Doctrine & Disciplines

Who Are The Two End Time Witnesses?

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by David Goldman on Unsplash

”And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.” (Revelation 11:3)

Scripture speaks of two witnesses who will appear on the end time scene, and preach during the last three and one half years before Jesus returns. Throughout history, God has tasked men and women to preach and prophecy to the nation of Israel, warning them to turn to God with their whole hearts in order to avoid impending judgment. These two men will operate in the same fashion as prophets of old.

The Time Period

The number of days that these witnesses will preach is 1,360 days. This coincides with the final three and one half years before Jesus returns called the Great Tribulation. In the near future, there will be a 7 year covenant (peace agreement) signed which will allow for the building of the third Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Both Jews and Muslims will worship on this holy site, which can hardly be comprehended, knowing the violent history of these two groups. From the time the covenant is signed, there will be seven final years before Jesus returns.

There will be “peace” for the first three and one half years of this final seven year period. At the midpoint of these seven years, however, the two witnesses’ ministry will be launched when an event we call the abomination of desolation takes place. This event is when the antichrist will step into the newly built Jewish Temple, stop the daily animal sacrifices, and proclaim himself to be God, or the anointed one, messiah for all peoples. This event will trigger the three and one half year Great Tribulation, and God’s two witnesses will begin their final ministry of preaching to the Jewish people in Jerusalem, encouraging them to turn to God with their whole hearts, and be born again according to Acts 2:38.

What Will They Preach?

Unlike prophets of the Old Testament who didn’t live under the New Covenant, these two men will no doubt be Born Again of water and Spirit. They will preach Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, of course. They will be witnesses of the New Birth message of Jesus Christ, patterned in the Book of Acts. It is the only true salvation message of the New Testament.

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38)

A Powerful Ministry

Their ministry will be power packed with signs, wonders and miracles. This is God’s final attempt to get the attention of the Jewish people, and whosoever will come to him in this last harvest. The two witnesses will have His supernatural protection until their ministry is accomplished.

“And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.” (Revelation 11:5-6)

Elijah, Enoch Or Moses?

Perhaps we should approach the identity of the two witnesses by talking about who they cannot be. Many people think the two witnesses will be either Elijah and Enoch, or Elijah and Moses. There are several reasons for this line of thinking.

ELIJAH?

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” (Malachi 4:5-6)

Since Elijah is most often mentioned as a candidate for one of the two witnesses, let’s begin with him. As you can see from the above scripture, there is good reason to suspect the fiery prophet to be one of the two witnesses, except for these two things.

1. Jesus explained to His disciples that this prophecy referred to John the Baptist, and that he had already come. The prophecy was fulfilled when John came in the spirit of Elijah. John carried the same anointing as the Old Testament prophet Elijah.

“But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.” (Matthew 17:12-13)

Jesus does precede this statement by pointing to a future time when Elijah will come. This could mean that one or both of the two witnesses will come in the spiritual anointing of Elijah just as John the Baptist did according to the precedent that had already been set.

And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.“ (Matthew 17:10-11)

2. Elijah was taken up into Heaven in a fiery chariot. People refer to this to say that Elijah never actually died, so he can come back as one of the two witnesses.  I would point out that no unregenerate flesh will enter into Heaven. The only way people go to Heaven is in their new, sinless bodies. Knowing this, Elijah must have experienced the same change from mortality to immortality that we will experience at the time of the rapture. That being said, Elijah is already in his immortal body, and since the two witnesses are killed at the end of their three and one half year ministry, Elijah is removed from the candidate list.

ENOCH?

The argument for Enoch being one of the two witnesses is the same as for Elijah. He pleased God so much that God took him on to Heaven without experiencing death. Again, I would point out that even though Enoch didn’t experience death as we know it, he must have experienced the change from mortality to immortality in order to be taken into the heavenly realm. He cannot put back on mortality as if it’s a garment to be one of the two witnesses.

“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.“ (Genesis 5:24)

MOSES?

The argument for Moses being one of the two witnesses is that when Moses died, God Himself buried him. Later, it is recorded that satan apparently wanted the body of Moses, and the archangel Gabriel withstood him.

The deceased body of this mighty prophet and deliverer was a hot commodity to both God and satan. Why would that be? God loved this man dearly. He spoke to Moses face to face as with a friend. He took care to not let his body fall into the hands of those who would misuse it. If the Israelites had his body, they would likely build a shrine and idolize it. If satan had his body, he would likely possess it to be worshipped. God made sure neither of these options were possible.

“So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.” (Deuteronomy 34:5-6)

“Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.“ (Jude 9)

MOSES & ELIJAH?

The last combination I’ll mention is that of Moses & Elijah being the two witnesses. When Jesus was transformed in the presence of his disciples on the mountain, Moses and Elijah appeared with Him. The disciples noted that these two great prophets of old were conversing with Jesus, and spoke specifically of his coming death. This is so incredibly interesting.

God raised these two faithful men up for a short time, and interacted with them. As for why Moses was allowed this time with Jesus, it can be assumed that because he wasn’t allowed to go into the Promise Land during his life, Jesus allowed him stand and see it in his spirit body.

I’ll point out here that These two men were in their immortal bodies. They had both experienced the change from mortality to immortality. While God did raise them up for a short while, presumably a few minutes of conversation, they cannot die again. Therefore, they cannot be the two witnesses of the end time.

