded by deception those who thought they were fighting against people have in fact been coming against the established work of the Father. Just as unruly children who throw rocks and then hide their hands, these agents of sabotage didn’t realize that the Sovereign Father not only saw them but He also knew the true purposes of their heart. 

The scepter of grace and mercy has now been extended to all who have purposely or unknowingly spoken against, restricted, hindered, blocked, delayed or even stopped those who were actively fulfilling their kingdom assignments in the earth. This space of grace is set for those who are to accept personal responsibility for their actions, repent to God, seek forgiveness, and then receive healing and restoration. The time has come, will you allow the love of the Father to make you whole?

Prophetic Healing Prayer:

Sovereign Father, you are holy. You are worthy of all of the praise and adoration that is due unto your name. I give you thanks for another day to come before your presence. Thank you that when you look at me, you see the righteousness of your Son. Today, I repent for any time I have personally spoken against, restricted, hindered, blocked, delayed or even stopped any of your precious ones from fulfilling their kingdom assignments in the earth.   

I ask you now for your forgiveness. I ask also that those whom I’ve hurt, whether in word or deed forgive and release me from all of the harm I caused them. I ask that they forgive me for trying to sabotage their divine assignment because  of my jealousy, envy, anger or fear. Father, I ask that you now wash me. Wash me, cleanse and restore me from the inside out that I may once again represent in purity your Son Jesus as an Ambassador here in the earth. I ask all of this in Jesus name, Amen.  

If you are in need of Jesus the Savior, you are welcome to pray the following prayer.

Prayer of Salvation:

I repent of all of my sins and right now I do confess that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for the remission of my sins. I believe that Jesus died and was buried and rose again, and is now seated at the right hand of God in Heaven. I receive Him now as Lord of my life and I now commit to serve him for the rest of my days. It’s in Jesus’ name I do pray, Amen.

If you have just prayed this prayer and want more information about beginning your new life as a Christian, please write us at the address below we will be happy to send you a free booklet.

PO BOX 754301

Memphis, TN 38175

Changing of the Guard Part III

Gehazi’s Greed

2 Kings 5:20-27 ²⁰ But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared Naaman this Syrian, while not receiving from his hands what he brought; but as the Lord lives, I will run after him and take something from him.” ²¹ So Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw him running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him, and said, “Is all well?” ²² And he said, “All is well. My master has sent me, saying, ‘Indeed, just now two young men of the sons of the prophets have come to me from the mountains of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of garments.’”

²³ So Naaman said, “Please, take two talents.” And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and handed them to two of his servants; and they carried them on ahead of him. ²⁴ When he came to the citadel, he took them from their hand, and stored them away in the house; then he let the men go, and they departed. ²⁵ Now he went in and stood before his master. Elisha said to him, “Where did you go, Gehazi?”

And he said, “Your servant did not go anywhere.”  ²⁶ Then he said to him, “Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants? ²⁷ Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.” And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow.

Message

Father shared a parable this past Thursday morning which aligns with the scripture reference from 2 Kings 5:20-27. The parable centers on a person who is hired as an employee at a company and becomes part of the company’s workforce. As an employee of this company, the individual provides a service to their employer and in return receives compensation for fulfilling what is required. One day after providing a service for a client who has connections with the local professional team, the employee announces that they need a favor and would like tickets for an upcoming game.  While the employee believes there is no harm in making this request, they may not realize that by soliciting goods or services from the client is in fact wrong and against company policy. They also may not be aware that the purpose of this policy is not only for protecting the integrity of the company but also for their benefit as well.  Companies normally put policies like this in place to help safeguard all employees including management from falling prey to greed. Without the proper boundaries in place, employees could easily be enticed away by any freebie presented and lose focus thereby affecting the integrity of the company’s vision.

It’s important to note that while some client/customer freebies may be viewed as free, someone somewhere already paid the price for it to be produced. Gehazi, who served the prophet Elisha, allowed the sight of a few “freebies” to draw his focus away from his ministry assignment. Apparently he felt in some way that he was somehow entitled to these items because Elisha had of course healed Naaman. What he failed to realize is that the boundaries that were in place were not there to hinder him from accepting and enjoying the “freebies” but to protect the integrity of his and Elisha’s ministry assignment. Unfortunately for him, his short lived greed came with a very high price tag.

Prophetic Utterance

Some major leaders will be stepping down because of what has happened within their ministries as it relates to greed. Father is now exposing on a grand scale. New leaders with a heart for Him will rise up to take their place. Things are being aligned and redirected so the church can truly begin to step out of its comfort zone to become a driving force in the earth before the return of the Lord. Father desires that His people be Kingdom generated and not greed motivated. Scribed @ 7:45 AM (CST) 2/27/2014

Encouragement

Grace is available. Mercy is obtainable and God is able to heal and restore you.

