“Then one was brought to Him [JESUS] who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw.” Matthew 12:22
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Scripture is clear that a human being can be possessed or controlled by a demon or evil spirit.
“…they brought to Him [JESUS] all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.” Matthew 4:24b
“For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.” Acts 8:7
Scripture is also clear that the LORD has given us power and authority to drive out demons.
“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues” Mark 16:17
To identify signs of demonic activity either in an oppressive or possessive state, we must look at Scripture as the primary identifier, without falling into superstition or human intuition.
We see specific signs of demonic activity identified in the following passage of Scripture.
“Then one of the crowd answered and said, ‘Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. 18 And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.’ 19 He answered him and said, ‘O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.’ 20 Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. 21 So He asked his father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’ And he said, ‘From childhood. 22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’ 23 Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’ 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’ 25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, ‘Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!’ 26 Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, ‘He is dead.’ 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.28 And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ 29 So He said to them, ‘This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.’” Mark 9:17-29
From this account found in the book of Mark and other Biblical accounts, we can identify some typical phenomenon that may be observed during a demonic manifestation. These include the following.
Personality Changes
There may be a change of a person’s personality, including:
1. Enhanced intelligence and manipulation.
2. Shifted moral character and behavior.
3. Altered physical appearance.
Physical Changes
There may be physical changes in a person, including:
1. Increased unnatural strength.
2. Epileptic convulsions – for example, foaming at the mouth.
3. Catatonic symptoms – for example, falling suddenly.
4. Clouding of consciousness.
5. Loss of sensation to pain.
6. Changes in voice.
Mental Changes
There may be mental changes to a person, including:
1. Glossolalia or “tongues” (speaking in an unknown language) and understanding or interpretation of this unknown language. This is a fake “gift,” as opposed to the Biblical gift.
2. Unnatural knowledge.
3. Psychic and occult powers, such as:
- Clairvoyance – the power or faculty of discerning objects not present to the senses; the ability to perceive matters beyond the range of ordinary perception.
- Telepathy – communication from one mind to another by extrasensory means.
- Prediction.
Spiritual Changes
There may be spiritual changes to a person, including:
1. Reaction to and fear of CHRIST.
2. Blasphemy with regret, as in depression.
3. Reaction to prayer.
Deliverance is possible in the Name of JESUS, praise GOD.
“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8b
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” 1 Corinthians 6:12
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Hypnosis is a changed state of awareness and increased mental relaxation that allows for improved focus and concentration. It also is called “hypnotherapy.” Hypnosis usually is done with the guidance of a health care provider using verbal repetition and mental images. During hypnosis, most people feel calm and relaxed. Hypnosis typically makes individuals open to suggestions concerning their behavior.
There has been a constant debate in mental health arenas concerning the validity and usefulness of hypnotism. Claims have been made that hypnosis may be helpful for pain control, hot flashes, addictions by behavioral changes, cancer treatment side effects and mental health conditions. Some of the side effects that have been reactions to hypnosis are dizziness, headache, drowsiness, anxiety and sleeping disorders. Some see hypnotism as being not good or bad, while others argue that hypnotism can be beneficial for therapy and diagnosing the root of a particular issue.
Christians must understand the fact that hypnosis, no matter the intentions of the therapist, is an assault on the human mind, an attack on the soul.
The human mind should not be a place where someone should let another person have control of it. The body, including the mind, is part of what we sacrifice unto the LORD, meaning that HE is the owner of it when we become HIS disciple. Paul the Apostle understood this clearly as he communicated this in Romans 12:1-2, where it says:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
The transformation of the mind is the function of the HOLY SPIRIT. The art or act of suggestion to externally control the mind is a function of unlawful soul realm manipulation, where we often define this as one of the very weapons of witchcraft. As believers, we must engage in wars in various theatres simultaneously through the instruction of the SPIRIT of GOD. This is very clear in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
This Scripture features items that identify the theatres of war in the mind: arguments concerning the superiority of GOD; the very knowledge of Who GOD is; and the need for all things, especially the process of our mind called “thought,” to be under the subjugation of obedience to CHRIST.
Allowing a hypnotist to subjugate your mind to his suggestion and cognition is allowing your mind to come under the obedience of something or someone else other than CHRIST and HIS supernatural power. Again, the Apostle understood that GOD intends to be glorified through us in both Body and Spirit.
