Deep Calls to Deep

The Long Post:
It’s looking like the biggest church buildings have probably been built, the largest congregations amassed under their roofs, the most excellent human talents are already in their positions on the stage of pseudo-worship teams, and the preachers of platitudes have been placed in their three thousand dollar pulpits. The plans to build bigger, to grow larger, to play and sing with better (more expensive) equipment and effects, and to glory in the fame of it all may lay useless on the drawing board of religious ambition.
Yet the God of glory is not finished. HE who came in humble humanity could command the attention of thousands with His down to earth teaching at the sea shore. After three days He could feed them with the small lunch of a lad. He could go through cities and villages and gather multitudes. In compassion He could look upon them and ask His disciples to pray for laborers to keep those sheep from being scattered.
His promise through the prophet Joel was that He would pour out His Spirit on all flesh and their sons and daughters would prophesy. Old men would dream dreams and young men would see visions. He said that there would be signs in the heavens during the last days. Peter used this passage to explain the outpouring of the Holy Ghost almost 2000 years ago. While the phenomenon of the Spirit’s baptism at Pentecost was correctly associated with Joel’s prophecy, the time of its greatest outpouring was for the end-times. We are to see that great move of God as we move into the near future. This is the same time spoken of by Daniel, there will be exploits done by those who know their God.
The book of James tells us to be “patient therefore… unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early (1st century Church) and latter (end-time Church) rain.” We are entering, or are soon to enter, a time of patience and endurance. “In your patience possess ye your souls.” (Luke 21: 19) “He that endures to the end shall be saved”. (Matthew 24: 13) Elijah was a man of “like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.” {Forty-two months- type of great tribulation} (James 5: 17)
Surely, Charles Dickens was descriptive of not only the times pertaining to “A Tale of Two Cities” but of ours as well… “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

It is of utmost importance to distinguish between ministerial callings made by God and ministry appointments made by man. To understand these properly the terminology of Scripture must be examined, and definitions must be placed. The terms of Bishop, Pastor, Evangelist, Elder, Apostle, Presbyter, Prophet, Teacher, Shepherd, and Overseer need to be defined and ordered by scripture and logic to place each in God’s design.

By the Biblical account:
6K yrs ago something Great happened... God breathed life into Adam.
2K yrs later something Great happened... God called a man through whom all the families in the earth would be blessed.
2K yrs later something Great happened... Unto us a child was born and the eternal God wrapped Himself in human form to die for us.
2K yrs later something Great is happening... you have to watch for it because its beyond all the 2020 "bad news"!

Life is all about flow. Be careful of what flows in it!

The Long Post
Usually these posts are reflective in nature, but today I will depart from that style.
It really is a sad day, regardless of which side of the aisle one stands (or sits)… or at least it should be. I am not sure if I buy into the somberness of some. There seems to be no mind changing on either side of the impeachment and each side interprets facts in a way that lends support for the outcome they desire. Except for a few in the middle who have not made up their minds (or maybe, not paid much attention) we are a polarized nation. By now most of us have chosen our desired end. But do we really know what that end will lead to?
When the prophet Samuel judged Israel there was a desire among the people. However, they could only see in the short term. So, the Lord told Samuel to tell them the long-term effects of their wishes.
“He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear (scratch) his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of his chariots. And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.” (I Samuel 8: 11 -18)
Impeachment of the president has been a stated goal of the left side of the aisle from the first, it is hard to believe that upon reaching that desired end that their solemnity is anything but feigned. This is more than a matter of whether we like the president or not, it boils down to a world view… sometimes one that is not totally embraced, or even understood. But views that holds sway over some whether understood or not. We have at odds, not so much a nation of varied opinions, but two clashing ideologies that contend for the support of the masses. One holds that the solutions to world problems will come from the heart and mind of man himself. The other believes that God has set the world in a balance that keeps relative stability in world affairs.
Whether we have considered these as underlying opinion shapers, or not, does not negate the fact that they are, even now, at work against one another. The result is a polarization of our nation. Again, whether we recognize it or not, we are in the process of choosing between globalism and nationalism. Mr. Trump stepped on the scene as a strong nationalist, “putting America first” and “making America great again”. The reaction from the left was strong and ostensibly it was derived from the hatred of Donald Trump. The more probable cause of the left’s reaction is the agenda set forth from the globalist’s viewpoint. Much of which can be read from the United Nation’s Agenda 2030 for sustainable development. This a global agenda cloaked in benevolent sounding ideas coming from the “best thinkers” in our world. But do the “best thinkers” of humanity know better than the maker of humanity?
Globalism is not a modern idea that had to postpose its arrival in history until the elite thinkers of our day came on the scene (even though that would be an insult to the same). Early in man’s history globalism was thriving in a place called Shinar. God Himself stated that “now nothing shall be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.” Why? Because “the people (are) one…” Sounds good!
But God chose to stop it. God stopped globalism at the tower of Babel. Why? Because He knew where it would lead. Just like He knew where Israel’s desire for a king would lead. Why? Because He knows the heart of man. Eventually, globalism leads to one thing.
Lucifer stated his agenda in Isaiah chapter 14. “… I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.” The tower of Babel was to reach high into the heaven and from it, Lucifer could fulfil his ambition of seating himself (by indwelling a man) in the place of God.
Ezekiel prophesied:
“Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus (from a root word meaning to confine), Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God…” (Ezekiel 28: 2)
Paul wrote in explanation to the Church in Thessalonica that the “man of sin” will be revealed when he shows himself to be God.
“Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that the is God.” (II Thessalonians 2: 4)
Globalism is the path Lucifer will use to exalt himself as the man of sin (referred to by many as the antichrist). God stopped it in the 11th chapter of Genesis in the plain of Shinar. He stopped globalism by confusing the languages of men. The confusion broke the unity of Satan’s effort. Globalism will, according to these prophesies, be allowed for a short period. Jesus referred to it as the “great tribulation”.
Simply, nations (nationalism) prevent globalism. It is God’s system of checks and balances on Lucifer’s plan of deception that he desires to perpetrate on humanity. When Globalism arrives, a world-wide dictator will shortly follow. What is your world view? Why is impeachment going on in our nation?
It’s in YOUR COURT.

