Sunday AM, May 17, 2020
Luke 22:31-34. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
2020 is a year of preparation! There is something that God desires to do in the earth. All throughout the Bible we see that there is an increase in warfare and disruptions in the natural world anytime God is wanting to do something. It’s no different in our day and age. The reason we are in a season of preparation is for that warfare. We are about to enter warfare like you’ve never seen. The war is between good and evil. Our fight is not with flesh and blood.
The church is not ready for what God wants to do. The church is the only entity that has authority over darkness. This war is an unseen battle. The church is the one who should be recognizing that and using the God given authority to combat in this battle! If the church will take its place, we will see some things turn! 2020 is a year of consecration and dedication. God needs everyone in their place and sensitive to Him! HE knows exactly where you need to be! You can change the world from your place of prayer. God is speaking to people so they can change things in the government of our nation, and people’s lives. Prayers can hold back the enemy! God is trying to get our attention! Distractions are your major enemy in this time of preparation.
33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
Peter thought he was ready! He wasn’t and Jesus knew that. Peter was dealing with unseen spiritual forces. Just like the ones coming against our nation. They are stronger than most people are spiritually. You must get spiritually strong enough to rise above those things.
John 21: 15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son Jonah, do you love Me?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
We are not ready without God! Your spiritual wellbeing is measured by one thing. Your prayer life! Do you have one? The problems in your life can all be traced back to your prayer life. You must abide in the vine. (John 15:5) Apart from God you can do nothing! His strength comes into you through prayer! Heaven is wanting to pour out the Spirit above and beyond what we see in the book of Acts. But for heaven to send what’s up there, we have to make some adjustments down here. We can’t get distracted pointing at everyone else; we have to focus on ourselves. We need God to help us change! Pray and seek God. Let his life and love flow into you. It will drive out all fear and torment. He will turn you into a different person, into a person He can use! Let God deal with you and your heart! He’s doing everything He can to prepare the church!
We have to get prepared!
One day in the kingdom of God is better than your whole life in the world.