How does God see us: As A Tree Firmly Rooted or Shallow Roots???

^“BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.

    But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.

    And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].

    Not so the wicked [those disobedient and living without God are not so]. But they are like the chaff [worthless, dead, without substance] which the wind drives away.

    Therefore the wicked [those disobedient and living without God] shall not stand [justified] in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous [those who are upright and in right standing with God].

    For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God's will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought).”   Psalm 1  Amp.

We all need to be rooted and grounded in God’s word.  

Is your soil nourishing or contaminated?   The results will reveal fruit or barrenness.

A root is part of a tree or plant.  Roots are usually underground and they are used to anchor the tree.  Also, roots are used to draw water and nutrients from the soil.

It is the ‘life line’ so to speak for a tree.  If the roots are planted deep enough the tree can withstand the high winds of a storm.

The roots feed the tree!

The roots anchor the tree!

Webster defines a root as: “a part of a plant, a supporting or essential part to pull up the roots; destroys completely.”

Let’s all ask God how He sees us: “as a tree firmly rooted or shallow roots?”

Be ready …….you might be tested which will reveal the depth of your roots or the lack of.   

How about the type of soil we have planted ourselves in?  Is it cultivated so we produce fruit or is it contaminated by sin?

We can all read the word and not be changed.   Remember the parable Jesus used about the sower and the seed?   (Matt 13: 1-23)  

Change will come when we allow the “washing of the word.”   It is one thing to hear the Word and it is another to live the word.    

Jesus loves me!

Jezebel …….. Final Word

  “You rescue the humble,
      but your eyes watch the proud and humiliate them.”                                2 Samuel 22:28      (New Living Translation)

“Pride goes before destruction,
      and haughtiness before a fall.”   Prov. 16:18  NLT

Humility requires us to live in the ‘raw’.  

Humility means vulnerability!

Jezebel flees at the thought of humility.  They may try to convince others they are humble.  But they demand attention.   When they walk in the room, all eyes must be upon them.

Their actions speak louder than their words!

They would never put themselves in a place of humility.  Jezebel defines humility as being debased.

Jezebel is too selfish to be humble!  They are takers.  They take and take and take some more, never thinking of giving back.

They like to tell everyone and pretend that they are servants, but they rarely find the time to serve others.  They come first.   Funny thing, if Jezebel does serve someone they have to tell everyone, to make sure they get the credit and attention.

Life for Jezebel is consumed by their wants, their desires, and their needs.

“…. no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
 
  ……. Love cares more for others than for self.
   Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
   Love doesn't strut,
   Doesn't have a swelled head,
   Doesn't force itself on others,
   Isn't always "me first,"
   Doesn't fly off the handle……..”    1 Cor. 13:4-5  The Message Bible

God’s word says we are to ‘love others as we love ourselves…”  (Rom. 13:9)

Many people who have been hurt by Jezebel learn how to live in a guarded life.  Walls are built as a shield from future hurts.

When an injured victim tries to break free and is hurt again they can build a wall very quickly.   The OT prophet Nehemiah could have rebuilt the wall quicker with these hurting people.

Selfish people are so self-centered that they don’t stop to think about what they can do for others.   It is always an afterthought.

Sadly, Jezebel never stops to think of loving others as they want to be loved, or treating others the way they want to be treated. 

They have a one track mind: ME   MYSELF  and   I!

We all know the golden rule:  ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’  

Jezebel can become so captured by the spirit of pride along with a taste of power and position that repentance is very difficult.

In fact, the more mature the Jezebel personality the greater the chances increase, they will not repent.

Pray for those who hurt you.

Be kind and love them.   Most of all forgive them!

As the disciples were instructed by Jesus, so should we do the same, ‘…shake the dust from your feet and keep walking..”

Don’t allow Jezebel to fence you in behind a wall.   Break down the walls, keep your focus on Jesus and KEEP WALKING!

“… if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:14  (New Living Translation)

Jezebel Part 5

James 3:14-17 (New Living Translation)

^“ But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying.  For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom.  Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.  For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”

“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. “

Jezebel does not know how to love unconditionally.   They have conditions, motives and deception interwoven in their twisted love.    Their love is selfish and self centered for their own agenda.   They love you when you allow them to control you. 

Their love is filled with self seeking motives with strings attached.  They use love to manipulate and control you.  

