It is God who calls people, and it is God who anoints for that service. He may place you in a body of believer's under a pastor and you may serve in that capacity. But this is not the only way or means that God uses his servants. The bible is full of examples of this, I'll let anyone who wishes, to study it for themselves. This message will not discriminate, there will be equal opportunity for everyone to be offended.

Paul speaks of this in this verse:

1Th 5:24  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 
1Th 5:25  Brethren, pray for us. 

He goes on to ask the brethren to pray for them, for what purpose?

Eph 6:19  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 

He asks for prayer for courage and boldness to speak the gospel, and it's doctrine without compromise and to make the proclamation of it with clarity.

Col 4:3  Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 
Col 4:4  That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 

Here he asks for an open door to be able to speak what God has given him, and to be able to make it clear to the hearers.

2Th 3:1  Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 
2Th 3:2  And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 

The intentions for prayer here is:

That the word of the Lord, etc. He asks no prayers for his own ease, or worldly prosperity, but that he may be helped in his work of the gospel.

Have free course. Not be hindered by opposition which might prevent success. When in bonds (2Ti_2:9) he rejoiced that the word of the Lord was "not bound."

Be glorified. By its powers to save

If you are called by God to serve Him in any capacity, or speak anything under his authority-there is no guarantee that people will like, listen, or follow you. If you think that people following a pastor, or leader is an indication that God is with that person-you do not know the word of God, and only read what you like in it. The fact that all but one of the disciples were martyred is clear enough evidence of this truth. the beheading of Paul and crucifixion of Peter upside down emphasizes it even more. Paul speaks of some of what they faced in these verses:

1Th 2:14  For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 
1Th 2:15  Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: 
1Th 2:16  Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. 

See also: Forbidding: Act_11:2-3, Act_11:17-18, Act_13:50, Act_14:5, Act_14:19, Act_17:5-6, Act_17:13, Act_18:12-13, Act_19:9, Act_21:27-31; Act_22:21-22; Gal_5:11; Eph_3:8, Eph_3:13

​I'll add here that if we are called it is the power of the Holy Ghost given to us- as it was to the first disciples in Acts that we need to fulfill the call on our lives:
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Act 2:1  And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 
Act 2:2  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 
Act 2:3  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 
Act 2:4  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

The only way you will know if that person is truly serving the living God, and not his/her own agenda, or a false religion, is according to how well you can discern what they are saying and doing, and if it aligns with the word of God or not. I never ask anyone to follow me, I point them to Jesus Christ, the truth that he is the only way to salvation and eternal life, and teach what the word of God says on any given matter, to the best of my ability. It is faith in Him, and the authority of the word of God that will set you free, I have no power to change anyone, and will never claim to.

People are not going to like what you say probably any more than they did in the first disciples day. You may as well settle this in your soul before you accept a call of God on you life, and live out your service to Him as devoted as possible, and let the chips fall where they may. It's taken me many years to finally get to this place, and I still have to re-examine my heart once in a while and surrender again- surrendering to God's service isn't just a one time thing, you'll find that you have to look inside yourself periodically, and make up your mind again, and pick your cross back up, and follow Christ, with a deeper sense of what that means.

What if your attending a church, know God has asked you to do or say something, and the pastor won't allow you to do it? You may have to do it on the street corner, in your own house, on your own time, and ask God to open the way for you to obey him. If it's God, it will happen. God's anointing and call to serve him does not hinge on anybody else- it's strictly between you and God. Don't believe me just because I'm saying this- read the bible, and study the servants of God on your own. I'll suggest Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Nehemiah, John the Baptist, and Paul. Study their lives in depth- how God called them and molded them, and used them. They didn't ask permission from anybody. They heard the call of God, and obeyed it. They made mistakes along the way, they got detoured sometimes, they were met with many adversaries, enemies, and at times wanted to give up, but God's hand was on them, and moved them sometimes when they weren't even aware of it. God works with imperfect people to accomplish His tasks, and changes us as we go along. Many of the great preachers of early America did most of their preaching in fields, in the open air because the churches wouldn't let them in. George Whitfield, and John Wesley were examples.

You may say you can't speak well, and aren't learned, haven't the ability communicate with eloquence. You may say your afraid, and don't feel qualified. None of us are qualified, the only thing that qualifies you, is God himself- if he has called you, He has qualified you.

Paul had this to say about his calling:

1Co 1:17  For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 
1Co 2:1  And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 
1Co 2:2  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 
1Co 2:3  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 
1Co 2:4  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 
1Co 2:5  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 
1Co 1:25  Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 
1Co 1:26  For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 
1Co 1:27  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 
1Co 1:28  And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 

1Co 1:29  That no flesh should glory in his presence. 
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See also: Psa_8:2; Isa_26:5-6, Isa_29:14, Isa_29:19; Zep_3:12; Mat_4:18-22, Mat_9:9, Mat_11:25; Mat_21:16; Luk_19:39-40, Luk_21:15; Act_4:11-21, Act_6:9-10, Act_7:35, Act_7:54, Act_17:18; Act_24:24-25; 2Co_4:7, 2Co_10:4-5, 2Co_10:10

You may say you've sinned too much, that God could not use you. Moses and David were murderers, and adulterer's. Paul was a murderer and persecutor of the believer's in the first churches in Acts. Whatever you've done, Christ already died for your sins, and if you've repented, and asked Him to forgive you, and save you, you are now a new creature in Christ. All your sins are now under the blood of Christ- you are washed, cleansed, redeemed and there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Paul's testimony is a good one to study and learn the depth of the love and mercy God showed him- is the same that's available to you. 

