The Mystery of the One Body
A Father sharing His heart with one of His children
6/28/2009
DFW Healing Word Fellowship
Charles Young
Contents
Acknowledgements 3
Introduction 4
Relationship With Him 6
A Do-It-Together Kit 6
Forgiveness 8
Swim in Your Own Lane 10
Smaller Churches 12
The Eye and the Ear 13
Cultivation 16
Gentleness 17
Doctrines 19
The Power of Praise 20
Conclusion 23
© 2009 by Charles W. Young
Acknowledgements
Page 3
It has been a great joy to sit at the feet of my abba, my Heavenly father, and to listen to Him share His heart with me. It is something that even two to three years ago I would have found unimaginable. But after reading a book called “Dining at the Master’s Table: Learning How to Hear the Voice of the Lord,” by a dear friend and brother in Christ, Paul Norcross, I began to practice learning to hear His voice. At first it was quite difficult, but after a while, like speaking in tongues, it began to flow for me. I found journaling, writing down what He had to say, to be especially helpful. The book “How to Hear God’s Voice,” by Mark and Patti Virkler, was very helpful to me in learning how to journal. I was then encouraged by another wonderful brother in Christ, Carl Fox, to write down some of the things that I had been teaching regarding the mystery. I am very grateful to the encouragement that I have received from Carl and Paul.
Another friend that I have had the joy of growing in the Word together with is Rico Graniero. As opposite in personality as two men could be, God has brought us together this past decade to teach and minister together, and to learn together much about healing, casting out spirits, trusting God, and about hearing His voice. I am very grateful for the inspiration of Rico’s love for God and tenacity in serving Him.
I am also very grateful for the love and faithfulness of my wife Nina. How many unexpected blessings she has brought into my life! For instance, many times I have found a book sitting on our coffee table that she brought into our home that has been life-changing to me. Her example of spiritual strength has often humbled me.
I am very grateful to Paul, Carl, Rico, Nina, as well as Ed Johnson, for their proofreading of the text, and all their feedback to me. Of course, all responsibility for the text is strictly mine.
Lastly, how can one find the words sufficient to praise all that our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ have done for us? To be His child, to know the sacrifice my Lord made for me, and how he leads us together today as the head of the body, his church, and to draw close to hear my Heavenly Father’s voice, is the greatest joy one could have in life. How I love to have my heart settled by my Father’s whisper, and enjoy being His child.
Introduction
Page 4
In Colossians chapter two, we find some exciting truths:
Colossians 2:1-3
For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Verse three in the above passage has always arrested my attention. What are those treasures of wisdom and knowledge? I want them! How do I get them?
Verse three ties back to verse two, not surprisingly. Verse two tells us that the true knowledge of God’s mystery is about Christ, where these treasures are stored. So these treasures must have to do with God’s mystery. It must be a very big deal, perhaps much bigger than we realize.
What is this mystery? It’s found a number of places in the church epistles, especially in Ephesians and Colossians. Ephesians 3:6 states it in a nutshell:
Ephesians 3:6
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Jews and Gentiles are fellow heirs of God, fellow members of the body of Jesus Christ, and fellow partakers of God’s promises. The church is likened here to the human body, with Christ as the head. Colossians tells us how great this mystery is:
Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
The word “Christ” means “anointed one” and we know that the anointing is by way of the spirit of God. The spirit of God within each of us is the riches of the glory of this mystery. The words roll beautifully off the tongue, but one gets the sense in reading this that there is much more here than meets the eye.
Then importance of this mystery starts to grow deeper when we realize that God hid this mystery, this church of the one body of Jesus Christ, from generations in times past. God states this multiple times in the church epistles:
Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
Ephesians 3:4-5
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
Ephesians 3:9
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Colossians 1:26
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Why did God have to hide this mystery? I Corinthians tells us:
1 Corinthians 2:7-8
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
This mystery was a big enough deal that the devil would have preferred to have Jesus Christ alive and walking around on the earth to having God’s family, each with the spirit of God, having authority over him. This must be a very, very big deal. In fact, all the treasures of wisdom and understanding are tied up in it. So it behooves us to ask our heavenly Father to give us wisdom and understanding regarding this mystery, which is about His family. So, with this in mind, please enjoy with me the conversation that follows.
I realize that some readers of the following pages might be surprised at the style of writing. You might wonder: does the author really expect me to believe that he wrote this as though it were dictated by God to him? To those readers I would like to say that I have no desire to be lofty or arrogant by using this style. Instead what follows is the way I received these words, and I am only trying to be obedient to what I have been asked to do. I believe that if I were to modify the style to a more traditional approach, I would be only diluting the message. So I invite you to ask God to show you, the reader, if the following pages are from Him. Who knows? You may find that the style may help you in your own quest to better hear His voice, and you may find yourself inspired to write, or journal, some of the things that you find your Heavenly Father speaking to your own heart.
