Pay Attention!!!!

 Yesterday I heard from the pulpit a statement that made me frustrated, actually angry. I must address it. I cannot be silent.

This is the statement and I quote, "How does it look for somebody who just really trusts God and now they have a diagnosis with cancer and they don't know if they're going to make it."

Many would respond to that statement and my frustration with a comeback like, "What's wrong with that?"

Here's what is wrong with that statement and you may quote me, "If you really trust God and you get a diagnosis of cancer or any other negative report, your response, IF you Really trust God, will Never, EVER be to wonder IF you are going to make it."

How can you say that???? You say, "I know many, many people who were Christians, loved God  and died of cancer. Yes, and so do I. Why???? 

Many, many people will instantly get on my case and accuse me of putting them under condemnation and accusing them of not having enough faith. Of judging them and being too radical. Go ahead with your arguments and justification for your reasoning. But, at least give me your ear to present my case.

True trust in God does not have an end or a limit of how far it will go.  Trusting God continues and fights all the harder in the face of a diagnosis of cancer or any other negative report. There is nothing greater or more powerful than our God. Nothing is too difficult for Him. Nothing is impossible with God.

"But", many argue, "Maybe God wants to Teach me something through this. Perhaps this is His will for me. God needs another angel....Those arguments are evidence of man's lack of knowledge concerning spiritual things. You give me the scriptures to prove any of those ideas. In the meantime, let me give you God's point of view.

Psalm 34:4-7 - I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.

Exodus 15:26 -  I am the LORD that heals you.

Malachi 3:6 - For I am the LORD, I change not

Jehovah Rapha - The Lord who Heals. 

Jehovah "The Existing One" 

Rapha - 'To Restore" "To Heal"

Jehovah is the great physician who heals the physical and emotional needs of his people.

Isaiah 53:5 - But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

 Peace = well, favor, friend, great, good health, perfect,

shalom, safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace -- X do, familiar, X fare, favour, + friend, X great, (good) health, (X perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, (X all is, be) well, X wholly.

We are healed =  cure, cause to heal, physician, repair, thoroughly, make whole

Or raphah {raw-faw'}; a primitive root; properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e. (figuratively) to cure -- cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, X thoroughly, make whole. See raphah

Matthew 8:16-17 - This was to fulfill what was declared by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "It was he who took our illnesses away and removed our diseases."

1 Peter 2:24 - He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Answer me this - how is it that we have no problem believing the first part of Isaiah 53:5

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities" 

and the first part of 1 Peter 2:24 

 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness..

Yet when it comes to the second parts of each verse we believe lies and make up our own doctrines in attempt to comfort ourselves and attempt to explain what we don't understand?

Tell me this ....do you understand how it can be that Jesus paid the price by the shedding of his blood to forgive and cleanse us from our sins. If you were honest, you would answer, "No, I don't understand, I just believe it by faith."

So, why is it any different for the second part. "By his wounds you have been healed."

We make it difficult because we do the very same thing today as the people from Jesus' own hometown where Jesus could do no mighty work because they would not believe. Mark 6:2-5. They couldn't get past what they had seen and knew naturally. He was just a carpenters son, i.e.,the reports show I have cancer. They were not in a position to receive because the would not believe.

 If you had eyes to see, you would see beyond the natural into the Word of God (spiritual) Jeremiah 5:21 and value God's Word more true and powerful than ANY other report to the contrary. You would continue to "Really Trust" God in spite of all other reports and things you visually and physically see and experience. 

Your response identifies whether you are carnal or spiritual  Romans 8:6. Your response to difficulty shows your soil quality. Mark 4:4-9; Matthew 13:3-9

If you are Truly Trusting God, You will fight to stand with God, 1 Timothy 6:12. You will not cave in, not knowing if you will live or die. Hebrews 10:38; Luke 18:1. You will KNOW the Truth and the Truth that you know will make you free!!! You will fight to not let go of The Truth that sets you Free. Joshua 23:8-13, this is extremely applicable to what we are talking about. John 8:31-32. You will KNOW Your God is still the Lord that heals you. You will know He cannot lie. Therefore, it has to be, that the situation must change. I am the Healed for Jesus really did bear my sicknesses and He really did carry my diseases and it IS really true that By His stripes I am healed. This is the faith (the Truly Trusting God), that changes my situation. Then I continue to cast down every thought and argument that opposes the Word of God and make my thoughts come into agreement with what God says. 2 Corinthians 10:5. 

