Tag: prophecy

Presumptuous Prophecy

Deuteronomy 18:15-22

Of all the spiritual gifts given by the Spirit of God, there are two of which men claim to operate in that easily manipulate others to believing it’s authentic. These include the gifts of speaking in tongues, and prophecy. The gift of tongues, or languages, was granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost, and was used by them to make the Word of God plain and understandable to men who came speaking different languages. Speaking in tongues is sorely misused and misunderstood, as the Bible declares there should always be someone available to interpret what was being spoken. Doing things this way would eliminate all mystery and allow the church to remain on one accord.

Spiritual gifts are to be used for the edification of the body of Christ, so attempting to use a gift for selfish reasons is unacceptable to God. Aside from misrepresenting the gift of tongues, men also speak falsehoods, while proclaiming their words to be prophecy from God. Those who function this way have no fear or reverence for God, which allows for them to freely manipulate the body of Christ without conviction.

Our text teaches how to tell the difference between a true prophet and a false one. Verse 22 reads, “When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously:” That verse continues to mention, “thou shalt not be afraid of him.” Have you noticed lately, how people literally fear and show great respect to men and women who claim to be a prophet or prophetess? It’s almost like religious services stop so that those “special” persons can take over and delivere false words to the church. God said He’ll raise up a Prophet, and put His words in his mouth, and he will speak what God commands him to. Millions around the world are being deceived daily by false prophets, and without the Spirit of God, they’ll possibly end up broke and ruined, because they are convinced that giving all their money and possessions to these phony messengers will make their lives better.

Wherever or whoever you receive your teaching of the Word from, be certain you’ve checked their words with God’s Word. Don’t allow these foolish and fake men and women to deceive you any longer. Your mind, body, and money belongs to God, so be sure that what a person speaks into your life is truly from God, to avoid wasting your time, energy, and possessions on false prophets. God never contradicts Himself, so if anyone speaks words that are contrary to the Bible, you can rest assured they were sent by satan, and not God.

Study God’s Word earnestly, so that you can grow in your understanding of the Scriptures, then dissecting the words that men speak won’t be so difficult.

A Big Deal!

Luke 2:28-35

From the time Mary and Joseph received words from the angel Gabriel concerning the Son of God, to the prophetic words from the just and devout Simeon, Jesus’ earthly parents could only marvel at all that was being spoken of the child sent by God.

Jesus would soon be a big deal, not only to his family, but to the entire world. Even when Mary went to visit her pregnant cousin Elizabeth to share the great news concerning God’s plan, John the Baptist leaped in her womb at the very salutation of Mary, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost at that moment. That’s intense! The shepherds who came to Bethlehem to see what God had made known to them with their very eyes, witnessed the child, then made known abroad all that was told to them by God, concerning Jesus. Mary pondered over those things which she had heard, as they were no doubt wonderful, yet possibly confusing at the same time.

When the days of purification were accomplished, Joseph and Mary brought the child to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. This is where Simeon would get his opportunity to see Jesus for himself. The Bible mentions, it was revealed to Simeon, by the Holy Ghost, that he would not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. After being led by the Spirit to go to the Temple (around the same time Joseph and Mary would arrive…God’s timing is impeccable!), Simeon finally saw the child, held him in his arms, and gave God thanks from his very soul. Just as Gabriel and the shepherds prophesied Jesus as a big deal, Simeon did the same. Joseph and Mary also marveled at the words the wise elder had spoken, in the same way they received the words of all the other prophecies.

Can you imagine being in the shoes of either Joseph or Mary? The hardest thing to overcome was the fact that Mary would be impregnated by the Holy Ghost. Coming to terms with that was literally impossible, without help directly from Heaven. But the young couple leaned unto the Lord’s understanding, and supported each other the entire time. In addition, hearing all the great prophecies from men of different backgrounds, also added pressure and encouragement to Joseph and Mary, as they would need all the support and strength available, to help them on this path.

