Tenderness - Says the SPIRIT of GOD!

I just came back from a family vacation to Florida, and my 'better half' and I were getting our boys 'back on track' as our March break or sometimes called Spring break was over.

You know its not easy getting the first day (after a holiday) going, everything seems like you go from 'stop' to 'start' with little easing in to it.

As my mind was still fresh with the warmth of the southern sun and thinking of the great family moments we had together, those thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the SPIRIT of GOD, who whispered "tender" and then calmly gave me a revelation on tenderness.

The neat thing, is when GOD teaches you something, HE lets you experience and understand it deeper - its not just 'head knowledge', as you mediate on it, it goes into the heart, and it becomes you. This is what is called real biblical knowledge - experiencing the supernatural, the Spiritual!

So, this is what I am going to share, by the SPIRIT and HIS fellowship with you, to you as HE showed me and began to teach me about tenderness.

The vision I got, was when someone has a toothache or an injury. As that pain and discomfort threatens, we always touch those areas very delicately, very carefully. When I played soccer more competitively in my younger years, and got an injury, I couldn't be as 'rough' or casual about that part of my leg as I normally would simply take it for granted. Now, I had to walk gingerly on a sore foot, or had to bandage up a sore leg and not overly walk or put strain on it.

Why?

Because when something 'hurts', the only response is 'tenderness'.

If our feet our simply sore, and someone messages them for us, they do it gently and tenderly.

Well what if, (with sore feet) someone starts hitting them, or if you had a sore toe, and then if you banged it again, "WOW", that would hurt. So, what do you do?

You resist doing anything hard or even normal with your hurt toe or foot or whatever body part we are talking about. You might possibly bandage it up, to protect it and you would resist anything coming too close, unless coming with gentle and loving motives (like a massage to a sore back or neck) or a nurse gently binding an injury.

That is the word tenderness.

Now, we have an aching world all around us. There are tons with painful and damaged hearts, lives and they will resist anyone coming at them too hard, they will get angry and do whatever possible to 'protect' their ache/ their pain.

The only sure way to get in, and to help it get healed is with 'Tenderness'.

I have to admit, I am not always Tenderhearted as the scriptures say.

Its only the LOVE of JESUS through me that can be that tender, because I am not, in and of myself - but what a Tender Lover our LORD JESUS is!

JESUS said:
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Matthew 24:32

What happens when, our branches/twigs because we are the branches (John 15:5) get tender?

The leaves come out - summer is here! Life is here!

So, who cares about the leaves? Big deal - right?

Wrong! The leaves and this process is very important.

And the leaves are for the healing of the nations. Revelations 22:2

Want to experience greater growth?

Want to bring healing to others?

Want to make a difference to everyone who comes around you? (because leaves provide not only beauty, and shade but are a major part of photosynthesis which in turn provides oxygen to everyone).

How is all this done?

Allowing the LORD to make you tender, and when this is manifest in you, change comes!

You can't do it on your own, but you can be willing to HIS leading and HIS LOVE which will make you tender to others as you get tender yourself.

God would give a heart of flesh, a soft and tender heart...Ezekiel 36:26

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Again, this is something only JESUS does by HIS SPIRIT in us.

Next time you want to make change in someone's life, or if you are wondering why they are so downcast or angry all the time, then the only way in (otherwise they will resist you) is tenderness. GOD'S love and tenderness, working through you - will you let HIM?

LORD thank you for teaching me about tenderness, and thank you for making me tender hearted. Teach me, as I can't do this on my own. Because if YOU JESUS, are not "Tenderness" through me, then I will NEVER be Tender, as I can not on my own!

Amen

-eric

I'll Do It - I've Done It!

Its boasting about the good you will do, or have done
-that brings pride/destruction and defeat.

Want to go down fast?
Want to frustrate your life?

Think, or say to yourself, "I will do _________ (add something good, that you will do).

Or conversley, say or swear or affirm that you will NOT ever do that _______ (you fill in the blank) again!"

The elder son in the prodigal son, who said "I've never left Fathers side, alwaysbeen right here with Dad", that is bitter talk and a defeated life. (no love, no joy).

Its a boast in the ability to keep or do the law - which is an impossiblity!

The rich young ruler who says: "all these things I've done since my youth". He stumbles on the law, and it makes him defeated, no victory, no joy as it exposes him to his coveting ways and not the loving sharing way of Life that GOD created.

Peter himself boasted that he would fight for JESUS and ends up attacking the assistant high priest ear, and getting reprimanded by JESUS. The rebuke by JESUS to Peter reminds us all that we don't boast in our own ability to handle the situation - that is pride, and JESUS reminds Peter, that to live like that will bring a short lived, destruction life.

