SHINE INSTEAD

08/11/2024

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:2).

The other day, I overheard someone expressing frustration about how the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris seemed anti-Christian, even demonic. My immediate thought was, "What were you expecting?" Since when has the Church been in charge of planning the Olympics? Here's the truth: when the world organizes an event for the world, don't expect them to honor Jesus. The world follows its own path, one that often stands in stark contrast to the way of Christ. This path is frequently influenced by forces that oppose God, celebrating self and Satan rather than promoting the righteousness of God. And that’s exactly what we witnessed in the Olympic ceremony.

But let's not be surprised by the darkness we see in the world. It's not that evil is growing stronger—it's that we, who are called to be the light, aren’t shining as brightly as we should. Prayer alone is no longer enough. We can't hide behind phrases like, "Our thoughts and prayers are with you," knowing deep down that we've neglected the true power of intercession. A one-line prayer doesn’t move mountains. Simply saying, "God be with so-and-so" won’t cut it. Did God tell you He’s away? We must break free from these empty, religious clichés—they’re patterns that, I believe, have infiltrated the Church from the pit of hell.

Consider this: there are two kinds of spirits that operate within the Church and in the lives of many believers. It's either the Holy Spirit or the spirit of religion. The spirit of religion isn’t from God; it's a familiar spirit sent by Satan to weaken the Church’s effectiveness on Earth. This is the enemy masquerading as an angel of light, trying to diminish our impact. His teachings don’t align with God’s Word as the final authority.

Let me ask you: why does the Church seem to demonstrate fewer supernatural manifestations of God's power today? It’s because this religious spirit has sold the lie that miracles, signs, and wonders are a thing of the past—that they died with the Apostles. What a lie from the enemy! It’s baffling how many in the Church have bought into this deception.

Another question: When did "Our thoughts and prayers are with you" become a substitute for real, fervent prayer? This isn’t a Christian prayer; it’s a reflection of a world that’s lost touch with the true power of intercession.

The Spirit of God warns us in Romans 12:2 not to "copy the behavior and customs of this world." The world’s customs—its version of prayer, love, and kindness—are rooted in a satanic agenda, not in Christ. We are not of this world. Just because we live among them doesn’t mean we should adopt their language, culture, or way of life. We are different. We’re here to bring heaven to them, to lift them out of darkness, bondage, sickness, and misery. That’s our purpose—to offer them what we have: eternal life.

You are a person of prayer, power, glory, strength, wisdom, integrity, authority, joy, kindness, peace, hope, vitality, fervor, and the supernatural. That’s what you should bring to the world. Be a burning light that reveals Jesus. Don’t adopt the world’s customs of hate, division, and greed. You are not self-seeking; you are a conduit of God’s will on this Earth. Rise above the waters of misery, frustration, and hopelessness, and be a channel of God's healing to your world.

Remember, God heals through His people—you represent Him in this world. So, immerse yourself in the Word and become everything heaven has sent you here to be.

God bless you! 

Faith-Filled Confession:

I am the light of the world. I refuse to abdicate my place of intercession on the grounds of religious praying. I take responsibility for the darkness that prevails in my city and nation. From this moment forward, I declare that no darkness will have expression in my sphere of influence anymore, in Jesus' name. Amen.

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: Psalm 90-92; Romans 11:1-21