Hurricanes, Snakes and other Things

 Do we daily remember to not have a conversations with snakes? Do we remember that the things of the enemy are under our feet?

Was thinking of the passage from the Old Testament where the young man has gone to help build a school for the prophets.

2 Kings 6: 1-7 And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See now, the place where we dwell with you is too small for us. 2 “Please, let us go to the Jordan, and let every man take a beam from there, and let us make there a place where we may dwell.” So he answered, “Go.” 3 Then one said, “Please consent to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I will go.”

 4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “alas, master! For it was borrowed.” 6 So the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” and he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick and threw it in there; and he made the iron float. 7 Therefore he said, “Pick it up for yourself.” So he reached out his hand and took it.

 

Now the nation of Israel was unfaithful to Yahweh at this time! Yet there were those who worked together for those who would hear God speak. The prophet Elisha asked where it had fallen and when he had cut off a stick from a tree, and threw it into the water, the iron floated to the top. And the young man had to reach out and take that which was redeemed. Obeying the prophet, the young man retrieved what had been lost!

It is a stony heart that God can work on to produce a heart receptive to heavenly things. A man considered close to God was not above the others when work was required. Do we consider helping others when they require a hand up?

We had an area out here on the side of the storage unit that needed some clean-up. Although my husband does it frequently, still a rake, some hands to weed and a good running lawn mower proved sufficient to get the job done. It did not take all day to do it when you have four hands and four arms and willing hearts!

Whoever we are and whatever our walk we have with God, still the Lord expects us to be committed to helping our mate and our community. In sowing seeds to help him in his work outside, he helps me in more ways than I could ever count. Yes, it has been a good day and it is not over yet,  and that work done outside looks good and things inside the house look good too!

If Christ Jesus is really seated on our hearts, then righteous behavior should be exhibited daily. It appears as having a will to obey His will and to do for His good pleasure.

Are we those really active in Him to contact others for a benefit to them?        

Proverbs 10:27-29 NKJV The fear of the LORD prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened. 28 The hope of the righteous will be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. 29 The way of the LORD is strength for the upright, but destruction will come to the worker’s of iniquity.

 Yes, how we live morally and how we treat others, even within our own home will have an affect on how long we live out our lives. We are to have gladness no matter what is going on in the world or in the state of which we might live! Walking as Jesus would walk brings strength to our walk, but outside of that is destruction. Walking uprightly brings strength to us and we surely required it today!

 Proverbs 13:6 Righteousness guards him whose ways is blameless, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

 If righteousness is our standard, then we will not act ungodly towards others. Living life for us who know God the Lord, is having a fear of the LORD that lengthens our days on earth. Spiritual things are activated in God and by God. If we choose to be influenced by the world, listening to commercials that do not regard God but only loose morals plus our only focus is me, myself and I, then longevity will not be a part of us!

Practicing what God does, keeps us in the place of safety as the righteous. We are reminded of this in the book of James: James 3:2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in the word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.  This is the perfect: the mature man or woman in Christ Jesus! 

We can certainly have a good paying job and yes we are thankful for those things! But it is always about how you treat others in that position, and if you are a janitor, a nurse, or corporate manager, what actions do others see in us? 

Are we about the “clean-up” when it is needed and greatly required to do it or do we just let it slide thinking we are too good for that job? Believe me I have seen some in positions who would rather have someone else do it and then they wonder why they do not have that home yet, or even a spouse when they are not willing to work with others for a good environment where people work together in a love that only comes from God through us to them.

 

 A Quote by Martin Luther King: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort & convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge & controversy.” –

There is great controversy and challenges going on across this country we live in and around the world at this moment. And the only answer is God. It is in the Son of Jesus Christ where there is a quality of hope, that expectancy in Him who spoke and still speaks where life is seen because the light shines in dark places.