Regardless of how things look naturally. Regardless of how it feels. Regardless of any reports to the contrary. You hold fast to God's Report. His report is true and He is Faithful. He will fulfill His Word to us. Our job, "Only believe" John 7:50; Mark 5:36.

Your Faith (confidence in God, Truly Trusting God) will prove itself to be the Substance that is needed to bring the supernatural into your natural, Hebrews 11:1 thus changing your natural circumstances. You will KNOW beyond a shadow of doubt that you will live and not die. Psalm 117:18

You will KNOW that your situation will change and you will be green and full of sap, full of vitality and fruitful in your old age Psalm 92:14. You will be confident that you will live a long and satisfied life. Psalm 91:16. You will know that the troubles you currently face are Only Temporary. Why? Because your Bible tells you so! He sent His Word and delivered me from all of my troubles. Psalm 107:20.

Warning, Warning! Warning! Pay Attention to the Word of God. Be on guard against things that are taught that sound good, but are actually not in agreement with Who God is and What His Word says. Do not be destroyed because you lack knowledge of the Truth or are not diligent to search the scriptures to be sure what you are being taught/believing us the Truth not doctrines if man, opinion or experiences that do not agree with God.

Ponder these verses...

2 Peter 2:1

1 Timothy 4:16

John 10:10

Read the Gospels and see how Jesus went about teaching, preaching and healing the sick. Remember, He only said what He heard His Father say and He only did what He saw His Father do. Remember, He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:7  He never changes. What He did for me He will do for you!!!!

Acts 17:11

Psalm 103:2-5

James 1:2-8

Psalm 54:7

Psalm Chapter 34

Psalm Chapter 18....ponder what lengths God would go through to rescue me, if He needed to

2 Timothy 3:11

Attention!!!!

 Yesterday I was frustrated, irritated, distracted, annoyed or something on that order. Something wasn't right and I didn't know how to explain what was going on or what to do.

So, I started to read my Bible and my thoughts went to the word "attention". Like usual, my curiosity spiked and I began to look up scriptures with the word attention in them. This is some of what I found:

Proverbs 4:20-23 - My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life

Proverbs 4:1 - Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, And give attention that you may gain understanding, For I give you sound teaching; Do not abandon my instruction.

Proverbs 5:1 - My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel.

Proverbs 7:1-4 - My son, keep (pay attention) my words And treasure my commandments within you [so they are readily available to guide you].

Keep my commandments and live,
And keep my teaching and law as the apple of your eye.
3 
Bind them [securely] on your fingers;
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 
Say to [skillful and godly] wisdom, “You are my sister,”
And regard understanding and intelligent insight as your intimate friends;

As I read those verses I realized they were not telling me something that was optional or just a good idea. They weren't even words of encouragement. These were warnings to me.

The clincher for me was found here:

Hebrews 2:1 - For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

Pay close attention to God's Word. 

Why?

So we do not drift away from it.

Then I saw my problem.

What? you ask....

Here it is..... Coronavirus issues, mask rules, distancing rules, Thanksgiving rules, rules for group meetings,  schools, churches, election fraud issues, job issues, threats of closing the country, fears of many people, fake news, false teachers.....need I continue? Distractions, distractions, distractions .....everywhere I turn....Distractions.

Here's the warning....do not be distracted by all of the things that so easily lead us astray!!! Pay Attention to God's Word. If you don't it is not at all difficult to drift away from it.

Why would that really be an issue? It seems like distractions are commonplace among many... How often do I hear Christians say, "I know I need to spend time with God, but I have been so busy. I just haven't had time". 