“Everything is permissible for me, but not all things are beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything and brought under its power, allowing it to control me.” 1 Corinthians 6:12 (AMP)
“Look! God is abandoning your house to you, leaving it desolate.” Matthew 23:38 CJB
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Desolation. Abandonment. Rejection.
Every single time. Whenever the WORD of GOD recounts the departure of the GLORY or the Presence of the LORD, the result is desolation…abandonment…rejection.
It is very weighty and sobering to even think that the GLORY of the LORD would depart from HIS dwelling place. Why would it event come to this point – where the GOD of Israel HIMSELF would abandon HIS Holy Place?
Let’s examine Ezekiel 8-11, where the prophet Ezekiel is taken in visions to Jerusalem. He experiences, in precision, the progressive departure of the GLORY of the LORD from the Temple in Jerusalem.
· Phase 1: The GLORY is enthroned between the cherubim above the Ark of the Covenant (Ezekiel 8:4).
· Phase 2: The GLORY rises from between the cherub and pauses over the threshold of the Temple (Ezekiel 9:3; Ezekiel 10:4).
· Phase 3: The GLORY leaves the threshold of the Temple and stands over the angels that are standing at the entrance of the East Gate of the Temple (Ezekiel 10:18-19).
· Phase 4: The GLORY of the LORD leaves the city and stands over a mountain east of the city (Ezekiel 11:22-23).
It is a very sad day indeed when the GLORY of the LORD departs. But again, why did it come to this point – why did HIS GLORY leave HIS dwelling place?
Very simply: Idolatry and sin.
“‘And many nations will pass by this city, and every man will say to his neighbor, “Why has the Lord dealt thus with this great city?” 9 And they will answer, “Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God and worshiped other gods and served them.”’” Jeremiah 22:8-9 ESV
GOD’s Holy Place had become unholy. Idolatry had been welcomed into the land, such that it invaded not only the towns and the cities and the countryside of Israel…but even was so bold as to invade the very Temple of GOD HIMSELF.
In Ezekiel 8, we see:
· The “idol that provokes jealousy” was standing at the entrance of the north gate of the Temple, and women were mourning the false god at the entrance.
· Wall paintings of unclean animals and idols were near the entrance to the court of the Temple. In fact, 70 elders / leaders of Israel were offering incense to the idols there!
· In the inner court of the Temple, about 25 men were bowing down to the sun. Not only that…they had turned their backs on the Temple of GOD (literally!) and were bowing to the sun in the east! At the very door of the Temple!!!
“So He brought me into the inner court of the Lord’s house; and there, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs toward the temple of the Lord and their faces toward the east, and they were worshiping the sun toward the east.” Ezekiel 8:16
And yet, even with all this idolatry, the departure of the GLORY was progressive…and paused at each phase. What would have happened if there had been true repentance and cleansing at any of these pauses?
You see, this is not something that happens overnight. No – it happens when people, priest, prophet, pastor, leader have rejected the LORD, have betrayed HIM, and have followed other “gods.”
“When they come with their flocks and herds to offer sacrifices to the Lord, they will not find him, because he has withdrawn from them. 7 They have betrayed the honor of the Lord, bearing children that are not his. Now their false religion will devour them along with their wealth.” Hosea 5:6-7 NLT
And, because people, priest, prophet, pastor, leader reject the LORD and engage in willful harlotry (i.e., idolatry), it is then necessary for the GLORY of the LORD to depart for HE must maintain HIS own honor and holiness.
And what follows? Desolation…abandonment…rejection. Every single time.
What has happened to the “Church” today? Generations and generations of false doctrine, the spirit of religion, and spiritual harlotry (i.e., idolatry) have invaded our societies, our churches, our people, priests, prophets, pastors, leaders. How much longer will the LORD have mercy before HE removes HIS GLORY, HIS Presence from among us…with ensuing desolation, abandonment, rejection?
Brothers and sisters, judgement has already started. A brief look at the news will show leaders who have fallen dead for “no reason,” before “their time.” The LORD will not strive with man forever (Genesis 6:3).
Now let’s make it personal. What about us, HIS Body, HIS Temple? Are there areas of your life in which you have set up idols? Are there areas in your life where you continue to engage in rebellion, holding on to the spirit of religion, committing spiritual harlotry (i.e., idolatry)? Is there anything that comes even remotely close to competing with GOD in your life? Does GOD have reason to be jealous?
