In this Digital Age that we live in and 24 hour-around the clock news, most people tend to stay abreast of what's going on in regards to the news and current events that are going on around the world. It is important to be informed of the various events and activities that are going on within our communities, our states, our nation and around the world. However, a lot of the time, it seems like most of the news that's being reported is pretty much "bad news". You turn on the local news and you hear about people getting shot and murdered and houses getting broken into. You turn on the national news and you hear about terrorist attacks and wars taking place all over the globe. It makes you want to sing that old song, "Don't Nobody Bring Me, No Bad News". But such is the case in our world today.
For this reason we must keep in mind that there's another "brand of news" that is available to us as Christians and followers of Christ. This is the Good News of God. Generally when we think of the term "Good News" in the Christian vernacular, we think of "The Gospel". This is correct, because the word Gospel does mean "Good News". So as Christians, we want to plug into the Good News of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1). The question that must be raised is, what's So Good about The Gospel for the here and now? Generally when we think about the Gospel, we're thinking of the Gospel of Salvation that points to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ; that if a person believes therein they will receive the gift of Eternal Life (John 3). All of this is true, and we give God all of the Praise for it. But the question that the world is asking is, how is this going to make my life better now, not after I physically die?
The reason the church has had a hard time answering this question and as a result has had a very dim witness as it relates to transforming the world, is because we have not been promoting the Gospel that sufficiently answers this question. If you look at the Ministry of Jesus, you will notice that He did not promote nor preach a "Gospel of Salvation". Nor did He teach His disciples to do so. Jesus preached The Gospel of the Kingdom. The scripture says in the 9th chapter of the Gospel of Saint Matthew, "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching The Gospel of the Kingdom". This is the Good News of God. This is the Gospel that the Master wants preached and demonstrated throughout the entire world before His Return (Matthew 24).
In order to effectively preach and be a witness to The Gospel of the Kingdom, we must be in touch with where God's Good News is coming from. Remember, Heaven is Real. Heaven is a Real Place, not just some ethereal location that deceased souls go to in the Spirit Realm. No sir. Heaven is more real than the earth. And God sends His Good News from Heaven everyday, what He wants His people to be "informed of" in the earth realm. That's why Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Thy Kingdom Come, thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6). God's Good News isn't about people getting shot and killed, it's about people getting cured and healed (Matthew 9). God's Good News talks about Restoration, Redemption and Deliverance (Matthew 11). Saints, God has already declared, the measures are in place for a Turnaround, but we've got to begin to plug in to God's Good News.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Monday, May 9, 2016
Stay on the Path
As Pentecost is less than 5 Weeks away, I am believing God for a Turnaround. God IS Moving; and the prophetic word has already gone forth that He will provide the Strategies for the Release of the Measures for the Turnaround for those who turn and seek Him. Therefore saints, if you want all that God has in store for you in this Season, it is imperative that we make the decision as well as the commitment to Stay On the Path.
There's a Path that God has ordained for His people during this Season, and it's a Path that leads right into The Kingdom of God. There's a Shifting that's taking place in the Heavens, that is soon to Manifest in the earth. When the time of Divine Manifestation takes place, it will be too late to "prepare" for the Manifestation at that point. The key will to have already been properly positioned as well as prepared. Part of that Positioning and Preparation Process entails, Staying On the Path.
The first thing, if you haven't already, is to Get On the Path. There are still some of us that are still wrestling with God's Divine Will for our lives. I would strongly suggest that you make peace with whatever it is that you're wrestling with that doesn't reflect God's Divine Will for your life (Hebrews 12). Submitting and subscribing to the Divine Will of God is never easy. But we must be like our Savior when He said, "not my will, but thine be done" (Luke 22). If we don't come to some degree of resolution and submission to what God is commanding us to do during this season, we surely will miss God's Divine Path for our lives.
