The Spirit of Gluttony

Webster's dictionary defines gluttony as "the act or habit of eating or drinking too much. It goes with spirit of greed, resulting in excessive indulgence.

Is Eating Too Much a Sin?

Some might ask: are we talking about food here, the answer is simply, YES we are! This is a one of the sins most of us overlook. In this article I will draw on some situations or instances of greed and gluttony that required the Lord to step in and issue serious rebukes. Don't undermine the value of this teaching; this has value to save souls! For the benefit of our new readers and existing readers everything we post on here is given by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. In Jesus name our claim is not false or inflated with fabrications, but truthful, as we know Him whom we serve to be a Truthful Witness (Revelation 1:5).

As it is, week after week the Lord patiently brings us messages to present on this blog. Like I alluded elsewhere, we are not the subject, neither do we seek attention; instead we witness according to our faith, and a conviction from the Holy Spirit driven by a spirit of obedience. The grace of hearing from the Lord every day is a blessing in itself. However, every message and experience from Him always leads us to reflect on the Scriptural basis of what He presents to us. The message we present to you is for the spiritually conscious in Christ Jesus; this is in preparation for Heaven. We present and express the Lord's truth by faith with the eternal hope of being saved too (1 Corinthians 9:27).

The Scriptures declare, "Since we have these promises, beloved let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1 ESV). Therefore, the body is not only defiled by drinking, smoking or sexual sins, but through greed and gluttony as well (1 Corinthians 6:19;6:12). God is holy and as His subjects we must put on holiness daily. Biblically, there are many Scriptures that highlight the sin of gluttony, but since gluttony is demonic, we sometimes do not see it fully manifested. We sometimes mistake the spirit of gluttony to someone who is eating excessively, saying that they are just eating healthy. The Lord told us this is gluttony (Romans 13:14).

Bible Examples of Gluttony

The children of Israel craved other food in the desert (Numbers 11:4-6). This was not because there was nothing for them to eat, but they were gluttonous; they had an appetite driven by a strong craving. The Lord provided quail for them, "while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the Lord's anger burned against the people, and the Lord struck them with a very severe plague" (Numbers 11:33 HCSB). This sin was very provocative to the Lord because He was testing them, while at the same time teaching them to appreciate what they have (Exodus 16:4; Hebrews 13:5).

In his address to gluttons, King Solomon warned them that all sorts of delicacies are deceptive (Proverbs 23:1-3) and we are also being watched by those who invited us. Furthermore, when the Lord sent out His disciples He commanded them not to take any provisions for the road (Luke 9:3), for He provided and took care of their needs. In their mission, they lacked nothing, and we should therefore also learn to trust in the Lord when we go out in His name, for He will provide for our every need (Luke 22:35).

The Lord's Rebuke to Gluttonous Members

I will now relate to actual incidents of gluttony that occurred amongst us as a ministry. Again, as in previous times, the Lord wants me to highlight actual situations to show His disapproval of certain behaviors which we often take for granted. We recently arranged a birthday party for one of our daughters. So we invited all our ministry members, including their children, to the party. There were some members who could not make it on time due to work commitments. Some members of our team, after having enough to eat, started taking provisions for family members back home. This resulted in a shortage of food for the invited guests who were not yet present.

Consequently, we did not know how to address the situation and confront those responsible with the truth, thinking they might accuse us of being greedy and selfish. This incident was very disturbing because our invited guests who starved themselves to enjoy a supper with us were given what was still left. The Lord gave Charis a very serious message with a STRONG rebuke for those members who were responsible for this. The family they took food for back home did not starve; they were nurturing but they were craving for other food. The Lord considered this incident gluttonous and greedy.

In addition, we lived with a few children the Lord gave us to take care. They were in the habit of being gluttonous and this led them to sometime steal food out of the refrigerator. This was very displeasing to the Lord.  In His rebuke to some of this children, He showed Charis in a vision a young girl of six standing on the roof of a house declaring to some of the children "You are a glutton!". This was actually the Lord telling us that some of these children were gluttonous. Being led by the Lord,we took up the matter with the children concerned.

