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"Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

Tag: Believers

Because You Believe In Jesus, That’s Why.

August 7, 2021 /
MaryEllen Montville

“And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus.” –Revelation 12:17.

Why is this happening to me? What am I going to do now? How am I supposed to deal with this? Where is God in all of this? This ____ is all too much!

Sound familiar?

Today, so many said believers are peppered with fear—others are just plain paralyzed by it. Their lives suspended somehow for years or moments, mere microcosms, some shell of what they were only a brief time ago. They are, undoubtedly, a far cry off now from what they were created to be—fear-less. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” –Joshua 1:9.

There are approximately 365 “fear-not” statements found in the Bible. It would be an understatement then to say that the “cares of this world” have seemingly seized so many believers in its Boa-like vice, despite these many commands. Methodically, persistently, thoroughly squeezing hope and life out of them instead, one precious breath at a time. “Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you” –Isaiah 35:4.

And yet, is it possible that this season of storms, “this current darkness,” is purposefully blowing open the proverbial curtains of our professed faith? Revealing to us, and, by default, those around us, the true resoluteness of said faith? The condition of our foundations, if you will? What our spiritual houses are actually built upon? Because storms will do that to us, you know. Reveal what is or, conversely, is not in us. Scripture backs up my personal, “yes, I absolutely believe this to be Truth!” Why? “…There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” –1 Peter 1:6-7.

So what sustains us then, upholds us—Who and what anchors us during the storms?

Jesus makes plain that to have victory over the storm, to be left standing and thriving in its aftermath, we must be found standing on a firm foundation before the storm hits; listen: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” –Matthew 7:24-27.

Notice, friends, that both houses stood akin in appearance—until the storm hit, that is.

As I stated earlier: storms will do that to us. Reveal what is or, conversely, is not in us. Now I assure you I’m not saying this to condemn anyone; instead, to strongly encourage each of us to check our basements for leaks! And know, I’m starting with my own! And, also, to thank God for the time, mercy, and mortar, He’s given us to get any cracks we may find sealed up. Anything out of balance, wobbly or wonky, made straight with God while it is still today. “Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering” 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5.

At times, friends, the enemy of our soul, strikes with his persistent Boa-like constriction. I say at times because there are also instances where his attack is lion-like. Brutal, bloody, and sudden. Darting, swift, and deadly, his victim thoroughly stunned and left for dead before they quite literally know or have had time to process what just hit them. I know many of you can relate to what I’m saying. Perhaps, like me, like many of us, you’ve also been walking through just such a season? One in which our enemy is attacking you or someone you love in his lion-like way? Maybe he is attacking both of you simultaneously? Perhaps his attack was aimed at a dear friend, a brother or sister in Christ, your child, or a family member? Or maybe his attack has been more subtle in your season? Less lion-like and more boa-esque? Methodical, persistent, vice-like.

Either way, today’s Scripture, and many others like it testify to this one Truth: our enemy’s hatred for God and all those who are called by His name.

It should never come as a surprise to those who believe in Jesus Christ when His enemy, our enemy, does what his very nature demands he do: kill, steal, and destroy. That would be akin to being taken by surprise when Jesus answers your prayers! Each of them, Jesus, or Satan, can only do what their very natures compels and demand them to do. Jesus made this painstakingly clear concerning both Himself and our adversary in John, Chapter 10. I encourage you to read this entire chapter for yourself because, in John 10 verse 10, Jesus lays plain our enemy’s character for us; listen: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Within this chapter, Jesus goes on to make His own character plain as well. Also, Jesus leaves no doubt as to Satan’s singular, fixed mission. He wants you dead!

The Apostle Peter reminds us too of Satan’s hate-full, singular purpose: “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are” –1 Peter 5:8.

This ongoing onslaught from our enemy is, currently, has been, throughout its history, and will always be, Israel’s plight—until that is, that instant Messiah Jesus returns and saves His first-born son. Take to heart Peter’s words then and, “Stay alert!” Because it only follows, fellow believers, since you and I have been grafted into this Olive tree, we’ll also experience persecution, hatred, and attacks of various types. Until that is, we’re either raptured to meet Him in the clouds (my heart’s desire and great hope) or until our mortal tent is folded and our then eyes open in eternity to see Jesus face-to-face. “If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you” –Romans 11:16-18.

