Archives for April 2019

April 10, 2019 by Albert Finch

WALKING THROUGH NEW DOORS

As we begin to see NEW growth spring forth in what was previously considered “hard places”, doors connected to the ways of man begin to be shut and new doors that are connected and hinged upon the ways of God begin to open.

“The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way.” – Psalm 25:9

HUMILITY IS A KEY

Prophetically walking through “NEW doors” often requires us to lay aside and unload some things that we have carried in times past – right, wrong or indifferent. Holding onto these often good things of our past will actually limit our ability to step into the NEW things God has prepared for you in this season.

In regards to this transition, it is helpful to recognize and fully appreciate that not only has God prepared new pathways and permissions for us in this season, but He has also been preparing us for these NEW pathways and the necessary permissions to proceed in these NEW directions.

These NEW pathways are a place of promotion that God has prepared. Holding onto various things connected with our past season, in our own understanding, not only becomes burdensome but they can also potentially grant an access to the enemies of our past, as we are unable to enter into the promise of our future.

These burdens oftentimes begin as good things for us in one season but in the next season are met with anxiety, pride, and worry as we look to hold onto these cares in our own strength. At times it is the holding onto the good things of what’s been that keeps us from being able to receive the NEW that God wants to bring us into.

It is often in our letting go that we are then able to lay hold. We see this truth in 1 Peter 5:6 – “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

As the “Winds of Change” begin to blow question is: Will He find faith on the earth to believe and rejoice in the hope of what He has promised to do in your life? The strength to “build again” is coming in the joy of the Lord through an impartation of understanding that is being granted to those who make the choice to rejoice and “believe again” (see Nehemiah 8:8-10).

“…yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith…” – 1 Peter 1:8b-9a

For many, in the areas that you have faced previous winds of adversity and opposition, there is a significant change and shift coming – and for some it has already come. With this change, you will find that in the area of your past opposition God was actually allowing you to become rooted and grounded in love in a new way that has positioned you to flourish as a tree planted by His river in this new season (see Ephesians 3:14-20 and Psalm 1:1-3).

DREAMING WITH GOD

Part of being a prophetic people often means that, in most cases, we are seeing, hearing, and therefore living ahead of our time.

For some this can create frustration; for others it unlocks within them a door of divine DESTINY that causes them to begin to dream in their current season of preparation in a way where they prophetically begin to REACH FORWARD IN FAITH to those things which are ahead, as they press in and press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God on their lives, found in the revelation of Jesus Christ (see Philippians 3:13-14).

Dreaming with God in this way releases a fresh resolve and conviction of faith to flourish in the hearts of God’s children, where they begin to believe for, resurrect, and re-present previous petitions connected with past promises before the courts of Heaven.

Personal prayer takes on a new posture – a posture of praise that unlocks the fulfillment of the very thing that you have been praying into and for.

Nehemiah 8:8-10 (LEB)

So they read the book from the lawHebrew torah of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that they could understand the reading.8So they read the book from the lawHebrew torah of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that they could understand the reading.9Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all of the people, “This day is holy to Adonai your God. Do not mourn nor weep.” For all of the people wept when they heard the words of the law.Hebrew torah9Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all of the people, “This day is holy to Adonai your God. Do not mourn nor weep.” For all of the people wept when they heard the words of the law.Hebrew torah10Then he said to them, “Go, eat festive food and drink sweet drinks, and send a share to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our lord. Do not be grieved because the joy of Adonai is your refuge.”10Then he said to them, “Go, eat festive food and drink sweet drinks, and send a share to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our lord. Do not be grieved because the joy of Adonai is your refuge.”

Ephesians 3:14-20 (LEB)

Prayer for Spiritual StrengthOn account of this, I bend my knees before the Father,14Prayer for Spiritual StrengthOn account of this, I bend my knees before the Father,15from whom everyOr “the whole” family in heaven and on earth is named,15from whom everyOr “the whole” family in heaven and on earth is named,16that he may grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person,16that he may grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person,17that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith (you having been firmly rooted and established in love),17that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith (you having been firmly rooted and established in love),18in order that you may be strong enough to grasp together with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth,18in order that you may be strong enough to grasp together with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth,19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, in order that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, in order that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.20Now to the one who is able to do beyond all measure more than all that we ask or think, according to the power that is at work in us,20Now to the one who is able to do beyond all measure more than all that we ask or think, according to the power that is at work in us,

Philippians 3:13-14 (LEB)

