“And he said to him, ‘See, I have favored you concerning this thing also, in that I will not overthrow this city for which you have spoken.  Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there.’…” Genesis 19:19-22.  The angels warned Lot to leave Sodom but he lingered before he obeyed.  Lot’s story was as example of man hindering God’s work.  God’s work was not hindered for lack of power but abundance of mercy for Lot.  Once Lot escaped, God destroyed the city that was ripe for judgment, Sodom.

Lot attempted to warn others.  His sons-in-law scoffed at him and were destroyed with the city.  This too is happening today. “knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:3-4.  Many people today do not realize there is nothing that needs to happen before the rapture.  I remember as an unsaved person, I thought there were certain things that had to happen before Jesus’ Second Coming.  I didn’t understand the difference between His Second Coming and the Rapture.

So the scoffers were left behind and Lot’s wife and daughter escaped with him.  But a backsliders heart is only satisfied with their own ways, while a new creation is not satisfied until they are free from their own ways.  Lot’s wife looked back to the world she was leaving behind.  His wife’s attachment to the world caused her to turn into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26).  How many times have we looked back?  How many times have we idolized “back in the day” moments when we were far away from the Lord?  Thank you Lord for not turning me into a pillar of salt.

“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” Hebrews 2:1.  The church today has drifted so far away from the message of Jesus and Him Crucified and of His finished work on the Cross.  Instead of exhorting us to look to Jesus for direction, strength and wisdom; we are given direction according to man made tests and evaluations while relying on self preservation and wisdom of others.  The Holy Spirit is not given latitude as our faith is placed on results and man.

“For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward,  how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,  God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?” Hebrews 2:2-4. 

Abraham interceded for Lot and God showed mercy.  In the end, the warnings given to Lot proved steadfast and Sodom was destroyed.  Disobedience was justly rewarded when his wife’s attachment to the world was greater than her faith.  The enemy would prefer us not see God’s mercy on Lot.  Satan doesn’t want us to recognize God’s faithfulness to Abraham for his intercession.  We turn to God just long enough to complain to Him about this world he gave us.  We are a nation who turned our back on God and He responded with our current president.

Why don’t we take heed?  Are we pleading for mercy on Sodom or are we cursing Sodom?  Are we praying for mercy on the scoffers?  Do we really believe God’s judgment is less because of grace?  We have been given more mercy because of Jesus Christ and Him crucified than Lot.  Jesus is pleading intercession for us while we are cursing  what He is interceding for.   Instead of cursing what our Lord Jesus Christ is interceding for, why don’t we intercede as well.    We all know the state of the world today.  Why don’t we intercede as Abraham did?  Why don’t we pray for God’s mercy because of the righteous still in the world instead of complain about the world?  Why don’t we spread this Gospel of Jesus Christ into the world we are complaining about?  We motivate Christians to look inward for 40 days to help themselves get closer to God, when all we have to do is look up.  Yes, the world is oppressed by the enemy but the oppression will never be broken by man.  The Cross of Jesus Chris is louder and His light is brighter than all the darkness in this world.  Remind the satan of his future by telling him of yours.  Praise God for His mercy.  Plead for His mercy.  Spread His Gospel. – Donna Warren

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;…” Psalms 111:10

Well, I might as well face it.  I’m probably going to ruffle a few feathers here but I sincerely pray you see my point before judging.  At a revival last night the preacher was talking about the fear of the Lord no longer exists.  It no longer exists in America, in our homes and even in our churches.  We have all seen the kids who have no respect for their parents.  I admit, I am probably the first one thinking to myself “he/she wouldn’t talk to me like that”.  Bare with me here…I’m not just picking on kids.  Shamefully, I was quite a rebellious kid myself.  Just last week at my church one of the ladies had to chase down a young girl to cover up her behind.  The short top and low cut pants were understandably too much to bare in the house of the Lord.

So here is my point.  We see all of the rebellious children today.  We see the parents who did not make them mind.  Many parents are actually scared of their children now.  The children have no fear what so ever of their parents.  The children do not respect them.  They do what they want, when they want.  Now, let’s look at the larger picture.  I wonder what God thinks when He looks down on His children.  I wonder how the Lord feels about His Word being diluted so much, by His very own children, that it’s almost unrecognizable.  I wonder what He thinks when we turn the praise and worship meant for Him into entertainment for us?  I wonder how he feels about our schedule?  We will allow Him four songs to touch His children…then time is up, must proceed as planned.

