1 Corinthians 1:27 (NKJV): But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.
Many things that seem foolish to the world, God calls it wise, and many things that seem wise to the world, God calls it foolish! This is how antagonistic things can be between God's ways and man's ways! James 4:4 says, 'Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God'. And Romans 8:7 says, 'Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be'. By the way, the word 'enmity' here is 'echthra' in Greek, meaning 'adversary, hostility, opposition'.
It is just like blood transfusion. If a person with blood type A receives transfusion from a person with blood type B (and vice versa), you'd have a condition called 'ABO incompatibility reaction'. It means the body's immune system will attack the new (foreign) blood cells and tries to destroy them! Why? Because these are just simply incompatible!
Now, don't get me wrong. This doesn't mean we are to live like a hermit in the world! This isn't what God wants to convey to us. What He wants to convey to us is we are not to get sucked into the ways of this world, or the ways of our own flesh! Because these won't last, and won't stand when 'the rain descends, the floods come, and the winds blow and beat on the house' (Matthew 7:24-27). The 'house' here can speak of 'you, or whatever you are doing in life'.
Romans 12:2 says, 'And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God'. The word 'prove' here is 'dokimazo' in Greek, and it can mean 'to allow'. In other words, if you pattern not after the ways of this fallen world, but rather, be transformed by the renewing of your mind to pattern after God's ways, you are effectively allowing what is good, acceptable, and perfect will of God to happen in your life!
Let me show you some examples by referring to the Beatitudes (i.e. the blessings listed by Jesus) in Matthew 5:1-12.
In Matthew 5:5, Jesus (the Word) says, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
But what does the worldly way say? "Those who are aggressive shall inherit the earth!"
In Matthew 5:7, Jesus (the Word) says, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
But what does the worldly way say? "By hook or by crook, get what you can, can what you get, and sit on the can!"
In Matthew 5:8, Jesus (the Word) says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
But what does the worldly way say? "Those who are cunning shall see profits/results!"
In Matthew 5:9, Jesus (the Word) says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
But what does the worldly way say? "Those who pull down others shall get promoted!"
You see the 'opposites' here? That's exactly what 'enmity' or 'echthra' means! But people of God, choose God's ways today, and He will know how to back you up, even in ways you cannot imagine yet. Watch how He's going to take over your situation from here. Never mind if the world calls you stupid, foolish, or whatever they want to call you. Because what seems foolish to the world, God calls it wise! Why? Because you are building your 'house' on the rock (i.e. the Word), and not on the sand! (Matthew 7:24-27)
The wise referred to here in Matthew 7:24-27 is the word 'phronimos' in Greek, meaning 'those who are sensitive (to God), or those who have understanding (of God, who He is, and how He works)'. These are whom God will use to put to shame the 'wise' of this world. Let one of those 'phronimos' be you! "Blessed are you..." In Jesus' name. Amen!
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Whatever can be restored will be restored, and whatever can be shaken will be shaken!
The Lord spoke these words recently:
"The time of restoration is at hand, just as I have spoken through the prophets since the world began! Whatever can be restored will be restored, and whatever can be shaken will be shaken! What is of God will be restored, and what is of the flesh will be shaken!"
The Lord spoke further:
"In times like these, choose My way, and I will know how to back you up. Choose man's way, but man cannot back you up. Look to Me therefore, for I will not fail you, even when man fails you. I am a faithful God, and will still be faithful till the very end."
People of God, you and I are living in a time when whatever is of God shall be restored, and whatever is not of God shall be shaken (see Acts 3:21, Hebrews 12:27-29). These two are happening at the same time, and apply both in the Body of Christ and in the world at large. If any 'house' is built on the 'rock', even if the rain descends, the flood comes, and the winds blow and beat on that 'house', it will not fall, because it is founded on the 'rock'. But if any 'house' is built on the 'sand', and if the rain descends, the flood comes, and the winds blow and beat on that 'house', it will fall, and great will be its fall (Matthew 7:24-27).
Now, what does the 'rock' represent here? In Psalm 89:26, the Lord says, 'He shall cry to Me, "You are my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation."' And what does the 'sand' represent here? Interestingly, the Hebrew word for 'sand' is 'chol', which is the same Hebrew word for 'secular' (meaning 'not set aside and holy unto the Lord'). Therefore, 'chol' represents 'worldliness'.
So, what can we learn from the above verses here?
In these times of 'shifting sands' and great uncertainty in the world, choose Him and His ways, because only His ways are sure, and only His ways fail not. Good idea of man may not be God's idea. Just look at the building of Tower of Babel those days (Genesis 11:1-9), and you will know whatever that isn't God's idea will not stand, and this applies even more in these last days. Why? Because He is in the midst of preparing a holy, pure, and unblemished bride for His glorious coming! (Ephesians 5:27)
If you look at the book of Acts and the patterns of the early church, you'd see that His church has never been meant to be 'institutionalized'. Church is an organism, not a man-made institution. Church is a people, not a man-made building. Church has never been meant to pattern after the structure of this fallen world and its man-made ways of doing things! Because if this is so, all the 'sorrows' of this fallen world will also rub off on the church! Strife, competing for 'members', competing for 'numbers', comparing with one another, desire to outdo one another, desire for greater influence, desire for greater fame, power struggle, power play, politicking, backstabbing, running down one another - just to name some - and the consequence will always be hurts, wounds, and even further sorrows! What is the difference then between the church and the world?
