A Kingdom of Priests

A Kingdom of Priests  - -  a few excerpts are from Rod Parsley’s devotional

 

 



As a Priest - - We can Pray from God's Throne Room

 

As we began our Wednesday prayer meeting, I was reminded that as Christians, we have been delivered from the “KINGDOM” of Darkness and have been translated into the “KINGDOM of Light.”  We are children of God’s Kingdom and are to pray believing God hears and He delights to answer our prayers.   

Something else that occurred to me was the Priest who entered the Holy of Holies wore a beautiful robe.  We are clothed with the Robe of His righteousness; and Garments of Salvation. 

 

Just a thought:  (As we enter into the Holy Throne room, we do not wear the armor of God which we often wear as we intercede, but we wear a gorgeous robe.) 

Our lesson was to show that we have the right and privilege as Priests to enter the very throne room of God and bring our requests. 

Revelation 5:10  And has made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.  A literal translation renders this verse not "kings and priests" but rather "a kingdom of priests."

 

Matthew 6:10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.   We pray to bring down heaven to this earth so God’s will may be done. 

Fifteen hundred years before Jesus ever came to the earth, God told His people they would be a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6) You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. 

God is now fulfilling His original plan through you and me—His church! Just as the priests of the Old Testament bore the ark on their shoulders, we are to bear His glory wherever we go—the malls, the streets, or the workplace.    Carry the Glory of God with you and people will notice. 

We have all been called into kingdom priesthood and anointed with the power of the Holy Spirit to minister the saving gospel of Jesus Christ.  When the Priest of the Old Covenant was anointed, oil was poured over his head that ran down to cover his body.  

The Oil of the Holy Spirit anoints us and although in ourselves we are nothing, IN Christ we are an anointed King and a Priest. 

You are part of a holy nation, a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out. 

Live today as a priest, a minister, an intercessor, and one anointed to take the gospel into every area of your life. 

(Luke 4:18-19 NKJV) “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the Gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”

1. The anointing is given to preach the Gospel to the poor
2. The anointing is given to heal and restore people
3. The anointing is given to proclaim freedom to the captives
4. The anointing is given to open blind eyes
5. The anointing is given to set people free
6. The anointing flows in God’s timing and proclaims God’s timing

The anointing is given to preach the Gospel to the poor, to bring the revelation of God’s love to those who are seeking.

What to do When Oppressed - -

This post is from notes at our Bible Study Sunday morning at 9:30 am at Open Door Church.

Lions Inhabited the Dry Places where the City Once Was

What do we do when we pray and don’t seem to get an answer?  We trust that God is at work behind the scenes.

When we are oppressed, we must allow God to vindicate us.  “Vengeance is mine I will repay,” says God.

God’s mercy is great, but His justice requires Him to sometimes punish evil.  As we study the prophesies of Nahum against Nineveh we discover that God sent foreign armies to destroy the city and finally it was inhabited with lions.  What a great city it had been. There was much national pride and celebration in their accomplishments. 

 

Much gold and silver adorned the city and the King was extremely rich and powerful.  His Assyrian Army was fierce with well trained horses as they made their conquests.  The King would even hunt lions, but eventually after the city was overthrown, the lions took over.

Nahum 2:11-12  NLT Where now is that great Nineveh, that den filled with young lions? It was a place where people--like lions and their cubs--walked freely and without fear. The lion tore enough for his cubs and strangled prey for his lionesses; he filled his caves with prey and his dens with torn flesh.

The city was now empty and a waste land.  Messengers, leaders of Government will not be heard in its gates anymore.

Why would God destroy a nation?  God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked.  The mouth of the people showed love, but their heart was full of covetousness and pride.

Ezekiel 33:28-29 “I will make the land a desolation and a waste, and the pride of her power will cease; and the mountains of Israel will be desolate so that no one will pass through. “Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I make the land a desolation and a waste because of all their abominations which they have committed.”

The people were disobedient to God’s laws.  They ate blood, worshipped idols committed adultery, and thought nothing of murder.  Their hearts were quick to do all kinds of evil and they were turned away from serving God in Heaven.

God is patient, but finally enough is enough. 

False prophets brought in damnable heresies and as 2 Peter 2:1 denotes, we must still deal with such falseness today.

The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were turned into ashes by God.  Balaam was not allowed to curse Israel, but he persuaded them to party and commit sexual sins.

Proverbs 3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes.

