WHY AM I SO ENCOURAGED ABOUT THE RECENT CONTROVERSY AT MORNINGSTAR? First, we have been through similar challenges in the past, and it preceded a great advance for us. This is because there are things in us that need correcting, and cleaning up. This kind of thing always leads to us having more faith in the Lord, and less in ourselves, which makes us more dependent on Him. This leads to a deeper humility which He can give more of His grace to, and we need His grace now more than ever. I was told months ago that a pruning was coming, which I have spoken of repeatedly in our services. I didn't know how, but I knew it was. The Lord prunes us so that we can bear more fruit. When a pruning comes the branches that are not bearing fruit are removed. Those branches are just consuming the resources of the tree without producing fruit. When this is done the branches that are left will get more of the resources, and therefore bear more fruit. This has happened with us in the past enough that we know how good the ultimate result will be. This is happening to the ministry, and probably all of those associated with us, corporately and personally, and so will the ultimate benefits. It is always painful, but well worth it in the end. What about those who are cut off and separated from us? I pray that they find a place that is a better fit for them, and where they too will bear fruit for the Lord. Those who refuse bitterness and resolve to use the whole experience to get better, will likely do this. We should consider them the Lord's people, and our brothers and sisters in Him. Even Paul and Barnabas split from one another, and both went on and were used greatly by Him. We don't read as much in Scripture after this about Barnabas, but we do in history. WHAT ABOUT THOSE I INFERRED TO BE "WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING." Such will always swarm to places where there is controversy and wounding. The Lord called Satan "the lord of the flies," because this is what flies do--they carry infection and seek wounds where they can plant what will turn into bitterness. Bitterness will defile many. In dreams and visions flies often symbolize lies, which you will find a great swirl around every controversy, church split, etc. Some of those targeting MorningStar at this time we know, and we know their nature. At least one worked for us for a time, and I had to fire him for gross incompetence, but even worse, for the way they abused their staff and fellow employees. The Lord said that the way we treat even the least of His He would consider the way we treated Him. I would not tolerate someone treating my own children the way they were treating God's children, and I don't think any true shepherd sent from God would. If these persist in attacking our people I will give names and details, and persist in every way I can to stop them. I hope not to have to do this, because I believe in the power of the cross to redeem and restore. I believe that as deep as Satan is able to get into someone is how deep the Lord can fill them when they are delivered. I see everyone as a candidate to have their worst flaws turned into a strength in the Lord that will bless far more then they may have wounded in the past. My resolve is not to give up on anyone, but see the power of the cross work in their life. I now have a lot of experience with are false teachers, false shepherds, false evangelists, false prophets and false apostles. These I will be teaching a lot about, sharing what I have learned, often by being fooled by them. Because of this, I think I am also better able to recognize and help the true, and that's what I'm called to do with the time I have left. Even the Apostle Paul confessed to having been "foiled by Satan," but he didn't quit. He used the knowledge and experience he gained by this to do better. I think I will do much better recognizing such now, but that doesn't mean I can't be fooled again. The devil's had thousands of years of developing his "craftiness." So my only hope is to get and stay ever closer to the Lord, who is never fooled, and never failed. So, why do I allow some who I know to be of the nature of the Accuser stay in our church, or hang around our ministries. Often it is because I don't recognize them yet. They are "wolves in sheep's clothing," and usually come across as the nicest people with the best of motives. We must learn to see beyond the externals to recognize people as they are. As the saying goes, "This comes with experience, and experience comes through failures." Perhaps this is why the Lord allowed Judas into His inner circle, and why He allows the tares to be planted among the wheat, for our education and training. Those who persevere through this training will come out better, wiser, and stronger, but not perfect. We must maintain the humility that keeps us humble and able to receive the grace that we all need to make it, especially through these increasingly dark times. But be encouraged, which means to have courage. With this darkness is coming a greater revelation of His glory (Isaiah 60:1-5)

Posted by Rick Joyner at 2024-09-25 18:00:07 UTC