Spiritual Gifts

Fishers Of Men

by Lori Anne Hale May 25, 2022

written by Lori Anne Hale

My nets have I cast wide, for in this season there is an abundance of fish to be caught. Yet it will not be through the current method of trawling that I shall move since the results that most altar calls produce are limited. For what other size haul should be expected when only a few lines are cast out into the vast seas of hopelessness? Yet in the coming days new “fishers of men” shall emerge, those who will boldly set sail towards the dark waters of despair, as it is there, within that murky expanse, that the best catch can be found.

Then these ruddy sailors shall not angle from the safety of a dock or pier, for in their hearts is a yearning to head right into the midst of depravity, that deep ocean where the ‘lost’ of humanity are known to dwell. And while this journey is sure to be uncertain, and even, at times, perilous, to them the reward is worth any risk, for within these fishermen reside the courage to forfeit their own lives if it means another’s soul is rescued from the abyss.

So even now My voice can be heard beckoning to these mariners; like the whisper of the wind I am stirring their spirits, gently prodding them towards action, as it is not the unregenerate that must come looking for the Church, but it is upon the shoulders of every believer “…to seek and save the lost.”. And although it is not simply to one or two, or just a few that I have issued this charge, there are those who line My ranks that have been appointed to evangelize, those “fishers of men” who were called to stand in the public square as heralds for My Kingdom: who like John the Baptist were meant to be out amongst the people of this world.

Then in this hour, I am readying these “fishers of men” to launch out. For the shifting tides of this world shall make for splendid fishing conditions, with many souls easily plucked from the reach of sin and death. Without fanfare, they shall advance, as they have no need for accolades, nor are they troubled by the opinions of man, for serving Me alone is their chief concern.

And so you “fishers of men” who have been hidden away, know that your time of preparation will soon be up, and I shall release you out into your calling. Then shall I breathe fresh breath into the vision you carry, expanding this horizon beyond what can currently be seen. So do not become anxious and thus run ahead, for more plentiful shall be Our bounty if you wait upon My perfect timing.

“He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.” John 2:16

(Received: 4/22/2022)

May 25, 2022 0 comment

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Drink Of My Presence

by Lori Anne Hale February 5, 2021

written by Lori Anne Hale

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Let those who thirst for My Presence drink from the cup of the Spirit, since only through Him does this water flow, as it is only by Him that any are drawn to My well.

And while this water is available for all to partake, for abundant is its stream, many who profess to be Mine live as if in a drought, for so parched is their soul that this dryness is felt even in their bones.

But none need remain in this desolate condition because this divine water supply comes from an endless river, which means that any and all can freely sup from its goodness.

Oh, that I would have each of My children drink of its fullness, for those who do are internally satisfied in a way that they had never known before because My Spirit has filled the deserted places inside their souls.

So then come you who long to know this internal refreshing. Come, drink of My Presence, which is plentiful and easily accessible by any who seek to find it.

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.” Psalm 46:4

(Received: 1/8/2021)

February 5, 2021 0 comment

Empowerment

Radiating My Love

by Lori Anne Hale January 21, 2021

written by Lori Anne Hale

The solicitation of funds has become common in My houses of worship, where the act of giving has turned into a sales pitch from most pulpits as parishioners are encouraged to open up their wallets each and every time a service is held.

Now, it’s not that I am against giving. In fact, I promote the spirit of generosity amongst My flock. For when the early church was established, an open-handed culture was adopted because nothing (no worldly possession they owned) could compare to the gift of eternal freedom they had gained. And so, out of sincere gratitude, these believers laid all they had before Me, leaving what they owned to My disposal, regardless of their current living situation or life status. For these knew what really mattered was the eternal destination of their soul, which was safely tucked away in My Son; leaving all who accepted Him as Savior to walk with this same attitude of thankful abandonment, for the concerns of this world no longer had such a tight hold on their hearts.

