Jesus addressed the church of Sardis in a unique way. He refers to himself as the one who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars.
All through the Bible we find the number seven. The number 7 is the most important symbolic number in the Hebrew Bible. It symbolizes completion and perfection.
The seven Spirits of God are the seven-fold operation of the spirit of God, as referred to in Isaiah.
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. Isaiah 11:1-5
The seven stars are the seven angels of each church, and church age.
John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; Revelation 1:4
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. Revelation 1:20
The seven churches are the seven churches that existed at the time this prophecy was given but also the church ages. Of which we are in the last church age.
However, every individual can learn from the address Jesus makes to the churches, pertaining to specific things that please and displease the Lord. In this way we can have our hearts dealt with and come into alignment with God’s perfect will.
It is important to note that salvation is a free gift not based on our works. However, blessings in this life and rewards in the next are dependant on the way we live our lives in this world. God wants us to be overcomers, not just sinners saved by grace.
That being said, lets take a look at the Lord’s exhortation for the church of Sardis.
First of all, Jesus exhorts Sardis to be watchful. Being watchful was an exhortation Jesus continually made to his disciples.
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41
Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 2 John 1:8
Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. Matthew 24:42
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13
So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:6
Then Jesus tells Sardis, strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die. To tackle the meaning of this verse we have to break it down.
Strengthen sterizo in the Greek means to set fast, turn resolve, to confirm in ones mind.
Remain loipoi in the Greek means to remain as a remnant.
Which are ready to die apothnesko in the Greek means to be slain, at the point of death, perishing.
In other words, make up your mind with firm resolve to be a part of the remnant of God and die to that which hinders you from achieving that goal! (my paraphrase)
Jesus tell Sardis this because I have not found thy works perfect before God. Revelations 3:2
Obviously, Sardis was asleep, not watching and not dying to self. To find out what may have been the cause, we need to look at what kind of environment they were living in.
Apparently, Sardis was a flourishing city. It was known for its great wealth. The decline of Sardis was gradual but final.
There is an important lesson here. During times of prosperity God’s people may be tempted to let our guard down. Not being watchful in prayer. Not dying to our carnal nature.
God in his mercy sends waring. Always warning before judgment.
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and
repent.
If therefore thou shalt not watch,
I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt
not know
what hour I will come upon thee. Revelations 3:3
Prosperity in this world is a double-edged sword. It can be used for good. To further the gospel, blessing in this life, BUT it can also be used to destroy. Make us weak in spirit, slothful in prayer and watching, concerned with the affairs of this life.
Jesus warns his church of this tendency towards spiritual apathy during times of blessing. He says STAY AWAKE! BE WATCHFUL IN PRAYER! STAY SEPERATE FROM THE WORLD.
Then the Lord gives Sardis an incentive for obedience to his word.
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Revelations 3:4,5
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelations 3:6
In speaking to the church in Thyatira, Jesus reveals himself as having eyes of fire and feet like brass. In other words, Jesus says he sees the situation in Thyatira. He stands in that situation to judge it and bring correction.
Fire and brass in the scriptures refer to God’s judgment, purification, and refinement.
For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:2
I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. Luke 12:24
And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So, he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. Exodus 3:2
They slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah and bound him in chains and took him to Babylon. They made Zedekiah watch as they slaughtered his sons. Then they gouged out Zedekiah’s eyes, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon. 2 kings 25: 7
I will break the pride of your power; I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze. Leviticus 26:19
Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; As your days, so shall your strength be. Deuteronomy 33:25
Then I turned and raised my eyes and looked, and behold, four chariots were coming from between two mountains, and the mountains were mountains of bronze. Zechariah 6:1
Jesus tells the church at Thyatira that he sees their good works, faith, and service in the kingdom of God, But he also sees something else. He sees that God’s people have allowed “that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.”
To understand what Jesus is referring to metaphorically, we have to go to the biblical story of Jezebel. In the Book of kings, Jezebel was a woman married to the king of Israel. This was an unholy union. To secure peace, Ahab, the king of Israel, allied with the Phoenicians. (modern Lebanon, where the cities of Tyre and Sidon were located)
Jezebel seduced King Ahab into worshipping the Tyrian god Baal-Melkart, a nature god. In other words, he allowed a seducing spirit or doctrine of demons to sway him away from worshipping the God of Israel. The church at Thyatira also allowed this seducing spirit to have a place in their congregation.
Jezebel was a zealous worshipper of the nature god Baal-Melkart. This god required allegiance to the earth. The elements of the earth were glorified through this god over the God of all the earth. The church of Thyatira allowed the nature god to have a place. Jesus makes it known to the church of Thyatira that this is idolatry. Glorifying the creation over the creator.
In the same way that the nature god was allowed to spread its teaching in Thyatira, there are parts of the church today that allows the Jezebel spirit to teach nature worship. The “save the planet, climate change” radicals have invaded God’s church today! There is an obsession in our culture with nature worship. Parts of the church today have gotten on that bandwagon.
For more info on that, I refer you to this article,
Jezebel seduces God’s people to worship nature. Jesus views this act as fornicating with a false god and partaking in fellowship with it.
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. Revelation 2:20
God gives “Jezebel” a chance to repent.Those associated with this seducing spirit, Jesus calls out of that false teaching. He also gives a warning to those who will not repent.
“Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into greattribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” Revelation 2:22,23
Many times, if we don’t repent of our sins, we end up reaping the consequences. This includes tremendous hardship, sickness, and even death.
Baal worship includes the following nature-ordinated practices. As God’s children, we must examine ourselves to see if we have allowed fornication with this seducing spirit.
Jezebel taught dependence on Baal instead of Yahweh.
This dependence encourages mixing pagan ideology with Christianity or adopting parts of pagan ideas and practices into the church. By doing this, one enters the depth of Satan or commits spiritual fornication with demons. (Sorcery, or the false prophetic that uses pagan practices. )
What are some examples of Pagan practices?
Observance of special times of pagan seasons, ceremonies, and festivals. Such as Halloween, Easter practices, some Christmas practices.
Sacred spaces such as worship in particular places, at venerable monuments, earth-based devotions, observation of celestial bodies.
Devotional worship of ancestors, safe spaces, nature worship.(environmental ideology)
Rites and ceremonies, like practicing magic or using demonic methods for personal benefit.
Personal spiritual behaviors inducing self-promotion, such as wearing charms, burning candles or incense, chants, occultic mediation, and Yoga. (You can’t sanctify this practice!)
Devotion or worship of demons by use of shrines, crystals, holy water, sacred stones or feathers, charms, self-procured visualization, mantras, chanting, prayer beads, astrology, fortune cookies, use of essential oils or sage for purification, worship of nature objects, worship of Gia.
Use of symbols such as dream catchers, pentagrams, medicine wheels, tree of life jewelry, Celtic or Norse symbols, upside down cross, all-seeing eye, lucky charms, wishbones, celestial objects, feminist or false rainbow signs.
Jesus warns that adhering to these things releases demonic influence, resulting in sickness, poverty, and possible early demise.
Jesus admonishes his church because he loves it. He wants his people to repent and get right with him.
But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 2:24-29
Pergamos was a church where the Lord brought the two-edged sword. The audience that Jesus was speaking to would understand what he was referring to. The two-edged sword used in Roman warfare was called the gladius Hispaniensis. It was used in battle when an enemy was approaching from both sides. The gladius Hispaniensis was deadly when swung to the left or right.
A two-edged sword does twice as much damage to the enemy because it was forged with two edges, allowing for better thrusting effects. A double-edged sword is more effective at penetrating through armor than a single-edged sword. An enemy cannot grab a two-edged sword in battle like a single-edged sword. The Lord likens his word to a double- edged sword that can do damage to the enemy. God’s two-edged sword is alive and active. It is quick, filled with life, effective and powerful.
God’s two-edged sword can also pierce or penetrate to separate or divide the soul and the Spirit. That is, a division can be made by the word of God in a person between what comes from the soul (mind, reason, intellect, emotions) and what is from the innermost being or spirit of man. (the eternal being) In other words, God’s word penetrates our being to discern what is from the soul and the spiritual person. God’s word discerns the thoughts and motives.
The sword of the Spirit is a part of the Christian’s armor in fighting battles with the devil.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of Spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God so 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 6:10-18
The Lord addresses the church in Pergamos with his two-edged sword. He tells them that he knows their work. (their labor in him) He also recognizes that they are living in an environment that is satanic in nature. The Lord sees that the church are standing in his power and might, making a firm stand against the devil’s wiles to steal their faith.
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges. I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”
Using his two-edged sword, the Lord also sees that the church in Pergamos has allowed a doctrine of demons to creep into their midst. While the church at Pergamos trusted in the name of Jesus, they were compromisers of the gospel in a pagan culture. The doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which the church in Pergamos allowed to operate was antinomianism[i]in nature. That is the doctrine that teaches Christians can retain sinful habits and worldly ideology and still be saved.
“But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.”
The two-edged sword came to address this false doctrine. To point it out by exposure and then to offer a remedy. That remedy is repentance. Acknowledging sin and turning away from it. Failure to follow the Lord’s instructions results in getting into a battle with the two-edged sword.
“Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” Revelation 2: 16
The Lord warns the church at Pergamos to repent from the false doctrine of loosey goosy grace. The Lord himself says that he hates that doctrine.
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11
The Lord makes it clear where he stands about a Christian living in sin, as the Bible describes. God’s mercy will thrust his two-edged sword at the believer’s heart.
The Lord desires all to repent and come to him for forgiveness. God’s word will fight against those who hold to the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes. To those who still live in the sins that they were redeemed from.
For those believers that repent, the Lord says he will extend to them his mercy and eternal life.
“He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows saving he that receives it.” Revelation 2:17
Smyrna was once an illustrious Hellenistic-era Greek city. It was one of the leading centers of Greek settlement in western Anatolia. (Area in Turkey) Smyrna was a hub for Armenian and Greek culture even after the Turkish occupation centuries later. Smyrna remained so until the Turks destroyed the city in 1922.
Smyrna was located at the mouth of the small river Hermus at the head of the sea, reaching far inland. This enabled Greek merchant ships to sail into the heart of Lydia, making it a major trade route between Anatolia and the Aegean Sea.
Smyrna arose as a center of power during the 7th century BC. A strong military fortress was built there by the Smyrnaean Ionians. In 133 BC, when Attalus III died without an heir, he left his entire kingdom, including Smyrna, to the Romans, who made it a part of the Roman province of Asia. Pergamum was the capital.
