July 20, 2017 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

I Don’t Know Why

It was about 40 days of being tempted by the devil. Why 40 days, I do not why. As I mentioned in an earlier article, “Satan was roaring at me,” the Spirit of the Lord said to me.

There as been times in my life when Satan tried to kill me and many times he placed hatred and vengeance in people to do whatever they could to harass me or destroy me. God wants His people to prosper but also to be persecuted by man and tempted by the devil.

I was sick for many days and financially hammered at every turn in my daily activities. As Job was tried so are we. I do not understand the wisdom of God, but I do understand the end result—our complete dependence and trust in God. It is God who I fear and that fear demands that I proclaim that whatever God wants, allows or does—it is always just and right.

I find myself having to exercise patience and wisdom when I find myself in these ‘trying situations’. God is not in a hurry but I want it to be over quickly. I am reminded of the Scripture, “God gives and God takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Christ is my example—40 days being tempted by the devil in the desert of all places. When God wants to make things bad, He knows just how to do it. I know He wants me perfect in Him, though I rather be like Him but without all the trials.

Well, that will never be. So do not get discourage or faint in your heart or spirit when God sends Satan your way ‘roaring like a lion’. God knows what He is doing even though we do not. His love for me will never cease nor diminish.

Yes, God has become my friend and I am trying to be His friend with the same tenacity and sincere friendship He has shown to me.

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

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July 10, 2017 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

Warning, Warning…The Lord is Coming

When I woke up this morning God was waiting for me. He began talking to me saying, “Do not be connected to this world.” I prayed that who I was and where I live and what I was doing would belong to Christ alone.

The Spirit of God has often reminded me not have any ties with this world. Not to allow any part of this world to have residence not only in my life but also what I own and where I live. We are to be “holy unto the Lord” and that means everything that I am and have influence over is to be given to the authority of Christ.

As I was praying and considering what the Lord was saying, the sun started to show itself over the crest of mountains where I live. It is huge with only a quarter of its total size showing, but it radiated a dramatic orange, yellow and light red mixture of colors—it was something surrealistic. Immediately, the Spirit said to me, “Warning, warning…the Lord is coming back!” My reply, as always is, “Come Lord Jesus, come.”

The world thinks it has control over this earth. Climate change, weather patterns, natural resources, animal survival rates are topics scientists say we can control or need to control before man destroys all of mankind. What a lie.

We need and should have been less greedy and more conscientious as to managing the earth, but to destroy the earth—that is God’s job. Jesus is coming back and His judgment is now upon the earth. He will destroy almost half of all creation, drinkable water, natural resources, and send sickness and destruction so severe that people will want to die rather than live.

Remember church, judgment is going to start with us. If you want to be a Christian and still allow worldly doctrine, deeds, or ways of thinking to have influence and control in your life—God is going to take ‘His Light’ out of your life. As God states in Revelation, “He will remove your candlestick.”

The world promotes the “significance of sin”—how your sin makes you who you are and success you can have through your sin. It says, “I am because of the sin in my life—without sin I am a nobody.” Let us all become separate from everything in this world. I live in this world but I am not part of this world. I was bought with a price and I belong to Christ. I no longer have a ‘sin factor’ but a ‘Jesus factor’.

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

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July 7, 2017 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

I want to be a Charismatic

I became a born again Christian at a Billy Graham Crusade in Fresno California when I was 12 years of age. It impacted my life but nothing like becoming Charismatic three years later.

Most people to this day do not know what took place in the beginning days of the Charismatic Movement. I do, it was like the Book of Acts all over again. There was a tremendous price to pay by everyone who began in the Charismatic Movement in beginning of the 1960’s.

It was miraculous—almost unbelievable. Wonders were happening all around me, but we also experienced persecution. No, no one was being killed but we lost friends, reputations, financial gain, and the list goes on. It was hard for me as a young person to understand why such hatred and why traditional gospel churches were so bent on marginalize us.

At times, I became embarrassed to be charismatic. I even kept my mouth shut when religious leaders were criticizing the movement. God forgive me!

I am no longer like that young man. I do not make excuses for God. I tell everyone I meet that “I am a Christian first and everything else is second”. That, “I am who I am because of the Holy Spirit in me”—yes, I am a grateful, ‘die-hard’, tongue-speaking charismatic.

God got it right when He baptized me with the Holy Spirit just like He did in the early church history which is written in Acts for our admonition. Nothing has changed for 2000 thousand years. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to His disciples and He is still imparting this Grace to us today. Thank you Jesus! The Holy Spirit has become my friend…your friend, Steve.

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

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July 6, 2017 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

Obama and Trump

I do not know whom you voted for in the past few elections. I did not like what the choices were. I wanted a spiritual person governing over the nation. Also, I could not trust the media to give me the needed information in order to make a spiritual decision.

