Making Friends of God

 

Abraham, spoken of in Scripture as a 'friend of God' (see 2 Chronicles 20:7; Is. 41:8; James 2:23), was a powerful intercessor and the first one mentioned in the Bible. He wasn't God's friend because he was an intercessor; he was an intercessor because he was God's friend. The difference may be subtle, but I assure you it isn't small. He was quite bold in his intercession, by the way, asking God questions like, 'Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?'(see Genesis 18:25).

Intimate relationships produce this kind of boldness; not an arrogant irreverence, but a confident boldness that eliminates the fear of rejection or being misunderstood. When I need a favor, I ask a friend or family member, not a stranger. If it's in that person's power to help me, he or she does. God wants us to be on such intimate terms with Him that it produces bold, confident and effective intercession. I desperately desire that you would experience this type of intimacy in your relationship with God.

And the interceding friends of God become history makers. I have been smitten by this thought: We can either watch history being made, or we can make it. A few years ago on my birthday, a friend gave me a beautiful pen inscribed with the words 'History Maker.' Will I really become one? We'll know in 20 or 30 years. But I can assure you of one thing - I'm going to spend my life investing in the process. Being a history makes sometimes results in the sacrifice of our time, money, and comforts in order to respond to the invitations God gives us. A halfhearted reply or no response to our epoch-making opportunity can also be costly. Let's not make that mistake. Winston Churchill once said, "I'm not afraid of what history will say about me, because I intend to write it." That's my position – how about you?

 

DUTCH SHEETS MINISTRIES © 2007All rights reserved. Click here to submit prayer request. (Please include this line to forward the message).

Wrestle with God

"Your name will now be Israel, because you have wrestled with God and with people, and you have won." (Genesis 32:28)

The word Jabbok in Hebrew means "wrestle," and wrestle is what Jacob did. He wrestled with his past: all the white lies, scheming, and scandalizing. He wrestled with his situation: a spider trapped in his own web of deceit and craftiness. But more than anything, he wrestled with God.

Jacob wrestled with God the entire night. On the banks of Jabbok he rolled in the mud of his mistakes. He met God face to face, sick of his past and in desperate need of a fresh start. And because Jacob wanted it so badly, God honored his determination. God gave him a new name and a new promise. But he also gave a wrenched hip as a reminder of that mysterious night at the river.

We too should unmask our stained hearts and grimy souls and be honest with the One who knows our most secret sins. The result could be refreshing. We know it was for Jacob.

After his encounter with God, Jacob was a new man.

THE TEACHING MINISTRY of MAX LUCADO © 1998 - 2007

Excerpted From God Came Near (Please include this line to forward this message).

The Twelve - Minor Prophets

In our Wednesday evening Bible study, we have just begun a journey through the so called "Minor Prophets". They are not minor in importance than the more familiar names, simply shorter in size. The Jewish people often refer to them as "the twelve".

I do not think it is a coincidence that there are twelve of them. Twelve is a highly significant number if the Bible. There are twelve tribes of Israel. There were twelve original apostles. There are twelve gates in the New Jerusalem.

Many people assume that the twelve are in some form of chronological order, but that is not the case. They appear in our Bible in the order they did in the Jewish books. They are varied explanation as to the order of their appearance, but I haven't found one that makes an airtight case yet, so I won't speculate.

Prophet	Date (BC)
Obadiah	840 - 830
Hosea	830 - 750
Joel	780 - 740
Jonah	765 - 725
Amos	760
Micah	740 - 700
Nahum	640 - 620
Zephaniah	640 - 609
Habakkuk	608 - 605
Haggai	520
Zechariah	520 - 480
Malachi	420 - 400

In our study group we started with Hosea chapter one, and will work our way through each of them. Hosea starts out with some pretty rough stuff. God tells the prophet to take for himself an adulterous wife. Some translations even call her a harlot. Whichever, he is to marry a woman he knows will be unfaithful. Hosea's marriage is to be a warning to the divided kingdom (Israel and Judah) about their spiritual unfaithfulness and His impending judgment on them. God allowed the enemies of Israel to triumph and carry her off into captivity

The kingdoms are materially wealthy, ungodly, blasphemous, self focused and deep in sin. They do not even acknowledge God's provision. Even within the priestly class there are great sins occurring and God's truth is not being proclaimed. Does this sound familiar? It seems to be very much like the western world today. There are even kingdoms determined to eradicate the people of Israel and Christians.

In captivity there was a faithful remnant of God's people. Even if we were to fall totally under the control of Muslims, secular humanists and the like, there would still be a remnant of believers. God never abandons His people.

The first chapter of Hosea ends with some very encouraging words.  
"Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, `You are not my people,' they will be called `sons of the living God.' The people of Judah and the people of Israel will be reunited, and they will appoint one leader and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel. (Hosea 1:10-11 NIV)

God will restore them. He will remember those who are faithful. I am reminded of the promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14 "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Our way of life stands in peril because of our spiritual adultery, but it is not too late. As His people, we can humble ourselves, repent, turn from our ways and seek His face.

GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD MINISTRIES by Kevin F. Corbin © 2001 - 2007. All rights reserved. For prayer request please email us at prayer@gleaningsfromtheword.com (Please include this line to forward the message).

A Fish Story?

 

"You don't really believe that stuff" he said to me. "Who in their right mind would believe that a man could be swallowed by a whale and live?"

 

"I do believe it, with all my heart" I replied. "All of it except for the fact that it was possibly a fish not a whale."

 

"Hah! I got you" he snorted. "The Bible contradicts itself. My Bible says fish in the Old Testament and whale in Matthew 12. It cannot be both."