We should also be clear here on the difference between the Greek words rhema and logos. In the Bible the logos is the Word of God that holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, which we have as the Bible. Rhema is the revelation, the word of knowledge or word of wisdom that we as believers receive from God. What follows is in the category of rhema, not logos. Rhema should never be elevated to be on a par with the logos; instead, all rhema that we receive should be compared to the logos, the Word of God, and should be consistent with it. If it violates the Word of God, then it should not be trusted. It is always possible for us to make mistakes when we receive rhema. In order to mitigate this potential problem one good principle is to run the rhema that we receive past others who we spiritually respect for their feedback, which I have endeavored to do here. One might point out that the logos was originally received as rhema, but we should realize that the writers of the Bible were told to present what they received as the logos. Today we should not elevate what we receive as rhema today to the level of the logos.
One additional thought: what follows is not necessarily supposed to be unique or original. It is a sharing from a Father to a son. I have been inspired by the teachings of many along the way, and certainly God works with us in the context of our understanding. He has reminded me of many things through the years that I already knew, as they applied to current situations.
Relationship With Him
Page 6
Son, I have always desired to have a sweet relationship with each of My kids. It was the first thing in My heart when I created the heavens and the earth. I anticipated My children as royalty, sons of the Most High God, and yet, as having a tender relationship with Me. Having My spirit in each one enables this. You can see this in Genesis when I would talk with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. As My kids, they would take care of business during the day, but at the beginning and the end of the day, we would sit and talk together.
Son, I love to teach My kids. I love to love My kids. I love to be intimate with each one. I love the uniqueness of each one, and to see each one grow up, starting as a spiritual baby that I rock in My arms, then growing up in wisdom and understanding, that each one may be a source of wisdom and blessing to others.
Son, in a family each one has fellowship with each other one, but the Mommy and the Daddy provide the warmth, the security, the strength, and the example. I am your Daddy, but I am also as a Mommy to each child. Did I not create both mothers and fathers? Do I not have the heart of each one in My heart? Therefore I am to My children as both a mother and a father. I use the masculine in My Word to refer to Myself, because of the authority I give the male, but in reality I am greater than either one.
You know, son, when I ask you to love Me with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, I am not asking you to do something that I did not first ask of Myself. I love you son, and I love each of My children with every fiber of My being, with all of My heart, mind and strength. I give all of My heart to each one. My total focus is on each one. When you turn to Me in prayer, I am instantly there. In between times, I am longing for our next time together, but I am also watching over you, sending angels out on your behalf, working in each situation to draw you closer to Me.
Son, it’s true that I have poured out all My treasures of wisdom and understanding into My Son, your Lord, Jesus Christ. The mystery of the one body of Jesus Christ is called a mystery because it was a secret, a secret that I had to keep in Myself in order for My purposes to come to pass. Satan always wants to hinder My purposes, but since My knowledge is greater than his, I cause him to unwittingly bring to pass My purposes. Yes, it makes him madder than ever when he realizes this, but he has sealed his fate, and he knows it. For it was My purpose that My son be a sacrifice for all mankind. A sacrifice was required – the ultimate sacrifice. And because He willingly laid down His life, I have exalted Him above every name that is named. In the future, I will exalt Him even greater, for I have committed all judgment to Him.
But son, had the devil known the mystery – the secret of My family – he would not have crucified My son. If he had any idea that My greatest purpose was to have a family where I could have an intimate relationship with each one, and that I would give to each of My children authority over satan, he never would have had him killed. My son, if you really want to understand My heart, you have to immerse your own heart into My family ways. If you want to have treasures of wisdom and understanding, you need to sink your heart into My family ways.
A Do-It-Together Kit
Page 6
Son, all the treasures of wisdom and understanding are hidden in Jesus Christ. They are not limited to what he accomplished while he was alive on this earth. But their greatness is in him being the head of the one body today. Son, if you want to really enjoy these treasures, you cannot do it by yourself. You have to go there together as a family. For these treasures are all wrapped up in the mystery of the one body of Christ. Son, this family is what I had to keep secret from before the foundations of the world. For when each of My children learns to walk by My spirit, and each one learns to walk in the authority that I give them over the power of the enemy, and My children learn to do it together, they become like a spiritual tidal wave that the enemy cannot stop.
Son, you understand enough about the central nervous system of the human body to know that the nerves connect each member of the body directly to the head. Each member receives direction directly from the head in perfect coordination with the direction given to each other member. Only the head is able to coordinate so perfectly so as to allow the human body to function so smoothly as a whole.
How much greater is this same truth when applied to the one body of Christ! I state clearly in My Word that Jesus Christ is the head, and I am his head.
1 Corinthians 11:3
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
So I give him direction, and he gives direction to each believer. The secret is each believer learning to listen and obey, to humble himself or herself to realize that Jesus Christ’s directions are so much greater than his or her own. Did not I design the human body? Is it not exquisite in its functionality? How much greater the one body of Christ is when all learn to function together!