Yet, today the underlying message of generosity seems to be centered more on giving to gain, where what one donates to the church automatically garners them the right to worldly wealth and success. And though I do enjoy blessing My children, the real point of giving seems to have shifted to hold less than pure intentions, where releasing tithe into the offering bucket qualifies believers to, not just expect provision for their needs, but entitles them to have any request answered simply because they gave away some of what they earned. And so, every Sunday without fail, a specific time is set aside within the programmed flow with the sole purpose of pressuring believers to give to this or that church.

But, how much of what is gathered is allotted to helping those found within the fellowship who are truly in need? Since most current leaders have adopted more of a business structure to the running of their local body, the larger portion of what is taken in goes to staff salaries and the funding of buildings. Although some leaders are really sincere about bringing change to their towns and communities, what concerns Me is the greater number who have limited their vision to seeing just the internal needs of the church being met.

Therefore, this insular view will not do, for I am looking for those who are more interested in actually investing in their communities by using a bigger percentage of their funds to impact the lives of those who are lost. And though some money should be set aside to support those within the Body who are suffering, to have a more expansive view is what I am after, where their current boundaries of faith are challenged so that affecting their communities for the sake of My Son is established as the greater mission over the funding of bigger sanctuaries and buildings.

For if My body will alter its position, and return to the simplistic mission set forth by My Son (which is to seek out the lost sheep who belong to Me), then something extraordinary will happen as a massive sea of salvation fills their cities and towns. For My goal has never been to expand meeting houses and chapels, but to fill the courts of My Kingdom with the souls of believers: those who have been called into the greater congregation of fellowship in My Son.

Then, “build it and they will come” is not the correct approach, since the multitudes of the lost would not dare set foot inside a house of worship. Just as My disciples were sent out, My body now must walk in the same manner, where heading out into the highways and byways becomes the normal operation found in My own. For if many more believers will take this charter seriously, then rapid growth will come into My fold because an increase of conversions will be known. And from this, a steady stream of financial blessing will flow so that My body is able to continue with its efforts of expressing My love through testimony and good works.

So though the lights and the stage have been an avenue for seeing many salvations, the direction I am heading is down the route of a less flashy approach. For the Truth doesn’t need any of these extras to shine because it already contains the whole of My Son, which holds the power to change even a heart of stone. For when someone encounters the authenticity of His love, it doesn’t matter where they are standing, whether it be on a street corner or the altar of a church. The physical environment is not a factor, for it’s the sincerity of His affections that will win over the lost.

While some of what has been done amongst My body has been effective, to the larger extent, too much has been spent focused on entertaining the masses, where many conferences and services resemble concerts found in the world, as My children flock to these events hoping to be wowed by the show, all the while just outside their doors, many are those who are perishing. Then what is the point of these displays? Do they appeal to the thousands who don’t know Me?

There is no doubt that My sheep are well fed in many current churches, but a journey with Me is meant to encompass more than learning the do’s and don’ts of Christian living, and those who are Mine were not created to only congregate amongst themselves. So then My children should go out onto the streets, expressing My love through kind words and deeds so that many more are added into My fold. For the Good News of Christ was meant to be shared with all who will listen (yet delivered without a tone of judgment since it was compassion for humanity which compelled My Son even when He was at the end of His life).

Therefore, it is time for My children to venture out beyond the borders of their churches and step into the places where darkness is prevalent: to venture beyond where they feel comfortable. So, let each one be reminded of what they have gained through salvation. Then in fondness and with gratitude recall when they first encountered My Son: that moment when they were undeservedly given freedom from their sins. For this recollection should be the motivating force within that causes My children to want their fellow man to enjoy the same relief from bondage. Then, it is time to redirect focus and realign with the simple message of the Gospel, which is so irresistible on its own that it doesn’t need any added bells and whistles to attract the unbeliever.

Then, what if I am asking My children to go further into the place of surrender: to move beyond their common practices of Sunday services and ten percent offerings? And what if I am asking My leaders to stop focusing so much money and effort on buildings and conferences, but instead, center their attention on reclaiming their communities, where the equipping of the Saints means that time and space is devoted to train up My children by teaching them how to flow in the gifts I have given to each one, so that they are well armed when they step out to engage the darkness. For these gifts were not given simply to build up and exhort My body, but also, as supernatural evidence, to demonstrate My existence to the lost.

