Menu

Expectant Prayers ®

Jennifer Jo Weiss

Buzz Word - Paradigm

"And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to My judgments: and they shall keep My laws and my statutes in all Mine assemblies; and they shall hallow My sabbaths. " 
Ezekiel 44:23-24



There have been a few "buzz words" resonating with my spirit, which I want to share with you.  I believe that the Lord has been saying to watch for them, expect them, and do not be swayed by them.  Why?  Because every Christian needs to know what's in store for the Church and things aren't always wrapped in obvious packaging.  Remember, there is a thread of truth that runs throughout most false ideas!  We need to watch and guard ourselves.


  PARADIGM

Pronounced; pair - a - dime. 

First, what is a paradigm?  A paradigm is an outstandingly clear example, pattern, or model.   The definition even uses the word “framework”. 

I began hearing this word a couple of years ago in relation to the church – especially the emerging church.  The quote was that we’re feeling a “shift in the paradigm”.  Of course, those who are deceived hear and think about this in one way – that it’s out with the old and in with the “new”.  They have been enlightened with new, exciting knowledge about what’s happening in the Spirit and things are shifting our way.   They’re floating down the river pulled by the fast current of the emerging church and happily headed toward the ocean of one world everything.

In recent days, I have heard the word  - paradigm - in increasing proportions from sources that aren’t based in Biblical venues.  People are feeling a shift.  Now, you know as well as I do that when the secular world begins to speak and testify of Spiritual truths, you had better watch for something.   In reality, the rest of us know for a fact there is a shift from what was once normal to the sublime. 

My friends, the paradigm IS shifting… from once outstandingly clear examples, patterns, or models of living, social structure, moral and social behavior, Biblical standards and guidelines, scruples, faith… you name it!  The model is changing and I don’t like the shape that it’s being molded into.  To use the word from the definition, the framework of everything we have known and have been taught is changing.   Think about this in the terms of our nation.  What is the framework?  The Constitution!  Yes, even the Constitution itself is in danger with this shifting paradigm. 

I’ve had a famous quote over the years, “If our grandparents were alive and here on earth today, they would say, ‘What in the world happened?’”   I’ve said it so much lately that I am sounding like a broken record…if anyone knows what that is anymore.  Can you imagine what your grandparents would think about this present world?  This goes for the smut that we have flashed before our eyes on television (and that’s just the commercials) clear down to the modern lack of morals and Biblical standards.  I even ask myself, “Would they even recognize this entertainment that we call church?”  What would they say about our global mindset?   What would they say about lack of self sufficiency?  What about the family structure and the lack of value placed on life?  What was clear cut is now somewhere in between.  What people say has no meaning any more.  The constitution has little meaning and being replaced by private interpretations.  Have we gone mad? Surely they would know what hour we live in!   We, however, have been slowly desensitized and duped.   We're the frog that got boiled. 

BRINGING IT HOME:

The scales of spirituality have tipped in this world, but not for the better.  Does this mean we pack it up and stop speaking the truth?   Heavens, no!  It simply means that we must keep working until He comes.

I want to focus on something that was on my heart last night as I began to prepare this message.  There are certain things in the will of God that man would like to stop, but will be unable to.   But never lose hope for one minute because GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL.    We MUST be a people who walk by faith and not by sight.  He's always steering the boat and one of these days will come back in power and glory to rule and reign forever!

We can take an example from the Bible to gain insight into when things feel like they are going wrong.  Peter would have loved to prevent the Son of God from suffering death.  Matthew  16: 21-23 gives us a glimpse into this encounter. From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took Him, and began to rebuke Him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind Me, Satan: thou art an offence unto Me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. “

Even though Peter knew this was the will of God - because Jesus warned him ahead of time that it was -  he still fought it…even to the night Jesus was betrayed and turned over to the soldiers and officials.  He even went as far as to cut off the priest’s servant’s ear.  Jesus commanded Peter ,  "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"

You see, we have to be careful  we do not have the mindset of men, but keep our eyes on the things of God.  We tell each other and God, these things cannot be!  Would God say to us in this hour, "Get thee behind me satan!  You look for and desire the things of men, not God!"

We stand at a "shift" today and God is telling us as He always has... these things must happen, but then the end will come.   We can't begin writing our own ending to the Bible - it's already been written by one far greater than us.  If you have ears to hear... then hear and discern the signs of the times.  There are some things that won't change just because we pray and ask God to change them - especially as we move closer to the return of the Lord.  Things will unfold in His perfect timing, not OURS!  Our job is to labor in the harvest, prepare ourselves for His return, tell others about Him, stand firm in our beliefs in every way possible, and continue to be light and salt until that day comes. 

Learn the tricks of "PARADIGM" thinking: 

 - appealing to our desire for something new (change)

- Using consensus as a weapon.  If every one's jumping in the river - that's your first red flag

- desensitizing you with ideas and goals that look good on the surface, but are contrary to God's will/Word (especially via media)

- conflicting your Christian/moral beliefs with what is socially acceptable or what the consensus deems as "right"

- trying to convert your emotions will, mind, and spirit


God is and will continue to pour out His Spirit on all flesh.  You're not going to miss anything wonderful that God has in store for those who put their faith, trust, and hope in HIM.  Don't cave to the fear that if you don't engage in what the consensus feels is right  - especially in the church - that you're going to miss out.  Stop listening to the voices that demand you let go of what you've known and open up.  You must use discretion and discernment.  Remember, God has given His Spirit to all men - not just a select few "gurus".  The question is, "Are you willing to listen?"

Go Back