SUBJECT: DIVINE DISCONTENTMENT FOR THE 
THINGS OF THIS WORLD

COLOSSIANS 3:1-4 
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Hey folks, I hope you are all having a blessed day! I've been spending some quiet time meditating on God's Word. As I sit here in beautiful Prescott, Arizona, I am incredibly grateful to Abba Father for all of His blessings in my life. But I am also strangely grateful for the trials and tribulations He is allowing me to endure as well. I know that He is using these times of testing to strengthen my faith and anchoring my reliance on Him more and more. I am experiencing a tearing away or severing of the things that I once pursued in this world. For a time, I thought I had lost what I had deemed as "passion"; the drive for what had once represented a sense of "achievement" or "success" in my life. I even thought there was something seriously wrong with me, because I was beginning to no longer desire and seek after "stuff" (materialism, fame and fortune).

Some circles would say that I was denying God's desire to "bless" His Children, and this is simply not true. I do indeed believe and receive His blessings, but I also know He blesses us, that we might be a blessing to others. Many Christians have been thwarted in their thinking regarding the "prosperity message". In all fairness, I do believe there are others who take this issue in a different direction--on the pendulum of "the blessings of God"; they embrace the idea that they must be dirt poor (poverty stricken) because all of God's blessings are only for when they get to heaven. In truth, God knows our needs and our desires, and He always tends to our needs and answered our prayers; on "His Timing" and sometimes His answer is "No, for I know what is best for you". Again, I believe that God blesses us that we may be a blessing to others. You may or may not agree with my understanding in this matter. I would pray that you would be obedient in whatever God is asking you to do in the area of finances and other resources (time, talents and gifts) that He gives you.

SPIRITUAL GLUTTONY?
One afternoon, as I was sitting in my living room, The Holy Spirit spoke two words to me-- He whispered, "Spiritual Gluttony". I must admit that I was somewhat surprised with these words, but then He began to talk to me about "extra baggage" and my NEED to "lessen my load". Hmmmm? "Spiritual Gluttony"; "Extra Baggage"; and "Lessening My Load"? As I sat there pondering these things, He then asked me a question. "Jay, if you and Sue were to have to suddenly depart from this place, could you leave everything behind? I didn't hesitate to give Him an answer as I scanned the rooms for a quick inventory of "stuff" that once fed into my compulsive and impulsive lusts. I said, "Yes Lord, I would walk away because I don't want the things that I "own" to end up "owning" me! Again, I want to clarify that I am not saying that God's blessings are wrong-- but when we begin to seek the "blessings" and not the One who "blesses" us, so that we may be a blessing to others, then there is a problem. The "blessings" become an "idol" and your relationship with God can suffer.

In truth folks, I am not, in any way, shape or form, immune to the desires for nice things, but I am also aware of what God tells us concerning "storing up our treasures in heaven where moths and vermin destroy; and thieves can't come and steal it" (Matthew 6:19-21).

In regards to the term "spiritual gluttony", The Holy Spirit was referring to a prayer I have been praying a lot lately. "God, I want more of you!" My passion for the things of this world is quickly diminishing and is being replaced with what has eternal value: doing the Will of God and allowing His plans and purposes for my life to be done. (Jeremiah 29:11). When He fills you and I with divine revelation knowledge and wisdom, as well as provides you with great clarity in discernment, we will find ourselves longing for more of the things of God and less of the lust of the eyes (aka STUFF).

Recently The Holy Spirit has been reminding me of the incredible "passion" and "fire" I experienced when God delivered me out of the homosexual lifestyle in 1988. He took me from the pit of the lies and deception of the enemy and set me smack dab in the middle of a Pentecostal church; where I experienced, firsthand, the phenomenal move of The Holy Spirit of God--with the evidence of miracles, signs and wonders. I believe I was taken out of the "Devil's Drama" and into "God's Kingdom Reality". I was immediately "saturated" in the awesome things of God and I couldn't wait for the church doors to open. I got involved in every area I could in the ministry and I began experiencing a dynamic walk with Christ. When a person is willing to submit to God's Will for His or her life, God doesn't hesitate to provide ample opportunities to use you in advancing His kingdom. He is looking for those who are willing to say "Here I am "Lord of The Harvest" send me!

REKINDLED FIRES
God is doing a deep work in His People right now. I hear The words "Rekindled Fires" in my spirit. There are gifts and callings that have been preserved "for such a time as this". Many have felt their giftings have been shelved and their "calling" has expired. The enemy has even convinced some folks that these "gifts and callings" are long gone in past Seasons. They are saying, "How can God use me now that I am well into my old age". But this is definitely a lie of Satan, because God is about to resurrect, reignite and rekindle the "holy passion" & "fire" in His Children. He has preserved a "holy remnant" in these last days. Get ready folks, because in the shaking (and quaking) there is coming a great awakening.

I hope you are encouraged today folks! Be blessed and be a blessing in Jesus' name!

Jay 06-12-2017