Wednesday, April 9, 2014

We Can Do All Things Thru Christ

April 9, 2014
I decided to do something a little different, which is to publish the newsletter here. That way if anyone is interested in receiving future newsletters, they may email me and I will add them to the mailing list.
However, for those who have received it, may I ask that you scroll past it down to the part I added.  I received a email today, which comes from the website of David Wilkerson. Only God by the leading of His Holy Spirit could arrange such timing of the email (it goes hand in hand with the newsletter.) This is why I do not believe in coincidence -  only God...!  Bless the name of the Lord. May it encourage others as it encouraged me.  May we stand in humble awe at the Sovereignty of the Majestic Creator.  All glory and blessings to Him!

                     Warriors of Endurance 
                                Newsletter

                                  Volume 1 – Issue 5-April 8, 2014



Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!  [Ps 133:1] 


Most, if not all of us already know that the forces of darkness, combined with world governments are plotting, beckoning and coercing mankind (including certain religious institutions and denominations) to come into unity and show the ‘love’ toward one another.  “Why can’t we all just accept our differences and get along?” is the coy, subtle voice that gushes out from seducing spirits, as well as the deceived.


It is not only the secular world that I am speaking about, but those who call themselves Christians or disciples of Christ.  There are ministers, pastors, preachers, priests (whatever they prefer to call themselves), who are compromising with the world.  Many are promoting Chrislam (combining Christianity and Islam), linking up with the Vatican (do a study on the history), turning a blind eye to fornication, adultery, homosexuality, abortions and other sins. Some leaders are involved in some of these very things themselves. 


“Why can’t we all just… get along?”  The world is calling for people of all beliefs to unite, with many preachers (as well as well-known celebrities) stating that there are many roads back to God.  Many Christians are stating that we must just ‘get along’, and ‘do not judge’.  This is a lie, for Jesus said:


I am THE WAY, the truth and the life: no man comes unto the Father but BY ME. [Jn14:6] (emphasis mine)


Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.  [Jn7:24]  


Instead of the old days where a tent would be set up to attract the curious, wayward and the lost, many cities now hold church in nightclubs and party bars (some just offer bible studies there).  A person does not have to do too much searching to find a church with activities that appeal to them.

There are churches now that offer (right on the premises) tattoo parlors, snake handling, ‘toking’ Jesus and/or the Holy Spirit, wrestling, boxing, martial arts, strobe, disco and laser light shows, artificial smoke and the list goes on.  


Then, there are the sermons of motivational speaking (how to improve ‘self’; feel good about ‘self’ – nothing about repentance, holiness, picking up the cross and dying daily to ‘self’).  It is all to ‘bring in the masses to Jesus’ and to show the unsaved that there are churches that are not ‘religious’, but ‘fun’.  


It is called compromise, amongst other things.  Some insist that Jesus the Christ hung out (chilled) with prostitutes, thieves, adulteresses, tax collectors.  There’s a story about a tax collector (tax-gatherer) that Jesus told to “follow Me”.  Scripture states that the tax collector (named Levi) left everything behind to follow Jesus.


They went to dinner and the Pharisees were asking Jesus why He ate with tax-gatherers and sinners?  They did not realize that the man had ‘left it all behind’ to follow Jesus.  Many use this story to insist that Jesus hung with all kinds of people.


Mary Magdalene is another one that is often used, with preachers teaching that she was a prostitute.  Nowhere in the Word of God does it ever suggest such a thing.  In fact, all it does state is that the Lord cast out seven demons from her.  She followed Him, was a loyal disciple and was the first person He appeared to after His resurrection. 


And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils. [Lk 8:2] 


Yet, despite no biblical evidence, people insist Mary was a prostitute and therefore, Jesus kept company with prostitutes.  Others insist that the woman caught in adultery was Mary Magdalene, but that woman was never named.  The Lord did not condemn her and to this day, she remains anonymous.


Jesus/Y’shua always had a reason for being in the midst of sinners.  He taught the people about the kingdom of God, brought deliverance and healing and revealed the way of salvation – through Him.  He always spoke of repentance and to be baptized.  Multitudes were brought to Him for healing and deliverance.

It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.  [Mk 2:17]



Why can’t we all just get along?”  Should we be unequally yoked?  What fellowship has light with darkness?  Can two walk together unless they are agreed?

