Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Two Stormriders, Murari Jay and Atul Rajesh, were brutally attacked for preaching the Word of God in Himachal Pradesh, India on March 14. These men of God have a true promise for their lives from God. In Matthew 5:10 Jesus said Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. When asked about the attacks, both missionaries stated, "It was a great privilege to be persecuted for the Gospel of Christ". I thank God for these brothers and the work that they are doing. I ask that you all please pray for healing for their bodies as well as protection in the name that is above every name, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
To read the full article click here!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Praying for the Out Pouring of the Holy Spirit for He helps us in Prayer
ROMANS 8:26 NKJ26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
One of the most important components of our Christian lives is prayer. After all, our Christian lives are based on a relationship with the One True and Living God, the Creator of heaven and earth; and what better way to grow and nourish a relationship than through spending time together and conversation. That is precisely what prayer is, a conversation with God. This conversation can take many forms. We can spend prayer time praising the Lord, or we can spend it asking for things or we can spend it in intercession. There are times, however, when we are not sure how or for what we ought to pray. There are also times when we cannot find the words to use in prayer. God has been so gracious to give us the Holy Spirit to help us in prayer. He gives us words to use, sometimes in different tongues; He gives us thoughts and concerns that we may have never thought to pray for. Most importantly, He gives us strength in our prayer lives and helps us to pray honestly and with authority.
1 CORINTHIANS 14:2 NKJ
2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. Praying in tongues is a hotly debated issue amongst some Christians. Some people believe that you should not speak something that you don’t know. Some argue that you don’t know where the words are coming from (i.e. the devil or God). I personally find that speaking in tongues lifts my soul. I find a certain power and peace in my prayer. Most people are not in tune with their spirit let alone God’s Spirit. We are only in tune with that which is tangible, our flesh. Our spirits see, hear and feel more than our body’s could ever imagine. There are issues we have locked inside us that need to reach God. There are yearnings in our hearts, which we ourselves are not sure of. This is where the Holy Spirit and tongues play a major role in a Christian’s life. The Holy Spirit will give us the utterance to speak the things that the flesh cannot comprehend. The Holy Spirit gives us tongues in a heavenly language that cannot be understood by the enemy. How powerful is that! The enemy has no idea what you are saying to God, that is why he hates the use of tongues, he wants to be privy to the conversations we have with God. He wants to know what is going on in heaven and in our hearts so that he can prepare a proper attack. We have been given the power to remove the enemy from our prayer lives. If you have not received the gift of tongues, yes it is a gift and remember our Father in heaven only gives good gifts (read 1Corinthians 12: 1-12 for a list of the gifts of the Spirit), I would recommend sincerely asking the Lord for the Holy Spirit to give you the gift of tongues. Ask with an open heart and faith that it shall be given unto you. As you sit in the Lord’s presence, just begin to worship Him and glorify Him for what He is about to do in your life. Remember to bypass your flesh/mind for doubt may begin to set in and ruin the atmosphere for receiving the gift of tongues. If you feel unable to do it on your own, go to a church that believes that we should pray in tongues and speak with a pastoral member.
How many times have you been in distress, so down and out and can’t even lift your voice in prayer to the Lord? The Holy Spirit is there to help you in those times. He will give you strength and the words to pray. In all things God has chosen to help us. He has given us many advantages and the most important advantage is that of receiving the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to help us in all things.
