God Turned the Jacobs into Righteous - the Garbage Became Something

God Turned the Jacobs into Righteous

Failure - The Garbage Became Something

I have been to a women's meeting last Saturday and the Lord has met us in a wonderful way. The speaker mentioned a name which is not in the Bible, but surely fits the name of the Lord - God is a Recycler. He takes nothing and makes it into something. When she mentioned Recycler, I thought of Zebulun, the son of Jacob and Lea in Genesis 30:19-20 LITV "And Leah conceived again and bore a sixth son to Jacob. 20 And Leah said, God has given me a good present. This time my husband will live with me, because I have borne six sons to him. And she called his name Zebulun. I would like to share with you about Zebulun's name in Hebrew and what it reveals and speaks to us about our relationship with the Lord. This study about Zebulun came about in one of my lowest pits ever. It was a place in the spirit when the Lord took me through a season of "mess" where nothing I tried worked and whatever I did was not good enough. The Lord humbled me and taught me that I cannot be perfect because He is the only One who is perfect and He is God alone. He even took me through a time of silence and used my silence as a weapon to tear down strongholds in my life - I had my own personal Jericho. His hand was very heavy on me, but at the same time He showered His love on me and was renewing my mind about messed up people and failures. He lead me to study His word and gave me understanding of what He is doing in my life. It was one step at a time. At this lowest point, just a few weeks before my Jericho strongholds fell down, the Lord was speaking to me about Zebulun. I have not thought about his name before and I found myself realizing what his name means in Hebrew and how much it speaks to my situation. This study brought me down on my knees sobbing and acknowledging that God is Lord, and I am not. I was created in the flesh from dust. You might be in a different place in the spirit, and this study will not mean a lot for you. However, I believe we will all go through a place in the spirit where our life is a complete mess, so He can teach us that He is the only One who is perfect. That it is not about what we do, but who we are. He helps us understand that He chose the failures of the world and the weaknesses of His bride as stumbling blocks to the strong ones. Not to make them fall, but to give them a chance to repent and realize "I cannot judge them or point to their mess, or try to fix them". Isn't it what happened to Adam and Eve? God created them naked. They were exposed, but there was no shame. I believe Adam and Eve's nakedness was perfect in God's sight because they had no shame of their nakedness. They lived together looking at each other's exposed areas (nothing to hide from each other) and it was very good. They did not point to each other's nakedness"Hey, look you dont have, I see your mess". Only after the accuser came and pointed to their nakedness, made sure they know their most private areas are exposed, they covered their nakedness. This is why God asked Adam "who told you that you are naked?".Obviously it was the enemy who pointed to their weaknesses. Satan fell in his own trap as his heart was exposed by Eve and her nakedness. However, he fooled Eve when she believed him that she is not good enough. Remember he told her "you can be like God". She was already like God made in His image. She already had the mind of Messiah. She didn't need any other wisdom from any other source. However, Eve believed the lie that she is not good enough.If she had only known that God uses the weak to bring low the wise and strong. If she had only known that her nakedness is perfect in God's eyes. If she had only known who she is in the Lord... she could have used her nakedness as a weapon and defeat the enemy. Eve thought she needs to fix it by herself. She ate the lie and lost the battle.Eve never knew that nakedness and weakness is a strength. It is a weapon against the enemy who is seeking to devour us the minute we mess up, pointing to what we lack, to our imperfections, to our weaknesses, and telling us to cover them and to hide. God brings low the wise by choosing the weak and insignificant. He uses the mess to bring low those who think they got it all together. Our Lord is a Healer to the sick, and to those who admit they need a doctor. He works in mysterious ways. It's easy to read this truth in the Bible and know this is how the Lord works. But when you go through it and you feel a complete failure, your faith is tested. Do you really get it, or is it only head knowledge? I believe our walk with the Lord goes beyond head knowledge. We need to live the Word and experience God's truth for ourselves. As the Bible says about Joseph "the word of the Lord tested him". When you live what the Bible teaches, you are changed forever. That truth becomes part of who you are. You are refined by the Refiner's fire, and His written word is engraved in your heart. You will never be the same. My revealed truth was I cannot be perfect because only God is and He created man weak and with weaknesses to reveal His power, and bring low the strong. Let's see what Zebulun reveals to us through the Hebrew. Names in Hebrew reveal God's plan for people and for His children. In Hosea 2 the Lord introduces Himself as "Ishi" (the English translates as "husband"). Ishi in Hebrew means "My Personal Man", or "My Personal". It denotes intimacy, very close and personal relationship. The Lord allows us to go to the wilderness in order to remove all other lovers and reminds us that He is our true Ishi (personal man). God says we will no longer call Him "my Husband", but "my Personal Man". Hosea 2:5-7 LITV For their mother has prostituted herself; she who conceived them has acted shamefully. For she said, I will go after my lovers who give my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, my oil and my drink. 6 Therefore, behold, I will hedge your way with thorns, and I will wall up her wall, that she shall not find her paths. 7 And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them. And she shall look for them, but she shall not find them. Then she shall say, I will go and return to my first husband, for then it was better with me than now. ... 2:13-17 LITV And I will visit on her the days of the Baals (husbands) in which she burned incense to them. Yea, she adorned herself with her nose rings, and her jewels, and she went after her lovers and forgot Me, says Jehovah. 14 Therefore, behold, I will lure her and bring her to the wilderness, and speak to her heart. 15 And from there I will give her vineyards to her, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope. And she shall answer there as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt. 16 And at that day, says Jehovah, you shall call Me, My husband (Ishi = my personal man); and you shall no more call Me, My Baal (husband = Baal). 17 For I will take away the names of the Baals (husbands) out of her mouth; and they shall no more be remembered by their name. When the Lord says we will no longer call Him "my husband" but "Ishi" He is saying, it is time for a closer relationship, an intimacy like never before, oneness, a love relationship with Him. He is the One who draws us closer to Himself for a deeper walk with Him. I believe these verses are prophetic and reveal to us the Lord's desire and plan for closer intimacy with His beloved bride. Lea called her husband Jacob "Ishi" (my personal man) when she gave birth to her last son. She names him Zebulun. Genesis 30:19-20 LITV And Leah conceived again and bore a sixth son to Jacob. 20 And Leah said, God has given me a good present. This time my husband (Ishi) will live with me, because I have borne six sons to him. And she called his name Zebulun. She said "this time my personal intimate man will dwell with me because I have given him six sons. What was Lea saying? What is the meaning of Zebulun's name? Genesis 30:20 HOT ותאמר לאה זבדני אלהים אתי זבד טוב הפעם יזבלני אישׁי כי־ילדתי לו שׁשׁה בנים ותקרא את־שׁמו זבלון׃ When Lea said "this time my personal intimate man will dwell with me, she was using the verb יזבלני (Ye-zab-leni) which comes from the root זבל (ze-vel) in Hebrew. The root ze-vel has different meanings in Hebrew: 1. H2082 ָזַבל zāḇal: verb meaning to honor, to dwell in an exalted fashion; to dwell with. It indicates treating someone with honor, respect. In Leah's case, she hoped her husband would treat her with honor and would dwell with her as a result of God's honoring her with her sixth son, Zebulun (Gen_30:20). 