Son, in order for this to happen, each heart must be comforted, encouraged, and healed. When each person comes into the fold of My family, they should find love and healing. If My ministers will seek Me out, I will teach them how to heal believers - physically and emotionally – so that new believers may begin the road of being part of My family with the debris of this world removed out of the way. Yes, each one will still have a life-long journey of learning and growing with Me, but if they can first receive healing from the effects of living in this world, then they will get started correctly as My children. They will get an early taste of My power in their lives, and what to expect for the future.
Once peoples’ hearts are comforted, encouraged and healed, then their hearts are able to be knit together in love. This is the next step in the growth of the church. When each strand of yarn is so woven with each other one, it becomes very difficult to pull them apart. Believers’ commitment to Me grows, and their commitment to one another grows. Son, commitment is a big part of My love, for it is what enables My children to fight for one another. Loving Me with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and loving your neighbor as yourself carries commitment with it - great commitment.
My ministers are to set the example in how they fight for people. That shows people that they are loved, and how they are to love. When the whole church learns to stand up and fight for one another, then their hearts are being knit together in love. Son, this can only happen as people learn to move beyond selfishness, lift up their vision, and see the greatness of My family, that this is what I have called My children to. Son, if My children want to experience the height, the depth, the breadth and the length of My love, then they have to understand that central to all this is My family, and they have to become willing to fight for My family. Note in the great prayer of Ephesians 3 that in the verses 17-19 that “hearts” is plural, and that you have to comprehend My love together as a family.
Ephesians 3:17-19
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Son, once My children begin to move into this realm, then the real treasures of wisdom and understanding will start opening up to them. This is what My heart yearns to see. This is what My love is all about. My nature is love. If My children want to be filled with all the fullness of God, then they have to become filled with love, not just toward Me and Jesus Christ, but also toward each other. If they desire that kind of heart, I will give it to them. But they must seek it, they must search it out. And as they do, I will unfold it to them.
Forgiveness
Page 8
Son, in order for My children’s hearts to be healed, they must forgive. Forgiveness is a big part of My nature, and if My children want to draw close to Me, they must learn to forgive. When My son Jesus Christ was being crucified, he said in Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” If he had not said this, he could not have been a perfect savior. When My servant Stephen was being stoned, he said in Acts 7:60, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” The pure, forgiving heart that Stephen had enabled him to say this, and to confront the religious leaders of the day as he did.
Son, people often think that when they forgive someone, they are somehow excusing the actions of the one who hurt them. It is My job to judge, not theirs.
Romans 12:19
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
But when they forgive, in reality they are lifting a burden off their own heart, and they are removing a barrier between themselves and Me. Once people really see this, they will desire to forgive. Another barrier to forgiveness is the perception that forgiving someone is to continue to expose oneself to an abusive situation. It is never My will that My children be abused.
Son, I realize that it can be tough to forgive. But it starts with confession. Speak the word that you forgive, and then ask Me to cleanse your heart, to heal your heart of the unforgiveness, and I will bring the healing, for that is consistent with My will. Son, you forgive one another not because the one being forgiven deserves it, but because I have forgiven you. Remember the following in My Word:
Ephesians 4:32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Colossians 3:13
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
If I have forgiven you all your sins, washed you and made you clean before Me, and given you eternal life, can you not forgive one another the sin he or she has committed against you? Son, unforgiveness is hardness of heart against Me, refusing to recognize the greatness of what I have forgiven you for. Once My people get this in proper perspective, then they will have no trouble forgiving each other; in fact they will seek out any unforgiveness in their hearts and root it out.
Son, when unforgiveness goes unchecked, it leads to bitterness and hatred.
Hebrews 12:14-15
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Bitterness will eventually lead to sickness and disease. Hatred will blind you and prevent you from hearing My voice.
1 John 2:9-11
He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
So root out unforgiveness. It is wickedness to refuse to forgive. It is a rejection of My forgiveness when you refuse to forgive others.
Matthew 18:32-33
Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
Son, this is why believers are not to take each other to court. It is better to be defrauded of what is rightfully yours, than to allow yourself to become entangled with the legal system. I will take far better care of you than any legal system.
1 Corinthians 6:6-7
But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? Why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
What about My children who are attorneys? There is a valuable service that they can provide, especially when people need legal protection. Ask Me to guide you. You must take care to learn to walk by My spirit, for it is a profession full of landmines.
Son, the refusal to forgive opens up the door to the tormentors, the demonic influence and possession.
Matthew 18:34-35
And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
When you forgive, you close the door to that influence. Forgiveness should be taught to people early on in their spiritual growth, so they can quickly cut off that demonic influence. The failure to forgive also brings a curse with it, and can cut off many of My blessings. When you forgive, you break that curse, and turn on the floodgates of My blessings. You bring sound thoughts back to your mind. Seek out pockets of unforgiveness in your heart. Any time you sense it in your own heart or that of another’s, it should be a red flag. Stop and pray to Me to show you where you are failing to forgive, and I will show you. Then as you confess forgiveness instead of unforgiveness, I will heal that portion of your heart. It is My promise to My children.
