Let God Pull It Out of You

We all have it…baggage. We all have some broken dream, disappointing loss, rejection via unrequited love or abandonment by a loved one to contend with in our lifetime. Our lives may hold some personal triumphs but the thing that holds us back most are the failures. They seem to privately abound within us even more than our public victories. In spite of the pain we endure, the bottom line is this…We need to put away the baggage of our past! Our history, good or not so good seems to follow us around, year after year keeping us bound to an action or a memory. Its only purpose is to constantly remind us of an error we’d rather forget. The hold can become so foreboding that we struggle to face our future with optimism because the demons in our past torment us so. Our talents are smoldering beneath the veil of fear as our past whispers negativity to our hearts. Just having the desire to escape the indiscretions of yesteryear is not enough. We need to recognize our deficit of faith while discovering  the warrior hidden deep within. Action on our part must be implemented to prevail over this malignant spirit whose sole mission is to destroy our hope, our destiny and more importantly our relationship with God. In order to find our place in the body, we have to change our thinking by allowing God to transform our minds.

The confession of our mistakes gives us strength to confront the condemnation we carry concerning former our deeds. When we hide it, we open the door for it to dominate our lives. Under the influence of fear, desperation emerges compelling us to cover up or hide our “sins”. This new taskmaster forces us into submitting to acts that are not pleasing to the Lord. Fear’s partner is pride. Pride coupled with the terror of being found out is the catalyst or reasoning used to justify unGodly actions once we’re driven to compromise. The past now reaches into our present by becoming a tremendous burden that threatens the future. If we truly want to be free from the past or any bondage, we must acknowledge our imperfections to tame the beasts which plague us. If not, it will dictate to us that we’re miserable failures who are incapable of success. We’re then robbed of our self esteem, our peace and ultimately our destiny.

The good news is the past never reveals that failure is the best teacher!

The lessons we learn from not succeeding in every attempted effort are invaluable. It keeps us humble before God and molds us into better human beings. We learn compassion, wisdom and empathy to share with others who need encouragement. It also compels us to re-examine who we are while challenging us to seek a deeper spiritual intimacy with God. Through a relationship with Him, we can determine why we failed in the first place in order to develop a winning agenda for our next endeavor. We also discover where our weaknesses lie so that we can cultivate a confidence bolstering strategy. I love the hope it births!

Through failure, God reminds us that every failed effort is not some shameful exploit.

It’s an opportunity to allow Him to show us the splendor of what we really were designed to be. Failing illustrates how trivial our accomplishments are when displaced from His will. Our goals have to be mirror images of His directives otherwise every pursuit of success on our part will indeed fail. The realization we need to embrace is that any accolade we attain in this earthly vessel is His victory, not ours. Without His constant unction operating in us, we’d never have a divinely purposeful thought or idea. We’d simply evolve into selfish, mindless automatons without vision or  direction. Failure challenges us to seek God for the tenacity to try again. We’re also reminded that the grandeur of anything we aspire to will never be the result of our own ability. It’s merely a manifestation of His illustrious anointing working through each of us.

He pulls the awesome, creative, anointed, illustrious part
of HIMSELF OUT OF US!

We were all fabricated for greatness but only when we discover that our ultimate triumphs reside in Him. Failure is the vehicle that perfects us to our celebrated end. The real blessing is that we are purified for service through the heartbreak of our pain. I encourage you to make the decision to exchange the baggage of the past for a love relationship with the Father. You just might be surprised by what He pulls out of YOU!

Walk in your liberty child of the MOST HIGH GOD…

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Denise Joyce Williams lives in Florida with her husband who is a career soldier. Her first book entitled, “The Healing Of A Broken Vessel” was released by Publish America in 2009. Her much anticipated second book entitled “Chambers Of The Believing Heart” is expected to be released in the spring of 2012.

Blessing for Sale! – Sponsored by Prophets for Profit!

It’s that time of year. Spring is in the air, a season to embrace spiritual renewal. Hoards of God’s people are excited to walk in their season, declare the struggle is over or receive their divine appointment while sharing the message hope. Those who’ve been wounded and the un-churched altogether are desperately seeking answers. They are searching for truth that can address their spiritual dysfunction while simultaneously providing the deliverance needed to move forward. They want peace, love and serenity within the arms of loving saints. The desire to connect with intercessors who will pray for their needs prevails in the back of their minds. A longing for the ability to confide in leadership when their burdens are heavy exist for many.

