Dreams, visions and prophecy

 

There has been some interesting chatter about, much to-do about a looming war that the enemy is in the process of instituting. I am certainly not one to venture down the road, where I open a door and allow my vain imaginations to run away with me as fact, if that’s all they are. I base what I know, understanding the direction I receive and then pass it on to others, using the written Word of God as the final authority. Prophecy can and will never displace the Word of God. It can and must only ever confirm it. This way I am able to follow instruction and test if it is of the truth. It is hard to test a vision or a dream and the interpretation of it, but not if we mirror it against the WORD OF GOD. Let’s say a young boy has a dream and we are told that through that dream the Lord will return on the 31^st of October. What must the Christian do with that information? I have already mentioned it, we must mirror it against the Word of God, so let’s do that now; “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.”  

(Matthew 24:36)  

·        The warning is this, be careful of our carnalities looking to dominate what we like to refer to as spiritual intervention. Daniel interpreted dreams, but there were not many like him throughout scripture. Not only has that time past per se, but the very first warning the Lord Jesus gave was this; “And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.””  (Matthew 24:4) 

 

This is what I have for you, use scripture to feed your intent…

 

·        Do not make the mistake of arming yourselves carnally for a battle that is spiritual.

·        Come what may, we must ensure that we are sitting at our Saviour’s feet and relying on His finished work to arm us for whatever lies ahead. This particular war, like most conflicts acts out in the physical realm and this is where entrapment lurks, looking to draw us into a web of deceit. Instinctively we fight fire with fire. We must tap into the Spirit to find victory in every area of our lives, including the Lord’s return.

·        The Christians call is for us to lay our lives down just like Christ laid His life down. WE ARE THE UNTOUCHABLES, they may take our lives but they will never take our freedom. Jesus Christ our LORD has sealed us by His finished work on Calvary, the Christian has been bought by the blood of the Lamb. Praise His name now and forever more, Amen! For all those who have their names penned in the Book of Life will rely on their GOD and not our natural instincts to defend ourselves…

Let’s unpack this thought and glean from scripture to land on my understanding, regarding the tough times ahead. The war is just over the horizon, how are we to behave? We must dress for battle… many are “bunkering up”, in other words stocking up for the hard times ahead. Which in itself is prudent, but do not lose focus on your intent. Those who remain carnally minded are in fact enemies of the cross; “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”  (Romans 8:5-8) – Every true Christian will look with intent to please God and to do that we must, which is to submit ourselves to His Spirit. 

 

We have been called to “endure suffering” and not to strike out. It’s the time of testing for the Christian. We are called to dress for battle and not to play into the hands of the devils schemes and this is what that looks like; “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,…” 

(Ephesians 6:11-18)

 

I thank all for their prayers, those who played their part in helping me find direction to the answers of the questions I had upon my heart pertaining to the favour of the month, so many people having so much to say regarding the end times and the soon return of our Lord and Saviour.

 

My conclusion then; we must find grace to live every day as if today would be the day of our Saviours return, and we will be amongst the five wise virgins with oil in their lamps to welcome His return.

 

Signing out

 

Tyrone

The love of God

 

This morning as I take the weight off my feet, I am filled with an emotion that is pleasing, yet calming and at the same time it’s bursting with the Awe of GOD. My mind is overwhelmed with thoughts of adoration, thankfulness and the like. I would sum it up like this; the love of God whom can measure it? Memories of what I have been saved from and my Father’s mercies through it all…

 

The journey for all of God’s children varies with each individual, but we all need to travel the same road to find victory, to arrive safely at our final destination. When we will hear those comforting words, “enter into thy rest.”

