GOD IS FAITHFUL

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Meditating on the FAITHFULNESS of God this morning…You cannot “OUT FAITHFUL” God!!! Your diligence, the life you live, the prayers you pray, the LEGACY TRAIL you are laying down as a path for those who are following in your steps, matter to God.

HE IS A REWARDER; GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS!!!

You may look at your life and realize that you haven’t been laying down a LEGACY TRAIL of faithfulness and blessing. Perhaps your trail is a bit crooked; full of fallen boulders, brambles and thorns of curses…God is STILL FAITHFUL! Yes, even to you. His HAND OF OPPORTUNITY is always extended with forgiveness. His greatest desire is to give you a full pardon, break the curse of sin and give your LEGACY TRAIL a straight, true foundation.

Of course the words of this song come to my mind…It is MORNING; there are NEW MERCIES. If that was not enough, God’s gift basket of blessing is overflowing with PARDONS, PEACE, GUIDANCE, STRENGTH, and BRIGHT HOPE. What do you have need of?

GREAT IS GOD’S FAITHFULNESS!

♪♪ “Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
All I have needed thy hand hath provided
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.”

VERSE 3 is my testimony….

♪♪ “Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousands beside.” ♪♪

LET US LIVE

At times I am bewildered at the obsession for killing preborn babies that is constantly displayed by Democrats during campaigns, in Congressional hearings, and during televised confirmation questioning.  But after finally grasping the source and foundation of such a fixation, their driving passion becomes much more understandable….Their fervor to keep abortion legal, often, whenever and for whomever is Satanic; it was devised in the depths of Hell.

Exodus 1:22 So Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, “Every son who is born, you shall cast into the river and every daughter you can save alive.

Killing children is not a 20^th or 21^st century thought process. We read in Exodus that during the Hebrew captivity in the land of Egypt, the Pharaoh, fearing that the Hebrews were becoming too many and may become too strong and unified, ordered that all Hebrew baby boys were to be killed at birth.  But God had a plan; a Hebrew mother had a son and hid him until he could be saved by Pharaoh’s daughter, raised in the palace and used to deliver God’s people from bondage.

Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.

Satan’s plan did not work in Egypt and it would not work in Bethlehem…this time he was going after the Son of God; the Redeemer; the Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World; God’s plan for Redemption.  We read that Joseph was warned in a dream to flee with the Christ Child and once again Satan’s plan was thwarted.  In John 10:18, Jesus says, “No man takes my life, I lay it down.”   Yes, Jesus would die for the sins of the world but not before He had completed the mission and not according to Satan’s timing. 

Ezekiel 20:31 For when you offer your gifts, when you make your sons to pass through the fire, you pollute yourself with all your idols, even unto this day; and shall I be inquired of by you, O House of Israel?  As I live, says the Lord God, I will not be inquired of by you.

Throughout the Bible we read of pagan worship in which children were sacrificed to false gods.  God warned His people that they were not to participate in such an abomination and when they did the consequence of their sin was severe.  In Ezekiel, God told the House of Israel that because of this horrendous sin, there was no need to even ask anything of God because He would not hear their cries.

Yes, the Practice of Abortion, which has become the law of the land is straight from the Pit of Hell and Satan has deceived many people into being rabid advocates for his cause. At this time in history, we find people sacrificing their children on the Altar of Pleasure Without Consequences; on the Altar of Hedonism; on the Altar of the Demi-God of Self and on the Altar of Convenience.

 Satan not only wants to deceive your children, he wants to kill them.  His desire to destroy God’s greatest creation was present in the Garden and has only intensified in the thousands of years since.  You see if he can destroy a baby, he can destroy a whole generation of potential Believers, Pastors, Missionaries, Church Planters, Prayer Warriors and others who will perpetuate the Gospel.

If there is any hope for our nation, we must stand strong against this abomination, pray for our leaders to appoint and confirm judges that will protect the lives of those yet to be born.  

And the Children cry, “PLEASE LET US LIVE!”

MAN'S POWER VS. GOD'S AUTHORITY

1 Samuel 17:38-39 So Saul clothed David with his armor, he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. 39David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these for I have not tested them.” So David took them off.

