Prepare
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| In loving memory of my father Robert Louis (Bob) Padgett July 28, 1931-May 22, 2023 |
No man ... not you, not me, not your pastor, not any of us have all of the truth. I am not entirely convinced that even the authors of the books in the Bible understood everything that they recorded. There is only One who has all of the truth ... that is the Truth Himself ... the Lord Jesus Christ.
In these next several messages we want to share some things about a common theme of preparation. It is our responsibility to prepare the way of the Lord. Restoration is the Lord's responsibility, after we do what we are called to do. Both preparation and restoration are intimately related with the kingdom of God.
We need to remember that the kingdom of God existed before God created man, before God created angels, and before God created the world. In the beginning, God. We do not know whether God first created the heaven and the earth or whether God first created angels. There is an inference from Isaiah 14 that God first created the heaven and the earth. For some (unknown) time period, or perhaps we should say in eternity past, God reigned in His kingdom. Then, from Isaiah 14, Lucifer fell from grace with his five "I wills." He rebelled against the rule of God and persuaded one-third of the angels to join him in that rebellion (Revelation 12:4).
From Verse 6, "the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished." Then comes an untold number of years between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2, for in Genesis 1:2, "And the earth was [became] without form and void." The earth became a wreck and a ruin because of the rebellion of Lucifer. The earth has always been a reflection of the spiritual state of the inhabitants. From Isaiah 45,
So in Genesis 1:2 we have the ruin into which the earth fell. We are not told how, when, or how long the wreck and ruin lasted. When geologists have settled how many years they require, they may place them between Verse 1 and 2 of Genesis 1. From 2 Peter 3:7 we live in the heavens and the earth which are now. Both are set in contrast with the "new heavens and the new earth" of 2 Peter 3:13.
Prepare the Heart
Without any doubt the main responsibility that we have is to prepare our heart (but by the power of the Holy Spirit). Our heart does not speak of our natural heart. Our heart speaks of the essence of our being; it corresponds to our spirit. Let us read a few of the many verses in the Bible that speaks of our heart.
We want to continue by looking at some verses in the New Testament about our heart. Then we will set forth several practical steps to prepare for the difficult times that will soon be upon us.
Now for some "practical" aspects related to our personal preparation for the coming of our Lord and King. Not only can we survive the hard times we are in and the ones still ahead but we can also prosper and thrive in them. I don't mean prosper in worldly things but in the power of the Lord as well as bringing the harvest into the Kingdom. We must be prepared and I'm afraid that many are not prepared, spiritually or physically.
What should we do to be ready for this shaking that we are in and the even harder times we are facing? What will see us through? Many believe that the church will not have to endure this time because of something men call the "rapture." But too many scriptures indicate that we must through much tribulation enter the kingdom; that will not only make us stronger but we will be purified through the trial to be the Bride of Christ. I want to share with you a few points that I believe will help us prepare for the storm that is upon us even now.
1. First of all we must get clean before the Lord; repent and bring all our darkness to the light of the Lord. This is key for us to be able to hear the voice of the Lord. All of the hidden sin that is in our life must be exposed so it can be washed by the blood of the Lamb. Do a check-up on what is in the hidden places of your heart and bring them before the Lord.
It is true that the Lord told Joseph to store up food because there would be seven years of famine. But make sure that the Lord tells you to store up food; otherwise if it is just our way to try to preserve our life, then the food you store will rot. Note that Joseph did not store up food for himself.
There have been talks taking place to remove the dollar as the world reserve currency; and I believe it will happen soon. Once it does, everything we buy will increase by a hundred percent; thus the need to devalue the dollar.
With that said about money, if you feel led to store up food, don't rat-hole for yourself as you store. Be willing to share with the needy and take care of the widows and orphans as this unlocks Gods' economy in your life. If you only think of yourself, God will not bless you, but if you share, your store will not run out. In the story of Elisha and the widow, as long as they found empty vessels to fill, the oil never ran dry. This will be a key to survival.
Verses 1 and 2 speak of the second coming of the Lord to earth. Have you ever considered, in Verse 3, that He shall purify the sons of Levi? It does not say that He will purify all of the tribes of Israel at that time. Food for thought? Yet that is consistent with New Testament teachings. The offering that the purified sons of Levi shall offer unto the Lord will not consist of money.
In order for the Lord to come for spiritual Israel's redemption, she must repent. The Lord is not returning to the earth for millions of immature, baby Christians. There are other events which must also come to pass prior to the Lord's parousia, or second literal coming, but we will not go into that here.
Verse 16 emphasizes the necessity for the proper fear of the Lord within His people. (Malachi 1:6) Verse 16 says nothing about those who do not fear the Lord. Note that the fear of the Lord is a prerequisite for returning and discerning between the righteous and the wicked and between him that serves God and him that does not serve Him.
Just in case someone may say that scripture is in the Old Testament and no longer applies, consider what Jesus said:
Who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell? Only the Lord Himself! There are MANY verses in the New Testament that talk about the fear of the Lord. A very familiar verse is:
This "clean" fear is the awe and reverence which a man feels in the presence of God.
The verse in Malachi 1:6 indicates that the people no longer had a fear of the Lord. The reason was because they had become apostate ... everything had been reduced to a form, a ritual, a tradition. These two events go together ... apostasy and a lack of a fear of the Lord. Moreover, When there is no fear of the Lord, the door is opened to all manner of sin, off-center doctrines, and worse. That is what happened to the Church at Corinth. That is what we see TODAY in His church ... sin, off-center doctrines, and worse. Could it be that we have lost the understanding of the fear of the Lord? Perhaps the most important key to understanding the ways of the Lord is the fear of the Lord.
There is a clear relationship between the fear of the Lord and discernment, as stated in Malachi 3:18. Discernment is sadly lacking in the body of Christ today. All you have to do to prove that is look around at all of the tens of thousands of charismatic believers who have been pulled into one off-center doctrine after another. Many genuine believers have been sorely wounded because of their participation in so many off-center doctrines and "movements."
Malachi 3:18 implies that there will be much deception in that day, such that if it were possible, even the very elect will be deceived. Return ... from where? Return from 400 years of bondage and captivity. This will be the fulfillment of Isaiah 11:11. This is current events.
Jesus said to the Jews,
We were set free when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior. We are made free by continuing in His word. Jesus, in the above verses, was speaking of a criterion to be a disciple, not simply a believer. That criterion is to continue in His word. If we continue reading in John 8, we see that even some of the Jews who believed on Jesus could not accept that they were still in bondage. Deception! based on their misunderstanding of the law, which no longer applied. They claimed they were never in bondage to any man because they were Abraham's seed. Of course, natural inheritance does not make any one free. They even said that Jesus had a devil (verse 48).
Peter speaks of this soon coming event also.