Smyrna continued as one of the leading seaport cities of Roman Asia. Smyrna was very anti-gospel because of the notoriety of its many pagan temples. It was a cosmopolitan, prosperous city and a religious hub. To change the order of things was to mess with people’s pocketbooks. (much like today)
Christians were extremely persecuted inSmyrna. They were put to death at the stake and by beasts in the Roman amphitheater. Christians could have their property confiscated, taken as slaves, abused, and tortured. The price of being a Christian in Smyrna was very high. The church in Smyrna was poor, downtrodden, hated, and persecuted.
Today persecution is rampant in much of the world, like Smyrna. God’s people are ridiculed, put in prison, and even put to death. To the Smyrna church, God says,“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10
The Smyrna church was persecuted because they refused to bow to the government of the day. The Smyrna church refused to burn incense to the emperor. That is, they refused the anti-Christ policies of the day. They stood in faith while slandered, fired from their jobs, fined, robbed of their livelihood, persecuted by false brethren, and cast into prison. The Smyrna church stood in the power of the Lord’s might in their hour of trial. They refused to give in to the secular ideology of the day. They would not compromise.
Jesus was pleased with the Smyrna church. He encouraged them in their suffering. “He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death.” Revelation 2:11
The second death is the resurrection of damnation, where the unsaved will be cast into Hell. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” John 5:28-29
Are you part of the Smyrna church? Suffering for your faith in Jesus Christ? Peter tells those suffering for their faith, “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, strengthen, confirm, and ground you.” 1 Peter 5:10
This is what the Lord says to the Smyrna church. “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:8-11
In the Book of Revelation, in chapters two and three, Jesus addresses the churches. While I realize that the Lord is addressing these historical, literal churches, many scholars believe that these churches represent certain church ages. I would add that each church that Jesus addresses has specific warnings and exhortations from our Lord to individual believers. Let us begin with the first Church, Ephesus.
Ephesus was an ancient port city in modern-day Turkey. It was known for the massive temple of Artemis, a Greek goddess or Diana, as the Romans called her. In 129 BC, King Attalos of Pergamon left Ephesus to the Roman Empire in his will. The city then became the seat of the regional Roman governor.
Ephesus was second only to Rome as a cosmopolitan center of culture and commerce. As a port city; goods arrived from the harbor, and caravans traveled the Royal road. Christianity spread in Ephesus in the first century A.D.
Many converts emerged from this goddess cult. Proselytizing did have its challenges in Ephesus, as recorded in the book of Acts. Those who made money from the goddess cult persecuted Christians because they put a dent in their income.
Eventually, Christianity became the official religion of Ephesus but in 262 A.D., the splendor of Ephesus was destroyed by the Goths.
In Ephesus the Messianic Jews had a hard time accepting the Gentile converts. In Paul’s letters to the Ephesians, he tried rectifying this barrier by explaining that all believers were now one people through Jesus Christ.
In the book of Revelation (given to the apostle John), Jesus commends the church of Ephesus for their diligent works in the kingdom of God. He also commends them for their patience in suffering.
Since the church of Ephesus consisted of a mix of Gentile pagans and Jewish converts, it was challenging to keep the faith pure and unadulterated. Port cities tend to flourish with all kinds of strange superstitions and weird ideologies. Ephesians were diligent in keeping out worldly practices and strange beliefs. They were doctrinal Puritans.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John. 4:1
While the Ephesians tested people’s ministries and doctrines, the Lord pointed out that they had a severe problem. He told them (in John’s vision) that they had left their first love! In other words, the Ephesians had a form of knowledge but not the whole truth. They knew the letter of the word, BUT they did not have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, who is THE WORD.
The Ephesians had religion. Doctrinal purity, while good, is not the end all to be all. Many apologists suffer from this ailment of religiously over relationship. Some don’t even know they have this problem. These doctrinal Puritans will strain over a gnat and swallow a camel!
I can say this because I was one of them. A complete freak for pure doctrine but couldn’t see the person of Jesus Christ past my nose! If you asked me if I knew the Jesus of the Bible, I would tell you most assuredly! I would get out my doctrinal purity chart and show you how much I knew about the Bible. I am a very educated person, you know! I could wrap a cult leader around my doctrinal yardstick! This same mindset goes for a lot of religious doctrinal Puritans. Just like the Ephesians! A lot of zeal but no fire.
Unless you know your Bible well, I would not recommend getting into the ring with one of them. They use a very sharp sword and can poke you a good one with it! One thing these doctrinal Puritans don’t have though is the fire of God. They are scholars on ice! You won’t see many of them used to heal the sick, cast out devils, or raise the dead. They are too busy explaining it all away! Nor will you see them on their face worshipping the Lord, crying out in intercession for the lost to get saved, or feeding the poor. These doctrinal Puritans are busy studying the word!
Now don’t get me wrong, knowledge of the Bible is good! Pure doctrine is good! Jesus commended the Ephesians for their doctrinal purity. But if you don’t have a passion for Jesus and love him with all your heart, what does doctrinal purity mean in our relationship to God?
I know many uneducated Christians who have no clue about major doctrinal issues but they have the fire of God in their belly! These fools on fire are what changed the world! What education did the fishermen have?
Are you a scholar on ice? A doctrinal Puritan with no Holy Spirit power in your life? Then you need to return to your first love! Seek the Lord while he may be found! Cry out to him to put his fire in your belly! It’s not enough to be doctrinally pure. Jesus himself, in his admonition to the Ephesians, said so himself!
Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Jesus tells us in scripture to be on the alert against the devourer. He says the devil is like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-10
We must know about lion attributes since Jesus said Satan is like a lion.
The lion’s roar can be heard from about 5 miles away. Like the lion, the devil makes such a loud noise that all his enemies can hear him. The lion roar is used for intimidation. When the lion makes noise, all his potential predators and foes know to stay out of its territory. Satan makes noise to keep from being challenged. He does not like anyone to challenge his authority.
The lion is a strong beast. It has powerful legs and large teeth to hold and pull down its prey. The devil also has powerful strongholds and a devouring mouth to take hold of its prey.
While Satan has several unsavory characteristics and wicked devices, I would like to concentrate on the lion’s devouring capabilities in this blog.
The lion prefers to attack weak prey. Lions usually do not go for any animal that will give them a strong fight. Lions will stalk their prey. That is, they will look for weaknesses. The lion hides in the grass, watching their potential prey. The lion will then move closer and closer, looking for an opportune moment.
Reaching the prey at proximity, the lion will use a quick charge to either ponce on its prey or knock it over.
Once caught, the lion will either break the prey’s neck or suffocate its prey. Then the lion will devour its prey. Often the lion will begin to devour the prey while it is still alive. This pounce aims to stop the struggling or to avoid sharing the prey with scavengers.
A devouring predator is addressed in the scriptures more than a few times. To devour means to eat quickly or consume entirely. Satan has a ferocious appetite. Like the lion, the devil devours its prey.
The devourer comes in many forms, with many different avenues for attack (locusts, cankerworms, caterpillars, palmerworms, and the tongue), but all have the same objective, to consume entirely.
Jesus uses the illustration of a lion because this shows how Satan gets in to devour. Once in then, he may use whatever method (due to the personal sin) is pertinent to use on the victim.
In order to have victory over the devourer, Jesus calls us to be watchful in prayer. He says to be sober-minded and alert. In other words, be serious and knowledgeable about the devil’s devices. Jesus also says to resist the devil in faith, which brings us to the next point.
Resisting the lion may sound to some like being awfully presumptuous but think of it this way. Shouldn’t we have an effective escape strategy when we could be a possible victim of the devourer? Well, good news because the Bible provides one.
The lion has natural weaknesses. These weaknesses are significant because there is a Biblical parallel to them.
When a lion charges, do not run! Instead, take a stand against him. Make loud shouting noises and wave your hands. Also, use pepper spray. A lion is intimidated by loud noises and aggressive behavior.
Running from a fight with a lion is a sure way to end up devoured. It is the same with the devil. Satan, like a lion, can sense weakness and fear. Jesus tells us to resist him in faith. That means to fight against him and oppose his attack!
How do we do this? In the same way, a lion attempting to make a charge is opposed. By making a joyful noise unto the Lord! Satan hates the sound of loud declarations of faith. Both with words and with song!
Although the lion is a strong beast, it has poor eyesight. It relies more on smell and sensory perception. In other words, Satan has no revelation of the word. He knows jots and tittles but does not understand the ways of the Lord. A good saturation of scripture in the heart and mind deter demonic attack. The sword of the Spirit is our pepper spray! ‘It is written’!
The devil cannot stay where the scriptures are applied in a situation. First, the devil is not privy to revelation and because praying God’s word releases the kingdom of God to operate. Jesus always honors his word. He watches over his word to perform it.
Lions are unable to run very fast. They tire easily. Giving the devil a good fight in the power of the Holy Spirit will send him fleeing!
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.Psalm 34:10
Lastly, the Lord himself will rebuke the devourer for our sake! Jesus will back us up as we fight the good fight of faith i his name. He will make us more than a conqueror through him! He will raise us up on eagle wings! He will cause us to have the victory over that roaring lion!”
I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your land, and the vine in your field will not fail to produce fruit,” says the LORD of Hosts.Malachi 3:11
This blog is the final blog on the thief! Below are links to my other platforms.
I was about to wrap up my series on the thief with one last blog, but the Lord brought to my attention a thief pertinent for today to mention. The first time we hear about frogs is in the book of Exodus as one of the 10 plagues.
This is what the great LORD says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. If you refuse to let them go, I will plague your whole country with frogs. The Nile will teem with frogs. They will come up into your palace and your bedroom and onto your bed, into the houses of your officials and on your people, and into your ovens and kneading troughs. The frogs will go up on you and your people and all your officials. Exodus 8:1–4
As we can see frogs are considered in Biblical terms to be a plague or a pest which hits the world system in times of God’s judgement in the earth. God judges the world based on the criteria of sin but also on its treatment of his people. While this is true in the past it is also true today. One can quite easily make a correlation between intense persecution of the Lord’s people and natural calamities, confusion, and misfortune. You will find this in nations, cities, and individual lives. It is a spiritual principal. Put your hand or mouth to one of God’s kids and watch your life go down the toilet.