The greatest hurricane, Laura came in at a category 4 and it sounds like this may be the beginning of greater challenges of those on the coastal regions of this nation. There is an election coming in the fall and conflict appears. And it especially appears to those who follow closely with Jesus. They walk beside Him as kingdom people and yes they see trials, some suffering and a slow victory, but we stay on His side. We do not choose another side. Eve should have never talked with the snake in the garden. Where was Adam when “sneaky snake” appeared? Do not be talking with snakes! The things of the enemy are under our feet.

If you got a bad report of cancer or Covid-19, my goodness do not make friends with it. Do not embrace it as a long lost friend! Cancer is not in heaven nor is Covid-19! Whatever your battle, put God in the midst of it. Do not listen to snakes! Yes, people have lost again in those southern states that were hit by Laura and are they shouting God is with them or they like some who choose to leave God out of the equation?

NO, if we can shout in the tribulation, if we can applaud the goodness of God while the shadows appear & things may look dark, shall we still know that God is present with us and will we acknowledge Him in it & through it, whatever it may be?

We were never promised a life without struggle! Yet, we have power in the kingdom of God: 1 Cor. 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power…His power is demonstrated in that which includes: signs, wonders & miracles.

The miraculous appeared for the young man who went to help build a school for the prophets. And the prophet Elisha was invited to go with them! What an extraordinary event. Like this man, we too have present help:  2 Timothy 4:18 & the Lord will deliver me from every evil work & preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever & ever. Amen

How this year of 2020 ends depends on how we take each situation that arises now and to the end of 2020. What we do in those times should be to give up praise to Him who hears from heaven, for God has called us to live for Him. Will He see it done in our lives? For Surely His goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives and we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.

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Enoch Whose Name is Dedication

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WHAT WE VALUE: WILL IT BRING US TO GLORY OR DEATH?

Acts 7:51-60.........51 "You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him- 53 you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."

54 When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."

57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.   NIV

From the last two blogs, we covered in "THE FALLEN" and  "PICKING AND CHOOSING" we discovered those like Saul who kick against what the Lord was wanting established. Saul was breathing out cruelties to those saints of faith who had put their trust in the Lord. And of course in Picking and Choosing, we find those who would rather lie about why they would not attend a service, or attend a Bible study. As we saw in the teaching, what does that make us look like when we would rather lie than tell the truth?

In this scripture we continue to see those outraged by God's anointed. If we are the church, yes those body of believer's in Jesus, then why is there all this judgment going on about who gives the message and if it is the right message. Seems to me, the Word works and is given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit to those in need of that specific word of God for that moment in time!

Stephen saw the effect of his speech in that group of people. He saw those enraged and ready to stone him. He saw those call him names and said he had spoke blasphemy. 

Where is that "stone"?

In giving the message of God, presents us with the choice to receive it. Should not matter if the messenger is red, yellow, black or white.............and what is white anyway..........? I know no really white folks. I remember my mom mentioning some blood-bloods once and they were probably the white folks, but I know I have some Spanish background and some Cherokee............so I am what...............?????

Now back to Stephen..........a man being persecuted, and about to be stoned for his speaking truth to them who would deny the Holy Spirit. Stephen even mentions their fathers resisting the Holy Spirit in the prophets God had sent to them.

If we are saved, and have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, we can certainly pray in our heavenly language and allow God to pray through us much like he did in those days. We can operate in those same measures that they operated in at the time.

Do we want to be found fighting against God?

Acts 5:33-39................33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."      NIV

If God is directing you to have a Bible study, then have one and invite people to come. Do not pay attention to numbers of those who attend, but do pay attention as the Holy Spirit leads you through God's word.

Stephen was not deterred from speaking.  He spoke truth and continued to lift the name of Jesus. In what transpired in those moments of Stephen's speaking, men were angered seriously because of truth and they did not want to hear it. YOU know those who are called to preach and teach will continue to preach and teach. They will continually lift the name of Jesus and it does not matter the course of those around the "said speaker" of God...........the messenger sent to deliver the "specific message".

