God's Love for Me!

Comforting Meditation of God's Love

He lifts me up when I am feeling down. 

He carries me through trials. 

He makes my weaknesses seem strong. 

He protects me from harm. 

He puts kind words and thoughts in me and then cleans up verbal messes that I unknowingly make. 

He causes my enemies to scatter. 

He gives me favor. 

He gives me joy. 

He gives me peace. 

He gives me hope. 

He gives me vision. 

He loves my crazy faith (no matter how ridiculous I may seem to some). 

He orders my steps (even when I might "think" I'm in charge). 

He opens doors (of opportunity & blessing) that no man can shut. 

He closes doors (of trouble) that no man can open.

He surrounds me with loving kindness. 

He will never leave me. 

He will never forsake me. 

He is "for" me. He is not against me. 

He is my Daddy. 

He is my breath. 

No matter what comes my way, I can always fall into His arms of safety and trust Him for a way of escape. 

If there is anything about me that annoys someone else, He actually smiles... because He made me that way. 

He catches every tear that I cry. 

He comforts me.

He corrects me with gentle, loving kindness. 

He will even spank me if I am outright disobedient. 

He has good plans for me. 

He sees me as perfect! 

He loves me!

How to Break the Spirit of Poverty in 2015

Below, are key points for breaking the Spirit of Poverty in 2015 that is trying to hinder God's plan for your life:

1) Don't do the same things, the same way, expecting different results.

2) Find a Christian mentor and/or financial advisor.

3) Believe God... He wants to bless you!

4) Practice being a blessing to others. 

5) When you work, do it as unto the Lord: arrive early; give your best - better than expected; don't complain; make the boss's job easier; no matter what is going on at work or in your personal life, be professional at all times.

6) Practice tithing 10% of your income to your church.

7) Practice giving offerings to other non-profits and/or individuals in need (above & beyond your 10% tithe).

8) Practice saving 10%-35% of your income.

9) Put God first in all things.

10) Read your Bible.

11) Attend church regularly.

12) Pray about all things.

13) Only allow positive words of encouragement to enter your ears (listen to sermon CD's on how to prosper, listen to Christian music, watch Christian television) - quietly reject negative words spoken over you in your inner man.

14) Be unmovable, be resolute and be confident that you will prosper.

15) God wants to prosper you so that you can "be a blessing" so find your financial purpose in the Kingdom of God and stick to what He has called you to do.

16) Read autobiographies of successful people who prospered in spite of their circumstances. 

17) Keep your life organized and prioritized at all times.

18) Cut up your credit cards.

19) Don't spend more than you make.

20) Work 6 days a week (doing something for your business or for your home) and don't work on the Lord's day... It's a day of rest.

21) Don't be lazy... And don't be too good to start at the bottom and work your way up. Maybe you need to work while going to school? Whatever it takes... Just do it!

22) Ask God what your gift is because your gift will make room for you!

23) Don't abort God's blessing that is on the way to you by speaking negative words of doubt or complaint while working and waiting on your vision.  There is a seedtime and a harvest time.  Make sure that your TIME is spent praising Him for the things He has done, the things He is doing and the things that He will do.  It's all in His time!  Enjoy the journey!

24) Give to the poor, the widows and the fatherless.  (James 1:27)

25) Don't covet what others have.  Don't allow yourself to be jealous of others.  Instead, practice celebrating the prosperity and success of others.

26) Stop looking for a hand-out.  Get rid of the "woe is me" attitude. 

27) Manage well what you do have (no matter how small).  

28) Pay others what you owe them.

29) Expect a miracle.  Believe that your breakthrough is on the way.

30) Remember, you reap what you sow.  If you sow financial blessings into others, you will reap financial blessings.  God is faithful!

Psalm 37 KJV

3Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

Deuteronomy 8:7-20 KJV

"For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey; A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass. 

When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. 

But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the Lord thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. As the nations which the Lord destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the Lord your God."

Tithing... 

Biblical practice of returning ten percent of our income "back to God". 

If He is really our God, then we believe that the 100% was provided by Him, and not by us. Otherwise, we would really be our own God. 

As we return 10% of what He gave us back to Him, we demonstrate our trust; in that, we are confident He has only our best interest in mind. When we hold onto the 10% we demonstrate our lack of trust in Him. 

God wants to bless you! He is waiting for you to trust Him.

"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:8-12 KJV)"

God Heals In Spite of Rebellion

Psalms 107:20 KJV

"He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from THEIR DESTRUCTIONS." 