Whoever blesses Israel will be blessed, And whoever curses Israel will be cursed. Numbers 24:9
That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.Galatians 3:14
How then does this make the frog a thief? The frog is a thief if you do not live in the land of Goshen or are under the blood of the lamb. While this is true of the unbeliever it can also be true to the disobedient or ignorant Christian. (see my blog on ignorance)
Just because I know that the blood of Jesus Christ was shed for my salvation, (The Israelites were God’s people prior to the plagues of Egypt) does not mean I’m protected automatically. I must APPLY the blood of the lamb on the door posts of my home or life. That is, I must acknowledge this grace by pleading the blood of Jesus before God’s throne for my constant protection.
You see it is the angel of death who must see that blood covering your life! (Just so you know the spirit of death is a demonic power not a good angel.) When Satan sees you have applied the blood of Jesus to your life, he cannot harm you. Some Christians equate the Lord on the same level as other gods. The whims of the gods is a term used to mean that the gods do as they please with mankind, depending on their mood. In other words selection based on preference.
God is no respecter of persons. All his promises are ‘yes and amen’ to those who trust in God for them!
Beloved, concerning all things I desire thee to prosper, and to be in health, even as thy soul doth prosper. 3 John 1:2
My people PERISH for lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6
God’s people will have tribulation and persecution, but they also will if they trust the Lord, triumph over them all! (another topic)
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:19
During God’s judgement on the Egyptians, he sent a plague of frogs. In Egypt the common marsh frogs dwell. These frogs are not poisonous or harmful to touch BUT they are a terrible annoyance if they overpopulate. They can get into everything!
God allowed these frogs to overpopulate to the point of disaster for the Egyptians! The Lord in doing so was actually bringing them a message. In Egyptian culture, the frog was a symbol of life, and fertility. In other words, prosperity. Rather than giving glory to God (YAHWEH) for their blessings the Egyptians worshiped a god like frog.
In overpopulating Egypt with frogs, the Lord was revealing who was really in charge of all things, but also that the god they worshipped was now turning against them. This is another spiritual principal in play. Whatever you put your trust in (make an idol) besides the Lord, might very well end up becoming a problem.
They shall be turned back and be utterly put to shame, Who trust in idols, Who say to molten images, “You are our gods.”Isaiah 42:17
They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusts in them. O Israel, trust thou in the Lord: he is their help and their shield. Psalm 115: 8,9
Another mention of frogs is in the Book of Revelation. Also, a last days curse or plague to humanity.
And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits, as it were frogs. Revelation 16:13
The interesting thing about these frogs are that they are lying spirits. Why would God depict lying spirits as frogs? Have you ever heard frogs croaking? Frogs go ballistic just before rainy season. They croak on a constant basis and if you live near them, they will keep you awake at night! The noise is constant to the point of being harassing. Frogs during mating season will not shut up!
Notice that these frogs come out of the dragon. They originate from Satan’s domain. They come out of the mouth of the beast or world system and the false prophet. (s)
While this is a specific end time event it is also an end times judgement in the earth. Biblical illustrations are many times past, present and future. These frogs or unclean spirts make a lot of noise. Each frog competing with the other frog to get people’s attention. The Greek word unclean in this text is akathartos, to be morally lewd, foul, and demonically inspired.
Sounds about like today huh? A whole bunch of lying spirts croaking to get people’s attention!
These frogs are a last days plague coming out of the devil’s mouth through his false prophets or deceivers in the world system.
Jesus told us to be careful what we hear! In other words, be discerning. The frogs are croaking really loud today! Many are confused. Many who have put their trust in secular wisdom (idols) are beginning to see the tree through the forest! Rainy season is here! New life always comes in rainy season!
Apply the blood of Jesus over your life every day! Paul told us to PUT ON the helmet of salvation. Wear your armour in the midst of this end times war. We are in a battle! Pray up!
The best thing to counter false news is the good news! The good news is that when it rains it pours!
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.Matthew 24:14
In the 58th chapter of Isaiah, the prophet speaks God’s heart concerning his people’s spiritual condition.
The prophet points out the nation’s sins.
The Lord never wants to bring judgment on anybody, but if his people will not repent of their sins sometimes he has to. The objective is to get our attention.
Before the Lord does this, he always gives his people a warning. He reveals to them where they have missed it and what they need to do to get it right.
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.”
The rest of the chapter deals with the sins that his people have committed. In order to repent or get right with God, we need to know what to repent of. Sometimes we are so self-righteous that we don’t see our sins. God has to point them out to us.
When things start going wrong in our lives, and our prayers begin to bounce off the ceiling, we then ask God. “What’s going on?”
More often than not, we have become entangled in something God calls sin! With sin in the way, our prayers will not be received. Some people don’t realize this, but our prayers will go unanswered unless we repent of what it is we are doing that is displeasing to God.
‘Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
Chapters Isaiah 58,59 point out a whole bunch of things that displease the Lord. Many of which we have been guilty of.
He then uses the spider analogy to give us a clear idea of what our sins do to us. Not only does sin hurt the Lord but our sin hurts us too.
God likens falling into sin like falling into a spider’s web.
Spiders, or the devils are predators. They tempt us to sin. The devil can only tempt us however, in an area of our life not yet surrendered to God.
In Job 8:13-15 the Lord tells us that the serpent (cockatrice) hatches poisonous eggs and the spider weaves a web for those who forget God. For those who live like hypocrites, and for those who put their trust in the ‘spiders web,’ or in the enemy’s deceptive devices.
When we leave God out of our lives or even a part of our lives, the serpent comes along and presents to us his ‘grand’ ideas. He gives us worldly wisdom with independent thoughts that, when hatched, become an ensnarment to us! The next thing we know after a while, our house comes crashing down all around us!
Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider’s web. He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand: he shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure. Job 8:13-15
We need to understand the serpent’s methods, so we don’t get trapped in a spider’s web. Although the serpent is the instigator of the entrapment, he uses the spider to do the entrapping. After all, the web must be woven by a spider because spiders, by nature, are the weaver of webs!
The spider’s objective is to catch prey. Some spiders may sit in their webs, hoping for some poor guy to come along and fall in, but this is not always the case! Some spiders use strategies to catch their prey. After the spider has weaved its web of lies, it then takes a sticky lasso cord to entangle its prey.
Deception has a way of wrapping us all up in entanglement. We become ensnared in our deception.
Trusting in our own strength is like putting our trust in the spider’s web. It is a deceptive entrapment to trust in our own might, intelligence, and prowess, leaving God out of our decisions.
When we become our own god, the serpent can hatch his poisonous eggs in our big fat ego!
After that, the spider comes along and weaves for us a master plan. We got it all figured out! We know how to solve this problem! We got it covered!
Oh, how many times we fall for that web of deception! Making decisions without consulting the Lord, trying to fix a wrong thing to make it right, building our own empires! There’s that sticky lasso! Getting us all caught up in entanglements concerning the affairs of this life!
Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. Proverbs 28: 26
Some spiders will even mimic their prey in order to avoid being detected. They look so much like a nice Christian or a good person. They have a lot of good advice to give. Then before you know it, you’re trapped in the web of deception! Why didn’t I just pray about that person first?
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Psalm 32:8
There are even spiders who will run their prey down! They camouflage so you can’t detect them, then when you see them for who they are they try hunting you down! You can’t get rid of them! Ever have somebody like that in your life? Constant harassment!
Well, if I had sought the Lord on that friendship, I would not be in this kerfuffle!
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20
Lastly, some spiders are poisonous. If you get bit by one of those, you are in big trouble! How often do we decide to trust a person or situation without consulting the Lord? Then we end up getting bit where it hurts! For me, more times than I can remember!
Like I told you in a previous blog; sometimes it takes a hammer to fall on my head before I get it. But better late than never.
Now I am learning to listen more closely to the Holy Spirit’s inner promptings. Greenlight, yes! Red light, don’t go there!
Before the prophet Isaiah tells God’s people why they ended up eating rotten serpent eggs in the spider’s web, he shows them their sin. If you look at those or any other sin for that matter, you will find a common theme: ‘refusal to submit to the Lordship of God (Jesus Christ) and doing our own thing.’
That is sin in a nutshell! If we are not submitted to God, we give Satan a place in our lives. Whether it is all of our lives or a part of our lives.
Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7
The devil sets traps for his prey. While entrapment may be criminally illegal, the devil doesn’t care about legalities. He knows our weaknesses, what we may be susceptible to. That is why he is called the tempter.
Spiders often build webs in our homes! In our garden or somewhere else on our property. That is why we have to be on the alert. Keeping our eye out for those webs!
When one is entrapped, they lose control. Stuck in a situation that makes them feel trapped. Deception is a spider’s 🕸 🕷
Sin is a deadly poison! It is a rotten serpant egg! No matter how good it looks, if we ingest it, we could die! At the very least, become sick!
There is a way out, though. God, in his mercy, provided one for us. It is called repentance. Turning back to God. When we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and purify us from all the sin’s unrighteousness!
Jesus Christ is the propitiation for our sin! That means he took our place. Aren’t you glad that he did that? Otherwise, we would be stuck forever in the web of deception, eating rotten serpent eggs!
If you need to get it right with the Lord today, why not seek him? He said in his word that he will never turn you away! No matter how far you’ve gone from him. He loves you and longs for you to turn to him for his forgiveness and healing.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Most of us know that having pride is a sure way to fall on our big head, but did you know that pride manifest in different ways?
One creature that is used to illustrate pride is the peacock. To be “proud as a peacock” is a saying used to mean a vain or self-centered person.
Vanity is a form of pride that, while seemingly obvious may also be just as subtle. That is vanity may be hiding in a very obvious place!
Most of us know that the proud peacock struts his stuff for all to see. The peacock may not even be lying about his beauty! Peacocks are very beautiful!
The male peacock’s plumage spreads in a big way to attract. Those feathers are pretty awesome!
Pride puffs up. It is pompous, vain, boastful and egotistical! (Romans 11:21, Proverbs 21:4, )
The peacock has a beautiful plumage! God has gifted the peacock with dazzling gifts! The problem with the peacock, however, is that the peacock takes all the glory! It seems to me I have read about another character in the Bible so puffed up with vain glory that he couldn’t see past his beauty! That guy was blinded by his beauty which ended up being his downfall!
I have mentioned the peacock as a thief because this character steals glory from God!
The peacock is so blinded by his gifts that he does not even realize what he is doing! Have you ever seen one of these vain peacocks?
Their pictures are everywhere! It’s all about them! They boast about themselves in a big way! Don’t get me wrong; to market your business or ministry, you have to be out there, but the peacock is way out there! Also, peacocks takes most of the glory for themselves, giving Jesus only a thread.
The problem with the peacock is that the peacock has an exaggerated sense of his own importance. But the peacock is just being himself, you may argue.
