Psalm 91 - AND I Will Say Of The Lord....Testify!!!

 Psalm 91 - AND I Will Say Of The Lord....Testify!!!  

What will you say of the Lord? What has your experience been?  Are you really in a relationship with HIM?  Do you know HIS voice? When was the last time you really went to see HIM? Do you have history together? How was it? How is it? Are you convinced that HE loves you?  Do you love HIM?  Do you believe HIM?  Do you believe in HIM? What is your testimony?

• HE is my refuge!
• HE is my fortress!
• HE is my God!
• I trust in HIM!
• I will not fear!

When confronted with uncertainty and overwhelming challenges, what is your stance? Do you believe HIS promises? Do you confess HIS promises. Do you know that HIS promises are yes and amen? 

Isaiah 55:11

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

• HE will save you!
• HIS faithfulness will be your shield!
• HIS faithfulness will be your rampart!
• HIS angels will guard you!
• HE will protect you!
• HE will deliver you!
• He will honor you!
• HE will satisfy you with long life!
• He will show you HIS salvation!

Sure you will face opposition: deadly pestilence; the person set on destroying you and your reputation - the fowler; night terrors - theft, harassment; day arrows - abuse, slander, gossip; midday plague - mockery, etc...  These are just a few cases of challenges you will face.  The fiercest and most cunning of challenges, lions and snakes - deception will come at you continually.  However, you always have the power to overcome. Romans 8 As a believer of God you have been given power and authority . Luke 10 It is your inherent mandate to dominate. The real question is, are you going to be bullied around, or are you going to take control of your situation according to God's ordinance?

Genesis 1: 26

26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Where do you dwell? What do you feed your mind? Are you at peace? Do you know peace? Do you have joy? Do you know God's secret place?  Do you intentionally spend quality time with God as you would a 'special' companion?  Do you worship God? Do you revere HIM? Do you recognize that HE is not your equal and HE is not obligated to you?  HE didn't consult you when HE created the heavens, earth, nor humankind.  However, HIS committment is to your safety.  HE commissions HIS angels to protect you and in HIS shadow you are always secure.  

The question is, are you in HIS shadow?  Are you intentionally keeping close proximity with God?  HE will punish your attackers infront of your very eyes.  HE will make sure you have a front row seat.  Get your popcorn and watch.  Time and time again throughout the history of the bible, God has caused HIS people to reap spoils from battles they only observed. 2 Chronicles 22. The walls of Jericho fell down Joshua 5 - 6.  Hezekiah turned to the wall and prayed. 2 Kings 20 Over and over God proves that HE is faithful to those who are faithful to HIM. Esther 5 Esther and Mordecai saw their enemy Haman get served his own medicine.  What he meant for their destruction, became his very own downfall.  God is faithful to HIS word.  HIS timing is perfect. HE'S in control of the entire universe.  Let that sink in for a minute.  Have you ever pondered the vast expanse of the skies, the mountains, the oceans? The earth is over 70% water. All of creation echoes HIS praise and glory, except for man.  The birds sing! The seas roar! The wind billows!  Everything created reveals and responds to God's glory. But man, he is the only one who gets to choose whether or not God hears his praise. 

The rain falls. But you only get wet if you're not under the umbrella.  Are you under God's umbrella?  When you communicate with God HE responds to you.  God is not stupid.  He knows if you're into HIM or not; or if you're just after HIS stuff like Santa Claus.  Are you trying to use God?  Are you HIS friend?  Does HE trust you?  Are you faithful to HIM? HE has your back!

TESTIMONY: From Rock Bottom to Redemption - Why I Am One For Israel WORSHIP: I Will Not Fear (Elohim Shomri) extended | by Yeka Onka | JesusCo Live Worship

He is ALWAYS with you!

Which Brother Are You?..

 Which Brother Are You?..

Before you throw the next stone, stop! Think back to a time when you needed that same grace you're refusing to give. Sometimes so subtly, we get on the wrongside of a situation.  Like the Pharisees, we think we're doing good; when all we're being is self righteous. We need to try to remember to extend more grace to others, for freely we have received. God doesn't ask us to do anything to or for others that HE hasn't already done for us. If we truly appreciate HIS love towards us, HE commands us to go and do likewise. Give because we have received. Forgive because we've been forgiven. Restore, because we've been restored.