If by the Grace of God you are On the Path, (you know within your heart that your life is definitively headed in the Direction for which God has prescribed), then your challenge is going to be Focus. In order to Stay On the Path, it will be imperative that you remain Focused on what it is God is calling you to do and who it is He is calling you to be. The scripture tells us to be Sober and Diligent (1Peter 5). Why? Because our adversary the Devil is roaming around like a lion looking to chew us to pieces (1Peter 5). Satan is after us folks. And he's particularly after those who have yielded their hearts and lives to the Father and to His Son. Therefore, the Evil One will attempt to distract you the best he can for one primary reason, to get you Off the Path. Stay Focused! Don't let the Enemy "lure you in" to that which may feel good to you but that you know is not of God (James 1). Now is not the time for self-indulgence. Now is not the time to "feel good". Now is not the time to seek comfort and carnal consolation. Now is the time to Set Our Affection on things Above (Colossians 3). Now is the time to Look Unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith (Hebrews 12). Stay Focused and Stay On the Path.
Lastly saints, if we're going to Stay On the Path, we're going to have to learn how to Sacrifice. In order to get to where God has ordained us to be, there are some things we're going to have to give up. There are some things we're going to have to let go. There are some dreams we're going to have to relinquish, some relationships we're going to have to sever. Not everything nor everybody can go where God is leading and calling us to go (Genesis 12). If we don't have the spiritual stamina and substance to make the necessary sacrifices that God is calling us to make, inevitably, we'll veer off the Path. It won't be intentional, but the Lord is dealing with me that most of His Chosen don't "leave" the Path, they simply "drift away" from the Path. They look up and before they know it, they're no longer headed to where God originally ordained them to be. Don't lose your Destiny saints. Don't lose your Promise. Don't miss your Blessing. Stay On the Path.
There's a Path that God has ordained for His people during this Season, and it's a Path that leads right into The Kingdom of God. There's a Shifting that's taking place in the Heavens, that is soon to Manifest in the earth. When the time of Divine Manifestation takes place, it will be too late to "prepare" for the Manifestation at that point. The key will to have already been properly positioned as well as prepared. Part of that Positioning and Preparation Process entails, Staying On the Path.
The first thing, if you haven't already, is to Get On the Path. There are still some of us that are still wrestling with God's Divine Will for our lives. I would strongly suggest that you make peace with whatever it is that you're wrestling with that doesn't reflect God's Divine Will for your life (Hebrews 12). Submitting and subscribing to the Divine Will of God is never easy. But we must be like our Savior when He said, "not my will, but thine be done" (Luke 22). If we don't come to some degree of resolution and submission to what God is commanding us to do during this season, we surely will miss God's Divine Path for our lives.
If by the Grace of God you are On the Path, (you know within your heart that your life is definitively headed in the Direction for which God has prescribed), then your challenge is going to be Focus. In order to Stay On the Path, it will be imperative that you remain Focused on what it is God is calling you to do and who it is He is calling you to be. The scripture tells us to be Sober and Diligent (1Peter 5). Why? Because our adversary the Devil is roaming around like a lion looking to chew us to pieces (1Peter 5). Satan is after us folks. And he's particularly after those who have yielded their hearts and lives to the Father and to His Son. Therefore, the Evil One will attempt to distract you the best he can for one primary reason, to get you Off the Path. Stay Focused! Don't let the Enemy "lure you in" to that which may feel good to you but that you know is not of God (James 1). Now is not the time for self-indulgence. Now is not the time to "feel good". Now is not the time to seek comfort and carnal consolation. Now is the time to Set Our Affection on things Above (Colossians 3). Now is the time to Look Unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith (Hebrews 12). Stay Focused and Stay On the Path.
Lastly saints, if we're going to Stay On the Path, we're going to have to learn how to Sacrifice. In order to get to where God has ordained us to be, there are some things we're going to have to give up. There are some things we're going to have to let go. There are some dreams we're going to have to relinquish, some relationships we're going to have to sever. Not everything nor everybody can go where God is leading and calling us to go (Genesis 12). If we don't have the spiritual stamina and substance to make the necessary sacrifices that God is calling us to make, inevitably, we'll veer off the Path. It won't be intentional, but the Lord is dealing with me that most of His Chosen don't "leave" the Path, they simply "drift away" from the Path. They look up and before they know it, they're no longer headed to where God originally ordained them to be. Don't lose your Destiny saints. Don't lose your Promise. Don't miss your Blessing. Stay On the Path.