The Holy Spirit through Peter poses a very sobering question. Given the impending events, which will come upon us suddenly (and have been in progress already for many long years), what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness? For the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.
The answer to the question in Verse 11 is the same as in the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25.
The answer is: Be Prepared!
The Lord will visit those willing to yield to Him. We must keep humble and little in our own eyes. The name, "Paul" means "little." If we get built up by a sense of our own importance, we are gone.
God has always sought humble people. He can use no other. There is much need always for heart preparation, in humility and separation, before God can consistently come. The depth of any revival will be determined by the spirit of repentance that prevails. In fact this is the key to every true revival born of God. A body must be prepared, in repentance and humility, for every outpouring of the Spirit.
A revival almost always begins among ordinary common people not trained in theology or holding any rank in the church. Church leaders seldom welcome reformation. History repeats itself because human nature has never changed. The present leaders are too comfortably situated as a rule to desire change that might require sacrifice on their part. God's fire only falls on sacrifice. An empty altar receives no fire. Cold intellectualism, formal religion, and priestly domination are completely outside the purview of the Gospel. Thank God there are exceptions among the leaders. But we are saved to serve. The true minister is a servant, a voluntary slave to the Master's will, a poured out drink offering, a meal offering, having our ear bored through with an aul.
No work of God breaks out in a moment, like a huge prairie fire, and sets the world on fire. There is a necessary time for preparation. The finished work is never realized at the beginning. Men may wonder where it came from, not being conscious of the preparation, but there is always such. Every true movement of the Spirit of God must also run the gauntlet of the devil's forces. The Dragon stands before the bearing mother, ready to swallow up her child (Rev. 12:4). The enemy also does much counterfeiting. The false always emerges before the true. Esau before Jacob, Ishmael before Isaac, the first Adam before the last Adam. God keeps the young child well hidden for a season from the Herods until it can gain strength and discernment to resist them. All revivals go through the same experiences. Its foes are both inside and out.
Prepare
What is the Lord looking for in His people today? The first step is to prepare the way of the Lord. How do we prepare the way of the Lord? First of all by preparing our hearts. How do we prepare our heart?
The message from the Books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi is essentially the same word. That same word is also reflected in the Books of Joel, Judges, Daniel, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Revelation, and, in truth, in every book of the Bible. That common message centers around three basic themes. First is the sovereignty of God, His love for His chosen people, His great grace, His great mercy, His faithfulness, His wisdom, etc. The second theme is human nature ... the self-centered nature of man, even Christian man, the lack of understanding and wisdom of His chosen people, and our feeling of self-satisfaction, particularly when things seem to be going smoothly in our life. The third common theme is the attempts of the enemy to divert the chosen people of God from fulfilling their destiny, their inheritance. That destiny or inheritance is much more than being born again and going to heaven one day. We were born into a war that we did not start. We have been re-born into a new world of total victory in Christ, but we must still go up and possess the land (Numbers 13:30 and many others), which is the kingdom of God. It is the Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom (Luke 12:32), but it is not ours unless we qualify to take it (Matthew 11:12). It is not a question of hanging on until the end comes and slipping into heaven. Salvation is a free gift, but we must qualify for the kingdom of God (John 3:3, Matthew 11:12, Luke 16:16, Acts 14:22, and a multitude of other scriptures, such as almost all of Matthew, Chapters 5, 6, and 7).
We must be very careful not to slip into an attitude of, "I know that," or, "I can do that." In reality we know very little and we can do absolutely nothing (of value) without Him.
At the same time, we must be very confident of Who He is and what He has said to us.
The same message is spoken of seven times in the New Testament (Matthew 3:3, Matthew 11:10, Mark 1:2 and 3, Luke 1:76, Luke 3:4, and Luke 7:27). So, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord" occurs eight times in Scripture. That word is not a request; it is a command; it is a command for us to do something ... to prepare the way of the Lord.
The first step is to prepare the way of the Lord. You do it ... we do it. Make ready for the coming of the King of kings and Lord of lords. This preparation does not end when we are born again or when we are baptized in the Holy Spirit. That is only the beginning. If you know that a secular king or president or any other dignitary is coming to your house for dinner, you will undoubtedly make haste to (1) clean your house thoroughly, (2) wear your best clothes, and (3) prepare your best meal for him/her. How much more shall we prepare for the Lord Himself?
How do we clean our house spiritually? By making sure that the enemy has no footholds in our life. Jesus said,
This is not automatic. It takes action on our part to take His shield upon us.
Next, we must wear our best clothes. We must keep our garments clean.
Third, we must prepare our best meal. The spiritual food that we prepare, eat, and serve to others must be the truth as illuminated by the Holy Spirit, not what our carnal mind understands through our reasoning, logical thinking, traditions of men, etc..
One of the greatest causes of doctrinal error and lack of understanding comes about by trying to interpret Scripture in the natural realm, using our natural minds and logical reasoning.
How Do We Prepare the Way of the Lord?
In this word, we attempt to start setting forth how we prepare the way of the Lord. We need an expanded vision in this hour; we need to know where we are going and how to get there!
The primary thing that the Lord is looking for within His people is the state of our heart. Isaiah warned the Judah of his time of the coming captivity by Babylon. He spoke the word of the Lord to Judah.
Note the phrase, "this people," not "My people." Because "My people" had become more interested in doing their own thing, the Lord now refers to them as "this people." Also, the "marvelous work" that the Lord did (and is doing again) is not the kind of marvelous that we would like. When Jesus spoke to the Pharisees, He said that Isaiah prophesied of the Pharisees, some 725 years after his time. In reality, Isaiah prophesied to the Judah of his time, the Judah (Pharisees) of the time when Jesus walked the face of the earth, and the (spiritual) Judah of our time. The word of God is timeless and independent of race, culture, gender, and geographical location.
So a hypocrite is one who says all of the right words, but whose heart is not right before the Lord. Their heart is overly concerned with materialism, entertainment, traditions of men, putting an "x" in all the right boxes, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men, and a hundred other things. Therefore it seems only reasonable that we should all understand what does constitute a right heart. More importantly, a right heart must become flesh (or a living reality) and not simply a mental understanding.