Let me ask these questions...how much time have you spent feeding your physical body, but left your Spirit man hungry? How much time have you spend watching the news, worse yet watching "fake" news, yet put the Truth aside? How many other things have we placed as priorities in our lives that really are nothing more than distractions from the truth that brings life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. 

Are those distractions leading us to drift away from getting truth planted deep within our hearts? Apparently, God knows this is a serious issue  Something we should Pay Attention to.

As I read and reread Hebrew 2:1 - For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

I asked the question, "For what reason?" What is the reason?

Hebrews 1:14 clarifies this issue....Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

The reason for me to Pay Attention to getting God's Word planted deeply into my heart and not being distracted so that I do not drift away is because I am one who Jesus died for, so I will inherit salvation.

How am I treating that? How am I treating my Savior? How am I treating the Word who was made flesh?

Pay Attention!!!

Stay in the fight!

 Stay in the fight = You Win!😊

Cave in, Give up and Quit = You Lose!🙄

I talked a little about this yesterday, but I need to rub it in to me a little deeper, so you get it, too!

Ephesians 6:12 - Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life (the life as God has it and given to us now and in the future) to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses.

This life is a fight of faith. The evil, enemy forces are constantly exercising their strategies to get us off of our fight to live by faith, i.e. to get us to not maintain our confidence in Who our God is and What our God says. 

The enemy's tactics have been obvious since the very beginning. His efforts succeeded with Adam and Eve with just the simple statement, "Did God say???" Directing their thoughts off of what God really DID say onto something alternatively before their eyes.

People have continued to be led away from their confidence in God since then. The Israelites were some of the most consistently Inconsistent people written about in the Bible. Finally, after 430 years of slavery to Egyptian rule, they are rescued. Amazing plagues had affected the Eqyptians, but not the Israelites. The Israelites are freed and sent out loaded with silver, gold.....

Exodus 12:35-38 - The Israelites did what Moses had told them and asked the Egyptians for gold and silver jewelry and for clothes. The LORD made the Egyptians generous to the people, and they gave them what they asked for. So the Israelites stripped Egypt of its wealth. 

That night the people of Israel left Rameses and started for Succoth. There were about 600,000 men, plus all the women and childrens. A rabble of non-Israelites went with them, along with great flocks and herds of livestock.

Wow!!! What a rescue! Psalm 105:37 gives us us yet more detail....He also brought them out with silver and gold, And there was none feeble (not one unfit for the march or military duty)!!!

Question?: Were they all strong and fit because they had partaken of the Passover Lamb???

Take note now, as we move forward with the Israelites as they come to the Red Sea, blocked in by sea, mountains and the Egyptians chasing after them, their quick turn from the magnificent God who had very recently and powerfully delivered them from bondage to caving in because of their predicament.

Think of how Jesus has freed us from bondage. Compare ourselves, our attitude, words and behavior when facing difficulty, to that of the Israelites....

Exodus 14:10-12- As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the LORD, and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’”

Like the Israelites, how quickly do we turn from our solid stand in faith (confidence) toward God and what He says when we face a predicament?

Here is God's Word to the Israelites on the outset of their deliverance....

Exodus 3:17 - I have promised to rescue you from your oppression in Egypt. I will lead you to a land flowing with milk and honey

Exodus 12:25 - When you enter the land the LORD has promised to give you, you will continue to observe this ceremony. 

Exodus 13:11 - “This is what you must do when the LORD fulfills the promise he swore to you and to your ancestors. When he gives you the land where the Canaanites now live, 

Didn't they remember the promise God gave them? Didn't they respect God, honor Him and believe what He said, that they so quickly give up? 

Do we?????

It is my observation and opinion that the number 1 problem in many Christians today is not knowing for certain what God says and if they do, then sticking with it no matter what gets in our way!

Hosea 4:6 - My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge... 

What? Rejected knowledge?????

Hosea 4:1 - Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

Hosea 4:4 - For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Moving on with the Israelites, as they were trapped by sea, mountains and Egyptians, they were whining, complaining, ready to turn back and Give in to the enemy. Then Moses tells them in Exodus 14:13 - And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.