Saturday, May 7, 2016
The Language of Sonship
As we prepare for this Kingdom Move of God, it needs to be understood that the Divine Agenda for the Kingdom is that we all mature into Sons of God (Galatians 4). It is not enough to simply remain a "child of God" (John 3). We must mature into Sons. Let me say very quickly that Sonship is not a term of gender identification but spiritual status. Therefore, whether you are male or female, in the Spirit realm, you are still identified as a son of God (John 1). But scripture does allow for the term "daughter of God" (2Corinthians 6). As it relates to Sonship and our development therein, we would do well to adopt and embrace The Language of Sonship.
As the Son of God, Jesus first recognized (biblically speaking) His Calling as a Son when He was twelve years old (Luke 2). In recognition of His Call, He departed temporarily from His family and went to the Temple. When his parents finally found Him after 3 Days, His response to them was, "How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about My Father's Business?". This is the Language of Sonship. When you are maturing into Sonship you "must" be about the Father's Business. It is not optional, it is a mandate. If you're still waffling and wavering about the things that God has told you to do (not the things that you are "going" to do) then you're not ready to be a Son. Faithfulness is a prerequisite to full Maturity in Christ. You notice also that Jesus was not deterred by the "displeasure" of His family. Yes He was still a child, but His Consciousness and Commitment to what God was calling Him to do and who God had called Him to be was greater than His "family ties". If you're still worried about what Mama's going to say and what Daddy's going to say and the approval of your spouse, then you're not ready for Sonship. Yes we must take these relationships into account, but nothing overrides being about the Father's Business, when you are a Son.
The next thing we see demonstrated in Jesus' Ministry as He embraces His Calling as the Son of God, is found at the Jordan River (Matthew 3). Even though it's weird to say this about Jesus, this was His time of Divine Transition and Transformation. When John the Baptist baptized Jesus at the Jordan River, Jesus was officially inaugurated into the Office of the Son of God. This is why the entire Tri-Une Fellowship was at hand for this event. The Holy Spirit came down upon Him in the form of a dove, and the Father said, "this is My Beloved Son, in whom I am Well Pleased". But look at what Jesus said to John the Baptist when John expressed reservations about baptizing Him. Jesus said, "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness". Righteousness and Holiness are a prerequisite for Sonship. You can't be led by the Spirit and operate in Sonship if you have not submitted to the Righteousness and Holiness of God. That's why the scripture says in 1Peter 1, "Be ye holy, for I Am Holy". Loose living and undisciplined thinking is not going to cut it if you want to become a Manifested Son (Romans 8).
Lastly, in looking at the Language of Sonship, when Jesus is satanically tested in the Wilderness, we find His Response to Victory (Matthew 4). Whenever the devil tried to attack His Divine Claim of Sonship, Jesus's response would be "it is written". Saints, if we're going to operate in the Victory of Sonship, we must stand on the Word of God. This is not just the written Word of God (the Bible) but also the Spoken Word of God. There are some of us who have received a prophetic word (multiple words in some cases) and you've chosen to ignore it, and then wonder why you're operating in defeat. God sends His Word for a reason, and for a Season. And just because it doesn't "make sense" or may not register at the time, is no reason not to submit and subscribe to it. Why? Because it's the Word of God. This is why Hebrews 5 says, "but strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil". Let us learn to stand on the Word of God. Let us learn operate in The Language of Sonship.
As the Son of God, Jesus first recognized (biblically speaking) His Calling as a Son when He was twelve years old (Luke 2). In recognition of His Call, He departed temporarily from His family and went to the Temple. When his parents finally found Him after 3 Days, His response to them was, "How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about My Father's Business?". This is the Language of Sonship. When you are maturing into Sonship you "must" be about the Father's Business. It is not optional, it is a mandate. If you're still waffling and wavering about the things that God has told you to do (not the things that you are "going" to do) then you're not ready to be a Son. Faithfulness is a prerequisite to full Maturity in Christ. You notice also that Jesus was not deterred by the "displeasure" of His family. Yes He was still a child, but His Consciousness and Commitment to what God was calling Him to do and who God had called Him to be was greater than His "family ties". If you're still worried about what Mama's going to say and what Daddy's going to say and the approval of your spouse, then you're not ready for Sonship. Yes we must take these relationships into account, but nothing overrides being about the Father's Business, when you are a Son.