Jesus was, and still is a big deal. Despite how men have negatively portrayed Him in the past, and still today, He fulfilled what was written of Him, all the way from the Old Testament, and will close out the latter prophesies soon, and very soon…

Gifted!

Genesis 41:9-13

The body of Christ is fitly joined together with countless members, each having their own talents, gifts, and special abilities. The Bible mentions some gifts as prophecy, teaching, helps, and many others. All of what we do for the kingdom of God is important, and not one person does God favor over another, because He loves us all the same.

In order to effectively walk worthy of the vocation, or calling wherewith we were called, we must remain humble, and patiently navigate according to God’s timing. Too often, many who discover their gift in God, have a tendency of stepping out too early, before fully understanding how to operate in that gift. While gifts indeed come without repentance, we must not abuse God’s blessings by operating in them unworthily, or before time. For example, if God called you to prophesy, it wouldn’t be wise for you to use your gift for show, or selfish gain. Instead, your gift of prophecy should be used to help the church grow, and edify all who need to be lifted.

In our text, Joseph had the gift of interpreting dreams, and God allowed him to exercise that gift at appointed times, and for specific people. Joseph didn’t attempt to go around interpreting everyone’s dreams, in order to flaunt his gift, but he allowed God to place him in the right situations, so that his gift could be used to bring glory to His name.

Do you use your gift to show off, and draw attention to yourself? If so, you should reconsider your motives, before you are met with strict chastisement from the Father. God doesn’t regret making you super special, but He desires that you walk in humility, and use your gifts to help others, and not yourself. God will always take care of your business, so long as you take care of His.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

Choose Life

Jeremiah 21:8-14

Majority of the prophesies in the Bible were directed to a certain people, for a specific time, but there are many lessons we can learn from them, that could make our lives more pleasing to God, even today. For example, our text this week has been centered on God’s judgment of His disobedient people, and how he warned them to follow specific instructions, so that their lives could be spared (despite their rebellion and acts of iniquity). God set before the people the way of life, as well as the way of death. This was an example of God’s unexplainable mercy. The house of Judah no doubt deserved the death penalty for their deliberate disobedience, yet God provided a way of escape from their utter destruction. The very city the people of God inhabited, would soon be burned to ashes, because reverence for God was nonexistent as it once was. Think of all the bad choices you’ve made in life, and how God continued to shower His love upon you regardless. Allow God’s everlasting mercy, to fuel your desire to consistently choose life, and commit your ways to righteousness, while turning away from the way of death.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Wait For It…

Jeremiah 27:1-11

Words of prophecy, can oftentimes be compared to seed time, and harvest. After seeds are planted into the ground, the most important element in the germination process is, time. Once a seed is buried, it can be easily be forgotten, as time passes, but the moment a bud begins to rise from the soil, it makes its presence known, and fulfills the purpose for which it was planted.

Many words were prophesied throughout the Scriptures, and some of those prophecies have already come to pass, whereas others are still awaiting fulfillment. In the book of Genesis, God looked upon the earth, and was ashamed of how corrupt it had become, so God told Noah, “The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth.” Although God spoke those words, He didn’t execute them until many years after. Our text gives another example, when the Word of the Lord came unto the prophet Jeremiah, and spoke concerning yokes being put upon certain nations, but this prophecy was not made known until 20 years after Jeremiah received it.

God’s Words were never spoken in vain, nor will they ever return void. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11). Hold fast to the promises of God, and never think He’s forgotten about you. Sometimes, things must play put accordingly, until the appropriate time, for God’s Word to manifest.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Power In Prophecy

Isaiah 61:8-11, 62:2-4

Of all the spiritual gifts God bestowed upon His chosen, the apostle Paul advised the church at Corinth to desire the gift of prophecy. Paul felt strongly about his preference, because “greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.” (1 Corinthians 14:5). Spiritual gifts that actually benefit the whole body of believers, offer greater blessings than those that bless individuals persons, so it’s wise that we covet those gifts that will edify more people, than just ourselves.

