Ezekiel 16:8

Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, Behold, thy time was the time of love: and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord, and thou becamest mine.

There is a time for all things penned the writer in Ecclesiastes 3. The Lord said when he visited his chosen it was a time of love. He cleansed us. He called us. He chose us. He picked us up, turned us around and placed our feet on solid ground. He redeemed us by his own blood. How then can we still with our own actions act as if his love and his mercy is not enough?

And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee saith the Lord God.

But thou didst trust in thy beauty: and playedst the harlot because of they renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.

We are yours O’ Lord God. Teach us to surrender and stay at your feet. Teach us to wait on you and allow you to led and guide. Lord if there by any petittion, let us petition for the increase of your glory in our lives. Magnify yourself within us for you are our heritage o Lord and our exceedingly great reward. You are He is who is holy. You are the gracious god of all mercy and truth. Hear the cry of your chosen...of your anointed. We are helpless without you. Return to us your majesty with tender mercies and lovingkindness. Restore to us your favor. Love us once again, forsake us not. You have looked upon us and seen that it was a time of love. You healed every hurt and every wounded place. You’ve mended our brokenness. You’ve clothed us with the weight of your glory. You’ve revealed yourself with the fulfillment of your holy word. Against you only have we sinned and transgressed. Cleanse us of our way because truly we are yours O’ Lord Jesus.

 ISAIAH 22:22
AND THE KEY OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID WILL I LAY UPON HIS SHOULDER: SO HE SHALL OPEN, AND NONE SHALL SHUT; AND HE SHALL SHUT AND NONE SHALL OPEN.

REV 3:7

AND TO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA WRITE; THESE THINGS SAITH HE THAT IS HOLY, HE THAT IS TRUE, HE THAT HATH THE KEY OF DAVID, HE THAT OPENETH, AND NO MAN SHUTTETH; AND SHUTTETH, AND NO MAN OPENETH.

I KNOW THY WORKS: BEHOLD, I HAVE SET BEFORE THEE AN OPEN DOOR, AND NO MAN CAN SHUT IT: FOR THOU HAST A LITTLE STRENGTH, AND HAST KEPT MY WORD, AND HAST NOT DENIED MY NAME.

Teach me o’ Lord to lay down my life. Greater love hath no man than he lay down his life for a friend. It is easy enough to say with our mouths that we love you O’ Lord. However, the desire to please you with my whole heart is ever so present. Your word does state to present myself a living sacrifice that is holy and acceptable. I know it is my reasonable servoce and you are more than worthy of my complete surrender. Teach me to love you more than my own flesh. You said that you had the power to lay down your life and you had the power to pick it up again. Strengthen me to do the same, that you may be glorified in me. I recognize that you obtained the keys through laying down your life completely and allowing the flesh to die. Teach me to do the same that I may overcome.

VESSELS OF MERCY​

ROMANS 9:18-23

THEREFORE, HATH HE MERCY ON WHOM HE WILL, AND WHOM HE WILL HE HARDENETH.
THOU WILT SAY THEN UNTO ME, WHY DOTH HE YET FIND FAULT? FOR WHO HATH RESISTED HIS WILL?
NAY BUT O MAN, WHO ART THOU THAT REPLIEST AGAINST GOD? SHALL THE THING FORMED SAY TO HIM THAT FORMED IT, WHY HAST THOU MADE ME THUS?
HATH NOT THE POTTER POWER OVER THE CLAY, OF THE SAME LUMP TO MAKE ONE VESSEL UNTO HONOUR, AMD ANOTHER UNTO DISHONOUR?
WHAT IF GOD, WILLING TO SHOW HIS WRATH, AND TO MAKE HIS POWER KNOWN, ENDURED WITH MUCH LONGSUFFERING THE VESSELS OF WRATH FITTED TO DESTRUCTION:
AND THAT HE MIGHT MAKE KNOWN THE RICHES OF HIS GLORY ON THE VESSELS OF MERCY, WHICH HE HAD AFORE PREPARED UNTO GLORY,
EVEN US, WHOM HE HATH CALLED, NOT OF THE JEWS ONLY, BUT ALSO OF THE GENTILES?

The word speaks fro himself with the scriptures and looking at the long suffering that the Lord has had toward his children, he has truly shown his enduring tender mercies and loving kindness toward us. It is a privilege to know the lord’s will for his chosen. He is willing to pour his mercy upon us. He is willing and just to forgive. He is still the potter shaping and making unto himself a body of believers who will surrender completely to his will and allow his leadership and guidance. How have the vessels of wrath that were once fit for destruction become vessels of mercy unto God! They have obtain mercy who were deserving of destruction! He has prepared them for His glory. As the Lord Jesus Christ continues to make us according to his good pleasure whether for honour or not..surely he has shown forth his abundance of mercies and spiritual blessings toward us.

God Chasers Ministries invites other vessels of mercy to join as we seek the face of God through His word and encourage each other in the faith. The Vessels of Mercy will meet Thursday evenings on the 2nd and 3rd Thursdays of the month. This group is especially for young women and elders alike who are motivated to overcome struggles with personal relationships, sexual and domestic abuse, and to walk in the purified love of Christ while abounding in the faith. Come stir up the gift with us!

