Reflections

“The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, disaster, and plague against many lands and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace — only when the word of the prophet comes true will the prophet be recognized as one the Lord has truly sent.””

Jeremiah28:8-9HCSB

All the prophets of God had prophesied the exile and captivity of Israel.  The message of redemption would come from the Messiah.  There were false prophets, in the Old Testament, that would tell Israel not worry they would experience peace, opposite of what God actually said.

We must be careful of people prophesying the opposite of what God is saying.  Prophetic words should line up what God is saying through His Word.  What prophetic spirit are we under today?  What does the Bible prophesy for today.  Let’s see:

Spirit of Prophesy is the Testimony of Jesus

“When I heard this, I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I serve God, just as you do. I am God’s servant, just like believers who hold firmly to what Jesus has taught. Worship God! The Spirit of prophecy tells the truth about Jesus.’”Revelation 19:10 NIRV

The true spirit of prophecy always shows itself in bearing witness to Jesus.  Our prophetic words should have Jesus at its root.  It is wrong for us to prophesy to unbelievers how great their lives will be when they are dead in their sins.  How can we talk wonderful words about their destiny on earth, if their ultimate destination is hell?  What does it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their own souls?  We must prophesy the message of reconciliation in Jesus and God’s plan for them is eternal life.  The message is clear repent, turn to Jesus to live – the Kingdom of God is here.

Prophesy should encourage our life in Christ.  It is not to appeal to our flesh.  Prophetic words should crucify our flesh, and give life to our spirit.

In the Last Day God Speaks Through Jesus

“Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son. God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him.”  Hebrews 1:1-2 HCSB

In the gospel of John we are told that Jesus is the Word.  He is the word made flesh.  So since God has chosen to speak to us through Jesus then we know the primary way God speaks to us is through His word.

Paul told Timothy that God’s word is good for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training (2 Timothy 3:16).  So the prophetic should also be good for these things.  Unfortunately many have used prophesy to predict the future just like the world does through psychics and other fortune tellers.  We have to be very careful not equate prophesy with reading cards and tea leaves, or looking into a crystal ball.  Prophesy speaks to the will of God and ultimately God’s will is that everyone should come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.  We should be prophesying so that people will grow in their walk with Christ.  The word reveals the truth of Jesus and it is still the primary way God speaks to us.

There are plenty of scriptures that tell us about the end times and these last days.  We cannot prophesy from our own desires but we must speak the truth.  At times the truth must be a word of rebuke and correction.  Ultimately the prophetic word should point us to Jesus because He is the spirit of true prophesy.

I believe the reason Paul said he desired all believers to prophesy was so that the truth of Jesus would be on all our lips.  We would proclaim the glory of our Lord and Savior.  When seeking that gift or when looking for a prophetic word make sure it lines up with the word of God.

I know most of us desire peace and want a life free from suffering. However, in God’s word and in Jesus’ own words we were told that they would hate us just like they hated Jesus. The Apostles preached the gospel in light of facing death every day. They believed at any moment Jesus could return and they were determined to get the gospel preached. We are living in an unprecedented time and have so many avenues to share God’s word. People need to hear the truth of Jesus and how to obtain eternal life. It is wonderful to prophesy destiny, let us be sure it lines up with God’s word and His plan for eternal life.

“When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.” II Chronicles7:13-15NKJV

This year in 2020 we have seen unprecedented events take place in our country.  The coronavirus has impacted over 7.44 million Americans, over 210,000 people have died and there are reports of the virus spiking in many parts of the country.  This pandemic has impacted the entire world and every aspect of our lives.  We have also seen fires burning in California and so far over 4 million acres have burned and there are fires still burning.  California suffered a drought for years and now with the fires there is such a desperate need for rain.  Yet in the Atlantic Ocean we are seeing a record number of tropical storms taking place in this hurricane season and parts of the US has experienced record number of rainfall and flooding.  With the uncertainty to tomorrow many people are afraid.  Scientists and our governments are trying to stymie all these events, but it is really out of their control.

For too long we downplayed the coronavirus, expecting it to fade into the summer months and we could return to our normal lives.  We were not prepared for this nor for the long haul of fighting this disease.  Also, so many other things have been happening in our nation that most Americans have gone numb and don’t know what to do.  Conspiracy theories have exploded many saying the coronavirus was a hoax or it was no worse than the flu.  Yet when you look at the numbers and how many people are being impacted by this virus we know it is far worse than any flu or cold season.

