Boundaries
Boundaries
I am constrained to write to you about something that we all need to understand in these dark times that control the whole world.
Jesus said: Isa 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. Isa 60:2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
Please pay specific attention to the words “darkness shall cover the earth and gross darkness the people”. These are futuristic words or prophetic words as we say. In one way, it has been done through this virus but there is more to come. This is just the beginning of troubles.
The nature of what is going on in my opinion is twofold. One is, God is using the foolish things of this world to confound the wise and secondly that darkness is complete in its deception because it has blinded the eyes of the world leaders. The reason I say this is because they all give consent to the one thing in agreement and have basically shut down the world. This will implode the economy and bring a correction to the population numbers because of death.
True solutions and strategies in any situation can only be had by the power of prayer but that cannot be said very openly to people of the world right now because it is like a dog barking up a pole. However, even prayer will not save a world that blames God for everything or does not care about Him. The prayer must be out of humility and a submission to God’s existence and sovereignty. Otherwise, they can never get truly released into the freedom of life He offers. Since there is more to come, God will keep showing His power through the events that are prophesied to take place upon the earth. He will humble the world if the world will not humble itself. Imagine God who has had enough and His patience is running out. I would not want to fall into God’s hands when He is that way. The Bible says it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
This time around, no one could have imagined the absolute takeover of the world by this virus and the problems it has created for everyone including the righteous. This kind of thing is not something new. When there were famines and the like through out the world it affected the Jews as much as anybody else. It’s knowing what to do at these times that matter the most.
It is also at this time that we must be particularly careful not to behave in a manner that says, (as in the times of Israel when they had no leader) each man for himself. It is imperative that we do not cross boundaries of authority when it comes to keeping rank and file. In wartime the General is in command and gives instructions to his leadership and through that to the troops. However, when authority boundaries are crossed over, we can easily set the troops in disarray and thereby be defeated. This too is a strategy of the devil in warfare.
So, communication becomes imperative and necessary. It is clear communication and the added aspect of not taking matters into one’s own hand that saves the day.
So, please pay attention to the way we conduct Church in times like these through God’s order (Our Commander in Chief) to His Leaders on earth and then seek to pass it on to the sheep/ troops. One must maintain that perspective and respect toward our earthly leaders. The devil seeks to destroy many during warfare by sending them out on their own cognition. It is in standing together and withstanding together that we win battles and wars.
In the Old Testament sometimes the sheep (people) were scattered.
1Ki_22:17 And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.
2Sa_18:8 For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.
When there is no Shepherd to guide the sheep, many will do what is right in their own eyes. This is where the devil comes in to devour. The wanderers (destroyers of the anointing) are set loose and they will come along with many false prophets and teachers to lead silly woman astray. Many don’t understand that leadership and fellowship has been given by God so that we can teach, counsel, support, encourage and protect one another. I want to assure you that I am still guarding the sheepfold and will do so in prayer and watchfulness and in the preaching of the word. That is why I am writing such a letter to you.
May I add that boundaries crossed are extremely problematic and are the reason for wars, hurt and offense. These boundaries can be crossed in words used, advise given, words spoken in prophecy or knowledge, can be in foolish gossip, can be in taking of a property that does not belong to you, can be in sailing in others waters to fish literally (steal sheep) from another’s domain. You will find the Bible full of instances when such boundaries were crossed and many tried to take kingdoms, usurp kings and take other people’s wives and property etc. The list is endless.
The same thing can happen in marriages, relationships and between parents and children and vice versa. Crossing boundaries is basically associated with usurping God’s authority and the hierarchical order of God given to man. The order is, God, Jesus, Man, Woman, Child. 1Co 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
In the spiritual, it is God, Jesus, The Ministers of Jesus then Sheep. satan tried to usurp authority with God and was kicked out and cursed for eternity.
During warfare, many become right in their own eyes. This happens when we are distanced from one another like right now either physically or emotionally. The fact that we are scattered in a sense by being forced to remain within our homes etc. can cause the devil to play with our minds to do our own thing. Fear is the number one enemy along with doubt, trepidation and uneasiness.
Please note that I am still there for you to get counsel from or direction on matters that may concern you. Others in leadership are there as well for this very purpose. This is very important for you. At the same time, I ask you to be wise about taking your own initiatives to do things which are not in your jurisdiction to do. It can be harmful to the church family or yourself and cause division among the sheep/troops. This is exactly the reason crossing boundaries of authority should not happen.
As Christians, we have sought to adhere to our higher authorities in the government and in the denomination to the best of our abilities. We must therefore endeavour to do so amongst ourselves. You cannot keep man’s law and not God’s law. God’s law comes first in all matters in heaven and earth.
Awaken to righteousness and do not sleep in this hour. Watch and pray that the tempter does not defeat you in your isolation and separation. Seek to fellowship by phone or internet and stay calm and rested in the Lord. Be careful with your money as well. Seek God for wisdom about money on how to use it.
Boundaries are important on all levels. Your boundaries to be kept in context to the natural law, in relationships and in submission to those who are placed in authority over you. Above all, your boundaries with God cannot be emphasised enough.
The still small voice of the Holy Spirit is your safeguard against all things.
The word of God is a lamp and a light to your feet.
Prayer is your access to God and avenue of comfort.
Giving is your key to multiplication and blessings.
Keeping relationships is the way to be sharpened day by day.
The power of God in you is the weapon against evil in all forms (sickness, death, gossip, witchcraft, deception, temptation)
Blessings from Pastor Noble – 29/03/20