Did you know that God wants to heal us from our own ignorant behaviors that have caused our sicknesses?  

Many years ago, I was seeking the Lord on how to pray for someone who was 70 years old and bleeding to death from an aneurysm. Was it right for me to pray for them to be healed? They had been an alcoholic their entire life... plus, they were old. Had they lived out their days? Was it their time to die? In my human heart, I even justified their demise because, after-all, they brought their suffering upon them self.  

Anyway, as I desperately sought the Lord on this persons behalf, the Lord revealed to me that He wanted to heal them IN SPITE OF THEIR REBELLION.  Why?  

Psalm 107:21 KJV

"Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"

My answer for "why" God would want to heal this person who had lived a life of rebellion was found in Psalm 107:21 - "so that they will praise Him!" God wants to work a miracle in our lives... so that we will praise Him! He wants to repay good for evil... so that we will praise Him! He wants to save us from destruction... so that we will praise Him!  

Now, as far as the age of this person was concerned, the Lord reminded me that He didn't want any to perish but for ALL to come to everlasting life through repentance.  

2 Peter 3:9

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but (He) is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

Revelation from God... I needed to pray with faith and sincerity that this person be healed so that they could become born-again!  Death for this person would have meant eternity in hell!  

So... We all gathered around and prayed for this almost dead man to live. And... after 30 days of being in a coma, He was healed!  

This man was my father-one-law and he went on to live another 15 years as a humble and sober man who sought the Lord!

Is there someone that you are praying for today who has brought destruction upon themselves? Perhaps you aren't sure of how to pray. Let me encourage you today that God's plan is to give humanity a good long life on earth and an eternity in heaven. He doesn't want anyone's body to be prematurely broken down and He certainly doesn't want anyone to spend eternity apart from Him. 

When we pray for someone to live - even when they cannot or will not pray for themselves - we are asking God to give them TIME to repent. And friend, TIME is God's grace extended so that faith can be activated - believing for the salvation of that persons soul.  

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

Psalm 91:6

"With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation."

Granted, not everyone will live through certain sicknesses and diseases, but God's good plan is that we pray for healing, we believe for His best, and we accept the outcome. We should boldly go to the throne of grace that we might find mercy and help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Friend, it's the devil who's out to kill our flesh, destroy our dreams, steal our God-given destiny. God is not to be blamed. God's love is not to be doubted. He is our healer. He is our salvation. He is our hope!

John 10:10

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

I have posted the entire Psalm 107 for you to meditate on. I pray that the Lord will give you a WORD about healing so that your faith will grow to a new level of love and mercy for those who are sick because of their own bad choices.

Psalm 107 (NIV)

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
3 those he gathered from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south.[a]

4 Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
5 They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
9 for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.

10 Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness,
prisoners suffering in iron chains,
11 because they rebelled against God’s commands
and despised the plans of the Most High.
12 So he subjected them to bitter labor;
they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
and broke away their chains.
15 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
16 for he breaks down gates of bronze
and cuts through bars of iron.

17 Some became fools through their rebellious ways
and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
18 They loathed all food
and drew near the gates of death.
19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
20 He sent out his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.
21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy.

23 Some went out on the sea in ships;
they were merchants on the mighty waters.
24 They saw the works of the Lord,
his wonderful deeds in the deep.
25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest
that lifted high the waves.
26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
in their peril their courage melted away.
27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards;
they were at their wits’ end.
28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea[b] were hushed.
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
and praise him in the council of the elders.

33 He turned rivers into a desert,
flowing springs into thirsty ground,
34 and fruitful land into a salt waste,
because of the wickedness of those who lived there.
35 He turned the desert into pools of water
and the parched ground into flowing springs;
36 there he brought the hungry to live,
and they founded a city where they could settle.
37 They sowed fields and planted vineyards
that yielded a fruitful harvest;
38 he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased,
and he did not let their herds diminish.

39 Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled
by oppression, calamity and sorrow;
40 he who pours contempt on nobles
made them wander in a trackless waste.
41 But he lifted the needy out of their affliction
and increased their families like flocks.
42 The upright see and rejoice,
but all the wicked shut their mouths.

43 Let the one who is wise heed these things
and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.

Attitude of Gratitude

Have you "shown" your gratitude lately?

John F. Kennedy said, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." Yes, the proof is in the pudding: Not the having of a thankful heart, but rather, the doing of a thankful heart!

While many are happy to talk about their appreciation for another, very few will actually demonstrate their thankfulness through kind deeds, gifts and generous giving. Even Jesus had a situation where he healed ten lepers, but only one turned back to thank Him.