So then, I am calling My children away from the trappings of flashy and bright lights as instruments used to entice the world, for the love of My Son holds enough light to attract even those who, in the natural, would seem beyond help. Then out of the pews, My children must rise up, and out of the church doors they must march into the streets so that the downcast and brokenhearted can find the means for their souls to be uplifted! Because when the outpouring of My Spirit spills out of My own and is released into the surrounding atmosphere, it invades the darkness covering their towns and communities.

Then it is time to stir up their gifts, for I have called each of My children to illuminate the love of My Son to their fellow man, where strangers become friends and neighbors become family because all are united together by the same chord of mercy, as these are now joined with the eternal bond of everlasting Grace. So My own must stand to their feet (for many have been seated far too long), and prepare themselves to join in the battle: the real “War to end all wars”, for it is the most significant campaign ever fought; it is the struggle to reclaim the souls of humanity: that part of a person which lives on forever.

No higher calling, therefore, exists than this: To speak out the name of My Son into the sinful places of mankind by declaring the righteousness that can come only through Him, and then, to lead those formerly held in a wretched state into the joy and tranquility of saving Faith.

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledges that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

(Received: 3/5/2020)

January 21, 2021 0 comment

Insight

Restoring Honor To His Name

by Lori Anne Hale December 12, 2020

written by Lori Anne Hale

In order to receive the “new” I am sending, the Church must break free from her old and antiquated ways of operating corporately. And so, this season wherein My people are currently standing must therefore intensify, so that these unproductive practices can be broken off.

Then the time has come for My whole Body to adjust the way in which they gather, where the emphasis is placed upon Me rather than on the pastors, for many of these men and women of God have been given more honor than is given to My name. Although the Scriptures say believers should hold high respect for their leaders, these verses have been misinterpreted to hold a meaning which goes beyond My original intentions. As a result, the Church has been taught to elevate their leaders to a higher position within the Body, and that they’re not to question the decisions made by these men and women, which is often viewed as an oppositional and destructive behavior.

However, I do not want My Church to stay in this unhealthy state, for it has caused a blockage in the spiritual realm, where Holy Spirit is unable to freely flow, as those “in charge” are often fearful of what their congregational meetings would look like if He were left to run the show.

The widespread custom practiced in My churches has primarily been to see leaders functioning in their gifts while the majority just take a seat. Yet this has not created a thriving Body, one that is strong and equipped, for, in this environment, most in the Church have little to no understanding about their identity and who I created them to be. And while some pulpit teachings have been helpful, these pastors are feeding believers stale scraps from the old dry teachings of the past.

And so, the time has come for the moldy bread to be thrown out, as I have come during these days to replenish My children with fresh manna from heaven.

However, this new revelation I desire to bestow upon the Church will not fall into place until she has broken free from the outdated structure which she insists is My design. For though a congregational structure makes gathering convenient, this form of large meeting leaves the multitude of believers without the sense of responsibility for discovering their own identity in Me, or even, for that matter, nurturing a desire to run hard after My presence. Instead, most are content to fill up on what they hear from the pulpit, because parishioners are taught that what is gleaned here is the only food they will need for the whole week, holding them until they come back the next Sunday to refuel.

So whether they realize it or not, standing at the center of most congregations are the pastors, and not Me, or My Son. Although we are given some credit for having our names mentioned when believers meet, yet quite a few parishioners are more interested in rubbing elbows with the pastor than drawing closer to Me.

But this must change, with the emphasis of church meetings being focused on My presence within their gatherings, where each member takes ownership of the role they play in the Body. Yet not in the sense of how they assist in the logistical flow of service on Sunday mornings, but rather to grab hold of their identity in Me and begin using the gifts I have bestowed upon each one of them for edifying the Body.

Although most churches have instituted smaller weeknight meetings, these are still ‘pastor-centric’, where what is discussed and examined is his Sunday message. But yet again, what is absent is the spiritual flow I had intended to arise when My children gathered.

