Thursday, October 26, 2017

LIFE- “Behind The Scenes” - WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON!?




~ By Mary Lindow 
"Save me, O God! The water is up to my neck; 
I am sinking in deep mud, and there is no solid ground; 
I am out in deep water, And the waves are about to drown me. 
I am worn out from calling for help, and my throat is aching. I have strained my eyes, looking for your help." ~Psalm 69:1-3 

THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS GOING ON IN THE HEARTS OF GOD'S PEOPLE! 
Many believers have gone through pain and devastation because of betrayal and disappointment in those with whom they have at one time “walked with” in the Lord. 
“For it is not an enemy who reproaches me;  Then I could bear it. 
 
Nor is it one that hates me who has exalted himself against me; 
Then I could hide from him.
But it was you, a man my equal,
 My companion and my acquaintance.
 We took sweet counsel together,
 And walked to the house of God among the people.” 

~Psalm 55:12-14  

 LEVELS OF SEPARATION AND DECEPTION 
Church leaders and members or friends often separate. Their unresolved issues and wounds infect others around them. With their tongue and pen, (and Facebook posts) their resentment and bitterness spread in uncontrollable proportions. 
Christians in other ministries and relationships receive the bad report and often, they don't even know the people involved but - because they have leaned their ears to hear the suggested and well-placed evil reports, the conversation poisons them like toxic waste in their soul. If unchecked, this becomes a hideous, malignant cancer-like cell eventually damaging their mind and above all, their spiritual discernment.

“Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them.
The ways of the LORD are right; The righteous walk in them, 
But the rebellious stumble in them." ~Hosea 14:9 
The age-old serpent, the ultimate enemy of our souls, has not lost the art of deception even after centuries! He, even now, can cause God's people, including the sincere ones, to miss the mark if they are willing to only hear one side of a story! 

THE GREAT “OCCUPY SOMETHING” MOVEMENT 
The “frenzied entitlement culture” we are seeing hold their protests as a result of selfishness and feeding upon fear, have begun to reach a newly fevered pitch. 
People are “herding” their way into public venues to protest Whatever they may be angry at in the moment, and mostly remaining ignorant as to what or who is really driving and orchestrating the events, reflects the hardness of heart and disrespect for the needs and lives of those around them, 
This type of behavior is a prime example of even how believers have become “selectively “ hard of hearing when it comes to serving one another, or encouraging one another, or having patience with one another!  
One moment we are asking for forgiveness and prayer, and in nearly the next breath, slanderous retorts are spoken out in anger and those driving the malicious train, mean to use others as their well placed pawns of destruction.

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, Fighting and slander, 
Along with every form of nastiness." Ephesians 4:31 

Once bitter words are spoken or written, they cannot be retracted. Sadly, those who often shout the loudest about being maligned are often the perpetrators of assassinating the characters of those whom have been in disagreement with them or who have possibly warned them about a need for a course correction.
“He who conceals his hatred has lying lips,  And whoever spreads slander is a fool.” 
Proverbs 10:18

TODAY MANY THINGS HAVE DEGENERATED INTO BLURRED INSIGNIFICANCE  AND UNCERTAINTY. 
The beauty of what God's purpose in His people really is meant to passionately reflect is - missing. Things that are now being said and done do not mean what they did mean originally in His Word. Twisting of truth to fits one’s own idea of God’s will has become acceptable and is often left unchallenged. So many spiritual and scriptural terms are put into motion, but they are not in the same dimension and point of view, which are in the Divine plan! 
The tragedy is that so many well-meaning believers have gone on with the outward appearance of searching for the will of the Lord, and yet they fail to see that the power of His radiant life is missing! 
The Apostle Paul warned us in his letter to Timothy about this…. " This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come… ...Having the form of godliness (true religion) but denying the power there of. " 

MY HEART IS BROKEN TO SEE THINGS AS THEY ARE HAPPENING ALL AROUND US 
So much is falling short of its original blueprint. There is so much labor and "rallying" being pumped out there into the minds and hearts of people and it is being poured into the “Self Promotion Machine" more than any time in the history of God's people! Yet the toil is ending in heartbreaking disappointment!
Saints, only those devoted to humility and honor can be saved from this deadly poison that lulls those longing to be entertained and pampered into apathy and spiritual powerlessness! 
God's faithful people in this hour should seek Him and that which is upon His heart. What the Lord is doing in this era is so different, and we should be sensitive to Him! 
He is looking for His “People of the Secret Place” in which the power of resurrection may freely function. 
The Apostle Paul said "according to the power that works in us" (Ephesians 3:20b). 
These “People” will have to be men and women who have “seen”! They shall be like "a voice in the wilderness". 

