Speak Life IV

                                                                                

                   We will begin part IV in Proverbs 2 and starting with verse 1, so let's begin. 

 

          Verse 1:  My son if you will receive(obtain, accept, take delivery of, grasp as if you had found a priceless treasure) my words, and hide(bury, concil) my commandments with you.

 

          Verse 2:  So that you incline(bend the head or body when bowing being revent) unto wisdom, and apply (join, fix to, attach to achieve a result to) your heart to understanding ( if you will humble yourself and open up your heart to grasp, perceive and have the ability to comprehend what wisdom is saying)

 

          Verse 3:  Yea, If you Cry(pursue after, call and earnestly seek) after knowledge(which are facts, truths, principles, clear awareness of, experience and learn from) and lift up your voice(increase the sound and direct it upward from a lower level to a higher position so it can be heard by those you seek) to understanding.

 

          Verse 4:  If you seek(search, strive for, pursue, go after) her (wisdom) as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasure (a prize, pearl or gem that has been conceiled and difficult to find)

 

          Verse 5:  Then you will understand the fear the Lord, and find the knowledge of God (the eyes of your understanding will be enlightened and clear and a reverential fear will come from your heart, because you know the truth and it has and will continue to set you free)

 

          Verse 6:  For the Lord gives(He provides, furnishes, delivers and gives us) wisdom, out of His mouth comes (originates, arises, extends, does produce) knowledge and understanding.

 

          Verse 7:  He lays up (hides by covering over or reserve to protect because of its value) sound wisdom for the righteous, He is a buckler (a shield, a protector) to them that walk uprightly (these two words when used together mean:  come on and completeness, so what it's saying to us is to come on into completeness in the Lord)

 

          Verse 8:  He keeps(guards and protects) the paths of judgement, and preserves (keeps us protected from anything that would cause our current quality or our condition to change or deteriorate that would cause the fall of) His saints.

 

          Verse 9:  Then(if you have acted in obedience to what I have said) you will understand righteousness (you will be upright, blameless and have virtue), judgement and equity (fair dealings, justice in every area and relation) yes, every good path (you will understand, discern the way to go and what path God has for you)

 

          Verse 10:  When (skillful and Godly) Wisdom enters into your heart(when it moves in and takes over He writes His wisdom upon your heart and you are joined with Him and healing comes) and knowledge shall be pleasant unto your soul.

 

     Remembering that the "soul" is the mind, the will and your emotions and the condition of your heart affects all of these areas in your life. 

 

          Verse 11:  Discretion (discernment to know the plan, intent or thoughts) shall preserve (watch over) you, understanding shall keep (guard, preserve, maintain, watch over and shelter) you.

 

          Verse 12:  To deliver you from the way of the evil man (these are the people who have spoken evil, perverse things to you, lied to you and hurt you deeply) from the man that speaks froward things (the word froward here comes from a root word that means:  To turn about or over, to change, to prevent)

 

     What this scripture is  saying to us is that evil men speak, act and think from a perverse and wounded heart.  Everything he thinks is distorted because it is filtered through his mind that has not been transformed by the word of God and can't understand righteousness.  And if his soul is full of hate, unforgiveness, bitterness, anger and hurt from his past, then out of the abundance of his heart his mouth will speak.   

 

     Verse 13, 14 and 15 goes on to tell us that if we make a willful choice to forsake the paths of uprightness, if we choose to forsake the path and path that God has placed us on and walk in our misery, destructive ways, ignorance, sorrow and obscurity, then we will walk in the ways of darkness.  Darkness which is opposite of light and truth.  We make a willful decision to harden our hearts and you become that evil man.  We end up turning our thoughts back into our past and the enemy feeds on those wounds if they haven't been healed.  He will make sure you keep your focus on the one who hurt you and not on the one who can heal you. And you will find yourself speaking out death again where before you spoke life.

 

     In Proverbs 3: 5-6 the Lord tell us:

 

          Verse 5:  Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

 

          Verse 6:  In all your ways know, recognize and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. 

    

     So what the Lord is saying to us is:  Be confident and trust Me as you allow Me to heal your broken heart.  Don't react, think or speak from the past or the hurts  of the past, nor listen to words of death.  But lean on Me and my understanding because I know your heart and I see what it is made of.  Walk in My ways of forgiveness and I will direct you, yes I will make your path plain and clear before you. 

