I hear the sound of rain and the rattling of dry bones! God has promised abundant Life! Time to tune our senses into His word to receive His blessings!
Father God, right now you are pouring out your anointing where all that has blocked is being torn down. You Lord are moving in the midst. Lord, we worship you because you are causing a shifting – an earthquake – an uproar across this globe. You father are causing the very elements to be directed by your word. You speak rain and it rains. You speak dirt to come together and create man and it is so. You speak to mountains and they move out of the way. You speak to waters to part so that your people can walk through safely without harm to get to the other side! Lord you hear your people’s prayers. Lord you have bent your ears to the sound of your people who worship you. We have cried out. Lord we believe that now is the season for every chain to break, for every dream to become realized, for your glory to be viewed. Lord we humbly come before you with confidence that your word is true. Thank you Lord! Let us worship in song at this time because you God are able to do the exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think. Thank you for breaking ALL THINGS.
SOMETHING HAS TO BREAK (OFFICIAL VIDEO) | KIERRA SHEARD | TASHA COBBS LEONARD
Ezekiel 37:1-14 The Message Version Breath of Life
37 1-2 God grabbed me. God’s Spirit took me up and set me down in the middle of an open plain strewn with bones. He led me around and among them—a lot of bones! There were bones all over the plain—dry bones, bleached by the sun.
3 He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
I said, “Master God, only you know that.”
4 He said to me, “Prophesy over these bones: ‘Dry bones, listen to the Message of God!’”
5-6 God, the Master, told the dry bones, “Watch this: I’m bringing the breath of life to you and you’ll come to life. I’ll attach sinews to you, put meat on your bones, cover you with skin, and breathe life into you. You’ll come alive and you’ll realize that I am God!”
7-8 I prophesied just as I’d been commanded. As I prophesied, there was a sound and, oh, rustling! The bones moved and came together, bone to bone. I kept watching. Sinews formed, then muscles on the bones, then skin stretched over them. But they had no breath in them.
9 He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath. Prophesy, son of man. Tell the breath, ‘God, the Master, says, Come from the four winds. Come, breath. Breathe on these slain bodies. Breathe life!’”
10 So I prophesied, just as he commanded me. The breath entered them and they came alive! They stood up on their feet, a huge army.
11 Then God said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Listen to what they’re saying: ‘Our bones are dried up, our hope is gone, there’s nothing left of us.’
12-14 “Therefore, prophesy. Tell them, ‘God, the Master, says: I’ll dig up your graves and bring you out alive—O my people! Then I’ll take you straight to the land of Israel. When I dig up graves and bring you out as my people, you’ll realize that I am God. I’ll breathe my life into you and you’ll live. Then I’ll lead you straight back to your land and you’ll realize that I am God. I’ve said it and I’ll do it. God’s Decree.’”
1 Kings 18:41-42-43 The Message (MSG)
Elijah said to Ahab, “Up on your feet! Eat and drink—celebrate! Rain is on the way; I hear it coming.” Ahab did it: got up and ate and drank. Meanwhile, Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bowed deeply in prayer, his face between his knees. Then he said to his young servant, “On your feet now! Look toward the sea.” He went, looked, and reported back, “I don’t see a thing.” “Keep looking,” said Elijah, “seven times if necessary.”
But as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
YouTube Video Edwrin Sutton & Kingdom Culture – I Hear Rain
Lyrics
It’s been a dry season in your life
But God’s hopin’ to tell you
It’s about to rain
I hear rain
I know (I know)
It’s been (It’s been)
A dry season (A dry season)
You’ve done (You’ve done)
Everything you could (All things)
Within your reason (Within your reason)
You’ve sewn (You’ve sewn)
So much (So much)
But there’s no breakthrough (But there’s no breakthrough)
And the devil’s told you (Maybe)
He’s a liar (It won’t)
Ever come through
But I hear the sound of the rain (I hear the sound of the rain)
Thank you, Jesus, I hear it (I hear the sound of the rain)
Things are about to change for you (I hеar the sound of the rain)
This is about to be thе best year of your life (I hear the sound of the rain)
Your dreams (Your dreams)
Are gone (Are gone)
So you settle (So you settle)
You live under your privileges (You don’t)
You don’t reach for (Reach for)
Greater levels (Greater levels)
But I need you to be something today
Get up (Get up)
Look up (Look up)
For God has spoken (For God has spoken)
The heavens (The heavens)
Right now (Right now)
Are open over your life (Are open)
RATTLE! | Official Lyric Video | Elevation Worship YouTube Video
Lyrics
RATTLE!