But the good news is the Lord will never give up on His church. The last book of the Bible is the book of Revelation, and this book prepares us for these last days. Have you noticed that 'church' (i.e. His bride) is the main focus of this book? (see Revelation 22:16-17) How can He forget His church then? He is certainly in the midst of opening the eyes of many to see 'the way He sees His church, not the way man sees', and 'the way He builds His church, not the way man builds'. He is in the midst of raising up a people who will not be afraid to stand up against the works of 'the prince of the power of the air' that have infiltrated the church of our Lord Jesus Christ! (Ephesians 2:1-2) And He is in the midst of raising up a remnant in this end-time who would rise up and 'stand their ground' against the tide of worldly influence and the enemy's influence! (Romans 11:5) May you be one of those whom He raises up!
People of God, choose God's ways, and choose not the ways of man. Return to Him, and He will return to us. This article is not meant to judge anyone or any church. When one finger is pointed out to judge, three fingers will point back, if you know what I mean. We are all one in the Body of Christ. We all call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ all the same. Let us therefore listen to His heartbeat for His church again, and not the heartbeat of this world. We are in the world, but we are not of the world (John 15:19, John 17:14-16). He will show Himself faithful (Lamentations 3:22-23, 1 Thessalonians 5:24), and He will show Himself strong and mighty (Revelation 12:10-11) when we choose to 'let Him have His church again'. Amen!
"The time of restoration is at hand, just as I have spoken through the prophets since the world began! Whatever can be restored will be restored, and whatever can be shaken will be shaken! What is of God will be restored, and what is of the flesh will be shaken!"
The Lord spoke further:
"In times like these, choose My way, and I will know how to back you up. Choose man's way, but man cannot back you up. Look to Me therefore, for I will not fail you, even when man fails you. I am a faithful God, and will still be faithful till the very end."
People of God, you and I are living in a time when whatever is of God shall be restored, and whatever is not of God shall be shaken (see Acts 3:21, Hebrews 12:27-29). These two are happening at the same time, and apply both in the Body of Christ and in the world at large. If any 'house' is built on the 'rock', even if the rain descends, the flood comes, and the winds blow and beat on that 'house', it will not fall, because it is founded on the 'rock'. But if any 'house' is built on the 'sand', and if the rain descends, the flood comes, and the winds blow and beat on that 'house', it will fall, and great will be its fall (Matthew 7:24-27).
Now, what does the 'rock' represent here? In Psalm 89:26, the Lord says, 'He shall cry to Me, "You are my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation."' And what does the 'sand' represent here? Interestingly, the Hebrew word for 'sand' is 'chol', which is the same Hebrew word for 'secular' (meaning 'not set aside and holy unto the Lord'). Therefore, 'chol' represents 'worldliness'.
So, what can we learn from the above verses here?
In these times of 'shifting sands' and great uncertainty in the world, choose Him and His ways, because only His ways are sure, and only His ways fail not. Good idea of man may not be God's idea. Just look at the building of Tower of Babel those days (Genesis 11:1-9), and you will know whatever that isn't God's idea will not stand, and this applies even more in these last days. Why? Because He is in the midst of preparing a holy, pure, and unblemished bride for His glorious coming! (Ephesians 5:27)
If you look at the book of Acts and the patterns of the early church, you'd see that His church has never been meant to be 'institutionalized'. Church is an organism, not a man-made institution. Church is a people, not a man-made building. Church has never been meant to pattern after the structure of this fallen world and its man-made ways of doing things! Because if this is so, all the 'sorrows' of this fallen world will also rub off on the church! Strife, competing for 'members', competing for 'numbers', comparing with one another, desire to outdo one another, desire for greater influence, desire for greater fame, power struggle, power play, politicking, backstabbing, running down one another - just to name some - and the consequence will always be hurts, wounds, and even further sorrows! What is the difference then between the church and the world?
But the good news is the Lord will never give up on His church. The last book of the Bible is the book of Revelation, and this book prepares us for these last days. Have you noticed that 'church' (i.e. His bride) is the main focus of this book? (see Revelation 22:16-17) How can He forget His church then? He is certainly in the midst of opening the eyes of many to see 'the way He sees His church, not the way man sees', and 'the way He builds His church, not the way man builds'. He is in the midst of raising up a people who will not be afraid to stand up against the works of 'the prince of the power of the air' that have infiltrated the church of our Lord Jesus Christ! (Ephesians 2:1-2) And He is in the midst of raising up a remnant in this end-time who would rise up and 'stand their ground' against the tide of worldly influence and the enemy's influence! (Romans 11:5) May you be one of those whom He raises up!