 

"You are right some translations do say whale in Matthew, but that is an English translation error not a contradiction. Most translations show "big fish" or "great fish". The Greek translated here actually means sea monster or sea creature. Technically, it is not even an error, rather it is confusion generated by modern systems of taxonomy (classification). When the King James Version was translated (1611) the modern classifications which show whales as mammals not fish was not yet invented. A whale was considered to be a form of fish. It was a logical use of the word."

 

A variety of possibilities have been offered as candidates for the "great fish". The whale shark, the largest known of all fish can reach 18 meters in length and weigh 10 tons. The sperm whale is another. Both have been known to be found in the Mediterranean. When I was in South Africa I saw Humpback whales that certainly looked big enough, they reach 45 feet and weigh up to 65 ton. Now, I confess that I do not know enough about fish or whale physiology to know if these candidates are valid possibilities or not. Frankly we do not know what kind of "fish" it was.

 

Just as frankly, it does not really matter whether it was fish, whale or some form of "sea monster" or "sea creature". We are talking about a supernatural occurrence where Jonah was indeed swallowed by something huge that swam in the ocean. It is an actual, literal historical occurrence with supernatural intervention. God created all that existed with a word. He could easily have created a sea creature for just such a purpose, although there are a variety of fish and whales large enough to have done so.

 

It is particularly appropriate that Jonah would be swallowed by a whale/fish/sea creature. He was being sent to Nineveh to minister to people who worshipped a fish god, Dagon. His appearance there after having escaped the mighty fish would have trumped their god hand down.

 

There is no question that the event was a miracle. Actually, there are six direct instances of God's intervention in the Jonah account, some of which involved the divinely directed use of natural phenomena. These were:

Jonah 1:4 NIV
Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up.

 

Jonah 1:17 NIV
But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.

 

Jonah 2:10 NIV
And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

 

Jonah 4:6 NIV
Then the LORD God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine.

 

Jonah 4:7 NIV
But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the vine so that it withered.

 

Jonah 4:8 NIV
When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah's head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, "It would be better for me to die than to live."

Some would even say that the repentance of people of Nineveh constitutes a miracle. I would agree that it is a wondrous example of what God's grace can do, but would not count it a miracle per sae.

 

I recommend that you read all of Jonah. It is a short book, only four chapters long and there is much in it to ponder. It provides great insight into the times in the New Testament when Jesus tells the people that they will see the sign of Jonah. It is quite apparent that Jesus accepted the account as truth. The God of all truth would not use a lie or a myth to show His divinity.

 

Just a Jonah was three days in the belly of the whale then seen alive, so Jesus was three days in death and then seen alive. Our God truly is a God of the miraculous. The biggest miracle of all is that He cares enough about us to offer us salvation purchased by His own blood.

 

GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD MINISTRIES by Kevin F. Corbin © 2001 - 2007. All rights reserved. For prayer request please email us at prayer@gleaningsfromtheword.com (Please include this line to forward the message).

Elijah, A Man Of Prayer

 

In 1 Kings 18 we find the story of how Elijah prayed down the fire of God. To understand why this prayer was so effective we need to look at the historical context. All of chapter 1 Kings 18 needs to be read carefully but here are our observations.

1. Prolonged Faithfulness.

Our story begins in the third year of a famine "Some time later, in the third year" (v.1) Remember Elijah had been praying for at three years. He was being faithful and ready to obey. Faithfulness and abiding in our God is the womb out of which true prayer is born.

2. It Was a Time Of Judgment and Leanness.

"The famine was severe in Samaria." (v.2) Times of leanness are times for faithfulness and prayer. It is appropriate and sometimes the purpose for which God has brought leanness on us. In verse 18 Elijah says to Ahab "I have not brought disaster on Israel. But you and your father's dynasty have, by abandoning the Lord's commandments and following the Baals."

3. Elijah Had Specific Instructions From God.

"The Lord told Elijah, "Go, make an appearance before Ahab, so I may send rain on the surface of the ground. So Elijah went to make an appearance before Ahab." (v.1,2) Many times we go when we have not been sent, but not Elijah, he knew how to wait on God. We have the blessings of God in direct proportion to our obedience.

4. He Based His Prayer On A Definite Promise Of God.

"So I may send rain on the surface of the ground." (v.1) The specifics that we ask for in prayer are not conjured up from within us. They are not empowered by our enthusiasm, but by the will of a Sovereign God. We must be sure that we are thinking God's thoughts and not our own.

5. He Fulfilled The Condition Attached To The Promise.

"So Elijah went to make an appearance before Ahab." (v.2) This was no small thing because wicked Ahab had "sent to every nation and kingdom in an effort to find Elijah." (v.10)  Sometimes obedience is scary but it is always necessary.

6. A Public And Personal Confrontation.

Elijah calls for a confrontation in verse 19, "Now send out messengers and assemble all Israel before me at Mount Carmel, as well as the four hundred fifty prophets of Baal and four hundred prophets of Asherah whom Jezebel supports." The Baal worshipers were not short on enthusiasm "Throughout the afternoon they were in an ecstatic frenzy, but there was no sound, no answer, and no response." (v.29) The enemies of God are zealous in service of their false religions. We pray that our God will manifest Himself in power and glory.

7. Elijah Honored The Revealed Will Of God By Repairing The Altars.

The worship of Jehovah had not been maintained so Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord that had been torn down. "Then Elijah took twelve stones, corresponding to the number of tribes that descended from Jacob. With the stones he constructed an altar for the Lord. Around the altar he made a trench large enough to contain two seahs of seed. He arranged the wood, cut up the bull, and placed it on the wood. God has revealed how we are to approach Him. Elijah protected the glory of God by pouring water on the sacrifice. Then he said, 'Fill four water jars and pour the water on the offering and the wood.' When they had done so, he said, 'Do it again.' So they did it again. Then he said, 'Do it a third time.' So they did it a third time." (v.31-34) This drenching the sacrifice was going to make it abundantly clear that what God does is undeniably His doing. Too often we try to help God when we ought to be obeying, even if it means doing things that appear contrary to God's will.