These verses tell of Ananias sent to Paul to pray for him and speak of his calling:

Act 22:12  And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 
Act 22:13  Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 
Act 22:14  And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 
Act 22:15  For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. 
Act 22:16  And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. 
Act 22:17  And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 
Act 22:18  And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. 
Act 22:19  And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: 
Act 22:20  And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. 
Act 22:21  And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. 

If God can save this man, wash away his sins and call him to the work he gave him-he can save you and use you, no matter what you've done. Don't ever let people use your past against you, it's the devil's work, and his condemnation, shake it off, and let God have His way with you. If you are called by God, no one can take it away, and no one can come between God and that calling- you may try to run from it; I did, but there's no place to run, and you will find it out; as I did. No matter where you go, you'll not be able to escape it- as Jonah found out. Moses didn't want to do what God asked him to do either-and tried to get out of it, God wouldn't take no for an answer, and if we are called, we find out the same thing, in the end God does have his way.

See also: Act_9:15, Act_13:2, Act_13:46-47, Act_18:6, Act_26:17-18; Rom_1:5, Rom_11:13, Rom_15:16, Rom_16:26; Gal_1:15-16, Gal_2:7-8; Eph_3:6-8; 1Ti_2:7; 2Ti_1:11

2Pe 1:10  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.
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See also:Rom_8:28-31; 1Th_1:3-4; 2Th_2:13-14; 1Pe_1:2

What if your a woman? The bible tells of Deborah, a judge in Israel, Anne the prophetess in the temple when Jesus was presented to the priest, four prophetesses in Acts, and there are other's. If you seek how God works in people's lives, you'll find, if you take the time, and are willing to do the studying. Paul instructs us to "study to show ourselves approved unto God", and it is worth it when you do. You come away knowing for yourself what is correct, and what is error, and when you feed your soul on the truth- it stays there, and this is how discernment grows. You are able then to listen to someone, and tell by what comes out of their mouth whether it's the truth or not. If you don't take the time to study, this is the greatest way the devil is able to deceive people-ignorance of what the bible really teaches. Listening to a pastor or leader with no bible in front of you, no discernment, and just swallowing what is fed you is a deadly mistake, and has caused many to fall away into apathy, and apostasy. The many empty and dead churches are testimony of this. The world is full of people following other peoples personalities- it's idol worship, and ear tickler's entertainment.

Today, a true servant of Jesus Christ without compromise is rare. I'm talking about one who serves Him with no agenda, not a money-changer, who does and says what God gives them, without price and without looking for an opportunity to use it for any personal gain. One who is serving in this capacity will look like this:

Act 3:1  Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 
Act 3:2  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 
Act 3:3  Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 
Act 3:4  And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 
Act 3:5  And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 
Act 3:6  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 
Act 3:7  And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 
Act 3:8  And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. 

See also: Silver: Mat_10:9; 1Co_4:11; 2Co_6:10, 2Co_8:9; Jas_2:5
but: Mar_14:8; 2Co_8:12; 1Pe_4:10
In: Act_3:16, Act_4:7, Act_9:34, Act_16:18, Act_19:13-16; Mat_7:22; Mar_16:17
Jesus: Act_2:22, Act_2:36, Act_4:10, Act_10:38; Joh_19:19

This is enough to study and learn the true ways of God, and you could spend many weeks with the corresponding scriptures to deepen your understanding of what a true servant of God is by them. 

Obeying the call isn't easy, and does not guarantee fame, or worldly success. But, Jesus Christ is worth obeying, He gave His all for you, and is worth our surrender. If God has called you, may you heed Him, and find the path He has chosen for you.
Lorna Couillard

                                                          The Battle Against Deception
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Mt 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. Mt 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

These are the days we are living in; and unfortunately, it will continue to get worse until Jesus returns. How can we as believer's stand in this evil day? How can we shield ourselves from the false religions, and the rampant deception within the church? The transforming power of the Word of God. Going to the scriptures concerning everything that is questionable; and allowing God to speak to us thru His Word. The bible has the answer to every question known to man. The problem is; many times people do not like the answers.

We are given a free will to either heed the bible, or choose to rebel against it, and do what we want. However, the consequences are clearly spelled out to us in the bible also. People perish, and are lead into the ditch of deception, because of lack of knowledge of what the bible says. God's guidelines are clear, and easy to understand; it is our flesh that says "I want what I want, when I want it."