Let's look at LUKE 17:11-19:

"On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (ESV)

In verse 19, the King James Version actually says... "thy faith hath made thee whole." Friend, all ten of these lepers were cleansed but only one was made WHOLE! The one who turned back and gave thanks was restored to complete health. He was the one that Jesus noticed and praised for his faith in the power of God.

So often, we forget to show our gratitude toward those who have helped us, encouraged us, prayed for us and taught us in our journey of faith. Never-the-less, the Lord has set up a heavenly system through which He measures the attitude of our heart. In fact, God's divine litmus test for our faith is in direct correlation to our attitude of gratitude. And... our attitude of gratitude is clearly defined by our giving. Likewise, our faith is revealed by our actions. Clearly, the message of Luke 17 is that Jesus is seeking those who will demonstrate their gratitude by turning back and showing their appreciation. 

If you are a child of God, always remember to tithe to your local church. Ten percent of your income is God's - not yours. God says He will rebuke the devils devouring schemes when you are a faithful tither and He promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings - so many blessings that you will not have room enough to contain them all.

But... if you really want to see wholeness and favor... if you really want to make all of heaven take note... if you really want to see God do multiplication in your finances - GIVE ABOVE AND BEYOND THE TITHE! Practice giving to those in need. Practice philanthropy. Practice turning back and showing gratitude toward those who have sown into your life.

One way that you can show gratitude for the things the Lord has done for you is by supporting a ministry who is continually working to bring healing and hope to people - just like you!

Did you know that this ministry is delivering help, hope and healing by sharing God's love around the world on a daily basis? We are busy reaching people by:

*Going into the prisons

*Teaching marriage classes and conferences

*Ministering freedom to those who are addicted to alcohol, drugs or other substance

*Helping individuals break free from a generational curse

*Supporting orphans in India and Pakistan

*Producing and airing radio and television teachings (we DO NOT get paid to do radio & TV - it actually cost us money to spread the gospel this way)

*Developing, publishing and distributing materials that disciple the body of Christ
...

Friend, not everyone can "go". Not everyone can dedicate their life to full-time ministry. Not everyone is gifted to teach. Not everyone is patient enough or brave enough to minister to those who are less fortunate or even in prison.  By the grace of God, I have been called to "do" these things but it is only by your financial support, prayers, and words of encouragement that the fuel supply for my vision is made complete. A hand clap is just not enough. Action is needed by friends, followers, family and former students who believe in the work of the Lord through this ministry.

Has this ministry been beneficial to YOU in any way? Have you been taught the importance of forgiveness; been encouraged in your faith; or, maybe you even became a born-again believer through the anointing of this ministry? Did I visit you in prison - whether literal or spiritual? Has your faith or knowledge of the Word grown in any way as a result of my teachings? Perhaps your marriage or family has been restored. Or, maybe your heart is being healed as a result of the teachings of this ministry. Are you a better wife, mom, husband or father because of the teachings of this ministry? Did I speak at a conference you attended and something that I taught made a huge impact upon your life? Have I ever mentored you in any way? Maybe you know someone who would benefit from the voice, hands and feet of this ministry? Would you be willing to sow into a ministry that you'd like to see help your family or your friends? Would you sow into this ministry because you want to see others reap the benefits of wholeness in Christ? Maybe, you would give to this ministry just because you believe in the calling upon my life - you have witnessed my faithfulness throughout the years?

God "is" bringing salvation through our work! He is restoring marriages and families! He is freeing those who are addicted! He is encouraging the broken-hearted! He is strengthening the Body of Christ! And... He is using YOU to empower ME to spread the good news!

Will YOU commit to just $5.00 as a one time gift or monthly way of saying, "THANK YOU, Deborah. Press On, Deborah! I am behind you, Deborah!" A monthly or one time gift of any size is a HUGE blessing! Or, maybe you can give more? Whatever the Lord lays upon your heart to do, know that your turning back and saying THANK YOU is noticed by the Lord and greatly appreciated by me.  

GIVE NOW

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of others AND thank you for encouraging ME as I continue to press on with Kingdom purposes and vision. 100% of your giving goes to support the ministry. Your gift(s) are tax deductible.

2 Corinthians 9:6

"But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully."

God's rewards are great for those who connect their giving to their worship!  

Don't miss your blessing!

GIVE NOW

*Deborah Ross Ministries is a non-profit 501 c 3 organization and all donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

The Joy of Giving!

