Religion and Deception Can’t Stop a Move of God

"For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?" - Isaiah 14:17

              This morning, while I was reading the Word, I began to really reflect on how the Lord's primary concern in each one of our lives is our heart, and the condition it is in. In Jeremiah 17:10 God says, "I, the Lord, search all hearts..."

            The condition of our heart is something that our Father, out of His infinite and unconditional love for us, is relentless about. Psalm 51:17 says, "The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God." As I was reading in Acts chapter 9, I began to see what took place from this perspective . Here, we find Saul, a mass murderer of these committed, born-again, Christ followers, determined to continue his mission of persecution and death amongst them. His next move was to capture, chain, torture, and annihilate the believers in Damascus. Most of us know this story, but what I began to notice was Saul's heart condition. His actual motives.

            In Acts 23:1 Paul says, "...I have lived in good conscience before God until this day," and in Acts 26:9, "I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth." From his own testimony, we see that Saul genuinely believed, (and with passionate fervor), that he was doing the will of God! His heart was in a place where, though what he was doing was absolutely atrocious, he fully and confidently believed he was doing it for God, and that God was pleased!

              What we are seeing here is the power of the spirits of Religion and Deception at work. These spirits darken a persons ability to see clearly, and especially to see oneself clearly. They numb the senses to darkness and evil, and above all, to the Spirit of God. They hate the Holy Spirit, because "where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty," (2 Cor. 3:17); and we know that Satan and his cohorts hate freedom, truth, and life- because they have none! Nor will they ever! Saul was oppressed by these familiar spirits of his day, and completely blinded to the evil of his ways. These same spirits are still ruling today, and are just as, if not more destructive than ever. This is what we are seeing in effect all over the world, and just as equally in the Church, as these spirits are working hand in hand, blinding people from the truth. We can see that these spirits are covering a broad spectrum, even deceiving most of the population. From all false religions and cults, to dead Christian churches with no Spirit of God or life, to those who are open to the Holy Spirit but must maintain control over Him, His flow, and over the people, and even to ISIS.

              I say this because just as in the time of Saul, God is still all about the condition of our heart. Even though Saul was the Hitler of his day, his heart was not equivalent. He was deceived, and truly believed in his heart that what we was doing was right and honorable in the eyes of Jehovah. Here is a short recap of what takes place in Acts 9, as Saul is traveling to his next destination of destruction:

       "As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?'

'Who are you Lord?' Saul asked.

And the voice replied, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.'

The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone's voice but heard no one!

Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink."

Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling,

'Ananias!'

'Yes, Lord!' he replied.

The Lord said, 'Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.'

'But Lord,' exclaimed Ananias, 'I have heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name!'

But the Lord said, 'Go, for SAUL IS MY CHOSEN INSTRUMENT TO TAKE MY MESSAGE TO THE GENTILES AND TO THE KINGS, AS WELL AS TO THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL...'

So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength." 

              Saul, whose name was later changed to Paul as he began his new life, had a radical heart for God, and one of genuine repentance. Because of this, the Lord knew that if He brought Saul deliverance from Religion and Deception, the new man, Paul, would keep his heart in a place of repentance, reverence, and obedience throughout the rest of his life. It is my belief, after seeking the Lord for years to answer my questions on deliverance, that many people today are not delivered because of His mercy. Because if their heart is not

right, and deliverance comes without radical transformation and commitment following as their way of life, it is only a matter of time before, "the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so the person is worse off than before," (Luke 11:26).

              But, if the heart is right- if it is a heart that, though they may be deceived, truly wants to know who God is, and is willing to go the distance and abandon all to follow Him- God will go the distance to save them! This is exactly what He did with Saul! Not only did God deliver him, but He personally revealed Himself to him! He set him free from the spirits of Deception and Religion, and it doesn't end there! God then chose him, anointed him, taught him by His Spirit, and then sent him out in boldness and power to preach the gospel of the Kingdom! God took Saul- a bloody Pharisaical murderer, and transformed him into Paul- one of, if not the, greatest evangelists of all time!

              This is also exactly what the Lord has done in my life. I was so bound not only by these spirits, but literally hundreds upon hundreds of others. My life was a continuous nightmare, and I was horribly bound. Even when things were better, I was empty. There was a deep void of purpose in me and hunger that needed to be filled and I could never seem to satisfy it no matter what, or who I tried. I was broken. I was desperate. I was dead. I knew there was a God and I wanted to know who He was... Deep down we all want to know our Maker and the Lover of our souls.

              After looking everywhere, God finally removed the scales off my eyes, just as He did Saul. I realized that God really was Jesus,  not a religion, but a person who wanted a real and living relationship with me. Someone who truly did want to be intimate with me and search the depths of my heart. Who wanted to walk with me and talk with me every day. Who wanted to help me, and teach me. Who wanted to show me the truth of what is going on in this world- breaking me free from complete ignorance and deception. And above all, who wanted to show me the power and reality of His Kingdom, and teach me how to thrive in it. And not only this, but a God who wanted to set me free from the chains this life had me in, to heal all my brokenness, and remove all of the deep, deep pain in my heart and soul.