2. Garbage, waste, refuse, rubbish, junk, trash; manure, dung, compost (Babylon Dictionary) 3. To fertilize (Babylon Dictionary) לזבל v. to fertilize, manure לזבל )פ') לדשן, להוסיף זבל כימי, לשים דשן, לשפר קרקע, להשביח אדמה, לטייב A. To fertilize (Hebrew זבל ze'vel) means to add chemical, to add manure, to improve the soil, to upgrade and increase the quality of the land, to make better. B. Fertilize in English means v. impregnate, inseminate; enrich the soil by the addition of organic or chemical substances (also fertilize) Fertilization (Babylon Dictionary). C. Fertilization (also known as conception), is fusion of gametes (mature reproductive cells) to form a new organism of the same species. In animals, the process involves a sperm fusing with an ovum, which eventually leads to the development of an embryo. Depending on the animal species, the process can occur within the body of the female in internal fertilization, or outside in the case of external fertilization. What was Lea saying when she named her son Zebulun? This time my personal intimate man will dwell with me. He will use garbage (trash, refuse, waste, manure, dung) to fertilize me because I have given him six sons, so she called him Zebulun. This time my personal intimate man will impregnate, inseminate; enrich my soil (heart) because I have given him six sons. Meaning, this son who came out of increasing the quality of her land (heart) will himself fertilize others. His name means garbage, but he is also a fertilizer, an upgrade to the land. My personal intimate man will fertilize me (also, make me a garbage) and a new organism of the same species will be formed. My personal intimate man will impregnate me by fusing his seed with mine and it will eventually lead to the development of a new embryo. It will happen in my body and will bring an internal or external fertilization. This time my personal man and possession will use what seems like nothing (garbage, trash, refuse, waste, manure, dung) to bring about something new - Dinah (Justice, Judgement). Genesis 30:20-21 LITV And Leah said, God has given me a good present. This time my husband will live with me, because I have borne six sons to him. And she called his name Zebulun. 21 And afterwards she bore a daughter and called her name Dinah. Dinah was born after Zebulun (the garbage, the fertilizer) who was Lea's last son. Her name means Justice, Judgment. Surely enough after being fertilized with Zebulun, God gave Lea a daughter and named her Justice (Dinah). God took a nothing, a trash, a garbage, a refuse, dung and used him as a fertilizer in order to bring forth something new - His bride. She was born after garbage. This is why man was made out of dust which is what His enemies lick. When the Lord used refuse to bring forth His bride He made sure she comes forth from a low place. Her mother was despised. Her brother before her was a garbage, but she is something the same but new. She will try and bring justice. She will bring judgment. She will accuse, blame, point a finger, control, and by her own power she will try to establish justice. I believe this is why Dinah was later raped by the son of Hamor (Donkey). Dinah who is a picture of the bride, was the one raped by Shechem (Who wakes up early in the morning) the son of Hamor (Donkey). Genesis 34:1-2 NASB Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the daughters of the land. 2 When Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force. Dinah was abused by the son of the Donkey. That same colt Jesus released and sat on when He entered Jerusalem. He subdued the rape, the control, the mind abuse of religion in His body. Zebulun, the garbage that Dinah (the bride) comes from, became an advantage. It is him (Zebulun) who fertilizes the soil (heart) and prepares it for seeds (Word). Zebulun was the one whom God used to enrich, and prepare his mother's womb for Justice. God used the one who was not beloved to bring one who is despised and considered the garbage of the world in order to fertilize her who is hated and bring about Justice (Dinah) His bride. Why did the Lord do it? 1 Corinthians 1:25-29 MKJV 25 Because the foolish thing of God is wiser than men, and the weak thing of God is stronger than men. 26 For you see your calling, brothers, that not many wise men according to the flesh are called, not many mighty, not many noble. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 and God has chosen the base things of the world, and things which are despised, and things which are not, in order to bring to nothing things that are; 29 so that no flesh should glory in His presence. What the Lord showed me through Zebulun was, that He chose the failures, (the nothing, the garbage, the stinky) of the world to shame the strong, mighty and powerful. He chose the despised, the rejected ones who were scorned and mocked at and viewed with contempt. He chose them and made them kings. This is why Yeshua was despised, mocked at, laughed at, beaten, judged, betrayed, rejected, hated and treated with contempt by His own people and the Romans. See (Luk_18:9; Luk_23:11; Rom_14:3, Rom_14:10; 1Co_1:28; 1Co_6:4; 1Co_16:11; 2Co_10:10) The abused became the abuser: Yeshua’s own people, who had been abused, became the abusers. This is why Paul said... Romans 2:19-24 NIV if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." You, who were despised and rejected, forsaken and betrayed, - Do you despise, reject, forsake and betray others? We were rejected and despised, the dung of the Earth, but do we have to become the ones who despise and mock others? 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 MKJV 15 And Jehovah, the God of their fathers sent to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending, for He had pity on His people and on His dwelling-place. 16 But they mocked the messengers of God and despised His words, and ill-treated His prophets until the wrath of Jehovah arose against His people, until there was no healing. This is why the religious people called Yeshua Beel Zebul. Zebul is the ruler of the demons. Matthew 12:24 NASB But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons." Yeshua was saying, if they called me Beelzebul (lord of Zebul) - if they called Me "lord who despises", "lord of garbage", "lord of dung", a Nothing - how much more will they do the same to you. Matthew 10:22-26 NASB "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. 23 "But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes. 24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. 25 "It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household! 26 "Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.... 10:31 "So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Remember, it was the people of Zebulun (the garbage ones) and those of Naphtali (tormented ones) who saw a great Light. Yes, I can proudly say this is me. I saw a great Light and the Lord took me from the high ways and byways and made me His beloved bride. Matthew 4:13-17 NIV Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: 15 "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." 17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." God turned what the world considered trash, and nothing into a blessing who would fertilize and bring about new life. The despised and rejected Son is a Beloved and well pleasing to the Father. "You are My beloved child and My treasured possession. You are precious in My sight. You are no longer rejected, but accepted and adopted. You are Mine and we are one." Galatians 4:5-7 MSG Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. 6 You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, "Papa! Father!" 7 Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you're also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance. Love Elana

Do You See the Change?