 

I have vivid recollections as a young child, I was always looking for my father’s approval. To all the parent out there, who are naturally sinful and yet in spite of our flaws we understand the love we have for our children, it’s an effortless love, no matter how ruthless the trajectory, we always want what’s best for them. Siblings normally have a similar bond. Sadly our minds are wired by our natural determinations instead of the spirits domination. This process in our lives, needs training, we have to learn to walk in the Spirit, which is an unnatural process. It’s all about the love and the grace of God in our lives that keeps us marching onward. However, it’s the mess so many of us make along the way that confounds me and it’s that consideration that brings me into the light and the Awe of God my Father. Daniel was a man that seemed to never make any mistakes, a righteous man, but Samson, so many slipups, he even lost his sight and yet they both ended up achieving the will of God in their lives. Their objectives where achieved, they both ended up glorifying the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

 

As parents, we who are naturally sinful will do everything in our power for the wellbeing of our children. It’s our love for them that motivates us. What I what us to chew on, is the love of the Father and specifically His love for His children. We need to settle on the lengths He will travel for us all. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ His Son, our Lord and Saviour highlights the pinnacle of His love. Sadly our default action is that we feel most worthy to converse with Him when we believe we are towing the line. Our carnal instincts weighing in, as we feel worthy because of what we do, instead of what He has done, nothing more than a dead work. In fact, it’s when we are struggling the most that He steps in even more. What will the Good Shepherd do when a sheep strays from the safety of the folk? Does He not leave the ninety-nine in search of the one that has lost its way? Did you know that historically, if a lamb continued to wander off away from safety that the shepherd would break its legs and then carry it on his shoulders? If we need discipline in our lives to learn valuable lessons to focus on His will and not our selfish carnal wants, it’s at these time in our lives that God acts out of an abundance of love, even if it means we need to lose our eyesight or learn that we have been inflicted by a terminal disease. I am not suggesting that everyone that faces these kind of hardships in their lives, is because they are dull of hearing, however, I am convinced that it was what I needed to bring me to my senses. The love of God, who can measure it?

 

Thank you Lord Jesus for your sacrifice, thank you for saving me, and Father God, please forgive me for my stammering lips and the deficiency I have in voicing my gratitude for the love you have shown me. Forgive me for being so dull of hearing through the different stages of my life. Without the outpouring of your love I would certainly be lost and living in a gutter somewhere. But now my hope lives, and one day I will receive that glorified body, which all your children eagerly wait for. Where we will live eternal lives, bringing you the praise and glory you alone deserve. How I long for that day to arrive, even so come quickly Lord Jesus.

 

To God be the glory now and forever more, Amen and Amen!

 

To all my beloved brother and sister across the globe, wherever you may find yourselves, regardless of the struggle, “The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.”

 

Signing off

 

Tyrone

Weapon of choice

 

The greatest commanders of all time will all have a similar mantra that they lived by, to win a battle one must understand their enemy. For an undercover agent to be successful they need to become one with those whom they look to infiltrate. When it comes to war, humans with their hunger for power, have always searched out preferred weapons of choice. The Spartans use defence as a strength, A Hoplon Shield was “made from wood and the outer part was covered with bronze. they weighed around 30 pounds and measured 3 feet in diameter. One of the unique features of the shield was the way it was held. The handle was at the edge of the shield supported by a leather strap in the center. It was this technique that allowed the soldiers to freely move their arms during battle. The size of the shield also acted as a floating device. The hoplon shield could be used for bludgeoning and killing due to its weight and blunt nature. The shield was primarily for defensive purposes but was used by the Spartans to gain an element of surprise.”

I could spend a lot more effort here, but time does not permit, so here is the conclusion; “Weapons from the ancient world were nasty, brutal, and ruthless. They were not only unique, but also displayed high levels of analytical and critical skill from the past. Their uniqueness and the material they were made from could be enough to startle and then eventually slaughter the enemy. The weapon choice was often a crucial part of the battle strategy, for example, the Spartans used their big hoplon shields alongside other weapons to march forward and disarm the opponent.”

In order to neutralise ones opponent we need a weapon of choice that will have every chance of success. Today all the major powers have nuclear missiles to threaten their enemies and keep them in line. Have you ever really considered what Satan’s preferred weapon of choice is? We are well aware that he uses our weakness, our default abilities of buckling to the pressures of sin as a means to an end, but this is not his preferred weapon of excellent. He uses trickery as his number one form of attack. His ability to twist the Word of God to mean what it doesn’t is what works best for him. His endgame is to get individuals to believe a lie as fact; “And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.”  (Revelation 19:6) - He is so skilled with this ability that he even got one third of the angels to defy God. He deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden, and he has deceived ever religious organization throughout the ages up until now, who do not believe that Jesus Christ is the “way, the truth and the life”, that He is God and the only way to heaven. And I must remind you why deception is so powerful, as it results with the one who has been deceived into believing a lie to be true.