2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. Praying in tongues is a hotly debated issue amongst some Christians. Some people believe that you should not speak something that you don’t know. Some argue that you don’t know where the words are coming from (i.e. the devil or God). I personally find that speaking in tongues lifts my soul. I find a certain power and peace in my prayer. Most people are not in tune with their spirit let alone God’s Spirit. We are only in tune with that which is tangible, our flesh. Our spirits see, hear and feel more than our body’s could ever imagine. There are issues we have locked inside us that need to reach God. There are yearnings in our hearts, which we ourselves are not sure of. This is where the Holy Spirit and tongues play a major role in a Christian’s life. The Holy Spirit will give us the utterance to speak the things that the flesh cannot comprehend. The Holy Spirit gives us tongues in a heavenly language that cannot be understood by the enemy. How powerful is that! The enemy has no idea what you are saying to God, that is why he hates the use of tongues, he wants to be privy to the conversations we have with God. He wants to know what is going on in heaven and in our hearts so that he can prepare a proper attack. We have been given the power to remove the enemy from our prayer lives. If you have not received the gift of tongues, yes it is a gift and remember our Father in heaven only gives good gifts (read 1Corinthians 12: 1-12 for a list of the gifts of the Spirit), I would recommend sincerely asking the Lord for the Holy Spirit to give you the gift of tongues. Ask with an open heart and faith that it shall be given unto you. As you sit in the Lord’s presence, just begin to worship Him and glorify Him for what He is about to do in your life. Remember to bypass your flesh/mind for doubt may begin to set in and ruin the atmosphere for receiving the gift of tongues. If you feel unable to do it on your own, go to a church that believes that we should pray in tongues and speak with a pastoral member.
How many times have you been in distress, so down and out and can’t even lift your voice in prayer to the Lord? The Holy Spirit is there to help you in those times. He will give you strength and the words to pray. In all things God has chosen to help us. He has given us many advantages and the most important advantage is that of receiving the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to help us in all things.
JUDE 1:20 NKJ20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. I encourage you to pray for the gift of tongues; which makes us strong. We should also honestly ask the Lord as to what we should pray for. There are times when God tells me to pray for people I don’t even know. We are instruments for God, and He will use us for his purpose. The Holy Spirit knows what we should pray for and it is best to let Him orchestrate our prayers so that we not only pray for ourselves but also for what is on God’s heart.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Is there a difference between Holy Hip Hop and Hip Hop? Part 2
I wanted to touch on the subject of Holy Hip Hop again. Mixing the world's music with "Gospel Music", which should be praise and worship should not be done in Church. I grew up in a Christian home but one of the things that we lacked was the spirit of discernment when it came to music. My parents listened to everything from Jimi Hendrix to Motown to The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. That same listening ear trickled down to me and my siblings. We listened to every form of music: classical, rock ,pop, hip hop, r&b, reggae, country and dance. I still struggle with listening to some stuff but it's a big problem when it is brought into the church.
I don't listen to hip hop and holy hip hop is no different. It is just the bootleg version of the original. It's very generic and extremely horrible to listen to. It's very disappointing that these "Christian" rap recording artist can not express what is suppose to be praise and worship in a manner that does not have influences from hip hop. There is nothing wrong with rapping but the problem is that these artist feel like it has to sound like hip hop in order for the youth to listen to and buy it.
Praise and worship is about ushering in the presence of God and giving Him all the glory and the praise. Instead, with holy hip hop it is about the love of self and expressing one's self instead of denying yourself and giving your self to Christ. Remember you must decrease in order for Him to increase. I read a interesting blog today from Elder G. Craig Lewis from Exministries about the same topic. Check it out to get a good prospective. http://gcraige.blogspot.com/2009/03/holy-hip-hop-bad-idea.html
Gunman Kills Pastor During Service
The Associated Press reported that a gunman opened fire March 8th, Sunday morning during a church service in Illinois killing the pastor. This is the third church shooting in the past 5 months. I urge everyone to please pray for the family of the pastor and those who were injured during the shooting. Also please pray for mercy for the gunman and his family. Pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort the church members, staff and the community during this hard time. Here is the link to the article from Aol.com: http://news.aol.com/article/illinois-church-shooting/374149
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Times Square Church, Strictly Young People Lock In
Last Friday, we had the opportunity to participate in our 1st all night prayer. As most of you all know we attend Times Square Church in NY and they held a strictly young people prayer lock-in. There were a little over 300 hundred young people participating! That is a phenomenal number of young people, giving up their Friday night to stand in prayer for their families, friends, schools and government. The praise and worship team as well members of Christ Tabernacle, also joined us in this awesome time of prayer and fellowship.