Commonly,  people always indulge in luxuries not because they have need for them, but they are driven by a spirit of gluttony. This is a sin (Philippians 3:19) for if they did not have the means to afford the craving, they would not have gone out their way to get and indulge in the craving. Also, it must be noted that drunkards are gluttons (Romans 3:13) as much as those who eats away on all kinds of luxuries.

When the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt He only provided what would sustain them (Exodus 16:4) and they ate manna for 40 years (Exodus 16:35)). It is not my intention to sound like a nutritionist or argue against their findings; I am addressing a reality here. In this country (South Africa), and as in most developing countries,most of us live and survive on a basic staple food daily. My father is about 81 years old and my mother in her early seventies; they have been surviving on the same kind of food for most of their lives and they are still enjoying good health.

So then, we are not suggesting that you should ditch eating other foods other than your usual daily meal. Leaving what we have to crave after other food is sinful (Numbers 11:32-33). It is understandable to eat what is available; it is, however, a sin to reject disrespectfully what someone provided. I have taught my children to eat the food people put in front of them when we go out visiting our parents or some close relatives (Luke 10:8). When Abraham and the other patriarch received guests, including Angels, they prepared whatever food they had available and it was received with thanksgiving (Genesis 18:3-8; Judges 19:20). Therefore, don't feed a craving; it leads to gluttony.  Only enjoy what you need, and remember we are called to preserve our bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2; Proverbs 23:2; 23:20-21; 25:16).

Gluttony in Children

As parents, we should be watchful not to encourage gluttony in our children. This often happens when they see something they want and they cry for it. We often succumb to such pressure and give in to a child’s demands. This is spoiling them while encouraging the spirit of gluttony. Giving them is easy because this will inevitably keep them quiet, while their long term development has been influenced, leading them to greed and gluttony. The Lord recently encouraged a God-fearing family not to spoil their children with treats when they cry. Giving them treats is developing a craving in them which results in a habit. They must be properly taught.  I know this is hard for some parents who only want the best for their children. We must employ obedience to God, coupled with discipline and prayer to lay the proper foundation (Proverbs 22:6).

Equally, some people are in the habit of wanting what they see.  The appetite of the eyes is sometimes bigger than the tummies; if we don't contain or control our cravings we end up being gluttons. Contain your appetite and you will be able to control your cravings.

Therefore, let us not demand other food when there is enough available to meet the need for hunger. In my family, we only make an exception when somebody's body reacts to it. For instance Charis cannot eat tomatoes or fish because of an allergic reaction that causes her tongue to swell. The Lord  commanded certain Israelite families to refrain eating certain foods (Judges 13:4), and this was for a purpose. Finally, don't force someone to eat and so encourage gluttony; instead respect their decision.

Blessed truth in submission to Christ Jesus,
Brother Glenn

Idols

The term idol refers to any object or person regarded with admiration, adoration, or devotion, other than God. The world as we know it is full of these objects, images, demons, and even people that are idolized. Concerning idols, the Bible says …”We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one” (1 Corinthians 8:4 NIV). We wrote an article on idolatry in July last year on the sin of adultery; this is a follow up to that article.

We will also share a short vision from the Lord at the end of this article, but please don’t jump straight to this vision; this message is from the Lord and He wants you to be adequately warned.

Idols We Hold On To

An idol is created and this comes about by the will of man. Therefore, following an idol does not come by a conviction, but rather by choice, which could be via “coerced choice” (Daniel 3:1-7), or by free will (1 Kings 18:26; Exodus 32:1-4). Today, we find ourselves in a similar position. There might not be many Nebuchadnezzars or like-minded officials, but the pressure society and businesses have created through the mass media has a same effect – forced compliance. The motive is always enrichment of those who promote the idol, while we are deceived to give and sacrifice our lives to keep the idol relevant (Acts 19:23-34). The Lord says that there is a demonic presence behind every idol people hold to. This is to attract people to the idol.

Furthermore, when we talk about idols, the Lord commanded that we point out to the things people idolize. The world has created every kind of thing to keep us occupied and dependent on it. The Apostle Paul boldly says, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praise worthy. Amen” (Romans 1:25 NIV). Therefore, our labor is utilized more for earthly things and the best we can get here than for things pertaining to life (John 6:27). The prosperity teachers have done a good job by pointing people to the promises of God more than right living. They have thus succeeded in creating more need-minded Christians than God-fearing ones. Through their false teachings, we are encouraged to look to the things we can see and claim from God. We are told to desire the best things. Brethren, this is deception; it is a gospel that promotes greed and selfishness.

