When The Lion Roars...

 When The Lion Roars...

Daniel 6

When the lion roars, he can be heard from 5 miles away.  He struts like a king who dominates the area.  His roar is to claim territory and strike fear into all.  Size is not a deterrent. His prowl is calculated.  He is wise and selective. He is fierce and fearless. He can jump over 35 feet high and he's extremely strong. He has a posse, and he's out for blood. He's known as the king of the jungle.  He hunts everything.  No one dares to silence him, except God!

21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”

In the lion's den, Daniel was not afraid because he understood man's limit.  He had seen God do too much for him, to doubt God's ability to do even more.  He feared God more than man. He was innocent. He knew too well that obedience to God was better than sacrifice.

• He had been captured as a teenager and brought to a foreign land. Yet promoted.
• His gang remained healthy on just a leafy diet.
• His friends escaped the fiery furnace uncinched.
• He had seen a most powerful king eat grass.
• He ruled foreigners in their country, in their government.
• He was right when he interpreted the king's dream.
• He was right when he interpreted the writing on the wall.
• He walked in favor with God and with man.
• He had a real relationship with his God.

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Like David, he'd seen Goliath. But he'd also seen God.  He knew that God was able to do far more than any man on this earth could.  After all, God created man.

Isaiah 55:9 

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

If you are walking in the will of God for your life, you will have enemies.  Ask Jesus, or Paul.  The men decided to go without food until Paul was dead.  Acts 23 The Pharisees plotted to kill Jesus because HE was too popular. John 11 Herod's wife asked for John's head on a charger. Matthew 14 Jesus told HIS disciples to take up their cross. It's a decision we all have to make.  We have to be prepared for earthly "unfair" judgement when we decide to stand for God's laws.  We make ourselves unpopular when we chose to declare our faith in the face of adversity.  But faith can only come from a place of a true relationship with God.  There's no way around it. Faith is about jumping in and knowing your Father God will catch you.  You have to become like a child when it comes to The Almighty God. You have to step out of your boat into the water and walk towards Jesus like Peter. You have to keep your eyes on Jesus all the way, or you will sink. Are you innocent in God's eyes? Are your eyes focused on Jesus?  Are you committed to God? You have to have your own story of what you've seen God do in your own life.  David saw God rescue him from bears and other wild animals when he was with his sheep. He wasn't afraid of Goliath.  Goliath was just another beast. Goliath was just a pea brain in comparison to God. David understood that God made Goliath as well. He understood that God was in charge. God is always in charge! What have you seen God do? What have you trusted HIM to do? Only God is all powerful!

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God is supreme!  There is no situation that you can ever encounter that is not subject to God's authority. It doesn't matter where you are.  It doesn't matter who or what you are facing. God is always in control of everything. As long as you focus on God, HE will work it out.  Just remember that your most powerful weapon is prayer.  The disciples didn't ask God to show them how to do miracles.  They asked HIM to teach them how to pray. They observed the source of HIS strength. Prayer is the work. Jesus always resorted to prayer. Queen Esther told her people to pray. Esther 4. Daniel prayed three times daily. He went into his house, turned to the window facing Jerusalem and prayed when he realized that they had plotted for his death.  You have to believe that God will work it out.  HE is your help.  Like a shower, you need prayer every day.  It is what it is. When you're not sure what to do - remind HIM of HIS word.  Psalm 121.  The great news is - because of Jesus' finished work on the cross; every power in the earth is now subject to us as believers.  Like a lion, we should be fierce and fearless in our communities knowing that God has given us power to overpower any and every adversary. Know that when we feel weak, that's when we are most strong, because then HE fights for us.  God is our posse. HE is our pride. Greater is HE that is in us than he that is in the world.  The same spirit that rose Jesus from the dead is alive in us today.

Luke 10:19

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

Faith in God's ability is the ingredient to overcome all fears.  Just imagine the growls of the lions before Daniel was thrown into the den.  Just imagine spending an entire night with multiple lions walking around you.  Just imagine the sight of all the dead bones in the den from prior people. Imagine the awful smells.  Plus, they shut him in with a stone. Yet he survived.  What den have you been thrown into?  Do you have others scheming and plotting, even lying or spreading rumors about you?  Are you surrounded by lions, situations and or systems and people that seem more powerful than you? Remind HIM of HIS word. Psalm 91. Remember, it is always about HIS Glory.  God works it out to draw men unto himself.  In the end, not just Daniel, but a whole nation that needed 120 satraps to lead them, now bowed to the Almighty God.  Daniel did not complain. Instead, he gave thanks. His relationship with God was more important than what others thought of him. We do not always understand God's agenda, but we ought always to give thanks. When you don't know what to do PRAISE GOD.  Like Paul and Silas in prison, praise God.  Your faith, your commitment and obedience to HIM is what matters. HE will open your oppressive gates and give HIMSELF the glory.