Stephen even tells them that he can see Jesus..............He was now at the right hand of God....and in the next breath, he proclaims that he can see Jesus is standing at the right hand of God!

Is it that Jesus now saw His favorite son being stoned, and was ready to receive him to glory?

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.  

Stephen even had time to pray...........! How many of us tell God that we do not have time to pray? What excuse could we use for not praying? 

And how did Stephen do that short prayer while being hit by stones and words of hateful men? He had a prayer life. He had to have sought God and spent time in prayer to have the Holy Spirit on the scene in this situation and for the wisdom Stephen spoke to those men. In those last moments he was praying that the Lord would not hold that sin against them! Wow!

It is like having a baby. It takes nine months. You have to eat the right food, exercise and have regular check-ups with the Doctor. In prayer, we check ourselves into the Word of God, eat precisely what we need and have the Great Physician to come check on us to see how we are doing. Right? 

If a ministry or even a job is like having a baby and caring for the said baby..........is it possible that we could be trying to get everything in before..........like say.....leaving for the day, or for a week off or even for a vacation? Will our absence affect others? What about ministry to others through a specific ministry? Every step.........in a job or ministry always involves others and our time away takes some planning!

For any decision, the leader in business , the church, home, in the mission field, whether Bible studies, ministering in jail, ministering in hospitals, feeding the homeless, for leadership meetings in the church, in big Business, taking care of and leading children (teaching them by example), or caring for an elderly parent, requires each of us to seek God's counsel on these important matters. It will take some prayer time, much like Stephen had to have done in his short life, to maintain the thought process for God to bless the men "who were stoning him."

Whatever we have before us cannot be accomplished without God's help! We cannot expect to accomplish in that "spirit of excellence" in God without consulting God first.

 I think of 2 Kings 5 where Elisha told Naaman to go dip in the Jordan River and he would be healed of leprosy. In all that pride and such of Naaman, still he obeyed and went to dip 7 times in the river Jordan. Naaman wanted to pay Elijah something. (verse 16)

With Naaman being healed in the dirty water of the Jordan, still Naaman wanted to repay the prophet! But the prophet had refused it. But we see something different in Gehazi. But let's read on about Stephen.  We will get to Gehazi!

Acts 6:1-11................6:1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 

7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

8 Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)-Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, 10 but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God."   NIV

Stephen full of God's grace and power.......did wonders and miraculous signs and then ............men began to argue with Stephen................but they could not stand up against wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
(read all of Acts 6 when you have time) We can learn a lot by Stephen's example.

 So what do we value? If like Stephen, we will speak with wisdom of God, and be prayer warriors to conduct the affairs of life we must do and do it with ease.

We must evaluate that which is before us............as to study in the Word with others, attending those church services and in going to those "special events".  We must take an evaluation of the thing before us,  its importance & the estimation of its importance to us!

What is the worth of this thing before me? Will I put a worth on the things of God or do I count them as nothing when it is about me and doing my own thing?  Allowing God to ENTER our lives on every decision , we are saying I value YOU God, I value You for the decisions in ministry, in this job, in this department, in this illness, in this problem at work, in this decision for this move to another state, in this hike to the high country! God, we  ask YOU to show us which way to walk in this job, in this ministry of Bible study, in this Prayer meeting, in the department where changes are on the horizon!  If the 11th hour is here, IS God and His wisdom in THE BEGINNING OF THIS DAY?

Well Stephen certainly came to the 11th hour. He lifted Jesus to others and was stoned to death. He left his body in peace knowing that Jesus was ready to receive him to glory.

"Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

Wow! What an ending...........and yet people still study this passage and they receive the effects of truth and the importance of being one with God!

Will we.....yes,.....will we stand one with God .........or will our character show us to be otherwise...........like the liar...........who likes to lie about why they cannot attend some function...........one that we should probably put value on.