Also, the world easily introduces us to idols. We are encouraged to have role models, heroes and mentors. Interest in them is created through some well elaborated success stories of those who achieved something in this world and are being used as a catalyst to show us the way. The media creates them and through them another idol is introduced – some product or person. The message we are given by these idols, be they persons or some brand, is “confidence”, “style” and “ego”. This will put us on par with the rest of society, or even elevate us higher, according to the projected message.

Christians who are not rooted in the Word of God are easily led astray into the world system. They always follow someone, except Christ. Brethren beware; there are some worldly pastors out there (see the Pastors Repent article). They will always encourage you to follow your dreams; but do those dreams you have line up with God’s plan for your life? (Romans 12:1-2). According to the Bible, we should dream to be better Christians through humble service to Christ Jesus (Hebrews 12: 1-3; Psalm 40:8).

In addition, a short while back, we were given some visions concerning certain ministers of the gospel whom the Lord rebuked publicly for preaching error and elevating themselves. As it is, a brother and sister who both received messages from the Lord opposed us. These precious brethren were idolizing these men so much that they accused the Lord of being wrong in His rebukes of these preachers. Idolaters always elevates their idols above God and His truth. They accepted the Lord's messages on other subjects, but regarded any message relating to their idols as false. How hypocritical and shortsighted! Truth sets us free (John 8:32).  The Lord also rebuked someone for her effort in defending her idol, exposing the wicked things she does (see witchcraft article). The Lord told us those who idolize man are not rooted in His word, and they will be judged with those they follow (Numbers 16:31-35).

When the Lord rebukes us, He expresses love and He is protecting us from the wrong path (Proverbs 3:11-12); so why be guilty before the Lord by defending man? The Lord is Supreme Judge and He is a Jealous God. He says don't follow man but Christ (Jeremiah 17:5-8). Indeed, The Lord commands that we be rich in good deeds and if we pursue good deeds there will not room for the pursuit of worldly gain (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Sadly, some Christians are so worldly that the only things they talk about are their idols and things they desire, and they pay little attention to God. I might sound conservative here, and indeed the Lord said I must mention this, sports such as soccer or American football are idolized, and many pastors either postpone or cancel church services because they or some of their members want to go and watch the games. These worldly events do not win souls, nor do they build them up. There are those who are afraid to witness because talking about Christ brings rejection, and we lose friends and company. The Lord has rebuked some people in our ministry for idolizing other people. They talk more about those people’s doings and things, and they end up blindly following everything those people say. The Lord says people idolize things and they become addicted to them. Among others, some of the idols people get addicted to are television, cell phones, shopping, brand names, fake hair and makeup, the Internet (YouTube, email, social media, gossip sites, etc.), alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, sport stars, actors, singing stars, cars, houses, and the list goes on. These are the idols people hold onto and devote themselves to; and they represent nothing Christ-like. Are we not commanded to fix our gaze on the things that builds us up in Christ? (Colossians 3:2; Philippians 4:8).

The Addiction and Idolizing of Television

Finally, the Lord told showed Charis the vision below on May 13, 2014. The Lord showed her three yellow images in the air: a smiling face with one tick mark, a sad face with three tick marks, and an angry face with two tick marks. This is what The Lord said they represent:

• The smiling face: Of the entire Christians world-wide, only a few are not watching secular television and the Lord is very pleased with those Christians.
• The sad face: These are the Christians who are watching secular television, and after watching they go back to the Lord and ask for forgiveness, repeating the same thing. This makes the Lord very sad!
• The angry face: These are the people who are watching secular television all the time. They are the disobedient Christians who are addicted to television and show no remorse. The Lord is angry with those who practice such disobedience.

We have included the depiction of the faces (as well as the picture that Charis drew of the same) below.