“And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.” (Matthew 17:1-3)

So Who Are They???

Why is it easier to believe that God will raise someone from the dead to fulfill this ministry in the last days, rather than to believe He will use two men of God who are alive right now? Every minister is called to their own generation. The end time church is made up of One God, Apostolic, Jesus Name, Holy Ghost Filled, Tongue Talking, Holiness individuals. The two witnesses of the book of Revelation will be two of those people.

They will walk the streets of Jerusalem proclaiming the New Testament plan of salvation. Acknowledge Jesus Christ as your Messiah. Repent. Be baptized in Jesus name for the remission of your sins. Receive the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in other tongues. Turn to God with all your hearts. Live holy.

This is the message of the New Testament End Time Church. This will be the message of God’s two witnesses during those final three and one half years.

Killed, Resurrected & Raptured

And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.” (Revelation 11:7-8)

And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.“ (Revelation 11:11-12)

When they have finished their ministry, they will be killed, and will lay in the streets of Jerusalem for three and one half days. But after this, God will bring life back into their bodies, and they will be caught up into Heaven.

…This sounds familiar…

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.“ (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

This is the Rapture, or Catching Away of the Church. The resurrection and ascension of the two witnesses is not an isolated event. They are resurrected and caught up to be with Jesus at the same time as the saints of all the ages. Now we also know the timing of the Rapture of the Church.

In Summary

The two witnesses are not ethereal spirit beings or Old Testament prophets risen from the dead. They will be born again saints in the modern New Testament Church, preaching the same message that has been preached since the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two.

Are they alive today? I’d say it’s likely.

Do they realize who they are? I’d say it’s beginning to dawn on them.

How can we help them? Begin praying for them daily even though you don’t know their names.

End Time Revival

The two witnesses’ ministry will be in Jerusalem, but there will be  great harvest of souls from all around the world in the last days. The whole Church will be involved in this great revival. I pray that you are born again, sold out to Truth, and willing to be His witness during this last great push for souls before Jesus returns to set up His earthly Kingdom.

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:10-14)

Warm Regards In Jesus Name!

-Pat

Don’t Be A Quitter!

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by RDNE Stock project

We’ve all heard this phrase. It’s almost always spoken concerning sports teams. I’m personally not a big sports fan. However, my children did play sports in school, and they enjoyed the process. Although I never developed a love for sports, I did learn to appreciate seeing my kids do what they had trained for on the court. Neither of them pursued sports after graduation, and I wasn’t sad about that.

BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF A TEAM

I’ve paid attention to the many compelling arguments for being part of a team. Here are the benefits I’ve heard the most:

-Character Building.

-Boosts Confidence

-Learning To Work Together

-Teaches Leadership

-Teaches Accountability

-Promotes Working Toward a Common Goal

-Learn To Trust, and Be Trustworthy

-Finishing What You Start

-Being Part Of Something Bigger Than Yourself


THE GREATEST TEAM

“And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” (1 Corinthians 12:26-27)

These are worthy lessons, for sure, and describe exactly what the greatest team of all teaches. What is The Greatest Team? I’m glad you asked. The greatest team of all is The Church, of course!

That’s right. The majority of benefits promoted as reasons to join a sports team are actually the very ideals taught by the Church. Sadly, many quit the Church in order to pursue team sports.

BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF THE CHURCH

Let’s break down each one of the above lessons, and see how they pertain to church life.

-Character Building

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.“ (2 Peter 1:5-8)

-Boosts Confidence

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

-Learning To Work Together

”Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.“ (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

-Teaches Leadership

”Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

-Teaches Accountability

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17)

-Promotes Working Toward a Common Goal

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3)

-Learn To Trust, and Be Trustworthy

“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)

-Finishing What You Start

”And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)

-Being Part Of Something Bigger Than Yourself

”But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

DON’T BE A QUITTER!

The Church of the Living God is the best thing going. Actually, it’s the only thing going…to Heaven. Sports may be entertaining, and offer a measure of benefits on this side of eternity. However, if it causes you to quit the greatest team of all time, how is it truly beneficial?

”Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)

“For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:43)


Warm Regards In Jesus Name,

-Pat

31 Entrance Ramps To The Occult Realm

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by Ashley Batz on Unsplash

 

“When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee.” (Deuteronomy 18:9-12)

 

I was shocked recently when well known influencer and podcaster, Candace Owens, declared without hesitation or embarrassment that she has participated in astral projection. This is a practice where a person allegedly leaves their physical body, and travels in spirit/astral form to other locations. She admitted to being shocked when she found out this wasn’t something other people normally did.

Mrs. Owens has a massive following, and wields influence over a vast number of individuals. When I began to think of every person who listened to this particular podcast, and how many of those people probably did an internet search on the topics she mentioned (as I did), I was extremely disturbed.

Oh, and she also claims to be a Christian…Wait, What?!

Because of her influence, how many people not only searched to find out what astral projection means, but now think there is nothing wrong with a Christian pursuing such an activity? Be assured, astral projection should not be pursued by Christians, and is one of many entrance ramps into the spirit world.

All That Glitters Is Not Gold

Just because something is spiritual, doesn’t mean it’s holy. The spiritual realm  is made up of both holy and unholy spirits. God’s holy angels work to help His people, and war against evil. satan’s unholy angels (demons) work to hinder God’s people, and war against everything holy and righteous.