So then, in answer to the “why is this happening” question posed by so many believers today, said plainly, all that’s happening right now must happen. It’s been foretold. It must come to pass. Everything and more that you see playing out on the evening news, every news report you hear from around the globe, all of it must happen. Yet nothing, not one thing, is going on in this world that is catching God by surprise. Some of us, yes. God, never. It all ties in, somehow, to His ultimate plan for humankind. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” –Isaiah 55:8-9.

Yet as Christians, we are only walking through this current darkness, this valley of death—our final purging perhaps, while it all plays itself out. God has spoken, and His Word cannot return to Him void. Remember, child of God, that so long as you are still in this world, the prince of this world can do nothing other than what his character demands of him to do: kill, steal, and destroy. But God!

If you are sealed in Christ Jesus, however, have been purchased by His Blood, are His child, “fear not,” Be strong and courageous. Remembering not only who you are but to Whom you belong!

Take to heart, drink deeply, the Words of Life and hope and strength Jesus whispers into the very marrow of your bones—His Life-giving promise to you. Fortifying you, making sure your every step as pass-through this valley of purging, of purifying. Your Good Shephard leading and guiding your way. Hear and wrap your every momentary trembling in these Words of comfort and assurance, straightening your spine then, start thanking your Lord in advance. Proclaiming your victory even now! “For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you” –Isaiah 41:13.

And dear friend, if you have yet to ask Jesus, whose promise is to never leave you nor forsake you, into your heart as Lord of all, do I right now, please. I know you can see how dark this world is becoming. So please, don’t wait. Jesus is calling you to Himself. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne” –Revelation 3:20-21.

Return to Me.

September 26, 2020 /
“O Israel,” says the Lord, “if you wanted to return to me, you could. You could throw away your detestable idols  and stray away no more”

Here we witness a conditional branch being offered to God’s people. Yet another offer for God to forgive and for them to start afresh if they will turn away from their sin and shameful idol worship. Our God knows the heart of a man. His inner thoughts and sincere intentions. But God was not willing to accept his people’s half-hearted surrender to His will—His laws and commandments. And neither will He accept our half-hearted attempts. If we, those who have been grafted in, like Israel, His choice vine, are not willing to surrender our all to God, then we are not surrendering to God at all. There is no such thing as half His. Either we are His, or we are not. It truly is that simple. Our external, posturing devotion towards Him will never suffice. It certainly didn’t for Israel. We’ll explore this being willing/not willing in several passages of Scripture scattered between two Major Prophets, Daniel, and Jeremiah.

Know this as we move forward: If you genuinely desired to follow God, His laws, and commands with your whole heart, you would. Not in your own strength mind you, with God’s strength. God, knowing your heart, would equip you and keep you all the days of your life that you might continue to follow after Him. Not through your flawless adherence to the law, rather, from authentic, loving submission and genuine repentance before Him. I know this to be True because He’s done it for me. And, right now, there is a group of people who share this same yearning to love and serve and follow Jesus with their whole heart gathered from across the world in one accord: repentance.

How quickly we forget that not one thing that happens on this earth, to God’s children, must first pass through His Sovereign hand. Even our desire to seek Him, given us out of His great love for us—for you.

Today, in Washington, D.C, and around the world, tens of millions of believers have gathered with one like-minded objective: to repent. Seeking the Lord’s forgiveness for their sins—and those of their nation. They have fasted, I have joined them in their fasting, linking my earnest prayers with theirs, with yours, with those of the whole world so that we, as one Body, may touch the heart of God, finding mercy and forgiveness; staying His hand of imminent judgment. “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” –2 Chronicles 7:13-14. And this is the heart of why they are gathering, fasting, and praying today. The reason why I join them—we, join them. To pray and seek God’s face. To acknowledge and sincerely turn from our sin.

