[TruthTalk] The Jezebel Spirit

[David Miller]

I thought the following article was a very interesting read.  I wonder what others on TruthTalk think about the role of women in the marriage relationship and the church.  I suspect what is taught below by Debi Pearl might not be well received by some of the more pc members here.  I could be wrong.    Peace be with you. David Miller.     MONDAY MANNA Issue 42:  What Men Need From Women - Part 1 ===================================================================== MONDAY MANNA:  5 minutes to help equip Jesus' soldiers for another week in the SPIRITUAL WAR By Marc White, Walk Worthy, Central Florida, USA "(God) rained down manna upon them to eat, And gave them food from heaven." Psalm 78:24 Monday Manna, Copyright 2005, a Walk Worthy ministry; permission granted to repost in full. ===================================================================== Dear ones, We've spoken a bit before of how we men need to nourish (provide) and cherish (protect) women, especially our wives for those of us who are married. These spiritually masculine disciplines thrill, exhilarate, and calm the females around us! More on this at a later time. But recently I heard again from a dear brother who has been in a continuing disagreement with his wife over a key ministry issue in their lives. Occasionally there're breakthroughs, but it creeps back in. They even have had spiritual deliverance of demonic oppression. This problem surfaces when the husband sees the Lord's leading in this issue and wants to move in that Godly direction. His wife wants what she thinks is right. Even after many people and couples have spoken into their lives and told the wife she is wrong in both this issue and her attitude, she persists after 10 years. The husband has repented of his sinful anger years earlier when this issue dragged on and on and even affected his health. Currently, he's discouraged (as is the wife) and seeking prayer from his circle of believers. He feels he's stuck, he laments. He has studied the Word of God for his path in all this, and has found that contention is a contest, strife, war-like. It is disrespectful. He feels emotionally castrated, and longs for the days when she admired him. Proverbs 19:13 A foolish son is destruction to his father, And the CONTENTIONS of a wife are a constant dripping. Proverbs 21:9 It is better to live in a corner of a roof Than in a house shared with a CONTENTIOUS woman. Proverbs 21:19 It is better to live in a desert land Than with a CONTENTIOUS and vexing woman. Proverbs 25:24 It is better to live in a corner of the roof Than in a house shared with a CONTENTIOUS woman. Proverbs 27:15 A constant dripping on a day of steady rain And a CONTENTIOUS woman are alike; So, what does a man need from a woman? Respect. Meaning to show and feel honor, esteem, high regard, deference, consideration. It's the key to harmony from the women's interaction with men, whether in marriage, between mother and son, etc: Ephes. 5:33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she RESPECTS her husband. This Greek word for Respect is this case is phobeo; it's derived from phobos; i.e. to put to flight, to terrify, frighten, and renders these words: afraid(41), am afraid(2), fear(27), feared(5), fearful(2), fearing(6), fears(2), filled with awe(1), frightened(6), have fear(1), respect(1). Yes, you say, but you don't know my husband or father or whoever. You're right. We don't. But we know the cure. It's very plain. But SUPER-natural in application.  Paul said the brethren of his day should honor Nero (1 Peter 2:17)! Ladies, let me ask you: is there any trouble in your relationships with men? Is it ALL his fault? Or MOSTLY? Do you want it to get a whole lot better? Below is Part 1 of an article that will help. You may disagree with her observations and conclusions, and you may still continue in your trouble. Pray to Him for open hearts, try her advice, see how Jesus parts your own Red Sea: The Jezebel Profile - Part 1, By Debi Pearl of No Greater Joy Ministries "Every day I read many letters from women who are having trouble in their marriage. I also receive letters from women testifying of the victory they have received and of healing that has occurred. I have developed a lot of insight through reading these testimonies of successes and failures. My husband and I have searched the Scriptures to find answers for the many domestic issues that are presented to us. "The causes of marital failure are many and varied. There is no one cause or single issue. The man is at fault just as much as the woman, but it is nearly always the woman who seeks answers. Men just go to work and learn to live with it-or flee from it. Women ask, "What can I do to heal my  marriage?" I am a woman. Men don't usually ask me for advice-which is as it should be. So I speak to women, and for that I am often accused of being one-sided. Women ask, "Why do you always blame the women; what about the men?" So to the women I say, you cannot change 100% of the marriage, but you can change 50% of it, and that may improve your marriage by 200%. "Our readers are a unique group. They are spiritually minded, church going, Bible believing, mostly home schooling, and very family centered in perspective. This profile lends itself to several unique sources of irritation to the marriage. Your letters and testimonies have enabled us to identify one of the  most common problem on the woman's side. It is the Jezebel spirit. "When the name Jezebel comes to mind, most of us see the painted face of a seductively dressed woman gazing into the eyes of a man who lacks good sense. The Bible portrays Jezebel in a different light. "Revelation 2:20 says that Jezebel "calleth herself a prophetess," and men received her as a teacher. This was given as a warning to the church. The one whom you have received as a spirit filled teacher comes to you in the great tradition of Jezebel. We have observed that many wives have stalled their half of the marriage by assuming the spiritual headship of the home. They would teach their husbands. But consider 1 Cor. 14:34-35, "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church." "I went back to I Kings to see what the Bible had to say about this woman Jezebel. The first thing I noticed was that Jezebel was more religious than her husband. She was spiritually intense. The Bible says in 1 Cor 11:3, "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." As a woman, our place is under our husband, especially in the spiritual realm. Regardless of our circumstances, when we take the spiritual lead, we have stepped out from under our head. We have tried to rearrange God's designated place for us. We are no longer in God's will. "The second thing I observed was that Ahab was emotionally volatile-unstable. Is your husband prone to retreat? Is he bitter, angry, or depressed? When a woman takes the lead, she is playing the masculine role. Unless her husband fights her for supremacy, he must assume second place. And men who are forced into spiritual subjection to their wives tend to be angry and retreat like Ahab. "The third thing I noticed was that she used his emotional stress