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? [Amos 3:3]


Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness? 


And what concord has Christ with Belial? or what part has he that believes with an infidel? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 


Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.  [2Cor 6:14-18]



This can be a whole topic in itself and it is not my intent to delve into it here.  I merely wanted to provoke people to search scripture for themselves, but keep it all in context. We are to be holy as He is holy (set apart, sanctified/consecrated).



Some say that we are not to judge, but the word of God says to judge righteous judgment.  To do so, we would do well to remember where the Lord brought us from and our intent and motive should be the salvation of the lost, to share the good news of the gospel.  We should always be led of the Lord because it is Him who prepares hearts and draws people to Himself.



We should not condone false teaching and worldly ways amongst believers.

Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.  [1Tim 5:20]


He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. - Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith.”   
[Titus 1:9, 13]


Not All Will Accept Us – Even Amongst Believers

We have to accept the fact that not everyone will accept us and that includes fellow believers.  All of us are under the microscope, so to speak, not only by the unbelieving, or by family members, friends, but also by the community of fellow believers.  Some will say that they are being ‘fruit inspectors’, but sadly, many have a critical spirit that judges unrighteously, seeking to find fault wherever they can.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.  [Mat 5:44]


So, we are to love our enemies, bless them, do good and pray for them.  It is a tough call, especially when there seems to be an onslaught of negativity coming against us.  We cannot repay the way our carnal nature would want to repay, but instead, we are to do what is not expected.  


When Peter asked how many times he was to forgive someone, Jesus answered, ‘seventy times seven’, knowing that no one is going to be able to keep track and count that high.

The Lord gave me a word one time, which I posted.  In it, He said that to be perfect did not mean to be without error.  It means to be made whole, complete and mature in Him.  It is a process and at times, a difficult one.


Life itself brings many sorrows, disappointments, trials and grievances, but we also have an adversary who loves to attack when we are already in a weakened state.  He will often influence fellow brethren or those closest to us to say things or act in ways that are more carnal than they are spiritual, much like Peter when he rebuked Jesus when He spoke of His suffering and the way He was to die.  Jesus in turn, rebuked Peter.


But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind Me, Satan: you are an offence unto Me: for you savor not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.  [Mat 16:23]


When James and John wanted to call down fire from heaven, like Elijah, upon the village of some Samaritans who did not receive Jesus; yet again, Jesus rebuked them. 


But He turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.  [Lk 9:55]


I think we can all admit that we have fallen into the trap like Peter, James and John did, myself included.  We make mistakes, sometimes saying things that we regret or act in a way that is unbecoming for a believer, or of the wrong spirit, just as illustrated with the above verses.


There are ridiculous statements I have heard, such as we are not to be emotional and that we should overcome our emotions.  Let me try to say this as succinctly as possible.  We are not robots.  All throughout the Word of God, we see people who got angry and God did not chastise them.  Joseph, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Elijah and the list goes on – people who got angry.  


Every other emotion is mentioned also, grieving, sorrow, joy, delight, travailing etc.  God Himself is said to grieve, to delight, to anger, to be provoked to jealousy etc, but God cannot sin.  We have emotions; man was made in His image.  


What the Bible does caution us about is not to sin in our anger; not to let the sun go down on our anger, or in other words, do not let it fester, lest we give place to the devil.  Some people become brutal, cruel or violent in anger.


Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Neither give place to the devil. [Eph 4:27, 28]



One that I had to learn and recently be reminded of is: being offended.  Again, there are those who say we are not to be offended, ever.  The scripture most often used is the one where Jesus gave the parable of the seeds.


And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. [Mk 4:17]

Jesus told His apostles that they would be offended that night because it was written that God would smite the shepherd and the sheep would scatter [Mk 4:17].  He spoke about many being offended in the last days and betray one another [Mat 24:10].  The day of Jesus’ arrest, Peter said that though all would be offended, he would not be; to which Jesus replied that before the rooster crowed three times, Peter would deny Him.


Offenses happen, but yes, we are to learn to not be offended.  The walk along the narrow path is indeed a difficult one and we may stumble and fall several times, but we must get back up (arise again).


Silent Sheep

It has been a little less than four weeks since I have blogged or have done a radio program and many of you have written to see if all is well.  I thank those of you who bless me with your kind words and encouragement.  Please (once again) forgive the delay.  Lord willing, I hope to answer the emails as soon as possible.