JESUS said "Put the sword down, don't you know that if you live by the sword you will die by the sword".

If you live with man's answer to the problem, you will end up being consumed by what you try to fix. The method you use to try to solve the problem will now become your problem. Peter's sword, (what he is using to solve the fight/problem) would later on become his problem if he doesn't resist in man's best answer, and relies on the SON (JESUS our LORD) and live by faith (what he can't see) instead!

Peter had to re-learn the lesson, when Peter boasted that he would die for JESUS and never forsake JESUS. JESUS shakes Peter's world, when HE tells him that "before the rooster crows, you will deny ME 3 times". Peter ended up, getting into huge arguements and even called curses upon himself, trying to deny the fact that he (Peter) didn't even know JESUS. In effect Peter was saying "I've never met the man, don't know at all what you are talking about".

Peter was using his words to defend himself, and it was words of a little girl who questioned Peter's accent, being that similar to someone who would be from the area, and a follower of JESUS.

We also have the story of the poor sinner who prayed in the temple, but the rich church going pharisee also boasted in his ability to tithe, and fast and do what was right all the time, distancing himself from the poor sinner's that didn't know GOD.

JESUS warned that it was the poor, lowly sinner that got his prayers answered not the other way around!

Absalom, one of King David's sons, was a very handsome young man. The Bible states it like this:

In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him. 26 Whenever he cut the hair of his head—he used to cut his hair once a year because it became too heavy for him—he would weigh it, and its weight was two hundred shekels by the royal standard. 2 Samuel 14:25-26
Note: His hair weiged 5 lbs.

Later, we find Absalom uses his 'looks, charm and charisma' to begin to 'take over' his fathers throne. Now remember David was King, and David learned that the throne belonged to the LORD, that he was just GOD'S man and not no self-made man.

Absalom thinks different, he wants to reign.
He is confident in his own glory.

The time finally comes, he comes to the place where his popularity explodes, and he is the talk of the town. He thinks to himself, that he can't fail and now is in greater popularity than my own father David. If you remember David was and still is, the star of Israel and Israels greatest king (next to JESUS of course).

But Absalom, starts to gain numbers, and through a series of events, takes over his Dad Davids throne and castle and even sleeps with his fathers servants, and boasts about it by doing it on the roof of the castle, so that everyone knows.

Do you think his charm, good looks and ego (about self) had gone too far?
Absalom even erected a statue of himself, as he said it was because he had no children. See 2 Samuel 18:18

David is forced out of the castle with a few of his closest friends and leaders.

Absalom initiates civil war and is out to kill his father.

David, realizes that if GOD (who originally gave David the throne) doesn't want David to have it anymore, then that is GOD'S decision. Like JESUS later, will we find the words of Philippians when it says : "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7

Basically the Kings, didn't assume their Kingship, but would willing take a lower place, until GOD would lift them back up! For David's reaction see 2 Samuel 15
Remember it was this David earlier in his life that was annointed king by Samuel the powerful prophet of GOD. But even then, David waited as Saul, the present king, would be disposed of by GOD. This king Saul, Israel's first king, was bent on David's destruction and tried many times to kill him. David could have killed Saul but wouldn't stating that it was GOD'S throne and plan that would prevail and not man's and certainly not his own.

Absalom does die in battle, trying to kill his own father king David, but he dies by catching his own hair in a tree, and basically dies by his own hair, the same hair and charm that he had put his confidence in, trapped him, ensnared him in the end.

You are trapped by the words of your mouth. You are ensnared with the words of your mouth. Proverbs 6:2

Its best to simply belief and recohnize that you can't, and only JESUS can through you. Own up to your weakness, so that GODS strength can be revealed.

Is this dream a sign? Or is this sign a dream?

You know when you are in a retail store, or shopping
plaza, they have these small indoor sales signs all
over the place - like in the picture.

Either showing you a 'sale' or enticing you to a further discount, if you would only buy now!

Well, I had a sign-dream 2 nights ago.
After the dream I asked the LORD for the interpretation so here it is dream and all!

Sign Dream - Dream a Sign?

So, I am in this large retail store, and the store is owned by a friend. In my dream, it seems I am there simply to 'help out' for the day.

The store was busy, that day and there was nothing unusual about my dream at this point. I was simply standing in a retail store, on a busy day.

Then I saw a young tall/fairly thin blond man, dressed well with a long beige overcoat seem like he had 'stuffed' something in his pocket! The overcoat, of course giving you ample space to hide something.

