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Prisons Of Afflictions

God was faithful to start in us, He will be faithful to complete in us. Personal circumstances don’t limit the work of God in our lives, for He continues to work “all” things together for our good. If Satan himself comes to attack our bodies, the Word of God declares what was meant for evil will be turned around for good.

I already know that this message will not be received by some, however, here it goes.

God was faithful to start in us, He will be faithful to complete in us.  Personal circumstances don’t limit the work of God in our lives, for He continues to work “all” things together for our good.  If Satan himself comes to attack our bodies, the Word of God declares what was meant for evil will be turned around for good.

We thank God in all circumstances, because no matter how bad our circumstances may appear, He promises that we will triumph in Christ Jesus.  You may say, “Triumph?  In this mess?  How can any good thing come from these circumstances?”

You may be in prison, convicted of some crime that you may or may have not done.  You look at the bondage and wonder how can God be working something good by this prison.

Just as there are real prisons with real criminals, there are also spiritual prisons, emotional prisons, physical prisons, prisons of our own making.

Being a prisoner is not limited by locked bars and legal decrees.  A prisoner can be walking about in society looking every bit whole.  What we cannot see are chains to weights and bondage’s.  Those who are chained to weights and bondage’s are ashamed because others drive them into hiding.

There are many who wish they could share their information with other brothers and sisters in Christ to have support and confidence in their love for them.  However, many have found they can’t be open with the body of Christ because many violate confidence.

It is not wisdom to share such personal things unless you use them to help others through the same issues.  Finding a good and faithful friend takes God to arrange.

There are also prisoners because of their faithfulness to God.  The determination of those who try to hit the mark of the high calling, sent a wave of demonic persecution that sought to completely disengage the threat to the enemies plans.

You may be one of those who are being hailed with arrows and bound to circumstances that you have no control over.  God wants you to know He is with you and is working a higher purpose through it all.

For example, look at the stroke victim.  I see an individual who is a prisoner within a body that won’t work properly.  Inside the person is free but outside they are bound.  The frustration they must feel is mind blowing.

I believe totally in divine healing, and understand the life of faith.  We the church, need balance in all things.  Does being in prison disqualify you from the love of God?

We, the body of Christ, are going through many hard trials and circumstances.  Some of us are bound with no control over our circumstances.  We can sit in our homes, go about our daily activities, be in a large group of people and still be in a type of prison of circumstances and feel alone.

There are some things we must go through and some of us have been going through these things for years.  Some feel so ashamed to even say anything to another person when in a dry season or trial.

We must be wise who we share things with and making sure we keep it personal.  Personally, when these things are shared, that is between you, the person and God, PERIOD.  You must prayerfully be led to such believers who truly know your heart and life.

In America we are good at painting a pleasant picture of the life of faith.  Not many speak of the trials and circumstances we “all” go through.

It is not a popular message, so needless to say, a lot of hurting people are suffering in silence wondering what’s wrong with me?  Didn’t I pray enough, didn’t I rebuke enough?

Some prison sentences must be gone through.  After all, God is the one designing the lessons of our lives.  After you have rebuked every devil, confessed every scripture and you still seem to be in a prison, the word of God says to stand.  God has a higher purpose for the darkness of the dungeon.  Gods word is not bound.

The trees sway when the winter winds blow, and some of the brittle branches break off, but the sap goes to the base point.  You may feel dead, dry and brittle, but know you are loved and that the sap of the tree, who is the Zoe “God kind of life” is within you both to will and do His good pleasure.

I look at the example of faith in the Apostle Paul.  You may or may not know that Paul spent a wide expanse of time, perhaps a decade in various prisons.  The incarceration of Paul began with his arrest in Jerusalem about A.D.58 and ending with his incarceration and final martyrdom under Emperor Nero in A.D.67.

I look at the circumstances in the natural and think how can any good thing come out of this persecution of Paul.  Paul was alone and cold in the dungeon, the beloved Paul wrote many Pastoral epistles that speak to us today.  Paul wrote weighty powerful letters in prison right where he was.

 “… wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds, but the word of God is not bound.  Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory,”   2 Timothy 2:9-10KJV.