This is why a second phase of adversity was added to this season. For while most escaped the clutches of illness by avoiding the virus, they still have not recognized that their hearts were taken captive by fear, as even many believers are now subdued by this evil spirit. This is directly because the large majority of My children have neither been taught about their real identity, or the authority they carry.

Let the eyes of My own not dwell on the chaotic atmosphere which lies before them, but instead let their sights be set on the One whose name is higher than all the struggles of man. And because I shall not take a backseat to anyone, I have come to take the place at center stage where My own form a tight circle around Me alone, instead of a spiritual teacher or pastor.

And so, My own must look closely at who has been exalted within their hearts, since it is quite easy to stumble when elevating a ‘tangible’ person over that of the ‘invisible’ God. Nonetheless, My Lordship must be upheld in their lives, for the days where the leaders in My church are treated like royalty are ending, in order that a better form of the Church can emerge.

This does not mean that those placed as overseers should not be shown healthy respect. But instead, consider each person within My Body as having the same value as all others. Consequently then, the tier system which the Church has embraced must change. For the only “climbing” I want found in My ranks is of those who are ascending the spiritual mountain to where My presence dwells.

“Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt Him in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the council of the elders.” Psalm 107:31-32

(Received: 10/26/2020)

December 12, 2020 0 comment

Insight

Make Ready Your Homes

by Lori Anne Hale September 19, 2020

written by Lori Anne Hale

In the Scriptures, it says that man will come against his fellow man; that he is prone to easily turn on his brother if it gives him the advantage. Sadly, this tale is even found within My Body, for believers often turn on one another just to gain status, or feel as though they have the upper hand.

And so the Church today houses many brethren who are double-minded when it comes to the treatment of others, since quite a number of them still allow their flesh to remain dominant, which means that selfishness and pride are attitudes commonly exhibited within My children. So then those who are still holding on to these worldly thoughts are partnering with the wrong spirit, for where do the Scriptures teach that undercutting their fellow brethren to climb the ranks of church leadership is behavior I would endorse? No, within My Body there should never exist this kind of competitive atmosphere, for when the disciples disputed who would be the greatest among them, My answer pointed to humility and service. And when some focused on where they would be seated upon entering Heaven, either at My right or left hand, again I asserted the attitude of a believer in Christ is always set upon serving the Father, and others, as well.

Then the focus of believers in this current season should agree with this same charge of putting others first, since the days ahead shall indeed be filled with much turbulence and need. For in the weeks before the election, the flames of hatred, already present in this nation, shall erupt like a consuming blaze of anger, flowing across the land with extreme violence and unrest, similar to what is happening now but on a much broader scale, and those who are called “Christian” shall be found knowing greater persecution.

This is why it is important for believers to walk in unity now, so that in the days to come when their faith is challenged, none will be tempted to turn on their brethren, for very soon, none of the trivial matters the Church has focused on for the past few decades shall be of any concern to them. Though most believers have resumed their congregational meetings, some of these have not fully considered what will be happening to the overall Body of Christ once the rioting and looting overflows, spilling across the highways and byways of this nation. For while some are enjoying their Sunday worship services, angry mobs filled with protesters shall surely enter their buildings, breaking down the doors, seeking to disrupt their gatherings, and bent on destroying these properties with whatever means necessary. While quite a few church buildings shall be spared, some will not be so lucky, as podiums are smashed and sanctuaries are set aflame.

Those found in the midst of this chaos will grab their families and run for cover hoping to escape without suffering any bodily harm. However, because My own were persistent about meeting in their buildings, and were not interested in what I had to say on this matter, there shall be some of Mine who will be accosted, as this mob is set upon tearing apart the nation, counting those caught in their path as mere casualties of war.

Yet even with repeated words of warning, My children have not listened, for believers have been unable to let go of their weekly customs and the old way of being the Church. Therefore, destruction shall come. For if they had heeded these predictions, there would only have been minimal damage found to their buildings.

So what are My children to do when they find themselves facing persecution? Should they again persist, and defiantly stand against the mob as they did towards the government? Or is there a better approach to be had? Will My own listen this time, and follow My words of instruction?

