(no title)

Truth About Betrayal

The Truth about Betrayal in the Body of Christ by Dr. Sharnael Wolverton

There are many in the body of Christ living with betrayal. More than we know. It’s an epidemic.

The Response

The response is one of three, a physical running away and complete physical separation, choosing to stay and walk out that pain in hopes for healing and moving upscale, and a choosing to stay in the relationship but living with and in pain. Let me offer you some perspective on the subject today.

People do not betray people. People use people to betray and hurt themselves. Do those who betray cause harm to others in the process? You betcha. But the betrayal is more about the betrayer and less about the betrayed. Those who betray can betray in many ways; lying about someone, adultery, failing to keep promises made, failure to protect the relationship, etc., etc. The sin is not only against God and the other person/people but most of all to themselves.

Living righteous means to be in right standing with God. When we choose not to live “right” or righteous, the consequences often go beyond our own self. No man is unto his own. No man is an island. We are one body and all sin affects the body. The choice to betray is a choice against love…against living true.

What Happens

In my observation, those in this situation choose to stay or choose to leave. Keep the relationship, or choose not to. That choice is not wrong or right and up to the people involved. Sometimes it is healthy to end the relationship, sometimes it is not.

What if I chose to stay in the relationship? For those who continue to stay, they are faced with seeing the person, maybe even daily if they live with that person … A daily reminder of their fears: “I am not enough. I am not worthy of love. I am alone. No one gets me. I am not understood.” Many things in this person will trigger that because of the experience and pain of betrayal. When (and notice I say “when” not “if”)… these feelings surface, it’s a sign or message that there is more opportunity for healing.

Pain is the message that healing can come now. If pain gets a voice and is brought to the light, there is the choice to process and gain a new belief system. As the process arises, the betrayer can often speak into this if they choose and expedite this healing process. The betrayer can choose to love them through with God and look at this as an opportunity to grow, regain traction, rebuild trust, and restore or reintroduce love.

Often times, unfortunately, this isn’t the choice. More times than I care to see, my observation is the betrayed brings to light the pain and the betrayer reacts. Gets angry. Gets frustrated. Doesn’t want to “relive” it. Blame shifts. Defends. Judges the betrayed. Judges the pain. Wants it to go away. Runs away. Isolates themselves, which also isolates the betrayed.

This reaction is a survival defense mechanism because they themselves do not choose to see their part. (Or don’t want to be reminded of their part as betrayer.) They do not see this as an opportunity to heal or bring healing but instead a judgment against THEM. AGAIN. A guilt trip from the betrayed. This feeds THEIR own fears, “I am not enough. I am not worthy of love. I am alone. No one gets me. I am not understood.” They don’t want THAT reminder, either.

So instead of offering love and support, they react in all the ways mentioned previously …. Which only confirms to the betrayed what THEY already knew and feared: “I am not enough. I am not worthy of love. I am alone. No one gets me. I am not understood.” So the cycle continues. On and on and on. Like a dog chasing his tail. No traction. Until someone gets sick. And you deal with that. Or until someone finally leaves. Tired. Usually to bring their belief system with them to the next relationship without healing. (Yuck) OR someone gets a revelation and changes their belief system. (Yeah!:))

What If?

What if? Just what if the signal of pain is given a voice, brought to light and the betrayer has eyes to see, “This is a Divine opportunity!” “Pain is the golden egg. Pain is the promise that hope can be restored. I choose to love fully in this moment. I choose to understand. I choose to be a source of healing. I choose to go through the process even with my discomfort.” This offering from the betrayer may bring along with it a deluge of feelings to the betrayed …grief, fear, sadness, confusion, anger or ALL of them.

But the process is real and raw and normal, and if given a safe place to facilitate this process, the outcome is amazing. A new layer of Truth is the deposit. A new level of trust is present. The fears are squashed. And wait, something is different!

The betrayer isn’t the betrayer anymore. The betrayer is now the comforter, the listener, the voice of truth, the friend, the strength, the healer. The hero. Love. There is a demonstration of love. A New belief system. NOW the voice says, “I AM enough. I AM worthy of love. I AM NOT alone. Someone DOES get me. I AM understood.” Because it just happened. Proof.

