The Prophetic Word - Day 138: There’s a call sent out to everyone.

“All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭27‬-‭30‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

A while back the Lord spoke in my spirit saying that the burning question everyone has that must be answered is, “What must I do to be saved?”

Now, Paul and Silas had been badly beaten and then thrown in jail. Indeed, they were put in the inner prison and fastened securely in stocks. The jailer was instructed that they must be kept securely.

At midnight Paul and Silas were having a prayer meeting, praying and singing to the Lord.

Suddenly there was a great earthquake, opening all the doors of the prison and loosening everyone’s chains.

The keeper of the prison awakened from sleep, and seeing what had happened, drew his sword to kill himself.

However, everything was about to change for this jailer.

“But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭16‬:‭28‬-‭34‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We see that the jailer asked Paul and Silas the question the Lord referenced to me. And, that was the beginning of a whole new life for him and his household.

Now, the part of what the Lord had spoken to me about which I needed clarification, was referencing the question: “What must I do to be saved,” as burning in everyone’s soul.

Surely, we see millions of people who are living their lives according their own dictates, never concerned about being “saved.” But what I came to understand is that they are asking the question, but they’re “asking” it to the wrong source.

In other words, people seeking after things of this world have a hole in their soul, and they’re seeking to fill it with what the world has to offer. They know they need something more than what they have, they sense their need to be “saved” from that feeling. But, they haven‘t asked about it as a response to hearing the Gospel. Sadly, this even applies to those who may have been presented the Gospel but haven’t heard it in their spirit (been convicted).

Nicodemus came to Jesus at night wanting to know more about Him. In Jesus’ discussion with Nicodemus He makes a statement known by all Christians. We will look at it in its context:

“No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Of course, I was referencing John 3:16. However, within this passage we see the answer to what God did for us through Jesus Christ as well as why some will not receive what God offers. Yes, many are called (given the invitation) but few are chosen (few respond, see Matthew 22:14).

In our opening scripture we see the Lord‘s offer to give rest to the weary sin-sick soul. That call to come to Him is a call given to EVERYONE.

Sadly, we know that some do not accept that invitation. But—for those who do—just like the jailer overseeing Paul and Silas, a wonderful new life has begun.

Today we have briefly examined the call we all are given. Tomorrow we will look into some biblical examples of specific callings, or missions, given to individuals.

Peace to you. Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him! #ThePropheticWord

The Prophetic Word - Day 137: It’s all about “The Call.”

In preparation for our discussion over the next five days, please carefully read and meditate on these passages of scripture:

“Now there was a certain man from Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren and had no children. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Indeed now, you are barren and have borne no children, but you shall conceive and bear a son. Now therefore, please be careful not to drink wine or similar drink, and not to eat anything unclean. For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. And no razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.”” ‭‭Judges‬ ‭13‬:‭2‬-‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Now the Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.”” ‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”” ‭‭Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” ‭‭II Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The Bible is full of people who answered “The Call.”

On the other hand, we also see people who didn’t answer it, or fell short of fulfilling it.

What IS “The Call”? Have YOU answered it?

Let’s examine “The Call” together over the next five days!

Peace to you. Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him! #ThePropheticWord

The Prophetic Word - Days 131 thru 136: In the Waiting

The Prophetic Word

Day 131: What do you do when waiting for God’s help?

In preparation for our discussion over the next five days, please carefully read and meditate on these passages of scripture:

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.”

Hebrews 10:23, 30-39 NKJV

“Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.”

Habakkuk 3:17-19 NKJV

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!”

Job 19:25-27 NKJV

““And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”

Revelation 22:12-17 NKJV

We know that the Lord will help us. He has helped us before; we know He will help us again. But sometimes, the Lord‘s timing doesn’t seem to sync with what we think are the limits of our ability to endure.

Over the next several days we will discuss what we need to do while we’re waiting for the Lord‘s help to be manifested, not only in our own lives, but for all of His children who are suffering.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

The Prophetic Word

Day 132: Don’t allow a “mean time” in the “meantime” cause you to forfeit what God has promised.

“lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.”

Hebrews 12:16-17 NKJV

Let’s face it, in general, waiting can be difficult. Indeed, when people are waiting, they can allow angst to be acted out in decisions and behaviors which turn out to be disastrous.

Now, specifically, in terms of waiting for what God has promised, even worse consequences result from allowing our discomfort, distress, etc., cause us to displease the Lord when the “meantime” (the period of waiting for what we need) becomes a “mean time.”

Yes, the level of difficulty of enduring in the meantime without despairing, goes up with the level of discomfort, suffering, lack, threat, etc., we are experiencing.

