Jezebel New & Improved!

Pastors! Leaders!

There is a spirit loose that seeks to monopolize your time, your energy and your resources. This spirit manifests itself as helpless and needy. But once it draws you in, it is the furthest thing from helpless or needy. Instead it is strong-willed, stubborn, unrepentant, controlling and manipulative. It's Jezebel...new and improved for the 20th century church.

A few facts about Jezebel:

• Married Ahab king of Israel (1 Kings 16:31)
  
• FAITHFUL idol worshiper (1 Kings 16:31)
• Enemy of God and His prophets (1 Kings 18:4; 1 Kings 19:1-2)
  
• Murderer and master manipulator (1 Kings 22:6-15)
  
• Unwilling to repent (Revelations 2:20)

This manifestation of Jezebel comes to you hurt and wounded and seeks your counsel and wisdom. They say they desire deliverance; they say they want healing. Oh if this were only true! In Revelations chapter two, the word declares that Jezebel calls herself a prophetess; this is what she calls herself and not what Holy Spirit has declared. So Jezie comes with a self-proclaimed title and a seat in the church.

What this new and improved manifestation of Jezie wants is YOU. She wants your time, she wants your anointing, she wants your attention all of the time. She wants to distract you from the work you were called to do.

The moment you start to pour, you'll discover that the issues are many and deep. There is layer after layer, each more offensive and putrid than the next. You'll pray, you'll minister and eventually the word repent will surface. But that word is rejected. Instead Jezie will continue her tirade of a past deemed unfair and you realize there is no end to the drama. Before you know it; you're spent. Jezie got what she wanted. You. She tied you up and now you're consumed.

Jezie has no regard for your calling. She only seeks to monopolize your time with God, family and the body of Christ. She'll drain you of your resources spiritually and naturally. Ministering to Jezie is equivalent to taking the talent Holy Spirit placed in you and burying it in dry, infertile ground. You'll never see fruit because Jezie is unwilling to repent. She wants to stop the move of God in the earth; she's sent to stop the advancement of the Kingdom through you. Healing is not her goal. Wholeness is not her desire.

Leaders don't be fooled by the shroud of meekness and helplessness! This manifestation pulls at your heart because you truly don't want to see God's people wounded. You desire they walk in healing and wholeness.

Holy Spirit once showed me myself bent over in a corner trying to console this loud, whiny, obnoxious thing. It would not be consoled! The more I tried to help, the louder it became. Holy Spirit slowly stood me straight up and I turned around with a strong awareness that there was something else I needed to tend too. And it wasn't the loud, whiny thing in the corner demanding my attention. It was a distraction. The real work, the greater work was elsewhere and I needed to focus on that.

So today I offer this prayer on your behalf.

I pray that when this manifestation of Jezebel calls your phone, walks in your church, or sends you a friend request, that alarms, bells and whistles go off in your spirit! I pray that you walk in wisdom and hear God clearly and proceed only as He leads. I pray you see and discern on greater levels! And if you're caught in Jezie's web I pray for your immediate release right now in Jesus' name!

There's work to do man and woman of God.

Don't get thrown by Jezie's new manifestation.

It's something old wrapped in something not so new.

Be blessed,

Pastor Lisa

You Really Should Get Out More

Being a new pastor with a new ministry to look after, we sometimes can pigeon hole ourselves and narrow our vision to just our local church. It happens. Especially if you're currently independent and not connected to an organization.

Last year, my husband and I made the commitment to get out more. The ministry receives hundreds of unsolicited emails from marketing firms who added us to their lists without our consent (yes, this is a pet peeve of mine...lol). They promote all kinds of events; from church plays to prophetic conferences and end-time revivals. So where do we go?

One, trust Holy Spirit to lead. Last month, I received an email from someone I knew about an upcoming event. I forwarded the email to my beloved and suggested we go. What a phenomenal experience! The word says that if we acknowledge Him in all of our ways, He'd direct our paths. There's so much to glean and benefit when we fellowship. Sometimes it's a lesson on what not to do that's equally beneficial. But most times, it's a beautiful display of the body of Christ working as one just like Jesus prayed in John 17.