Luke 15 This is the story of a wealthy Jewish ruler who had two sons.  The younger requested his legacy from his father and went abroad.  He wasted his wealth and was soon without.  While being hired to feed pigs, he remembered his former rich lifestyle and decided to return home to his father's house to beg for forgiveness.  The other brother didn't leave.  He stayed home and worked for the father all the while. When he realized that his young brother had returned home, he was angry and unforgiving.  Rather, he condemned him, and refused to join his father in celebrating his brother's return.

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Matthew 18 It's the story of a king who forgave an enormous debt from one of his servants.  However, the same servant refused to forgive a much lesser debt from a friend. Matthew 20 Or the story of the hired servants who agreed to work for a particular wage.  But got angry at the landowner for deciding to pay other workers the same rate, even though they got hired much later.

God is God.  HE is not our equal. Whatever HE chooses to do with HIS resources is HIS priority. We are just one of HIS eons of resources.  HE created us.  HE does not require our counsel, nor does HE need it.

Job 42: 3

3You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’

Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,

things too wonderful for me to know.

All the father wanted was for HIS son to return home.  HE kept looking out for him at the watchpost. Even though HIS young son had done a foolish thing, the father did not hold it against him.  Neither was he angry when HIS eldest son condemned his brother.  HE just simply explained that HIS wealth was more than enough for both.  HE explained that the eldest son had nothing to worry about, and that the most important thing was that his younger brother was now back home.  He had a celebration because restoration was most important.  Both of HIS sons were home with HIM.

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What is your position? You can be in the right place with the wrong attitude. Do you think you're more entitled than others because of their type of sin?  Are you angry and bitter at others or at God for what others did?  Do you think that you're better than anyone?  Do you think you can earn your way into God's kingdom? Be very careful of pride. For we cannot save ourselves.  Salvation is a free gift from God to us. 

Ephesians 2: 8 - 9

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God

John 3:16 - 17 

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Do you think you know what's best for your life? Have you taken the gifts and talents that God has given you and gone off to fulfill your own desires? Is God in agreement with how you are using the resources HE'S given to you? Are you living in HIS will, accomplishing HIS plans for your life? Are you being a good steward?The younger son was wrong for taking his wealth and leaving. But the older son was also wrong for thinking he had to earn his legacy.

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God's resources are free for all of HIS children.  The only qualification required is the choice to live in obedience to Christ. Romans 5 HIS death on the cross has restored our relationship with the Almighty God our Father.  Jesus' righteousness is what makes us able to claim access to God and what HE has to offer us. We're just not good enough to do it on our own. No one can work his/her way into the Kingdom of God.

Ephesians 2:8-9

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.  

The human soul is the most valuable thing on earth. It is very important that we realize that we cannot save ourselves.  We should be careful not to condemn others, nor ourselves when we do wrong.  Instead, we should look for opportunities to restore and be restored.  When you fall, get back up again. The angels celebrate for every new soul which chooses to follow Christ.  Let us try to be more like our Father God and focus on what matters:  

• HE kept looking out for the young son to return.
• HE was the one who saw him from a far way off.
• HE was the one who ran to HIS young son. 
• And when the older son wouldn't go in to be a part of the feast. HE was the one who went out and got HIM.  

HIS heart was full of compassion towards both of HIS sons. HE was just overjoyed that HE had them both together again with HIM. Everything ever created was made by God.  There is no lack in HIS presence. There's nothing that we can give to HIM that HE cannot create.  It is because of HIS love for us why we are and have anything. Know that whatever situation you find yourself in, you cannot save yourself. Romans 8 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  Instead of finding reasons to keep others away or personally staying away from the Father, come home.  Give restoration. Find restoration. Go inside! ALL God wants is for you to be home, near to HIM and HIS provision.  

WORSHIP: Charles Jenkins My God is Awesome

TESTIMONY: Iranian stabbed for sharing his faith, miraculously made it across the border without a passport!