I have been reading and listening to different prophetic words on the matter.  Many prophetic words have been rooted in hope and some are the doom and gloom prophesies.  As with any prophetic word we are trying to convey what God is saying in this season.  I believe that the primary way God still speaks is through His word the Bible and I have been studying God’s word and history of how God has responded to past pestilence.  I know there is a great need for prayer and ours church has been praying and I know many churches and Christians are praying.  The last weekend in Washington D.C. Franklin Graham hosted and event to pray for our nation.  We have to remember we are not fighting flesh and blood but principalities.  Unfortunately, many still hold a mindset this is all just going to go away.

Last week when news broke that the President of the United States, his wife and others tested positive for the coronavirus I knew it was time for us to take this seriously and turn to God.  I know there are many prophetic words on the good days that are coming but we cannot ignore the plight of our country today.

The above scripture is often quoted but we usually focus on Verse 14.  We need to read verse 14 in the context of the scripture before it and after it.  This scripture was God’s response to Solomon building the temple for God.  God accepted the temple as His dwelling place (prior to this it was the ark of the covenant) and gave parameters how He would receive prayers.

Notice in verse 13 God says that when we see pestilence in our land that is a sign we need to turn to Him and pray.  Today we teach that God is love and He is but we often times ignore that He is also one that judges.  When the enemy is allowed to bring pestilence to the land we need to pay attention to what God is saying and understand what is really happening.  Since things have not gotten better in our country we have to recognize that God is allowing these events to take place and we have to turn to Him.

Notice that God starts off by saying “when I shut up heaven…”, this means that we are not receiving God’s blessings.  Something is hindering God from opening up the doors of heaven.  As a result of God shutting up heaven, pestilence has now come upon the land.  Another sign. That heaven is shut is when our prayers are not effective.  God tells us in verse 14 what we need to do.

Verse 14 is conditional it begins with the word “if”, God is looking to His people, not the world but His people are called by His name.  Jesus knows His sheep and His sheep knows His voice.  God is looking to His children to respond to Him not the entire world.  God is calling His children to the following:

HUMBLE OURSELVES

We need to drop the act that we are in control.  We also need to stop lying to ourselves and others by saying there is peace and safety in the land.  We are in trouble our world is collapsing and we need God.  We do not know what to do or how to stop any of these things.  We need to humble ourselves and cry out to God.

PRAY

Prayer meetings and praying is a difficult thing.  The mistake we make is we pray a few times and expect results.  We don’t persist in prayer.  We may give ourselves a timeline like 40 days but what if in those forty days nothing happens.  We are called to persist, to keep praying and not to cease.  This season we are called to endure, even if we know the end is victory we must press in and endure until the prayers are manifested in the natural.

SEEK GOD’S FACE

We are looking to so many things including our own government.  We have parked ourselves in front of the computer or television to listen to the latest news and what everyone is saying.  We have promoted conspiracy theories and lamented on what various states are doing and how our rights are being violated.  We waste time arguing over whether this is as bad as the expert say but we are not seeking God’s face on this matter.  In seeking God’s face we need to be spending everyday in his Word, reading and listening.  Faith comes by hearing.  Also by seeking God’s face we can learn what He is telling us to do and be obedient to his word.

TURN FROM OUR WICKED WAYS

Collectively as a body of believers we have allowed hatred to permeate through us and outside of us.  We have allowed our hatred toward certain groups to spill out in our speech.  We have justified hatred by focusing on our enemies and how we have been wronged.  Many in the body have turned that hatred toward their own brothers and sisters in the Lord.  We are called to love, even our enemies.  We are supposed to display love and be known for our love.  Also, we are supposed to walk in righteousness and by the Spirit.  Currently we are not doing these things and we have instead displayed anger and hatred.  This is all wickedness to God.  God is asking His children to turn from their wicked ways.

When we have done these things and turn to God, He says then He will hear us, forgive our sins and heal our land.  In verse 15 God’s conditional promise is that when we do these things His eyes will remain open and He will hear our prayers.

Let us stop entertaining worldly arguments and conspiracies and turn to our God in our time of need. We need to be obedient in everything God is telling us to do. It is time to repent an turn our faces back to God.

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”

II Corinthians7:10-11NKJV

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But the LORD was pleased To crush Him, putting Him to grief; If He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, And the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.”  Isaiah 53:10 NASB

 

When Jesus was baptized a voice came from heaven and declared “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” (Matthew 3:17 NASB).  The Father was pleased with Jesus’ obedience and His life on earth.  God made this declaration even before Jesus started His ministry.  We see the love between the Father and the Son.  Jesus knew His purpose to fulfill the desire of the Father and carry out His will.