 

     My prayer is that you stop and think before you speak.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you catch yourself before that negative word is spoken and understand the power of your words. I know a lot of us react to specific words, people and situations that trigger either a negative thought or feeling from our past. These are the matters of the heart and soul that need to be healed.  Open up your heart and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what's really in there.  I know you will be surprised and humbled by what He will show you.

 

     The Lord wants so much to heal you of all the hurts that have been inflicted by words, but it is a process, a step by step process that must take place.  The sooner you stop looking at the one who hurt you and stop justifying your feelings and look at yourself, the sooner the process will begin.

 

     I know there will be big hurtles that you will have to overcome, but the only way you can is by first recognizing the problem, open up your heart, confess it, give it to Jesus and allow Him to heal you.  He wants so much for you to be all that He has called you to be, but your stuck where you're at and you can't go on until you go to the throne of grace. 

Blessings,

Elma Garlock 

Speak Life Part III

     God always spoke to man before He did anything.  And some great examples are:

     1.  When He spoke through the prophets of the Old Testament to Israel and Judah to repent.
     2.  When He spoke to Moses in the desert and called him to deliver His people from the bondage of Egypt.
     3.  When He spoke to Abraham and Sara about a son that would be born unto them.

     And all through the New Testament it tells us:  "and Jesus said".

     Even Jesus had to speak "the word" before anything could happen.  He had to speak it into existence first just as God did in the beginning to show us how powerful the "spoken Word" is.

     But what did Jesus speak?  "Life"- "The words of God" as John 3:34 tells us:

          Verse 34:  For since He Whom God has sent speaks the words of God (proclaims God's own  message) God does not give Him His Spirit sparingly or by measure, but boundless is the gift God makes of His Spirit. 

      Jesus only spoke that which the father told Him to speak.

It's interesting to note that the word, "Words" here in this verse mean:  "Rhema"

      Rhema:  Is a word spoken, a statement, command or instruction.  It is as the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, not spoken as the whole bible but undivided scripture spoken with power and authority.  A Rhema word that brings life, hope, peace and confirmation.

     The Holy Spirit spoke to me and said:  Many of my people are not speaking life but are speaking death.  They are speaking words of discouragement and legalism and why?  Because they lack the wisdom that comes from knowing My Word and how to apply it.

     In Proverbs 1:20 it says:  Wisdom cries aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the markets.

     We really don't realise the effect and the power of our words, because once we speak them out into the atmosphere they are released and can't be taken back.  They then cause things to be put into action in the physical realm and the spiritual realm, either good or bad.

     This is interesting that the word "wisdom" here in verse 20 means:  The wisdom that has its source and beginning in God.  It means to act wisely, to be intelligent, be prudent, have knowledge, experience and to have insight in a positive way. 

     The Hebrew "wisdom" or the interpretation of the word "wisdom" to the Jewish people was very different from the ancient world view.  Israel believed that there was a personal God who is holy and just.  He expected them to live their lives according to His principles.  They emphasized the human will of the heart, not the intellect.  It was based on what God revealed about right and wrong, and this all applied to daily life. 

     In verse 21:  it goes on to say:  She (meaning wisdom) cry's in the chief place (meaning the chief place of your heart) of concourse (the war, the rage and great commotion of your heart) In the openings of the gates, (a place to estimate or think your mind) in the city (a guarded place) She (being wisdom) uttering her words saying.

    Verse 22:  (Wisdom goes on to say) How long you simple ones will you love simplicity? And the scorners delight in their scorning and fools hate knowledge.

     The word "simple" in this scripture means:  Foolish and deceived. 

     Verse 23:  Turn you at my reproof (correction) behold I will pour out my Spirit (which is breath and life) unto you, I will make known my words (Gods answers or affairs) unto you.

     Verse 24:  Because I have called (chosen) and you refused.  I have stretched out my hand ( God is saying; I have gone out of my way to guide you) and no man regarded. (hearkened, attended, as to perk up the ear to listen)

     Verse 25:  But you have set at naught (neglected) all My counsel (God's plan, design and wisdom) and would none of my reproof (you would not hear my correction when it came from my Spirit)

     Verse 26:  I also will laugh at your calamity (oppression) I will mock when your fear comes.

     Verse 27:  When your fear comes as desolation and your destruction comes as a whirlwind, when distress and anguish comes upon you.

     Verse 28:  Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer, they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me.

     Verse 29:  For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord.

     Verse 30:  They would none of my counsel, they disposed all my reproof.