The time is now to renounce these idols and turn to GOD in full repentance, lest HE remove HIS GLORY.
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.” 2 Peter 3:9-10 ESV
Today, pray that the HOLY SPIRIT will reveal areas of our lives that are in need of a spiritual cleansing, such that HIS GLORY will remain with us, and HIS Presence will go before us to give us peace, rest, and victory. In JESUS’ Name.
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John was the disciple turned apostle, referred to as the “disciple JESUS loved” (John 13:23), who laid his head on JESUS’ chest (John 13:23-25). In writing the book of Revelation, when John saw the same JESUS in HIS natural habitat (John 4:24), the spirit realm, that same John fell down as dead (Revelation 1:17). What did John encounter?
The closest thing we can relate it to is the GLORY. What?! What is that?
Let’s take a look at Ezekiel 1:22-28. These Scriptures are not the only ones describing the GLORY of GOD, but it is so descriptive from the angle of earth-to-heaven through an open vision, that we should be able to relate. For many who work with WeRemnant intercessory team, open visions should be normal to us by now. Remember, the closer we get to JESUS – HOLY SPIRIT – by spirit-physical activities of prayer and fasting, we do the supernatural normally.
“The likeness of the firmament above the heads of the living creatures was like the color of an awesome crystal, stretched out over their heads. 23 And under the firmament their wings spread out straight, one toward another. Each one had two which covered one side, and each one had two which covered the other side of the body. 24 When they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a tumult like the noise of an army; and when they stood still, they let down their wings. 25 A voice came from above the firmament that was over their heads; whenever they stood, they let down their wings. 26 And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it. 27 Also from the appearance of His waist and upward I saw, as it were, the color of amber with the appearance of fire all around within it; and from the appearance of His waist and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire with brightness all around. 28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.” Ezekiel 1:22-28
I encourage everyone to read all of Ezekiel 1. It is so “wow.”
The entire chapter is describing all the four living creatures and the cherubim that surrounded the GLORY of GOD, to the point where they have to cover their faces, their feet, and then fly. They are described as fire and colors and faces and more fire. Our GOD is a consuming FIRE (Hebrews 12:29) and that is consistent across Scripture. All of that had to go on consistently in the Throne Room, and Ezekiel got a peek.
GLORY is “KAVOD” in the Hebrew. KAVOD means heaviness, weight, honor, greatness, honor, splendor, power; and it always has an effect and result. For example, a light breeze is very different from a whirlwind or tornado. The effects are different. Just like a tornado has destructive effects that can be seen, so also when the GLORY of GOD invades, its effects can be seen and are powerful.
The GLORY of GOD is revealed to us in two ways.
“Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, 10 and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity. 11 But on the nobles of the children of Israel He did not lay His hand. So they saw God, and they ate and drank….16 Now the glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day He called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. 17 The sight of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel. 18 So Moses went into the midst of the cloud and went up into the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.” Exodus 24:9-11, 16-18
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When the GLORY of our GOD rested on Mount Sinai, it was unmissable. There was no ambiguity. It was not drummed up or manmade, emotion driven, or preacher manufactured. Please do not misunderstand – the invasion of the GLORY of GOD is in response to what we, HIS children, do. Israel came to the mountain of GOD (Exodus 19,24). We position ourselves the way HE instructs, and HE responds with HIS GLORY.
Another example is when Solomon dedicated the Temple. The GLORY of GOD so filled the Temple when It entered, that the 120 priests ministering were pretty much kicked out (2 Chronicles 7:1-16). We see this again in one of my favorite Scriptures, when Moses finished the work, that the GLORY of GOD entered the Tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus 40:33-38). The GLORY kicked him out as well.
The other way the GLORY of GOD is revealed is when people see the effect of the GLORY. When GOD does something only HE can do, people stop and give HIM glory. For example, in Exodus 16:6-7, the Israelites see the GLORY of GOD by what HE does – raining down grain-like wafers from heaven, called “manna.” Even the manna came with instructions!
“Then Moses and Aaron said to all the children of Israel, ’At evening you shall know that the Lord has brought you out of the land of Egypt. 7 And in the morning, you shall see the glory of the Lord; for He hears your complaints against the Lord. But what are we, that you complain against us?’” Exodus 16:6-7
Why is this important when praying and fasting – to position ourselves for the GLORY or the glory? The level of GLORY or glory you experience depends on your position.