Daniel is the only prophet who lived through four different regimes (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus). God did that! HE is sovereign over all. Daniel's enemies and their families were crushed in the lions den.  God caused that. All wisdom and power come from God. Daniel was a 'big deal' in a foreign government. He had seen man's power in comparison to God's.  Proverbs 21.  Inspite of his position, he remained humble and faithful to God. He understood that God could handle any terrorizing situation, by HIMSELF anytime. He understood that God could shut the mouths of any and every enemy power. He understood that all the glory belongs to God. Therefore, God revealed many things to him in dreams and visions.  Ask. Talk to God. Pray continually. Jeremiah 33. If you seek revelation, stay humble.  If you seek justice, turn to God. Draw near to God and HE will draw near to you. At exactly the right time, God will work it out.  God is forever sovereign.  HE will ALWAYS be the last one standing. Nothing and no one is as powerful!  Do not compromise your faith. Never trade obedience to God! It's not worth it!

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TESTIMONY: They Stabbed Me for My Faith but Yeshua Healed My Heart – Pod for Israel

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

When you don't know what to do ROAR GOD'S PRAISE!

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!

FASTING...A Very Powerful Tool, USE IT!

FASTING...A Very Powerful Tool, USE IT!

The real impact of fasting is to give you power to overcome obstacles you're unable to destroy in your own physical strength.  Fasting is a spiritual enabler.  It empowers.

WIKIPEDIA: Fasting is the abstention from eating and sometimes drinking. From a purely physiological context, "fasting" may refer to the metabolic status of a person who has not eaten overnight (see "Breakfast"), or to the metabolic state achieved after complete digestion and absorption of a meal.

Fasting is the act of foregoing food with or without foregoing other 'regular habits' in order to (re)gain clarity, deliverance, power and maybe lose weight. It is a physical exercise with a very spiritual outcome.

For a Christian, fasting is more than foregoing food.  In addition to spending more time 'spiritually focused', it involves serving the less fortunate based on the Almighty God's command. Fasting should serve both self and others simultaneously.

Isaiah 58: 6-8

6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
    and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
    and break every yoke?

7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
    and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
    and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.

There are multiple benefits from a habit of fasting. One great attribute is it offers clarity. You are able to focus better upon completion. It sharpens your discernment skills.  It brings healing. In addition, God's promise is to be your rear guard, i.e your protector/ bodyguard as a result.

The human being has a mixture of physical and spiritual abilities. The spirit world and physical world co-exists. There is always a competition between both. 

Galatians 5: 16-17  

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 

On any given day, for every individual, either of these powers are leading. Whichever of these powers you feed the most will always be in the winning position.

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me".

There are several different types of fasts which include:

• Dry fast - Avoid all food and drink
• Water fast - Only drink water
• Liquid fast - Only drink liquids
• Daniel fast - Only eat vegetables for atleast 21 days

Naturally the body can go without food for 40 days.  A dry fast is the most effective. However, people have different habits and challenges.  It is a deliberate choice to abstain in order to accomplish a greater spiritual and or physical health for a specific period of time.  God is a spirit and man was made in God's image and likeness.  Genesis 1: 26-28 Therefore man is a spirit as well.  Man is a spirit that lives in a physical body.  God himself commands us to worship HIM in spirit and in truth. John 4:24 The spiritual is more powerful than the physical.  In fact, in order for things to be manifested in the physical they first have to happen in the spiritual.  

The world is regulated by laws, God's laws.  

Psalm 138: 2  I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving kindness and for thy truth: For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.  

God is a king; and a king's word in his kingdom is always unrefutted law. For instance: gravity is a law.  It doesn't matter the time, weather, or emotion.  If it jumps/ or free falls, it will hit the ground.  Fasting is also governed by God's laws.  When you fast you gain power.  You can fast for good or bad reasons.  Christians fast, but so do witches and warlocks.  Read the story of Jehosaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 OR Read the story of Queen Esther and Mordecai Esther 4

When you are faced with challenges and want an effective accelerated change you should fast.  Effective fasting should include abstinence from food and all other pleasures to focus on scripture and praying.  it should include dancing, praising, joyful shouting to God and laughter.  These are manifestations of the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Challenges are considered bondages.  Each bondage requires a different level of fasting.  Isaiah 58 Fast until you experience liberty from the bondage you are experiencing.  There is " absolutely no chain that cannot be broken".  2 Kings 6 God is the most powerful being in the universe.  HIS word as a king in HIS Kingdom says: Matthew 16:19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

It doesn't matter who or what is your opposition.  God's law is eternal.  If you want (change) power, and even more power, fast.

Jeremiah 29: 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart

TESTIMONY: George's Story | FAST 2019

WORSHIP: So Will I (100 Billion X) // Do It Again - Cross Worship ft. Osby Berry

Fasting is the game changer you need to clear the oversize boulder in your life, try it!