The children of Israel had been miraculously delivered out of Egypt. When they came to Mount Sinai, Moses was called up to receive God’s instructions for them. But, when Moses did not return in the timeframe the people had anticipated, they made a terrible mistake. Being fearful, they demanded that Aaron make a god for them to worship, and to go before them on their journey; which he did.

“Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.””

Exodus 32:1 NKJV

As a result of this disobedience, 3000 of the people were killed.

“Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies), then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, “Whoever is on the Lord’s side—come to me!” And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him. And he said to them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Let every man put his sword on his side, and go in and out from entrance to entrance throughout the camp, and let every man kill his brother, every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.’ ” So the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And about three thousand men of the people fell that day.”

Exodus 32:25-28 NKJV

Additionally, the people would suffer again and again because of this terrible mistake.

Saul had been anointed king over Israel. The prophet Samuel had given him specific instructions as to what he was to do next.

“You shall go down before me to Gilgal; and surely I will come down to you to offer burnt offerings and make sacrifices of peace offerings. Seven days you shall wait, till I come to you and show you what you should do.””

I Samuel 10:8 NKJV

But, Saul became fearful of losing control over the people and made a sacrifice he did not have the authority to make. You see, the people were being threatened by the Philistines and they began to scatter.

“And some of the Hebrews crossed over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. Then he waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. So Saul said, “Bring a burnt offering and peace offerings here to me.” And he offered the burnt offering.”

I Samuel 13:7-9 NKJV

As soon as Saul made the prohibited sacrifice, the prophet finally appeared.

“Now it happened, as soon as he had finished presenting the burnt offering, that Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might greet him. And Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered together at Michmash, then I said, ‘The Philistines will now come down on me at Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the Lord.’ Therefore I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering.””

I Samuel 13:10-12 NKJV

Samuel then gave Saul the bad news that he would not have a continuing kingdom because of what he had done.

“And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.””

I Samuel 13:13-14 NKJV

What a tragedy for Saul that he forfeited an everlasting kingdom because fear caused him to displease the Lord!

In our opening scripture we see the writer of Hebrews warning the persecuted Christian Jews that falling away from their steadfastness could result in losing everything. He uses the example of Esau who let his hunger cause him to forfeit his birthright.

“And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” Therefore his name was called Edom. But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.” And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?””

Genesis 25:30-32 NKJV

Child of God, let’s not fall short of receiving the Lord’s promises because of a mean time (pressure of any sort) in the meantime.

We’ll talk more about this tomorrow.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

The Prophetic Word

Day 133: God is not watching our “clock.”

“Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.””

Genesis 15:13-16 NKJV

I remember being in school and looking at the clock on the wall repeatedly to see if it was time to go yet. Now, I discovered a “law” with which you will probably identify: Being a clock-watcher actually “slows down” the space-time continuum.

Now, of course, you know that clock-watching doesn’t actually slow down the time; but it certainly seems that way! Right? And, this effect is greatly enhanced by the degree to which we are desiring some other situation than we are currently experiencing.

I’m sure you already know that this “clock-watching effect” also applies to when we are seeking something from the Lord.

Admittedly, whether a person has waited long enough on the Lord, will depend on whether the person waiting is yourself or someone else.

The other day I was meditating on the goodness of God concerning Ararat Church. During this time before the Lord He miraculously pointed out to me yet another sign that had prophesied the establishment of Ararat Church. (I say “yet another” because there have been numerous signs, sovereignly dictated events, through which Ararat Church was prophesied, established, and commissioned.)

While rejoicing before the Lord concerning this most recent sign, the Lord clearly spoke this to me: “ I have given you absolutely no reason to doubt [concerning the establishment of Ararat Church and the promises yet to be fulfilled], your problem is that you don’t agree with My timing.”

I thank God for His correction! Indeed, He has given no reason for me to doubt, allowing stress and strain to produce agitation or aggravation while in the “meantime.”

With that, I imagine you’ve made the same mistake: If something promised doesn’t occur within your “timeframe,” you may begin to doubt that you will ever see it. Or, perhaps, you may be more inclined/ tempted (as is in my own case), for the distress to manifest as wondering if you’ve somehow misunderstood what the Lord has said.

Sarah, possibly thinking they had misunderstood the Lord, decided to “help” the Lord by urging Abraham to conceive a child with her servant (Hagar).

“Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the Lord has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai.”

Genesis 16:1-2 NKJV

Of course, that soon went south when Hagar, having conceived a child (Ishmael) with Abraham, came to resent Sarah.

“So Abram had sexual relations with Hagar, and she became pregnant. But when Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai, with contempt.”

Genesis 16:4 NLT

Then, several years later, when Abraham asked the Lord if Ishmael could be the chosen one, the Lord made clear that the promise was not through Ishmael.

