2019-02-01
Good Morning Dear Ones,
We’re commanded by the Holy Spirit to begin with visions and revelations as a means of presenting supporting Scriptures to the book of Colossians. Yes, this segment, “Christ and Believers,” is lengthy, but that is because the Holy Spirit has a lot to pass on for me to share about our relationships -vertically with God and horizontally with other people.
Think about ancient people whom God is trying to civilize while at the same time instruct on spiritual matters. What was the way they reacted to troubling situations they couldn’t seem to resolve? Their tendency was to look to other humans for solutions. In Isaiah’s day, as before his time, there were plenty of fortunetellers, quacks, and other scam artists that were offering compelling invitations to convey human-crafted ideas. IS 8: 19-20 tells us not to pay attention to dream interpreters, prophets that promise miracles, and other such people. Instead, remember God, Who rescued them from Egyptian slavery and brought you into the Promised Land. Listen only to His teaching, for those who foment rebellion against God and consult the spirits of the dead are condemned to death. Put distance between yourself and such people. DT 12: 1-5 gives us basically the same message. It goes on to say that such fortunetellers, seers, and conjurers of the dead are evil and were put there by God to test your faith in Him. They are evil and try to lead you away from God’s teaching. They want to remove you from the lifestyle the Lord has taught you.
The book of Joel was probably written at the time that the high priest, Jehoiada, was regent for Joash, who in turn reigned from 835-796 BC in Israel. Joel was the main prophet at the time. One finds, in both JL 2: 27-28 and later in AC 2: 17, God saying, “After telling you I am your One and only God, and I am with you… Afterward I will pure out My Spirit on everyone: your children will proclaim My message; your old people will have dreams, and your young people will see visions.” This was a truthful prophecy of Pentecost-the giving of the Holy Spirit. In 2 COR 12: 1-9, we get insight into the necessary humility that Paul had. He related a story about a man who 14 years earlier claimed he was snatched up to the highest heaven, Paradise. [Remember Christ spoke of His experience after His death and resurrection when He appeared to His remaining 11 disciples. LK 24: 29-36]. Paul didn’t know whether this man actually had a similar experience, or if he had a vision. (Paul felt it was necessary to speak to the people about visions and revelations at the time). Then, Paul went on to say that he would only boast about things concerning God and not about himself. In verses 7-9, Paul tells one of the most poignant situations he, himself, faced. He was saddled with a painful illness and prayed to God to remove his pain. God said, “My power is greatest when you are weak. My grace is sufficient.” When Paul received God’s reply to his prayer, he said, “I am content with my weakness, in order to feel Christ’s protection over me. I can now endure weakness, hardship, insults, persecution, and difficulties, for Christ’s sake.” Further support for the points made here can be found in PS 68: 18 and EPH 4: 10. There are some even nowadays that boast of the ability to speak in tongues. Through Paul in 1 COR 14: 29-31, we find directions for such a speaker. My own understanding is that there should be someone present who can correctly interpret what the speaker is saying. That leads me to believe that it should be in a known foreign language and not in strange sounds or mumbling. There are too many human charlatans and scam artists in this world who don’t know God’s word, for me to believe such a source. Anything heard this way should be measured carefully against God’s word. The Jewish practice of insisting on at least two witnesses [DT 19: 15] is a wise one. Our modern courts would be wise to apply this notion to their proceedings. We are told not to listen to mediums and other conjurers of the occult or magic. The job of conveying truths from God is delegated to His choices for apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
PRAYER: O Lord, we are grateful that You are always interested and available to hear our prayers. Your answers to them are perfect in every way. That is why we can approach Your throne with freedom and confidence to pray about our innermost feelings and ideas. You will correct our error, cause us to be equipped to read and learn Your word, and bless us with You infinite wisdom. We ask You now for discernment, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and ability to know and apply Your word to our lives. Our faith is often tested by people who are either misinformed or downright evil. We must be prepared to help the misguided to understand and fend off the evil. The only way we can do this is to know and understand Your word. We are praying now that You will give us the wisdom to avoid those teaching and/or living with the occult. This does not mean we should be prejudice, only discerning. Repeatedly, You have shown us how we can avoid a lot of trouble simply by following Your teaching. We are grateful for this and take on, not only knowing and applying Your teaching, but also to convey it to those who potentially may become believers in Jesus Christ. This is a responsibility we take on by our own choice. Sometimes it will be by what we say, but more often, it will be by example. Thank You, Dearest Father, for bringing Your grace to our lives. We offer You utmost praise for all You are and all You do. In Christ’s holy/mighty name we pray. Amen.
NEXT WEEK: There is more to write about the issue of visions and revelation. It’s a complex subject, because of the many ways it comes to us. I’ve taken many courses like Experiencing God, MasterLife, and numerous courses written by Kay Arthur and Beth Moore. Each had something of value to offer, and all of them taught the word of the Lord. That is why I see the Bible as “God’s love letter” to His people. Many of my fellow students use the BIBLE = Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth (an acrostic), and I agree wholeheartedly with it. But, my experience with God goes far beyond just studying His word. I have seen His teaching at work in my life. The comparison before and after Christ entered it is stark, amazing, and life-changing. Part of my own situation dealt in the past with a couple of people who made my life and that of those around me miserable. In the same way that a long list of Israel’s enemies (Amorites, Edomites, Moabites, Selucids, the people who participated in the Spanish Inquisition under Torquemada, Nazis, and others) have disappeared, my two people who plagued my life have died. My life is more peaceful now. Being persecuted is painful, personal, and thankfully, behind me. [I’m purposely not supplying a lot of detail here, so that I can firmly put my past behind me]. I will tell you that there is truth to the saying, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I have learned to be confident in my faith in Christ in part due to what I dealt with in my past. Anti-Semitism is still present in this world. I’m not living in a dream world. However, I can see it for what it is and come against it. That is one of countless blessings that my Lord has given me. It pays to jot down as many blessings that you, as a believer, can see in your own life. I hope you will and that you will keep on praying to Christ for discernment in your own lives. He will answer and give it to you. Praise and thanks be to Him!
Grace Be With You Always,
Lynn
JS 24: 15
© Lynn Johnson 2018. All Rights Reserved.
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