Fine feathers, plumage long and sleek! So beautiful! Why shouldn’t the peacock strut his stuff? After all, God has given him those gifts!
True, but that is the problem! God gave those gifts, so God should get the glory!
Vanity is trusting in one’s own importance. God hates vanity because it brings no profit!
Vanity cannot deliver anyone! Vanity is a useless thing to trust in!
And turn ye not aside: for [then should ye go] after vain [things], which cannot profit nor deliver; for they [are] vain. Samuel 1: 12-21
Vanity rejects God’s word, replacing it with their word. Their way of doing things!
Following secular mindsets, patterns of self-image and self-glorification. This is what the world does! The world boasts continually about themselves! The world takes the glory, giving God none or only a tidbit!
And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that [were] round about them, [concerning] whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them. 2 Kings 17:15
Vanity is one of the seven deadly sins. Vanity is a sure way to end up in the has-been heap!
Remember that the peacock is open game for the predator! Those beautiful feathers strutted about will attract the enemy ! He sees the peacock coming a mile away.
Surely every man walketh in a vain show: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up [riches], and knoweth not who shall gather them. Psalm 39:6
It is far safer to trust in the Lord, putting our confidence in Him by displaying our gifts in a way that is not so obvious! Not so in your face! A little humility goes a long way!
Jesus is the best example of that! Though he was God in the flesh, he did not feel the need to be showy about it! (Philippians 2: 5-11)
Vanity trusts in one’s own power and ability! After all, those gifts are pretty awesome!
God, however, says, don’t trust in anything (even your gifts) but trust in him alone.
The word ‘vain’ means to be empty. To be worth nothing, having no good purpose.
All the peacock’s beautiful feathers will not do the peacock any good if he ends up on a roasting stick!
Vanity is a form of pride. The peacock likes to look good to others and to themselves.
Vanity is being preoccupied with one’s achievement. Constantly having to prove one’s own worth and success. Vanity is being overly proud of one’s qualities or giftings. Vanity is self-conceit. Vanity is vain, empty, and worthless because pride rejects the giver of the gift.
God tells us to trust in Him. Not in the peacock, no matter how beautiful he looks! (Psalm 118:9)
Humbling ourselves is using our gifts in such a way that Jesus Christ gets the glory! His word is promoted over our word! His glory is seen through us!
Being humble will give us God’s favor.
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
Don’t get side tracked by all the peacocks out there!
Keep your gaze on the one who is fairer than ten thousands! For Jesus Christ is all together lovely!
In our thief series, I would like to draw your attention to another adversary. I’m sure you have heard of this one. SWINE have not been given a bad reputation for nothing!
So much controversy over this creature, and with good reason! Swine are interesting animals. For one thing, they are highly intelligent! They are social animals that use their snouts as sensory receptors. They have good memories, are inquisitive, emotional, playful, and very strategic in their mission![1]
Why do I mention this? You should realize that Swine are not to be underestimated by any means.
Pigs, like people, have similar digestive systems with similar diets. Both are omnivores who dine on meat, roots, and seeds.
The book of Leviticus tells us that under the law, Swine are to be avoided as edible meats. The reason is both metaphorical and physical. (Leviticus 11:27)
Physically Swine have a similar digestive system as humans. In fact, Swine are very similar to humans in genetics, anatomy, and physiology. [2]
Swine were considered unclean under the law because rather than eating grass strictly, they ate just about anything else!
Swine are not able to digest cellulose. Swine eat calorie-dense food. Plus, they are not too particular, either. They will even eat human corpses and feces.
Swine carry parasites that, even when cooking, may not be destroyed. Swine meat can carry trichinosis, which will cause sickness and sometimes even death. It is recommended to cook pork very well done! Trichinosis is a health problem worldwide.
Historically speaking, some civilizations have always avoided eating pork. Namely, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Israel. However, the Romans loved eating pork. [3] Romans also sacrificed Swine to their gods.[4]
Now we come to the metaphorical aspect of the Swine. In the New Testament, Jesus says to his disciples, ‘Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet and turn and tear you to pieces.” Matthew 7:6
Swine were considered unclean under the law of God, but they also metaphorically meant Gentiles or unbelievers. Since the Gentiles have come to salvation because of the sacrifice of the lamb of God Jesus Christ, we can deduce that Swine today, metaphorically speaking, are the unbelieving or those outside the New Covenant of God or his promises.
By New Covenant, I mean the one that has replaced, and may I emphasize replaced, the Old Covenant. Obedience to the letter of the law has been replaced by life and liberty in the Holy Spirit!
Now I know some Christians believe we are still obligated to obey the law, and some, even today, want to bring the born-again Gentile under obligation to Jewish festivals. These, however, are wrong doctrines.
The Bible says explicitly that the Old Covenant has been replaced by the New Covenant!
But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. Hebrews 8:6-13
What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. Galatians 3:9
Therefore, the law was our tutorto bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by FAITH But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. Galatians 3:24,25
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:4
Having said that, let’s look at why Swine in reference to the ‘unbelieving’, are adversarial to the Christian.
Swine though intelligent from a secular perspective, have no spiritual understanding. This includes ALL not born again by the Holy Spirit or those not believing God’s word. Like Swine, they cannot digest spiritual food.