8. A 30 Second Prayer With A Right Motive.

The power of Elijah's prayer was not in the 62 words he said, nor in the way he said it, or even in the circumstances in which he said it. He experienced such powerful manifestation because God was working "When it was time for the evening offering, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and prayed: 'O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are the true God and that you are winning back their allegiance.' " (v.36,37)

9. True Answer To Prayer Honors God.

"Then fire from the Lord fell from the sky. It consumed the offering, the wood, the stones, and the dirt, and licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell face down to the ground and said, 'The Lord is the true God! The Lord is the true God!'" (v.38,39)

10. The Foundation Is Laid To Deal With Needs.

"Then Elijah told Ahab, 'Go on up and eat and drink, for the sound of a heavy rainstorm can be heard.'" (v.41) The ears of faith can hear the blessing of answered prayer before the fact. Once we are right with God personally and corporately we can experience the blessing of God.

Let's pray that God will do something that is undeniably of Him

A great prayer and a great victory for God and His people, but we forget that Elijah had been alone with God for over three years. It takes a lot of faithful "behind the scenes" praying to make visible victory like Elijah's. A church that prays in the lonely nights will see the blessings on Sunday mornings. "But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."

The victories won by prayer; by prayer must still be held;
The foe retreats, but only when By prayer he is compelled.
(Anonymous)

THE PRAYER STARTER GROUP by Bob Hill teacher at GRACE COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH  (Please include this line to forward the message).

Queen of Sheba

 

"Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions." (I Kings 10:1 NKJ)

The Queen of Sheba was rich and beautiful. She had everything a queen could want - gold, silver, ivory, precious jewels and servants taking care of her every need in the palace. What more could a woman want?

She heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the Name of the Lord.  Even though her people had many gods to worship, none penetrated her heart as the name of the Lord God of Israel. Her heart was so moved by His name that she decided to take a 1,400 mile trip across the desert sands of Arabia to visit this man who knew this God personally.

The trip would take her approximately six months each way with camels being able to travel around 20 miles a day. She took a great caravan of servants, loads of spices, gold and unusual wood to give as gifts. Her heart and soul longed for riches that she did not have, and she sensed they would be discovered through Solomon. Finally, she arrived. It was the grandest palace she had ever laid eyes on. But her purpose wasn't to see the most beautiful archeological place ever built, it was to find a secret treasure.

The secret entrance to the wisdom of the One and only God of the Universe would be worth a year of travel. She talked to Solomon for hours, asking him deep questions about God. She was exhausted, but satisfied by his answers. She found what she had longed for and she said, "Blessed be the Name of Lord."

Jesus mentions the Queen of Sheba in Matthew 12:42.  He honors her desire for His wisdom. The Queen of Sheba took great pains and trouble to find wisdom, yet the wisdom available to her at that time was the lesser wisdom of a man. The wisdom we have access to through Jesus far out shines that of Solomon.

Reflection for us:

If the Queen of Sheba would travel six months to find truth, how much more should we search for wisdom by opening our hearts to Him who freely gives wisdom, truth and the secrets of His heart?

When people travel to our home it is not the seasonal décor or the cleanliness that will ultimately impress our visitors. It is not the perfectly sculpted yard or the new car in the garage.  It's the pearl of spiritual insight that they will be drawn to through the Holy Spirit living through you. They will be full and satisfied when they have departed, and the richness of the visit will live on forever when you impart to them the riches God has placed in your heart.

Your home is where your heart is.  Ask God for wisdom. Spend time getting to know Him and you will not only be spiritually rich, but those who enter your home will find treasures that people have traveled the whole earth in search of. God freely gives spiritual wisdom to those who ask and seek it with all their heart. Seek God's wisdom through prayer and the Bible. Ask Him to help you remember all that you learn from Him and to live it all the time.

Prayer,

Dear Lord, I want every person who walks into my home to find the riches that only You can deliver. Help me to be a conduit for You.   In Jesus' Name, Amen.

" . . .Beautify the place of my sanctuary. . ." (Isaiah 60:13 NKJ)

PROVERBS 31 MINISTRIES by Sharon Glasgow © 2006. All rights reserved. (Please include this line to forward the message).

When Your Heart Hurts

This has been a couple of tough weeks for my family and me! First my father was rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night in a coma with very erratic life signs. He is still in a coma (10 days now) and on a respirator with lots of intravenous tubes. The family is spending lots of time in the hospital setting, watching and waiting. Five days ago, my mother had to see her doctor because of chest pains, but thankfully it was determined it was the result of stress; medication should ease the problem.

Yesterday, I received a call from our oldest son telling me he had just lost his job due to "company restructuring." It doesn't matter that "they hated to let him go," they still did. So house payments and other expenses suddenly seem more daunting than before. I talked to a friend this weekend and he asked, "So, how are you doing?" My response was, "Not so good right now. It seems like we are on an emotional 'see saw' just going up and down."

I know mentally that "this too shall pass" and that with God's help things will eventually get better. I also know that this is something that many of you have gone through yourselves. The cards, letters, and phone calls have been a real blessing. Emotionally though, sometimes my heart hurts.

My heart hurts not just for myself, but for my dad and my mom who have been together for almost 60 years. It hurts for my sister, brother, brother-in-law, and all of the nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that also wait and watch. But, I think I hurt most because I have trouble letting go and letting God handle things, even though intellectually I know that he can.