In another scene we see Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, before His arrest, pleading with the Father about the cup of wrath He is about to bear.  Again Jesus surrenders His will to the Father’s and prays that God’s will be done. (Mark 14:35-36)

God designed man’s plan for salvation, from the moment Adam had sinned.  God knew the law could not save man and animal sacrifices were not enough to atone for mankind’s sin.  So God turned to Jesus in whom all things were created.  Jesus is the source of life and now God was ready to sacrifice His only begotten Son as a ransom for man’s sin.  Jesus was without sin.  Jesus did nothing wrong.  Jesus was obedient until His death on the cross.

God was not just pleased with a Jesus’ life but ain’t pleased God to crucify Jesus on the cross.  God found great pleasure in sacrificing Jesus so that mankind would be saved.  As much as God loved His Son Jesus, He desires to be reconciled to His creation.  God has given us the one thing that pleased Him the most and that was Jesus.

God is not interested in our human sacrifices.  He desires that we all will come to know His Son Jesus and put our faith in Him.  When God sees us He is reminded of the gift He gave us through a His son Jesus.  That is why salvation is a gift, Jesus fulfilled the law’s requirement of sin and death.  Jesus took our place so that we may live and be reconciled to God.

Jesus’ death on the cross was deemed a Good by the Father.  Jesus death put an end to the curse of sin and the damnation of mankind. Adam introduced sin and death into the world. As sin came through Adam, now salvation comes through Jesus.  Let us remember why we call this Good Friday – Jesus’ death was a good thing.

“for the Lord had caused the Aramean camp to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army. The Arameans had said to each other, “The king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to attack us.” So they had gotten up and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents, horses, and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had fled for their lives.”

2 Kings 7:6-7 HCSB

Elisha had prophesied that barley and fine meal would sell once again at the gates of Samaria by the next day.  At twilight four lepers decided to go to the Aramean’s camp to surrender to the Arameans hoping they would not be killed.  However, when the lepers got there they didn’t find anyone in the camp.  God had delivered Samaria by convincing the Arameans that a great army was attacking them.  The Aramean army fled and left everything behind.  The lepers found food, clothing, silver and gold.  The lepers notified the city’s gatekeepers that the Aramean army had fled.  The King sent messengers and found their camp empty with all their belongings.

“So they followed them as far as the Jordan. They saw that the whole way was littered with clothes and equipment the Arameans had thrown off in their haste. The messengers returned and told the king. Then the people went out and plundered the Aramean camp. It was then that six quarts of fine meal sold for a shekel and 12 quarts of barley sold for a shekel, according to the word of the Lord.”  2 Kings 7:15-16 HCSB

God had delivered Samaria from the Aramean’s hand.  There was no battle, no one lost their life.  God intervened and suddenly the siege and famine were over.

God can and will move suddenly in our lives when we need deliverance.  It was Elisha’s prophetic word that announced God’s deliverance.  What prophetic word have you received regarding your situation.  God will turn your situation around.  What seems impossible is possible with God.

The people were able to plunder the Aramean camp and as a result barley and fine meal were sold at the gates of Samaria again.  God gave more than they had hoped or asked for in this moment.  Another word that came to pass was the Captain of the King’s army was killed.

“The king had appointed the captain, his right-hand man, to be in charge of the gate, but the people trampled him in the gateway. He died, just as the man of God had predicted when the king came to him.”  2 Kings 7:17 HCSB

It is so important that we believe God’s word, so that we may be partakers of God’s promises.  We have to contend for God’s word and His promises. Do not be consumed by your circumstances or the fear of destruction.  Instead, be encouraged for the Lord is mighty to save.

“Elisha replied, “Hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Lord says: ‘About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, six quarts of fine meal will sell for a shekel and 12 quarts of barley will sell for a shekel.’ ” 2 Kings 7:1 HCSB

 During the Siege the famine was so great that a donkey’s head sold for 80 shekels of silver, and pigeon poop sold for 5 shekels of silver.  The situation in Samaria was dire.  The king sent a messenger to Elisha to kill him, because the king believed God caused this disaster.  Elisha knew the intentions of the messenger and delivered the word God had spoken.  Elisha made a declaration that the siege would be over by tomorrow when six quarts of fine meal and 12 quarts of barley would only cost a shekel. The message seemed impossible and the King’s messenger doubted God’s word.  So Elisha told him he would not eat any of it.

“Then the captain, the king’s right-hand man, responded to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen? ” Elisha announced, “You will in fact see it with your own eyes, but you won’t eat any of it.”” 2 Kings 7:2 HCSB

We are under siege.  There are so many reports about the magnitude of this pandemic, and each new day the message gets worse.  People are testing positive for the virus, people are dying, businesses are closing, and fear has gripped the people.  You may be experiencing your own difficulty and this pandemic has made your situation go from bad to worse.  There is fear and confusion.  What are we supposed to do?  When and how will this end?