Son, many evil things start with unforgiveness. Controlling others often starts with unforgiveness. Witchcraft can start with unforgiveness. As I stated earlier, bitterness, hatred and disease can all start with unforgiveness. But forgiveness is part of My nature. Forgiveness toward others draws you to Me, and toward your fellow believers. The church whose hearts are knit together in love is a church that understands and practices forgiveness. Forgiveness is holy, and it attracts My presence.
Forgiveness also includes being compassionate toward each others’ blind spots. Part of the growth of My children is My discipline, My correction. But sometimes people are not ready yet to learn something from Me, and the lack of readiness to learn from Me is hard on those around them. Son, forgiveness allows you to put up with the faults of others in order to enjoy their strengths. You can also call this compassion. I have great compassion toward each of My children, and My children need to learn to have compassion toward each other. If someone unwittingly provokes you on a regular basis, you can pray to Me for their actions to no longer provoke you, but instead for Me to give you a heart of compassion toward them. Your compassion toward that person will actually help him or her to become ready sooner to have their heart healed in this area of life. Son, this is a big part of spiritual maturity.
Swim in Your Own Lane
Page 10
Son, what I mean by that is that I give assignments to My children, and I expect My children to carry out those assignments. They are to not do less than I say, and they are not to do more than I say. Many times My assignments to you will dovetail with the assignments I give to others. So each one receiving their direction from the head of the church, Jesus Christ, and doing what he asks them to do, will find that their assignment will fit perfectly with the other assignments I give.
Son, My children need to understand that when each one carries out his or her assignment, each one receives the same reward. To the five senses, it may look like one person had a more prominent role, and will therefore receive a greater reward from Me, but that is not how I see things; that is not how people are rewarded in a family. The family rejoices together at the result, and does not single out one or two individuals for recognition over the rest. That is part of what I meant when I said in My Word that if you receive a prophet you will receive a prophet’s reward.
Matthew 10:41
He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.
Son, the beauty of allowing this truth to really settle in your heart is that it washes away the competition between believers that is so destructive to the church. If My children want to enjoy all the treasures of wisdom and understanding that are in Christ Jesus, they must get past being competitive with each other. All the energies that the immature believer applies to competitiveness must be rechanneled to fighting for the church. The only thing that can do this is My love. My ministers must be filled with My love, so that it will permeate the entire church. Spending much personal time with Me, and seeking to have your heart healed by Me will allow My love to dwell richly in each corner of your heart.
Son, you wonder how false prophets or false apostles come about? Many times it is because I give them a ministry, and magnify that ministry in the church, resulting in that individual having a good reputation in the church. But they are not content with what I give them. They become deceived and blinded by the tempter, and want more. The tempter disguises himself as an angel of light, and pretty soon My minister is receiving his revelation and guidance from satan. It is a tragic set of circumstances, but it happens all the time.
I have clearly stated in My Word how to recognize when this is happening – by their fruit you will know them.
Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Do they magnify themselves or do they magnify the Lord Jesus Christ? Where do they point peoples’ eyes? Unless they repent, these people will be judged harshly when My son returns, for they destroy My true church, instead of building it. They turn My church into an idolatrous temple, teaching people to worship the man rather than Me. My children need to learn the difference between those ministers who give only lip service to My son Jesus Christ, but whose real god is their own belly. For My children who go running after such ministries, seeking the man rather than Me, will receive the same reward as the minister. It is a family, and a family all receive the same reward.
So son, swimming in your own lane means carrying out the revelation I give you - no more and no less. My revelation comes from My heart of love, and when carried out in love, will beautifully complement what I give to My other children.
Son, when you begin to see how important My family is, you will start to fight for it. The way you fight for My family is to first fight for each member of that family, to heal, to strengthen, and to encourage. Then, when My children come together and worship Me together, the sweetness of My presence will be among you.
Son, I love to dwell among My children.
Ephesians 2:19-22
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
I love to dwell in My church. When My children come together to love Me and love one another, then I can make that church My habitation. With My presence comes My blessing and healing, My revelation and My protection, My guidance and My glory. People will fall down and report that I am in you of a truth, and will be inspired to be a part of it. For there are many hearts out there longing to be a part of My family, just waiting to find a body of believers willing to genuinely seek Me first and place carrying out My will above all else.
Smaller Churches
Page 12
Son, I want you to think about something. How intimate is a big church? How intimate is a smaller church? A big church can easily fall into using entertainment to keep people coming back. The bigger church will have a harder time ministering to individual needs, because individuals get lost in the shuffle of the large scale administration needed of the big church. Did I call My ministers to be administrators? Or did I call them to minister to My people? Yes there is some need for administration, but the large church will become caught up in it in a way that I never designed. Large churches will need to spend a lot of money on mortgages and maintenance of big church buildings, rather than spending My money on supporting My ministers and taking care of needs within the church.
