FRANCIS FRANGIPANE MINISTRIES

Unoffendable

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh" (Ezek. 36:26).

God has a new heart for us that cannot be offended, an "unoffendable" heart. Beloved, possessing an unoffendable heart is not an option or a luxury; it's not a little thing. An offended heart is endanger of becoming a "heart of stone."

Consider: Jesus warns that, as we near the end of the age, a majority of people will be offended to such a degree that they fall away from the faith. Listen carefully to His warning:

"Then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another . . . and because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (Matt. 24:10-12 KJV).

"Many" will "be offended." The result? The love of "many" will grow cold. My prayer is that we will hear His words with holy fear.

When we allow an offense to remain in our hearts, it causes serious spiritual consequences. In the above verse Jesus named three dangerous results: betrayal, hatred and cold love. When we are offended with someone, even someone we care for, we must go to them. If we do not talk to them, we will begin to talk about them. We betray that relationship, whispering maliciously behind their back to others, exposing their weaknesses and sins. We may mask our betrayal by saying we are just looking for advice or counsel, but when we look back, we see we have spoken negatively to far too many people. Our real goal was not to get spiritual help for ourselves but to seek revenge toward the one who offended us. How is such action not a manifestation of hatred? For an offended soul, cold love, betrayal and hatred are a walk into darkness.

People don't stumble over boulders; they stumble over stones, relatively small things. It may be that the personality of someone in authority bothers us, and soon we are offended. Or, a friend or family member fails to meet our expectations, and we take an offense into our soul. Beloved, if we will "endure to the end," we will have to confront the things that bother us.

When Jesus warns that we need endurance, He is saying that it is easier to begin the race than finish it. Between now and the day you die, there will be major times of offense that you will need to overcome. You might be in such a time right now. Do not minimize the danger of harboring an offense!

No one plans on falling away; no one ever says, "Today, I think I'll try to develop a hardened heart of stone." Such things enter our souls through stealth. It is only naiveté that assumes it couldn't happen to us. I know many people who consistently become offended about one thing or another. Instead of dealing with the offenses, praying about them and turning the issue over to God, they carry the offense in their soul until its weight disables their walk with God. You may be doing fine today, but I guarantee you, tomorrow something will happen that will inevitably disappoint or wound you; some injustice will strike you, demanding you retaliate in the flesh. Will you find more love, and hence, continue your growth toward Christlikeness? Or will you allow that offense to consume your spiritual life?

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This vital message from Pastor Frangipane was adapted from a lesson in his online school, In Christ's Image Training. This course has touched and inspired thousands of believers from over one hundred twenty-one nations and territories and all fifty U.S. states. Learn more about In Christ's Image Training, at www.icitc.org.

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In Christ's Image Training is a six-month, online course developed by Pastor Frangipane. These are proven truths that break chains and lead to power in our Christian walk.

The course comes right to your home via email and audio messages and is designed to lift one's focus toward the actual presence of Jesus Christ. The full course not only includes 48 lessons and 39 audio messages (sample audio), but the discerning student will actually find the Lord using the weekly lessons to stage opportunities to deepen the truths found in the training.

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Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were taken from the NASB.

Beware of the Stronghold of Cold Love

Is your love growing softer, brighter and more visible? Or is it becoming more discriminating, more calculating, less vulnerable and less available? This is a very important issue, for your Christianity is only as real as your love. A measurable decrease in your ability to love is evidence that a stronghold of cold love is developing within you.

Jesus warned of our era. He said, "Many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold" (Matt. 24:10-12). So let us honestly ask the Lord to examine us: Is our love hot or cold? Another's thoughtlessness may have wounded us deeply, but instead of forgiving the wound or going to them and discussing it according to Matthew 18, we go to others with our complaint. The wound then begins to germinate into a root of bitterness, and many are being defiled (Heb. 12:15). What is growing in us is not love but bitterness, which is unfulfilled revenge.

Again, Jesus warned that "stumbling blocks [would] come" (Matt. 18:7). There will be times when even good people have bad days; there will never be a time when "stumbling blocks" cease to be found upon your path. Remember also, people do not stumble over boulders but over stones -- little things. When you have stumbled over something, you've stopped walking.

Have you stumbled over someone's weakness or sin lately? Have you gotten back up and continued loving as you did before, or has that fall caused you to withdraw from walking in love? To preserve the quality of your love, you must forgive those who have caused you to stumble. Depending on the issue itself, it may be that you legitimately cannot trust them, but you do not have a reason to stop loving.

Every time you refuse to forgive or fail to overlook a weakness in another, your heart not only hardens toward them, it hardens toward God. You may still think you are open to God, but the Scriptures are clear: "The one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen" (1 John 4:20). You may not like what someone has done, but you do not have an option to stop loving them.

What do I mean by love? First, I do not merely mean "tough love." I mean gentle, affectionate, sensitive, open, persistent love. God will be tough when He needs to be, and we will be firm when He tells us to be, but beneath our firmness must be an underground river of love waiting to spring into action. When I have love for someone, I have predetermined that I am going to stand with them, regardless of what they are going through. I am committed.

We each need people who love us, who are committed to us in spite of our imperfections. The fullness of Christ will not come without Christians standing with each other in love. We are not talking about salvation but growing in salvation until we care for each other, even as Christ has committed Himself to us.

The goal of pulling down the stronghold of cold love is to see our hearts restored to the heart of Christ. You will be challenged in this, but if you persist, you will discover the height and depth and breadth of Christ's love. You will become "a body filled and flooded with God Himself" (Eph. 3:19 Amp).

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Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, The Three Battlegrounds, available at www.arrowbookstore.com.

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The Three Battlegrounds

Any time the Spirit of God's kingdom is truly manifested in the earth, it will ultimately confront the strongholds of hell. Indeed, wherever evil spirits have either a foothold or a stronghold, you can expect that the overcoming church will be engaged in warfare, and expect also that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church that Jesus builds.

In this book, Francis Frangipane explores three arenas of spiritual warfare that the maturing Christian will face: the mind, the church and the heavenly places. It provides a foundation of insight, wisdom and discernment on the nature of the battle and the keys to victory.

View Francis introducing this book

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Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were taken from the NASB.

One Man

God's Response to Redemptive Intercession
When Abraham was confronted with the possibility of Sodom's destruction, he did not immediately jump on the "Destroy Sodom" bandwagon; instead, he went before the Lord and prayed for mercy for the city. Abraham's prayer is an amazing study on the effect a mercy-motivated intercessor has on the heart of God. Indeed, my objective here is to gaze into the heart of God as it is revealed in the discourse between the Lord and Abraham.

When we look at Abraham's prayer, we discover an amazing power granted us in intercession. And what is that? God is looking for a mercy reason that would justify Him delaying or canceling wrath. We must not belittle this principle, for in it is great hope for our land as well. The mercy reason for delay is found in the compassionate prayer of an intercessor.

Let us consider the Lord's initial response to Sodom's sin. First, He revealed to Abraham, His servant, what He was about to do. Why? Wasn't the evil so dark that it deserved to be destroyed? Yes, the wickedness in Sodom fully deserved divine wrath. Yet that is not why the Lord revealed to Abraham the pending judgment. The Lord informed Abraham of what was coming not so His servant could criticize, but so Abraham would intercede for mercy. Remember, God delights in mercy (Mic. 7:18) and takes "no pleasure in the death of the wicked" (Ezek. 33:11). The Lord always seeks for opportunities of mercy. Therefore, let's take note of how Abraham approached the Almighty:

"Abraham came near and said, ‘Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will You indeed sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from You to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?'" (Gen. 18:23-25).

Notice, Abraham did not pray from a place of anger. He never said, "God, it's about time You killed the perverts." There was no finger-pointing vindictiveness in Abraham's soul. Somehow we have come to believe that non-compromising Christians must also be angry. Abraham never compromised with Sodom's depraved culture, yet he was above fleshly reaction. In fact, throughout his prayer, Abraham spent almost no time at all telling God what was wrong in Sodom. He appealed, instead, to the mercy and integrity of the Lord.

This is vitally important for us, because Jesus said, "If you are Abraham's children, do the deeds of Abraham" (John 8:39). One of Abraham's most noteworthy deeds involved his intercessory prayer for Sodom, the most perverse city in the world!

Abraham first acknowledged the Lord's integrity, then he spoke to the Lord's mercy.

"Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will You indeed sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty?" (Gen. 18:24).

The Lord knew that it would be unjust to slay the righteous with the wicked; Abraham's prayer did not enlighten the Lord of some unknown fact. But God in the process of determining future reality always prepares a merciful alternative, which is unlocked by the persevering prayer of a mercy motivated intercessor.

In other words, urgent, redemptive prayer shoots straight through the mercy door and enters God's heart. This door is never shut, especially since we have a High Priest, Jesus Christ, ministering at the mercy seat in the heavens (Heb. 8:1). It is open each and every time we pray.

Listen to how the Lord answered Abraham's prayer for mercy: "If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place on their account" (Gen. 18:26).

How the truth of God's mercy flies in the face of those so eager to judge their nation! Incredibly, the Lord said He would spare the whole of Sodom if He found fifty righteous people there. Now keep this in mind: the Hebrew word for "spare" means more than "not destroy"; it also means "to forgive or pardon." This is a tremendous revelation about the living God. He will minimize, delay, or even cancel a day of reckoning as long as Christ-inspired prayer is being offered for sinners!

Time and again throughout the Scriptures the Lord proclaims an ever present truth about His nature: He is "slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness" (Exod. 34:6). Do we believe this? Here it is, demonstrated right before our eyes in the Scriptures. He tells us plainly that a few righteous people scattered in a city can preserve that area from divine wrath.

Abraham knew the love of God. He was an intimate friend of God's. Abraham, in truth, had a clear view into the heart of God based on his own experiences. This interceding patriarch had seen the Almighty bless, prosper, and forgive him, so he pressed God's mercy toward its limits.

"What if there are forty?"

The Lord would spare it for forty.

Abraham bargained, "Thirty?"

He would spare it for thirty.

"Twenty?"

He finally secured the Lord's promise not to destroy the city if He could find just ten righteous people there. On God's scales, wrath is on one side and mercy on the other. Put the entire city of Sodom with all its sin and perversion on one side. The scales tip toward wrath as the weightiness of advanced wickedness runs rampant through an entire city. Let's assume that there were two hundred thousand evil people in Sodom. It is weighed heavily on the side of evil. Yet on the other side, place just ten righteous individuals. As the ten are placed on the scale, the spiritual weight of the righteous, with just ten, tips the scales toward mercy!

In God's heart, the substance of the righteous far outweighs the wickedness of the evil! Herein we discover what we are seeking in the heart of God through prayer: the Lord would spare (forgive) sinful Sodom, with its gangs of violent homosexuals, because of the influence of ten godly people who dwelt within it!

How About Your Community?
Now, let's think of your city: Are there ten good people among you? Consider your region. Do you think there might be one hundred praying people living within its borders, people who are pleading with God for mercy? What about nationwide? Do you suppose there might be ten thousand people interceding for your country? God said He would spare Sodom for ten righteous people. Do you think God would spare your nation for ten thousand righteous?

