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BEWARE THE GREEN MONSTER OF JEALOUSY: Part Two

It may surprise you, but one of the greatest 

hindrances in almost all types of revival, and 

the move of God’s Spirit, is the spirit and 

attitude of jealousy. It has squelched, killed 

and caused confusion in the moves of God in 

people’s lives, churches, growth and spiritual 

events for as far back as history reports. For 

example; Satan, jealous of God’s greatness 

and power, rebelled against God taking one-

third of heaven’s hosts with him when he fell.

Jealousy inspired the murderous rage of 

Cain when he killed his prophetic brother 

Abel (Gen. 4; Luke 11:50-52) because Cain 

felt entitled to God’s acceptance, even when 

he’d offered an unacceptable, bloodless 

sacrifice. At the same time Abel’s sacrificial 

lamb found favor in God’s eyes, pushing 

Cain’s rage to the edge. Yes, jealousy is 

murderous, for it will do whatever it has to in

 order to accomplish its goal and get it’s gain.

Once again, let’s consider that jealousy 

needs a platform to work from. That stage is 

often entitlement, an attitude or an amplified 

selfishness that is rapidly displaying itself in 

many spheres of modern society.

Nonetheless, even though entitlement, and its

 familiar sidekick, narcissism, have become

more common place, this assertiveness is 

nothing new to humankind. What’s more, 

whenever entitlement reaches maturity, 

horrible selfish and destructive behaviors 

always follow.

Today sociologists are trying to understand 

how this problem of entitlement has affected 

so many in our younger generation. Many

believe it is the result of radically modified 

ideas of child rearing. But a growing number

 of researchers are moving toward the 

conclusion that the problem of entitlement is

 not a recent development, and it has

gradually developed over the course of at

 least 75 years change in how youth have

 reacted to truth, parents, and God. It may go

 back even as far as 150 years, originating in

 Europe, when the Bible and prayer began to

 disappear from higher educational circles. So

 consider these things from a biblical record.

The great patriarch Joseph was nearly done

 in by his jealous brothers who’d come to

 despise his prophetic dreams, and the favor

 he received from Jacob, their father. Many of

 them were his elder brothers which meant

 they automatically had an attitude of

 entitlement concerning inheritance, honor 

and privilege. Consequently, when young 

Joseph boasted unwisely of his spiritual

 encounters with God, the brothers began to

 envy him. After all, in their minds they

 deserved to get everything that was rightfully

 theirs by birth. It wasn’t “fair” that he had

 received more attention, privileges, love and

 gifts. “You owe me” ran rabbit trails of

 thought through their emotions and mind.

 These feelings, all characteristic of 

entitlement mindsets, build the platform for

 jealousy that then acts out calculated evil

 devices. Therefore, cooperating with rage,

 they plotted his death, all because they we

re jealous. Had it not however been for

 Reuben, one of the less effected brothers,

 who managed to persuade the rest of the 

boys to sell Joseph to slave traders, Joseph

 would have died, abandoned in a deep well.

 Thought not the ideal future, Joseph traveled

 bound to Egypt, was then sold into servitude

 and interestingly, fell into another plot where

 jealousy showed up again, but in another

 form.

There are many more Biblical accounts of the

 way jealousy operates. But I believe it’s

 important that you understand that in order

 for jealousy to gain a foothold, it must first

 find a platform to work from: that being 

entitlement.

Entitlement is characterized by thought

 patterns and feelings that have developed

 out of a wrong and unhealthy emphasis

 concerning one's personal value, identity and

 the fulfillment of personal desires. It is the

 epitome of selfishness and can develop in a

 wide range of environments and habitats. It is

 very easy to fall into the pattern of blame

 casting saying it’s the fault of bad parenting.

 In many cases that may be so. However, 

entitlement thrives in a culture that

 encourages personal worth and significance

 above character, and also interestingly,

 ignores the fear of the Lord.

We are living in a day when spiritual leaders

 all over the world are predicting an upcoming

 move of God and revival. I don’t entirely

 disagree that this is coming. On the other 

hand, I feel it is very important to warn eager

 revival seekers that true spiritual revival 

requires a denying of self and an embracing

 of the work of the Cross and the resurrection.

 I am concerned that when a move of God

 breaks out, that because of the rampant 

attitude of entitlement, or “God owes me”

 those not experiencing the same type of 

spiritual breakthrough as others, will gradually

 become jealous and try to sabotage it. 