The night officially started at 11:00 with amazing praise and worship! The Spirit of the Lord was truly in our mist. We knew that we were in for a major blessing. The night was well structured; once praise and worship was completed Pastor Neil gave us a word on praying for our families and he used the story of Abraham petitioning God to save Lot and his family in Sodom and Gomorrah as an example. Pastor Neil stressed two very important points:
- Intercession – Just as Abraham prayed for Lot and his family, we are called to do the same for ours. Abraham prayed and tried to reason with God concerning Lot. We must learn that it is up to us to pray and petition God for our families and their salvation: Scripture reference, Genesis 18:16 – 33.
- Do not bargain with the devil – This to me was so incredibly poignant. Lot tried to reason with the sinful people of Sodom and Gomorrah. While his intentions were good, (because he wanted to protect the messengers of God), we must remember that we cannot help God! We have no power of our own unless the Lord gives us that power. If we think that by bargaining with the devil we are “helping” God, we are sadly mistaking. Ignore the devil at all times and tune your ears, heart and eyes to what God is doing and showing you. Scripture reference, Genesis 19 1 - 29
Here is a snippet from Pastor Neil’s message:
After Pastor Neil shared his message, we watched a short video regarding the young gay community at the piers in NYC. Next up was Lisa Camby, who shared her message from the book of Esther. Lisa focused on gaining favor in the sight of the Lord, boldness and being born for such a time as this. She spoke about being bold in front of the enemy. She encouraged us to not be afraid to show the devil what miraculous things that the Lord is and will be doing in our lives. We must also learn to answer our calling. It is no coincidence as to where we are in our lives. God has created us for a specific purpose and we must learn to not shy away from our calling in the Lord Jesus Christ. If Esther had not been bold and has not had favor with the king and God, she would have failed at her purpose and her people would have been slain. Scripture reference Esther Chapter 2, 5 & 7.
Here is a snippet from Lisa’s message:
It was a truly a blessing to be amongst God’s people. It was refreshing to see so many young people coming together to pray and worship the Lord. The event ended at about 5:00am on Saturday morning. We were physically tired yet spiritually refreshed! Our God is an awesome God and I know that there were many prayers that night that will be answered by the Lord! Here is a little video from our praise and worship that night.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Dr. Wilkerson's reponse to "An Urgent Warning"
I received this response e-mail from our pastor about the warning that he sent out last week. Again I ask you to pray for understanding and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you about the things to come.
A PASTOR’S RESPONSE TO “AN URGENT WARNING”
It is the task of a true prophet to warn. We have recently heard such a clear warning of perilous days just ahead of us. The prophet is like a man who comes to warn a shepherd that ravenous wolves are approaching. It then becomes the shepherd’s task to appropriately discern the warning and to guide those in his care to a place of wisdom and security. I am not a prophet. I am a local pastor. I must ask myself what I am to do in light of hearing the warning from God. What should I say to those under my pastoral care? First, I want my people to clearly hear the word. What is it saying and what is it not saying. Some have heard of fires and looting and their hearts are filled with fear. I am to assure my people that God is always completely in control. God is sovereign. Nothing takes place outside of his notice and counsel, and all things happen for his ultimate, highest glory. Even in the most troubling of times, our God knows exactly what he is doing.
Second, I want those I serve to know two things concerning God’s wrath. First, some leaders in the church have sadly fallen into the deception that there is no such thing as the wrath of God. Roman 1:18 says, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” Some act in ungodly ways, others are ungodly by their suppressing the truth of God’s wrath. Some leaders reduce, ignore and even ridicule anyone who reminds them of the certainty of God’s wrath. Romans 2:5 also tells us clearly that the wrath of God is toward those whose hearts are hard and impenitent. This leads to the second element of understanding God’s wrath. It is never, ever, ever poured out on the children of God. In I John 2:2 “He is the propitiation for our sins.” The word propitiation means “wrath quencher.” What marvelous grace, what redemption! God’s wrath at my rebellion and sin has been quenched on the Cross of Christ. Hard times come; rain falls even on the just but wrath does not.