Please note that a good Christian channel dishing out the word of God is acceptable, but sitting in front of it everyday becomes an addiction and promotes laziness. It is better to read the Bible and pray instead of being lazy. In the case of those who can't read or are somewhere physically disabled, we can understand if they listen to the radio. Some things on Youtube could be useful in building up if those things relate to us being built up in Christ, however a new addiction of viewing and laziness might be created. There has to be limits.

In conclusion, let us live for Christ and follow Him. If we do so, we will have less of the world and what it offers, but more of Christ in us to offer to the lost.

Blessed hope,

Brother Glenn.

Using God for the Wrong Purpose

Important Note: Before we give the message the Lord gave us to present for this week, as a ministry and out of love and concern, we asked the Lord last night (May 11, 2014) to give a Word of encouragement for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, given the turmoil they are facing right now. These precious people of Ukraine have been following the Lord’s teachings on this website quite faithfully and since they showed their willingness to learn from the Lord, He gave a vision depicting their relationship with Him and their spiritual condition. Please see the vision and illustration the Lord gave Charis in the last section of this article. Be blessed as you share and pray for them!

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 ESV).

The Lord told us this week to write on the above heading, and we will express it just as the Lord said. Let’s be honest with ourselves: we all think we can just use God whenever we urgently and desperately need a solution to a pressing problem, isn’t it? We want Him to work for our good while we just sit around enjoying the blessings; how cosy that would be! Well, this was the case when God gave Adam and Eve everything in abundance before they sinned (Genesis 1:28-30; 3:6-7).

Soon after God’s Judgment of Adam and Eve and the earth, nature changed seasons and the abundant supply was cut off so man and animals and nature were subjected to want and decay (Genesis 3:17-19). The good news is that The Lord will once again introduce this model of perfect and non-decaying abundance in the already prepared New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-27; 22:1-5). However, in order for us to inherit this promised land overflowing with every good thing, incorruptible Kingdom of Heaven, we must be born-again and have faith, be obedient to the Lord and be fruit bearing (Matthew 6:33; John 3:3; Acts 16:31; John 15:4-6; 14:23; Galatians 5:22).

The Example of Israel

The children of Israel in the Bible needed God only when the need arose, but soon after the Lord provided deliverance they returned to their idols and wicked ways (Judges 6:1-10; 10:10-17). The Lord is compassionate and full of grace, and if we humble ourselves and acknowledge our error He forgives us and provides deliverance for us (Psalm 103:12-13).

There were also some of the Israelites who used God’s goodness for the wrong purpose; they had their livestock for meat (Exodus 12:38) but they craved other meat (Numbers 11:4-6). Likewise, King Saul wanted a dynasty for his kingdom and we know he wanted his son Jonathan to succeed him, but God would not allow it (1 Samuel 20:30-31). Saul wanted to use God for his own purpose (1 Samuel 15:30-31), but God made King Saul honour Him in the presence of the people and the elders of Israel. The key to Israel’s success and peace was rooted in their obedience to God’s word (Deuteronomy 28:1-5).

Similarly, today many people, including Christians, need God only when things are going wrong in their lives. They go to the Lord and invoke God’s compassion while pleading for help. After they receive their blessings and deliverance, they return to their idols and wicked, lukewarm, and non-fruit bearing lives just as the Israelites did. Brethren, this is self-defeating because “…God is not mocked, for whatever one sow, that will he also reap” (Galatians 6:7 ESV).

Christ Expects Truthful and Obedient Living

Being a member of the Body of Christ, by His grace the Lord has qualified me to speak to the body. The trend and practice in the church today is to pray for the needs of the needy and collect tithes, but without rebuking people about their sins. I have seen some pastors turning a blind eye to people’s sins; some are even allowed to serve at the altar while living in sin with their partners. I know this message does not make us popular; however it is not about me, but about Christ’s truth. Our aim is not to make a name for ourselves; we are not interested in anything of that sort, but only the truth of The Lord Jesus Christ. This truth is what brings joy and great pleasure to our lives! (Philippians 4:1).

Like we mentioned in previous articles, we have had people contacting us to ask for a word for them from the Lord, and after the expected message was a word of correction, some would disappear. They expected the Lord to tell them about their ‘fortune’ in life and what they could get from Him. Let me put it this way, the LORD JESUS CHRIST IS INTERESTED IN YOUR SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING BECAUSE IT FLOWS OVER INTO ETERNAL LIFE, MORE THAN JUST OUR PHYSICAL WELL-BEING (Luke 12:23; Matthew 6:23).