This morning in my devotional reading, I was reading Psalms 118. After I read that wonderful proclamation of God's love and power, I felt refreshed in my spirit. The Psalm was written in praise of God for delivering the Israelite nation from Babylonian captivity. The writer has a theme to his message found in these words: "You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever" (Psalm 118:28-29 NIV).

Even if we lose jobs or even if death visits us, "He is good and his love endures forever." God has promised us that everything will work out to the good (Romans 8:28), even if we can't see it right now. So I ask you along with asking myself, "Do you really believe God's word?"

I'm not afraid of death, whether it be my father's or my own. I love Paul's simple, yet meaningful quote of an Old Testament description of heaven shared with the Corinthians: But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2:9).

I love that description and promise! This is especially true because we get a glimpse of these great blessings because of God's Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10).

What it all boils down to is that I truly hate the empty place that makes your heart hurt when you think about the separation, even temporarily, from one you love. I hate the sinking feeling that you get when the boss says, "Sorry, but you've been downsized." The bottom line is that I hate the uncertainty that Satan tries to shove into that empty place that says, "You can't rely upon anything or anyone in this life." That's really what happens, isn't it? Whenever there is an empty spot in our lives, Satan jumps in to fill it with his lies!

There is an old hymn that goes something like this:
Into my heart, Into my heart, Come into my heart Lord Jesus, Come in today, Come in to stay, Come into my heart Lord Jesus. That is what I want! I want Jesus there today and to stay!

My prayer is that no matter what happens in this life, even when my heart hurts, that I can fill my heart with Jesus. When I can do that, I know that the hurt will be lessened and I will be reminded that all of this hurt is only temporary. I join the psalmist in saying, "You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever!"

MESSAGES FROM THE HEART by Russ Lawson © 2006. All rights reserved. (Please include this line to forward).

In Time of Need

Nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You. (2 Chronicles 20:12)

Have you ever been in what appeared to be an impossible situation? Have you ever desperately needed something, but it seemed you would never have it? Have you ever thought there was no future for you?

Well, if you've ever felt that way, then you need to know that God can answer prayer and can turn situations around. He can turn people around. And when necessary, He can even change the course of nature. It has been said, "If you are swept off your feet, it's time to get on your knees."

One example that immediately comes to mind is King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Here was a man who had begun to lead the people back to worshiping the true and living God. Suddenly a warning comes: "King Jehoshaphat, your enemies are gathered to attack you." The Bible says he was alarmed.

What is important is what he did with his alarm, with his concern, and with his anxiety. Immediately he gathered the people together and prayed, "We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You" (2 Chronicles 20:12). A prophet gave Jehoshaphat the Lord's answer: "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you. . . . Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you" (2 Chronicles 20:17).

Here is a picture of a vulnerable people who don't know what to do, who are completely dependent upon God. It is a great picture of what to do in time of need.

God answered the prayer of the king and dramatically altered his circumstances by destroying his enemies.

Remember, you can turn to God in prayer in desperate circumstances, and He will hear your cry.

HARVEST MINISTRY by Pastor Greg Laurie © 2006. All rights reserved. (Please include this line to forward).

A Man After God's Heart

And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, “I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.” (Acts 13:22)

Have you ever wondered why David was called “a man after God’s heart”?

It was because he sought after God with everything he had. When David was a young teenager tending to the sheep in the fields, David spent a lot of time seeking God through prayer. And I think that’s a lesson that stayed with him. That precious habit of spending time with God made such a difference in the leader he would eventually become.

David was a true man of prayer. Before he made a move, David went to God to find His will. And as a result, God used David—and He used him powerfully.

Let me ask you a question: In today’s crazy world, do you take the time to get alone with God every day? It’s so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind. And unfortunately, we can often make decisions based on what feels right instead of seeking answers from the Creator of the universe.

Today, make it a priority to find time to slow down and spend time with God. Even if you have to, schedule it in your planner! Whatever you have to do, just keep that daily appointment with God. There’s nothing in this world that is worth missing what God has for you. So spend time in prayer. Seek Him in every move you make. And like David, become a man or woman after God’s own heart!

Make a priority of spending time alone with God.

POWER POINT MINISTRY by Dr Jack Graham © 2006. All rights reserved. (Please include this line to forward).

No Shortcuts

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21)

A few days ago, God stirred my heart to study about David. I was fascinated that after God had anointed him king of Israel in 1 Samuel 16 that he faced years of struggle before he actually became king. As God was showing me the struggles that David went through, He showed me something I found interesting. When Saul wanted to kill David and David ran, there were two instances (1 Sam. 24:3-7 & 1 Sam. 26:5-10) in which David had the opportunity to kill Saul and become king. In spite of the support of David's men, David chose not to kill Saul. As I was reading those two instances I heard the Lord speak to my heart, "No shortcuts".
 
I believe that as many of us are standing on promises and plans that God has given to us, there are opportunities for us to take shortcuts. By shortcuts I mean our attempts to "take things into our own hands". David was given two opportunities to kill Saul and thus, accelerate God's plan through his efforts. While in the midst of these opportunities David showed an unwavering focus toward God's agenda, even when his destiny seemed within his grasp. He knew that if it was God who had chosen him to be king, it would be God who fulfilled that promise.
 
The years of struggle and rejection that David experienced had God's fingerprints all over them. If God's only desire was to make David king, He could have struck Saul dead and installed David as king instantly.  Instead, God used those years of struggle to strengthen the heart of the worshipper and warrior that would lead Israel. Through what David suffered, he experienced the power that comes from total surrender to God's purposes. Because of his obedience, he experienced a level of protection, provision, and promotion that only God could provide.
 
