- araratchurch
- Aug 4, 2023
- 15 min read
The Prophetic Word
Day 47: Strangers and pilgrims now; ruling and reigning then.
In preparation for our discussion over the next five days, please carefully read and meditate on the following scriptures:
“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. 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. 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.”
Hebrews 11:9-10, 13, 16 NKJV
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”
Colossians 3:2-4 NKJV
“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 let us go out to him, outside the camp, and bear the disgrace he bore. For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.”
Hebrews 13:13-14 NLT
How did so many saints who have gone before us do the great things they did? How did so many of them endure such hardship? How did they handle so much pain and reproach? We will begin our investigation into these things tomorrow!
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
The Prophetic Word
Day 48: We must carry the atmosphere of Heaven with 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
We ended yesterday’s preparation with these three related questions:
How did so many saints who have gone before us do the great things they did? How did so many of them endure such hardship? How did they handle so much pain and reproach?
You see, when looking at the heroes of faith presented in the Bible, we may assume that they were somehow of a different sort than we are.
Now, even though we may not consciously be aware of our thoughts in that direction, there may be a sense that they had something we don’t have, therefore, did things we “obviously” cannot do.
Well, the truth is that they may have had something we don’t have, but it wasn’t in terms of a better access to God or to God’s power.
Before pursuing what they may have had that we lack, let’s take a moment to look at a couple of scenarios.
I was a young teenager when I saw the first man step onto the surface of the moon. What an amazing accomplishment! They not only made the never before done trip, they got out of the ship and walked on the surface of the moon. Yes, they entered an environment completely hostile to human life, yet survived to tell the story.
And then, I’ve also seen deep-sea explorers like Jacques Cousteau explore the depths of the ocean. Again, an environment completely hostile to human life. Yet, they navigated it and returned to the surface unscathed.
Now, how do moon walkers and deep-sea explorers do what they do? The simple answer is that they take what they need with them. They take those things needed for survival in the form of a vehicle or a special suit, supplying what is needed for the preservation of life.
So, what do these examples have to do with our Bible heroes or to the answering of our opening questions?
You know those “Bible people” who did what “we could never do?” Well, the fact is, those heroes tapped into the environment of Heaven and carried it with them into otherwise impossible situations.
Jesus was able to ignore the shame of His suffering on the cross by looking to the purpose of His suffering: our salvation.
“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.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT
Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was able in to endure a terrible stoning with supernatural peace because his eyes saw Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father.
“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.”
Acts 7:55-56, 59-60 NLT
Paul was able to go to Jerusalem, knowing they were out to kill him; and he did so, without fear. You see, he wasn’t looking at the threat, but at the commission given him by our Lord.
“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
Acts 20:22-24 NKJV
In our opening passage we see Paul referencing how we can endure afflictions, indeed, how we can endure whatever we need to endure. He talks of the fact that our focus must be on the things that are eternal, rather than our circumstances: good, bad or indifferent.
Tomorrow we will continue examining what it looks like to be living in one place while your whole inner life is connected to another. In fact, it is only in so doing that we can take the environment of Heaven with us as we navigate a fallen world!
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
The Prophetic Word
Day 49: We take the Light with us into the darkness.
“Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.””
John 11:9-10 NLT
Perhaps the greatest bolstering of man’s ability to be productive was the introduction of light sources other than the heavenly bodies which serve as natural lighting for the created order.
With the introduction of fire, and then in much more recent times, electricity, the night was no longer the hindrance it had once presented in terms of navigating and operating.
But, even in a time which was millennia away from the introduction of electricity, we find that David makes an awesome assertion:
“I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.”
Psalms 139:11-12 NLT
Indeed, He who created the light sources for the natural order,” was Himself light.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
James 1:17 NKJV
And, as we know, Jesus asserted that He, indeed, was the light of the world!
“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.””
John 9:4-5 NKJV
Jesus also declared that those who believe in Him will become sons of light.
“Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”
John 12:35-36a NKJV
Yes, the Lord made it clear that those who believe in Him become the light of the world:
““You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14, 16 NKJV
As the light of the world, we do not walk in darkness, although we are surrounded by it.
Yesterday we discussed the fact that in order to be able to successfully navigate in this fallen world, we need to take the environment of Heaven with us. Certainly, part of that environment is the light of God. And, as the Psalmist wrote, God’s word lights our pathway.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”
Psalms 119:105 NKJV
Now, in addition to the written word of God, we have the Word Made Flesh Who dwells within us by way of the Holy Spirit.
In our opening scripture we see the Lord making a statement that within its context may seem to be an enigma.