2 Kings 5:26-27.....................26 But Elisha said to him, "Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money, or to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, flocks, herds, or menservants and maidservants? 27 Naaman's leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever." Then Gehazi went from Elisha's presence and he was leprous, as white as snow. NIV


The prophet naturally said that he would not accept a thing...........even though Naaman urged him, still Elisha refused the gift.

After Naaman had traveled some distance, Gehazi said to himself, "My master was too easy on Naaman. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him (Naaman) and get something from him. YIKES!
Gehazi hurried after Naaman, and Naaman saw Gehazi running toward him. He asked Gehazi if everything was all right? Gehazi answered that everything was all right.
BUT HERE GEHAZI LIES..........NOT GOOD! In verse 22 of Chapter 5......"MY master sent me to say, 'two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing."

 "By all means, take two talents," said Naaman. He urged Gehazi to accept them, and then tied up the two talents of silver in two bags, with two sets of clothing. He gave them to two of his servants, and they carried them ahead of Gehazi. When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the things from the servants and put them away in the house. He sent the men away and they left. Then he went in and stood before his master Elisha.

"Where have you been, Gehazi?" Elisha asked. 

"Your servant didn't go anywhere," Gehazi answered. 

What Naaman had, now came on Gehazi..........that leprosy was to cling to him and to his descendants forever. Gehazi left Elisha's presence. Just by lying, Gehazi changed the course for his entire descendants.  Again, what value do we place on telling the truth? In Stephen's case, it cost him his life and in the life of Gehazi, well, he chose to lie, and the rest is history..........he and his descendents suffered because of lies!!
In this we finish the series of three........being those teachings about lying and despising those called to minister either at the pulpit or in other areas as in jails or shelter or youth groups! In  THE BLOGS : THE FALLEN, PICKING AND CHOOSING, AND WHAT WE VALUE: WILL IT BRING US TO GLORY OR DEATH? have shown us the importance of not lying to others and how to be effective in ministering life as in Stephen's case.

Father, Your word states in Psalm 24.......asking this question "who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who may stand in His holy place?" " He who has clean hands and a pure heart...........who has not lifted up his soul to an idol nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation. (3-5) Father ,we seek that which is of value to us. We do not desire the worthless thing, the idol which may speak but brings no life to our existence. Help us Holy Spirit to hear and obey. We know it is a choice..........but give us those needed warnings like YOU do, so that we do not miss one direction from You.

We desire our character to be that which is not a liar, but truthful. We desire not to be caustic, not to be the obnoxious and the grumpy. We desire to not be like Gehazi and seek out goods rather than seeking God.

Our desire is to be holy as You are holy..........and that we have understanding of that Word in our lives. We want to be the devoted, the determined and the persistent in seeking, finding and receiving Your truth into our hearts where real change takes place.

To YOU be all the glory for all that happens in our lives as we take these needed steps toward having the character that is the faithful! It is in Jesus' name we pray. Amen and Amen.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV 

Passing the Mantle!

1 Kings 19:13-21..................Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 14 And he said, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life." 15 Then the LORD said to him: "Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. 16 Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. 17 It shall be that whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill. 18 Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." 

19 So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and said, "Please let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you." And he said to him, "Go back again, for what have I done to you?" 21 So Elisha turned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen and slaughtered them and boiled their flesh, using the oxen's equipment, and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant.    NKJV

Passing the mantle.......Elijah was told what to do. The elderly prophet was told to go by way of the Wilderness of Damascus. He was told that when he arrived to anoint Hazael as king over Syria. He was to anoint Jehu as king over Israel. And he was to anoint Elisha, the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah, as a prophet in Elijah's place. God was directing Elijah to those who had not worshiped the world. They had not kissed Baal.

When passing the mantle, like leaving one position to take another, you are always looking for one that is qualified. Praise the Lord for His goodness, and His Holy Spirit that can direct us to those whose hearts are for the Lord God and for His glory! Amen.

Elijah certainly was directed to seek out Elisha and see him anointed. It also states that Elisha followed Elijah. That means he did what Elijah did, and spoke as Elijah spoke. Elisha was going to live like Elijah lived in the wilderness and know those caves.

