Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35 NKJV
“Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days— when your heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you’re out of options, when the pain is great, and you turn to God alone.” - RICK WARREN Suffering is the reality of the world we live in. And I wish I could tell you that you will never experience suffering yourself. In the book of Romans, Paul tells us that suffering entered the world through sin:
"Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks for-ward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time." Romans 8:20-22
It seems that everywhere we look, we find more and more people truly living under suffering - millions through poverty, millions through slavery - and yet the beauty of Jesus is that He always brings hope, wherever you are, in whatever circumstance. Yes, His name is higher than all pain and suffering.
If you are walking through the valley of the shadow of death, all I can say to you today is hang on. The psalmist makes a statement that says, “Though darkness is all around, I will fear no evil” (see Psalm 23:4).
Acts 16:23, 25 (NIV) 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
My heart breaks for my brothers and sisters in Christ who are under persecution, for those who are in abusive relationships, for children who are growing up without loving parents to guide them and instill in them an assurance of being loved. There are those who conspire to tear down our sense of worth and potential. They would have us live with a spirit of fear, intimidation, depression, and oppression. That’s why within these chapters on worshiping God in every season, it is critical to remember the finished work of the cross when evil tries to press in on every side.
Whatever situation you find yourself in, know this: God is present. Worship Him—recognizing and acknowledging His greatness— even in moments of great pain, and you will discover His grace and power is sufficient: “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness’” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).
It's time to arise and shine! (Pixabay/PublicDomainPictures)
Throughout centuries of the Church, people in each generation have looked for signs that theirs would be the one in which Christ would return. Some have taken to the prayer room, crying out with passion for revival and the fire of God to fall upon their neighborhoods, cities and nations. Others have used this belief to fuel missions movements and global evangelism, determined to win every soul possible prior to Christ's return.
Toward whichever of these you are more naturally inclined, every Bible-believing Christian can agree that Jesus is coming AND that both prayer and global evangelism are essential pre-requisites to His return. Today I want to add fuel to the fire of your heart so that you are a living example of what is described in Isaiah 60, "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and Kings to the brightness of your dawn."
The Bible is filled with prophetic references to the coming of Christ. Prophecies of Christ's coming are not confined only to the books of prophecy; a surprising number are found in the Psalms. As with prophetic references found elsewhere, messianic prophecies in the Psalms fall generally into two categories: those that relate primarily to Christ's first coming, and those that refer mainly to His second coming.
Looking through the lens of history and divine revelation it is possible to see in these Psalms clear parallels to the life of Jesus.
Stretching Forth His Strong Scepter
Psalm 110 is a messianic psalm that relates to the second coming of Christ. This is clear in both the wording and the circumstances described:
"The LORD says to my Lord: 'Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.' The LORD will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, 'Rule in the midst of Your enemies.' Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; In holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew. The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind, 'You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.' The Lord is at Your right hand; He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath. He will judge among the nations, He will fill them with corpses, He will shatter the chief men over a broad country. He will drink from the brook by the wayside; Therefore He will lift up His head."
This psalm is structured as if God the Father is speaking to His Son while David, the psalmist, observes and narrates. Verse 2 says that the Messiah's "strong scepter" will "stretch forth" from "Zion." In the Scriptures, the word Zion is used in several different ways. One of its most common meanings is in reference to the city of God in the messianic age. It is the heavenly Jerusalem where the Messiah will appear at the end of time and where His people will be glorified. Zion also can refer to the whole assembly of God's people—the believing Jews of the old covenant as well as the Body of Christ of the new covenant, among whom He lives and works—as well as additional understandings.
From this perspective, this psalm pictures a coming day when a transference of authority will be given by God to Zion—His covenant people—through Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah, and they will rule with Him even in the midst of enemies. In that future "day of [the Messiah's] power" His people will "volunteer freely...in holy array." A great host of believers will willingly abandon themselves to their Lord and walk in holiness and consecration to carry out His will and accomplish His purpose.
As that day approaches the dark will get darker but the light will get brighter. It will be a time both of great glory and great judgment upon the nations. It will be a time of great darkness and a time of great light; a time of great judgment and a time of great hope; a time of great wrath and a time of great revival; a time of great destruction and a time of great restoration.
Things are going to get worse, but they also will get better. Those who have their faith fixed on the Lord shall be changed from glory to glory. They will be bright and shining lights in the midst of the darkness, and many will be drawn to their brightness.
These believers will not let the temporary present darkness define who they are or their future. They rather keep declaring that the promise is greater than the peril. They see the rainbow at the end of the storm. These are those who are contending for Glorious Eschatology according to Isaiah 60. That is what I believe, and what the Holy Spirit has revealed to me at this point in my life and prophetic ministry. I contend for the full restoration of radical Christianity to be the norm. Passive, pale anemic churchianty will fade away. Yes, a new day is dawning!
