I attended a women's conference over 30 years ago, and this teaching below was given by a very anointed speaker; who was also called to intercession, as I have been. What she spoke in this session was powerful, blunt, and as it says in Hebrews; "a two-edged sword". Heb 4:12
It was not taken well by many; it was too hard to listen to, because it hit home and few were willing to learn and be corrected by it. It's even more relevant today, and I surmise even fewer will be willing to examine themselves and allow scripture to correct them. But, what God anoints is forever, whether it's received or not. The Holy Ghost prompted me to post this, it may be for only one person; I pray He uses it to speak to that one, and let God deal with them, and mold them, for His glory.
The Self Life:
When we are called to serve the Lord, in any capacity, but especially in the areas of leadership, and deep intercession for nations, and individual's, He begins us on a journey that lasts the rest of our lives of allowing Him to examine us, convict us of area's we need to repent of, and change our direction. He does this in order to make us useful vessels of honor, that he can trust, and use to the maximum, for His glory. When we learn to cooperate with Him, we begin to see doors open and situations change, and prayers answered that is evident that only God could have done. In order to come to this place, He deals with our inner life, and shows us ourselves, as He sees us.
He never shows us more than we can handle at one time, but sometimes he does bring us to the place where we almost vomit, as we are shown our hearts; and what is really in there. He doesn't do this to destroy us, but to cause us to want to change, to be so sick of ourselves that we are willing to do what it will take to be cleansed by the Holy Spirit. Walking in holiness does not guarantee no problems, no trials, no suffering. What it changes is our hearts, and it opens a door in the Spirit. We know His presence in power, we see our prayers answered, our faith increases, our strength increases in the Spirit realm. We are given more responsibilities, and shown things other's can't see, as He knows we can be trusted with more.
But, what are the things that are revealed to us, and what will we see in other's, as we press in, and pray for greater discernment in the inner life?
There are signs of those living for self, the list below are some.
The Holy Ghost will reveal more; as we are able to bear it. As these are revealed, we will be tested to see if we will remain faithful, or turn away.
SIGNS OF THE SELF LIFE
1. Self will; a stubborn unteachable spirit, biting criticizing spirit, arguing spirit, driving commanding spirit, a peevish spirit.
Note: There are times when it may seem someone is like this, when they are actually standing in righteousness against sin. It takes going to prayer, and discernment to realize what we are truly seeing. This is an important area where you cannot always discern by outward appearances.
2. Carnal fear; a manfearing spirit. Afraid to be obedient to God before men, no matter what the result.
There are times God may ask us to do something for Him, even if we know, and He shows us it will fail. If we won't do it, we will be set aside, and He will find someone who will, who is willing to pay the cost. If you don't believe God calls people to this extent; please read and study the Old Testament prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and allow God to speak to you through them. God has not changed; he will do as He wishes, and with whom he chooses.
We want to reason around our cross, we are exhibiting fearfulness of what other's will think. We also are afraid of offending an "important person", someone we want to impress. We show a compromising spirit.
A sign of someone truly called by God is fearlessness. They are not afraid of people, success, failure, or other's callings. They walk the walk God sets for them, no matter the consequences.
3. Jealous, competitive spirit; a disposition to find fault of the gifts and callings of other's, rather than appreciate and praise them. Actively setting out to destroy someone else's reputation or character, by gossip and slander. Not being willing to go to the person alone, face to face, and talk over a problem or issue.
Let's be honest, this is rampant in the body of Christ today. I look at myself diligently, to no allow this in me. It's a disease of the spirit, and detestable.
4. A deceitful, lying spirit; covering, distorting the truth. Exaggeration, embellishing, adding to the truth for selfish gain.
5. Stealing; no matter how small the amount, or the object.
6. Unbelief; A spirit of discouragement in times of pressure. Lack of quietness and confidence in God. A disposition to worry and complain in hard times.
