In 2016 I had a dream that I was laying on my side and suddenly a huge snake’s head fully one foot wide appeared by my night stand. I could easily tell it was poisonous because it had a pit viper shaped head which I recognized from many years of hunting in areas that poisonous snakes frequent. The evil looking snake was gazing intently at me flicking its black tongue in and out and suddenly like lightening came over the night stand and slithered right into my bed beside me. It was probably 8-10 feet long and as I laid there trying to stay still, I thought sure I was going to be bitten. I felt it moving and before I knew it the snake was directly underneath me. Strangely at this point I was not the least bit afraid and after a few moments of wondering whether I was going to get bitten
I woke up.
God revealed that the meaning of the dream was Satan was going to come alongside of me, but that he would prevent him from killing me. Not long afterwards a friend of mine who is a pastor in Ghana Africa who speaks with a prophetic voice warned me in an email that he had a revelation from God that revealed there were people around me who were not who they represented themselves to be, and I should be careful.
Since those warnings, I have indeed seen this come to light and on more than one occasion. Satan loves division and strife in the church, (body of believers) and works hard at bringing it about. This is often done through attacking the leadership of a church or a parachurch organization. Trust me anytime a person who loves Jesus sticks their head above the clover and tries to do something for the Lord, one can be assured that someone out there has it in their crosshairs and desires to blow it off.
I’m more tolerant towards those pagans and unbelievers who just don’t know any better who lash out towards anyone who will stand up and boldly preach what the Bible says about living a sinful life. They don’t know any better and are in desperate need of a biblical worldview and prayer.
It’s those who call themselves Christians and who infiltrate ministries by claiming to be friends of Jesus, and yet only seem interested in criticizing the pastor or other leaders, using the ministry to enrich themselves, or rising to power to try and usurp the authority of God’s choice for the leadership that really bother me. Those are the people who drive folks away from Christ, because they cannot get away with it for too long before their true character surfaces. Unfortunately, much damage can be done in the interim and after their hypocrisy is brought to light.
Spiritual discernment is a gift of God. I pray for it every day as leader of the Jesus Alliance. I ask the Lord to bring those partners to the fold who simply love and want to serve Jesus and are not driven by money, ego, or pride and not prone to a critical spirit filled with destructive back-biting. I pray that Jesus Himself will help me to discern the difference.
Put your trust in spiritual leaders who have integrity, are honest, straightforward, and try to emulate Jesus. Have no part with gossips and those who are motivated by self-interests.
Matt. 7:15
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
January 9 2017 – Click here to listen