Back in November, it was mentioned on a program that something most unexpected happened in my life, which left me in shock, raw and vulnerable – an incredible blow.  Yet, I strived, by the grace and strength of God alone, to continue on.  The Lord held me.


At the beginning of February was the ten day fast (no food), which included (at the end), a three day Esther fast (no food or drink).  Five other sisters in Christ joined in on the three day fast, as mentioned in the previous newsletter.  About that time, I had stated that long ago I had learned that the strongest onslaught from the enemy is just before the victory.  This is a true and proven statement, which many saints can attest to.


However, I was to learn more.  Two sisters in Christ, who do not personally know each other, stated during two separate conversations that the enemy comes at us after a victory also.  At that time, I was not inclined to agree, as my experience was as stated above.  I was about to stand quite corrected, and the two sisters in Christ were proven to be right in their knowledge and wisdom.  I was about to learn this and I have now.

It took about three weeks after the fast before this lesson was to be presented to me.  Emails came and phone calls were made that challenged me to the core.  Some were quite accusatory, such as “a woman has no place speaking in public where men will hear her.  A woman is to be silent and not teach.”


Then questions such as: why did you come to the United States?  Why did He send you; there are plenty of solid believers here?  How could you leave your friends, family behind?  Would God separate you from those who love you?  Does He not care about them?  Are you sure that God sent you?  God does not send women to foreign countries alone.  Are you sure you are in God’s will?  Godly women are to be meek and quiet…and on and on it went.


Now, the people that began asking such questions (as far as I know) do not know each other.  One person questioned the ‘worship hours’ that I presented on BTR (Blog Talk Radio), rather than speaking forth the Word of God.  So, here was someone perturbed that music was played rather than speaking, whereas others were perturbed at my speaking on a public platform.


There were other emails that challenged my memory.  I cannot possibly remember all that I have said in emails.  There are far too many that have been exchanged over the years.  Even if it was only a month ago, I cannot remember, as there is just too much exchange.  All I do know is that whenever I write, I try to remember that I am a child of God and that He sees all I do, say and even knows my thoughts.  I am accountable and responsible for what I say and do.


It is quite likely that at times I could have responded better than I did, or that I misunderstood something someone said.  Yes, I make mistakes and can be wrong, but I try my best.  With that being said, it has to be admitted that in my already vulnerable state, the negative emails took their toll on me.


We all get weary, overwhelmed and just plain tired sometimes.  The enemy was right there to whisper how little worth I am; how many others God can use and will use, as they are much more educated, talented etc.  Women should not be speaking; that I am reaching no one for Christ and on and on it went.


The emails did not come all at once, but they did come in at a fairly steady pace over the course of a week.  What triggered it?  I have no idea – some people I never heard from before.  Never have I been challenged in such a way as this.  Perhaps that is why it was allowed, so that weaknesses could be exposed, as well as any error in my thinking. Did I search my heart?  I did, oh how I did – and I began to doubt.


Yes, the enemy very cleverly brought me to a place where I felt I simply could not bear any more.  I was just recovering from the blow in December and then this came about. But, the emails came like a slow-dripping faucet.  At first, I lost myself in research on a few subjects (which I do plan to present).  I spent a couple of weeks, dedicating long hours of tedious, intensive research, sifting through documents, checking and re-checking and all that goes along with serious research.


However, the day came a couple of weeks ago when I began to wonder why I was even researching, when so many others had not already done research on the subjects I was delving into, but had spoken about them.  Many were experts in their fields and I was gleaning from their hard work and knowledge.  Yet, it was my own personal experiences that propelled desire for more in-depth research, as well as the times we are in.


Then I began to parrot the questions in the emails…’am I in God’s will?’ etc.  There was a struggle going on between flesh and spirit, positive and negative, faith and doubt.  Discouragement, even hopelessness came upon me.  It halted from the duties of ministry.


I remember reading an article from David Wilkerson some time back.  He had written about a time when he hit a critical slump.  He was so concerned about being a hypocrite that one day his wife had to literally take hold of his arm and help him out of his chair, so that he could go to preach at the church.