Saturday was silent
Surely it was through
But since when has impossible
Ever stopped You
Friday’s disappointment
Is Sunday’s empty tomb
Since when has impossible
Ever stopped You This is the sound of dry bones rattling
This is the praise make a dead man walk again
Open the grave, I’m coming out
I’m gonna live, gonna live again
This is the sound of dry bones rattling Pentecostal fire stirring something new
You’re not gonna run out of miracles anytime soon
Yeah, resurrection power runs in my veins too
I believe there’s another miracle here in this room This is the sound of dry bones rattling
This is the praise make a dead man walk again
Open the grave, I’m coming out
I’m gonna live, gonna live again
This is the sound of dry bones rattling Yeah
Whoa
Do you hear it?
Do you hear it?
Do you hear it ?My God is able to save and deliver and heal
And restore anything that He wants to
Just ask the man who was thrown
On the bones of Elisha
If there’s anything that He can’t do
Just ask the stone that was rolled
At the tomb in the garden
What happens when God says to move I feel Him moving it now
I feel Him doing it now
I feel Him doing it now
Do it now, do it now This is the sound
This is the sound of dry bones rattling
This is the praise make a dead man walk again
Open the grave, I’m coming out
I’m gonna live, gonna live again
Open the grave, I’m coming out
I’m gonna live, gonna live again
Open the grave, I’m coming out
I’m gonna live, gonna live again
This is the sound of dry bones rattling, rattling, yeah I hear the sound (I hear the sound)
I hear the sound (I hear the sound)
I hear the sound (I hear the sound)
I hear the sound (I hear the sound)And the bones began to rattle
Rattle, rattle
Rattle
God said live, God said live
Hear the Word
And this is what He said Live, live
Dry bones hear the Word of the Lord
Live (live), live (live)
Dry bones hear the Word of the Lord
Live (live), live (live)
Dry bones hear the Word of the Lord
Live (live), live (live)
Dry bones hear the Word of the Lord
Live (live), live (live)
Dry bones hear the Word of the Lord
Live (live), live (live)
Live, live, live, live, live This is the sound of dry bones rattling, yeah
This is the praise make a dead man walk again
Open the grave, I’m coming out
I’m gonna live, gonna live again
Open the grave, I’m coming out
I’m gonna live, gonna live
Open the grave, I’m coming out
I’m gonna live, gonna live again
This is the sound of dry bones rattling
Dry bones rattle
Dry bones rattle Rattle, rattle, rattle
Live, live, live
Live, live
Live, live
Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Steven Furtick / Chris Brown / Brandon LakeRATTLE! lyrics © Essential Music Publishing, Bethel Music Publishing
Time to get out of the valley of dry bones and call forth a deluge to soak the earth. Time to stop existing without purpose and abundant life. Time to have seeds that were previously planted in fertile, good, and moist ground, to stop being choked out by the drought and famine. Hear the sound of the trumpet as it plays it is calling forth new life this day. Calling forth rain, Calling forth for God’s Spirit to move on me and His people who are called by His name. We repent and humble ourselves and pray and seek you Lord. Lord we hear you, we are awake, we are diligent, we are fervent, we are willing, we are obedient, we are faithful. You asked and we say Here I am Lord, use me. Time to have your miraculous displayed for all the world to witness. Time for your glory to be celebrated. God we honor you. We praise you! We say you are God and beside you there is none other. You alone can speak creation into existence. You alone can number the stars in the galaxies. You alone can place each planet in its orbit so that they strategically stays where they are supposed to be without incidence. You alone are God and we bow before your greatness. You have spoken and breathed. We hear you and receive your new life. We see the rain cloud and it is full with abundance. We know you are the one who can raise bones out of a graveyard to live again. So, yes we hear rain and rattling. We are aware of your movements. We will not fall prey to the adversary who would try to use trickery in a season of drought, plagues, pandemics, and chaos. We will not be moved for we are well kept by you! You are our secret place and we hide under the shadow of you almighty. We thrive in you. Thank you Lord! Let us worship you in spirit and in truth!