Then hear Me: while the streets are burning and the nation turns in upon itself, My own should continue meeting, but as smaller groups inside their homes. This has been My plan all along for the Church during this season. But, since most crave the ambiance which larger meetings provide, very few truly considered My warning to be a real threat to them. Yet for a short time, while factions within the nation are battling amongst themselves, let My own settle on this smaller formation, and quietly meet with one another in a less conspicuous manner, where they can worship without fear of being attacked by the angry mob running through their communities.

Let those who are listening prepare now for what is about to unfold in this nation, for the violence and destruction being seen at this moment are nothing compared to what is soon to break out. Therefore, let those who are able be ready and willing to open their homes for this service of obedience to Me. Regardless of the size of their home, condo, or apartment, the need for fellowship and encouragement shall be great, which means My own will be challenged to serve each other by sharing what they have.

So then My own must stop to consider what is in the best interest of their fellow believers instead of considering their own comfort first. For this persecution shall drive My Church underground for a short season, which is why those who are able should be willing to provide a safe haven for believers in their neighborhoods and communities.

However, just because My Church has made herself a target by disobeying My will, this does not mean I have abandoned or left her to fend for herself. Let those who are discerning keep your eyes wide open, for the temperature of this smoldering blaze is about to heat up and bring severe damage, to not only this nation, but many churches as well.

Therefore, prepare your homes by establishing the spiritual atmosphere within your walls, setting up effectual barriers to prevent any dark forces which strive to bring division within the Church from entering. Then as you meet, let worship lead, without the pretense of trying to model after regular church services where the clock dictates the gathering and believers are hurried through worship and prayer just to meet a schedule. I want these moments of more intimate gatherings to flow in unison with My Spirit, where He guides the group to the place of My Presence through the gifts and anointing held by each one of those gathered. During this season of adversity, this is My focus for the Church, so that the fire burning inside her contains much more power than the flames devouring the nation.

Then understand where I am headed, and line yourselves up in accordance with My will. For surely the American Church shall be invaded by an angry mob. This is why most believers will have to choose to hold meetings as the early church did, long before buildings became the popular place for gathering. It is time for My children to be the Church once again, without the formal structures used to define her. For I desire to have as My habitation a people who long for My Presence, those who have cast off the old useless trappings of church buildings and administrative structures in exchange for a deeper more meaningful relationship with Me.

Make ready your homes, then, for the Church shall have no choice but to leave the building, and become once again the humble community of believers I began long ago at her infancy, when she was untainted by religiosity and performance.

“What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, lesson, revelation, tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.” 1 Corinthians 14:26

(Received: 9/15/2020)

September 19, 2020 0 comment

Insight

Catch The Wind

by Lori Anne Hale September 19, 2020

written by Lori Anne Hale

The ‘sufficiency of Scripture’ is the argument used by believers who refuse to accept the operation of Holy Spirit in the Church today, for they want a relationship with Me that is tame; one that lets them maintain control of their life.

You see, when some say the Scriptures are enough and believers need nothing more, they have yet to become acquainted with Holy Spirit, or the power He exudes within those who invite His Presence into their midst. I did not send Him to simply illuminate the Word, but also to enliven the hearts of My children with the outpouring of His power within them.

Sadly, many believers (those who have accepted My Son as Savior) refuse to receive the gift of My Spirit, and though He comes to all at the moment of salvation, regrettably, His Presence is not evident in most. This is because certain doctrines which have infiltrated the Church claim that the works of Holy Spirit are outdated, and that He is no longer needed to dwell among the elect; setting Him aside like an unopened present, one that is put up on a closet shelf and forgotten.

As a result, those who have embraced these teachings are, frankly, incapable of walking in their full calling. It’s true that some may have discerned who I‘ve created them to be, but without Holy Spirit’s anointing flowing through their inner man, these will not produce the good fruit I had intended to be harvested by them.