Earlier today I came across a long Facebook thread on the subject of giving to the poor. Many said that they were happy to give to the poor... but... they continued by saying that those in need should go through the proper agencies for assistance and not ask individuals for help. Thankfully, there were a few saints who humbly chimed into the conversation with a spirit of compassion. But... unfortunately, most of the people who joined the thread made comments from a calloused heart toward those in need.

As I was reading through this very long discussion thread, the Holy Spirit reminded me of a scripture verse on the subject of giving:

Psalms 41:1-3 KJV

"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness."

Friend, God says He will bless, deliver, and even heal those who help the poor. The Lord doesn't tell us to qualify the poor according to their degree of need. He doesn't tell us to only help those who use discretion in their asking. He doesn't tell us to lead them to an agency where they can fill out complicated forms and stand in long lines before getting an allotment of help. He doesn't even tell us to beware of dishonest beggars. The message of the gospel concerning giving is simply that we should be ready, willing and able to help those in need.

Sure, there will be some who are dishonest, trying to profit from the kindness of others; but even so, the Lord is able to bring conviction, rebuke and even allow consequences to burden those who trick a good hearted soul into helping. It is not our responsibility to judge the outcome of our giving - that's God's job. Our part is only that we give... freely.

I'm so glad that God gives freely to us! I am thankful that the Lord gives in abundance and not in allotted portions. I'm grateful that He doesn't make us stand in long lines and fill out complicated forms before supplying our needs. He doesn't even give according to what we deserve - thank goodness! If He did, no-one would ever prosper. According to scripture, the only condition for unlocking the door to getting our needs - and even our desires met - is simply to be a GIVER! The Lord wants us to look like, talk like and ACT LIKE JESUS!

Luke 6:38 NIV 

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Now, if you are currently the one suffering in the land of "not enough" it is especially important that you begin to practice this principle. You see, the Lord doesn't say "give if you have an abundance." No... He just says GIVE! In fact, when we give out of our lack, we move the heart of God in a powerful way. Giving out of lack takes some serious faith and, friend, the Lord will take care of your needs - and even do exceedingly, abundantly, above all you could ask or think - when you practice "doing" the Word!

Psalm 37:25 KJV 

"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."

God is FAITHFUL! If we practice righteous acts of giving, the Lord says we will not be forsaken. He promises that our children will not have to beg for bread. In other words, the Lord will provide for our family as we provide for His!

Proverbs 28:27 KJV 

"He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse."

Not only is giving to the poor the formula for opening the windows of heaven, but those who turn a deaf ear to the cries of the poor actually risk bringing about financial troubles for them self. Remember... we will reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7)! Friend, any of us could be rich today and poor tomorrow without the blessing of the Lord.

And by-the-way, even the poorest American is wealthy compared to most of the world. (And... what is rich, anyway? Rich is really a state of peace, health, healed relationships and needs met.)

Now, the Lord knows that it is impossible for us to give to every need. Still, He wants our heart to be compassionate. He wants us to "listen" for the voice of the Holy Spirit to direct our giving. When we make calloused remarks about those in need, we are not shining the light of God's love into a dark world. On the contrary, when we practice the "golden rule" by doing unto others as we would have others do unto us, we are living out the gospel of Jesus Christ!

With all of this said concerning the benefits of giving, the immediate reward for GIVING is the GREAT FEELING that you get when you help someone else!

Yes, it is truly better to GIVE than to RECEIVE!

THANK YOU you for being the hand of God in your circle of influence this Christmas and all throughout the year. You are the hands and feet of God in the eyes of those that YOU come in contact with each and everyday.

And... Thank you so much for helping DRM as we help others! Your prayers and financial support empowers us to share the good news of the gospel to lost, broken, hurting people all around the world.

To find out more about what DRM is doing, go to the Deborah Ross Ministries Official Website

Have a wonderful Christmas 2014!

Love in Christ,
Deborah Ross

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5 Fold Ministry Gifts

Ephesians 4:11-16 (KJV) 

"And he gave some, APOSTLES; and some, PROPHETS; and some, EVANGELISTS; and some, PASTORS and TEACHERS; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the UNITY OF THE FAITH, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the TRUTH IN LOVE, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 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."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If I were the devil, I would make the church misunderstand these passages of scripture so that they would be afraid to recognize and operate in the Five Fold Ministry Gifts of Ephesians 4:11-16. After-all, these FIVE ministry gifts are described as the KEY that brings the perfecting of the saints. These FIVE leadership gifts bring edifying to the Body of Christ and help the Body to GROW UP into all that God has called them to become.