Last, I am obligated to guide the flock given to me with loving-kindness and soberness. If a wolf or a storm is coming, I as a shepherd must know the conditions of my flock. Are any sitting on the fence? Warn them that this is no time for compromise or close affiliation with the world. Partying in the house of an Egyptian on the night of the Passover is definitely not a good idea. This is a time to stay close to the Chief Shepherd. This is also an opportunity for us to call out to those outside the gate. Jesus is the Door and has opened his heart. His cry it that all flee from wrath to come. More than shrinking behind a double-locked door or fleeing to a rural farm, this is a call from Jesus to move your life into the sheepfold. When a prophet comes with a message of warning, often people want the prophet to give them specific advice about what to do in response. At times, God gives the prophet a word, but more often it is up to the shepherd, and even more so, up to every man of God to take the word into account for his own family. Just as a pastor has stewardship of the church, a man of God is to give an account of his own family. When one comes to warn that wolves are coming, it is not always his responsibility to tell them what to do. We can hear from God. Joseph heard God say to store up food for the season to come (Genesis 41). Moses heard God say to receive gifts from the Egyptians for their journey (Exodus12). We as well can hear from God for our situation. Sheep do hear the Shepherd’s voice. Jesus—in this hour, in this storm—will not only guide his people and comfort his flock but will also give them boldness, confidence and a heart to serve those troubled by the afflictions.
A prophet once came to Paul and prophesied that if he went to Jerusalem he would be bound and put in prison. The prophet was faithful to give his word; it was up to Paul to hear from God how to deal with that warning. Paul, after hearing the prophecy, still decided to go to Jerusalem—willing to risk his life for the gospel (Acts 21). Some will hear and stay in a place of safety; others will hear and go to a place to serve. Some churches are positioned in cities that will need their spiritual strength and compassion. Perhaps the wisdom of Paul in Ephesians 5:15-18 speaks most to what we need, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
A PASTOR’S RESPONSE TO “AN URGENT WARNING”
It is the task of a true prophet to warn. We have recently heard such a clear warning of perilous days just ahead of us. The prophet is like a man who comes to warn a shepherd that ravenous wolves are approaching. It then becomes the shepherd’s task to appropriately discern the warning and to guide those in his care to a place of wisdom and security. I am not a prophet. I am a local pastor. I must ask myself what I am to do in light of hearing the warning from God. What should I say to those under my pastoral care? First, I want my people to clearly hear the word. What is it saying and what is it not saying. Some have heard of fires and looting and their hearts are filled with fear. I am to assure my people that God is always completely in control. God is sovereign. Nothing takes place outside of his notice and counsel, and all things happen for his ultimate, highest glory. Even in the most troubling of times, our God knows exactly what he is doing.
Second, I want those I serve to know two things concerning God’s wrath. First, some leaders in the church have sadly fallen into the deception that there is no such thing as the wrath of God. Roman 1:18 says, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” Some act in ungodly ways, others are ungodly by their suppressing the truth of God’s wrath. Some leaders reduce, ignore and even ridicule anyone who reminds them of the certainty of God’s wrath. Romans 2:5 also tells us clearly that the wrath of God is toward those whose hearts are hard and impenitent. This leads to the second element of understanding God’s wrath. It is never, ever, ever poured out on the children of God. In I John 2:2 “He is the propitiation for our sins.” The word propitiation means “wrath quencher.” What marvelous grace, what redemption! God’s wrath at my rebellion and sin has been quenched on the Cross of Christ. Hard times come; rain falls even on the just but wrath does not.
Last, I am obligated to guide the flock given to me with loving-kindness and soberness. If a wolf or a storm is coming, I as a shepherd must know the conditions of my flock. Are any sitting on the fence? Warn them that this is no time for compromise or close affiliation with the world. Partying in the house of an Egyptian on the night of the Passover is definitely not a good idea. This is a time to stay close to the Chief Shepherd. This is also an opportunity for us to call out to those outside the gate. Jesus is the Door and has opened his heart. His cry it that all flee from wrath to come. More than shrinking behind a double-locked door or fleeing to a rural farm, this is a call from Jesus to move your life into the sheepfold. When a prophet comes with a message of warning, often people want the prophet to give them specific advice about what to do in response. At times, God gives the prophet a word, but more often it is up to the shepherd, and even more so, up to every man of God to take the word into account for his own family. Just as a pastor has stewardship of the church, a man of God is to give an account of his own family. When one comes to warn that wolves are coming, it is not always his responsibility to tell them what to do. We can hear from God. Joseph heard God say to store up food for the season to come (Genesis 41). Moses heard God say to receive gifts from the Egyptians for their journey (Exodus12). We as well can hear from God for our situation. Sheep do hear the Shepherd’s voice. Jesus—in this hour, in this storm—will not only guide his people and comfort his flock but will also give them boldness, confidence and a heart to serve those troubled by the afflictions.