I was at a service 3 nights this week where God moved so mightily.  I can’t idolize that service but I can still get on my face and thank the Lord for His moving that touched so many lives, including mine.  These were old time Pentecostal services where the Holy Spirit was in control from beginning to end.  We weren’t on a schedule.  People were healed both spiritually and physically.  They didn’t need inspiration but were drawn by God’s Holy Spirit.  These are the services where the presence of the Lord is so heavy, a rebellious heart is melted when God’s love is poured out.  I know this because this is the type of service I was saved in.  I remember that pull, the draw, the heaviness of the presence of the Lord.  I knew the arrow of the Holy Spirit was aimed directly at my heart by the words coming out of the preacher’s mouth.  So when I’m in a service now, seeing young people turn to the Lord, I’m so thankful to God for the preacher who is being led by the Holy Spirit.  I’m thankful for the preacher who will stretch that altar call out as long as he needs to, until the conviction of the Holy Spirit is too much for that sinner to bare and he runs and collapses at the alter.  I’m thankful for the preacher who is speaking out what the Lord has put on his heart for that sinner to hear.  I’m thankful for the brothers and sisters in Christ who, when the sinner finally comes to the altar, fall on their knees and praise God for saving that sinner.

How long has it been since we have seen a sinner saved?  I don’t mean a box checked on a card or a hand raised while heads are bowed.  I mean a repentant sinner saved.  I know, I know… I’m not judging.  God knows peoples hearts.  Our humility and gratitude towards the Lord is our witness of His mercy.  Jesus and His Cross are nothing to be ashamed of.  Is the draw of the Holy Spirit thwarted by the compromise of the altar call?  I realize one can be saved anywhere, anytime but at the Lord’s house shouldn’t He be given latitude to do His work instead of us doing ours?

Getting back to my point – fear of the Lord.  In our zealous attempt to correct legalism in the church, have we turned God into a pushover?  Remember, the devil doesn’t care what we call it as long as we don’t focus on Christ and Him crucified.  Do we really think the Lord will allow His children to lose their fear of Him?  Respect in the house of the Lord is not legalism but fear.  The fear of suddenly seeing a man’s finger begin to write on the wall (Daniel 5:5).  All of the pastors who are not compromising or diluting God’s Word are being persecuted.  They are being called hypocrites because they will not allow homosexuals to serve in their church.  This is not their word they are standing on, it is the Word of God. This is once again called fear of the Lord.  “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.  Did I use to do any of these things?  Yes, more than I’m willing to discuss. Have I repented? Yes.  Do I still live in these sins? No.  Am I forgiven? Absolutely!  I’m washed in the Blood of the Lord.  The Lord has paid my debt for those sins and I am grateful AND respectful of the Blood He shed for me.  Don’t crucify the pastors who are preaching the Gospel of Jesus.  Don’t call them legalistic for having fear of the Lord.  Yes, we all fall short.  The difference is the repentance verses rebellion.  As a Christian, when we fall we immediately look up and say “Oh Lord, I’m so sorry.  Will you help me?”  We don’t judge others for their sins because many of us have committed the exact same sin. 

The conviction and draw of the Holy Spirit is what led us to repentance.  It is for that very same reason that we cannot now compromise that conviction to “draw” you into a false religion.  If you are truly seeking God and not compromise, you will find Him.  A compromising church offers up a compromising counterfeit.  They will send one straight to hell with a belly full of hot dogs and hamburgers.  The lust to build a shrine to attract the members will lead to the need to compromise the Word to tickle those same members ears who were attracted by the shrine and not drawn by the Holy Spirit.  However, the zeal for the truth of the Gospel of Jesus and Him Crucified is when Heaven rejoices.  Good intentions won’t save souls but good preachin’ will point the lost to Jesus for their answer instead of trying to give them a methodology to follow (that’s a fancy word for works). 

