DANCE OF FIRE

I wrote the content on this blog with sincere and holy intentions with the knowledge that I had at the time... We live, learn and amend...as errors are exposed and more truths are revealed...

Only GOD is perfect. It's vital that you seek the Lord to expose any errors that you've embraced. Please ask Him to expose any areas of darkness to you and for what is necessary to do to dispossess what's NOT of truth.

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POETRY: DANCE OF FIRE

Flames of fire dance joyfully as dreams of fervor conjure up images of red hot passion for the gusto of life.

Sizzle, spark, explode -

Fireballs light up the sky. Wow! a thunder flash with a clap -

The flames are vivid with the awesome glow of orange colors blended with yellow highlights that accent the blaze.

This display is the bomb torched with a rocket plan. Such rapture has lit our fire. We are dynamite on this journey.

Come on fire, fall on us. Pour your liquid potency. Ignite our souls that we may be engulfed with magnified intensity.

Blow up our hearts. Dance with us....

Sandra

Copyright 2010

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Friday, January 7, 2011

HELP WITH OFFENSE PLEASE

Greetings -

I need some help with the issue of offense.  We have heard it said, “I don’t want to offend…” or “I didn’t want to offend…” 

These are some scripture passages (KJV) that I found on the matter of offense:

Matthew 13:21
Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

This was said about JESUS:
Matthew 13:57
And they were offended in him.

Matthew 15:12
Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

Matthew 26:31
Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night:…

Luke 7:23
And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

John 16:1
These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

I believe that I am, for the most part, straight about the truth that the gospel does offend some people.  Clearly, that is Bible.  Further, I believe that people, even Christians, can go to extremes where, readily, verbal “missiles” are launched with little or no restraint or love in the mix.  The other extreme is when confrontation/correction is habitually avoided because “I don’t want to offend” is the order of the day.

When we are hurt when others righteously correct us, does that mean that we are offended?  Or how is it defined when we are deeply wounded by necessary truth spoken to us?  Another concern is the matter of striking a balance.  When JESUS offends people, certainly, He always does it in love with balance.  Progressively, I am learning to do it in accordance with Biblical practices where, in the past, I was more prone to throw restraint to the wind.  Still, the matter challenges me.

The following accounts happened years ago:

Account 1

A deeply spiritual mentor/friend of mine (I’ll call her Crystal) offended me.  As I sat with her in her vehicle, she gave me a word from the Lord in a spirit of love.  The word was truth but it deeply offended me.  I cried.  Prior to the word, Crystal and I had planned a day of fellowship together.  After my tears flowed, Crystal did not feel sorry for me nor did she apologize for hurting me.  That is because she told me what the Lord told her to tell me.  My tears didn’t sway her holy resolve.  After some minutes, Crystal asked me if I wanted to go back home.  I sniffled, and told her that I wanted to go with her, as planned.  Later, when she got out of the vehicle to do an errand, I stayed in the vehicle to get things right with our Lord.  When Crystal returned, I was in a good place spiritually, and we went on to have a good day together.

These many years later, when I recall that episode, I have a sense of deep love and respect for Crystal’s stand for our Lord in spite of my offense and tears.  She did me a good service indeed, and I am deeply grateful for her witness for our Lord.

Account 2

This account involves Crystal and me, as well.  On a certain day, I went to a hat store and saw this stunning hat that I could not afford to purchase that day.  The Lord told me that He would “hold” it for me to purchase on another day.  A few days later, on a Saturday, the Lord told me to stay in at home to commune with Him.  Well, Crystal called and invited me out to spend time with her.  I agreed.  My rationale was – she’s a Christian so what big deal could it be if I went out with her instead of staying home to commune with the Lord as He had told me to do.

As Crystal and I rode around, I had the "bright" idea to have us go to the hat store so that I could show her the stunning hat that the Lord had said that He would “hold” for me.  Do you know what happened?!  I am sure that it was because of my disobedience.  I had no business being out with Crystal that day.  Crystal purchased the hat for herself!  I was crushed.  The Lord brought to my remembrance that I had disobeyed Him, and the penalty was that He told Crystal to buy “my” hat.  Crystal and I were members of the same church, and I had to watch her in church with “my” hat on!  What a lesson I learned.