People of God, choose God's ways, and choose not the ways of man. Return to Him, and He will return to us. This article is not meant to judge anyone or any church. When one finger is pointed out to judge, three fingers will point back, if you know what I mean. We are all one in the Body of Christ. We all call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ all the same. Let us therefore listen to His heartbeat for His church again, and not the heartbeat of this world. We are in the world, but we are not of the world (John 15:19, John 17:14-16). He will show Himself faithful (Lamentations 3:22-23, 1 Thessalonians 5:24), and He will show Himself strong and mighty (Revelation 12:10-11) when we choose to 'let Him have His church again'. Amen!
Monday, May 13, 2019
"Do not be afraid!"
The Lord spoke these words recently:
"Do not be afraid, for I am with you, and I will never leave you nor forsake you! Do not be afraid, for even in times like these, I am still the Great I Am, and I have overcome! Do not be afraid, for weeping is for a night, but joy comes in the morning! As I have done for Mary, and as I have done for Joshua, watch how I will also do greater things through your life!"
Notice that before the Lord does greater things through some of His people, He would say, "Do not be afraid!" He said these words (through the angel Gabriel) just before He did greater things through Mary, and He said these words just before He did greater things through Joshua. I believe the Lord is saying the same to you too in this time and season: "Do not be afraid!"
Let's look at the Scripture now.
Luke 1:26-31 (NKJV) says, 'Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus."'
In the Old Testament, the Lord said in Joshua 1:9 (NKJV), "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:10-11 (NKJV) then says, 'Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, "Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.'"'
People of God, your time for such has also come! Do not be afraid to take steps of faith, moving forward! If the Lord has spoken, He will see to it that He will go with you! Do not be afraid to walk into the new things that the Lord has prepared for you! He will know how to clear the way for you, and even raise up the right people to favor you!
Your part is to respond to Him according to what He has spoken, just as Mary who responded to the angel Gabriel, saying, "Let it be unto me according to your word." (Luke 1:38) Hearing these words, the angel Gabriel knew his job was done, and he departed. Or just as Joshua who responded by taking steps to prepare the people to cross over the Jordan, and to go in to possess the land which the Lord had given them.
May you also walk according to what the Lord has spoken in this time and season, and see many good days ahead of you. This is a time of many dreams and visions, and even angelic visitations. This is a time the Lord is showing His plans to those who would look to Him and trust Him. This is a time the Lord is releasing many of His secrets to His people, such that 'no eye has seen, nor ear has heard, and no mind has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him' (1 Corinthians 2:9).
And for many of God's people, this is also a time of many breakthroughs, in spite of those disappointments, sorrows, or even mistakes in your past. Psalm 30:5 (NKJV) says, 'For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning'. Let go of those things that have ensnared you, and behold, a new joy is coming, and a new door is being opened for you. Believe and receive. In Jesus' name. Amen!
"Do not be afraid, for I am with you, and I will never leave you nor forsake you! Do not be afraid, for even in times like these, I am still the Great I Am, and I have overcome! Do not be afraid, for weeping is for a night, but joy comes in the morning! As I have done for Mary, and as I have done for Joshua, watch how I will also do greater things through your life!"
Notice that before the Lord does greater things through some of His people, He would say, "Do not be afraid!" He said these words (through the angel Gabriel) just before He did greater things through Mary, and He said these words just before He did greater things through Joshua. I believe the Lord is saying the same to you too in this time and season: "Do not be afraid!"
Let's look at the Scripture now.
Luke 1:26-31 (NKJV) says, 'Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus."'
In the Old Testament, the Lord said in Joshua 1:9 (NKJV), "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:10-11 (NKJV) then says, 'Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, "Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.'"'
People of God, your time for such has also come! Do not be afraid to take steps of faith, moving forward! If the Lord has spoken, He will see to it that He will go with you! Do not be afraid to walk into the new things that the Lord has prepared for you! He will know how to clear the way for you, and even raise up the right people to favor you!
Your part is to respond to Him according to what He has spoken, just as Mary who responded to the angel Gabriel, saying, "Let it be unto me according to your word." (Luke 1:38) Hearing these words, the angel Gabriel knew his job was done, and he departed. Or just as Joshua who responded by taking steps to prepare the people to cross over the Jordan, and to go in to possess the land which the Lord had given them.
May you also walk according to what the Lord has spoken in this time and season, and see many good days ahead of you. This is a time of many dreams and visions, and even angelic visitations. This is a time the Lord is showing His plans to those who would look to Him and trust Him. This is a time the Lord is releasing many of His secrets to His people, such that 'no eye has seen, nor ear has heard, and no mind has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him' (1 Corinthians 2:9).
And for many of God's people, this is also a time of many breakthroughs, in spite of those disappointments, sorrows, or even mistakes in your past. Psalm 30:5 (NKJV) says, 'For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning'. Let go of those things that have ensnared you, and behold, a new joy is coming, and a new door is being opened for you. Believe and receive. In Jesus' name. Amen!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)