Do you remember in the first chapter of 1 Samuel when Hannah, Eli’s wife, prayed silently and he thought she was drunk because he only saw her lips moving?
God heard that prayer and granted her a son.
The more I learn about how things work in the spirit world and how they effect the physical world…
The more I learn about the spiritual battles that take place over our lives by angels and fallen angels…
The more I realize that some prayers need to remain silent. Some things, some plans, some goals, and especially some fears need to remain between you and God.
Notice what happened when Daniel prayed about one of his visions, the angel that God dispatched to give him revelation was detained 3 weeks by a high ranking fallen angel…
Daniel 10:10-14 (NKJV)
10 Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.
12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.”
Notice how Yeshua reminds us that we all have angels who minister to us daily…
Matthew 18:10 (NKJV)
10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.
You can’t believe in God without believing in angels and fallen angels (demons). These demons partner with the adversary (the devil) in being our aggressive antagonists.
Matthew 18:10 (NKJV)
10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.
The devil is our spiritual adversary, but he does not have the ability to know our thoughts. But, just like any physical human adversary, he can react to what you say to antagonize and hinder you. He and his fallen angel cohorts can react to what you say.
Just as a physical enemy will react to your words, so will the devil and demons. So, be very mindful that some things DON’T need to be said out loud.
Some prayers need to be spoken in your heart as you pray silently, just as Hannah did.
God has knowledge of what you need even before you ask.
His Holy Spirit steps in when words can’t be expressed or don’t need to be expressed…
When you pray silently it’s just like whispering in God’s ear.
Romans 8:26 (NKJV)
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession [a]for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Be careful how and with whom you share your plans…
Be careful how and with whom you share your hopes…
Be careful how and with whom you share your fears…
Pray for wisdom on what should be spoken out loud and when you should whisper in God’s ear.
The devil is a deceiver and the father of lies, and remember, that Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) proclaimed this not to the overt, perverse ‘sinners’ but to the ‘elite’, self-righteous, religious leaders of the time. This same ‘spirit’ lives on in many people who claim to be believers today…
John 8:44 (NKJV)
44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
The fact is that he has been doing his thing long before we got here, and quite frankly he is good at it.
But, God didn’t leave us defenseless against his schemes…
2 Corinthians 2:11 (NKJV)
11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Leaders whose purpose is to deceive the saints WILL NOT ADMIT TO BE EVIL!
It’s our responsibility to recognize who the devil is working through. Just as we are created in God’s image, which means we have His attributes and character, those who are being led by the enemy have his attributes.
So, no matter what a leader may CLAIM to stand for, if their character hasn’t and doesn’t align with God’s character…beware. The fact is that the man of lawlessness will come with lying wonders that are designed to deceive the very elect…
Matthew 24:24 (NKJV)
24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
Remember, the Jews were expecting the Messiah (Christ) to be a political and military leader as well as spiritual.
But here’s the more grave admonition. If they share the attributes of the Adversary, don’t be fooled by their deception, so you won’t be a partaker of their sins. Here are a few from Holy scripture…
These signs pertain to ALL leaders, world, national, local, professional and spiritual!
1. BEWARE OF LEADERS WHO ARE CONSTANTLY ACCUSING & PLACING BLAME…
This is a direct attribute of the devil. One of his titles, given by God, is the Accuser of the ‘brethren’…
Revelation 12:10 (NKJV)
10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.
I recommend that you don’t just beware of leaders who openly stand for evil, but for those who have the subtle attributes of the enemy. Beware of those whose character is to always accuse and never accept accountability. Be honest with yourself. Do you know any leaders that fit this description?
2. BEWARE OF LEADERS WHO ARE FULL OF PRIDE…
This is another direct attribute of the enemy that can’t be ignored or discounted. The bible makes it clear that PRIDE which is the first mentioned among deadly sins, in fact, it’s mentioned just before ‘hands that shed innocent blood’ which in manifested one way through abortion. Pride is just as deadly and just as much an abomination as abortion. God does not permit us to be proud of ANYTHING! Our nation. Our race. Our children. Our accomplishments. Instead, He demands we be THANKFUL for these things. One of the enemy’s most acceptable strategies is convincing believers that pride is okay in some situations. Do you know of any leaders whose looks and mouths are full of pride? Beware!
3. BEWARE OF LEADERS WHO ARE CONSTANTLY BOASTING ABOUT THEMSELVES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS…
This attribute is a direct fruit of pride and God warns to watch for it in both the Old and New Testatments. God told us that the spirit of the antichrist was already at work even in the 1st Century…
John 4:3 (NASB)
3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.
We prove what we ‘confess’ by our lifestyle and words. That’s why Jesus said many who call Him ‘Lord, Lord’ will not enter into His Kingdom.
Don’t ignore the scriptures about leaders whose mouths are full of boasting…
Daniel 7:8 (NASB)
8 While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were pulled out by the roots before it; and behold, [a]this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth uttering great boasts.