Brothers, I do not consider myself to have laid hold of it.*supplied from English context But I do one thing, forgetting the things behind and straining toward the things ahead,13Brothers, I do not consider myself to have laid hold of it.*supplied from English context But I do one thing, forgetting the things behind and straining toward the things ahead,14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:6 (LEB)

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the right time,6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the right time,

1 Peter 1:8 (LEB)

whom, although youHere “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“seen”) which is understood as concessive have not seen, you love; in whom now you believe, although youHere “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“see”) which is understood as concessive do not see him, and you rejoice greatly with joy inexpressible and full of glory,8whom, although youHere “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“seen”) which is understood as concessive have not seen, you love; in whom now you believe, although youHere “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“see”) which is understood as concessive do not see him, and you rejoice greatly with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

April 4, 2019 by Albert Finch

Discerning The Voice Of God

Habakkuk 2:1-2: “I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me…Then the Lord answered me and said, ‘Record the vision…'”

Ways to be sure what you’re hearing is from Him:

TEST THE ORIGIN (1 John 4:1)

Thoughts from our own minds are progressive, with one thought leading to the next. Thoughts from the Holy Spirit are spontaneous. The Hebrew word for true prophecy is “naba”, which literally means to bubble up, whereas false prophecy is “ziyd” meaning to boil up. True words from the Lord will bubble up from our innermost being; we don’t need to cook them up ourselves.

COMPARE IT TO BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES

God will never say something to you personally which is contrary to His universal revelation as expressed in the Scriptures. If the Bible clearly states that something is a sin, no amount of journaling can make it right. Much of what you journal about will not be specifically addressed in the Bible, however, so an understanding of Biblical principles is also needed.

COMPARE IT TO THE NAMES AND CARACTER OF GOD REVEALED IN THE BIBLE

Anything God says to you will be in harmony with His essential nature. Journaling will help you get to know God personally, but knowing what the Bible says about Him will help you discern what words are from Him. Make sure the tenor of your journaling lines up with the character of God as described in the names of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

TEST THE FRUIT (Matthew 7:15-20)

What effect does what you are hearing have on your soul and your spirit? Words from the Lord will quicken your faith and increase your love, peace, and joy. They will stimulate a sense of humility within you as you become more aware of Who God is and who you are. On the other hand, any words you receive which cause you to fear or doubt, which bring you into confusion or anxiety, or which stroke your ego must be immediately rebuked and rejected as lies of the enemy.

SHARE IT WITH YOUR SPIRITUAL COUNSELORS (Proverbs 11:14)

We are members of a Body! A cord of three strands is not easily broken, and God’s intention has always been for us to grow together. Nothing will increase your faith in your ability to hear from God like having it confirmed by two or three other people who have a solid Biblical orientation.

Proverbs 11:14 (LEB)

Where there is no guidance, a nationOr “people” shall fall, but there is safety in an abundance of counsel.14Where there is no guidance, a nationOr “people” shall fall, but there is safety in an abundance of counsel.

Habakkuk 2:1-2 (LEB)

The Righteous Will Live by FaithI will stand at my post, and station myself on the rampart. And I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint.The Righteous Will Live by FaithI will stand at my post, and station myself on the rampart. And I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint.2Then Adonai answered me and said, “Write the vision and make it plain on the tablet so that it might be read quickly.“it might run reading upon it”2Then Adonai answered me and said, “Write the vision and make it plain on the tablet so that it might be read quickly.“it might run reading upon it”

1 John 4:1 (LEB)

How to Recognize the Spirit of GodDear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.How to Recognize the Spirit of GodDear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Matthew 7:15-20 (LEB)

The Sermon on the Mount: Recognizing False Prophets“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inside are ravenous wolves.15The Sermon on the Mount: Recognizing False Prophets“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inside are ravenous wolves.16You will recognize them by their fruits: they do not gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles, do they?The negative construction in Greek anticipates a negative answer here, indicated by “do they”16You will recognize them by their fruits: they do not gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles, do they?The negative construction in Greek anticipates a negative answer here, indicated by “do they”17In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit.17In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit.18A good tree is not able to produce bad fruit, nor a bad tree to produce good fruit.18A good tree is not able to produce bad fruit, nor a bad tree to produce good fruit.19Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.19Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.20As a result, you will recognize them by their fruits.20As a result, you will recognize them by their fruits.

April 1, 2019 by Lucian Hodoboc

April Fools’ Day and Christianity

Although April Fools’ Day has been observed for centuries in several countries, the origin of the custom is unknown. While it resembles other festivals — such as the Hilaria of ancient Rome (March 25) and the Holi festival of India (ending March 31) —, the first reference to April Fool’s Day comes from Geoffrey Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales“. The Nun’s Priest’s Tale is set on a date “syn March was gon”. In other words, “since March was gone,” or — most readers surmised — April 1. The tale is about the fox, a character that tricks the vain cock Chanticleer. It’s usually regarded as the first April Fool’s prank.