It is important for us to not break covenant, lest punishment come to us.  God is Long Suffering and gives lots of opportunity for us to repent, but we must not take advantage of His mercy.

A Nation that shall be blessed must seek God and serve Him.  It is time for our land to clean up their act, and eliminate those things that displease God.  There must be complete submission to God and to His Way. (will.)

2 Chronicles 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Part of our nation is rebelling against our God.  Pray for revelation knowledge to chose Jesus. 

 

We all have a personable responsibility to choose to serve God. 

 

It is up to us to pray and seek God and His face for ourselves.  It is always an issue to make that choice to have a relationship with Christ Jesus.

 

I was Dead and Now I am Alive.

This post is digested from my notes as Pastor Rodney ministered Sunday Morning

 

 

Sometimes we get tired and consider giving up, but think about this:  IN Christ I Can do all things, so what holds you back?

Usually it is our thoughts of past condemnation, but understand this; we are not under condemnation of our past.

2 Corinthians 5:17, declares “I am a new creature the old is gone and look, all New things have come.

Romans 8:1 reminds us “There is no condemnation for those who walk in the Holy Spirit.”  Keep being filled with the Holy Spirit of God.

Our new self nature is in Christ, so what does IN CHRIST mean?

We are not the same person we once were when we were walking in darkness.  We have come to the light, and we are able to change our thoughts.  Our thoughts are what condemn us and according to God’s Word, I can chose to think on good things.

It is a known fact that we cannot think on two things at the same time, so I choose to Praise Jesus and think on lovely things.

Jesus never gives up on us and He is there to comfort, bless and encourage us. 

Don’t blame the church for not paying more attention to you.  Watch the spirit of offence when you begin to slip into a pity party and are feeling sorry for yourself.

Understand that once you were Not IN CHRIST and the old life had control.  We must recognize that the Bible is true.  Take it for real and accept God’s promises.

Heed the voice of the Holy Spirit.  There are conditions:  God says; “If you will do this, I will do that.”  We have to believe God’s Word is true. 

God says: “Put aside foolish things, and put on my righteousness.”  All that Jesus IS, you are - - because you are IN Christ. 

Of yourself you are nothing, but IN HIM, you are a giant ready to overcome the enemy.  You have a choice.  That is how it is.  We have a responsibility to follow God’s Word and live as His will dictates.

Be quick to repent and quick to forgive. 

Keep in the Word of God daily and pay attention to what you read.  Digest it, think about it and meditate on the words as you take it to heart.

As we saturate ourselves in God’s Word and in His presence, we are daily being changed from glory to glory. 

Paul mentioned that we are in a race, and there is a prize of the High Calling.  Those who complete their race will wear a victor’s crown.

Mysteries and Secrets

This post was my lesson shared at the Prayer Meeting on Wednesday at 9:00 am.

 

 

Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

We often question WHY bad things happen to good people, why the young die, and why so many are sick and afflicted? You and I do not have the answer and the reasons behind everything that happens. The entire reasons are hidden from us and are a secret that God only knows the answers.

God does reveal some things to us by His Spirit as we seek His face.  Most of the time we must simply rely on: “TRUST ME” says God.

1 Corinthians 2:10  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit search’s all things, yea, the deep things of God.

God chooses to have secrets and there was also a mystery from the beginning of time that was revealed to Paul.

Ephesians 3:3-4 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ).

Actually the mystery was two fold.  The first mystery was that God loves everyone not just His Chosen people the Jews.  The plan of Salvation was available to Gentiles also which includes you and me.

Paul continued to say:  Ephesians 3:5-6  Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

God’s mystery was hidden until Jesus was resurrected and returned to heaven.  God so loved the “World.”  Jesus suffered in the flesh to make of himself one New Man to make our peace with God. He was slain to remove the enmity against us, by taking our place on the cross.

Peter had a vision that resulted in his understanding that Gentiles were included.  Now, we are no longer strangers, but fellow citizens with the Saints and God’s household.  “You are also built for a habitation of God through the Holy Spirit.”

The second mystery is that when we are born again, we become a NEW creation IN CHRIST.  We are changed into another person and Jesus comes to abide within us.  There is no room in our heart for two masters; there is only room for the Holy Spirit of God.

We have a responsibility to learn what the Bible says and to believe that our Identity is not the same as it once was.  Old things are passed away and all things have become NEW. 