Do You See the Change?

A Now Word for the Bride Genesis 30:19-20 LITV "And Leah conceived again and bore a sixth son to Jacob. 20 And Leah said, God has given me a good present. This time my husband will live with me, because I have borne six sons to him. And she called his name Zebulun. Lea, Jacob's first wife was not a beloved one. She was the oldest and by arrangement and through her father's conspiracy she was given in marriage to Jacob. She knew she was despised. She knew her husband wanted her sister. She knew she was not the beloved. She knew her sister envied her, and she had to live with the fact that her younger sister is the beloved wife all her life.

There was strife between the two sisters over their husband and Lea had the advantage - she was not barren. She bore Jacob six sons and with each she hopes for a change. “Where will my change come?”

Lea hoped to be loved, accepted, wanted, desired. By her fruits she sought healing for her wounded heart. If only I give him what he wants he will surely love me more. I am trying. I am doing my best. I give him my love. I do so much for him, but there is no change. Well, this time there will surely come a change. This time he will surely love me. This time our relationship be different. This time he will be intimate with me. This time I will be treated better. This time I will be there because I. Because I gave. Because I did. Because I want. Because I served. Because I deserve.

Yes, we find ourselves in such places many times as we try to bring change because we gave. Lea wanted a change but her eyes (her heart) was focused on her performance. What will I gain out of it?” mentality.

We try to bring change to our life by doing our best. We try to gain our Lord's love or maybe people’s love and attention by giving our best fruits. It almost sounds like "You see God? You see how much I do for You? Not You will surely love me more". Or maybe "Now You will surely love me more than them".

However, we cannot bring change because of what we do, but because of who we are. In other words, based on who the Lord IS in us. We cannot gain God's love because we love more. We love because this is who we are and that’s who He is.

God will not love us more or love us less if we perform better. He will not give you more because you do more. He loves and He gives because this is who He is. He gave us His Son not based on anything we did. God is a Giver and a Lover. He gives all the time and He loves all the time.

He loves you just the way you are, with all your faults and weaknesses, and His love for you is already 100%. He is fully committed to you in His faithfulness. He will not love you more or give you more because of your much giving, much serving, much commitment, many prayers, much knowledge, or much experience. He does not build a love relationship with you based on “if you give I will give you. If you do I will do for you”. His love is not conditional as it was under the Law. He has opened a door for us to receive from Him freely. We just need to learn to receive and understand the depth of His grace. He loves you because of who He is, not because of who you are or what you can or cannot do.

God already knows everything about you and He is not even surprised when you fail. No, He is not upset or turns His face, or tells you to go fix yourself and then come back to Him. He is here (not there) for you at any moment and in any situation, and says "You are Mine, and I am here and not going anywhere because My love for you is an everlasting one. My love for you never changes but will always be the same for you. Will you let Me show you the depth of my love for you?"

I remember a day of grace when I messed up and I was very upset. All I wanted is to hide somewhere and if possible just be somewhere far, away and by myself. I had no where to go to so I ran to my prayer closet and cried out to the Lord, telling Him about this mess. I was actually complaining and telling Him "I can't do it. I can't take it anymore. This pit is too much for me and I am not learning anything. I still get upset, I still react, I still fight my battles and raise up my defenses. I can't forgive for this one. I can't do it Lord and I don't know how to do it".

I was sitting there talking to the Lord and crying out to Him to help me forgive “I can't find it in me, Lord".

As I was talking to the Lord and pointing to my mess, showing Him what I can't do and how I reacted, He spoke to me and said: "Do you see Elana? Do you see?" - “See what, Lord?” "Do you see the change? -“What change, Lord?” “Do you see how much you have changed? - “No, I don’t see anything, Lord”. “Do you see what you are asking Me? You were asking Me to help you forgive. Do you see the change in you? Why do you keep looking and pointing to your mess? I want you to look and see the changes in you. I am working in you one step at a time". I kept pointing over to the left, but He kept pointing me to the right. The Lord shifted my view. He shifted my vision and wanted me to focus on His work in me, and not my mess and inabilities.

The Lord turned my situation completely around. I found myself sitting there and laughing at my situation. I was literally laughing. He filled me with this laughter and gave me that inner love to forgive and move on. I couldn't believe I even asked Him to help me be humble and ask for forgiveness. He did. Yes, there is hope for the hopeless. There is grace in abundance and it's flowing from our Lord's heart. As much as you need He will give you. Just run to His refuge.

It is so easy to look at the mess and what needs to be fixed. It's hard to see the change in you. Ask the Lord to show you. A week later a situation happened and someone said something very hurtful. The Lord spoke to me and said "Do you see the change Elana? Someone just offended you but you didn't even notice it".

When I tried to think at what had happened I realized someone did say something with an attitude, but it passed right through and did not stick. Not only I did not react, I didn’t even pay attention. The arrow did not hit my heart.

The Lord wants us to become like Teflon. You know, those non stick pans. Nothing sticks there. It's the oil of the Holy Spirit that makes sure the arrows that fly by night do not stick in your heart.

Wait for the Lord to bring His change in you as He allows you to go through uncomfortable situations. Job 14:14-15 NASB "If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my struggle I will wait Until my change comes. 15 "You will call, and I will answer You; You will long for the work of Your hands. I pray the Lord will help you see the change and shift your focus on Him and His works in your life.

