Words to Chew
True Spiritual Discernment – Making Righteous Judgments
Sunday, 30 November 2008,
Kriston Couchey
Making Righteous Judgments
Scripture says “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: 'For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?' But we have the mind of Christ."
Having correct Judgment/Discernment is simply seeing things as the Lord sees them, with HIS MIND. The greatest failure of the current day church is that things are "judged" not by God's view, but by the way men see it, "But, the spiritual man judges (discerns) all things, but is subject to no mans judgment....
Paul did not even judge himself, he let the Lord Judge him. He was a spiritual man and put on the mind of Christ and was able to judge things as the Lord judges them. That is why he could write scripture that we hold as being the inspired wisdom of God. He was not writing from his own perspective, but out of the perspective that gave him the ability to judge all things rightly, the mind of Christ. This ability to properly discern or make right judgments is not out of ANYONES reach. One day no one will say "Know the Lord", as ALL will know Him and He will be ALL in ALL. That means we ALL will have become mature and discerning as we were created to be.
A great lack in the body is discernment, which for a child of God is the ability to discern or distinguish what is of God and what isn't. God is about changing this and there is coming a great change to those who would Repent (change your mind) and believe. It's all about whose viewpoint you have.
CARNAL MINDED CHRISTIANITY
Many spirit filled Christians practice a discernment/judgment on par with the "pre-Pentecost" Peter. Peter walked on water, had breakthrough revelation, saw Elijah and Moses, healed the sick, and cast out devils, all before Pentecost.
Yet Peter also opposed Jesus' going to the cross and was harshly rebuked by Him. Jesus told him," Peter went on to deny Christ.
Romans 8:5
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
This epidemic lack of discernment is a result of walking after the carnal or fleshly mindset. Peter exhibited this lack of discernment as to the nature of the kingdom Jesus was coming to establish, one that was IN the hearts of men based upon believing the gospel of the kingdom. He tried to establish the kingdom with the sword, even in the garden of Gethsemene, still trusting his flesh to follow the Lord. This is exactly where the church in the USA is today, and that is why it has little power to change people to become spiritual children. It is has not learned to walk fully as spiritual children itself, but has left the path to accomplish some other fleshly goal.
Many are speculating on the coming of the anti-Christ, but, the biggest anti-Christ we should be worried about is the one within ourselves; Our uncrucified flesh that wars against the Spirit. The man of sin (your and my flesh) sets up an abomination (works of the flesh) in the temple (you and me the dwelling place of God), and we accept our fleshly mindset as being like God’s (like Peter who thought he was right in his own mind).
CHANGE YOUR MIND
Repentance is about changing your mind, NOT your actions; Actions follow the changing of your mind. If you don't think about committing adultery, you are not going to commit it. "As a man thinks in his heart SO HE IS!" Paul saw himself with the faith and eyes of Christ. He believed he was more then a conqueror, Joint heir with Christ, The righteousness of God, an ambassador. Etc. He BECAME what He chose to believe.
Jesus came saying, "Repent and believe" not "stop sinning and DO", but the meaning of these words is:"change your mind and see with My eyes of faith." True discernment/judgment comes from seeing things from God's perspective.
Prepare for Mass Circumcision
By Kriston Couchey
April 24, 2008
The Lord is bringing us into the land of Promise, and the first place we must go is Gilgal (wheel or rolling) for circumcision (Cutting away of the flesh).
Joshua 5:9 Then the Lord said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." So the place has been called Gilgal to this day.
This is to be a place of surgery (cutting and healing)
Joshua 5:8 And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed.
God is cutting away the works of the flesh, and the mind of the flesh (men's wisdom or doctrines of men), and replacing them with Walking in the Spirit and the Mind of the Christ.
He is raising up "circumcision" ministries, as well as setting up "centers" of circumcision.
He is "setting a time" for the removal of the flesh and it's pursuits in the Body. Some who go through this phase quickly will move on to taking land and killing giants. Others will be purified to go forth and purify others. This will bring the body to a whole new level of anointing and authority, both corporately and individually. When He is satisfied we will move on from Gilgal.