However instead of finding solace in the body of Christ, many are finding out that blessings are merely for sale. Recently I attended an event in which a renowned prophet was the keynote speaker. He was impeccably dressed, well spoken and full of the word. The church was overflowing with many who needed Godly direction; the atmosphere charged with expectancy. They came by way of bus, car pool and a few arrived on foot to have an audience with the prophet. They came to hear a Rhema word from him and he was endorsed not only by the leadership of the host church, but also by the local clergy. As the evening progressed he gave his message that discussed the current dispensation that we are facing as a body. He talked about wealth being laid up for the just and the long awaited “wealth transfer” for those who are in a financial struggle. The buzz word seemed to have been “wealth transfer” which he assured everyone was on the horizon. He then stopped in mid sentence to redirect his thoughts and began to prophesy over the top successes for only the clergy in attendance. The ushers were instructed to seat any pastor, bishop, apostle or anyone who was so spiritual they could levitate at will on the front row. The faith level of those in the sanctuary was now at an all time high. Everyone silently prayed that the man of God would call them out for a personal word. The tension was so thick a knife would have been dulled, and then it happened. In the middle of this seemingly spiritual moment, he made an appeal for funds. He grimaced as if his brain hurt to hear God’s instruction. He’s now heard God, then announces to the people God said everyone should give seventy seven dollars! He also adds if anyone didn’t have that amount give as close to that amount as possible. If God called for everyone to give seventy seven, seems to me He’d make sure everyone had that amount. No ministry or word was given to the masses that gave the seventy seven dollars and many came forward with funds in hand. According to his actions, God only sent a word to the leaders.

This old tactic to manipulate people into giving is deplorable and making those of us who are truly hearing God’s heart sick to the stomach.

God’s desire is for the entire body to be blessed and He doesn’t charge for them. This applies to the most holy right reverend as well as new converts. Love offerings should be bestowed among those that labor in the Kingdom with the heart of God. Believers must become better financial stewards while fine tuning their discernment. We shouldn’t sow into con artist prophets who make blessings something to be bought at offering time. The prophet simply confirms the word God has already spoken in our hearts.

When will we stop allowing charlatans who regularly exploit the name of Jesus from ripping us off?

The for profit prophet is in business because we allow ourselves to be exploited. Their gloom and doom “you won’t be blessed unless you sow into me” threats coerce many into handing over money that was delegated for other life sustaining needs. If we are to confront and shut down the “blessings for sale ministry”, swift action must commence.

1. Make the decision to grow up spiritually. Spiritual maturity doesn’t just happen. As with any relationship, time must be invested to hear God’s heart. Once this commitment is made to pursue meat instead of milk, real spiritual development can begin (1 Peter 2:2).

2. Develop a rock solid prayer life. Prophets for profit take advantage of weak believers who have a poor or non-existent prayer life. These are people that salivate for a word from anyone because they’ve become too lazy to get on their knees for themselves. The itching ears syndrome will lead to spiritual death (2 Tim 4:3). Stop being hood winked! Let’s seek the face of God for ourselves and stop encouraging the work of familiar spirits that operate for profit. Realize this: the called of God can’t eat from every prophet’s table.

3. Study, study, then study some more! The work of a true prophet is to edify, exhort and comfort (I Cor 14:3). If we fail to study the word of God, we will never be able to identify the lecherous thief from the righteous minister who comes to bless us (2 Tim 2:15). Study gives us the rod by which we can inspect the fruit of a minister.

4. Stop supporting unsavory renegades! We must be better overseers over our money. If we continue to pay the circus, they’ll keep coming to town! No payment. No performance. Period!

5. Prepare for warfare! When we alert others to the tactics of manipulative prophets for profit don’t be naive, EXPECT opposition. You will be identified as a rebellious, selfish outcast who is slandering the “man or woman of God”. Choose to demand holiness from leaders or don’t sit under them. If you have to live holy, shouldn’t they?

