We all know that there are some things that we purchase that we are able to return, but then there are specific items that if we pay attention there are store policies letting us know that certain items are neither returnable or refundable. In those instances we must be certain that we can live with our decision to make that final purchase. Every decision we make in life comes with consequences whether good or bad. The good thing about our God is, even though we have been given free will, He always gives us a warning. But too often we choose to ignore them. We’ve all been there. But the question is, specifically for the church-Can we live with what we’ve purchased?
I have been in this country as a citizen for forty two years. Never in my life have I seen so many calls for prayer. Why weren’t we doing this in 2019 or years prior? Had we done so in “peace time” or when prosperity was plentiful, maybe we would’ve averted what we’re currently trying to pray against. We cannot pray away what we have allowed. We are going to live with what we have purchased. Emotional prayers don’t move heaven. Panic button prayers don’t move heaven. Prophets trying to out prophesy each other don’t move heaven. A broken and contrite heart, true acknowledgement of our sins before a Holy, Just and Righteous God will. God remains a God of hearts. What we’re calling repentance God sees as wanting the discomfort removed, wanting to change outcomes we don’t like. If God were to answer all these “prayers,” we’d be the most arrogant self aggrandizing people this world has ever seen.
There wouldn’t be any television station big enough, the publishing houses couldn’t house the manuscripts. I can envision some of the titles. We say it’s about getting God to act, act on what exactly? And to what end? but is it really about God or about us? We don’t want Him, we just want what He has to offer. What is the true motive? Granted, I’m not broad brushing the situation, God sees each heart individually, but where were all these intercessors a year ago? We as children of God, have lacked discernment. I have been sounding the alarm for a long time, to anyone who’d listen. American christians are too laid back. We don’t recognize the signs until the horse is through the gate. I would share what’s going on around the world, and warn that we are going to be caught off guard. I would sometimes through tears cry out to God to wake up the Church of Jesus Christ. I now see a people with their hands between their thighs weeping, but there are no tears, we have come to the place of birth but lack the strength to push. How did we get here? Complacency, apathy, prayerlessness, compromising, laziness, ignorance and downright disregard for true holiness.
Can the church live with what it’s purchased? Live with what it’s signed on to? I said in one of the Bible studies, We often tell ourselves that what we do privately doesn’t affect anyone else, but that’s a falsehood, because as long as we’re connected to anyone, they too will be affected by our decisions whether directly or indirectly. We’re intricately linked. The design of God was always interconnection, unity and family. So no matter how we slice the pie, the ingredients don’t separate. We all taste the same thing whether we take a chunk or a sliver. So can the church live with its purchase? Unless Jesus comes quickly, we’re about to find out.
We have grown accustomed to always hearing what makes us comfortable. So anything that forces us to examine our lives and face the results of our decisions, is rebuffed and even labeled hate speech. But he that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Holy Spirit is saying in this hour. We have sown to the wind, and now we’re about to reap a whirlwind. We can no more stop a flood with levees than we can stop a tornado with a lasso. The church has allowed and is complicit in the things we’re witnessing today. These are some of the instructions we were given by the Head of the Church.
Thou shalt love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. That is not a suggestion. Thou shall have no other gods before Me. Non negotiable. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. This fulfills all the laws. Pray without ceasing. Then we won’t need panic prayers. Don’t neglect public worship gatherings. Why are church buildings emptying out? Preach the Word in and out of season, rebuke, correct and instruct. Meaning don’t water down or compromise God’s Word to suit the times. Don’t love the world’s stuff. You’ll loose your focus. Humble yourself under God’s hands, don’t get high minded. Remember who hired you. Stay submitted to God. Walk in the Spirit. Put on your spiritual armor daily. That’s our protective gear against all the onslaught of the devil. Worship Jesus (God) only. He’s the only way to God. Choose leaders wisely, in the church and in government. Pray continually for them. This is the only way to live peaceable lives. Whatever we do, do it as unto the Lord. This is not a war against flesh and blood, it’s not against each other. We’re praying against people when we should be coming against spiritual wickedness. God will not answer selfish prayers.
If indeed we are truly His, these are some of the ways we show it. Regret is a hollowed out way of true living. It robs us of peace. The Word of God is time tested, it will never lose its authenticity, no earthly laws can alter its power, relevance and effectiveness. It works in every culture, ethnicity race or creed. Nations will rise and fall, leaders will come and go. But God’s Word will remain as a witness against those who oppose its truths.
Scripture references: Psalm 51; Matthew 22; Exodus 20; 1 Thessalonians 5; Hebrews 10; 2 Timothy 4; 1 John 2; 1 Peter 5; 2 Corinthians 6; Ephesians 2; James 4; Galatians 5; Ephesians 6; Luke 4; John 14; 1 Samuel 8-15; 1 Timothy 2; Colossians 3; Hebrews 4.
Remember. We can’t always return what we purchase. So choose prayerfully and wisely.
It’s war room time. Leave behind all selfish desires, receive real breakthrough encounter His presence 🙏
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant