LAM Newsletter, June 2002

Three Things the Holy Spirit Does

Have you ever wondered why since you've been saved, things seemed to have gotten harder in your life? Things that were never a problem to you before now are? You seem to struggle with more now than before? Well, join the other billions of Christians. This is why so many people aren't happy as a believer. Now they "know" some things they'd rather not know. And it's not the "knowing" about other people, it's the knowing about themselves. I remember before I was saved I never had problems with my mouth. Well, not that I knew of. But the minute I got saved, I kept getting mad at myself because I was cussing. I didn't see it before, and if I did, it didn’t' bother me. I remember a time I never cried. Well since I've become a Christian, I am more emotional than I ever have been. I think by sharing with you what the Holy Spirit's 3 main things are, it may help you to understand some things.

John 16:8 reads: "And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment."

The first thing He does is expose the sin in our lives. That my friend is why it seems so difficult at times. We now "see" what is in us through the eyes of the Spirit! It's not to get us to feeling bad about ourselves, it's to let us know what is in us so God can purge it from us. Many can't get past this part. Too many fall into self-hatred, guilt, condemnation, fear and rejection. I don't know about you, but I don't remember any of these things being a problem to me before I was saved. I don't recall having self-hatred, guilt, and all the others… but wait! I did have those things, I just didn't "know" I had those things - well, not until the Holy Spirit revealed them to me. His job is to reveal what is in us, and I think we can all agree He's doing a fantastic job!

The second thing He does is reproves of righteousness. He came to give us revelation on having the righteousness given us through Christ. It doesn't mean that we will "do" everything right - yet - it means we are covered right now in His righteousness. We just need to receive it unto ourselves. The bible says to "put on the breastplate of righteousness". We do need to participate in our freedom. Until we get a revelation on what it means to "be the righteouesness of Christ" we won't be able live the life we so desire. We won't be able to see the promises in the Word of God manifest in our lives. Because, not only do we see the junk in us, now we feel we have to try to "do" everything right. Our problems seem to be compounding at this point. But that isn't what it's supposed to do. The Holy Spirit reveals to us what is in us, and shows us what we need, then we are to acknowledge these things before God and receive His forgiveness, and love to change us. How can we change in areas if we don't know what is there? God just doesn't zap us free, it takes our acknowledging the truth in our lives that moves the hand of God. Remember, it's the truth that sets us free, nothing else.

The 3rd thing the Holy Spirit came to reveal is that of judgment. To establish that "it is finished." Jesus did it all on the cross. He defeated the enemy. Judgment has been brought down on the Devil's head. We are the victors. Now we have to learn to live in that. We are more than conquerors. That's just not lovely words in your bible for someone else, dear friend, they are for you! This 3rd area is one worth seeking more revelation in.

I think the Holy Spirit has His work cut out, don't you? For Him to orchestrate these three things at the same time and help us grow in Christ to not fall back under guilt and condemnation, is no less than a miracle. But He does it every day. Once the Holy Spirit resides in us, the fight is on, the battle between soul and spirit is a lifetime venture. But it's the only battle I personally want to participate in. But even in that, the battle is not mine but the Lord's. He knew what He was getting when He chose me. We have been chosen, you know. He knew what we would say and do even before we were born!

Let the Holy Spirit do His job. Don't get in there and try to help Him fix you either. The Holy Spirit reveals, you acknowledge and confess, and God fixes and restores. Let's get things in order and watch the "peace that passes all understanding guard your heart and minds in Christ Jesus."

Looking Past the Sin

Do you know anyone you don’t like being around? They just give you the creeps? You see them coming and you want to turn and go the other direction? What if that person, was you? Ouch!

A revelation hit me hard recently and left me crying from the deep groaning of my inner self! I had SEEN me through the eyes of others and I didn't like what I saw. Let me share my story with you.

I was asked to participate on a committee at work to help plan a retirement event. I was happy to do so and was enjoying it very much. However, from time to time I would get a little irritated and upset with some of the committee members. The night the whole thing was over I was sitting on my couch recuperating from the days activities when God spoke to me. He revealed (Holy Spirit's 1st job as described in the previous article) to me something that I’ll never forget! He told me that I had been argumentative those times I would get upset. I began to think about it. He was absolutely right. He revealed the situations I had been in and how when people would give their opinion, I would too, but I would say it like it was fact and not to be disputed. When it was, I would get upset. I remember even shutting down in one of the meetings, if you know what I mean, and decided not to say another word. God told me it’s not that I can’t say what I want to say, it’s how I respond if what I say is rejected!

