Terry Casales - April 29th, 2021
(Photo: Two Hemispheres Band Wagon - karlking.us)
The phrase “to jump on the bandwagon” means to become involved in an activity that is already successful so that you can get the advantages of it yourself.
Beloved, don’t be so quick to get involved in what others are doing because it looks successful. All that glitters is not gold. It may look good on the surface, but that does not mean that it is from Me - that it is something I Am calling you to do and to take part in. If you step ahead of Me you risk giving birth to an Ishmael and that is not My will for you. It is very important now more than ever to seek Me first in all things before you take action. You are to seek My counsel above the counsel of others.
And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’ ” - Job 28:28 - NKJV
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. - Matthew 6:33 - NKJV
There is a fear in this society that has been introduced and ingrained into the hearts of the people in recent years. The term FOMO or “fear of missing out” is defined as a worried feeling that you may miss exciting events that other people are going to, especially caused by things you see on social media. This fear is no doubt linked with the comparison spirit where you can see others achieve or receive what you have been praying for, waiting for and contending for for many years.
When the Lord has given you a unique promise and it seems like it is taking forever to come to pass, it is so easy to begin to feel like the whole world is passing you by. It feels like you have “missed” God somewhere along the way and you wonder if it is you that is creating the delay. This delay may introduce the temptation to give up, buckle under the peer pressure to “comply” and “compromise” your spiritual convictions.
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 - NKJV
This is very similar to what Daniel had to deal with, living under Babylonian rule and, yet, continuing to be faithful and obedient unto the Lord, no matter what it would cost him. No doubt he and his brothers were regularly tempted to dine with Nebuchadnezzar at court, invited to partake of their food and delicacies. Instead, Daniel chose to wait on the Lord, stay the course and God honored his obedient heart. Daniel understood that he needed to live a life of consecration with clean hands and a pure heart before the Lord. He understood that he needed to live and to operate as the pure vessel God created him to be.
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. - Daniel 1:8 - NKJV
We can see a similar spiritual mindset in the story of Martha and Mary. Martha allowed the things, the worries and the cultural expectations of the world to distract her from seeing what was right in front of her. Jesus invited her to sit with Him but she chose to serve him instead. Mary, on the other hand, understood the importance of relationship with her Lord and Savior and receiving the treasures of His wisdom and revelation far above the cares of this world. It is important to be intentional to position yourself before the Lord in the secret place and listen for His voice to speak to your heart. Beloved, everything you will ever need or want comes from your intimate relationship with God.
But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:42 - NKJV
He said, “You have been given a teachable heart to perceive the secret, hidden mysteries of God’s kingdom realm. But to those without a listening heart, my words are merely stories. Even though they have eyes, they are blind to the true meaning of what I say, and even though they listen, they won’t receive full revelation. - Luke 8:10 - TPT
Even Solomon understood the value of the wisdom of God over the things this world could offer him. God saw Solomon’s heart posture toward Him and He rewarded him.
Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king— - 2 Chronicles 1:11 - NKJV
Beloved, remember that God will never lead you into something that He is not a part of. Always allow the Holy Spirit to give you the discernment that you need when you are tempted to step into something God has not called you to. Step away from the noise and confusion brought by the enemy. Press into God’s presence beloved. Linger with Him in the secret place. The more you do this, the more you shall receive His revelation, understanding, divine strategies and clarity for what you were created to do and to be in this new era.
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