The Prophetic Word - Day 101: Learn to trust God's processes in your life.

The Prophetic Word Day 101: Learn to trust God’s processes in your life.

In preparation for our discussion over the next five days, please carefully read and meditate on Hebrews 11:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬-‭40‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We often don’t understand how what we are seeing in our lives is working toward God‘s purpose for us. As well, we may struggle to see a path from where we are, to realizing what God has promised. Over the next several days we will discuss trusting God’s processes in our lives in order to stay the course, living and finishing well!

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

The Prophetic Word - Days 95 thru 100: The sin of Balaam and being left behind

The Prophetic Word Day 95: The great Apostasy involves the sin of Balaam.

In preparation for our discussion over the next five days, please carefully read and meditate on the following scriptures:

“Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” ‭‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“But Moses was angry with the officers of the army, with the captains over thousands and captains over hundreds, who had come from the battle. And Moses said to them: “Have you kept all the women alive? Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord.” ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭31‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ NKJV

““And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.” ‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭8‬, ‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet.” ‭‭II Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The word of God tells us that there will be a great falling away (Apostasy) from The Faith, just before the revealing of the Antichrist. Over the next several days we will explore what this falling away has to do with the sin of Balaam; and, how to make sure we are not a part of it!

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

The Prophetic Word Day 96: What God blesses cannot be cursed.

“Help me, O Lord my God! Save me because of your unfailing love. Let them see that this is your doing, that you yourself have done it, Lord. Then let them curse me if they like, but you will bless me! When they attack me, they will be disgraced! But I, your servant, will go right on rejoicing! May my accusers be clothed with disgrace; may their humiliation cover them like a cloak.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭109‬:‭26‬-‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When the children of Israel finally made the move to go into the Promised Land (after their 40 years of wondering because of their unbelief), they were a force that made the nations tremble. It seemed that they were unbeatable; and this fact was not lost to the king of Moab.

Fearing that the Israelites would conquer and absorb his kingdom, the king of Moab (Balak) hatched a plan.

“Then the people of Israel traveled to the plains of Moab and camped east of the Jordan River, across from Jericho. Balak son of Zippor, the Moabite king, had seen everything the Israelites did to the Amorites. And when the people of Moab saw how many Israelites there were, they were terrified. The king of Moab said to the elders of Midian, “This mob will devour everything in sight, like an ox devours grass in the field!” So Balak, king of Moab, sent messengers to call Balaam son of Beor, who was living in his native land of Pethor near the Euphrates River. His message said: “Look, a vast horde of people has arrived from Egypt. They cover the face of the earth and are threatening me. Please come and curse these people for me because they are too powerful for me. Then perhaps I will be able to conquer them and drive them from the land. I know that blessings fall on any people you bless, and curses fall on people you curse.”” ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yes, Balak thought that if Balaam would curse the Israelites, they would then be defeatable.

Now, Balaam was a prophet from Aram (Mesopotamia). And he did possess power to bless and to curse. This is illustrated in the fact that God instructed that he not curse the people. And, because God forbade him not to curse Israel, he at first refused to go with the representatives sent by the king of Moab.

“But God told Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse these people, for they have been blessed!” The next morning Balaam got up and told Balak’s officials, “Go on home! The Lord will not let me go with you.”” ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭22‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Now, strangely, this didn’t settle the situation for Balaam. In fact, through many twists and turns (including a talking donkey), he ended up trying to curse Israel three times!

After the first attempt, Balaam had this to say:

“But how can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I condemn those whom the Lord has not condemned? I see them from the cliff tops; I watch them from the hills. I see a people who live by themselves, set apart from other nations.” ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭23‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Trying again to curse them, he was compelled to confess the faithfulness of God:

“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? Listen, I received a command to bless; God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!” ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭23‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Not ready to relent, Balaam tried a third time to curse Israel and ended up giving a prophecy that included a prophetic word concerning our Lord!