This is a time of separation and judgment for the house of God. Judgement is necessary to distinguish and separate the profane from the holy. It is as a threshing floor that removes chaff and leaves the grain.
Some will bleed to death unable to take the pain of the cutting as they fight it. Others will try to bypass this place altogether, but will find like Achan that they have only got themselves into trouble.
But others will submit to this time of purging and winnowing and come forth as pure as gold and ready to fight the good fight like never before. This army will be culled and called, prepared for battle.
We are seeing the beginning stirrings that will quickly display the heart and purpose of the Lord's dealings with his people. Both kindness and severity will be seen in this day. Remember that He is a consuming fire and that His purpose is not to have glory meetings with amazing miracles. He is drawing people into His kingdom purpose of being a holy Bride without spot or wrinkle. He is the holy fire that purges and burns away the filth and dross as well as fills his people with passion and purity. Be prepared for a mass circumcision that will change the face and reputation of Christianity for eternity.
KRISTON COUCHEY
Judgment a GOOD thing
Kriston Couchey
Many get up in arms when people say "Judgment is coming". But that is mostly due to the users misuse of the word "judgment", and the hearers allowing them to use the word inappropriately.
Judgment is good and necessary for the body of Christ. The principle greek word used for judgment is krisis- meaning:
a separating, sundering, separation
a trial, contest
selection
judgment
opinion or decision given concerning anything
esp. concerning justice and injustice, right or wrong
sentence of condemnation, damnatory judgment, condemnation and punishment
the college of judges (a tribunal of seven men in the several cities of Palestine; as distinguished from the Sanhedrin, which had its seat at Jerusalem)
right, justice
The main emphasis of this word is the separation. Just as the Word separates between soul and spirit.
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Charles Finney brought revival not by praying down heaven, but by speaking and bringing judgment into the lives of believers. He identified and brought conviction to sin in their lives which brought repentance. He spoke the Word of truth and would face down people in the church and proclaim the judgments of God on thier sins.
We are entering into a day of this again, the righteous judgments of God being spoken into the church to remove sin.
Will you be a voice of judgment and truth to the church and then the world? That is the call of the Lord today to many, to speak forth his righteous judgments, decisions, and opinions on the state of peoples lives to bring repentance.
We need as a body to distinguish between, judgment, wrath, and chastisement. All of these have love as its motivation. All are necessary tools at the Lord's disposal. I do not sense wrath of God being poured out at this time, but I am not Him either. Judgment is the distinguishing of the profane from the sacred. Chastisement is the removal of the profane from within the sacred. Wrath is the destruction of the profane while the sacred is left intact.
Judgment and chastisement are good and of the Lord. They are here and at the door of the church...
Kriston Couchey
Merchandising Worship and Spiritual Truths
Kriston Couchey
January 06, 2008
Matt. 10:8b ...freely ye have received, freely give.
New Testament Precedent
When Jesus spoke these words, He was sending His disciples out to minister healing, deliverance, and proclaim the message of the Kingdom.
After Pentecost, we see the Spirit of God motivating the early church to give what they had to those in need, not considering what they had their own. This meant rejecting the way the world operates and sacrificing for the people of God; offering all for the love of the brethren.
Real kingdom change and love caused Paul to lay down his life for people, and remove all obstacles that might possibly bring question and disrepute to the name of Jesus. That is why Paul at times worked with his hands to support himself, not taking money from those he ministered to so as not to have anyone question his motives. Was it wrong to accept support and gifts from God’s people? No! But, the amount given and whether to give originates in the heart of the giver, not the one receiving.
The Ways of the World in the Church
Paul did not put a price tag on his hit series “Corinthians”. There were no copyrights or royalty fees for people to use psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in early church meetings. In fact, Simon the sorcerer was rebuked for trying to buy the gifts of the Spirit. But now, many things pertaining to the Spirit have a price tag.
I imagine the merchandisers in the temple were not much different then the sellers of spiritual things today. No one seemed to have any qualms about the services provided for a fee in the temple except Jesus. The Pharisees seemed rather shocked at the offense Jesus took to the merchandising practices. Surely not everyone selling in the temple had evil intentions; it was simply how they did “Temple worship”.
