Randall Q. Lawrence
Faith Bible College
Removing satan’s seat
Sister (Dr.) S.
7/12/2010
Homework Assignment 6: Judgment (Extra assignment based on what happened in last class)
First, one problem that I noticed with the last class was that we did not have a prayer to start out. I prayed in my head, but a class on spiritual warfare needs to be covered in prayer (and fasting). I really believe the reason that the class ended in judgment rather than rejoicing over the goodness and blessings and activity of God was partly due to the last class lacking the opening prayer and a more respectful attitude (not to mention a break).
Second, I did spend the next couple days being quite angry over my fellow ministers and students attacking my home situation rather than rejoicing with me over what God had done in my life in the form of deliverance and blessing my friendship that has turned into a betrothal and will turn into a marriage this Friday, July 16, 2010 here at Faith Bible College. I felt like I had “cast my pearls before swine to be trampled underfoot” (Matthew 7:6 KJV “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”) I am not calling my fellow ministers “swine”, but they acted like the above.
I had brought up good news about my deliverance and freeing of my prayer language and had spoken about my engagement to my best friend who I live or co-habit with in an apartment together. My fellow ministers, George and Brenda (?) proceeded to get on me about the “appearance of evil” based on 1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” They ignored my “pearls” of deliverance, freeing of prayer tongue, and engagement and proceeded right to judgment. If I visited them for counseling because they were my pastor, it would have been the last counseling session ever with them, and I would have left their church for good.
To counter their charges of “appearance of evil”, I would bring up John 4 with the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. This woman had 5 husbands and was living with a 6th man that was not her husband. Jesus offered this woman “living water”, but He did not instruct her to go marry her partner and only then would He provide this water. This is the one case I can think of where Jesus addressed someone cohabiting (living together) without being married. He did not speak to her in judgment the way that George and the other minister (African-American female) spoke to me in judgment. I did not judge her over her situation with her father, and I have not judged George over his ministerial testimonies. George stated that he only speaks as the Spirit motivates. This statement I do judge and find lacking in regards to the “attack” on me on June 28, 2010. Jesus warned about only using righteous judgment (Matthew 7:1-2) which I felt they both were lacking at the end of the last class. It is interesting that the ostracized, cohabiting woman became the evangelist to the whole town for Christ! (See John 4 especially John 4:39 “...many Samaritans believed...’) In my opinion, the words and example of Jesus trump the word of Paul taken out of context.
I did speak with Dr. Nick due to my anger and frustration over the situation as did Carla, a fellow student in the class. He expressed that 1 Thessalonians 5:22 is over-used and often used as a club. Information that was lacking includes that my fiancee Peggy and I have been in pre-marital classes with Dr. Nick for months. I am also accepted as an “armor bearer” and fellow minister for Ebony & Ivory. Peggy is supervisor of the dining area for Ebony & Ivory. Dr. Nick is aware of our home situation and has worked with us without unrighteous judgment based in ignorance like what I experienced in the last class. He wanted me to let it go like Paul let go of the snake in the fire and did not experience any ill effects. I was upset for awhile, but I worked through it. I will think twice about taking direction from George as a more senior minister. I will do as I feel led by the Spirit because I have to hold his judgment of always speaking as Spirit gives utterance as suspect because I know that he did not with the end of the last class. I do appreciate that you did not participate or sanction the “attack” on me by my fellow students and ministers. Thank you.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Fear
Randall Q. Lawrence
Faith Bible College
Removing satan’s seat
Sister (Dr.) S.
7/12/2010
Homework Assignment 5: Fear
I could not find the assignment, but I believed the assignment was on fear. I am a little confused because I cannot find where I placed the assignment. I looked in the book, and I do not see a section on fear. The sections addressed are pride (2), rebellion (3), strife (4), and envy (5). I think worry and fear go together and needs addressed.
I would love to use the example of David and Goliath. David focused on the size of his God vs. the size of the giant in front of him whereas King Saul and the army of Israel focused on the size of Goliath in relation to themselves. Goliath would throw out a challenge, “Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me....” (1 Samuel 17:8 KJV) and “I defy the armies of Israel this day...” (v. 10) David stated in response, “...who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (v. 26) and then “And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” (v. 32) and killed Goliath saying, “...for the battle is the Lord’s...” (v. 47). This is a very rich example of the power of fear and power of confidence or faith in the Lord.