I was so embarrassed because I saw how others might have seen me. I cried and cried and wanted to crawl under a rock. I wanted to quit my job. But then, I put my own teaching in practice and said, "Lord, thank you for revealing this to me. I don’t want to be like this. I want to be loving and compassionate. I don’t want to be argumentative and full of strife. I want to walk in peace among all men no matter what."

Ya know, I didn’t even know that’s how I was being until I reflected. I realized something about people who are difficult to work with or be around. Deep down inside they want to be OK too. They want to be loved and accepted. They want to be in peace and have compassion. I believe that with all my heart. But the truth is, there are issues that God has to deal with to bring that person to the place they want to be. Unfortunately, many of these individuals don’t have a clue what God is doing in their life and reject it, that’s why they stay the same. This is why it’s so important to "look past their sin and see their need." When we see those manifestations in their lives, pity them as Christ pitied us, and pray for them. Scripture says not to judge anyone! There is a reason for that because we have no idea what God is doing in their lives at the time. It’s so important that we take the time to pray for that person. Not pray for what YOU want to happen in their lives, but pray for what God wants to do in their lives. A BIG DIFFERENCE. One is a prayer of your control, the other is a prayer for God’s control. Like I said, "We need to look past their sin and see their need." Not only in others, but in ourselves.

Through this experience, God reassured me that He covered my sin from the eyes of the individuals but needed me to see for myself so He could do a work in my heart. I thanked Him for that and believed Him to "fix" whatever messy trail I left behind. After returning to work the next day, it was as though nothing had happened.

INsight on Disease:

High Blood Pressure

What is hypertension? It is high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a result of a narrowing of the blood vessels so that there is a resistance to the flow, thus increasing the pressure because of the backup in the coronary vessels. What is the root of high blood pressure? Fear, anxiety and stress, along with rage, anger and resentment. Just as the Bible said in the last days that "men's hearts shall fail them because of fear." (Luke 21:26) Statistics in America are that one out of every four Americans suffer from high blood pressure.

Can't help but wonder how many are walking around in unforgiveness, bitterness anger, rage, and resentment!

The Bible proves medical science and medical science only proves the Bible. There is no conflict with the medical community in what is being shared here. It's just that the third dimension of our existence (the spirit of man) is usually not recognized in the scientific body, but he is also a spirit and the problems are spiritual FIRST.

For personal ministry, please contact the LAM office at TruthFrees@Mindsync.com or Pleasant Valley Ministries at pvcm@alltel.net.

PERSONAL REVELATION

My relationship with God is really different than even a year ago! Not to the degree where I've grown to be able to handle more things - quite the contrary - now I've grown up more to let God handle more things! A child wants to do things themselves. And you know what that ends up looking like?

I've been on a quest of learning to let God be God and let me be me. Wow, what a revelation!

THE DART GAME

A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in a seminary class, given by her teacher, Dr. Smith. She says Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons. One particular day, Sally walked into the class and knew they were in for a fun day. On the wall was a big target, and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told his students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture, if they wished.

Sally's girlfriend drew a picture of a girl who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. Sally was pleased with the overall effect she had achieved.

The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripped apart. Sally looked forward to her turn and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall.

Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face, and His eyes were pierced. Dr. Smith said only these words...."In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." Matt. 25:40

No other words were necessary, tears filled the eyes of the students, focused only on the picture of Christ.

TOM’s TIDBITS

"The men are on their own." (Coming from a man I had to really think this one through.)

My husband told me that he supports me whole- heartedly when helping women and children. However, when coming to men he told me, "the men are on their own." Not that I don’t and haven’t helped many men already, but he said something to me that really hit the spot. Men are different animals and for me, a woman, to try and figure them out will not be an easy chore. When I minister to women, they are open and receptive. On the other hand, men aren’t. As a matter of fact, I have had only a handful of men contact this ministry. I do believe men need to minister to men. There is more understanding between men when ministry is involved.

I had a meeting one time that was for men. Only two showed up. Out of those two, it was like pulling teeth for them to come to the realization that they have something to do with the problems in their life. They had a hard time opening up to me, a woman. When I asked the question, "Who do you need to forgive?" They both looked at each other and said, "No one I can think of." Then I asked, "Is there anyone you can think of that when you do you have a pain in your gut?" And again, they both said "No." With that, I knew they weren’t seeing the truth. The reason I knew was because of the illnesses they had and I knew the roots were unforgiveness. And we all know it’s the truth that will set you free. But again, men have a hard time in this area. So I stopped right there and said, "Let’s pray and ask God to reveal them to you." After we prayed within seconds they both said, "Yeah, I know of someone." And they kept writing down names. The floodgates opened as the Lord opened their hearts.