Many miracles were seen in the life of Elijah. He showed a character of godliness and a stand which was the example of being zealous for the Lord! 

Elijah's life exemplified a life led by the Spirit of God. Truly the Lord knows those who are His! 

2 Timothy 2:19....................19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."   NIV

In the listing of Jehu, Hazael, and Elisha, we know these three would be instrumental in seeing destruction of idolaters at this time in history. 

When Elijah finds Elisha, we see him ploughing a field in the Jordan valley.

Yes, certainly hidden from view of the world. It was so much like David in the field with the sheep. It was the coming of a leader that could be found, not in public view but in the solitary place.  In this, the prophet takes his mantel and throws it to Elisha as he passed by. This was indicating the call to the prophetic office.

Yes, Elisha was found, not in the public places, but in the remote, out of sight of the general public. He was found ploughing a field. What mercy, dignity or humility did he express to others? He had to have a love for people, and for his family to be helping out in the fields. 
I think on the farms back home, where the farmer always had his sons and daughters to help plow a field, bale hay, and clean up the fields for new plantings. A farmer will use all those related to him to get the job done.

We are told that Elisha took the oxen that were working the field, and sacrificed them. He boiled the flesh and gave a wave of good- to all that were in the area. This probably included family, acquaintances, and friends. He took his leave from a life he knew, to find a new life!

Change had come to Elisha!

Can you imagine any excitement and the questions? I can!

What  glorious power of God could Elisha have experienced that day?  Can you imagine that connection that probably moved between the two men that day! Think of Elijah, the Tishbite. He was a man with no family and he liked being in caves. Seriously! Elijah truly left all to follow God and now Elisha was doing it willingly and probably most cheerfully as he worked the sacrifice and waved good-bye to all. Yes, "look Pop, I am sacrificing your best oxen and I am going with the Tishbite"!
How many of us would have "questioned" the Tisbite? How many of us would have said, "ELIJAH, your timing is off!"

In the "moment" of a tossed mantle to a young man ploughing a field, a life was forever changed.
Was Elisha caught off guard? Was he aware this mantle was coming to him?

Even in the case of Joseph and the coat of many colors, do we remind ourselves that as it happened to Joseph, we too, can experience an anointing that would be seen by many. For I am certain, people took note that the prophet had gone out the way to the Wilderness of Damascus.  The Holy Spirit had touched the heart of Elisha. Submission came quickly to Elisha. ( Some commentaries mention that Elisha was probably raised in the school of the prophets.) One thing is certain, Elisha said yes and he followed Elijah.


Elisha was going to spend time with a true prophet. He was going to know all he needed to know. What great advantage to spend some time under the direction of someone who loves God and is led by God! What an awesome adventure to know in the matter of minutes, you could know and experience a relationship with a powerful God.

If anything a person could teach a youth or those under thirty years of age, it could and should be the wisdom of God.  What is the cost of serving? Ask someone who does it regularly and not just on weekends. What is the cost of receiving God's wisdom and finding life for a journey we did not plan for or expected. Was Elisha expecting this new "change", this new way of life?

When Elisha was passed the mantle, it was something seen. It was a mantle that was something that represented a passing from one generation to the next. It was a life of "miracles". Elisha was one chosen by God Himself and Elijah saw to it that the mantle had been passed.

Do we have a mantle to pass on to the next generation? Yes! 
We have those called to prayer, to worship, to giving the Word, to giving salvation messages in the work place, or down at the coffee shop. Even those who exhort others, have a mantle to pass on to another generation.  We each have something we can pass to another, especially one that which is passed from a grand-parent to a grand-child, from a Father to a daughter, from a great-grandmother to a great niece or nephew. Or like in the case of Lester Sumrall to Rod Parsley. As a young man, Rod Parsley followed the teachings given by Sumrall. Today, we see a lifetime of a man who followed closely and learned the wisdom of God. Lester Sumrall once said, "champions trust God while others ask for answers. They step forward while everyone else prays for volunteers." 