     Verse 31:  Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

Hear what the Spirit is saying:  We have and will continue to reap death and destruction in our lives and why?  Because of the fruit of our words and the condition of our hearts.  Just look around you....what do you see?  Fear everywhere, desolation and destruction, but it doesn't stop there.  America is reaping exactly what it has sown and we are living in a time when things are changing fast.  God is doing a quick work in us and calling us to seek Him as never before.  He is wanting to bring maturity into our lives and get us ready for what is about to take place in and upon our land .  And so I ask you this question?  Will you listen to the call that wisdom speaks?  Will you take counsel in His correction that is designed to keep you in His peace. Will you refuse the Spirit when He stretches out His hand to guide you into his wisdom? 

Fear is a spirit and he brings torment to your mind and to your heart. If you let fear have it's way, it will only bring death.  It's goal is to stop your growth, the flow and the fruits of the Spirit in your life.....It will drain you of your joy, peace, trust and faith in ME, but I AM wisdom and I understands, I comprehend and apply MY power to your life. Beware of the leaven of the world, because it takes only a small amount in your life to produce fear and a hardened heart.....so put away the leaven out of your house.....And those who will hearken unto ME, shall dwell in safety, and shall be at peace from the fear and the evil of this world. Allow ME to rent (tear open,) your heart so I can make you whole and mend the broken pieces of your life.

Next week Part VI

Blessings,

Elma Garlock

A Word in Due Season for the Body of Christ 2012

A Word in Due Season for the Body of Christ

2012

around them and not on the ONE who created it, everything in it and on it. God is either completely forgotten, put in a box for convenience sake so they can control or try and manipulate Him.

As you know we are weeks away from the Presidential Elections and hearing time and time again that if Obama is re-elected into office America will forever change as we know it today. I see what's happening in our beloved United States and I am truely grieved to see where we are headed. But in the midst of it all, God is working behind the scenes and He will ultimately have His way and use the impossible to manifest Himself to those who deny Him.

We know the Anti-Christ spirit is alive and well and working in our government. It has infiltrated into every arena of influence in Washington, our states and our local government. But through all the darkness we will see the "Son's of Righteourness" rise with healing in their hands to touch the nations. And as the enemy advances forward into the land to bring discord between cultures, false religions that distorts the truth, blinds them, deafens their hearing and binds them to the voice's in the world they will hear them say; there are many gods and many paths to God. Even though the voice's that we hear claim they will bring peace, love and a new world order, who's voice is this? It is the voice of darkness that speaks in the land.

But there is a greater voice that speaks in the land and it says; REPENT, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is the voice of one calling in the wilderness, make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. Who's voice are you going to listen to?

      In the midst of uncertainty, unrest, riots, wars, famine, destruction and devastation lays THE TRUTH that has withstood time and eternity, but is so easily forgotten. The natural man's inclination is to focus on the world, what's going on around them and not on THE ONE who created it, everything in it and on it. God is either completely forgotten, put in a box for convenience sake so they can control or try and manipulate Him.

      As you know we are weeks away from the Presidential Elections and hearing time and time again that if Obama is re-elected into office America will forever change as we know it today. I see what's happening in our beloved United States and I am truly grieved to see where we are headed. But in the midst of it all, God is working behind the scenes and He will ultimately have His way and use the impossible to manifest Himself to those who deny Him.

     We know the Anti-Christ spirit is alive and well and working in our government. It has infiltrated into every arena of influence in Washington, our states and our local government. But through all the darkness we will see the "Sons of Righteousness" rise with healing in their hands to touch the nations. And as the enemy advances forward into the land to bring discord between cultures, false religions that distorts the truth, blinds them, deafens their hearing and binds them to the voice's in the world they will hear them say; there are many gods and many paths to God. Even though the voices that we hear claim they will bring peace, love and a new world order, who's voice is this? It is the voice of darkness that speaks in the land.

     But there is a greater voice that speaks in the land and it says; REPENT, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is the voice of one calling in the wilderness, make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. (Matthew 3: 2.3).

Whose voice are you going to listen to?

Blessings,

Elma Garlock 

Speak Life Part II

Speak Life

     In Matthew 15:17-20 the scripture asks us a question?

          Verse 17: Do you not understand that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goes into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?

          Verse 18:   But those things which proceed out of the heart, and they defile the man.

          Verse 19:  For out of the heart proceed evil (hurtful) thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication's, thefts, false whiteness and blasphemies.

          Verse 20:  These are the things which defile a man.

     Beloved, hear me;  you will either be justified by your words or you will be condemned by your words.