Why would he approach his quest in such a manner, I believe it is because God’s weapon of choice is His Word. He spoke creation into being. Did you know that all it takes for God to create or destroy something is for Him to speak and it happens. It’s not as if He has to forge a weapon to achieve His objective. We know that “God said, let there be light” and the light appeared, period! And in that great battle where the nations of the world will gather and look to defeat God, it will be a one-sided matter. God will just say the Word and victory will be His.

“(“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.” (Revelation 16:15-21) – In this account God commands, “It is done” and mayhem breaks out upon the earth. He speaks and it happens. Satan and all his followers will be defeated. All those factions who have been sucked into his web of deception will fall and face the judgment of God.

 

Do not be fooled into believing the lie that this day will not happen…

 

The only question left for us to answer is do we believe God at His word or not?

 

“O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.”

(1Timothy 6:20-21)  

 

Signing off

 

Tyrone

 

The voice of God!

 

Yesterday, I asked a question at our weekly “Young Adults” meeting and the gist of it went something like this, what do you value most about God? The answers were the love of God, the grace of God and the like. Which are all traits filled with God’s goodness, which we will always be indebted to Him for, but that is not the correct answer. It’s heeding or paying particular attention to His voice and then looking for His grace in our lives to find the application to His instruction, come what may. Everything in creation came forth by the voice of God; “And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”  (Genesis 1:3)

 

Let us pause here for a second, I want you to visualize that if possible, God, the Great I AM, the One who had no beginning nor will He have an end, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob opened His mouth and commanded light to come forth and it happened. Maybe it’s just time to start processing what He has to say to us in and through His penned Word, the Bible. We should value all scripture, its instruction is for our benefit. An advantage for His children, the lost do not ever reference the Bible to find direction for their lives. But the Christian most certainly does.

 

So the power of God’s Word certainly packs a punch, just look at creation and it will blow your mind. Don’t just look at a sunset and say; “how beautiful” or “it’s so peaceful”. The next time something from creation blows your mind, I want you to say, how awesome is our God and then to process the mechanics behind it all, it was the voice of God that brought that into existence. He speaks and it happens, period!

 

The Apostle John, the disciple of love, starts his gospel by highlighting the WORD! “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  (John 1:1)  - Then later the Word became flesh in the form of Jesus the man, who then defeats Satan, sin and death and makes away to re-establish the void that Satan inflicted on mankind, a way back to the Creator. Jesus pays the price for our sin. One of my preferred topics, all hail King Jesus!

 

It’s crucial we learn to value the voice of God as our number one priority in our lives, because the enemy, the serpent of old, the one also known as the devil and Satan uses deception to thwart the voice of God. It’s his ace in the hole. It’s his number one weapon, he gets a Christian to question the voice of God and their demise will soon follow. We believe, because God has said, period! You don’t have to completely understand His infinite plan, all we need to do is trust Him with our whole hearts. We know that God is for his children, praise God!

 

Just a brief history about Satan, he was created perfect in beauty and full of wisdom and then pride entered into his heart and he challenged his Creator, he challenged God and was able to deceive one third of the angles, the very same angels that lived in the presences of God who then denounces their creator and followed the devils tyranny. Now think about that for a while. How could he achieve such a massive shift in heaven? What it does tell me, he certainly carries some weight. It would be foolish for us to dismiss that. God casts Satan and his followers (Angels) out of heaven, they are banished to the earth. How do we know that? Read the account of Job. Satan is a created being and therefore is not omnipresent, he cannot be at all places at the same time. It’s important to understand that. He now institutes his specific purpose, which is to defy God by deceiving mankind and getting them to question the voice of God, exactly the same way he must have enticed one third of the angels. “And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” (Revelation 12:9)  - The fact, he is the deceiver of the whole world and we must not walk into his trap. His objective, to deceive, so by hook or by crook he looks to undermine the voice of God.