           When I was finally able to see the truth- JESUS- I ran after Him! I wanted to be whoever and do whatever it takes to be a full-blown lover and follower of Him. Because I knew it was the truth and nothing else mattered anymore! I was no longer blind and purposeless. My life had meaning, and I had a living and tangible hope. And when you find Truth, you find Life!

Jesus was the key to life. Eternal life! Not only dying and going to heaven, but beginning that new life here and now, and having His Holy Spirit come live inside of me and be my Helper and Teacher! Oh how I wanted to know Him! And once I did, I wanted to be free. He said I could be healed, and that He does not lie. So I made it a mission to see this in my body, my mind, and my life. I wanted to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus Christ was really the truth, above every other god and way in the world. That the Bible and every Word God wrote is 100% true. If this were so, I would go out and tell everyone: "I found something real! This is it! Jesus is the Way! He is the Truth! He healed me and set me free! Look at how much he has done in my life! Look at how much he has changed me! He is so real, so alive, and so amazing! HE IS THE ONLY TRUTH!!" And you bet, it ended up being so! He was true to His Word, and has supernaturally healed me physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally in every single way!

              Being my Deliverer and Healer is who He continues to be in my life daily. My part is to remain genuine in heart, obedient, and in a place of receptivity and repentance. As I have remained faithful, passionate, devoted, and surrendered, the spirits, circumstances, and deceptive attacks of the enemy he has delivered me from have been incredible. As Psalm 34 says, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all..."

              I had no idea that I was deceived. I thought I was a "good" person. I wasn’t- but God knew my heart. Saul had no idea he was deceived. He thought he was a "good" person. He thought he was serving God! He wasn't- but God knew his heart. As we see with Saul, and just as I saw in my own life, no one is safe from the redemptive hand and power of our Almighty God when He chooses to move upon a heart!

So what about ISIS? When I think about Saul and imagine what was taking place in that day, I see exactly what is taking place in our world right now. Is it very well possible that there are followers of ISIS who genuinely believe that allah is God, and that they are truly right in what they are doing?  Who are blinded by Religion and Deception? Saul was just as guilty. I was just as guilty. We are all guilty. We are all in need of forgiveness, which comes only by the precious Blood of Jesus- by His death and resurrection on the cross, and our belief in His perfect sacrifice and propitiation for our sins.   

          As far as Religion and Deception are concerned: Are these spirits, these fallen angels who were created by the All Powerful God Himself, too big for God? Are all of these people's hearts unchangeable? Are they so blinded and bound that they cannot ever see the light that Saul saw? That I saw? That so many of us by God's grace and mercy saw? On the contrary...

              It looks to me like God is orchestrating some pretty extravagant Damascus Road encounters!


              ...His Kingdom is being manifested! All for His Glory!

              Hallelujah!  He reigns!

 

 

 

Battles ANOINT Rulers

"Joseph's PERSONAL VICTORIES became a corporate covering ...

but there is no victory without a battle. BATTLES are DESIGNED TO free us from the prisons of life and TAKE US TO the place of our DESTINY. Between the prison and the palace there is always A PROCESS that this warfare facilitates. The process is often better described as a trial. The trials of our life are designed to DEVELOP our CHARACTER so that we can stay in the palace.

Joseph was in a powerful position when he decided the fate of his family in Egypt. Joseph had gone through the test of character and his victories were many: he believed God would fulfill the dreams of his life, even though circumstances were against him; he submitted to authority, was faithful and trusted God through everything; he stayed clear from sexual sin, and he was willing to forgive his brothers.

His successes allowed him to become a CORPORATE COVERING and a TRUSTED GENERAL in the kingdom to protect all those who came under him."

- Kris Vallotton

**Here are some questions for us. How do we see and handle the trials that God allows in our lives? Do we think God is punishing us? Do we think we are a victim of people or circumstances? Do we yell at God because "God you say you love me but look at this... And look at my life!" Or maybe we are convinced we were made for greatness, but since the enemy knows this, he never stops attacking us? Do we end up continuously feeling defeated, or in an actual cycle of defeat?

 

What if we change the lenses we are looking through? What if we see with spiritual eyes that are fixed on Jesus, not on the dumb DEFEATED enemy? What if we begin to see from a HEAVENLY PERSPECTIVE? What if we were to whole-heartedly see every trial as a blessing? As a gift from our Dad, causing variables and circumstances to come about in order to CHALLENGE, EQUIP, TRAIN and RAISE US UP; trials that otherwise wouldn't be, since we would never willingly put ourselves through them? What if we were to see them as tests that we KNOW we can pass with His strength, in order to move forward to the next level? As opportunities to grow more into the STRONG men and women we want to be, and the LEADERS and ROLE MODELS we are called to be? What if we were convinced that God's promise is true- that He works EVERY SINGLE THING out for our good- meaning He has PURPOSE for everything?