to endear herself to him-strange way of lording over the husband. Jezebel manipulated and accused an innocent man, then had him murdered so that Ahab might have the vineyard he wanted. Ahab kept his face to the wall and let her do her dark deeds. Today, if a woman is willing to play her husband's role in directing the family, he will lose his natural drive to bear responsibility. "In the dominant role, a woman quickly becomes emotionally and physically exhausted. God made us the weaker vessels. If you are in this exhausted state, then chances are you're carrying a load not meant for you. It is not for you to press your husband to do his duty to be spiritual. You are to live joyfully in the context he provides. "The fourth thing that jumped out at me was that Ahab could easily be manipulated by his wife to suit her purposes. Jezebel used him to set up images as aids to worship  under her own prophets and to kill God's prophets. Often, a man becomes involved in the Church, not because God has called him or because it is in his heart to do so, but because he is trying to please his wife and at least LOOK spiritual. When a husband steps into a spiritual role at his wife's beckoning, he becomes vulnerable to her guidance in that role. This is against nature, and often brings conflict in the family and in the church. "Ahab chose not to notice when his wife worked behind the scenes. Many men turn their heads when they see their wives stepping out of their God-given role.  These men would rather not have to deal with the stone-cold anger they would receive from their wives if they offered any resistance. Have you been there, done that? "Jezebel knew that she was not the rightful head, so she invoked her husband 's name to give her word authority. Did you ever say, "Oh, my husband will not let me do that," when you knew in truth he really would not care? It is a way to maintain control and stop those who would question you. When a woman does this, she stops any ministry God has to her. "Jezebel was deeply concerned about spiritual matters and took steps to help promote her spiritual leaders. In the process, she provoked her husband to destroy those in spiritual authority she did not like. Have you ever influenced your husband to think evil of those in authority because you did not like something about them? When a woman comes to this place she might as well sign her name "Jezebel." "God has a plan for women. He revealed his will in many verses in clear, concise commands. He gives a revealing picture of what he abhors in a woman by introducing us to Jezebel, then reaffirming in the New Testament just what it was about her character that he found so despicable. "He reveals his will in a positive note in the stories of the women whom he honored. The story of Ruth tells of a young girl who had known tragedy, extreme poverty, and hard menial work, yet she maintained a positive, thankful, and submissive attitude. God blessed Ruth because her own personal success and happiness were not the driving forces in her life. "Esther is the story of a girl who lost all of her family and was taken by force to become the wife of an older, divorced, heathen man. She was put (by her husband's decree) in danger of losing her own life as well as the lives of all her people. Yet, she overcame her circumstances and her fear in order to honor her husband. The Scripture teaches that when her husband heard her honest appeal, delivered with gracious dignity, she won his heart, and he turned to save her people. God used Esther because God's will was more important to her than her own fulfillment." To be continued. In Part 2. If you desire to finish the article now, go to: www.nogreaterjoy.org  and search by the article name. Debi's new book is the recommended resource below. Saints, we're one day closer to Home, and Him! Love Him wholeheartedly! **************************************************************************** * Thanks in His Word: Ephes. 5:20-21 always giving THANKS FOR ALL THINGS in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to ONE ANOTHER in the FEAR of Christ. **************************************************************************** * Sober Thoughts for Serious Soldiers of the Cross - We're in a War, Brethren: (We know there's many verses in the Holy Scripture for your man, or men. But this subject is about the woman at this time. So, look first for any beams in our own eye.) Genesis 3:16 To the woman He said, "I will greatly multiply Your pain in childbirth, In pain you will bring forth children; Yet your desire will be for your husband, And he will rule over you." Ephes. 5:22-24 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. 1 Peter 2:18-21 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 1 Peter 3:1-2 In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.  (note: many commentators believe this is only pertains to unsaved husbands - even so, contention is still a grievous sin and disrespectful.) **************************************************************************** * Recommended Resource: "Created to Be His Help Meet," by Debi Pearl of No Greater Joy Ministries: she says "discover how God can make your marriage glorious;" brand new, and rare reviews from women I admire and their men; I'm reading it now. **************************************************************************** * The writers and speakers we quote may preach certain doctrines in their ministries and/or live lifestyles that we disagree with mildly or wholeheartedly. However, something of eternal value from them has been delivered to us by the Holy Spirit. And in that leading, we pass it on to you for your edification! Feel free to write and proclaim your leadings in the Spirit. May our Father richly bless you with His grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in order to walk worthy of His name. ==================================================================== Both our ministry, as well as Marc and Sandy White appreciate your continued support with bold prayer (first and foremost), exhortation and finances. Walk Worthy is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit ministry equipping the saints for the work of service (Eph. 4.12), so that they will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord (Eph. 4.1, Col. 1.10, 1 Thes. 2.12). Our address is 44344 Cross Country Blvd., Altoona FL, 32702, USA. If you'd like to be added to our prayer and praise update as God moves in His kingdom, please write us. Please note: both Marc and Sandy are now more available to come be with your group for praise & prayer, fasting, teaching, being in one accord (conflict resolution), and preaching the Gospel. Let us know of your possible leadings and preferred dates, so we make seek the Lord. ===================================================================== If you've received this in error, please let us know and we'll remove your name immediately. Nobody likes wasted resources. To Subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ===================================================================== -- To unsubscribe, send ANY message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]