Strongholds and the “strongman” (devil and demonic influence) fall and flee like the Philistine army in the presence of one mighty warrior or prayer intercessor of God which David exemplified. “How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight....” (Deuteronomy 32:30) There is a definite principle of spiritual warfare to keep our eyes on the Lord and Savior and not on what is around us. Peter demonstrated this in walking on the water but sinking into the waves when he took his eyes of Jesus to notice the wind and waves (Matthew 14:22-33). Our problems like the fear of the Israelite army grow when we focus on them whereas their power to induce fear and worry shrinks in the Presence of the Lord. David knew his Lord and had confidence in the Lord being with him since he already dispatched a lion and bear in his father’s service as a shepherd. God had plans to make him a shepherd to all of Israel and Judah and demonstrate some characteristics that would foreshadow the Messiah and Son of God, Jesus Christ–focus on God, protection of sheep, understanding importance of humility (broken heart and contrite spirit–Psalm 34:18), leadership of men, and more.
Jesus addressed worry and fear in Matthew 6:25-34: “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for the body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?....for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Jesus points out that our Father in Heaven is aware of all our needs for food, drink, clothes, and more. God is our Jehovah-Jireh–God who sees and provides (Genesis 22:14)
David’s example along with the teaching and example of Jesus show us that a focus on the size, majesty, providence, and love of God the Father makes fear and worry shrink to insignificance. David and Jesus also showed a genius for intimacy and relationship with the Father. David also in the example of repentance with the Bathsheba (lust and adultery) and death of Uriah (pre-meditated murder) then showed how to humble himself in contrition and broken-ness also showed how we should act in response to mistakes less serious than the sins of David (Psalm 51, 2 Samuel 12:9)–way of humility to overcome sin and strongholds of pride, rebellion, strife, and envy.
Faith Bible College
Removing satan’s seat
Sister (Dr.) S.
7/12/2010
Homework Assignment 5: Fear
I could not find the assignment, but I believed the assignment was on fear. I am a little confused because I cannot find where I placed the assignment. I looked in the book, and I do not see a section on fear. The sections addressed are pride (2), rebellion (3), strife (4), and envy (5). I think worry and fear go together and needs addressed.
I would love to use the example of David and Goliath. David focused on the size of his God vs. the size of the giant in front of him whereas King Saul and the army of Israel focused on the size of Goliath in relation to themselves. Goliath would throw out a challenge, “Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me....” (1 Samuel 17:8 KJV) and “I defy the armies of Israel this day...” (v. 10) David stated in response, “...who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (v. 26) and then “And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” (v. 32) and killed Goliath saying, “...for the battle is the Lord’s...” (v. 47). This is a very rich example of the power of fear and power of confidence or faith in the Lord.
Strongholds and the “strongman” (devil and demonic influence) fall and flee like the Philistine army in the presence of one mighty warrior or prayer intercessor of God which David exemplified. “How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight....” (Deuteronomy 32:30) There is a definite principle of spiritual warfare to keep our eyes on the Lord and Savior and not on what is around us. Peter demonstrated this in walking on the water but sinking into the waves when he took his eyes of Jesus to notice the wind and waves (Matthew 14:22-33). Our problems like the fear of the Israelite army grow when we focus on them whereas their power to induce fear and worry shrinks in the Presence of the Lord. David knew his Lord and had confidence in the Lord being with him since he already dispatched a lion and bear in his father’s service as a shepherd. God had plans to make him a shepherd to all of Israel and Judah and demonstrate some characteristics that would foreshadow the Messiah and Son of God, Jesus Christ–focus on God, protection of sheep, understanding importance of humility (broken heart and contrite spirit–Psalm 34:18), leadership of men, and more.
Jesus addressed worry and fear in Matthew 6:25-34: “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for the body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?....for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Jesus points out that our Father in Heaven is aware of all our needs for food, drink, clothes, and more. God is our Jehovah-Jireh–God who sees and provides (Genesis 22:14)
David’s example along with the teaching and example of Jesus show us that a focus on the size, majesty, providence, and love of God the Father makes fear and worry shrink to insignificance. David and Jesus also showed a genius for intimacy and relationship with the Father. David also in the example of repentance with the Bathsheba (lust and adultery) and death of Uriah (pre-meditated murder) then showed how to humble himself in contrition and broken-ness also showed how we should act in response to mistakes less serious than the sins of David (Psalm 51, 2 Samuel 12:9)–way of humility to overcome sin and strongholds of pride, rebellion, strife, and envy.
Rebellion
Randall Q. Lawrence
Faith Bible College
Removing satan’s seat
Sister (Dr.) S.
6/16/2010
Homework Assignment 4: Rebellion
One of my favorite parables is the Prodigal Son story found in Luke 15. For much of my life, I have been like the older son (“Where my party?”) in relation to others. I did have a rebellious moment. I grew up in the church–going back 6 generations. I was told that my great, great grandfather, Charles Cramer, had the Spirituals gifts of Tongues and Interpretation. I tried to always do what I was called to do, but there was very little effect and very little fruit.
In May 2004, I was ordained as a minister of my church with the authority to preach, serve communion, baptize, marry, and teach. I had been speaking and praying and participating in church for years. There would be inspirational moments here and there, but there was really very little of the Spirit or Power of God at work in the church. We would have some strife at times, but my church, back home, did not represent much of a threat to the kingdom of the devil and world in general.
I had gotten married, had a young stepson, had a house for us, was working a good job with good money. It all unraveled in early 2006. Despite attending both our churches, praying for my marriage, it came undone when she had gotten rather “nasty” and accusatory with me. A co-worker explained how her husband had done the same thing to her while cheating on her. I went home after work and asked her point-blank about cheating on me. She paused, and I immediately knew the answer. We tried to work it out, but it came apart from September 2005 to February 2006.
Following this situation and broken heart more over loss of stepson who I dearly loved, I went into a period of rebellion. Most of my life I had done things properly and morally and had nothing to show for it so I began a period where I just did not care. Kind of like the “prodigal son”, I knew about my loving Father. I, however, no longer cared. I got involved with two married women, one right after another. It was not a good situation. Both of the married women had children by different fathers so it was not a good situation. I just did not care and did it to get some affection even from the wrong persons in the wrong way.
I recall a dream from this period. I do not recall whether it was before, during, or after. I believe that it was before the above situation. In the dream, I was being seduced by two beautiful women. These women quickly turned ugly and mean then became like “black holes” sucking the life right out of me. Shortly, after these situations, I confessed to my pastor, turned in my minister’s card, and went on suspension. Proverbs 6:32 KJV “But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.” This dream was fitting for the situation. My prodigal situation continued with the loss of my job and impending loss of my house. All of my doors in Ohio closed, and I felt God calling me to Missouri. (In reality, I feel God called me to Missouri back in 1996, but I resisted–more rebellion I suppose).
To make a long story short, I came for a church conference here in Independence in 2007. I argued with God about taking communion. I realized the main problem of forgiveness was with myself and not with God and His Grace. I then moved out here. I began ministering at a little store-front ministry in the Westport area of KC, MO. My ministerial license was restored, and this “prodigal son and older son” began to understand the infinite mercy and grace of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This journey has called me on some twists and turns that have brought me.
Faith Bible College
Removing satan’s seat
Sister (Dr.) S.
6/16/2010
Homework Assignment 4: Rebellion
One of my favorite parables is the Prodigal Son story found in Luke 15. For much of my life, I have been like the older son (“Where my party?”) in relation to others. I did have a rebellious moment. I grew up in the church–going back 6 generations. I was told that my great, great grandfather, Charles Cramer, had the Spirituals gifts of Tongues and Interpretation. I tried to always do what I was called to do, but there was very little effect and very little fruit.
In May 2004, I was ordained as a minister of my church with the authority to preach, serve communion, baptize, marry, and teach. I had been speaking and praying and participating in church for years. There would be inspirational moments here and there, but there was really very little of the Spirit or Power of God at work in the church. We would have some strife at times, but my church, back home, did not represent much of a threat to the kingdom of the devil and world in general.
I had gotten married, had a young stepson, had a house for us, was working a good job with good money. It all unraveled in early 2006. Despite attending both our churches, praying for my marriage, it came undone when she had gotten rather “nasty” and accusatory with me. A co-worker explained how her husband had done the same thing to her while cheating on her. I went home after work and asked her point-blank about cheating on me. She paused, and I immediately knew the answer. We tried to work it out, but it came apart from September 2005 to February 2006.
Following this situation and broken heart more over loss of stepson who I dearly loved, I went into a period of rebellion. Most of my life I had done things properly and morally and had nothing to show for it so I began a period where I just did not care. Kind of like the “prodigal son”, I knew about my loving Father. I, however, no longer cared. I got involved with two married women, one right after another. It was not a good situation. Both of the married women had children by different fathers so it was not a good situation. I just did not care and did it to get some affection even from the wrong persons in the wrong way.