Listen to the word of the Lord: “About this time tomorrow…”. God did not just say the siege would end but He announced what the result would be.  As far as we can ascertain the famine was so severe there was no grain or barley.  In order to make fine meal and have barley you have to plant and wait for the seeds to grow.  How is it that Samaria has no grain, but suddenly the next day be selling fine meal and barley for only a shekel of silver?  The siege and famine is over.  That is why the Captain responded that even if God opened the heavens could this word actually happen.  If we use human logic you would have to plant seeds of wheat and barley, wait for the harvest before you could sell any of that.  Also they are surrounded by Aram’s entire military.  How is this all going to work out by tomorrow?  It seemed impossible, but that is what God said.

What is God saying about our situation?  It is very important to listen to the prophets who have spoken and even listen to God’s voice.  Do not give into the reports of doom or gloom.  My experience is God speaks to us even before tragedy strikes to prepare us for what is to come and to look to Him.  Also, what has God said about your situation?  Believe what God is saying.

“So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.”” II Chronicles 20:20 NKJV

Finally, we have to contend for God’s word.  We cannot allow doubt and unbelief rob us of God’s promises.  Elisha told the Captain he would see the word manifest but not eat any of the food.  Do not miss God’s blessings, hold onto His word.  Be convinced God will do as He said.  The Siege is over.

To be continued…God’s Word is Manifested

“Bring your worthless offerings no longer, Incense is an abomination to Me. New moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies— I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly. I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts, They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.”

‭‭ISAIAH‬ ‭1:13-17‬ ‭NASB‬‬

The Easter holiday is upon us once again. This is considered Holy Week since many religious traditions are observed and we commiserate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I grew up in church and Easter is the Sunday most people go to church. It is one of the most heavily attended Sundays and churches prepare for the influx of guests and hope to win people to the Lord, since many non believers will be in attendance. It is the time we get our best outfits and prepare wonderful meals. It is a time for family and friends. It is a time for Easter egg hunts, Easter baskets and even the Easter bunny. Stores advertise candy and many treats for your Easter celebration,

Why is Easter such a big deal to us? Why does this particular holiday draw people to church and even those who have not been to church in a while. If you are reading this and have not attended church in a while or since last Easter, why are you going? Who are you trying to impress? God? Do you think God is impressed with all the pomp and circumstance that surrounds our Easter tradition?

Jesus Christ is our focus during Easter. We celebrate His death and resurrection. He took our sins upon himself and was sacrificed. He was without sin and became a sin offering. Jesus rose again after the third day and we are made alive in Him. In exchange for our sins we are given Jesus’ righteousness. This is why Easter is such a big occasion. It is also a great opportunity to tell others about Jesus, to share the good news of the gospel. So where is the hypocrisy?

As Christians we boast in our righteousness and in our traditions. We esteem ourselves very highly in this season by doing fasts, penance, and making sacrifices. We put on holiness like it is some garment. Yet we do not deal with the sin in our own lives. This is why Jesus died for us. As God states in Isaiah 1 we come to these solemn assemblies or religious gatherings with iniquity in our hearts. Our hands are covered in blood from our sins. We are not concerned about confessing our sins, turning back to God nor repenting of our evil ways.

The Apostle John says if we say we have no sin we are liars and the truth is not in us (1John 1:8). We are to confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The reason God is faithful to forgive us, is because what Jesus did. This should be our focus on Easter – to examine our own hearts and confess our sins.

We will attend church on Easter, give God our praise and bring Him an offering. However, most will return to their idols (those things they esteem more than God) and evil ways over the next few weeks. We will lose interest in sharing the gospel or participating in the things of God. No wonder God is tired of our festivities when there is no real repentance and change in our behavior.

The challenge for you this year at Easter is to really understand the work Jesus did, open ourselves up to be examined and turn from our own wicked ways. It is not just about the sin of the one separated from Christ, but also for those of us in Christ to have our hearts searched. It is an opportunity to make a real commitment to Christ and not just give lip service about how we are going to change. God is not looking for our sacrifices. He is not interested in our traditions or festivals. David said it best:

“For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”

‭‭PSALMS‬ ‭51:16-17‬ ‭NASB‬‬

God is looking for us to turn from evil and seek to do Good. God provided the sacrifice and a promise to make us righteous, we just have to continue to receive His gift of forgiveness by confessing our sins.