(June 27, 2010)

Think about the ocean. Think about how refreshing and cleansing that the ocean is when you run full speed into it. It's a source of financial blessing as well for those who fish in it. It's also a source of power. The waves that lap upon the shore move the land and can be used as a power source. The water is also salty. The salt water represents the people of the earth. It's a source of life.

Now, the ocean has been polluted. The gulf has be saturated with oil. Oil represents the fuel of our nation, but it comes with a price. If the ocean represents the church, then the oil represents condemnation.

Unfortunately, sometime we are fueled by condemnation. We will take a genuine compliment and shut down their kind act; Oh, it was nothing, really. The people of the church are struggling to swim in the ocean because they have chosen to cover themselves in the oil of condemnation.

It's God's job to convict, not satan's. But, He also has the job to convince us that we are righteous. He says to us YOU ARE RIGHTEOUS! However, we continue to disbelieve this. We continue to doubt. We continue to feel shame. We walk around in condemnation and feel guilt; this is not about God. You are saved, but God has to continue to convince you that you are saved. You are righteous, but God has to continue to convince you that you are righteous.

When the church gets its act together and understand that they are righteous, then they will move the lands once again. Begin to evaluate how you live in condemnation, how you bask in it and swim in its oil. This is the only way to discover how to change.

- Jon Bruney