It is easy to fall prey to their flattery, charm and lies.  A person who is manipulated by these emotions will find that they will spend a lot of time and energy trying to please the Jezebels in their life.  They will become weary and hurt because they will never be able to please or give Jezebel enough.  They then become charmers for attention and returned love.  They sell themselves for Jezebels love.

 “The charmed charms the charmer.”    What a twisted relationship that becomes.  Trapped in bondage for Jezebel’s love controlled by charm, flattery, lies and manipulation.

Beware! Jezebels love with a possessive love.   Their love will suffocate you.   In return for their love you must give them total devotion, 24/7.  They want to dominate you, your time and your attention.  They are very demanding and if they find you giving someone else your attention they will turn on you with a vengeance.  If you refuse to allow them to ‘possess’ or dominate you be prepared!

To the same degree of love they have for you will be the same degree of hate, wrath and vengeance.    Their thoughts will be consumed with how they feel you rejected them and wrath will burn within them until they feel satisfied with hurting you or destroying you.

A true man or woman of God operates in humility and accountability not control, manipulation and intimidation.

Jezebels are boastful!  They always want to tell you about all their accomplishments, how they get ‘stuck’ making all the decisions, how they had to raise the children alone, or how they get ‘stuck’ doing all the work…….

Don’t bother to tell them about yourself!   They are not interested in your life or your accomplishments.  They are only focused upon themselves.   Trust me….. they are not hearing a thing you say.  They are only trying to find a place to interrupt you so they can talk about themselves.

They talk incessantly about themselves and when they are done, hours later, they will leave or hang up the phone without asking if you would like to share anything. 

The conversation is always about themselves, their feelings, disappointments, hurts, dreams, wants and desires.

Listen; even if you try to talk they will interrupt you.  They always have a more interesting story, or what they have to share is more important.  I’m telling you, Jezebel’s mind is always on them.

Another trait of Jezebel is they are very critical.  They thrive on criticizing others which is to elevate themselves in their own mind.

You want to test a Jezebel in this area?  Give praise over someone else’s accomplishments.  This will cause them to react with criticism and how they can do it better or they will tell a story that reveals they had it worse.    Praise for someone else can almost make Jezebel foam at the mouth!

They cannot stand for another person to get recognition or praise, especially if it is a person they despise or is jealous of.   To them it would mean lowering themselves beneath another.    They are superior in their minds!

Remember, Jezebels cannot stand to be wronged, embarrassed or out done.  They need recognition, titles, power, authority and control.

They also, are NEVER wrong!!! They are always right and they feel they know more than anyone else. They will even tell you they are always right!  They feel they are the only ones who can make the right decisions.

One final comment on Jezebel is that some like to ‘quietly’ be in control.  They will manipulate with kindness and flattery.  But if you fail to fall under their seduction you will see the true Jezebel come to surface.   They do have a temper and it will come forth as a powerful tool to inflict fear all for the sake of intimidating you for control.

They know that if they can push you to a place where you live in fear of them, they ‘own’ your emotions and they will control you.

People become suicidal when they feel trapped by Jezebel. They do not know how to get free.  They live in such fear that they feel they can never get away from Jezebel except by death.   They also, feel they have nothing more to give.  

Jezebel’s will suck the life out of you.  They are never satisfied and never happy because they want more and more.   It seems the more you give the more they want.  

People soon realize that they are not truly loved they only exist to please Jezebel.  They soon lose their joy, their desire to live and wonder where God is in all this.  They feel they can no longer go on because their life has no meaning and no purpose therefore they can’t see a future or hope.

Prayer and God’s word is the way out.   

I challenge you to pray and seek the Holy Spirit to reveal Jezebels in your life and how to be free from their control.  

Jezebel can be anywhere…..your home, your office or your church.

We must love the person and hate the sin.  Prayer is the key!  Use it

Jezebel Part 4

Jezebel          Part 4     

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”   Rev. 3:22  NIV

Jezebels live in a world of distortion and everything is exaggerated—good or bad; relationships, jobs, and accomplishments.  The distortion brings lies about everything in their life, from the smallest action to the greatest.

Jezebel complains that they are never appreciated enough nor are they praised enough.

They are also great liars.  They can look you in the eye and lie convincingly to you.  They will pour on their charm to distract you while they stab you in the back.  They will be kind, sweet and charming to entice you into their favor to get what they want.   They have no concept of reality or truth.

