WHAT PLANS?

Jeremiah 29:8-14
8 For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. 9 For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the LORD.

10 For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.   NKJV

Now most people within the body of Christ can quote this scripture. The most wonderful thing to hear is that God has thoughts toward us and they are of peace and not of evil to give you and  me a future and a hope! That makes you want to smile, give a shout and give thanks for God has thoughts about us.

In truth all of chapter 29 should be read in its entirety to gain the true picture of what is going on here as this was given.

In reality, the text is meaning that which was taught to the people at the time was by those prophets who only spoke what the people wanted to hear. God was wanting their foundation to be built on the truth of what He wanted for them. It was to be by that Word of God to discern the truth and not heed any false teaching or way. 

Psalm 127:1 

Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand in guard in vain.

These people had been in captivity and God did not want them to put down roots in Babylon. In a foreign place, these men and women dreamed dreams and had desires of the earlier days of freedom and life they had known. But in the place of the captive, one has only the dreams. As they had thought and then spoke on "what they desired" they came up dreaming about it, but alas it was not from God.

I think of ministering to people and especially those who have come from really hard places. In the jail ministry, I think of those who so desire to go back home to their own thing and ways. They would ask for prayer regarding the life they had. But I would always remind them that God had better for them, and His plan was found when we seek Him with our whole heart. 

For finding those who think as you, do as you, is not always good unity. Enlarging our hearts to receive that which we have already experienced, is never from God. He desires us to have the richness in life that brings change as the seasons change.

I remember this happening twice in the last ten years. I had been praying for these different pastors. They seemed to be going forward in the things of God and after sometime, I noticed they seemed to ask the unusual thing to pray for at the time. The asking is good in prayer, to find God's plan if something seems amiss. But when praying for people and that includes pastors, you must give them that word which is given by God for them.

In the case of these people, they wanted to flatter the false prophets so that the words the prophets spoke to them would be the good, the fun, the joyful and flatter me if you will!

So many today and that includes pastors, are still riding around in that 1963 Chevy Panel Wagon, they call ministry, because someone they liked ministered a word to them, and it was a good word. But they are still running ministry based on that word from that time. God desires us to have a good foundation to build hopes upon.  We must be willing to teach that word that God has placed on our hearts. It is important to share with others what God is speaking. 

Luke 12:1-3

12:1 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops. 

NKJV

God's Word speaks loudly, and will confirm what He is doing. Though these men and women who were in captivity,  had they kept hearing God, they would not be the deceived. But there are those who, like some pastors, who will give only that word which will soothe the man, to give him something he wants to hear and not give them truth when they really need it. Some pastors will do it to keep people coming back week after week. But if we look at other pastors, and I can think of a few off hand, they are giving the TRUTH and we see them gaining momentum that ONLY COMES FROM GOD!

These men and women being separated from the vast numbers in another country, would all be gathered again together and brought to where they were meant to be from the beginning. We too, have the place to be brought together with other individuals, not of the false and the pretentious, but in the word of God that brings truth and light to us in a walk that is fulfilling.

Yes, Jesus came to set captives free. He even said it TO  those WHO needed it the most and they became unhinged and sought to kill HIM!

Luke 4:17-30

And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: 

18 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,

Because He has anointed Me 

To preach the gospel to the poor;

He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to the captives 

And recovery of sight to the blind,

To set at liberty those who are oppressed;  

19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD."  

20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." 22 So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, "Is this not Joseph's son?" 23 He said to them, "You will surely say this proverb to Me, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.' " 24 Then He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. 25 But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; 26 but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian." 28 So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29 and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. 30 Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way. NKJV

Yes, rejection was the dominate factor here. They did not want to hear this from the carpenter's son who they knew. They liked the preeminence and gave heed to their own vain appetites. 

Jesus said, "This scripture (this writing) is fulfilled in your hearing". Jesus as the Prophet was giving that which had come. And He was the appointed by God!

"Yes, is not this Joseph's son"? Jesus had spoken with power and was backed up by truth of the Word.

