Are You An Inbred Christian?

One of the things that has plagued the church today is what I call the "Inbred Christian". What is meant by this? It happens when a church, congregation or an individual believer has no more relation to the outside world, but instead has its own "Christian Churchy Culture". When believers do this, they end up segregating themselves from the very world that needs their influence the most. And what one doesn't know is that you can get so into the "Christian culture", that you can actually lose your connection with the Spirit of the Lord, miss your purpose, and eventually become weaker.

See, if you’re not stepping out and taking new ground for the Lord, advancing the Gospel and sharing it with unbelievers, you are at risk of becoming an inbred Christian. Why did YHVH-God eventually ban inbreeding in the Torah? Because genetically it led to weakened immune systems, which made one to be more vulnerable to diseases, and if you're diseased, you cannot survive.

If you keep a child in a dirt and germ free environment for years, what will happen once that child visits the outside world? They will become deathly ill because their body will not know how to cope and fight off infection. The same thing happens with us the spirit realm. The Lord did not call us out of darkness, into the light to only stay in the light. What's the point? Do you go home at night and turn on every light in the house to see? What is the benefit of a hundred lights being in the same room? None. But if you turn on one light in the midst of the darkness, well then, now it's worth goes a long way. When you only hang out with the light, you can forget where you came from and what the whole point was. Jesus tells us that the whole point of being the light of the world is so that our light shines before men that the Father will be glorified (Matthew 5:14-16). See Christ was the light that shine in the darkness (John 1:4-5); this was His purpose of coming. But the Pharisees couldn't comprehend this, and they criticized Him for mingling with the poor, the sick, whores, tax collectors, murders, drunks and the Gentiles. They missed the point; it was for the sick that He came; for those who had lost their way in the dark. He was and is the light that shines in the darkness so that those who are lost can now see their way. It’s the fallow ground that bears the most fruit. Fruit trees next to fruit trees are not going to get picked. The fruit will eventually rot and fall to the ground; a waste.

It's time to come out of our "inbred" state of mind. Instead of sitting around the table debating about denominations, feasts, Sabbaths, my church, my pastor, race, which you should eat or drink, or how should you clothe yourselves, we should be out in the field, reaping the harvest; reaching "The Least of These" mentioned in Matthew 25:31-46. Get out of your comfort zone and begin transforming the areas that have not been touched yet. The Spirit of the Lord cannot be exercised to its fullest in your life while in a comfort zone.

Spiritual Food For Thought
Mena Lee Grebin
Faithful Walk Healing Ministries

The One Who Inhabits Eternity...

For Thus Saith the High and lofty One that inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones". -Isaiah 57:15

The word 'inhabits" in Hebrew is 'shakan', which means to lodge, stay or dwell; to camp out in a tent. YHVH-God sets up His tent in eternity; for He owns eternity. When we set up a tent here on earth, we do it all at once; in that moment of time and space. But God's tent spans across eternity. In Him, all eternity, past, present and future, are as one. All of our time in this in between thing called life, is covered by the presence of Almighty God. 

      

The Lord continues in this scripture by saying that He dwells in the high and holy place; with those who have a contrite (which means repentant or chastened) and humble spirit. So the One who inhabits eternity is saying that those who are humble and repentant will also dwell with Him, and He with them...in eternity. Psalm 91:1 tells us that "he who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty". Both Isaiah 57:15 and Psalm 91:1 are interconnected. In order to dwell with and in the presence of the Almighty, you must come up to the high and holy place. And His place, His tent, covers all things; but you must come up. You cannot dwell in the low and dark places where the dirt and creatures lie; you must come up! You must come up to where the eagles soar and nest. And how do you get there? With a repentant heart and a humbled spirit. There, you will find Him; there is where you will find rest...His Shalom, and He said, there, is where He will revive you. 