The body needs true prophets that have eyes fixed on what God deems important, not another Lexus. Prophets are assets only when they are fully yielded vessels. There are far too many wounded souls who’ve suffered at the hands of phony leaders that entertain them for a dollar. The sacrilegious act of scaring up offerings must be halted so real ministry can begin. Our worship must exude a purity that hasn’t been infected with even a hint of worldly pursuits. This is essential in this season where seducers exist among us looking for opportunities to deceive. In order to differentiate the authentic pearls from the costume jewelry we must strengthen our relationship with the Father. The tools of study, fasting and intercessory prayer must dominate our time if we are to prevail. Ministry will begin when members in the body get sick and tired of feeling nauseous at the announcement of a prophet in the city. The cry for a true move of the Holy Ghost will guide us into truth; even in a climate where deception seems to be the norm.

Let us take down the sign that reads, “Blessings For Sale”……

Be encouraged and blessed child of the most high God.

September-My 9/11 Offering

There’s a warm steady breeze that used to blow
in September. That made us ponder the ending of the year and remember.

An era that was unblemished, jovial and carefree. A pleasant cycle of days, weeks & months that fashioned the matrix of our lives, indeed.

A breath of transformation identifying the passage of youth, innocence and time. An occurrence which altered our direction and
made us open our naive eyes..

And point us to a moment that will forever live in infamy; That forced us to see that our security, was a mere fallacy.

Two planes hit! The two Towers fell!
The wind swept face of pure evil had
resurrected itself from the pit of hell. Our lives, no longer secure became eternally surreal.

And our sorrow from that day may NEVER EVER heal……

Be encouraged and blessed child of the MOST HIGH GOD!
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Dr. Denise Joyce Williams resides in Florida with her husband who is a career soldier. She’s currently penning her second book entitled “The Chambers Of The Heart”.

Where Are You Eating?

The climate for believers in this dispensation is quite frenzied. Parishioners have no idea whom they can trust in the body and leaders are distracted while indulging in sins of the flesh. Greed, manipulation and deception are ruling the day in our modern, post resurrection churches. Even the faithful are becoming confused concerning doctrine and truth. How can anyone remain focused or steady in the faith?

One thing to consider in responding to this question would be to ask ourselves, “Where are we eating?” Unbeknownst to many Christians they are on a path that deviates from the word. One practice that seems to be on the rise is believers attempting to pastor themselves. Now we understand there are times when being without a pastor will occur at sometime or another in our walk; however this shouldn’t actually become the norm. Our God is a God of covenants and relationship. Those who choose a cafeteria style of engagement that doesn’t include church membership or even regular fellowship gatherings leave themselves open to disaster. They risk becoming spiritual nomads, wandering from one ministry to another promoting a climate of no accountability. Pride brews, then a fall from the faith prevails. Believers should never forsake partnering with any ministry or a resolve be united with a body of believers. Jesus established the church to solidify covenants, foster healthy relationships and grow the body. Only rogues eat spiritually from other ministries or tables they don’t know anything about. No one leader knows their history or their spiritual needs. This places them directly in satan’s bulls’ eye! His goal is to alienate the disconnected from the fellowship then lull them away from Christ. Jesus reminds us where there are two or three gathered in His name that He would dwell in our midst. There is power in holy, Christ centered gatherings. The New Testament echoes this same sentiment by directing us not to forsake assembly. Yet many are guilty of this very thing. Why?

We have to warn believers that we can’t eat or receive a word from everyone who professes to hear from God. This dangerous practice has infiltrated the church and many are convinced they do not need to participate in healthy pastor-parishioner relationships. As unfortunate as this is, there are various reasons why many adopt this practice. Some cite they are tired of pastors shaking them down for money. Some are tired of church members who are never reprimanded for unGodly behavior. Some feel that going to church is way too time consuming while some are just weary with not being able to trust that their best interests prevail in the mind of church officials.

Whatever the reasoning, the established church that was built on the shed blood of Jesus offers guidance, protection and nurturing which can not be ignored. Christ built the church for the betterment for the believer. Without proper pastoral correction, we risk becoming prophecy junkies who rush anywhere, anytime to anyplace in search of a personal word. This practice of trying to take short cuts instead of cultivating a substantial prayer life is extremely dangerous for anyone; especially new converts. Instead of praying and spending time with God when a crisis arises, we seek a spiritual “fix“. In this hunger for a quick and painless answer that is usually comforting to the flesh but not an authentic word from God, a spirit of apostasy slowly contaminates the recipient. We cannot become lazy in communicating with God daily.