I lived in a metropolitan area in the United States that has about two hundred thousand people. I can list by name scores of righteous individuals, including pastors, intercessors, youth workers, black folks, white folks, Hispanic folks, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Christian business people, moms, dads, godly teenagers, praying grandmothers, secretaries, policemen, and on and on who live there -- far more than the ten righteous needed to save a place like Sodom. There are many who care about this city.

Think about your church and the greater church community in your city. Aren't there at least ten honorable people who sincerely care about your community, who desire that God would bring revival? Remember, the Lord said He would spare Sodom for the sake of the ten.

My plea in this message is that you would see yourself as one who is standing in the gap for your city. See if there are others in your community who will pray with you. The power of prayer can release a tsunami of mercy that can topple strongholds and set captives free in your region.

Finally, let us not give up our communities to the influences of hell. God is able to raise up a standard against wickedness. In fact, He says He looks for a man who will stand in the gap, that He might not strike the earth in His wrath. Will you be that one? You see, the true measure of spirituality is not how angry we become toward sinners, but how Christlike; our mission is not to see men destroyed, but redeemed.

Lord Jesus, forgive me for devaluing the power of prayer. Forgive me for underestimating how passionately You desire to reveal Your mercy. Lord, give me grace to be one who never ceases to cry out to You for mercy. Lord, let me not base my obedience on what my eyes see or my ears hear, but upon the revelation of Your mercy; let me build my life on Thee. Amen!

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Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, The Power of One Christlike Life, available on Arrow Bookstore's Special's page. I urge you to buy this book and mine its truth. If you can't afford it, then ask and we will send you the ebook for free.

 
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Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were taken from the NASB.

Ask of Me

The Great Revolt
As though Jesus were reading a news summary of recent years, His prophecies of two thousand years ago clearly describe our times. Thus, we are compelled to discern accurately the significant era in which we live. Indeed, of the many prophetic fulfillments of our day, one in particular rises with undimmed candor. I am speaking of what the Bible calls the "apostasy." Recall Paul's warning:

"Let no one in any way deceive you, for [the day of the Lord] will not come unless the apostasy comes first" (2 Thess. 2:3).

The apostasy has traditionally been described as a time of deception and massive falling away from authentic faith in Christ. Depending upon your specific view, sometime before or after the apostasy the rapture of the church will occur. However, the concept of apostasy as merely "a falling away" is incomplete. The original Greek word for apostasy, apostasia, when used in classical Greek literature, meant "a political revolt." From this we understand that the end-time apostasy is not just a time of sinfulness or large scale backsliding; it is actually a time of open defiance and warlike aggression against godliness in general. In other words, the apostasia is a political insurrection against the laws of God.

This interpretation of the apostasy is not an isolated view. The New International Version, Revised Standard Version, Phillips Translation, and New English Bible all render apostasia as "the rebellion." The Living Bible interprets the apostasy as the "great rebellion," while the Jerusalem Bible assigns a proper name to this era: "The Great Revolt."

As we consider the fulfillment of so many other prophecies, let us carefully observe: mankind has entered an era of open revolt and outright rebellion -- an apostasy -- against the moral standards of God.

Today, we are witnessing a large-scale rebellion against traditional moral values. Indeed, this brazen attitude has had a name for itself since the 1960s: "the sexual revolution." And "revolution" is exactly what it is. Our moral standards have not only been challenged, they have been replaced by a non-standard. Indeed, the great rebellion seeks to legitimize and then mainstream every perversity known to man!

There is much to say (and pray) on behalf of those trapped in perversity yet who hate sin's effect on their lives. We must be compassionate toward them and not strident; many are sitting in our churches afraid to even speak of their need lest they be disowned. I am not speaking with reference to the victims of this advance, but of those who are engaged in a mutiny against the sway of God in our nation. They argue the only standard Americans have is the standard of individual freedom. In their view, freedom itself is the "god" ruling America, with self-indulgence sitting as prime minister.

Yet the God of Heaven desires the nations of the world. Though the apostasy will certainly intensify, we must remember it is only one of many prophecies unfolding in our day. The same divine Word that warned of the Great Rebellion also assures us that ultimately God's kingdom shall crush the demonic influences in our world (Dan. 2:44).

Yes, evil shall mature into full rebellion, but good is also ripening into full Christlikeness! (See Matt. 13:40-43; John 17:22-23.) True, the apostasy shall reveal the nature of Satan, but the true church shall manifest the nature of Christ! Our King is not only coming in the skies, He is coming "to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed" (2 Thess. 1:10). What seems to be Satan's hour, full of darkness and rebellion, is simply the opportunity for grace to abound to the glory of God in the church!

Seated with Christ!
The Second Psalm, perhaps more than any other Bible text, accurately portrays the spirit of our time. Indeed, it also proclaims our correct response to Satan's bold advance. Although it was quoted by the early church (Acts 4:25-26), God has set its full realization for the end of this age.

"Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, ‘Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!'" (Ps. 2:1-3).

Although "the rebellion" reveals itself worldwide in many ways, in America many of our leaders have certainly been counseling together "against the Lord" in their decisions. We see it in the efforts to mainstream perversion. Again, our anti-censorship laws, like armor plating, in many ways now defend sin against the Lord. The virulent cry of those in rebellion hammers relentlessly upon the fetters of moral restraint!

This railing against God has not gone unnoticed in Heaven. Is the Almighty confounded? Has fear concerning recent developments gripped the Lord's heart? No. The Psalm continues:

"He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury" (Ps. 2:4-5).

The Lord laughs at the foolishness of those in full revolt, as they imagine God's judgments cannot reach them. Why then, you ask, does the Lord delay His full judgment? In part, the Lord waits for us, His church. For while the world shall demand, and receive, the reign of hell, the goal of the praying church shall be for the reign of Heaven.

You see, all prophecies shall be fulfilled: not only those concerning evil but also those concerning righteousness. The Lord has purposed to have a "bride without spot or wrinkle" and a "kingdom" of wheat without tares. The transformation of the church will be fulfilled as surely as every other prophecy occurring before the Lord's return.

Thus, He commands us to sit with Him in the completeness of His purpose. He requires us not only to live without fear but to stand in prayer for these very nations that defy Him!

Listen again to this Second Psalm, for in the very context of worldwide rebellion against the Lord, it records the most remarkable discourse: "Ask of Me," the Father says to the Son, "and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession" (Ps. 2:8).

As Christ's church, we do not deserve a national revival, but Jesus does! As His representatives, in His name and virtue, we ask of the Father for America! We stand in prayer for the church to become one, filled with Christ followers from every ethnic background! Our prayer is not only an act of faith, it is an act of obedience: we are commanded to ask God for the nations!

Therefore, while the perverse strive toward complete rejection of God, even as their mocking words fill the air, the Almighty's unchangeable promise to His Son (and by extension, His church as Christ's body) is "Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations!''

As violence, New Age religions and witchcraft flourish in our schools, ask God for this nation. While all restraint is removed from the entertainment industry, ask God for this nation! While perversity dresses in normalcy, ask God for America! While abortion remains protected by laws, ask God with confidence, with boldness, and with faith for our land! Where you see injustice in any form, ask God for His kingdom to manifest on earth!

"He who sits in the heavens laughs."

Put away fear and discouragement; repent of fretting. The more we accept our place in the divine plan, the more we shall laugh at the enemy's plans. The faith that relentlessly asks God, pleases God. Now, as the fullness of the times unfolds, as the world around us clothes itself in prophetic fulfillments, let us put away unbelief; let us repent for withdrawal. It is a time to boldly ask of God. As He has promised: He will give the nations as an inheritance to Christ!

Let's pray: Lord Jesus, how blessed we are that as evil matures into full rebellion, Your church matures into full Christlikeness. Teach me to pray for my inheritance, my nation. Use me to stand in the gap until my people become Your people.

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Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, The Days of His Presence, available on Arrow Bookstore's website: www.arrowbookstore.com.

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"This Time I Will Praise the Lord"

I’m all for fulfilling personal quests in life, but I am also aware that personal fulfillment can actually become an idol. Our ambitions can develop into such an obsession that we are living for selfish goals rather than living for God. Thus, part of our salvation includes having our desires prioritized by Christ. In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord put it this way:

"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself " (Matt. 6:33-34). God intends to satisfy us beyond our dreams, but not before He is first in our hearts.

A wonderful example of this can be seen in the life of Leah, Jacob's first wife. Leah was unattractive, unwanted, and unloved by her husband. Jacob had served Laban, Leah's father, seven years for Rachel, who was Leah's younger sister. On their wedding night, however, Laban put Leah in the nuptial tent instead of Rachel. Although Jacob actually did marry Rachel a week later, Jacob had to work another seven years for her. So Jacob had two wives who were sisters.

The Scriptures tell us that Rachel was loved by Jacob, but Leah was hated. Yet we also read that "the Lord saw that Leah was hated . . ." (Gen. 29:31 KJV). We must understand this about the nature of God: the Lord is drawn to those who hurt. "The Lord saw . . . Leah." What simple, yet wonderful words! In the same way water descends and fills that which is lowest, so Christ reaches first to the afflicted, to fill the lowliest and comfort them.

The Lord saw that Leah was unloved. He saw her pain, loneliness and heartache. Leah, though unloved by Jacob, was deeply loved by the Lord, and He gave her a son. Leah's reaction was predictable. She said, "Surely now my husband will love me" (v. 32).

Worse than living your life alone is to be married to someone who hates you, as was Leah. How Leah wished that Jacob would share the love he had for Rachel with her. Who could blame her? Leah's desires were justified. She had given Jacob a firstborn son. In her mind, if the Lord could open her womb, He could also open Jacob's heart. But the time was not yet; Jacob still did not love her.

Twice more Leah gave birth to sons, and each time her desire was for her husband. She said, "Now this time my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons" (v. 34). Yet Jacob's heart still did not desire her.

For Leah, as well as for us, there is a lesson here: you cannot make another person love you. In fact, the more pressure you place upon others to accept you, the more likely they are to reject you instead. Leah's concept of fulfillment was based on attaining Jacob's love, and now her problem was worsening. Not only was she unattractive to Jacob, but also her jealousies were adding to her lack of loveliness.

Three times we read in this text that the Lord saw and heard that Leah was unloved. He saw her affliction. Through all her striving for Jacob and her disappointment with her marital relationship, the Lord was tenderly wooing Leah to Himself.

As Leah became pregnant a fourth time, a miracle of grace occurred within her. She gradually became aware that, while she had not been the focus of her husband's love, she was loved by God. And as this fourth pregnancy drew near to completion, so Leah drew nearer and nearer to God. She became a worshiper of the Almighty.

As she gave birth to another son, she said, "This time I will praise the Lord" (v. 35). She named that child Judah, which means, "praise." It was from the tribe of Judah that Christ was born.

Leah had been seeking self-fulfillment and found only heartache and pain. But as she became a worshiper of God, she entered life's highest fulfillment: she began to please God.