 

This is how we become a victorious people. If we were to see ourselves as God sees us, we would face these trials head on, thankful for the opportunity to become more like Him, and eager for the change it is going to bring about in our character. Our Dad sees us as strong, courageous, capable, victorious, and powerful ROYALTY. He says we are MORE than conquerors. If we really want to think like God thinks, and see what He sees, then we need to do so first with ourselves! Each one of us matters tremendously! Each one of us has our own assignment and destiny! And "He is faithful to complete the work He has begun," and to "perfect what concerns us," in order to bring us into the things He planned for us before the creation of the world!

 

If we are to walk in HIGH places, shouldn't we be tested first to prove we are trustworthy and capable? Don't we want to be prepared before we get there, and know we can handle it? Wouldn't we want to maintain the position, and continue to increase, because we have been successfully trained and equipped? Don't we want to be in positions of POWER and AUTHORITY and GENERALS of our Father's ARMY! !? This is His will for us! To establish the GOVERNMENT of the KINGDOM OF GOD on Earth as it is in Heaven!!

 

So let's be thankful we have a GOD who loves us SO much that He SETS US UP for success! Who orchestrates our training process for us! Who gives us the strength and wisdom to pass through EVERY trial, and Who brings us from glory to glory, HIGHER and HIGHER!**

 

*** HALLELUJAH OUR GOD REIGNS!!!! ***

 

 

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces PERSEVERANCE. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be MATURE and complete, NOT LACKING anything."

-James 1:2

 

"We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God... "

-Acts 14:22

 

"In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy... "

1 Peter 1:7-8

 

" And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and ESTABLISH you."

1 Peter 5:1

 

"And we know that ALL things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

-Romans 8:28

 

"being confident of this very thing, that He who who has begun a good work in you will complete it... "

-Philippians 1:6

 

"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me."

-Psalm 138:8

 

"But YOU ARE a CHOSEN generation, a ROYAL priesthood, a holy nation, His own SPECIAL PEOPLE , that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light..."

-1 Peter 2:9

The HIGH Life

 

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the HIGH CALLING in Christ Jesus.”
-Philippians 3:14

Yesterday, while I was doing my makeup, the Holy Spirit said to me, “press toward the HIGH calling.”

Any time I had ever read this verse I probably assumed that the “high” calling was heaven. I’m sure I thought “okay, yea, press through and make it through this life and I will get the prize in heaven...”  In fact, I don’t think I ever thought twice about it. So when the Spirit spoke this to me, I was very intrigued to hear what He was about to reveal. He began to show me that there are many callings, many levels and heights, and that we have the free will to choose how high we want to go…

“How HIGH do you want to go? How BIG are your dreams? How GREAT is your faith? How HUGE do you want to see your God be?

I am encouraging you child, to PRESS for the HIGH CALLING. Go after ALL of it! Believe for ALL of it! Because with Me, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. Do you believe this? Do you believe ME?

I am CALLING YOU UP HIGH. I want to take you to the greatest heights, and then even higher. I want to get you “high”, and use you as a vessel to show others what “being HIGH” is really all about.

The world’s ways of “getting high” are only a counterfeit for the TRUE HIGH that comes from ME. Every other “high” is a FALSE high. It is a LIE meant to DISTRACT you from ME and to DESTROY your life. You think you are getting high or going up higher, when in reality you are descending lower and lower. This is actually deception.

Your enemy, Satan, is a LIAR, and there is NO TRUTH in him! His goal is to steal, to kill, and to destroy. He has defiled the meaning of getting high, as defiling is what he does best. Do you see?

Do his highs increase you? NO. They decrease and depress you. Do they grow you? NO. They weaken and degrade you. Do they develop you? NO. They hold you back and confine you. Do they mature you? NO. They cause you to be  unsophisticated, underdeveloped, and unseasoned. Do they expand you? NO. They shrink and bind you. Do they produce anything truly good in your soul and in your life? NO! Every “high” he offers you is meant for your DESTRUCTION, and is purposed to lead you to spiritual and physical DEATH.

MY HIGH is LIFE. It is abundant LIFE! You don’t truly know about “getting high” until you know ME. I AM A HIGH GOD! MY WAYS are HIGHER than your ways and MY THOUGHTS are HIGHER than your thoughts. I am all about HIGH ways. Far higher than anything you can ask or think...

Will you pursue and run after MY high? Will you believe in the high ways I have for you? Will you fight for the prize- the HIGH CALLING?

Come into agreement with my high ways. MY POWER IS ALIVE IN YOU! It comes forth when you AGREE with it. I have high things in store for you beloved! Believe it! Speak it! Decree it! Stand on my Word in faith, and watch as I raise you to great heights for My glory.”

“I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, HIGH and lifted up…”
-Isaiah 6:1

“But you, Lord, are MOST HIGH forevermore.”
-Psalm 92:8

“And they remembered that God was their Rock, and the HIGH GOD their REDEEMER.”
-Psalm 78:35

“I have said, ye are gods; and all of you are children of the MOST HIGH.”
-Psalm 82:6

“Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above (HIGHER THAN) all that we can ask or think, according to (IN AGREEMENT WITH) the power that works in us.”
-Ephesians 3:20