Just Come Home!

The Pit Is In The Plan - God will work it out!!

 The Pit Is In The Plan - God will work it out!!

Have you ever felt like you're being buried alive?  Like you're in quicksand? The more you try to get out is the further in you're being pulled in?  How did you get here? You've been playing the right cards.  In fact, you've gone above and beyond. Yet, here you are in this dark, unpleasant hole.  

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Maybe you were thrown in like Joseph by his brothers?  Maybe you were betrayed like Jesus in Gethsemane? Maybe you were misguided like the prodigal son in the pig pen? Maybe like David you're on the backside of the mountain? Maybe like Paul you are on a boat being shipped off to prison? Here where you are just looks and feels unfair.  You feel wronged and overwhelmed; and you wonder, God where are YOU?  Lord, have YOU deserted me? Help, or not!

YOU feel a great loss? It could be any kind of loss:

1. The death of a loved one
2. The loss of a job or prized possession
3. A divorce of some kind
4. Lies, slander and defamation, etc...

Choose a number.  You just don't understand what's going on.  But, hey, you don't need to understand.  You just need to know, nothing catches God by surprise.  

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YOUR Heavenly Father, the Almighty God, sees all things, knows all things, and is in full control of all things.  Everything that exists had/has it's origin in HIM.  The most valuable thing on earth is our heart, your heart.  HE gives us the desires of our hearts. Psalm 37.  The greatest thing we can do is trust that HE is a God of HIS word.  He created us with an individual plan for each of our lives.  When we walk in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit we trust that all things are working in our favor.

Romans 8:28

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

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Trusting God is not about what HE will do.  It is about Knowing that HE loves you without constraints.  Just as a good parent will sacrifice everything for his/her child; so too the Almighty God has sacrificed HIS greatest possesion - Jesus Christ HIS son. John 3 You are never forgotten.  HE knows every strand of hair in your head. Luke 12. Everything happens for a reason.  Judas had to betray Jesus in order for the Jews to find a 'justified' way to kill him. Jesus had to die. Paul had to be shipwrecked in order to bring salvation to a people. Joseph had to be imprisoned in order to have met the servant who told the Pharoh about his talent.  How else were the Israelites going to be enslaved then restored to their promised land which God had foretold to Abraham so many ions ago?  HE is God, HE cannot lie!

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We don't normally see the purpose. But rest assured, God will work it out!  You may not know how, you may not know when, but HE'LL do it again.  HE'LL come to your rescue.We live to bring glory to HIS NAME.  God specializes in doing the impossible. That way, no one else can take the glory. Sometimes, you've got to take your feelings out of the picture. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom, and wait.  God sent king Nebuchadnezzar to eat grass, then later on restored him to his kingdom.  Daniel 5 What can't God do? What can't HE restore? Instead of becoming depressed and bitter, choose to praise God. Do like Paul and Silas in prison. Acts 16 Remember, everything exists to praise HIM.  Give God the glory! In all things, give God the praise!

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WORSHIP: God Will Work It Out (feat. Naomi Raine & Israel Houghton) | Maverick City Music | TRIBL

TESTIMONY: I sought the truth for 7 decades, and the TRUTH found me. - Why I'm One for Israel

Praise yee the Lord!

You Are Not Alone - BE STILL..

 You Are Not Alone - BE STILL..

It's NEVER about your feelings nor fears. It's ALWAYS about your FAITH! Your faith is about your confidence in God as your source.  Often times you never know when or where HE'S going to bring the solution from. You just trust that HE will. HE is your only source. Everything and everyone is 'just a resource' HE will use.  You have to know the difference between the counterfeit and the real.  That comes with practice.  The more time you spend studying the real, then being able to identify the counterfeit a mile away is a given.

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Think about Jacob for a minute.  Genesis 25 - 35 He started out as a conniving artist.  He thought he had to cheat to get ahead.  It led him down a path of trials and tribulations, one demise after another.  He fled for his life from his brother; he wrestled with the angel; he got cheated by his father-in-law on several occassions. God used his cheating skill against him to remove what was inappropriate in him.  When Jacob returned to Canaan many years later he was a humble and honest man.  He had learnt to lean on God. When his father-in-law tried to cheat him with his wife, instead of 7 years he worked for 14 years. When his father-in-law tried to cheat him with the lifestock, he chose the lesser breed, yet God caused him to florish.  HE made God his source. His time away from home taught him to put his faith in God's ability and power.  