It is right here that the human soul truly begins to change and enter the stronghold of God. The more Leah found fulfillment in God, so the Lord began to remove from her heartaches that life had laid upon her. A true inner beauty started growing in Leah; she became a woman at rest.
Likewise, we each have character defects that we are reluctant or unable to face. Others have seen these things in us, but they have lacked the courage to tell us. Both physically and personally, these flaws in our nature are what leave us feeling anxious and threatened.

It is not counsel or classes on success or self-esteem that we need; we simply need to discover God's love for us. As we begin to praise Him in all things, we simultaneously put on the garments of salvation. We are actually being saved from that which would otherwise have destroyed us!

Disappointments and heartaches cannot cling to us, for we are worshipers of God! And "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God" (Rom. 8:28). If we continue to love God, nothing we experience can ultimately turn out harmful since God takes all we pass through and, in His redemptive power, works it for our good.

The Tree of Life
You will remember the verse we quoted, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Prov. 13:12). The verse concludes with, "But desire fulfillment is a tree of life." As our desires are fulfilled, we are fulfilled. Since it is the fulfillment of our desires that fills us with satisfaction, the secret to a rewarding life is to commit our desires to God.

Let Him choose the times and means of our fulfillment, allowing the Lord to prepare us for Himself along the way. The truth is that in ourselves we are incomplete; but in Christ we have been made complete (Col. 2:10).

You say, "That's easy for you to say. You have a wonderful wife and family. You are blessed. But you don't understand my problems." Yes, I do. My “wonderful marriage” was very difficult for the first few years. We struggled with many things in our relationship. My wife and I both came to the place where we were unfulfilled in each other. But, like Leah, we both looked to God and said, "This time I will praise the Lord." In fact, we named our second child the very name Leah gave to her fourth -- Judah.

For us, as for Leah, our lives were turned around as we chose to delight in God. As we became His worshipers, He began to work on our hearts until we were not only more pleasing to Him, we were also pleasing to each other! What I am relating to you is the very thing that saved and blessed our marriage!

Psalm 37:4 reads, "Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart." As you delight in God, you change. The negative effects of disappointment and grief fall off. As God's love and joy begins to fulfill us, our very souls are restored and beautified. Yes, delight yourself with Jesus and your self-destructive tendencies will actually begin to vanish. Christ will beautify your life from the inside out.

The Outcome of Leah's Life
What happened with Leah? Well, the long years came and went. In time, Rachel and then Leah died. Jacob, on his deathbed, spoke to his sons: "I am about to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave . . . which Abraham bought . . . for a burial site. There they buried Abraham and his wife Sarah, there they buried Isaac and his wife Rebekah, and there I buried Leah" (Gen. 49:29-31).

Jacob had buried Leah in the ancestral place of honor! Oh how those words, though few, imply so much! They tell us that God had, in some marvelous inner way, beautified this afflicted one with salvation. After Leah found fulfillment in God, God gave her fulfillment in Jacob. We can imagine that over the years inner peace and spiritual beauty shone forth from Leah; Jacob was knit to her in love. It is not hard to imagine that when Leah died, she left smiling, with the praises of God upon her lips.

Become a worshiper of God! As you surrender your desires to Him, as you put Him first, He will take what you give Him and make it beautiful in its time. He will take what has been bent and imbalanced within you and make you stand upright in His light and glory.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, The Shelter of the Most High, available on Arrow Bookstore's website: www.arrowbookstore.com.

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Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were taken from the NASB.

A Place for Him to Rest, Part 2

Enveloped and Permeated with God
The Hebrew word for rest is nuach; among other things, it means "to rest, remain, be quiet." It also indicates a "complete envelopment and thus permeation," as in the spirit of Elijah "resting" on Elisha, or when wisdom "rests in the heart of him who has understanding." God is not looking for a place where He can merely cease from His labors with men. He seeks a relationship where He can "completely envelop and thus permeate" every dimension of our lives, where He can tabernacle, remain, and be quiet within us.

When God’s rest abides upon us, we live in union with Jesus the same way He lived in union with the Father (John 10:14-15). Christ’s thought-life was "completely enveloped and thus permeated" with the presence of God. He did only those things He saw and heard His Father do. He declared, "The Father abiding in Me does His works" (John 14:10). There is rest because it is Christ working through us. Jesus promises us, "If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it" (v. 14). How vain we are to think we can do miracles, love our enemies, or do any of the works of God without Christ doing His works through us!

This is why Jesus said, "Come to Me . . . and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). In a storm-tossed boat on the sea of Galilee, Christ’s terrified disciples came to Him. Their cries were the cries of men about to die. Jesus rebuked the tempest, and immediately the wind and sea became "perfectly calm," even as calm as He was (Matt. 8:26). What program, what degree of ministerial professionalism can compare with the life and power we receive through Him?

You see, our efforts, no matter how much we spend of ourselves, cannot produce the rest or life of God. We must come to Him. Many leaders have worked themselves nearly to exhaustion seeking to serve God. If they spent half their time with Him, in prayer and waiting before Him, they would find His supernatural accompaniment working mightily in their efforts. They would become passengers in the vehicle of His will, a vehicle in which He Himself is both captain and navigator.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, Holiness, Truth and the Presence of God available at www.arrowbookstore.com.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

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A Place for Him to Rest, Part 1

In the kingdom, there are no great men of God, just humble men whom God has chosen to use greatly. How do we know when we are humble? When God speaks, we tremble. God is looking for a man who trembles at His words. Such a man will find the Spirit of God resting upon him; he will become a dwelling place for the Almighty.

Entering the Sabbath Rest of God

"Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest?" ---Isaiah 66:1

God asks for nothing but ourselves. The Lord does not want what we have; He wants who we are. He seeks to create in our hearts a sanctuary for Himself, a place where He may rest.

In the Scriptures this rest is called "a Sabbath rest" (Heb. 4:9). It does not, however, come from keeping the Sabbath, for the Jews kept the Sabbath but never entered God's rest. The Book of Hebrews is plain: Joshua did not give the Israelites rest (vv. 7-8). And after so long a period of Sabbath-keeping, Scripture continues, "So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God" (v. 9).

The question must be asked then, "What is this Sabbath rest?" Let us explore Genesis in pursuit of our answer. "Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work" (Gen. 2:3). Before God rested on the Sabbath, there was nothing special or holy about the seventh day. Had the Lord rested on the third day, then it would have been holy. Rest is not in the Sabbath; it is in God. Rest is a prevailing quality of His completeness.

Revelation 4:6 describes the throne of God as having before it, as it were, "a sea of glass, like crystal." A sea of glass is a sea without waves or ripples, a symbol of the imperturbable calm of God. Let us grasp this point: the Sabbath was not a source of rest for God; He was the source of rest for the Sabbath. As it is written, "The Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired" (Isa. 40:28). And even as the Sabbath became holy when God rested upon it, so we become holy as we put away sin, as the fullness of God settles and rests upon us.

In our study, we are not associating God's rest merely with the sense of being rebuilt or rejuvenated, which we obviously need and associate with human rest. The rest we seek is not a rejuvenation of our energy; it is the exchange of energy: our life for God's, through which the vessel of our humanity is filled with the Divine Presence and the all-sufficiency of Christ Himself.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, Holiness, Truth and the Presence of God available at www.arrowbookstore.com.

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April 3, 2020

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The Intensifying Presence

We all know the unrepentant world is destined for the Great Tribulation, but as far as the living, praying church is concerned, if we continue to climb toward the standard of Christlikeness, prior to the rapture there will be a season of great glory for true Christians.

In support of this holy goal, let me submit to you an encounter I had with the Lord in 1973. I was pastoring a small church in Hawaii and had been in a month of intense prayer and extended fasting, a time of drawing near to God. At the end of this period, I found myself awakened during the night by a visitation of the Lord. It was not as though I saw His physical features; I saw His glory and was overwhelmed by the intense fire of His presence. Immediately I was like a dead man, unable to move so much as a finger. Spiritually, however, my consciousness was heightened beyond anything I have known since. I was like one of those "living creatures" in the book of Revelation with "eyes around and within" (Rev. 4:8).

With my "inner eyes" I saw the truth about my personal righteousness. Recall, I had been in prayer and fasting; I felt good about myself. Yet suddenly the flaws in my life became unbearably vivid and utterly sinful. My iniquity was not as something I occasionally committed but as something I perpetually was. I saw many times when I could have been more loving or kind or sensitive. I also saw how selfish nearly all of my actions were.

Yet for all that was dark within me, I felt no rebuke from the Lord nor condemnation. No voice came from Heaven to convict me of my wrongs. The only voice condemning me was my own; in the light of His presence, I abhorred myself (Job 42:6 KJV).

Without any buffer of self-justification or deceit, I saw how far short of His glory I truly was. I knew why mankind needed the blood of Christ, and no amount of personal attainment in and of itself could ever make me like Jesus. In the most profound way I understood that only Christ could live like Christ. God's plan was not to improve me but to remove me so that the Lord Jesus Himself could actually live His life through me (Gal. 2:20). In His indwelling would rest my hope of becoming like Him.

Outwardly, with "eyes around," I realized that the electrified atmosphere I felt in my bedroom was actually being broadcast from a very distant reality. Yet, though distant, the emanation of Christ's presence was like a burning fire upon my consciousness. A great procession of heavenly beings was descending through a night sky; I knew that this was a glimpse of Heaven coming to Earth.

In the forefront were angels of every class and order, each group in a splendor all its own. About a third of the way back was the Lord, and behind Him were innumerable saints. Yet I could not see into the depth of the Lord's glory, for those following Him had become part of His being.

The Lord was not only coming to judge the Earth but to fill this world with His glory. Let me repeat that, even though the Lord was far away, the radiance of His presence was a living fire upon my consciousness. The energy was almost painful.

Then, without warning, the procession came closer, not just to me but to our dimension. It was as though a mark in time had been crossed. Instantly I was utterly overwhelmed by the intensity of the Lord's presence. I felt that I could not - no, not for another moment - bear the increase of His glory. It was as though my very existence would be consumed by the blast furnace of His radiance. And in the deepest prayer I have ever uttered, I begged the Lord to return me to my body. Instantly, mercifully, I was cocooned once again in the familiar world of my senses and my bedroom.

Continue reading. . .

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's In Christ's Image Training, available at www.icitc.org.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

In Christ's Image Training

Sign up today for our next
In Christ's Image Training.
Online course begins April 3, 2020.
Registration closes March 26, 2020

Registration extended through
Monday, March 30, 2020

In Christ's Image Training is a six-month, online course developed by Pastor Frangipane. These are proven truths that break chains and lead to power in our Christian walk.

The course comes right to your home via email and audio messages and is designed to lift one's focus toward the actual presence of Jesus Christ. The full course not only includes 48 lessons and 39 audio messages (sample audio), but the discerning student will actually find the Lord using the weekly lessons to stage opportunities to deepen the truths found in the training.

For those with limited funds, the entire text is free by email. Just enroll in the Free Lesson Plan (new students only please).

Enrollment overview:
1) Go to www.icitc.org and read through the Level I page, FAQ page, Level I Syllabus page and Tuition page.

2) Choose an enrollment plan.