The next thing we see demonstrated in Jesus' Ministry as He embraces His Calling as the Son of God, is found at the Jordan River (Matthew 3). Even though it's weird to say this about Jesus, this was His time of Divine Transition and Transformation. When John the Baptist baptized Jesus at the Jordan River, Jesus was officially inaugurated into the Office of the Son of God. This is why the entire Tri-Une Fellowship was at hand for this event. The Holy Spirit came down upon Him in the form of a dove, and the Father said, "this is My Beloved Son, in whom I am Well Pleased". But look at what Jesus said to John the Baptist when John expressed reservations about baptizing Him. Jesus said, "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness". Righteousness and Holiness are a prerequisite for Sonship. You can't be led by the Spirit and operate in Sonship if you have not submitted to the Righteousness and Holiness of God. That's why the scripture says in 1Peter 1, "Be ye holy, for I Am Holy". Loose living and undisciplined thinking is not going to cut it if you want to become a Manifested Son (Romans 8).
Lastly, in looking at the Language of Sonship, when Jesus is satanically tested in the Wilderness, we find His Response to Victory (Matthew 4). Whenever the devil tried to attack His Divine Claim of Sonship, Jesus's response would be "it is written". Saints, if we're going to operate in the Victory of Sonship, we must stand on the Word of God. This is not just the written Word of God (the Bible) but also the Spoken Word of God. There are some of us who have received a prophetic word (multiple words in some cases) and you've chosen to ignore it, and then wonder why you're operating in defeat. God sends His Word for a reason, and for a Season. And just because it doesn't "make sense" or may not register at the time, is no reason not to submit and subscribe to it. Why? Because it's the Word of God. This is why Hebrews 5 says, "but strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil". Let us learn to stand on the Word of God. Let us learn operate in The Language of Sonship.
Friday, May 6, 2016
No Fear
If you're being sensitive to the Movement of the Spirit, then you know that we are on the brink of something about to Break. I've received prophetic feedback for the last month or so that there is a "stirring in the Heavens". I believe this means that God is getting ready to Release something from the Heavenly Realm into the earth. When the Father sends this Release at His Appointed Time, I can assure you that things will not remain the same. For many of us our lives will be radically and I believe forever changed. A lot of times, when we as believers are faced with this type of pending Transition and Shift that will literally transform our lives, it's natural to be somewhat afraid. But saints, as we prepare to enter this New Season, we must adopt a posture and a spirit that says, No Fear.
We are about to encounter some obstacles that many of us have never experienced before. I believe that for those who have been chosen to travel this Path, the Spirit is already bearing witness with your spirit, letting you know (at least in part) some of the things that are waiting in store for you. As we are challenged to process some of these daunting challenges, we need to internalize the Word that the Father gave to His servant Joshua, "Be strong and of a good courage" (Joshua 1). Now is not the time to shrink back in fear and apprehension. Now is not the time to be anxious and worried. No saints. Now is the time to Get Prepared. Be Strong. This is not a spiritual suggestion, this is a Divine Commandment. The irony is that many of us are already Strong, otherwise you wouldn't have been chosen for the Assignment for which God has ordained you to fulfill. So tap into the Strength that God has already deposited in you. Then He says, Be of Good Courage. Sometimes you have to "muster up" your courage. You have to take that deep breath and say, I'm jumping in whether I'm ready to or not. It may not go down quite like that, the Holy Spirit will have us ready. But when the Movement hits and the subsequent persecution and opposition commences, we have to be of Good Courage. We have to have a spirit that says "Bring It On". Why? Because the Battle is not ours but the Lord's (2Chronicles 20).
A minister friend of mine was recently sharing with me their challenge with what they described as "self-confidence". I tried to encourage them and support them the best that I could, but nobody can Encourage like the Lord. They were watching a Christian television program, and the preacher was ministering about self-confidence; and what they said was is that we don't need "self" confidence, we need God-Confidence. Saints, this will be the key to operating in a spirit of No Fear. Are we adequate and sufficient for the task at hand in and of ourselves? Absolutely not. But is God? ABSOLUTELY. He's More than Able. This where our Confidence must lie. If we learn to Rest in God. If we truly believe that He has got our back and that truly no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54), then in our hearts we'll be able to embrace the belief that God has not given us a spirit of fear (2Timothy 1) and through the leadership and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, answer and fulfill our Divine Call and Destiny with, No Fear.