​DANIEL 7 STUDY GUIDE

IN THE FIRST YEAR OF BELSHAZZAR KING OF BABYLON DANIEL HAD A DREAM AND VISIONS OF HIS HEAD UPON HIS BED: THEN HE WROTE THE DREAM AND TOLD THE SUM OF THE MATTERS.
DANIEL SPAKE AND SAID, I SAW IN MY VISION BY NIGHT, AND, BEHOLD, THE FOUR WINDS OF THE HEAVEN STROVE UPON THE GREAT SEA.
AND FOUR GREAT BEASTS CAME UP FROM THE SEA, DIVERSE ONE FROM ANOTHER.
THE FIRST WAS LIKE A LION, AND HAD EAGLE’S WINGS: I BEHELD TILL THE WINGS THEREOF WERE PLUCKED, AND IT WAS LIFTED UP FROM THE EARTH, AND MADE TO STAND UPON THE FEET AS A MAN, AND A MAN’S HEART WAS GIVEN TO IT.
- LION SYMBOLIC OF STRENGTH AND DOMINANCE
-EAGLE IS SYMBOLIC OF THE ABILITY TO SOAR THE HIGHEST OF HEIGHTS AND DEEPEST OF DEPTHS.
-REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD THAT IS ALL SEEING AND ALL KNOWING, BEHOLDING THE GOOD AS WELL AS THE EVIL. THESE ARE RARE CREATURES AT ONE POINT NEARLY EXTINCT THEY WERE SANCTIFIED
-WINDS WERE SYMBOLIC OF POWER AND FORCES
-GREAT SEA IS SYMBOLIC OF MULTITUDE OF PEOPLE

Daniel, a Holy Prophet, is a seer prophet. That is to say that the Lord used him in the prophetic office by showing him things. He used his five senses in the form of discernment and the Lord used him to speak the word of God by having him speak what he saw in the revelations of the dreams and visions that the Lord had given him. He is shown four powers or forces from Heaven that strove upon a multitude of people. The four great beasts arose from the sea, which is to say that four kingdoms emerged from the midst of a multitude of people of diversity. Though these kingdoms emerged from a people they were appointed and allowed by the Most High. 
With their reign they have forces of principalities that strove with them. The animals that are mentioned are symbolic of a spirit in operation within the kingdom or ruler that is being revealed. The forces of the kingdoms are different one from another.
Remember that when the lord communicates in the prophetic within a dream or vision, oftentimes he gives a confirmation by repetition. He will speak more than once to create authenticity with His servants.

PSALM 62:11
GOD HATH SPOKEN ONCE; TWICE HAVE I HEARD THIS; THAT POWER BELONGETH UNTO GOD.

The first occasion the Lord gives the revelation of these end times kingdoms in chapter two, in the form of a dream with King Nebuchadnezzar. The Lord also used his prophet to confirm the communication and give the interpretation of the matter. When he gave reference he used symbolism of the types of metal to compare the appearance of the kingdoms, the strength of each, as well as the spiritual superiority or inferiority to the other kingdoms.

However, in the second revelation of the gentile kingdoms of the end times, the Lord gives more detail of the spiritual appearance instead of how they appeared outwardly. He gives insight on how each kingdom operates spiritual and its characteristics, intentions, and their destruction.

The first was like a lion is significant of the dominance and strength of the kingdom. This is a strong spirit and no one sees what is coming. Having the wings of an eagle, this king is able to soar high above all of his enemies, to go high heights and deep depths. This is his spiritual method of transportation. He is a super power. His powers and forces are in high places. The prophet beholds until this kingdom has its wings plucked and isn’t as powerful as when it started in the beginning. The eagle spirit and its godliness (likeness to God) is lifted from the earth. What was once godly is no longer a godly nation. The nation is made to stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it. Therefore, the nation is given to walk in it’s own strength and having a man’s heart they are given fleshly, natural emotions, and cares of life.
Proverbs 4:23

KEEP THY HEART WITH ALL DILIGENCE; FOR OUT OF IT ARE THE ISSUES OF LIFE.

The Lord gives his people His wisdom, His knowledge, His understanding and His counsel right within the midst of those in this kingdom, but they turn their back on God.

AND BEHOLD ANOTHER BEAST, A SECOND, LIKE A BEAR, AND IT RAISED UP ITSELF ON ONE SIDE, AND IT HAD THREE RIBS IN THE MOUTH OF IT BETWEEN THE TEETH OF IT: AND THEY SAID THUS UNTO IT, ARISE, DEVOUR MUCH FLESH.

-This “bear” has strength, but not like the strength of the lion. This kingdom is not moving on its own. It is existing but not “driven”. It is connected with other kingdoms. A portion of this kingdom is in slumber.
- The ribs signify unity/ covering/ protection of vital organs and functions/ intimacy. The Location in the mouth is to signify it will go forth to consume or devour the unity/ protection/relationship with the trinity.

AMOS 5:19

AS IF A MAN DID FLEE FROM A LION, AND A BEAR MET HIM; OR WENT INTO THE HOUSE, AND LEANED HIS HAND ON THE WALL, AND A SERPENT BIT HIM.