Deliverance Prayer

Heavenly Father thank you for who you are. You are Sovereign and worthy of all the honor and glory. We surrender our hearts, mind and emotions to you on today. We ask that you forgive us for any trespass against you and others. Forgive us for harboring greed in any area of our lives.  Father, forgive us for not protecting the integrity of your church and our ministry assignments. We ask that you wash, cleanse, and purge us of any contamination from the world. Purify and align our hearts with your divine will that we can become the effective witnesses and agents of change you desire us to be. Thank you Heavenly Father for your amazing grace and another opportunity to serve you both in spirit and in truth. Amen

Encouragement for those who are serving in the trenches

Psalm 24 
Of David. A psalm.

¹ The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
    the world, and all who live in it;
² for he founded it on the seas
    and established it on the waters.

³ Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
    Who may stand in his holy place?
⁴ The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
    who does not trust in an idol
    or swear by a false god.

⁵ They will receive blessing from the Lord
    and vindication from God their Savior.
⁶ Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek your face, God of Jacob.

⁷ Lift up your heads, you gates;
    be lifted up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
⁸ Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord strong and mighty,
    the Lord mighty in battle.
⁹ Lift up your heads, you gates;
    lift them up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
¹⁰ Who is he, this King of glory?
    The Lord Almighty—
    he is the King of glory.

Reference:  http://www.biblegateway.com

Message 

This afternoon, a heavy tear filled intercession came up in my spirit for those who are serving in the trenches of the vineyard. Many have been crying out to the Father because they are feeling undervalued and forgotten.  

Father spoke, that yes He has heard your silent cries of anguish and frustration. And He is aware that many are serving others while in deep need. Many are wondering when they will be rewarded for countless hours of labor. Many have also wondered why they have not been allowed to enjoy the spoils as their leaders have been privy to. 

Father spoke that He has heard your request and wants you to know that your labor is not in vain. The reward that you are searching for, the recognition that you are seeking for is found in Him alone. Place not your confidence in the things of the flesh, place your hope in God alone. He is the rewarder of them that seek after Him with their whole hearts. As you work unto the Lord, it is He who will supply your every need. 

Be free today and set your heart and eyes back upon the Lord, the creator of all the earth.

Breaking Free from the Spirit of Saul

Scripture

2 Samuel 31:1-6  

Now the Philistines fought against Israel; the Israelites fled before them, and many fell dead on Mount Gilboa. The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua.  The fighting grew fierce around Saul, and when the archers overtook him, they wounded him critically. Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through and abuse me.” But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it. When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him. So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together that same day. When the Israelites along the valley and those across the Jordan saw that the Israelite army had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their towns and fled. And the Philistines came and occupied them. The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. They cut off his head and stripped off his armor, and they sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news in the temple of their idols and among their people. They put his armor in the temple of the Ashtoreths and fastened his body to the wall of Beth Shan. When the people of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all their valiant men marched through the night to Beth Shan. They took down the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth Shan and went to Jabesh, where they burned them. Then they took their bones and buried them under a tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and they fasted seven days.

Message

In this particular scripture, Saul the King of Israel is in the midst of a heated battle with his enemy. One by one those closest to him began to fall as the battle increased. Cornered by the enemy, Saul is wounded by arrows designed to take him out. Wounded, but with life still flowing in his body, Saul allowed fear to enter his heart. With his faith now being challenged; he asked his armor bearer to help end his misery. When his armor bearer refused his request, Saul decided his fate and fell on his sword and died. 

While meditating upon this passage, revelation came forth which revealed that this is the same spirit which has been moving in some of the areas of leadership within the Body. In recent months there has been an increase in suicides among spiritual shepherds who seemed to have lost all hope. Many may have felt that the wounds inflicted in this season by the enemy were too deep and painful for God to heal. 

While all leaders who experience pain and hardships will not seek to take their lives, the purpose of this word is not to bring condemnation; but to revive hope and to illuminate the seriousness of suicide occurring among some of our dedicated spiritual shepherds. The best defense to stopping any type of assignment which seeks to kill, steal and destroy is to gain wisdom in order to implement preventive measures. Indeed the time has come to sound the alarm so that we as a body can stand together as a united front to break and destroy the works of the enemy from off the lives of those called to lead and shepherd us the people of God.

Encouragement

Spiritual shepherds don’t allow the spirit of Saul to push you into a place of fear as if there is no hope or way of escape.  There is a way of escape through Jesus Christ. He is your key. He is your source. Allow for the Spirit of God to be your light helping you to maneuver through all of the curves in the highway stretched before you. He already knows the way because He has guided others through this way before. Come out so you can go into and experience God’s promises for your life. Go in so you can share and release the Father’s heart to the people. Go in so many can become free to truly live again through a new hope in Christ Jesus. 12-18-2013 @ 8:30 AM (CST)

Deliverance Prayer

Father we enter into your gates with thanksgiving and into your courts with praise. We set ourselves in agreement and align our heart with your divine will. We decree and declare that you dear God in all of your Sovereignty reign and rule in our lives. 