 

Paul urges us in Ephesians 3:19 to be filled with all the fullness of God.  We are called to peace and to love one another and to follow the bidding of the Holy Spirit.  We are implored not to grieve the Holy Spirit of Grace. 

 

Colossians 1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

1 Corinthians 2:9  But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.

God desires to reveal mysteries to you - - more than your imagination can fathom and gave you abundance and victory IN Christ Jesus. 

 

 

Nahum the Prophet

 

Nahum prophesied about the city of Nineveh which was wealthy and very busy in commerce.  It’s civilization was advanced, but wicked at heart and the citizens were serving false gods.  

 

Nahum 1:14 And the LORD has given a commandment concerning you, that no more of your name be sown: out of the house of your gods, will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make your grave; for you are vile.

The king was a warrior and his army had made him rich and prosperous with the spoils of war.  There was a great level of expertise and incredible accomplishments in craft and artistic endeavors.  Their furniture was intricate and beautifully fashioned.

Zephaniah 2:15  This is how the once-proud and careless city will end up--the city that was so secure. She thought to herself, "I am unique! No one can compare to me!" What a heap of ruins she has become, a place where wild animals live! Everyone who passes by her taunts her and shakes his fist.

Nahum prophesies in chapter 2 about the destruction of the city and blood running in the streets.  These were hostile angry warriors with a strategy to take a city as an act of war.  The chariots on fire will be like torches, and the city will be completely destroyed and lions will inhabit the land.

Nahum speaks in chapter 3 against the witchcraft, harlotry which God is against, and that the city was full of lies including robbery. The people were prideful and thought they were better than others.  They believed they could conquer anyone.

Approximately 150 years prior to Nahum, the prophet Jonah obeyed God and entered the large city of Nineveh which was took him a three day journey to walk the land. 

 

Jonah cried “Repent of your wickedness, because in 40 days God will destroy this rebellious city.”  At this time, the King put on sack cloth and ashes and cried out to God as he commanded the people to do likewise.  God was merciful and was pleased at their repentance, but Jonah was not happy, as he felt the city needed to be destroyed.  Jonah pouted and wished to die, but God spoke to Jonah and said, "Should I not spare the innocent babies and the cattle?"

The repentance of Nineveh was short lived and soon they reverted to their old ways of worshipping images and their wicked practices.

Again God’s grace had given the city time to repent, but eventually it was time to realize their shame and to face up by considering their ways.  There was no repentance, so God sent armies to totally destroy all that was then of Nineveh.  It took clever strategy to take the city of Nineveh. 

 

According to the words of the prophets, the city eventually became buried under much dirt and was hidden for many years.   

 

Today our strategy is to do spiritual warfare against the spirits of darkness.  We do not fight against flesh and blood but against a spiritual enemy.  Prayer is necessary.

We don’t like some things that are going on about us.  Many Christians especially in foreign lands are being killed and persecuted for their faith.  We must pray deliverance for our brothers and sisters who are being thus treated.

How then should we live?  Joshua declared, “Choose you this day who you will worship and serve.”  Then he added that his decision was to serve the Lord God.

Each of us has a personal responsibility to make this decision, and a wise choice is to follow Christ Jesus.

Falling Short?

This post is from notes taken during Pastor Allan’s sermon Sunday Morning.

 

 

 

Do you ever feel like you are falling short - - and not measuring up? 

That is what the enemy wants you to believe.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

This verse applies to the lost, and we must not stop there.  Although the struggle is real and we all have our times of feeling a failure.  It is not that we are not saved, but the struggle is still there.  Your struggle may not necessarily be alcohol or drugs, but there is always some little thing.

We are made of flesh and the Flesh wants control.  In Romans chapter 7, Paul is saying the nature of selfishness and desire tries to overrule what he knows he should do.  His flesh wants to make him a slave to sin.  He asks “What is our hope? 

On to Romans chapter 8 and Paul reveals that Jesus provided a way to free us from sin.  The sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, fulfilled the requirement to forgive yours and my sin. Jesus took the punishment for our sin.   Now God desires to change our mind-set to become controlled by the Spirit of Life. 

Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwells in you.

We must move over into the walk in the Holy Spirit.  Condemnation tries to rule and reign in our thoughts, and if allowed it will keep you down and unable to move forward.

Our understanding of "Who we are in Christ," needs to become a reality in our life.