Moses and the worshiping priests inside the Temple got to experience GLORY. For us, that means those who are ministering directly to GOD, in prayer, fasting, giving, obedience, etc., get to see HIM in HIS GLORY.
The Israelites (church in general) got to see the effects of the GLORY.
Today: Pray for the LORD to prepare each of us to encounter GLORY. John was in the HOLY SPIRIT on the LORD’s day (Revelation 1:10). So pray for the same thing, to enter in the “more” – into more of the GLORY.
Finally, will you come to HIM for HIM…or will you come to HIM for what HE can do for you?
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Why would JESUS love us? What really is the benefit for JESUS in this relationship between us and HIM?
JESUS risks more in the relationship between you and HIM; I know for a fact that JESUS risks more in this relationship between HIM and me. HE is always constant; HE never walks away. I, on the other hand, turn away from HIM if things don’t go my way. I doubt HIM and even question HIS faithfulness!
We all know GOD does not get what HE deserves when HE enters a relationship with us. HE gets the “short end of the stick.” Have you ever asked yourself why HE does it? Why did HE choose to love us; why did HE choose to love me?
Let us take a look at the love of GOD and how HE definitely invests more in this love relationship between HIM and us.
“When I passed by you, and saw you kicking in your blood. I said to you, ‘In your blood, live!’ Yes, I said to you, ‘In your blood, live!’” Ezekiel 16:6
I can’t get past this verse. All JESUS had to do was look and HE had compassion on me and you. HE saw us in our mess, and HE spoke life into us. Thank GOD for HIS mercy and thank GOD for HIS saving grace. We thought we were living; we thought we were going places. But we were wallowing in our blood, in our mess
“‘Again I passed by and saw you, and behold, you were truly at the time of love. I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness. I swore to you and entered into a covenant with you,’ says Adonai. ‘So you became Mine. 9 Then I washed you with water, rinsed off your blood from on you and anointed you with oil…. 12 I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears and a crown of glory on your head…. 14 Your fame spread among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect, through My splendor, which I bestowed on you.’ It is a declaration of Adonai.” Ezekiel 16:8-9,12,14 TLV
Verse 8 brings back the story of Ruth and Boaz when she asked Boaz to cover her with his robe. Let us take a sidebar and look at the verse at face value. Can you imagine how big and wide the robe of GOD is? HIS robe is so wide that just the corner can cover my nakedness. As my daughter put it, GOD’S robe must be big enough that just the corner can cover the person all over. Imagine that!
The end of verse 8 references GOD swearing to us and entering into a covenant with us. It was not me doing the swearing and covenant. It was JESUS! ADONAI went onto declare “YOU ARE MINE!”
Do you see this love? Do you see that after the covenant in verse 9, HE then cleansed us? JESUS is the ONE doing everything here. All HIM!
“‘But you trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a harlot. You poured out your enticements on everyone who passed by—they were his…. 19 My bread that I gave you, fine flour, oil and honey that I fed you with, you set before them as a sweet aroma. That is what happened.’ It is a declaration of Adonai.” Ezekiel 16:15,19 TLV
Here comes the dreaded “but” at the beginning of verse 15. We, HIS Bride, turned our backs on HIM and hurt HIM. This is the relationship JESUS commits HIS Heart to…but we betray HIS Love! HIS Love takes us back; HE never leaves, and HE stays patiently waiting for us to come back to HIM. HE will even run to us when HE sees us coming back to HIM. That’s our JESUS!
HE risks HIS Heart and HIS Love just for us. HIS Love is worth the pain and hurt. HE keeps taking us back.
I just don’t understand HIS love. Do you?
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“For He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion. So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of GOD who shows mercy.’” Romans 9:15-16
According to Easton’s dictionary, “mercy” is compassion towards the miserable.
We were miserable without GOD on our side, but HE loved us. Mercy is GOD’S compassion towards people who do not deserve it. To those whom it is offered but refused, judgment awaits; however, to those who receive it, eternal life awaits.
JESUS never took HIS focus off HIS goal, the cross and HIS love for us. Even as HE carried the cross, HE persevered through betrayal, hopelessness, and shame and put our needs (i.e. salvation) before HIS pain. What an expression of love!