It is trusting God and moving forward when He says move.
Each of us are a prophet over our family and community. We can speak life to our family, over our family or we can speak death. Each of us must at some point think on our family lineage. We must take notice of the certain gifts and abilities others in our family may hold. In the life of Elijah, we saw a man willing to pray and to live alone. He gave his all to God! He spent hours in the presence of God. He was one who could lead, communicate and prepare the people. HOW could he do that? He spent time in prayer, that communication device by using our words or praying in Tongues.  When instructing the people of " a rain" coming, how many probably thought about how dry and how dead everything was in that region? Yet, the instruction came, " go up, eat and drink!

1 Kings 18:41-46.......................41 Then Elijah said to Ahab, "Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain." 42 So Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; then he bowed down on the ground, and put his face between his knees, 43 and said to his servant, "Go up now, look toward the sea." So he went up and looked, and said, "There is nothing." And seven times he said, "Go again." 44 Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, "There is a cloud, as small as a man's hand, rising out of the sea!" So he said, "Go up, say to Ahab, 'Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.' " 45 Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel. 46 Then the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel. NKJV

But let's take a quick look back at Elijah in the previous chapters and specifically 1 Kings 18. Elijah took on the whole government of Queen Jezebel. Ahab had heard from Elijah and had the prophets, all 450 false prophets assembled on Mount Carmel against Elijah.(ever wonder how many of them, were at one time, followers of God before becoming one who follows the world and self?)  It was to be a showdown, you might say.  Elijah even gave those 450 prophets the advantage of going first, to build an altar and worship Baal. Well, you know how that went, right? I kings 18: 25-29. "If the Lord is God follow Him, if Baal is God follow him! (verse 21)
No one responded when the false prophets cried out, and no one responded when they cut themselves with the blades. So Elijah builds his altar and prepares the meat, but he also has water put on the altar newly built AND PRAYS!( verses 36-37 of 1 Kings 18) Then fire falls from heaven. Yes, that sacrifice was received by God. Those false prophets were going to be executed. Elijah came against a government who seek to satisfy self. I am certain the word got out quickly by those looking on. 
GOD JUST NEEDED A MAN TO SAY YES AND DO IT!

Elijah gave instructions. King Ahab followed that instructions and Elijah continued to pray. Would you not have followed those instructions seeing fire fall from heaven? The mantle brought responsibility. It was for those close by and for those far away.
A shift is here. It is in motion right now! That major shift in anointings is in prayer, in healing, in salvation messages that will move to those of the youth. They will be seen in major ways that will speak volumes to the lost. Youth will speak with the boldness as of a lion.
I have already seen it in our grand-daughter. When the Holy Spirit moves on one, and the room seems so silent, and one, as a child starts to speak..........one who really knows the Lord's voice will be looking for the pen and paper. I have such a "WORD" given me in October of last year. I keep it on my laptop. When God speaks, we must heed and receive to be active in seeing His plan fulfilled in our lives. I may not look like what I am suppose to be doing. But like Elisha, I am ploughing that ground, and am keeping my self clean before God ! I am looking into His Word....I am..... looking into humility, being merciful to others, and one of dignity. It is a work in progress. 

Mark 7:14-17..........14 When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand: 15 There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. 16 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!" 
Mark 7:20-23............ 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man." NKJV 
We are to be watchful....."yes. but I am pastoring a church," even more so......we must be watchful of that which can defile one. Out of the heart proceeds evil thoughts, adulteries, murders, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, thefts, foolishness,...etc...........!
1 John 2:15-17.............15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. NKJV

We each have a responsibility to leave a legacy to the youth who are our future. We are to be those who leave a legacy of prayer, a legacy of the Word of God, a legacy of following Jesus, and being positioned to hear Him. We should be those with the wisdom of God to speak and encourage our youth into becoming what God planned.
For the one who is positioned in God, who looks for truth and led by it, is the one who looks out for the good for others and does not think so highly of himself. God is Spirit and those who communicate with HIM will do it in spirit and truth. 

