A Matter of Faith - Issue #6 -- December 20, 2000

EDITORIAL: Waiting upon God!

FEATURE ARTICLE: God is All!

SPECIAL MESSAGE: A Prayer of Healing!

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IN THIS ISSUE:

1. EDITORIAL: Waiting upon God!

2. FEATURE ARTICLE: God is All!

3. SPECIAL MESSAGE: A Prayer of Healing!

4. PRAYER REQUESTS.

5. CONTACT US.

1. EDITORIAL: Waiting upon God!

Like many of you, I receive countless prophetic E-messages every day from any number of "prophecy clearing houses", and the  one thing that seems to elude many within the church today, as evidenced by the content of those "prophetic messages", is the  simple fact that we have forgotten that we are supposed to wait upon the Lord Jesus Christ! If you have read any of the data that  I have shared about my personal life and walk with Jesus, you already know that He has repeatedly isolated me, and compelled  me to spend countless hours at His knee and in His Word, in order to impart those things He wished for me to learn. I mention  this with all humility, and only for the purpose of supporting this message, because it is growing increasingly evident that too many  are bypassing their tutorials, and assuming positions of authority and responsibility without first falling in behind our glorious Lord.

Each of my past study periods have lasted for years, and during those times I have been moved to devote up to seven days per  week, fourteen hours per day, in the search for His Truth... The intensity of those study times though, have always been followed  by an equally intense period of digestion! Physically, mentally and spiritually, it is impossible to eat, and eat and eat, without  stopping to digest what has been eaten. Even though I continued to read my Bible every day, times of digestion (contemplation  and reflection) simply do not permit continued extensive gorging. And, even though His Word always remained solidly in my  heart, mind and soul, the period following the writing of The Letters has been a time of digestion.

Within the last few weeks, however, I have emerged from this latest period of contemplation and reflection with a renewed zeal  and urgency for the Word of God. In customary manner, the Holy Spirit has once again moved me to return to an intense reading  of Scripture. And yet, this period of reading is unlike the past. I am not sitting with four different versions of the Bible open on my  desk, along with concordances, dictionary's, topical word guides or my Greek dictionary, dissecting passages or words.

Today, I am reading through my Bible just like I did in my first three readings; just like I did when I first met the Lord... Instead of word study's though, the Holy Spirit is moving me to rediscover the fullness of His Word and message to us all. And, in that  revelation I am discovering once again that aside from everything else, Jesus Christ still loves me!!! This is a wonderful revelation  at any time in one's life...

Just like the first time I picked up a Bible, I have started reading in Genesis and worked my way through the Old Testament and  into the New Testament. Today I am in Luke. As I have read through His Word this time, God has repeatedly shown me that He  is my Creator, Provider, Protector, Teacher, Healer, Savior, Redeemer, Lord, God and King... (More on this in our Feature  Article). He has repeatedly reminded me that nothing is beyond Him! Nothing escapes Him! Nothing is impossible to Him! Praise the Lord!

So, what does all of this have to do with waiting upon the Lord? Simple!

God is in charge! As you read through the lives of the Prophets, you will discover that the Prophets of God uttered nothing before receiving Word from God. They waited upon Him! This truth is displayed perfectly in Luke's Gospel, where, in speaking about  John the Baptist, we are told that, "The Word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness, and he came into all  the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (Luke 3:2-3 NASB).

Successful ministry only occurs when we wait upon the Lord!

Much is being said today about "wilderness experiences". Sadly, however, many are not displaying Godly patience in enduring  their experiences; they are not waiting to receive word from the Lord. I am receiving letters from countless self-proclaimed  apostles, prophets and teachers, who are so blatantly in front of the Lord, that their messages are now bordering on heresy - and  upon sinning against the Holy Spirit of God!

I am also receiving messages today asking where the "mentors" are... Typical of today's mentality, these writers want to blame the  "church elders" for not mentoring the young "prophets", when in fact the young prophets simply do not want to spend time  being mentored! Like 5 year-old children, these self proclaimed prophets know everything already, and in their own estimation,  there is no need to be taught anything by anybody - not even by God!