IT IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY CLEAR THAT GOD MUST DO A FRESH THING WITH HIS FOLLOWERS. 
And that actual “thing” is that He is drawing them to seek the Lord Himself and His recognizable presence! Away from the throng,
nearer to the Word, bowed in repentance and prayer. 
The Psalmist said, "When You said oh Lord, Seek My face; My heart said unto You, Your face, Lord will I seek." 
WILL YOU SET YOUR HEART TO SEEK HIM? 
Oh that God may find His Davids in this crucial hour that will set their faces towards Him at the command of His voice! Without it, the Human race will continue its fall and decline into further confusion, tragedy, and self-preservation. 
“Man’s goings are of the LORD; How can a man then understand his own way?” 
~ Proverbs 20:2 
It’s easy to say, “give your cares to the Lord and trust Him” when everything in life seems to be going well.  It’s easy to say, “I trust you Lord with everything I own” when bills are paid on time and when you just got a promotion at work. 
However, if God striped you of everything you own; If God told you to leave the very job that’s paying your bills, will you trust the Lord enough to do it?  Will you trust God even when you don’t understand; even when life hurts?  
If God told you to leave the familiar and enter the unfamiliar, will you trust Him? 
For many of you, God has done just that.  
He has taken you from what’s “oh so familiar” and redirected your paths into the unfamiliar.  You don’t understand what’s happening in your life; what to do or where to go.  The only thing you know is that the Lord gave you a word (instruction, a promise, vision, etc.) and the only thing you have to hold on to is that word. 
I understand the feeling; you’re not alone.  

THERE IS ENCOURAGEMENT FOR YOU TODAY. 
Many things happen in our lives that we will never be able to explain or understand because God is orchestrating the events of our lives “behind the scenes” (read Job 1-2). Moreover, we cannot detect God physically (through our senses) and we cannot comprehend His plans. 
“But the hour cometh, and now is, When the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: For the Father seeks such to worship him. God is a Spirit: And they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” 
~ John 4:23-24 

Therefore, since we cannot rely on our perception or our reasoning we must turn to something else that is more reliable if we are going to be able to remain calm in the midst of turmoil, to find rest during the storms of life we must rely on God’s knowledge instead of our own. 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, And my thoughts than your thoughts.” 
~ Isaiah 55:8-9 

LET US RUN RIGHT NOW TO THE THRONE OF GRACE AND MERCY!
Now! While our hearts are freshly tenderized and troubled over the recent events in the earth!
Here is something to remember.  Man is fallible; we fall short and at times we’re unable to keep our promises.  Man can give you instructions that are misleading and imperfect.  
With God, none of these things are possible. God keeps His promises, God gives you right instructions according to His perfect will and He won’t mislead you.
No matter how much you don’t understand life as it is right now; no matter how uncomfortable it may seem or how hard it gets, don’t give up. 
If God is with you -  the same God who spoke life into you, the same God who IS and knows the beginning and the end, the same God who knew you before the foundation of this world -is with you, then ask yourself who or WHAT can stand against you. 

CONSIDER THE SOURCE AND SEEK TO BE OBEDIENT TO THE LORD
Even when you don t understand what God is doing in your life; don’t worry about “this or that” because God has provisions for you.
There is the safe voice of the Father calling us. Let us respond with ears to Hear and hearts that obey.
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” 
~Hebrews 4:16
Duplication and sharing of this writing is permitted provided that complete article, podcast link and website information  for Mary Lindow is included. Thank you. "The Messenger" 2017
www.marylindow.com    http://marylindow.podbean.com/mobile/
If you have been impressed by the Holy Spirit 
to assist and bless the needs that Mary has when asked to travel and minister
in different nations, cities and to different people groups,
as well as helping her to meet other administrative needs such as web site and podcast costs, 
or 
if you have a desire to bless her service 
with Spirit-led Love gifts or regular support: 

Please send your gift in the form of: 

 Personal Checks
 Business Checks

 Money Orders
 Cashiers Checks 

To:

His Beloved Ministries Inc.
PO Box 1253
Denver  Colorado 80614
USA

 OR

If you have no problem using your cards responsibly,
feel free to use our account with 

Pay Pal   paypal.me/mlindow

Under the name of - His Beloved Ministries Inc.