With all of the suffering and persecution the church is going through, God knows the whole matter.  These things make us know that we are right on the mark with God.  If the enemy never tested your resolve, it would be time to sound the alarm!

Satan thought he could shut Paul up.  Bound and put into a pit, his ministry flourished.  Paul’s writings became weighty and powerful through trial.  His faith was not a formula or a quick fix program.  Paul’s faith was produced through many experiences that tested it.

Paul said, “I have learned to be content.”  Paul’s example revealed the prize of patient endurance.  He boasted of his afflictions that the power of Christ would rest on him!  He spoke of his imprisonment’s, how he was driven into exile, and how he had been stoned.

If Paul spoke these things and it wasn’t wrong, why are so many popular teachings telling us not to confess anything negative?  It sounds like denial to me!  Let the rock throwers hit me in the head, it doesn’t hurt, as I don my mask and cloak!

I was once in a particular church that taught the book of Job was a mistake.  The person said, “If he would have confessed right and feared not, the book of Job could have only been a few chapters long.”

Suffering has never been a popular message.  The church has neglected to properly prepare the body for these types of trials.  The idea is, “if everything seems perfect and I feel good, then I’m okay with God.”

Beloved, if you are His, no matter what circumstances you go through, you are still okay and love by God.

“But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way, for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:  For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my My name’s sake.”   Acts 9:15-16 KJV.

“And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witness in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the LORD Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God,”  Acts 20:22-24 KJV.

Saints, no matter what type of prison of circumstance you are in right now, know assuredly that God is with you and will use you right where you are!

Be encouraged knowing our brothers and sisters world wide are going through the same situations!  Amen?

 

In HIS Grace and Mercy,
~ Sherry Edwards Mackey

Have You Identified With This Whole Nation?

In intercession, I was pleading with God to bring our nation [America] back to her knees spiritually. I saw the Statue of Liberty standing tall and majestic. Then I saw what looked like tears flowing down the cheeks, then the statue shook violently.

“Blow the Trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm on MY HOLY MOUNT (Zion).  Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of (the judgment of) the LORD is coming; it is close at hand.  A day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and of thick mists and darkness, like the morning dawn spread upon the mountains; so there comes a (heathen, hostile) people numerous and mighty, the like of which has never been before and shall not be again even to the years of many generations,”   Joel 2:1-2 AMP.

In intercession, I was pleading with God to bring our nation [America] back to her knees spiritually.  I saw the Statue of Liberty standing tall and majestic.  Then I saw what looked like tears flowing down the cheeks, then the statue shook violently.

This is what the sovereign LORD says to the American Church:

“I entrusted you with much and I AM requiring much.  Yes, I AM a God of judgment and mercy.  Mercy always triumphs over judgment.  I tell you the truth, that my judgment on my people is mercy,  says the LORD.

Those whom I dearly love I chasten.  I have spoken and warned you through the mouths of My prophets to return to Me; with all your heart, soul and all that is within you.

Many words that I spoke, fell on deaf ears.  Those who spoke were hated and therefore you rejected me, says the LORD.  You will now learn the kindness and severity of my discipline.

Those who are mature know me as both lion and lamb and rod and staff.  I AM commanding repentance from MY Church.

You may say, “What have I done?”  Daniel fasted and prayed confessing the sins of the nation, saying “We have sinned.”  Nehemiah fasted and prayed confessing the sins of the Israelite’s and the Fathers which had sinned against ME.  They identified with the whole nation.

You are one body, and you have sinned.  Humble yourself and pray and seek MY FACE and I will heal the land.

Many demonic attacks came through breaches, even the very gateways.  Gateways that I commanded MY warriors to protect.  I sought for those to stand in the gap, and many were so preoccupied with compromise to leisure, that they had left their posts.  I also witnessed many warriors being abandoned by “brothers” as they were left to fight alone.

The warriors obeyed MY voice, and many cut them off because they thought the warriors were in rebellion, because they could not control them.  I ask you this question, “To whom do these sheep belong?  Whom do they listen to first?”