Remember how Josephs' older brothers

 caused him difficulty? Can you also

 remember the story of the prodigal son and

 his elder brother? Once the prodigal son

 returned home,(which is actually a type of

 revival), the elder brother became jealous of

 parallel between these events and a move of

 God in this day and age is undeniable. This

 very same thing could easily happen when a

 move of God occurs and if entitlement isn't

 killed at the roots.

I will be continuing to write about how

jealousy and entitlement operate in our time

 frame. Until then, please examine 

your

 heart

 and ask yourself: Do I think that

 God owes me? Do I react when others are

 blessed and I believe that I deserve the 

same  things they have without taking

 responsibility  for my own life? I know these

 are tough questions to answer, but we must

 face this if we’re going to see a real move of

 God in our day that produces fruit that

 remains. All I ask of you is to give me time to

 develop this theme and if you can restrain

 your comments or questions, to allow me to

 develop this, I would really

 appreciate it. Thank you. Until next time.

BEWARE THE GREEN MONSTER OF JEALOUSY: PART ONE

BEWARE THE GREEN MONSTER OF 

JEALOUSY: Part One

Proverbs 27:4 (NKJV) Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, But who is able to stand before jealousy?

Greater and greater numbers of articles, 

books, research and comments are emerging

on the sociological scene concerning the 

concept, or the sense, of entitlement seeming

 to be displayed in the individual life, various 

generational groupings and the corporate 

scenario. Addressing it, and what's more, 

attaching it to certain and various age groups 

and economic social brackets stirs up deep 

feelings and resentment. Regrettably, 

whomever it may apply to, though it cannot 

be generalized, we need to ask why it has 

become a growing issue. It, furthermore, 

seems to be directly associated with 

narcissism and self-centeredness. Lots 

of finger pointing, blame and shame is going 

on concerning this very real but difficult to 

address attitude. But we need to find 

out what it really is, and where does it come 

from?

Some analysts blame it on poor child rearing 

techniques, and say its the fault of one 

generation's ideologies about the need for 

enhancing identity in the youth. Others say, 

its related to unrealistic expectations, poor 

work ethics, neediness, and a "hyped-up" 

identity developmental concept that fails to 

encourage disciplines for personal growth. 

Who is to really say, since we can't ignore

the  fact that every individual has a choice 

and is influenced by a multitude of factors.

In the past 10 years or so, I've been watching

people's behaviors and attitudes change. 

The things that worked for me in the past 20 

some years, as a teacher, mentor, and 

minister don't work for the most part any 

longer. The reason I have come to the 

conclusion is; entitlement.

I recently stayed in a home where 5 children 

under the ages of 12 were being raised up by 

two very disciplined, and wise parents. I 

intentionally observed the parenting methods 

and manners of this skillful married couple. 

But what struck me was that they were 

dealing with some of the very same issues I 

had struggled with and confronted with 

students, fellow workers and believers in general. 

To my shock, the parents were succeeding in 

training these young ones. I realize the 

children have to still grow up, but what intrigued 

me was how these children had a conscience 

quick to recognize their wrongs, almost always 

immediate to repent for their behaviors, and what's

 more, submit to the reasonable disciplines of the 

parents. This was very interesting to watch.

In saying all this, and taking a risk because there 

is no way I can fully develop this thought 

process here, I am not blaming the previous 

generations, for the issues of entitlement arising 

on the scenes. This is because I believe each 

generation develops out of the pitfalls and 

strengths of the ones before. But I think, in some

ways, what we are calling entitlement, is actually

more accurately, the manifestation of jealousy. 

Or, you could say that entitlement is the 

stronghold, or platform for jealousy.

Jealousy is cruel and thrives in self-centeredness. 

I am wanting to delve into this a bit more in these

 posts because I think there is a prayer strategy and

 manner of ministry that we as believers need to 

become aware of and practice if we are to reach 

the generations coming after us.

I have watched and personally been affected by

how jealousy works. Perhaps you have too. But,


bear with me as I take some time to reveal what I 


believe is coming to be a major problem in the 


Church. The green ugly monster of jealousy, as 


its described for many many years, is on the 


prowl. But you don't have to yield to it, nor do 


you have to become victim to it's schemes. Be


watching for more posts on this subject soon. I 


believe they will be very helpful to you.