 OR


ALL gifts are tax deductible under
His Beloved Ministries 5013c non-profit status.

We are financially accountable and have been in full 
compliance since 1985 with Clergy Financial Advantage.

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Sunday, May 28, 2017

"SOWING SEEDS AND DEEDS OF GREATNESS" - MERCY





By Mary Lindow

Then he (Jesus) added,
"Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture:
'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.'
For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous,
But those who know they are sinners."
Matthew 9:13

It has been said that after the French Revolution, a certain convict that was released on parole traveled the countryside in search of a new beginning. Being an ex-con, as you would expect, led to complications in this search, and he wound up at the gates of a clergyman who agreed to host him for the night.
The convict, as is well known, takes advantage of the bishop’s generosity: getting up early before dawn, he takes off with the bishop’s silver; his escape however is hindered by the local Police Inspector, who after seemingly catching him presents the presumed thief to the bishop for identification. The bishop, without missing a beat, covers for his sneaky guest and speaks such words of kindness over the convict’s past present and future, through releasing him even though caught red handed and deserving of further punishment.
His words? They were profound and dripped of Mercy.

"My friend, you forgot to take the candlesticks as well."

For those of you who are perhaps not familiar with the story about the convict/man and the priest I just spoke of, I am referring to Victor Hugo’s book “ Les Miserables.”
I think Victor Hugo shows something of the challenge of today’s Message of the Gospel that Jesus would want us each to hear and to act upon.
"Be merciful, as your Father is merciful." -Luke 6:36

NOBODY LIKES A BULLY OR TO BE TALKED DOWN TO.
Maybe it is easy for us to be merciful when we have the upper hand.  If someone comes begging for forgiveness, it becomes a show–of generosity of spirit, but a show nonetheless–that we are in some way better than that person. Picture elegant royals, who, moments before the execution of a criminal would decree their royal pardon, leaving a lasting impression of compassion upon those pleading for another chance.

THIS IS NOT THE WAY GODLY MERCY WORKS.
Oh how merciful is our Father! It’s not that our faults are not important to an immeasurable God. We have without a doubt deeply wounded the ties that bind us to him.
Yet he still holds out his hand, bloodied and deformed holes in them, created by the nails put in, even to his enemies.

TODAY JESUS INVITES US TO RE-EVALUATE OUR MERCY:
How deeply do I forgive those who offend me?
Do I pray for them, or allow my forgiveness to become a show of winning the upper hand?  (Another way of showing false humility.)
The forgiving priest not only forgave Jean Valjean’s theft, he created an excuse for him, and even gave away the last of his own treasure, in the hopes that Valjean would be able to start a new life, knowing that he was shown the purest of love and authentic mercy.

MERCY MEANS…
Empathy, pity, sympathy, understanding; favor, grace; benevolence, care, compassion, gentleness, goodness, goodwill, humaneness, kindliness, meekness, mildness, niceness, softness, tenderness; generosity, affection, devotion, love, worship

IT ALSO MEANS…
…Letting go of harshness, accusation, presuming you know better what others need in order for them to better serve God. When we act out like this, we become much like Javert the Police Inspector hounding and lording it over Jean Valjean, bent on making sure all deeds that do not measure up to our way of justice are fully dealt with.
He felt sure that God wanted him to be the individual who would measure out justice and harsh terms of punishment in order to break John Valejan, thus having him pay the price of his wickedness and perchance if once finally shattered and broken, he may perhaps have God look his way .

"DON'T GET MAD -- GET EVEN?”
This seems to be the usual way people view the world nowadays. We should be thankful that God takes a different view of things. Although the Bible makes it clear that God is the Great Judge who hates all evil doing, he is also the Merciful One, who forgives and accepts people who turn to him.
Occasionally God chooses not to grant us mercy; for the purpose of judgment, rebuke, discipline, or testing. Fortunately, for most of us, this is the exception, not the rule.  For the time being, God has shown incredible patience and mercy by withholding most of the effects of our sins.
I will have mercy, on whom I will have mercy,
And I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."
Rom 9:15
  