Son, consider a small church, one that meets in a home, or other intimate setting. There individual needs can be ministered to. There you will find little financial overhead. Instead My funds can go to better uses. When a church becomes too large for a home or other small setting, it can split, and other ministers will have the opportunity to rise up. Now you will have more leadership growing and learning to take care of My flock. Some ministers will naturally oversee other small fellowships, including the ones that split off from them, as well as others that are blessed to come under their wing. It is harder for the enemy to find and root out such churches. When the churches have to go underground due to government oppression, you will see them naturally taking this form.
Son, in large churches, My ministers are more easily caught up in being a figure for people to worship. The minister can also feel very alone, because he feels that he has few peers to empathize with. There are fewer targets for the enemy, and he can more easily take out a church, since there are fewer leaders.
Son, I want to dwell among My children. It is much harder to get a large number of people to all become focused on the sweetness of My presence, for each person has less of a sense of responsibility for the church as a whole. In a small setting, each person will have a much greater sense of responsibility for the church. You see examples in My word of churches meeting in the home.
Romans 16:3-5a
Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house...
1 Corinthians 1:11
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
1 Corinthians 16:15
I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
1 Corinthians 16:19
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Colossians 4:15
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
Philemon 1:2
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
2 John 1:10
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
If you want to really understand the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are in My son Jesus Christ, you will find them much more easily in the smaller churches.
Some people like to have larger churches because they will find more people their own age, or their children’s ages. What? Has My church become a social gathering? Can I not help My children find people their own age? In a natural family how many people do you find that are all the same age? You find grandparents, parents, and children. I have designed My natural family, as well as My spiritual family, to consist of people of all different ages, so that the younger may learn of the older.
The Eye and the Ear
Page 13
Son, consider the human body. Consider how exquisite the human eye is. It is a marvel of engineering, one that doctors and scientists only partially understand. If the eye is so great, then, would you not want more than two of them? Why not substitute two more eyes for your two ears, or your two nostrils?
You will find yourself laughing at such an idea, because you instinctively know that as wonderful as the eye is, it cannot do all the things your body needs to do. It cannot hear. It cannot smell. It cannot run. It cannot type on a keyboard as you are doing now. Your eye has to be balanced with other members of your body. It is designed to be an eye, not an ear, not a hand, or a foot.
What would happen to the eye if it were all by itself, with no ear, no hand, no nostril or foot? You instinctively know that it needs all the other members of the body, because in the human body, the whole is so much greater than the sum of the parts. So it is with the spiritual body, of which My son is the head.
Ephesians 1:22-23
And [God] hath put all things under his [Christ’s] feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Ephesians 4:15-16
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Colossians 1:18
And he [Jesus Christ] is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Son, I tell you in My Word that the members of the body cannot say that they do not need each other, any more than the members of the human body can say that they do not need each other.
1 Corinthians 12:21
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
If My church really understood that verse, they would stop fighting against each other, and start fighting for each other. I love each of My children dearly. Each one, as they grow and mature, will have things to contribute to My church that nobody else can. If My people are willing to recognize this, then they will do everything they can to cultivate each other’s spiritual growth. When My children turn away from each other, they are placing the pain that another believer triggers in their own heart above My will, above the vision that I place in their heart to see My family come together and be strong. But when My children really want to see how I have designed My family, and that I place each member exactly where it pleases Me, then they will stop looking at certain people that I have given to them to work with as a hindrance, but start seeing learning to get along with each other as a stepping stone to their own spiritual growth. Some people will seem impossible to get along with, but those are the situations where I want you to come to Me most in prayer, so I can show you how to minister to that person despite their stubbornness. Some people require much patience in learning to get along with them. But do not underestimate the healing power of love. I will reward you greatly for your long suffering.
Son, when My ministers reach a point where they start ministering healing to others, it can go to their head. They have to really watch that they do not become a “hotshot” and think that they do not need other ministers, and other believers. Yes, My power is a confirmation of their ministry, but My power is supposed to be in operation in all the church. It’s not just supposed to be My ministers operating My power. It really should be all of My family healing one another, casting out devils, and speaking in tongues.
Mark 16:17-18
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Sometimes division in the church occurs soon after My ministers start operating My power for the first time, and it hurts My heart to see it when it happens. But if My ministers want to really see My confirmation in their lives, then they will also learn to continue to submit themselves to their fellow ministers.
Ephesians 5:21
Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Son, when My love starts to permeate a church, and each member becomes highly valued within that church, and each member becomes cultivated so that their spiritual strengths emerge and blossom, then you will see a church where I can really dwell and make Myself known, a church that is a joy to be a part of. The hand is so good at being a hand. It is so much better at being a hand than the foot is! And the foot is so much better at being a foot than the hand is. If the foot cultivates the hand, then the foot gets to enjoy seeing the hand do what a hand does best. And when a need comes along that the hand is best suited to minister to, then the foot has the joy of seeing the hand go to work as only the hand can. Son, people who long to see so-called utopian societies will find what they are looking for right here in My family. This is what people have been searching for through the years without realizing it.