Without being grounded in the Word of God, a person can have a spiritual experience, and be deceived into thinking it is a holy pursuit.

Unholy activities that satan uses as entrance ramps to his occult realm are often promoted as harmless, fun, child’s play or a simple quest for knowledge. Listed below are a few activities associated with the occult.

DIVINATION (To seek hidden knowledge or know the future in supernatural ways other than by God’s Holy Spirit)

-Numerology

-Palm Readers

-Fortune Tellers

-Astrology/Horoscopes

-Tarot Cards

-Crystal Balls

-Hypnosis

WITCHCRAFT/SORCERY (Attempting to influence events or people by supernatural ways outside of God’s Holy Spirit.)

-Casting Spells On People

-Making Potions

-VooDoo Dolls

-Magic

COMMUNICATION WITH SPIRITS (Attempting to contact spirits or people who have died.)

-Ouija Boards

-Necromancy

-Mediums/Familiar spirits

-Channeling

-Seances

SATANISM (Highest level of the occult world)

-Blood Rituals & Sacrifices

-Curses

-Invoking Demons

PRACTICES USED TO FACILITATE SPIRITUAL AWAKENING (Often promoted as harmless)

-Spirit Guides/Animal Guides/Familiars

-Astral Projection

-Remote Viewing

-The Third Eye

-Automatic Writing

-The Belief In Reincarnation/Past Lives

-Aligning of Chakra

-Secret Clubs & Organizations (Fraternities & Sororities being at the forefront.

-Centers & Programs used to locate and mentor Highly Intelligent Individuals

-Institutions of Higher Learning (This is not to insinuate that young people should not attend college. They should, however, be grounded in Truth, and have a plan they are working toward so that they are not caught up in occult beliefs and practices.)

-Holidays such as Halloween

-Movies Promoting Any of These Activities

!!!WARNING!!!

The enemy of your soul doesn’t care how he gains access to, and control over, your life. He uses his fallen angels to get you interested in any one of these activities. He then reassures you over time they are apparently harmless. Once a person figures out what they’ve really gotten themselves into, they are in too deep to simply walk away without intense spiritual warfare.

If you are involved with any of these activities, please see them for what they are, repent, and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word with all your heart.

Warm Regards In Jesus Name!

-Pat

Are Dinosaurs In the Bible?

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by Andrew Hall on Unsplash

“And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:24-25)

The most commonly accepted version of the dinosaur story is that they existed millions of years ago, and became extinct when a massive asteroid hit the earth. This viewpoint is one of the foundational “doctrines” of the theory of evolution.

The obvious problem for Christians believing this theory is that it does not align with the creation account in the Word of God. The biblical account declares that God created the earth and everything (This would include dinosaurs.) in it in six days, and rested on the seventh.

Following the generational accounts in scripture, we also know that the earth is a young 6,000 years old. We are presently living on the brink of the beginning of the seventh thousand year period since creation, which will be the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ.

Either God’s Word is true, or the theory of evolution is true. Both accounts cannot be true. Christians must stand on the validity of the Word of God. Thankfully, there are plenty of scriptures to confirm the Genesis account of creation

The book of Job has a chapter and a half where God Himself describes two creatures living alongside Job which seem to be perfect candidates for dinosaurs. He calls them Behemoth and Leviathan.

Behemoth

“Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.” (Job 40:15)

Behemoth was a land animal so strong and mighty that he had no worries. His tail was like a mighty cedar. His bones were like bars of iron. The mountains provided him food. He was able to drink up the river. The strength of his nose could pierce through any obstruction.

Many view this beast as an ox or a hippo, but God says in verse 15 that “he eateth grass as an ox.” This same verse declares that God made this creature with Job.

Leviathan

“Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down?” (Job 41:1)

You might still come to the conclusion that Behemoth was simply very large, strong, unnamed animal. When we keep reading into chapter 41, however, God begins describing a similar creature whose characteristics simply cannot be ignored, or attributed to any known animal.

Leviathan was a sea creature who dominated the waters. The Lord begins his description of this powerful animal by asking a question that reveals what folly it would be in attempting to fish for him. Here are a few of his characteristics. You’re going to love this!

-His teeth are terrible (Job 41:14)

-His scales are his pride, and so close together and sealed up that no air can get between them, and they can’t be pulled apart. (Job 41:15-17)

Fire-breathing Dragon? 

“By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning. (Job 41:18)

The word neesings means sneezes. However, it doesn’t mean normal sneezing because the only place the word sneeze is found in the Bible is 2 Kings 4:35 when Elisha brought a boy back to life, and he “sneezed seven times. This word sneeze is not the same original word as nessings. Apparently, neesings are different than normal sneezes, and verse 18 tells us the difference. Neesing sneezes apparently are accompanied by light.

“Out of his mouth go burning lamps, and sparks of fire leap out.” (Job 41:19)

Here we see light coming from his mouth, accompanied by sparks and fire.

“Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron.” (Job 41:20)

Smoke comes out of his nose.

“His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth.” (Job 41:21)

His breath can actually set things on fire with a flame that shoots out of his mouth.

…I hope you’re as amazed by this creature as I am! Could it be that all of the “mythical” stories of fire-breathing dragons actually refer to type of dinosaurs? I think, yes.

Did Dinosaurs Even Even Exist?

Dinosaurs absolutely existed. Paleontologists and archaeologists have found many dinosaur fossils, proving their existence. The question isn’t really if they existed, but when. 