Restoring Radical Christianity
Let's add a peak into another messianic Psalm that grants us additional revelation concerning the return of Christ. Consider these verses from Psalm 102:12-18.
"But You, O LORD, abide forever, And Your name to all generations. You will arise and have compassion on Zion; For it is time to be gracious to her, For the appointed time has come. Surely Your servants find pleasure in her stone and feel pity for her dust. So the nations will fear the name of the LORD and all the kings of the earth Your glory. For the LORD has built up Zion; He has appeared in His glory. He has regarded the prayer of the destitute and has not despised their prayer. This will be written for the generation to come, That a people yet to be created may praise the LORD."
This passage speaks of an "appointed time" when "the nations will fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth Thy glory." Although such a day has not yet arrived, there are many signs that suggest it may be near. The gospel of Jesus Christ has begun to spread into many nations and regions of the world formerly closed to it. Response to the gospel, particularly in non-Western parts of the world, is growing at a rate unprecedented in history since the first century.
Another indicator that a new chosen prophetic generation may be at hand is that the greatest global prayer movement in the history of the Church is currently underway. Surveys indicate that as many as 170 million believers worldwide pray daily for spiritual awakening and for the revival of the Church. There are 10 million prayer groups around the world that pray for revival every week.
This is absolutely unprecedented in Church history. It is unprecedented in breadth because it is not confined to one nation. It is unprecedented in scope because it is not limited to one denomination. It is unprecedented in strategy because it is a wedding of prayer and evangelism. Prayer has always been one of the greatest weapons of the Church, particularly before and during times of awakening and revival. It is no different today. From the beginning of the current "Elijah revolution," prayer, and especially intercession, has been the foremost strategy of this generation of holy warriors that God is calling forth.
Coupled with this call to sacrificial prayer and intercession is a call to fasting that is more widespread than ever before in the Body of Christ. After generations of neglect, fasting as a powerful spiritual discipline is being rediscovered across a broad spectrum of the Church. In this current chosen prophetic generation, fasting will no longer be thought of as a sign of extreme or "abnormal" Christianity, but as an integral part of life in the Spirit.
"Normal" Christianity has always been "extreme": extreme devotion to the person of Jesus Christ; extreme abandonment of self-will and absolute surrender to the will and purposes of God; extreme love for God that totally consumes one's heart, soul, mind, and strength. This global prayer and prophetic movement today represents nothing less than the restoration of raw, radical Christianity in this generation—Christianity as it is supposed to be!
What time is it? It is time to arise and shine!
Dr. James Gollis the founder of Encounters Network, Prayer Storm and helps carry on the work of Compassion Acts. For information on his online school visit: geteschool.com. James continues to live in Tennessee and is a joyful father and grandfather today.
as you continue to meditate upon scripture, confirming God’s WORD and make decisions in life based on the same WORD, you are likely becoming more Spirit-led, letting His wisdom affect your day-to-day life. In this last series part on seeking God’s wisdom and clarity, you will become more equipped to seek Him first and to know how to approach your circumstances. In particular, we want to emphasise the need to focus on Jesus and to be willing to let God steer you and train you. “But how do I do that?” you may ask.
DRAW NEAR TO GOD’S HEART
Wherever you are in life, you can always draw nearer to God. Draw close to God’s heart by opening your life for Him to cleanse, correct and direct you (James 4:8). The Holy Spirit desires to teach and correct you to keep you from trouble — and to help you make wise choices in life. God gave you His Word so you can do things the right way (Deuteronomy 28). Jesus is coming back for a glorious church (Ephesians 5:27). The Church is to do even greater works than Jesus did (John 14:12). Put yourself aside and take on the nature of Jesus (Galatians 2:20). Give your full attention to God’s Word (Proverbs 4:20-23). Your spirit is reborn, but your soul must be renewed and trained by God’s Word (Romans 12:2). God does not condemn you (Romans 8:1). You have the victory to overcome the world—it’s your faith in God (1 John 5:4).
BE MOTIVATED, ACT THIS OUT
To draw near to God, you must spend time with Him on a regular basis. Write a daily goal of how much time you will give God by reading His Word, thinking about Him and listening/talking to Him.
BE OPEN TO GOD AND TO GROW
We have God’s Word and many biblical resources — that makes us responsible to grow and mature as Christians (Luke 12:48). Faith in God works all the time and causes you to live in victory. It is God’s will that you be cleansed and renewed in your soul — your mind, will, and emotions (Romans 12:1-2). You need to be in an atmosphere of faith and an atmosphere of worship. You are not to be led by your emotions, but you are to worship the Lord with your whole spirit, soul and body. As God reveals Himself in the earth, be open to adding new revelations to what you already know. In a relationship, we must submit to each other’s strengths and be patient with each other’s weaknesses. Reject shame — God does not condemn you. Give your emotions to God, and He will put them in order. Determine to seek God’s will in every situation (Luke 22:42).