I recall a dream from this period. I do not recall whether it was before, during, or after. I believe that it was before the above situation. In the dream, I was being seduced by two beautiful women. These women quickly turned ugly and mean then became like “black holes” sucking the life right out of me. Shortly, after these situations, I confessed to my pastor, turned in my minister’s card, and went on suspension. Proverbs 6:32 KJV “But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.” This dream was fitting for the situation. My prodigal situation continued with the loss of my job and impending loss of my house. All of my doors in Ohio closed, and I felt God calling me to Missouri. (In reality, I feel God called me to Missouri back in 1996, but I resisted–more rebellion I suppose).
To make a long story short, I came for a church conference here in Independence in 2007. I argued with God about taking communion. I realized the main problem of forgiveness was with myself and not with God and His Grace. I then moved out here. I began ministering at a little store-front ministry in the Westport area of KC, MO. My ministerial license was restored, and this “prodigal son and older son” began to understand the infinite mercy and grace of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This journey has called me on some twists and turns that have brought me.
Pride
Randall Q. Lawrence
Faith Bible College
Removing satan’s seat
Sister (Dr.) S.
6/16/2010
Homework Assignment 3: Section 2:Dangers of Pride
I have decided to apply these topics to situations that I have experienced in my life and in my ministry. The lesson that I learned on pride involves the situation that I referred to for our assignment regarding why we are taking this class:
“In 2008, I experienced the worst spiritual attack of my life while leading the prayer support for a mission trip to Mexico. This attack “put me out of commission” in a manner of speaking for 1 ½ months with allergy and sinusitis symptoms and initially tremendous back & neck pain. I called for the Elders 3-4 times (James 5:14) in 2 days with a prophetic woman telling me about 8 black arrows, which she removed, including labels of “mono” in my back.. I had warnings of this attack through dreams and other means[, but I ignored these warnings] due to pride and [because of] other circumstances like living in a house under demonic influences.”
I truly fit the Proverbs 16:18 KJV “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” One of the Elders told me that “I ran ahead of God.” I became angry with this Elder because “I was only doing exactly what God wanted me to do..” I was leading and coordinating the prayer effort for this mission trip. I would use the Armor of God from Ephesians 6 and ask God for angelic protection, but my pride and ego got in the way. Our example is in the humility of Jesus Christ and his example of washing the feet of the disciples in John 13:1-20 especially v. 14 “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.”
It’s not about what we do or even what we do for Him. It’s all about what He can do with us as “yielding” and persons with broken hearts and contrite spirits. (Psalm 34:18, 51:17) He called me to this work and to the coordination of the prayer effort for the mission trip. I experienced an attack of a fraction of a second of pure hate, spite, anger, vengeance. What would have been directed at my friends on this mission trip was then directed back at me. God and the Holy Spirit attempted to warn me, but I disregarded and did not understand the warnings. The glory belongs to Christ alone and the Holy Spirit, not to what I could do.
Faith Bible College
Removing satan’s seat
Sister (Dr.) S.
6/16/2010
Homework Assignment 3: Section 2:Dangers of Pride
I have decided to apply these topics to situations that I have experienced in my life and in my ministry. The lesson that I learned on pride involves the situation that I referred to for our assignment regarding why we are taking this class:
“In 2008, I experienced the worst spiritual attack of my life while leading the prayer support for a mission trip to Mexico. This attack “put me out of commission” in a manner of speaking for 1 ½ months with allergy and sinusitis symptoms and initially tremendous back & neck pain. I called for the Elders 3-4 times (James 5:14) in 2 days with a prophetic woman telling me about 8 black arrows, which she removed, including labels of “mono” in my back.. I had warnings of this attack through dreams and other means[, but I ignored these warnings] due to pride and [because of] other circumstances like living in a house under demonic influences.”
I truly fit the Proverbs 16:18 KJV “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” One of the Elders told me that “I ran ahead of God.” I became angry with this Elder because “I was only doing exactly what God wanted me to do..” I was leading and coordinating the prayer effort for this mission trip. I would use the Armor of God from Ephesians 6 and ask God for angelic protection, but my pride and ego got in the way. Our example is in the humility of Jesus Christ and his example of washing the feet of the disciples in John 13:1-20 especially v. 14 “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.”
It’s not about what we do or even what we do for Him. It’s all about what He can do with us as “yielding” and persons with broken hearts and contrite spirits. (Psalm 34:18, 51:17) He called me to this work and to the coordination of the prayer effort for the mission trip. I experienced an attack of a fraction of a second of pure hate, spite, anger, vengeance. What would have been directed at my friends on this mission trip was then directed back at me. God and the Holy Spirit attempted to warn me, but I disregarded and did not understand the warnings. The glory belongs to Christ alone and the Holy Spirit, not to what I could do.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)