A prophet once came to Paul and prophesied that if he went to Jerusalem he would be bound and put in prison. The prophet was faithful to give his word; it was up to Paul to hear from God how to deal with that warning. Paul, after hearing the prophecy, still decided to go to Jerusalem—willing to risk his life for the gospel (Acts 21). Some will hear and stay in a place of safety; others will hear and go to a place to serve. Some churches are positioned in cities that will need their spiritual strength and compassion. Perhaps the wisdom of Paul in Ephesians 5:15-18 speaks most to what we need, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
Monday, March 9, 2009
Praying for the Out Pouring of the Holy Spirit for He Tells Us Things To Come
JOHN 16:13 NKJ: 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.As we focus on God’s mercy and praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit we should realize exactly what we are praying for. The Holy Spirit is many things to us; a Helper, Comforter, Teacher, Guide and so much more. Throughout this month, I hope to explore the many roles the Holy Spirit plays in our lives. For this particular blog, I want to explore the Holy Spirit’s role as a “Teacher of things to come”.
I am sure that there is no need to remind you that we are living in troubled times. Our God is so merciful that He will not lead us into these troubled times without knowledge. Hosea 4:6 says “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”, and our Father in heaven does not want us to be destroyed by the impending fear and anti-Christ spirit. That is why Jesus told His church that He would send us a Helper, He will give us the knowledge to get us through the times to come.
The Holy Spirit will reveal to God’s people everything that is in His heart to share with us. I am not sure if God will reveal everything, but I am sure that He will reveal some things. The Holy Spirit moves and communicates to us in various ways.
1. Visions/Dreams: Often times the Holy Spirit will give us visions of what is to come. The Bible says in Acts 2:17, "And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams". This is a promise from God; I surely believe that this is one major way that the Lord will reveal many things to His people in these last days. This is going to happen. it is inevitable, so we must prepare ourselves to receive this gift from the Holy Spirit. We should not fear, but rejoice for the Lord will pour out His Spirit as He has promised and we should be humbled and honored that He has chosen to give us a glimpse of His plan and will. Remember, we were all born for such a time as this.
2. A Word: The Bible is filled with prophecies and mentions of the end times. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through the living Bible. The Holy Spirit will bring to your remembrance a scripture that has to do with the coming times. He will also speak to your heart the things to come. It is important to read and meditate on God’s Word. Take the time to read and spend time with the Lord and the Holy Spirit will reveal many things to you. Once it is revealed, you should not stop there, you should pray that the Holy Spirit will give you a deeper understanding, and make sure to share what has been revealed to you to the Body of Christ.
3. The Church: I find comfort in the unity of the church. I am strengthened and reassured when I find that multiple pastors around the world are sharing the same message. When the Holy Spirit imparts knowledge on the leaders of our churches and they begin to share the same knowledge and heart of God, it reinforces what God is communicating to His people. Therefore, it is important to spend time with members of the body of Christ. If you are in a church that seems dry, I implore you to seek for a church that is saturated in the Spirit of the All Mighty God! Do not sleep! Watch! Lest ye fall into temptation! Jesus said this many times to His disciples and I think it is more than worth repeating.
As we pray for the out pour of the Holy Spirit, let us remember that He will communicate to us in various ways. Let us be vigilant and watch and make sure that our hearts, eyes and ears are receptive to the Will of God and the knowledge He will impart to us. And in all things, remember that we are VICTORIOUS!!!! So do not fear, but rejoice that the Lord is going to fulfill His promises to us and that we are worthy to receive an outpouring of the Holy Spirit!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
A Urgent Message From Dr. Wilkerson of Times Square Church
We wanted to share this urgent message that our pastor sent out via e-mail. The Lord has revealed these events to many of His people including myself and my mother. Remember that God warns His people before He brings judgment. Please pray for understanding from the Holy Spirit and mercy upon our nation. We need the Lord's strength and power to keep us focus on Him and not be fearful of the things to come.
