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I have a timely message for many of you, and I feel that it's a word of urgency that I need to share. I had another word prepared, but the Holy Spirit is leading me in a totally different direction. There's an anticipation in the atmosphere, and everyone senses that something is about to happen. To some it's a sense of excitement, and to others it's a sense of fear. Only those who are spiritually discerning recognize that it's the birth pains that Jesus spoke about in the book of Matthew. I'm using the title "The Battle for Your Soul" as a metaphor of two conflicting forces in the spirit realm, and every one of us encounters each of them daily. They are the powers of darkness, and the power of light. It's the struggle between good and evil.
Each of us have moments in our lives when fear, loneliness, regret or sadness touch us. In those moments, it seems as though time stops, and it feels a bit more challenging to trust God. Jesus understands those moments. He is compassionate and remembers that we are formed from dust (Psalm 103:13-14). Rather than giving us a "toughen up" talk, Jesus offers reassurance. In John 14, knowing He would soon leave the disciples, understanding their confusion, and empathizing with their fear, Jesus offers them 3 tangible truths of reassurance. These truths are timeless and still can reassure our hearts today.
Several years ago, I came to a conclusion that's only been strengthened by what I've seen & experienced since: "If the truth isn't good enough, then a lie definitely will not work." It's essential to visit this today because of what we see around us, but I'm not going to go on & on about 'my truth' & 'your truth' & 'their truth.' Suffice it to say that the reality is there is only one "truth" (Jn.14:6- but see also Jn.1:14; 4:24; 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; 17:17, 19). Otherwise, you're left with a nothingness that provides nothing absolute to stand on, as well as nothing to really stand for, not to mention nothing to ultimately count on, or even honestly hope for.
Joshua's instructions to the people as they prepared to cross the Jordan river was to follow the Ark, the symbol of God's presence, because they had never been that way before. They were entering into new challenges that by God's leading would result in incredible blessings such as homes they hadn't built and fields they hadn't planted. Prophetically and practically, we are facing profound structural shifts that are altering our basic assumptions about prosperity, the economy and decision making. They require us to follow the Spirit closely since we haven't been this way before.
There is a call on your life that will affect destinies. The voice of Him who speaks is calling out your name. Do you recognize His sound? Can you hear Him beckoning you to come closer? There are other voices drawing you to themselves and promising grandeur and greatness, but they are imitations and shadows of something higher. Do not fall for their pitch, for they are distractions and distortions of the God-given potential within you. The direction you seek can only be found in answering the higher call on your life. But you must settle who you are before you can hear the call.
"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:4–5 I'd like you to picture a strong and healthy tree. A strong and healthy tree does not worry about producing fruit or getting rid of the dead leaves on it.
"Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Romans 8:33-34 "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16
Each morning, we have numerous opportunities to commune with God and to access his presence. Heaven declares his glory. We can gain access to the Father in many different ways that will enhance our ability to see him, to see his works, to gain discernment in the world we live in, and to demonstrate his attributes in our lives. As defined by Merriam-Webster, access refers to being able to enter, approach, or pass through a place or to approach or communicate with a person.
Two years ago when I was preaching at a church in Florida, a boy named Roczen was filled with the Holy Spirit during a revival service. He was only about 5 years old. But a week later he felt such boldness that he asked his pastor if he could pray for the entire church. When he prayed for the congregation from the stage, several other people were filled with the Holy Spirit. Roczen is a regular boy who loves to play with his Matchbox cars and video games. But he has a close relationship with Jesus, and he regularly prays in his prayer language. This weekend I watched as Roczen laid hands on my 12-year-old grandson and prayed for him to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
God always wants the best for us and that is why He hates our excuses. Excuses are what keep us from following God and may even keep us from heaven. I am not saying this to scare you. I am saying it to make sure you are following what He wants you to do. 1 John 2:28 in the Message tells us, "And now, Children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we'll be ready for Him when He appears, ready to receive Him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when He arrives."
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