In light of today's "immediate gratification" mind-set, it really should not surprise us that everybody wants to jump onto the  prophetic band-wagon. Whether they possess the prophetic gift or not, many are professing to hear from God, or are seeing and  relaying dreams and visions - whether they are hearing or seeing anything at all. And, the openness of most of the "prophesy  clearing houses" to these messages simply encourages this undisciplined and/or unauthorized "word".

If a message is happy, peppy and perky enough, or is radically shaking enough, it is published by the clearing houses. But, if a  prophetic message of warning against the abuse and misuse of any of the gifts is issued, it is normally dismissed. I know, because  most of my submissions are rejected. The words and utterings of the mentors are being dismissed today just as they have been for  thousands of years, because those words and utterings are calling for repentance. They are being rejected because they call  for discipline and discipleship!

John the Baptist lived in the wilderness for years before the Word of God finally came to him! He said nothing before his  authorization was issued. He waited upon the Lord completely, and while he waited he devoted himself to praise, worship and  prayer. John lived very humbly and quietly, until God finally told him to "GO"... And, once he received the Word, he went in the  full power and authority of God.

Like John the Baptist and the rest of God's Prophets, we must wait upon the Lord today! As you read the many messages that  come across your desk (or screen) pray over their content. Pray for God's discernment over every message, so that you will not  be deceived by those who are walking so far in front of the Lord that they no longer remain in contact with Him. And as you read  these messages, please do not submit to the temptation of jumping into the fray... That is, until the Lord gives His command  to you!

Jesus said, "See to it that no one misleads you. Many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He!' and will mislead many" (Mark  13:5-6 NASB). Further on He added, "If anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ'; or, 'Behold, He is there'; do not  believe him; for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order, if possible, to lead the elect  astray. But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance" (Mark 13:21-23 NASB).

The Lord is returning soon, but before He returns there is much work to be done by His body. If we wait upon Him, each  individual ministry effort will bear fruit in accordance with His plan, and each individual ministry effort will find itself united in Spirit  with the whole body of Christ. In that unity the true glory of God will shine forth.

Wait upon the Lord, beloved. And as you wait, rebuke every false notion that rings in your ears. Learn once again how to "test  the spirits", so that you will know the voice of God!

God's desire is for you, but the evil one also desires to keep us at bay - ineffective! Do not speak until God truly speaks to you.  Do not march until you hear the order. If we wait upon Jesus, we will not fail. Praise the Lord!

2. FEATURE ARTICLE: God is all!

As I stated in my editorial, the Lord has been reinforcing many truth's in my heart as I have read through His Word. If I could  summarize the essence of these lessons, it would be in the phrase, "His Fullness", because that is precisely what He has been  imparting. God has repeatedly shown me that He is our Creator, Provider, Protector, Teacher, Healer, Savior, Redeemer, Lord,  God and King... And, it is these things which the Body of Christ must place solidly within their hearts as we approach the Great  Harvest of the last days.

Recently, I received a message which stirred my heart, because it dealt with "Safe Harbors" and "City's of Refuge". A matter  which I firmly uphold!

In case you were not aware, it is believed within many circles that the Lord has set aside certain cities or geographic areas, where many of His children will be harbored in safety during the approaching days of tribulation. The message I received spoke  directly to this point, and for a few moments, even though the body of the text was appropriate, a small portion of that message  tempted me in to buying into the proposition that we needed to redistribute the wealth of the "church", so that these cities of  refuge could build up their stores; so that preparations can be made to care for "His children"...

In my most recent passage through the Word of God, however, the Lord has once again shown me the fullness of His plan, and  has reinforced in my heart the reality that He is exactly Who He says He is. God has once again shown me that He is our Creator, Provider, Protector, Teacher, Healer, Savior, Redeemer, Lord, God and King... And much more!