The gift of prophecy was exercised throughout Scripture; more notably through the books of the prophets. Isaiah was considered one of the major prophets, but not because he was greater than the others. His book comprises a great amount of text, and prophecy, than what the minor prophets have recorded. Isaiah’s prophetic words offer great hope, especially for those who have suffered, or are suffering for the sake of the Gospel.

Whether we choose to believe it, or not, Christ will return, and all who remain true to their calling, will be rewarded. We learn in our text, there will be an “acceptable year of the Lord”, where God will have vengeance on those who persecuted His children. Such prophecies help us endure hard times, and keep us encouraged, while striving to serve God daily.

Allow God’s prophetic Word to inspire, motivate, and push you to work diligently in the earth. Watch, pray, love, and exercise all the gifts you operate in, to the glory of the almighty God.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Words Of Authority

Genesis 1:4-9, Amos 5:8-9

“And God said, Let there be…and it was so.” Those words alone, hold the utmost authority and power of all I’ve ever read in my life! To literally speak things into existence, deems one omnipotent, by default, despite what anyone says, in my opinion. As a kid, I tried time and time again, to call things from the sky, including money, candy, other things 80’s kids enjoyed during those days, but I assumed my voice wasn’t as strong as God’s, to call things into existence, because I was never able to make any of those things appear out of thin air. Obviously, my naivety got the best of me, but I soon gained a greater respect for the awesomeness of the power God operates in. In the beginning, God created, and set things in order with the power of His words. He divided light from darkness, placed the firmament of Heaven in the midst of the waters, and it divided the waters from the waters. God set the sun, moon, stars, and everything else in place, as they remain to this day. God created ecosystems in nature, times and seasons, and cycles, so that the earth and all its inhabitants, could be self-sustaining over time. The world in its “pre-tainted” state, was absolutely incredible! Ahh, if only I could have basked in the glory of such a pristine environment. God, in all His glory and awesomeness, still sits high and looks low upon this earth, awaiting the moment to gather His people together, and treat them to an eternity of peace, majesty, glory, and splendor in the new Heaven, and new earth. Will I see you there?

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” (Isaiah 65:17 KJV)

“For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.” (Isaiah 66:22 KJV)

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” (Matthew 24:29-33 KJV)

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:10-13 KJV)

Walk in love,

Ell

Life Is Bliss

Amos 5:4-5, 14-15

Is life truly worth living? It’s obvious, the state of the world is in steady decline, as we witness Bible prophecy fulfill before our very eyes. The uprising of wars, and rumors of wars, persecution, affliction, and all those things mentioned in the Scriptures, are surely coming to pass. With all the chaos, and turmoil ravaging the lands, can the people of God experience a life of goodness, and prosperity during these prophetic end-times? I’ll first answer that question by listing a few scriptures that support my strong opinion.

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 KJV

“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3 KJV

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 KJV

“In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.” Deuteronomy 30:16 KJV

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:1-2 KJV

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 KJV

Is life truly worth living? Of course it is! Despite the fact that this world will soon be over, God allows those who are engrafted into His royal family, to experience the full benefits of His amazing love! When we seek good, and not evil, God promised to be with us. Whether in times of sickness, trial, or testing, God will always defend those who seek to fulfill His will, over their own.

The enemy knows his time meandering around the earth is nearly up, so he’s pressing hard against the children of God, trying to convince them to give up. But, we already have the victory over satan. The problem is, many of us aren’t living as if that’s true. When we allow our problems to be bigger than the Problem Solver, this causes issues with our professed beliefs. Even as we live in obedience to God, we must remain bold and steadfast, regardless of what comes against us.

Believers have the power of God working within them, through His Spirit, that helps them do great things in the earth. We receive power, after the Holy Ghost comes upon us, to get wealth, call those things that be not, as though they were, lay hands on the sick, and help them recover, and many other wonderful things! So, rather than spend your life focusing on all your problems, look to God, and trust Him to help you live a good life on this troubled planet.

Walk in love,

Ell