If I were the devil, I would make sure that the Body of Christ did NOT fit together with unity. I would cause some Christians to believe that we don't need Apostles and Prophets today, and I would cause other Christians to falsely label themselves as an Apostle or Prophet, so that I could cause confusion and quarreling over the doctrine of Christ.

Yes, if I were the devil, I would puff some Christians up with such pride that they would think that their way of ministry is the only legitimate way. These prideful leaders would only believe what they've heard or been taught, continuously turning a deaf ear to the voice of the Holy Spirit concerning the importance of the Five Fold Ministry Gifts. 

If I were the devil, I would make the term APOSTLE so misunderstood that the position/title/anointing/gifting is overlooked and not regarded as important. The average Christian would not recognize that the Apostle is anointed by God to spear-head a new work for God in places that were void of the Spirit. The Apostle is a pioneer of the plans and purposes of God. As the devil, I would be intent on making sure that the Apostle was blocked from pulling down strongholds that are against God. After-all, if the Apostle is allowed to flow in his gifting, he would root out my devilish work and set up God's work in its place. He would take geographical territory from me!

If I were the devil, I would make it difficult for church people to identify the real false prophets of our day by creating strife through the endless opinions in the Body of Christ that causes the TRUE PROPHETS of our day to be shunned, discounted and disrespected.  I would encourage doctrines within leadership circles that are so profoundly at odds with each other over certain scriptures that many in the church body would be AFRAID of the position/title/anointing/gifting of the prophet. The PROPHET is anointed by God to bring about correction so that the Body of Christ can function in a deeper understanding of God and be released in their destiny. As the devil, I would do all that I could to block God's children from walking in their full rights as a child of the King. 

If I were the devil, I would cause the term EVANGELIST to be so misunderstood that those who are called into this ministry gift would be afraid to step into their calling. Instead, I would water the voice of the Evangelist down by making him or her believe that they are to stay put, not flow in their spiritual gifts, and not speak in the power and authority that was gifted to them by God that brings liberty to the captives. If I leave the Evangelist alone, he will get people to convert to Christianity; so as the king of darkness, I must keep the Body of Christ ignorant about the function of the Evangelist.

If I were the devil, I would tell the Body of Christ that if someone is not a true "preacher" then they are a false prophet/teacher. I would blind the average church member to the fact that this person is gifted in one of the other ministry leadership positions and I would continuously work to discredit those who are anointed to be an APOSTLE, PROPHET, EVANGELIST or TEACHER.  I would plant seeds of doubt, jealousy, criticism, hatred, envy and disgust about this person in the ears of other leaders who aren't willing to recognize the needed differences in ministry gifts for certain areas, congregations and platforms in the world-wide ministry of Jesus Christ for our day. If I were the devil, I would work on one end to divide the Body of Christ while working diligently on the other end to cause the sinner to hate the word PREACH. In fact, I would leverage the discord among church people to fuel the disgust in the mind of the sinner toward the things of God.

If I were the devil, I would cause PASTORS to be run over by the deacons. These pastors would be over-worked and under-paid.  Their congregations would always expect far too much from them; yet, would be slow to give the respect and honor due for their unselfish service in the Kingdom.  I would make the work of a Pastor seem trivial so that many who are called to be a pastor would ignore the calling in order to provide for their families.  

If I were the devil, I would really be intent on scrambling, confusing, causing fear, causing discord and causing ignorance in the Body of Christ over the Five Fold Ministry Gifts.  After-all, if I couldn't keep people from worshiping God, the least I could do is to keep them from coming into the fullness of who God called them to become.

Oh, and my favorite reason for causing such confusion in the Body of Christ is that while they are looking within and pointing fingers at each other, I would be free to create disastrous governmental and moral decay without.  When church leaders are so intent on rallying support to discredit, blaspheme and drive out ministers of the world-wide gospel of Jesus Christ who don't think like, act like or preach like they want them to, the Body of Christ will hardly notice the destruction that I will do to their churches, families, states and even their entire country... until it's too late!  I just love it when the Body of Christ doesn't read their Bible, but acts and reacts according to the arm of the flesh in the name of God.  As the devil, It really makes my job so much easier...

These FIVE ministry gifts are described as the KEY that brings the perfecting of the saints. These FIVE leadership gifts bring edifying to the Body Of Christ and help the Body to GROW UP into all that God has called them to become.

1 Corinthians 12:28 (KJV) 

"And God hath set some in the church, first APOSTLES, secondarily PROPHETS, thirdly TEACHERS, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues."