We do “Church” the same today. Today’s practice of selling books, cd’s, copyrights, and royalties of things given by and for God seems as natural as breathing to much of the church. You may not like to hear this, but it IS going to change. I will even say, “Thus saith the Lord, This WILL change!”
A New Day Demands New Ways
Keith Green exemplified The Spirit of Jesus in giving away music to any who could not afford it. I believe that because of the giving Spirit he walked in, the power of his music was a beacon of light in a day of much white-noise Christian music.
I desire to see those in places of having anointing and revelation in the body take advantage of the many means to release their gifts freely to the body. Options to download books, mp3's, or posting books and songs free or at minimal cost on websites, is a way to freely bless people with what has been freely received.
If there were a free option as well as the option to buy the hard copies or cd’s and bless the authors and Christian artists, I would buy as I was able. As a matter of principle, I usually do not purchase Christian books or music unless there is an option to receive it freely. This is not out of anger or bitterness, but out of a determination to live by the principle of "Freely you have received freely give" with the spiritual treasure God has entrusted to me.
I pray what God has shown me will help anyone who has ears to hear.
In His Love
KRISTON COUCHEY
Merchandising Worship and Spiritual Truths - Part II
Kriston Couchey
January 12, 2008
Responsible for What Light Reveals
A ship's captain fought at the helm all night against a storm. In the dark, guided only by a compass, he faithfully fought through the night to keep the course that would lead him to safe harbor. In the faint predawn light he saw a white foaming mass in front of him that signaled waves breaking on a reef. He quickly changed course so as to avoid what the dark just moments before had hidden.
The captain could have rationalized that his eyes were playing tricks on him and there was no danger, but the danger would still be there. All of his faithful work would have been to no avail if he hung his ship up on a reef in the increasing light of day.
In the same manner, many godly men and women have faithfully navigated a stormy night of trials in the world. They have continued to turn their focus to the Lord. But as this New Day begins, distance traveled and increasing light necessitate corrections and course changes to avert danger. The reefs of destruction are always there, but we are not responsible for what we cannot see.
God Always Makes a Way
God will not leave us penniless and helpless to accomplish the work for which He has called us. God's light also shows a way to move forward to safely navigate the stormy waters before us.
Kingdom Age Transition - a Light is Dawning
While God has used existing avenues of producing and distributing truth and anointing to bless people, He is always drawing us closer to His perfect will. He is always moving in new ways to transform us from glory to glory. The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn- it shines brighter and reveals more.
New Avenues of Releasing Truth
God is opening new avenues for artists and authors to release their works. Not just musicians, but artists will receive their wages in abundance as the Lord of Hosts prepares all the necessary tools, facilities, and distribution capabilities necessary to release His creative power through word, song, and artistry.
A workman will get MUCH more in God's economy then they have received previously by the system of the world. When faith reaches the level of trusting God to supply needs, and not the world's system of promotion, pricing, and profiteering, we will see the industry of Christian music and writing change dramatically. The dependency on the worlds system of doing business in the church will end. Thank God for that!
In His Love
KRISTON COUCHEY
Israel Divided
Kriston Couchey
November 20, 2007
The Spirit of God has been bringing me back to an issue that has been really a very sticky one for the people of God as of late. It burns in me, and I must speak it. Much of it has to do with the status of Israel and God’s purposes for it in this New Day.
Here is what I hear God say:
1 There is a spiritual division happening in the realm of the Spirit. I am not distressed over the division of the land of Israel.
2 This is the time of "Jacob’s Trouble". The troubling of Israel is MY doing. This is so that her confidence and rescue may be in Me, NOT in their own might or the might of another nation.
3 I am concerned over the hearts of My people and their need for turning to Me and embracing their Messiah. One day my people will ask their enemies to dwell with them in peace and share their land. The land I want to give My people today is a promised land of a heart that has My kingdom within it.
4 Begin to occupy territory in the realm of the Spirit and you will see the manifestation of My Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
5 I will fulfill all I have promised to the last little letter concerning the land of Israel. But, My kingdom is not focused on boundaries or earthly governments.
