Hey friends,
Here’s yesterday’s sermon: Journey to Abundance: Embracing Obedience and Divine Blessings
I prefaced (before recording) a call to salvation and discipleship. The stuff I’m teaching are for the followers of Christ. Without the Holy Spirit and the settling of the issue of Lordship of Christ, this stuff means little.
Then I gave another preface chat around the meaning of the Book of Isaiah.
Then Sermon Starts
[2Co 3:18 NKJV] 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
[Isa 28:10 NKJV] 10 For precept [must be] upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little."
As we navigate through life, let's embrace this gradual process of transformation, trusting that every small step forward is a significant part of our journey from glory to glory.
TLDR:Embrace challenges, live in obedience, seek prophetic wisdom, and experience God's favor for a prosperous life.
We should desire to grow in maturity and kingdom rank (not just title)
* Spiritual Hierarchy and High Priests: Just as the high priest holds the highest rank among priests (Leviticus 21:10), there's a distinct spiritual ranking in God's kingdom.
* Angel and Demon Rankings: In the spiritual realm, we find a hierarchy too. Ephesians 6:12 describes ranks like principalities and powers, mirroring the angelic orders such as archangels and seraphim.
* Biblical Illustration of Ranks: David’s mighty men, highlighted in 2 Samuel 23, showcase clear rankings among warriors.
* Our Personal Growth Path: This teaches us that as we grow spiritually, we move through stages - from converts to disciples, servants, friends, and sons of God.
We can’t be the Forever Baby
Guidance for Progress
* Scripture: Isaiah 48:17
* [Isa 48:17 NLT] 17 This is what the LORD says--your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.
* [Isa 48:17 KJV] 17 Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I [am] the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way [that] thou shouldest go.
* “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” (James 1:5)
Point 2 - The Reward of Obedience
* Scripture: [Isa 1:19 NKJV] 19 If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;
* [Job 36:11 NKJV] 11 If they obey and serve [Him], They shall spend their days in prosperity, And their years in pleasures.
* Quote: "God’s work, done God’s way, will never lack God’s supply." - Hudson Taylor
Point 3 - The Issachar Anointing
* Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:32
* [1Ch 12:32 NLT] 32 From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.
* Understanding the times for wise action.
* Life's Stages: Just as the tribe of Issachar understood their times, recognize the different stages in your own life - from youth to old age - and seek God’s guidance in each phase.
* Grief's Journey: Understand that grief has its stages, much like seasons. Seek wisdom in processing your emotions and finding God’s comfort in each step.
* Career Progression: In your professional life, be like Issachar - discerning the right times for change, growth, and perhaps even new directions.
* Marriage Evolution: Acknowledge the various seasons in a marriage - the highs and the lows
* Seasonal Effects on Mental Health: Be aware of how different times of the year, like winter or spring, affect your mental well-being.
Secrets and Revelation
* [Amo 3:7 NLT] 7 Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.
* [Psa 25:14 NLT] 14 The LORD is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.
* [Jhn 15:15 NLT] 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
* (Revelation 2:17) “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”‘
Avoiding the Jonah Syndrome
[Jon 4:1-3 NLT] 1 This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. 2 So he complained to the LORD about it: "Didn't I say before I left home that you would do this, LORD? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. 3 Just kill me now, LORD! I'd rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen."
* The 'Jonah Syndrome' represents a spiritual condition characterized by reluctance to obey God's call and a forgetfulness of one's anointing and divine purpose. This syndrome emerges from a heart that struggles with surrender and trust in God's plan, often leading to missed opportunities and spiritual stagnation.
Are you listening when God gently nudges you? Will you step up bravely like Issachar, or shy away like Jonah? Are you ready to hear what God is revealing to you? Let's choose today to follow God wholeheartedly, understanding His plan for us, and stepping into the life He's calling us to live. Let's embrace this journey together, growing in faith and obedience. So we can continue to grow little by little, going from glory to glory. While the world shrinks back and suffers from decay, entropy, and aging like old milk, we can age like fine wine, embracing both the richness of old vintage and the freshness of new wine because we welcome new wineskins.
Let’s carry our Cross with Joy.
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