HOSEA 13:6-11

ACCORDING TO THEIR PASTURE, SO WERE THEY FILLED; THEY WERE FILLED, AND THEIR HEART WAS EXALTED; THEREFORE HAVE THEY FORGOTTEN ME.
THEREFORE I WILL BE UNTO THEM AS A LION: AS A LEOPARD BY THE WAY WILL I OBSERVE THEM:
I WILL MEET THEM AS A BEAR THAT IS BEREAVED OF  HER WHELPS, AND WILL REND THE CAUL OF THEIR HEART, AND THERE WILL I DEVOUR THEM LIKE A LION: THE WILD BEAST SHALL TEAR THEM.
O’ ISRAEL, THOU HAST DESTROYED THYSELF; BUT IN ME IS THINE HELP.
I WILL BE THY KING: WHERE IS ANY OTHER THAT MAY SAVE THEE IN ALL THY CITIES? AND  THY JUDGES OF WHOM THOU SAIDST, GIVE ME A KING AND PRINCES?
I GAVE THEE A KING IN MINE ANGER, AND TOOK HIM AWAY IN MY WRATH.

The holy prophet Daniel in the midst of a people who have already been given numerous warnings by the prophet Jeremiah and the prophet Ezekiel. The chosen are in spiritual captivity. The Lord is giving a revelation to his servant that he is being given a foreshadow of what is to come in the end times. The only way to get a complete understanding is that the prophet had to go through and experience some of the things he was chosen to write about. As the chosen of the Most High, we are first partakers of those things we are given to speak on behalf of God. Daniel, too, is in captivity with the rest of the people. He didn’t sin, but the Lord uses him to show that the Lord rains upon the just as well as the unjust. Daniel has to deal with a corrupt society of people who were chosen by God  and called by His name. He also had to deal with corrupt leadership and ungodly people in authority. Nonetheless, Daniel humbles himself to continue to fast and seek the Lord with fervent prayer. The Lord reveals these kingdoms of the world, how they operate, and how he will use them to bring judgment, and then ultimately how they will be destroyed. The Lord will still be redeeming and reconciling souls until he returns.
The Lord God is angry and his wrath is with him. The children that he has known and loved have turned their backs. The lord is angry because these people have become self-dependent. He ha revealed himself as their God, their savior, and their King. This people have become prideful and arrogant. They are full of themselves. They are self-righteous and wise in their own sight. They stand on their own authority and operate on their own will.
The Lord uses the prophet Amos to speak of some of the judgment that will overtake his people because they utilize privilege and advantage to oppress the chose men and women of God. The Lord desires to judge the head first. These are the leaders, priests, elders, and sheppards’ of his people.
EZEKIEL 7:9
AND THEY THAT ESCAPE OF YOU SHALL REMEMBER ME AMONG THE NATIONS WHITHER THEY SHALL BE CARRIED CAPTIVES, BECAUSE I AM BROKEN WITH THEIR WHORISH HEARTS, WHICH HATH DEPARTED FROM ME, AND WITH THEIR EYES, WHICH GO A- WHORING AFTER THEIR IDOLS: AND THEY SHALL LOATHE THEMSELVES FOR THE EVILS WHICH THEY COMMITTED IN THEIR ABOMINATIONS.
AND THEY SHALL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD, AND THAT I HAVE NOT SAID IN VAIN THAT I WOULD DO THIS EVIL UNTO THEM.

We have broken the Lord’s heart! He has called us. He has chosen us. He has equipped us. He has fought our battles for us and driven out our enemies. However, instead of humbling ourselves at the feet of god, we turned our back and put him on a level of man instead reverencing with a godly fear that is due to his name.
I will bring to your remembrance the account of King David. After being on the run from his father-in-law, and mentor, Saul; David was delivered by God on several occasions. He was delivered personally from circumstances and situations and he was delivered in unity with the Israelites from their enemies on every side.
Time after time King David went and inquired of the Lord to know what his will was. He was completely dependent on the Lord’s sprit, even though the people themselves had pleaded for a king. David ceased not to inquire of the Lord before going to battle. He trusted in the Lord with his whole heart.
When David had grown old, after having gotten the victory from fighting several wars, the Lord moved him to number the people. He wanted to judge the children of Israel. David on this occasion didn’t receive sound counsel. The captain pleaded with David not to do this thing. Yet arrogance and self-righteousness had corrupted the people from the head and downward through the ranks. Therefore, the lord was angry. The people were used to winning. They were privileged. They were putting their confidence in man and in the flesh, instead putting their trust in their savior, the Most High.

 The Lord reveals that these four kingdoms that have been established in the end times are the kingdoms of the world. These kingdoms will come to an end. The Lord reminds us that the children of Israel go through a cycle. They sin; he raises up an enemy; they go into captivity; they repent; he raises up a deliverer; and then there is rest.
These kingdoms that are in place are there for an appointed time for the sake of the Lord’s will and purpose. These things must come to pass that the fruition of the prophetic can manifest.

EPHESIANS 6:10-18
…FOR WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, BUT AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNES IN HIGH PLACES.

Within these kingdoms there are spiritual principalities with powers that have been established in high places. All of the powers and rulers have been ordained for the Lord’s purpose and to get the children to their expected end. Though these kingdoms maybe mentioned consecutively, they have been existing among each other  and unity with each other all over the world and for centuries. Just as the kingdom of God had been ordained before the world began. No matter what  ruler, emperor, king, or president there is at the present time; the principality has been there and as the writer penned through King Solomon, “there is nothing new under the sun.”

AMOS 3:7
SURELY THE LORD GOD WILL DO NOTHING, BUT HE REVEALETH HIS SECRETS UNTO HIS SERVANTS THE PROPHETS. THE LION HATH ROARED, WHO WILL NOT FEAR? THE LORD GOD HATH SPOKEN, WHO CAN BUT PROPHESY?