Account 3

This account reflects a contrast relative to offense.  I know of someone whose husband habitually treats her much less than loving.  One day I got fed up and lit into him with verbal fire on high voltage.  He was deeply offended.  Everything that I said was truth, but the Lord did not lead me to say those things.  My utterances were not in the spirit of love.  I repented to the Lord, and called the husband to repent and to seek his forgiveness, which he granted.

Account 4

The Lord led me to give a pastor a word which I did not consider major relative to correction.  I am NOT one to just give people words from the Lord.  Typically, I seek the Lord in prayer; ask Him for biblical proof, and confirmations, etc.  I did all of that and was assured by the Lord that it was from Him for me to tell this pastor.  I told the pastor in a humble loving manner.  He did not seem offended.  Later though, from the pulpit, the pastor verbally blasted me.  He did not use my name but it was obvious from his words that he was talking about me and the word given to him.

As I sat there in church, I asked the Lord again if the word came from Him.  I was “certain” that it was until I got blasted.  The Lord assured me again that it was a word from Him.  As I sat there, the Lord provided me with scriptural confirmation.  I felt better.  When I got home though, I decided that, to avoid more “drama,” I would later go to the pastor to seek his forgiveness.  Immediately, when that thought hit me, I felt the anger of the Lord.  I clearly heard Him say to me, in a stern tone, that He had given me the word to give to the pastor.  Further, our Lord let me know that I knew that it was from Him as He had provided me with adequate confirmations.  The Lord informed me that I was inclined to seek the pastor’s forgiveness, and to make “peace” because I desired to avoid persecution because of the WORD.  He went on to inform me that if I retracted my stance, that it would be an insult to Him – GOD!  He concluded by telling me that He would punish me if I sought forgiveness for a Word that He sent me to give.  GOD’s rebuke shook me.  I did NOT go to the pastor to retract.  As weeks went by, the Lord reconciled me and the pastor, WITHOUT me having to disobey what the Lord told me.  Ever since that episode, for the most part, I give words as led by the Lord and whatever occurs – it is what it is.  As the scripture says in The Acts 5:29 - KJV, “…We ought to obey God rather than men.”  Still…there are rare instances when I’m not sure if it is me or the Lord doing the words.

Presently, I am better at verbal restraint but sometimes, I continue to question how far is too far relative to offense or when is it that I am not doing enough to verbally correct?  We all need correction. Over time, I have grown to appreciate when I am rebuked in love because it is for spiritual benefit.  Truth can hurt us but it is good to know, and to make amends when the Lord corrects us through others or however He decides.

I don’t want to be at either extreme – prone to correct too readily nor prone to ignore where correction is necessary.

Does anyone else have the challenge of striking a balance?  Can someone please help me on this?!

Thank you

Sandra

Written Friday January 7, 2011

© Copyright 2011

12 comments:

  1. Share the truth in love WHEN the Holy Spirit has made it clear you are to do so.

    I find many times I get a revelation and it is not to run to that person and share that revelation but to pray for that revelation/person/situation. How many times did I think it was to run and tell and get ahead of the Lord and clobbered or mess things up pretty well.

    Pray. And then I have been told that until we pray till we are a "weeping prophet" we should hush. Sometimes that's true but sometimes the Lord will have us give a forceful word when we aren't weeping I have found.

    Pray to die to "self" and make sure the enemy isn't messing around and that what you have is from the Holy Spirit.

    Pray for further enlightenment. We have not because we ask not. And pray for direction on why you have been given this word/vision/picture and what the Lord would have you do.

    Yes, I got your e-mail! Thanks my dear Sister.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Marijo -

    Thank you for your wise helpful words. Indeed I will ponder your advice and pray for further wisdom and knowledge about the matter.

    I especially loved this that you said, "Pray to die to "self"..."

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes, because many times we think we hear from the Lord and it might just be "self" rearing its ugly head or the enemy, eh?

    Scary thing this gift of prophesy but I love having someone bold enough to come to me.