Not accepting open rebellion or a diluted gospel in God’s House is not being legalistic.  It is simply  me being jealous over the Blood that saved me, you and the rebellious ones.   We cannot expect miracles, signs and wonders in a home where children (both young and old) think their Heavenly Father is a pushover.  While we have the plank in our eye and pointing to all of the spoiled children in the world today, maybe just maybe, we should realize how spoiled we have been acting.  Liberty and reverence are not mutually exclusive terms.  – Donna Warren

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

The power of God destroys strongholds.  The power of God is Jesus and Him Crucified; the Gospel of Jesus.  “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ” 1 Corinthians 1:18.  If the Gospel of Jesus could be imitated or duplicated through the efforts of man, the Cross of Christ would not have been necessary.  It is the supernatural transformation that makes us a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).

The power of God casts down arguments and everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.  Any theories, reasonings and methods fall and are demolished against the preaching of the crucified and risen Christ Jesus.   The Gospel of Jesus is an offense to the proud and rebellious heart.  The Gospel of Jesus and Him Crucified reveals the true condition of the heart and exposes self righteousness and false doctrines.  Any other doctrines are spiritual adultery.  We turn to Jesus to be our Saviour then we turn elsewhere to “remain” saved.

Deceit deceives the deceived.  That is the reason it is called deceit.  Our pride is what keeps us in the bondage of deceit.  My words may seem bold but it is with a humble heart that they are spoken.  It is with love for my brothers and sisters in Christ that I cry out.  It has absolutely nothing to do with “me” or my opinion but everything to do with the truth of the Gospel of Jesus and the convicting of the Holy Spirit that saves souls.  It is the job of the Holy Spirit to fill the church pews with the Gospel of Jesus Christ being preached, not a church transitional team.  It has nothing to do with any single church in particular but “the” church in general.  To be quite frank, it is the religious leaders who crucified our Lord Jesus.  To this day, there remains religious leaders who are still crucifying Him again or walking on His Blood by exalting their word above His Word.

The Lord is raising a remnant.  A remnant of worshippers who worship Him where they are instead of where He will take them.  A remnant of children whose faith remains in what Jesus did on the Cross and not what they do.  A remnant of people who are jealous for His Work and not their own.  The Lord has unveiled the eyes of this remnant to see the deceit of the enemy and keeps them focused on Jesus and Him Crucified.  This remnant will sound the alarm when they see their brothers and sisters faith being misappropriated.  This remnant will be chosen purely by grace and not by their works (Romans 11:5-6).

“But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.”  Ezekiel 33:6. 

The Power of God is in the Cross of Jesus Christ.  The power of God is what saves the souls of the lost.  Trust only in the power of God.  Be determined to know nothing but Christ and Him Crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).  Lead all thoughts into captivity that exalts itself above the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Souls are at stake.  – Donna Warren

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13.

Our growth in the Lord is up to us.  In the church today, when meat of the Word is fed many are offended.  The words repent and hell are avoided in order not to offend.  The power to choose and will as we please was given to us by God.  What we do with this power is up to each individual.  We will all give an account to God for what we did with this power  granted to each and every one.

Deceit is the enemy’s weapon.  I pray daily for the Lord not to let me be deceived and daily the Holy Spirit guides me to His Word.  This is not something I “worry” about but something I’m aware of.  The Lord has really impressed upon me to test worldly doctrine against His Word, which we should all do.  After years and years of studying doctrine sometimes we forget whose doctrine we are studying.  Eventually man’s word becomes the word.  Eventually we are caught up in a religion that has become our foundation.  Eventually that foundation will crumble.

For the past couple of weeks I have been asking the Lord to reveal to me the deceit of the enemy in the church today.  Things that are not scriptural and have nothing to do with our salvation or growth in the Lord.  The depths and revelations of and from the Lord Himself are just beginning the day we are saved; they don’t stop that day.  Yes, the blood moons, shemitah’s and harbingers are extremely interesting.  I guess I just have a hard time reconciling what they have to do with our salvation.  Through these things are we not seeking a sign instead of seeking the Lord?  Yes, revelation given to others is sometimes for all but isn’t it so much more fulfilling when the revelation is given to YOU as well.  When we seek the Lord, He will reveal Himself to you…but we must seek the Lord for such revelation and  not seek others for revelations.