Here's how you take down an enemy attack:

1. Fear Not

2. Stand firm

3. Stay in the fight, don't turn back.

Here's the outcome:

1. See the salvation (rescue, deliverance) of the Lord.

2. Know God is working today.

2. This enemy you see today, you shall never see again.

Most know this ongoing story of the Israelites travels in the Wilderness. They have a constant repetoire of inconsistencies in their relationship with God. They would not stick with God. They were not interested in going up the mountain with God. They whined and complained and the bottom line was that they were unfaithful to God.

When they had gone into the Promised land to inspect it, the majority came back with an opposing report to God's Promise. They essentially said, "we cannot take this Land". Joshua and Caleb said, essentially, "we can take this land. God said it is ours and He is with us"

Numbers 14:11 - God responded, and the LORD said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?"

Read verses 12- 19 to see Moses intervene and change God's mind about destroying His people. 

Don't tell me there is no power in prayer!

Numbers 14:20-25 - Then the LORD said, “I will pardon them as you have requested. But as surely as I live, and as surely as the earth is filled with the LORD’s glory, not one of these people will ever enter that land. They have all seen my glorious presence and the miraculous signs I performed both in Egypt and in the wilderness, but again and again they have tested me by refusing to listen to my voice. They will never even see the land I swore to give their ancestors. None of those who have treated me with contempt will ever see it. But my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have. He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored. His descendants will possess their full share of that land. Now turn around, and don’t go on toward the land where the Amalekites and Canaanites live. Tomorrow you must set out for the wilderness in the direction of the Red Sea.”

Take special notice that only those that remained loyal to God, Joshua and Caleb, partook of what God had promised to all of the Israelites. All of the others essentially forfeited their inheritance because they did not Stand or remain faithful to God. They refused to listen to {keep in sync with) the voice (Word) of God. They did not enter into what God had for them. They treated God with contempt. Please, look at this whole issue with the same view as God has. This is some serious stuff. God is the same today! How are we treating God? What are we missing out on because of our behavior?

This is getting to be a long post. I hope you are understanding clearly, what I am seeing.....standing firmly, faithfully in our faith in God and His Word, is not a small, unimportant, no big deal to God, issue. To say, "God understands" as an excuse for not pursuing and not believing  God's character or what God says, is actually a stupid attitude.  If we are constantly living in defeat and/or never advancing in the promises of God, my questions are: 

How am I Standing? 

Am I staying in the fight?

What is God saying to me in His Word?

Am I treating God with contempt (to scorn; abhor, (give occasion to - blaspheme, contemn, despise, provoke).   ????

Where is my confidence?

What is moving me? Fear or the enemy? Distrust in God?

What do I need to change?

What am I saying?

How do I resemble the Israelites?

Am I responding to God like Joshua and Caleb did at the Promises Land?

A dear friend of mine wrote to me this morning in response to my post yesterday and Galatians 5:1...

"if we could learn to stand firm we would not always get "tangled up"!"

Powerful and true! Ponder your "Stand".

Staying in the fight Requires Standing firm in the faith that we are to live by. Without that Standing Faith we are defeated and we are not pleasing to God.

Hebrews 11:6 - But where there is no faith it is impossible truly to please Him; for the man who draws near to God must believe that there is a God and that He proves Himself a rewarder of those who earnestly try to find Him.

Hebrews 11:6 Amplified Bible -  But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.

Read and ponder the following verses...

1 Corinthians 9:25
Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.


Philippians 3:12
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been perfected, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.


1 Timothy 1:18
Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight,

1 Timothy 1:19
holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith.


1 Timothy 6:19
treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Psalm 73:28

But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord god, that I may declare all thy works.

2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Jude 1:3
Beloved, although I made every effort to write you about the salvation we share, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints.

Zechariah 10:5
And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.

Read Jeremiah Chapter 5

Get an open/shut case

 What is an open/shut case?

A legal case or other matter that is easy to prove or decide because the facts are very clear.

Topic:

STAND.

JUST STAND!

What does Stand mean?