Part of the blessing of connecting with other believers, especially those who may worship different than you, is that you get a clearer picture of just how big God is. You understand that God is GLOBAL and that kingdom business is WORLDWIDE. Fellowship with other kingdom-minded believers force you to broaden your concept of ministry. Yes we're called to a local ministry but through fellowship, you see how it's all connected by the same Spirit and your ministry fits into God's much bigger plan. It's awesome.

So this year, ask Holy Spirit to lead you. Get out more! It will bless you!

Heads up!

Every once in awhile at NPNC, we come across great word for leaders by different authors. Prophetess Karen Pina has graciously agreed to let us feature an article that is sure to enlighten! Enjoy!
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When you are the real deal, people come out of the wood works trying to get you to hear God for them on their supposedly God-ordained projects. Then you tell them what God says and it's not what they want to hear because they and their projects are filled with compromise.

So many in the body of Christ want you to relate to them the way they want you to relate to and with them and not the way God intends. Search your relationships; revisit the original intent and purposes of why God allowed you to come into one another's life. If you see any signs of self-imposed veering off that original path, gently call a time out and redirect them/the relationship back onto God's course. If they cannot be redirected, they sure won't obey God in keeping to the original intents and purposes of the relationship or projects.

It's time to shift out of using relationships for what we want, think, and can get out them into what God desires/wants in relationships. This is the way to truly connect with others. When we try to force our will and desire upon the relationship, we rob God of glory and others of genuine fellowship,

One more thing when/if the season of the assignment/purpose is over, and God has released you or the other person, exert wisdom and let it go. When you try to hold on to someone beyond the assignment/purpose, you are operating in witchcraft (defined as the bending/twisting of the will). When God will is done in the relationship, don't tamper, manipulate, coerce, desire, or force anyone to stay.

Now there are some relationships that will transcend the assignment/purpose into deeper fellowships of brotherly love and deep friendships. How we praise God for these! At the same time, every relationship can't and won't fall into this category. It's time to discern the difference between the two.

Recently, I had to manage a couple of folk who were operating in witchcraft, emotional blackmail, guilt, and what I have come to call "Word whoopings" (i.e, using scripture to beat you, accuse you, and provoke you to a certain response).

Here are some tips to help you:

1) Set boundaries by asking yourself and them

What is the purpose of this call, visit, e-mail? Who sent you? How can I serve you? Once you have clarity on this, serve, meet the need, and move on to the next need/assignment. Naturally if they were not sent by God, your approach will be different. What I've learned to do is ask God, "How do you want me to deal with this distraction from hell?" Listen and heed what He says and do it! Now, you know they will most likely call, e-mail, or visit again, repeat this asking/listening process until they flee.

2) Limit access: (i.e., contact information)

I don't know about you but I'm a busy bride . . . always about my Father's business. I don't have time for time wasters, professing powerless Christians, mundane, mediocre and moldy agendas, bullheadedness, roots of resistance, striving, and worry. When I see this stuff oozing out the spirit of folks, I limit the access they have to me, and so should you. When you've given the Word time and time again, and they resist God, why do they need direct access to you when they won't allow God direct access to the "stuff" they keep holding onto?

3) Put it writing

It is written! As God leads consider putting your purpose, assignment and release in writing. This way everyone is clear about God intents, purpose, and His timely release. I don't want good to be spoken of as evil. When folks can't manipulate or coerce you, they retaliate by committing murder with their mouths and actions. When it is in writing, you have established God's heart, purpose, and the truth nothing but the truth so help you God. There are some folks who thrive off ministry bashing, name destroying, and love to keep some stuff going in ministry. Truly, this is about the only excitement they have. Because God's glory is nowhere around, they conjure up attention and excitement the only dysfunctional way they know how. You've told them time and time again, everything is okay, you are forgiven, etc., but as sure as your name is ___________, they are going to make it something that it is not. Who have they been listening to? Certainly, not God.

True ministry leaders, this is your heads up from Holy Spirit! Everyone wants to cling to the real deal; it's your role to discern why and what for.