Have you allowed the sins of your past to hold you captive? Have you allowed your circumstances to define your present and your future? Go to the high and holy place; and instead of allowing life, people and the enemy to define you, let God Almighty define you; let Him set you free, for He came to set the captive free. YHVH-God is greater than your past, present and future because He is a part of your past, present and future. So do not fear what your physical eyes see, or cannot see; trust the one who gave you sight in the first place, and know that He is already there. He has already set up a tent over your eternity...so abide in Him. 

Spiritual Food For Thought

Shalom

Mena Lee Grebin

Faithful Walk Healing Ministries 

Tis' The Season?

It's interesting that at the same time, every year, the same people come out of their caves and from underneath their rocks, stretching their wings; the Sadducees, the Pharisees and the Atheists.

If the "Holiday Season" was so evil, then why has Satan worked so hard to have it removed, discredited, abolished or persecuted? Last time I checked, the scriptures stated that Satan will not come against Satan.

Personally, this is my favorite time of the year. For me, it is another opportunity to give thanks for all that the Father has given, and to share with the lost the reason why Christ came into the world. I have found that more souls have come to Christ in sharing the story of His reason, then condemning those for celebrating it for mere argument of it's inaccuracy in date. I've always stood on "to each, it's own" and as individuals filled with the Holy Spirit, we must obey our convictions. I, for instance, have never had a Christmas tree in my home. My children don't even know what that's like. But I grew up with them in my parent's house, and it didn't make my mother any less of a powerful woman of God, than she is today. So dare I walk into a home of another believer, or unbeliever and condemn them for such? Who am I? Perhaps the most important question is; does it determine one's salvation? The answer is no.

Last night, I asked my kids what did they want to do, or where did they want to go for the Holiday Season. Their response was that they wanted to find families who couldn't afford a Christmas for their children, and bless them. So we agreed to find families this year, preferably unbelievers, so that we can share the love of Christ and minister His word while physically filling a void.

Remember; Christ condemns no one. Always obey the voice of the Lord for yourself, because only you will stand before Him. Educate those who lack knowledge; don't ridicule, slander, reject or condemn; this is not love. More importantly, remember that you were not called out of darkness into the light to only hang out in the light. You were brought into to light so that His light in you will be taken back into the darkness to shine. What value does light have with light? None. It is the light that shines in the darkness that brings forth life. So take every opportunity to make a difference. Time is short; the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.

Romans 5:19-21 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Season's Greetings
Mena Lee Grebin
Faithful Walk Healing Ministries

Satan's Purpose In Your Life...

The scriptures tell us that all things work together for good to those who love God, and to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). But in Matthew 4:1, we are told that the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tested by the devil. So does this mean that Satan plays an important role in fulfilling our purpose? Absolutely!

We need to know that the Father uses all things; even that which is evil, for His good purpose. YHVH-God is in control of all things, and everything is under His control. In Isaiah 45:7, the Lord says, "I formed the light, and created the darkness. I make peace (Shalom) and create chaos (Ra)." So even Satan is used by YHVH-God, because He created him as well. Satan is not a creator, he is the creation; which means he has an end, for all creation will come to an end. So we need not to fear that which has an end. Fear and reverence the one who is constant and eternal.

Jesus was lead into the wilderness to be tested by Satan. This was done so that He would come out of it approved for ministry. So the purpose of coming face-to-face with the enemy was to prepare Christ for His purpose and ministry. Thus, we can conclude that YHVH-God used even the devil to prepare His Son.

We as Saints must know that in life, we WILL be attacked by the enemy; we will go through trails, tribulations and temptations, just like Christ did (in fact, the very reason Christ is our perfect mediator and High Priest to the Father is because He faced all of the same trails and testings as we do, yet He did not sin -Hebrews 4:15). However, know that YHVH-God will use all of these things, even the attacks of the enemy, for your purpose, and for the good. He will use these things to make you grow, to conform you to His image, and to prepare you for the ministry and the purpose that He has placed in you.