Although many believers look solely to the Scriptures to gain revelation about how they should approach life, many have only gained a superficial knowledge of all that is held within these passages and letters. Without the in-depth discernment from Holy Spirit, they can’t possibly know My will for each situation encountered in their lives, for I have specific instructions to offer which can only be heard with the aid of Holy Spirit. Scripture alone won’t provide this deeper understanding which, in every circumstance, enables believers to be ‘overcomers’.

Then, what is to become of these believers when revival arises in this land? Will these automatically be partakers of the “new” He is ushering in?

Unfortunately, unless Holy Spirit is welcomed in, He won’t linger around. That was the case, as well, in past revivals, when most of those who held to this same type of doctrine (where the Scriptures are preeminent, and any workings of My Spirit are thought to be those of the devil) completely missed what I was doing. Those who today hold this line of doctrinal teaching shall also be passed over in this season of spiritual awakening. Although I would have all of My children caught in His refreshing wind, many won’t accept this movement as authentic, and therefore, shall flat out reject those affiliated with it.

Yet My heart is already rejoicing over those who shall be revived, for these shall be rewarded with the gift of knowing My Presence. So while some will be content to stay in a religious rut, a large multitude of believers shall enjoy a new level of freedom because abandonment shall overtake their hearts when My Spirit comes with His refreshing wind.

Then let My children, both near and far, open their hearts, for the season of revival has come at last. Spend your days, therefore, seeking My face in a position and stance of complete surrender. And though I have asked My chosen to wage an all-out assault upon the enemy, in the quieter moments, offer worship and praise, so that you are caught in His wind when it blows your direction.

View this season as significant, knowing it is important to cast off what is useless; for worship and spiritual warfare should consume your hearts over these next days.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26

(Received: 9/1/2020)

September 19, 2020 0 comment

Encouragement

The Winnowing Wind

by Lori Anne Hale August 28, 2020

written by Lori Anne Hale

The winter frost and springtime flowers have faded away, for this nation has fully entered the season of searing heat and scorched fields.

Summer was sent with its extreme temperatures to melt away anything leftover from the last seasons planting: those old stalks which shall no longer produce any new growth. A time of winnowing is indeed upon this nation, for My hand has come to separate the chaff from the wheat, and those who do not put their trust in Me shall surely feel the intensity of this hour. Although all who dwell in this land are now found on the threshing floor, those who have remained faithful to Me shall be caught up in the wind of My Spirit when He blows away all that is useless, and breathes in the new life I have ordained for this generation. For the separating force of this strong wind is not meant to cause harm, but to usher in the much-needed change to My Church.

And so as these billowing gusts increase intensity, where more unrest is seen and felt throughout America, those believers who dwell in this country should not be alarmed or filled with fear, for this kind of commotion is to be expected just before a great harvest. Don’t be surprised, then, when the flames of adversity increase, for this outside pressure is necessary to My threshing process so that the corruptible thoughts and ideas found in the Church are consumed, leaving only that which is incorruptible.

However, many believers who are allowing their eyes to rest on the turmoil filling their streets must understand that this chaos is just the proof that I am about to do something amazing, not only in their nation, but in the Church, as well. Then indeed this should be good news to their ears, and cause peace to fill their hearts, for I have chosen this generation of believers to take part in the miraculous work I have planned for this nation and the world.

The realization of this seasonal change should significantly alter how My children spend their days, for the trivial issues in their lives must no longer hold so much importance. Instead, it is their relationship with Me that should be given their utmost attention. If not, when the wind of My Spirit blows their direction, these distracted children won’t be ready to receive Him, for they shall be caught holding onto the chaff: those old tired ideas of the past.

You see, because the new I am doing spans the entire Church, it is therefore time to burn up the former way of functioning as My Body. Although some may think these are the ‘final days’, and so are looking for Christ’s return, they do not comprehend that the fires now burning in My fields were set for them, hoping to cause a revival to rise up within their souls. And since the seedbeds of idolatry have dwelt in My Body far too long, I have determined, therefore, that this is the proper season for those perversions of the Truth to be burnt up. I no longer want My children encumbered with these lies; in particular are those areas among the elect where worldliness has been accepted by distorting the definition of grace to mean “tolerance” for sinful behavior and crude talk, which, sadly, have become common practices as a part of the popular culture in the Church.