3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form before the end of the day, March 26, 2020 March 30, 2020.

4) Submit the registration form - Class begins April 3, 2020.

For more info, please see www.icitc.org.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

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Copyright (c) 2020
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Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were taken from the NASB.

Registration Extended for the April Level I Class

As we all go through this Covind-19 pandemic, God has not changed His plans. The Lord's ultimate purpose remains the same: the redemption of man and the replication of man into the image of Christ.

● "My little children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you" (Gal. 4:19). This is the goal of God in the church, that Christ be formed - that He be functionally manifest in and through us.

● "A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher" (Luke 6:40). God desires to fully train us so we will be "like [our] teacher." Thus, Jesus promised that the works He did, we "would also do, and greater works" (John 14:12).

● Our journey is not going from church to church, but to discover Christ's life and be "transformed . . . from glory to glory" (2 Cor. 3:18).

This is the focus of our online school, In Christ's Image Training. Six months of focused training on four transformational realities: Christlikeness, humility, prayer and unity. The messages are sent by email directly to your home computer.

The devil has convinced many that there is no hope for revival. What he hasn't considered is Christ in you. Jesus said that all things were possible for those who believe, and our students in over seventy nations are people who have taken Christ at His word.

The April term is about to start. There is time, though, for you to be part of training that is changing Christians all over the world. We are extending registration through Monday, March 30.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

In Christ's Image Training

Sign up today for our next
In Christ's Image Training.
Online course begins April 3, 2020.
Registration closes March 26, 2020

Registration extended through March 30, 2020

In Christ's Image Training is a six-month, online course developed by Pastor Frangipane. These are proven truths that break chains and lead to power in our Christian walk.

The course comes right to your home via email and audio messages and is designed to lift one's focus toward the actual presence of Jesus Christ. The full course not only includes 48 lessons and 39 audio messages (sample audio), but the discerning student will actually find the Lord using the weekly lessons to stage opportunities to deepen the truths found in the training.

For those with limited funds, the entire text is free by email. Just enroll in the Free Lesson Plan (new students only please).

Enrollment overview:
1) Go to www.icitc.org and read through the Level I page, FAQ page, Level I Syllabus page and Tuition page.

2) Choose an enrollment plan.

3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form before the end of the day, March 26, 2020
March 30, 2020.

4) Submit the registration form - Class begins April 3, 2020.

For more info, please see www.icitc.org.

www.frangipane.org

Justice’ Testimony

This was written by my son Justice after he broke his neck two years ago. I felt it was important to share with all of you who are similarly facing uncertainty and fear.

~  ~  ~  ~

"If I am going to stand up to fear I know that it’s not up to me to win that daily battle. It’s not the demon Fear vs Justice the human. It’s the demon Fear vs the God Almighty, He who created the heavens and the earth with His voice. The God Almighty, who has created me for a purpose stands in opposition to Fear. Our humility is meant to keep us standing behind God in the battle and not in front. He is able and as long as I remember I am weak I am shielded. I am a soldier in Gods army and I am under direct orders to be strong and courageous even though I am weak and afraid."

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

In Christ's Image Training

Sign up today for our next
In Christ's Image Training.
Online course begins April 3, 2020.
Registration closes March 26, 2020

In Christ's Image Training is a six-month, online course developed by Pastor Frangipane. These are proven truths that break chains and lead to power in our Christian walk.

The course comes right to your home via email and audio messages and is designed to lift one's focus toward the actual presence of Jesus Christ. The full course not only includes 48 lessons and 39 audio messages (sample audio), but the discerning student will actually find the Lord using the weekly lessons to stage opportunities to deepen the truths found in the training.

For those with limited funds, the entire text is free by email. Just enroll in the Free Lesson Plan (new students only please).

Enrollment overview:
1) Go to www.icitc.org and read through the Level I page, FAQ page, Level I Syllabus page and Tuition page.

2) Choose an enrollment plan.

3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form before the end of the day, March 26, 2020.

4) Submit the registration form - Class begins April 3, 2020.

For more info, please see www.icitc.org.

Visit Arrow Bookstore to order

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

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acknowledging our website would be kindly appreciated.

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Copyright (c) 2020
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Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were taken from the NASB.

The Shelter of Glory

What we define doctrinally as "salvation" is, in truth, the entrance, and then expansion, of Christ's Presence throughout our person. What we call salvation is, in truth, the beginning of God's glory in man.

If you are a Christian, then Christ is in you; you are already in glory. You have been clothed with Christ, who is Himself the "radiance of [the Father's] glory" (Heb 1:3). The fact is, Satan knows you are a Christian, not simply because he heard you repeat a prayer at a church altar; the Devil sees what happened when you prayed: The glory of Christ entered your spirit!

There, within you right now, abides the substance, the radiance, of Christ. Your prayer to receive Jesus into your heart was eternally effective.

The Divine Refuge
To attain the manifest glory of God is the reason for our existence. Consequently, the Lord is more concerned with our full conversion than our fleshly comfort; He seeks to establish in us true holiness rather than false happiness. He will even bring us through floods and fires, if necessary, to scourge away our addiction to the goals of men.

The outcome of what seems like harsh or severe dealings is that, having been delivered from the frail defenses of man, the glory of God becomes our shelter.

Isaiah 4:4-5
"When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion ... by the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning, then the Lord will create over the whole area of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, even smoke, and the brightness of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory will be a canopy."

The glory of His Presence "will be a canopy." Isaiah continues, "And there will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain" (Isa 4:6).

Think of it! In the last days the glory of God shall increasingly become so tangible, so substantial, that it will become a "shelter," a "refuge," and a "protection" to those who have learned to live in the Presence of God.

For all the compelling reasons to serve God, His highest calling to our hearts is nothing less than the attainment of Christ's glory: "It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thess 2:14).

Yes, Christ will part the skies and be manifest in finality, but first He comes to be manifest in our humanity! Paul tells us that Christ is coming specifically "to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed" (2 Thess 1:10).

As the return of Christ approaches, entrance into the glory of God shall not only become more attainable; it shall become ever more necessary. For as the battle at the end of the age intensifies, only the shelter of God's glory shall preserve us.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

In Christ's Image Training

Sign up today for our next
In Christ's Image Training.
Online course begins April 3, 2020.
Registration closes March 26, 2020

In Christ's Image Training is a six-month, online course developed by Pastor Frangipane. These are proven truths that break chains and lead to power in our Christian walk.

The course comes right to your home via email and audio messages and is designed to lift one's focus toward the actual presence of Jesus Christ. The full course not only includes 48 lessons and 39 audio messages (sample audio), but the discerning student will actually find the Lord using the weekly lessons to stage opportunities to deepen the truths found in the training.

For those with limited funds, the entire text is free by email. Just enroll in the Free Lesson Plan (new students only please).

Enrollment overview:
1) Go to www.icitc.org and read through the Level I page, FAQ page, Level I Syllabus page and Tuition page.

2) Choose an enrollment plan.

3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form before the end of the day, March 26, 2020.

4) Submit the registration form - Class begins April 3, 2020.

For more info, please see www.icitc.org.

Visit Arrow Bookstore to order

Use our Mobile-friendly / Printer-friendly version to forward or print this message.

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Please feel free to forward this message to others;
acknowledging our website would be kindly appreciated.

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A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2020
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were taken from the NASB.

Difficult Times We Live In

We know these are difficult times, yet as followers of Christ we were born for times like these! When darkness covers the earth, that's our cue to rise and shine (Isa. 60)!

For those of you that are praying about taking In Christ's Image Training, let me personally encourage you to not be timid. Go ahead and step out in faith. God is reaching to your family and friends. This is an important time, and your advancement into focused training will increase the spiritual "wattage" of God's presence in your life, adding depth and shine to your testimony. Fulfilling your destiny is the reason you are alive.

If you know others who might benefit from this online course, feel free to forward this email on. We have several different enrollment plans to choose, including a free lesson plan. You might be interested in forming a small group of four or more people. When you are in a group, costs are just $58 per person or less, plus you receive the full course. The interaction between all is also helpful, as is taking time to pray with each other as you seek God for greater conformity to Christ.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

In Christ's Image Training

Sign up today for our next
In Christ's Image Training.
Online course begins April 3, 2020.
Registration closes March 26, 2020

In Christ's Image Training is a six-month, online course developed by Pastor Frangipane. These are proven truths that break chains and lead to power in our Christian walk.

The course comes right to your home via email and audio messages and is designed to lift one's focus toward the actual presence of Jesus Christ. The full course not only includes 48 lessons and 39 audio messages (sample audio), but the discerning student will actually find the Lord using the weekly lessons to stage opportunities to deepen the truths found in the training.

For those with limited funds, the entire text is free by email. Just enroll in the Free Lesson Plan (new students only please).

Enrollment overview:
1) Go to www.icitc.org and read through the Level I page, FAQ page, Level I Syllabus page and Tuition page.

2) Choose an enrollment plan.

3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form before the end of the day, March 26, 2020.

4) Submit the registration form - Class begins April 3, 2020.

For more info, please see www.icitc.org.

www.frangipane.org

Not Judgmental, But Prayer-mental

God does not want us to be judgmental; He wants us prayer-mental. As instinctively as we might have judged people, we should pray for them instead. Today, countless Christians are angry with their elected officials. We say our anger is "righteous indignation." Yet, if our goal is to truly obtain the heart of Christ, we must remember: Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. Consider Peter's personal experience. Remember, Peter actually lived with Jesus. He walked and talked with Christ, he had his meals with Jesus. He watched how Jesus never reacted. He described the Lord as a man who, "while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats." How did Jesus keep Himself from anger, carnal reactions and bitterness? Peter says that Jesus "kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously." (1 Peter 2:23). I love that description: Jesus entrusted Himself to God the Judge of all. He will Judge.

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
"Well," some argue, "our government officials have sinned." When Paul called for prayer for kings in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Nero was emperor of Rome. Nero was one of the most corrupt men who ever lived. He did not just have an illicit relationship or two; he had public orgies. He skinned Christians alive. There were occasions when he illuminated his night banquets with living torches and Christians who were tarred and then set ablaze on poles. Nero and his guests dined surrounded by Christians dying for their faith. Yet Paul wrote that we should pray "for kings and all who are in authority" (v. 2). Nero was king when Paul wrote this command. Paul was directing the focus of the church toward redemption and mercy.

You see, when we fill our hearts with angry thoughts, we are actually abandoning our strongest weapon in our arsenal. Prayer.

Some may misread my words, assuming that I think there is nothing wrong in government or society. Yes, there are many things wrong in our world, and God will certainly call us, at various times, to confront the sins that plague our lands. However, my concern is not as much with the White House as it is with the Lord's house!

The Father's house is to be a house of prayer for kings and all in authority. We can adamantly disagree with the political views that a leader has, but we must also adamantly cry to God on their behalf and serve as intercessors, even for our cultural enemies.

I can understand the reason for anger toward elected officials, especially if we consider that they are not doing their jobs. But if all we do is judge them, then neither are we doing our jobs. (1 Pet. 4:17).