Teachers can teach multitudes, but shepherds can only watch over a few sheep. (See David in I Samuel 17) Jesus was moved with compassion on the multitudes because they were as sheep having no Shepherd.

A word from Chester Wright
Worth the read for those who want a biblical view of "Church"

“Having Church” is not Biblical!
“Church services” are NOT “who” the Church is!
Neither are they “what” the Church does!
They are times of gathering/assembling of the Saints for prayer and worship, spiritual fellowship/communion, instruction and equipping, and the sending forth into God’s harvest fields!

When “church services”/“having church” become a church’s identity, then that church has NO true Biblical, spiritual identity. Everything that church is and does becomes “facility-focused,” not “ministry-focused.”

When leading and “ministering in” church services becomes the primary identity of a “minister of God,” then they have NO true Biblical, spiritual identity! Ministers of the Gospel are not “MC’s,” church service/activities coordinators, calendar planners, performers, public speakers, orators, etc., etc.! We are commissioned to lead, feed, pray for, oversee, care for, train, equip, etc. the Body of Christ!

When the Saints’ “salvation” and/or a minister’s ministry is defined by “faithful” participation in church services and other “events” on the church calendar, then our whole perception of christianity, “spirituality,” purpose, mission, calling, faith, ministry, etc. becomes warped to some degree — usually to the worse degree rather than the lesser.

“Church services” are the Church’s greatest vulnerability.
As man/flesh is God’s “weakness” (1 Corinthians 1:25; 2 Corinthians 13:4), Church services are the Church’s “weakness.”

“Church services” are the adversary’s easiest access point into the Church for ALL of the following (and much more):
Tradition
Demonic resistance
Human ambition
Fleshly performances
Carnality
Jealousy
Division
Competition
False doctrine
Deception
Copying the world
Acceptance by and approval of the world
Striving for “success” rather doing the will of God
AND MUCH MORE!

Any believer who participates in a “church service” without much prayer beforehand has left themselves vulnerable and is “asking” for themselves to be negatively affected. God is not the only Spirit who “comes to Church.” Demonic spirits attend EVERY Church service.

Should we pray MUCH therefore before, during, and after church services? ABSOLUTELY!

But, should having “good” church services be the focus of our prayers? NEVER!

“NOT” participating in the “assembling” of the Saints is NOT a spiritual option:

Hebrews 10:23-25
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

In fact, the Word of God declares we should be assembling MORE not LESS as we approach the coming of the Lord. What should be the PRIMARY focus of our gathering together? PRAYER! All kinds and types of Prayer!
Yes, I understand, you cannot “entertain” the carnal crowd with a prayer focused gathering! EXACTLY!
BUT, you can see the hungry drawn to Jesus!

The second Biblical focus of the Church coming together is for training and equipping (Ephesians 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). And THEN SENDING!

Matthew 9:36-38
36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

EVERYTHING ELSE IS JUST RELIGIOUS TRADITION!

The Church coming together is a spiritual event/exercise, NOT a religious obligation to fulfill!

Truly spiritual gatherings activate the believers, imparts to them, and motivates them to be committed participants in His harvest fields.
Religious “church services” produce passive “believers” who define their “salvation” by their participation in religious activities.
When the blind lead the blind, the destination is the “ditch”!

Lord, please shine the light of your Word on our tradition-induced darkness and let us truly see — YOU, YOUR PLAN, YOUR PURPOSE, ETC.! In Jesus’ Name!