    Offended - when it boils down to it it would be conviction and for accomplishing the Lord's purpose if the truth is shared in love with a believer who wants to grow.

    Just remember you are the messenger (or receiver) and it is God who is dealing with you or the person receiving the message. DON'T shoot the messenger has never been more true than here if the "word" is truly Spirit led.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I agree- we must prayerfully seek the direction the Holy Spirit is leading us and when and how to speak things to others. Pray for me, that God would speak into my heart once again... I have felt 'deserted' lately.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I heard a wonderful story once - there was a mature lady in the Lord talking to an angel.....

    "She must be one of the Lord's favorites - he is right there with her and talking to her all the time, taking her by the hand and walking with her...."

    Then there is that other lady, and all he does is pat her as he walks by.

    That third lady - he waves and hardly gets near her - what's the problem there?"

    and the angel replied "that first lady is new in her walk and she needs Him right there each and every minute. The second lady is growing in him and more trusted and on her own.... the third lady is you. He knows you are full of the Word and that He lives in your heart - he trusts your choices and waves to encourage you on - he has deep confidence that you will follow him even if he is across the room or city. He knows you and you know him and that is why he can trust you with a wave and smile."

    Assuming we don't have a sin which is plugging the pipe there comes a time when he trusts us enough to let us stand in Him.

    I got to the point once where I told Him even if I never heard Him speaking to me again I would follow Him and trust in Him based on what His Word said. I felt I didn't hear from Him (for a long time) It was a not so fun time but I grew and knew He WAS what He said and I could rely upon His Word. Then I realized I was saying "the Lord laid this on my heart - the Lord nudged me to do that....." the still, small voice got quieter but I recognized Who it was.

    the older I get in Him the quieter His voice is but it is full and rich and true. sometimes I even see that elbow gently nudging me and i don't have to hear a word.

    Does this make sense?

    He is creative and doesn't always speak, communicate or indicate to us His will in the same old ways. But we still know His voice... baaaa, baaa baaa - sheep....I are one.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very interesting thoughts on offense. I admire your obedience to do what the Lord asks of you. There is so much responsibility when we get a word. You wrote beautifully about it, both giving one and receiving one. I keep thinking about speaking truth in love. Some won't hear it, even when they know God is at work...our human frailty.

    Sandra, I went to a friend looking for comfort last year when in a trial. God did not tell me to go, but I opened my aching heart to her and the first thing she asked me was "Have you ever been delivered?" I chose not to be offended because I knew how the trial was humbling me and how I had yielded to Him. But when I went home, I asked Him why she said that and I realized it was a wound from her past. These lessons are treasures, aren't they?

    Many hugs to you,
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  7. I received this, via e-mail, from Grammy Blick:

    4:20 PM (6 hours ago)

    I've written on this subject, too. Here are the links:
    http://blicktx.blogspot.com/2010/09/bridle-that-tongue.html
    http://blicktx.blogspot.com/2010/06/offended.html
    http://blicktx.blogspot.com/2009/10/mayme.html
    http://blicktx.blogspot.com/2008/12/shin.html

    There are more on my site -- you are welcome to use the search function for the words: offend, offensive, offended. I do offend non-believers (maybe even a believer or two) when I affirm there is Truth and that Truth is within our God.

    Just today I offended a niece -- as did my sister-in-law and my daughter. She wrote in FB that she was bothered by people coming to her door and telling her about God. She wanted to go to doors and tell people there is no God. Of course there was a long, long discussion with many answers, and she was deeply offended and angry that people told her that not only God is, hell exists, too,
    Yes, at times we offend. There are several verses I like:

    And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. (Matthew 24:10 KJV)

    Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. (Matthew 26:31-34 KJV)

    And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. (Mark 4:17 KJV)

    When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? (John 6:61 KJV)

    I hope one of these will fit the description you seek.

    ReplyDelete
  8. A couple of thoughts come to mind:

    Prov. 3:6 "In ALL your ways (good & bad) acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." We are to check before we do something we consider either bad or good. If someone is able to influence you to go contrary to God's small voice, you've got some sanctification to do to your old nature!