So when you go through trials, tribulations, or tests, remember it’s not to destroy you. It is there for your refinement, and purification. Remember; God is faithful. He will not allow the test to be more than you can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). If you're being faced with it, then He has already equipped you with all that you need to get through it. So pass the test. It is written; "And they overcame the devil by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; they that loved not their lives, even unto death (Revelation 12:11). Every ministry begins with a testimony; and the testimony begins with you passing the test.

Spiritual Food For Thought

Shabbat Shalom
Mena Lee Grebin
Faithful Walk Healing Ministries

You Were Born For A Time Such As This...

Many in the Body of Christ (not just those in the church), have noticed a spike in trails, tribulations and testing in the past month or two. Many are battling in their homes, on their jobs, in marriages, with their children, in their communities, and even within the church. We're seeing an increase in persecution that in some cases have come from the very ones that we break bread with. This has pushed many of us further into our prayer closets, deeper into worship, and even inspired more of us to fast.

So what is happening? Even I found myself in a sabbatical during the month of August, asking the Lord what in the world was going on in the spirit realm. A little over a week ago, the Spirit of the Lord fell heavy on me in the bathroom, and He began speaking to me. This is what He said;

"I am allowing my children to go through the fire; the refining fire. I am removing the gray areas, and those who dwell in it. The time of separation is at hand; the separation from the wheat and the tares, the sheep and the goats, the wise from the foolish. Those who embrace my refining fire will be moved to the light. But those who resist will be placed in the darkness. I AM the consuming fire, says The Lord of Hosts. Either you are for me, or you are against me. Those who are tried and refined as gold and silver, will give birth in the new season; the season of my holy fire."

We are living in perilous times saints. Things are not going to get better; they will continue to get worst. But we, as the Body of Christ have been chosen for a time such as this. Which means that we are equipped with what it takes to shine through the darkness. You will continue see people fall away. These people may even be the very ones that you love the most. But even then, you cannot allow yourself to be distracted. Peter walked on water, until he allowed what was happening around him to distract him, and then he instantly began to sink. We must not take our eyes off of Christ NO MATTER WHAT! The Spirit of the Lord is hovering; and He is trying hearts to see who will stand no matter what the circumstances.

The time is coming, and behold, is here now, when you will be locked in spiritually. This is why the Lord is testing hearts and trying by fire. In Revelation 22:10-12, the Lord confirms this time by saying,

 "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he who is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work."

Allow the Lord to purge you. I know it hurts, but it is better to loose everything in this dimension, space and time, to gain everything in the next. Because in the next life; which is eternity, no one can ever take it away from you. No moths or rust can touch it. And there will be no more pain, or sorrow, death or struggle. And He will wipe away the tears from every eye.

Be Encouraged!

Shalom
Mena Lee Grebin
Faithful Walk Healing Ministries

Once Saved, Always Saved?

Regarding the theory; "Once Saved, Always Saved" or "No Christian Will Miss The Rapture" and "There are No Christians in Hell"

Well, let's look at the scriptures:

Jesus said; Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ -Matthew 7:21-23

Who was Jesus talking to? Obviously it wasn't a heathen, or a atheist, or a Muslim. Since when do they acknowledge Christ as "Lord"? What atheist is going to prophesy in His name? What Hindu, Buddhist or Muslim is going to cast our demons in His name? None. The word "lord" means master; so that means that one would have to deem Jesus Christ as master and ruler of their life in order to call Him Lord. In the end, everyone will confess (Romans 14:11); but right now, we have a choice. So we can conclude that Jesus is referencing to those who believe in Him.

Jesus said; “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. -Revelation 3:14-17

We are currently living in the Church age of Laodicea. Unfortunately, about ninety percent of churches today fall in the category of being lukewarm. Jesus once again is clear; He said that He would "vomit them out of His mouth", which the revelation to that is that they will be removed from the Body; considering that Christ is the head, and we are the Body (Colossians 1:18).