“This is the message Balaam delivered: “This is the message of Balaam son of Beor, the message of the man whose eyes see clearly, the message of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: I see him, but not here and now. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel. It will crush the heads of Moab’s people, cracking the skulls of the people of Sheth.” ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

At this point Balaam seems to come to the knowledge of a great revelation: cursing Israel would be a boomerang!

“Like a lion, Israel crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to arouse her? Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel, and cursed is everyone who curses you.”” ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭24‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God has blessed Israel; and any attempt to curse Israel by Balaam—or anyone else—will come back on their own head.

In our opening scripture David is asking for the Lord’s help, yes, for the Lord’s blessing. He knows that what God’s blessing is on, cannot be cursed; and anyone attempting to do so, will end up humiliated.

The Lord recently instructed me to give this passage to a young woman who was very concerned about someone threatening to curse a member of the young woman’s household. The “targeted” person had done what was right and had spoken the truth. The offended party then railed threats involving cursing (by witchcraft) the person who had told the truth.

Now, nobody likes to be threatened with being cursed. But remember, there is no curse greater than God’s blessing.

Indeed, we saw that Israel could not be cursed by Balaam. So, how is it that they did end up somehow being cursed? We’ll take that issue up tomorrow.

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

The Prophetic Word Day 97: Covenant breaking leads to a curse.

“And Moses said to them: “Have you kept all the women alive? Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord.” ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭31‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Yesterday we discussed the fact that Balaam was unable to curse the children of Israel because they had the blessing of God upon them.

Oddly enough, when we go into chapter 25 of Numbers—with chapter 24 having ended with Balaam leaving because he could not curse the people—we now see that the children of Israel have fallen into harlotry with the women of Moab and Midian. As well, they have been punished with a plague that killed 24,000 people!

“Now Israel remained in Acacia Grove, and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab. They invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. So Israel was joined to Baal of Peor, and the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel. And those who died in the plague were twenty-four thousand.” ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭25‬:‭1‬-‭3‬, ‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

So what happened here? The people could not be cursed by Balaam; yet, now they seem to have brought a curse upon themselves by mingling with ungodly women.

Sadly, the breaking of covenant with God would repeatedly lead to much distress and destruction on the children of Israel.

Here, the psalmist recounts this tragic pattern of covenant breaking, then destruction:

“The warriors of Ephraim, though armed with bows, turned their backs and fled on the day of battle. They did not keep God’s covenant and refused to live by his instructions. They forgot what he had done— the great wonders he had shown them, the miracles he did for their ancestors on the plain of Zoan in the land of Egypt. But in spite of this, the people kept sinning. Despite his wonders, they refused to trust him. So he ended their lives in failure, their years in terror.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭78‬:‭9‬-‭12‬, ‭32‬-‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What a sad commentary. What the enemy could not do to them, they opened themselves to experiencing through covenant breaking and disobedience!

OK, but what does this have to do with Balaam?

Our opening scripture looks further into the story concerning the Balaam incident. We see that just before Moses died, the Lord instructed him to take vengeance on the Midianites.

The armies of Israel went against Midian and had a stunning victory. Indeed, it was in this battle that Balaam was killed!

Having had a great victory against the Midianites, the captains and leaders of the armies brought back all the Medianite women with the spoils.

Moses was greatly angered with the leaders of the army for bringing the women with them, giving the explanation seen in the opening scripture: “Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord.”

Wow! There it is! Apparently, after not being able to curse the children of Israel, Balaam instructed the enemy as to how to get the children of Israel to curse themselves by getting them to mingle with the women of Moab and Median and learning their idolatrous ways because of their sexual involvement.

Remember, what God blesses cannot be cursed…unless the one who is blessed, breaks God’s covenant.

“Like the sparrow in her wandering, like the swallow in her flying, So the curse without cause does not come and alight [on the undeserving].” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭26‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Yes, a curse without a cause can’t land on whom God has blessed. But if those who are blessed, become covenant breakers, they will bring disaster on themselves (curse themselves)!

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

The Prophetic Word Day 98: Departing from the faith is nothing new.