Every child in Sunday School has heard the Bible story and sang the song of David and Goliath.  How David, just a lad, went to the brook, chose 5 smooth stones, swung his sling, let the one stone go and it miraculously found its mark in the middle of Goliath’s head and he went down.  Then to finish the job, David took Goliath’s sword and cut off his head.

I Samuel 17:50-51 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. 51Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it.

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT, HOW WAS IT THAT SAUL’S SWORD AND ARMOR WAS TOO HEAVY FOR DAVID TO USE BUT HE HAD NO TROUBLE USING GOLIATH’S SWORD TO CUT OFF GOLIATH’S HEAD?

The Bible states that King Saul was a big man; head and shoulders above anyone else in the land. Since David was still just a young man; a lad, it would make sense that Saul’s armor and sword were just too much for David to handle.  On the other hand, the Bible is very detailed about Goliath’s size and the weight of his weapons.  Goliath was about 9 feet, 9 inches tall. His bronze armor weighed about 125 lbs and just the iron point of his spear weighed 15 lbs.  We are not told the weight and size of his sword but we can be pretty sure it wasn’t lightweight, designed for fencing.

So the young lad who could not even walk wearing King Saul’s armor lifts a heavy sword high enough to swing it down and cut off the head of the enemy.

IT IS ALL ABOUT THE AUTHORITY UNDER WHICH YOU ARE OPERATING!

There is a limit to what can be accomplished under man’s power and authority but when we go forth in the authority of the REVEALED NAME OF THE LORD OF HOSTS, the supernatural is possible.

When we operate under our own strength; our own imagination; our own strategy, we are limited.  We may stave off the enemy’s attack for a time but he will regroup and come at us even stronger, over and over.

However, when we go into battle under the authority of the NAME OF JESUS, we can not only knock the enemy down but cut off his head using his methods of attacks against him.

If you are struggling with the same “old fight,” unable to overcome and attain victory, CHECK YOUR WEAPONS….Are they carnal or mighty enough to pull down strongholds.

When the enemy sets you up for a fight, be prepared…you have Spiritual Weapons and the Authority of the Name of Jesus.  Use them and you can say as David said…

1 Samuel 17:45-47 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to  me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin.  But I come to you in the NAME OF THE LORD OF HOSTS, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you….47 Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with a sword and a spear, FOR THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S and He will give you into our hands.

REPENTANCE AND COOPERATION

This is long but it is my testimony of God’s Healing Power…Yes, my healing was paid for 2,000 years ago; Yes, He did the work; But I have to tap into His Healing Power by asking and cooperating…

3 years ago, I went to Camp Unity very sick with a mandate from my doctor to take control of my health or else.  Everyone else was worshiping but I was fervently praying for God to heal me when He spoke these words to my spirit, “Susan, you might as well stop praying if you are going to continue to undo all of the healing I perform in you by continuing your unhealthy lifestyle.”

Then my friend, Wayne Holmes, one of the day speakers, during his teaching, simply said, “Faith is me cooperating with God.”   BOOOM!!!  It hit me…I needed to cooperate with God.

I began to put healthy foods into my body and slowly started exercising. As I continued, by Christmas, 4 months later, I was no longer taking 2 Prilosec a day and using an inhaler nightly.  By the end of January, I had weaned off of blood pressure medicine, a Tylenol PM and Benadryl every night and the hacky cough had disappeared. 9 months later, I felt healthy and had lost 75 lbs.  No fad diets, no pills, no diet drinks, no injections and no starving…just Cooperating With God, moving, putting healthy things in and letting my body work as God had designed it….

THEN LAST YEAR I STOPPED!!!!  I STOPPED COOPERATING WITH GOD!?!

By January 2018, I was sick and I ached, had no energy and could not walk without pain…Oreos became my best friend.  I knew what was wrong with me but I sought help from doctors and therapy, hoping they could do what I was not willing to fix through discipline and cooperation with God.