Our very words condemn us when we use a title to identify ourselves by saying: “I am a sinner, I am an addict, I am a loser.”  Christ has made a way to change your identity so you can declare, “I am free, I have been delivered, I am the Righteousness of God in Christ, I am a winner through Jesus.”

Romans 14:10 But why do you judge thy brother? or why do you set at naught your brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Each of us must give account for themselves, and pray for your struggling friends.  We must no longer criticize others, but we also must be careful not to put a stumbling block in front of others by what we allow in our personal life.

Yes, because we are human, we will make mistakes.  We will say the wrong thing, and get angry.  However God sees you as a blood covered Christian, and he desires to cover your mind with the blood of Jesus.  Our mind is also washed by the Word of God as we read and think about what we are reading. 

 

Don’t allow the “World” to shape who you are.  Understand you have been changed, and God is still changing you. 

Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

How many times are we allowed to slip and fall?  I don’t know the answer to that, but perhaps it is as many times as we are to forgive others.

God is continuing to reveal things in our lives that need to go.  Honestly there are things I still struggle with, but there comes a point where we must honor what God is dealing with us.

Quit digging in the garbage for that which is old - - It is time to plant new and maintain what you plant so that you will grow and mature in Christ.  Water your life with the Word and the Holy Spirit.

I Peter 2:2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

The Word of God is unadulterated spiritual milk, and needs to be digested and not puked up.

Be careful who you follow, because you may end up in a place you don’t want to be.

Why am I often stressed and upset?  Perhaps I got off the path.  It is time to consider and back up a bit.

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Really?  Are you sure?  Do you believe this is true?  I am going to take this scripture and others as being true and believe it.

Discipleship is not always instant, and it may take time to learn to walk and become mature.  Just be diligent and willing to learn and receive truth.

Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Continue to strive toward a walk that is pleasing to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to root out and dig those things that need to go, with a no nonsense approach to becoming mature in Christ Jesus.

 

 

Costume Wedding Band

Ring courtesy free clipart

 

By eating sensibly I have lost a few pounds, and noticed my wedding band was loose. 

 

The thought has occurred to me, that since I am now a widow and being single, should I continue to wear a wedding ring?  Suggestions given to me were wait and don’t make decisions for at least 6 months to a year.

 

But my ring was very loose. 

 

I have a lovely wedding set that became too small and probably it would fit now, but I am not sure where it is.  However in looking for it, I did find my costume jewelry.  One nice ring was a pretty band with zirconium's and looked like a fancy wedding band; and I decided to wear it to church today.

 

As church was ending, Pastor called those forward who needed prayer.  Mike was being prayed for and was noticeably being blessed, and as I knew he had recently married, I assumed the young lady with him was his new wife.  I knew they had married on a shoe string, and noticed she was not wearing a wedding ring.  She had a silver ring on her thumb, and a pinky ring, but that was it.

 

My costume ring was getting hot on my finger, and God was speaking to me to give her the ring. I prayed, “Lord do make it the right time.”

 

Because I was seated on the front row – it seemed natural for the young lady to take the seat one away from me.  I reached over and took her hand, and placed the ring on her finger and it fit beautifully.  I told her, “It is just a costume ring, but if it fits, enjoy wearing it.” 

 

She hurried over to her husband and was so excited as she shared with him.  He turned to me, and gave me a big smile and a hug and said, “Thank you Mom.”

 

I went home and put on my old wedding band.

 

Bless or Curse?

An Angel told Balaam Not to Curse but to Bless

 

Do you ever get upset and angry with the people you encounter daily?

Many people we must deal with are sinners, needing Jesus, and it is good to pray that their eyes and ears of spiritual understanding will be opened to the truth of the Gospel.  The Good News is that Jesus loves even the sinner and is anxious for them to repent, and receive Him as Lord of their life.  

In Numbers 22-24, we find the story about Balaam and Balak the king of Moab. 

 

The King of Moab wanted to weaken the children of Israel, who had moved in on his territory as they traveled on their way to the Promised Land. 
 

 

The king of Moab, believed in curses and sent a request to Balaam to come and proclaim a curse that would eliminate the Israelites from his land.
 

 

Balaam was a Prophet but his heart was not right.  He was willing to give a blessing or a curse for riches, but first he needed to ask permission from God.  Naturally God did not want his people cursed, so he told Balaam “NO.”  The king of Moab was troubled but he asked Balaam to come anyway, and perhaps God would change His mind.  

