One of the words the Lord gave me for 2011 is that there will be “great betrayal – churches and relationships” this year. I take no pleasure at all in delivering this word, yet it is an important one. While some of us have had more experience with betrayal, personal and corporate, others have never had to live through these kinds of assaults on our hearts.
Maybe that’s why the Lord wants me to warn you all about it. I could be the poster child! When you have come through something like betrayal, God authorizes and expects you to help others come through it. Like Rick Joyner told Lori: you will take the stick the devil beat you with and beat him back!
Your victory is never for you alone. The Church and the Kingdom of God is a building made of living stones – each one supplying something the other one needs.
In Luke 21, Jesus is telling His disciples what the signs of the end times will be and it is here that He says “Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you.”
That time is here, folks.
It’s impossible for me to think of any situation that would arise where one family member might betray another, but it will happen – the Bible tells us so. But even in the Church there is going to be great treachery against one another. This is exactly the opposite of what the Lord prayed for us before He left this earth. Jesus prayed in John 17:21 “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one…”
Bob Hartley is a prophet of HOPE. When he was here recently, he told us that Hope defends you, fights for you and helps you heal. He said we would be Hope Craftsmen (and women) here at Morningside. This is my heart’s desire. He said people would come in and be healed and then be launched out to help others.
Bob said: “I saw this Hope in God for Community come forth like in Nehemiah’s day. Jesus brought me back to my catholic neighborhood where I grew up and showed me how I had 100 families that fought for me on every level: for my physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, and for my calling. He shared that this is the type of community that He (Jesus) would restore again, like the early Church in Acts 2:42-47. This warmed my heart with hope as I reflected on how much the community of my childhood had meant to me and how I had prayed for this same type of community for my children.”
Bob said that we, like Nehemiah, will become “Hope Craftsmen” and direct the people to build right where they live, where their hearts flourish, and people will be strategically placed here. My vision for Morningside has always been that we would become a “Refuge” and a place of restoration. Freely I have received, and my desire is to freely give HOPE to others.
Each of us ought to have genuine compassion for others who have spiritual or physical hurts. We have to move out of the swamps of backbiting and tearing down.
In the Refuge, we will love each other, we will have each other’s backs, and we will care for one another! God is raising up many places of Refuge for the Times of Trouble ahead. Betrayal may drive you to one of these Refuges, but HOPE will sustain you through it!
We must purpose in our hearts to become “Hope Craftsmen”!
Brother, like you have seen betrayal that was unimaginable; first from the church denomination that had lasting effects beyond thought possible. and because of such, I am no longer in ministry (breaks my heart more than words could ever express) a church that was once a large and thriving church is down to nothing and my home torn apart on a proven false rumor. My wife of 23yrs, latter found she suffered mental issues and made even more false accusations, and although latter even denied; i was arrested and in jail for some time. Only resent have I been expunged yet walk alone as my wife and i are now divorced. I cry out for restoration and even more so for a door of ministry as that is my hearts cry.
Jim keep the words of our Lord coming. About 15 yrs ago, someone in the form of my dad, told me of things that were to happen in my life. I questioned my dad about this, but said he never said these things. It started that I was going to change jobs, possible truck driver, that I was going to have a robbery, break a wrist(he spoke that it would be my left wrist), and that there would be something happen at the Mexican border(which would not affect me), then something would happen another time that would affect me. He said I would have finacial struggle, even considering bankruptcy, then some health issues-but would be okay. Time coming about changing jobs again-but not real clear. That my family would turn against me, and that I would be involved in church-but would not be able to participate after a time. He spoke that things would happen for a time and a half of time. Time would come like I was one escaping through the flames, losing everything. I felt like he was trying to say I was dying, so I asked him if I would make it into heaven. He said I would make it through the skin of my teeth. I felt he would pause as someone else was telling him what to say. 9yrs ago I started driving truck, difficult change, and the cross-border issues are before congress at this time. Broke my left wrist in Laredo, TX 3 yrs. ago, diagnosed with diabetes 2yrs ago, surgery on my wrist had to be postponed over a heart issue. But in the end surgery went well, no heart problems, and the diabetes is under control with med, about to be taken of the med in the next few months. Robbery in my home 5 yrs ago. A truck fire 6 yrs ago. And my dad and 3 siblings has incorporated the land I live on and made it so I will never have the deed to the land my home is on. This has caused my wife and myself some hardship, but I do not want to let this cause my heart to harbor anger against my family. I pray continualy that I don’t let this get the best of me. Also I was involved in the church band, but was unavailble to attend practices because of my job schedule. They put new rules in place, so I was unable to continue to participate. Our church went through several pastor problems, and break-aways, and leadership challenges, so at this time I do not attend this church. My wife and myself have not found a regular church home yet. Not confused about this situation, and have grown spiritually throughout all the moments. And if I bring up this encounter, some will feel the form was an angel, one said he felt it was demonic, but I don’t believe the devil would tell my future. Would like your input if you could. Enjoy your programming. Thanks for your time.
Yes, betrayal is at my door…my family members.. it has bruised my heart…I only want them to be saved..truly saved..God is giving me strength to deal with family betrayal. I have been praying my parents into the kingdom of God for 33 years, the battle is more intense now…it must be close..they are 85 and 87 years old. Thank you Jim for this post…it has helped me to remember this is a sign of the times we are in….and to keep looking up to Him who gives me strength
I want to encourage every single one of you. God is a healing God. Grab this scripture and hold onto it.
Matthew 12:20 “The crushed stem will not be broken by him; and the feebly burning light will he not put out, till he has made righteousness overcome all.” BBE
Love
~Jim
Thank you for this word…alot has been happening in my life that is inline with this word from God. Sometimes when I think I cannot endure more heartache or betrayal, still more arrives at my doorstep. Praying for those who hurt me and moving on with my life, with Jesus. Thank you again, Jim Bakker for this timely word.
You are going to make it, Kimberlee!
You can be a HOPE Craftswoman!
God loves you! He really does!
~ Jim
Thanking God for your ministry…as the days of Noah, you cry out a warning that people need to hear. Please do not be discouraged people are hearing, and agree with what you have talked about. I had a vision many years ago about electric “grids” I didn’t even know what they were until I looked it up. Another vision that never left was that of people walking into a fiery pit…I asked God who all these people were and He said, “They call themselves christians.” Certain visions/dreams never leave you if they are from God. Praying for you and your ministry, stay strong in Jesus Christ! Never give up Pastor Jim!