"I am compelled by the Holy Spirit to send out an urgent message to all on our mailing list, and to friends and to bishops we have met all over the world.
AN EARTH-SHATTERING CALAMITY IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.IT IS GOING TO BE SO FRIGHTENING, WE ARE ALL GOING TO TREMBLE—EVEN THE GODLIEST AMONG US.
For ten years I have been warning about a thousand fires coming to New York City. It will engulf the whole megaplex, including areas of New Jersey and Connecticut. Major cities all across America will experience riots and blazing fires—such as we saw in Watts, Los Angeles, years ago.
There will be riots and fires in cities worldwide. There will be looting—including Times Square, New York City. What we are experiencing now is not a recession, not even a depression. We are under God’s wrath. In Psalm 11 it is written,
“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (v. 3).
God is judging the raging sins of America and the nations. He is destroying the secular foundations.
The prophet Jeremiah pleaded with wicked Israel, “God is fashioning a calamity against you and devising a plan against you. Oh, turn back each of you from your evil way, and reform your ways and deeds. But they will say, It’s hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart” (Jeremiah 18:11-12).
In Psalm 11:6, David warns, “Upon the wicked he will rain snares (coals of fire)…fire…burning wind…will be the portion of their cup.” Why? David answered, “Because the Lord is righteous” (v. 7). This is a righteous judgment—just as in the judgments of Sodom and in Noah’s generation.
WHAT SHALL THE RIGHTEOUS DO? WHAT ABOUT GOD’S PEOPLE?
First, I give you a practical word I received for my own direction. Lay in store a thirty-day supply of food, toiletries and other essentials. In major cities, grocery stores are emptied in an hour at the sign of an impending disaster.
As for our spiritual reaction, we have but two options. This is outlined in Psalm 11. We “flee like a bird to a mountain.” Or, as David says, “He fixed his eyes on the Lord on his throne in heaven—his eyes beholding, his eyelids testing the sons of men” (v. 4). “In the Lord I take refuge” (v. 1).
I will say to my soul: No need to run…no need to hide. This is God’s righteous work. I will behold our Lord on his throne, with his eye of tender, loving kindness watching over every step I take—trusting that he will deliver his people even through floods, fires, calamities, tests, trials of all kinds.
Note: I do not know when these things will come to pass, but I know it is not far off. I have unburdened my soul to you. Do with the message as you choose."
God bless and keep you.
In Christ,
DAVID WILKERSONDW:bbm 3-05-09
"I am compelled by the Holy Spirit to send out an urgent message to all on our mailing list, and to friends and to bishops we have met all over the world.
AN EARTH-SHATTERING CALAMITY IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.IT IS GOING TO BE SO FRIGHTENING, WE ARE ALL GOING TO TREMBLE—EVEN THE GODLIEST AMONG US.
For ten years I have been warning about a thousand fires coming to New York City. It will engulf the whole megaplex, including areas of New Jersey and Connecticut. Major cities all across America will experience riots and blazing fires—such as we saw in Watts, Los Angeles, years ago.
There will be riots and fires in cities worldwide. There will be looting—including Times Square, New York City. What we are experiencing now is not a recession, not even a depression. We are under God’s wrath. In Psalm 11 it is written,
“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (v. 3).
God is judging the raging sins of America and the nations. He is destroying the secular foundations.
The prophet Jeremiah pleaded with wicked Israel, “God is fashioning a calamity against you and devising a plan against you. Oh, turn back each of you from your evil way, and reform your ways and deeds. But they will say, It’s hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart” (Jeremiah 18:11-12).
In Psalm 11:6, David warns, “Upon the wicked he will rain snares (coals of fire)…fire…burning wind…will be the portion of their cup.” Why? David answered, “Because the Lord is righteous” (v. 7). This is a righteous judgment—just as in the judgments of Sodom and in Noah’s generation.