When we take a shortcut it robs us of the experience of God's salvation in our lives. When we miss that experience we miss the true reward: seeing God as "the author and finisher of our faith" (Heb. 12:2). At the end of every battle that we are facing in our lives there is a promise to be fulfilled, a prayer to be answered, and a plan to be established. Our responsibility is to believe God is who He says He is and that He will do what He said He would do (Heb. 11:6). Every promise, prophecy, and plan that God has given to us, He intends to fulfill. The question is "Will we allow Him to finish what He has started?"

God is showing me that my shortcuts need to be avoided at all costs. I pray that He does the same in your life.

No Shortcuts by Nathan Malone at nkmalone@comcast.net

Goliath vs. GOD

Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was a giant of a man, measuring over nine feet tall! . . . Goliath stood and shouted across to the Israelites, 'I defy the armies of Israel! Send me a man who will fight with me!' (1 Samuel 17:4, 8, 10 NLT)

Israel had lost all hope. Their arch nemesis, the Philistines, had brought out their big gun. His name was Goliath, and he was over nine feet tall! His immense height was matched only by his super-human strength. He walked around in a coat of armor that weighed 125 pounds, and he was proficient at throwing a spear weighing 15 pounds. To top it off, he had a bad attitude, and day after day, he taunted and hurled insults at the Israelites, baiting them to fight him to the death. This went on for 40 days.

Then one day David came into the camp with a care package for his enlisted brothers. In the course of his visit, he heard Goliath's mocking and asked:

'Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?' (1 Samuel 17:26 NLT)

Before we get to the showdown in this scene, we need see the significance of what David is saying here. Every Israeli soldier saw this as a battle between Goliath and Israel, but David understood that it was really a fight between Goliath and God. That's because long ago the Lord had promised Abraham that He would be against anyone who cursed or came against his descendants (Genesis 12:3).

David was aware of this promise, so he had great confidence that Goliath wouldn't and couldn't prevail. It didn't matter how tall, strong, or mean Goliath was. All that mattered in David's heart was what God had promised in His Word.

Perhaps there's a 'Goliath' taunting you who has you fixed in fear at this very moment. Don't allow that to be your focus, but rather, make God's Word your rule of life. When you do, the promises there will remind you that God is on your side, which means you're invincible to any enemy's attack.

If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 NKJV)

Shared by : premdavid kumar, August 17, 2006

Story of King David (The Stolen Ark)

Dear friends,

I'd like to distribute these 5 series of King David, a warrior of God that fought to get the stolen ark of the covenant back into the midst of God's people. We're told the ark of the Lord represented God's presence and was covered with purest gold. Thru this bible study God is showing His church that the fullness of His presence, stolen by the enemy, is making its way back to the temples as we maintain victory in battle. Today friends, we are to be sacred containers, temples of the Holy Spirit, vessels of honor and glory. The ark was built at the command of God, just as man was created at the command of God. One of the ark's primary functions was for God to communicate with Moses, "from between the two cherubim on the ark's cover" (Exodus 25:22). Still today, God communicates with His sons and daughters using angels "marching in the tops of the mulberry trees," announcing the rustling of the armies of God who go before us into each battle.

May the Lord bless and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.

Keep marching beloved !

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Part One : You Can't Come in Here

The Old Testament is a magnificent map for training and equipping us for battle; a.k.a. "spiritual warfare." The Word clearly states that in the Kingdom of God there are times of peace, and times of war. Let's study King David in II Samuel 5 to see what nuggets of wisdom we can glean from our warrior/brother. May we gain much knowledge from his battles to apply to our own.

David was personally familiar with the "in your face," intense assaults from the enemy as he marched upon Jerusalem to oust the Jebusites who were living there. This battle is hugely significant historically, and spiritually. Jerusalem was part of God's covenant with Abraham and His warrior David had been anointed to reclaim the land for His purposes. What a huge victory in the city of God!

Beginning with verse 6, the harassment from the enemy begins. "The king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites who lived there. The Jebusites said to David, "You will not get in here; even the blind and the lame can ward you off." They thought, "David cannot get in here" (II Samuel 5:6).

When you march, make sure you take the King with you.

"You will not get in here." Can anyone relate to this concept? You cannot come in here - your worship is inappropriate, your gender is wrong, your denomination is questionable, your finances are inadequate, and your reputation is tainted. Sometimes this mocking spirit adheres to traditions, overlooking the fact that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). It discounts the truth that there is no gender in Christ Jesus (Galatians 2:28). Furthermore, it neglects the promises of God stating, "your sins are forgiven" (Luke 7:48), and "my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). Often mockery can be generational; "You can't come in here. You'll never be good enough and you'll never make it." We take authority over this lie and replace it with truth in Jesus' name. I say to you this day. "You can, you can, you can! Everything is possible for him who believes" (Matthew 9:23).

Planned Ignoring : The mocking didn't appear to inhibit our brother-warrior as he continued his quest. "Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion, the City of David" (v 7). "David then took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built up the area around it, from the supporting terraces inward" (v 9).

Nevertheless!

Social workers use a term called "planned ignoring," when teaching parenting skills. This technique can be very effective in extinguishing undesirable behaviors. I think brother David may have been ahead of his time in this area. He chose to ignore the mocking spirit and conquered the enemy - period. Now, I'm not implying we don't remain alert and aware, but I am saying we don't focus on the enemy, but on the Lord of hosts. We must "stand firm, then. . . with the breastplate of righteousness in place" (Ephesians 6:14), knowing and believing that righteousness is warfare for the church. "In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility, and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds" (Psalm 45:5).