What is salvation, but the mercy of GOD?! GOD sent HIS only SON that whoever believes in HIM will not perish but have everlasting life. While we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us. There was nothing we could have done to earn it, and it’s something that we could never repay. HIS mercy allowed us to pass from death to life. It’s all on GOD! That makes me glad.
Salvation was of the Jews, and we Gentiles were grafted in. HE called us who were not HIS people to be HIS people. We became the recipients of HIS mercy. The whole world was under condemnation and hell-bound, but JESUS was our ram in the bush. We deserve death because the wages of sin is death, but HE was the ONE who took upon HIMSELF the wrath of GOD and died on the Cross at Calvary. It was mercy inaction and love in full manifestation.
JESUS’ rising from the grave was merciful because it showed us that we would also be raised to spend eternity with HIM. Oh, HE loves us so much! The CREATOR of all the earth wants to be with us.
All day every day HE pours out HIS love on us. What GOD news! I always think about HIS mercy towards me and never cease to be in awe of it. I will never understand it, yet I am so grateful that HE didn’t leave me in the state I was in. I’m glad HE poured out HIS love on us all.
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What should our response be? Thanksgiving, praise, honor, worship…a lifestyle that pleases HIM. What HE has done for us, we can pay it forward and reap the benefits, for HE has said that if we are merciful, we will obtain mercy. We don’t deserve it, but we live under its daily banner. Let us remember what HE showered on us when we encounter those who don’t deserve mercy either. HE left us an example to follow…let’s do it by the grace of GOD!
Additional Scriptures: John 3:16; Romans 11:19; Ephesians 2:8; John 5:24; 1 Peter 2:10; Romans 5:8; Romans 9:25; Romans 6:23; Lamentations 3:22-23; Matthew 5:7; John 4:22 (https://rb.gy/rzips) __________________________________________________________
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I was going about my chores in the house and ventured to ask JESUS what HIS love language is. HIS response was quick and uttered in a firm whisper: “You. ”Immediately, tears welled up in my eyes as I was overwhelmed by HIS unselfish, unadulterated love. GOD is thinking about me…constantly!
In fact, when JESUS was on earth in human form, HE could have been boastful in talking about who HE is and the power HE possesses – but HE chose to be humble. HE never took his eyes off the goal of the cross and HIS love for us…even though we are the very ones who wronged HIM and put HIM on the cross.
“Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:2b NLT
JESUS never took HIS focus off HIS goal, the cross and HIS love for us. Even as HE carried the cross, HE persevered through betrayal, hopelessness, and shame and put our needs (i.e. salvation) before HIS pain. What an expression of love!
“What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?” Psalm 8:4
Our FATHER, the ONE who upholds all things by the Word of HIS mouth, has invested so much into man [us] because of HIS insatiable love for us. How much more should we lavish our attention on HIM? How much more should we place affection upon the ONE who lavished HIS love upon us? GOD took the greatest risk without the assurance that HIS love would be reciprocated.
Let’s look at the following examples of those who understood JESUS’ love language:
1. The 24 elders
“Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11 ‘You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created. ’” Revelation 4:9-11
I have pondered on the Bible’s description of the 24 elders before the throne of GOD. They worship GOD tirelessly night and day. GOD doesn’t create robots, so their actions before HIM must stem from a deep place of devotion, undivided attention, and commitment to the one who is known as WORTHY. They understand JESUS’ love language and appreciate HIS love. So, they delight in showering their affection on THE ONE who first loved us.
2. The woman with the alabaster box
“And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38 and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil.” Luke 7:37-38
It was the custom in those days to wash the feet of your guests and place a little oil on their heads. This woman who was considered a sinner loved JESUS so much more that she washed JESUS’ feet with her tears and poured her expensive oil on the feet of JESUS. She acted out of love and a sincere faith. She must have gained an insight into JESUS’ love language.
3. King David
David’s conduct did not line up with Christian living when he murdered Uriah to coverup his act of adultery, yet GOD Who sees the entire timeline of our lives referred to him as a man after HIS own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).
David, in Psalm 59, depicted a picture of his relationship with GOD when he described GOD Who knows his thoughts from afar and is interested in the details of his life. His narratives shed light on GOD who loves a man to the utmost.
When you explore the lives of the aforementioned Bible characters, you will realize that they understood who GOD is because they spent quality time with HIM. GOD was pleased with the heart of these individuals. What pleases GOD is you and your heart condition.