Webster's 1828 Dictionary: to stay in a specified position. Persist or persevere. To continue unchanged. To be fixed or set; steadfast. To continue to endure. To be at a stationary point. To be on its foundation not to be overthrown or demolished.

The Greek Dictionary has the same meaning.

Stand How? 

Stand Why? 

Stand When?

Stand Where?

Ephesians 6:10-18

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Stand How?

     • Strong in the Lord.

     • Firm. Immovable.

      • Stand your ground. Don't be moved from your          solid position.

1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable.

Colossians 2:5 - For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.

     • Wearing the full armor of God.

Stand Why?

      • We are fighting against evil powers in unseen             realms.

      • So we can resist the strategies of enemy in the          time of evil.

     • So, when the battle has ended you will still be           standing.

Stand When?

     • All the time, be ready!

Luke 21:36 - But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Luke 4:13 - And when the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.

Philippians 4:1 - Therefore my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 - With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.

Stand Where?

     • Strong in the Lord

     • Firm in faith, in the stability of your faith

Colossians 2:5 - For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.

1 Corinthians 16:13 - Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong

1 Peter 5:9 - But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.

This morning, I was pondering these things. Stand How? Why? When? Where?

These are the things I thought....

HOW? I wouldn't be doing very well if I was not standing firm. Standing wobbly is not much of a stand. In that position I am easily knocked down. I must stand firmly fixed in position. 

WHY? Seemed pretty obvious and not at all surprising. We have enemy forces that we cannot physically see, but their efforts are clearly seen. They have strategies to take us down and cause us to no longer be strong in the Lord or firm in our faith. Really, what impact can we be for good and Righteousness wuthout being strong in the Lord and standing firm in our faith.

WHEN? So, my question was, "when is the enemy going to be on attack?" Who knows? Whenever he sees an opportunity....so, I must be on guard. Stay alert, firm in faith and remain strong in the Lord at all times, fully in the armor God gives me.

WHERE? Yes, of course....strong in the Lord and firm in faith. But what does that mean practically? How does that look. How do I get in that position and how do I stay there?

It must be a big deal since many of the seven churches in Revelation had issues with some aspect of staying strong in the Lord and remaining firm in faith, not going off track by many things. Read Revelations Chapters 2 and 3 and identify the issues that pertain to Standing Strong in the Lord and Firm in faith. Additionally, read Luke 8:11-15 and ponder how this applies to "Standing".

The final thing that I thought about regarding this issue of standing relates to How do I know Where exactly to Stand?

This seems to be a big issue with many people, Christian and Non -Christian alike. There seems, in many people's mind, a lack of clarity regarding where is the right place to stand?

The short answer is: "Stand where Jesus stands". Where is that? "Stand in agreement with the Word of God". Until you know God's position regarding any issue you will not have a case in which to stand solidly.

You have an opinion. You may have particular feelings or arguments on which you base your "Stand". However, without knowing what God has to say and Standing firmly on that knowledge you are on unstable ground, with no evidence to base your case and cause those enemy powers to flee. 

Study God's Word to know that you know His position on any given issue. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth and Pray for wisdom, understanding and insight into God viewpoint. His ways are the only right ways. They are the only ways to be able to remain on solid ground and come out victorious. Do not go with any arguments, doctrines of man, opinions, feelings or what others say or how it looks to make up your mind regarding where to Stand. The only answer that works is the answer God has. If you search for His answer, you will find His answer. Then, Stand, immovable, steady and unshaken in agreement with God, firm in your confident trust in Him. You have the evidence of the right way to stand. You have an open/shut case. No arguments can prevail  You are now on His side, Standing. Who then can succeed in their efforts of opposing you? 

     

Why Rejoice?

Do you ever wake up grumpy? Even if you have no particular reason to be grumpy, suddenly you can think of plenty of reasons for an attitude that is far less than "Rejoicing".

So, this morning, with encouragement from my dear friend, I began to wonder, "Why Rejoice?"

#1. Simply because we are instructed to do so.

Philippians 4:4 

KJV - Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Good News Version - May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice!