Balaam was smart enough to know God seldom changes His mind, but he figured “Who knows?”  Besides he was greedy and thought he might get a payment from the King - - somehow. 
 

Balaam saddled his donkey and began his journey.  Along the way, there was a steep place with walls on each side.  The donkey pulled over crushing Balaam’s foot. 

Balaam was ready to curse now – except it was the donkey he cursed as he beat the poor animal.

 

Imagine his surprise as his donkey spoke with a voice and proclaimed, “Why are you beating me as I am a faithful servant to you?” 

 

Suddenly Balaam's eyes were opened to see a fierce looking angel with a large sword in his hand. 

 

The angel told Balaam, you are fortunate your donkey swerved, because I was ready to strike you dead for your willful attitude and disobedience.  The angel told Balaam to go and meet the King of Moab, but to ONLY speak blessings over the Children of Israel. 
 

What kind of people were the children of Israel?  They were stubborn, rebellious, murmuring and complaining and quick to serve other gods instead of Jehovah God. 

 

Did they deserve blessings?  Probably not, because God does not always give us what we deserve, but He is patient desiring us to repent and be blessed.
 

The Children of Israel were very much like the people in our city!!  God did not want curses, disaster, misfortune, trouble and disease to fall their lot any more than he wants to send calamity on the citizens of your city.  (or on you and me) . . .

 

Many in our city are already suffering in their body and in their emotions from their own willful lifestyle, and we are praying that their minds and thoughts will be turned to the Lord.  That the eyes and ears of their understanding will be open to receive Truth.

 

We are not praying that they will all get rich with silver and gold, but that the spiritual riches of Jesus will enlighten their spirit. 
 

So many of our citizens were in Sunday School and church as children, but they have turned their back on the Lord.  This is what Paul was saying to those who professed to be Christians but were believers in Name only.    
 

(Romans 2:2-5) And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice wicked life styles. But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.

Do you need Jesus?  He is ready and willing to change you when you invite him into your life.  He desires to bless you. 

 

God's plans are NOT bad and His Plans for you are GOOD.  A Wise person will follow Jesus.

 

 

 

Prophesy as you Pray

This post was our lesson on Wednesday morning as we prepared to pray over our city,

our State and our Nation.

 

 

Prophesy as you Pray    By Hazel Moon

 

As we prepared to pray over our city, we consider that we can and should use the gift of prophesy to make declarations and to proclaim blessings over our citizens.  We declare for our citizens - - open eyes and open ears so that understanding is revealed about God’s love and mercy.

The scriptures given at the end of this lesson from the Old Testament reveal that groups of prophets followed the major Prophet and gleaned from his anointing to prophesy.  These groups were not necessarily leaders, and in some cases they were messengers who simply showed up - - and the overflow anointing flooded them and they prophesied. 

 

So in order to prophesy, there must FIRST be deep desire to operate in the Holy Spirit Gifts and an active relationship with Jesus. 

 

Knowing this - - understand that you as a simple person may prophesy !!

Paul was teaching about spiritual administrations and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians  12:1  Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.      (In this chapter, Paul goes on to clarify each gift and how they should function in the body of Christ.) 

Paul explains that not everyone was outfitted in certain ministry gifts or gifts of the Holy Spirit.  (This is probably not God’s fault, because the blame lays with the slothful Christian who needs to seek after and desire to be used of God in special ways.) 

1 Corinthians 12: 29-31  Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?  Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way. 

Paul continues in chapter 13 declaring that most Christians can certain use some LOVE, and unless you are operating in the gift of love - - you might as well forget the undertaking of the before mentioned gifts. 

Paul in chapter 14 appears to downplay LOVE – and is urging Christians to get down to business; to long for, crave and yearn and seek for God’s Holy Spirit gifts. 

1 Corinthians 14:1 Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 

Paul is NOT against tongues, because he declares that he speaks in tongues more than you all. 1 Corinthians 14: 18  
(Pray that you speak in tongues more than Paul) 

 Tongues are important and should be utilized daily because praying and praising in other tongues will edify the believer.  Praying and singing in other tongues will lift you up and out of the natural realm and will elevate you into the Spiritual kingdom.  Because once you are out of yourself and into God’s domain, you will find it comfortable to manifest your gift of prophesy - - and other gifts. 

When you are lifted up in the Spirit, almost every word that comes out of your mouth will have goose-bumps attached.  (Your simple words will be anointed to pierce into the hearts and souls of others.) 