     I feel that I am to share with you from my own past experience, if I may, concerning words that have hurt me, wounded my spirit and almost broke my heart.

     Many times the people I loved the most spoke words of death directly to me either willingly or unwillingly.  They hurt me so deeply and I took those words so personal that I thought my heart would break from grief.

     For many years I would react out of my own insecurities, wounds and issues from my past and not even realize what I was doing.  The enemy took full advantage of my weaknesses, hurts and fears to keep me in bondage and blinded from the truth.  He took the rejection I had experienced and magnified it through more hurtful words and more rejection. I found myself always on the defensive unable to see my own faults and would blame the other person thinking there was nothing wrong with them.  Many times I found myself running from that relationship to get away from the trauma so I didn't have to face the hurt anymore.  I walked around so devastated and traumatized that I truly was as one walking around but dead emotionally.  But thank God, one day the Holy Spirit revealed to me that by running from the hurt and not facing my issues I was delaying the healing process.  And in order for me to be well and whole I knew I would have to face some things head on and not cower back like I had always done before. 

     During this time of healing, the Holy Spirit lead me to Proverbs 21:2 that really opened up my eyes and here is what it says:

          Verse 2:  Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord pondereth the heart.

     You see, my problem was my heart.  Yes, those that hurt me were wrong in what they said and in how they hurt me, but bottom line was that I had to take a long hard look at myself and allow the Holy spirit to show me where I was wrong and be assured, He did.

     The Holy Spirit helped me to be able to look beyond there hurtful words and understand why they had reacted towards me in such a hurtful way.  I found out that people will either:

     1.  Speak out of their own hurts, rejections and unresolved issues.
     2.  Speak out of anger, because of unforgiveness, bitterness and resentment in their lives.
     3.  Speak out of their own pride and a haughty spirit.
     4.  Speak out in a defensive way, because of their own insecurities.

     Remember:  Hurting people will always end up hurting other hurting people and the cycle will go on until they are healed, delivered and set free.

     These that I have listed are all issues of the heart.  And whatever effects the heart, effects the soul, the spirit, the mind and emotions of a man.  All through Proverbs the Word of God tells us what words will do, what they will cause, what to do with the heart and how words effect the heart, soul and spirit of a man. Proverbs tells us to:

     Proverbs 4:20-23  Attend to my words, incline thine ear unto my sayings, keep then in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them and health to all there flesh.  Keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life.
                              
     Proverbs 12:25  Heaviness in the heart of man makes it stoop.

     Proverbs 18:14  The Spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity, but a wounded spirit who can bear.

     Proverbs 16:24  Pleasent words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones.

     Proverbs 17:22  A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
               
     Let's go to Proverbs 18:21 that plainly states:  Death and Life are in the power of the tongue.

     What do these words "Death" and "Life" mean to us?  "Death" and "Life" to what?  Answer: "Death" or "Life" to the Spirit, Soul and the Heart of man.

     The word "Death" we find in Proverbs relates to a deadly wound or strike.  And an example would be a fiery dart that the enemy sends to wound our heart; that effects our soul and strikes a blow at our spirit. These are the wounds from the enemy that are meant to stop you from growing, maturing and fulfilling God's plan for your life.  How many times has a word wounded you so deeply that you thought you would die from the pain?  And the enemy would replay the hurt over and over in your mind and you found yourself unable to move forward in your life? If the enemy can keep you paralyze in your past then he has won the battle with his words of death.

     Proverbs 12:18 says it so well:  There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

     And what does the word "Life" mean?  The Greek word for "Life" is "Zoe" and is life in all its manifestation, life in activity.  It is resurrection life and eternal life.  It comes from a root word that means: To revive, keep, quicken, recover and to be whole.

In John 1: 1-4 tells us:
  Verse 1: In the beginning (before all time) was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (Himself)
  Verse 2: He was present originally with God.
  Verse 3: All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that was made that has come into being.
  Verse 4: In Him was "LIFE", and the Life was the Light of men.

     Ok, we know that the Word here is referring to Jesus being the Word, but there is a two fold meaning of this word.

     1.  Christ being the "Word", and the "Word" becoming flesh that would bring "Life" to all men.
     2.  The verbal words being spoken and the words becoming and bringing "Life"

Ponder this:  One spoken word can either bring peace or confusion....love or hate....hope or despair....faith or doubt.  What kind of words will you speak today?

Next week Part III

Blessings,

Elma Garlock