One day they are your worst nightmare and then the next day they act like they are your best friend.  They pretend like nothing ever happened, there was no conflict, all the while you are still trying to make sense out of what has just transpired.  

You are left reeling backwards trying to figure out what happened, why they just ripped you apart and shredded your heart.  You are dazed by the conflict and they act like nothing happened and you are to forget it and forgive them because it is over and today they love you.   Their response is: “get over it!...move on!” and let’s not talk about it.

Jezebels are double minded.  They are hot and cold.  You never know which way they are going to act when you see them. That is how they inflict fear to control you.

Charm is one of their greatest weapons against you.  But beware, without notice within a split second they can instantly turn that charm into wrath.

You will experience this behavioral change when you say no to them.   When you refuse to give them what they want, look out….war has been declared!

They do not take no for an answer.  They assume they can charm you to give them whatever they want.   If you refuse they will resort to fear and intimidation to “persuade” you to change your decision.

A typical Jezebel usurps authority.  They are aggressive, persistent and presumptuous.   They will challenge your decisions and tear you down behind your back.

They will sow seeds of discord and then come along like the hero to resolve the issues/problems that they caused.  They want to always look like the ‘savior’---- the hero. 

Jezebel is also very flattering and seductive.  They are con-artists.  

They love to play with your emotions!  

They try to build a false confidence with you.   Their love and loyalty is false.  It is expressed with an evil motive for power and control.  When they feel they are losing control or have lost control over you, the love and devotion will turn into hate, wrath and destruction.

Another good way to recognize a Jezebel personality is they usually are always saying how they do not need recognition, nor do they need to be the center of attention, they are happy just being in the back ground.  Their famous lines are, “I just want to be a servant or I just want to help….. I don’t need to be recognized”

That is a lie!  They need to be seen!  They will do whatever it takes to be noticed.  They have to be the center of attention, the life of the party.   They will make a big issue under a false guise of how they just want to be a ‘humble servant’.    Their motive is to work themselves into a position of influence.   

Jezebels have to feel they are in control even if they are not!

I believe it is important to have knowledge of the tactics Satan will use to deceive God’s people.  The more we know the better equipped we are to stand against his attacks.    One of the greatest weapons Satan has and uses is sin in our lives to control us and cause strife.  He will use us against each other to bring offenses and division.  The opposite of what God is all about.

God is love and we are called to love one another not dominate or control.  My purpose in these Jezebel writings is to give you some insight to the personality of Jezebel.  

We might all find one or two (or more) traits that we struggle with.  The light of Christ will reveal the darkness that might be hiding within us.  We need to pray over these areas, repent and change. 

This is not shared to condemn or to hurt.  Only to bring light to areas in our lives we need to pray over.

Remember just because we see ourselves in an area that is written about Jezebel does NOT make you a Jezebel unless you consistently operate in these areas to control and manipulate others.

I will finish a couple more areas that need to be identified before I continue on with writing about unhealthy churches and how they became unhealthy.

Jezebel Character - Part III

Jezebel   Character         Part III

Galatians 5:19-21 (New Living Translation)

 ¹⁹ “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”

Witchcraft (sorcery) is a form manipulation, intimidation and domination over another person, situation or circumstances.

Control is a by- product of witchcraft because it is in total contrast to the nature of God.

Jezebel carries this witchcraft spirit very strongly. They will stop at nothing until they get what they want.  They are determined, stubborn, mean-spirited, selfish, jealous, prideful and relentless.

They desire to make you feel abandoned, hopeless and fearful.   The purpose for this is to make you totally dependent upon them.    They want to control you!

To a Jezebel there is no price too great, no higher authority, no one too precious to get in their way to accomplish their desires, regardless of the consequences.

They strongly believe the end will justify the means.  They will do whatever it takes to get what they want. 

The Jezebel personality has no conscience, their hearts are hardened and their spirit is in direct conflict to God’s will.

The Jezebel is strong willed and determined to get what they want and they will wait for the opportunity.

Jezebel wants to control, dominate and intimidate.

God is totally opposite!   He has given us a free will and He refuses to violate that gift.   He is always wooing us into His presence but He allows us to make the decision to choose Him or not.

He never forces Himself upon us and He never stops loving us in spite of our choices.

So when Jezebel tries to control and dominate you, he/she is in direct violation of God’s law.   They have crossed the line over into Satan’s kingdom and now live under his authority, power and destruction.