It seems to be easier for people to falsely believe dinosaurs existed millions of years ago, than it is to simply believe the Word of God. Dinosaurs were created on the sixth day of creation, and lived alongside mankind.

Dinosaurs On The Ark

But wait…Wouldn’t that mean there were dinosaurs on the ark??? Yes. That’s exactly what it means.

“And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.

Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.” (Genesis 6:19-20)

Most people can’t wrap their minds around the fact that dinosaurs were indeed on the ark. How would there be enough room for something so big?

Please notice the use of the word KIND in the previous verses. Animals on the ark were divided by kinds. This means there weren’t two Labrador Retreivers and two Poodles on the ark. There were two of the dog kind, probably more similar to what we know as wolves. All of the other breeds came from the original kind that were on the ark.

The same can be said for dinosaurs. Only two of each dinosaur kind would have been on the ark.

Still, they were SO BIG. The animals on the ark would most likely have been in their youth. They were, after all, the foundation stock of all future animals. They would have been much smaller than full-grown counterparts.

Taking these two points into consideration, only two of each kind, and only young specimens, we’re much more able to see how dinosaurs fit on the ark right along with all the other animals.

In Summary

We need to realize the theory of evolution is just that. A theory. As Christians, we are called to believe the Word of God. God’s Word declares everything was created in six days, and this would include dinosaurs.

These magnificent creatures were not created as man-eating beasts, but lived alongside humans. They did not go extinct from a meteor crashing to the earth millions of years ago. Most dinosaurs perished in the world-wide flood, the same as every other animal and human that were not on the ark. This can be verified by vast deposits of dinosaur fossils of various kinds, gathered in one place. This is exactly what we would expect to find as remains from a world-wide flood.

Two of every dinosaur kind was on the ark, and came off the ark. When we look at modern reptiles such as alligators, crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, lizards (all of which can grow to massive sizes), we are likely seeing the smaller versions of dinosaurs. Of course, many have become extinct, as have other animal species since the flood. Many in our lifetime.

Please study the Word of God for yourself, and don’t trust in theories that don’t align with scripture even though they are pushed in modern education.

For more information on the biblical flood, visit The Ark Encounter! It is truly amazing.

Also, Answers In Genesis is a great source of information.

Warm Regards In Jesus Name,

-Pat

 

 

Are You A Ship Or A Boat?

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Pat Vick

It was August of 2017 in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. We were ministering at the first General Conference of the newly nationalized work. From our bird’s eye view of the  gorgeous hotel overlooking the Kota Kinabalu Harbor on the China Sea, there was much to see. I was intrigued by the fishing vessels that would leave early in the morning, and return just as the sun was setting for the day.

There were many small boats that would stay close to the harbor, doing their work in shallow water. They weren’t equipped to go too far, and always kept in sight of land. They put in a hard day’s work, and probably caught enough fish to sell for the day. They were laboring to keep their families fed, but didn’t make any extra.

Then there were the ships. They were outfitted with bigger nets, and carried enough equipment and supplies to face any problems that might arise. They headed out into deep water far beyond the safety of the harbor. When they lumbered into port at the end of the day, they sat low in the water, their holds completely filled with fish. They weren’t only feeding their families for the day. They were affecting the commerce of a nation.

While watching these fishing vessels, the Lord impressed into my spirit that if I wanted to see His great works, I must choose to be like the ships, and not the boats. My first instinct was to remind Him of the obvious…I’m literally 9,000 miles away from home, overlooking the South China Sea, doing ministry. Doesn’t that make me a ship? The Lord’s silence assured me that it was going to take more than simply being willing to travel for me to be a ship, rather than a boat. 

“They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.” (Psalm 107:23-24)

As I considered what the Lord was revealing to me, He dropped this scripture into my mind. Such a perfect word for the object lesson He was showing me. I began to break down the passage, and noticed that even though the ships were called to go out into great waters, they first had to go down.

We all love to spend time on the mountain top, but sea level is at a much lower elevation. Revival may come on the mountain heights, but the work gets done by first going down to sea level. 

The original meaning of the word business here is ministry. Many of us are willing to go and take care of spiritual business, but not all are willing to first  go down. 

To go down means that we must submit ourselves to the Spirit of God. We must get our flesh under control. We must get our self out of the way with all of its emotions, feelings, frustrations, preferences and carnal ways.

Going down is accomplished through consistent, diligent, consecrated fasting with prayer. The mountain top is where our eyes are often focused, and our hearts most desire to be. The anointed worship. The powerful Word. The comfort of unity and fellowship. Who wouldn’t prefer the spiritual heights? After all, the way down is messy, painful and we almost always have to go alone.

I feel like I have to ask…

-How hungry are you for the things of God?

-How desperate are you for a breakthrough?

-How low are you willing to go to draw closer to God?

-How many souls do you want to reach?

…Your level of fasting and prayer will answer these questions.

Warm Regards In Jesus’ Name!

-Pat

Then Shall They Fast

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by Jonathan Pielmayer on Unsplash

It is recorded in three of the gospels, Matthew 9, Mark 2 and Luke 5, of people coming to Jesus asking why the disciples of John the baptist and the Pharisees fasted often, but his own disciples didn’t fast. He explained to them that it was difficult for them to fast while He was with them daily. 