I want to serve the LORD in the beauty of holiness. How about you? Unity dwells in the beauty of holiness. When we seek God in our interactions (what to say, when to call, what not to say) with others in the body, strife and contention cease. The bible clearly tells us in James that quarrels, arguments, and fights stem from our own lusts. So, if you are always upset with a particular ministry leader God brought into your life, find out what you are lusting for and you will have identified the root of the source of struggle and contention. God told me this today: I assure you all is well, nothing is missing, nothing is broken, and wholeness abounds in all relationships established by the Kingdom of God. Stay away from folk who find something wrong with every project, everything, everybody, and every ministry. They are in league with and committed allegiance to the demonic spirit named: Wrong Focus!

For then [changing their impure language] I will give to the people a clear and pure speech from pure lips, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one unanimous consent and one united shoulder [bearing the yoke of the Lord]. - Zephaniah 3:9 AMP

For then will I turn to the peoples a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve Him with one consent. Zeph 3:9 Tanakh

Heads up: This time is now, and it is time to be united with those who serve with one unanimous consent, purpose, with pure speech calling on the LORD out of pure heart, and those who are bearing the LORD’s yoke, not their own yoke.

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63 KJV

It is the Spirit who gives life, the flesh is no help. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life, - John 6:63 The Complete Jewish Bible

With wisdom, glory, and riches,

Prophetess Karen

© Gifts Ordained by Direction/Karen M. Pina 2009

Brief Bio

KAREN M. PINA

International coach trainer, author, and minister Karen M. Pina has been creatively writing for over 15 years. She is author of the well-received Leadership FITness - Experiencing Fullness in The Temple, Is it the job, the boss, you . . . or are you an entrepreneur?, The Making, creator of the One-Stop Marketing Program, and founder of Gifts Ordained by Direction and GOD’s Coach U, a training and coaching practice. She is the virtuous wife of Stanley Pina, a leadership coach and pastor. They live in Connecticut where they raise two beautiful daughters.

We are unable to comply with your request

Recently, a well-known comedian was interviewed on Christian TV and he had a request of the people of God, the Christian community. He asked us to "broaden the little white line" because there were lots of cats who wanted to be a Christian; only if it were not for that little white line.

Sorry, the remnant is unable to comply with your request.

First, the line is not ours to broaden and woe to them who have attempted to do so! This is called compromise and the reason I believe for so many profane things being named among God's people and foolishness taking place in God's house. I believe compromise breeds Christians who are still unsure about how they feel about Jesus and lack commitment after spending years in the church.

Matthew 7: 13-14 says, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." KJV

The little white narrow line has been painted by God himself. We all have to enter the Kingdom the same way - on the little white narrow line. The young rich ruler struggled with the white line when Jesus told him that he lacked one thing. In order to be perfect, he - the young ruler - needed to sell all that he had and give to the poor. Scripture says the young man went away sorrowful because he was a wealthy man.

The attack on holiness is real.

The allure to compromise is great and the benefits appear tantalizing but succumbing to these lies continue to strip the church of power and effectiveness!

We must continue to stand for holiness, preach the little white line till Jesus comes back for His bride, pure and undefiled!

People who live in countries hostile to Christianity make the life or death decision to serve Jesus and give up everything to serve Him all the time. Some are tortured, some are disowned by their families for taking on the name of Jesus, and some even die. They don't ask that the little white line be broadened to accommodate their situations. They bear their cross and have made the decision to live and to die for Jesus. The apostles after having being beat and stoned, praised God because they had been found worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ. They went away rejoicing.

Peter told Jesus, we have left everything to follow you. Jesus then replied there is no man who has given up all these things that won't receive many times over in this life and the life to come.

Jesus said to count the cost; evaluate what it will take for you to serve Jesus exclusively and then make the decision. If the something or someone else means more, no commitment will be made. The call to discipleship always requires a forsaking, a denial of the life you once knew. If you're not ready, you're just not ready.

Broadening the little white line does little to produce Christians who are uncompromising and unwavering in their faith. It creates a mess for the Body of Christ.

So the request to broaden the little white line is declined.