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Personal note from Pastor Francis:

Thirty years ago I published my first book, The Three Battlegrounds. Within just a few weeks, Battlegrounds became a best seller. Now 30 years later, it continues as a best seller. To commemorate its success, for the rest of January we will be offering The Three Battlegrounds for just $5.85. This would be a strong spiritual companion to share with your spouse or a Bible study at your home or church.

Save up to 53%
Limited time offer

The Three Battlegrounds

Any time the Spirit of God's kingdom is truly manifested in the earth, it will ultimately confront the strongholds of hell. Indeed, wherever evil spirits have either a foothold or a stronghold, you can expect that the overcoming church will be engaged in warfare, and expect also that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church that Jesus builds.

In this best-selling book, Francis Frangipane explores three arenas of spiritual warfare that the maturing Christian will face: the mind, the church and the heavenly places. It provides a foundation of insight, wisdom and discernment on the nature of the battle and the keys to victory.


Book - $5.85 (Retail $12.45)
Ebook - $5.85 (Retail $12.45)

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The Three Battlegrounds - Audio Book

An audio reading of one of Francis' best-selling books on spiritual warfare by the same title. Professionally read by Stewart Spencer. Audio sample

Audio book on CD - $9.60 (Retail $14.75)
Audio book MP3 download - $4.80 (Retail $7.38)

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Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were taken from the NASB.

Army of Worshipers

We were created for God's pleasure. We were not created to live for ourselves but for Him. And while the Lord desires that we enjoy His gifts and His people, He would have us know we were created first for His pleasure. In the closing moments of this age, the Lord will have a people whose purpose for living is to please God. In them, God finds His own reward for creating man. They are His worshipers. They are on earth only to please God, and when He is pleased, they also are pleased.

The Lord takes them further and through more conflict than others; outwardly, they often seem "smitten of God and afflicted" (Isa. 53:4). Yet to Him, they are His beloved. When they are crushed, like the petals of a flower, they exude a worship, the fragrance of which is so beautiful and rare that angels weep in quiet awe at their surrender. They are the Lord's purpose for creation.

One would think the Lord would guard them, keeping them from grief. (Isa. 5:3). Yet, in the midst of their physical and emotional pain, their loyalty to Christ grows pure and perfect. And in the face of persecutions, their love and worship toward God becomes all-consuming.

If only all God's servants were so perfectly surrendered. Yet God finds His pleasure in us all. But as the days of the Kingdom draw near and the warfare at the end of this age increases, those who have been created solely for the worship of God will come forth in the power and glory of the Son. With the high praises of God in their mouth, they will execute upon His enemies the judgment written (Ps. 149). They will lead as generals in the Lord's army of worshipers.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, The Three Battlegrounds special pricing this week at www.arrowbookstore.com.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Personal note from Pastor Francis:

Thirty years ago I published my first book, The Three Battlegrounds. Within just a few weeks, Battlegrounds became a best seller. Now 30 years later, it continues as a best seller. To commemorate its success, for the rest of January we will be offering The Three Battlegrounds for just $5.85. This would be a strong spiritual companion to share with your spouse or a Bible study at your home or church.

Save up to 53%
Limited time offer

The Three Battlegrounds

Any time the Spirit of God's kingdom is truly manifested in the earth, it will ultimately confront the strongholds of hell. Indeed, wherever evil spirits have either a foothold or a stronghold, you can expect that the overcoming church will be engaged in warfare, and expect also that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church that Jesus builds.

In this best-selling book, Francis Frangipane explores three arenas of spiritual warfare that the maturing Christian will face: the mind, the church and the heavenly places. It provides a foundation of insight, wisdom and discernment on the nature of the battle and the keys to victory.


Book - $5.85 (Retail $12.45)
Ebook - $5.85 (Retail $12.45)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Three Battlegrounds - Audio Book

An audio reading of one of Francis' best-selling books on spiritual warfare by the same title. Professionally read by Stewart Spencer. Audio sample

Audio book on CD - $9.60 (Retail $14.75)
Audio book MP3 download - $4.80 (Retail $7.38)

Visit Arrow Bookstore to order


Use our Mobile-friendly / Printer-friendly version to forward or print this message.

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A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2020
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Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were taken from the NASB.

When Becoming Nothing is an Improvement

In the beginning, the earth was formless and void, but that did not deter the Almighty. He looked into the fathomless depth of its darkness and concluded, "All it needs is light!" Likewise, in the beginning of our spiritual lives, we also are "formless and void" and God, just as confidently, is still saying, "All they need is a little light!" Remember: it's the Lord's responsibility to create and our responsibility to submit to His creating.

The Lord only needs three things to fashion life. First, He needs a "nothing." The Almighty always begins His great, creative works with a "nothing" (this is very important because this is where we come in.) Then, His Spirit needs to be hovering over the "nothing." And, finally, He needs His Word, which is the "something" He's going to put in the "nothing's" place.

God has no difficulty at all creating something out of nothing. The only obstacle He faces is when the nothing doesn't know it is nothing but instead thinks it's something. At that point God has to break it back down to nothing before it is good for anything. (Are you still following me?) Paul said this better than I when he wrote,

"If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself" (Gal. 6:3).

Even as Christians, if we think we are "something” so that we look down on others or we are wise in our own eyes, we deceive ourselves! The only something there truly is, is God.

If we know we are nothing without God, and we can simultaneously recognize that the grace He has worked in us is so we can bless others. If we have such an attitude, then there is no limit to how much God can use us. Our knowing we are nothing is a great attainment in His eyes. For then our energies are no longer spent exalting or defending ourselves but in clinging to Christ and relying upon Him.

You see, God is not offended by chaos. There will be times when, like the pre-creation universe, you discover your life seems "formless and void." Do not be over-concerned. When you discover there is "chaos" in the deepest part of you, do not fret. You are at a new beginning. It has taken the Lord quite a while helping your to appreciate your "nothingness."

So, let all who know they are nothings rejoice: you are miles ahead of everyone who thinks they are something! The proud, who consider themselves something special, do not deal with the lightless regions of chaos in their souls; they simply hide them. But if we are transparent with our need, the Spirit and Word can work in us to bring life and order. All we need do is to open up and confess our nothingness to the Holy Spirit.

"For God, who said, 'Light shall shine out of darkness,' is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" (2 Cor. 4:6).

This is the very way our great Creator creates. He causes light to shine out of darkness! The only thing He requires of us is to be honest about the darkness---to confess it instead of hiding it.

"Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them . . . But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light" (Eph. 5:11,13).

When darkness is exposed to the light, it becomes light. In fact, the very reason our darkness becomes visible is because God shines His light on it. If you persevere---if you continually thrust your darkness into the light of God's grace and power---that light will ultimately shine out from within you. Your darkness will actually become light.

Beloved, if you know you are nothing in yourself, you're a prime candidate to become something in God! Consider again Paul’s view of himself:

"If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ" (Phil. 3:4-7).

To become nothing in ourselves, to be excavated of pride and of being consumed by our attainments and pedigree, is part of the path to sonship. Paul actually saw all his human, religious attainments as obstacles. Certainly, in time the Lord used all of the elements of Paul's life, but not before Paul gave them up to the Lord.

John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). You see, though self-confidence dies, God-confidence comes to life!

So, do not fret. You can admit that you have areas within that are dead and dark. Romans 4:17 says, "God . . . gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist." God gives LIFE to the dead. Do you sometimes feel dead? Good. You're qualified to get God's life! Look to God. Trust Him as your Creator. Do not fear when you discover you are nothing. There is a time when becoming nothing is an improvement.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

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When the Many Are One

How the Christian community - driven by grace, unified in love, and activated by prayer - can bring revival and change the world.

Our best efforts will not stop the flood of problems in our cities if we remain isolated from each other. In a season when external forces are causing disunity and division, Francis Frangipane calls us back to oneness with Christ, and through Him oneness with other Christians. With the character and power of Christ in our midst, the Church can again bring transformation to our communities, our nation, and our world.

Book - $8.75 (Retail $15.00)
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~   ~  ~   ~  ~   ~  ~

The Power of One Christlike Life

Updated and revised, The Power of One Christlike Life carries a cargo of gold from the heart of a man after God's heart. This book by Pastor Frangipane contains the nectar of his walk with God. It is packed with revelation about the nature of God in Christ, and how the key to everything spiritual is found in the pursuit of Christ's likeness.
View Francis introducing this book
Book - $8.78 (Retail $13.50)
Ebook - $8.78 (Retail $13.50)

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Holiness, Truth and the Presence of God

This is the first book ever written by Pastor Francis. It came after three years of studying and repeatedly reading the Gospels. The truths in this book have stirred men to revivals. Over 500,000 in print. This book is a penetrating study of the human heart and how God prepares it for His glory.

View Francis introducing this book

Book - $7.80 (Retail $12.00)
Ebook - $7.80 (Retail $12.00)

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More of God - Audio Series


Our primary need in the church is not more programs; what we need most is more of God.
Message titles:

More of God   |   God's Will for Us
Dismantling Strongholds   |   With Unveiled Face
The Simplicity of Devotion   |   He Restores My Soul

CD Audio Series - $15.60  (Retail $24.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $7.80   (Retail $12.00)

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Facebook

The Power of One Christlike Life
and
Holiness Truth and the Presence of God

Both books $15.30 (Retail $25.50)


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Package of 2-Books and CD series - $28.71
(Retail $49.50)

 

 


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  Visit Arrow Bookstore to order

 
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A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2020
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were taken from the NASB.

To This One Will I Look

Transcendent, Liberating Humility
Of all virtues, Jesus elevated meekness above the others. Why? Humility is the door opener to grace: no virtue enters our lives except that humility bids it come. Without humility, we have no sense or attachment to our personal need; we see no reason to change or appropriate future grace.

Yet, humility is not only host to the other virtues, it is also the life essence that sustains them. It is humility that recognizes when love is growing cold and humility that confesses our need for greater faith. Without humility, our virtues harden into lifeless statues within the sanctuary of our hearts. Thus, humility sustains the unfolding of true spiritual nobility. It provides increasing wholeness, life and growth to all other virtues.

Consider: when asked by His disciples "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus put a child in their midst. He said, "Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 18:1,4).

What a sublime wonder that, in heaven, the height of greatness is measured by the depth of one's humility. Listen to Wuest's Expanded Translation of this verse: "Therefore, he who is of such a nature as to humble himself like this little child, esteeming himself small inasmuch as he is so, thus thinking truly, and because truly, therefore humbly of himself, this person is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus came not only to bring us to heaven when we die; He came to establish heaven where we live. Thus, He introduces the realm of God to His disciples with the words,

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 5:3).

Beloved, there are no proud beings in heaven. Here on earth we see the strutting pride of leaders and celebrities; we behold pride again in our racial and cultural identities and divisions. We see unrepentant pride in many marital divorces and church divisions; and the offspring of pride - envy and jealousy - in the inordinate desire to be glorified before men. In heaven, praise to God fills the atmosphere, not pride in human achievement.

Jesus said the kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit! Not the perfect, but the poor -- those who know they are spiritually needy -- these will find a welcomed home in the kingdom of God. But there dwells not one proud soul in all of heaven.