I am reflecting on how some of us (me) – I raise my hand too – yes, have been in my personal pandemic well before it hit us in 2019. I have been in a standstill and isolation of sorts where dreams have been deferred and maybe even creeping into rigormortis. Maybe there has been a spiritual dry spell in our lives. Perhaps a desert experience that has become eerily like the children of Israel’s journey in the wilderness. Their situation was gloomy and only a select few were able to come out into the land of promise. Lord, if there is anything in me that is hardened, rebellious, and disobedient where I am not breaking through into your promised will for me; remove it from me this day. Allow your Spirit to breathe again life – new life. Awaken every dry bone and allow my ears to hear your rain. Let me press on without delay or distractions into looking for the rain cloud in the midst of all of this dryness. Lord, you advised by your prophet to keep looking and running towards the sound of your rain and to do it even if it took seven times or pressing forward. Although things happen and goals have been altered or circumstances put up road blocks on the achievements wished for; Lord let me not be swayed and stop just before I reach your rain and see the manifestation of the dry bone army live again. Lord, I know you can do anything and I take you at your word!
Joel 2:23-24The Message
The Trees Are Bearing Fruit Again
21-24 Fear not, Earth! Be glad and celebrate!
God has done great things.
Fear not, wild animals!
The fields and meadows are greening up.
The trees are bearing fruit again:
a bumper crop of fig trees and vines!
Children of Zion, celebrate!
Be glad in your God.
He’s giving you a teacher
to train you how to live right—
Teaching, like rain out of heaven, showers of words
to refresh and nourish your soul, just as he used to do.
And plenty of food for your body—silos full of grain,
casks of wine and barrels of olive oil.
Hosea 6:3The Message
Gangs of Priests Assaulting Worshipers
6 1-3 “Come on, let’s go back to God.
He hurt us, but he’ll heal us.
He hit us hard,
but he’ll put us right again.
In a couple of days we’ll feel better.
By the third day he’ll have made us brand-new,
Alive and on our feet,
fit to face him.
We’re ready to study God,
eager for God-knowledge.
As sure as dawn breaks,
so sure is his daily arrival.
He comes as rain comes,
as spring rain refreshing the ground.”
Lord, let me or your people not be misled by wolves in sheep clothing. Truly allow us to be discerning and keen. Let us not sleep on your slightest urging. Father, we must be aligned with how you want us to navigate in this season. We pray we do not miss your mark.
Psalm 119:133-136 The Message Version
129-136 Every word you give me is a miracle word—
how could I help but obey?
Break open your words, let the light shine out,
let ordinary people see the meaning.
Mouth open and panting,
I wanted your commands more than anything.
Turn my way, look kindly on me,
as you always do to those who personally love you.
Steady my steps with your Word of promise
so nothing malign gets the better of me.
Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women
so I can live life your way.
Smile on me, your servant;
teach me the right way to live.
I cry rivers of tears
because nobody’s living by your book!
Let us not walk to the left or right of the path you have laid before us. Let us walk in step with your steps. Your word guides us and shines through any darkness and chaos. We are your sheep and we hear your voice.
John 10:27 King James Version (KJV)
24Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. 25Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. 26But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30I and my Father.
Let this season be one in our lives where we recognize the false voices in the midst. Lord, let your people zoom in to only your ways, word, and actions. Let your people not be deceived. You said be not deceived God is not mocked. Therefore, we who are your sheep and who are empowered through your Spirit with life will not be deceived. We will not be like tumbleweed that blows wherever the wind takes it. We will remain solid in our faith and followers of your truth. We will not allow any foreign itching of our ears to trick us into preaching errors, living falsely, or believing untrue words. Let us be a direct reflection of your purity, sanctity and righteousness.