Luke 9:49-51 (KJV)

"And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.  And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us."

Mark 9:38-41 (KJV)

"And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.  But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.  For he that is not against us is on our part.  For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward."

Psalm 105:15 (KJV)

 "Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." 

JUDE 1:9 (KJV) 

"Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil and disputing about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke thee!” 

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In religion, a false prophet is one who falsely claims the gift of prophecy or divine inspiration, or who uses that gift for evil ends. Often, someone who is considered a "true prophet" by some people is simultaneously considered a "false prophet" by others, even within the same religion as the "prophet" in question. The term is sometimes applied outside religion to describe someone who fervently promotes a theory that the speaker thinks is false.

Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_prophet

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So what is a false prophet according to scripture...

Jude 1:11 (KJV)

"Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core."

Cain = Killed his brother

Balaam = Deceived people for money

Core (Korah) = Rebelled against authority

Entire Jude 1 (KJV) Various Passages

4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

...

8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

...

16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

...

Matthew 7:15-20 (KJV)

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

So... THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT would be a test of how we will know the REAL from the FAKE!

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Galatians 1:6-7(KJV)

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

What is the gospel of grace?  The gospel of grace is the saving, healing, cleansing, power of God through the belief that Jesus the Christ came to earth in the flesh to accomplish God's salvation plan through His life, death, burial and resurrection.  We are saved by grace through faith in the Son of God. (Ephesians 2:8)  So, anyone who teaches you another way to God besides through Jesus, they would be a false prophet.

Matthew 24 (KJV)

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.  

And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Behold, I have told you before.

Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

People who flow in spiritual giftings are not to be labeled false prophets (1 Corinthains 12 - below).  Spiritual gifts are given to believers for the edifying of the Body of Christ.  On the other hand, there are some who will abuse spiritual gifts by claiming a form of godliness to promote themselves.  These wolves are usually easy to spot, because they are not as compassionate, not as righteous and not as humble as a true believer who flows in their spiritual gifts should be.  

On the other hand, all "flesh and blood" is prone to mistakes.  The litmus test is the fruit of that believer.  Does their motive line up with the word of God and the character of God.  

The elect will be fooled when they are so desperate for a miracle that they are willing to by-pass the truth of God's word to get it.  Basically, they sell out their birthright for a bowl of soup (Genesis 25 - Esau sells his birthright).  When people are so intent on seeing the supernatural that they are willing to throw all knowledge and understanding of God's word out the door, they place them self in a position where they can be easily fooled by a false prophet.  Again, this does NOT mean that Christians who flow in spiritual gifts are false prophets. 

Never believe anyone who claims to be Christ!  Christ will return like lightening and not like some individual who rises up out of nowhere who claims to be Christ.  So many hungry souls have lost their lives by getting involved with crazy men and women who claim to be Christ only to lead them down a road of bondage, sexual perversion, isolation from family and brainwashing.

1 John 2:22 (KJV)

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

Don't follow any religion or any leader who says Jesus is not the Son of God.  If they say Jesus was a good man; if they say Jesus was a good prophet... they are denying that Jesus was the Christ.  Do not follow such religions.

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My purpose for this article is:

1) Just doing my own personal study

2) I get so weary of skeptical Christians who spend more time analyzing, ridiculing, criticizing, name-calling and disrespecting each other who are not in their denomination, who preach/teach in a style that they don't care for, who may be weak in a certain area but strong in another area (who's not?), who share the GOOD NEWS of the gospel in a powerful way (negative/whiny people don't want to hear good news), who are anointed in specific areas of ministry and so on.  If the church cannot come together in unity, the WORLD WILL NEVER BE WON!  

3) Just trying to shed some light on the silliness of Christians focusing on things that don't matter instead of focusing on how to defeat darkness, drive out the enemy, and WIN SOULS TO CHRIST!

4) Exposing the truth of God's Word to the blinded eyes of those who are bent on reading the Word with tinted glasses of pride, erroneous doctrine (even if it was learned in cemetery... I mean seminary), assumptions, and an unwillingness to change.

1 Corinthians 12 KJV)

12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

14 For the body is not one member, but many.

15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?

20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.

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.

22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Ephesians 4 (KJV)

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 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.

17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

20 But ye have not so learned Christ;

21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

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Denominations 

A Christian denomination is an identifiable religious body under a common name, structure, and doctrine within Christianity. Divisions between one group and another are defined by doctrine and church authority.
Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_denomination

Question:  Does it please God when His children are divided?