At the most basic level, a right heart is a heart that is attuned to the heart of the Lord. Every believer is called to identify with the Lord Jesus in every respect (except His Deity). We must identify (in reality, experientially) with His suffering, His death, His burial, His resurrection, His weeping over Jerusalem, His will, His heart, His intercession for us, His love and zeal for the Church, and His jealousy over Zion (Zechariah 8:2), to name a few. It is a heart that wants the Lord to be pleased and satisfied with us even if we never receive anything from the Lord (not even our personal salvation). It is a heart that wants the will of the Lord to be done more than life itself. It is a heart that is jealous for the Lord of hosts which is what Elijah said in 1 Kings 19:10 and 14 ... jealous that He might have His way within every believer. Stephen, Paul, and Moses (and others) had that same jealousy for the Lord to be satisfied and glorified. Moses said,
Paul said,
Paul also said,
Stephen said, to the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem,
Some might say that Stephen did not exercise wisdom when he spoke those words to the Sanhedrin. Logical reasoning and natural thinking would say, "Stephen, you should be very careful with your words to the Sanhedrin. Just think of all of the good you could do for the body of Christ. You are a man full of faith and wisdom. The Lord needs you to help other believers here on earth." We are quite sure that Stephen was aware of the consequences of his discourse. However, Stephen was motivated only by speaking the word which the Holy Ghost put into his being. As a result, Stephen is sometimes called the first Christian martyr. Did Stephen fully satisfy the heart of the Lord? We believe that Scripture gives a resounding answer of "yes" to that question. His ways are higher than our ways; His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Let us see the scriptural support for Stephen's bold, (harsh?) words to the Sanhedrin as recorded in Acts, Chapter 7.
We are all aware that after Jesus finished His work on earth, He sat down on the right hand of the Father in heaven. This is recorded five times in the Book of Hebrews (Hebrews 1:3, 1:13, 8:1, 10:12, and 12:2). For example,
The Lord Jesus Christ is still seated at the right hand of the Father. But when Stephen said what he did to the Sanhedrin, he also said,
So the Lord Jesus, who was (and is) seated at the right hand of the Father, stood up when Stephen said what he did in Acts 7:51-52 to the Sanhedrin. It was as if the Lord was applauding Stephen for his selflessness in speaking the word of God, regardless of the grave consequences to himself. Amazing! How could the Lord express such an attitude towards any human being? But it happened!
Now some may say, "But brother, I am not a Moses; I am not a Paul; I am not a Stephen." Very true. I am none of those three either. We are all unique because God never makes a copy of anything or anyone. We all have slightly different, unique and specific callings and functions. But we all have many things in common also. One of those things that every believer should have in common is the attitude of our heart. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Our first priority is always to glorify God, first of all in our heart, and then outwardly as the Holy Spirit gives us unction.
The first step in preparing the way of the Lord is to have that same heart attitude that Moses, Paul, Stephen (and others, like David) had. That heart attitude can never be generated by our own effort or by our own faith. So some may say, "Well I am not in that place in my life yet." Then you (we) are not alone. But God is no respecter of persons. If He did that amazing work in Moses, Paul, Stephen, and others, He will also do that work within you and me, PROVIDED that we see the need and cry out to the Lord. After all, what the Lord is looking for is that each of us believers cry out to the Lord and say, "Help me, Lord."
Back in the 1970's we sang a little spiritual song which I have not heard in many years. The words are:
Psalm 76, Verse 1, prophetically encapsulates four types of believers, based on their level of growth or maturity in Christ ... Israel to Judah to Jerusalem to Zion. But His dwelling place is in Zion, the city of David (2 Samuel 5:7 and numerous Verses in Psalms).
Zion is called the city of David. Why? Because David was a man after God's own heart. And because the Lord is searching for those whose heart beats only for Him.
The "tabernacle of David" (2 Samuel 6:17) is not a physical tabernacle or a piece of real estate in the Middle East. The tabernacle of David is nothing less than Zion, which consists of all those believers who have allowed the Lord first to break them and then to make them ... to mold them into His image.
The Lord is not asleep. Despite all of the failures of Christian man, the Lord is quietly and inconspiculously building up Zion. What is "in that day" which is referenced in Amos 9:11? the day that we live in now. It is a marvelous work that is hidden from the eyes of man and can only be seen in the realm of the Spirit. And one day soon He will unveil His masterpiece. Then He shall likewise appear in His glory ... the parousia of the Lord. The question is, whose heart is stirred up? Whose spirit is made willing? Who is looking for Him?
Prepare
The first word of the Lord that came unto Zechariah (and which he spoke to his people) was a call for national repentance.
Note the conditional decree of the Lord. We must first (re)turn to the Lord and then He will turn to us. Why did the remnant of Judah need to repent and turn back to the Lord? because of their apathy, lukewarm attitude, and self-centeredness, which is clearly indicated in the Book of Haggai. Do we need national repentance in America today? if so, in what segment of the population? the heathen? those in denominational churches? or those in Spirit-filled/charismatic fellowships? How can the heathen turn back or repent to someone they never knew? Those in denominational churches have not received nearly the light that we have. Does that make us "better" than them? Just the opposite, as indicated in Luke 12:42-48. We continue to maintain that the national climate is a mirror reflection of the modern-day spiritual Judah, which is similarly characterized by apathy, a lukewarm attitude, and self-centeredness.
Despite all of the failures of men, Christian men, Spirit-filled Christian men ... But God! The Lord will have His way, with or without you and with or without me! Amazing grace and compassionate mercies! God loves us so much that He will continue to accelerate the natural disasters, economic collapse, persecutions, tribulations, etc., to help us to break out of our apathy, lukewarm attitude, and self-centeredness, and to cry out to the Lord for help.
In Verse 1, the "man" with a measuring line in his hand is clearly an angel, sent by the Lord to measure Jerusalem. That measurement speaks of judgment, because the remnant in Jerusalem were not doing what they were supposed to be doing; the remnant were not "measuring up" to the will of God. Then, lest Zechariah become totally discouraged at the state of the remnant, the Lord sent another angel to tell the first angel what else to say to Zechariah.
In Verse 4, the new message was, Run, speak to this young man (Zechariah). Run! Don't walk! Hurry! In other words, this additional word is likewise critical. Zechariah is called a young man by the second angel. We do not know the natural age of Zechariah at that point in his life, but he certainly was a true prophet of the Lord. At least eight times, Zechariah asked the Lord, "What are these, my Lord?" Apparently Zechariah himself did not understand all of the visions he received from the Lord. That would classify him as a "young man," spiritually, if not also naturally.
Now the second (positive) message in Verses 4 and 5 did not negate the first message of measuring Jerusalem. The scripture does not say that the first angel aborted his first commandment to measure Jerusalem. Here again, we see the sovereignty of God at work. The Lord will have what He desires in Jerusalem one way or another.
The Lord said in Verse 6 to come forth from the land of the north. That signifies a moving from Samaria to Israel, to Judah, to Jerusalem, to Zion. In other words that signifies a maturing in Christ. Note in Verse 7 that the Lord tells Zion, who is dwelling in Babylon, to deliver thyself. He says, "You do it." That likewise has great spiritual significance.
Who or what does the word exhort us to come out of? Babylon. What is Babylon? The economic, political, and religious systems of the world. There is no country on earth that epitomizes Babylon more than the United States. Do you realize that the modern-day church has been taken captive by Babylon for many long years? Unfortunately, many of the Babylonian ways have been absorbed by the Church.