Hear again the promise of the Lord:

"In that day you will feel no shame because of all your deeds by which you have rebelled against Me; for then I will remove from your midst your proud, exulting ones, and you will never again be haughty on My holy mountain. But I will leave among you a humble and lowly people, and they will take refuge in the name of the LORD" (Zeph 3:11-12).

Only the humble take refuge in the Lord. Do you defend yourself? Do you seek retaliation or vengeance for life's injustices? Or, instead, do you take refuge in God? If so, then humility is growing within you. Remember, neither the proud nor the self-righteous look to God; only the lowly trust in the Almighty.

To the humble He gives grace. Grace is not just unmerited favor, it is God's promise to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. When we confess our sins, when we openly reveal our flaws and our ongoing need of divine help, we find the Almighty a ready companion to transform our lives and meet our needs.

Listen again to the promise of our God:

"For thus says the high and exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy, "I dwell {on} a high and holy place, and {also} with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite"" (Isaiah 57:15).

Revival cannot be conjured up by man; it doesn't come just because we put a sign outside our churches and advertise. No, true revival only comes from God. Yes, and of all types of people upon earth, God chooses to bring revival to the humble. Indeed, He gives even a greater encouragement: He promises to dwell with the contrite and lowly.

Humility, the door that welcomes virtue, is the catalyst to all things spiritual. God resists the proud, but gives help to, and dwells with, the humble.

Beloved, there is nothing God desires from us except a humble heart. Listen well to this final great promise of our Creator:

Thus says the LORD, "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest?"

"For My hand made all these things, thus all these things came into being," declares the LORD. "But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word" (Isaiah 66:1-2).

The great King, the Eternal One, sifts the nations in search of a certain type of person: he who is humble, contrite of spirit, and who trembles at His word. He says, "To this one I will look."

"Lord, I humble myself of my pride and innate tendencies to exalt myself. I long for the secret courts of the Most High and to dwell in the secret place with You. I humble myself before You, O God. Let this day be the beginning of lowliness in me."

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

 
Save up to 42% this week
Limited time offer

When the Many Are One

How the Christian community - driven by grace, unified in love, and activated by prayer - can bring revival and change the world.

Our best efforts will not stop the flood of problems in our cities if we remain isolated from each other. In a season when external forces are causing disunity and division, Francis Frangipane calls us back to oneness with Christ, and through Him oneness with other Christians. With the character and power of Christ in our midst, the Church can again bring transformation to our communities, our nation, and our world.

Book - $8.75 (Retail $15.00)
Ebook - $8.75 (Retail $15.00)

~   ~  ~   ~  ~   ~  ~

The Power of One Christlike Life

Updated and revised, The Power of One Christlike Life carries a cargo of gold from the heart of a man after God's heart. This book by Pastor Frangipane contains the nectar of his walk with God. It is packed with revelation about the nature of God in Christ, and how the key to everything spiritual is found in the pursuit of Christ's likeness.
View Francis introducing this book
Book - $8.78 (Retail $13.50)
Ebook - $8.78 (Retail $13.50)

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Holiness, Truth and the Presence of God

This is the first book ever written by Pastor Francis. It came after three years of studying and repeatedly reading the Gospels. The truths in this book have stirred men to revivals. Over 500,000 in print. This book is a penetrating study of the human heart and how God prepares it for His glory.

View Francis introducing this book

Book - $7.80 (Retail $12.00)
Ebook - $7.80 (Retail $12.00)

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

More of God - Audio Series


Our primary need in the church is not more programs; what we need most is more of God.
Message titles:

More of God   |   God's Will for Us
Dismantling Strongholds   |   With Unveiled Face
The Simplicity of Devotion   |   He Restores My Soul

CD Audio Series - $15.60  (Retail $24.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $7.80   (Retail $12.00)

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Facebook

The Power of One Christlike Life
and
Holiness Truth and the Presence of God

Both books $15.30 (Retail $25.50)


~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~



 

Package of 2-Books and CD series - $28.71
(Retail $49.50)

 

 


~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

  Visit Arrow Bookstore to order

 
Use our Mobile-friendly / Printer-friendly version to forward or print this message.

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A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2020
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were taken from the NASB.

Standing Behind Our Wall

The sense of distance we often feel between Christ and ourselves is an illusion. As we enter the days prior to Christ's Second Coming, the Lord shall begin to remove that falsehood. Indeed, He promises, "In that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you" (John 14:20).

The Scriptures tell us that Christ is the vine, we are the branches; He is the head, we are His body; He is the Lord and we are His temple. From start to finish, the Bible declares the Lord not only has a dwelling in Heaven, but that He also abides perpetually in redemptive union with His people. The ever-present focus of His activity is to guide us into oneness with Himself.

Thus, for all that the Holy Spirit has come to establish in our lives, whether through gifts, virtue or power, His highest purpose is to lead us into the presence of Jesus. The Holy Spirit labors ceaselessly to establish intimacy between ourselves and the Lord Jesus. Someone once said that intimacy means "into-me-see." This holy transparency fills the letters and words of the Bible with the heartthrob of God. Like sheep, we actually hear the Shepherd's voice speaking to our spirits, bringing comfort, correction and direction (see John 10:27).

Not only are we privileged to know Christ's teachings, He is so close to us in spirit that we can discern the tone of His voice as He instructs us. This is heart-to-heart intimacy.

Listen to His wonderful promise: "I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep" (John 10:14-15).

Jesus says, "I know My own, and My own know Me." How intimate is this relationship? The union between Christ and our hearts is of the same nature as His union with the Father. He explains, "even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father."

Yet, the sense of distance between Jesus Christ and us persists. You may have prayed, "Lord, You said You are with us forever but I feel alone. I cannot perceive You." If Christ is within us, how can we find the living flame of His presence?

In the Song of Solomon, this quest to find the secret place of His presence is given wonderful expression. The bride says, "Listen! My beloved! Behold, he is coming, climbing on the mountains, leaping on the hills! My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag" (Song of Sol. 2:8-9).

This is our Lord, full of vitality! He is "climbing on the mountains, leaping on the hills." To see Him on mountains, though, is to behold Him from afar. He is still distant. How do we live in a moment-by-moment sense of His indwelling presence? We still ask, "Where within me are You, Lord, within me?"

The bride continues,

"Behold, he is standing behind our wall, he is looking through the windows, he is peering through the lattice" (Song of Sol. 2:9).
Yes, Christ dwells within us, but He is standing behind our "walls." The walls between us and the Savior are primarily the work of unrenewed minds and hardened hearts. We have barricaded ourselves behind fears and carnal attitudes; we are held hostage by sin and worldly distractions.

Yet these barriers can be eliminated. To the degree they are removed, we possess functional oneness with Christ and experience true spiritual advancement.

Removing The Walls
Even now, let us pursue the removal of these barriers. How? Imagine that, even as you are reading, the Lord Himself has quietly entered a nearby room. You look, and suddenly the room is vibrant and alive, shimmering with waves of light. Instantly, your senses are flooded with His holy presence as the living, probing light enters you and descends into your heart. The darkness that shrouded your inner sin nature is gone and your heart is exposed.

My first question: Knowing that Jesus Christ is in the room, would you enter?

If you could not bring yourself to move toward the room, what would be your reason? If it is because you feel you have failed the Lord too many times, then shame has become a "wall" between you and Christ. If fear keeps you distant, then fear is the barrier between God and you; if an unrepentant heart is keeping you from intimacy with Christ, then heart hardness is your cause of isolation.

Remember, the pure in heart see God (see Matt. 5:8). If we repent of our wrong attitudes and sins; if, instead of shame and fear, we clothe ourselves with the garments of praise and salvation, the barriers between ourselves and the Lord can be removed.

But let me ask you a second question: How would you enter Christ's presence? It is my opinion that we would not pick up tambourines and dance into His glory. No. When the greatest apostles and prophets beheld Him, His presence caused each to fall face down as a dead man before Him. For me, it would be with great trembling that I would approach the room of His presence. I would inch my way closer.

How can we break the sense of distance between ourselves and Christ? In the same way we would repent of sin and shame before entering the room, let us turn our gaze toward His living glory. In trembling obedience, let us enter the fire of His presence for, in truth, He is closer than the room next door. He is, even now, standing behind our wall.

Lord Jesus, I remove the wall created by my fears, sin, and shame. Master, with all my heart I desire to enter Your glory, to stand in Your presence and love You. Receive me now as I bow before Your glory.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~


In Christ's Image Training

Sign up today for our next
In Christ's Image Training.
Online course begins
January 3, 2020.
Registration closes December 26, 2019.

Registration extended through
Monday, December 30, 2019

In Christ's Image Training is a six-month, online course developed by Pastor Frangipane. These are proven truths that break chains and lead to power in our Christian walk.

For more info, please see www.icitc.org.

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Intimacy with God

The Holy Spirit comes not just to give us gifts but to actually lead us into the presence of Jesus. Beloved, we were created to live in fellowship with Jesus Christ, and the messages in these books have proven invaluable in bringing many closer to Christ.

Holiness Truth and the Presence of God

This is the first book ever written by Pastor Francis. The truths in this book have stirred men to revivals. It is a penetrating study of the human heart and how God prepares it for His glory.

View Francis introducing this book

Book $8.40 (Retail $12.00)
Ebook $8.40 (Retail $12.00)

 
 
~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The Shelter of the Most High

Is there a spiritual place, a shelter, where God actually keeps us, "and the evil one does not touch" us (1 John 5:18)? Yes, there is a place in the heart of God where we can find immunity and protection, where we are literally surrounded by the Lord's presence. Once we enter this place, nothing can defeat us. Twenty-one profound chapters, each highlighting a different dimension of our Father's love and protection, each well able to escort you into the warmth and safety of the shelter of the Most High.

View Francis introducing this book


Book $9.10 (Retail $13.00)
Ebook $9.10 (Retail $13.00)

~ ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

I Will Be Found by You

Arrowbookstore.com

Revised and expanded edition

Perhaps this compilation of teachings from Francis Frangipane will become his most important book yet. The essence of I Will Be Found by You is a living promise from God. If we seek Him in earnest, He has purposed to reveal Himself in ways that will transform us and impact the world around us. In truth, when we consider the extent of impossible conflicts in our world, only one remedy exists: we must have more of God! If you desire more of God's presence in your life, more of God you shall certainly have. This is a very inspiring book.

Book - $9.10  (Retail $13.00)
Ebook - $9.10  (Retail $13.00)

  Visit Arrow Bookstore to order

 
Use our Mobile-friendly / Printer-friendly version to forward or print this message.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Please feel free to forward this message to others;
acknowledging our website would be kindly appreciated.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Sign up to follow Francis Facebook page

Facebook  Twitter
A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2019
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were taken from the NASB.

Start the new year fulfilling your destiny!

We know these are difficult times, yet as followers of Christ we were born for times like these! When darkness covers the earth, that's our cue to rise and shine (Isa. 60)!