He likened himself to a bridegroom. It would be unusual, and even out of place, for a wedding party to be fasting while the bridegroom was in their midst. In the presence of the bridegroom there is joy, festivity and celebration. He let them know, however, there would be a time coming when He would go away, and then fasting would become a regular activity.

Upon closer examination, we find it was actually John’s and the Pharisees’ disciples who did the asking. This lets us know that even though Jesus was walking and ministering among them, they still weren’t absolutely sure who He was. J

John’s ministry was a transitional ministry, providing a path from keeping letter of the Law of Moses out of obligation in the Old Testament to following Jesus from the heart in the New Testament. It was a time of rapidly changing thinking processes. Apparently, John himself didn’t understand well enough to explain the different way of thinking to his disciples. He only knew to point them to Jesus. 

True to His Word, after Jesus rose from the dead, and ascended into Heaven, His disciples began to remember all He had spoken and lived before them. Along with staying full of His Spirit, prayer and fasting became the foundation for staying in constant communion with Him. 

They faced terrible persecution, yet revival spread all over the known world at the time. They loved not their lives unto death. Each one of the twelve were killed for their testimony of Jesus, except for John, who history tells us was boiled in oil, refused to die, and was banished to the Isle of Patmos where he received The Revelation of Jesus Christ. They all went to their deaths with faith in their hearts, and their Lord Jesus’ name on their lips. It was the infilling of the Holy Ghost, partnered with prayer and fasting, that gave them the spiritual fortitude to stand strong all the way to the end. 

For the last two thousand years, this pattern remains the source of the church’s strength. Yet, in these last days, that Jesus himself compared in wickedness to the days of Noah, we have forgotten the power of fasting. We have forgotten it’s necessity. We have forgotten where our power comes from to stand against evil, and not only to not fail, but to march forward in victory. These are the days Jesus spoke of when He declared, “…then shall they fast.”

“Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.” (Matthew 9:14-15)

“And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.” (Mark 2:18-20)

“And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.” (Luke 5:33-35)

Warm Regards In Jesus’ Name!

-Pat

Navigating Holiday Overwhelm

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

Christmas. It’s the most wonderful time of year. Right? The truth is that Christmas is indeed a wonderful, beautiful, glorious time of celebrating our Savior’s birth with family and friends. The truth is also that the Christmas season is a time of excessive spending, impossible expectations, heightened emotions and major overwhelm.

There. I said it. Someone had to.

We’re going to wake up on December 26th taking inventory of our bank accounts, and our senses. Like previous years, most of us will immediately make a commitment that next year will be easier, simpler, less exhausting…It’s me. I’m most of us.

In order to get ahead of the overwhelm, and navigate the season a bit easier, here are a few points to ponder.

SIMPLE IS OKAY

Every year, I see pictures of holiday decorations in magazines and social media feeds, and think I’m going to try that next year. When next year comes, however, I don’t have the energy or time. I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that simple really is okay. My house doesn’t have to look like Martha Stewart decorated for me. The same can be said for gift giving.We have allowed the spirits of capitalism and consumerism to cause us to make spending decisions far beyond our means. Give yourself permission to go simple and easy this year.

INVEST IN MOMENTS

We tend to get our focus on the whole, big festive picture, and overlook the small moments. Memories of the decorations and gifts will fade quickly, but memories of experiences will last longer. Hot chocolate with marshmallows, the smell of wassal simmering on the stove, decorating a food tree for the birds, decorating Christmas cookies with the grandkids and reading the Christmas story. I plan to make these memory moments this year. Oh, and my husband brought home mistletoe, and I plan on kissing him, and each of my grand boys under it.

BE MINDFUL OF OTHERS

In all of our celebrating, we need to remember that not everyone is joyful through the holiday season.

1. Many people are missing lost loved ones, and that void is a deep chasm of grief. They press on for family and friends, but are aching inside. Another consideration is the financial circumstances of others.

2. Many don’t have the resources to purchase gifts for their loved ones as others do. We should take care to not overburden people to measure up to our standards of gift giving.

3. Some people suffer from a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is something I personally struggle with. Our brains are wired to need an appropriate amount of natural light to function and feel emotionally healthy. People who suffer from SAD have a very difficult time feeling the joy of the holiday season.

4. We should also be mindful of the convictions of others. Not everyone decorates trees, and not everyone believes in Santa.

“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.“ (Luke 6:31)

FOCUS ON JESUS

It’s easy to get our focus on everything but the Lord during the holidays. But we need to remind ourselves Who we are actually celebrating. Spend time in His Word and Presence every day of the season. Allow Him to focus your mind, and calm your spirit. Look for ways to incorporate Him into activities, festivities, gatherings and conversations.

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.“ (Luke 2:7)

CORRAL EMOTIONS & WORDS

How many of us remember a Christmas when that one person lost control of their emotions, and everything spiraled? Most of us can remember at least one incident. Emotions are heightened during the holiday season. Finances are tight. Expectations are too high. Health and energy levels are being stretched. Self control is often out the window. Let’s pay extra attention to our thoughts, emotions and words this season. Before you say something you’ll regret, ask yourself, Does it really matter? Does it really need to be said? What will be the repercussions of my words or actions?

