A Word From Apostle John W. Stevenson

Matthew 7:24-29
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. 

 Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”

I want you to notice that Jesus makes the correlation, the connection with “hears the Word” and “acts on the Word.” He that hears the Word and acts on it will be as a wise man. He who hears the Word and does not act on it will be like a foolish man.

Both hear the Word, but the distinction comes with what they do with the Word! So often, I will hear someone say, “Good word, Pastor .“ While I know that the intention behind that statement is to encourage me and I receive it as such. But it’s really just one part of the blessing and encouragement. The other part is for me to hear that you are acting on that word! That it is producing fruit in your life!

This is so important because when difficult times come—and they will come—it is the Word that we have “heard” and “acted on” in less challenging times that will help to lay a solid foundation that is founded on THE ROCK; when those challenging times come, we are able to stand!

Where Do You Live?

In the parable Jesus talks about a house. A house is where you live. It’s where you spend most of your life. It’s supposed to be a place of peace, a place of safety, a place of rest, a sanctuary.

So, where are you living these days? Are you living in the Peace, Assurance, Faith and Trust that comes from knowing your life is founded on The Rock (WORD), or are you being tossed around by the winds of circumstances, not sure if you are going to make it?

If you find yourself in the latter place, I boldly speak “PEACE! BE STILL!” to you and your situation right now. You must know that the enemy wants you to doubt and question The Father‘s intentions concerning you! You must not allow him to do that. It is in times like these that the Sovereign Lord is working in ways far beyond our comprehension! However, to the believer, He gives  His Word to help us to know His intentions:

1 Peter 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

There is a Divine Plan even in the midst of this pandemic. Many are seeking answers and are  now more open to the Gospel than any other time in their lives. For others, this is a revealing of hearts and motives. God is also using this to allow His Church to see where we really are.

You and I are part of His Divine Plan! It is in these times that we must walk out what we have heard, what we have been taught, what we have seen, what we have confessed, what we believe.

It says that we are “Protected by the Power of God through Faith”! I declare Divine Protection over you and your family right now! You take a moment and speak it over yourself and your family right now! Remember your words have power! Death and Life are in the power of the tongue!

Now, exercise YOUR faith and declare that in the midst of this pandemic that all of YOUR needs are being met by the resources of HIS KINGDOM! Declare that those resources are being released to you right now! Raise you expectation as to how HE wants to accomplish it! Take the limits off your mind and just believe HE is doing it right now! Thank Him for it! Praise Him for it!

Lastly, our posture must not be waiting for things to get back to “normal.” We are in a new season and must move forward in His Wisdom and Grace! The opportunity to walk in and exhibit a greater level of faith is NOW!

I pray that you will continue to press into the more that He has for you and the more He wants to do through you! Keep your eyes on Him! Remember, HIS Victory is YOUR victory!