Somewhere along the line believers have misunderstood that spiritual liberty implies freedom to continue to embrace worldliness simply because they were covered under the “new covenant”. Though it is true that they are forgiven of every transgression, yet to live as Christ, one must cast off these fleshly inclinations and embrace the path of higher existence, where My own earnestly pursue being molded and shaped in His image.

Therefore, the wind of My Spirit is blowing, and the flames of adversity are burning, which create the perfect conditions for a mighty spiritual awakening to overtake the Church; where My people are asked to surrender their former ideas of living as believers, and exchange these shallow notions for a broader understanding of belief in Me.

Though the Church is crying out for revival to come, they don’t seem to understand that it has already begun. But because they have misconstrued how this shall look, they were not prepared when the flames of adversity came to burn up the chaff which they themselves hold, for many believers are hanging on tightly to the unprofitable ways of the past. This is why I shall increase the intensity of these flames, for as I raise the heat, quite a bit more of the corruptible shall burn off.

“Let the chaff burn and stop trying to snuff out its flame!”, for the climate in this nation is now just right for the winds of revival to sweep across the land. So just as a farmer allows the fires of a controlled burn to cover his fields, knowing that this process of cleansing deposits nutrients into the ground, and thereby produces a richer soil in the earth, I have seen that a controlled burn is needed in the spiritual ground of the Church, for her fields are unable to support the Great Harvest I have promised.

Therefore, let the chaff burn, let it be consumed, for this former manner of being the Church cannot sustain what I am doing now within her midst.

“His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:12

(Received: 8/27/2020)

August 28, 2020 0 comment

Insight

Standing Against The Wind

by Lori Anne Hale May 29, 2020

written by Lori Anne Hale

And then the wind came to blow away all that was: all the systems and formulas the leaders of My Church had put into place to build their houses of worship. For these had decided to incorporate, within their congregational structures, a system for promoting and leading that resembled a more business type model, taking their cues for church administration from the world.

But the form and function of the Church was never supposed to mimic the ways of this world, for the manner in which I conduct My affairs will always be foreign, with My concepts seemingly erroneous to the thoughts of man. And though some leaders have felt that picking up a worldly model and placing it into My Church would simplify the format for running a smoother operation, yet all they have created are more small businesses rather than a unique structure which boasts a fluid form, instead of the rigid corporate configuration now found in most of My congregations.

And though this would seem the easier approach to managing a church, I do not want My houses run in this fashion any longer, even if this system of governing, because there is a set pattern to follow, was meant to ease the frustrations of leadership. And as many have used passages from the Old Testament to prop up their case that this is a sound model to follow, when My Son came He fulfilled ever part of what had been; for His presence here on the earth was to establish the “new” formation of My Church, which was not intended to look anything like the old pattern My people had followed long ago.

So then why, in this generation of the Church, would I have My children regress and utilize an outdated system to function in this world? If He was the fulfillment of Scripture, then none of these practices are meant to be followed literally any longer because He came to establish a new precedent for how My Church conducts itself corporately and individually; where My Spirit is given the Headship to lead the Body; for He always knows exactly what My wishes are at any given moment, and therefore is sent to guide My own into this new way of living and existing as the Church here on earth.

But because His instructions are often challenging, and lead into unexplored spiritual territory, most of those who stand behind the pulpit feel uncomfortable allowing Him to freely move. So then in most segments of My Body, as a means to keep order during their services, a cap has been placed over His ability to freely flow within their assemblies. This has stifled His movement, limiting the powerful effect My Church was meant to have on this nation. For when My children exercise their freedom to live and breathe in conjunction with the direction My Spirit is blowing, then a strong sense of identity is birthed, giving them the confidence to make stands of faith which displace the evil works of the enemy. Yet most who attend My houses have little understanding of how to walk in unity with My Spirit, for they have been told that the extent of their Christian experience consists of sitting in a pew on Sunday mornings, praying and reading their Bibles, but with very little taught about their connection to My Spirit: the One who was sent to guide them into all Truth.