Son, your heart will be the happiest in the context of a family. A family will give your heart a sense of belonging, a sense of home, and will find great contentment there. For I have designed your heart to long for a family to belong to. The enemy knows all this and hates My family. So he constantly attacks a growing family. He will attack from without, but usually it is from within that he must attack if he is to be successful at breaking up My family.
So My children must be constantly vigilant against attacks from within My family. They must constantly examine their own hearts when it comes to working together. Things come up in a family that must be addressed, and it can be painful to address them, but know in those situations that I am exposing the pain in your hearts so that it can be healed. Just like in a marriage, when two people come against each other, it is their own existing pain that the other one is triggering. Once each person has their own heart healed, it becomes much easier to get along with each other. A family that is experienced in healing will know that when something is exposed that needs to be healed, that healing is available, and it is time right then and there to minister to that need. Son, be ever vigilant regarding your own heart, and regarding attacks against My family.
Son, each member of My one body needs to be constantly growing, constantly seeking more of Me. When My children stop growing, then they start to get spiritually lazy, and will miss My revelation. Learning is an exciting adventure, and I have ordained your life, as well as the lives of each of My children, to be lives of constant growth. Do not worry - you will never run out of things for Me to teach you! There is always more. So be content with being My child, and being part of My family, but always be hungering and thirsting for Me to take you deeper into My ways. You will find as you do this that the things I teach you are consistent with the things I teach other members of My family. I raise you up together so that you may rejoice together in what I teach you. This is part of the joy of being a family.
Cultivation
Page 16
Good morning son. Cultivating My people is one of My great qualities. I am very patient. I cultivate My children their whole lives through. A farmer is a cultivator. He knows he has to be patient. He knows that there are certain things he needs to do for his crops, like planting, watering, and weeding. But he also knows that the seed has life in itself. It contains all the capability it needs to be a full grown plant, bearing fruit. Its nature is to grow. So he does things to cultivate that growth.
Son, your nature is to grow spiritually, because that is the nature of the incorruptible seed that I gave you when you were born from above of My spirit. So I cultivate you. I bring you teachers and ministers that originally planted My seed within you, and then through the years cultivated the growth of that seed. I rejoice at each stage of growth in you, as a Father, and also as a cultivator. For cultivation is part of the heart of a Father. I see where weeds start growing, and so I prune you. I prune you so that you will bear much fruit, and so that fruit will be quality fruit. Sometimes that pruning is not much fun for you, especially if you have been undisciplined in the past to respond to My pruning. But the more you respond to My pruning, the less it will hurt. No chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but afterwards it yields the peaceable fruits of righteousness.
Hebrews 12:11
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Son, consider the mustard seed. I love it as an illustration of the growth of My children.
Matthew 13:31-32
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
It is such a tiny seed, indicative of how My children often feel when they are babes in Christ. They read examples of great faith in My Word, and get faint in their hearts at the idea of ever trusting Me in such great ways. But I cultivate My children, and like that tiny mustard seed, they start to grow. If they will allow Me to prune them, and not get hard hearted, kicking against My pricks, I will help them grow into a mighty tree that will provide a place of safety for others, just as the birds feel safe to nest in the branches of the mustard tree.
Son, I expect My children to be imitators of Me. I expect My ministers to cultivate My children. I expect cultivation as part of marriage, especially on the part of the husband. And I expect all of My children to cultivate each other. They need to be patient with each other. And yet, when I give My rhema to speak to one another, I expect My children to speak it. I expect My ministers to speak it, and I expect My husbands to speak it. As My children are faithful to do this, they will develop the heart of a cultivator. They will develop My patience with one another, because they will know by experience that the holy spirit within each believer has life. It has the desire, and the nature to grow within the heart of that believer.
Parents see this in their children. They discipline their children, but do not make them grow. That is My job. How often has a parent disciplined their child in a certain area of life, becoming almost exasperated, wondering if they will ever grow up in this area? Then suddenly one day their child “gets it”, and just naturally does what the parent has been trying to teach them. That is because I give the increase. For a parent, and for the cultivator, it removes great pressure when they begin to learn this lesson, that they are not responsible to give the increase. They are only responsible to plant and water.
1 Corinthians 3:6
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
Son, in the body of Christ, each one is unique. And that means that each cultivator will cultivate in unique ways. That is why I send you different teachers at different stages of your spiritual growth, and why I will send you to people at the stages of their spiritual growth where you will effectively cultivate them. No cultivator is perfect, and I expect you to look past their imperfections, and see what I am teaching you. Paul told Timothy to consider what he said, but it was Me Who gave Timothy the understanding in all things.
2 Timothy 2:7
Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
So recognize when I send you a new teacher, one whom I have taught for years, who is now sufficiently mature to teach you in ways that it is time for you to receive.
Son, as I teach you My ways, and raise you up to have My heart, to know the breadth, length, depth and height of My love, one of the great qualities I will build in you is the heart of a cultivator. Learn to take great satisfaction in planting and watering My word in others, for in so doing I will build My heart into yours. You will find this deeply satisfying, and you will be able to share with Me the joy in seeing others grow up in Me.