“…You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed.” Matthew 16:3-4

I wonder if the falling away from the church in the Bible will not necessarily be empty pews but empty doctrine.  Our commission is to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20.  Yes, we discern the times but we must also discern the spirits and not become distracted.  We must remember satan has been defeated and we don’t have to do it again.  Jesus Christ has won that battle for us, now we must continue winning souls for Him.  Harbingers, shemitahs and blood moons won’t save a soul but the conviction of the Holy Spirit will draw the lost to the Cross of Christ.  Even if we have been saved for 50 years, we still need to go to the Cross daily to remember our Lord Jesus Christ has already gained our victory.   It is the humble heart that is drawn to the Cross. 

The enemy would have us thinking he is in control.  Please allow me to take this opportunity to remind him, and you if necessary, that our Lord has already made a spectacle of satan (Colossians 2:15).  The light in us from Jesus Christ causes the enemy to flee.  When we walk in a room, evil spirits begin to tremble because of the Holy Spirit in us.  We don’t have to seek evil spirits out, they see us coming.  “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.

Our salvation is up to us.  Know who you are in Christ, not in religion.  Seek God.  Remember, it’s not over until God says it’s over.  Praise Him where you are and rest in His finished work.  – Donna Warren

“And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.”  Mark 16:20      

They were not preaching 40 days of purpose.  They were not preaching any form of self help actually.  They were preaching the gospel to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, proclaiming liberty to the captive and oppressed (Luke 4:18).  They were declaring “…Repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matt. 3:1-2).  The good news of righteousness, freely given, was proclaimed in the assemblies (Psalms 40:9).   They were “determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. ” 1 Corinthians 2:2.  By design and with purpose, they were not resorting to philosophy of the world.  They were preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They were winning souls to the Lord.

Who are “they” anyway?  They were the ones Jesus anointed to spread the good news.  Jesus laid the foundation and they spread the word.  They were the apostles who started the early church. The ones who made disciples and exhorted others in the body of Christ.  Not for gain but for Christ’s sake.  The Lord confirmed the gospel they preached because they preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit was able to draw the sinners through the Gospel that was preached.

I saw a picture yesterday attached to an article about Islamic law being taught in schools in America.  In the picture there were dozens of young, non muslim children of all different ethnicities bowing down on a prayer rug in a muslim mosque….all in the name of education.  Of course, to the spiritually discerned, this was heartbreaking and sickening.  Last night on the Grammy’s ACDC was rocking the house singing “Highway to Hell” while the audience had on their devil horns.  Then Madonna came out singing in her matador costume with her masked bulls (devils) declaring to live for love.  My spirit was overwhelmed with grief for our young ones.  I asked my husband if this is “new” or have my eyes just been veiled.  We concluded both.  As my eyes have been unveiled, so too has the demonic become more prevalent in the world today.

The lost come in all shapes, sizes, colors, backgrounds and social statuses according to the worldly standards.  The lost look at “us” (Christians) when such things as children on prayer rugs and singers with devil horns appall us and feel we are judging them.   When in fact, we are the very ones praying for them.  We don’t judge them but God will…and that is precisely why we pray for them.  We pray they see His mercy before they see His judgment.

I heard a girl say she did not believe in the after life so she was determined to make this life all it could be.  I’m sure this is the deception of many.  The enemy knows if he doesn’t mess with her “too bad” she will never have a reason to seek God.  Satan knows that by default she belongs to him and to hell she will go.

However, it seems that sometimes we (Christians) forget one thing in our despair for the lost.  Just as they (the lost) have not chosen Jesus, neither did we (Christians) choose Jesus.   Jesus CHOSE us…all of us, including the ones in hell right now, on the highway to hell and the ones on Calvary Road.  The ones in devil horns and even the girl who doesn’t believe at all…Jesus chose to call His friend if they will accept.   Our love for Jesus, who paid for all souls, is the reason we pray for the lost.  “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit , and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” John 15:15-16. 