When I did vote, I found myself at odds with many of my Christian friends. When Obama became President I told my friends that he would be a ‘lame-duck’ president. He wanting to do a lot—he had made many promises, but I believed he could not deliver on any of them.

Now, looking back on his presidency I was right. The only claim to fame is his health care act—and now it is failing to deliver what the act promised to do for so many Americans. Mr. Obama had to use Executive Action without help from congress to get his agenda into law. Now, most of his actions are being undone by Trump.

On the other hand, even though Trump was not my first or second choice, the Spirit of God told me to pray for him. God wanted Mr. Trump president. This never took place with Obama and often even though individuals become leaders it is not the will of God, but God allowing us to suffer the consequences our choices.

Anyhow, God wanted Trump to win the election, but Christians could not just sit by and not act in accordance to God’s will. I myself praying, interceding, and fasting for him to win. He did and America is now in its first steps to do God’s will.

We must continue to pray for his protection, for Trump’s team to be open to people of faith, and his administration to have a heart that can me molded by God. God has a plan for America and it includes you and me fighting that “God’s will be done, His Kingdom come!”

I believe that Trump is in power in order for the Church to prosper financially, spiritually, physically and morally. The next 8 to 9 years are critical for prosperity. After about 2026 things will become ‘dark and threatening’. As it was in Egypt when Joseph came into power, so shall it be with America and maybe the whole world.

Furthermore, Israel needs to prosper and be at peace. It must rebuild the Temple and establish its role in the coming of Jesus Christ. Trump is in power to see that this gets done. We must have the will of God fulfilled in our lifetime. Will you fight for the rule of the Government of God over all things on the earth?

Do not get discouraged with all the criticism of Trump or all the hatred being expressed against what God is doing. We must be persecuted, hated, and resisted—“the Kingdom of God suffers violence, and the violent takes it by force.” If we do not fight then God’s will not be accomplished. (This is a prophetic warning for the Church.)

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

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July 5, 2017 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

A Dream Within a Dream

I had a dream. Not your ordinary dream but a ‘dream within a dream’. The type of dream that the Bible speaks about…”your old men shall dream dreams.”

I dream all the time but there are times when indeed the Holy Spirit is talking to me. God wakes me up during significant parts or at the end of the dream. The dream seems so real that I cannot tell if I am dreaming or I am in a reality state of being.

I dreamt about playing music. Music so powerful that it produced a movement of the Spirit of God exactly like what took place at Pentecost. I can hardly explain what I experienced or felt. What impacted my spirit was the amount of rejoicing, praise and music that engulfed my life and others around me. We were only waiting for music to be played; we wanted to be touched by God.

The Bible has this to say about Pentecost and praise: Acts 2. “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house with praises of the wonderful works of God.” God is sending a wind/wave to America and it is embedded in worship.

Mr. Powell is just one of many ministers saying the same thing—revival is coming. He states, “Revival also operates by the light of God. Revival is an exposure of the light and glory of God in the earth. It travels in waves as well, which the Bible calls times and seasons of refreshing that come from the presence of God (Acts 3:19). I believe with all my heart that we’re stepping into another wave right now. I believe with all my heart that we’re stepping into another season of exposure from the glory, which will shift the entire earth into a higher frequency of the knowledge of God’s glory.” God is Releasing the Sound of Revival This Summer by Stephen Powell, Fort Mill, SC

There are many testimonies, prophetic words, and proclamations for the coming revival. It is imminent but often people are talking about miracles, signs and healings. These of course accompany any revival, but it is not what God does that should be our focus but who He is. I am looking for Jesus and I want to Praise His works. I do not want God to ‘rubber-stamp’ past revivals into the 21st Century. I want Jesus and Him alone. And, I want to spend my time praising Him—everything else will follow.

It is time for rejoicing. It is time for praise. It is time for music that comes from only one source—the Holy Spirit entering our lives with the sound of a mighty rushing wind—God’s waves in the wind! God, give me your praise, your music, your worship. This is the sign from Heaven that God has sent His Spirit once again into the lives of His people.

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

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July 4, 2017 WWJWMTD by David Hauser & Steve the son of John

Becoming a Provocateur in Christ

(A July 4th message…walking in step with America’s Fathers)

On July 4, 1776, thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, which then led to the creation of the United States. The conflict had been going on for over a year before the Founding Father drafted the Declaration of Independence. There were many reasons for the revolt against England, the most common being ‘taxation without representation’. Because of this and other issues Provocateurs arose in America that led to our independence. Today, the Christian Church is in need of Provocateurs. It is time to become provocateurs.