International Standard Version - Keep on rejoicing in the Lord at all times. I will say it again: Keep on rejoicing!

Rejoice Definition: be glad, favorably disposed- leaning toward God to delight in God's grace. Be consciously glad for His Grace.

The Message Bible: Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!

1 Thessalonians 5:16 - Rejoice at ALL times!

#2. It is fitting, it becometh, it is suitable, it is beautiful for the ones who are Righteous to Rejoice in the Lord. 

Psalm 33:1 - Rejoice in the LORD, O righteous ones; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him.

Psalm 146:1 - Praise the LORD! How good to sing praises to our God! How delightful and how fitting!

#3.  Being reminded to Rejoice in the Lord is a safeguard for us, for our faith.

Philippians 3:1 - Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.

#4. Rejoicing in the Lord keeps us from depending on flesh (human efforts).

Philippians 3:3 - For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,

#5. No matter how it appears, we Rejoice in hope, which is our confident expectation that God is at work in our situation to do good and fulfill His Word to us.

Romans 12:12 - Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.

#6. It is the example of David, the "Man after God's own heart".

Psalm 145:1-3 - I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

Psalm 146:1-3 - Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have my being. Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.

Psalm 149:1-4 - Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, His praise in the assembly of the godly! Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; He adorns the humble (needy) with salvation (deliverance, aid, prosperity, victory).

Psalm 5:11 -But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

There simply is no stopping.....Read Psalm Chapter  92; Psalm Chapter 118; Psalm 32:11.

Finally, Proverbs 29:6 - An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.

So, Rejoice in the Lord and again, I say Rejoice in the Lord....

    * It is God's instruction to us. 

     * It is what those who are Righteous do. 

     * It is a safeguard to us to be reminded to Rejoice in the Lord. 

     * Rejoicing in the Lord keeps us from depending on our own human efforts. 

     *Rejoicing in Hope keeps us strong in our expectation of God's help. 

     *Rejoicing in the Lord is the example and advice set for us by David. 

A last thought to ponder....who was put out in front when they marched around Jericho? Why?

Don't stop at Day 3

 For a few days I have been thinking about the walls of Jericho. This morning I read about it.

Here's the message that I came away with:

Read Joshua 6:1-5

 Now Jericho [a fortified city with high walls] was tightly closed because [of the people’s fear] of the sons of Israel; no one went out or came in. The Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and the mighty warriors.  Now you shall march around the city, all the men of war circling the city once. You shall do this [once each day] for six days. Also, seven priests shall carry seven trumpets [made] of rams’ horns ahead of the ark; then on the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. When they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall cry out with a great shout (battle cry); and the wall of the city will fall down in its place, and the people shall go up, each man [going] straight ahead [climbing over the rubble].”

So far I see in verse 1 that the people of Jericho were afraid of the Israelites. The city of Jericho was tightly closed. They were on high alert because of God's people.

Secondly, I see that the Lord had told Joshua “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and the mighty warriors....

That was a promise from God Himself that obviously Joshua was taking seriously.

The next verses give the instruction from the Lord on how they were to proceed to be able to overtake Jericho. In a certain figuration, they were to march around Jericho one time each day for six days and on the seventh day they were to march around seven times. When the people heard the sound of the trumpet on the seventh trip around, they were to shout the battle cry and the walls would fall down and the Israelites were to go straight ahead and take over Jericho.

As we read ahead from verse six on, we see that the Israelites followed those instructions exactly, the walls fell and the Israelites overtook Jericho.

The promise was clear....I have given Jericho to you with it's kings (leaders) and the mighty warriors (those who do the work).

The instructions of how to proceed were also very clear....

My question is....after marching around the walls of Jericho following God's instructions once on day one, did anything look different? How about after marching around it once again on day two? Anything different after day three! Day four! Day five? How about on Day six? Nothing looked different after doing what God had instructed for six days, right???

Sadly, many Christians don't pursue to the completion of God's instructions until the walls of the enemy come down. Because they don't see anything happening with their physical eyes they  quit "marching" confidently in response to God's Word and they do not obtain the victory and overtake the enemy.