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;“ (2 Corinthians 10:5)

PRACTICE THANKFULNESS

We’ve just passed Thanksgiving, and most of us aren’t feeling very thankful. Let’s commit to beginning and ending each day of the holiday season by telling the Lord something we’re thankful for. Keep a thankful journal. Write it down. When you’re feeling overdone, find something to be thankful for. You’ll be surprised how your outlook will change for the good.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.“ (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

PRAY

Never is there a time when 1 Thessalonians 5:17 is more appropriate than the holiday season.

”Pray without ceasing.”

Warm Regards In Jesus’ Name!

-Pat

How To Tell If It’s God’s Voice You’re Hearing

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by Stephan Widua on Unsplash

Every person who has ever lived for God, or considered living for God, has asked this question. Even people who have lived for God many years often find themselves wondering how to hear from God, and how to know for sure if they did, indeed, hear God’s voice. First, let’s be clear. God does want to communicate with His people, and is, in fact, talking to us continuously. It is us who must learn to “tune in.”

In order to answer the question of how to hear God’s voice, we first have to talk about the ways God actually speaks. Here are the main ways He communicates with us.

1. HIS WORD

God has given us His Word through anointed men of God who wrote under the unction of His Holy Spirit. We call this collection of writings the Bible (the books), and it has stood the test of time through the millennia. The Bible is the account of God’s creative works, His plan of redemption for a lost humanity, the history of His people, His commandments and principles to live by and ultimately his prophetic words concerning the grand revealing of endtime events culminating in His return and establishment of His everlasting Kingdom.

“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.“ (2 Peter 1:21)

God’s written Word, the Bible, cannot be separated from His Voice. Just like your word cannot be separated from your voice. Whether you think it, speak it, or write it, it is still your word which has imitated from your mind.

God’s Word is the first way He speaks to His people. He will never speak to you in any way that will go against or circumvent His written Word. This is one reason it’s so important to be students of God’s Word. We must study to know His will, and to be able to detect deception.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.“ (Psalm 119:11)

2. THE FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY

In addition to His written Word, God has given us a structure of support in the church called the five-fold ministry. These offices include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

*For further reading on the five-fold ministry, see my blog post, Unpacking The Five-fold Ministry.

The people who hold these positions are gifted and trained specifically to guide, teach, build up, encourage and instruct God’s people. His intention is for us to look to these ministers for help in finding God’s will for our lives. Beyond reading the written Word, it is by the preached Word that we hear God’s Voice in a practical way. This includes seeking confirmation on something we think could be the voice of God, but are unsure. God has strategically placed the five-fold ministry in the church for our guidance, and will not circumvent their influence in speaking to you.

SIDE NOTE

Every local church will have a pastor and teachers. Their guidance should be sought first. There will not be apostles, prophets and evangelists in every local assembly because their ministries reach further than the local church. They will, however, be available regionally, and known by the fruit of their ministries.

3. PRAYER

Prayer is to be our continual channel of communication with the Lord. We should spend as much time listening as we do speaking. He will drop a thought into our minds as we wait on Him in prayer. Anything He reveals to us should always be checked and weighed against His written Word, and the counsel of the ministry.

4. OUTSIDE VOICES

Sometimes God does use other godly people who are not necessarily part of the five-fold ministry to speak a word, make a suggestion or help us make a course correction. HOWEVER, we must take into account the first three avenues of His communication with us. He will never use an outside person to give direction that goes against his basic established structure of the Bible and the Five-fold Ministry. Most often. When someone gives us a “word from God,” it will most often be a confirmation of what we have already felt by reading His Word, counseling with the ministry and have sought in prayer.

5. SIGNS

This is the avenue that many people want to start at to hear from God, but it should be the last. This area is very often used by the enemy to draw us away from Truth and godly counsel. Many good, God-fearing people have been led away and deceived in this manner. While scripture assures us that signs will follow believers, it also very plainly tells us not to be sign seekers.

When we depend on signs above God’s Word, above the counsel of ministry and above consecrated prayer, we open portals into the spiritual realm of darkness called the occult. It is through these access channels that the enemy gains control of our minds, and ultimately our souls. Not everything spiritual is holy. It is sad when people will make decisions based on a sign, but refuse to read and apply God’s Word or seek godly counsel. When God chooses to show us a “sign,” it is most often to confirm what we’ve already received from the first three avenues of communication.

SIDE NOTE

Here is a personal example of wrongly seeking signs. Even from a child, I’ve always had a heart toward God and a tendency toward the supernatural. However, I wasn’t raised in the Apostolic church, and had no foundation to know how to hear God’s voice. One day when I was in junior high, I was walking to a friend’s house. We lived out in the country, and it was back in the day when kids spent time outside. On my way, I saw a red cardinal. A little further down the road, I saw a red scrap of cloth on the side of the road. Yet a bit further, I saw a piece of red trash stuck in a tree.

In my desire to hear from God, but having no foundation of how to do so, I determined this must be God attempting to speak to me. It wasn’t. It was a red bird, a red scrap of cloth and a red piece of trash. Because I had this tendency, my heart and mind were open to things like evil dreams and even apparitions appearing in my room at night. I was tormented by the spirit of fear for years until I was born again (Acts 2:38) and became grounded in a local assembly that taught the truth of God’s Word. But for the grace of God, I could have been deceived and lured away from truth.

IN SUMMARY

It is true that God created us to be in communion with Him, and that involves hearing His voice. It is also true that He is always communicating with us. It is us who must learn to hear what and how He is saying it.