I thought, "is he trying to steal something"?

The man had a long thin face, clean shaven and protruding chin. He didn't look sinister or the type to take anything, but here I was staring at what looked like him removing something from the store shelf!

Since I seemed to be working in the store, assisting my friend on this busy day, I made a move toward the guy who was taller than I and younger than I.

"Excuse me" I asked as I approached him about 10 feet away.

Then I noticed he had something large partially hidden under his trench coat.
He started to run!

I chased him, and before he could get away, he stumbled and I caught up with him, mall security was a few steps away. He had no where to run!

I asked him to admit what he did, and he did.
I asked him to hand back what he took, and he did.

But this is where it got interesting, as he opened his trench coat, he handed me a broken store display sign, sort of like pictured above. You know the clear acrylic signs that they can change to whatever sale they are promoting at the time, the signs that stand up on merchandise.

This is what he stole!

He apologized, and gave me the broken store display sign.

I awoke....

Note this scripture:
But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
1 Corinthians 6:17

In my spirit (which by the way is joined to the LORD), I asked the LORD in my usual soft way I asked "Dad, what did that mean"?

Note: as you grow in the LORD, you often move from calling HIM "GOD", to perhaps "FATHER", then for me it went to "PAPA" and finally "DAD"/"DADDY". The Bible makes it clear that when JESUS referred to the "FATHER" all the time, the term is much closer to "DADDY" rather than the formal "FATHER".

Anyway, in my spirit (which is joined to the LORD/DADDY) I heard this:

The store represented GOD'S storehouse - HIS bounty! Which is our inheritance.
The guy tall blond guy, represented the average christian.

The sign, represented signs/ miracles. We seem to be chasing the signs instead of chasing the goods, which the signs point to.
The chief 'goods' we are after, is the LORD JESUS HIMSELF!

HE is our reward.
All good things flow from HIS hand to us, who believe!

The LORD said "I AM your exceeding great reward" Genesis 15:1

Why was the sign broken?

We are so desperate for signs and miracles, that we will take anything - even broken ones.
Instead of resting at JESUS feet, and letting HIS LOVE flow through us. Spending time in prayer/meditation on JESUS - just taking HIM alone.

Then like anything we break, we try to cover it up, and not bring it into light to be healed.
We don't admit our shortcomings, as we live in pride and darkness, not bringing things to light.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

Paul said that he would boast about his shortcomings so
that GOD'S GRACE would be revealed.

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
2 Corinthians 11:30

Are we hiding our faults, shortcomings - acting as 'cool' Christians.
Chasing miracles and signs, going from one 'anointed church service' to another, when we have the GOD our DADDY, right inside us!

LOVE TEST!

LOVE always refers to the other (never self).

If a wife, is constantly praising and putting her husband in good light - she loves him.
If a child, who grows up and constantly talks about his parents in positive ways - they are loved.

Self, only talks about self, it praises myself, it magnifies me.

LOVE does the exact opposite.

For a real good example, look at JESUS.
JESUS only referred to the FATHER in everything and what we find is
the FATHER doing the exact same thing!

Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." John 5:19

Next verse!

For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. John 5:20
There are tons more, but to keep this brief, we will show just a few verses.

Then the FATHER only looks at the SON:

And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Mark 1:11

There are other verses as well, like when JESUS was on Mount Transfiguration, but you can look them up on your own, I think you are getting the idea here.

What you find is TRUE LOVE, only looks at others, and not self. So, what happens when the SPIRIT comes? The same thing! The SPIRIT only refers to JESUS!

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. John 16:13-14

How do you judge if something is from GOD or not?
How do you judge if it is a true work of GOD or not?
How do you judge if your thoughts were from GOD or not?
How do you judge if your vision, or angel experience was from GOD or not?

Simple!

Follow LOVE!

Do they talk about themselves? Do they elevate themselves? Do they boast of themselves
or elevate man? Because its supposed to be all about JESUS!
The angels when they came to the shepherds and Mary/Joseph didn't herald their own agenda, or talk about themselves (except to introduce themselves) but always talked about JESUS and HIS KINGDOM (a Kingdom of GRACE) and shared the GOOD NEWS to them, all of what the FATHER had planned and what JESUS will do!

We've seen so many (so called) ministries, crusades, healing revivals, and although can't speak for all of them, many of them elevate man, money, healing, angels - not JESUS! Oh, they may refer to HIM once and a while, but they prefer to tell you what the angel says or what the preacher is saying (and often its himself, or his ministry, or his lack of money).