“For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭29‬-‭31‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Apparently, the people in the church at Thessalonica had become disturbed, believing some false teachers who were saying that Jesus had already returned. Paul addresses their concern by giving them a sure sign that must happen before the Lord’s Second Coming.

“Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” ‭‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Paul instructs them that there will be a great falling away, that is, a great backsliding or Apostasy, before the return of the Lord; and, since that had not yet happened, it was not possible that He had already come and left them.

The general idea of people backsliding or falling away from God is found throughout the Bible. Indeed, there was a falling away in the heavenly hosts, resulting in their being imprisoned.

“For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries,” ‭‭II Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬, ‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In the following scripture we see one of the many times the Lord references the backsliding of His people. Indeed, He likens their departure as being as fast as a horse running into the battle!

“Why has this people slidden back, Jerusalem, in a perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to deceit, They refuse to return. I listened and heard, But they do not speak aright. No man repented of his wickedness, Saying, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone turned to his own course, As the horse rushes into the battle.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭8‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Jesus once lost a multitude of His followers after a message He gave speaking of the eating of His flesh and drinking of His blood.

“Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.” ‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭60‬, ‭66‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Because of the hardness of their hearts, they couldn’t see what He was actually saying, and ran for the exits.

The apostle Paul spoke of people who had departed from him and his teaching.

“That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.” ‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In our opening scripture we see that Paul was concerned that after he was deceased, others would come and lead the people astray.

Sadly, falling away from The Faith is nothing new. But—make no mistake—there is a falling away, a Great Apostasy, that will be new in terms of its scope. We will talk more about that tomorrow.

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

The Prophetic Word Day 99: Loving things of this world leads to falling away from God.

““And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭16‬ ‭NKJV

The way that Balaam got the children of Israel to become defeatable, was by tempting them to run after things displeasing to God.

We are not told in vain to make sure that our affection is not on the things of this world.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” ‭‭I John‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Remember, friends of the world cannot be friends of our Lord.

“You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” ‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

As Jesus put it, love of this world will compete with your love for Him; and the results won’t be good.

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

As James put it, a strong desire for things of the world will take us into temptation.

“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Jude warned against following after those who—like Balaam—set their affection on things of the world and not of God.

“For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.” ‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬, ‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

As well, Peter warned against following after those who run after the things of this world and encourage, yes, entice, others to do the same.

“and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;” ‭‭II Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In our opening scripture we see the Lord warning the church at Pergamos concerning their walking in the error of Balaam. He gives a very stern warning about what will happen for those who continue to follow Balaam’s path.

Tragically, there will be—and even now are—those who call themselves Christians, yet their affection is on the things of this present world. And, the mixing with the world resulting from misplaced affection, will indeed become a stumbling block which will lead to the great falling away!

Tomorrow we will bring all of this together.

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

The Prophetic Word Day 100: Don’t be left behind.

“And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭8‬-‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We began this week by talking about the sin of Balaam.

Now, Balaam could not curse Israel because God had blessed Israel. But, it seems that he advised the enemy that the Israelites could be defeated if they compromised themselves through mingling with the things of this world (in this case, idolatry and sexual immorality).

Indeed, the advice of Balaam led to the people of God treating God‘s blessing, their special covenant relationship with the Lord, as something “common” (used here to reference the things of this world).

Hezekiah was a good King of Israel and God had blessed him, even giving him a 15 year extension on his life.

Sadly, during the time of his life-extension, he made an awful mistake. You see, the king of Babylon, having heard that Hezekiah had been sick and had recovered, sent representatives to him with presents. Hezekiah was so flattered by this gesture, that he treated what God had given him as being common, putting it on display to the representatives from Babylon.

“Then Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah, and said to him, “What did these men say, and from where did they come to you?” So Hezekiah said, “They came to me from a far country, from Babylon.” And he said, “What have they seen in your house?” So Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shown them.” Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: ‘Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and what your fathers have accumulated until this day, shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left,’ says the Lord.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭39‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

They would lose everything because it wasn’t treated as Holy.