This is the kingdom position where you can prophesy blessings over your city, your loved ones and over your household. 

Your prayers over our city, our State and over our Nation can and should contain prophetic blessings and descriptions of how you desire God to move in the hearts of those who need Jesus. 

1 Thessalonians 5: 19-21  Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesying. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 

Paul also urged - - Forbid NOT to speak in other tongues.  Tongues and Prophesy can work together.

Do not hesitate to pray in other tongues and to prophesy over your city. 

 

As you Prophesy, allow the Holy Spirit to give you words in your Native tongue to speak. 

 

It is interesting to notice those who prophesied in the Old Testament were not all "Leaders."

There were groups of prophets who usually followed one of the main prophets so they could learn from them.  There was also an anointing that seemed to surround the main prophet and those following him would “catch” that anointing and begin to prophesy.

 

1 Samuel 19:19-24  It was told Saul, saying, "Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah." Then Saul sent messengers to take David, but when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing and presiding over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul; and they also prophesied. When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. So Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied.

 

Samuel gives the new King Saul instructions:

"Afterward you will come to the hill of God where the Philistine garrison is; and it shall be as soon as you have come there to the city, that you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute, and a lyre before them, and they will be prophesying. "Then the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you mightily, and you shall prophesy with them and be changed into another man."

 

2 Kings 2:15  Now when the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho opposite him saw him, they said, "The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha." And they came to meet him and bowed themselves to the ground before him. (showing respect)

 

1 Kings 18”4  for when Jezebel destroyed the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave, and provided them with bread and water.)

 

Nineveh is Laid Waste

This post was from my notes taken during our Bible Study Sunday Morning.

 

Nineveh at one time was Glorious

The Prophet Jonah was a very spiritual person and he had a personal relationship with God.  He often heard God’s voice.  He was also a exceptionally opinionated person. 

 

Because of his knowledge of the wickedness of the people of Nineveh, he hesitated to do what God asked of him.  God said, “Jonah, I want you to go preach to this wicked and corrupt people in Nineveh.”

Consider what is happening to the church in our day.  Evil is not only in the world, but sadly to say, it has infiltrated many in the church world.

Jesus spoke about the oppression that Religious leaders were doing in his day.  They were guilty of misusing the law and also their power and authority as leaders. 

Jesus was criticized by the religious Pharisees and challenged at every turn.  He spoke out against them with Godly authority and used his voice as if He were God speaking.  Jesus said, “don’t judge me, because you are then judging God.  Understand that God can do anything He desired to do and God is innocent of any wrong doing."  This angered the leaders even more.

The Prophet Isaiah prophesied that Justice shall be done.  Jesus told the leaders that their very words will judge them.  Jesus spoke truth and the leaders refused to receive it.

Church leaders then and now, must be hold and above reproach.  We as a people must have open ears to hear God speak to us as individuals, and be willing to make changes God requires.

The prophets spoke that the people’s hearts were hard and needed to become soft as a child’s innocent enthusiasm.

The mighty works that Jesus did needd to be recognized and God given the praise for his love and mercy.  Jesus remarked that if these works were done in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented.  How much more is judgment come to you?

The leaders were “Religious” keeping the law and their rituals, but their heart was far from God.

This reminds us of Jonah.  God is righteous and a God of Judgment, but He is slow to anger.  God is also merciful when a sinner turns in repentance and comes to Him.

The Prophet Nahum predicted the fall of Nineveh.   We do reap what we sow.  The people were worshiping idols and committing sexual sins and were killing their babies as sacrifices for their false gods.

Nahum 1:11 There has one come out of you, that imagines evil against the LORD, a wicked counselor.

God was extremely concerned with their worship of idols and false gods made of wood and stone, and the corruption that was included in their worship of these gods.  Their leaders were corrupt, horrid, drunken and not fit to lead.

Nahum reviews how God loved them and delivered them in the past from Egyptian bondage.  Nahum give a stern rebuke to Judah to return to God and to listen to God’s prophets.

Nahum 3:15  Nineveh that bloody city shall be torn in pieces and devoured by fire and by the sword.  Your strong holds shall collapse and your people shall be taken into captivity.

The proclamation comes to pass and Nineveh is laid waste. 

What can we learn from today’s study?  

 

It is a reminder to us all that God is in control and He is all powerful.  May we kneel at His feet and worship him only.