6 I have the same regard for ethnocentric national interests that I did when I came to earth the first time; they are insignificant and push men to hate and kill each other. It was this same spirit that rejected Me and plotted my death on a cross; as I refused to honor and build the kingdom the Pharisees wanted the Messiah to build.
7 This same spirit plagues the "church" and manifests as national patriotism and a sectarian spirit.
Abomination That Makes Desolate
Nov. 12, 2007 By Kriston Couchey
Is my temple made with human hands?
Are not My people the dwelling place of My Spirit and Glory?
Who has taken up residence in the house of My Glory?
Is it not the “God” of your own making?
Is this false Christ (antichrist) you worship not formed after your own image and not Mine?
Yet you call this Christ by my name, “Jesus”?
A stench rises from My temple.
Your “Jesus” is self exalting and rewards those who lord over their brothers.
This “Christ” does not drive out the abomination of thieves making merchandise of my people.
He honors the sons of Eli, exalting those who seize the best portions for themselves.
He winks at those who satisfy their lustful desires upon the vulnerable among my people.
Shall I keep silent about this abomination?
Shall I bless those who worship this idol of self?
As in the days of Eli; My Glory is departed and you are given over to your enemies in desolation.
But, those who minister before me like Samuel shall be blessed and their words shall not fall to the ground.
They shall inherit the places of those made desolate and herald the coming King.
Lu 13:35 Behold, your house is left to you desolate: and truly I say to you,
You shall not see me, unti the time come when you shall say, Blessed is he
that comes in the name of the Lord.
Ac 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate,
and let no man dwell therein: and his position as bishop let another take.
Vision: The Sun Rising
Kriston Couchey
I am no seer. I dream, I "feel", and I "hear" things in the Spirit. The one powerful vision I had was more of a sound then a vision. So today when the Lord spoke to me and asked "What do you see?" I stopped working momentarily and saw nothing. Then by faith I looked again with my spirit and I saw a golden sun rising, having already fully broken over the horizon.
Immediately the verse came to me out of Mal 4:2 ...the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings....
Then the Lord spoke to me "It is a New Day"
I then tonight remembered a word I had given a few years ago, and here is how it goes:
;Transitioning to a New Day
From Kriston Couchey
Dec. 16, 2003
Transitioning to a New Day
In the same way there was a transition to a New Day at the coming of Jesus, there is a transition we must go through to enter the New Day coming.
In Jesus’ day spiritual leaders were well versed in the prophecies and purpose of His coming. The terminology and the truth about His inevitable coming were right. They expected the Christ to fulfill their vision of what salvation, deliverance and hope were.
But the rules had changed. What they got was a man who was an offense to them; demanding them to lose their love of position, power and earthly glory and take up their cross to follow him.
John the Baptist, The Elijah of that day, was the herald and prophet preparing the hearts of the people by repentance to receive the messiah and His ministry. But even the Elijah of Jesus's day sent a message asking if he should be looking for another messiah because Jesus was not conforming to his expectations.
Today we have already seen in part the Elijah of this day arising. Prophecies and words of what God is about to do are stirring in the winds. Many are the prophetic terms and phrases we hear bantered about in teachings, sermons, and songs. They have much truth.
But the rules are once again going to change. TRUTH WILL NOT CHANGE. But a deeper understanding of truth will change the way in which we see God, His church, His purposes for men, and creation.
The Spirit of God is coming to take the seat of rulership in His church and He is bringing a New Day with new understandings of EVERYTHING. The only way we can enter into this New Day is the same way they did back then. To lose our own lives; our positions, our power and earthly glory, and become like a little children, able to receive all our Father would want to show to us.
Isa. 2:11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. 12 For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:
(I pray this is an encouragement to you as this New Day is here.)
Ministry Changes
By Kriston Couchey
Ministry Changes
In Jesus' day He confronted, offended and threatened the religious mind and system. So also in this day the revolution of true kingdom ministry will confront, offend and threaten the "system" of church life today.