Genesis 28:20-22

20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear 21 so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God 22 and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”

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Think about the disciples caught in the storm. Mark 4. They were mostly fishermen.  That was their career, and they were good at it.  They thought they had to fish to get ahead. But God used their career to show them how insecure they really were. Their faith almost led them to a fate of death. In the boat with Jesus, they thought they were going to die.  God used their skill of fishing for fish to teach them how to 'fish for men'.  They were afraid of the natural elements, but became more afraid of Jesus after HE stilled the storm.  The disciples learnt to trust Jesus' transformative power. They chose to follow Jesus everywhere; even into the unfamiliar gentile territory.  (For instance: They were heading to the man who lived in the graveyard.  They saw Jesus cast the demons into the pigs.  Jews don't rear pigs. It's an abomination.) 

Mark 4

35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

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 We cannot rely on our feelings and our fears.  Infact, our fear should be of God's power and authority.  HE has absolute authority over everything. Afterall, HE is the creator who existed before our beginning. We must study God's word. The devil needs God's permission to act; like us, he was created.  The devil often times wins against us because we are not familiar enough with our God and what HE says. God promised Jacob that HE would take care of him and take him back to his father's house.  God even promised him that he would rule over his brother Esau and become the father of many nations.  Also, Jesus told the diciples that they were going over to another town. Yet, they accused HIM of not caring if they drowned.  We have to be careful about who we believe.  Do you believe God about the things HE has said over your life?  It doesn't matter how you feel.  Fear is human.  You have to train your mind to walk past your fear into faith.  It's a discipline. Practice, practice, practice! That's why HE commands us to walk in the spirit.  Galatians 5 Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit we cannot win.  We need the Holy Spirit to be victorious daily. Luke 4 Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 1:7

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

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Even though Jesus had performed so many miracles alongside them, and had even sent them to do miracles themselves, they were still afraid.  The disciples had never seen anyone turn chaos and or mayhem into peace like that when HE calmed the storm.  Jesus exposed them to different dimensions of himself. After HE died, they went into hiding.  But HE told them to wait for the Holy Spirit. Once, they received the Holy Spirit, they became bold.  The Holy Spirit gives clarity, power and authority. John 16 We will have opposition like squalls raging all around us.  Sometimes we will feel like we're about to drown.  But you must not forget - Jesus is always in the boat of your circumstance.  Call out to HIM!  Wake HIM up from the stern of your boat. You are never alone in your trials and tribulations. HE has given us the Holy Spirit. Listen to the Holy Spirit's directive. Ask HIM to guide you. HE is the difference between real and counterfeit.  HE gives us discernment and courage.

John 14:26

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

God's word to HIS believers is that HE will never leave us nor forsake us. Hebrews 13 If we put our trust in HIM, HE will prove faithful everytime.  Seek answers from the Holy Spirit. Become teachable, for HIS ways are not our ways, nor HIS thoughts ours. The kingdom culture is taught through the power of the Holy Spirit. If you want to live an abundant and liberated life trust God's leading. 1 Corinthians 2 Sometimes you'll just have to sit back and let God deal with your fears.  Don't resolve to fear. Resolve to push past fear and take a hold of faith.  Trust that God is able to handle every situation, and be still as you wait for HIS resources to show up.  God sent the raven to feed Elijah.  God stopped Balaam's donkey.  God drowned the Egyptian army following Moses.  Watch and see what HE will send next for you and your loved ones.  HE'S always on time! Anchor your faith in HIS ability! HE is for you! HE cannot lie!

WORSHIP: Israel Houghton - I'm With You/Be Still (feat. Adrienne Houghton) ft. Adrienne Houghton

TESTIMONY: Evidence of THE Messiah found in Isaiah 53?! | Case For Messiah

HE Is Your PEACE! BE STILL!