For those of you that are praying about taking In Christ's Image Training, let me personally encourage you to not be timid. Go ahead and step out in faith. God is reaching to your family and friends. This is an important time, and your advancement into focused training will increase the spiritual "wattage" of God's presence in your life, adding depth and shine to your testimony. Fulfilling your destiny is the reason you are alive.

We have included information below for our next Level I online class that begins January 3. For more information, please visit our website at www.icitc.org.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~


In Christ's Image Training

Sign up today for our next
In Christ's Image Training.
Online course begins January 3, 2020.
Registration closes December 26, 2019.

Registration extended through Monday, December 30, 2019

In Christ's Image Training is a six-month, online course developed by Pastor Frangipane. These are proven truths that break chains and lead to power in our Christian walk.

The course comes right to your home via email and audio messages and is designed to lift one's focus toward the actual presence of Jesus Christ. The full course not only includes 48 lessons and 39 audio messages (sample audio), but the discerning student will actually find the Lord using the weekly lessons to stage opportunities to deepen the truths found in the training.

For those with limited funds, the entire text is free by email. Just enroll in the Free Lesson Plan (new students only please).

Enrollment overview:
1) Go to www.icitc.org and read through the Level I page, FAQ page, Level I Syllabus page and Tuition page.

2) Choose an enrollment plan.

3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form before the end of the day,
Thursday, December 26  Monday, December 30.

4) Submit the registration form - Class begins January 3, 2020.

For more info, please see www.icitc.org.

www.frangipane.org

Angry, Angry, Angry

It's hard to remember a time when people were more angry. A civilized person ought to be, first of all, civil. Yet today there is no discourse, no respect for another's opinion, no reasoning together for the common good. I am concerned, especially for the church.

One may argue, "Our society is decaying. We should be mad." Yes, but we can be angry yet still not sin (Eph. 4:26). Of course, I feel anger that the underpinnings of our culture are being dismantled by unprincipled men. Our souls should be vexed at the darkening cloud of demonic infestation in our culture, especially when children are caused to stumble or the weak are exploited. If we don't take a stand, the advance of evil ultimately means more people will die without Christ. So, if we are angry, it does not necessarily mean we have sinned. It can simply mean we care.

I am not surprised by the increased anger. My concern is that, unless this anger regenerates into something more redemptive, more Christlike, we will not see our cities renewed. Indeed, anger that does not awaken in us redemptive action ultimately degrades into bitterness and unbelief.

A Two-Pronged Attack
While hell advances into our world on many levels, I want to discuss two primary areas. The first manifestation is brazen, widespread and alarming. For example, a corrupt law gets passed or gang violence breaks out; or it might be that a beloved public figure is scandalized. It's on the news and people are talking about it. The shock waves caused by this demonic intrusion smash against the sensibilities of our hearts: we're disappointed, offended, stunned and, often, outraged. In this state of mind, hell launches the second area of attack. There is no newscast dragging our attention to this next stage of warfare. On this front, the devil does not come flaunting himself. In seething whispers he stirs the pot of our discontent until it boils. Ultimately, where once the heart of the Christian was full of faith and love, now bitterness, hatred and malice churn in the souls of God's people. This is the second prong of the attack: the hardening of our hearts in reaction to evil.

So while we must fight the culture wars of our times, we must preserve our capacity to love if we will actually win our war. We must remember we are not fighting against "flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world" (Eph. 6:12 KJV).

Sadly, I have heard many people say recently that they've lost their vision for America. What they actually lost was not their vision, but their love. For love believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Love never fails (1 Cor. 13:7-8).

The Goal of God
I will tell you how I look at this. I believe that if the Almighty's highest plan was to end evil on Earth, He could do so in a flash. Why does He wait? He desires to bring believers to Christlike maturity. In a moment evil would be gone, as it was with Sodom and Gomorrah. But we must never forget: Jesus did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.

What God waits for is us. Our Christlike perfection is the harvest upon which the Father waits. He desires to bring many sons to glory, and this world, with all its evil, is the perfect setting to bring us to Christlike maturity. Here, we have real enemies that God can use to perfect our love; in this environment, we have actual foes whose persecution helps to perfect our prayer.

Yes, we should be angry about what's wrong, but we must be Christlike in making things right. We cannot just be political; we must be spiritual, like people from another realm.

Rightly there are times when we must defend the helpless among us, but concerning ourselves, let us consider again what Jesus commanded:

"But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:39-45).

You see, God desires mature sons and daughters who, while fighting for their world, open the door of love into His world. To see our nation transformed, we ourselves must be transformed. Otherwise, we will risk becoming Christian hypocrites: angry that the world is not Christian but untroubled that we are not Christlike.

 
~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

To all, Francis, Denise and our entire staff pray for God's greatest blessings to be yours this Christmas season.

"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord."

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~


In Christ's Image Training

Sign up today for our next
In Christ's Image Training.
Online course begins
January 3, 2020.
Registration closes December 26, 2019.

In Christ's Image Training is a six-month, online course developed by Pastor Frangipane. These are proven truths that break chains and lead to power in our Christian walk.

For more info, please see www.icitc.org.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

 
 
Save 30%
Limited time offer
Intimacy with God

The Holy Spirit comes not just to give us gifts but to actually lead us into the presence of Jesus. Beloved, we were created to live in fellowship with Jesus Christ, and the messages in these books have proven invaluable in bringing many closer to Christ.

Holiness Truth and the Presence of God

This is the first book ever written by Pastor Francis. The truths in this book have stirred men to revivals. It is a penetrating study of the human heart and how God prepares it for His glory.

View Francis introducing this book

Book $8.40 (Retail $12.00)
Ebook $8.40 (Retail $12.00)

 
 
~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The Shelter of the Most High

Is there a spiritual place, a shelter, where God actually keeps us, "and the evil one does not touch" us (1 John 5:18)? Yes, there is a place in the heart of God where we can find immunity and protection, where we are literally surrounded by the Lord's presence. Once we enter this place, nothing can defeat us. Twenty-one profound chapters, each highlighting a different dimension of our Father's love and protection, each well able to escort you into the warmth and safety of the shelter of the Most High.

View Francis introducing this book


Book $9.10 (Retail $13.00)
Ebook $9.10 (Retail $13.00)

~ ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

I Will Be Found by You

Arrowbookstore.com

Revised and expanded edition

Perhaps this compilation of teachings from Francis Frangipane will become his most important book yet. The essence of I Will Be Found by You is a living promise from God. If we seek Him in earnest, He has purposed to reveal Himself in ways that will transform us and impact the world around us. In truth, when we consider the extent of impossible conflicts in our world, only one remedy exists: we must have more of God! If you desire more of God's presence in your life, more of God you shall certainly have. This is a very inspiring book.

Book - $9.10  (Retail $13.00)
Ebook - $9.10  (Retail $13.00)

  Visit Arrow Bookstore to order

 
Use our Mobile-friendly / Printer-friendly version to forward or print this message.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Please feel free to forward this message to others;
acknowledging our website would be kindly appreciated.

Start the new year fulfilling your destiny!

We know these are difficult times, yet as followers of Christ we were born for times like these! When darkness covers the earth, that's our cue to rise and shine (Isa. 60)!

For those of you that are praying about taking In Christ's Image Training, let me personally encourage you to not be timid. Go ahead and step out in faith. God is reaching to your family and friends. This is an important time, and your advancement into focused training will increase the spiritual "wattage" of God's presence in your life, adding depth and shine to your testimony. Fulfilling your destiny is the reason you are alive.

We have included information below for our next Level I online class that begins January 3. For more information, please visit our website at www.icitc.org.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~
In Christ's Image Training

Sign up today for our next
In Christ's Image Training.
Online course begins January 3, 2020.
Registration closes December 26, 2019.

In Christ's Image Training is a six-month, online course developed by Pastor Frangipane. These are proven truths that break chains and lead to power in our Christian walk.

The course comes right to your home via email and audio messages and is designed to lift one's focus toward the actual presence of Jesus Christ. The full course not only includes 48 lessons and 39 audio messages (sample audio), but the discerning student will actually find the Lord using the weekly lessons to stage opportunities to deepen the truths found in the training.

For those with limited funds, the entire text is free by email. Just enroll in the Free Lesson Plan (new students only please).

Enrollment overview:
1) Go to www.icitc.org and read through the Level I page, FAQ page, Level I Syllabus page and Tuition page.

2) Choose an enrollment plan.

3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form before the end of the day, Thursday,
December 26, 2019.

4) Submit the registration form - Class begins January 3, 2020.

For more info, please see www.icitc.org.

www.frangipane.org

Even Sodom!
(En Español)

"He then began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent" (Matt. 11:20).

Jesus has a word to say, not only to us as individuals, but to entire cities as well. In anger He rebuked Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum (Matt. 11:21, 23). With tears He wept over Jerusalem (Luke 13:34). If He expected cities to repent in the first century, He expects cities today to repent as well.

It was in this very context of reproving cities, however, that Jesus made a statement which, to me, unveiled the scope of God's redemptive power. Listen to His rebuke, but also to its hidden promise.

He said, "For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes" (Matt. 11:21).

Tyre and Sidon were Gentile cities known for their debauchery and sin. Yet Jesus said that His life, revealed in power, can bring even the vilest of cities -- places that ought to be destroyed -- to "sackcloth and ashes." The strategy, therefore, to turn our cities back toward God is for the church to reveal Christ's life in power. Yes, the revelation of Christ living, loving and healing the world around us can turn our worst cities back toward God!

Today, many cities are ripe for revival. What hinders the turning of the people's hearts? Part of the answer lies with the church, with our sins of self-righteousness, indifference and unbelief. The Lord said if His people would humble themselves and pray, seek His face and turn from evil, He would then heal their land (2 Chron. 7:14). The future does not belong to the world; it belongs to the transformed church. Indeed, let us never forget: God "desires all men to be saved" (1 Tim. 2:4). With this in mind, Paul taught that entreaties and prayers should be made on behalf of all men, "for kings and all who are in authority" (1 Tim. 2:1-4). The sacrifice of Christ provides for the salvation of all men. Heaven waits only for the church to act.

One may say, "But, that was then. Our cities are worse. They are beyond redemption." Not so. Jesus continued His rebuke of cities, saying, "If the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day" (Matt. 11:23). Amazingly, when Christ is manifested in power, Jesus said even Sodom could find repentance!

I have heard ministers compare Los Angeles or New York to Sodom. Fine. These cities have seen hell, now let the church show them Heaven. The promise of Christ is that even Sodom could find repentance in the atmosphere and revelation of Christ's power. If there is hope for Sodom, there is hope for our cities as well!

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, When the Many Are One, available at www.arrowbookstore.com.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~


In Christ's Image Training

Sign up today for our next
In Christ's Image Training.
Online course begins
January 3, 2020.
Registration closes December 26, 2019.

In Christ's Image Training is a six-month, online course developed by Pastor Frangipane. These are proven truths that break chains and lead to power in our Christian walk.

For more info, please see www.icitc.org.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

 
 
Save 30%
Limited time offer
Intimacy with God

The Holy Spirit comes not just to give us gifts but to actually lead us into the presence of Jesus. Beloved, we were created to live in fellowship with Jesus Christ, and the messages in these books have proven invaluable in bringing many closer to Christ.