“So Abraham said to God, “May Ishmael live under your special blessing!” But God replied, “No—Sarah, your wife, will give birth to a son for you. You will name him Isaac, and I will confirm my covenant with him and his descendants as an everlasting covenant. As for Ishmael, I will bless him also, just as you have asked. I will make him extremely fruitful and multiply his descendants. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. But my covenant will be confirmed with Isaac, who will be born to you and Sarah about this time next year.””

Genesis 17:18-21 NLT

Abraham and Sarah did not misunderstand what God had promised. It’s just that the “clock” they were watching, said that it was past the time for Sarah to be able to bear Abraham a son.

And, we know (from the writer of Hebrews) that Sarah did finally grasp hold of the faith to conceive.

“It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise. And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them.”

Hebrews 11:11-12 NLT

In our opening scripture we see the Lord promising Abraham that one day in the future, where Abraham is standing, will be turned over to his descendants. But, for now, the Amorites would remain in the land because “the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”

What? You heard it correctly: God has His own “clock” determining when things happen! He is an eternal Being Who knows all things. His “timing” is always right, even if it “hurts our feelings.”

And, yes, the day did come when the Amorites surrendered the land to the descendants of Abraham!

Joshua, speaking to the children of Israel, reminds them:

“For the Lord our God is the one who rescued us and our ancestors from slavery in the land of Egypt. He performed mighty miracles before our very eyes. As we traveled through the wilderness among our enemies, he preserved us. It was the Lord who drove out the Amorites and the other nations living here in the land. So we, too, will serve the Lord, for he alone is our God.””

Joshua 24:17-18 NLT

Never more so has the matter of timing caused people to doubt, than concerning the return of Jesus Christ. Indeed, Peter warned of the folly of doubting His return based on the “clock” we’re watching.

“Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed. But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.”

2 Peter 3:3-10 NLT

Remember, we may not be able to see God’s “clock,” but we “see” Him.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.”

Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT

Let’s keep watching Him and we’ll be sure not to miss seeing our promise. It’s just a matter of time!

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

The Prophetic Word

Day 134: God’s ways are not our ways.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.”

Hebrews 10:23, 30-39 NKJV

As I have referenced before, Psalm 37 was one of my grandfather Aram‘s favorite passages of scripture.

The basic truth we can glean from this psalm is that the wicked’s day is coming. In other words, they won’t get by forever. And, in the meantime, we should not be discouraged because of the temporary prosperity of wicked people and their wicked plans.

“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more. But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”

Psalms 37:7-11 NKJV

Yesterday we discussed how the Lord‘s timing is not according to our “clock.” We must add today that neither are His methods, our methods.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV

Seeing that God‘s ways are not our ways, we may get discouraged while waiting for our answer, not seeing things “falling into place” as we have assumed they should.

Habakkuk was crying out to the Lord concerning the evil he was seeing all around him.

“O Lord, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, “Violence!” And You will not save. Why do You show me iniquity, And cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; There is strife, and contention arises. Therefore the law is powerless, And justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore perverse judgment proceeds.”

Habakkuk 1:2-4 NKJV

Now, near in mind, Habakkuk was complaining about evil doers among his own people.

The Lord then gives Habakkuk an answer he was apparently not expecting.

““Look among the nations and watch— Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days Which you would not believe, though it were told you. For indeed I am raising up the Chaldeans, A bitter and hasty nation Which marches through the breadth of the earth, To possess dwelling places that are not theirs.”

Habakkuk 1:5-6 NKJV

Yes, the Lord tells Habakkuk that He is preparing the Chaldeans to come and wipe out the evil people Habakkuk is referencing!

This revelation by God to Habakkuk throws him for a loop. Habakkuk doesn’t understand why the Lord would use people more wicked than the wicked people about which he is complaining to exact His justice.

The Lord then tells Habakkuk that what He has said, will happen, and that Habakkuk’s part is to live by his faith, yes, to be faithful.

In our opening scripture we see that the writer of Hebrews employs what the Lord said to Habakkuk as he tries to encourage the embattled Christian Jews to remain faithful.

There is a song entitled “I Don’t Need to Understand; I Just Need to Hold Your Hand.” Indeed, that title expresses a great truth: The source of our peace should be our relationship to the Lord, independent of whether things are going as we think they should.

Child of God, if you wait until you understand how and why God is doing what He is doing, if you wait until you see your answer coming, to have peace, you will never experience the true peace coming from just trusting Him. Remember, He’s working everything out for your good.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

Romans 8:28 NLT

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

The Prophetic Word

Day 135: The “patience of Job” may not be what you think it is.

“constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength],”

Romans 12:12 AMP

No discussion of endurance, or making it through “the meantime” before getting the help or answer you desire from the Lord, would be complete without referencing Job; specifically, the “patience of Job.”

Having recently discussed Job’s patience (“The Prophetic Word,” Day 117), it will suffice here for us to be reminded of what Job’s “patience” looked like.

Now, if you think that his patience looked like not complaining about his situation, you will be confused if you do a thorough examination of the book of Job.

Indeed, Job is complaining, vehemently at times, about his situation. But, in all that he went through, what he did not do was to charge God with “being wrong.” He did not “curse God and die,” as his wife suggests. Quite to the contrary, Job blesses the name of the Lord.

“Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.”

Job 1:20-22 NKJV

Indeed, Job continues to confess his hope in a Redeemer Who would eventually make all things right for him.

“For I know that my Redeemer and Vindicator lives, And at the last He will take His stand upon the earth. Even after my [mortal] skin is destroyed [by death], Yet from my [immortal] flesh I will see God, Whom I, even I, will see for myself, And my eyes will see Him and not another! My heart faints within me.”

Job 19:25-27 AMP

Yesterday we were discussing the fact that Habakkuk was distressed over the way the Lord was going to answer his complaint. But, he also remains steadfast. Even in the midst of deep distress, he didn’t forget that God’s ways are right, even when we don’t understand them. Indeed, God’s ways are everlasting!

“He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations, Yes, the eternal mountains were shattered, The ancient hills bowed low and collapsed. His ways are eternal.”

Habakkuk 3:6 AMP

Jesus spoke of a time of great trouble that was coming on His people. He warned them that they must remain faithful through whatever they must face. And, in doing so, they would be saved!

“You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. By your patience possess your souls.”

Luke 21:16-19 NKJV

In our opening scripture we see Paul reminding the Christians in Rome to remain steadfast, patient, yes, faithful, through their distress.

Dear friend, we may think that faced with the decision between abandoning our faith or being killed, that we would make the right choice. And I pray, by God’s grace, that we all would be steadfast in that situation.

Indeed, many of my relatives, Armenian Christians, died during the Armenian genocide because they would not give up their faith in Christ.

Now, whereas we may or may not ever face that decision, we are constantly being faced with whether we are going to believe God and be faithful to Him, even when things don’t turn out the way we think they should, or in the timeframe we desire.

Waiting when you’re suffering in some way or another is not easy. But the wait will be worth it!

Let’s look further into that tomorrow as we bring all of this together.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

The Prophetic Word

Day 136: It will be worth the wait!

“Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.”

Habakkuk 3:17-19 NKJV

The Songs of Ascent are psalms said to have been sung by the people as they made their pilgrimages to Jerusalem to worship.

You see, these pilgrimages could be physically arduous and these songs were to encourage the weary souls on their way. As well, these songs also prepared their hearts for their worship in Jerusalem.

Now, as we have been discussing this week, waiting on an answer from the Lord can be difficult, particularly so if we are in some way or another, suffering. But, as we walk through these “mean times” in the meantime, we must, as these pilgrims did on their way up to Jerusalem, encourage ourselves in the Lord.

“Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications. If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope. My soul waits for the Lord More than those who watch for the morning— Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.”

Psalms 130:1-6 NKJV

In the above song of ascent, we see the intensity of this cry out to the Lord as being comparable to those who—for some reason or another—are facing a fearful night, yet looking with hope for the dawn of day.

Our hope is in the Lord. Yet, sometimes, we are tempted to abandon that hope in the midst of the confusion, that pain and suffering, can bring.

Over the last several days we have discussed what we must know in order to make it through times of pressing without falling away from our steadfastness, to endure without despairing in our souls.

What we would like to offer today is additional encouragement:

We must remember, remaining faithful to the Lord—even when we don’t understand why we’re going through what we’re going through—will be richly rewarded.

“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

I Corinthians 15:51-58 NKJV

Yes, the Lord will help in our present struggles. Even now, He will strengthen and uphold us by His mighty power. And, He will bring our answer in His time.

But, beyond that, we know that we have an eternal reward awaiting those who remain faithful to the end.

“Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.””

Revelation 14:13 NKJV

Praise God, the day is coming when our labor, our struggle, will be over. And in that day, whatever suffering we have experienced here, will seem as nothing compared to the glory awaiting us.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

II Corinthians 4:16-18 NKJV

So, for now, how shall we live, even in the midst of our trouble?

Let’s do what Habakkuk did when he was in distress and did not understand God‘s ways.

In our opening scripture we see that Habakkuk encourages himself in the Lord, speaking wonderful words of faith, reminding himself that no matter what is going on, the Lord will help him make it through!

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!