The more we know our Holy Commander, the more we can ignore a mocking spirit, the accuser of the brethren. Remember, the sacred chest was the visible sign that God's presence and protection went before His people. So, as sacred containers, the more we become one with the Lord, the more confident we are, marching with his constant presence and protection. Always, we love the Lord and He loves us. But friends, we can truly become one with our Holy God as He sanctifies us, making us holy, as He is holy (I Peter l:16). One with God! Oh, if He is for us, who can be against us?

For years, I've heard the Holy Spirit tell me, "Just keep marching." "But, God, I . . . " "Just keep marching."

I believe this indicates that consistency in Kingdom advancement is more important than speed or ferocity. After all, eternity is timeless. Sometimes our journey with Jesus may seem like plodding. But, God orchestrates our steps. As long as we're in motion and not stagnating, we're taking ground. May we be able to declare, like Jesus our Shield declared,

"Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame" (Isaiah 50:7).

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Part Two : Stronger With Each Battle

It's compelling to walk with the knowledge that no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:7). There is an amazing awe in realizing what the Redeemer does best - He redeems! Jesus reverses the battles the enemy means to use against us, and mobilizes them to make us prosper! Verse 10 of II Samuel 5 is profound; "And he [David] became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him."

Friends, it's crucial that we grasp this as reality. While engaged on an already-victorious battleground, our strength is multiplied because the Lord Almighty is with us. Jesus has already won every battle and paid the price in full. He came to destroy the works of the devil (I John 3:8). We must stand and personify the victory of Calvary. Now don't let the Evil One whisper "arrogance" to you here. The day we were saved by grace, arrogance was exchanged for faith. The devil didn't say "David [we] can become more and more powerful"; our Covenant God said it!

Marching upon the path of faith is similar to pumping spiritual iron. Each time we wield the sword, every time we put on the breastplate of righteousness, every time we act in faith, our spiritual muscles grow stronger in Christ Jesus. This is invaluable knowledge because, in accordance with the Scriptures we're studying here today, the enemy will come after us again, and again, and we must be ready. There is no time to get ready while the fiery darts are flying! It's crucial that we learn and grow stronger from each battle and intently discern the guidance of our Commander in Chief.

Here They (the enemy) Come Again - Regroup

Take a look at verses 17-20; "When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went down to the stronghold. Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the Lord "Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The Lord answered him, "Go, for I will surely hand the Philistines over to you." So David went to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, "As waters break out, the Lord has broken out against my enemies before me."

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Part Three : Always inquire of the Lord before engaging in battle

Stay in the cave and wait

Beloved, incredibly there are times we do not engage in battle. There are times we simply "stay in the cave" and wait (Judges 15:8; I Samuel 22:1; I Kings 19:9). It's crucial to pray and inquire so we know if, and when, God is sending us to fight. It's difficult to stumble when we're on our knees. The battle belongs to the Lord. Therefore, the defeat of the enemy is in His hands. Sometimes silence is the greatest weapon of all, allowing the contender to exhaust himself shadowboxing while we stay in an attitude of worship - the highest form of warfare.

Often, the battle is not with the devil but with our own carnal nature. Our flesh really longs to rise up and fix things, stating our opinion. Think about it. Does the Creator of the Universe really need our opinion to accomplish His Divine purposes? It's difficult to remain quiet while we're wrestling. However, we must remember; the greater the faith, the fewer the words. If there are some battles or power-struggles going on in your sphere of influence, keep in mind, it's best to always bow lower. After all, God became a baby to conquer the world. For it's "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord" (Zechariah 4:6).

Recognize His orders

Now, let's pay particular attention to the fact that when David inquired of the Lord a second time, the marching orders he received were quite different. If we aren't careful, friends, our last victory can be our demise for the next encounter. "Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim so David inquired of the Lord, and he answered, "Don't go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees" (II Samuel 22-23).

Although our adversary is always the same, he manifests himself in different ways. Thus, there are various types of battles and many styles of warfare. At times, we have to "circle around," a "sneak attack," so to speak. Please allow me to add that as we circle around, locking arms with our brothers and sisters, let's be very careful not to lock out any of the new recruits God has sent us. Sometimes when churches, ministries, or families are recovering from one battle and entering the next, they will be so guarded or overprotective, they neglect to recognize that fresh troops have arrived - friend, not foe.

Dear ones, we see the whole world engaged in different types of wars, figuratively and literally, battling for life. Although it's difficult to watch, weep, and intercede, if we truly believe that our Redeemer, redeems, then let's rejoice - if not for all things, in all things. We don't rejoice for the battles but we exalt in the victories that are already won in Christ. Listen! It's in times of adversity that millions, great multitudes, will come to know Christ Jesus, as many as the sand which is on the seashore (Genesis 22:17-18). Exodus 1:12 proves this. "But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites."

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Part Four : Listen For the Wind

"As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army." So David did as the Lord commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer" (II Samuel 5:22-25).

God goes before us

How powerful, reassuring, and intimate to know that our God goes before us! Moses is another brilliant example for us. He knew he was marching into enemy territory and learned total dependence was upon God for success and victory in war, as well as for direction and supply in the wilderness. He began and ended each day's march with prayer. Whenever the ark set out, Moses said, "Rise up, O Lord! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you" Numbers 10:35.