This revolution will affect every aspect of what some would call 5-fold ministry. These changes will be born out of a love and humility that has a clear vision of the heart and purposes of the Lord. Those willing to walk in this Love and humility will be willing to change the manner in which they operate in order to serve the body in a manner pleasing to the Lord. Here are some of the changes you can expect.
Ministry of the Apostle
Though there are many different spheres of apostolic ministry, here is a general description of today’s apostolic ministry.
Today’s apostle can be equaled to a president of an organization. On a larger scale the apostle has a multitude of churches under their authority. High visibility Apostles today relate to those who are willing to cut a covenant with them by either signing a contract or agreeing to a covenant with them which makes them "part" of the network of apostolic leadership.
Some apostles on local levels serve the role of traditional pastors. Their network is the people who are under them and are in covenant with them by membership or tithe.
The role of apostle is going to change most dramatically because of true revelation on the ministry of apostle that has not been manifest yet. Walking the way of the crucified life will transform apostolic understanding greatly.
One great understanding will be the restoration of walking in the "ONE" covenant already made by the blood of Jesus. Extra covenants will be seen for what they are, divisions and separation of brethren.
A release of regions to complete freedom and reliance upon the Spirit will be the result of conviction and repentance over the way in which the Lord's church has become the possession of men. An understanding of laying down your life for the sheep and TRUE servant hood of the bride will break the chains of the unbiblical "covering" doctrine, denominationalism, and current apostolic networks. This will release the Spirit to cross-pollinate what men have boxed and limited.
Locally there will be a premium on hearing the Lord for yourself and not looking to "Moses" or the pastor, prophet or apostle for direction. Apostles will fight for the freedom of the body to express the mind and heart of the Lord corporately. Services will be more worship and Spirit led preaching, prophesying, and teaching rather then the organized strictures of man controlled order. Apostles, prophets and pastors will serve alongside other mature individuals as facilitators and watchmen for the enemy’s attacks, rather then the sole sources of inspiration and teaching. You may not even know who an apostle or pastor are in a typical meeting as the Lord will simply have His way.
Apostles will learn to relate as friends and equals, not as "teachers" or censures. Team leadership and corporate body ministry will be the heart of apostles. Their greatest joys will be to see others step out boldly in ministry gifts and calls, even to their own decrease. They will be firm with those who desire is to draw men unto themselves. They will see clearly wolves whose intent is to devour or divide the sheep and deal swiftly with them. <;font COLOR="#00ffff">
Ministry of the Pastor
Today’s ministry of Pastor is one of CEO and religious service director. Salaried and employed by the people, the pastor is responsible to feed the sheep. This feeding is not done by simply leading them to green pastures and still water where they can graze and drink. But today the pastor is the hand that harvests and spoon feeds the sheep.
Tomorrow’s Pastor will relate on a more intimate level as a loving friend whose concern for individuals will be shown by personal love and edification. They may not be recognizable as a "pastor" in a group setting at times. They will have the ability to feed people by directing them to "feed" or graze from the green pastures of corporate body ministry, and to drink peacefully from the Holy Spirit's water of Life.
Pastors will have a place at times for corporate speaking; but then again, all of the body will have a place to do this.
Conclusion
The Lord is not interested in titles, He is interested in results. If the results we see today do not measure up to what He is desiring it is because we are not seeking the results He is, or we are trying to accomplish His desired results in our own flesh, or in our own way. We need to pray to the Lord to see clearly what we are doing to stop Him from accomplishing His will. We may be surprised to find out that the very things we are doing to try to serve Him are hindering Him from doing what He wants to do.
Kriston Couchey
When True Apostles Come
Kriston Couchey
When true apostles come they will be desired because they are friends and not apostles. For the tie that binds them to people will be love and friendship, not position and place.
When true apostles have come they will be greatly gifted. But they will be known for Love that is greater then their gifts. Their greater love will so outweigh their abilities that those who know them after the Spirit will not seek to exploit their gifts.
When true apostles come they will prefer to listen and not speak They will prefer not to preach and teach and give their point of view, but will rejoice in what impartation and revelation they can receive from the various members of the body.
When true apostles come some of the greatest of the signs and wonders done among the people will be subtle, and won't be noticed fully until after they have left and people notice the change that has taken place.