In July, I repented and once again began to Cooperate with God by putting healthy foods into my body.  My cough disappeared and the Prilose was put back on the shelf but I was still in excruciating pain and had a difficult time walking, standing and sleeping without taking Advil or other pain relievers.  I was doing all the stretches and going to Physical Therapy for heat treatments, ultrasound and manual massage and exercises but it wasn’t easing the pain in my back.

Then it was time for Camp Unity, I dreaded going…my clothes didn’t fit, I felt horrible and I dreaded what the 7 hour drive would do to my all ready hurting lower back.  I made it and armed with my bottle of Advil got through Sunday, Monday and all day Tuesday.  During Tuesday evening’s service, I could not even stand for praise and worship.  I sat down berating myself for not taking a couple of Advil before church.  The speaker got up and said, “Someone is in pain, there is a bone or a muscle problem and they need to step out and come up here if they want a miracle.” 

Now anyone that knows me, understands I don’t do that…I pray for others but I don’t like to broadcast all my problems, illnesses, aches and pains…but this night, God spoke to my heart and said, “If you want a miracle, step out otherwise, keep hurting.” (Somehow God’s words always sound like something my dad would have said.)

I stepped out, was prayed for and the pain was gone.  The next day, when tightness started, I rebuked it and refused to accept it in the Name of Jesus.  I made the 7 hour trip home on Thursday, cleaned out the RV, did 3 loads of laundry and slept like a baby in my own bed.  I cancelled therapy, put the Advil on the shelf and 3 weeks later I’m still healed BUT I believe if I had not repented and began cooperating with God before the night of my healing, it would not have happened.

What changes do you need in your life?   Health, Finances, Marriage, Children, Family?  Whatever the situation, if you need God to move and change the outcome, the same solution applies…START COOPERATING WITH GOD. 

Examine the things you are doing…

Are you eating healthy foods or grabbing a burger, fries and donut?

Are you living within your means and giving to the work of God as a good steward or are you spending recklessly and using God’s money to finish out the week?

Are you honoring your husband or wife as commanded in the Word of God or is their disrespect, derision and selfishness in your marriage?

Is your home Christ-centered with prayer being the first thought rather than a last resort are you an Godly example to your children or a “don’t do what I do” parent?

Do you pray for your family or dwell on only the dysfunction?

START COOPERATING WITH GOD AND WATCH GOD DO A WORK IN YOUR SITUATION!

SPIRITUAL THERAPY

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

THE PROCESS THAT LEADS TO HEALING CAN BE SO PAINFUL THAT MANY CHOOSE TO STAY WOUNDED.

For several years, I have had a nagging problem with my lower back.  Sometimes it hurt a little more than other times, but it didn’t prevent movement or hinder me from accomplishing whatever I desired; it was just always there…until February when it became a full blown problem.

I have been going to Physical Therapy to avoid surgery and believe me IT IS A PAINFUL PROCESS.  

The stretching, the manipulation, the deep heat, the electrodes and practically jumping off the table when the tenderest spots are touched…then, the sore muscles; the aching body that barely dulls your screaming back enough to sleep. 

THEN, SUDDENLY, you notice you are walking straighter, bending over without thought; you can maneuver up the stairs without dread and there were actually moments during the day when you forgot the pain.

So it is with our Spiritual Wounds.  We put up with them for so long; modifying our “walk” as they become incorporated into our daily lives.

UNTIL ONE DAY…

It becomes a full blown problem that hinders our Spiritual Walk.  We are no longer able to go through the motions or accomplish the simplest tasks of our Call.  It is time for some Spiritual PT. 

You will be stretched.   When the Holy Spirit begins to touch the most tender spots, you will cry out in pain.  Your raw and wounded heart may cause you some restless, sleepless nights as you continue to deal with the deep rooted hurts.

THEN…SUDDENLY, you notice that you are walking a little straighter; mercy and forgiveness have replaced the bitterness and vengeance; and you are focused on the plan God always intended just for you.

PREPARE FOR THE BATTLE

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.  

The enemy advances and the General prepares his troops for war.  They have drilled faithfully, their boots are shining, their weapons oiled and loaded; even the tanks have been washed and waxed.  The men and women stand at attention, hands saluting, waiting for orders as the General approaches.  A half-smile of satisfaction forms; the troops look perfect, everything is in place, ready for battle except for one vital detail…he forgot to formulate a strategic plan of attack.