We are about to encounter some obstacles that many of us have never experienced before. I believe that for those who have been chosen to travel this Path, the Spirit is already bearing witness with your spirit, letting you know (at least in part) some of the things that are waiting in store for you. As we are challenged to process some of these daunting challenges, we need to internalize the Word that the Father gave to His servant Joshua, "Be strong and of a good courage" (Joshua 1). Now is not the time to shrink back in fear and apprehension. Now is not the time to be anxious and worried. No saints. Now is the time to Get Prepared. Be Strong. This is not a spiritual suggestion, this is a Divine Commandment. The irony is that many of us are already Strong, otherwise you wouldn't have been chosen for the Assignment for which God has ordained you to fulfill. So tap into the Strength that God has already deposited in you. Then He says, Be of Good Courage. Sometimes you have to "muster up" your courage. You have to take that deep breath and say, I'm jumping in whether I'm ready to or not. It may not go down quite like that, the Holy Spirit will have us ready. But when the Movement hits and the subsequent persecution and opposition commences, we have to be of Good Courage. We have to have a spirit that says "Bring It On". Why? Because the Battle is not ours but the Lord's (2Chronicles 20).
A minister friend of mine was recently sharing with me their challenge with what they described as "self-confidence". I tried to encourage them and support them the best that I could, but nobody can Encourage like the Lord. They were watching a Christian television program, and the preacher was ministering about self-confidence; and what they said was is that we don't need "self" confidence, we need God-Confidence. Saints, this will be the key to operating in a spirit of No Fear. Are we adequate and sufficient for the task at hand in and of ourselves? Absolutely not. But is God? ABSOLUTELY. He's More than Able. This where our Confidence must lie. If we learn to Rest in God. If we truly believe that He has got our back and that truly no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54), then in our hearts we'll be able to embrace the belief that God has not given us a spirit of fear (2Timothy 1) and through the leadership and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, answer and fulfill our Divine Call and Destiny with, No Fear.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Conviction v.s Conversion
We are living in a day now where very shortly, there will be no middle ground in regards to where you stand in your faith. Either you will be sold out for Christ or not. The days of "lukewarm Christianity" are very swiftly coming to an end (Revelation 3). This may be hard for many to fathom considering we still have thousands of churches throughout America that are packed with hundreds and thousands of confessing believers. But the Hand of God can change situations Quickly and Suddenly. With that in mind, we would do well to consider whether or not our "brand" of Christianity is one that is rooted in Conviction or Conversion.
It always astounds me that we can have as many professing Christians in this country, and still see the culture going in a downward spiral. How does same-sex marriage and the question of gender identity gain traction in a country that was founded as a Christian nation? (that's not historical speculation, that is a sociological fact) I believe it is in large part because a lot of Christians in America have been Convicted, but were never Converted. When you are a Convicted Christian as opposed to a Converted Christian, you have no problem acknowledging Jesus as your Personal Lord and Savior. You have no problem repeating the tenets of the faith, that Jesus was Crucified on the Cross, Died, was Buried, and was Raised from the dead on the Third Day. You have no problem declaring these Statements of Faith, when you are a Convicted Christian. But if all you are is a Convicted Christian, then in essence, that's all you will do. You "might" go to church every Sunday. You "might" pay your tithes. You "might" get involved in a ministry or two; but as a Convicted Christian, that's just about all you're going to do.
But as a Converted Christian, you're not going to settle for the "spiritual status quo". As a Converted Christian your whole goal is to be Sold Out to Christ. As a Converted Christian you're looking to develop a strong Prayer Life (check out how many people in the mainstream church don't attend Prayer Meeting, including many pastors). As a Converted Christian you're looking to read the Word on a Daily Basis (check out how many Christians in the mainstream church don't attend Bible study or even Sunday School). As a Converted Christian you're looking to give God Praise and to Worship Him in Spirit and in Truth (John 4) (check out how many Christians when they go to church refuse to lift up holy hands and "demonstrably" worship the Lord). These are just a few differences between a Christian who is Convicted v.s Converted.