2 Timothy 4:3-5 The Message Version
3-5 You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant.
Father not only is the sound of rain and rattling of dry bones present, but every chain of bondage is broken. Lord, you have heard the fervent prayers of your people cry out in their wilderness journey. You have witness a shifting in their hearts (our hearts). We do not want to remain loss. We do not want others to remain loss. Father, your spirit is pouring out new wine and we do not want to be old wine skins full of holes that is good for nothing. Lord, observe that we must carry the message of light, hope, and flavor. Light that dispels darkness. Hope that encourages all to continue to trust you God without wavering for you prevail and everything else falters. And being your salt that gives flavor for any situation. We must come together as one body and in fellowship. We must continue to press forward knowing we win with you. Eternity is beckoning at everyone’s doorstep. We have but a mere minute in this realm and then we face you. Let us have our names in your book of life. Let us know that we have to make a decision now to choose life. Our lives are at stake. Our families are at risk. Our legacies and generations to come must have voices who have been commissioned by you that speak only, “Thus saith the Lord.” Let there not be a callous word. A hardened heart. A persuasive forked tongue in our environment. Expose every snake, every wolf, every imp, every suggestion, and every false prophet. Your people know you Lord and your word has not changed since the beginning of time nor will it change until the end of our days. You are consistent and steadfast in your tenants so let us be the same. As, we continue to go forth with clarity, precision, and wisdom; let us be reminded through song that every hindrance, wall, and chain has been broken off of us. We are free indeed. Your word says who the Son has set free is free indeed! Amen Indeed.
Lyrics
Yeah
Let’s say it together There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
Say there is power in the name of Jesus (come on)
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain (yeah)
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain
(Let’s say it together, there is power)There is power in the name of Jesus (you got it)
There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus (yeah)
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain
(Declare it, say)
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain
(Now somebody lift your hands in the air right here)Say, there’s an army rising up
(We won’t keep silent say)
There’s an army rising up
(Say, there’s an army)
There’s an army rising up
(Now shout it out, say to break every chain)
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain
(Say, to break ev-)
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain
(Now somebody just move right here, say there is power)There is power in the name of Jesus
(Say, there is power)
There is power in the name of Jesus
(Say, there is power)
There is power in the name of Jesus
(Now somebody shout it out, say to break every chain)
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain
(Say, to break every chain)
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chainNow this is your moment
I need you to declare that the chains are broken
Come on declare in your spirit that the chains are broken
By the power that is in the name of Jesus
Every chain of bondage
Every chain of sickness
Every chain of disease
We command it to break
By the power that’s in the name of Jesus
Somebody scream the name the Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Somebody shout the name Jesus, yeah, hey, hey
Jesus we need YouI hear the chains falling
(Say I hear the chains)
I hear the chains falling
(Somebody break it down, say I hear the chains)I hear the chains falling
(They’re falling, yes they are, say I hear the chains fallling)
I hear the chains falling
(Say I hear the chains)
I hear the chains falling
(Somebody reaching out, say I hear the chains)
I hear the chains falling
(And sometimes you just gotta to speak to that name)Break, chains
Break it (the power of life and death is in your tongue)
(Command it, say)
Break, chains (we command you to)
Break (woo)
(Somebody scream that out, say break)
Break (chains), chains (we command you to break)
Break you got one more time to shout it out, say break)
Break (chains), chains (we command you)
Break (break every chain)
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain
(The freedom of the Lord is here)
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain If you’re free tonight shout a freedom praise in this room
Freedom of the Lord is mine, oh, mine Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: William Reagan
Lord, Jesus we pray that every loss person comes to know you as deliverer!
John 3:13-15
The Message Version
13-15 “No one has ever gone up into the presence of God except the One who came down from that Presence, the Son of Man. In the same way that Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so people could have something to see and then believe, it is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted up—and everyone who looks up to him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life.
John 8:36 King James Version
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
John 8:36-38 The Message Version
34-38 Jesus said, “I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave can’t come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through. I know you are Abraham’s descendants. But I also know that you are trying to kill me because my message hasn’t yet penetrated your thick skulls. I’m talking about things I have seen while keeping company with the Father, and you just go on doing what you have heard from your father.”