When true apostles have come the greatest signs and wonders will flow out of what seems to be the most foolish and bumbling activities they engage in. Some of these signs and wonders will be seen in the midst of what some would think are secular activities or conversation, but the spiritual man will receive it while the religious mind will scorn.
When true apostles have come our increase of understanding their function and place in the body will be like looking back at pictures we drew in kindergarten of stick men, and then looking in the mirror and seeing a living breathing reflection. We will say, the real thing is much better then the childish depictions we made years ago, but we did as good as we could with what we knew.
When true apostles have come they will dance like children.
When true apostles have come they will prefer to sit with that needy person who is annoying and ignored because they are strange.
When true apostles have come you will say, "I saw Jesus more clearly then I have ever seen Him in a person before."
In Him Kriston Couchey
CHURCH STRUCTURE
Kriston Couchey
Feb 2007
Remember when Jesus left His disciples he didn't give them a blueprint or instructions on church structure. He gave them one command.
To LOVE ONE ANOTHER as He had loved them. He told them previously that Loving God and Others was the fulfullment of the law. I tell you that this kind of love is also the fulfillment of the church.
All new "Structures", will be judged by their ability to express Love efficiently and in a way that does not give great cause for questioning motives or intent.
Many will not be able to flow in the new Order of things simply due to their inability to operate in a structure whose mortar is Love. The lack of love causes men to try to keep structures together with control.
I've observed a friend try to write down and redesign a new structure the church should take, and he ended up in frustration.
How do you redesign and restructure a family? A family that is already built on the Love of Father expressed through the Son.
It's structure has not changed just because someone else has come in and made it a dictatorship, democracy, or a business.
<;/font>Kriston Couchey
Judgment- A Good Thing! ( A Word right after 9-11)
Kriston Couchey
While This battle is raging in the flesh, In the Spirit there is a great separation, greater then we have known in the past. It is called "judgment".
Satan has succeeded in having many people (Christians) focus on world events and not on Jesus. This wrong focus has been there all along.
Judgment by the Lord has exposed it.
We have given the word "judgment" an evil connotation when it is a good thing to be judged.
According to Strong's definition the word most used in the New Testament is "krino". Pronounced kree'-no.
properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish:
This means to DISTINGUISH or DECIDE. With an implication of condemnation or punishment.(only if found guilty)
The events of the last two months have been a tool of the Lord to distinguish or decide where the hearts of men really are concerning Him.
"DEAD RELIGION!" is the verdict. Or as the newspaper in St. Cloud, MN had on its headline: "PRAYER AND PRIDE". This referring to people's response to the situation of Sept. 11.
We have been judged to be a society of proud pretenders who will not unite under the Name of Jesus Christ or His kingdom, But we will unite under the banner of an arrogant earthly kingdom.
A while back I was seeking and pressing into the Lord. He told me that I would be judged if I continued to press in and stand in His Glory. For A while I stopped pressing because I was afraid. But I came to understand that I could not enter into Him and His plans for me apart from this Judgment.
I then saw judgment was a good thing. As Moses went trembling toward Him and the people ran, so I must take His judgment of me with trembling and press in to Him and His Glory. Being confident that the judgment of the Lord was for my own good.
I have experienced a judgment that in some ways have caused me loss in the physical realm. But in the Spiritual realm I have gained confidence and victory in ways I still have not recognized.
We must pray for and receive judgment from the Lord with gratitude and trembling. We will not enter into His purposes apart from this.
This national judgment that we cannot escape simply allows us to distinguish those whose hearts are wedded to these earthly kingdoms and governments.
II Timothy 2: 3. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.4. No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as soldier.
We should pray as the Spirit leads about these days, but don't be entangled in the nationalism and pride of an earthly kingdom. Be about your father's business lest you be judged to have missed the mark.
In Him Kriston Couchey
Pray For Repentance
Kriston Couchey
We have been receiving a call to prayer for many things since Sept. 11. Many are praying for protection against enemy attack. Many are praying for victims of attack. Many are praying for wisdom for leaders. Many are praying for justice to be brought to bear on their enemies. Many are praying for revival and are preparing for and engaging in war in the realm of the spirit.