The fulfillment of God's purposes in our lives will depend upon our seeking His guidance through prayer, and following the leading of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us. We must listen when the Lord gives us commands. There are times He says "go straight ahead," there are times He says "go around behind the enemy." When Lord says, "circle around," He's saying "protect your borders." We must take our stand and encircle the camp. There are forces that want to annihilate, there are enemies that will return, again and again to steal, kill, and destroy. If you give the enemy one thing, he won't stop with that. He'll take another, and then another. That's why sin must be defeated, because it begets sin and causes weak links among the ranks. Righteousness must become our defense. We must protect our borders, families, cities, churches, nations as we march! "The gates of hell shall not prevail against us" (Matthew 16:8).

Beloved, we're living in "move-quickly" days. When you hear the wind in the top of the mulberry trees, move quickly. Delayed obedience can be disobedience. Don't be afraid of man; don't be afraid of the consequences for your obedience to the King. He will go out before you.

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Part Five : Move quickly and don't miss Him !

"But, Lord I just don't know if that's You." I'm unsure of the reference for that miracle; I haven't read a manual listing all of the signs and wonders of Heaven. Good news, I've found truth to replace doubt in John 21:28. "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written."

Listen, move quickly. If we miss God, it's difficult to go back. The Lord shows us this in Luke 19:41, when he approaches Jerusalem and weeps over it. "If you even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes." Jesus weeps, he says, "Oh you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."

Reflection

Do you hear a sound like the blowing of a violent wind coming from heaven? Is God asking you to break away from the status quo? We must be ready to say, "Yes Lord, I am Yours. You are my Master. I'll do what You tell me, whenever and wherever You command. You formed me in the womb to be Your servant (Isaiah 49:5). I thank You for commanding angels concerning me to guard carefully (Luke 4:10). And, I thank You that I can hear those angelic hosts rustling in the top of the mulberry trees. How could I miss it, God? It must be quite a roar as I open my spiritual ears because John ". . . looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand" (Revelation 5:11).

Troops, some of you may have dreams that weren't realized so you shelved them. The Lord is saying, "Stir yourselves up now and listen for the rustling in the trees and be prepared to move quickly. I Am the I Am who allowed those Divine delays. I allowed times of testing, false starts and trial runs to build up your spiritual muscles and create a tenacious spirit within you. Can you feel the breeze as I am drawing back the arrow right next to your cheek? Get ready to take flight." When David did as the Lord commanded him, he knew that God had gone before him and he struck down the enemy all the way.

There's a time of peace and a time of war, a time to weep and a time to laugh. A time to speak, and a time to be silent. A time to wait, and a time to move quickly. Go before us, God and teach us to war and to be bearers of Your glory, yet never touch it.

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"Listen For The Wind" by Rev. Paulette Reed (e-mail at info@dotmm.org or visit : www.dotmm.org)

Story of Jephthah - Despite Your Unjust Circumstances

Have you suffered lately as a result of other men's decisions and not because of anything that you have done? If you are suffering from unfair rejection from others, don't be disheartened. Don't play the Blame Game. Just know that God has a plan, and you have a major role in it.

God used Jephthah despite his brother's rejection.
He is no respecter of persons. He will use you, too, in a mighty way.

He is working out His plan for your life even now.

Things will not always be this way.

In the "process of time," the tables will be turned.

You won't be the "tail;" you'll be the "head."

And when God promotes you, no one will be able to thrust you out of your inheritance.

If there is anyone who knows what rejection is all about, it is a man by the name of Jephthah. He is mentioned several times throughout the Scriptures, especially in Judges 11. He is listed in the classic Faith chapter - Hebrews 11 - along with some of God's other "great men" -

Hebrews 11:32-34 - And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets-- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

Jephthah was indeed a man "who THROUGH FAITH conquered kingdoms, enforced justice... escaped the edge of the sword and put foreign armies to flight"

If there ever was a man who "out of weakness" was "made strong," it was him!

Judges 11:1 says this of him - "Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor..."

But we see that this verse does not end here for there is an added note given by the Holy Spirit that Jephthah also was "the son of an harlot." His mother was a "strange woman," meaning a Gentile or an Ishmaelite. She was neither his father's wife nor his concubine. She happened to be a tavern keeper.

Judges 11:2 informs us that Gilead, Jephthah's father, had a wife who bare him legitimate sons who unanimously disdained Jephthah - "And Gilead's wife bare him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our father's house; for thou art the son of a strange woman."

Judges 11:3 - Not able to bear the abuse from his own brethren any longer, he fled to a place north of Gilead called Tob where his mother's family resided - "Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob..."

Here we have a young man who did no crime to deserve such utter rejection from his brothers. He just happened to be born wrong - as the "son of a harlot."

I wonder how many Jephthah's there are in the Body of Christ today.

You ask - Who are they? They are the ones who don't appear promising. They may have a physical impairment, be struggling financially, or lack charisma, good looks, or education. Or they may have some "albatross" from their past that people can't seem to drop - it seems to follow them wherever they go. They are considered by many as "low-life's" or "worms." Painfully, they have struggled through years of one rejection after another - not due to any wrongdoing of their own - but simply because they were born on the "wrong side of the tracks," so to speak.

If this fits your description, then the Holy Spirit wants to encourage you today because God has a plan with your name on it. Using all of your adverse circumstances, He is preparing you and building you up for greatness.

The Scriptures seem to confirm that many of God's mighty men or women were cast aside by their brethren. Look at Moses, Joseph, David, Paul, and even the Lord Jesus. All suffered rejection from their very own brethren. However, in looking back over their lives and in seeing how God used each one, we see that it was a necessary conflict to undergo in order to prepare them for the task ahead.

If you have suffered mistreatment from those who should have loved, received, and accepted you; then be encouraged. Don't allow the enemy of your soul to plant bitterness in your heart. They may have intended it for evil, but God will turn everything around for your good.

God has a plan for greatness with you in mind. Yes, he does! He is the Master Potter, and He is molding and shaping you after His will, using all of your circumstances - both good and bad - to attain that goal!