I find that men don’t want any help. They want to do it themselves. If they ask for help it represents them as weak. I’m so sad that men think this way, but they do. They have a hard time going to God without having everything figured out. They have a hard time being a child at heart and receiving the love of God for themselves. But the reality is, men have to receive the Love of God for themselves FIRST before they can love and provide properly for the family. If that’s all I say to men, that’s all I need to say. This is the foundation for any marriage to work. The men have a huge responsibility toward the family. I know that’s how God made them, that’s why it’s hard for them to "receive" things. Men hate to be told what to do from their wives. It irritates them. Leadership was built into them by God to equip them to lead the family, but these men are very scarce. I recall my husband saying to me, "don’t mistake my love for weakness." I think men fear to "look" weak! They know they are to be the leader in the home, whether to make a decision or whatever. So they have this attitude that they can’t listen to their wives. But the truth is, the wives was created to help the man with his tasks. A word to the ladies: Anointing flows down, not up. If you are trying to be the spiritual leader, you’re destined to getting sick, or even worse. If we take that responsibility away from the man, we are taking away his strength to be men.

So in this ministry, I deal with the women’s issues. I found that as I help the women, I am inadvertently helping the men. It has been noted over and over that when women are helped, the men are also helped. After all, they are "one flesh." Whatever the woman goes through, it can’t help but affect the man. I’ve seen marriages restored, just by ministering to the women. Not that the women are the only ones with issues, but they are the "glue" that holds the family together. But it’s the men that helps the woman be all she can be too. It’s been said, "Behind every good man is a good woman." But first things first. The man has to be good toward the woman before the woman responds as a good woman behind the man! Read the Word for yourself. The man has power to uplift or bring down the woman. That’s what has been the problem in the lives of those who are sick. Men have difficulty loving their wives because they haven’t received the love of God for themselves to love the women properly. The men that I have spoken with who are sick are men who haven’t been able to express the truth within their hearts. I have helped them learn to do that, and now it’s between them and God to continue the work. I heard a statement from a doctor the other day. He said, "If my mental patients would believe that they are forgiven, this ward would be empty." I believe it’s the same with men (and women). We all need to know we are forgiven. We all need to know that the Love of God penetrates through anything we have ever done. There is only one unpardonable sin. That is to reject Christ as Savior! That’s it! So everything, EVERYTHING, that we have done is completely covered by the Blood of Jesus. Unforgiveness is the #1 block to all disease and problem issues. It’s also not receiving forgiveness for ourselves.

If we aren’t receiving the love of God for ourselves FIRST we cannot love others properly because we cannot give away what we don’t have.

If everyone seeks FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, everything else will happen. The respect will be there for each other. Women will be more responsive to the men’s desires and needs. Children will obey their parents. There won’t be any abuse in the home. We will LIVE the 10 commandments, it’s no longer a law. But we have to get first things first.

Men are on their own? Well, not really. They think they have to be. They think they have to provide out of their own strength. But they need God more than ever! They need to allow God to love them too, which will give them what they need to love and provide for the family. In return, will receive what they need from the woman!

If any man is reading this article. I pray you have been enlightened and encouraged. Seeking the Love of God is first and foremost in your life. Find out what it means to be loved unconditionally by Him. Find out what it means to be forgiven. Find out what it means to truly forgive others and accept them for who they are. Begin learning how to accept your wife and children for who they are not what you want them to be. If you need any help in this area, please contact this ministry. We’ll be able to connect you with a minister to help you find what you need to walk in the fullness of God, that I know you so desire

A Blanket Prayer!

"Can’t I just pray, Lord I forgive everyone?"

So many have asked me this and I reply with the same answer, "No." However the unforgiveness went into us is the same way it has to come out, one at a time.

We have to identify each person who offended or hurt us and forgive them. Many are not willing to do this. Many have said, "I don't need to look back, the bible says that we are to leave those things behind and go forward." But these same people are "dragging" that junk behind them because it was never dealt with!

If you want to learn how to let go of the past and not carry it around with you, we can help. You can contact this ministry. You will be given sound biblical principles on how to forgive from your heart and even those you don't think you could ever forgive. The bible is very clear that if we don't forgive others their trespasses and sins, God won't forgive ours. And that, my dear friend, is what keeps blessings from pouring into our lives!

Scripture of the Month

John 15:10

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in His love."

How do we keep the commandments of God? We love. I read this scripture this way. When I love, I will keep His commandments, it just happens. If I loved, I won’t want to steal, or murder. I would keep the 10 commandments. I look at this scripture as a promise not a law.

LAM 2002 Schedule