Yes, He came to bring freedom to the captives, to open the eyes that were blind, and especially to those of the oppressed.  Jesus came to show the "new way" to walk, and it was not under a rule of the Pharisees that was hard and very harsh. Jesus bore witness that the Prophet Elijah had been sent to Zarephath in the region of Sidon to the widow. Yes, she was a gentile. And then He brought up the truth that Elijah had seen many lepers in Israel yet, he was sent to Naaman the Syrian. Yikes! GENTILES! THAT WOULD BITE!

So the kindly folk became hostile and wanted Jesus done away with, so they could continue on in their "own way of living".

We must call upon God and hear Him. We must go and pray and seek His plans for us...........that we would not listen to that "smooth talk"..........to stroke that kitty cat fur, but be willing to take a stand with God and find that plan that brings us to freedom for life, to no longer be captive to the past thing or things or held by that last good word spoken decades ago, but to find the fresh Manna that brings us to life and joy in the Holy Ghost! For truly should that Word was given by God decades ago and not by man, it will surely come to pass. It will be fresh, filling, adding zest to make all of our days of wholeness and peace. We should not be weary in this time of season. We should be looking forward to that hope that is within us. For His Word is given to instruct us, leading us in righteousness that is truth and justice, so that we may carry out His plan for us today. So if something does come our way, it will not be because of sin, because we did not want to hear it, but merely be but a very narrow speed bump as we travel on this journey through life with God taking our hand all of the way HOME!

2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.   NKJV

Let's remember these people as the ones who sinned against God and they were sent into captivity. They ended up in Babylon, which is serving the world in bondage. Today we are the "new man in Christ" when we have received Him as Lord. We are to remain, abide in the truth of what God has given us, so that we are not carried off by idolatry and into sin. Our sight should be kept on the Lord Who has Come and Know that HE IS COMING AGAIN, SOON!

 REMEMBER THAT NOT ONE OF GOD'S WORDS WILL FAIL WHEN HE GIVES IT TO YOU!

Father, we thank You for the opportunity to become the "new man" in Christ.
We are thankful for His crucifixion and that we can have life abundantly now in this lifetime. We truly seek to find YOU in the Word and in prayer to hear You speak truths to us. Help us when we are weak, for YOU make us strong. Help us when we might become weary,  Refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. (Jeremiah 31:25) Father, today we are reminded of that from Hebrews 12:1-5 that we willing throw  off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, so that we run with perseverance the race marked out for us. We fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Even as Jesus endured such opposition from sinful men, may we continue forward, not growing weary or losing heart, but face the tomorrows with courage in our hearts that God is for us. It is in Jesus' name we have prayed.  Amen.

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

Preventative Vaccine

A true spiritual health is hearing and receiving the gospel of truth!


Proverbs 6:16-19.....16 These six things the LORD hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil, 
19 A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.
NKJV

Proverbs 6:12-15.........12 A worthless person, a wicked man,

Walks with a perverse mouth; 

13 He winks with his eyes,

He shuffles his feet,

He points with his fingers; 

14 Perversity is in his heart,

He devises evil continually,

He sows discord. 

15 Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly;

Suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. 

NKJV

Yes, we come back to the "heart" again. For everything we do begins in the heart!
Our character is seen when we respond to something out of our control. In the mischievous man, it is one of destruction.
In my character are those traits with which I was raised. If I was taught to be truthful, then I am one who will deal in fairness giving an accurate report to truthful facts in a situation. But if I was raised to lie to people, then I would be one of a deceptive character. In that above, we find the dangerous man, the person who is quick to doing the wicked thing. He has a mouth of lying and of perverseness. We can see this "man" as one to deal craftily, with his entire body he expresses that hostile meanness. The man depicted here is one set, not to enhance himself but is purely intent on devising mischief to the extent of performing harm and destruction on others.

We are told that his doom in verse 15 is a calamity. A calamity of disastrous proportions. A tragedy or tribulation that never ends.

Suddenly, he will be broken. Without any warning, ......no whistle blowing, no loud trumpet call............a without warning destruction will befall such "man" who seeks another's doom.

Daniel 11:45...........yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.  NKJV

What character do we possess? Are we the character of truth, of tolerance, of the loyal, of the kind, of the loving, of the patient and the determined? Or are we the grumpy, the greedy, the disrespectful, the cruel, the malicious, the loud braggart, who is caustic, wicked and angry?

