INSTITUTE OF LOVE

My Question To God
Text Box: I gave her time to repent, but she would not turn away from her immorality. Revelation 2:21 NLT This scripture refers to those who possess the Spirit of Jezebel, whom God gives time to repent from their evil ways. One of the many trademarks of those who are controlled by the Jezebel Spirit is that they elevate and promote themselves as being superior beings, called by God to speak correction and direction into people’s lives. They love to brag about the good things they do and how wise they are, as they always seem to have an answer or solution for every question or situation. In reality, they are very selfish and jealous people, inspired by the Devil, with only one thing in mind; to control and manipulate the lives of people, imposing themselves on them, with all the destructive consequences as a result. If you are wise and understand God's ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don't brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise! But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your hearts, don't brag about being wise. That is the worst kind of lie. For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and motivated by the Devil. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every kind of evil. James 3:13-16 NLT When God speaks about giving those operating under the spirit of Jezebel time to repent from all their evil deeds, it really means REPENTANCE WITH SORROW! It is the genuine sorrow for sin committed that will ultimately result in changed behavior. For God can use sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from sin and seek salvation. We will never regret that kind of sorrow. But sorrow without repentance is the kind that results in death. 2. Corinthians 7:9-10 NLT Another trademark of those who are influenced by the spirit of Jezebel, is that they will never admit any wrongdoing, and therefore, they see no reason whatsoever to repent and receive correction. They are very stubborn, defensive, and prideful when confronted, and will shift the blame back, and accuse those who confront them of lying and having bad intentions against them. No matter how many people say the same thing about the wrong they do, they will interpret it as an attack against their so-called good reputation. If they are sorry, it is only because they have been caught with no where to turn against the evidence against them, and are afraid to lose face in front of others. They are actually more concerned about what others would think about them, than the status of their relationship with God. They will vigorously defend themselves, saying things like: “Oh, God has already been dealing with me about this.” Or; “The Lord has already healed me,” making themselves completely untouchable. In other words, as the above scripture explains, this kind of being sorry is the “sorrow without repentance”. The following stories give a good example of someone having “sorrow without repentance,” and someone having “sorrow with repentance.” Sorrow without repentance This is the story about King Saul of Israel, who was told by the prophet Samuel, the following: "I anointed you king of Israel because the LORD told me to. Now listen to this message from the LORD! This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'I have decided to settle accounts with the nation of Amalek for opposing Israel when they came from Egypt. Now go and completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation — men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, camels, and donkeys.' 1. Samuel 15:1-3 NLT But King Saul and his army did not destroy all the plunder from the battle, and in doing so, Saul disobeyed the command God has given him. When the prophet Samuel went out to find and confront King Saul about his disobedience, the following conversation transpired between them: (King Saul’s defensive and lying comments and excuses, as he shifts blame for his own disobedience onto his army, are highlighted.) When Samuel finally found him, Saul greeted him cheerfully. "May the LORD bless you," he said. "I have carried out the LORD's command!" "Then what is all the bleating of sheep and lowing of cattle I hear?" Samuel demanded. "It's true that the army spared the best of the sheep and cattle," Saul admitted. "But they are going to sacrifice them to the LORD your God. We have destroyed everything else." Then Samuel said to Saul, "Stop! Listen to what the LORD told me last night!" "What was it?" Saul asked. And Samuel told him, "Although you may think little of yourself, are you not the leader of the tribes of Israel? The LORD has anointed you king of Israel. And the LORD sent you on a mission and told you, 'Go and completely destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, until they are all dead.' Why haven't you obeyed the LORD? Why did you rush for the plunder and do exactly what the LORD said not to do?" "But I did obey the LORD," Saul insisted. "I carried out the mission he gave me. I brought back King Agag, but I destroyed everyone else. Then my troops brought in the best of the sheep and cattle and plunder to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal." But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you from being king." 1. Samuel 15:13-23 NLT King Saul was caught in his lies and was about to lose his kingship and now suddenly he has sorrow and is pleading for forgiveness for his sins: Then Saul finally admitted, "Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the LORD's command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded. Oh, please, forgive my sin now and go with me to worship the LORD." 1. Samuel 15:24-25 NLT Then Saul pleaded again, "I know I have sinned. But please, at least honor me before the leaders and before my people by going with me to worship the LORD your God." 1. Samuel 15:30 NLT Even though it sounds like King Saul is genuinely repenting, it wasn’t the case. God saw through all of this and rejected him. It was clearly a case of repentance without sorrow or remorse. King Saul was more concerned about his position and reputation as a king and leader, instead of fearing God first and the prophet whom God sent to speak to him. Sorrow with repentance This is the story of King David of Israel who committed adultery with Bathsheba and then orders her husband killed in an attempt to cover it up. When David was confronted and exposed by the prophet Nathan, without any excuse, he deeply regretted what he had done and sought God’s forgiveness. Because King David had genuine sorrow for the sin he committed, God forgave and restored him. Then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan replied, "Yes, but the LORD has forgiven you, and you won't die for this sin.” 2. Samuel 12:13 NLT This is a clear example of “sorrow with repentance.” A similar example we can find in the New Testament, where Peter and Judas, both disciples of Jesus, denied and betrayed Christ. When Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s lying about knowing Him came to pass, Peter reacted with remorse, which is sorrow with repentance, and was restored by Jesus. But Judas, whom Jesus also knew would betray Him conspiring with the religious leaders, had sorrow without repentance, and ultimately chose to commit suicide. Peter’s “sorrow with repentance” Meanwhile, as Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, a servant girl came over and said to him, "You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean." But Peter denied it in front of everyone. "I don't know what you are talking about," he said. Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. "I don't even know the man," he said. A little later some other bystanders came over to him and said, "You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent." Peter said, "I swear by God, I don't know the man." And immediately the rooster crowed. Suddenly, Jesus' words flashed through Peter's mind: "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went away, crying bitterly. Matthew 26:69-75 NLT Judas’ “sorrow without repentance” When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and other leaders. "I have sinned," he declared, "for I have betrayed an innocent man." "What do we care?" they retorted. "That's your problem." Then Judas threw the money onto the floor of the Temple and went out and hanged himself. Matthew 27:3-5 NLT My question to God Through all of this, my question remains: “God, why are You sometimes allowing me to pray and prophesy good things and a good future over people who clearly have the Jezebel spirit, knowing that they do not want to repent from their rebellious walk, as You also indicated in Your Word?” I gave her time to repent, but she would not turn away from her immorality. Revelation 2:21 NLT God answered me with these words: “This is part of the time (or chance) I give those possessed by the spirit of Jezebel to repent or turn away from their immoral ways before I act. This is because I am Faithful.” If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny himself. 2. Timothy 2:13 NLT “Because,” the Lord continued, “I tell those who are under the spell of the Jezebel spirit that I love them, and let them see what their future could look like, if they only repent and submit to Me. I want to let them know, through my prophets, how I can use them for My glory if they only would listen and accept My correction. I want to let them know how much they can be healed and set free, if only they truly have sorrow with repentance.” Copyright©2009 Sophia & Edwin Christiaan Text Box: By Edwin & Sophia Christiaan