The Lord has stated that before we were formed in the womb, He knew us and called us according to his purpose (Jer 1:5). Therefore, if he knew whom he called and predestined, then he also knew what would take place  regarding  each of the kingdoms that he allowed to be established within the earth. The plan and the purpose for such things he did share with his servants and then commanded that they speak by the spirit what they have seen and what they have heard.

COLOSSIANS 1:16-17

FOR BY HIM WERE ALL THINGS CREATED , THAT ARE IN HEAVEN, AND THAT ARE IN EARTH, VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE, WHETHER THEY BE THRONES, OR DOMINIONS, OR PRINCIPALITIES, OR POWERS: ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY HIM, AND FOR HIM:
AND HE IS BEFORE ALL THINGS, AND BY HIM ALL THINGS CONSIST.

Therefore these four kingdoms have been ordained before the worlds were even created. The Lord stated that he would bring judgment upon the children of Israel, he will bring judgment upon the enemy that he uses to come against them, and then he will restore all things unto himself.
These four kingdoms are in place to do just that.

The first was like a lion. This kingdom greatly resembles the kingdom of God outwardly. The Lord has been called the lion of Judah. He is known for His strength. The eagle’s wings are consistent with the Lord being the all seeing eye, no matter the height or the depth. He sees all and he knows all things. Daniel says he looked until his wings were plucked , and it was lifted form the earth. The spirit of God and his infinite strength and its ability to move freely and elevate above all enemies is lifted from the earth which indicates the spirit returning back to God. The strength, sight, and mobility returns to God. It is made to stand upon his feet as a man and a man’s heart was given it is to say that this kingdom in the character of man and has the cares of the world. This kingdom appears to have once been favored of God, but has forsaken the holy covenant and therefore has his spirit been lifted.

Oftentimes, we have heard that the Lord and whom he has chosen are the head and not the tail; above and not beneath. Therefore, the Lord reveals it is a kingdom of gold in previous chapters to the prophet Daniel. The kingdom flourishes as a green bay tree. It is a superior kingdom to all others. However, it is taken in pride and vanity.

AMOS 4:6-12

AND I ALSO HAVE GIVEN YOU CLEANNESS OF TEETH IN ALLYOUR CITIES, AND WANT OF BREAD IN ALL YOUR PLACES: YET HAVE YE NOT RETURNED UNTO ME; SAITH THE LORD. 

AND ALSO I HAVE WITHHOLDEN THE RAIN FROM YOU, WHEN THERE WERE YET THREE MONTHS TO THE HARVEST: AND I CAUSED IT TO RAIN UPON ONE CITY , AND CAUSED IT  NOT TO RAIN UPON ANOTHER CITY: ONE PIECE WAS RAINED UPON , AND THE PIECE WHERE UPON IT RAINED NOT WITHERED.

SO TWO OR THREE CITIES WANDERED UNTO ONE CITY TO DRINK WATER; BUT THEY WERE NOT SATISFIED; YET HAVE YE NOT RETURNED UNTO ME, SAITH THE LORD.

I HAVE SMITTEN YOU WITH BLASTING AND MILDEW: WHEN YOUR GARDENS AND VINEYARD AND YOUR FIG TREES AND YOUR OLIVE TREES INCREASED, THE PALMERWORM DEVOURED THEM: YET YOU HAVE NOT RETURNED UNTO ME, SAITH THE LORD.

I HAVE SENT AMONG YOU THE PESTILENCE AFTER THE MANNER OF THE EGYPT: YOUR YOUNG MEN HAVE I SLAIN WITH THE SWORD, AND HAVE TAKEN AWAY YOUR HORSES; AND I HAVE MADE THE STINK OF YOUR CAMPS TO COME UP UNTO YOUR NOSTRILS: YET HAVE YE NOT RETURNED UNTO ME, SAITH THE LORD.

I HAVE OVERTHROWN SOME OF YOU, AS GOD OVERTHREW SODOM AND GOMORRAH, AND YOU WERE AS A FIREBRAND PLUCKED OUT OF THE BURNING: YET HAVE YE NOT RETURNED UNTO ME, SAITH THE LORD.

THEREFORE THUS WILL I DO UNTO THEE, O’ ISRAEL: AND BECAUSE I WILL DO THIS UNTO THEE, PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD O ISRAEL.

The Lord God has chastened his people. He doesn’t judge without first warning and giving room to repent and return to him.

AMOS 2:14 AND 3:2

 THERFORE THE FLIGHT SHALL PERISH FROM THE SWIFT, AND THE STRONG SHALL NOT STRENGTHEN HIS FORCE, NEITHER SHALL THE MIGHTY DELIVER HIMSELF.
YOU ONLY HAVE I KNOWN OF ALL THE FAMILIES  OF THE EARTH: THEREFORE I WILL PUNISH YOU FOR ALL YOUR INIQUITIES.

The Lord shares these things with his Holy Prophet Daniel so that he can pray and warn people who have already been carried into captivity to return to the true and living God. He wanted us to know what we were up against so that we could effectively contend for the faith and have a way of escape out of the kingdoms of this world.