When we go after the things of this world, when we mingle ourselves with those operating in the world system, we make common what God has made to be holy, opening ourselves up to forfeiting the sustaining power of God in Jesus Christ.

Indeed, it would be Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh, who would lead the people astray again.

“So Manasseh seduced Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel.” ‭‭II Chronicles‬ ‭33‬:‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Mingling with the world, loving what it has to offer, will eventually lead to being open to deception. Walking in deception leads to falling away from God’s blessings, and even from the Faith.

Continuing on, whereas departing the Faith is nothing new, there is coming a Great Apostasy just before the return of our Lord.

Jesus spoke of the falling away coming at the time of the end.

“And then many will be offended [fall away], will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭10‬-‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In our opening scripture Jesus is teaching the parable of the wise and foolish virgins.

Because the Bridegroom delayed His coming, half of the virgins did not have what it took to go out and meet Him. And, their lack could not be made up by those who were ready to go.

My friend, Jesus is coming back and He is coming back soon! Let’s stay prepared and watchful so that we are not part of the Great Apostasy that has already begun.

“knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;” ‭‭II Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬-‭4‬, ‭10‬-‭14‬, ‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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

The Prophetic Word- Days 89 thru 94: Take His Yoke

The Prophetic Word

Day 89: You will be under one of two yokes.

In preparation for our discussion over the next five days, please carefully read and meditate on the following scriptures:

“I will go to the great [men] And speak to them, For they [must] know the way of the Lord, The ordinance of their God.” But [I found the reverse to be true, that] they too had all alike broken the yoke [of God’s law] And had burst the bonds [of obedience to Him]. Therefore a lion from the forest will kill them, A wolf of the deserts will destroy them, A leopard is watching their cities. Everyone who goes out of them shall be torn in pieces, Because their transgressions are many, Their desertions of faith are countless.”

Jeremiah 5:5-6 AMP

“Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke off Jeremiah’s neck and broke it in pieces. And Hananiah said again to the crowd that had gathered, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Just as this yoke has been broken, within two years I will break the yoke of oppression from all the nations now subject to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.’” With that, Jeremiah left the Temple area. Soon after this confrontation with Hananiah, the Lord gave this message to Jeremiah: “Go and tell Hananiah, ‘This is what the Lord says: You have broken a wooden yoke, but you have replaced it with a yoke of iron. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: I have put a yoke of iron on the necks of all these nations, forcing them into slavery under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. I have put everything, even the wild animals, under his control.’” Then Jeremiah the prophet said to Hananiah, “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord has not sent you, but the people believe your lies. Therefore, this is what the Lord says: ‘You must die. Your life will end this very year because you have rebelled against the Lord.’” Two months later the prophet Hananiah died.”

Jeremiah 28:10-17 NLT

“It shall come to pass in that day That his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, And his yoke from your neck, And the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil.”

Isaiah 10:27 NKJV

“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 11:28-30 NKJV

“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.”

John 5:39-40 NKJV

“But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.” The Lord then answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?””

Luke 13:12-16 NKJV

Man was not created to be autonomous unto himself. We were created to have fellowship with our Father. When sin entered in, the ability for man to be led from the heart was lost.

Being alienated from God left man in a situation similar to a boat with no rudder. So, man began to search for control, tragically finding it in the world system.

Now, thanks to Jesus redeeming us, raising us to new life, and filling us with His Holy Spirit, we can once again be lead from the heart.

Sadly, many people stay under the sway of the world’s yoke, the world’s rule. Even some Christians have not fully submitted to the yoke of Christ and find themselves vacillating between the rule of Christ and the rule of sin!

Make no mistake, you will be under the yoke of Jesus Christ or the yoke of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Tomorrow we will begin our investigation into the two yokes—one of which—everyone will come under.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

The Prophetic Word

Day 90: A yoke connects you to something.

“Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?”

Amos 3:3 NLT

Let’s begin today by reviewing this from yesterday:

Man was not created to be autonomous unto himself. We were created to have fellowship with our Father. When sin entered in, the ability for man to be led from the heart was lost.