No, LOVE doesn't have its own agenda, LOVE speaks about others, and elevates/lifts up the other.

LOVE does not boast. 1 Corinthians 13:4

If its any other Jesus, or any other gospel (see Galatians 1), or even an angel giving you something other than LOVE, specifically lifting up / exalting the GRACE of JESUS, the LOVE of JESUS - run!

Because the True SPIRIT (SPIRIT of TRUTH), will not talk about HIMSELF, no, HE will take from what is JESUS and make it known to you - HE talks about JESUS and HIM only!

Let love be your wisdom, its the key to the spiritual gifts too.

The Gift of wisdom flows out of LOVE. (see 1 Corinthians 14)

-eric

Lakeland Revival? Post

Had a question, come our way last year, and thought, maybe some of you hadn't seen it or even know what we are talking about so let me explain.

There was a so called revival in Lakeland Florida, where those attending claimed to see lots of healings and amazing things. Line ups were out the door, and you could attend or pay a fee, and watch it live via the internet, some of it made it on television also.

But there was lots of controversy around it as well. I know, I asked the LORD to show me if it was 'right or not', and got some neat answers, that I will share in this post.

The leaders, made lots of money on this revival, as it took in loads of cash. They also at times came across real hard on sick people needing prayer. I watched a few episodes and saw the preacher kick the one looking for healing, knocking him flying. I assume kicking out the devil, so the guy could be healed!

That guy never got his healing, and many others complained that 'nothing happened'.

Also alot of talk about angels, and angels leading the serivce. Now, I've seen angels on more than 1 occasion, and they only lift up JESUS and HIS KINGDOM, and don't talk about their own agenda and don't become center stage. In fact love doesn't do that, love always defers to the other person. JESUS always refered to HIS FATHER, the FATHER always spoke of the SON, and the SPIRIT always lifts up JESUS - you see, that is what love does, it doesn't talk about itself, but only others. So, use the LOVE test, if something is right or not. Read my love test post as well.

Anyway, you can google Lakeland Revival - I prefer to call it the Lackland (Lack) Revival.
Here was the question posted and our answer below:

Question:
I was wondering if anyone on this forum went to the Florida outpouring that went on in lakeland florida spring/summer 08

Answer (we received from the LORD):


The bible says test everything ( I Thess 5.21) and talks many times about false prophets.

For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. Matthew 24:24

Now, saying that its all dangerous and to avoid all things Spiritual would also be wrong because we worship and follow The LORD who is Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
And we are spiritual beings as well.

For the record, I've seen many healings, demons cast out and
other amazing things (praise GOD) because JESUS is the true
HERO - a real deliverer!

But, some things that trouble me are as follows:
1) are we chasing signs and wonders, or are the signs following us? Mark 16:17
2) do we need to go somewhere to get more of something, or is JESUS
really with us/ in us and that is MORE than enough? JESUS warned about going here and there hearing that 'HE was there'. Luke 17:23 & Matthew 24:23
3) From what I saw (on tv/internet) parts were very rough (hard on some folks) but
the SPIRIT is gentle (first shown to us descending like a dove) and JESUS was
gentle (the only time HE got tough was on the church going pharasees & that was still out of love).
4) Talked alot about money, angels etc.. but not from what I heard JESUS only.
(because that is who the HOLY SPIRIT ever only talks about).
5) Look at the fruit (because that is how we judge properly) "love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, gentleness, meekness, faith, and SELF CONTROL"

I have my doubts....

JESUS ONLY!

-eric

Presumption could kill you, but FAITH will save you!

Presumption

A conclusion made as to the existence or nonexistence of a fact that must be drawn from other evidence that is admitted and proven to be true.

FAITH

Knowing in advance, a certain outcome will be achieved based solely on the
integrity and ability of the ONE making the promise.

Trying to See without knowing is Presumption
Knowing without Seeing is FAITH.

One has all to do with, trying to understand using facts.
The other (FAITH) has all to do with, knowing something and that
knowledge is based upon the TRUTH or INTEGRITY of JESUS.

FAITH, only works in LOVE, it doesn't work any other way. (Galatians 5:6)

It doesn't work, with facts, effort, manipulation, stress, prayer, what you see,
what you sense, going to church, repeating scripture, meditating, or shouting or screaming.

No, FAITH doesn't work that way, it only works through LOVE.

It grows and manifests (shows itself, becomes visible) through trusting LOVE.

You can lock your door at night, and assume everything will be alright; that's
presumption.
You can lock your door at night (or forget to by accident), and know everything
will be alright because JESUS is with you/protecting you(LOVE PROTECTS) and that is FAITH.