Sometimes You're It.

 Sometimes You're It..

Sometimes you're it! Sometimes you fall behind. Sometimes you get distracted by your own desires, ideas, emotions, lusts, etc...  Sometimes you get stuck. Stuck in your own ways, a ditch you didn't see; a ditch you thought you could cross safely; something you thought you could control or manipulate. A bad situation, relationship, investment, habit, loss. Life happens, and you get lost.  Fears creep in, and it's more than you can bear or want to.

Luke 15 Imagine the story of the lost sheep.  Left behind from the pack, maybe he fell into a ditch; got caught in a fence or maize; just caught.  Caught by a situation that was more than he could manage. He needed help. He needed finding.  Or imagine the story of the lost coin - falling into a really dark place, a dark situation, a helpless situation.  Imagine being deceived.  Being cornered or manipulated by someone you trusted. Sometimes you can get hurt in a very familiar place where the pain and the hurt causes you to cocoon and morphe into such a delicate position that you need to be sought after to become restored.

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You are not just another number. God knows you by name. Before you were formed in your mother's womb God knew you.  He carved out an entire plan for every moment of your life. Jeremiah 1 Inspite of HIS supremacy, HE'S meticulous about you. HE knows every strand of hair in your head. Luke 12 You are unique.  God doesn't make mistakes. Only humans do that. HE provides for the swallows, and the lillies are adorable. But you exceed them all.  HE is filthy rich and HE wants nothing more than to lavish you with more than gifts.  HE wants to share HIS space, HIS kingdom with you.  It is HIS intention to smother you with inconceivable wealth of life.  The things that you seek, the things that you chase after - HE wants to give them to you and so much more. Matthew 6: 25-34  Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. John 10  You are not forgotten! You are not hopeless! You are priceless! You are always priceless!

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Like the shepherd who intentionally went searching for the one lost sheep and rescued it from it's captivity, so too the Lord Jesus rescues us from our ditches.  Like the woman who lost the one of her ten coins, lit her lamp and searched vehemently until she found it; so too God is careful to shine HIS light into our cocoons.  Being found isn't just a story for the unbeliever, but for the saint as well.  It's the story for the one who is already familiar with Saviour.  The one who has already encountered Jesus, but chose to leave on his own accord like the prodigal son.  He grew up with his father and chose to leave early against the norm and laws of his heritage.  He soon discovered that his choices were wrong, and his father's ways and regulations were right after all.  His father's outlook of the path for his life was right on point. He came to his senses.

Luke 15: 17 - 20

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

My plea to you today is to 'come to your senses'.  Allow God to restore you like the father did his son. Or the woman with her coin. Or the shepherd with his sheep.  The attitude isn't one of condemnation, but restoration.  You may have gone off on your own free will. But remember this, you're human. You cannot ever save yourself, nor block all the traps the devil sets for you.  1 Peter 5 The father was the one who was looking out for his son.  Everyday he was on the lookout for him.  The shepherd chose to leave the other 99 sheep and go after the lost one.  The woman chose to light the lamp and sweep until she found the lost one.  Sometimes you're the lost one.  Sometimes you will get distacted, deceived, lustful, proud, stupid, etc... Sometimes you will lose your way.  It's what we do as humans. Don't be too hard on yourself. 

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God is a restorer. That's why Jesus came from heaven to earth. HE came to reconcile us to the father. Psalm 23 HE is the shepherd.

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

God's attitude towards us is always from a place of love.  HE knows we can't save ourselves. Sheep are dumb. Coins are lifeless and young sons are stupid. Stop trying to live in your own strength. You will fall, fail, sink, drown, cocoon. Cry out to God and let HIM rescue you.  When you find youself in a dark place, Don't run from God, run to God! Let go and let God take you into HIS arms. Feel HIS palm enclose around you. Isaiah 41 God made Jesus become human and give up the wealth and royalty of heaven to give us the opportunity to experience and enjoy HIS lifestyle and love. 2 Corinthians 5 Give God a chance to restore you. HE'S so excited to have you back, like the rich father of the prodigal son  who has a feast. Or the woman who calls her neighbors. God throws a party in heaven. The angels rejoice.  

