It is time for another Christmas message. This however, will not be the traditional one because I must continue encouraging you to expect the impossible. We must be like Mary, the mother of Jesus. When she heard God's Word she received it; believing what was told unto her she expected the impossible, and by God's Spirit she became pregnant. Then God's Word came unto Joseph telling him about Mary. He too believed and obeyed God's instructions and took her to be his wife. Because of this Jesus was born. This great work of God became our Salvation, and because of Him we too can hear, believe and receive the impossible.
According to Hebrews 1:1 we are living in the last days. In this time we have several ways of hearing from the LORD. It is well known that we have His Word, The Holy Scriptures. However, less known and even less accepted is the fact that we, believers, can hear from God through dreams, visions and prophecy. Look at the scripture shown below; notice that we should expect dreams, visions and prophecies to be a part of the Christian life. Wasn't this foretold by God through the prophet Joel? (See Joel 2:28-32.) Surely this is for us today since it is repeated in the book of Acts.
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and daughters shall prophesy and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on my servants and my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: and I will show wonders in the heavens above, and signs in the earth beneath. (Acts 2:17).
All of the above ways of hearing from God were employed through the prophets before Jesus was born. God has not changed. Today, these ways of hearing from God are still active through His prophets. These are men and women that hold the testimony of Jesus. (Rev. 19:10). We are reminded that prophecy is to foretell events, to speak under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, or to exercise the prophetic office (Re: Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible). Never forget that all prophecies from God will line up with His Word as it is written in the Bible. Therefore, do not be deceived by false prophets of which there are many.
Signs and wonders, even what we call miracles, have exposed, and will continue to expose the power and authority of God. Even His personality is shown through these acts.
When Jesus was born He performed what was impossible for man and made all things possible for us, the children of God. So, expect the impossible. Surely the LORD God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth [the Holy Spirit], is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear [from the Father], that shall he speak [to His servants and handmaidens]; and he will show you things to come. (John 16:13)
Do not be afraid to ask God to show you things concerning His works in your life and in the world. If you believe, have forgiven others and ask God to forgive you it is your right to know.
JoAnn's note: In our last newsletter I asked that you pray for my strength to return. It has! Thank you for praying. The swelling has gone from my breast bone, and in a November 7, chest x-ray all bones appeared to be clear of cancer. We believe that God has healed me and we are thanking Him for His mercy. Please join us in thanking God for the completion of His work in me. Both Dean and I wish you a merry Christmas.