GOD IS NOT ALWAYS SCOLDING US!
"He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger forever."
Psalm 103:9
Could God find reasons to scold His children all the time? Indeed, He could! None of us are perfect. We could all do better.
However, as justified as scolding us would be, God realizes that we would easily be discouraged if all we ever heard was scolding.
When He scolds us He is correcting us so that we confess our sins and do better.
"The Lord All-Powerful says, “They belong to me; on that day they will be my very own. 
As a parent shows mercy to his child who serves him, I will show mercy to my people."
Malachi 3:17

ASK GOD FOR THE HELP YOU NEED TO OVERCOME SIN.
Face the reality that much of the suffering in our fallen world is caused by human sin.   But count on the fact that God is merciful toward all sinners. Whenever you recognize a situation in which some of your own sin has contributed to your suffering, pray for help, and God will give you the strength you need to overcome sin. Stop holding onto any sinful secrets that have been causing guilt, shame and bitterness in your soul. Confess your sins specifically, repent of them, accept the forgiveness that God offers you, and embrace the power that God gives you to move forward into a better life.

LISTEN FOR GOD SPEAKING IN THE SILENCE.
When your suffering becomes so painful that you can’t make any sense of it or figure out how to endure it, you may feel as if you’re trapped in silence, since nothing that other people say or do to try to help actually breaks through to you. But when you’re at the point where you don’t hear anything else, you can actually hear God best, since you’re less likely to get distracted by the world’s noise around you. In the silence, pour out your thoughts and feelings to God in prayer, and then listen to what He has to say to you. God won’t shout, but He will whisper, to encourage you to keep drawing closer to Him.

SUFFERING IS ALL AROUND YOU IN THIS FALLEN WORLD.
Sometimes it’s so tragic that it’s heartbreaking. Yet, God promises that He is loving and merciful. How can you reconcile these two realities that seem like they compete against each other?
The key is to look for God’s mercy, even when it seems like it can’t exist with the suffering you encounter. God’s mercy is a stronger force than even the worst suffering, and when you look for it, you’ll find it.
The spirit, which he sent to live in us, wants us for him alone.
James 4:5

WE ARE GOD’S OWN.
LET US NOT BE AFRAID TO BE LIKE OUR FATHER.

Let our hearts be conduits of God’s mercy, knowing that we ourselves have been forgiven so very much.
Let us communicate our thanks to Him by being overflowing vessels of kind and tender expression, showing God’s mercy to all.

The Lord is kind and shows mercy.
He does not become angry quickly
But is full of love.
Psalm 145:8

*****************************************
Duplication and re-transmission of this writing is welcomed provided
that complete source, and website information for Mary Lindow is included.
Thank You
Copyright © 2017 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow

If you have been impressed by the Holy Spirit 
to assist and bless the needs that Mary has when asked 
to travel and ministerin different nations, cities and to different people groups,
as well as helping her to meet other administrative needs such 
as web site and podcast costs, 
or 
if you have a desire to bless her service 
with Spirit-led Love gifts or regular support: 

Please send your gift in the form of: 

 Personal Checks
 Business Checks
 Money Orders
 Cashiers Checks 

To:
His Beloved Ministries Inc.
PO Box 1253
Denver  Colorado 80614
USA
 OR
If you have no problem using your cards responsibly,
feel free to use our account with 
Pay Pal   paypal.me/mlindow
Under the name of - His Beloved Ministries Inc.
 OR

ALL gifts are tax deductible under
His Beloved Ministries 5013c non-profit status.
We are financially accountable and have been in full 
compliance since 1985 with Clergy Financial Advantage.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

WHY DO WE FEAR THE FIRE OF GOD? - A Prophetic Word






By the Holy Spirit through Mary Lindow

In one of His most confrontational statements Jesus said, 
“I have come to bring fire on the earth.”

There are times in the Scripture in which fire is a symbol of judgment but in the great majority of references fire is used to point out God’s divine presence. His words make it clear that the meaning behind His words, “I have come to bring fire” refers to something more than a cozy flame to cuddle up to!

In this unique statement from Jesus the fire He is speaking of is not literally fire as in flames but a spiritual representation. He is speaking of the burning, exciting, dynamic presence of God in the lives of people. The fire that illuminates His incredible presence, produces unlimited power, burns away the dross and impurities and attracts people to Him.
That is the Fire of God.


THE FIRE OF GOD IS NOT GIVEN TO MAKE US COZY… 
…But holy, and to stir us up. 