Many were wounded and left for dead, but I have hidden many and they are recovering and soon they will emerge as if they never were wounded.

You wonder why I address this Nation?  The blame lies with the Church.  Through apathy, complacency and neglect the church has taken for granted the space and time I gave for their repentance.

You persecuted MY prophets, and stopped supporting the troops, leaving them out there to fight alone, but they were not alone.  I was with them.  I will raise up my warriors and prophets and I will heal them and they shall fight for you.

Touch not My anointed.  Do My prophets no harm.

They fight for you and this nation.  Others dare to persecute My warriors for battling on behalf of this nation, and would say, “The warfare is over, it is finished.”

I finished the work of redemption on the cross.  My people still live in human bodies, in a human world with real enemies. If that battle were over, I would not have given you My word, weapons of warfare, armor, Praise and Prophetic Worship.

I inhabit the Praises of My people and walls come down.

The same way I was sent into the world, I send you.  Destroy the works of the devil.  Snatch people out of the very flames, says the LORD.  Build up the breeches, stand in the gap, intercede for the body and the lost.  For Judgment begins first with the house of GOD.

How can the lost hear without a preacher?  How can they see truth when hypocrisy stands in the way?  I send judgment as Mercy to get you back on the straight and narrow.

I paid the ultimate price for your freedom that you would be mine eternally.  I gave you authority through my blood, and still, many refuse to appropriate that blood to apply to their sins. Identify with the body and repent.  Cry out to me, “We have sinned.”  I desire mercy and not judgment.

No bandage can cover this wound.  Do not forget this event, and spiritually go back to “things as normal.”  Do not wane away after all is clear.  Stay close to me.  I have a future and hope for you, but first be reconciled in fellowship with me, as you humble yourself. It is through repentance that restoration and healing can come.

I AM the God of all hope.

Many are ripe and dwelling in the valley of decision.  Cry to me with all your being that I may infuse you with my anointing.  The harvest is great and many are ready.

Cry to me to send laborers to the harvest, says the LORD.  Cry out to me for the warriors, who are wounded and those who have been over run.

Cry out to me for the prophets.  For in peace time they are hated, but in war they are needed.  As in any natural army, there are a certain amount of soldiers who protect a nation.  Not everyone knows what those soldiers do, because they fight for your freedoms.  Many are emerging that have been hidden in secret places with me, says your GOD.

This command to repent is for the Church, so that afterwards the nation will hear the Truth. You have been so empty, with no oil, how can you give what you don’t have?

I desire that all people come to repentance and be saved.  How can you give out of your emptiness?  Get ready and stay ready, for my coming is very close.

Many people before you fought for the freedoms you enjoy.  Much blood was shed for the message of Liberty.  Many peoples entered in through the gateway of My Son, and many people have entered in through the gateway in this nation.

For the whole nation waits and longs for my sons to be made known, so that there will be light and truth to guide them to me says the LORD of Host.

“To the general assemble and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect.  And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.  See that ye refuse not him that speaketh.  For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:  Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.  And this word, yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.  Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptable with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire,”   Hebrews 12:23-29 KJV.

See also: Nehemiah 1:2-11 and Daniel 9:2-23.

 

In HIS Grace and Mercy,
~ Sherry Edwards Mackey

The Reality and Condition of My Church

“The squeezing, breaking, and pressing of your hearts is producing true compassion, true fruits of My Spirit.”

 

“The squeezing, breaking, and pressing of your hearts is producing true compassion, true fruits of My Spirit.”  

  • How can you have compassion, unless you yourself are compassed with infirmity?
  • Are you able to exercise gentleness and forbearance toward the ignorant and erring?
  • For those who are overtaken in a fault, are you able to restore such a one in a Spirit of meekness?

For with the same measure you measure out it will be measured to you.There was a traveler who fell into the hands of bandits who stripped him and wounded him leaving him half dead.  As he lay helplessly along the roadway, I watched the pious, self-righteous priest and Levite pass on the other side of the road, looking, and continuing walking to the others side, not wanting their garments spotted by such a one.