Our spiritual health is hinged on hearing the good news which brings health to us! If I spend time with the angry, the hateful, the greedy, and the malicious, then I become some what like those traits state. But if I remain with the loyal, those who speak truth, are tolerant of others, have a loving nature and have the traits of the patient and the determined, then I am one who can stay fixed on the course devised by God to follow. I become one who can have the Preventative Vaccine of His Word to dispel darkness out of my life.
Like any preventative vaccine, one may still have some effects of an illness it is trying to prevent. But we must remember in our walk with God and at the very beginning, we may have some things that took seed as weeds in our lives that can cause problems later in life. So too, if I take the Word of God and use it, then those things I sowed to that did not bring life, will die and the things of God will spring up and have fruit for good for me and for others.

For every Word of God I hear, I am responsible for it. Will I guard it, or will I forget it? And for every Word of God I hear and give to another, I am responsible to give it in truth. I am to give it as the Word is written. Anyone who speaks against this Word of God is the false witness, the one who speaks lies and sows discord among many people or brethren of the faith.

Matthew 7:13-20...........................13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. 

15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.     NKJV

How do we know someone is speaking false teachings from the Bible? Well, one for sure is by reading it ourselves. We need to know what the written word of God says.

Paul tell us in Titus 1 and reading from verses 10-16.......what the deceiver looks and sounds like.

Titus 1:10-16.........................10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. 15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.   NKJV

Paul was stating that false teaching is dangerous and requires a disciplinary action. That correction will come and should be a strong correction, understanding that the false teaching would not produce any fruit of good. There are those who will teach, may have memorized paragraphs of  certain books and still not have that relationship of actually knowing God. THE teacher that is qualified to teach is the one who has been "tested" by God Himself. 

Their character will be one of virtue and adhering to God the Savior. They are those who hold fast to the faithful word of God. He follows the commands given in that Word. When they speak, they speak and will teach that same Word. They give the sound doctrine. They exhort others.

The character of the "bad teacher" is one that is obstinate, unyielding.  To be obstinate, to be so stubborn and refuse to change course, is the "bad teacher".  They do not like authority. They are those who will not be corrected themselves. Those who speak as such, will have no power. They subvert and produce many errors through either speech or of giving the Word of God. 

Matthew 7:18-20............18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.    NKJV

Therefore you and I will know the "bad teacher" for they produce fruit but not for good.

Titus 1:4-13................Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. 

5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you-- 6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. 

10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." 13 This testimony is true. 

Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. 15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.     NKJV

  

Paul tells Titus, mouths must be stopped who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. Paul goes on to mention that a prophet had said that some from Crete........look like this........."Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." 13...This testimony is true.

From verse 13 ....rebuke sharply....(correct)..........not to give ourselves over to fables, but to be sound in the faith.

A " bad teacher" is..............obnoxious, hateful! They are the disobedient.......troublesome, rebellious. You might have seen some in "church". They cause problems wherever they go. They want their own way, they speak like they have arrived in the "things of God" but alas no one has.  WE ARE ALL LEARNING AND GOING FORWARD TO REACH FOR THAT PRIZE, THAT CALLING IN CHRIST JESUS............we are each going at the pace we are to run, and we are learning of the life that is everlasting!
We are not going to spend our days floating on clouds. God has things for us to do and they start when we first believe in His Son Jesus!

Philippians 3:12-21.........................12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. 

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.   NKJV

Therefore let us, as many as are mature.............maturing, growing in Christ Jesus.............allowing God to reveal to us those things He desires to reveal through His Son and Holy Spirit. We are to be of the same mind as God. We, as believer's are to be those with the same thoughts God has...........from His Word, the Bible........so we will recognize those who are the enemy of the Cross of Jesus. (verse 18)

Those whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame are set on the earthly things. 

In the Living Bible, it reads like this: .............19 Their future is eternal loss, for their god is their appetite: they are proud of what they should be ashamed of; and all they think about is this life here on earth.

And in the Message Bible, it reads like this:   But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods, their belches are their praise, and all they think of is their appetites.