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or a this physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”1 Samuel 16:7.
So where do we start? How do we initiate this posture of responding to JESUS’ love language and acting accordingly? First, we must understand that you can’t please GOD outside of HIS WORD. When you spend time in the WORD and prayer, and reduce that TV time, an insight is received; it goes from head knowledge to revelation knowledge.
I will close with this: GOD is not demanding our love; HE deserves our love. Simply venture to ask JESUS what HIS love language is. HIS response, quick and firm, will be: “You.”
“A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.” Jeremiah 31:15
“Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, everyone, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6
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The love language of JESUS the CHRIST is BLOOD.
We all love the promises in the WORD of GOD. We read the Old and New Testaments,and it fills us with so much joy and hope. But have we stopped to think abouthow those promises became effective in our lives? BLOOD. Not just the BLOOD of JESUS, but the blood of the innocent as well.
Our faith was authored in BLOOD because the love language of JESUS is BLOOD.
There are so many Scriptures to support this. Let’s focus on Jeremiah31:15. This line seems out of place in this chapter until we see it again in Matthew2:16-18. Rachel refused to be comforted because her children were no more. After all, evil King Herod ordered Roman swords to kill every male child two years old and under living in Bethlehem and all its surrounding districts.
Rachel wept because satan tried to kill JESUS; he was unsure who JESUS was, so he killed every baby boy in HIS generation from HIS tribe, country, township, and village. Imagine more than nine months of pregnancy, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, and sleepless nights, only for the baby boy to be hacked to death. As a mother, I hate satan even more when I think of this.
Let’s be clear: Just because ADONAI ELOHIM revealed that it was going to happen does not mean that HE caused it. This was all satan. Only JESUS was supposed to die to resurrect. Man (Herod) decided he wanted to stop JEHOVAH’s plan, so he decided to kill the innocent. The same thing was done in the time of Moses (see Exodus 1-2). To prove the attempts of satan and man to disrupt ELOHIM’s plan can never succeed, the baby that Pharaoh wanted to kill was crawling around in his palace, calling him ‘grandpa.’ Hallelujah; but I digress.
The love language of JESUS is BLOOD.
JESUS came specifically to die and resurrect. HE came to offer up HIMSELF as a perfect sacrifice to appease the righteous judgment for sin.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew20:27-28
ADONAI said it clearly: The wages of sin is death. From Garden to present, man without CHRIST has been dying. JESUS died, shed HIS BLOOD for you and me, to prove the Love of the FATHER to us.
“Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, everyone, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah53:4-6
This love is written in BLOOD.
“Adonai your God is in your midst—a mighty Savior! He will delight over you with joy. He will quiet you with His love. He will dance for joy over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 TLV
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Ahh the enamorment of new love…! Do you remember? Or maybe you are there now? The heart palpitations, the sweaty palms, the excitement of a love note…all marked by the intense desire to constantly be in that person’s presence.
Did you know that JESUS experiences this love for us? Take a look at Zephaniah 3:17.
“Adonai your God is in your midst—a mighty Savior! He will delight over you with joy. He will quiet you with His love. He will dance for joy over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 TLV
Now look again and read it with passion.
Wow…HE dances and sings over us! HE is passionate for us! HE constantly desires an intimate relationship with us…and for us to have passion for HIS Presence!
So now, how must HE feel when we miss our time with HIM? Several years ago, singer/songwriter Larnelle Harris penned these words:
“I miss my time with you, those moments together.
I need to be with you each day, and it hurts ME when you say
you're too busy; busy trying to serve ME.
But how can you serve ME when your spirit’s empty?
There's a longing in MY heart, wanting more than just a part of you, it's true.
I miss MY time with you.”
GOD, the CREATOR of all things, created emotion – strong emotion – including passion. How passionate are we for HIS Presence? Or do we trade HIS Presence for the details of our day, our schedule, our family, our ministry?
We read about this contrast between the busyness of life, and sitting in HIS Presence, in Scripture:
“Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who was also seated at the Lord’s feet, and was listening to His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do the serving by myself? Then tell her to help me.’ 41 But the Lord answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 but only one thing is necessary; for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:38-42 NASB
Here we have Martha, who welcomed JESUS into her home, yet was distracted. What distracted her? The preparations that were needed – the “typical” role of the woman of the home in this culture. And then we have Mary, sitting at the feet of JESUS (normally a placed relegated only for men in this culture), listening to HIS Word – while her sister scurries about the house.