ROM 8:28-32

AND WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, TO THHEM WHO ARE THE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.
FOR WHOM HE DID FORKNOW, HE ALSO DID PREDESTINATE TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, THAT HE MIGHT BE THE FIRST BORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN.
MOREOVER WHO HE DID PREDESTINATE, THEM HE ALSO CALLED: AND WHOM HE CALLED, THEM HE ALSO JUSTIFIED: AND WHOM HE JUSTIFIED, THEM HE ALSO GLORIFIED.
WHAT SHALL WE THEN SAY TO THESE THINGS? IF GOD BE FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?
HE THAT SPARED NOT HIS OWN SON, BUT DELIVERED HIM UP FOR US ALL, HOW SHALL HE NOT WITH HIM ALSO FREELY GIVE US ALL THINGS?

Therefore, take heed those who think they stand lest they fall. The people within the first kingdom magnified themselves against God. He being a just judge, judgeth righteously.

JEREMIAH 48:43-44
FOR THUS SAITH THE LORD; BEHOLD, HE SHALL FLY AS AN EAGLE, AND SHALL SPREAD HIS WINGS OVER MOAB.
FEAR, AND THE PIT, AND THE SNARE, SHALL BE UPON THEE, O INHABITANT OF MOAB, SAITH THE LORD.
HE THAT FLEETH FROM FEAR SHALL FALL INTO THE PIT; AND HE THAT GETTETH UP OUT OF THE PIT SHALL BE TAKEN IN THE SNARE: FOR I WILL BRING UPON IT, EVEN UPON MOAB, THE YEAR OF THEIR VISITATION, SAITH THE LORD.

DANIEL 7: 4

AND BEHOLD, ANOTHER BEAST, A SECOND, LIKE A BEAR. THE SECOND KINGDOM IS FULL OF SLEEPING PEOPLE. THIS KINGDOM IS NOT ON THE MOVE FOR ANYTHING. THEY ARE FULL OF INTIMIDATION AND FEAR BUT ARE SPIRITUALLY SLUMBERING AND HAVE NO CONCERN ABOUT WHAT’S GOING ON. IT IS RAISED UP ON ONE SIDE TO SHOW SYMBOLICALLY THAT IT IS NOT MOBILE, BUT LAYING DOWN. THE THREE RIBS REPRESENT A SPIRITUAL  UNITY. THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. AND ALL THINGS THAT THE LORD HAS ESTABLISHED WITHIN THIS UNITY. WE KNOW THAT THE LORD BUILDS AND EDIFIES, BUT THE ENEMY COMES TO STEAL, KILL, AND DESTROY. THIS PRINCIPALITY HAS COMMANDED TO ITS PEOPLE TO DEVOUR THE UNITY THAT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED BY THE MOST HIGH. THIS SPIRIT WILL ATTEMPT TO DESTROY RELATIONSHIPS, PARTNERSHIPS, BUSINESSES, MARRIAGES, FRIENDHIPS AND EVERYTHING THAT THE LORD HAS BUILT BY HIS SPIRIT.

ISAIAH 29:10

FOR THE LORD HATH POURED OUT UPON YOU THE SPIRIT OF DEEP SLEEP, AND HATH CLOSED YOUR EYES: THE PROPHETS AND YOUR RULERS, THE SEERS HATH HE COVERED.

AND THE VISION OF ALL IS BECOME UNTO YOU AS THE WORDS OF A BOOK THAT IS SEALED, WHICH MEN DELIVER TO ONE THAT IS LEARNED,  SAYING, READ THIS, I PRAY THEE: AND HE SAITH, I CANNOT; FOR IT IS SEALED.
 
AND THE BOOK IS DELIVERED TO HIM THAT IS NOT LEARNED, SAYING READ THIS, I PRAY THEE: AND HE SAITH, I AM NOT LEARNED.

WHEREFORE THE LORD SAID, FORASMUCH AS THIS PEOPLE DRAW NEAR ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, AND WITH THEIR LIPS DO HONOUR ME, BUT HAVE REMOVED THEIR HEART FAR FROM ME, AND THEIR FEAR TOWARD ME IS TAUGHT BY THE PRECEPT OF MEN:

THEREFORE, BEHOLD, I WILL PROCEED TO DO A MARVELLOUS WORK AMONG THIS PEOPLE, EVEN A MARVELLOUS WORK AND A WONDER: FOR THE WISDOM OF THEIR WISE MEN SHALL PERISH, AND THE UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR PRUDENT MEN SHALL BE HID.

WOE UNTO THEM THAT SEEK DEEP TO HIDE THEIR COUNSEL FROM THE LORD, AND THEIR WORKS ARE IN THE DARK, AND THEY SAY, WHO SEETH US? AND WHO KNOWETH US?

SURELY YOUR TURNINGS OF THINGS UPSIDE DOWN SHALL BE ESTEEMED AS THE POTTER’S CLAY: FOR SHALL THE WORK SAY OF HIM THAT MADE IT, HE MADE ME NOT? OR SHAL THE THING FRAMED SAY OF HIM THAT FRAMED IT, HE HAD NO UNDERSTANDING? 

​1 PET 1:22-23

SEEING YE HAVE PURIFIED YOUR SOULS IN OBEYING THE TRUTH THROUGH THE SPIRIT UNTO UNFEIGNED LOVE FOR THE BRETHREN, SEE THAT YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER WITH A PURE HEART FERVENTLY:
BEING BORN AGAIN, NOT OF CORRUPTIBLE SEED, BUT OF INCORRUPTIBLE, BY THE WORD OF GOD, WHICH LIVETH AND ABIDETH FOREVER.