April Fools Day’s timing seems related to the vernal equinox (March 21), when nature ‘fools’ mankind with sudden changes in the weather. Some people have tried to justify that April Fools’ Day can be considered a fairly innocuous holiday that Christians can partake in.

In one of her articles, writer Peggy Fletcher attributes the modern and widespread acceptance of April Fool’s Day to Pope Gregory XIII, who, by decreeing the adoption of the ‘Gregorian calendar’ — named after himself —, moved New Year’s Day from the end of March to January 1st. Although the change was published widely, some people did not get the message and continued to celebrate on April 1st. According to Ginger Smoak, an expert in medieval history at the University of Utah, these people ‘were ridiculed and, because they were seen as foolish, called April Fools’.

Regardless of the historical background of the holiday, in our time, on April Fools’ Day people are given an excuse to “play the fool”. But is that really something Christians are called to do? Personally, I don’t believe it is. Here are a few things we should take into consideration when voluntarily engaging in pranks and other deceitful activities that might cause even the slightest inconvenience to our fellow brethren.

God is the Author of wisdom, not of foolishness. He expects His servants to seek His wisdom (James 1:5), not play the fool.
Today, April Fool’s Day is observed in most of the countries of the world. Although it is not a formal holiday in any country, it’s a day for jokes, pranks, and hoaxes. Many of these pranks and hoaxes are mean-spirited and cause either physical or emotional harm to our fellow brethren, which is the opposite of what we are called to do (Ephesians 4:2). Even the pranks and hoaxes that don’t necessarily cause any inconvenience to anyone are generally based on lies. Lying on purpose is a violation of the 9th Commandment.
If April Fools’ Day falls during the (Great) Lent period, a time when we should strive to live particularly holier lives than throughout the rest of the year, then it goes without saying that engaging in foolish behavior (pranking, tricking, joking on each other’s expense etc.) for an entire day, for the purpose of celebrating foolishness, should be avoided.
Proverbs 24:9 informs us that God’s Word says, “The thought [devising] of foolishness is sin.” And sin is the breaking of God’s spiritual laws (I John 3:4; Rom. 7:14).
Foolish talking and jesting displeases God (Ephesians 5:1-4). Christ stated, “…whosoever shall say, «You fool», shall be in danger of hell fire” (Matthew 5:22).
Christ also condemned engaging in foolishness: “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within and defile the man” (Mark 7:21-23).
Also, God commands His people to “Learn not the way of the heathen… For the customs of the people are vain [futile]” (Jeremiah 10:2-3). He also commands, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate” (2 Corinthians. 6:17). As followers of Christ, we should strive to bee set apart, to separate ourselves from the pagan customs, practices and traditions of this world — including April Fools’ Day.

Let me know your opinions about April Fools’ Day in the comments section below. Do you think that Christians should partake in the celebration of this holiday?

Proverbs 24:9 (LEB)

Devising folly is a sin, and an abomination to humankind is a scoffer.9Devising folly is a sin, and an abomination to humankind is a scoffer.

Jeremiah 10:2-3 (LEB)

Thus says Adonai: “You must not learn the way of the nations, and you must not be dismayed by the signs of the heavens, for the nations are dismayed by them.2Thus says Adonai: “You must not learn the way of the nations, and you must not be dismayed by the signs of the heavens, for the nations are dismayed by them.3For the statutes of the peoples are vanity, for it is a tree cut down from the forest, the work of the hands of a craftsman with the tool.3For the statutes of the peoples are vanity, for it is a tree cut down from the forest, the work of the hands of a craftsman with the tool.

Matthew 5:22 (LEB)

But I say to you that everyone who is angry at his brother will be subject to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Stupid fool!’Greek “Raca,” a term of verbal abuse involving lack of intelligence will be subject to the council, and whoever says, ‘Obstinate fool!’Perhaps with the idea of obstinate, godless foolishness; some take the word to be a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew word for “rebel” (Deut 21:18, 20) will be subject to fiery hell.22But I say to you that everyone who is angry at his brother will be subject to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Stupid fool!’Greek “Raca,” a term of verbal abuse involving lack of intelligence will be subject to the council, and whoever says, ‘Obstinate fool!’Perhaps with the idea of obstinate, godless foolishness; some take the word to be a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew word for “rebel” (Deut 21:18, 20) will be subject to fiery hell.