Who chose the “one thing” that was necessary? The one who was sitting at the feet of JESUS. The one who quieted all distractions and preparations. The one who was consumed in HIS Presence.
How often do we “tell” JESUS that we love HIM by simply sitting at HIS feet, spending time in HIS Presence – not even asking for anything, but simply listening to HIS Word?
“The more I seek YOU, the more I find YOU
The more I find YOU, the more I love YOU
I wanna sit at YOUR feet
Drink from the cup in YOUR hand
Lay back against YOU and breath, feel YOUR heart beat
This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand
I melt in YOUR peace, it's overwhelming”
Yes, there are many things to do. Yes, there are many good things to do. But what is actually “necessary?” To speak the love language of JESUS by sitting at HIS Feet, hanging onto HIS every Word as It drips from HIS mouth, spending time in HIS Presence.
To sing with HIM. To dance with HIM. To rejoice with HIM.
To have a passion for HIS Presence.
This is necessary. This is love.
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After waking up and having my morning prayer and meditation, the SPIRIT of the LORD impressed the following question upon my spirit: “What is remnant culture?”
This was an interesting question that the LORD asked. It caused me to pause and reflect on what the LORD requires of us to be called HIS Remnant.
Whenever the LORD challenges, rebukes or exhorts us, there is always additional Impartation that comes in the form of confirmation, comfort and commitment in HIS written WORD.
The LORD brought me to HIS WORD in Romans 11:4-6 The Apostle Paul reflects on a particular encounter the prophet Elijah had with the MOST HIGH GOD:
“But what does the divine response say to him? ‘I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.’ 5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.” Romans 11:4-6
As we recall, Paul was reminding us of a point in the life of Elijah where he thought he was alone in standing solely for the LORD and not giving into the deceit of Jezebel and the baals. The LORD informed Elijah that HE reserved 7,000 that not kissed baal.
This brings me to my first perspective of remnant culture: You have been reserved. Paul elaborates this truth from a new covenant perspective when he defined how the LORD reserves HIS people – by the election of HIS grace.
Remnant culture is about being reserved and chosen by the LORD JESUS CHRIST to be part of HIS collective. HE will only reserve those that are special to HIM. It is because of grace you are reserved.
The second aspect of remnant culture is the very reason why the Remnant was being reserved. It is found in a small statement in the second part of the following verse.
“…all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:18
Being a holy people before JEHOVAH GOD requires rejection of all things unholy! The Scripture uses “BOW” and “KISS” to illustrate how a person can get defiled by something unholy. Bowing is an act that illustrates respect and lordship to the person being honored, while a kiss is a personal act that communicates affection and care above a general greeting.
Remnant culture is about standing alone in reverence and love while crowning JESUS CHRIST as LORD of your life above any cost. There was a significant demonic pull on the children of Israel to rebel against JEHOVAH as a result of the bewitching of Jezebel and her assistants, King Ahab and the prophets of baal. The Remnant repelled the attacks of baal and stood in the minority in a ready position.
The final aspect the LORD gave me concerning remnant culture is that, in their place of reservation, there was a readiness that was in the seven thousand. The Bible says that the reserved ones were in Israel. The 7,000 were clearly aware what was happening regarding the slaughter of the prophets of Israel, the defilement of the Temple, and the elevation of the high places reserved for baal. The Remnant reserved of the LORD had to understand the ramifications of what would happen to Israel as a result of their sin. They knew the LAW and the ramifications of disobedience. They were armed with the power of correction through the WORD of GOD to go on the offensive when the LORD would call for them.
The culture of the Remnant of GOD is a readiness beyond understanding to go on the offensive for GOD – to be ready to war in the spirit for the purposes of the KINGDOM, either in a covert or overt manner, because there is an understanding of the destruction that will come due to the iniquity of the people.
Today, GOD has reserved a people that will carry “remnant culture” to their perspective homes, churches, cities, and nations. HE has called HIS Remnant to be on one accord to carry the culture and grace of GOD. HE has reserved HIS Remnant to preach good tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, to open spiritual prisons to those who are bound, to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.
All Scripture references are from the New King James Version of the Bible