A Samaritan, considered an outcast looked.  The compassion of this outcast Samaritan was borne out of the depths of experience with infirmity and rejection.  It takes a reject to know a reject.  This Samaritan not only looked, but had compassion on him.  He bound up his wounds and poured in the oil and the wine and took care of him.

Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself.  How can you help the lost when you can’t even help your own brothers?

Truly there are many who lie wounded.  Wounded by My enemy and wounded by their friends.  An army that wounds it’s own wounded.  The LORD is not happy with this.

If MY people cannot come to My Church for help, they will seek outside help.  The old performance patterns they have used to prove their worth cannot measure up to a seemingly intolerant church.

They hide from view, ashamed and frustrated that they somehow are castaways.  How can MY body be restored and healed if the way is not made through the valley?  Pray to ME that I may increase your compassion for MY wounded and broken,”

says the LORD.

The Church is a Hospital.   What part of the hospital are you in?  If you are not sick, are you helping to build it up and strengthen it?  Are you a janitor who keeps it sanitary?

Let me stir up the pot a bit.  In this hospital, how many are willing to deal with mental and emotional problems and issues?  Or are you ashamed to deal with them and are you judgmental of these people when the LORD we serve wants to heal their emotions too.  Being sick isn’t isolated to the flesh and excluding the brain and heart.

There are many needing help to get out of the burial clothes, just as many who are recovering from tragedy, grief and trauma need help to be released from all that binds them up.

I will never forget hearing of a street person in Alaska who was sick.  He had no insurance he couldn’t get help, and he fell asleep in a side entrance because he had no home.  As he tried to stay warm in the entrance the police would chase him out.  Then I heard the awful news, he fell asleep outside the doors and froze to death.

Isn’t that sad and the reality of how our churches are today?  Do you realize everything that has been done in life isn’t new?  Yeah, we get into trouble and need help and we need it bad.  YOU know what I am saying.

None of us, especially leaders, are exempt.  I tell you, when we are isolated due to fear of man, the devil sets us up for failure.  Many dealing with greater intensity and horrible suicidal thoughts.  Do not dare to judge such one, or it might show up in your door.

“I AM establishing Pastors in cyberspace who shall shepherd under a corporate anointing.  How can a Pastor shepherd the corporate body of Christ?

Many of those who connect with cyberspace churches will never see the faces of their Pastors, but they will know assuredly, that I the LORD, have shepherded them and led them to proper pastures.  I have a place for My people and they shall be cared for.

All things are possible with Me says, your God, for I AM the Chief Shepherd.

There are those in isolated areas who have no church or the ability of hearing the gospel.  It is through the great network, that the fullness of the Godhead will be made available.

The benefits of the five fold ministry of apostle, prophet, pastor, teacher and evangelist will be made available by a click.  My body shall be healed and brought to maturity, built up and prepared for service, says your God.”

 

In HIS Grace and Mercy,
~ Sherry Edwards Mackey

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God’s Greatest Weapon: Silence

During this acceleration season we are in, there is much clamor, shifting and anxious people trying to figure out what is happening and where they fit in the grand schemes of things.

During this acceleration season we are in, there is much clamor, shifting and anxious people trying to figure out what is happening and where they fit in the grand schemes of things.

To know the heart of God one must be willing to wait in His presence.  We must continue to wait as long as it takes to hear from God.

I REFUSE to do anything in his name, until he makes me know it is him.  I believe the LORD is reestablishing the Fear of the LORD to His church; like it was when the church was born.

To use someone else’s Words from God as a means of promoting self, is stealing.  I have seen this;  they take the pirated words and make up their own agenda/version of the words.

YES, God see’s it and is not happy about it.  In these end-times, there will be a greater price we pay when we take and have such motives and actions.

Before you do anything for God, one needs to be prepared by His individual training, which takes time, times and more time.

To do something in His name by promoting it, and he isn’t in it, is a very slippery slope.

To say a Word is copyright, stamped with his signet ring or stamp of approval for example, means He approves it?  Not so!  Some of you authors understand copyright infringement.  It is actually stealing words from another minister for the users own benefit.  Promoting self.