Mark 7:21-23 (LEB)

For from within, from the heart of people, come evil plans, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders,21For from within, from the heart of people, come evil plans, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders,22adulteries, acts of greed, malicious deeds, deceit, licentiousness, envy,“the evil eye” abusive speech, pride, foolishness.22adulteries, acts of greed, malicious deeds, deceit, licentiousness, envy,“the evil eye” abusive speech, pride, foolishness.23All these evil things come from within and defile a person.”23All these evil things come from within and defile a person.”

John 3:4 (LEB)

Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is an old man? He is not able to enter into his mother’s womb for the second time and be born, can he?”*The negative construction in Greek anticipates a negative answer here, indicated in the translation by the phrase “can he”4Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is an old man? He is not able to enter into his mother’s womb for the second time and be born, can he?”*The negative construction in Greek anticipates a negative answer here, indicated in the translation by the phrase “can he”

Ephesians 5:1-4 (LEB)

Imitators of GodTherefore become imitators of God, as beloved children,Imitators of GodTherefore become imitators of God, as beloved children,2and live in love, just as also Christ loved us, and gave himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a fragrant smell.Or “a fragrant offering”2and live in love, just as also Christ loved us, and gave himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a fragrant smell.Or “a fragrant offering”3But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or greediness, must not even be named among you (as is fitting for saints),3But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or greediness, must not even be named among you (as is fitting for saints),4and obscenity, and foolish talk, or coarse jesting (which are not proper), but rather thanksgiving.4and obscenity, and foolish talk, or coarse jesting (which are not proper), but rather thanksgiving.

Ephesians 4:2 (LEB)

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love,2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love,

James 1:5 (LEB)

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask for it from God, who gives to all without reservation and not reproaching, and it will be given to him.5Now if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask for it from God, who gives to all without reservation and not reproaching, and it will be given to him.

April 1, 2019 by hldude

Your Will, Not Mine

“Your Will, Not Mine”

By Zach Wood

Matthew 26:39 NLT

He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

There are a lot of desires that we have in life. At different times of our lives, we desire to do various things. Some of those things can be big and some can be small. Regardless, we all have desires. We have different opportunities that pop in life and we often need to make some tough decisions as to what to do next, whether it is getting married, having a child, taking on a new job or buying a house. These are among some of the biggest decisions that we make in life.

I hope that in all decisions you and I make, we bathe these things in prayer, asking God to give us wisdom and direction as to the best route to go. Sometimes, the way seems very obvious, while other times not so much. It can be very difficult to discern what God wants us to do, especially in the times when He seems silent and we are not feeling any clear direction at all. It’s in those times that we must trust that He is still working, even though we can’t feel a thing.

We often fight selfish desires when we pray for God to guide us in life. He definitely has our best interests at heart, but only He knows exactly what is best for us. Sometimes, the best road for us will be a very challenging and often difficult journey. We often want the way that will be less painful and full of happiness. Who doesn’t want to be happy, right? However, God’s goal is not for us to be happy, but for us to grow in our faith and trust Him at all times. In our journey of life, we can still be happy because our life is in Christ.

Jesus definitely had a hard choice to make when He was agonizing and facing death, through His prayers, in the Garden of Gethsemane. This is one of the most pivotal struggles He had as the Son of God and as a human being. He knew He had to give His life for us, but He also struggled deeply because of the pain and agony of the situation. We can learn from His example He actually prayed for the possibility of the suffering to be taken from Him. However, He prayed as well for God’s will to be done ultimately.

What decisions are you facing in your life right now that you find yourself struggling just as Jesus did? You have desires, but you also want God’s will for your life more than anything. It is hard to ask for God’s will above what you want in your life. However, the ultimate prayer for us is that God’s will be done in our lives so that He can lead us where He wants us. Even if the path is unknown, we must be obedient and submit to Him sight unseen.

Right now, in my life, I am struggling with direction. I am learning that I need to pray for His will in my life, not just what I think is best or what I want to do. I want His plan for my life to prevail and to lead me. Many days, I don’t feel a clear direction, but I just need to continue trusting that He’s working and will reveal in due time.

May our prayers always be “Not my will be done, but Yours, Father.”

Matthew 26:39 (LEB)

And going forward a little he fell down on his face, praying and saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”*Here the verb “will” is an understood repetition of the verb earlier in this verse39And going forward a little he fell down on his face, praying and saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”*Here the verb “will” is an understood repetition of the verb earlier in this verse