Proverbs 27:2 (NKJV)
2 Thessalonians 2:9-11(NASB)
9 that is, the one whose [a]coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and [b]signs and false wonders, 10 and with [c]all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11 For this reason God [d]will send upon them [e]a deluding influence so that they will believe [f]what is false,
Revelation 13:5 (NIV)
5 The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise its authority for forty-two months.
Do you know of a leader whose mouth is full of boasting about him or herself? This person doesn’t have to be the anti-christ to be operating in the spirit of the antichrist to prepare hearts and minds for his coming.
4. BEWARE OF LEADERS WHO REFUSE TO ASK FOR FORGIVENESS, GIVE FORGIVENESS OR REPENT…
When you carefully read about King Saul and King David, the thing that made David ‘a man after God’s own heart’ was that he had a heart of repentance, while Saul did not. Repentance isn’t saying I’m sorry, but actually turning from your sin with Godly sorrow. David allowed the Prophet Nathan to hold him accountable for his sin, and he repented…
Psalm 51 (NKJV)
Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just [a]when You speak, And blameless when You judge. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. 6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. 16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.
2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV)
10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
5. BEWARE OF LEADERS WHOSE CHARACTER DOESN’T ALIGN WITH WHAT THEY CLAIM TO STAND FOR…
No matter what we claim to ‘stand for’ we prove our faith in God through Yeshua the Messiah with our behavior. Are we perfect? No. But, it’s clear when someones overall character doesn’t align with what God commands. For example, I have seen one particular leader use profanity during speeches while crowds of people who claimed to be believers cheered, laughed and encouraged this behavior that God clearly forbids.
James 3:9-11 (NKJV)
9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the [a]similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?
I’ve seen believers make excuses for a leader who not only has never been known for his faith or integrity, but unrepentantly bragged about his past sinful exploits…rather than hold him accountable. This is enabling him just as much as enabling a dope addict by feeding his or her habit…
Ephesians 5:11 (NKJV)
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather [a]expose them.
When we don’t hold one another accountable, we become partakers of the same sins…
Ephesians 5:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
6. BEWARE OF LEADERS WHO CONSTANTLY HURL INSULTS…
We all insult one another sometimes, however, if we’re honest with ourselves, there are some people that have made hurling insults a part of their very character. This is of the devil, and Jesus Himself said it leads to hell fire…
Matthew 5:22 (NLT)
22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone,[a] you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot,[b] you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone,[c] you are in danger of the fires of hell.[d]
Remember, the enemy does not attempt to deceive believers by admitting to be evil, but disguising himself as an angel of light. Also remember that the wolf comes in sheep’s clothing…
Matthew 7:15 (KJV)
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
We are made in the image of our invisible God by displaying the Fruit of His Spirit, many of which our modern culture considers to be ‘weak’…
Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Israel didn’t become exiled because of the overt ‘sinners’ in the land, but because of the spiritual compromise, pride, and hypocrisy of believers. That’s why God said…
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
This article is intended to be an admonition for believers. Most of the time, these admonitions were rejected in the bible. Be careful of any spirit that would provoke you to immediately reject it.
Don’t forget that Herod was a great builder and political leader who even like John the Baptist, but was an enemy of our Lord and Savior…
Mark 6:20 (NLT)
20 for Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.
I intentionally didn’t call any names, so if the name of a particular leader comes to mind, maybe it’s because they fit they description.
Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [a]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Remember, these signs pertain to ALL leaders, world, national, local, professional and spiritual!
And let us always pray that they submit to God’s will, word, love, truth and salvation!
Don’t worry, I’m not going rated ‘R’ on you but, I really think this is going to bless someone.
This is a much too common insult in our culture, and yes, the bad grammar is always intentional…
“You ain’t worth s**t! Of course, implying that someone doesn’t have the value of feces, crap, refuse, doo-doo, dung, ‘ish’.
It can be very hurtful if you allow it, especially if you are insecure or struggle with self-esteem. Or, if it’s told to a child by a parent, authority figure or peer. It’s damage can last well into adulthood.
So, let me give you a little ammunition with biblical support in case someone ever tells you, “You ain’t worth shiggity!”
God created everything with value. Everything! Even doo-doo! We all know that there’s an industry built around the use of animal dung to make mulch and fertilizer.
Why?
Because God put purpose and power, even in poop. Not only does it have value, but great value.
People pay good money for a sack of s**t at Home Depot and Lowe’s.
God, in His wisdom gave waste the power to make things grow…so even waste doesn’t have to be wasted.
But, let’s look at the bible. There, we find the ‘S’-word was used for two ‘F’-words…both FERTILIZER and FUEL. Not only did they use it to grow their food, but they used it as fuel/coal to heat their food too.
Luke 13:7-8 (NKJV)
7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ 8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it.
Ezekiel 4:15 (NKJV)
15 Then He said to me, “See, I am giving you cow dung instead of human waste, and you shall prepare your bread over it.”
So, don’t get it twisted. God has value for dung. He has a purpose for poo, and He has a purpose for you.
Feces is used to diagnoseillnesses, research for cures for disease, and do scientificresearch. There’s value in doo doo!
So, if anybody ever tells you that “You aren’t worth s**t,” tell them thank you! Tell them of it’s value. And then, remind them that if they ‘ain’t’ working God’s purpose for their life, tell them “S**t is worth more than you!”
BE BLESSTIFIED! 