But in that day, there shall be no more the Canaanite (carnal flesh) in the house of the LORD of hosts (Zechariah 14:21). He wants to change us from total flesh to total spirit.
An increasing number of "big names" and "wanna-be big names" tell us to store up several months worth of food and water and plan where to go when nuclear attacks come. They also tell us to keep our gas tanks in our cars full because we may have to travel some distance to escape the coming disasters. In other words, those "big names" tell us to carefully design our disaster recovery plan. We respectfully disagree with the growing number of would-be and pseudo "prophets" who warn us to prepare in the natural realm for the coming disasters in the United States. A disaster recovery plan in the natural realm cuts across the spirit of my Bible. Do we live by the faith of the Son of God or do we live by our natural, logical reasoning? Jesus said,
What about the poor widow woman who cast into the treasury two mites, which was all that she had, even all of her living (Mark 12:42-44)? Do you think that the Lord did not provide for her after that sacrifice? Did she have to beg for food to stay alive after that?
What about the widow woman in the time of Elijah (1 Kings 17:10-24) who only had a handful of meal and a little oil in a cruise? Because she was willing to give it to Elijah to eat, the barrel of meal did not waste, neither did the cruise of oil fail until the Lord sent rain upon the earth.
What about the woman in the days of Elisha (2 Kings 4:1-7) who had lost her husband and was about to lose her two sons to the creditors to be bondmen, because she could not pay her debts? As long as we pour out our oil into empty vessels, the oil will keep flowing just like Elisha and the widow. As long as they sought empty vessels there was oil. When they stopped seeking empty vessels, the oil stopped.
Instead of planning on how to preserve our life in the coming days of famine, we do much better to concentrate on maintaining the righteousness of God within us. For if we do that, then the Lord promises that we will be satisfied in the days of famine.
In summary, do we want to trust ourselves to provide for us, or do we want to trust the Lord to provide for us? Jesus said,
Yes, we are aware that the Lord used Joseph to store up food for seven years in Egypt in order to preserve life for His people. But that was a "rhema" word to Joseph, not a "logos" word to every one of God's people. In the final analysis, "Whatsoever He says to you, do it." But we need to be very careful with trying to implement what man says to us.
Now let us consider what Jesus said to a multitude of people (including His disciples).
Was Jesus saying that we need to do some things? If so, what things?
The words in the above verse that Jesus spoke are taken from two different sets of verses in Deuteronomy in the Old Testament.
In these next several messages we want to share some things about a common theme of preparation. It is our responsibility to prepare the way of the Lord. Restoration is the Lord's responsibility, after we do what we are called to do. Both preparation and restoration are intimately related with the kingdom of God.
We need to remember that the kingdom of God existed before God created man, before God created angels, and before God created the world. In the beginning, God. We do not know whether God first created the heaven and the earth or whether God first created angels. There is an inference from Isaiah 14 that God first created the heaven and the earth. For some (unknown) time period, or perhaps we should say in eternity past, God reigned in His kingdom. Then, from Isaiah 14, Lucifer fell from grace with his five "I wills." He rebelled against the rule of God and persuaded one-third of the angels to join him in that rebellion (Revelation 12:4).
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.2 Peter 3:5-7
From Verse 6, "the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished." Then comes an untold number of years between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2, for in Genesis 1:2, "And the earth was [became] without form and void." The earth became a wreck and a ruin because of the rebellion of Lucifer. The earth has always been a reflection of the spiritual state of the inhabitants. From Isaiah 45,
For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. Isaiah 45:18
So in Genesis 1:2 we have the ruin into which the earth fell. We are not told how, when, or how long the wreck and ruin lasted. When geologists have settled how many years they require, they may place them between Verse 1 and 2 of Genesis 1. From 2 Peter 3:7 we live in the heavens and the earth which are now. Both are set in contrast with the "new heavens and the new earth" of 2 Peter 3:13.
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
Prepare the Heart
Without any doubt the main responsibility that we have is to prepare our heart (but by the power of the Holy Spirit). Our heart does not speak of our natural heart. Our heart speaks of the essence of our being; it corresponds to our spirit. Let us read a few of the many verses in the Bible that speaks of our heart.
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Deuteronomy 6:4-712 And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,13 To keep the commandments of the LORD, and His statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? Deuteronomy 10:12-13
13 And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul,14 That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.15 And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full.16 Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;17 And then the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and He shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.18 Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.20 And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:21 That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth. Deuteronomy 11:13-21
And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve Him only: and He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. 1 Samuel 7:3
6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him.7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.1 Samuel 16:6-7
22 And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:23 And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like Thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before Thee with all their heart: 1 Kings 8:22-2330 Then hear Thou from heaven Thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart Thou knowest; (for Thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)
31 That they may fear Thee, to walk in Thy ways, so long as they live in the land which Thou gavest unto our fathers. 2 Chronicles 6:30-31
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him.2 Chronicles 16:9
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. Ezra 7:103 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in His holy place?4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Psalm 24:3-5
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:17
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Psalm 73:26
1 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How amiable are Thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.4 Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house: they will be still praising Thee. Selah.5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. Psalm 84:1-7
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.Psalm 90:12Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Psalm 119:115 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? Proverbs 20:9Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.Proverbs 21:29 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:9-1013 And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil. Joel 2:12-135 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.Malachi 4:5-6
We want to continue by looking at some verses in the New Testament about our heart. Then we will set forth several practical steps to prepare for the difficult times that will soon be upon us.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:819 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21
For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Matthew 13:158 This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.9 But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:8-935 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked Him a question, tempting Him, and saying,36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.38 This is the first and great commandment.39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.Matthew 22:35-40
45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.46 And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?Luke 6:45-4615 And He said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:15
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. Acts 4:32And when He had removed him, He raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also He gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfil all My will. Acts 13:22
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.Romans 2:28-29And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:278 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:8-10But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.1 Corinthians 2:921 Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.2 Corinthians 1:21-22
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,15 Of Whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,16 That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Ephesians 3:14-195 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; Ephesians 6:5-66 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-77 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear His voice,8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:9 When your fathers tempted Me, proved Me, and saw My works forty years.10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known My ways.11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into My rest.)12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. Hebrews 3:7-15
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.Hebrews 4:12-13We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 2 Peter 1:19
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. Revelation 19:7
Now for some "practical" aspects related to our personal preparation for the coming of our Lord and King. Not only can we survive the hard times we are in and the ones still ahead but we can also prosper and thrive in them. I don't mean prosper in worldly things but in the power of the Lord as well as bringing the harvest into the Kingdom. We must be prepared and I'm afraid that many are not prepared, spiritually or physically.