As our Creator, Scripture tells us that God planned for us; He predetermined our time and planned for our lives: (Job 23:14;  Psalms 37:23; Jeremiah 1:5; Ephesians 1:3-12; 1 Peter 1:1-2, 1:20; Jude 1:4; Revelation 17:8 - Name just a few passages to  confirm this truth). If we cannot accept that God knows the exact who, what, where, when, why and how of every facet of our  lives, then we are not accepting the fullness of God in our hearts. As tribulation approaches, we must enter into our labor faithfully acknowledging that God knows!

And precisely what does He know? Absolutely everything! Nothing escapes Him!

The message I received about the safe harbor's showed tremendous concern over the fact that we must prepare; that we must  build-up our store houses. God's Word, however, repeatedly shows something else. God says, "For this reason I say to you, do  not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is  not life more than food, and the body than clothing" (Matthew 6:25 NASB)?

The nation of Israel walked in the wilderness for forty years, and during that time they never went hungry - nor did their clothes  wear out! (Exodus - all). God took care of Hagar and Ishmael in the desert (Gen. 21:14-21). He miraculously provided for the  widow - and her son - who cared for Elijah (1 Kings 17:14-16). He provided for the widow and her son through Elisha (2 Kings  4:1-7).

Jesus fed five thousand men - plus women and children - with five loaves of bread and two fish (Mark 6:33-44). He also fed four thousand men - plus women and children - with seven loaves and a few small fish (Matthew 15: 32-38). Jesus had Peter go  fishing - in order to pull the Drachma tax out of the mouth of a fish - which, by the way, was just enough - and just in time.  (Matthew 17:24-27). Finally, in Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus told us to not be anxious... The message I received on the cities of  refuge ignored the commands of Jesus, however, and for a very brief moment I nearly bought into it too...

It is so easy to forget God's promises when things appear to be crashing in around us! And yet, our faith must be greater than  these things, because as God moves us into ministry, our focus must remain squarely upon Him. We must not concern ourselves  with the matters of this world.

Another area of anxiety today involves our safety, as if God were incapable of protecting us. And yet, God is the same today as  He was in the beginning. He has never changed!

As I read through the Old Testament, I saw countless instances where God protected His faithful servants. Some of the more  striking examples, at least for me, are found in the way He protected Shadrach, Mesach and Abed-Nego, Daniel's friends, when  they refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar's golden idol (Daniel 3). Or how about Daniel in the lion's den (Daniel 6:16-24)? The  list is really quite endless, isn't it?

It was God who provided all of Israel's victory's in battle, just as it was His hand that caused them to falter when they were  faithless. And the fact that, "The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent" (Exodus 14:14 NASB) has never abated. His  protection of His faithful servants, and His protection of His chosen ones, has never disappeared. Our faith must also uphold this  truth!

Throughout the Bible the Holy Spirit stresses the significance of reading and knowing the Word of God... In many instances  though, the body of Christ has failed in this discipline. The editorial I wrote earlier is based upon the fact that the plea of God's  Spirit is going unheeded. We are floundering in the exercise and use of our gifts today, because we are not paying full attention to  our Teacher. We are not applying what He tells us in faith. We are not reading His Word continually enough to know the fullness  of His teachings.

In typical worldly fashion, we grasp a thought produced by a particular verse, and totally ignore countless other passages that  expand upon that thought. And, in ignoring those expanding passages, our conclusions end up being half-truth's... Diluted half-lies  are never going to win souls for Christ!

The Apostles taught and wrote the fullness of their understanding to the Church under their care, not withholding any hidden  mysteries, as some would lead us to believe. The sole desire and intent of the Apostles was for the Church to remain blameless  before God, and if they possessed hidden secrets, which they did not pass along, their desires for the Church would have been  thwarted. This is true of the Prophets too (although certain messages are in fact "sealed until the end") because the Prophets were  sent to teach and reveal the fullness of God also. (Deuteronomy 29:29; Proverbs 1:1-7; John 16:1; Acts 20:17-35; 2 Timothy  3:14-16; Jude 1:3 - should prove helpful in supporting the fullness of God's capacity as Teacher).