Now maybe it needs to happen several times…. Even over several years as new layers of pain reveal itself and new pain levels surface. But with each safe demonstration of consistent love in action comes new traction. New gain. New trust. New healing. New wholeness. Until poof!

Nothing left to process.

Upgrade complete. New operating system. And guess what magically happens to the “ex-Betrayer’s” voices? NOW the voice say, “I AM enough. I AM worthy of love. I am NOT alone. Someone DOES get me. I AM understood.” Chain response.

Forgiveness vs Healing

Please let me add forgiveness and healing are not the same thing. You can choose to forgive. That doesn’t always make the pain go away and that doesn’t guarantee trust. Please allow the full process of healing to take place separate from your words to forgive or trust again.

Many times the betrayer sees the pain surface as an indication that the betrayed has not chosen to forgive. Usually not the case. More than often, it’s the pain looking for a new level of healing. Most times they didn’t even see the trigger coming themselves so do not take this personally. It’s a process.

Just know forgiveness doesn’t equal a totally healed heart. Forgiveness is a choice and a great one–necessary–but it just doesn’t happen like that. So be aware now. It would be nice. But it’s not the same. Give yourselves permission to go through the process.

Separate Ways?

If you or the betrayer choose to end the relationship, the pain is still there and the healing is still very necessary for you both. If the healing isn’t the choice now… Pain will only show up in other relationships. The wound is a seed. Fruit will come from that seed in many ways and usually stinky. Trust me. Everywhere you go, guess what, you are still there. You may not get the opportunity to process forgiveness and the stages of betrayal in the same way because the betrayer isn’t there to help speed up the process, but dismissing the person or the healing process will not make it go away either.

Turn your hurts to the Lord. When pain surfaces, give it attention. Give your pain a voice. Call a friend to process with the Lord if needed. Hire a coach or counselor. Please do not keep it inside to germinate the seed. Stuffing it will only amplify the voice “I am not enough. I am not worthy of love. I am alone. No one gets me. I am not understood.” And again this will show up everywhere with everything and everybody whether you like it or not. (A bad harvest)

Betrayer Doesn’t Play

What if you choose to stay in the relationship but the betrayer wants to avoid the process and not participate?

(Side note: This may be the toughest one of all. I don’t wish this on anyone, either. I can tell you when both choose to play the healing process is expedited. It may be an interesting journey but worth it and trust can be built and love restored.)

When the betrayer doesn’t play? The betrayer stays the betrayer. Maybe not by definition continuing the “betrayer lifestyle” but in the sense of how you see them because they haven’t done process with you, they are the same. In order to stay sane, it is beneficial and necessary to do the process with God alone. Yes the voices may remind you. “You are alone…” Bla Bla Bla but God… So again, both players playing is much better!

But you can only control you. Do what you can and what is necessary for your own healing. It may not be good to allow your pain out loud to your betrayer if it only causes more pain. But, IF possible talk to your betrayer and be open with your feeling. Give them this article. Show them perspective. (In love). There is always ground for believing they will see and choose love.

I end this to say, there is Hope. It’s Satan’s illusion that attempts to make you think you can’t win the battle. But the battle is won. It’s just a choice to process. A choice to love and be loved. I encourage you to see pain as a doorway to both your healing process. I encourage you to ask your Creator, the I AM inside of you, to walk you through the door to your wholeness success, whatever side you are on.

In the mean time, in the words of a new friend, I vote your victory. Let’s all vote each other’s victory!

More About the Author:

“Dr. Sharnael Wolverton ND, founder of Swiftfire Ministries International, was called to the ministry at an early age. In her pursuit for God, she went to Bible School where she studied Religious Education and Health and graduated with a degree in Wellness/Fitness and Kinesiology. She later went to a graduate school seminary, until the Lord called her in to a place of “the school of the Holy Spirit”. During this incredible period of seeking intimacy with Him she encountered many dreams, visions, visitations and divine appointments leading to the birthing of Swiftfire Ministries International.

Dr. Sharnael is a dynamic Kingdom minister of the Word of God and Biblical Divine Health. Sharnael has a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, She is an expert in Pure Essential Oils for wellness. Dr. Wolverton continues to study, learn, research and teach biblical ways to Kingdom health.

