“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:15
In these troubled times, we Christians have the opportunity to shine in our finest hour, or we could fail on our mission, it all depends on us.
These are the days spoken of in Isaiah 60:1-3, where great darkness covers the earth, but the Lord says He will arise on us – if we want Him too.
Every day the sun rises upon the earth but it doesn’t shine on every creature. There are a lot who prefer the darkness to the light. When Jesus came to the Jews it says that many did not receive Him even though He was the Light of the World.
It also says in Isaiah 45:3 that He will give us the treasures of darkness and secret things in hidden places. There are treasures to be found even in these dark times, but they can be missed if you aren’t looking for them.
We have what it takes to succeed in these days, for we have Christ in us. Paul says that we have everything when we have Christ.
“For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you have Christ, and you are filled with God through your union with Christ. He is the highest Ruler, with authority over every other power.” Colossians 2:9-10
God knows this, and the Devil knows this, but it appears that a lot of Christians don’t know this truth. When we agree with God, we out vote the Devil. We are the majority.
Paul says that God is able to do far above what we could ask or think – but its according to the power that works in us.
“Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of - infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.” Ephesians 3:20
There is a power that is at work in us, and it is released through our mouths.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue and the way to release this power within is through our words. In other words ‘Life’ is voice activated – and so is death.
In these dark days, there is a tendency for Christians to feel sorry for themselves, retreat and pamper the flesh. No, don’t do it, for it’s a time to pray, fellowship and read the word. We can end up filling ourselves with worldly stuff instead of filling ourselves with the word of faith. How much time do you spend on social media or watching television instead of getting God’s word into you? You can say “Amen” or “Oh My.”
Often when under pressure we say the first thing that comes to mind, spurting it out of our mouths. We say what we feel and see, instead of what the word says about the situation. Words like. “There is no hope. I’ll never get a job. God has forsaken me. I will never make it.”
We have the answer within and it can be released with our tongue. Sadly you can become a self-fulfilling prophecy if you aren’t careful. If you follow the broad easy path it will lead you to bitter instead of better.
Now is the time to train yourself to speak out what God says about you and the situation.
I used to preach every year in other countries, but with ‘lock-down’ I wasn’t able to do that anymore. I have learnt that God can work everything together for good, so instead of being bitter I decided to become better and declare the word of God.
“God works all things together for good to those who love the Lord.” Romans 8:28
That means that even what is happening around the world can work for your good. Show your love by believing Him.
In prayer the Lord showed me that I can use my talent to produce illustrated videos on YouTube, Facebook and Tiktok. Instead of long video, Tiktok only allowed me a short 3 minute message.
I have found that instead of preaching to a group of 100 the audience has become 1000, more or less overnight. One of my messages recently reached 4500 people in just a couple of weeks.
Don’t let the Devil get you to say what you feel, fly in the face of your flesh and speak out God’s word. Let God be true and every man a liar. Take captive every thought that is contrary to His word, for its a lie. Don’t speak it out, for there is power in your tongue for good and for bad.
You may be thinking that this Christmas will be the worst one you will ever have. This is exactly what the Devil wants you to start thinking and saying. Remember you have the power of God in you. Start saying what you believe instead of what you feel. Declare that this will be your best Christmas ever - by faith. You may not be able to see those who you want too or get the present you were hoping for. But you could be healed, your ministry could begin. Jesus or an Angel could turn up. Your family could get saved or you fall in love with Jesus like never before, for with God all things are possible. Expect a Miracle.
Don’t allow the Devil to make you Bitter, become Better. Start turning your ship around today for your words are forerunners of a future event.
Do yourself a favour and commit these verses to memory: Remember how Moses threw the stick into the bitter waters at Marah and they became sweet? Exodus 15:22-27
You say, 'It's impossible.' God says...... “What is impossible with men is possible with God." (Luke 18:27).
You say, 'I'm exhausted.' He says, "But those who wait on the Lord, Shall renew their strength..." (Isaiah 40:31).
You say, 'Nobody loves me He says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love"...' (Jeremiah 31:3).
You say 'I can't go on.' He says, ' ... “My grace is sufficient for you"...' ( 2 Corinthians 12:9).
You say, 'I don't know what to do.' He says, ' ... “And He shall direct your paths?" (Proverbs 3:8).
You say, 'I can't do it.' He says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13).
You say, 'It's not worth it.' He says,'... “We will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9).
You say, 'I can't make ends meet.' He says, '... “God shall supply all your need...” (Philippians 4:19).
You say, 'I'm afraid.' He says, '...”God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power...” (2 Timothy 1:7).
You say, 'I can't handle this.' He says, “Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you...” (Psalm 55:22).
You say, 'I'm not smart enough.' He says, '...”If any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it....” (James 1:5).
You say, 'I'm all alone.' He says,'... "I will never leave you nor forsake you?" (Hebrews 13:5).