      

God then creates mankind, male and female He created them. We all aware of our beginning, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. I am now moving into the importance of this post, please pay attention. Its here where the serpent, Satan beguiles Eve and how does he do it? He questions Gods instruction to Adam; “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”’ (Genesis 2:16-17) – Eve was not present, I believe she was yet to be created. How did she then receive the instruction? We are not told, but we can deduce that Adam must have informed her about the forbidden tree.

 

Here is what is interesting, he approaches the woman; “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?””  (Genesis 3:1) - We all know the end too well and we have all suffered under the bondage of sin in our lives. Eve is then deceived and she eats from the forbidden tree. She believed what Satan fed her to be the truth. That is what deceived means, to believe a lie to be true. Adam also ate but he was not deceived. I wonder if he was taken by her beauty and therefore placed his need for her above the voice of God? He obviously willfully sinned. 

 

Here is the proof; – “and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.”  (1Timothy 2:14)

 

What then is the lesson we need to take out of this account, we must believe the voice of God in every area of our lives, if it is to end well. Satan is now deceiving the world with the same plot as he did in the beginning, he is setting up women and the liberal movement that is now in full flow to make his grand entrance as the antichrist. His message will be “has God actually said.” Many religious organizations are buckling under the "worlds voice" and allowances across the board are being accepted as the norm. They are playing directly into the hands of Satan.   

 

To my beloved sisters in Christ, do not be sucked into the web of his deceit, stand upon the finished work of the cross and make your voice heard. We need your support more than ever, the battle is fierce, but it’s going to get a lot worse. Find you place in the body of Christ and heed the voice of God and take up your intended roles, as it will pay great dividends in eternity, to God be the glory now and forever more, Amen and Amen!

 

Signing off

 

Tyrone

Jesus is coming soon...

(Hebrews 11:39) “And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.”

 

This us rather an amazing portion of scripture, to think on those old warriors of faith who are now in heaven, who have still not received their glorified bodies. They are waiting, just as we await that glorious day. The day when the trumpet of God will sound. And in a moment, a twinkling of an eye we shall all be changed when immortally swallows up mortality. This is a miracle living Christian hopes for and God has appointed such a time for specific individuals. It’s the duration of the tests prior to this event that concerns me. We know that Satan and his messengers have their part to play it buffeting us and this is done by targeting the flesh, in other words, their objective is to get the Christian to sin. The end game is to get us to “curse God and die”. For we also know that there is the unforgivable sin; “For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.” (Hebrews 6:4-6) – There is much to say on this, but time does not permit. See Matthew Henry’s commentary on this, he unpacks this portion of scripture well. We must ask the Spirit of God to shows us where we stand.    

 

The Wise Master Planner has set His plan in motion and it will happen exactly as planned. The genius of God and what excitement I feel when I begin to peel into the layers of my heavenly Father brilliance, whilst the Spirit of God quickens my faith and allows me to see into heaven. What a privileged people Christians are. He leads my mind towards those green pastures and the still brooks of sweet waters. But we must learn from Him and repent where needed. Christ’s sacrifice was a once and for all time sacrifice, never to be repeated. However, this does not excludes us from ongoing daily sanctification. In other word we must keep short accounts of our sin and continuously seek out God’s forgiveness for it. We cannot overlook it as a small thing, our Saviour died for it.

 

Do not expect forgiveness if we are not willing to forgive others who have sinned against us; “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15) – It is obvious that the messengers of Satan sent to buffet us will look keep us from forgiving others and we must not walk into their traps. Knowledge of certain truths are there to assist the Christian, but without applying grace into them we will remain unfruitful. Our purpose is to be fruitful and to bring God the glory, nothing else is more important in our lives.        

 

Very very soon we will see our King and what a day that will be! Without hope we will perish, but we have the greatest of all hopes, one day we will received a glorified body, but while we live, though we have breath, let us sincerely seek out God’s will for our lives. The voices of the world will constantly look to get us to overlook this truth. Whatever the cost, let us constantly look to Jesus for support. God help us laid down our lives for His name sake…

 

(1Peter 5:14) “Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” 

 

Signing off

 

Tyrone