06/07/08

Beware! Many will come in My Name

Mark 13:6 - For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ (this word 'Christ' is not part of the original text, it has been added for readability); and shall deceive many.

We are all living in the time of caution and it has just started. To give a little background of it's depth from the Bible.

In the Old Testament the Israelites took a journey from Egypt (double standard of living) to the promise land. Even after entering the promise land the story continues. Their story is not like a romantic movie where all ends well with a beautiful climax. After the Israelites capture the land promised land (although not fully) there is another story that starts between themselves. A story of misguidance, rebellious nature, lack of love for God etc.. The story now is between the Israel and Judah, not between their enemies and them. Although Judah is a part of Israel, God speaks to Judah as an individual and Israel as another. Jesus came from the tribe of Judah, they were the chosen tribe.

In Judah there were many representatives of God and they spoke on behalf of God, but God did not speak through them. Due to the pleasing words from the mouths of this misrepresentatives Judah went through great disasters. They were delivered unto their enemies. What the people liked to hear, these prophets (men of God) spoke. During the time of Jeremiah there were a very few that survived this turmoil. The ones that did were the ones that stuck to the Word although it was harsh.

Today there will be many who will come and say 'od is good and His love is unconditional', 'whatever you are and however you are God will love you', 'good things will happen to you', 'God understands your weakness and you can continue your way of living', 'change slowly one day at a time' etc... Be cautious the enemy is not outside; he is within us working among us.

Please get it straight our God is Holy and being His people, He expects us also to be holy. We can not continue our old way of life and still be a 'People of God'. The first step to holiness is sanctification (separating from worldly things). If we do not hold on to His Word we will be taken away by the many storms that pass by. Our life depends on His Word, get into the finer details else we will be misled by many. Nothing can save us not even the knowledge of the Bible, but only the understanding of the Bible will save us.

Do not believe whatever you see or hear, unless the Word of God convinces you of it. For these days many things will happen which will take you away from God that too, it will happen in the name of God. Many will use their gifts, the anointing on them but since the Word is not strong in them they will fall and will also take you down with them. Miracle and healings are not everything, be in God's Word and they will automatically be a part of you. You will not need them much, but they will happen through you.


[ Prayer Starter ]
Lord God, You are the Spirit of Truth. You dwell in me and I ask You to reveal Your Word to me. Give me the understanding of your Word so that it becomes alive in me, like a strong tree well rooted and well nourished. Help me to discern when people speak and when You speak through them. I make this prayer in Jesus' Name, Amen.


[ Reference Scriptures ]

Jeremiah 23:16-22
16 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.
17 They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.
18 For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it?
19 Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.
20 The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.
21 I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.
22 But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)