What should we do to be ready for this shaking that we are in and the even harder times we are facing? What will see us through? Many believe that the church will not have to endure this time because of something men call the "rapture." But too many scriptures indicate that we must through much tribulation enter the kingdom; that will not only make us stronger but we will be purified through the trial to be the Bride of Christ. I want to share with you a few points that I believe will help us prepare for the storm that is upon us even now.
1. First of all we must get clean before the Lord; repent and bring all our darkness to the light of the Lord. This is key for us to be able to hear the voice of the Lord. All of the hidden sin that is in our life must be exposed so it can be washed by the blood of the Lamb. Do a check-up on what is in the hidden places of your heart and bring them before the Lord.
2. Make the things you find right! Nothing else you do in the physical will matter if the spirit is not right with God. Many will not get past this point because they are very comfortable with their sin. Sins such as lust, greed, selfishness, and unforgiveness are easy to hide away and leave un-dealt with. If this is in your life, confess it and get clean. Many are under the power of these and feel they can never confess them in fear of shame, but the Lord is faithful and just to forgive; don't fear what man thinks, get clean.
3. Once clean, pray for guidance from the Lord. No plan that we can come up with will carry us through this time; only the voice of the Lord can carry us through. Seek like-minded believers who are willing to get clean with God to pray with you for direction. There is power in the Body; we are not designed to function alone.
4. Don't look to the strength of man nor to the government to provide for you. Jeremiah says cursed is the man that trusts in man. We must provide for ourselves through the Lord. This country is under judgment and we must remember we are only travelers here; this is not our home.
5. Should we store up provision for some number of months? A number of supposedly "mature" men of God have advised all believers to store up 3 to 6 months worth of food. I do not agree with that wholesale advice. Certainly having money stored will not do any good. We are already in hyperinflation if we consider the price of groceries and gas. With our nation's debt and the inflation rate, we are spinning out of control and the economy is about to crash.
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. 1 Corinthians 10:24
It is true that the Lord told Joseph to store up food because there would be seven years of famine. But make sure that the Lord tells you to store up food; otherwise if it is just our way to try to preserve our life, then the food you store will rot. Note that Joseph did not store up food for himself.
There have been talks taking place to remove the dollar as the world reserve currency; and I believe it will happen soon. Once it does, everything we buy will increase by a hundred percent; thus the need to devalue the dollar.
With that said about money, if you feel led to store up food, don't rat-hole for yourself as you store. Be willing to share with the needy and take care of the widows and orphans as this unlocks Gods' economy in your life. If you only think of yourself, God will not bless you, but if you share, your store will not run out. In the story of Elisha and the widow, as long as they found empty vessels to fill, the oil never ran dry. This will be a key to survival.
6. Ask the Lord if there is a place of physical refuge out of the major cities. I believe we will see riots and looting when the change in the dollar takes place. If God tells you to stay where you are, stay; but if HE tells you to look for a place of refuge, be ready to flee. There are some believers who feel this is coming and are ready to receive brothers who have to flee. Wherever you are, plant food and pray over your plants. God will supernaturally bring provision. This will also be a sign for those who don't believe. God will multiply our food. Speak life into the plants and they will respond; they are God's. You can do this even if you believe you are to stay in a city, but remember your provision is for you to share for God's glory; as long as you give, your oil will never stop flowing.
7. Pray for ways to communicate with other believers. When the chaos starts they will shut down the Internet. Remember this, the government already monitors everything you say on it and on the telephone. So pray for ways to get the word out without Internet or phones for that matter. Also pray that we would be able to recognize each other as brothers even though we have never met.
8. Act now, we are out of time. The fall of the dollar will happen shortly, the facts are already out there, most just are not paying attention. We are not paying attention because we are too comfortable.
The Word of the Lord from Amos 6:1 Woe to those who are asleep in Zion!
Prepare
Malachi, which means, "My messenger," was most likely the last prophet of the Old Testament era. Some believe that the Book of Malachi was written exactly 400 years before the anointing of Jesus. That seems quite consistent with the ways of the Lord. Just as the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt for 400 years, so there was a famine of hearing the words of the Lord in Israel for 400 years just prior to the first coming of Jesus.
The foremost characteristic of the present Church age is ... words. We have been and continue to be super-saturated with teachings and conferences. Yet we live today in the last spiritual famine ... another 400 years before the second coming of the Lord. How long has that famine already been going on? Only the Lord knows. The Lord is not pleased when we consistently rehash forty-year-old manna. We have believed for 40+ years that there should be fresh manna revealed during every gathering of believers ... that which no man has read, heard, or spoken before. How much time did Peter spend to prepare for his sermon on the day of Pentecost?
The Word of the Lord from Amos 6:1 Woe to those who are asleep in Zion!
Prepare
Malachi, which means, "My messenger," was most likely the last prophet of the Old Testament era. Some believe that the Book of Malachi was written exactly 400 years before the anointing of Jesus. That seems quite consistent with the ways of the Lord. Just as the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt for 400 years, so there was a famine of hearing the words of the Lord in Israel for 400 years just prior to the first coming of Jesus.
The foremost characteristic of the present Church age is ... words. We have been and continue to be super-saturated with teachings and conferences. Yet we live today in the last spiritual famine ... another 400 years before the second coming of the Lord. How long has that famine already been going on? Only the Lord knows. The Lord is not pleased when we consistently rehash forty-year-old manna. We have believed for 40+ years that there should be fresh manna revealed during every gathering of believers ... that which no man has read, heard, or spoken before. How much time did Peter spend to prepare for his sermon on the day of Pentecost?
1 Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me: and the Lord, Whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
2 But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:3 And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. Malachi 3:1-3
Verses 1 and 2 speak of the second coming of the Lord to earth. Have you ever considered, in Verse 3, that He shall purify the sons of Levi? It does not say that He will purify all of the tribes of Israel at that time. Food for thought? Yet that is consistent with New Testament teachings. The offering that the purified sons of Levi shall offer unto the Lord will not consist of money.
Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from Mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Malachi 3:7
In order for the Lord to come for spiritual Israel's redemption, she must repent. The Lord is not returning to the earth for millions of immature, baby Christians. There are other events which must also come to pass prior to the Lord's parousia, or second literal coming, but we will not go into that here.
16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon His name.17 And they shall be Mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Malachi 3:16-18
Verse 16 emphasizes the necessity for the proper fear of the Lord within His people. (Malachi 1:6) Verse 16 says nothing about those who do not fear the Lord. Note that the fear of the Lord is a prerequisite for returning and discerning between the righteous and the wicked and between him that serves God and him that does not serve Him.
Just in case someone may say that scripture is in the Old Testament and no longer applies, consider what Jesus said:
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28
Who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell? Only the Lord Himself! There are MANY verses in the New Testament that talk about the fear of the Lord. A very familiar verse is:
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. Psalm 19:9
This "clean" fear is the awe and reverence which a man feels in the presence of God.