But let us be focused in the midst of all this what Father is really concerned about. That is, Repentance and restoration of relationship unto Him. What is most desperately needed for this nation and its churches is a deep and sorrowful repentance.
The very acts of terrorism are the result of an unrepentant people who have opened the door to judgment. We can stay and have stayed the hand of God through intercession. We can delay and hold back a certain amount of trouble. But apart from repentance we only cause the needed river of judgment to be a dammed and blocked. This causes only greater judgment later. That dam will break as God will no longer tolerate the unchecked sin. We will then not face a river, but a flood!
The key to avoiding judgment is to repent. We cannot intercede it away. It MUST come first to the house of God. These attacks are for the sake of God's people. He is trying to pry our fingers off the idols of security in the mammon and might of this nation.
Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
We are in desperate need for a powerful spirit of repentance to sweep those who name the name of Jesus.
Take your eyes off of the terror and fear of attack that has gripped the church and its prophets. Look to God and what He wants. Repentance.
Pray for repentance. Pray for a spirit of repentance to sweep His people. Pray for repentance from those things offending God we don't even know that we are doing.
This is the door to release from trouble and fear. Repent.
Joel 2: 12. Yet even now, saith Jehovah, turn ye unto me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13. and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto Jehovah your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness, and repenteth him of the evil. 14. Who knoweth whether he will not turn and repent, and leave a blessing behind him, even a meal-offering and a drink-offering unto Jehovah your God? 15. Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly; 16. gather the people, sanctify the assembly, assemble the old men, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts; let the bridegroom go forth from his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. 17. Let the priests, the ministers of Jehovah, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Jehovah, and give not thy heritage to reproach, that the nations should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the peoples, Where is their God?
Kriston Couchey
The Sin Of Sodom
Kriston Couchey
What was the sin of sodom that caused its doom? Was it homosexuality? According to scripture that was not it. It was PRIDE, FULLNESS OF BREAD, CARELESS EASE AND NOT CARING FOR THE POOR AND NEEDY!
Read it:
Eze 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom: PRIDE, fulness of bread, and careless ease was in her and in her daughters, but she did not strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
A friend of mine had a dream the other night with the word "SODOM" written accross the stars. The Lord then said to him that His people are like Sodom. Not the world, HIS PEOPLE.
Kriston Couchey
The Sovereign King
Kriston Couchey
Lamentations 3:37. Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not? 38. Out of the mouth of the Most High cometh there not evil and good?
God is in complete control
The key to a proper understanding of the kingdom is the recognition of the complete control that God has over everything that takes place in the universe. He holds it together by His very Word. The Law and the Prophets are abundantly clear as to who it is that releases judgment and blessing. There is no precedent in the scripture leaving any room for chance, or the bringing forth of anything that God has not proclaimed.
Few would question the truth that God is the releaser of all blessing and good. Scripture is explicit as to where all good gifts (blessings) come from. James1: 17. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Scripture is just as explicit as to the releaser of all evil. This verse from Lamentations clearly shows that even calamity that takes place comes ultimately from Him and is a result of His Word coming forth.
Lamentations 3:37. Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not? 38. Out of the mouth of the Most High cometh there not evil and good?
This word evil can be translated calamity, adversity, affliction, harm, etc.
The Great Question
The question people then logically ask is: "Is God then responsible for the Calamity?" NO! WE ARE!
Genesis 3:17. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;18. Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;19. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.20. And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.21. Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.22. And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:23. Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 24. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
The first great calamity to take place came from the mouth of the Most High, yet it was clearly Adam who was responsible for it. His banishment by God was a death sentence. Yet we fail to see the results of our actions and the calamity God sends our way because He loves us as coming from God.
However, it is also true that affliction and evil are sent our way to test, prove and purify us. In either case, our state of not being what we should be necessitates both testing and judgment.
Job - A picture of God's sovereignty
To say that somehow Satan is anything more then an instrument and pawn in the hand of God is to make him out as more then what he is... a pawn in the hand of God.