WHAT SHALL THE RIGHTEOUS DO? WHAT ABOUT GOD’S PEOPLE?
First, I give you a practical word I received for my own direction. Lay in store a thirty-day supply of food, toiletries and other essentials. In major cities, grocery stores are emptied in an hour at the sign of an impending disaster.
As for our spiritual reaction, we have but two options. This is outlined in Psalm 11. We “flee like a bird to a mountain.” Or, as David says, “He fixed his eyes on the Lord on his throne in heaven—his eyes beholding, his eyelids testing the sons of men” (v. 4). “In the Lord I take refuge” (v. 1).
I will say to my soul: No need to run…no need to hide. This is God’s righteous work. I will behold our Lord on his throne, with his eye of tender, loving kindness watching over every step I take—trusting that he will deliver his people even through floods, fires, calamities, tests, trials of all kinds.
Note: I do not know when these things will come to pass, but I know it is not far off. I have unburdened my soul to you. Do with the message as you choose."
God bless and keep you.
In Christ,
DAVID WILKERSONDW:bbm 3-05-09
Sunday, March 1, 2009
The Revelations of Matthew 14: 22-33: Keeping your eyes on Christ
This is the third message that the Holy Spirit has led me to discover in this passage. Leading up to this post, I learned this week that I am not skilled to understand God’s will or plan. My flesh will not allow me to go beyond what my brain can comprehend. The Lord revealed this to me through daily words from my pastor and friends. I know that I have written about this before but the Lord has to continue to remind me that I do not dictate what He is going to do in my life.
Towards the end of this message Peter is now walking on water and heading towards Jesus. In verse 30, as he is walking towards his Savior, he started to pay attention to the wind that was gushing around him. “But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink -”(KJV). Because of all the distractions and horrible conditions, Peter becomes afraid and started to sink. He cries out for the Lord to save him and Jesus immediately picks him back up. Jesus than says to Peter in verse 31 “Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Speaking to my friends about our current situations and receiving a word from them really encouraged me. One of my friends received a word from the Lord that her family will receive salvation. Even though things look grim and are getting worse, she is still holding on to the promise. She is not going to question God why it has not happened yet or when. She is going to keep her eyes on Christ and continue to trust in His plan.
When she was talking to me, the Holy Spirit reminded me about Noah. Noah obeyed the word of God and built an ark to house his family and a pair of every land animal to protect them from the flood. He built this ark for over 100 years by faith. It had never rained on the earth before, people around him were calling him crazy but Noah trusted in God’s plan. He stayed focused and completed his task. This is the type of faith, I am praying for. It's that spiritual faith that is passed human understanding. It is the faith that doesn’t care what is going on around you. If God is faithful and continue to give us mercy and grace than why can’t we praise him through our problems?
I pray that we all keep our eyes on Jesus and continue to trust Him through the storm.
Towards the end of this message Peter is now walking on water and heading towards Jesus. In verse 30, as he is walking towards his Savior, he started to pay attention to the wind that was gushing around him. “But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink -”(KJV). Because of all the distractions and horrible conditions, Peter becomes afraid and started to sink. He cries out for the Lord to save him and Jesus immediately picks him back up. Jesus than says to Peter in verse 31 “Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Speaking to my friends about our current situations and receiving a word from them really encouraged me. One of my friends received a word from the Lord that her family will receive salvation. Even though things look grim and are getting worse, she is still holding on to the promise. She is not going to question God why it has not happened yet or when. She is going to keep her eyes on Christ and continue to trust in His plan.
When she was talking to me, the Holy Spirit reminded me about Noah. Noah obeyed the word of God and built an ark to house his family and a pair of every land animal to protect them from the flood. He built this ark for over 100 years by faith. It had never rained on the earth before, people around him were calling him crazy but Noah trusted in God’s plan. He stayed focused and completed his task. This is the type of faith, I am praying for. It's that spiritual faith that is passed human understanding. It is the faith that doesn’t care what is going on around you. If God is faithful and continue to give us mercy and grace than why can’t we praise him through our problems?
I pray that we all keep our eyes on Jesus and continue to trust Him through the storm.
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