And remember, when you've been restored, extend grace to others.  From time to time others fall behind and or in a ditch. Sometimes, others are the lost coin. Sometimes you're it!

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WORSHIP: 

Why (Live From The Loft) | feat. ELEVATION RHYTHM | Elevation Worship

TESTIMONY:

Don't stay lost. Come to your senses!

Overwhelmed? Turn To The Wall..

 Overwhelmed? Turn To The Wall..

When you feel so overwhelmed by challenges on everyside, or just too humongous for you to bear, find a place of solace, turn your face away from all the distractions, and your back away from all the noise. Turn to the wall, and seek God's face in prayer. His word to us is that, if and when we seek HIM with all of our hearts, we will find HIM. HE will always come to our rescue. Jeremiah 29

Prayer is our most powerful weapon! 

FACT: PRAYER is the most powerful weapon on earth!

11 Kings 18 - 20 This is the story of King Hezekiah. 

Hezekiah was a jewish king of Judah several years ago.  He became king at age 25. His father worshipped idols and false gods. But when he became king he did the very opposite of his father. He worshipped the Almighty God, and did right in the sight of God. By destroying altars, and all places of worship to other gods, simultaneous to re-opening the temple of God for local worshippers; Hezekiah was committed to his faith in God. He destroyed the bronze snake rod that belonged to Moses because the people had started to idolize it. He re-introduced God to his nation. 

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At that time, there was a very powerful Assyrian king called Sennacherib who was determined to conquer all of the region. This included Judah. At first, Hezekiah tried to sway him by offering all the silver and even the gold which came from the architecture of the temple.  He was extremely arrogant. He boasted that having conquered all of Israel, that Judah was defensless towards him. In fact,  he stated that it was also futile for them to seek the assistance of any allies such as Egypt. He offered Hezekiah 2000 horses if he conceded. His army consisted of 185,000 soldiers.  

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All the nations were afraid of him. So far, he had conquered everyone else.  But Hezekiah had a strategy. His defense was to go into his chambers and pray to his God. That's all that he did.  He went into God's temple and asked God for intervention. He encouraged Isaiah and others to pray with him to God. He sought help from his God, and God answered favourably. God sent one angel who killed all the 185,000 soldiers in one go.  When the Asyrian king returned to his home, God allowed his very own two sons to kill him with his sword.  God has not changed. HE'S still in control of everything and everyone in the earth.

Problems are a part of life.  They come in different sizes, shapes and forms. Some are like tsunamis, they knock us off of our bearings completely.  They are so gigantic and overwhelming. Especially now that we're in the latter days.  We have to decide in advance what will be our strategy when confronted. The bible says God has shortened the days because they are more evil than before.  HE did it to help believers cope and encourage their faith.  

Matthew 24: 22 “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.

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On another ocassion, God sent Isaiah to Hezekiah with a message. He told him to get his affairs in order because he was going to die.  AGAIN, Hezekiah went before God.  Hezekiah used the same strategy as before.  His defense was to go into his chambers and pray to his God. That's all that he did. He shut his door and turned his face to the wall and prayed for God to change his mind. Before Isaiah could get far, God instructed him to turn back and tell Hezekiah that HE had heard his prayers.  HE was going to extend Hezekiah's life by fifteen more years instead. Practice turning to and talking with God especially when you're in problems. Start the conversation and wait on God. James 5 The effective fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much, ask Daniel.

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When we walk in obedience to God and HIS precepts, what won't HE do for us?  When we trust HIM with all of our hearts and soul and mind, what can keep HIM from coming to our rescue? HE loves us so much.  HE leaves the 99 and comes after us the one lost sheep. HE'S the father of the prodigal son, watching and waiting for us to come back home to HIM.  (HE does not condemn us.) We are the lost coin HE stops at nothing to find. HIS love is relentless towards us.  All we have to do is call upon HIM because HE is our for sure deliverer.  When everyone else is afraid or has deserted you for whatever reason, look to God your faithful father. 

Psalm 91:14-16

14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

WORSHIP: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

TESTIMONY:

HE will protect you always!