But, if we are serious about wanting a close walk with the Lord, and want his presence in our lives; the scriptures will be like fresh bread to our souls. We will hunger for it, and learn to depend on it to bring light to our path in all area's of our lives.

2ti 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

When it comes to discerning deceiving spirits, false manifestations, demonic activity, false religions; the guidelines below will help the believer to sift thru the enormous amount of deception that is out there today. Prayer, study of the scriptures, and heeding what the bible says; will protect our spirits, and hedge us in with the Lord. I hope these guidelines will help all who study them.

                                                         SCRIPTURES TO REMEMBER

When people tell you that Jesus is actually showing up or they saw Jesus in a vision etc., remember this: 

Mat 24 v 23-27 ”23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” 

When people tell you that God ‘told them so’ or ‘gave them the vision/prophecy hence you MUST believe it, but it does not tie up 100% with scripture, remember this: 

Jeremiah 14 v14 “Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.”

Ezekiel 13 v 2-9 ”2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: ‘Hear the word of the LORD! 3 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! 4 Your prophets, O Israel, are like jackals among ruins. 5 You have not gone up to the breaks in the wall to repair it for the house of Israel so that it will stand firm in the battle on the day of the LORD. 6 Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. They say, “The LORD declares,” when the LORD has not sent them; yet they expect their words to be fulfilled. 7 Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divination's when you say, “The LORD declares,” though I have not spoken? 8 “‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because of your false words and lying visions, I am against you, declares the Sovereign LORD. 9 My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divination's. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign LORD.”

1jo 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
1jo 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 
1jo 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 
1jo 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 
1jo 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 
1jo 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

If someone tells you that Satan can’t make visions or prophecies come true, remember this: 

Deuteronomy 13 v 1-5 ”4 If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, 2 and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” 3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.”

When people tell you that they can see Angles, or have an Angel guiding them, or have Angels imparting wisdom or biblical revelation, remember this: 

John 14 v 26 Jesus said: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

Col 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

When people tell you that these ’strange’ manifestations are from God, remember this: 

2 Timothy 1 v 7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
2 Thess 2 v 9-10 “Even him who is coming after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not a love of the truth that they might be saved.”
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If people tell you that Satan can’t cast out or deliver people from demons, remember this: 

Matthew 12 v 27 Jesus said to the Pharisees: “And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.”

If people tell you that signs and wonders bring people to greater heights in their faith or lead people into a truly born again experience, remember this: 

John 12 v 37 ”But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him.”
John 4 v 48 ”Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.”
John 6 v 26 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.”

Matt 24 v 24: “For false Christ’s and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”

If people tell you that you are not to judge God’s ‘anointed’, remember this: 

Deuteronomy 13 v 12-14 “13 If you hear it said about one of the towns the LORD your God is giving you to live in 13 that wicked men have arisen among you and have led the people of their town astray, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (gods you have not known), 14 then you must inquire, probe and investigate it thoroughly. And if it is true and it has been proved that this detestable thing has been done among you, 15 you must certainly put to the sword all who live in that town.” (Sword = Word of God)

Proverbs 17 v 150 “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD”

Proverbs 18 v 15 “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge”

Titus 1 v 9 “Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”

1 Timothy 1 v 3 “That you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine”

John 7 v 24 Jesus said: “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (using the Word of God)

Rom 16 v 17 “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them”

1 Corinthians 5 v 9 v 13 “9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. 11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler–not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? 13 But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES

(‘Do not judge those who are within the Church?’ - This is an angry response by Paul to those who say ‘do not judge those within the church’, he is saying, WHAT? REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.)

Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

If someone tells you that to speak up or warn a brother that they are in error or deception is wrong and we need to instead ’show love’ for ‘God is love’, remember this: 

When we show someone they are in error it’s out of deep concern and love, the same love and concern that Jesus has when his Children go astray.

Acts 20 v 25-31 ”25 Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears“

If someone tells you that a particular person is anointed (hence you HAVE to listen to them) but you yourself are a truly born again believer, remember this: 

1 Jonn 2 v 27 “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.”
I John 2 v 20 v 21 “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth”

If any Christian seeks or needs signs and wonders to show them who Jesus is, then something is very wrong with their spiritual lives, because the Holy Spirit brings ALL things to your remembrance for those who are truly born again, remember this: 

John 14 v 26 Jesus said: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

Remember this:

2 John 1 v 9 “Whosoever transgresses and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son”

2 Thes 2 v 11 “For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false in order that may all may be judged who did not believe in the truth but took pleasure in wickedness”

We are creeping ever closer to the end of days, deception today is saturating everything, and every form of media. Only those who stay in the word of God, and close to the Lord will be able to discern what is from God, and what comes from the god of this world, the devil. I pray all of God's people will be drawn to the bible, and use it for every source of guidance and direction in these perilous times we find ourselves in.
 May the Lord richly bless you;
  A servant,    Lorna Couillard