It did not surprise me then, as I sought the Holy Spirit in prayer concerning what He‘d have me to share this week, that He led me to today’s Scripture verse in Jeremiah; this whole chapter chuck full of the just judgment that befell Israel at the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon—a portent. Which in turn, led me to Daniel, Chapter Nine (Jeremiah, and Daniel inextricably linked prophetically) and then on to Daniel’s earnest and contrite prayer of repentance for his people—and to King Cyrus, ruler of the Medo-Persian empire, a pagan used by God not to show favor not only to Daniel but to all of his people as well. I marvel at the faithfulness of God, of His leading us toward where He’d have us to be in the precarious throes of any given season. I wonder if the ancient Israelites felt this same sense of awe as God led them through their wilderness. But I digress. Today is about God leading His people into a place of solemn repentance. We’ve come full circle, friend.

Jeremiah 4:1 reaches its hand back to grab the Lord’s words of admonition found some verses behind in Chapter Three. “Because Israel’s immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood. In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense,” declares the Lord –Jeremiah 3:9-10. The people of Jeremiah’s time would have understood the language and imagery the Lord used to admonish their sin, their unfaithfulness, their lack of repentance. “For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns” –Jeremiah 4:3. God was telling Judah and Jerusalem that what was required of them was a spiritual about-face—a complete return to Him. His following verse confirming His latter. “Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts, you people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire because of the evil you have done—burn with no one to quench it” –Jeremiah 4:4. Though Judah and Jerusalem had each witnessed the flagrant sins of idolatry and more that the other tribes had committed, it failed to lead them into genuine, heartfelt repentance. Each tribe continued in their willful, sinful ways, merely feigning outward repentance. Their apostasy treated as some light thing. Sounding familiar? It ought to. We too witness so much of this sin of idolatry today in our own lands, often feigning the same superficial repentance that Judah and Jerusalem before us once did. Solomon warns us there is nothing new under the sun.

Reading Jeremiah, Chapter 4 through to the end, we find within its verses the bridge that speaks of the coming end prophetically spoken of in the Book of Daniel. “The whole land will be ruined, though I will not destroy it completely. Therefore the earth will mourn and the heavens above grow dark, because I have spoken and will not relent, I have decided and will not turn back”—Jeremiah 4:28.

Yet unlike shameful Judah and Jerusalem, unlike those who have hardened their heart toward the things of God—His will and commands, conversely, in Daniel 9, we hear a sincere, garment-rending, contrite prayer of repentance seeping out of Daniel’s every pore. “And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:” –Daniel 9:3. Daniel begins his prayer with deep reverence. He acknowledged God’s Sovereignty, fidelity, and His great love for His people, just as Jesus taught His disciples to do. Then, Daniel moves into openly acknowledging his sins and those of his people. “We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:” –Daniel 9:5. Daniel, as with any good leader, humbly links himself to his people, acknowledging their collective propensity to  sin—he may not have shared in their same sins, but he humbly acknowledges that all people, himself included, have, and do sin. And as it was with Daniel, so it is today with those spiritual leaders that have sounded the clarion call, that all of God’s people might come, bowing down before  Him in humility and adoration, and rending their heart, not their garments, before Him. Confessing and interceding not only for their sins but for those of our nation, for Israel, for the ones whose hearts are hardened, have been deceived, are blinded by the lust of the flesh, by Satan, the ruler of this world.

I link my arms to their arms today—my face with theirs, low before the Lord, seeking God’s forgiveness for my sins, for those of my children and neighbors, my mother, sister, and brother, aunts, uncles, and unsaved friends, my city and state—I seek forgiveness for the sins of the whole world—sins of omission count, and I certainly share in those. My silence at times, having spoken louder shamefully, than my words or actions have. I seek God’s forgiveness today for our turning away from Him—my turning away from Him, for murdering our unborn children and hating our neighbor. Beloved, I pray you’ll storm heaven with us today, linking arms then, face bowed low before Him in sincere repentance. “O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay, O my God, for your people and your city bear your name” –Daniel 9:19.

And friend, if you’ve read this far trust that God has led you here so that you too would confess your sins, seek His forgiveness, and turn or return to Him. We’re praying for you!

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