Tag: From Our Father’s Heart

“Deception has become so commonplace that few of My people even anguish over it anymore. The line of holiness has been moved by those who do not pursue holiness. Standards that I have not set have become the guidelines for behavior, even in My church. No one grieves over sin. My people care little about those who have no idea of My perfect will for their lives.

“So many have been allowed to go their own way because My people fail to show them Jesus through the way that they live in their midst. When there is no visible evidence of real truth, the foolish make up their own truth from deceiving influences. How sad it makes Me to see My creation become blinded, lame, and stumbling in folly.”

Hebrews 12:12-13 TLB

12) So take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs,

13) and mark out a straight, smooth path for your feet so that those who follow you, though weak and lame, will not fall and hurt themselves, but become strong.

 

When I was a kid, one of the other kids in my neighborhood took great joy in getting everyone else in trouble. He was about two years older than the rest of us, so naturally we all followed him wherever he decided to take us. The tone of our lives was directly affected by what he did, how he felt, and whether or not you were his friend at any given time. I remember that it was very important to be his friend. If you were, somehow, you were more important than the others. The problem was, he accepted and discarded “friends” on a whim, accepting another into his fold. Each of us took turns in his favor. This caused continual disharmony. No one was able to have peace, as we were all pitted against one another many times at his bidding. He would then sit back and enjoy the strife that he had caused.  (I hate to say this, but he became a lawyer when he grew up.)

I remember one day, for some reason, we all woke up. Somehow, within about a week, we all realized that he was really a friend to none of us. His actions were exposed, and we all quit playing his game. Soon afterwards, he found people outside of our neighborhood to influence. He was old enough by then to leave our little circle, so he went on to others, no doubt following the same pattern with them. When he left, peace prevailed.

The above Father’s Heart and the Bible verse remind my heart of the importance of influence. We, as Christians, have been given the joy of truth. We have also been given the authority to lead anyone who will come to the saving grace of Jesus. Our mission is clear, and our influence is important to the world.

The problem is that we are not really leading, and few are following us. Because we have ourselves rejected the passions and desires of our Lord, few can see the wonder of His love and come with us. Our direction is unclear and without authority. People are gladly following someone who does have a clear direction and a passion for what they do, even if it is wrong.

So here we are. God has called us to be the strong influence in the world. We are called to make straight paths for people to follow, protecting them from harm as they go about their lives. Instead, most of them follow any big kid in the neighborhood who will take great joy in leading them to a path of strife and bondage. How pitiful! One day everyone will wake up to a truthful account of their lives, but more than likely it will be too late.

Needing to follow closer to Jesus, so that I can lead others to truth,

Jim Corbett

“The outcome of your life really depends on the decisions you make now. I know that sounds simplistic to you, but it is more important than you know. You have choices to make regarding what Jesus has provided for you at the cross. You can walk in the power of My life through Jesus or choose not to enter into My presence, where I long to give you Who I am for what you need.

“Each choice is very much like that. If you understand that I mean what I say, if you believe that what Jesus has provided for you is as effective as it was the day He rose from the dead, if you accept the fact that you are fully accepted by Me and use every opportunity We have provided for you, your life will be far more significant than if you wallow in unbelief and stand on the sidelines of My plans.”

Jeremiah 15:19-20 AMP

19) Therefore thus says the Lord [to Jeremiah]: if you return [and give up this mistaken tone of distrust and despair], then I will give you again a settled place of quiet and safety, and you will be My minister; and if you separate the precious from the vile [cleansing your own heart from unworthy and unwarranted suspicions concerning God’s faithfulness], you shall be My mouthpiece. [But do not yield to them.] Let them return to you – not you to the people.]

20) And I will make you to this people a fortified, bronze wall; they will fight against you, but they will not prevail over you, for I am with you to save and deliver you, says the Lord.

Amos 3:3 KJV

“Can two walk together except they be agreed?”

Matthew 10:29-31 NIV

29) “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.

30) And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered.

31) So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Matthew 25:23 NIV

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!’”

 

Can you imagine the audacity of not believing God? Can you imagine not taking Him at His Word and in essence calling Him a liar? That’s what we are actually doing each time we don’t go to Him because we don’t believe we have a right to or don’t trust that He will take care of us when He said that He would. We are so foolish and so blinded by our fears and lack of faith. Still He keeps on loving us and loving us through our unbelief.

Thank You for Your patience, Lord,

Jim Corbett

“How are you preparing your house so that it is in order? What kind of training are you participating in to become a leader in the future activities of My design? What are you teaching your neighbors and your children by your style of living? There are three postures that My church has taken in these dangerous times and seasons. Some have chosen to continue in the false hope that everything in their selfish world will remain the same. They have made the decision to not prepare themselves for what is ahead and rely on others to determine their belief system. Foolishly going about their puny lives, they push aside conviction of sin, refuse to address issues in their lives that are out of order; and separate themselves from anyone who is seeking holiness. They are useless to My cause and have been nullified from My plan to save those around them.

“Others have observed the seasons, have chosen to seek Me because of fear; and are preparing their places of safety. They are oblivious to My heart and will not enter into My chambers to receive instruction for the times ahead. These dry souls will fail Me at the first sign of danger and distract My people because of their own needs. I am sad for their wasted lives.

“You, My children, have sought My heart and have embraced the training that I have sent your way. You have seen that the only place to be is in My presence to receive what is needed to rise above all that is about to occur. I am teaching your hearts to run to every need with which I am concerned, bathed in My presence and basking in the light of My glory. I am delighted with you. I will use you to bring those who will hear into My kingdom. You will be harvesters in the ripe fields that are all around you. You will prosper as I see prosperity, defending My Word and My Spirit before those who are oblivious to the truth. You are My holy, prepared people. I am with you as you rush, fully equipped, to the needs I present to you.”