Being alienated from God left man in a situation similar to a boat with no rudder. So, man began to search for control, tragically finding it in the world system.

Before going further, let’s look at what an actual yoke is.

Given, those of us living in a modern society may not have had much opportunity to observe the use of a yoke.

However, from biblical times even until now (in some parts of the world), yokes are commonly used.

Now, a yoke is a beam or connecting device used to attach two animals in order that they go in the same direction. This device is used for farming purposes as well as for purposes of pulling loads of all sorts.

In the Bible, actual yokes, as well as yokes as a metaphor, are referenced.

For example, in the story of Elisha being chosen to be Elijah’s protégé, we see an actual yoke referenced:

“Elisha left him, took two oxen, and butchered them. He boiled the meat, using the oxen’s yoke ⌞for firewood⌟. He gave the meat to the people to eat. Then he left to follow and assist Elijah.”

1 Kings 19:21 GW

It’s interesting that we see that Elisha destroys the actual yoke used on his oxen by making a fire with it to cook them. But with that, we also see that Elisha then goes with Elijah—or becomes “yoked” to him—to go wherever he goes.

That’s just it, being under a yoke with something takes you in the same direction as the other thing/person under that yoke.

Indeed, the Bible employs the use of the yoke to indicate a position of servitude or obedience.

“And it shall be, that the nation and kingdom which will not serve Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and which will not put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation I will punish,’ says the Lord, ‘with the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.”

Jeremiah 27:8 NKJV

In the above scripture we see that the Lord is punishing His rebellious people by putting them under the “yoke” of, or being made to serve, Nebuchadnezzar.

In our opening scripture we see a question illustrating the truth that if you are walking along with something—if you are yoked with something—you have come into agreement or have been made subject to the thing to which you are yoked or connected.

Of course, the intent of this scripture is to make the point that it is necessary to be in agreement in order to go in the same direction. But with that, if you are going in the same direction, it follows that you have come into agreement— whether voluntarily or involuntarily—with the force with which you share the yoke. So, shouldn’t we be careful about which yoke we are under?

We’ll look more into this tomorrow.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

The Prophetic Word

Day 91: Don’t get under the wrong yoke.

“I will go to the great [men] And speak to them, For they [must] know the way of the Lord, The ordinance of their God.” But [I found the reverse to be true, that] they too had all alike broken the yoke [of God’s law] And had burst the bonds [of obedience to Him]. Therefore a lion from the forest will kill them, A wolf of the deserts will destroy them, A leopard is watching their cities. Everyone who goes out of them shall be torn in pieces, Because their transgressions are many, Their desertions of faith are countless.”

Jeremiah 5:5-6 AMP

As discussed yesterday, when you are under the yoke with something, you go where it goes.

With that, were you aware that a close relationship with a person or persons, puts you subject to going in their same direction?

Indeed, I have seen many miserable marriages between people who hadn’t thought about where their spouse intended to go, before saying “I do.” Somebody said, “Love is blind; but marriage is 20/20.” I would say that it is most likely sexual attraction that makes us blind. And, sexual lust has more to do with what we want than what we don’t want, and is certainly not about what we need. Yes, and many of those “love is blind” marriages, end in heartache.

In terms of other kinds of relationships, tragically, some people have ended up in great trouble, or even been killed, because they weren’t careful about with whom they were involved.

I know a young woman who thought she was driving her friends to do some shopping and they attempted to rob the store while she sat waiting in the car.

In another case, a young man went with some friends to “rip off” a gas station, thinking that though this was obviously wrong, it would be a petty theft and no one would get hurt. Yet, during the robbery, one of the other people in the group shot and killed a security guard!

I know another case where a young man thought he was giving a ride home to a woman and ended up being shot dead by her husband when he dropped her off. He had no idea what she had been up to and no idea what he was walking into.

Sadly, I could go on. Again, you better know with whom you are involving yourself.