Perhaps there are some of you who have acted like Jephthah's half brothers. You are guilty of rejecting another brother or sister simply because they did not come "wrapped in the right package." You may have prayed for help or deliverance of some sort, and God answered by sending you a Jephthah. But you did not receive this individual or individuals because they did not come speaking what you wanted to hear or in a manner that you expected. Consequently, you totally rejected them. You cast them out of your company.

Nonetheless, if God has a plan, no devil or man is going to hinder it or stop it for too long.

The Scriptures tell us that even though Jephthah was not appreciated by his own brethren, someone did recognize his leadership qualities. Judges 11:3 says - "...and there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him."

These "vain men" were poor - without jobs or property - and destitute of any good sense. Some commentaries say that they were immoral and even robbers. Here was a man ordained by God to be a judge and deliverer of Israel. What was he doing leading this crowd? He definitely was not in the will of God amidst these rabble rousers. Yet, even though Jephthah was out of the will of God for a time, God was still working behind the scenes. Even from his mother's womb, the Lord had placed a calling on his life to accomplish a stupendous task, and He would see to it that it would be played out according to His Will.

Let's learn from Jephthah's example. We must take warning here. We must not allow other's ill-treatment to drive us from our God-given inheritance. By the grace of God, if we will endure, He will be faithful to work out His plan for our lives. The Lord God ordained Jephthah to be a judge and deliverer for Israel. He was born the "son of a harlot," thrust out of his Father's house by his own brethren, and then exiled to a pagan land.

Does this sound like the makings of a great leader to you? Where is God in all of this? Has He forgotten Jephthah?

No, not at all! In His Sovereign Providence, He orchestrated circumstances to bring about His design and plan.

Judges 11:4 says - "And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel."

Note five very important words here - "came to pass," "process," and "time."

Jephthah's rejection would not last forever. The Scriptures tell us that it "came to pass." The Word of God also mentions the word "process." Isn't it evident that his life had been going through a "process" of some sort? He was on a divine course. God was at work. And, last but not least, if there is anything that is extremely important in God's schedule, it is timing. God stirred up the enemies of Ammon to come against Israel who was not living wholly for Him. As a result of their disobedience, these Ammonites were given place to attack them. In their weakened state due to sin, Israel would need help, a leader, and a deliverer - "a mighty man of valor."

Who would be such a candidate?

Judges 11:5-6 tells us - "And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob: And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon."

Wait a minute! These Israelites are coming to the "son of a harlot" and asking him to be their "captain"? Isn't this a turn of events? At one time, they thrust him out of their company, but now when they are "in distress," they don't seem to mind that his mother was a whore.

Wow! Does God have a sense of humor, or what? He surely knows how to make men eat "humble pie," doesn't he?

Judges 11:7-8 goes on to say - "And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, Did not ye hate me, and expel me out of my father's house? and why are ye come unto me now when ye are in distress? And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead."

These same brothers who hated Jephthah and expelled him from his father's house are now pleading with him to be their "head over all the inhabitants of Gilead"? And all because of one word - "distress." Oh, wounded Christian! Take heart to what the Holy Spirit is saying to you through this message today. God knows the right kind of "distress" to send those people who rejected you and cast you from their company. The very ones who thrust you out of your inheritance will come running to you in "process of time" and look to you to be their "head." You will not always be considered as the "tail." This too shall pass! God will raise you up.

He is working out His plan for your life. He is working even right now. Just trust Him. Simply be still and know that He is God! He has everything under control!

He certainly knows how to bring a man down. He knows how to deal with Pride.

Judges 11:9-10 reflects the beautiful spirit of humility displayed by Jephthah's rejectors after God worked on them - "And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, If ye bring me home again to fight against the children of Ammon, and the Lord deliver them before me, shall I be your head? And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, if we do not so according to Thy words."

Judges 11:11 - We then read the happy ending of the "process of time" that "came to pass" in his life - "Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh."

In spite of his adverse circumstances whereby his own brethren abandoned him and cast him from their company, Jephthah never forsook the Lord. As soon as he was elevated to the position of "head and captain," he immediately prayed to the Lord for wisdom and help. He knew that God called him to such a time as this. He knew that God orchestrated circumstances to bring about his calling. And he knew that without God's help and grace, he could not accomplish the task ahead of him. His adverse circumstances worked such good in his life, bringing him to the place of being a godly and "mighty man of valor" for the Lord and His people.

There are so many lessons that we can learn from his experience.

One is that God has a "process" that every one who is called to leadership must go through. In many instances, one will be called upon to suffer rejection and total misunderstanding by his very own brethren.

O Christian! People may reject you today for different reasons, but if you will hold onto the promises of God and not let go of the vision He has given you, He will be sure to work out His plan for your life. The same people who are rejecting you today will one day come to you, pleading for your gifts, talents, and help. Face your adversities in a spirit of meekness, knowing that God is in control and will bring to pass all that He has spoken for your life.

Secondly, we must be very careful that we do not allow a spirit of pride to grip our hearts whereby we despise or trample upon the Jephthah's whom God sends us. Our Heavenly Father will not stand for any pride in His children. He knows how to abase us if we exalt ourselves above others. He knows the exact "distress" to send our way to bring us down from our high place. The very people who we reject today may be the very people who we will need tomorrow. Let's be careful how we treat each other as brethren -not despising any one.

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Despite Your Unjust Circumstances, Copyright 2004 by Connie Giordano. www.walkingintruth.org Connie Giordano P. O. Box 383016 Duncanville, TX. 75138-3016 To reply to this message, write to Connie at GodisTruth@juno.com