When Moses saw the burning bush God first warned him that he was standing on holy ground, and then told him of the great thing He was about to do, to release Israel from the captivity of Pharaoh (Ex 3).

When Isaiah was in the temple and it filled with smoke of the burning holiness of God, his awareness of being unclean came first, before God equipped him to be His messenger. When God’s fire comes to the hearts of men and women their spirits are freed from the awful bondage of idolatry.

When God’s fire comes, the enemy will be destroyed. That is why we should pray,
“O, Lord -send the fire. Your fire. Send your consuming, changing, restoring, victorious fire!”


WE SING ABOUT THE FIRE OF GOD IN MANY OF OUR HYMNS. 

There is a song I have known for years that says,

“Oh, Lord, you’re beautiful. Your face is all I seek. 
For when your eyes are on this child, your grace abounds to me.

O Lord, please light the fire, which once burned bright and clear, 
Replace the lamp of my first love, that burned with holy fear.”

Lord, send your fire! 
May we sense and know Your burning, exciting, dynamic presence in our lives and among Your people.”


“OH HOW YOU FEAR THE FIRE!” - A PROPHETIC WORD

“It is as if you think that I might truly do something unloving to burn you or disfigure you!

I am a God of fire! Yes! But a HOLY fire! 
A fire that burns away wood, hay, and dead scraps lying around 
in your heart. They are littering the places that I want to bring My Glory into!

When My Fire pursues you it drives away any voice or lust or 
any other enemy of your soul!
You will come to a place where 
you no longer need to have the splash of fanfare or the 
rumblings of the earth to know that I Am in your presence!

Instead. 
The Fire brings you to a place just like it did Moses!
 He saw My Holy Fire in a bush on a hill.

I spoke to Him and told Him He was on HOLY ground!

"Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, 
 
"And like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?”
 Jeremiah 23:29

I was a still, small voice, speaking out from inside of a fire!

Listen! 
I am calling out to you!
Be quiet! 
Silence the noise around you! 

Get quiet with Me. 
Put away the busyness that you get caught up into!

After the “Fire” a still small voice. 

1Kings19: 12


My Passion Fire is calling out to You!

I have things I want to whisper into your spirit-man!

I have words that will sustain you through all of the
 fiery trials and tests you will inevitably pass through!

“If this is so, 
 Then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials.” 
 
2 Peter 2:9

If you want the Fire of I the Living God to be evident
 in your ministry, whether it is in the marketplace, the home,
or abroad, Listen to My still small voice. 

It will in turn resound like a roaring ocean to those whom 
you will minister to.
“O Lord of hosts, 
 How blessed is the man who trusts in You!”

Psalms 84: 12

Trust. 
The issue that everyone on earth deals with day in and day out. 

Putting your trust in things that last for only a season or a few years can be very risky and very disappointing.

I have told My people to trust in ME with ALL of their heart
 and I will make their paths straight.
Yet - continually they put
 their trust in people, and idols made of gold, positions of power, 
and in themselves and invented doctrines of seasonal passing!

Lasting blessings can only come from trusting in Me. 
 
The real issue is that you don’t really think that I will do
 what I say I will do! 
So... You take it into your own hands! When you finally lay down your need to control those all around you and trust in Me, then you will be blessed! Blessed with safety, peace of mind and above all, 
blessed by My pleasure in your resting in My plan.

“See to it that you do not refuse HIM who is speaking!” 
 
Hebrews 12:25

Oh how many times My people have said to Me, 
 “Later Lord! I will do it Later?” 

You exhort others to obey quickly and yet you will drag your
 feet and put Me off until you “feel” like following through!

“It is the LORD your God you must follow, 
and him you must revere. 

Keep his commands and obey him; 
serve him and hold fast to him.” 

Deuteronomy 13:4

Do not refuse Me when I speak to you when I send you to do
 something in My Name! 
You might fear for your own reputation, 
but a life could be hanging in the balance! 

You do not have the luxury of “denying your King!”

If you wish to be caught up into higher dimensions in My Spirit, 
and, if you long for the “deep that calls unto deep", be faithful 
to ACT when I give you a command!!”

Psalm 119:57
 "You are my portion, O LORD; 
 I have promised to obey your words."
Psalm 119:60
 "I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands."


Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed as long as complete message, podcast  
and website information 
for Mary Lindow is included. 

Thank You!



Copyright © 2017 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow



www.marylindow.com