“If I profess, with the loudest voice and clearest exposition, every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christianity. Where the battle rages the loyalty of the soldier is proved; and to be steady on all the battle-field besides, is mere flight and disgrace to him if he flinches at that one point.”
-Elizabeth Rundle Charles
“When we have God’s heart toward individuals and God’s mind toward ideas, we have a responsibility to be God’s mouth in culture” (Benham, “Living Among Lions”, 2016, pg. 173).
We know the Bible says the Holy Spirit can be grieved (Eph. 4:30). Today I am here to grieve with the Holy Spirit. Or because the Holy Spirit in me grieves? Either way, I am here to testify that what transpired over the last year was missed by many. I understand that the world, those who do not know God, His Spirit, or His Word would not see it or understand the times. But the Holy Spirit, I am CONVINCED, grieves that the Church, for the most part, did not see it. She did not discern the times. She was unaware and unprepared. Those who saw it coming. Those who were watching, sounded the alarm. But we were scoffed at. We were put down and some of us were removed from ministry due to what we believed. BECAUSE we stood on the Word of God and the counsel of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord is not a God of “many views or opinions”. He is the Lord of truth and He has one way. And His Spirit moves in one way. Our God does not have a “divided mind”. He is never wrong and never confused or conflicted. And He will always confirm His Word and will never contradict it. I heard from the Spirit the words, “busy, distracted, worldly, and lukewarm” when I would pray for the Church corporately. Because few stood out. Few took a stand. Few were willing to be called names and rejected by neighbors and their churches. Because we were so distracted and busy with daily life. By planning our houses and vacations. And planning our retirement and children’s education. Because we were busy “building our foundations in the earth”. Many did not and still do not recognize what COVID was. What lockdowns were. What church closures meant. What masks were all about. Because our Lord is gracious and merciful He is so patient and slow to anger. And what was He seeking? He was seeking repentance. He was seeking contrite hearts which would CLING to Him in full “dependence”. He was calling us out. Out of the world. To look different. We had ALMOST began to reflect the world instead of Christ. So here was our chance to step out and do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. To take a stand on truth. To announce our allegiance to Jesus Christ as Lord, not Caesar! It was our chance to look up. To be reminded to seek first His kingdom and righteousness and to declare our kingdom/citizenship is not of this world but is from above (Phil. 3:20). I am sorry. No, I’m not sorry! The Lord, our Lord Jesus Christ is calling His children to take a stand! To “stand out” from the world. To shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation (Phil. 2:15). So. Today it is not to late to repent. To be willing to be wrong about what you thought COVID was or is. It is not to late to leave your health and the health of your loved one at the foot of the cross for the sake of the Body-of-Christ, for the sake of TRUTH, for the sake of exposing the lie of the enemy. It is not to late to become a watchman on the wall, watching the signs of the times (Ezek. 3:17). Can you tell there is a “fire in my bones”. For years I have sought to hear “Shema”, to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit in our generation. Rightly dividing the Word of Truth (2 Tim. 2:15). The Lord has called me to speak, [and others]. To “voice” His heart for His Church. For His children. For Christ’s Bride! So, I am burdened and I do not apologize for speaking the truth!
“For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, [fleshly appetites’] and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself” (Phil. 3:18-21) AMEN
Aletheia: Truth in the Darkness 