Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,

Recently, I read a news report about a very young boy who saved the lives of family members because he learned something at school and insisted on doing it. More specifically, the little boy learned that when a tornado siren is heard, the action requires doing. However, the little boy’s parents couldn’t “see” any visible signs of danger, so they didn’t want to do or take action. Nevertheless, the little boy persisted and because of what was termed as his nagging, the family took a mattress and headed to the basement; minutes later the tornado hit and lives were saved because one person listened (heard) and learned (comprehension) and did (application).

For a significant number of those redeemed by the blood of the precious Lamb of God – JESUS, as well as those for whom it is not yet true according to Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:9, going to church (edifice or building) is akin to seeking entertainment. For a significant number, the flesh is dressed-up to go with expectations to: see relatives and/or friends, sing along with (not necessarily godly) songs, clap and/or stomp feet to (not necessarily godly) rhythms, and listen to an oration which might (not necessarily) nourish the Body of Christ in the WORD of God but by articulation of interpretation by the intellect rather than by the power of the Holy Spirit. It isn’t sacrilegious to enjoy church because the joy of the LORD is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10c); yet the strengthening of the spirit, re-created or regenerated by the blood of Jesus, requires both nourishment in the WORD of God (hearing) and exercising His precepts (doing).

Flesh will want that which flesh desires but it is the re-created or reborn spirit which is supernaturally equipped to discern, and it is the mind continually renewed by the WORD of God which becomes supernaturally equipped to perceive that which can’t be seen in the natural. Apostle Paul said, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV). The gifts given by our Lord Jesus to some: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers (see Ephesians 4:11) are for the equipping of Believers for service or ministry, and the edification of the church or the body of Christ toward unity (across denominations) of faith and knowledge of Christ Jesus. That is, toward maturity . . . toward the glory . . . toward development of the body as “a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” Ephesians 4:13 (NKJV); and the gifts given to some by God the Son – JESUS, do not conflict with the gifts given by God the Holy Spirit: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, discerning of spirits, different tongues, interpretation of tongues, healing, miracles, etc. (see 1 Corinthians 12:8-10).

Our Lord Jesus has commanded those made sons and daughters by His blood, to “go” in the authority of His Name because the wind (unseen) and the waves (seen) must obey, and demons tremble at both the sound of His Name and mere mention of the all-redeeming, re-creating, reconciling blood of Jesus because He defeated Satan at the cross for you and I, and all who haven’t yet received Jesus as Savior and their Lord. May we boldly move forward in the defense and confirmation of the gospel (good news) of Christ with clarity and gentleness; increasingly living each day as walking epistles of the light Who is Jesus by the power of God and the riches of His glorious inheritance – the abundance made ours through the blood of Jesus to establish God’s covenant in the earth, in Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Read – Philippians 1:7b; Acts 1:8; 2Co 4:1-2 & 10:1-5; Philippians 4:5; Matthew 5:14; Acts 13:47; 2Co 2:14-16; John 12:46; Acts 20:32; Ephesians 1:18; Colossians 1:12; John 10:10b; 2Co 3:4,6; Galatians 3:13-14).

Speak the promise . . . Harriet