In Acts chapter 3, the Apostle Peter said, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted". This let's us know that there is a distinction between Repentance and Conversion. That's why the Lord recently released a prophetic word, telling His people to not only "turn" to Him but to seek Him. One speaks of Repentance, the other speaks of Conversion. In Daniel chapter 3, when you read the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace, initially King Nebuchadnezzar wanted them executed because he was not "convicted" that their God, Jehovah, was the true God. But when the 3 Hebrew boys came out of the furnace without a burn mark or even smoke in their clothes, King Nebuchadnezzar was Converted saying, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who hath sent His Angel and delivered His servants that trusted in Him, and have changed the king's word". I'm telling you saints there's a major difference between the Witness of a believer who is operating under Conviction v.s Conversion. Which persuasion are you?
It always astounds me that we can have as many professing Christians in this country, and still see the culture going in a downward spiral. How does same-sex marriage and the question of gender identity gain traction in a country that was founded as a Christian nation? (that's not historical speculation, that is a sociological fact) I believe it is in large part because a lot of Christians in America have been Convicted, but were never Converted. When you are a Convicted Christian as opposed to a Converted Christian, you have no problem acknowledging Jesus as your Personal Lord and Savior. You have no problem repeating the tenets of the faith, that Jesus was Crucified on the Cross, Died, was Buried, and was Raised from the dead on the Third Day. You have no problem declaring these Statements of Faith, when you are a Convicted Christian. But if all you are is a Convicted Christian, then in essence, that's all you will do. You "might" go to church every Sunday. You "might" pay your tithes. You "might" get involved in a ministry or two; but as a Convicted Christian, that's just about all you're going to do.
But as a Converted Christian, you're not going to settle for the "spiritual status quo". As a Converted Christian your whole goal is to be Sold Out to Christ. As a Converted Christian you're looking to develop a strong Prayer Life (check out how many people in the mainstream church don't attend Prayer Meeting, including many pastors). As a Converted Christian you're looking to read the Word on a Daily Basis (check out how many Christians in the mainstream church don't attend Bible study or even Sunday School). As a Converted Christian you're looking to give God Praise and to Worship Him in Spirit and in Truth (John 4) (check out how many Christians when they go to church refuse to lift up holy hands and "demonstrably" worship the Lord). These are just a few differences between a Christian who is Convicted v.s Converted.
In Acts chapter 3, the Apostle Peter said, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted". This let's us know that there is a distinction between Repentance and Conversion. That's why the Lord recently released a prophetic word, telling His people to not only "turn" to Him but to seek Him. One speaks of Repentance, the other speaks of Conversion. In Daniel chapter 3, when you read the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace, initially King Nebuchadnezzar wanted them executed because he was not "convicted" that their God, Jehovah, was the true God. But when the 3 Hebrew boys came out of the furnace without a burn mark or even smoke in their clothes, King Nebuchadnezzar was Converted saying, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who hath sent His Angel and delivered His servants that trusted in Him, and have changed the king's word". I'm telling you saints there's a major difference between the Witness of a believer who is operating under Conviction v.s Conversion. Which persuasion are you?
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Be Not Weary
I'm sensing that as we continue to progress through 2016 that some of the saints are Tired. Even though it's been a Good Year, it has also been a somewhat Taxing year. A lot of challenges have had to been endured over the last 5 months, and I'm starting to sense that some of the saints are simply worn out. You haven't lost your faith, and you haven't lost your belief, you just feel like you just don't have the juice and the drive to keep going. My brothers and sisters, if you feel like you fit this description and are starting to rock and reel a little bit in regards to your spiritual sturdiness, then I say to you, Be Not Weary. As hard and rough as it may be right now, now is not the time to throw in the towel. Now is not the time to seek some form of relief or reprieve. Now is the time to roll up your spiritual sleeves, get that second wind, and prepare to rev up for the second half of this year going into the summer. It will be worth it saints. But whatever you do, Be Not Weary.