Jesus, having determined to go and raise Lazarus from the dead, was warned by His disciples that the people had tried to stone Him in that place. He then makes this illusion to light and darkness as an answer to their concern.
Now, rather than making no sense, this statement is a powerful reminder to them that He IS the light. So, no matter how dark the situation may be, He will be able to see clearly to do what the Father has sent Him to do.
Friend, the darkness of the world will cause you to stumble unless you allow God’s light to shine from within you, revealing the path of safety.
Tomorrow we will further explore the atmosphere of Heaven we can and must carry with us as the world’s darkness deepens.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
The Prophetic Word
Day 50: We don’t ever have to be lost.
“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.”
Hebrews 11:8 NLT
The process of getting from one place to another—particularly regarding destinations to which we have never been—has definitely evolved over the years. But, one thing remains the same: People want to know how to get where they need to go.
Of course, the earliest travelers probably looked to the skies, using the sun, moon, stars, even things such as the migration of birds, to determine the direction they needed to pursue. As well, they most likely used landmarks (of which they had been told) to navigate their way to the places they were going.
Navigational compasses were available as early as the 11th century. Then came the making and using of maps. Now, we have a voice inside our car telling us where to turn, where to stop, and yes, how to get where we’re going.
Now, knowing the direction we need to go in terms of our lives, can be much more complicated than our challenges with geography.
Sadly, it seems that many people have no clue as to where they are OR where they need to be. As such, the question of how to get somewhere else is moot.
“They don’t know where to find peace or what it means to be just and good. They have mapped out crooked roads, and no one who follows them knows a moment’s peace. So there is no justice among us, and we know nothing about right living. We look for light but find only darkness. We look for bright skies but walk in gloom. We grope like the blind along a wall, feeling our way like people without eyes. Even at brightest noontime, we stumble as though it were dark. Among the living, we are like the dead.”
Isaiah 59:8-10 NLT
Here, the prophet Isaiah is speaking of how it is for those who are without the Lord. They are hopelessly lost!
We know that Jesus, looking at the large groups of people following Him, saw them as being lost.
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Matthew 9:36 NLT
The wonderful thing to know is that our Lord didn’t just provide us with a map to where we need to be, He BECAME the way!
“And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
John 14:4-6 NLT
Yes, Jesus became the way where THERE WAS NO WAY. He then sent the Holy Spirit to guide us in the path He has prepared!
“But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 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.”
John 16:7, 12-14 NLT
In our opening scripture we see reference to Abraham obeying God, going out from where he was, without having any idea of where he was going. But, what he did know, was that God was with him. And—just as explorers depend on an experienced guide—he depended on the Lord to guide him where he needed to be.
Think about it: We now have the Lord’s voice within us by way of Holy Spirit! How much more should we be willing to go wherever the will of the Lord may lead?
Yes, we’re living in a dark foreign land, but, we take the light and a wonderful Guide with us.
Tomorrow we will talk more about how we should live in this present world.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
The Prophetic Word
Day 51: We must be heavenly minded.
“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. 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. 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.”
Hebrews 11:9-10, 13, 16 NKJV
Well-intentioned people make a statement that could not be further from the truth. The statement we are referencing is this: We can’t be so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good.
Now, I would challenge anyone who uses this statement to find anything from the Bible backing it up. The fact is, you will find evidence of just the contrary: We must be heavenly minded!
Consider this instruction from Jesus:
““So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Matthew 6:31-33 NLT
Consider this instruction from Paul:
“Take with me your share of hardship [passing through the difficulties which you are called to endure], like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service gets entangled in the [ordinary business] affairs of civilian life; [he avoids them] so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve.”
2 Timothy 2:3-4 AMP
Consider this exhortation to the Colossians:
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”
Colossians 3:2-4 NKJV
Yes! We are to make sure our focus is on our Lord Jesus Christ and the eternity we will share with Him!
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
Christ endured the cross by focusing on the joy that was set before Him. We can endure the hardships of this present life by keeping our eyes on the joyous eternity set before us.
Indeed, trying to be a member of the “world club” will make your heart grow cold toward the things of God and cause you to burn for the things the world has to offer.
“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”
1 John 2:15-17 NLT
In our opening passage we see that although Abraham knew full well that the land of promise was his inheritance, his heart was in Heaven. The place he desired to ultimately be was “the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Think of that! God has prepared a dwelling for us!
Now, of course, we have responsibilities in this world; indeed, we have the work of our Master to faithfully carry out until the time when we are with Him. But make no mistake, the eyes of our heart must also always be looking through what is currently in front of us to our ultimate goal.
Tomorrow we will further discuss living as foreigners in this present world.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
The Prophetic Word
Day 52: We are not of this world.