The verse in Malachi 1:6 indicates that the people no longer had a fear of the Lord. The reason was because they had become apostate ... everything had been reduced to a form, a ritual, a tradition. These two events go together ... apostasy and a lack of a fear of the Lord. Moreover, When there is no fear of the Lord, the door is opened to all manner of sin, off-center doctrines, and worse. That is what happened to the Church at Corinth. That is what we see TODAY in His church ... sin, off-center doctrines, and worse. Could it be that we have lost the understanding of the fear of the Lord? Perhaps the most important key to understanding the ways of the Lord is the fear of the Lord.
Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in His ways. Psalm 128:1The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him; and He will shew them His covenant. Psalm 25:14
There is a clear relationship between the fear of the Lord and discernment, as stated in Malachi 3:18. Discernment is sadly lacking in the body of Christ today. All you have to do to prove that is look around at all of the tens of thousands of charismatic believers who have been pulled into one off-center doctrine after another. Many genuine believers have been sorely wounded because of their participation in so many off-center doctrines and "movements."
Malachi 3:18 implies that there will be much deception in that day, such that if it were possible, even the very elect will be deceived. Return ... from where? Return from 400 years of bondage and captivity. This will be the fulfillment of Isaiah 11:11. This is current events.
Jesus said to the Jews,
30 As He spake these words, many believed on Him.31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed;32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.John 8:30-36
We were set free when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior. We are made free by continuing in His word. Jesus, in the above verses, was speaking of a criterion to be a disciple, not simply a believer. That criterion is to continue in His word. If we continue reading in John 8, we see that even some of the Jews who believed on Jesus could not accept that they were still in bondage. Deception! based on their misunderstanding of the law, which no longer applied. They claimed they were never in bondage to any man because they were Abraham's seed. Of course, natural inheritance does not make any one free. They even said that Jesus had a devil (verse 48).
1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do [work] wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.2 But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts. Malachi 4:1-3
Peter speaks of this soon coming event also.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
2 Peter 3:10-12
The Holy Spirit through Peter poses a very sobering question. Given the impending events, which will come upon us suddenly (and have been in progress already for many long years), what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness? For the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.
The answer to the question in Verse 11 is the same as in the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25.
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 25:1-13
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23
The answer is: Be Prepared!
The Lord will visit those willing to yield to Him. We must keep humble and little in our own eyes. The name, "Paul" means "little." If we get built up by a sense of our own importance, we are gone.
God has always sought humble people. He can use no other. There is much need always for heart preparation, in humility and separation, before God can consistently come. The depth of any revival will be determined by the spirit of repentance that prevails. In fact this is the key to every true revival born of God. A body must be prepared, in repentance and humility, for every outpouring of the Spirit.
A revival almost always begins among ordinary common people not trained in theology or holding any rank in the church. Church leaders seldom welcome reformation. History repeats itself because human nature has never changed. The present leaders are too comfortably situated as a rule to desire change that might require sacrifice on their part. God's fire only falls on sacrifice. An empty altar receives no fire. Cold intellectualism, formal religion, and priestly domination are completely outside the purview of the Gospel. Thank God there are exceptions among the leaders. But we are saved to serve. The true minister is a servant, a voluntary slave to the Master's will, a poured out drink offering, a meal offering, having our ear bored through with an aul.
No work of God breaks out in a moment, like a huge prairie fire, and sets the world on fire. There is a necessary time for preparation. The finished work is never realized at the beginning. Men may wonder where it came from, not being conscious of the preparation, but there is always such. Every true movement of the Spirit of God must also run the gauntlet of the devil's forces. The Dragon stands before the bearing mother, ready to swallow up her child (Rev. 12:4). The enemy also does much counterfeiting. The false always emerges before the true. Esau before Jacob, Ishmael before Isaac, the first Adam before the last Adam. God keeps the young child well hidden for a season from the Herods until it can gain strength and discernment to resist them. All revivals go through the same experiences. Its foes are both inside and out.
Prepare
What is the Lord looking for in His people today? The first step is to prepare the way of the Lord. How do we prepare the way of the Lord? First of all by preparing our hearts. How do we prepare our heart?
The message from the Books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi is essentially the same word. That same word is also reflected in the Books of Joel, Judges, Daniel, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Revelation, and, in truth, in every book of the Bible. That common message centers around three basic themes. First is the sovereignty of God, His love for His chosen people, His great grace, His great mercy, His faithfulness, His wisdom, etc. The second theme is human nature ... the self-centered nature of man, even Christian man, the lack of understanding and wisdom of His chosen people, and our feeling of self-satisfaction, particularly when things seem to be going smoothly in our life. The third common theme is the attempts of the enemy to divert the chosen people of God from fulfilling their destiny, their inheritance. That destiny or inheritance is much more than being born again and going to heaven one day. We were born into a war that we did not start. We have been re-born into a new world of total victory in Christ, but we must still go up and possess the land (Numbers 13:30 and many others), which is the kingdom of God. It is the Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom (Luke 12:32), but it is not ours unless we qualify to take it (Matthew 11:12). It is not a question of hanging on until the end comes and slipping into heaven. Salvation is a free gift, but we must qualify for the kingdom of God (John 3:3, Matthew 11:12, Luke 16:16, Acts 14:22, and a multitude of other scriptures, such as almost all of Matthew, Chapters 5, 6, and 7).
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.18 And all things are of God, Who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
We must be very careful not to slip into an attitude of, "I know that," or, "I can do that." In reality we know very little and we can do absolutely nothing (of value) without Him.
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 1 Corinthians 8:2John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. John 3:27I can of Mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and My judgment is just; because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father Which hath sent Me.John 5:30I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth Much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing. John 15:5For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? 1 Corinthians 4:7
At the same time, we must be very confident of Who He is and what He has said to us.
11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:12 In Whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him.Ephesians 3:11-12The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3
The same message is spoken of seven times in the New Testament (Matthew 3:3, Matthew 11:10, Mark 1:2 and 3, Luke 1:76, Luke 3:4, and Luke 7:27). So, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord" occurs eight times in Scripture. That word is not a request; it is a command; it is a command for us to do something ... to prepare the way of the Lord.
The first step is to prepare the way of the Lord. You do it ... we do it. Make ready for the coming of the King of kings and Lord of lords. This preparation does not end when we are born again or when we are baptized in the Holy Spirit. That is only the beginning. If you know that a secular king or president or any other dignitary is coming to your house for dinner, you will undoubtedly make haste to (1) clean your house thoroughly, (2) wear your best clothes, and (3) prepare your best meal for him/her. How much more shall we prepare for the Lord Himself?
How do we clean our house spiritually? By making sure that the enemy has no footholds in our life. Jesus said,
"Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me" (John 14:30).
As long as we abide in the Vine, the prince of this world has nothing in us either, for the Lord is our shield.
