MINISTERS MATTER

NOT EVERYTHING SUPERNATURAL IS OF GOD

We must recognized that Satan can also perform supernatural signs.

Though inferior to God's power, they have the capacity to woo feeble-minded people who are not grounded in God's Word. Without it, they have no grid or guide to verify and test what is happening.

The world is filled with folks who have been beguiled.

Even Moses with the magicians of Egypt had to exercise caution. He knew who he served and was aware of the difference between God's power and Satan's counterfeit. He knew the power used by Pharoah's magicians were lying signs and wonders meant to deceive and dishonour God.

If what is happening doesn't bring glory to God, honour to Jesus and His Word, or submission to the Holy Spirit who has come, not to manifest Himself, but point us to Christ, then we must reject what is happening.

The scriptures give us strong support for our rejection supernatural signs or spiritual gifts that glorify man rather than God. This is where discernment, maturity and counsel are needed to determine whether the fruit is good or spoiled.

Check these out in your bible. Without scripture, we have no revelation of those things God wants us to know. Blessings as you read.

Exodus 7:9-11;8:17-19
 - Aaron's rod
Deuteronomy 13:1-5
 - Prophets and dreamers
Matthew 24:24
; Mark 13:22 - False christs and prophets

2 Thessalonians 2:9
 - The lawless one
Revelation 13:13-14; 16:14; 19:20 - Demonic spirits

JESUS SAID, "DO NOT STOP HIM."

The longer I serve the Lord, the more concerned I get with the arrogance of many who think their version of the faith, is the only one that is correct. They are quick to reject anything new, different, or that which attracts the attention of the multitudes.

Lakeland is a prime example of people tuning in from all over the world to the events happening in a tent, by an airport.

You simply have to read ALL my blogs on Lakeland to discover that I bless whatever God is doing and pray for those leading at Lakeland to be humble and change whatever needs to change, whenever it needs to change. The Holy Spirit is good at speaking to those who are listening.

Practically, a little grace goes a long way in helping others have space to grow up. How long did you live before accepting Christ into your life? What were you like before repentance? I'm sure others wanted to hurry the process of your change, but they didn't.

Too often fear is at the root of rejecting what God is doing. Proof texts are used to disprove others and thereby set ourselves up as the standard by which the faith is to be measured. If you really want to play "my scripture is better than your scripture" then you are foolish indeed.

You can make the Bible say whatever you want it to say and still be wrong. Think of the religious leaders in Jesus' day who quoted the text correctly but missed the point - it was all about Jesus and He was standing in their midst and they couldn't see Him!

The bottom line for me is the fruit that is evident in those who are critical. It is always, and I mean always, judgmental, critical and arrogant. While what they say may have merit, how they say it undermines the leading of the Spirit into all truth.

Some of Jesus' disciples wanted to reign fire down from heaven on those who didn't believe the way they did. Others who walked with Him daily were given a great lesson on God's ability to use others that we may not approve of.

Mark 9:38-41 (English Standard Version)

Anyone Not Against Us Is for Us

John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us. For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.

Let us love one another the way Jesus loved us!

UKRAINE CONFERENCE NOTES 3/9 Questions

Questions to ask to determine if someone is building their own kingdom, or, the kingdom of God.

Try to sort out whether someone is really passionate about HIS kingdom or is he/she building their own?

1. Does he/she come primarily talking about a HIM or about an IT (meeting, method, principle)?

2. Did he/she help us learn to listen to God together, or did he/she tell us what to do so we wouldn't need to hear from him ourselves?

3. Did he/she leave us freer to trust Jesus more, or were we overwhelmed with principles we needed to apply?

4. Were we brought together in our ability to love each other more, or were we fragmented over methods and theologies?

5. Could they still affirm people who didn’t see things the same way they did, or were they defensive and distant when questioned?

These work for me... "

At Mission O, Ministers Matter!