Jesus continues; And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. -Matthew 25:10-13

Ah! One of my favorite comparisons; the ten virgins. See, all ten were virgins; meaning they had "chasten" themselves (remained pure) for the Bridegroom (Christ). All ten have lamps, representing the light or Spirit of God dwelling in them. But only five had extra oil. The oil from on high is what keeps the light aflame. The oil represents communion with the Lord; in other words, relationship.
Notice that the Bridegroom tells the five foolish; "I do not know you." He also says this to the believers in Matthew 7:23.

I've taught for years that it's not enough to just "obtain" a relationship with the Lord; you have to also "maintain" it. Too many Christians today do not know the voice of the Lord, and therefore are tossed to and fro by false prophets, teachers and the cares of the world. Be still, and Know That He is GOD (Psalm 46:10) Wait patiently on the Lord, and He will answer you (Psalm 40:1, 37:7). Jesus said; "My sheep know my voice" (John 10:27).

I know many try to justify this notion by using other scriptures written by Paul, or Peter etc. But who's words are greater? It's the ones written in RED.

Spiritual Food For Thought

Mena Lee Grebin
Faithful Walk Healing Ministries

Spiritual Gifts vs. The Fruit of The Spirit

Jesus said; "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:20-21

The Lord spoke to me in the wee hours of this morning and began to give me a deeper revelation about this scripture.

Too many Christians today are building their treasures in this dimension. Most claim that they aren't, but when you take a closer look, you find that on a whole, they do. The Lord also tied in this scripture to the first one; "Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is axed down, and cast into the fire." Matthew 7:19

Christians are taught to focus on the "gifts" of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10), instead of the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), when Jesus clearly stated the the tree that bears no fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire, not the tree that bears no gifts. Yet the gifts have become the main focus in the churches. The scriptures tell us that gifts come without repentance (Romans 11:29) and do not determine your relationship with the Lord, nor guarantee your seat at the marriage supper of The Lamb.

I see way too many churches, groups, leaders and saints promoting the gifts instead of promoting communion with The Lover of our soul. 1 Corinthians 13:8 tells us that the gifts will pass away, but that love will remain. There will be no need for prophesy, miracles, tongues, healing, etc in heaven. Heaven is complete and perfect. The gifts of the Spirit are given for this life as a sign to the unbeliever, and for our edification. But once this life passes away, these things will be irrelevant. However the Word of God tells us that the fruit will remain. The is because the Fruit of the Spirit is from heaven, apart YHVH-God Himself, and therefore crosses over into eternity with Him. It is written that Love is the greatest of these because YHVH-God is Love! The Fruit of the Spirit is not a gift (which the gifts are free; all you need to do is ask), but have to be earned through refinement. In the end, the fruit produces the rewards of gold, silver and precious gems when we stand before the Lord on that day. Therefore, the Lord revealed to me that seeking after only the gifts, is a type of building your treasures in this life, because we cannot take them into eternity.

In Revelation 3:14-22, the Church of Laodicea claimed that they had everything, yet Jesus indicated that they were poor, blind, naked and wretched, and advised them to buy His gold that had been refined with the pure fire. The Church of Laodicea, which is the lukewarm church is like unto those who Christ spoke about in Matthew 7:21-23, when He said that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. They too, thought they had everything needed. They talked about how they prophesied, cast out demons, and healed the sick, which are all gifts; but in the end, Jesus said He didn't know them.

Jesus commanded that we Love (see, there's that fruit again) the Lord, our God, with all of our heart, soul and mind, and then love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37). Through this we draw close to Him, and are able to not only obtain, but maintain that relationship with Him; the relationship that causes Him to "know us." This is our key into the Kingdom of Heaven. Christ is coming for a Bride, and you don't marry someone that you don't know.

Spiritual Food For Thought

Mena Lee Grebin
Faithful Walk Healing Ministries