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Genesis 15:1
But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
Psalm 3:3
This is not automatic. It takes action on our part to take His shield upon us.
Next, we must wear our best clothes. We must keep our garments clean.
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. Revelation 3:4Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Revelation 16:15Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.Psalm 132:9I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10He 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. Revelation 3:5
Third, we must prepare our best meal. The spiritual food that we prepare, eat, and serve to others must be the truth as illuminated by the Holy Spirit, not what our carnal mind understands through our reasoning, logical thinking, traditions of men, etc..
31 In the mean while His disciples prayed Him, saying, Master, eat.32 But He said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. John 4:31-32
51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.John 6:51-5312 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.Hebrews 5:12-14
One of the greatest causes of doctrinal error and lack of understanding comes about by trying to interpret Scripture in the natural realm, using our natural minds and logical reasoning.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14
How Do We Prepare the Way of the Lord?
In this word, we attempt to start setting forth how we prepare the way of the Lord. We need an expanded vision in this hour; we need to know where we are going and how to get there!
The primary thing that the Lord is looking for within His people is the state of our heart. Isaiah warned the Judah of his time of the coming captivity by Babylon. He spoke the word of the Lord to Judah.
13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near Me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour Me, but have removed their heart far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the precept of men:14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. Isaiah 29:13-14
Note the phrase, "this people," not "My people." Because "My people" had become more interested in doing their own thing, the Lord now refers to them as "this people." Also, the "marvelous work" that the Lord did (and is doing again) is not the kind of marvelous that we would like. When Jesus spoke to the Pharisees, He said that Isaiah prophesied of the Pharisees, some 725 years after his time. In reality, Isaiah prophesied to the Judah of his time, the Judah (Pharisees) of the time when Jesus walked the face of the earth, and the (spiritual) Judah of our time. The word of God is timeless and independent of race, culture, gender, and geographical location.
6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.7 Howbeit in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Mark 7:6-7
So a hypocrite is one who says all of the right words, but whose heart is not right before the Lord. Their heart is overly concerned with materialism, entertainment, traditions of men, putting an "x" in all the right boxes, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men, and a hundred other things. Therefore it seems only reasonable that we should all understand what does constitute a right heart. More importantly, a right heart must become flesh (or a living reality) and not simply a mental understanding.
At the most basic level, a right heart is a heart that is attuned to the heart of the Lord. Every believer is called to identify with the Lord Jesus in every respect (except His Deity). We must identify (in reality, experientially) with His suffering, His death, His burial, His resurrection, His weeping over Jerusalem, His will, His heart, His intercession for us, His love and zeal for the Church, and His jealousy over Zion (Zechariah 8:2), to name a few. It is a heart that wants the Lord to be pleased and satisfied with us even if we never receive anything from the Lord (not even our personal salvation). It is a heart that wants the will of the Lord to be done more than life itself. It is a heart that is jealous for the Lord of hosts which is what Elijah said in 1 Kings 19:10 and 14 ... jealous that He might have His way within every believer. Stephen, Paul, and Moses (and others) had that same jealousy for the Lord to be satisfied and glorified. Moses said,
Yet now, if Thou wilt forgive their sin-; and if not, blot me, I pray Thee, out of Thy book which Thou hast written. Exodus 32:32
Paul said,
For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Romans 9:3
Paul also said,
Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 21:13
Stephen said, to the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem,
51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Acts 7:51-52
Some might say that Stephen did not exercise wisdom when he spoke those words to the Sanhedrin. Logical reasoning and natural thinking would say, "Stephen, you should be very careful with your words to the Sanhedrin. Just think of all of the good you could do for the body of Christ. You are a man full of faith and wisdom. The Lord needs you to help other believers here on earth." We are quite sure that Stephen was aware of the consequences of his discourse. However, Stephen was motivated only by speaking the word which the Holy Ghost put into his being. As a result, Stephen is sometimes called the first Christian martyr. Did Stephen fully satisfy the heart of the Lord? We believe that Scripture gives a resounding answer of "yes" to that question. His ways are higher than our ways; His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Let us see the scriptural support for Stephen's bold, (harsh?) words to the Sanhedrin as recorded in Acts, Chapter 7.
We are all aware that after Jesus finished His work on earth, He sat down on the right hand of the Father in heaven. This is recorded five times in the Book of Hebrews (Hebrews 1:3, 1:13, 8:1, 10:12, and 12:2). For example,
Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3
The Lord Jesus Christ is still seated at the right hand of the Father. But when Stephen said what he did to the Sanhedrin, he also said,
55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Acts 7:55-56
So the Lord Jesus, who was (and is) seated at the right hand of the Father, stood up when Stephen said what he did in Acts 7:51-52 to the Sanhedrin. It was as if the Lord was applauding Stephen for his selflessness in speaking the word of God, regardless of the grave consequences to himself. Amazing! How could the Lord express such an attitude towards any human being? But it happened!
Now some may say, "But brother, I am not a Moses; I am not a Paul; I am not a Stephen." Very true. I am none of those three either. We are all unique because God never makes a copy of anything or anyone. We all have slightly different, unique and specific callings and functions. But we all have many things in common also. One of those things that every believer should have in common is the attitude of our heart. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Our first priority is always to glorify God, first of all in our heart, and then outwardly as the Holy Spirit gives us unction.
The first step in preparing the way of the Lord is to have that same heart attitude that Moses, Paul, Stephen (and others, like David) had. That heart attitude can never be generated by our own effort or by our own faith. So some may say, "Well I am not in that place in my life yet." Then you (we) are not alone. But God is no respecter of persons. If He did that amazing work in Moses, Paul, Stephen, and others, He will also do that work within you and me, PROVIDED that we see the need and cry out to the Lord. After all, what the Lord is looking for is that each of us believers cry out to the Lord and say, "Help me, Lord."
9 And He spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 18:9-14
Back in the 1970's we sang a little spiritual song which I have not heard in many years. The words are:
Every new day Your glory unfolds, filling my heart with Your treasures untold.The beauty of holiness brings worship anew; My greatest love is You.Draw me deeper into your grace, the river that flows in the holy place,
Wash over me, cleansing me through, my greatest love is you.
Psalm 76, Verse 1, prophetically encapsulates four types of believers, based on their level of growth or maturity in Christ ... Israel to Judah to Jerusalem to Zion. But His dwelling place is in Zion, the city of David (2 Samuel 5:7 and numerous Verses in Psalms).
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Psalm 50:2
Zion is called the city of David. Why? Because David was a man after God's own heart. And because the Lord is searching for those whose heart beats only for Him.
In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: Amos 9:11
The "tabernacle of David" (2 Samuel 6:17) is not a physical tabernacle or a piece of real estate in the Middle East. The tabernacle of David is nothing less than Zion, which consists of all those believers who have allowed the Lord first to break them and then to make them ... to mold them into His image.