Jesus chose us to go out and preach HIS Gospel to the lost, not worldly wisdom.  It is only through His Gospel that He will confirm His Word, not a counterfeit program but God’s program.  The miracles, signs and wonders will not come from Him until His Gospel, the Gospel of Jesus and Him Crucified is preached.  ” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17.  The Lord isn’t going to give up on them, He chose them.  Because our Father chose them too, I pray His Gospel out of our mouths snatches their souls from the gates of hell.  I pray the lost see the choice they make by not making a choice.  I pray the lost hear the cries of the souls of the children on the prayer rugs and see them as they are being led to the slaughter by the enemy.   I thank the Lord for choosing us.  I praise the Lord for not giving up on us.  I praise the Lord for His mercy on the lost in hopes that all will come to salvation.   I thank you Lord.  – Donna Warren

Does grace lessen our obligations? If we give as an investment, only to receive, we do not understand what we have been given through God’s grace.  Chastisement is no longer necessary once obedience is learned.  What is the Lord trying to teach you today?  “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 Cain rebelled when God did not accept his offering. Cain’s was the first attempt at false doctrine and the Lord rejected it. However, the Lord still offered to accept the right sacrifice.  – Donna Warren

Last night on television I heard a preacher say something to the effect of “when you walk out of church, do you walk out saying ‘what a great speaker’ or ‘what a great God’ we have?” Automatically I started going down my mental checklist of preachers and teachers I’ve heard.  Needless to say, there were some on each side of the spectrum.  In some cases I walked away with a checklist of things I can do to improve both my Christian walk and my life in general and others I walked away with  an overwhelming feeling of God’s glory and mercy.  In either case, these are God’s anointed ones and His business.  The Lord doesn’t need my help.

Then, to my horror, I turned the table around and asked myself the same questions.  After reading this blog, does one walk away saying ‘what an inspirational writer she is’ or ‘what a great God she has’?  The only inspiration I ever want to offer is “…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ” Matthew 6:33.  The only thing I have to offer anyone is my testimony of what the Lord has done in my life and the love He has given me to share with others.  The emptiness I see in people today is the manifestation of years and years of self help methodologies leading people to look inward instead of upward for the help they need.  The checklist of how to’s which leads to self righteousness or condemnation as opposed to the Word of God which, like a mirror, reflects our true nature causing us to humble ourselves .

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not a method. The term “the Gospel” is defined as “the teachings” of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.  Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, He is the Alpha, the Omega, the Beginning and the End…Jesus Christ is alive.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ or “the teaching” of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified if you will,  is to provoke us to seek a relationship with our Saviour.  The Gospel of Jesus is not to merely duplicate His ways to achieve His rewards but to seek a relationship with Him because of what He has done for us.  To attempt to understand the supernatural revelations of the Word of God in the natural is futile.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20.

There is no excuse, out of the millions of Christians in the world, to leave discipleship up to a few.  We disciple others with our testimony of what the Lord has done for us and what HE can do for them.  Not HOW He did it in us so they can try to duplicate what He did in us in themselves.  When we witness of what the Lord has done in us, we must also exhort them to seek God for His will.  The enemy will try to distract, deceive and discourage us from being a witness or seeking God’s will.  Satan knows how dangerous we are to the kingdom of darkness when we are in God’s will and purpose.  The enemy knows he will be exposed and defeated when we have a relationship with Jesus.  Satan knows that our Lord Jesus Christ has the keys to his kingdom and his defeat was sealed on the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Our relationship with Jesus is what transforms us, not religion of man.  Man made religion and traditions has no authority what so ever over the enemy.  The enemy is not under our feet when we are seeking self help instead of God’s help.  It is purely God’s goodness and love for us that keeps even the lost from being completely destroyed by the enemy, in hopes we will turn to Him. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.  If it wasn’t for God’s goodness and love, His protection over us, satan would have killed us a long time ago.  The only power we have over the enemy is in Jesus name with our faith in His Cross.

“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. ” Romans 13:11

Our salvation is up to us.  The faith of one will not save the other.  It is ultimately up to the person being convicted by the Holy Spirit to accept the call.  As for me, I can only tell you of how big my God is and pray you answer His call for a relationship.  “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.”  I can’t tell you how but I can tell you “Who” saved me.  Jesus Christ is His name. YOU are the one who feels the conviction of the Holy Spirit.  This is the power of God.  He is the one who delivers us.  I pray you respond.   – Donna Warren

My heart is grieved for the spiritually blind.  I hear and see revelations now that I once looked at as being silly.  When the Lord enlightens us to His glory, the veil of the enemy is removed and we can see the darkness from the light.  The darkness of pride and rebellion against the righteousness of God becomes striking.  It is not a judgment from Christians but more of a plea to the lost.  A desperate cry to the unsaved and unbelieving that the Lord is knocking at their door, can’t you hear Him?  I (we) hear Him, we see Him knocking on the door of the lost but they are deaf.  They cannot hear the call of the Cross of Jesus for the clamoring of the world.  The enemy convinces them the conviction of the Holy Spirit is foolishness.  The rational of the blind, the “if’s” of the Gospel of Jesus and the plan B’s are all delays and distractions of the devil.  There are NO “if’s” in the Gospel of Jesus and there is no plan B.  The resurrection doesn’t come before the sacrifice.  It is God’s plan of salvation, not ours.  “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6.

