The Cocoon by Marsha Burns
Current restrictions and subsequent isolation have left many of us feeling like we are in a cocoon. We want to experience the freedom that God has given us. We are still in what seems to be a never-ending process. We want to believe that we are nearing the end of the current transition.
The Lord continues to speak to us about this time of transition, admonishing us to be patient and to persevere:
"Current times call for extraordinary perseverance to endure the difficulties and delays in achieving your goals. Refuse to allow agitation and impatience to impede your progress. What you do now will define your future in many ways. Seek Me for direction."
The days ahead will require patience and perseverance. We are not to get ahead of ourselves by moving forward without His direction. We are to be slow and steady and secure.
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4)
The Lord says, "These are exceptional times of change and discovery that will lead to breakthrough. You will look back on these days as being pivotal. Today is not only the first day of the rest of your life, but a day of leaving the past behind. Continue on with confidence in My Word and presence."
In thinking about being in a proverbial cocoon and how impatient we tend to become, I do not believe there is any impatience involved in the actual four stages of metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult) that produce a beautiful butterfly. I do believe that each stage has its own concentrated development according to its predetermined creation. Similarly, our Creator is transforming us into His image and there are stages to our growth and development which are necessary for our spiritual development. (Photo via Unsplash)
We cannot confuse being conformed to this world, in the sense of getting back to the business at hand, with being transformed into the image of God. One is a work of the flesh, and the other the work of divine perfection, which cannot or will not be hurried.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)
"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18)
This work in us will be done in God's perfect will and timing. So, we need to settle down in this time of confinement and let Him have His way.
True Worshipers by Bill Burns
"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:23-24)
First of all, we can see that God is seeking, looking for those who will truly worship Him in spirit and truth. The definition of a true worshiper is more than one who occasionally praises or sings to Him. It is more than one who occasionally acknowledges Him, prays to Him or give thanks to Him. It is one who honors God by living in the Spirit and living a life of ongoing worship. Loving God with all your heart makes a true worshiper.
"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." (John 14:21)
"And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment." (Mark 12:30)
A true worshiper lives and walks in the Holy Spirit.
What does that mean? It means that we live in spiritual awareness, connected and led by the Spirit of the Lord.
"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25)
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." (Romans 6:14)
When we become true worshipers we live, walk, pray and sing in the Spirit because the Holy Spirit connects us to Jesus and the Father.
We worship in truth when we seek the truth through the Holy Spirit.
"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come." (John 16:13)
He will reveal the truth and guide us into truth. His word is truth. We know that Jesus is the truth and His Word is truth and that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth and the teacher of truth. This is not new, but the question is: Do we live our lives in a position of truth? Are we honest with ourselves when the Holy Spirit reveals the truth about us when we are wrong or in sin or have gone off course? (Photo via Unsplash)
Conviction received and correction made is one way to worship in truth.
"If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth." (1 John 1:6)
"And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: 'My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens and scourges every son whom He receives.'" (Hebrews 12:5-6)
We are restored to righteousness when we submit to the truth about ourselves and worship the Lord in that truth. The true worshiper is always thankful!
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works! Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore! Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth." (Psalm 105:1-5)
The blessing to the true worshiper is God's grace and freedom.
"Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love." (2 John 1:3)
"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
Truth reveals the devil's lies and will free you from his tyranny.
God is seeking after those who worship in spirit and truth. Be one of those!
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Bill and Marsha Burns
Faith Tabernacle
Email:Â streamlining@gmail.com
Website:Â www.ft111.com
Bill and Marsha Burns are pastors of Faith Tabernacle in Kremmling, Colorado. Bill has a powerful prophetic gifting. His heart is to equip the Body of Christ for the work of the ministry. Marsha is a teacher and prophet with pastoral anointing. She has been commissioned by the Lord to prophesy to the nations through "Small Straws In a Soft Wind" sent out via the Internet.
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