As we approach the tribulation period and the days of the Great Harvest, we must never lose sight of the fact that Jesus is our  Savior, Redeemer, Lord, God and King... There is absolutely nothing that He cannot do! For however long He determines our  days of ministry, we must know that He is capable of seeing us complete our task! He knows our needs, and He will provide! He  knows how to protect us, and He will provide! He knows what must be said and done by each and every one of us, and He  will provide those words and instruct our actions, "In the hour of our need"! 

Unlike Israel in the desert, we are The Body of Christ! God will not fail His Bride! God will never abandon us or forsake us! His  provisional power, His healing power and His prophetic message remains with us today. Please do not lose sight of those facts. 

The ministry of the Word of God is being taken very lightly by many today, brethren, but my prayer for you is that His discerning  Spirit will be with you evermore, and that in that discernment you will help guide those who are exercising their gifts erroneously...  Not judgmentally, but lovingly and graciously, so that the body of Christ will be edified, and so that our loving  Lord Jesus will be glorified and magnified through His Church!

3. SPECIAL MESSAGE: A Prayer of Healing!

Brethren beloved of God:

As we approach the Holiday Season and the New Year, the Holy Spirit is compelling me to include this extra message in our  newsletter. The Lord is moving in many ways today, and is preparing His Body for His return. Before He returns though, we have work to do. This ministry has been dedicated to preparing the Church for this work for some time, and in that vane, we have  been led to pray for healing to the Body of Christ.

In a recent conversation with a beloved Sister in the Lord, a revelation of no small significance came to light, because in that  discussion the Lord told me that it is now time for the body of Christ to go on the offensive against the evil one. We have been  timid in our faith, and in that timidity we have stood by quite helplessly as the evil one has run roughshod over every righteous  stronghold of God. Not any more!

The time has come for the glory of Jesus Christ to shine forth through the faithfulness of His Church. The time has come for the  body of Christ to rise above this world, and unite in Spirit for the praise of His glory.

The focus of our prayers. therefore, has been for the spiritual, mental, physical and provisional healing that is so desperately  needed throughout the body of Christ. (In speaking of the Body of Christ today, by the way, I am talking about every soul in this  world that is predestined by God to unite under the anointing and saving blood of Jesus Christ - whether they believe this instant  or not!)

Too many within the body of Christ are spiritually oppressed, and must be set free. Included in this oppression is the fact that the  Church is ignoring, discounting or simply disregarding the Word of God. The prayer that accompanies this message rebukes that  spiritual oppression - in the name of Jesus Christ!

Too many within the body of Christ are needlessly suffering under the evil one's physical oppressions as well. The prayer that  accompanies this message rebukes those physical oppressions - in the name of Jesus Christ! 

Too many within the body of Christ are suffering mental depression and dependency, and must be set free from the oppression of the evil one in order to fulfill their life's mission - to the praise, honor and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. The prayer that  accompanies this message rebukes those mental oppressions - in the name of Jesus Christ!

Finally, too many within the body of Christ are bound by the spirits of financial dependency or financial excess, to the extent that  the work of God is not being forwarded. The prayer that accompanies this message rebukes those financial and provisional  oppressions - in the name of Jesus Christ!

The Lord has repeatedly shown me the fullness of His power and authority - in matters of spiritual healing - by the manner in  which many were healed during His walk among us, and by the manner in which many were healed during the walk of His first  century disciples. Souls and body's were healed by merely touching the hem of His garment. Souls and body's were healed by  merely touching the handkerchief of His disciples - taken to the infirmed by another believer. Souls and body's were healed when  the mere shadow of a disciple passed over them. (If you don't know these things yourself, then I urge you to open your Bible and  discover the Truth).

