Wisdom dictates that, along this voyage called life, we anticipate and prepare for the unexpected.
In other words, LIFE HAPPENS. Regardless of how seaworthy or stable
your vessel might be, sooner or later challenging life-circumstances will
appear on the horizon to rock your boat! Sailors call them rogue waves. They roll through at
any moment, even in the calmest of seas; and their intensity and magnitude
potentially disturbs or damages the best-of-the-best ships in any fleet.
However, never worry about rogue waves. Since they
are completely out of your control, you might as well relax and enjoy the ride.
Right? Some choose to pass their days in a mindset riddled with paralyzing
fear, high anxiety, or quiet desperation. True believers choose balanced
living, replete with peace and tranquility. The prophet Isaiah certainly
understood God’s sovereignty and unending care for His children. He
wrote: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee:
because he trusts in Thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Kingdom Principle Number Three: GOD IS OUR SOURCE! In financially troubled times, we are tempted
to stress over our RESOURCES,
instead of focusing attention on THE SOURCE.
“The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they
that dwell therein.” (Psalm 24:1) This means that despite any losses, of jobs,
cars, homes, or even friends, Christ’s disciples recognize that these are mere RESOURCES.
If we don’t lose THE SOURCE, we will find shelter and security during our
most vehement storms. Unquestionably, “the
name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run into it and are safe.”
(Proverbs 18:10)
It bears repetition: STOP WORRYING ABOUT RESOURCES!
Do you know who you are? YOU are the “blessed man” (a truth that is
gender-neutral) described in Psalm 1. Since you consistently delight and
meditate in the law of the Lord, your Creator declares this about you: “And he
shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his
fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth
shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:3) Allow me to share a powerful revelation with you –
an encouraging truth the Lord deposited in me years ago. Listen with your
spirit. Most of the things you have LOST
are not FRUIT; they are just LEAVES. And leaves were created to serve a
very TEMPORARY FUNCTION – and
then those leaves will inevitably fall
off!
Kingdom Principle Number Four: LEAVES WILL LEAVE! You
need to declare this liberating Rhema aloud.
Say it: “LEAVES WILL LEAVE!” But Jesus said, “I HAVE CHOSEN YOU,
and ORDAINED YOU, that ye should go and bring
forth FRUIT, and that your FRUIT
SHOULD REMAIN.” (John 15:16) As long as we are “ROOTED and GROUNDED in LOVE” [God is love, Ephesians 3:17], we will
never again worry about lost LEAVES. As long as we abide in Him, Christ
declares that we will bring forth “MUCH FRUIT!” (John 12:24) Always remember
this: TREES ONLY ‘LOOK’ DEAD during winter. And typically, fruit does not
fully manifest during winter. God says a blessed man will “bring forth
his fruit IN HIS SEASON.” (Psalm 1:3) So stop fuming, fretting and fussing
about what TIME it is…GOD KNOWS
YOUR SEASON…and you WILL produce!
Understand this: Your winter season is analogous to your private
ship sailing far away from shore. What is the spiritual message in
this? God is simply saying, ‘Your ship
has not YET come in’…but it WILL…if you learn how to WAIT (proactive waiting),
with faith, fortitude, courage and consistency!’ The winter season of
your natural or spiritual life is quite similar to the foreboding circumstances
in which Christ’s twelve disciples found themselves. They were far out “in the midst of the sea”
(Matthew 14:24), and their remote location precluded help or hope as stormy
conditions circumscribed their ship. They felt alone, victimized by
contrary winds and tossing waves.
Ironically, JESUS was close by.
Indeed, HE is “a very
present help in trouble, therefore we
will not fear.” (Psalm 46:1-2)
Kingdom Principle Number Five: YOU ARE NOT A VICTIM…YOU ARE
A VICTOR! Due to very dangerous and troubled waters, those disciples did FEEL seasick and heartsick – partly
because these events occurred during “the fourth watch of the night” while they
were enveloped in pitch-black darkness. The disciples could see nothing! Light was absolutely
unavailable; the sun had long since set; the moon and stars were hiding in the
obscurity of ominous clouds. Their sails had been trimmed, and they were
rocking, rolling and reeling in the middle of the sea, totally at the mercy of
terrifying currents and horrific winds.
NEVERTHELESS…in their moment of deepest despair, along came
JESUS CHRIST…the Author and Finisher of their fleeting, fading and failing
faith! Along came JESUS CHRIST, walking calmly over raging seas, through
howling tempests! Along came JESUS CHRIST on His life-or-death rescue
mission, because (from a distance) He had heard the hapless cries of His
children. My friend, do not succumb to anxiety or fear. JESUS
CHRIST has already heard YOUR CRY, and
help is on the way! Stay
tuned…more to come tomorrow!
Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please
(above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.
Maranatha!
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