A general definition of ‘provocateur’ is: a person who deliberately behaves controversially in order to provoke a strong reaction; ideas that are threatening to accepted values or practices. Its synonyms are: partisan, an advocate, and a catalyst. It is within these synonyms that I define myself as a Provocateur. I find myself a partisan, an advocate, and I hope a catalyst for God’s will and the Body of Christ today.

The Scripture says in Ephesians 6:12 & 13, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and spiritual darkness in high places." If this is true, why are we so often caught up in the first part of this verse dealing with flesh and blood, and not the second part, which we are called too? In Hebrews 10:19-23 the writer moves from what belongs in the life of an individual, to the life of members of a community. It addresses provocations that do not produce brotherly love.

I am a Provocateur in the sense that I want to stimulate others to good works, and in turn, others will stimulate me to do good works. So how do we, as provocateurs, stir each other to a more vigorous and abundant exercise of love and the practice of good works?

The original meaning of ‘provoke’ is, not to offend, to incense, or to irritate but to arouse, to excite, to call into action; the Greek work is ‘paroxusmon’, meaning excitement or impulse. The idea is that God wants us to endeavor to arouse or excite each other to "manifestations of love." If this is one of the main purposes of the Spirit, which the Lord is speaking to me on this subject, then let us all be open for something more from God on this subject of “provoking each other to do good works.”

I have found it helpful to pray the following verse. Psalms 19:12 "Who can discern his own errors, keep me from secret faults.” I pray this prayer over my life often. May God help all of us to hear with clarity what God is saying in every situation.

I pray, no we must pray, this prayer, “God, let me be led by your Spirit. A person who is a provocateur that promotes good works in others. A person who manifests your love through the excitement of serving you and showing others how to produce good works—works of righteousness for the world to see.”

I endeavor to do good works and begin by doing random deeds of kindness to strangers and giving to those in need—to the homeless, as well as, ‘checking in’ on my friends to see if they need my help or words of encouragement. I avoid quick and hurtful judgmental words—I do not consider myself better than those in need. I forgive freely and resist resentment or jealous attitudes in order to offer a helping hand to my brethren who stumble often in their walk with the Lord.

I do all of this willingly and with joy. I trust that, which is good in me because of Christ, will multiply and spread through my Christian family creating unity in the Spirit…this is my purpose, to be a provocateur.

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

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July 3, 2017 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

I Fight because I Love

All most every Hallmark movie is about love. The two questions that every script works to answer are: Are you willing to fight for the one you love? How much do you me…then show me!

God is asking us the same questions each day we serve Him. The Spirit of God asks, “Are you willing to fight for Christ?” How much do you love Him? Is He worth fighting for with all your heart, soul, mind and strength? Answer this question!

Jesus asked Peter the same question as so many romantic movies ask, “Peter, do you love me?” Our answer should be like Peter, “Yes, I love you Lord.” Then Jesus gave him a command to serve God’s people.

If you love Jesus, Jesus will ask you how much—“How much do you love me?” Jesus asked Peter this question 3 times. Our answer should be the same. “You know Lord that I love you.” But, what Jesus was really asking Peter is, if he will fight for Him (Jesus) and the Body of Christ.

We must fight for the ones we love. We are expected to protect them, to cherish them, to sacrifice for them—we are asked to make the ultimate sacrifice for them.

I fought for Alonna before I married her. She knew that and it was that kind of love that ‘won her over’. It was this kind of love she was looking for and wanting from me.

I still fight for her to this day. In fact I fight for all whom I love—my kids, my friends, and the stranger God places in my path—yes, I fight for them because I love them.

There is a battle in front of us all—a battle for the Kingdom of God. It is a spiritual battle found in the realities of this world. I fight against all evil, against all darkness, against everything that exalts itself against Christ.

God has commanded us to fight within the Kingdom of God. He commands us to put on the armor of God. He is asking us, “Do you love me?” I will show how much I care for God through my faith, through my fighting, through my love. I fight because I love.

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

This e-mail, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information, and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or his or her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this e-mail immediately.

July 1, 2017 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

The Roar of a Lion

Have you ever heard lions roar at a zoo? Their roar seem to travel to all corners of the park. Their roar can be intimidating; they make their presence known. The Bible says Satan goes about as a roaring lion. Satan wants to overpower his enemies and tries to instill fear in all who hear him.

We can get use to Satan’s roar. In fact, we often do not listen or realize when he is roaring. The Bible has lots to say about Satan, that devil who only seeks to steal, kill and destroy. He can only lie and hates you and me. He accuses the Children of God and ridicules us before our Father in heaven.

He lost at Calvary and Christ won, but that has not stopped him from doing his evil in all the earth. Revelation says some Christians live “where Satan’s seat is.” I often feel as if that is where I live—in California, where Satan has his headquarters.