Part of the Strategy of developing and maintaining Spiritual Stamina in the midst of mental and emotional fatigue is the value of Reward. The scripture says that they that come to God must believe that He Is, and that He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11). The scriptures also say that Jesus endured the Cross for the joy that was set before Him (Hebrews 12). Are you aware of the Reward that God has ordained for you? I'm not talking about in the "bye and bye", I'm talking about in the here and now. God has a Reward waiting for you in This Season. But the only way we can obtain it is if we "faint not" (Galatians 6). Be Not Weary.
Galatians 6 says, "be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap". Pay attention to what you're Sowing in this Season. If you're sowing to the flesh, you will reap of the flesh. But if you're sowing to the Spirit, you will reap the Rewards of the Spirit. One of the things that the church does not promote enough is that the Rewards of the Spirit are not of this world. There are some things that God has in store for His saints that money simply cannot buy. Don't lose heart saints. Be Not Weary.
Lastly, fatigue of any sort grows out of a lack of Rest. A prophet recently shared with me that once the people of God learn to Rest in God, they will then receive Restoration from God. What I'm learning too about the Rest of God is that it is not accidental, it is deliberate. That is why the scripture tells us to "labor" to enter into His Rest. Some of us are working hard. Working hard to please others, working hard to achieve success, working hard to "please God" (outside of the Grace of God), working hard to comfort and appease ourselves. None of these things are going to work. Spiritual Fatigue is a sign of a lack of Rest in God. Once we learn how to truly Rest in Him, our witness will reflect that We Are Not Weary.
Part of the Strategy of developing and maintaining Spiritual Stamina in the midst of mental and emotional fatigue is the value of Reward. The scripture says that they that come to God must believe that He Is, and that He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11). The scriptures also say that Jesus endured the Cross for the joy that was set before Him (Hebrews 12). Are you aware of the Reward that God has ordained for you? I'm not talking about in the "bye and bye", I'm talking about in the here and now. God has a Reward waiting for you in This Season. But the only way we can obtain it is if we "faint not" (Galatians 6). Be Not Weary.
Galatians 6 says, "be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap". Pay attention to what you're Sowing in this Season. If you're sowing to the flesh, you will reap of the flesh. But if you're sowing to the Spirit, you will reap the Rewards of the Spirit. One of the things that the church does not promote enough is that the Rewards of the Spirit are not of this world. There are some things that God has in store for His saints that money simply cannot buy. Don't lose heart saints. Be Not Weary.
Lastly, fatigue of any sort grows out of a lack of Rest. A prophet recently shared with me that once the people of God learn to Rest in God, they will then receive Restoration from God. What I'm learning too about the Rest of God is that it is not accidental, it is deliberate. That is why the scripture tells us to "labor" to enter into His Rest. Some of us are working hard. Working hard to please others, working hard to achieve success, working hard to "please God" (outside of the Grace of God), working hard to comfort and appease ourselves. None of these things are going to work. Spiritual Fatigue is a sign of a lack of Rest in God. Once we learn how to truly Rest in Him, our witness will reflect that We Are Not Weary.
Monday, May 2, 2016
Preparation for Pentecost
As the Passover Season has concluded, according to the Hebrew calendar, we now want to get ready for the Preparation for Pentecost. Pentecost is one of the three major Feasts on the Hebrew Calendar (Deuteronomy 16). The Day of Pentecost is celebrated on the 6th Day of Sivan on the Hebrew Calendar, which is generally 7 Sabbaths from the first Sabbath of Passover (which generally makes it on a Sunday). The Jews generally recognize Pentecost as the time when God gave the Law (the Ten Commandments) to the children of Israel through Moses at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 20). Christians generally recognize Pentecost as the Advent of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the Church Age (Acts 2). Even though both of these historical incidents are correctly associated with this Feast, there's another aspect to Pentecost that I would like to address, and that is the aspect of Divine Visitation. Whether it was the giving of the Law or the Birthing of the Church, in both instances God chose to Visit His people and make His Presence known. I believe this Pentecost will be a season of Divine Visitation. Therefore, let us make Preparation for Pentecost.