Jezebel will destroy the fruit of the Spirit in themselves and likely in others they  associate with.

Jezebel has no fruit in their lives.  They are in the same place they were last week, last month, six months ago and even a year ago or more.   Nothing has changed!

They are still complaining about the same people, situation and same problems.  They are usually in the same place they were the last time you spoke to them.  It always seems things are getting worse rather than better.

It is always someone else’s fault for their circumstances, problems, rejection and/or disappointments.  It is never their fault and they are never wrong.  They see life through negativity and would rather die than accept the blame for their problems or why life has not been fair to them.

Beware; some Jezebels will pretend to be remorseful or maybe temporarily sorry.  But NOT changed because they love the taste of power!!!!!

Few truly change because they have a hard time of letting go of control, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness and they lack the discipline of taking their thoughts captive.  They dwell upon their offenses, hurts, anger, selfishness and deviousness.

 ¹⁸ “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: ¹⁹ When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

²⁰ The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. ²¹ But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. ²² The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.

²³ But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”   Matt. 13:18-23   NIV

Jezebel - Part II

Part II

Jezebel

Jezebelians love to project a sense of power through fear and intimidation.  Their threats come through vengeance in hopes to oppress you.

Jezebel is a by-product of the flesh that opens the door to an evil spirit.  It becomes a learned behavior and can take root in early childhood.

A Jezebelian ‘spirit’ is a lifestyle which creates a personality therefore it cannot be ‘cast’ out.  True repentance and surrender of the flesh will bring healing and a new lifestyle.  One that is no longer self-centered but Christ-like; 'a new creature in Christ Jesus, the old nature passed away'.

The person has to want to change. They will have to work at learning a new way of life.

Sadly, most Jezebelian personalities do NOT want to change.  It requires too much hard work, a conscientious effort and a new attitude.  Unfortunately, many of them cannot find it in themselves to give up control.  They chose to be this way!  They do not want to relinquish control!

Their personality has become shaped by demonic control and their traits are deeply entrenched within.

They can only be free if they are willing to face the truth of who they are and be relentless in dying to their flesh. They must totally subject themselves to the Holy Spirit for guidance.

“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.    And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”   2 Tim. 2:22-26

Jezebel Spirit - Part 1

Jezebel Spirit

Part 1

The Jezebelian “spirit” is named after King Ahab’s wife in 1 Kings.  This spirit has no gender restrictions.

The Jezebel ‘spirit’ is born out of witchcraft and rebellion.  It is one of the most powerful ‘spirits’ in operation in the Church today.

It is a powerful enemy of the body of Christ---the Church.   It operates freely on even sincere believers whose hearts are for God and has also attained positions of power within the churches.

In order to gain access to its captive, the spirit of Jezebel will enter through negative emotions that have already been controlled by other demons including fear, pride, rejection, jealousy, unforgiveness and anger.  This spirit loves to dwell within the nature of a person who likes to control others.

The Jezebel spirit is one of the most powerful ‘spirits’ of Satan which seeks to keep the Church and the world from being prepared for the return of Jesus.   This ‘spirit’ especially attacks the prophetic ministry because that ministry has an important job in preparing the way of the Lord’s return.

The prophetic ministry is the primary vehicle through which the Lord gives timely, strategic direction to His people.   Jezebel knows that removing the true prophets will make the people vulnerable to her false prophets, which always leads to spiritual adultery and idolatry.

Prophets are certainly important in the last days to preach repentance and to prepare the way of the Lord.

Jezebel's worst enemies are the prophets and her worst fear is that people will repent.   The ‘spirit’ of Jezebel hates repentance!   More than her hate for the prophets, ‘she’ hates the word of God to be spoken.

Another thing this Jezebelian ‘spirit’ hates is prayer.  Prayer sets people free.

Prayer binds that spirit!

So let’s keep praying for the Church to rise up and be prepared for the return of our Messiah!

This writer believes the Jezebel ‘spirit’ is a Jezebelian personality more than a ‘spirit.’

Many people can have a spirit of pride, jealousy or anger, etc and not have a Jezebel personality.

Everyone has flaws and can house familiar spirits.   But a Jezebelian personality is when a person has a combination of these traits and operates consistently as controllers, manipulators, charmers, con artists and in arrogant behavior.