Let our words be full of encouragement, soundness, and truth. Let our leading be on the path that is not a lie. We look to the author and finisher of our faith. We accept that in this day and age; all creation is crying out for the Master to lead and guide. We acknowledge that with God all things are possible to them who believe. We will raise our voices in unity knowing that if Jesus is lifted up all men can be drawn unto Him. He is the redeemer. Let this word be known to all and reach every part of the globe!
Titus 2:11-14 The Message Version
11-14 God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.
15 Tell them all this. Build up their courage, and discipline them if they get out of line. You’re in charge. Don’t let anyone put you down.
We have arrived where the dawning of a new day is upon us. Let us walk with our eyes wide open and our ears ready to hear. Furthermore, let us not yield to anything that is not ushered in by your Holy Spirit. We are now seeking only your true word. This day we hear you, we see you, we feel you….AND WE KNOW YOU!
23 1-3 God, my shepherd!
I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I’m not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook
makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
6 Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
N.O.W. = New-Beginnings is OUR Witness! Time to get living and living our BEST LIFE! So, here I am and here you are I think we should talk about it and see what we can share in order for us all to step into the Next Level Living where our BEST LIFE is Actualized!
FIRST TIME TO THE SITE? START HERE
CHECK OUT A FEW PREVIOUS MESSAGES:
FAITH SPEAKS AND IT IS SO… PRAYER OF PURPOSE, PROMISE, AND PRAISE!
Faith Speaks and it is so…Dry Bones Live!
Let the conversations ensue and the shifting occur for our next level transformation into what we were born to do – live life and that life MORE Abundant here on earth as it is in heaven.
John 10:10 King James Version
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
The Thankful Revolution rejoices with you and looks forward to continuing to encourage, edify, educate, and inspire as we traverse along our life’s pathway and choices. Enjoy the journey!
Continue to stay tuned for more on the meaning of LIFE as we explore Biblical Truths one word at a time, one scripture at a time, one moment in time, …let’s eat that daily bread! Selah, Shalom, Amen Indeed Miriam a.k.a. Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8 (TIME for a next level New-Beginning)! We would be honored if you do Subscribe, Bookmark, Save, Share, Comment, Like, and Enjoy how N.O.W. = New-Beginnings is our Witness can be yours today through one daily Myrrhism Word/Message at a time.
Check out Our Blog: https://thethankfulrevolution.com/blog/
P.S. Remember, to help us navigate through this life and enjoy a new life that one being eternal with God our Father; we have to make a decision N.O.W. = New Beginnings is our Witness. Below provides a prayer that you can ask the Lord to become your Redeemer, Healer, Savior, your everything to help you on your personal life’s journey – even though it may be bitter some times with God He always sweetens your steps. Love you always! Miriam aka Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8.
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, if you are unsure of your next steps in the journey, if you are loss and need guidance, if you can not say with confidence that by the time I finish reading this message if I die I will reside eternally with God….then I offer you the opportunity to CHOOSE THIS DAY LIFE. It is all on you and the beauty is this is your decision. You have been provided for such a time as this a chance – maybe your only earthly chance to declare in your heart that I need you Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. I pray with you…
HERE I AM LORD, HELP ME TO CHANGE INTO THE PERSON YOU BIRTHED ME INTO EXISTENCE TO BECOME. ALLOW MY PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE (OUTLOOK AND THOUGHTS) BECOME NEW. LET ME KNOW IN MY HEART THAT YOU ARE GOD AND IF I TRULY TRUST YOU THEN I CAN BE LIBERATED – BASICALLY SET FREE TO LIVE A LIFE HERE ON EARTH LIKE YOU DESIRE ME TO EXISTS FOR AN ETERNITY WITH YOU IN HEAVEN. HELP ME TO VIEW YOU CLEARLY WITH A STEADFAST FOCUS! I ASK THAT ANY OBSTACLE THAT HAS HINDERED ME BEFORE OR IN MY FUTURE BE REMOVED SO THAT I CAN OBTAIN THE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE YOU HAVE FOR ME TO LIVE IN PEACE, LOVE, STRENGTH, POWER, AND FEARLESSLY. THANK YOU FOR EQUIPPING ME WITH ALL THAT I NEED (HOLY SPIRIT AND JESUS AS MY SAVIOR) TO SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATE THIS LIFE’S JOURNEY. I AM GRATEFUL, HUMBLED, AND WILLING TO BE YOUR FAITHFUL SERVANT. I AM HERE AND ASK FOR YOUR HELP EVERY SINGLE DAY. THANK YOU FOR HEARING ME AND PROVIDING ALL THAT I HAVE NEED FOR ACCORDING TO YOUR RICHES IN HEAVEN. AMEN (SO BE IT)!