Love, Elana

Shortness of Spirit

Shortness of Spirit

Have you been in a place where there has been a lot of pressure? Have your struggles increased? Are you loaded with work, more responsibilities, are you busier? Are there new problems arising, your body is failing, your situation is worse? Do you get less than what you were used to? Are there not enough people to help? Does it seem as if there is no time to rest in the Lord? Is this pressure just increasing and… you want out of this place already? What is going on Lord? This is called a birthing canal. Yes, we are going through birthing and many of you might be feeling the pressure of going through this narrow place. I keep hearing the Lord’s saying “the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the enemy is afraid” Exodus 1:11-14 MKJV And they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens…. 12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the sons of Israel. 13 And the Egyptians made the sons of Israel serve with harshness. 14 And they made their lives bitter with hard work… all their work in which they made them do was with harshness. You want to be in a certain place but you are being drawn to a place of more stress and demands. You want to do this and that, but you cannot. You want change but it gets worse. The waters come from all sides and you are short of breath. I believe we are going through this place of hard labor. The pain is greater, the contractions are more intense, the baby is getting ready to come out, but we need to keep pushing forward no matter how hard and messy and painful and weak we seem. We need to keep pressing forward together until we come together to that new spiritual place the Lord has prepared for us. We are being pushed out of one spiritual place, into another and the shifting is very painful. It is a place where you can no longer hold back the pain. You cannot hide the suffering. You cannot keep yourself from shouting, sighing, crying, “get me out of this place and let the baby come out already”. Your tolerance is being stretched. There is no epidural or something that can numb the pain. But the more the enemy afflicts you, the more you grow and multiply your fruits of righteousness. This place of birthing is a good place where new fruits are about to come out. I believe that as a church we are in such a place in the spirit. We are groaning like a woman in labor and the contractions are getting stronger, but something beautiful will come out of it. We will find ourselves in a broader place in the Spirit with new fruits to share. We will grow and multiply in the fruits we are bearing. It is a season of increase and the enlargement of our territory. Together and in the Lord’s presence we can go through that narrow place until we get to this new spiritual place. It is by going through the deep that the treasures are found. Remember Peter who was exhausted from fishing all night and getting nothing? It was after that season of darkness and in the morning that the Lord sent him to the deep. It was when he was tired and didn’t get any rest all night, that the Lord pushed him a little further to cast his net one more time and get the fish. This is where I believe we are as a church. We need to jump into the boat together with our leaders for one more push, to see the increase the Lord has prepared for us. The Bible speaks about the discouragement of the Israelites when they were in a place of birthing. The burden was so heavy on them they did not listen to what Moses was saying to them. In the midst of the pressure and this birthing canal, the Israelites were short of breath. The Hebrew says they didn’t listen to Moses because they were short of spirit. However, the message the Lord had for them is one of hope, of freedom and deliverance from this bondage and slavery. Exodus 6:6-9 NLT "Therefore, say to the people of Israel: 'I am the LORD. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment. 7 I will claim you as My own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God who has freed you from your oppression in Egypt. 8 … I am the LORD!'" 9 So Moses told the people of Israel what the LORD had said, but they refused to listen anymore. They had become too discouraged by the brutality of their slavery. Exodus 6:9 TS98 And Mosheh spoke thus to the children of Yisra'ĕl, but they did not listen to Mosheh, because of shortness of spirit, and from hard slavery. Exodus 6:9 HOT וידבר משׁה כן אל־בני ישׂראל ולא שׁמעו אל־משׁה מקצר רוח ומעבדה קשׁה׃ The Israelites were so pressed down by slavery they did not hear what their Redeemer was saying to them. They were short of breath. What does it mean in Hebrew that they were “short of breath”? 1. Anguish of spirit - קצר רוח 2. Impatient קצרה רוחו 3. Could not wait, impatient, angry, vexed, grieved, emotional

לא היתה לו סבלנות להמשיך לחכות, ארכה לו השעה, קצרה רוחו ,קצר-רוח חסר-סבלנות, מתרגש; כעסן, רגזן לקצר (פ') לעשות לקצר יותר, להקטין אורך, לצמצם משך, לכווץ, לצמק; לחתוך, לקצץ, לגזום, לגזור, לגזוז; לספר (שער) ; לא להאריך בדברים, לדבר בקצרה, "לצנזר" 4. Short breathed, not enough breath (wind, spirit) 5. H7115 קוֶֹצר qôṣer: A masculine noun indicating despair, anguish, discouragement. The word means literally short. In context it refers to a shortness of spirit, depression because of oppression (Exo_6:9). 6. H7114 קצר qâtsar BDB Definition: to reap, harvest לקצור (פ') לצאת לקציר, לחתוך שיבולים, לאסוף תבואה, לגזום במגל, לעבוד בחרמש; לקטוף, להשיג, לזכות ב-, לקבל, לנחול; להמית, להרוג, לקטול, לחסל, לטבוח; לאסוף, ללקט; לכרות, לחתוך, להסיר, להוציא

The Spirit was harvested, it was cut like one reaps wheat. The spirit was gathered, killed, cut off, removed, brought out. Therefore the Hebrew slaves in Egypt were so burdened by their enemies they could not listen to Moses because of the shortness of Spirit. The Spirit in them has decreased, reduced, minimized, shrunk, it was almost cut, the word was shortened, weakened, it was censored; the word was removed or withheld, controlled and criticized. You might be feeling short of the Spirit. You might be saying “this is too heavy on me. This one is weighing me down. This is enough already. I want to be set free. I can’t do this. I am not talented for that. I don’t have any experience in this. I’ve never done that. I don’t want to wait and see. I am not staying in this place. I don’t know how, but you’re being pushed to a place where you know you have no strength or power to do it. You are being pushed to that place of the impossible, where only a miracle can do it. The Lord would say to you…. "It’s Not About Who You’re Not, but because of who I AM" I woke up yesterday (Sunday) morning and the first thing I heard was … “I love you because of who I AM, not because of who you are not”. Wow, what a wonderful thing to hear in the morning from the Lord. I got up and wrote it down so I don’t forget and the first thing in my mind was… “What do you mean, Lord? I’m not sure I understand what You’re saying.” As I was thinking about it I realized the Lord was saying… "It’s not about who you are not. It’s not about what you cannot do. It’s not about what you don’t have. It’s not about who you cannot be. It’s not about who you are…." The Lord would say, “It’s because of who I Am and what only I can do”. “My love and commitment to you does not depend on any of these. What I want to give you and do in you has nothing to do with your inadequacies. It has everything to do with what only I can do. I love you and I am with you even when you cannot. I will be with you even when you don’t have. Even when you are not. Even when you think you need to be this and you need to do that. I love you because of who I am, not because of who you fail to be or what you fail to do. I am here to deliver you from your oppression and free you from slavery because I am the Lord”. 'I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt so that you would not be their slaves, and I broke the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect. Let Me be the LORD your God who goes before you and will Myself fight on your behalf, … and carry you, as a man carries his son, in all the way which you have walked until you came to this place.”