JUDE 21

KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD, LOOKING FOF THE MECY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST UNTO ETERNAL LIFE.

IT IS NEEDFUL TO MENTION THAT IF THERE BE A WORK TO BE DONE IN CHRIST, THEN ALL THINGS BE DONE IN FAITH AND IN THE PURIFIED LOVE OF CHRIST. IF THERE BE A PROPHESY, LET US PROPHESY IN THE LOVE OF CHRIST. WE MUST ABSTAIN FROM ALL APPEARANCE OF EVIL, ESPECIALLY IN THESE LAST AND EVIL DAYS WHEN ADVERSARIES ARE LOOKING FOR OCCASION TO ACCUSE THE SAINTS OF GOD AND TO HAVE OUR GOOD EVIL SPOKEN OF. THE LORD HAS COMMANDED THAT WE SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD. HOW CAN THE KINGDOM BE FOUND IF THE CHOSEN APPEAR AS THE WORLD. YOU SHALL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS IS WHAT THE WORD HAS CONFIRMED. WE MUST WALK BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD AND SEEK FOR HIS HOLY GHOST. WE MUST OBEY THE TRUTH AND LOVE THE BRETHREN WITH A PURE HEART CONSISTENLY AND PERPETUALLY. IF WE ARE INCORRUPTIBLE THEN THE WORD WILL ENDURE AND ABIDE FOREVER. DURING THESE PERILOUS TIMES WHERE THE LOVE OF MANY IS WAXING COLD WE MUST KEEP OURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD. IF THERE BE ANY BOWELS OF MERCY ALSO LOOKING FOR THE MERCIES OF GOD. FOR SOME, THERE TESTIMONY HAS BECOME UNSAVORY AND THE SALT HAS LOST ITS FLAOR. HOWEVER, TO THE FAITHFUL…WE CONTINUE TO HOLD FAST TO THE CROWN OF LIFE. ENDURE TO THE END THAT WE MAY EAT OF THE TREE OF LIFE. SANCTIFY THE LORD IN YOUR HEARTS SO THAT WHEN WE ENCOUNTER THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE TRIALS OF LIFE, THE WARFARE, IT WILL NOT PENETRATE THE PLACE WHERE GOD RESIDES. GUARD YOUR HEART. LOVE WITHOUT DISSIMULATION. TRUST AND BELIEVE ONLY.

​GALATIANS 5:7
YE DID RUN WELL; WHO DID HINDER YOU THAT YOU SHOULD NOT OBEY THE TRUTH?

11 COR 10:4

FOR THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL BUT MIGHTY THROUGH GOD TO THE PULLING DOWN OF STRONGHOLDS.
CASTING DOWN IMAGINATIONS THAT EXALTETH ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD,A DN BRINGETH INTO CAPTIVITY EVERY THOUGHT TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST;
AND HAVING IN A READINESS TO REVENGE ALL DISOBEDIENCE WHEN YOUR OBEDIENCE IS FULLFILLED.

WE MUST HOLD FAST TO THE TRUTH AND STAND FIRM EVEN WHEN OT ISN’T LOGICAL AND THINGS DON’T MAKE SENSE CONCERNING YOUR PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCE. WE MUST STAND ON OUR MOST HOLY FAITH. WE CANNOT ALLOW OUR ADVERSARIES TO GET US TO STOP RUNNING AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART. DO NOT ALLOW THE ADVERSARY TO GAIN THE ADVANTAGES AND HAVE YOU IIN BONDAGE AGAIN…HAVING YOU GO BACK TO THE PLACE WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN DELIVERED FROM. THE LORD WILL HANDLE THOSE WHO TROUBLE US WHEN OUR OBEDIENCE IS FULFILLED. CIRCUMSTANCE AND SITUATION SHOULD NOT DICTATE YORU FAITHFULNESS. JESUS IS THE SAME ALWAYS.

PHIL 4:12

I KNOW BOTH HOW TO BE ABASED AND I KNOW HOW TO ABOUND: EVERYWHERE AND IN ALL THINGS I AM INSTRUCTED BOTH TO BE FULL AND TO BE HUNGRY. BOTH TO ABOUND AND SUFFER NEED.

DO NOT BE LED BY THE NAKED EYE. THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH. STAY THE COURSE AND FINISH THE RACE. OBEY THE TRUTH IN ALL THINGS AND ALL THE LORD TO GIVE THE INCREASE OF HIS HOLY WORD IN DUE SEASON WE SHALL REAP IF WE FAINT NOT. DO NOT FAINT. DO NOT LEAVE THE HEDGE OF PROTECTION. PUT ON YOUR WHOLE ARMOR AND CONTEND FOR THE FAITH.