In the fullness of these lessons then, the Lord has shown me that He can heal electronically too! Therefore, until we can meet in  person, we are led to offer the following prayer:

"In the name of Jesus Christ, and by power of the blood of His glorious cross, we pray against the strongholds of Satan that have  been built against the Church and Body of Jesus Christ, and command that Satan and his minions return to the pit assigned for  you - never to return! Satan, the Lord Jesus Christ rebukes you... Begone!

And, in the authority of the name of Jesus Christ, and by the power of the blood of His glorious cross, for, "By His stripes we are  healed", we wholeheartedly claim God's merciful and compassionate healings, and just like a shadow crossing your path, impart  His healing to you through this letter. In rebuking the evil one, we now pray for the fullness of God's Holy Spirit to fill the void  created by Satan's removal, and in His coming, we ask for complete physical, mental, spiritual and provisional/financial healing to  come in full to the children of God; the Body of Jesus Christ.

These things we do in the authority of the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, and by the power of His shed blood. Amen! and  Amen!"

We have received a great gift, beloved. In faith, claim the victory of Jesus today in your life. And, in claiming His victory, pass this newsletter along to whomever the Holy Spirit leads you. The body of Christ must be set free from the bondage of Satan's  oppressions - and God's release is starting today!

It is important for you to know that as I write this, Charlie and I have been under attack by the evil one on nearly every  conceivable front. This message is the beginning of a new ministry for us, and it is a ministry intent on destroying Satan's  strongholds over the body of Christ. We therefore covet your prayers on our behalf... In Jesus Christ we have overcome, and  united in Him we shall overcome this world together to the praise of His glory and our eternal joy!

We remain faithfully and humbly yours in Christ Jesus,

larry and Charlie vosen

4. PRAYER REQUESTS:

Normally, I would present specific prayer requests that we receive from our brothers and sisters in this section. This month  though, there appears to be common threads appearing in all of the letters we have received, and so as not to reveal anything too  personal, I am grouping these requests according to need. I think you will see the reasoning momentarily.

First, many are requesting prayer for friends and loved ones who are back-sliding! Satan is placing road-blocks before the body  of Christ, and many are being deceived. Pray, therefore, for hearts to be touched by the loving grace of God, so that our brothers and sisters eyes and ears would be opened to the fullness of God's Truth, and that the evil one be rebuked - in the full authority of the name of Jesus Christ!

This back-sliding includes matters of sexual slavery - including homosexuality, dependency - including drugs and alcohol and  abuse - mental, physical and spiritual.

Many are praying for healing! Charlie and I are included in this group - and have witnessed miraculous healings in the past three  weeks. Please pray for physical healing for the body of Christ. We must be healthy and strong - in the Lord - to fulfill His desire  in our lives.

Many are seeking God's provision. Don't believe what you read in the newspapers, beloved, the economy has not been good for  a long time, and many are in need... This is worldwide, by the way!

A number of Brothers and Sisters are seeking ministry guidance from the Lord. I believe that we will be given "the Word" soon -  just as John the Baptist received his commission. In the interim though, uplift one-another to the Lord, so that we not get ahead of  Him.

Please continue to pray for our nation and our world. Events in Israel do not look encouraging. And, the period of transition of  power following our national elections places both Israel and the United States in very vulnerable positions.

Please continue to pray for our ministry. The Lord is leading us into some very new and powerful ministry fronts. We are seeking  His continued guidance, direction, empowering and provision. Your prayers are coveted!

5. CONTACT larry vosen:

If you have any questions about the Bible, God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Gospel, Faith or any pressing spiritual matter, please feel free to contact me. While I may not possess the answers personally, I know Who Does! Every effort will be made to secure the answer you seek.

Do you have a prayer request? Please share your needs with us... We will post your needs in our "Prayer Request" sections, and approach the Throne of God in a united front on your behalf.

We can be reached via email at: Contact larry

Or, please feel free to mail your thoughts and requests to:
Larry Vosen
2600 E. Seltice Way, #203
Post Falls, ID 83854

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