She is also an incredible facilitator of the supernatural. Her heart is to see God’s people realize their personal destinies and walk in the fullness of those destinies including mind, body and Spirit. She also moves strongly in the prophetic and in signs and wonders, and possesses an anointing for breakthrough.

Dr. Sharnael is a fresh and relevant conference speaker, itinerant minister and host of her television show “Swiftfire with Sharnael Wolverton” She has many teaching CDs, and is the author of three books: Keys to Third Heaven: Using Third Heaven Revelation to Impact a World and The Seers Handbook, Spiritual Reflections of a Montana Girl in a Louisiana State and currently co-writing a her new book with Dr. David Stewart.

Dr. Sharnael is originally from eastern Montana but currently resides in Louisiana with her family and her 3 dogs, 4 cats and Horse Trigger.

Live Your Legacy

Here we are, 12 weeks have passed since the first post in this wonderful series Women Of The Word and I am thinking about you… my reader. Have you enjoyed this journey? Were you touched by the stories of other women, just like ourselves and how they express their relationship with our Savior? Were you encouraged by the testimonies of success and faith of other women who shared their hearts? Did you glean from the lives of those who took time to pen down that which had only ever been written on their souls…

I did.

I was moved by the articles that were submitted to me for this blog. I was touched by how genuine each author was and how willing they were to write something new and fresh, just for you! They were all brave and bold and daring to bear their hearts with us and reveal themselves in this way. I hope it compelled you, ignited you and made you feel brave.

As I sit here, propped up in my bed by overstuffed pillows with my almost four year old daughter nestled peacefully beside me; one word comes to mind… Legacy.

Legacy is anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor. It is that which has gone before us and forged a path for us to follow in. Those women who have pioneered in various arenas of life leaving legacies for posterity. Kathryn Kuhlman is one of those forerunners of the Faith that I look to for inspiration and example and it seems befitting in this moment to share her words…

Consecration

“I made a consecration of my life that I had never made before, when I saw that it was absolutely possible for me to so yield life, my body, as a living sacrifice – a sacrifice so consecrated to Him that the name of God Almighty may be glorified through the life of a sinner saved by the grace of God.

It is through the Holy Spirit empowering Christ’s body of believers, His Church, with power for service that the Father is glorified again and again.

The Heavenly Father does not ask for golden vessels. He does not ask for silver vessels. God asks for yielded vessels – those who will submit their will to the will of the Father. And the greatest human attainment in all the world is for a life to be so surrendered to Him that the name of God Almighty will be glorified through that life.

As you read these words, I pray that this shall be the desire of your heart; and I know that the Father will hear your cry, and honor your prayer…and take your life, using it for His glory through the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit.”

This is so powerful a statement that it bears repeating… “and the greatest human attainment in all the world is for a life to be so surrendered to Him that the name of God Almighty will be glorified through that life.” I pray we all leave a legacy of a life completely surrendered to the Father. That above all, His name is glorified in all we do and say. Together let’s truly be Women of the Word!

Speak Up!

by Rachel Jumpa

It’s been amazing to read all of the “Women of the Word” blog posts over these past few weeks. It is evident that there are many women of God, from all walks of life, in many parts of the world that have great things to say!

Recently I was shopping in Naperville, a western suburb of Chicago, and came across this cute little boutique that caught my eye, WAR Chest Boutique. I went in and it turns out that it is a non-profit organization that has items from all over the world that are made by former trafficked and at-risk women in their programs. WOW – that gave me a reason to shop with a purpose, so I picked up this awesome necklace that got me thinking…….

Ever since I was a little girl, I was quiet and shy, a true introvert that never had much to say. As I got into my teenage years and had to speak in front of a classroom a few times, I would be so afraid I would have to fight the onset of an anxiety attack. But when I surrendered my life to the Lord in my early twenties, things began to change. Something rose up on the inside of this former shy girl. I remember the very first time I had to teach at a Women’s Conference and the first time the Holy Spirit prompted me to speak a prophetic declaration or share a testimony. It definitely was not in my natural character to be bold and speak up, but it was surely in my supernatural one to do so!