(Leviticus 26:13, Deuteronomy 1:30-31) See Part Two about the process of being birthed into a new spiritual place bearing new spiritual sons.

New Spiritual Sons - A New Place

New Spiritual Sons - A New Place

A now word for the bride About the process of being birthed into a new spiritual place bearing new spiritual sons. (Please read Part One "Shirtness of Spirit") I believe the process of new birth from a narrow place to a broader one, from a generation of bound people to a generation of set free people was given to us by the Lord in Exodus 6: Exodus 6:2-9 MKJV And God spoke to Moses, and said to him, I am Jehovah. 3 And I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty (El Shaddai). But I was not known to them by the name JEHOVAH. 4 And I also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their travels, in which they traveled. 5 And I have also heard the groaning of the sons of Israel, those whom the Egyptians are keeping in bondage. And I have remembered My covenant. 6 Therefore say to the sons of Israel, I am Jehovah, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rescue you out of their bondage. And I will redeem you with a stretched-out arm, and with great judgments. 7 And I will take you to Me for a people, and I will be to you a God. And you shall know that I am Jehovah your God, who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring you in to the land concerning which I lifted up My hand to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And I will give it to you for a heritage. I am Jehovah! 9 And Moses said so to the sons of Israel. But they did not listen to Moses through anguish of spirit and through cruel bondage. Exodus 6:2-9 HOT וידבר אלהים אל־משׁה ויאמר אליו אני יהוה׃ 3 וארא אל־אברהם אל־יצחק ואל־יעקב באל שׁדי ושׁמי יהוה לא נודעתי להם׃ 4 וגם הקמתי את־בריתי אתם לתת להם את־ארץ כנען את ארץ מגריהם אשׁר־גרו בה׃ 5 וגם אני שׁמעתי את־נאקת בני ישׂראל אשׁר מצרים מעבדים אתם ואזכר את־בריתי׃ 6 לכן אמר לבני־ישׂראל אני יהוה והוצאתי אתכם מתחת סבלת מצרים והצלתי אתכם מעבדתם וגאלתי אתכם בזרוע נטויה ובשׁפטים גדלים׃ 7 ולקחתי אתכם לי לעם והייתי לכם לאלהים וידעתם כי אני יהוה אלהיכם המוציא אתכם מתחת סבלות מצרים׃ 8 והבאתי אתכם אל־הארץ אשׁר נשׂאתי את־ידי לתת אתה לאברהם ליצחק וליעקב ונתתי אתה לכם מורשׁה אני יהוה׃ 9 וידבר משׁה כן אל־בני ישׂראל ולא שׁמעו אל־משׁה מקצר רוח ומעבדה קשׁה׃ When God sets you free out of bondage and narrow place into a broad place of freedom to worship Him, He will take you through this process. He… · Speaks to you as His messenger and says “I am God” and no one else is, not even you. · He appears and reveals Himself to you as a mother (El Shaddai), who keeps you as a child close to His breast and feeds you to supply all your needs. He does not come to you as Jehovah and point to the Law to discipline you, but He comes as a mother who makes sure you can grow. · He establishes His agreement with you and begins to show you His faithfulness. He wants you to know He gave you an agreement which He will never break. He wants to bring you to a place of trusting Him and His faithfulness. No matter how messed up and bound in slavery you are, He will still be faithful and loving to you. · He hears your suffering and pain when you fall into slavery to sin and you are bound to the point where you cannot see the way out. However, He remembers His agreement and keeps it because of who He is as Jehovah. You mess up and He shows up, until you get it – “I am faithful and committed to you”. · He sends a messenger to tell you “I AM Jehovah – meaning “I AM the God who is present with you. I AM here, do you see Me? I AM the covenant keeping God because I am not a man and I mean it when I say I will set you free and bless you”. · I am here to take you out from your suffering under your enemies. · I am here to save you from bondage and works. · I am here to redeem you by My strong arm and great judgments, because you cannot free yourself. · I am here to take you for Myself as a nation and My children will be revealed. · I am here to be your God and no one else. · You will know that I AM Jehovah your God who takes you out from your sufferings under your enemies who oppress you. · I am here to bring you to the Promised Heart (Land). · I am here to give you My heart (land) to inherit. · I AM the Lord who IS and no one else is. These promises will be fulfilled for God’s beloved bride when the prophets who prepare the way for the Lord will come to the scene. John was the last prophetic voice before the ministry of Jesus. These promises will be fulfilled when this new prophetic voice is birthed in the Earth, and the former generation (Zacharias), which was shut up in silence until this voice is birthed, will be able to testify and bless the Lord because He visited and worked redemption. Luke 1:67-75 LITV And his father Zacharias was filled of the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, 68 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He visited and worked redemption for His people. 69 And He raised up a Horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David; 70 even as He spoke through the mouth of His holy prophets from the age before: 71 Salvation from ones hostile to us, and from the hand of all the ones hostile to us, 72 to execute mercy with our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant, 73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham, 74 to give to us, that we being delivered out of the hand of those hostile to us, in order to serve Him without fear, 75 in consecration and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. Yes, we will bless the Lord who visited us and redeemed, who raised up Salvation (Jesus) in His house. Bless His name for rescuing us from our enemies because He remembers. Because of who He is and He never changes His mind. Bless His name for He delivered us from our enemies so we can serve Him with no fear because His perfect love will be revealed to us. This is when we will be able to serve in holiness and righteousness all our life. When we get it that He works out Salvation for Himself. When we get it that before deliverance there is always pressure and shortness of breath (spirit). When we get it that the Lord wants to visit us, reveal Himself to us, work miracles, deliver, set free and know that He is God, not us. When we get it that a covenant (agreement) is done with people because they don't trust and believe, so God in His goodness and grace said "ok, I'll write it down for you and give you a contract with all My promises to you, and you will keep it because I am going to fulfill every point in my contract with you.