Gentleness
Page 17
Son, gentleness is a powerful quality in the body of Christ. People think that it is one of the milder, perhaps less important, fruit of the spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
But it is one of those fruits that will surprise you if you examine closely what I say about it in My Word.
Gentleness is subtle, but is also very powerful. It can reach people in ways that no other spiritual quality can. It’s My gentleness that leads people to repentance.
Romans 2:4
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness [gentleness] and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness [gentleness] of God leadeth thee to repentance?
Titus 3:2-4
To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4 But after that the kindness [gentleness] and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
It’s gentleness that drew the Thessalonian believers to Paul, Silas, and Timothy when they preached Christ to them:
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse [nursing mother] cherisheth her [own] children:
8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
When you reach out to people to tell them about Me, reach out to them in gentleness, and you will be amazed at how many barriers break down, just because of your manner, your tone of voice.
Son, there is something instinctively trustworthy about gentleness. It is how a mother breeds trust in the heart of her infant. When you reach out to people in gentleness, people will instinctively sense that you have their best interests at heart. It is a quality that is very difficult to fake, to pretend to have. It comes from My spirit, and people can tell when it is real.
Son, when people fall away from Me, gentleness is what will bring them back:
2 Timothy 2:24-26
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Gentleness does not move as quickly as other ways of motivating people, such as fear. Gentleness is very patient, but its results are thorough. From the Thessalonian believers sounded out the Word of God in their whole region of the Roman empire, and it started with gentleness on the part of Paul and his companions.
1 Thessalonians 1:8-9
For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
As parents raise their children, if they are smart, they will not spend too much time correcting their children. Instead, if they will build a relationship with their children based on trust and gentleness, they will save themselves and their children many headaches.
Son, I am very gentle toward you. I am very patient toward you. You have known that gentleness for many years, and it has allowed you to grow in trust toward Me. Yes there are moments when I am sharp with you when the situation calls for urgency, but you always know that My manner will quickly return to gentleness, and that is where you can bask.
Son, it’s hard for people with a lot of emotional pain to be gentle. People need to have their own hearts healed before they can reach out to others in gentleness. But I am revealing more and more to My children how to minister emotional healing to one another. As My children forgive, repent, and have their hearts healed, they will become more aware of My gentleness, and the more they do so, the more they will be able to bask in it. You know from experience that you cannot give something that you have not received. But as your heart becomes healed, and you learn to enjoy My gentleness to you, the more you will be able to be gentle toward others. Pray to Me to build gentleness deeply within your heart.
Son, gentleness is a very frustrating quality for the enemy to fight against. Gentleness is so genuine, so trustworthy, that it quickly breaks through the lies of the enemy, and the enemy has little defense against it. So never underestimate the power of gentleness.
Doctrines
Page 19
Son, you have asked Me about doctrines, and how important they are. One person has a doctrine of a pre-tribulation rapture (or, gathering together). Another has a doctrine of a mid-tribulation rapture, or a post-tribulation rapture, or even a partial-tribulation rapture. One person believes you can lose, or reject your salvation. Another believes you cannot. There are several different doctrines regarding baptism, and on it goes.
Son, My children sin when they use their doctrines to reject each other, to separate out from each other. I have called My children to one body, not many bodies. Doctrines are usually the excuse that people use to separate from each other. But generally, going on underneath is the quest for power, which, of course, is also sin.
Son, let Me ask you a question: do I not know how to speak clearly, so that My children can understand Me? If I wanted My children to know the exact timing of the rapture, don’t you think I know how to state it in My Word? So if I do not tell you when, in relation to all the other end time events, when it’s going to happen, there’s a reason. The reason is simple, and you already know it in your heart. I am not ready to reveal when the rapture is going to take place. When I am ready, I will reveal it.
With various other doctrines, if it were important to Me to lay out all the specifics in My Word, I would do it. But Son, all these doctrines are not what is important to Me. What is important to Me is relationship with My children. If you want to hang onto a doctrine, yet you want to build your relationship with Me, I am not going to let that doctrine stand in the way of what is important – our relationship. Son, I love each of My kids dearly. I love to speak to each one, and I love it when they come running to Me. And that is what I have emphasized in My Word.
Son, what is My first and greatest commandment? To love Me with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Is that commandment about doctrine or relationship? What is My second commandment? To love your neighbor as yourself. Is that about doctrine or relationship? If My children really want to draw close to Me, they’ll stop worrying about their doctrines, and focus on their relationship with Me, and with each other.
Son, is prayer about doctrine or relationship? Is the fruit of the spirit about doctrine or relationship? So draw close to Me. Allow Me to love you in every fiber of your being. Allow My love to shed abroad in your heart, and to love your neighbor with the love that I give you. Draw close to Me in prayer. Learn to hear My voice. Learn to walk in the power I give you. For the power I give you is to heal. When you read My Word, read it in light of relationship with Me, and relationship with your fellow believer, instead of reading it in light of getting all your doctrines straight. You will find that My Word will come much more alive to you.