As the years have gone by since I first began to step out and speak up, the Holy Spirit has continued to expound on the importance of speaking up. I know that we all are very familiar with Proverbs 31, and have probably heard our fair share of teachings on what it means to be a P31 woman. But this past year the Holy Spirit has illuminated the importance of a verse from that chapter of scripture that’s not often talked about, but is too important for us to overlook.

Proverbs 31:8-9,

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

As I tried to figure out when the Lord began to actually use me to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and defend the rights of the poor and needy, it was actually during one of the most difficult times in our lives. You see, my husband and I lost virtually all we had in the real estate crash a few years ago, but it was in that very same year, the year that we were financially devastated, that we went on our very first mission trip. We received a prophetic word that we should not let the devil stop us from taking this trip as it was God-ordained. Against all odds we went on this trip to Honduras in Central America, the most violent country in the world at the time, and the second poorest nation this side of the western hemisphere next to Haiti. We would see poverty like never before and we would fall in love with the orphaned children we met that were rescued off the streets. It was on this trip that God would birth in us a heart for missions, for the poor, and for the orphan.

Since that first trip back in 2006 God has done incredible things; not only has He completely restored our finances (He actually gave us back more than we ever had before the market crash), but He has also given us 2 businesses and the ability to travel to the nations. We have gone back to Honduras every year since and by God’s amazing grace He has expanded our reach and we have started a non-profit organization, Global Reach Foundation, which takes groups on mission trips to various countries across Latin America. We know God is continuing to stretch us and we are willing to GO wherever He sends us! We are currently planning a trip to Ghana West Africa next year. Within the U.S., we founded a local food pantry/soup kitchen in the Chicagoland area, which feeds approximately 75-100 families each week. Last year my husband and I went to 5 countries feeding the poor, loving the orphan, and preaching the gospel. This year God has also opened up opportunities for me to speak on a panel in Springfield, IL at the Annual Anti-Hunger Summit and I was invited to go with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to Washington, D.C. to meet with a few Congressmen/Congresswomen to plea the cause for continued funding of programs that help feed hungry children and families across America.

As I walk on this journey, I often stand in awe and amazement of how powerful God’s word and His promises are when you actually believe them and put them into practice! Would I have ever dreamed or imagined I would be used to Speak Up in this way? The little painfully shy girl, that never had anything to say, would say NO, it could never be…….but the woman who reads the Word, believes the Word, trusts her God, is led by the Holy Spirit, and pushes fear aside as she steps out in faith, says Yes – for with God ALL things are possible!

So I urge you all to do just that, SPEAK UP……for God HAS given YOU something to say! Your journey will not look like mine, we each have a unique call and specific purpose in this life, but we are all encouraged to SPEAK UP! I’m sure some of you know exactly what your “speaking up” will look like: what program you are to start, what trip you should take, what business you should begin, what book you should write, what product you should develop, what action you should take, what message you should preach, what lesson you should teach, or what dream in your heart needs to become a reality. Others may have to search it out a bit, but God has a promise for you as well:

Proverbs 25:2,

“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.”

If you search out the promises God specifically has for you, He will not leave you wondering, you will not get the full download all at once, but you will be gently guided as you take the first steps of your journey.

After our recent trip to Peru, South America this past June, God reminded us how very hungry people are in our world – not just physically hungry, but also spiritually hungry. He gloriously used our team to be Carriers of His Presence everywhere that we went, pouring out His Spirit on a hungry & thirsty people, in addition to meeting their physical needs for food and clothing. There is such a desire in my heart now that cries, “Oh Lord, that I may feed the nations with Your presence.”

So I pray for each one of you that has taken the time to read this……that you would rise up in supernatural Holy boldness and that you would be willing to be used mightily by God to SPEAK UP, so that you may LIVE with PASSION, LOVE with COMPASSION, and FEED the NATIONS.