Indeed, as Christians, we are to be very careful about our relationships.

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God.

II Corinthians 6:14-16a NKJV

We are the temple of God. As such, we must not be hooked up with that which is evil. And, make no mistake, this principle also applies to the realm of the spirit.

“What am I trying to say? Am I saying that food offered to idols has some significance, or that idols are real gods? No, not at all. I am saying that these sacrifices are offered to demons, not to God. And I don’t want you to participate with demons. You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too.”

1 Corinthians 10:19-21 NLT

In our opening scripture we see the prophet Jeremiah trying to find anyone who still had righteous judgment.

Sadly, he found that even those who should have known better, had refused the yoke of God, making light of His Law and walking in disobedience to it. And, while they rejected God’s yoke (control), they made themselves idolaters and servants of sin. God says of them:

““How can I pardon you? For even your children have turned from me. They have sworn by gods that are not gods at all! I fed my people until they were full. But they thanked me by committing adultery and lining up at the brothels.”

Jeremiah 5:7 NLT

Friend, if you aren’t under the yoke of God, or you vacillate between God’s yoke and that of the world, the flesh, and the devil, you can be sure you will end up going where you never thought you would go.

We’ll talk more about this tomorrow.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

The Prophetic Word

Day 92: The yoke is an instrument of learning.

“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 11:28-30 NKJV

In actual usage with beasts of burden, the yoke isn’t only used to get the animals going in the same direction, but also to train an unexperienced animal. The “novice” will learn what to do while being under the yoke with the “expert.”

The same principle is true in our Christian walk. That is, we can’t do what we don’t know. And, we can’t know what we need to know without being taught.

In the interaction between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, we see the eunuch expressing the fact that understanding can’t come without a teacher.

“As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the Kandake, the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah. The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him.”

Acts 8:26-31 NLT

Indeed, the same fact is conveyed by Paul in his discourse on the importance of the preaching of the Gospel.

“For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!””

Romans 10:13-15 NLT

As well, when Paul was teaching concerning other matters of Christian conduct, he reminds the people in the churches (under his care), that they must learn to imitate, or follow, the example of Christ.

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”

Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT

Also, he reminds them that they can depend on his example to show them what God would have them do.

“And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”

1 Corinthians 11:1 NLT

In our opening scripture we see Jesus giving an invitation to be His follower; yes, an invitation to come under His yoke and learn from Him!

Now, we know that in actual operation, the yoke connecting us to Jesus Christ is the Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit of God.

““There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’”

John 16:12-15 NLT

Sadly, not all will come to Him, submitting to His rule, taking Him as their Teacher.

“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.”

John 5:39-40 NLT

And, rejecting the yoke of Christ leads to disaster.

We’ll talk more about this tomorrow.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

The Prophetic Word

Day 93: The yoke is an instrument of judgment.

“Our kings, leaders, priests, and ancestors did not obey your Law or listen to the warnings in your commands and laws. Even while they had their own kingdom, they did not serve you, though you showered your goodness on them. You gave them a large, fertile land, but they refused to turn from their wickedness. “So now today we are slaves in the land of plenty that you gave our ancestors for their enjoyment! We are slaves here in this good land. The lush produce of this land piles up in the hands of the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They have power over us and our livestock. We serve them at their pleasure, and we are in great misery.””

Nehemiah 9:34-37 NLT

Yesterday we ended by making note of the fact that some people reject the yoke of the Lord. Such was the case in the days of the prophet Jeremiah. Indeed, he looked to see if there were any among God’s people who still walked according to His commands. But he found none.

“I will go to the great [men] And speak to them, For they [must] know the way of the Lord, The ordinance of their God.” But [I found the reverse to be true, that] they too had all alike broken the yoke [of God’s law] And had burst the bonds [of obedience to Him]. Therefore a lion from the forest will kill them, A wolf of the deserts will destroy them, A leopard is watching their cities. Everyone who goes out of them shall be torn in pieces, Because their transgressions are many, Their desertions of faith are countless.”