We all find ourselves tempted in this area especially. I deal with it, and take my concerns to the Lord daily; to not allow the enemy any ground of depression in me. I do as David did, encouraged himself in the Lord. God has never failed me, He's always been there, and walked with me in every trial and battle; He's here now, and won't fail me now. We can count Him, He is faithful, when we are not.
7. Formality, deadness; lack of concern for lost souls. Many give lipservice of concern for the lost, but spend precious little time actually praying before God on their behalf, or witnessing to other's about Christ. It takes courage, and a willingness to pay the cost of rejection, persecution, and retaliation to openly proclaim Christ in public, many won't because of fear of man.
8. Hardness of heart; no concern of the pain of other's. No regard for what our actions may do to other's, even if they are already suffering. Someone who's words and actions reveal an abusive, antagonistic spirit. A person who intentionally does or says things to cause pain, suffering, or torment to another, physically or mentally. There are many Christians sitting in pews every Sunday, who are as cruel, and abusive as any unbeliever. They have learned to kill people with their tongues, with cunning and skill.
Unbeliever's do this to such an extent today, that it is evident that once again we are in "as the days of Noah."
Gen 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
9. Love of money; the underlying motive for a persons actions, work, and living. Today, every aspect of life is involved with this driving ambition.
10. Love of ease; unwilling to put forth the work involved to prosper, or maintain one's responsibilities.
In this area, again it's important to use discernment. Is the person disabled? Are they seniors, battling a serious illness, trauma, or disease?
If someone is called to a life of intercession; looking within, and examining ourselves is part of the calling. But, not just in this realm, every believer in Christ should be open to allow the Holy Spirit to bring out to us the need to change, be willing to admit an area we should repent of and allow God to mold us into vessels of honor.
It becomes a temptation to look at everyone else and use this list to judge other's. This is not the purpose of this teaching. It is for an emphasis on me, and between God; and His dealing with me. In order that the calling He's placed on my life would grow, and He could trust me with greater responsibilities in the realm of intercession.
When we allow correction in our lives, we grow, mature, and God speaks things to us in secret, in order to know how to pray; because He knows we can be trusted to keep them.
Gen 18:17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
Psa 25:14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Lorna Couillard
It was not taken well by many; it was too hard to listen to, because it hit home and few were willing to learn and be corrected by it. It's even more relevant today, and I surmise even fewer will be willing to examine themselves and allow scripture to correct them. But, what God anoints is forever, whether it's received or not. The Holy Ghost prompted me to post this, it may be for only one person; I pray He uses it to speak to that one, and let God deal with them, and mold them, for His glory.
The Self Life:
When we are called to serve the Lord, in any capacity, but especially in the areas of leadership, and deep intercession for nations, and individual's, He begins us on a journey that lasts the rest of our lives of allowing Him to examine us, convict us of area's we need to repent of, and change our direction. He does this in order to make us useful vessels of honor, that he can trust, and use to the maximum, for His glory. When we learn to cooperate with Him, we begin to see doors open and situations change, and prayers answered that is evident that only God could have done. In order to come to this place, He deals with our inner life, and shows us ourselves, as He sees us.
He never shows us more than we can handle at one time, but sometimes he does bring us to the place where we almost vomit, as we are shown our hearts; and what is really in there. He doesn't do this to destroy us, but to cause us to want to change, to be so sick of ourselves that we are willing to do what it will take to be cleansed by the Holy Spirit. Walking in holiness does not guarantee no problems, no trials, no suffering. What it changes is our hearts, and it opens a door in the Spirit. We know His presence in power, we see our prayers answered, our faith increases, our strength increases in the Spirit realm. We are given more responsibilities, and shown things other's can't see, as He knows we can be trusted with more.
But, what are the things that are revealed to us, and what will we see in other's, as we press in, and pray for greater discernment in the inner life?
There are signs of those living for self, the list below are some.
The Holy Ghost will reveal more; as we are able to bear it. As these are revealed, we will be tested to see if we will remain faithful, or turn away.