He has placed specific processes in place for us to hear what He is saying. These include His written Word, the five-fold ministry, consecrated prayer. Then further removed, He sometimes uses outside godly voices, signs and occasionally His audible voice. It is absolutely necessary for us to remember that each one of these processes build on the previous ones. They do not circumvent them.

Realizing how God uses these ways of communication, and how vital it is to not be deceived, we must also realize the need to be rooted and grounded in a local church that preaches truth. Many people want to have their own relationship with God without actually submitting themselves to, or investing themselves into a church family. This is not God’s plan. He designed the church to be where we learn to hear from Him as we mature spiritually.

Warm Regards In Jesus’ Name!

~Pat~

7 Areas Where Consistency Is Key

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by Loh Weytor on Unsplash

 

“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.“ (1 Corinthians 9:25)

Most professing Christians have good intentions toward serving the Lord. It’s the day to day follow through that gets in their way. Neither the enemy of our souls, nor our flesh is ever going to make it easy for us to serve God, and be fruitful. There must be something within us (dare I say it?…) in addition to the Holy Ghost. There must be a resolve to continue, to keep pressing, to get back up. Lack of consistency is a major factor in why good people fall away from their walk with God. Here are seven areas where practicing consistency counts:

1. PRAYER

When a baby is born, we listen for that first cry, and rejoice when we hear it. That’s certainly not the only time that baby cries. His voice is heard from that day forward, and matures into full conversation throughout his life. So it is with prayer. When we come to the Lord in heartfelt repentance, we begin our conversation with him. That conversation continues to develop and mature throughout our lifetime. We should wake up talking to Him, go to sleep talking to Him, and visit with Him throughout the day. In his book The Book On Prayer, Rev. Ken Gurley calls this “practicing His presence.” Becoming consistent in prayer isn’t simply asking the Lord for more and more stuff. It’s Lear I g how to be “with” Him.

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)

2. FASTING

Most Christians don’t give the process of fasting enough credit. The world and the devil know its benefits, however. This is another discipline where implementing it only one time will likely make you cranky and frustrated. We must give ourselves to the process of fasting with consistency. Ask the Lord to give you a fasting plan, and then be consistent in the follow through. He has promised in His Word that fasting properly breaks yokes, tears down strongholds and causes our our health to “spring up speedily.” None of this will happen if we only fast once in a while.

“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21)

3. BIBLE STUDY

Being consistent in Bible study makes an invaluable difference in maturing spiritually. Perhaps you read the Bible every day. But do you study it? We can read God’s Word on many levels. One of the first ways we learn to read His Word is by starting with “Bible Stories” such as David & Goliath, Noah’s Ark. Daniel In The Lion’s Den. Perfect. This is absolutely the best place to start. However, there are so many other ways to study His Word in a deeper way. There are so many nuggets to mine out of the Word. Read deeper. Study deeper. Memorize scriptures. What do people’s names mean? They matter. What do the names of cities mean? They matter. How did a Bible character handle a similar situation to what you’re dealing with? It matters. I’m a firm believer that there is an answer in the Word of God for every question, situation or problem we might have. The answer will either be found in commandment, example or principle.

”Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

”Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)

4. SLEEP

This may seem an odd thing to think about being consistent in. Many will be happy to read it here. The truth is we don’t get enough of it. Sleep is when our body and mind heal, resets and gets refreshed. Our generation stays so stressed and filled with anxiety. We go go go, and fill the rest of our time in front of screens. Bodies weren’t designed to function properly in that condition. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Sick? Frustrated? Undone? Overdone? Anxious? Sorrowful? Go to sleep.

“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.”  (Psalm 127:2)

5. EXERCISE

Similar to sleep mentioned above, our bodies need to move. They were not designed to be sedentary. Without going into anything scientific or medical, which I’m not qualified to do, we can simply take a visit back to the Garden of Eden. God didn’t create Adam & Eve, and place them in an office building surrounded by monitors, wires and cushy chairs. He placed them in a garden, and told them to take care of it. From the beginning, their lives were filled with motion and work.Their bodies were, no doubt, healthy, muscle-toned and strong. Their lives were the exact opposite of sedentary.

When we don’t get enough movement, stretching and lifting, our bodies become weak, and depression sets in. Lack of consistent movement affects our mental state. It doesn’t have to be in a gym. I can’t with a clear conscience even suggest that unless it’s a ladies only or men only facility or class time…but that’s for another blogpost. I can suggest, however, that you make time to get outside on a regular basis. Work in the garden, do yard work, walk the neighborhood, take the grands to the park, do jumping jacks on the carport, buy a jump rope…just get moving.

6. GIVING

This one tests our spiritual maturity level, for sure. Christians are called to be givers. The first area of giving we think of is money, and it’s absolutely needful. We are called to give a tithe of our income to the Lord. A tithe is one tenth. Ten dollars out of every one hundred. You might say you can’t afford to pay tithes. Friend, you cannot afford NOT to pay tithes. Scripturally, it belongs to God. We are not only called to pay tithes, but to also give offerings. It is God’s tithe, and our offerings. The Word declares we rob God when we refuse to give.

”Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.” (Malachi 3:8)

Beyond tithes and offerings, we have so much we can give. Mainly, our time, attention and energy. When we spend time with people, gifting them one of our most precious resources, we assure them Jesus’ love is working through His people. Make the phone call. Cook the meal. Sit on their porch and visit. Listen to their stories with a smile and a nod…again. Rake their yard. Babysit their children. Do their grocery shopping. The opportunities to give consistently are endless.

”Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38)

7. MINISTRY

Here’s an area we need to remind ourselves that takes consistent attention. We don’t say it out loud, but there is an unspoken belief that Ministry will somehow just fall upon us with no effort. Granted, our God-given calling may present itself with no previous thought on our part. God chooses callings. What we choose to do with those callings, however, become ministries. We can sit on a calling, tucking it away unseen, and it will not develop into a Ministry. Or we can focus on it, hone our skills in that area and mature it into a ministry that is beneficial to the Kingdom of God. It’s our choice.

A singer must practice singing. A teacher must practice teaching. A preacher must practice preaching. A writer must practice writing. You get the idea. What are you called to do? What is your gifting? Are you practicing it consistently? Will that song ever get written? Will that lesson ever get taught? Will that message ever get preached? Will that book ever get written? OUCH! I just stepped on my own toes! That thing you’re called to do…practice it daily.

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6-8)

IN SUMMARY

Whatever you are called to do, it’s going to take consistent doing. Let’s do a personal evaluation of what we’re called to do, and how we are working to make that happen. It won’t come to fruition without a commitment to consistency.

Warm Regards In Jesus’ Name!

~Pat~

 

10 Ways To Navigate Social Media Highlight Reels

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash

”Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29)

I remember long ago in a church far, far away there was a testimony service. My friend stood up in the midst, offered a sheepish smile to the congregation, and began to expound on her morning getting ready for church. It went something like, “I slept right through the alarm. The boys refused the get out of bed. Everybody bickered at breakfast. My husband and I ended up in a full shouting match in the car on the way. As I was coming inside, I realized I was wearing two different shoes, and to top it all off, I have a run in my hose.”

There was an awkward silence followed by muffled snickers. Not be because it was funny, but because each of us could relate. We had just never considered letting anyone else know of our own struggles…especially not people in the church who we were always trying to measure up to. She concluded her testimony by exhorting beautifully about the goodness of God in the midst of her less than perfect circumstances.

This event was before social media made its entrance into our lives. Now, as I sit and peruse my friends’ and acquaintances’ newsfeeds, they all seem to have such perfectly immaculate and pristine lives. Mine included.

We post the stunning sunsets and mountain vistas. We share the joyful memories and delightful surprises. We document wedding proposals and grand babies’ first steps. But rarely do you see the days of agonizing sickness, or reckless words hurled in a heated moment. We would never admit publicly how we slammed down a frying pan, took a swing at the dog or threw our hands up in despair for the second time this month. Our fear, fury and failures are off limits to the general public…and so should they be.

On occasion, I have seen the opposite approach to social media. I’ve been inadvertently brought along on people’s nighttime refrigerator raids, included in their struggle to find the perfect outfit for an event that’s a year away, and have been caught in the crossfire of unrestrained and scathing attacks on an unsuspecting person’s character.

I’m not suggesting that we open the vaults of ugliness, and sell tickets. I am suggesting, however, that we remember what we see on social media are generally only the highlight reels of people’s lives.

THE NEED FOR PARAMETERS

Free speech is a wonderful liberty, and I’m a fan of it. But liberty should always be guided by the Fruit of the Spirit with some wisdom and discretion thrown in. If visiting social media land leaves you overly emotional from one end of the spectrum to the other, here are a few parameters you can put in place to keep things in perspective:

  1. Choose to use social media for a specific purpose rather than as a daily diary. Perhaps you have a business, and use your platform to promote your products. If you are a minister, you might use your internet space to share the gospel, and draw attention to the miraculous works of God. When you go on the trip of a lifetime, you’ll definitely want to document your travels…and of course, you’re going to share grand baby photos;)
  2. Be mindful of how your post might be perceived. Will it encourage, or discourage? Allow God’s Spirit to guide you. When in doubt, don’t.
  3. Don’t use social media as therapy. If you’re struggling emotionally, posting to social media will no doubt generate many responses. Ten out of ten will most likely give differing advice from the rest. What you need is a godly person who is trustworthy to confide in. A Holy Ghost filled pastor or counselor is a good starting place. If you must reach out to them via technology, do so privately.
  4. Don’t post in anger. Take some time. Get some distance from the source of your frustration. Pray for a season. Don’t blast people publicly.
  5. Limit your time on social media. Decide on a realistic allotment of daily time, and stick to it. Set a timer if you have to. Focus your time on personal relationships and beneficial pastimes.
  6. Selectively “unfriend” or “unfollow” people. Unfriend people whose lifestyles are blatantly promoted on social media as against the Word of God. Unfollow people whose posts cause consistent negative impact in your daily social media viewing.
  7. Don’t believe everything you read or watch on social media.
  8. Don’t compare your life to those spotlighted on social media. Realize what they are choosing to show the public is only a fraction of the whole.
  9. Choose to use social media, the internet and technology as tools to learn by, not live by.
  10. Spend time with God in prayer and in His Word daily before spending time on social media.

IN SUMMARY 

There’s never been a generation with more access to information than ours. With great access comes great responsibility. As Christians, we have the responsibility of being good stewards over our own lives, as well as others’ who we choose to interact with. In all interactions, we are called to use wisdom, discretion and the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Warm Regards,

~Pat~