That preventative vaccine is designed by God to stimulate our inner man. His Word is to be administered to our spirit, soul and body. That Word of faith is to inactivate that which is coming against us either in our soul or body and is of the world. It could be something we were taught as children, but God wants us to have TRUTH!  That holy Word teaches us to target that which must be corrected as in keeping that which must be identified that blocks our progress in God or hinders our life from operating in His plan for us. We must know what the Word teaches so as not to be deceived but overcome the world. We are not to run in unbelief but hold onto faith in those life giving words God has for us.

We want to be aware of any deceptive, well woven lie that can cause us grief. In His Word we can find those divine weapons to demolish strongholds we may not even know exist in our lives.

God's WORD is that vaccine. It is that medicine we take everyday, and get it inside our hearts to point to that which must not be in our lives. It will point to that which must be revealed and then speak to it with the Word till it is gone from our lives.

If we have problems with idols, pride, despair, unforgiveness, depression, overcoming the devil, in our lives, there are scriptures for those.

In Isaiah 43:10-12..........

10 "You are My witnesses," says the LORD,

"And My servant whom I have chosen,

That you may know and believe Me,

And understand that I am He.

Before Me there was no God formed,

Nor shall there be after Me. 

11 I, even I, am the LORD,

And besides Me there is no savior. 

12 I have declared and saved,

I have proclaimed,

And there was no foreign god among you;

Therefore you are My witnesses,"

Says the LORD, "that I am God. NKJV

"YOU are MY witnesses". We are to be His witnesses. We are to know Him and believe Him. We are to tell others that He is God. That sums it up, right?

There is only ONE TRUE GOD! Jehovah!

In closing: when I am looking for a teacher, and generally I do not have to look too far, for God always brings just what I need when I need it. That one teacher, will be one who will give the Word and have the power of God to heal and speak liberty to those who are the broken, those who are sick and the afflicted, those who are blind. When God's Word is given, it will be a beauty for ashes, a joy instead of mourning, and praise instead of heaviness.........TLB... for God has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for His own glory!

That teacher will present the Word to what must be addressed and corrected. SETTING CAPTIVES FREE! AMEN!

I will take a look at the teacher and then look at his family, his character. He may give the Word in power of the Holy Ghost for God will always honor His Word, but we must always look how the man lives and how he lives with his family and children. Are they children growing up in admonition of the Lord? Does the teacher (that man or woman) represent God every time they speak? Do they live the Word daily? Do they lift up Jesus or themselves? Yes, take a look at those who think they must be heard and see if they truly have a relationship with God, know Jesus as Lord and Savior faithfully and allow the Holy Spirit full reign in their lives!

God will surely direct our steps............and He talks of those who are the righteous, those in right standing with HIM. 

Psalm 37:23................23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD,

And He delights in his way. NKJV

Proverbs 4:26.............26 Watch your step. Stick to the path and be safe. 27 Don't sidetrack; pull back your foot from danger.  TLB

Father, today we pray in Jesus' name, not making the request because we are righteous, BUT BECAUSE OF YOUR GREAT MERCY.  We desire to not be passive in receiving all that YOU have spoken from the foundation of the world. We truly desire to be active, reaching out to receive that preventative vaccine, that is of doing something......it is that searching as the Bereans did in the book of Acts. Today our trust is in YOU, and in YOUR Word spoken to set captives free. Help us to discern that which harms, stops us dead in our tracks, that which brings death and destruction. We desire to fight the good fight of faith.............(1 Timothy 6:12)

Today we take hold of the eternal life to which we were called. May we be those who will keep the Word, receive and act on every command without spot or wrinkle. I pray for each who read this that we would be those who CONTINUE TO PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS, GODLINESS, FAITH AND LOVE.........ENDURANCE AND GENTLENESS.

Father, may we be those who are the trees of righteousness for the healing of the nations. And not like those from Jude 12-13 .............clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted-twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.