More about the Author…

Rachel Jumpa resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband Rick. They have a teenage daughter, a son in college, and a son that married an amazing young woman 2 years ago. She is the Founder & Director of the Berwyn Food Pantry/Community Kitchen and is passionate about missions, mentoring young women, and writing. Together with her husband, they run 2 businesses and a non-profit organization, Global Reach Foundation. Global Reach advocates for the poor and underserved people across the globe. Everywhere they go they set out to share the life-saving Gospel of Jesus Christ, feed hungry children, and help build schools, support orphanages & family homes, provide water tanks, shoes and clothing. With God’s continued guidance and direction, they lead groups of people from all walks of life on mission trips that bring awareness to the physical and spiritual needs of so many around the world. You can follow her blog and mission adventures on her website, racheljumpa.com, or follow her on Facebook/Instagram.

Spiritual Pruning

When “bad” things happen to you, do you blame them on the devil? Do you feel like you are being punished by God? Well there are times we find ourselves in demonic bondage and oppression and need to go into our “prayer closet” and do warfare. But, there are other times when God is rebuking us, correcting us or strengthening us in some way. So stop glorifying the devil by blaming everything on him. He’s not that powerful, trust me.

Look at what Paul says in Hebrews 12:5-10. “My child, don’t ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when He corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes those He accepts as His children. As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children. Whoever heard of a child who has never been disciplined? If God doesn’t discipline you as He does all of His children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really His children after all.

Since we respect our earthly fathers who disciplined us, should we not all the more cheerfully submit to the discipline of our heavenly Father and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in His holiness.

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong.”

Then there are times when God is putting you through the fire to purify and strengthen you. “For He will be like a blazing fire that refines metal or like a strong soap that whitens clothes.” (Malachi 3:2) He’s the best and cheapest stain remover you can ever have around!

Jesus says: “I am the true vine, and my father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that doesn’t produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned for greater fruitfulness by the message I have given you.

Remain in me, and I will remain in you — for a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me. Anyone who parts from me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father!!” (John 15:1-10)

“You didn’t choose me, I chose you. I appointed you to go produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give whatever you ask for, using my name.” (John 15:16)

The definition of pruning is: to remove unnecessary or unwanted parts. Jesus makes a distinction between two kinds of pruning: 1. Cutting off, 2. Cutting back branches – Fruitful branches are cut back to promote growth. In other words, God must sometimes discipline us to strengthen our character and faith. Some children are hard headed; they don’t want to submit to authority figures and need to be harshly disciplined for their own good — they only learn the hard way – but they do learn.

But branches that don’t bear fruit are cut off at the trunk not only because they are worthless but also because they often infect the rest of the tree. People who don’t bear fruit for God or who try to block the efforts of God’s followers will be cut from His life-giving power. These are people who no matter what, they’re going to do it their way and you can’t tell them anything — they know it all. Deeply set in their ways and on a collision course to self-destruction, they cry about it after all the mayhem has manifested in their lives when it is too late. Then they blame it on the devil or even worse, God. The devil doesn’t have to do anything – he just sits back and laughs at them. Meanwhile, look at God — always ready to take them back with open arms without condemnation ready to love and forgive them whenever they are ready to come to Him.

Fruit is not limited to soul winning. Answered prayer, joy, love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – these are all what is produced in our lives when we let the Holy Spirit control our lives. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there.

If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, puffed up, judgmental, or irritate with one another, or be jealous of one another.

Many people try to be good, honest people who do what is right. But Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to Him, like a branch attached to a vine. Don’t miss out on special gifts He has for you.

It is not easy. When we fall short (which we will), we must repent and ask God for the strength and wisdom to hear His voice and do what is pleasing in His sight. We cannot do it in our own strength. But we can do it through Christ, who strengthens us. Can I get an “Amen”?

More about the wonderful Keily:

Keily J. Denny takes you on an exciting and insightful journey as a prophetic mouthpiece for God. Healing is the children’s bread and she spoon feeds it through magazine articles, scripts for movies and plays, poetry, books, greeting cards, skits, song lyrics and social media. Be on the lookout for her latest book, “Snippets of Wisdom” coming soon to an e-book platform and/or a bookstore nearest you. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband of 25 years, Jerome Denny.

https://www.facebook.com/snippetsofwisdom

https://twitter.com/KeilyJDenny

keilydenny22@gmail.com