Over the past three plus weeks Satan has been roaring at me. He has hindered everything I am doing. Some things that I own have either broke or are now in need of repair. It has been a non-stop effort on the part of Satan to hind Gods will in my life by using things around me.

I asked God what was going on, He said, “Satan is roaring at you.” I would like it to stop, but I remember the opposition that Christ endured in order to do God’s will and how Satan tempted him for 40 days while in the wilderness. The Holy Spirit “drove Him into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”

Wow, God wants us to be tempted. We are challenged at every level of our Christian walk and still Christ walks with us. Wisdom is our guide. Proverbs states in verse after verse how evil and good operates in this world. God wants us to recognize evil especially when it is in front of us. We are not to be ignorant of Satan’s ways, Paul says in the Epistles.

We are to “take up a serpent” (Mark 16) and are to succeed with the will of God even in the mist of great evil and darkness. Evil is not to win even though we are confronted by evil each and everyday. Yes, Satan dwells around me and darkness is everywhere, but it is Jesus that I see and His love that sustains me. Because of Christ I can pick up the evil spiritual serpents (not real snakes) and cast them into the fire of God’s judgment. That is God promise for me, and my part & calling in the Kingdom of God.

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

This e-mail, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information, and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or his or her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this e-mail immediately.

June 25, 2017 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

Point of Contact

The Bible talks about points of contact when God enters into the lives of His people. There are specific times, places and experiences that God initiates regarding His purposes and action plans. The Bible dictates what God’s role and our role is in every encounter or point of contact between us.

These points of contact are not to be taken lightly nor ignored. Often I do not realize God’s intervention into my life. He is contacting me and I do not realize His movement or any significance to His contact.

Nevertheless, God is always contacting me. God does not want me ignorant, ill informed, nor ‘blind-sided’ by what He is planning. His love for me is much too great to allow any harm to come upon my surrounds or me.

In Ecclesiastes God makes it quite clear to His timing. Wisdom demands that we understand the movement and activities of God. Take for instance verse four in chapter 3b: “a time to mourn and a time to dance.”

Theologies have often explained this chapter in terms of differences and different behaviors that happen to everyone on the earth. But, this is not really what God is saying in this chapter. What God is stating is that when one behavior is present the other one is present also. These statements are not opposites of behavior but rather are common in results.

“A time to mourn and a time to dance” means that dancing and mourning are meant to be united and joined in common purpose. We are meant to mourn and dance; never to have one without the other.

I continue to emphasize America’s next revival. It is ‘bound-up’ in rejoicing. In fact, without rejoicing (singing, praise, worship, dancing) you will not see it, let alone be part of the next revival. But the interesting aspect of “dancing” (rejoicing like David rejoiced before the Lord) is that we must mourn. Yes, we must mourn like David also.

I mourn, not for myself but for all others that are in trouble. I mourn because of their sin. I mourn because of their oppression. I mourn because of the great ignorance and darkness that surrounds their lives. As the Bible says, “People who sat in darkness saw great light” Luke 1: 67-79.

When we mourn, dancing will come and when we dance, people of mourning we will become. You want revival be prepared to mourn and be prepared to dance. As I have told you before, this next revival will not be like anything any of us have experienced before.

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

This e-mail, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information, and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or his or her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this e-mail immediately.

June 17, 2017 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

Taking God Way Too Serious

Only a fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” I wish there were no fools in this world. Also, the Bible says, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God.” Both of these and so many other Bible passages state the seriousness of the greatness and magnitude of God.

However, I do not like to be around Christians that do not know how to laugh (God does laugh and tells us to do so—Psalms) and those who cannot find humor in the smallest of things. Many people see life as if it is a burden and not something to be enjoyed. I would avoid such individuals, do not follow their example.

Yes, we take God way too seriously most of the time. Jesus said, “I now call you friends.” Jesus does not want to be a lord of heaviness ruling over our lives. He wants us to be friends, and Jesus asked that God be kind to us (to be one with us) and become friends.

We need to retune our relationship with the Trinity if we are not on a “friendship based relationship.” I talk with God like I am speaking to a friend. I try to respond to God when He speaks to me as if He is a best friend.

I serve God not out of fear but out of friendship. He is kind to me and I like to respond back in like-mindedness. Yes, I do respect Him a great deal. I am nothing in His presence and I humble myself when He moves me to tears. But, it is His friendship that brings me closer to Him and touches my heart to be more like Him.

God is my friend! He was my friend before I accepted His friendship and His friendship will be always be the standard of my love for Him and the Body of Christ. I am looking forward to seeing my friend each moment of the day. I hope He will find my love for Him good enough and sincere enough for us to have an eternal friendship.

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

This e-mail, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information, and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or his or her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this e-mail immediately.