Beloved, there are so many out there promoting themselves.  The life of Christ isn’t in them.  The life of Christ is not about promoting ourselves, but dying to self.

People want so desperately for God to put his approval on them, without going through the steps and test we learn from.  You cannot sacrifice time learned, however the LORD can redeem the time if we are obedient to come under his discipleship to get there.

Pride must be mastered in our lives or we will fall into the same sin that Lucifer did.  Pride cometh before a fall and a haughty spirit unto destruction.

Those with wrong heart and motives surface as we abide as a body of believers.  Getting to know a person takes time and effort.  Finding where we fit in the five fold ministry is so important.  God places those in and over our lives to watch for us as those who must give account.  They are also there to pray for us so we won’t fall into the enemies traps.

Beloved, be aware of this attitude and spirit.  Those who are deceived by pride, will come to act and speak as God, knowing all God knows; this is pride at it’s worst.

When you say you are moving with God and moving by the spirit, can actually be a wrong spirit.  Stand strong!  Even when everyone but you, is on the band wagon and you CANNOT do it!!

I implore you to WAIT!  God will answer you in his time.  God will continue to test us no matter how mature we get.

Will we wait on Him?  Do not wonder why you are so different.  God is grooming you for His greatness.  Meaning LESS of us and more of YOUR Greatness God.

The discipline of silence is not an option.  Silence before God in prayer and mediation is a necessity in our growth.  Making mistakes and moving out of his will, will cost you in this new realm for there is acceleration.

Do not, I repeat do not move out from under His will in silence unless He gives you the wisdom and go ahead for your life.  Surrender to His teaching and yield to His will.

Rebellion and stubbornness all scream of the flesh, “It’s all about me, myself and I.”  SELF on the throne.  God will surely prepare us so well, so he can trust us with His glory and mission.  Will we submit to his grooming?  Will we submit to his voice above all other voices?

Silence teaches us to be still, small and quiet.  “Be still and know I AM God.”  Silence is an acquired discipline.  Jesus longed for his times alone with the Father in silence.  How can we hear anything if we won’t shut up and listen?

We are to judge by the fruits.  I just don’t except everything or anyone that comes to me.  I need to see the fruits of Gods Spirit in action in a persons life.  Knowing a person, takes time and proving.  It doesn’t matter how seemingly anointed they are or how likable they are.  What’s important?  Is it of God?

Many false prophets come and go.  They can prophesy, operate in the gifts, can come with all the right words, but inwardly, they can be wolves.

“Many in that day will say LORD, LORD, have we not prophesied in thy name?  And in thy name have cast out devils?  And in thy name done many wonderful works?”  Matthew 7:23.

If there are false prophets, there are false anointings.  These can say all sorts of things, and manifest signs and wonders too, but the power they are under has its source from hell.  How will we know the difference?

“For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the very elect.”   Mark 13:22.

We must study to be quiet.  It is time to stay just as close as you can to HIS heart beat.  As we abide with Him in prayer, He will gently guide us to places of safety.

He is our Chief Shepherd.  Make HIM your first love and keep HIM your first love, and you will never be deceived.  Keep HIM first in all you do, and be not afraid.

“Trust the LORD with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him as LORD and He will direct your pathway and make it straight,”   Proverbs 3:5-6.

The anointing manifesting, is never to promote a person, but to promote the LORD and bring Him all the glory.  What happens then when the curtain is closed?  What remains?

Is it the fruit of the Spirit remaining or the deeds of the flesh.  We all miss it, but I am saying what is the consistency of the persons life.  You will know them by their fruit.  People who love God never want to knowingly hurt anyone! It is not within their new nature.

You can learn a lot from developing silence in God.  Start to really listen to what people say or do.  You will fully know them by the fruit.  Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.

Silence is a theme that I believe must be mastered before God can use us as spokesmen.  Amen?

“Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  You 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.
Not every one that saith unto me, LORD, LORD, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, LORD, LORD, have we not prophesied in thy name?  And in they name have cast out devils?   And in they name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity,”   Matthew 7:12-23 KJV.

 

In HIS Grace and Mercy,
~ Sherry Edwards Mackey