Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;but happy is he who keeps the law. Proverbs 29:18 (New King James Version)
Hundreds of years ago King Solomon observed that without a vision people perish. This fresh revelation or prophetic word from God keeps us on track. It gives us purpose. Without it we are in big trouble. Big time. If we are not tuned into God's purpose through His divine guidance we tend to run wild....as the above translation of Proverbs 29:18 puts it..."people cast off restraint." God's revelation clothes us for what is ahead, it prepares us for the good and the bad.
Years ago a song by Andrae Crouch was popular in churches across the world. The song was We Need To Hear From You.
The song asks an important question, "If we don't hear from you, what will we do?" I have good news - God is talking!
Ephesians 6:10-17 give us a blueprint for being ready for what is ahead as we engage the enemy and fulfill the purpose of God by hearing from Him.
There are six things we are to put on:
1. We must protect our loins with truth. It is critical that we be able to reproduce truth.
2. We must have on the breastplate of righteousness. Our hearts have to be guarded by right living.
3. Our feet need to be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
4. Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
5. Put on the helmet of salvation that protects our minds.
6. Take hold of the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. We must possess for ourselves God's Word. We must claim His Word for ourselves.
This last part of the armor of God is an offensive weapon to defeat the enemy. We will not have victory by sheer will alone. We have to have the sword. Take it up!
Here are four things God is saying to New Life Church in 2010 that we must make our own:
1. We must honor and protect our heritage. (Joshua 4:1-7, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 2 Timothy 1:13)
Read the verses listed. What will you do in 2010 to protect the heritage God has given you? How can you actively "pass it on" by building memorials? What are some practical measures you will take to "stand fast" and "hold fast"?
2. Prayer must be a priority. (2 Chronicles 7:14, Acts 2:42, 3:1, 4:23-31, 12:5-18)
Take time to read through the listed verses. The catalyst for healing our land sits on the pews of the church. According to 2 Chronicles 7:14, how is this true? What is God calling you to forsake? What will you do this week to forsake it?
3. God expects us to be good stewards or managers of what He has given us. (Matthew 6:33)
How is Matthew 6:33 a recipe for good stewardship?
4. Evangelism is key in fulfilling God's vision for New Life Church. We must have a system and practice of sharing the message of the gospel. 2 Corinthians 5:18
The goal in evangelism: Every born again believer at New Life Church searching and reaching for someone to win to God in 2010.
God wants us to reconcile lost people. That means to bring them into proper relationship with Him. What are you going to do this week to "search and reach" for someone?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis what the Body of Christ needs to keep before us daily, as we continue to put on and never lay down our armor. God didn't say put on half the armor, what you feel you may need at that given time...He said FULL armor.
ReplyDeleteAnd while you have it on pray without ceasing. With the armor and prayer, man you'll win everytime.
You better even sleep with it. Never lay the armor down it can cause casualties. BE BLESSED.