Eph. 4:22-24 NIV

22) You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

23) to be made new in the attitude of your minds;

24) and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

 

Merry and I once had the sad opportunity to observe a couple who chose not to address some sin issues in their lives. More than likely this was not the first time they had the opportunity to be washed from their chosen folly. It was pitiful to watch them tap-dance around the issues presented with well-rehearsed and practiced denial of any wrongdoing when challenged. Instead of embracing the opportunity to repent of their sin, they pointed an accusing finger toward others and wallowed one more time in the same sin with which they were presently being confronted, right before our eyes. It was really slick to watch, but horrible to see as they refused any accountability for their harmful actions.

They had probably refused accountability so often that their hearts were hardened to any kind of counsel, because the Lord had us back off from further discussion of the matter with them. We are afraid that the Lord may have since chosen to turn them over to their sin because of their refusal to respond to His prompting once more. It is frightening to observe and more frightening to understand that they did not fool God. He is relentless against harbored sin in the lives of His children.

Christians are being given the opportunity to make proper life choices each and every day. God is weeding out those who refuse to be washed in the cleansing fire of His love from those who are really His with all of their hearts. He is separating those whom He will be able to trust with His anointing from those who have cast off His convicting presence to embrace worldly folly and familiar sin for a season. Anyone who consistently denies God’s opportunities to repent is truly a fool, and fools will never have the privilege of flowing in the presence and power of God.

Remove all foolishness from my heart, Lord,

Jim Corbett

“Have you ever wondered why the battle sometimes takes longer than you would like? From My perspective, battles in any form accomplish much. They define motives, strengthen resolve, and determine alliances. Often, they bring heart issues to the forefront and create platforms for deep-rooted angers to express themselves. In most cases, the hardships that create seemingly endless difficulties in a person’s life are the very steppingstones to holiness. I watch every situation in which you find yourself. I examine all aspects of each encounter and make sure that everything purposed for that situation is accomplished.

“As you grow in Me, you will realize that I really am in total control of all situations. My will is ultimately accomplished. Once that is fully ingrained in you, your battles become opportunities for you to rest in Me, while the battle rages all around you. While all forces are working to accomplish My will, you and I can rise above the clatter and enjoy each other. I will impart more of Myself to you because of your need of Me and your submission to Me.

“I would like you to remember some of the “impossible” times in your past.  What was the main outcome of each one? It was a deeper commitment on your part, and a closer relationship with Me. If that didn’t happen, you missed an incredible opportunity. You missed the privilege of allowing Me to fight on your behalf. The next time a battle of any sort arises in your life, use it as an opportunity to spend time with Me, rather than engaging in it yourself. You will find that the benefits of the situation far outweigh the hazards, no matter how difficult they might seem. When I become the reward for anything you do, you are greatly increased in more ways than you will ever know. Come to Me in all seasons of your life. I am always there for you.”

Joshua 5:13-15 AMP

13) When Joshua was by Jericho, he looked up, and behold, a Man stood near him with His drawn sword in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, Are you for us or for our adversaries?

14) And He said, No [neither], but as Prince of the Lord’s host have I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, What says my Lord to His servant?

15) And the Prince of the Lord’s host said to Joshua, Loose your shoes from off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy. And Joshua did so.”

Psalm 46:1-2a AMP

1) God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble.

2a) Therefore we will not fear…

 

The above verses in Joshua have taught me as much about our relationship with God as any other verses in the Bible. Joshua was ready to engage in a battle that the Lord had ordained for him. All of a sudden, a mighty warrior was standing before him. The logical question was asked of the warrior, but a “not so logical and quite frightening” answer was given. “Whose side are you on?” made a lot of sense. “Neither” must have made Joshua’s heart skip a few beats until he heard the rest of the statement.

What makes me so excited was the whole scenario that was being played out. It is so simple when observed from a relationship perspective.

Joshua was entering into a battle that the Lord was going to win for him. The Prince of the armies was there to oversee everything. He didn’t take any side but the Lord’s, because the physical armies were only playing out the Lord’s will. All Joshua was really required and invited to do was to understand that the Lord was present, which made the very ground that he stood on holy; and therefore, worship of the victor was in order. The battle was relatively inconsequential; the outcome was predictable. The posture for Joshua was to get out of the way. “Come with Me while the work is being done. It is My battle.”

We all know how the battle was won - not by their power, nor their might, but by the Spirit of the Lord, God Almighty!  What fun!!!

Teach me about You, Lord,

Jim Corbett

“Most of you, My children, are afraid to need Me. You fortify your lives with support systems. You build back-up schemes, devise measures to remain safe, and implement plans to make sure you have the means for tomorrow in case it rains. You do not realize that you are building a house of cards. Nothing you are relying on will remain.

 “Little of what you are building has eternal value. Little of what you spend your time fretting about has My heart in it. In this closing season of time, My presence is in the midst of those who desperately need Me. My power is with you when you are helpless. I will never be only one of your many answers. I am your only answer!”

 Psalm 20:6-7 AMP

6) Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.

7) Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord our God.

Psalm 46:1 AMP

God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble.

Isaiah 31:1 AMP

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses and trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they look not to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek and consult the Lord!

 

There is only one God. He is the One and Only God. All other gods can never be trusted to take His place, no matter how powerful they may appear to be.

Teach me to trust only in You, Lord,

Jim Corbett