Double plays or great diving catches don't happen without team members knowing and being in their assigned positions. Signs and wonders don't happen without ministry positions being in place as per the design of God. "God has set some in the Church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, AFTER THAT miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, and diversified of tongues." Be careful that the later is wanted without the placing the former. The order must be in place first!

Is glory a place or a state?

A Word from Robert Blackman

"We're Supposed To Know" . . . To whom much is given, much is required. The Spirit did not teach us what we've learned, for it to remain dormant forever. If there's one particular truth that many of us have come to realize, it's this. Every trial, every test, each and every part of our journey, has been to prepare us to be used by Him. The chipping away of all self-centered desires and recourse, has been part of His greater design.

It's taken a long time to get to that point. So much heartache, despair, confusion and loss of outward worth, has brought us to a place where we have never been before. So much did not make sense; and to be fair, some of it still doesn't. Strange, that we were taught and always knew somehow that God has a plan; many of us could not seem to find it. Only now, can I start to understand some of His words. "My ways are not your ways; my thoughts not your thoughts." I don't think like you.

The idea of being predestinated according to His purpose, scared us. It's likely because we linked that to some form of new age religion or way of thinking occurring in that time. It makes sense today. Being called before the world began, even from our Mother's womb, was an understanding that many of us never reached. However, the message has been clear from the beginning; God ordained and called, long before we had any idea we would be a part of this final work.

Paul prayed for the saints at Ephesus. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, might give unto them something. "The spirit of wisdom and revelation, in the knowledge of Him:" This apostle spoke God's word, that the church was to grow and mature into a fullness they had not yet known. And we knew, that was meant for our time also. It must be declared here, that there was a depth we were to reach in Christ. A revelation of the ways of the Holy Ghost.

We never got to where we thought we were going. The Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, sent the Holy Ghost. The greatest Teacher ever known to mankind, was sent to lead and guide us, into "all" truth." It doesn't matter anymore why we haven't arrived to our appointed place in Him yet; or who hindered or suppressed us. But could it be, that we have arrived. We simply are too small and have no authority to say that the work of the Spirit didn't get done somehow. What His Word said, it said. In truth, nobody stopped Him from leading.

Jesus Christ did not stop seeking for lost sheep, because those who should have been doing so failed to do it. He did not stop restoring fallen people, just because those who were supposed to be spiritual enough, didn't find the meekness it took to accomplish it. Oh, that we had considered ourselves as we were admonished to do. Nonetheless; the job went on, the task continued to be carried out by the Gentle Shepherd himself. And the work of the Holy Ghost went on also.

Unknown to many of the generals in charge, and some of those passing out the orders, the preparation for the last stage continued. Some things, can no longer be denied. While many heads were turned, those truly called and chosen for this time, went right on with their training. Their gifts in the Spirit were more defined and greater anointing was given. Not by men's ways or means, but through sacrifice, suffering and finally learning to listen to the leading of the Spirit; and nothing else. God confirmed it in His Word. That fullness, has now begun."

One of the first things that helped in my being lifted from anxiety disorder was the realization that I was not alone in it but that it was very common. It seems to be epidemic. Mine was over 30 years ago... It did end and it was a learning experience. You will come out of this grasp of fear and you will be the better for it!

Fruit... That which originates or comes from something. That is the definition of the word from Strong's Concordance. According to the Book of John chapter 15 abiding in the vine, which is Christ, results in bearing of fruit. What is the fruit?

We should consider the difference between having fruit and bearing fruit. One can have fruit, but that is different than one bearing fruit. I may have an apple, but I can't bear an apple. Why?

It takes an apple tree to bear an apple. All that reproduce, reproduce after their kind. So, when Jesus expects fruit from us He must be talking about reproduction, not possession. We may possess the fruit of the Spirit, but we cannot bear the fruit of the Spirit for the source of the fruit is the Spirit, not ourselves.

Bearing fruit is the result of relationship. The result is a reproduction of ourselves in Christ. Reproduction produces offspring, or bearing offspring... The fruit of our loins.

In short, the Lord expects reproduction of fruit, not the possession of fruit. We are to being involved in soul winning (our fruit bearing) or suffer the consequences mentioned in chapter 15.

One plants and another waters, but God gives the increase... Find you part in this wonderful endeavor.

"He that winneth souls is wise"

I hear the voice of the true prophets speaking for a return to the fundamentals of the Church. In our attempt at bigness we have become ineffective at our primary purpose.

"Behold, the husbandman waited for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he received the early and latter rain."

The purpose of this page is to share what the Spirit of God is saying to the church. Jesus said he that hath ears to hear Let Him hear what the Spirit is saying. As this dispensation comes to close it is vital for us to recognize the strategy of the Spirit of God for the time. There are those that are hearing that voice of the spirit and this is a place to let that word be known... All in the context of scriptural truth.

The water spout represents Link Ministries as it is a connection between the deep and the deep. Psalms 42:7