And because He has been, for the most part, left out of the current “Christian” formula, most of My children have yet to tap into the divine gifts I deposited in each of them. So then, for them, there has been no expectation of “more”, as they have grown accustomed to the form and function of the business model now found in most churches. But because I was not content to leave My Church in this weakened condition, I have broken her free from perpetuating this cycle of stagnation, where only a few of My children (those considered more dedicated) are ministered to while the rest of the congregation is left wanting, longing to hear words from their Father specifically for them; and so many continually carry this sense of yearning, for no one has shown them that a deeper walk is possible.

Then, when the recent winds of change began to blow across this land, very few raised their finger into the atmosphere to see which direction it was blowing. And so, like the rest of America, My Church was caught off guard by the swift and sudden shift that occurred.

So in these days, where the government restrictions are preventing churches from resuming in the same pattern as before, know that, in part, My hand is driving this course of action. For I desire to see My Church rise as the “shining city on a hill” (which I have always envisioned would only be possible if “what used to be” was blown away). Yet to restructure My Church to fit the format I designed involves the participation of every member of My Body, as each one has a specific role to play (which does not involve making sure Sunday services run smoothly). What has been is a poor representation of the true purpose of My Church, for the callings on the lives of My children are much broader than where they serve at church.

And though some leaders have enthusiastically promoted involvement as a means to get believers started on their journey of faith, still, there is a formula that has been developed that centers around adherence to pathways established as the road to climb up the leadership ladder. However, this process leaves little room for the overriding authority of My Spirit to direct a person’s steps. For if He has offered differing instructions (those that don’t fit into this prescribed formula), which voice should My own ultimately listen to?

And since I have ordered a man’s steps, then not every path to maturity is going to look the same because I do not think, or exist, within the boxes man tries to fit Me in. As a result, these well meaning ideas have become an obstruction to the flow of My Spirit in the training up of those in My Church, as believers are now assigned to different “ministries” by means of mass herdings, eliminating any consideration for My creative strategies which are perfect for growing My children up into their individual identity and calling.

Consider My Son, who set the model when He called His disciples, where in this smaller, more intimate setting, these twelve were able to glean a deeper understanding of being the Church; for these did not set out after His resurrection to build large congregations, but instead established smaller gatherings among the faithful. Within these communities of believers, a unique family was born, where all were built up and encouraged because My Spirit was uninhibited in every way.

Then know that it’s a restoration of this model that I am after, where the Church thrives through these smaller groups: where those who are believers wait upon My Spirit and His direction to lead their meetings; where spontaneous worship is heard ringing in the atmosphere, or, perhaps another is lead to read a Psalm, or some have a vision, or another a prophetic word; but where all are united in the flow of His movement.

Then know, also, that during this season I come to strip away the unnecessary trappings My Church has embraced as the normal way of functioning, and am reconstituting the “new” My Son had left as the example for believers to follow. For what has been, won’t be able to contain the great move of My Spirit that is coming upon the Church.

So then, let go of what was, and embrace what My Church is becoming. For to be effective in the coming days, My overall Body must be internally strengthened so that she is seen as the pure beacon of hope in a world filled with darkness.

To this ideal, the idea of uniformity must end. For I did not make My Body to function where each member must behave in accordance with a certain standard set by a church culture, as this is only an excuse used to prohibit the manifestation of My Spirit from happening during congregational meetings. So though some churches say My Spirit is welcome, these still restrain His ability to move freely among My Body.

So therefore, I knew the change I preferred would not develop unless something drastic happened in this world that would leave My Church the sole option of meeting in their homes (if they still had it in their hearts to gather together). For those who had already begun to walk with Me more intimately would then have the opportunity to lead others down this deeper path.

So instead of standing against the wind facing the wrong direction, turn your head and lift your gaze, and you will then be able to get a better sense of which way the wind of My Spirit is blowing. For within this strong gust, which has covered My entire Body, a new direction has been given, meaning My Church, as a whole, must shift into alignment with what I am doing now.

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. ” Romans 12:4-6

(Received: 5/28/2020)

May 29, 2020 0 comment