Contracts are made because there is no trust, but fear that they might be broken. Yet, God never breaks His contracts. He gave us one to help us believe Him and follow Him, but he wants to be El Shaddai, the nature He revealed to our fathers. They didn't know Him by the name Jehovah (the covenant keeping God) because they believed and trusted Him. There was no need for a contract. God wants to take us beyond contracts to that place where we trust who He is. Where we trust His nature and know His love. Where we want to stay with Him and love Him even if He doesn't promise us anything. But as we see, His word is filled with promises because we needed them. When this last prophetic voice is birthed (John) then the generation of fathers will believe this baby (new fruit) is really different. The heart of the spiritual fathers will turn to their spiritual sons, and the heart of the sons to their fathers. (Malachi 4:6). Then the fathers will release their son to be who they are, no longer naming sons after their fathers. The generation of the fathers will know that their sons are different and will not be who they are. They have a unique calling and a different name. The sons with the prophetic voice will not be called "God Remembers” (Zacharias), but “God gave Grace” (John). When the generation o spiritual fathers understand that relationship with God is not based on God remembering His covenant, then they will know that their relationship with their sons cannot be based on remembering an agreement. Relationship is based on God giving grace to bound, slaves, selfish and fearful people whom He loves enormously; therefore fathers-sons relationships will also be based on “God gave Grace”.Once the generation of the spiritual fathers will understand the purpose of their spiritual sons and will no longer try and shape them to be like them, to become who they are, to fit their form, they will be able to raise up a generation of a prophetic voice which will turn hearts around. These promises will be fulfilled when the generation of the fathers will recognize the time and season. They will know that their sons cannot be priests as they are, that it’s time to focus on the sons and not on what others will say, but release their sons to their calling. It will be a different ministry that prepares the hearts (love) of people for the coming of the Lord. All will marvel and wonder what kind of a child (generation) will this be. Luke 1:63-66 MKJV And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they all marveled. 64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosened. And he spoke and praised God. 65 And fear came on all who lived all around them. And all these things were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 And all those who heard laid them up in their hearts, saying, What kind of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. It will be a generation that acknowledges and knows they need to decrease, to become weaker, so the Lord will increase. They will know their place in the body. THE LORD IS RAISING UP A NEW GENERATION OF SPIRITUAL FATHERS AND SONS. THE FATHERS WHO WERE SILENT FOR A SEASON WILL KNOW AND RECOGNIZE THAT THE GENERATION THEY WILL BE RAISING UP WILL NOT AND CANNOT BE THE TYPICAL PRIESTS LIKE THEM. THIS IS A DIFFERENT GENERATION THAT WILL NOT BE PUT IN THE BOX OF THEIR FATHERS OR RELATIVES. THEY WILL NOT BE WHO OTHERS EXPECT THEM TO BE. THEY WILL GROW IN GRACE, BE NURTURED, ACKNOWLEDGED, RAISED UP AND ACCEPTED BY THEIR FATHERS FOR WHO THEY ARE. THEY WILL BE SET FREE TO BECOME A VOICE IN THE EARTH AND THESE TWO GENERATIONS TOGETHER WILL TURN HEARTS AROUND.

This is why after the disgrace is removed and we will praise the Lord for doing miracles for us, we will also know that He is God, and not us. Then He will revive us with His breath for the shortness of our breath. All people, young and old, the new generation of sons and the former of fathers, will be filled with God's breath (spirit). Joel 2:26-29 NLT Once again you will have all the food you want, and you will praise the LORD your God, who does these miracles for you. Never again will My people be disgraced. 27 Then you will know that I am among My people Israel, that I am the LORD your God, and there is no other. Never again will My people be disgraced. 28 "Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out My Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. 29 In those days I will pour out My Spirit even on servants—men and women alike. Revival, life, power, increase, multiplying, growth, freedom always comes after a season of severe bondage and slavery, afflictions and shortness of breath (spirit) because the enemy does not want to let go. Like a snake he tries to choke the life out of you. These will increase like birth pangs until the day of birth and freedom from bondage.

You might be feeling shortness of breath, but remember that the Spirit of God made you, and the breath of the Almighty gives you life”. Job 33:4 The lower you get and the weaker you become the more you multiply and increase in power. Love, Elana

God's Unfailing Love

God's Unfailing Love

I've shared with you about a place in the spirit - prison, and mentioned that it is a place where the Lord allows us to be in this tight place, without the ability to be where you really are called to be. (see Bound in Prison). The Lord trains you and prepares your heart to love the prisoners, the messed up ones who are bound just like you. At the right time He will raise you up (if you allow Him) to set them free.

I said if you allow Him, because we tend to run away from places that bind us. Who wants to be bound and locked in a place that takes you away from where you really want to be? However, it is necessary for our maturity and will lead many to their freedom as you will be set free.

I wanted to focus on the love the Lord wants to bring us to, and His unfailing love to the world.

I believe the main reason for any situation in our life is to help fix something in our relationship with the Lord. It always leads to the heart and how much we want to grow in love. Every situation is always relational.
Yes, the Lord wants to perfect and train us in righteousness so we can live in any circumstance, any situation, any place and with any one, and still be satisfied. As Paul said....

Philippians 4:12-14 NIV 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.


Notice that Paul also said that they have done well to share with him in his present difficulty. The Lord gets His body together and in love and unity we are built up together. Love is the glue. Paul went through many afflictions and time in prison and the Holy Spirit shared his testimony with us so we would hear and see how to overcome and endure. As the Bible says "we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony". It doesn't say "I overcome", the Lord says "we". This means that we overcome by our testimonies.


What testimony do you have that might encourage and help others as they're in a certain place that you had already been through?


Our testimony is not how we were saved 40 years ago. Our testimony is always "this is who God is for me in my walk". This is why I believe it is very important to share our own personal testimonies (I call them sometimes "experiences") with one another. We want to help one another overcome.


I remember when the Lord first spoke to me about the meaning of leadership and leading His flock. I told Him I have never lead, and was not good at leading. I don't have leadership skills, or much experience beside teaching in a high school for nine years and I never liked dealing with teenage discipline problems. In my personality, I am not one of these teachers who can use their special tone of voice and in one word the entire class is quiet. I always admired such people, but it's not me. The Lord told me one day "Elana, leaders are the ones who go through it first, and then they show others how to find Me (the way) and lead them to a place of safety" (to Himself).