It's not ours to broaden and broad roads lead to death and destruction.

I encourage you to seek out that narrow white line and find life everlasting.

Keep preaching the little white line,

Pastor Lisa

A Few Things I've Learned

As we come to the end of another year, I've been reflecting on all the lessons I learned. It has been a year of tremendous growth! That growth came much like the struggle of the butterfly out of its cocoon and now my family and the ministry have emerged into this thing of beauty.

I wanted to share two things Holy Spirit revealed this year in regard to ministry.

The first is to realize that a move of God occurs in many different ways. I know sometimes God will move among us in such a profound way that that particular movement becomes the pinnacle and we box God into moving that way everytime. I remember reading once that many worship the form or idea of worship and lose sight of the Savior in the process. I know this much, that God is a God of variety! So what He desires from one Sunday to the next is certain to vary. And if God's people collectively worship in Spirit and Truth, then you have had a move of God! Don't box God in...period! Remember we are not looking for sensationalism but a worship experience that honors the Holy One and changes us in the process!

The second thing God revealed was in regard to counseling. There are certain behaviors that are textbook. Meaning the thought process of an abusive spouse, the mindset of the abused have been thoroughly noted in books, articles, research papers and so on. Even though some things are textbook, each situation is different and must be dealt with accordingly. There are no cookie-cutter solutions. You must take the time to truly listen and hear Holy Spirit for direction. To presuppose and dispense instruction without fully understanding the particulars for that case leads to error and disappointment. So while some of the symptoms may indeed be textbook, how you respond and give counsel should vary from person to person. It's so easy to get caught up in the fact that we've seen this before and here's how to handle it. Give each situation the prayer and wisdom of the Holy Spirit called for.

I hope you benefit from the lessons I learned this year and feel free to share your own in the comments section below.

Stay encouraged men and women of God!

Pastor Lisa

The Gift of Time Off

Man and woman of God, did you know that the nation recognizes and appreciates you during the month of October?

I didn't either! I discovered this fact about two years ago.

A good friend of mine recently blogged that being a pastor was the second most stressful job a person could have. Dentistry topped the list if you were curious.

So if you have not heard it already, let me say that I appreciate your allowing God to use you to serve His people. I appreciate you as a co-laborer of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For all you have endured, all you go through, for standing for holiness and righteousness, for all you pour out, and for all you sacrifice, I appreciate you!

This same friend of mine is currently running a blog series entitled, Just Say It. It's all the things pastors wish they could say to their congregation but wait for out-of-town evangelist to do so. You can read the series at www.deannashrodes.com.

One of the best ways a congregation can appreciate their leaders and their families is with time off. Yes, rest! It is so true that unless one is a leader, people have no idea of what you go through and endure on a daily basis. That is why rest and time away is the gift that keeps on giving.

My husband and I have served as pastors for four years and we have not taken time off, yet. Understand that for the church plant, the ministry with 30 people or less, this is difficult to do. Not impossible, just challenging.

Time off is not optional, it is a requirement and preferably outside the city you serve!

You need time with your spouse!

You need time with your family!

And then you need time for you.

I realized this as my body began to revolt from the stress of it all.

Downtime is needed for your health and sanity. And if you are like me and the other millions of Americans who have trouble sleeping because the mind refuses to shut down; you really need to unplug.

I could run down a list of pastors who in their prime, 30s and 40s, died suddenly because they didn't take care of themselves.

Jesus and the disciples even took a moment or two to rest. Mimic your elder brother Jesus Christ and take a moment to exhale!

With October being the month to appreciate clergy, I have the perfect suggestion for those scouring the Internet trying to find the perfect gift for their leaders -- paid time off! Put the family up in a hotel for a weekend outside the city! Do it frequently so that the man and woman of God can continue to pour.

Pastors, bishops, apostles, prophets, evangelists, elders; you are appreciated today. My prayer is that peace overtake you, favor find you and rest restores you.

You deserve it.

Love you much,

Pastor Lisa

What's with the Long-Handled Spoon?