“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.”
Titus 2:11-13 NLT
In Jesus’ Priestly prayer He affirms that those who believe in Him are no longer of this world:
“They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.”
John 17:16-18 NLT
Then, He makes clear with the statement, “I am sending them into the world,” that our relationship with the world must be that of one sent into the world as Christ’s representative. Indeed, Paul describes our relationship to the world as that of being an ambassador!
“So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!””
2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT
In terms of countries, we know that an ambassador is one sent as a representative to a foreign country.
As well, many diplomats enjoy what is called “diplomatic immunity.” That is to say, they are not subject to the laws of the foreign country to which they have been sent as a representative.
In the temptation of Jesus we see it made clear that the devil is the ruler of this present world.
“Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’ ””
Matthew 4:8-10 NLT
However, as those who are born of God through the work of Jesus Christ, we no longer have to obey the wicked dictates of the ruler of this world.
“We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life. Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.”
1 John 5:18-21 NLT
However, even though Christ has made us free from the reach of evil, we can submit ourselves back to sin’s control by willfully sinning and setting our affections on things of this world.
In our opening scripture we see Paul instructing as to how we are to live in this present world. Then, we see the way we are able to continue to live differently from the world: by setting our hope, our eyes, our expectation on Christ and the world that is to come.
Remember, we live as strangers and pilgrims now, so that we can rule and reign with Him then!
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
- araratchurch
- Jul 29, 2023
- 3 min read
It’s not about experiencing something; It’s about a relationship with Someone
““If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”
John 14:15-18 NKJV
Let us rehearse what we have discussed this week in terms of the Lord creating a heart in us that is open to Him: a perfect heart.
The fall of man rendered him incapable of being indwelt by God’s Spirit so that he could no longer share in God’s very nature.
Now, the carnal nature (sin-controlled) could not please God by being obedient from the heart.
“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”
Romans 8:7-8 NKJV
Jesus Christ—as a man—received and retained the Holy Spirit of God.
“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”
Colossians 2:8-10 NKJV
The Lord lived a sinless life and became the perfect sacrifice for our sin. He then was raised by the Holy Spirit of God, and, in returning to the throne of God, sent the Holy Spirit to indwell those who believed in Him.
Sadly, there is much misunderstanding about what actually happened on the day of Pentecost. The fact is that a group of Jesus’ followers all received the same Spirit: the Spirit of God. And as such, could now be one with each other as well as one with God.
Now we can know the thoughts and intents of the Lord‘s heart! Yes, we can know Him firsthand, in a new heart made perfect by His blood.
“When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.”
Colossians 2:11-13 NLT
In our opening scripture we see Jesus explaining that through the Holy Spirit, He would no longer just be with them, but would be IN them.
And now, all who believe in Him are made alive to God, able to hear His voice, able to follow Him fully; yes, able to be righteous from the heart.
What a wonderful gift it is to be able to have a relationship with the Spirit of God Himself!
Remember, the receiving of the Holy Spirit is not about an experience with something, but about an eternal
relationship with SOMEONE! And, He will lead us and guide us all the way home!
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
- araratchurch
- Jun 23, 2023
- 3 min read
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.””
Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
We have seen that man had a heart problem: He had a heart that couldn’t seem to be faithful to the Lord.
And, to make things worse, it seems that the religious leaders of Jesus’ day were preventing the people from serving the Lord in truth by making themselves the go-between for the people and God. So, instead of helping the people to serve the Lord, they became roadblocks because of their hypocrisy!
““What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either. “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn that person into twice the child of hell you yourselves are!”
Matthew 23:13, 15 NLT
You see, the religious leaders added many burdens to the people by their interpretation of the Law of God. And, it would seem that their interpretation always led to their benefit rather than the benefit of the people.
Jesus put what the religious leaders were doing this way:
“The scribes and Pharisees tie up heavy loads [that are hard to bear] and place them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not lift a finger [to make them lighter].”
Matthew 23:4 AMP
Jesus—Whom the religious leaders rejected—was the One Who would bring, not another hindrance to approaching God, but a way where there was no way through which man could once again have true fellowship with God. Man would be able to be led from his heart rather than through external laws alone.
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.”
John 16:7, 12-15 NKJV
In our opening scripture we see the Lord actually extending the best invitation we could ever have hoped for. He invites us to submit to His yoke so that we are attached to Him in such a way that we can make every step with Him. Additionally, unlike the religious leaders, He carries the weight of the load we could not have borne alone.
In the scripture from John 16 above we see that Jesus would send Someone Who would connect us to Himself, Someone Who would be with us forever! We’ll look into this further tomorrow.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!