We take every thought captive and command that our thoughts line up with your word and truth. We take up a hedge and stand in the gap for those called to shepherd and lead the people of God. We bind up, cut the cords and destroy the works of the spirit of Saul from taking root and loose your anointing which destroys every yoke of bondage. We bind up and reject all backlash of the enemy and stand united dressed in the full armor of God. We loose your love and send your peace forth to those who are wounded and without hope. 

We thank you for dispensing a greater measure of your grace and strength to each and every leader. We thank you for increasing and strengthening their faith where it is torn and weak. We thank you for granting peace where there is confusion. We thank you for your healing flowing down into the deep, deep recesses of their battle wounds. Father, we bless you and honor you for continuing to pour out your spirit afresh upon and in the lives of your vessels. We ask that you give us your people a heart of love, patience, and gratitude for those appointed to serve as our spiritual shepherds. In Jesus name, we do pray, amen and amen.

For more information on understanding the signs and symptoms of suicide please click on the following links of these great resources.

Resources

Helpguide: How to Help Someone who is Suicidal

Website: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/suicide_prevention.htm

Suicide Prevention Life Line: Call 24/7 1-800-273-8255

Website: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

American Foundation Suicide Prevention: If you are in crisis, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Website: http://www.afsp.org/

 

Divine Strategies

The waters are being stirred and divine strategies are being released. Keep a pen and paper with you. He, who has an ear, let him hear.

House Cleaning Time

2 Chronicles 29: 15-16 “When they had assembled their fellow Levites and consecrated themselves, they went in to purify the temple of the Lord, as the king had ordered, following the word of the Lord. The priests went into the sanctuary of the Lord to purify it. They brought out to the courtyard of the Lord’s temple everything unclean that they found in the temple of the Lord. The Levites took it and carried it out to the Kidron Valley.”

Psalm 51:1 “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”

Ezekiel 36:25-27 “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. ²⁶ I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. ²⁷ I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.”

2 Corinthians 7:1 “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

James 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

Scriptural References taken from www.biblegateway.com

I was awakened at 3:30 AM this morning and immediately began to pray in the spirit. This was not an odd occurrence because for the last couple of years until the recent changing of the guard I had been assigned to the fourth watch of the night.

As I bowed from the weight and sorrow of what was being released during this time, a clear vision began to materialize. Father began revealing in greater clarity what some already know has begun to take place within the lives of His children.  Father used one of my childhood homes in Wisconsin as an analogy. In the vision, I was shown how on Saturday mornings, my mother would gather her six children and everyone had to help clean our home from top to bottom including the basement and backyard.

Everyone had their own assignments and knew what they were to clean before we started. My daddy took the clothes to the Laundromat during the times we did not have an in home washer or dryer.  The two eldest boys had their room, the backyard and the basement. I had the kitchen, living room and entryway. My younger sister had the only bathroom and our shared bedroom. My two youngest brothers had their shared room and the family den upstairs. Everyone was expected to do a through cleaning, so we could get to what we enjoyed as a family and that was sitting down to the weekly Saturday movie matinee and some of mama’s freshly stove popped pop corn and a tumbler of Kool-Aid.

Because we did this type of cleaning once a week, it was not such a difficult task. But on occasion while cleaning depending on the season we were in we will find bugs, and other undesirables who decided to find their final resting place in or around our home. Because this was our home and what we considered a place of safety, it was our job to get rid of and dispose of those things found that did not belong. Once we finished and everything was cleaned and put away, mama would do a walk through to make sure that what we said lined up with what we were assigned to do. In the end we always knew everything went well with her inspection because she would then go into the kitchen and pull out the oil and popcorn to make huge bowls of popcorn for everyone. (End of vision)

  

Now that we’ve entered a brand new season, Father is yet continuing as before periodic house cleaning inspections for His children. It is our responsibility both individually and corporately to adhere to this necessary house cleaning. Not only is this of great importance but it is imperative that we embrace this process in an effort to stay in sync and in tune with the flow of the Father’s spirit.  Just as with any manufacturer, Father desires that those whom He created with His very own hands are operating and functioning in the manner for which they have been uniquely designed.

If you are not sure of where to begin or how to start, pray and ask Holy Spirit to show you the rooms in your home or areas around your property that may need some special attention. This time clean house as if your destiny depended on it, for truly my dear brothers and sisters, a time for major house cleaning is upon us.

Blessings and Love,

A Scribe of the Lord, A Scribe for the Lord

National Poetry Month 2013

In honor of National Poetry Month 2013, we are sharing the playback of "A Poetic View Radio" Poet's Roundtable discussion from April 30, 2011.

Roundtable participants:

I. Renai Collins

Arnita L. Fields

Apostle Theresa H. Johnson

Shelia E. Lipsey-Moderator

Carla Y. Nix

Robert T. Sells

Please click on the link below.
http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/97357

Blessings and enjoy!