​TO THE REMNANT WHO KNOW THAT IT’S TIME TO DO THE WILL AND PURPOSE OF CHRIST. TO THOSE WHO HAVE PROCLAIMED THAT THEY WILL BE FAITHFUL SERVANTS OF THE MOST HIGH. I THANK MY GOD ALWAYS FOR THE PRAYERS WARRIORS WHO CONTINUE TO PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR AND CONTEND FOR THE FAITH IN TIMES SUCH AS THESE. THESE ARE NOT THE DAYS WHERE MANY WILL PROCLAIM THE TRUE GOSPEL OR TO CRY IN THE WILDERNESS MAKE THE PATHS OF THE LLORD STRAIGHT. THESE ARE NOT DAYS WHERE WE SEE VERY MANY TRUE WORSHIPPERS PRAISING AND LIFTING UP THE NAME OF JESUS. THESE ARE THE DAYS WHERE PURIFIED LOVE WAXES COLD BECAUSE THE INIQUITY AND SIN CONTINUES TO ABOUND. THERE ARE WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS. THE SEASONS ARE WHERE YOU CANNOT TELL THEM APART. MANY ARE FALLING BY THE WAYSIDE TO FALSE DOCTRINE AND SEDUCING SPIRITS. THE MOTHERS ARE AGAINST DAUGHTER AND FATHERS AGAINST SONS. THOSE IN THE HOUSEHOLD HAVE BECOME ADVERSARIES. THE TIME IS TO CONTINUE TO WATCH AND PRAY. STAND FOR HOLINESS AND STAND FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS. GUARD YOUR HEART. GUARD THE CHILDREN. TEACH THE WORD ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT OF GOD REGARDLESS IF IT IS NOT POPULAR. REMEMBER THE VOW AND COVENANT THAT JESUS CHIRST MADE TO YOU AND YOU MADE TO HIM. HE WILL LEAD AND GUIDE YOU IN THE PATH OF ALL TRUTHS IF YOU DO HIS WILL AND NOT LEAN TO YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. WE MUST RECOGNIZE THE WARFARE AND BE WISE AS SERPENTS AND YET GENTLE AS DOVES. THE LORD IS THERE EVEN WHILE THE ENEMIES CONTINUE TO SURROUND US AT THE GATE. JESUS IS THERE. WE MUST BE WRAPPED UP AND TIED UP IN HIS WORD AND LET THE FLESH BE PUT UNDER SUBJECTION. ABSTAIN FROM ALL APPEARANCE OF EVIL.TRUST IN THE LORD AND DO GOOD. SPEAK THE WORD OUT OF YOUR MOUTH AND THE LORD JESUS CHIST WILL PERFORM HIS WORD IN DUE SEASON. DO NOT BE WEARY IN WELL DOING. I REPEAT DO NOT GROW FAINT. PRAISE. SEAK. STAND. BELIEVE ONLY. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS EVERLASTING. KNOW IT. BELIEVE AND STAND ON THAT FACT. SO SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM AND EVERTHING ELSE SHALL BE ADDED. YOU WILL SEE THE KINGDOM COME FRONT AND CENTER. THOSE WHO KNOW HIM WILL KNOW HIM AND THOSE WHO DON’T WON’T. MEANING, THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH. REMEMBER THE UNITY MUST BE BY THE HOLY SPIRIT AND YOU SHALL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS. I HAVE NOT FAILED IN MY PLAN FOR REDEMPTION.. I HAVE NOT FAILED AT BEING A SAVIOR TO THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO RECEIVE ME. I AM THERE AND MY SPIRIT, THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL REIGN FOR ETERNITY.
1 JOHN 4:6
WE ARE OF GOD: HE THAT KNOWETH GOS HEARETH US; HE THAT IS NOT OF GOD HEARETH NOT US. HEARBY KNOW WE THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, AND THE SPIRIT OF ERROR.
 1 JOHN 2:24
LET THEREFORE ABIDE IN YOU, WHICH YE HAVE HEARD FROM THE BEGINNING. IF THAT WHICH YOU HAVE HEARD FROM THE BEGINNING SHALL REMAIN IN YOU, YOU SHALLL CONTINUE IN THE SON, AND IN THE FATHER. 

 PHILLIPIANS 3:7-10

BUT WHAT THINGS WERE GAIN TO ME, THOSE I COUNTED LOSS FOR CHRIST.
YEA DOUBTLESS, AND I COUNT ALL THINGS BUT LOSS FOR THE EXCELLENCY OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST JESUS MY LORD: FOR WHOM I HAVE SUFFERED THE LOSS OF ALL THINGS, AND DO COUNT THEM BUT DUNG, THAT I MAY WIN CHRIST,
AND BE FOUND IN HIM, NOT HAVING MINE OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS OF GOD BY FAITH:
THAT I MAY KNOW HIM, AND THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION, AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS, AND BEING MADE CONFORMABLE UNTO HIS DEATH.

These are perilous times that we are living in. Paul began giving a testimony about the natural laws concerning promise and his place in genealogy within the Hebrew lineage, but he wanted to focus on the fact that he gave up the natural and carnal for the spiritual and things that were eternal.
When seeking the face of God you’re going to lose some things for the sake of righteousness especially in the end times. Some folks don’t want to let go of anything natural but Think they will still enter into a spiritual kingdom. To lose is to gain.

Acts 4:32

AND THE MULTITUDE OF THEM THAT BELIEVED WERE OF ONE HEART AND OF ONE SOUL: NEITHER SAID ANY OF THEM THAT AUGHT OF THE THINGS WHICH HE POSSESSED WAS HIS OWN; BUT THEY HAD ALL THINGS COMMON.
AND WITH GREAT POWER GAVE THE APOSTLES WITNESS OF THE RESSURECTION OF THE LORD JESUS: AND GREAT GRACE WAS UPON THEM ALL.
NEITH WAS THERE ANY AMONG THEM THAT LACKED; FOR AS MANY AS WERE POSSESSORS OF LANDS AND HOUSES SOLD THEM, AND BROUGHT THE PRICES OF THE THINGS THAT WERE SOLD.
AND LAID THEM DOWN AT THE APOSTLES’ FEET: AND DISTRIBUTION WAS MADE UNTO EVERY MAN ACCORDING AS HE HAD NEED.