We are one body, walking and being built together and each of us leads others in our homes, work places, schools, church or ministry. When one gets to a certain place and feels lost we can encourage and share as the Lord leads what we've been through or what the Lord showed us in our time with Him. The Bible, after all, is a book filled with other people's testimonies to share.


You see, we are here to be and show the world the true image of our Father and He is love.


God wants to train us to love like He does. He wants His bride in His image.
Our good news to the world is "the price for sin has already been paid. The door to God's kingdom is open to all and God is love. He died for the sins of the entire world and this means He loves the world and in His love for a sin filled world He is patient, kind and not jealous; is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong, bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things. His love for the world never fails.(1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

Why?

Because if God could speak the truth, but would not love and would keep an account of people’s sin, He would sound like a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If He could move mountains but had no love for the sinners, He would be nothing. If He gave everything He had and sacrificed His own body, but didn't love others and still be provoked and count wrong, He would have gained nothing.


When God decides it is time for you to grow in His love, this is when you feel as if the rag was pulled from under your feet. You find yourself in a pit, prison, dry place, a situation and you have no idea what suddenly happened.


Now you learn to forgive people for wounding you with a more painful wound. Now you need to be gracious to people who will tear you flesh apart with their sharp tongue. Now you need to give 2/3 of your income when you are in the midst of poverty. Now you need to let go of the beautiful project you have prepared and hear others say "look at the project I have made" and you remain silent, and give them your next project too because God said so. It's not about you, or who you are, what you can do or what you know. Wow, I always wonder, how deep does it get?


Does God want you there? Not really.
Is there something He wants to speak to you? Yes.
Does He give you a chance to have His heart? Yes.


It's time for more intimacy. To be more attentive and follow Him in this new place to have wounds healed, roots removed, fences down, strongholds fallen and in that process be in His arms and enjoy His presence as much as you know how. It's time to be showered in His love and be intimate with the Lord.


Love does not seek to hurt someone, but to reconcile with the one who holds something against us.

Matthew 5:23-26 NLT "So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. 25 "When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 And if that happens, you surely won't be free again until you have paid the last penny.


Please notice, the Lord did not say "if you think you hurt someone" but "if someone has something against you". This means you might feel "I didn't do anything wrong to him, so I don't need to ask for forgiveness and make amends", but there is someone in the world whom you probably wounded. It could be with a facial expression, an attitude, being cynical, speaking the truth but not in love, being selfish, controlling, manipulating, pushing yourself first, taking without asking, not trusting or believing, gossiping, judging, blaming, complaining or avoiding, being prejudice and rejecting.


Whatever it is, it's not about you thinking "Everything is fine and I haven't hurt anyone". It is not what we think or feel, but notice it says "you suddenly remember". Meaning the Holy Spirit in His kindness brought to your remembrance what Jesus said, and tells you that you need to make amends. Even if you feel you are right, but someone was hurt, it means your love was not there. It means you need to go if the Lord reminds you.

What happens if I can't hear God?

We're all in different stages of our growth in the Lord and this is why He said...

Proverbs 24:12 MKJV If you say, Behold, we did not know; does not He who searches the heart consider it? And the Keeper of your soul, does He know? And He repays to a man according to his works.


Will God find ways to speak to you and help you open doors that you shut, and close the ones that you opened? I believe if you search Him with all your heart you will find Him. He will make a way for you to grow in His love, one step at a time.

I remember when the Lord spoke to me in two different occasions:
"Elana, you are using the Word like a hammer on people's head"
"Elana, do not put stumbling blocks before the blind"


You see, the Bible says that the letter (Law) kills. This means when I point to someone's sin and bring the Law to his face it is like a hammer that shatters and breaks. It means I kill and I am not really concerned about helping someone to get up. All I care is the truth, to be right, or even maybe to defend God. Does He really need me to defend Him and His truth and put the Law above love and grace?


I was about hammering people and pointing to what they should not have done - instead of helping them get up and point to the Lord's love and strength. People mess up because they need more of His love, grace and healing.


Remember what the Lord said... it is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance. Then..., why shouldn't His same kindness lead others to His way? Why shouldn't His same kindness be shown to the world? Do we need to put ourselves as Law keepers and guard the Law instead of doing the same thing God has done for us - show His rich kindness and patience to others.

Romans 2:3-6 NASB But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things (sin) and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.


One such person who I believe used the Law as a hammer and found himself in prison because he was trained in the old school and under the law was John the Baptist.

John the Baptist who was a prophet and the last of the Old Testament prophets prepared the way for the Lord. He knew that he much decrease so Jesus might increase. He knew his ministry was fading away. He knew God is doing new things and he was prepared for it.

John belonged to the school of prophets that under the Law pointed to sin in order to lead people to repentance. However, in Jesus ministry as a prophet, He did not come to point to sin but to point to His Father in heaven and His kingdom. This is why He kept talking about His Father and speaking about the Kingdom.This is why Jesus released the adulterous woman who was caught in sin and did not let the religious guys judge her. This is why He said a man was born sick for the glory of God. This is why Paul taught that God reconciled the world to Himself and no longer points to sin (2 Cor 5). We were given a ministry of reconciliation.


John the Baptist was put in jail because he pointed to Herod's sin and expected him to repent. Herod took his brother's wife Herodias for himself. However, both Herod and Herodias hated John for pointing to their sin and he ended up in jail, and later on his head was satisfied Herodias' revenge.

Matthew 14:3-11 NLT For Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod's brother Philip). (Why? Because) 4 John had been telling Herod (meaning over and over), "It is against God's law for you to marry her." 5 (As a result...) Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet. 6 But (a chance to remove him came) at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias's daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, 7 so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted. 8 At her mother's urging,(meaning she sought and waited for a moment to kill John) the girl said, "I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!" 9 Then the king regretted what he had said (he knew it was wrong and in his heart did not want to do it); but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests (his reputation) , he issued the necessary orders. 10 So John was beheaded in the prison, 11 and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother.


We see that John not only was bound in prison, but he was also beheaded in prison. As we see he "had been telling Herod" meaning it was not once but more than once, that he had told Herod about his sin. John found himself in prison, even though he spoke truth, and he also lost his head and his life in prison.


I believe it was not a coincidence that his head was removed. The body needed a new Head. The head has the mind, eyes, mouth, ears. The mind needed to be renewed and thoughts changed. The eyes needed to be replaced with the new sight and vision the Messiah has brought. The mouth needed to speak the truth in love and bring grace. The ears needed to hear the new things of God that no ear has ever heard....