RESIST A SEDUCING WINE; BABYLON'S CUP

RESIST A SEDUCING WINE; BABYLON'S CUP

One of the final, and most dangerous, enemies of the Church in the Last Days will be Babylon, the great harlot, described in Revelation 14,17,18. The reason it will be so problematic is because Babylon represents a worldly demonic system of operations, or could be considered, a spiritual power structure that will effect all sectors of life. It will even effect things pertaining to what many Christians refer to as the anointing, also focusing on leadership, governments, business, the arts and more. My greatest concern about this conflict, however, is something few believers understand in our current generations; that being the wine served in Babylon's cup.

Revelation 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. ²  And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. ³  For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. ⁴  And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. ⁵  For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. ⁶  Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.  (KJV)

I've long pondered the origins of this corrupting beverage and believe that the wine that Babylon will use to seduce the nations, leaders and business people, originates with the philosophies of ancient Greece. Greek philosophy became a major contaminate to genuine biblical doctrine effecting both Jew and Christian alike. It's still effecting the Church and the Jews today in ways many don't even realize. Furthermore, Javan, whose name also refers to a fermenting bubbling spiced wine, is directly related to the foundations of the people of ancient Greece. I don't believe this is coincidental.

The Bible identifies 16 different spiritual and natural wines, eight of which are godly (one of the new wines Luke 5) and 8 ungodly wines (example Moab Jer. 48:11). Is it any wonder that if Babylon is to capture the hearts of believers, it will use an ungodly mix of enticing philosophies emphasizing success, beauty, momentary experience and lawless living? I don't believe it is of any coincidence, therefore, that the wine of this end times enemy is most probably the philosophies and values of ancient Greece. Take a look at the different translations referring to Javan, and similarly, Greece in Zechariah 9. These verses, according to a wide range of Bible scholars describe what many believe to be an End Times battle between Hebraic thought and Greek ideologies. The problem is, the philosophies of Greece effected both Christianity and Judaism, in different ways, and none of them good. Therefore, whenever there is an attempt to revive Christianity, or return to Hebraic understanding of Scriptures, if the influences of Greek philosophy aren't exposed, and then, eradicated, the corruption of those old wicked invisible filters re-embeds into the attempts toward revival and restoring of biblical thought. I state this because I'm concerned. 

Zechariah 9:12 (YLT) Turn back to a fenced place, Ye prisoners of the hope, Even to-day a second announcer I restore to thee. 13 For I have trodden for Me Judah, A bow I have filled with Ephraim, And I have stirred up thy sons, O Zion, Against thy sons, O Javan, And I have set thee as the sword of a hero. 

Zechariah 9:12 (ASV) Turn you to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope: even to-day do I declare that I will render double unto thee. 13 For I have bent Judah for me, I have filled the bow with Ephraim; and I will stir up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and will make thee as the sword of a mighty man.

On too many occasions I've witnessed well-meaning believers and ministers press toward revival, at the same time bringing along with them their hidden Greek philosophical baggage from the past. This grieves me. What's worse, if someone, who understands this difficulty attempts to confront or correct it, they are scorned and accused of being un-Biblical, simply because they're challenging an ungodly, demonic, philosophical base that has gradually infiltrated and affected Christianity for nearly 2000 years.

I wish with all my heart that this diabolical scheme could be easily dealt with. But, sadly I know it will take a long time to do so. My challenge to you saint is to encourage you to research how ancient Greek philosophies are at work in the Church and affecting Hebraic thought today. There are a few things, though, that you should look for when discerning this foe.

The wine in the cup of Babylon emphasizes temporary experiences, emotional highs, personal wealth, love of success and beauty. It therefore, like the Greek filters that work through it, has no room for the cross! It also does not encourage daily, disciplined relationship with the Lord or other believers. Its simply, all business, with no relationship. If you begin to look at what Jesus did in His death and resurrection, you can expose some of the seeds of the philosophies of Greece that war with the truth of the God's Word.

1 Corinthians 1:18  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹  For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 

²⁰  

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? ²¹  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. ²²  For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: ²³  But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; ²⁴  But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. KJV

Hosea 4:11  Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart. ¹²  My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God. KJV

Take a serious look at why and what you believe. Don't sip from the cup of Babylon. Its wine will numb you to truth, and eventually, capture your heart away from God. Its an ungodly form of new wine mentioned in Hosea that takes away the heart through the spirit of whoredoms. Let God instead pour out a double portion anointing and ability to defeat this foe. He wants to bring this thing down and destroy it. But He needs people who refuse that cup and choose instead deep communion with the Lord. That person could be you child. Let Him open your eyes to discover what's behind your belief systems. Otherwise, you may become a victim of a spiritual wine that was never intended for you to drink.