There is a cliché now, which goes: The battlefield is the mind.  Yes, it is true, but the Lord expounded on it.  The Holy Spirit said, “The battlefield is the mind, but the target is the heart.  For a believer’s heart holds faith, hope, love and the will.”  Satan attacks these areas, for without faith, it is impossible to please God; hope deferred makes the heart sick; we are to walk in love and we are to do the will of the Father.  The stronger our faith is, the stronger the attacks.


The LORD is faithful.  He always comes through.  In ministering to another about faith in an email, I mentioned Hebrews 6, which I call the ‘faith chapter’.  After the email, I sat and read the chapter myself and the Lord, whose Word is Spirit and Truth ministered to me.  


For about a short season, my hope seemed gone, my faith miniscule – not my faith in the Lord or His goodness, but faith in what He called me to do.  I had even asked Him at one point if He had made a mistake with me.  What a foolish question.  God makes no mistakes, but I had allowed the seed of doubt to begin to take root.  If it was not snatched up, it would yield a harvest of unbelief.  


The Lord had mercy and rescued me from the pit of hopelessness and despair, just as He had Joseph, Elijah, David and many of His people.  When we trust in Him, deep within, He will restore our confidence.  He will not allow the enemy of our souls and the cross to be victorious over us.  


There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; [Eph 4:4]


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;  [1Pet 1:13]

Who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. [1Pet 1:21]



No matter what we go through, no matter who says what to us, no matter what life itself or the enemy throws our way, we can remain confident and hope in the Lord.  He is on our side.  He is for us and not against. 



The Body of Christ need to be united, not as the world is uniting, but as one in Jesus Christ, doing the will of the Father and holding fast to our faith, for the glory of God.  We all need to pray for each other because we all need prayer.  One day we will leave these earthen vessels, this temporary home.  On the day of resurrection, or the day Jesus Christ comes in all of His glory, our tears, sorrows and struggles will be over.


There is much to look forward to.  Behold, the Lord is at the door – check your lamps for oil.  The signs of the Lord’s coming are all around us, as prophecy rapidly unfolds before our very eyes.
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws nigh.  [Lk 21:28]

Shalom in Christ Jesus/Y’shua



In His love, for His glory
Bonita
Warriors of Endurance (Time of Revealing)
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Before I post brother Wilkerson's letter here, I wanted to post a scripture.  To me, the Lord can well speak for Himself.  I thank Him from the depths of my inner heart for His goodness and mercy - I am so grateful to Him.  Thank You Father! Thank You for the love You have towards those who fear Your name and trust You.  It is only to Your glory alone Father, because any good in us is Your doing, precious Creator.  Truly Lord, You are the lifter of our heads.  Bless You Abba...
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 And he said, I will make all My goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. [Ex 33:19]

 If you notice the date at the top, it is today's date, the day after I sent out my newsletter (above).  Only God, amen?  Amen!
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014 


Speak unto us smooth things
by David Wilkerson

[May 19, 1931 – April 27, 2011]


A man recently wrote the following to our ministry: “I don’t know who put me on your mailing list, but please remove my name immediately. I can’t stand your gloomy gospel and your hammering against sin. None of us is perfect, not even you. I’ve had it with your King James gospel of doom.”

Isaiah spoke of this kind of response: “This is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way” (Isaiah 30:9-11).

The word “smooth” in this verse means “nice, flattery.” The people of Israel were saying, in short, “Don't tell us any more bad stuff. Describe how we’re going to prosper, how great things lie ahead of us. If not, then get out of our faces.”

No believer who hides sin in his heart ever wants to hear a holy, sin-exposing word. That person will always flee the Holy Spirit’s voice of truth. And he’ll turn to some preacher who is soft on sin, offering smooth talk and flattering prophecies.

So, you ask, what hard message did God’s voice deliver to His people on Mount Sinai? He said simply this: “I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Thou shalt have none other gods before me. Thou shalt not make thee any graven image. . . . Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them” (Deuteronomy 5:6-9).

Here was the pure, unadulterated word of the Lord, coming directly from His mouth. It should have sent the people flying to their tents to smash their graven images. It should have stirred their hearts and brought them to their knees. But instead they cried, “No more thunder, fire, shaking. No more audible voice speaking to us. Give us a spokesman who is like us, and let him speak to us. Then we’ll hear and obey.”
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Thank You Father for godly men and women, and Your timing.  Thank You for everything! 

for His glory
Bonita                    dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com