Jeremiah 5:5-6 AMP

As a result of the people rejecting the yoke of God, they were going to be subjected to the yoke of an oppressor!

Make no mistake, in every case, the one who rejects the yoke of God, refusing to walk according to His commands, is submitting themselves to a yoke of oppression, a yoke of bondage.

Jeremiah tried to warn the people; but the other prophets spoke what God had not said, making them believe they would not have to subject themselves to an oppressor.

To illustrate to the people the judgment that was coming, the Lord told Jeremiah to wear a wooden yoke before the people. He was then to say that they would be subjected to an oppressor (in this case, Nebuchadnezzar).

One of the prophets who was speaking falsely, Hananiah, broke the yoke off of Jeremiah’s neck and gave a false prophecy of deliverance.

Because of this action, the Lord instructed Jeremiah to tell the people that now—rather than a yoke of wood—they would wear a yoke of iron. Indeed, their bondage would be severe!

“Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke off Jeremiah’s neck and broke it in pieces. And Hananiah said again to the crowd that had gathered, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Just as this yoke has been broken, within two years I will break the yoke of oppression from all the nations now subject to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.’” With that, Jeremiah left the Temple area. Soon after this confrontation with Hananiah, the Lord gave this message to Jeremiah: “Go and tell Hananiah, ‘This is what the Lord says: You have broken a wooden yoke, but you have replaced it with a yoke of iron. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: I have put a yoke of iron on the necks of all these nations, forcing them into slavery under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. I have put everything, even the wild animals, under his control.’” Then Jeremiah the prophet said to Hananiah, “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord has not sent you, but the people believe your lies. Therefore, this is what the Lord says: ‘You must die. Your life will end this very year because you have rebelled against the Lord.’” Two months later the prophet Hananiah died.”

Jeremiah 28:10-17 NLT

Additionally, we see that Hananiah died because he prophesied falsely.

In our opening scripture we see the words spoken by the leaders of the people as they were seeking to regain the favor of God. They confessed their sin of disobedience; they mourned their refusal to come under the yoke of God which had resulted in their slavery.

Remember, it is only by taking on the yoke of Jesus Christ that we can be free from a yoke of bondage.

Indeed, the Holy Spirit of God—Who is the yoke of Jesus Christ—breaks the yoke of oppression!

We’ll put all this together tomorrow.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

The Prophetic Word

Day 94: Jesus breaks the yoke of bondage.

“Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.” The Lord then answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?””

Luke 13:10-16 NKJV

Jesus made a statement to His followers to which some of the people took umbrage.

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” “But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?””

John 8:31-33 NLT

He said that the truth would set them free; and they were scandalized by the representation of themselves as being slaves.

“Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”

John 8:34-36 NLT

Yes, Jesus made Himself even more popular with them by basically saying that—because they lived a lifestyle of sin—they were, in fact, slaves to sin!

Now, we know that Jesus came to set us free from sin. But, some wrongly believe that His work has freed everyone from sin whether or not they walk in obedience to Him.

However, the apostle Paul made clear that the habitual sinner remains in a subservient position to sin.

“Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.”

Romans 6:12-16 NLT

The work of Christ did not give us an excuse to sin, but rather, the power to say no to sin.

What a wonderful gift it is that we no longer have to be a slave of sin. Sadly, some choose to continue in sin and refuse to come under the yoke of obedience with Christ.

The Lord wants to set us free from sin. He wants to help us walk in righteousness. He set multitudes free from demons while walking the earth. He still sets people free, doing so now through His Holy Spirit dwelling in us.

“It shall come to pass in that day That his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, And his yoke from your neck, And the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil.”

Isaiah 10:27 NKJV

Yes, the anointing breaks the yoke of oppression!

In our opening scripture we see Jesus setting a woman free who had been bound by the devil for 18 years.

Now, are you bound by something? Don’t walk in any sort of bondage one moment longer. Turn to Jesus and get completely under His yoke. Walk in obedience to His will and be free. Yes, free, indeed!

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!