Holiness Truth and the Presence of God

This is the first book ever written by Pastor Francis. The truths in this book have stirred men to revivals. It is a penetrating study of the human heart and how God prepares it for His glory.

View Francis introducing this book

Book $8.40 (Retail $12.00)
Ebook $8.40 (Retail $12.00)

 
 
~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The Shelter of the Most High

Is there a spiritual place, a shelter, where God actually keeps us, "and the evil one does not touch" us (1 John 5:18)? Yes, there is a place in the heart of God where we can find immunity and protection, where we are literally surrounded by the Lord's presence. Once we enter this place, nothing can defeat us. Twenty-one profound chapters, each highlighting a different dimension of our Father's love and protection, each well able to escort you into the warmth and safety of the shelter of the Most High.

View Francis introducing this book


Book $9.10 (Retail $13.00)
Ebook $9.10 (Retail $13.00)

~ ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

I Will Be Found by You

Arrowbookstore.com

Revised and expanded edition

Perhaps this compilation of teachings from Francis Frangipane will become his most important book yet. The essence of I Will Be Found by You is a living promise from God. If we seek Him in earnest, He has purposed to reveal Himself in ways that will transform us and impact the world around us. In truth, when we consider the extent of impossible conflicts in our world, only one remedy exists: we must have more of God! If you desire more of God's presence in your life, more of God you shall certainly have. This is a very inspiring book.

Book - $9.10  (Retail $13.00)
Ebook - $9.10  (Retail $13.00)

  Visit Arrow Bookstore to order

Use our Mobile-friendly / Printer-friendly version to forward or print this message.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Please feel free to forward this message to others;
acknowledging our website would be kindly appreciated.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Sign up to follow Francis Facebook page

Facebook  Twitter
A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2019
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were taken from the NASB.

Start the new year fulfilling your destiny!

We know these are difficult times, yet as followers of Christ we were born for times like these! When darkness covers the earth, that's our cue to rise and shine (Isa. 60)!

For those of you that are praying about taking In Christ's Image Training, let me personally encourage you to not be timid. Go ahead and step out in faith. God is reaching to your family and friends. This is an important time, and your advancement into focused training will increase the spiritual "wattage" of God's presence in your life, adding depth and shine to your testimony. Fulfilling your destiny is the reason you are alive.

We have included information below for our next Level I online class that begins January 3. For more information, please visit our website at www.icitc.org.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~


In Christ's Image Training

Sign up today for our next
In Christ's Image Training.
Online course begins January 3, 2020.
Registration closes December 26, 2019.

In Christ's Image Training is a six-month, online course developed by Pastor Frangipane. These are proven truths that break chains and lead to power in our Christian walk.

The course comes right to your home via email and audio messages and is designed to lift one's focus toward the actual presence of Jesus Christ. The full course not only includes 48 lessons and 39 audio messages (sample audio), but the discerning student will actually find the Lord using the weekly lessons to stage opportunities to deepen the truths found in the training.

For those with limited funds, the entire text is free by email. Just enroll in the Free Lesson Plan (new students only please).

Enrollment overview:
1) Go to www.icitc.org and read through the Level I page, FAQ page, Level I Syllabus page and Tuition page.

2) Choose an enrollment plan.

3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form before the end of the day, Thursday,
December 26, 2019.

4) Submit the registration form - Class begins January 3, 2020.

For more info, please see www.icitc.org.

www.frangipane.org

When Average Men Follow Christ
By Francis Frangipane
 
 
[size=undefined]This is the first book ever written by Pastor Francis. The truths in this book have stirred men to revivals. It is a penetrating study of the human heart and how God prepares it for His glory.[/size]
 
 

---

A Thankful Heart

A Thankful Man is a Humble Man
If you think you know God but do not live your life in gratitude before Him, it is doubtful that you really knew Him in the first place. A thankful heart honors God. Too often when people say they "know God," what we actually mean is they know facts about God. But we should ask ourselves, "Do I truly know Him?"

Paul warns that just knowing facts about God is not enough to enter eternal life. He wrote,

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened" (Rom. 1:20-21).

Even though we may know God in a theological sense, if we do not "honor Him as God or give thanks" our thought processes have a way darkening around our sins and fears. When we are in that hardened, ungrateful state of mind becomes a pathway into and out of hell (see James 3:6).

When I see a poor man...
H. W. Beecher wrote, "Pride slays thanksgiving . . . a proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves." When God gives us less than we desire, it is not because He is teaching us poverty; He may be using our difficult circumstances to teach us thankfulness.

You see, life - real life - is not based upon what we amass but on what we enjoy. Even in difficult circumstances God still gives us much to appreciate many things. Someone once said, "When I see a poor man who is grateful, I know if he were rich, he would be generous." A thankful spirit is akin to a generous spirit, for both appreciate and receive the riches of God. When we are thankful with little, God can entrust us with much.

***

All of us that serve you are so very grateful to God
for you! May He bless you and lead you into the
fullness of His Presence!

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The preceding message is adapted from a chapter in Francis' book, The Shelter of the Most High. Available at www.arrowbookstore.com.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

 
 
Save up to 40%
Limited time offer
 
Spiritual Discernment and the
Mind of Christ - plus CD

How can you defeat your enemy if you don't know who or what you are fighting? Pastor Francis shares biblical insights on the gift of discernment and what it means to possess the mind of Christ. A few of the chapters are classics from Francis' previously published books; they have been rewritten, updated, and included here as foundational to our understanding of spiritual discernment.

Includes extra chapters from several of pastor's other books, including three from The Three Battlegrounds. These additional chapters give continuity and additional insight into the important subject of spiritual discernment.

Includes a training CD titled, Society of the Redeemers.

Book and Free Training CD - $7.71 (Retail $12.85)
Ebook - $7.71 (Retail $12.85)

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Discernment and the Mind of Christ
Audio/Video Series


So often in the church these days, criticism and judgment masquerade as spiritual discernment. True discernment however, is as simple, and as profound, as possessing the redemptive mind of Christ.

Message titles:
The Discernment We Need   |   The Mind of Christ
The Holy Spirit’s Voice   |   Think Redemption

CD Series $14.00 (Retail $20.00)
DVD Series $21.00 (Retail $30.00)
MP3 Audio Download $7.00 (Retail $10.00)
MP4 Video Download $10.50 (Retail $15.00)

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The Gift of Discernment
Audio/Video Series



The world is overstocked with judgmental Christians. The Lord doesn't want us to simply judge what is wrong, but to attract people to what is right. What is needed are individuals who use the gift of discernment to bring godly wisdom, healing and the heart of Christ into every situation.


Message titles:
The Gift of Discernment Parts 1, 2 and 3   |  Judging Rightly

CD series - $11.20 (Retail $16.00)
MP3 download - $5.60 (Retail $8.00)
DVD series - $21.00 (Retail $30.00 )
MP4 video download - $10.50 (Retail $15.00)

 
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order

Use our Mobile-friendly / Printer-friendly version to forward or print this message.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Please feel free to forward this message to others;
acknowledging our website would be kindly appreciated.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Sign up to follow Francis Facebook page

Facebook  Twitter
A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2019
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were taken from the NASB.

The Men of Ninevah

There are many types of fasts. If you have ever gone on an extended fast, you know it can be a life-changing experience. The sinful king of Nineveh along with the nobles and all the people of his nation fasted completely from food and water. The Lord heard the sincerity in their repentance and spared their nation, making them an example of how prayer, coupled with fasting, touched the heart of God (Jonah 3; Luke 11:32).

A fast can be a powerful tool to help stimulate revival or, conversely, it can degrade into a religious exercise that has almost no spiritual significance. The Pharisees fasted twice a week but did so to be seen of men. Their fast became a thing of religious pride. It was completely without spiritual value.

Examples of True Fasts
At its essence, the purpose of a fast is to help us reach our spiritual destination faster, hence the name fast. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" (Matt. 5:6). The goal of our hunger is for righteousness to prevail, either in us personally or in our family, church, city or nation. Fasting takes us there faster.

Yet we must not allow our fast to become a form of self-inflicted punishment. Fasting is not about "severe treatment of the body" (Col. 2:20-23). In truth, a fast is a gift of grace -- an opportunity to engage the Lord in an extended time of desire. During the time you would have nourished your body, nourish yourself spiritually instead. Draw closer to the Lord. Read the Word of God, memorize Scriptures, or pray for yourself and others.

Isaiah 58 tells us that a fast can also be a time to show God's love to others. The Lord says,

"Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house; when you see the naked, to cover him?" ---Isaiah 58:6-7

Therefore, when you are fasting from food, consider also ways to help the disadvantaged and hurting. You might even devote your food money to a relief agency who gives care to suffering people in destitute places.

Men of Ninevah
Going back to our opening reference: the king of Nineveh. He led his people into a three day, complete fast. I wouldn’t recommend such a fast yet this king probably felt he was likely going to die anyway because of the decadence of his city.

Jesus Himself praised the Ninevites as an example of the breakthroughs that can occur when people get serious with God.

Friends, we need a breakthrough in America and some breakthroughs will never come without prayer and fasting. Will we stand with the men of Nineveh?

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, Spiritual Discernment and the Mind of Christ, available at www.arrowbookstore.com.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

 
Save up to 40%
Limited time offer
 
Spiritual Discernment and the
Mind of Christ - plus CD

How can you defeat your enemy if you don't know who or what you are fighting? Pastor Francis shares biblical insights on the gift of discernment and what it means to possess the mind of Christ. A few of the chapters are classics from Francis' previously published books; they have been rewritten, updated, and included here as foundational to our understanding of spiritual discernment.

Includes extra chapters from several of pastor's other books, including three from The Three Battlegrounds. These additional chapters give continuity and additional insight into the important subject of spiritual discernment.

Includes a training CD titled, Society of the Redeemers.

Book and Free Training CD - $7.71 (Retail $12.85)
Ebook - $7.71 (Retail $12.85)

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Discernment and the Mind of Christ
Audio/Video Series


So often in the church these days, criticism and judgment masquerade as spiritual discernment. True discernment however, is as simple, and as profound, as possessing the redemptive mind of Christ.

Message titles:
The Discernment We Need   |   The Mind of Christ
The Holy Spirit’s Voice   |   Think Redemption

CD Series $14.00 (Retail $20.00)
DVD Series $21.00 (Retail $30.00)
MP3 Audio Download $7.00 (Retail $10.00)
MP4 Video Download $10.50 (Retail $15.00)

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The Gift of Discernment
Audio/Video Series



The world is overstocked with judgmental Christians. The Lord doesn't want us to simply judge what is wrong, but to attract people to what is right. What is needed are individuals who use the gift of discernment to bring godly wisdom, healing and the heart of Christ into every situation.


Message titles:
The Gift of Discernment Parts 1, 2 and 3   |  Judging Rightly

CD series - $11.20 (Retail $16.00)
MP3 download - $5.60 (Retail $8.00)
DVD series - $21.00 (Retail $30.00 )
MP4 video download - $10.50 (Retail $15.00)

 
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order

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Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were taken from the NASB.