Son, I know your mind is inquisitive, and there are many questions you have about everything from how old the earth is to where did I, God, come from. I have already told you in My Word that now you see through a glass darkly, but then you will see face to face. The sin in the world prevents Me from teaching you everything that I would love to teach you. But be patient. There is a day coming when all shall be revealed. For in that day, you shall know, even as also you are known.
1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
So son, today, enjoy building your relationship with Me. Enjoy building your relationship with your fellow believers. That is what the one body is all about. Each one draws close to Me and My son, which allows you to draw close to one another, and work together, doing the work of the ministry, and edifying the body of Christ.
1 John 1:3
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
The Power of Praise
Page 20
Son, there is great power when you set your heart on praising Me. First, it orients your heart to Me as the one who sees you through the dark night, the situation where you need deliverance. Praising Me will have a purifying effect on your heart, because it gets your focus off of yourself, with all its pride, fears, and other human frailties, off of others with all their imperfections, and onto My perfection, and My holiness.
Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Son, praising Me at all times – when times are good, or when you need My deliverance, will bring healing to your heart, as well as to your physical body. A merry heart does good like medicine. How much more good will a praising heart do?
So, there is power in praising Me. When Paul and Silas were whipped and thrown in the inner prison, they did not feel sorry for themselves, but sang praises to Me, and I was able to respond with an earthquake – one specific enough that it loosed everyone’s bands, but which brought no harm to anybody.
Acts 16:23-26
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
When three armies came against Jehoshaphat and the children of Judah, they had no ability in themselves to fight against them. But I showed them that I would deliver them. I could do so because of their hearts toward Me, hearts that sent singers out before the army to praise Me.
2 Chronicles 20:21-22
And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.
22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
That wonderful aroma in My nostrils has a powerful impact in the spiritual realm. It drives back the enemy and it unleashes My power, for I do partner with you when My power goes into operation.
Paul learned to glory, or boast, in Me at all times, that the power of Christ may rest upon him. He learned that in his weakness, praising Me made him strong. All the trials and tribulations that Paul went through taught him the power of praising Me and glorifying Me.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory [boast] in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
David learned the power of praising Me, and it is found many places in the Psalms.
Psalm 22:19-23
But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.
20 Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.
21 Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.
22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.
Psalm 56:9-13
When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
10 In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.
11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
12 Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.
13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
Psalm 57:6-11
They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.
7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
10 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
Psalm 63:1-7
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:
6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice
Son, it’s not that I need praise because My ego is lacking. The unbelieving human heart can get jealous of Me receiving the praise, or wonder why I need to be praised. Son, the benefit of praising Me is for you. When you praise Me, and give Me thanks, you are drawing near to Me. You are opening wide the doors of communication between us. And you are sending a powerful invitation to My presence to be with you. My presence will heal, strengthen, and deliver. My presence will whisper to your heart how much I love you, and show you great things that you know not.
So son, in every situation, good and bad, rejoice in Me, give thanks to Me, and praise Me. And you shall see My delivering power go into operation. Your heart shall be purified. And you shall see Me draw near to your heart. When you need My deliverance, praise Me before, during, and after My power going into operation.
Son, many people find it awkward when they first start praising Me. Bless their hearts, they are only exposing how much pain and unbelief they have toward Me. But practice is a beautiful thing. The more they praise Me, and give Me thanks, the more they will see the unbelief wash away, and My presence become a reality to their hearts.
Son, when My children come together and praise Me together with all their hearts, they unleash My great power. They cannot see all that goes on in the spiritual realm because it would overwhelm them. But if they could see all that goes on there, they would see My angels being unleashed against principalities and powers, and see the power and influence of the enemy being driven back. When it comes to warfare in the spiritual realm, praise is a powerful and greatly underestimated weapon. So praise Me together as a church, and watch My power go forth. Watch My cleansing of your hearts go into action. Watch demons leaving because a heart of holiness and praising Me is like a hot stove to them. It is no longer a comfortable home.
Son, your whole life can be to the praise of My glory. Unleash this powerful weapon in your life, and you shall leap for joy, as you see the wonderful results.
Conclusion
Page 23
Son, it is time for My church to come together, and be serious about being one family. It is time for My ministers to stop building their own kingdoms, and start working with Me to build My kingdom. The times ahead will demand it more and more, and the consequences of not coming together will become greater.
Son, there is great joy in coming together as one body. Never forget that in My presence is fullness of joy, and there is great joy when My family comes together. As you do come together, it forces each one to grow. You reflect back to each other your strengths and weaknesses, but My love in your hearts will give you the strength and encouragement for your hearts to be cleansed, and to become purified before Me.
Son, My family is the greatest secret I have ever revealed. I will go on revealing its greatness to My children as they come together more. Throughout all eternity we will be one big family together, with each one just as important as the next. It will take all eternity for Me to show My goodness and My kindness to My children. You cannot imagine right now what that day will be like, but just know that in that day, you shall know just the way I know you right now. Now let’s go forth together as a family!