When the LORD shall build up Zion, He shall appear in His glory. Psalm 102:16
The Lord is not asleep. Despite all of the failures of Christian man, the Lord is quietly and inconspiculously building up Zion. What is "in that day" which is referenced in Amos 9:11? the day that we live in now. It is a marvelous work that is hidden from the eyes of man and can only be seen in the realm of the Spirit. And one day soon He will unveil His masterpiece. Then He shall likewise appear in His glory ... the parousia of the Lord. The question is, whose heart is stirred up? Whose spirit is made willing? Who is looking for Him?
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:28
Prepare
The first word of the Lord that came unto Zechariah (and which he spoke to his people) was a call for national repentance.
3 Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto Me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.4 Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto Me, saith the LORD.Zechariah 1:3-4
Note the conditional decree of the Lord. We must first (re)turn to the Lord and then He will turn to us. Why did the remnant of Judah need to repent and turn back to the Lord? because of their apathy, lukewarm attitude, and self-centeredness, which is clearly indicated in the Book of Haggai. Do we need national repentance in America today? if so, in what segment of the population? the heathen? those in denominational churches? or those in Spirit-filled/charismatic fellowships? How can the heathen turn back or repent to someone they never knew? Those in denominational churches have not received nearly the light that we have. Does that make us "better" than them? Just the opposite, as indicated in Luke 12:42-48. We continue to maintain that the national climate is a mirror reflection of the modern-day spiritual Judah, which is similarly characterized by apathy, a lukewarm attitude, and self-centeredness.
So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.Zechariah 1:14
Despite all of the failures of men, Christian men, Spirit-filled Christian men ... But God! The Lord will have His way, with or without you and with or without me! Amazing grace and compassionate mercies! God loves us so much that He will continue to accelerate the natural disasters, economic collapse, persecutions, tribulations, etc., to help us to break out of our apathy, lukewarm attitude, and self-centeredness, and to cry out to the Lord for help.
1 I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.2 Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof.3 And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,4 And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein:
5 For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.6 Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD.7 Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon. Zechariah 2:4-7
In Verse 1, the "man" with a measuring line in his hand is clearly an angel, sent by the Lord to measure Jerusalem. That measurement speaks of judgment, because the remnant in Jerusalem were not doing what they were supposed to be doing; the remnant were not "measuring up" to the will of God. Then, lest Zechariah become totally discouraged at the state of the remnant, the Lord sent another angel to tell the first angel what else to say to Zechariah.
In Verse 4, the new message was, Run, speak to this young man (Zechariah). Run! Don't walk! Hurry! In other words, this additional word is likewise critical. Zechariah is called a young man by the second angel. We do not know the natural age of Zechariah at that point in his life, but he certainly was a true prophet of the Lord. At least eight times, Zechariah asked the Lord, "What are these, my Lord?" Apparently Zechariah himself did not understand all of the visions he received from the Lord. That would classify him as a "young man," spiritually, if not also naturally.
Now the second (positive) message in Verses 4 and 5 did not negate the first message of measuring Jerusalem. The scripture does not say that the first angel aborted his first commandment to measure Jerusalem. Here again, we see the sovereignty of God at work. The Lord will have what He desires in Jerusalem one way or another.
The Lord said in Verse 6 to come forth from the land of the north. That signifies a moving from Samaria to Israel, to Judah, to Jerusalem, to Zion. In other words that signifies a maturing in Christ. Note in Verse 7 that the Lord tells Zion, who is dwelling in Babylon, to deliver thyself. He says, "You do it." That likewise has great spiritual significance.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 2 Corinthians 6:17And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Revelation 18:4
Who or what does the word exhort us to come out of? Babylon. What is Babylon? The economic, political, and religious systems of the world. There is no country on earth that epitomizes Babylon more than the United States. Do you realize that the modern-day church has been taken captive by Babylon for many long years? Unfortunately, many of the Babylonian ways have been absorbed by the Church.
But in that day, there shall be no more the Canaanite (carnal flesh) in the house of the LORD of hosts (Zechariah 14:21). He wants to change us from total flesh to total spirit.
An increasing number of "big names" and "wanna-be big names" tell us to store up several months worth of food and water and plan where to go when nuclear attacks come. They also tell us to keep our gas tanks in our cars full because we may have to travel some distance to escape the coming disasters. In other words, those "big names" tell us to carefully design our disaster recovery plan. We respectfully disagree with the growing number of would-be and pseudo "prophets" who warn us to prepare in the natural realm for the coming disasters in the United States. A disaster recovery plan in the natural realm cuts across the spirit of my Bible. Do we live by the faith of the Son of God or do we live by our natural, logical reasoning? Jesus said,
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. Matthew 6:19-20
What about the poor widow woman who cast into the treasury two mites, which was all that she had, even all of her living (Mark 12:42-44)? Do you think that the Lord did not provide for her after that sacrifice? Did she have to beg for food to stay alive after that?
What about the widow woman in the time of Elijah (1 Kings 17:10-24) who only had a handful of meal and a little oil in a cruise? Because she was willing to give it to Elijah to eat, the barrel of meal did not waste, neither did the cruise of oil fail until the Lord sent rain upon the earth.
What about the woman in the days of Elisha (2 Kings 4:1-7) who had lost her husband and was about to lose her two sons to the creditors to be bondmen, because she could not pay her debts? As long as we pour out our oil into empty vessels, the oil will keep flowing just like Elisha and the widow. As long as they sought empty vessels there was oil. When they stopped seeking empty vessels, the oil stopped.
Furthermore, consider the following.
16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.18 The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. Psalm 37:16-19
Instead of planning on how to preserve our life in the coming days of famine, we do much better to concentrate on maintaining the righteousness of God within us. For if we do that, then the Lord promises that we will be satisfied in the days of famine.
In summary, do we want to trust ourselves to provide for us, or do we want to trust the Lord to provide for us? Jesus said,
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek): for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.Matthew 6:31-34
Yes, we are aware that the Lord used Joseph to store up food for seven years in Egypt in order to preserve life for His people. But that was a "rhema" word to Joseph, not a "logos" word to every one of God's people. In the final analysis, "Whatsoever He says to you, do it." But we need to be very careful with trying to implement what man says to us.
Now let us consider what Jesus said to a multitude of people (including His disciples).
And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Luke 6:46
Was Jesus saying that we need to do some things? If so, what things?
35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked Him a question, tempting Him, and saying,36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.38 This is the first and great commandment.39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.Matthew 22:35-40
The words in the above verse that Jesus spoke are taken from two different sets of verses in Deuteronomy in the Old Testament.
12 And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,13 To keep the commandments of the LORD, and His statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? Deuteronomy 10:12-136 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. Deuteronomy 30:6
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