Deeply Rooted

 

 This week the Lord stopped me in my tracks as I was reading The Passion Translation of 1 Timothy 3:16:: "The mystery of righteousness is Jesus Christ within the believer." In his note on this verse, Brian Simmons stated, "We must faithfully embrace the mysteries of our faith, while keeping a clean conscience." He also noted that the Aramaic translation of 'mystery' in this verse is 'arza,' or cedar tree. His comment made things further come alive for me: "A cedar tree has deep, firm roots. So must our faith be rooted inside these mysteries." 

     Holy Spirit spoke further:  "In these times ahead My people MUST be deeply rooted in order not to be blown away by the coming storm." According to multiple prophetic words over a significant period of time, this month (and possibly beyond) promises to be extremely challenging. However, God has told us not to be afraid. Yet he has also told us to prepare and STAND. Even those of us who have been long-term believers, grounded in the Word, must at this time go even deeper, not only for ourselves, but to help others whose roots may be relatively shallow....not particularly grounded either in Scripture or in their personal relationship with the Lord.  Are we strong enough in these times to be a cedar or oak upon which others can lean for truth, guidance, and assurance?

     Below are some Scriptures and insights I was given regarding the state of our root system.  [I am happy to email the entire PowerPoint presentation I gave at church last Sunday, if anyone would like it. It is much more extensive and visual than this post.]

     Let's recall a few Scriptures that should further enlighten us with God's 'tree' metaphors.  

• "Remain deeply rooted in Him, built up in Him and confirmed in your trust, the way you were taught, so that you overflow with thanksgiving." --Colossians 2:7
• "...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. The will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor."  --Isaiah 61:3
• "that we may be no longer children (spiritually immature) tossed back and forth (like ships on a stormy sea) and carried about by every wind of (shifting) doctrine, by the cunning and trickery of (unscrupulous men, by the deceitful scheming of people ready to do anything (for personal profit)."  --Ephesians 4:14 AMP
• "What delight comes to the one who follows God's ways! He won't walk in step with the wicked, nor share the sinner's way, nor be found sitting in the scorner's seat. His passion is to remain true to the Word of 'I AM,' meditating day and night on the true revelation of light [Torah]. He will be standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God's design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss, bearing fruit in every season of life."  --Psalm 1::1-3

As we look at the upcoming months, we must stand firm against all oppression from any of the seven pillars of our culture, including our current government. 

• "Fear of human beings is a snare, but he who trusts in ADONAI will be raised high (above danger). --Proverbs 29:25 CJB
• "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."
• "Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand." --Ephesians 6: 10+
• "But the evil men...will progress from bad to worse, deceived and deceiving, as they lead the people further from the truth. But you must continue to advance in strength with the truth wrapped around your heart." --2 Timothy 3: 13-14 TPT

What follows is a condensed version of suggested ways to remain (or become) 'deeply rooted.:

• Draw close to the Lord (even more so than ever before). Spend dedicated daily time in both prayer and listening. Turn off your electronic devices and put aside other distractions. 
• Study (don't just read) His Word
• Listen to His Rhema word through His prophets so that you will be both aware and encouraged 
• Speak forth (decree) His Word (both Logos and Rhema). Partner with Him to declare His Will....His Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven
• Keep a clean conscience
• Forgive
• Run from idolatry (including superstitious gestures and apostate phrases and pursuits (crossing your fingers, knocking on wood, referring to  'karma,' .studying horoscopes, gambling..... All these seemingly harmless actions are a form of idolatry.
• Watch what you 'eat,' what you take into your soul for 'entertainment' or 'information'.  These can also pull up your roots.  Test question:  "Would Yeshua be pleased with your choices? Ask Him.

"Whatever builds up your faith and deepens your love must become your holy pursuit."  -1 Timothy 2:22b

"God has transmitted His very substance into every Scripture, for it is God-breathed. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness. Then you will be God's servant, fully mature and perfectly prepared to fulfill any assignment God gives you."  --2 Timothy 3:16

We need strong faith beyond our circumstances, what we see, hear, feel, and experience.  

• "Without faith it is impossible to please God."  --Hebrews 11:6
• "Believe in the Lord your God and you shall be established; believe His prophets and you shall prosper."  --2 Chronicles 20:20

Lastly, how do we both STAND and MOVE, deeply rooted? Remember the trees in Narnia who joined the battle against evil when called by Aslan? Here are some suggestions:

• Praise and Worship (bring down strongholds) in English and in the Spirit
• Decree God's will and plans . Say what He says out loud...both Logos and Rhema.* ("Decree a thing and it will be established." Job 20
• Know the power and authority the Lord has given you as a believer
• Speak up and speak out in our culture!
• Hold your position without flinching. Be bold and courageous, yet personally humble (tricky)
• Refuse to give in, bow, or comply with evil or unjust orders.
• Join in the re-covenanting of our nation with God Almighty
• 
  

Do not be afraid!  God is with us and He is for us!  Stand firm, deeply rooted, and don't forget to move!  He has awesome plans for our nation and for the world.!

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*To be encouraged by God's Rhema words and receive suggestions for decrees in this time in history, I recommend listening to Elijah Streams. on Rumble or at elijahstreams.com, especially Tim Sheets, Donna Rigney, Barry Wunsch, Amanda Grace, Charlie Shamp, etc,. Also Julie Green on Rumble and other messages via Tim Sheets on YouTube. Dutch Sheets has also published a Give Him 15 devotional with decrees for each day (Kindle or print).