Do not stop at Day 3!!! Even when you don't see anything changing at Day 6, do not stop. Even at the sixth trip around those walls on the seventh day of marching. Do not stop!!!! You Do Not Stop until those walls come down.

This is applicable in our lives in every way regardless which Promise of God we have, healing, provision, protection, deliverance.....regardless, what the battle is about. It is particularly relevant today in the political realm. We must not stop praying until we have obtained the victory. I still hear the sound of the abundance of rain. Keep praying, keep declaring the Word of God. Keep expecting, Don't crumble now. 

Notice Verse 1: BECAUSE of God's people, the enemy was afraid!!!! Is the enemy afraid of God's people today??????

Philippians 1:28 says:

in no way be alarmed by your opponents-- which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.

The Abundance of Rain

 This morning I kept thinking "I hear the sound of the abundance....", but I couldn't remember what the story was about nor where the remainder of the quote came from. So, pursued to answer those questions and as I did I began to understand why I was thinking about it. 

Read 1 Kings 18:41-45

Elijah said to Ahab, “Go get something to eat and drink, for I hear a mighty rainstorm coming!” So, Ahab went to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees. Then he said to his servant, “Go and look out toward the sea.” The servant went and looked, then returned to Elijah and said, “I didn’t see anything.” Seven times Elijah told him to go and look. Finally the seventh time, his servant told him, “I saw a little cloud about the size of a man’s hand rising from the sea.” Then Elijah shouted, “Hurry to Ahab and tell him, ‘Climb into your chariot and go back home. If you don’t hurry, the rain will stop you!’” And soon the sky was black with clouds. A heavy wind brought a terrific rainstorm, and Ahab left quickly for Jezreel. Then the LORD gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel.

Do you hear what is going on in the Spirit realm?

Are you filled with expectation for the will of God to prevail?

Are you praying with fervor and anticipation?

Take note: Elijah declared what He believed. He advised Ahab according to what he believed. Yet, there was no natural indication or evidence that it was a valid belief. So, Elijah went into focused, undistracted, persistent, expectant prayer. The heavy rains finally came. Would have the rains come if Elijah wouldn't have prayed? Does our intervention make a difference or is God in control and whatever will be will be? 

Apparently, what we do makes a significant difference in the outcome of things. Why else would God tell us to pray without ceasing? Why would He give us the Sword of the Spirit? Why would He tell us we war against principalities and powers in high places! Why would we need the victory if there is nothing to battle against? Why are we told to fight the fight of faith if there is no fight? Why are we told to hold fast in faith if there is nothing pushing against us in attempt to topple us?

Pray, Watch, Expect ... When we pray we know that God is at work regardless of how it appears...Nothing is too difficult for God. Nothing is impossible with God. Do not make your decision based on what you see. Do you hear the sound of the Abundance of rain? Things ARE happening in the Spirit realm, that is very obvious.  Speak the Word of God. Pray in the Spirit and with your understanding. Continue to stand against the efforts of the enemy. Pray with your head between your knees....focused and on purpose. This is not over with yet. The walls of deceit, injustice and unrighteousness are falling down. The heavy rains are coming!!!!

I hear the Abundance of rain. Do you????

What are you pondering?

Psalm 104:34

Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; As for me, I shall be glad in the LORD

Psalm 19:14

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer

Psalm 77:12

I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

Meditate meaning: Ponderings, utterance, talk, contemplation, musing 

Short and easy today....

What are the thoughts I am thinking and the words I am saying like today? 

Am I contemplating/meditating and verbally talking about the great works of my God? ! Samuel 12:24. 

He HAS done Great things, you know. 

He is Great and greatly to be praised! Psalm 48:1!

Am I glad because of my God or grumpy because of troubles?

2 Corinthians 4:13

And in keeping with what is written: “I believed, therefore I have spoken,” we who have the same spirit of faith also believe and therefore speak,

Hmmmm, what I speak reveals my meditations and clearly identifues where my confidence (faith) really lies.

Let's ponder what needs to change so that the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart are pleasing to God

Psalm 103:1-3

Of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds—He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases,…