May we be Your Witnesses forever. May we abide and declare the true Word that brings faith and see that captives are set free to run the race for that prize....to grow and mature in the Word that delivers. May we live our lives in reverent fear of You our God, obeying truth, believing God who raised Jesus from the dead and glorified Him, so that our faith and hope are in God.(1 Peter 1:21) The word of the Lord stands forever........and this is that which was preached to us. Amen.

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

A Zealous Warrior at Dawn, or in the Dark of Night

Isaiah 42:13...........13 The LORD shall go forth like a mighty man;
He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war.
He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud;
He shall prevail against His enemies. NKJV

A mighty attack against the enemy, God sent His Son. He came to stir us up to life and living eternally. He sent His Son to the world so we could be saved from the wrath to come. What a beautiful love story and how His Son prevailed against satan.

Jesus fulfilled the promises to Israel and brought light of revelation to the Gentiles. Truly we were the captives set free from sin and to give glory that belongs to God alone.

Psalm 144:1-2..........Blessed be the LORD my Rock,

Who trains my hands for war,

And my fingers for battle-- 

2 My lovingkindness and my fortress,

My high tower and my deliverer,

My shield and the One in whom I take refuge,

Who subdues my people under me.  NKJV

Like David, we too can use our hands as the warrior. Whether for battle against the enemy or soothing King Saul of the spirit that gave him grief, we can know and use the works of our hands and fingers to give praise to God.  As David worshiped, danced and raised hands to the Lord, we too, can lift holy hands to worship and expect to see change. When we read about David, we see him use the harp to ease an embittered soul in King Saul.

In David's case, he could wield a sling shot with the expertise of a champion. With many military men looking on, David, truly brought down the giant that faced Israel in defiance. But David's skill also took him into the rooms of a palace to play music to a king who could not be consoled to peace in any manner.

I think it is interesting too, that David was out with the sheep. When the prophet Samuel came looking for him, David was out tending the sheep. His brothers stood together in the house when the prophet came calling with the horn of oil for anointing. We too, should consider that while all his other brothers were military men trained for battle with bows and arrows and battle axes as well, David too was probably different in that he was of small stature. Could he have been the son of a different mother than the rest of the other sons? Could Jesse's pride been just in the sons with the "look" of military might?

Like David out with the sheep, we can see everything is tested in the "wilderness". Like David, I too, think our hearts are measured in that place like I believe David's was tested. God always comes to check our motives, our devotion, faith, our relationship with Him and with others. David's skill came from what he used in the "wilderness" of what he had on or in his hand. He had to lean on God alone!

What skills do we hold in the "wilderness" area? Do we voice praise and worship or something else? What do we seek within our home when no one is watching us? Do I search the Bible for answers to a problem or do I seek the channel changer to be entertained? Do I think I can run from a situation that should be addressed, but choose to ignore it hoping it will just go away?
I think of people going camping when I think of David out in the field with the sheep. I think of the great beauty of stars that blanket the black sky in array of twinkle lights that sparkle on without delay or burnout till daylight breaks. How dark it can be in the "midnight" hour with no electricity to turn on, but that which only comes from the starlight sky. And then there is this "quiet" that seems to surround you and embrace you and then invade our body, to the core our being, that brings a most uncomfortable feeling of being alone in a "big world".
The quiet of the dark night seems to penetrate to the core of our being when standing or seated out on a dark night to watch the parade of majestic stars parade along for our viewing. Only those sounds that inhabit the night watches are heard. They either delight us or make us fear.
Whatever came to visit David and those sheep in the field during those night watches certainly had their idea of what they came for at the time, the dark of night, and the specific hour.

 And David proved ready when we see what he speaks in 1 Samuel 17: 34-37.........

1 Samuel 17:34-37...................34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep his father's sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35 I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God." 37 Moreover David said, "The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." And Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you!"   NKJV

It takes more than the prowess of a strengthened body and muscles twice the size of a weight lifter to prove the worth in battle. But ultimately, we face an enemy who works in the spirit world. We have to be trained in the Word that is "spirit and truth".
David said, "I caught it by its beard and struck and killed it." NOW THAT IS A WARRIOR IN ACTION THAT IS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL!

To take on the enemy, we must know who the adversary is and how to handle him.