We must be willing to suffer and lose things for Christ is the greater gain. Those who are not willing to leave mother, father, sister or brother and deny himself and take up his cross is not worthy of the Lord. Paul stated that the things which happened to him were for the furtherance of the gospel. What we lose...even the sufferings are to gain the kingdom. Our reasonable service is to partake in the sufferings and being made conformable to the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross.
Oftentimes the flesh wants us to attempt to establish our own righteousness based on works of the law and of the flesh. However, the Lord says if we do according to the law then it is no more of the faith and without faith it is impossible to please the Lord. We must follow hard after the Lord that we may obtain and apprehend that which we have been believing for from the beginning.

​MATTHEW 26:56

BUT ALL THIS WAS DONE, THAT THE SCRIPTURES OF THE PROPHETS MIGHT BE FULFILLED. THEN ALL THE DISCIPLES FORSOOK HIM AND FLED.
AND THEY THAT HAD LAID HOLD ON JESUS LED HIM AWAY TO CAIAPHAS THE HIGH PRIEST, WHERE THE SCRIBES AND THE ELDERS WERE ASSEMBLED.
BUT PETER FOLLOWED HIM AFAR OFF UNTO THE HIGH PRIEST’S PALACE. AND WENT IN, AND SAT WITH THE SERVANTS, TO SEE THE END.

It is needful to take a look at the life of Peter for a moment. The Apostle Peter was a business man. When the Lord introduced Himself Peter was providing to take care of his family. Peter was said to have had a temper, but really it could be considered a protective spirit. He war passionate and he desired “the more” of the spirit of the living God. Because of his desire for the spirit of God, he was often found in vulnerable positions for the sake of walking by faith. He took chances. He took risks. He denied himself to see the miracles of God. However, because he was willing to seek after the spirit of God, he was the one disciple who seemed to have the most shortcomings. Peter often said some crazy things, like, let us build three tabernacles…one for the Lord, Moses, and one for Elijah. He said things like, “lord, who loves you the most? Then seeing Jesus walking on water, asked, bid me to come Lord, and minutes later found himself sinking while having a heart of faith toward God and a zeal. He told the Lord Jesus he would die for him while within only hours was found to have denied him, not once or twice, but three times. The same disciple was chosen by God to work signs, miracles, and wonders. He was chosen to “feed the sheep”…He desired to do the Lord’s will and purpose. He had a heart after God. Though Peter found himself in a fearful position, after all the other disciples had forsaken the Lord, it was Peter who even in the midst of fear and uncertainty stayed with the servants to see things through to the end. It is written that the just shall live by faith. When you’re rooted and grounded in the love of God and you’re confronted with your own wretchedness and vulnerabilities it is the getting to the heart of God that keeps you seeking him…loving him…praising him…worshipping him…waiting for him. However, there is no comprehension of the matter until you know the love of God and the power of that love. That love reached into the future and laid down his life and had the power to pick it up again…just because he looked past my faults and saw the need for his mercy, longsuffering, grace, forgiveness, favor, and comfort and all of Him. So if I could persuade of you of just one thing it would be to love the lord thy God with all thine heart and see things through to the end. Those who endure to the end shall be saved.
Romans 10:1
Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved.  

 Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

It is needful to bring this scripture to remembrance because this is the “confidence in warfare” book. Paul writes this letter to encourage his fellow soldiers ion the battlefield to be not weary in well doing because we shall reap if we faint not. Abide in the Lord and He will abide in you. Trust in the Lord always and be confident that He who began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Rejoice in that confidence because we have hope in the expectation of the Most High. No matter the circumstance and no matter the situation the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us. We are dying daily so that it is not longer us, but Christ who lives within us. Watch and pray for the Lord indeed hears our prayers and is faithful to provide for His and to and to perform His will. Regardless of the test and trial have confidence in your Savior who is risen for you to partake in His grace. Remember your testimony of love when you're going through. Remember the righteous things and the purified love of Christ. Remember the reasons why have praised the Lord.

I thank God for giving us the invitation to come boldly to His throne of grace. I thank God for hearing the prayers of the righteous on my behalf when I wasn't strong or faithful enough to pray on my own. I thank God for the Spirit that makes intercession to give us the proper words to pray knowing the flesh cannot please God. I thank God for teaching me the righteous way to seek so that He would hear me when I call and that my words would not fall to the ground. Therefore I praise Him for His faithfulness to look past my faults and my wretchedness to meet my need for His loving kindness and His tender mercies. Some righteous prayed for me and the Lord honored their prayer. He shielded me to get me to a place of repentance. He poured His Holy Spirit and kept drawing me to seek of Him through His Holy Word. There I understood the mercy, love, and joy that was overwhelming that the shy pastor had to step aside and allow the Spirit of God to reign completely. The purified love of Jesus redeemed my life. Therein is a praise report to bear record of the bowels of mercy and the love that will continue to abound as long as you allow. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of the Lord.