    Sometimes old Scratch gets into a social relationship and causes problems. Well, we know what to do about him! Yesterday, in front of my house, two trash collectors were building up toward a fight. I very quietly commanded Satan to leave them alone in the name of Jesus Christ. Immediately the face-off was resolved and they went back to work.

    Prophets can start in the Spirit and end in the flesh. They can be led by the Spirit and go beyond where the Spirit ended. I've done that way too many times. Getting inspiration and doing something about it are two different things! Both need guidance.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Greetings -

    Thank you all for visiting and commenting:

    @Marijo

    You said,
    "Scary thing this gift of prophesy but I love having someone bold enough to come to me.

    "Offended - when it boils down to it it would be conviction and for accomplishing the Lord's purpose if the truth is shared in love with a believer who wants to grow.

    "Just remember you are the messenger (or receiver) and it is God who is dealing with you or the person receiving the message. DON'T shoot the messenger has never been more true than here if the "word" is truly Spirit led."

    Thank you, Marijo for those wise words. Truly what you expressed is helpful indeed!

    @SinnerSaved

    You said,
    "... - we must prayerfully seek the direction the Holy Spirit is leading us and when and how to speak things to others. Pray for me, that God would speak into my heart once again... I have felt 'deserted' lately."

    Yes, it is so important to be prayerful to seek our Lord. Please know that you are not deserted. GOD is with You for sure! I placed a prayer for you on your blog.

    @Marijo

    You said,
    "I heard a wonderful story once - there was a mature lady in the Lord talking to an angel....."

    "That third lady - he waves and hardly gets near her - what's the problem there?"

    "and the angel replied...the third lady is you. He knows you are full of the Word and that He lives in your heart - he trusts your choices and waves to encourage you on - he has deep confidence that you will follow him even if he is across the room or city. He knows you and you know him and that is why he can trust you with a wave and smile.

    "Assuming we don't have a sin which is plugging the pipe there comes a time when he trusts us enough to let us stand in Him."

    I adore that story, Marijo.

    Yes, what you expressed makes sense, clearly it does. Certainly I learned from what you stated.

    @Saleslady371

    You said,
    "I keep thinking about speaking truth in love. Some won't hear it, even when they know God is at work...our human frailty.

    "These lessons are treasures, aren't they?"

    Yes, Saleslady371, it is vital that love be in the mix otherwise we are nothing.

    You are right - these lessons are treasures.

    @Grammy Blick
    Thank you for those links.

    And I appreciate the scriptures that you referenced. Your wise words are helpful, Grammy.

    @Timothy
    You said,
    "Prov. 3:6 "In ALL your ways (good & bad) acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."

    "Yesterday, in front of my house, two trash collectors were building up toward a fight. I very quietly commanded Satan to leave them alone in the name of Jesus Christ. Immediately the face-off was resolved and they went back to work.

    "Prophets can start in the Spirit and end in the flesh. They can be led by the Spirit and go beyond where the Spirit ended. I've done that way too many times. Getting inspiration and doing something about it are two different things! Both need guidance."

    That proverbs scripture, Timothy, has been coming to me a lot lately. Praise our Lord.

    I love that trash collector testimony. Glory to GOD!

    And that statement about starting in the Spirit and ending in the flesh - so right on that is.
    May GOD help us all to be steadfast in HIS SPIRIT WALK!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sandra - Lively discussion here! I believe everyone has brought much wise advice. I only have one other thought - it seems to me that when I get offended by Truth, it's usually because my pride is in the way of my heart being righteously convicted. It's important to keep a humble heart before the Lord - that will help us be able to discern His voice when He tells us to "confront" someone - and to discern His voice when He has something to tell us through another's voice.

    Always in love - with a heart and mind constantly seeking His wisdom and guidance...

    GOD BLESS!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Sharon -

    Yes pride can be a beast. May we all steadfastly yield to our Lord to keep it and all sin under subjection so that it will not reign in us.

    You are right, Sharon - "Always in love..."

    ReplyDelete

Greetings -

Thank you for visiting and commenting. It is my pleasure to read from your heart places. We are all students and teachers and I so enjoy, precious people, the beneficial engagements with you.