FOR THE WORD SAKE

02/05/2024

"These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble" (Mark 4:16-17).

One of the indicators that you have received something tangible from the Lord, and need to be alert to retain what you have received is sudden adversity. Now, the moment your heart is properly angulated and you receive something from the Lord at a service, or a time of prayer, your sensitivity must be heightened to what follows next, which is that the enemy will launch an attack of sorts. 

But this attack will not be successful without consent and or participation. Now, someone may be asking, "How did I consent to my own attack?" To this, I will point you to the story of Jesus and His disciples on the lake. "Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out (Mark 8:22). Notice that the words of Jesus set their sails for them in the realm of the spirit, and then, they launched out in the direction of the Word of God. Maybe you received a word concerning your health, and as you celebrated that word, you headed to the hospital to confirm the word you received. 

Now, Mark 8:23-24 says, "But as they sailed, He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm." Then, on the way to the hospital. or the job interview or the wedding reception, the enemy showed up with scare tactics. The reason why he shows up is to dispossess you of the word you have taken hold of. 

In the schematics of spiritual warfare, the moment you receive something tangible, your job is to become vigilant. Pay attention to and pray about every dream, vision, prompting, or suggestion that contradicts God's word of direction or resolution to you. The Bible says, "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."

You do not negotiate any contrary pictures, words, or thoughts. You refute and declare God's word, holding fast to it with confidence. Now, one of the secrets of the enemy is that he runs out of steam easily. The moment he barks and you don't budge, he has no bite, leaving you until another kairos season. Luke 4:13 says, "Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time." 

This is why you must be sober, particularly at Kairos seasons. 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." The moment you receive something from God, your guard should immediately go up like Jesus during the three temptations. Use what God has said as your defense. As a matter of fact, keep saying it, and don't stop declaring what God has said until you see it. 

Good ground "...are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience" (Luke 8:15).

This year, let no amount of intimidation cause you to lose your hold on the word you receive. Outlast any siege by keeping the Word of God on your lips and in your heart.

God bless you.

Faith-Filled Confession

God is my refuge and strength. My very present Help in adversity. Therefore, I keep the word of God on my lips and in my heart, knowing that no matter the circumstances, I am defended and advancing in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Glory be to God!

Prayer Points

• Pray against sudden or accidental death. 

• Cancel every negative claim against your destiny and interests. 

• Pray for those who are pregnant or who will become pregnant that their pregnancy will be without complications and that the delivery will be peaceful. Pray for the health of mother and child. Declare that they are protected from mistreatment or wrong prescriptions by medical personnel. 

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: Exodus 37-38; Matthew 23:23-39