Coming from someone who had a plan B, I now understand plan B was the highway to hell and not Calvary Road.  Coming from someone who did not believe there was really a hell but really wanted to believe in Heaven is not judgment but a plea to seek the Lord for salvation today.  Seek the Lord before His grace is over and judgment begins.  The rapture of the church will leave this world in utter darkness.  If tribulation is the plan B, what makes one think they will be able to follow the Lord then but not now?  Life will be desolate then.  If we don’t know the voice of the Holy Spirit now, how will we discern the imitators and false witnesses to come?

This life is no longer just about Donna and surviving.  Jesus has already equipped me with the survival tools I need for eternal life.  “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.” Proverbs 12:15.  While looking through my own eyes for many years, I deemed myself a “good person” until my veil was removed and I saw Good, I saw grace…I saw Jesus.

If you are one who thinks this message is silliness, then it is you this message is for.  The fact that you have read this far is proof that the Holy Spirit is speaking to you.  Praise God, the love of Jesus reaches far beyond our veil.  The Lord Jesus is still wanting to save His sheep from the enemy.

God’s elect will be deceived and led astray as well (Matthew 24:24).  After centuries of legalism in the church which the enemy used to catapult God’s people into hypergrace and non-repentance of sins, there are many today who have been deceived by seducing spirits.  This statement is not to offend but to expose the snare of the enemy in the church.  “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” Hosea 4:6.  I beseech each and every one to discern and test the spirits.  Psychological motivation does not save souls.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified saves souls; no motivation needed.  The Holy Spirit cannot convict when a false gospel is preached.  I pray for the churches and pastors who, with every good intention, have been led astray into the psychology gospel.  These are not people who are out to deceive but have been deceived themselves.  Prayer is needed, not judgment.  The media is filled with ministers who once preached the Gospel of Jesus that have now been seduced by these deceiving spirits.

Yes, my heart is grieved but I know God’s will is for all to be saved.  I know His ways are bigger and better than my ways.  The Lord Jesus came to get me and He will come after others who remain lost as well.  I will continue to pray for the lost and praise God for Him doing what I cannot – save my loved ones and my family from eternal hell.  As much as we want to “fix” everything, we cannot…but God can, God will and God is waiting.  Do you hear Him?

-Donna Warren

Motivation as defined by Merriam Webster is a factor within a human being or animal that arouse and direct goal-oriented behaviour.  Motivation has long been a central subject of study in psychology.  Psychology ranges from humanistic (felt needs), behavioral (external goals) and cognitive (motive).   Psychology is a valid science and motivation is useful.  However, when it comes our salvation, neither belong in the church.

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, ” 1 Timothy 4:1.  This deceit will not come dressed in a red cape and pitch fork.  It will in fact be subtle and pretty; might even tickle a little.  The deceit may even come under a veil of  “preaching the Gospel” but instead of having faith in the supernatural power of the Gospel of Jesus, it will guide one toward faith in the program or method applied instead of Jesus’ finished work.

The deceit will be widespread as the methods become appealing to the dark and lost world.  The 12 steps, functions and entertainment will keep us “too busy” to sin.  Many “good” people with the best of intentions, whose heart is truly breaking, will be pointed to the methods of man and the promises of God.  Well intentioned people will be doing the pointing.  The deceit that will arise in the church will lead lost down every road but Calvary Road.  Calvary Road was and is the only road where sin was defeated not detoured. Any gospel other than the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified will not save the lost nor sanctify the saints.  Psychology in the church is a counterfeit gospel straight from the pits of hell.

“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ” Matthew 24:24.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ regenerates a heart.  All things are made new.  It is His resurrection that makes the Gospel effective.  The Lord saved us FROM sin not in sin.  What the people need to know is the power of our God.  They need to be reminded that our God split the Red Sea and that He can make the sun stand still.  God’s children need to be reminded He  can deliver them from a den of lions.  Psychology in the pulpit exalts itself above the Gospel.  Lack of faith in the power of God results in derailed faith.  How are the lost going to see the power of God when they are directed toward self will and self  preservation which cannot, did not and will not defeat the sin nature.  God will not be mocked and He will not share His glory.

Christianity is not a work ethic but a metamorphosis done by the Holy Spirit.  It is the Gospel that is powerful.  “For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.” Malachi 3:6.  Knowing and believing this scripture, along with every other scripture in God’s Word, causes us to lean on God for our strength.  God’s strength and our weakness causes us to want more of Him and less of us, not more of us.  We look upward and not inward. 

Remembering whose blood purchased our soul will also remind us of the resurrecting power in His Blood, the Blood of Jesus Christ.  Dry bones are beginning to rattle and souls are at stake, feed them some meat.   – Donna Warren

” ‘And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,’ says the Lord of hosts;” Malachi 3:11

Many years ago in high school I had a group of friends that always exchanged birthday presents.  We would all go in together and get each other something “nice”.  One particular year, I received a piece of jewelry which I cherished.  I wore this piece of jewelry for almost 20 years without exception.  One evening after returning home, I noticed my piece of jewelry was missing.  I was heart sick knowing I would never see this piece again.

Fast forward eight years and my once cherished piece of jewelry had been long forgotten.  Eventually the sting of losing becomes numb with each progressive loss.  It seemed I was living from loss to loss instead of glory to glory.  Truth of the matter is, I was living far from God so any “glory” came from man, therefore producing only what man could produce.

Then came that night.  The night the preacher got up to preach but the Holy Spirit had other plans.  I’m so thankful for the pastor’s who yield to the moving of the Spirit.  It is the fate of souls who are in their hands when the decision is made to yield or not to yield to the Holy Spirit.  It is in that moment the Spirit is quenched or given freedom to have His way.  It was in one of those moments that the weight of the Holy Spirit’s conviction fell upon me.  All it takes is one inflammatory touch from the Holy Spirit to set your soul on fire…just one.

Since that night when I turned my heart over to the Lord, He started His work in/on me.  I’ve still had some losses but instead of a numbing effect, they have more of a cleansing effect.  Instead of stumbling blocks causing me to stumble, they became stepping stones.  The glory from man turned to darkness in the light of the Lord’s glory as I continue to be ” transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18.

While having lunch with a friend yesterday, we were talking about loved ones and the “what if’s” in life.  We pray and believe for healings but ultimately God is the one who heals.  The fact of the matter is we are all appointed a time to die, unless we are taken up in the rapture of the church first.  This is why Jesus saved us, so we could have eternal life with Him.  Instead of saving Himself on the Cross, He saved us.  Jesus’ resurrection is the evidence that our debt was paid in full by His finished work on the Cross.  As it turns out, our loved ones were never “ours” to begin with.  Jesus paid the price for their life, not them nor me.  The Lord has blessed me when He gave them to me to steward through His love for them.  So when my husband’s being hard headed (sorry honey, secrets out) or my parents are being….well, parents, I try to remember they are only mine for a while.  “Behold, all souls are Mine;…” Ezekial 18:4.  This revelation causes us to be thankful to God for them and by default better stewards to them.  This peace only comes through understanding of Christ and Him Crucified, His finished work for our salvation and not from psychological motivation.

So, what about that cherished piece of lost jewelry my friends bought me almost 30 years?  While walking in the backyard yesterday, on a regular path I have taken many times, a sparkle caught my eye.   As I looked down, there it was, my cherished piece of jewelry.  Once I regained my composure, I understood the miracle that had just happened but couldn’t quite figure out what the Lord was trying to tell me.  As I sat down and turned on the television, Jimmy Swaggart was saying “the Lord is going to give back what the enemy has taken”.  Hallelujah!  That night at the altar, when I said yes to Jesus, He rebuked the devourer for me.  The Lord turned a hardened, weary heart to a heart full of love and gratefulness for others instead of things.  The Lord sent me a nugget yesterday to share with you; a golden nugget that shows He WILL replace what the enemy has taken all because of His love for you.  If the world is beating you down, just say yes to Him….He wants to rebuke the devourer for you too.

-Donna Warren