Moses was responsible for leading some three million people upon their exodus from Egypt. No doubt this was a daunting task. Moses would spend his day hearing the matters of all the people and consulting God on their behalf. His father-in-law Jethro told him that it was not good nor was it healthy to continue to lead the people in that manner. According to Exodus 18, Jethro instructed Moses to do the following:

1. Teach the people the ordinances and statutes of God; in other words, show them how to walk.
2. After teaching the people, Moses was to appoint men, not just anyone but men who 1) fear God, 2) are truthful and 3) are not covetous or who take bribes to assist him in governing the people.

Because Moses followed the instruction of his father-in-law, he was able to concentrate on weightier matters and hear from God. Moses had to delegate or outsource his tasks. He needed able bodies to help carry the vision. So he taught the people and sent them out to carry out the business of governing the people of Israel. It was near impossible for Moses to have personal contact with approximately three million people.

Elijah and Elisha - Elisha left his family to become Elijah’s servant and attend to his needs. He watched his teacher, learned from him and when we see Elijah taken up to heaven, Elisha calls him, “My father, my father.” This speaks of more than just teacher-student relationship. Their relationship evolved into that of father and son like we see in the New Testament.

Jesus and the Apostles - Jesus hand selected 12 men to be his disciples. He ate with them, taught them, empowered them, sent them out, got frustrated with them, and encouraged them. This type of leadership is very hands on. It’s the kind of relationship you have with those who will succeed you. You pour into them, you teach, you correct, and in the end, you have people who are committed and passionate about the God-inspired vision and purpose.

Paul and his sons Timothy and Titus - The Apostle Paul was a father figure to Timothy and Titus. He instructed them, prayed for them, spent time with them and eventually sent them out to take care of Kingdom business.

Jonathon and David - These two men were friends and brothers. Jonathon knew David would eventually take the throne one day from his father Saul so he prepared David for the palace. Again this was an intimate relationship. This wasn’t David paying Jonathon $1500 for a Learn How To Be King One Day course.

Wondering where I am going with this?

In the examples cited, the nature of the relationships was hands on. The teacher was involved in the life of his pupil. Paul knew Timothy’s mother and grandmother; he knew that Timothy was struggling as a leader because of his age and so on. Timothy and Titus were Paul’s spiritual sons and they interacted as such.

What I do not understand is how today’s spiritual leaders think they can teach and impart into spiritual sons and daughters and not be close or hands on if you will. I truly do not understand this. They want to lead this intimate group as if they are Moses dealing with millions. They have all kinds of buffers in place and levels of bureaucracy for a group of people with whom they are supposed to disciple, teach, and impart into. It makes about as much sense as me trying to rear my children while living on the moon.

It is a phenomenon that leaves many sons and daughters a bit lost and confused. They serve faithfully in a ministry, the call of God on their lives is evident and they are ignored by leadership or are fed with a long-handled spoon. Now these are not people who want to simply get what you have and are gone tomorrow; these are true sons and daughters.

If I had to speculate as to why this is so, I would guess unresolved hurt and insecurity to be the main enemies. Maybe they have no idea how to be a spiritual parent and so they avoid anything that would expose this perceived weakness. But what first time parent knows what they are doing? Some leaders surround themselves with an air of grandeur and self-importance even with their spiritual sons and daughters. It would be easier to call a meeting with the Secretary of State than to schedule face time with these leaders. Then some leaders have no intention of training a successor because the ministry is all about them anyway.

The biblical examples stated above were based on love. There was no abuse. Fathers and teachers poured into willing sons and students. They gave of themselves because they knew the call was bigger than their personal ministry. It really was about advancing the Kingdom of God; His purpose and His agenda. The passing of this Great Message from one generation to the next must continue and it is up to leaders to impart and empower those who will succeed them. And you can’t do that with a long-handled spoon.

Man and woman of God, don't be afraid of these God-ordained relationships that require high levels of intimacy. Will you get frustrated in the process? Yes. (Read about it here.) Will you always have the right answer? Probably not. But by pouring into those God has ordained to you, the Kingdom of God advances and in the end, that's all it's truly about.

Continue the good fight man and woman of God.

You're taking territory!