Job 1:6. Now it came to pass on the day when the sons of God came to present themselves before Jehovah, that Satan also came among them. 7. And Jehovah said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered Jehovah, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 8. And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil. 9. Then Satan answered Jehovah, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10. Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath, on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11. But put forth thy hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will renounce thee to thy face. 12. And Jehovah said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thy hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of Jehovah.
;We see in these verses that God is up to something. He brings up the subject of Job to Satan and plays Him like a fiddle. There is no question as to the right of God to decide whether or not calamity was to come to Job. In this case the calamity was for the sake of testing Job. In the case of many calamities the Lord sends it for repentance and judgment.
Testimony of the Law & the Prophets
The previous references in Lamentations and Job are enough precedent to outweigh any other scriptural basis to argue that God is not in complete control over even the evil activities of Satan. But let us look at some other scriptures in the light of God's sovereignty.
Isaiah 7:17. The Lord shall bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father's house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah; even the king of Assyria.18. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall hiss for the fly that is in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land o Assyria. 19. And they shall come, and shall rest all of them in the desolate valleys, and in the holes of the rocks, and upon all thorns, and upon all bushes. 20. In the same day shall the Lord shave with a rasor that is hired, namely, by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard.
This is one of many examples of God determining to send judgment (calamity). In fact the warnings in the Law and the Prophets always make the originator God. Satan is not given the high seat of being able to do His own will apart from the decision of God to send a destroyer, whether it is in the form of a nation or plague.
Kriston Couchey
Prayer And Pride (written before the occcupation of Iraq)
"PRAYER AND PRIDE" exclaimed the headlines of a local newspaper. This referring to the response of United States citizens after the attack of 9-11.
Of the many reactions and attitudes exhibited since that fateful day, the most abhorrent to God and least addressed by the prophetic community has been the issue of nationalistic pride.
The main purpose of judgement is to clarify and reveal the condition of the hearts of men. This headline after 9-11 proved that this was accomplished.
American Pride, Hypocrisy, And Self Interest Fanned The Flames Of Islamic Extremists
Unlike what some would like us to believe, it was not "freedom" that Islamic extremists react against. It was in many cases the pride, hypocrisy, and self interest in dealings with Islamic nations that offended and enraged Islamic extremists. This same pride, hypocrisy, and self interest now empower the forces that intend to exterminate the extremists they had a hand in creating.
Iraq: The Bait For A Prideful Nation
This same pride, hypocrisy and self interest may be the very thing that pulls this nation into a conflict that will forever change the alignment of world powers as we know it. Alienating moderate Islamic nations, and tipping the balance of power in some Islamic nations to extremist groups whose numbers will explode in response to an attack on Iraq.
There is also the anti-American sentiment smoldering in many parts of the non-Islamic world just waiting to be fanned into a hot flame.
From what I see in the spirit, I am personally convinced that this may be the beginning of the agonizing end of a nation called to greatness, whose stench of pride has reached the heavens. Like all the great nations before her, pride goes before her fall.
Word to the Remnant in the United States
Kriston Couchey
October 17, 2007
Why do many among my people unite thier hearts with the purposes of a nation whose pride has reached the heavens?
This is not a nation under God(submitted to ME). Neither is it a nation with Justice for all.
Why do many pledge their allegiance to lies?
You take oaths by your heart, and your heart should belong to Me.
Consider my covenant people Israel.
Did the covenant I cut with them keep the temple from being left with no stone upon another?
Did I not give their inheritance to the gentiles for generations because they forsook me?
Did not those who falsely accused and had me killed, desire restoration of the glory of their nation?
Yet you cling to an Old Glory that I will not restore.
I did not come as a man to my own people to restore the glory of an earthly kingdom.
I came to establ sh My Kingdom.
My kingdom is a stone made without human hands that will smite the f et of all kingdoms nd break them.
Tear your hearts from your adultery with a nation that is in harlotry.
Should I be united with a harlot?
Repent and come out from among her.
For those who refuse to separate their hearts from earthly kingdoms will share in the humiliation and breaking that every nation on earth will experience as my Kingdom is established.