We need true prophets with strong discernment to challenge the climate of slothfulness among our complacent congregants. We need intercessors who are willing to pray for our government, leaders, churches and families. We must become accountable to one another and be perfected through human interaction. We must master the tools of fasting, studying and laboring in prayer for needs to be met.

We will not hear the voice of God if we depend on the word of someone who may or may not be a true prophet. We need to seek sobriety while drinking the sincere milk of the word. Let us mature in God, eating the whole roll. The ritual of pulling up to fast food prophets who seek monetary gain at the expense of souls must stop! Guarding our heart is necessary to prohibit anyone who is unclean from pouring heresy into our spirit. No longer can we entertain Big Gulps, smoothies or slushies filling our spirit with a sugary fluid which lacks spiritual nutrition. We have to stop eating from the tables of questionable leaders in order to appease our restless conscious to avoid getting completely right with God. The Father spews out the lukewarm because compromise is sin! It is only through self reflection and submission to the Lord we can discover our place in His body.

Finding a table that is full of righteous leaders who are consistently pointing us back to the cross may be daunting, but needful. We need to stop ordering happy meals looking for toy surprises to preoccupy us with worldly pleasures. A decision on our part has to be made if we are to take our place as disciples of God who walk in truth. We need to ask Him where in the body we can flourish and eat from that table.

If you are finding little or no healthy fruit in your walk with the Lord, ask yourself, “Where am I eating?”

Be encouraged and blessed child of the MOST HIGH GOD!
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Dr. Denise Joyce Williams resides in Florida with her husband who is a career soldier. Her book entitled, “The Healing Of A Broken Vessel” was released by Publish America in March 2009. The book can be found: http://www.amazon.com. She’s currently penning her second book entitled “The Chambers Of The Heart”.

A Case for Faith

My faith is the very essence of who I am. It’s the breath that gives life to my soul. It’s the song that gives my life harmony and makes my broken spirit whole.

My faith is an anchor that holds me fast through the storms of life; strengthening my resolve each day to seek the Savior in truth, while showing others a more perfect way.

My faith cultivates within me foresight for doing what I know is right. It speaks mercy to the contrary man, giving his wayward soul delight.

My faith defies reason, can pierce the heart, and compels all critics to confess that there is a Father who radiates love with grace that’s unconditional ~ the best!

My faith confirms a resting place where the righteous ones yearn to be. Dwelling in the Master’s presence ~ an eternal privilege indeed!

My faith is more majestic than any ecstasy known to man, more binding than a charismatic’s prayer. My soul literally rests securely in His bosom without a solitary care.

My faith saturates me with an unsurpassed peace this dying world will never know. It’s the character of God, who nurtures my spirit so I grow.

My faith empowers me daily with courage to recite the story of a God who loves His people and His reward of greater glory!

Massive is the strength of my faith!

Copyright ©2008

Eternity

At the moment of conception to breathing without care
Death’s voice beckons to entangle our soul in his snare
He summons us in unyielding and ominous ways
Filling us with the menacing dread that our existence yet decays

Though we try to dismiss that dance that we’ll have one day with death;
Like a comedy of errors, or a tragedy in Macbeth
We’ve dismissed the essence of what life really means
Just hiding behind the immaterial to mask our terrified screams

Of our desperate fear and terror, the cry of our discontent
It’s then we question right or wrong and our feelings of malcontent

How can one answer the mystery “How long their life will be?”
How do we NOT obsess about our future yet;
Resolve our personal question of “Where will we spend eternity?”

Envisioning Today

Why does tomorrow seem so far away?
For today seems so elusive, like yesterday

Our existence but a matrix of thoughts, events and emotions. Like lab rats in a wheel, we’re going through life’s motions.

Of everyday attempts to arrest the emptiness inside and protect ourselves from heartache that offers us no pride.

Then accept how vulnerable we really are in the grand scheme of things. Yet reflect on our own behavior and how life brings;

New decisions to make each day and new thoughts to ponder. New memories for us to cherish or those we can squander.

Why does tomorrow seem so far away?
It’s not if we embrace it — tomorrow is a mere reflection.
A vision of today.

Copyright ©2007