FAITH comes as a 'knowing', and its not based on anything you can see, because GOD and
HIS promises are invisible and often contrary to what you see. If you can see it, its not FAITH. Because FAITH works through LOVE, and LOVE you can't see. You can see the effects of LOVE but can't bottle up and study 'love' itself.

WHY?

Because the GOD kind of LOVE, the highest LOVE of giving up self, for the benefit of others,
is actually GOD HIMSELF - LOVE is a person - GOD is LOVE! 1 John 4:8

A real life, recent example:

The other night I woke up in the early morning and couldn't get back to sleep.
I know that the LORD says that "HE gives HIS beloved sleep", (Psalm 127:2)
and I know by GRACE that I am HIS beloved (and so are you too!).

So, I did the wrong thing, I complained to the LORD, that I need sleep and asked why couldn't I fall back to sleep?

Then I heard HIM say: "Trying to see, without knowing is presumption."
I was trying to see me falling to sleep, by arguing with GOD and forgetting
that it was all about LOVE. You see LOVE is wisdom, LOVE is knowledge - LOVE knows
exactly what to do, and how to do it.

Instead, I thanked the LORD that HE LOVED me, (I knew HE loved me)
and that it was HIS plan to let me fall back aslee..p..... (I was out)!

FAITH works by simply trusting HIS LOVE, and then you get a knowing (on the inside)
that it is done (even though you don't see it or sense it with your senses).
FAITH has nothing to do with your senses. It has nothing to do with what you see.

More on that later...

-eric

New Christian Question on Prayer and "how long".

Long prayers, special prayers? Here is a question that we answered about 3 months ago and thought it might help someone.

Question (that was fired in):

Every Christian should be doing Prayers daily and giving thanks but i have never had a long prayer before..i just give thanks..People say tat they have long prayers because they have a conversation with God

I want to have a long prayer too..i don't mind starting slow but how does one do a sincere prayer and slowly make it long?

---------------------

Answer (we gave) after asking the LORD:

JESUS said:

When you pray, don't talk on and on as people do who don't know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. Matthew 6:7

Prayer is simply conversation. Conversation with JESUS.

Ok, what kind of conversation do you like?

Long boring conversation, pre mediated and all spelled out?

Or spontaneous, lively (short or long) it doesn't matter, because it is
real, it comes from the heart!

That is exactly what GOD wants in prayer.

Lively, real, spontaneous -from the heart.

-eric

Question on "The differences between the Jehovah Witnessess and Christians"?

Growing up, going to Christian school and ultimately Christian college, and being a youth leader for years as well, I was taught that the J.W's are a 'cult', as they do not teach or believe in the deity of JESUS (meaning: JESUS is GOD, which I would assume most of us here in Christians believe).

But...

As much as that above statement is 100% true, what I've received from the LORD
in revelation is this:

Everyone from bikers, to theives to the J.W.'s to the average church going christian,
is all the same.

Same?

Yes, we've all sinned and GOD has placed us all in/under sin.
We all have our own laws, even bikers and thieves do.
We all have our own ways of worship or prayer to 'whom ever is GOD/god' to them.
We all have our own special days, holy/special books, special occasions/times.
There is a code of honour even among thieves, there is only certain things they will do and not do. The same said for every religion out there - including the christian religion.

Here is where I am getting at.

They all have they're own laws/rules.
Paul argued that those that claim they have 'no law', are still a law to themselves.
They still hold onto some integrity if you will. Romans 2:14-15

The problem?

We are never good enough - no matter if we are bikers or the 'christian guy' that
goes to church (building) everytime the doors are open - or better yet, have the keys
to open the building up! They are no different.


But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.
23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. Galatians 3:22-23

JESUS and HIS GRACE (alone) is what this 'faith' is, trusting JESUS (only).

These laws (whether they are your current church laws, or the bikers laws, or JW laws) all 'lock us up' in sin (we are controlled by it, dominated by it) until we throw ourselves at JESUS (GRACE) alone. Leaving behind all those rules, laws, traditions and take HIM as a person. The more you give up, and die to, the more of HIS LIFE will flow through you.

I see it as all the worlds religions (some of them seemingly very good), and all those that we judge evil or wrong (because ours is never wrong) on one side - and JESUS alone on the other.

Religion/ rules/ traditions/ laws/ my effort here - - - - JESUS here.

What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. Romans 3:9

For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
Romans 11:32

It is Great GRACE
It is Amazing GRACE!

-eric