One of the ways to prepare for Pentecost is to know how God chooses to Visit His people. There are many witnesses today of those who have had a Face to Face Visitation from the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though this would be an ideal form of Divine Visitation, God is not restricted to visiting His people in and through His Resurrected Son. God can visit you through Dreams. When Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister instead of his wife, the scripture says, "but God came to Abimelech (the king of Gerar) in a dream by night" (Genesis 20). So you can receive a Divine Visitation through Dreams. God also Visits His people through Social Intervention. The scripture says in the Book of Ruth, "then she arose with her daughters-in-law...for she had heard..that the Lord had visited His people in giving them bread" (Ruth 1). God also Visits His people through Angelic Visitation (Luke 1). So there are many ways that God can Visit you during this Season.
In terms of Preparation for Pentecost, we need to make sure we're getting the training we need for the Season. Before The Day of Pentecost, Jesus trained the disciples for 40 Days after His Resurrection (Acts 1). I am sure that there are some things God is training you for during this Season, particularly after Passover. Get the Lesson! Otherwise you won't be equipped for the Assignment that God has in store for you going into the Summer Months. Another area that needs to be addressed for Preparation for Pentecost is to make sure that we're on One Accord. The scripture says that before the Day of Pentecost, the disciples were "all with one accord in one place" (Acts 2). One of the things Satan is trying to do right now is maintain Discord in the church. I'm not just talking about in the congregation, I'm talking about between brothers and sisters in Christ. Don't let the devil put any angst or disagreement between you and your fellow Christians. As much as lieth in you, be at peace with all men (Romans 12). Now is not the time to be basking in bitterness and resentment towards one another. If you want to receive the blessing of Pentecost, be at peace in your hearts with your fellowman.
Lastly, don't be preoccupied with the Times. Many of us have been distracted by the "whens" of God. "When is God going to do this" and "when is God going to do that". Get your mind off the "whens". When the apostles approached Jesus with a "when" question, essentially He said, that's none of your business (Acts 1). God knows our needs, and they will be met and duly addressed at His Appointed Time. Let us have the witness of Job where he said, "all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come" (Job 14). We will truly experience the change and transformation of Divine Visitation if we are faithful to The Preparation for Pentecost.
One of the ways to prepare for Pentecost is to know how God chooses to Visit His people. There are many witnesses today of those who have had a Face to Face Visitation from the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though this would be an ideal form of Divine Visitation, God is not restricted to visiting His people in and through His Resurrected Son. God can visit you through Dreams. When Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister instead of his wife, the scripture says, "but God came to Abimelech (the king of Gerar) in a dream by night" (Genesis 20). So you can receive a Divine Visitation through Dreams. God also Visits His people through Social Intervention. The scripture says in the Book of Ruth, "then she arose with her daughters-in-law...for she had heard..that the Lord had visited His people in giving them bread" (Ruth 1). God also Visits His people through Angelic Visitation (Luke 1). So there are many ways that God can Visit you during this Season.
In terms of Preparation for Pentecost, we need to make sure we're getting the training we need for the Season. Before The Day of Pentecost, Jesus trained the disciples for 40 Days after His Resurrection (Acts 1). I am sure that there are some things God is training you for during this Season, particularly after Passover. Get the Lesson! Otherwise you won't be equipped for the Assignment that God has in store for you going into the Summer Months. Another area that needs to be addressed for Preparation for Pentecost is to make sure that we're on One Accord. The scripture says that before the Day of Pentecost, the disciples were "all with one accord in one place" (Acts 2). One of the things Satan is trying to do right now is maintain Discord in the church. I'm not just talking about in the congregation, I'm talking about between brothers and sisters in Christ. Don't let the devil put any angst or disagreement between you and your fellow Christians. As much as lieth in you, be at peace with all men (Romans 12). Now is not the time to be basking in bitterness and resentment towards one another. If you want to receive the blessing of Pentecost, be at peace in your hearts with your fellowman.
Lastly, don't be preoccupied with the Times. Many of us have been distracted by the "whens" of God. "When is God going to do this" and "when is God going to do that". Get your mind off the "whens". When the apostles approached Jesus with a "when" question, essentially He said, that's none of your business (Acts 1). God knows our needs, and they will be met and duly addressed at His Appointed Time. Let us have the witness of Job where he said, "all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come" (Job 14). We will truly experience the change and transformation of Divine Visitation if we are faithful to The Preparation for Pentecost.
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