MEDITATE OVER THIS SCRIPTURE TODAY
I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left — feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught. JOHN 14:26 MSG
TRUST THE LORD
If we want the deeper things of God to be more impactful for Him, to have our lives work in the way that God intended them to, to be on the forefront of what He’s doing and to be in this move of God — we have to present ourselves to Him. Knowing the love of God helps you trust Him, and then He can move in your life (Romans 8:38-39). Be positioned to trust the Lord to teach and keep you. If you will obey God in everything, you’ll be blessed all the days of your life. It will be valuable also, to try and realise you are weak in yourself, but strong in God (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NLT). We are all to be equipped to minister the love of God to others. All in all, as we face daily decisions and larger life decisions, God wants you to trust Him and spend time with Him in conversation (Revelation 3:20). This will result in us gaining the wisdom of the deeper things of Our Lord.
EXPLORE WHAT THE WORD SAYS ON WISDOM
Psalm 100:1
Proverbs 22:6
Galatians 2:20 MSG
James 1:5-8 MSG
Job 28:23-28
Psalm 119:9-16 MSG
Proverbs 24:3
1 Corinthians 2:5
PRAYER FOR WISDOM AND CLARITY
Father, I pray that the eyes of my heart will be flooded with light, understanding, and faith. I pray that I will know how to live and walk in victory and overcome all the situations in my life. By faith, I choose to seek and follow God in every situation in my life. All glory goes to You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Today you’re about to move forward in how you seek God’s wisdom. In the previous part of this email series, we looked at turning towards The WORD and seeking God through meditation of scriptures. Today, we are going to be looking at God’s way of doing things versus our natural way of making decisions and navigating through life.
GOD’S WAY OF DOING THINGS
God’s way of doing things is motivated by love (God IS love), in agreement with His WORD, accessed by faith and directed by His Holy Spirit. All of God’s ways of doing things are found in His WORD. We can identify that God’s way is the same way that Jesus operated in the earth. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are consistent in the way they do things (Hebrews 13:8). Thus, we should ask, seek, and find God’s ways, and change to fit His ways (Matthew 7:7-8). We are encouraged to find the promise of God that covers your situation – search the scriptures! All promises in Christ are “Yes” and “Amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Importantly, you must in this way get God’s wisdom before you pray, before you speak, and before you act (Proverbs 4:7). What questions are you facing today? Find scriptures that tell you God’s way of thinking, speaking, and solving that situation. Write the scripture here, and speak it several times a day. The answer will come!
THE NATURAL WAY OF DOING THINGS
Our natural thoughts limit us to what this world can accomplish. God’s thoughts are on a higher spiritual plane where God is the Source. We can know His thoughts because they are written in His WORD (Isaiah 55:11). The natural way is to “look” and “feel” to find out how things are going. God’s way is the love way, The WORD way, the faith way, the Holy Spirit way, and the blood of Jesus way. God said what He sends to earth (His WORD) will prosper in what He sent it to do (Isaiah 55:7-11). Seek God’s way and believe His promises instead of worrying (Matthews 6:33, AMPC). God will take care of your needs when you endeavour to do things God’s way (Matthew 6:28-33). The word meek means, “subject to authority.” Being subject to God’s authority makes you strong. “THE BLESSING” wall will only break down if you are in fear. Turn your thoughts to God’s ways, and you will have whatever you need.
HOW TO DO THINGS GOD’S WAY
God’s WORD will produce His way. Speak His WORD in faith, and you will become fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28). Jesus preached the kingdom of God, and God’s way of doing things (Matthew 6). Every promise in the Old Covenant is no longer ratified by the blood of animals—but is now ratified by the blood of Jesus. Because the payment of Jesus’ sacrifice was accepted, the curse has been removed from the Covenant; however, all the promises are still available to you! The difference between the results of your faith and Jesus’ faith is your continued development. Believing God’s WORD will change you from the inside out, so you are conformed to the image of Jesus (Romans 12:2). As you develop, your faith will begin to grow, your mind will become renewed, and your desires will follow your mind. You will begin to have a deeper understanding of what is good and what is evil (Hebrews 5:14).
CONFESS THIS SCRIPTURE OVER YOURSELF TODAY
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” — James 1:5-6 NIV
READ THESE WISDOM PROMISES
James 1:6
Ephesians 6:17
Romans 10:17
John 5:19, 14:10
Isaiah 55:6-12
Mark 4:14-20
John 14:12
PRAYER FOR WISDOM AND CLARITY
Heavenly Father, I ask You to help me. I desire to follow Your way—Your way of love, Your way of Your WORD, Your way of faith, Your way guided by the Holy Spirit, and Your way provided for me by the blood of Jesus. I will listen to You and obey. I am subject to Your authority, and therefore I am strong! Thank You, Sir. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