Jesus tells us not to cast pearls before Swine. This is significant! Jesus references pearls in his teaching because pearls were one of the most desired gems in the world, particularly in Israel. Since pearls were and are rare and costly, they are considered highly prized items. The Bible uses the pearl as a standard by equating them with spiritual wisdom. Spiritual wisdom is far superior than pearls. [5]
Jesus tells us in his parable that the kingdom of God is more desirable than pearls.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went, and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46
As you can see, valuable pearls should not be thrown at Swine, who will trample all over them! Not only that but Swine, not valuing pearls, will also attack the one throwing the pearls at them!
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:6
Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 1 Peter 3:3,4
This admonition covers unbelievers as in the unsaved, but it also covers those who don’t believe all of the Bible within its proper context. These “believers” do not believe the Bible says what it says. Now keep in mind there are inferences in the Bible not specifically stated that can be interpreted according to one’s limited understanding. However, attacking someone who does not have the same revelation in the word of God that we have is a sin. Bottom line.
Correcting wrong doctrine has scriptural application BUT we are never to attack the person on a personal basis. Many of us have believed error in one way or another over our lives, but God did not condemn us. He corrected us in his love. Keeping this in mind, let us pray for the one we perceive is in error. If they are open, we can bring correction to the error. If not, we should not continue fellowship as it may produce strife and all kind of demonic attacks in our lives.
From personal experience, I have been on both ends of the stick on this one! Let me share with you what I learned.
Being in error about certain scriptural doctrines, I limited myself because I did not (because I was not open) receive the blessings of that spiritual application. I suffered for many years because of it. Paul made reference to coming behind in a gift.
Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:7
We will not receive those blessings if we are closed to certain scripturally stated premises.
For example, many believe that speaking in tongues is not for today. The scriptures they give to support this belief are out of context and inferred by denominational interpretation, not explicitly stated scripture. Actually, some scriptures specifically say that tongues benefit the believer.
I mention this topic because it is a highly controversial one.
That being said, the non-tongue speaker will not receive from the blessing of praying in the Holy Ghost! Is this a big deal? It is if you want to use one of the weapons of our warfare to battle the powers of darkness. You can do a scripture study yourself on this topic.
A genuinely open person searching for truth ALWAYS looks at both sides of an argument. To ignore one side is to bias which means, as the scriptures confirm, one wants to believe a lie because it benefits them in some way.
Let me give you another argument. Some Christians do not believe in divine healing, while others believe in divine healing, but don’t believe its for everyone. They believe God picks and chooses who he heals and who he does not. I was one of them until I had a Holy Spirit encounter and revelation of the word of God.
According to God’s word, it is God’s will to save, deliver, and heal everyone. Are all saved? Are all delivered? Are all healed? No!
Why is that? If you study the scriptures, you will find that the fault always lies with the person. Reasons are given in the Bible why a person does not receive from God. The number one reason is UNBELIEF. (To find out more, check out my blog link)
I have actually met people who do not want to be healed! They will not say this outright, but their actions reveal it. One person I was sharing scripture with on healing had a particular disease. This lady headed up a support group for those suffering in this area. She loved her leadership role and had a close-knit friendship with the women in her group. She rejected the scriptures I gave because (I perceived by the Spirit) she did not want to give up her position in that support group.
Some people want to continue being sick because they get a financial benefit from their sickness.
I have met others who like their sickness because it gives them attention. Everyone at church fawns all over them. They get catered to and receive many benefits! One person I met would go so far as to attack people preaching healing because they did not want their lie exposed.
In my Holy Spirit encounter, which I will share with you, the Lord spoke to me loud in my spirit two things. He asked me a question. Are you ready to deal with things? I instinctively knew this was the condition of my heart. I said, “Yes, Lord.”
Then he gave me a command. He said, “Take up your bed and walk!”
I was becoming sick with a disease and was seeking the Lord about it. I did not want the sickness at all! In obedience to God I rejected the devil’s lie. I began trusting God for my healing. (another topic)
I learned a lot of things from that experience.
Doctors don’t have all the answers. They often prescribe drugs that, while beneficial in one way, may give you a lot of terrible side effects. If you don’t believe me, check out your meds’ labels!
God does use doctors, don’t get me wrong, but they are not the end all to be all.
We need to be personally led by the Holy Spirit in our healing journey. I was healed progressively in order to teach others that you don’t have to give up hope. God is there to answer your problems when you diligently seek him!
Sin and unbelief will hinder healing! Not always, but many times this is the case!
I was unaware of all the junk in my heart until the Holy Spirit started revealing things to me little by little. Our junk hinders God’s blessing in our lives. Including healing.
My healing was and is progressive. Again, this is used to help others receive their healing. God does do miracles immediately, but not always.
My faith was increased in the area of healing. Now I teach others about healing and pray for them to be healed.
Now back to the swine adversarial topic. If we try to minister in an area where people are not open, many times, we will get attacked. If any person wants to be ignorant, scriptures tell us to let them be ignorant. (1 Corinthians 14:38) We should remove ourselves as best we can from the adversarial situation, continuing to pray.
Swine prefer to wallow in mire rather than admire God’s pearls. Swine are humans with ungodly attitudes. When we have a revelation from the word of God, we need to pray for wisdom in ministering that revelation to others. Persecution comes because of the word’s sake. (Mark 4:17) Casting pearls before Swine will only end up causing us unnecessary pain.
Ask the Lord for open hearts to share the word of God ! This way, you will cast pearls before those who value their great price!
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