How often have you read a scripture, even shared it, taught or preached on it, only to return to the same scripture and find something else! The scriptures say that the word (the Bible) is the Lord’s inspired word, it’s alive (Hebrews 4:12). In July 2021, we released an 11-part series on a scripture Proverbs 3:5-6.
If you would like to read this before you start on today’s message, here is a link to part one
https://encounterministries.org.nz/uncategorized/trust-in-the-lord-part-1-proverb-35-6/ .
(At the bottom of each part, you will see a link to the next part).
Today I would like to take another approach to this same scripture. Something the Lord pointed out to me just recently. I think is very relevant for the times we are currently in.
Let’s start by reading it out of the passion translation. I have underlined four things we will be talking about today.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (TPT)
Wisdom’s Guidance
Trust in the Lord completely,
and do not rely on your own opinions.
With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. Don’t think for a moment that you know it all,
As sons and daughters of an amazing Father, brothers and sisters of Jesus, our Lord and King, also empowered by the Holy Spirit. We may have diverse vocations and ministries, yet all serve the same purpose. Over 2000 years ago, Jesus revealed this purpose and core to the world. However, it actually began in the Garden of Eden, approximately 4000 years before Jesus’ birth.
Genesis 1:27-28 (NKJV)
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Our purpose has always been the same, and Jesus’ teachings perfectly illustrate this. Paul elaborates on it in Romans 12:2, but the underlying message remains consistent.
Romans 12:2 (TPT)
Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.
In my own life and the lives of others I’ve helped or walked with, I’ve noticed a pattern. When we stray from our purpose, we’re vulnerable to significant problems orchestrated by the enemy. These problems aim to rob us of our true identity and purpose, ultimately depleting and even destroying us. Consider Saul’s story.
Rise to Power (1 Samuel 9-11)
Disobedience and Rejection (1 Samuel 13-15)
The Death of Saul (1 Samuel 31)
After losing his identity and purpose, he spiralled deeper into destruction. We often believe we’re immune to such challenges until we face them firsthand.
Interestingly, our identity and purpose determine our success in this world and our riches in the next. This is why the enemy targeted them in the wilderness with Jesus. The Father’s declaration of Jesus’ true identity and purpose was now being tested. However, Jesus possessed a weapon far more powerful than Satan. The Father had not only revealed Jesus’ true identity and purpose but also given him a direct line to Himself through the Holy Spirit. This is something we can access, allowing us to follow Jesus and achieve our purpose.
To do this, we must become intimate with the Father and undergo a transformative process through the Holy Spirit. This involves a complete reformation of our thinking. Becoming intimate with the Father changes our heart, while becoming intimate with the Holy Spirit changes our mind. Both are now available to us through Jesus, the body of Christ. Therefore, becoming intimate with Jesus brings about a change in our spiritual body, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17,which states that anyone united with Christ is a new creation.
Jesus said , “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” in John 14:6.
But I wonder how many of us have taken up this offer and become intimate with the Father ?
Jesus also said “I will ask the Father and he will give you another Savior, the Holy Spirit of Truth, who will be to you a friend just like me—and he will never leave you. The world won’t receive him because they can’t see him or know him. But you will know him intimately, because he will make his home in you and will live inside you” in John 14:16 (TPT)
But I wonder how many of us have truly understood this and become intimate with the Holy Spirit ?
Lastly Jesus said “I am a true sprouting vine, and the farmer who tends the vine is my Father. He cares for the branches connected to me by lifting and propping up the fruitless branches and pruning every fruitful branch to yield a greater harvest. The words I have spoken over you have already cleansed you. So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine” in John 15:1-4 (TPT)
I wonder how many of us have become intimately joined to Jesus ?
I think that’s enough for today.
Challenge Time
- Ask the Father the following prayer: Father which one would you like me to focus on and becoming intimate with first, You Father, your son Jesus or Your Spirit (Holy Spirit)?
- Write down what He says……………
- Now simply add what He revealed to you, into the following prayer: …………………… (Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit) would you reveal to me who you really are ? Write down everything you see, hear etc
- Now simply spend time with this part of the trinity. Asking Him questions and seeking Him.
- After you have become intimate with this part of the trinity. Ask the Father which one is next and repeat as above. Until you have become intimate with the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Father, as your children approach you, would you help them unite with you? As your brothers and sisters, Jesus, come to you, would you help them unite with you? Holy Spirit, would you help them unite with you? I ask all this in Jesus name amen.
For those of you, who want to place an offering at the alter or plant a financial seed in the fertile ground of the Lord. Maybe you could contribute in someway towards His House, we are currently building. To equip the saints for ministry, then release His word through them, in a variety of ways.
Below is a link to a secure website, so you can do this safely online.
https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=87bf3759-ef4a-4ae2-ac5d-902b82587e44
Or our bank account details for New Zealand memebers,
Encounter Centre – 03-0481-0007448-000
If you require a receipt for tax purposes please email to info@encounterministries.org.nz
Craig Patten
Founding Pastor/Prophet
Encounter Centre & Ministries