John 4:22-24.............. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."    NKJV

We are to be acquainted with the spiritual things of God.

In seeking to stay in the "spirit" we hear the Father's voice. We hear and obey instructions. Staying in His Word and praying, lights our way into the place we are to abide always. In hearing, we see with spiritual eyes those destined to lead the "next generation". We, as the older generation, should be those who give out the wisdom of God. We should be those who always lead anyone back to Jesus and the goodness of God. Our leading is to be that of a tree growing and producing fruit after it's kind. WE are Not be jealous or envious of the youth or those who get that mantle to move forward and claim more for the kingdom of God. Ours is to see that many come to Jesus through love and mercy. As we contact the Author and the Finisher of our faith, we are those who put that Word of God into motion. That Word will not return void. We find that even after Elisha was dead and buried, that very mantle of "miracles" was still occurring. Read below!

2 Kings 13:20-21...........20 Elisha died and was buried. 

Now Moabite raiders used to enter the country every spring. 21 Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man's body into Elisha's tomb. When the body touched Elisha's bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet.  NIV

Even when Elisha had passed. His bones still had the life of God in them to cause a man to live and stand on his feet! Even in death, he was still in motion for God!

Are we passing a mantle that others can experience in their own lives?

Are we giving others the wisdom we have acquired to teach the young how to move forward in God?

We cannot do this if we are stuck in stuff!

Yes, God knows those who are His! He knows those who thirst........

Psalm 63:1-4 says, "O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory." 

In our spiritual growth, we are measured much like we read in Ezekiel 47. Can we leave the stagnant behind? Those spiritual waters are pretty deep!

In verse 3....to the ankles..........wow, that is a start. I think of it as the beginning of our walk with God the Holy Spirit.

In verse 4...from waist to the knees....another wow! There is movement. Yes, it is a moving water to my knees. Am I ready for this Lord? Looks like I am growing in the Word of God and in prayer.

In verse 5.........IT IS A RIVER! I CANNOT CROSS BY WALKING! Those waters are deep and powerful. Do we give over to that movement?

YES, IT is full time swimming now! Being I am not much over 5 feet tall, I am in the "faith" walk with God.

 Is the water dirty or is it clear? Is it moving quickly or ever so slightly? Where is the depth I desire to be with the Lord?  The water of the Word should be moving through our lives daily. Is the river flowing or is it dried up?

 I am joyous when I hear young ones in the Lord recognizing the river and how deep or shallow it is to them. Many for the first time are recognizing that river is their walk with the Lord. It is where they stand spiritually.

 It takes time to grow. YOU can see it in planting a garden or in the growth of a young child. YOU feed them the right nutrients and they will surely spout up!

Are we willing to commit to grow in the Lord. Where are we in that level of water.........?

Are we willing to be taught, be given wisdom for life, and the power to see the miraculous? I am!

God knows those who are truly His!

Father, we pray to be those who continually hold the thoughts and purposes of our God for we have the mind of Christ. May we be those who live with the leading of the Holy Spirit. We desire to mature and grow in You daily, submitting all our dreams and desires to YOU. We pray to be those who flourish and bear fruit in old age. Make YOUR name glorious through us Lord, and we will continue to have the walk of faith.

Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  According to Romans 15:13...we pray the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we may overflow with hope by power of the Holy Spirit. We pray to be those who are taught by the Spirit of the living God, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. We say that we are (2 Cor. 9:15) the spiritual man who makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment.
Help us Father to be resilient and ready to change ........our focus is to be kept on YOU! 
In Psalm 33:10, we are told.....10 The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing. He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. Father, train us in diligent listening, hearing YOUR plans and purposes and then helps us to walk in radical obedience and desperate dependence upon YOUR leading just like Elisha did! Amen.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV