This word is submitted by Tommy James (StJames515@aol.com)
My Evaluation
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The Lord said:
There is underway an evaluation of all My ministers throughout the world, says the Lord of Hosts. (The Great and Holy God who lives forever and ever. Let His Name be praised!)
I am looking over My ministers as a shepherd looks over his flock to know their condition and what is necessary to nurture, to heal, and to discipline them. I am looking over what they have done and what they are doing to serve my people.
I am deciding what will be their usefulness to Me and My Kingdom in the coming year. (The year 5760 begins at sundown Sept 10, 1999-Yom Kippur is on Sept 20, 1999) There will be reward and promotion for those who have done well, and discipline and demotion for those who have not done well. As this Word is parallel to Ezekiel 34 in content, there are those who might think My review will apply only to Pastors (shepherds), but be assured that this time will apply to all who are called to My service, both the great and small, the known and the unknown, the faithful and the unfaithful.
To My people who do not know My ways, do not be dismayed as you see upheaval and change, for there will be many changes to bring church government and ministry into alignment with My will and plans for the coming year. Never think that I leave these matters to chance, or that I do not care what happens with My Body. I have said that I will never leave or forsake you, and I will not. From the smallest prayer group to the largest cathedral, I am the Lord, and I will shepherd My people.
This is a time to reflect on what you, My leaders, have done and how you have cared for My people. Have you taken care of yourselves and not cared for the needs of those under your authority? Have you bullied the strong personalities and made them feel they are rebellious? Have you sheared the sheep of their financial fleece and promised rewards from Me that I will not give? Have you condemned the troublesome and the troubled to justify yourselves? Have you favored the rich man over the poor man? Have you sought Me for My Words of Wisdom and Understanding, that you might give encouragement and hope to the weak, the unattractive and the destitute? Are you more concerned with the expansion of your ministry and material things than rightly serving the Kingdom of God and the King? Have you healed the sick? Do you know how to heal the sick? Do you use your natural strength to make up for your lack of true spiritual authority which only I can give? Have you preached My gospel, or your own gospel?
This list of questions may make Me seem to be severe, but understand that I only require of anyone that which I have equipped him to do and appointed him to do, and only that which I would do Myself. There is no need to fear if you have sincerely served My purposes where you are, and in fact, look forward to a great blessing and reward for faithful service. Look into my face and see my pleasure with you.
There will Righteousness, Peace and Joy in my Church, says the Lord. I will be a shepherd to my people and will only allow My chosen ones to serve in their care. The sweetness of My Spirit shall pervade the congregations of the Most High, and as we meet together in praise and worship, I work a unity across the whole earth that has never been seen since the beginning of time.