TAKE NO SIDES, JUST JESUS'

01/13/2024

"And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, "Are You for us or for our adversaries?" So He said, "No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, "What does my Lord say to His servant?" (Joshua 5:13-14)

No Christian should align exclusively with any particular people group or ideology. There should be no conservative or left-leaning Christians. Why? Because the Church is the pillar and ground of truth, and this alone must influence how we conduct ourselves in the world (according to 1 Timothy 3:15). 

So, if the Church is the pillar and ground of truth, what is truth? John 17:17 tells us that the Word of God is truth. Our allegiance, therefore, must be to the Word of God and its mission. Even in the Israel-Hamas conflict, we must not move our eyes from the goal. When the Lord asked us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, the implication, without equivocation, was for us to pray for the mass acceptance of the gospel by the Jews first and then the non-Jews. Paul the Apostle writes, "...I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile" (Romans 1:16). 

In Luke 19:13, Jesus asked us to occupy until His return. He didn't say belong to one group or the other. Our occupation of the earth is for one purpose: that all people might be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Today's theme scripture provides a perfect example of how we ought to approach our purpose on earth: staying true to the divine agenda of reaching and discipling all people for our Lord Jesus.

From a prophetic standpoint, there has been a rise in strife between males and females in the world. This strife has seen men and women speak about each other using demeaning characterizations on social media, so much so that so many have been seduced into choosing not to marry. This strife between men and women has been the work of seducing spirits seeking to divide people and make them hate one another. The Bible says, "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth." Increasingly, these spirits have also infiltrated the thinking of many believers, causing them to fear marriage while leading them into sin. What is more, being male or female is just a biological fact. In Christ, it is meaningless. Galatians 3:28 affirms that in Christ, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Today, a stop comes to listening to these voices and any other voice that propagates division. Let your response be to turn away when you hear divisive talk. Romans 16:17-18 says, "Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple."

Your job as a believer is to occupy with truth by prayer and preaching the gospel. Never take sides, no matter the race, gender, or political affiliation, and if you have, it's time to repent. Speak in other tongues and ask the Lord to diminish any appetite for taking sides. 

Have a beautiful day.

Faith-Filled Confession

I am a member of the Body of Christ, and for the salvation of the world through the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I have come. My only allegiance is to the Word of God so that all I see in people, no matter their gender, creed, or affinity, is Jesus and Him crucified for them. I make this solemn declaration in Jesus' name. Amen

Day 12 of 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

Pray for Families

▪ Pray for your family, mentioning members of your family by name. Declare that they will not depart from the way of the Lord.

▪ Pray for the prosperity and longevity of marriages. Declare them blissful and fruitful. 

▪ Pray for single fathers and mothers who have to play both roles. Pray for the wisdom to lead their homes and raise their children in godliness.

▪ Pray that our children at GHC are taught of the Lord Himself and that they are severed from every negative influence.

▪ Declare that our GHC children learn to hear the voice of God, commune with Him, and develop their own personal relationship with Him.

 One-Year Bible Reading Plan: Genesis 31-32; Matthew 10:24-42