OF COURSE THIS WOULDN’T HAPPEN IN THE MILITARY….BUT WHAT ABOUT IN THE SPIRITUAL?

The enemy advances and we prepare for war….but where is our strategic plan?  The enemy is not concerned with how beautiful and majestic our church buildings appears.  It doesn’t matter to him if the pews are filled with warm bodies every service; how beautiful everyone looks in their Sunday best or whether we sing hymns or the top 20 praise and worship.  He doesn’t notice our slate of programs or even pay much attention to the eloquent sermon…No all Satan and his minions are concerned with is infiltrating and distracting us from formulating a strategic plan of attack.

We have been concentrating on the trivial matters while the most important detail lies neglected and unfinished.

Do you have your armor ready?  Is your lamp clean and bright?  Have you been on your knees receiving the orders from our Leader?  Have you formed a strategic plan based on His Word?

The Weapons of our Warfare will become just beautiful artifacts if we don’t learn to use them; put on your helmet and armor, get the feel of the sword; pull on the boots and go through a few drills.  Check your lamp today; before the battle.  Has the oil level dropped?  Get back to the source and allow the Holy Spirit to overflow your vessel.  Spend the time listening, receiving and studying the strategic plan…NOW YOU ARE READY FOR BATTLE!!!

“You better look out Satan; look out.”

NO LONGER A BUZZARD

Revelation 2:17 He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a NEW NAME which no one knows except him who receives it.”

Sunday morning, sitting on a fence, by the side of the road, sat a huge bird.  “A BUZZARD,” said Steve and a chill went down my spine.  A beautiful Hawk; a majestic Eagle and my reaction would have been totally different.  I would have pulled over just to view it and tried to capture its beauty by taking a picture, but this was a Buzzard.

It really isn’t that the bird looks so horrible that I draw back in horror; no, it is because of its Nature. A Buzzard doesn’t catch the wind and soar majestically to the heights; a buzzard flies low and rides on thermals.  A Buzzard doesn’t have the sweet voice of the song bird or even the tweet of the Robin, welcoming the day; instead it only vocalizes grunts and hisses.  Buzzards lurk, fly low, looking for dead and decaying things on which to feed. ITS NATURE is to desire smelly, rotten flesh…IT IS A BUZZARD.

1 Samuel 4:21 Then she named the child, Ichabod, saying “The glory has departed from Israel!”

In 1 Samuel 4, we read that Israel went to battle and carried the Ark of the Covenant into battle with them, against the plan of God.  The Ark was captured by the Philistines and the two sons of the Eli, the Priest were killed.  When Eli’s pregnant daughter in law heard that her husband was dead and the Ark had been captured, she went into labor.  She was so overcome with grief, that when her son was born, she would have nothing to do with him and named him “The glory has departed from Israel: ICHABOD.” 

Can you imagine, an innocent child, forever bearing and proclaiming the shame of Israel, each time he heard his name.  I have often wondered, what kind of childhood did he have?  Was he teased and ridiculed?  Did his nature come to reflect his name?  Did he resent his Mother for making him the symbol of one of the darkest days in Israel’s history, just because of his name?

WHAT IF YOUR NAME REFLECTED THE PERSON YOU ARE DEEP DOWN; YOUR NATURE? 

Would you want to be called by the “Nature” you portray to the world around you?  Yes it would be horrible to be called by our nature; to be known around town by the name of your worst deeds. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

GOOD NEWS….You are not “stuck” with the name ICHABOD…You are no longer a BUZZARD, feeding on the dead and decaying carrion of this world…You do not have to be known eternally as ICHABOD…Jesus made a way. 

When you come to Jesus Christ; when you have been baptized and received His Holy Spirit, you take on HIS NAME and HIS NATURE.  The stain of ICHABOD, “the glory has departed,” is removed and JESUS, the Glory of God is applied…

YOU ARE A NEW CREATION….WITH A NEW NAME!

Wear His Name proudly; proclaim your New Name and let your New Nature reflect who you are in Christ Jesus!