1 Corinthians 2:9-10 NASB 9 but just as it is written, "THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM." 10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.


Imagine when you're in sin and you don't know it and someone tells you "Hey, your in sin and you need to repent because this is the right thing to do". We need to notice that it is not God's harshness that leads us to repentance, but His kindness and His love.


Paul said that he preaches the gospel of the GRACE of God, not the gospel of the judgment and anger of God.

Acts 20:24 NASB "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. God is love and love does not keep an account of sin or points to sin.


You might find yourself in a spiritual prison like John when you deliver a message, speak a truth, but it is not in love. Love is not only related to the tone of our voice and the words we use. It has to do with the motive in our heart, with what drives us to correct others, why we do it and what for. Is it for a selfish ambition? Is it out of fear? Is it because you compare yourself to others and someone's weakness boasts your strength? Is it because if you don't do that, then others shouldn't either? Are we looking to fix others? Change them? Whatever it is, if we keep pointing to weaknesses, sin, mess, lack, the accuser is still working through us.Ask the Lord to reveal to you what is in your heart.

Romans 14:12-21 NASB So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this--not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.... For if because of food (thought, idea, doctrine, belief) your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. Therefore .... the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food (thought, idea, doctrine, belief).


Yes, I've been there and still stumble here and there, especially with my children. Just last weak the Lord spoke to me that I am "looking at their weaknesses and how you can fix them, but I want you to see their strength and how I am working in their lives".


This is who God is for me. He points to His love for me, not my mess.Whenever they say a wrong word, argue, or hurt one another, I look at what they do wrong and it upsets me. I need to learn to help them and not get upset and point to their mess. But say something like... "yes, I know you've messed up, let me help you". No, I am not there yet, but the Lord will finish what He started in me.


God bless you,



Elana

A Word A Generation of Josephs

Joseph Generation

A Word Feb 3rd, 2009 The Lord has been speaking to me for a while now about "prison" and Joseph in his prison time. I've been seeking the Lord for understanding and what He wants to say to me about it. (see "Bound in Prison"). After studying more about prison in the Bible and Joseph and his walk, the Lord was speaking to me about it. This is what I would like to share with the bride. You might feel you're in a place you don't want to be and you are doing what you don't really want to do, but it is necessary for you to be there in this place. This prison is a place where you learn to love others who are prisoners like you, others who are bound like you, others who sit in dark places and long for freedom and deliverance. This prison is where the Lord gives you a heart for His own whom He wants to personally minister to. You get to prison because you refuse to sleep with the enemy. You refuse to respond and accept the temptation. You refuse to walk in a path you have no business being. You refuse to have intimacy and oneness with the enemy in your mind and heart. You keep your heart undefiled and you refuse to bear fruits with the enemy. You get there because it is time for the bride to give birth to the Isaacs of this world, and no longer bearing fruits by your own works (Sarah). It is time to be set free from the bond woman (the Law) who wants her fruits to reign in your house. Yes, it's a narrow place where the people whom you served will throw you to this narrow prison-place. You will be accused of nothing wrong you have done. Your service and ministry might be taken away. Your reputation and credibility, respect and honor might be taken away. Your accomplishments and success might be taken away. You will be bound and limited, having other masters over you (struggling with sin), learning to submit, to serve and be where you don't want to be. Prison is where you are prepared to be set free into your calling and your dream. The more they afflict you, and put a load on you, the more you grow and multiply and bear the Lord's fruits in you (Exo 1:12) . Prison is where you are prepared to be sent to Egypt and become a leader. It is where you still have an opportunity to serve, but now it will be other prisoners who are bound by religion. You will get a heart for the bound and oppressed who are sitting in darkness and do not see hope. At the right time the Lord will raise you up in that prison to operate in your gifts and minister to the religious ones who were thrown there because they failed in their ministry (cup bearer and baker). Everything will seem to be removed and gone. Just as you learned how to serve in Potipher’s house and you were even promoted, you will lose the position you had, but it is time to move on to your next level - keeping the Lord's flock from starvation and death in the most religious and occult places the Lord will send you (Egypt). It is in prison, where your freedom is taken away from you, that you are trained to be sent to very narrow and dark places that need a healing and restoring touch from the Lord. The Bible speaks about a famine that will come upon the Earth - famine for the word of the Lord. This spiritual starvation will lead many to Egypt (religious institutions) but you will be there to minister to them. Amos 8:11-12 MKJV Behold, the days come, says the Lord Jehovah, that I will send a famine in the land; not a famine of bread nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the Words of Jehovah. 12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east; they shall run to and fro to seek the Word of Jehovah, and shall not find it. "You will be the one who will be able to bring an encouraging word. You will be the one who will bring my love and be a shelter for the starving ones who hunger for Me but cannot find Me. You will be the bringer of Good News who will witness to them who I really am. I am a God who is near, not a God who is far". Isaiah 40:6-11 NIV A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." 9 You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!" 10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. "You will be the one who will witness and say, "See? See? This is who God is... It is His power, it is His arm, He fights for me, it is His recompense, He avenges and bring justice for me”". "Your Good News will be to witness who I am and what My Kingdom is really like". Why? Because the Lord is raising up a Joseph generation. He is raising up His children who will not sleep with the enemy. Who will not respond and be shaken by a storm, who will not judge or accuse, who will not blame and complain or murmur. A generation who learns to Rest in Him and trust Him to fight their battles and be willing to go down to prison for nothing they have done, for wrong accusations. A Joseph generation who is willing to go down to these prisons and minister to the bound and oppressed who are sitting behind bolted doors and do not know the way out. "I am raising up a Joseph generation who will lead My sheep to My Living waters and feed them with My living and refreshing word. Josephs whom I will use to bring reconciliation in my body between fragmented households and broken relationships. Josephs who will bring unity in My House between My children". "I am raising up a generation who will bring in the Benjamites who still fight their own battles and seek revenge for their shed blood. Who draw their swords and spears at those who fight with them, to bring them in and say "it is ok, you can rest your soul and let the Lord fight your battles, be still, let go and know the I Am God". "Will you go?" "You might say, I am unfit to lead. I don't know how to deal with sheep and flock and bound prisoners, but My presence will go with you and I will give you rest. I will raise you up and train you. I will enlarge your heart to love them and take care of My sheep", says the Lord. "Will you go?"