SIGNS OF THE SELF LIFE
1. Self will; a stubborn unteachable spirit, biting criticizing spirit, arguing spirit, driving commanding spirit, a peevish spirit.
Note: There are times when it may seem someone is like this, when they are actually standing in righteousness against sin. It takes going to prayer, and discernment to realize what we are truly seeing. This is an important area where you cannot always discern by outward appearances.
2. Carnal fear; a manfearing spirit. Afraid to be obedient to God before men, no matter what the result.
There are times God may ask us to do something for Him, even if we know, and He shows us it will fail. If we won't do it, we will be set aside, and He will find someone who will, who is willing to pay the cost. If you don't believe God calls people to this extent; please read and study the Old Testament prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and allow God to speak to you through them. God has not changed; he will do as He wishes, and with whom he chooses.
We want to reason around our cross, we are exhibiting fearfulness of what other's will think. We also are afraid of offending an "important person", someone we want to impress. We show a compromising spirit.
A sign of someone truly called by God is fearlessness. They are not afraid of people, success, failure, or other's callings. They walk the walk God sets for them, no matter the consequences.
3. Jealous, competitive spirit; a disposition to find fault of the gifts and callings of other's, rather than appreciate and praise them. Actively setting out to destroy someone else's reputation or character, by gossip and slander. Not being willing to go to the person alone, face to face, and talk over a problem or issue.
Let's be honest, this is rampant in the body of Christ today. I look at myself diligently, to no allow this in me. It's a disease of the spirit, and detestable.
4. A deceitful, lying spirit; covering, distorting the truth. Exaggeration, embellishing, adding to the truth for selfish gain.
5. Stealing; no matter how small the amount, or the object.
6. Unbelief; A spirit of discouragement in times of pressure. Lack of quietness and confidence in God. A disposition to worry and complain in hard times.
We all find ourselves tempted in this area especially. I deal with it, and take my concerns to the Lord daily; to not allow the enemy any ground of depression in me. I do as David did, encouraged himself in the Lord. God has never failed me, He's always been there, and walked with me in every trial and battle; He's here now, and won't fail me now. We can count Him, He is faithful, when we are not.
7. Formality, deadness; lack of concern for lost souls. Many give lipservice of concern for the lost, but spend precious little time actually praying before God on their behalf, or witnessing to other's about Christ. It takes courage, and a willingness to pay the cost of rejection, persecution, and retaliation to openly proclaim Christ in public, many won't because of fear of man.
8. Hardness of heart; no concern of the pain of other's. No regard for what our actions may do to other's, even if they are already suffering. Someone who's words and actions reveal an abusive, antagonistic spirit. A person who intentionally does or says things to cause pain, suffering, or torment to another, physically or mentally. There are many Christians sitting in pews every Sunday, who are as cruel, and abusive as any unbeliever. They have learned to kill people with their tongues, with cunning and skill.
Unbeliever's do this to such an extent today, that it is evident that once again we are in "as the days of Noah."
Gen 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
9. Love of money; the underlying motive for a persons actions, work, and living. Today, every aspect of life is involved with this driving ambition.
10. Love of ease; unwilling to put forth the work involved to prosper, or maintain one's responsibilities.
In this area, again it's important to use discernment. Is the person disabled? Are they seniors, battling a serious illness, trauma, or disease?
If someone is called to a life of intercession; looking within, and examining ourselves is part of the calling. But, not just in this realm, every believer in Christ should be open to allow the Holy Spirit to bring out to us the need to change, be willing to admit an area we should repent of and allow God to mold us into vessels of honor.
It becomes a temptation to look at everyone else and use this list to judge other's. This is not the purpose of this teaching. It is for an emphasis on me, and between God; and His dealing with me. In order that the calling He's placed on my life would grow, and He could trust me with greater responsibilities in the realm of intercession.
When we allow correction in our lives, we grow, mature, and God speaks things to us in secret, in order to know how to pray; because He knows we can be trusted to keep them.
Gen 18:17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
Psa 25:14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Lorna Couillard