Selah and Shalom ~ Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8 from Miriam S StevensThankful Revolution and Todah Praise ChannelMsstevenspr.comSMS = Send Messages Safely#faithspeaksanditisso#PerpetuatedPositionsPosterity Please visit, subscribe, share, like, and comment at TheThankfulRevolution.comhttps://thethankfulrevolution.com/ and I ask you all to review one of our more provocative Myrrhism Blog Messages – (And do feel free to comment because we are always looking to get your thoughts, feedback, and testimony while we continue in this journey called LIFE) Myrrhism Message Thirty Seven – Faith Speaks and it is so! A.W.E. https://thethankfulrevolution.com/…/myrrhism-message… Love you all! 
The Thankful Revolution 
For such a time as this…hear ye His Word! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W90Kezi4QxI YouTube Video Labor Day Concert at Times Square Church
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Check out a Daily Devotional regarding “Wolve in Sheep Clothing” Link: http://s1392964364.t.en25.com/e/es?s=1392964364&e=771634&elqTrackId=6f67dd276bdc48129e62a0b993f47f59&elq=2a7de394c74e4771a37ece711ffb2d13&elqaid=5876&elqat=1 FOLLOWING THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Sunday, July 18, 2021 | Matthew 7:15–29
WOLVES IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING
The English language is filled with sheep imagery. If you can’t sleep, we try “counting sheep.” If you’re accused of something, you try to look “as innocent as a lamb.” Saying you’ll be there “in two shakes of a lamb’s tail” means you’ll be there quickly. And we all know it’s not a good thing to be the “black sheep of the family.”
One such example, taken from the Bible, is “a wolf in sheep’s clothing.” This phrase refers to someone pretending to be harmless or part of a group in order to prey upon that group. Their disguise and wicked intentions pose a serious danger. Jesus taught that false prophets are wolves in sheep’s clothing (v. 15). They’re the opposite of what they say they are, and they mislead people by claiming to speak the word of the Lord when they do not.
Jesus gives another example, using fruit as an illustration. True prophets are known by their fruit. Good trees will bear good fruit and vice versa (vv. 16 20). This is not just a probability but guaranteed by nature, although it does take discernment and wisdom to evaluate fruit accurately.
This principle also applies to the issue of true versus false disciples (vv. 21–23). A verbal confession by itself is not enough, nor are even apparent miracles. “Only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” is the real deal. Obedience is an indicator of true faith (see James 2:14–17). The fakers are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Finally, we see the comparison to two houses built by wise and foolish builders (vv. 24–27). While on the outside both houses looked good, the storm revealed the very different quality of their foundations. One would last. The other would be destroyed.
>> On what foundation are you building the “house” of your life? Be honest. Your activities and use of time and money show your priorities. What do they reveal about your end goals in life?
PRAY WITH US
Holy Spirit, today we pray for Your conviction. Show us any way we habitually disobey or dishonor You. Grant us sincere repentance and bless us with good fruit.
This month’s devotional is written by Bradley Baurain. Bradley Baurain is Associate Professor and Program Head of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at Moody Bible Institute. Bradley has the unique privilege of holding a degree from four different universities (including Moody). He has just published his first book, On Waiting Well. Bradley taught in China, Vietnam, the United States, and Canada. Bradley and his wife, Julia, have four children and reside in Northwest Indiana.
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Matthew 7:15-29
King James Version
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
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