We were once approached by a brother from the U.S. who desperately needed a word from the Lord for his trying situation. As a family and ministry, we felt his hardship, so we asked the Lord for a word for him. The Lord revealed that the brother had NO FAITH, and did not pray, and he was told what to do in order to receive God’s blessing and deliverance. He did not come back to us after I sent him his message, and out of concern I made a follow-up but he still did not reply. A few months later, the Lord showed Charis in a vision that this brother was going through a tough time and he did not know how to ask the Lord for forgiveness; he was trapped in pride. If we would only humble ourselves and stop thinking that we can just use God when we need Him, and draw near to the Lord, the Lord also will faithfully draw near to us (James 4:8).

In addition, I once invited a young man to our services; he came, and after the service he needed prayer for a job. I invited him to accept the Lord into his life (Matthew 6:33); this part he refused, but he needed prayer. We prayed for him and told him to make his life right with the Lord. He went off without his blessing, since he wanted to use God. The Lord told us that this young man does not love Him and he is interested only in the things he could get from God (Luke 10:27). We should be driven by love for God, rather than for the things we expect from Him.

Also, some people use God to get to a boyfriend or a girlfriend. I have seen this many times; a man giving up his life in the Lord for a woman he lusts after, only to divorce bitterly later because he was driven by lust and not love. Likewise, there are ministers who are using the gospel to gain popularity for themselves: they do not witness, live holy lives, and rebuke sin. They expect honor from the congregation and the community, without love for God and the things pertaining to God. Some people who are not saved are instructed to give tithes thinking they will be saved from Hell (Mark 8:36). Let me tell you: this is using God for the wrong purpose. Still others hide behind the name God to make money; how wicked! The Lord is going to severely punish those who are using Him and His Word for wrong purposes (Jeremiah 23:34-36).

Recently, someone in our ministry was rebuked by the Lord for quoting Scripture for evil purposes. He deceitfully quoted Scripture in order to smother or demand something from someone. He used God’s word for his greed. Let us, therefore, watch our motives when using Scripture. We must determine in purity if our motive is to bring glory to God, or to benefit ourselves.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

Message from The Lord Jesus Christ: Vision and Cause of Ukraine’s Deteriorating Situation

Vision given to Charis on May 12, 2014.

As a praying family and ministry, being strongly led by love to reach out to our Ukrainian brothers, last night (May 11, 2014) we prayed in agreement asking the Lord to give a word of encouragement for the people of Ukraine. Below is what the Lord showed and Charis recaptured the illustration that the Lord used for your understanding.

“When I asked the Lord last night when He visited me for a word for the Ukrainian people, He did not answer me immediately. I received this vision after our morning prayers which is at 06:30 A.M. I saw the Lord lowering and He suspended in mid-air what looked like a thermometer that measures people’s temperatures with five (5) thermometers like in the drawings below.

On top of each thermometer was a word. The first thermometer had Prayer written on top of it, the second had Hope written, the third had Love, the fourth one had Fear and the fifth thermometer had Faith written on top of it. Four of the devices were represented as half in content, while FEAR was full to capacity. This is what the Lord said they represent:

Prayer: The people of Ukraine are not PRAYING enough for their Country and safety.

Hope: The people of Ukraine do not have HOPE in ME (The Lord Jesus Christ).

Love: The people of Ukraine do not LOVE one another enough.

Fear: The people of Ukraine are FEARFUL.

Faith: The people of Ukraine do not have FAITH so that I (The Lord Jesus Christ) can save them”.

Brethren, in the Almighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ and His compassion for the oppressed we beseech you to pray for the Ukrainian people and all those around the world who are going through trying situations. God bless the people of Ukraine with PEACE in Jesus name! For our Ukrainian brethren, pray for your Country while obeying the Lord in all His ways; your salvation is sacred!

PS: A copy of the original diagram drawn by Charis is shown below

Blessed Love and Peace to you all in Christ Jesus,

Brother Glenn.