Ephesians 6:12-19...........12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-- 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 

Our strength to walk everyday is in knowing God and His ways and thoughts. We are to be clothed with that which looks like "the Christian soldier". We are to contend with faith that our trust is in God and His plan. We look expectantly to victory for He is our courage, and all the promises He has for us are in Him and Him alone!


As we know, the devil does not show up in a red suit and tail to dance around us, but he certainly works in darkness and to practice the ambush he wants  to set to destroy man. Like he came to Jesus in the "wilderness' time after the water baptism, he too, can come and tempt with the eye gate and ear gate. He always comes to people, not in a repulsive form but with some enticing temptation to allure to his way of sin and deceit. He comes with an invitation to entice one  to the pleasures of the world.

Any darkness can represent sin, and ignorance. We are to be those Christian soldiers who as warriors wage the war on the enemy. We are to light the way with God's Word and declare what He has done through His Son Jesus. We are those to stand against pride, ambition and of course, against any revenge against another person. Jesus taught what His Kingdom was and we are to operate within that kingdom. We are stand against anything that speaks crosswise to the Word of God.

Reading the Word of God is paramount and when we put on our righteousness, we are standing ready with the Word for battle. We are the warriors, who have put on truth in our hearts, and being sincere to speak knowing it is what our Father God speaks as well. It is the Light of God's word that will dispel the darkness.
As we continue to stay joined to truth, His measure of faith in us and His love poured into our hearts gives us the cover of the breastplate for safety.
Our preparation includes that His peace takes our steps where they are ordered according to the Word spoken. We can stay in His peace as we war with the devil and not by taking sides with the devil.
 That shield of faith is put in front of us and is  much like a door the size on a house is before us in the "spirit". It is the size of an oblong door. Some say the measurement is close to 4 feet long by 2 1/2 feet wide and not the shield size the Roman soldiers used in their parades. No this shield is a big shield to hide the soldier behind.

We stand in preparedness with the faith that conquers. 1 Peter 5:9-11.................9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. NKJV

Whatever the devil may bring, as to his darts of temptations or to wrath, lust, revenge or despair are stopped by the Word of God we speak.  We are the over-comers of the world and its devices. (1 John 5:4) And we overcome the prince of the air, satan, (1 John 5:18)

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Take, [dexasthe (NT:1209)] - different Greek from Ephesians 6:13,16. 'Receive' the helmet provided by the Lord-namely, "salvation," appropriated already, as 1 Thessalonians 5:8, "helmet, the hope of salvation;"

We guard our head, which is the seat of our mind.

The head is among the principal parts to be defended, as on it the deadliest strokes might fall, and it's importance to command the whole body. ( we can see today the importance for those who ride bikes or motorcycles to keep the head covered while riding out of doors on one)
The head is the seat of the mind, which, when it has the sure "hope" of eternal life, will not receive false doctrine, or give way to satan's temptation to despair. God, by this hope, "lifts up the head"

Psalm 3:3............3 But You, O LORD, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.  NKJV

Sword of the Spirit-i.e., furnished by the Spirit, who inspired the writers of the Word (2 Peter 1:21).

The Gospel word is "the power of God" to the believer (Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 1:18). The two-edged sword, cutting both ways (Psalm 45:3,5), some with conviction and conversion, others with condemnation. That cutting will cut off what is not needed in our lives. It is important to take that "power capsule" of the Word everyday!

Christ's use of it in the temptation is our pattern of how we are to wield it against satan (Matthew 4:4,7,10). Matt 4:4-10..........4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " 5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:

'He shall give His angels charge over you,'

and,  'In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' "

7 Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.' " 8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." 10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "NKJV

We ARE TO always remain facing forward toward the enemy. ( I believe David faced the giant and kept his focus where that stone needed to fly to hit that big object of wrath which was against the Lord and His plan for David.) We never turn our back to him. Luke 9:62.....
62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." NKJV

Yeah, remember Lot's wife............looking back is not good!

And then as a warrior, we are to be praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.


Always, [en (NT:1722) panti (NT:3956) kairoo (NT:2540)] - 'in every season:' implying opportunity and exigency: the mind being always ready for prayer (Col 4:2).

With all-i.e., every kind of; implying the earnestness, being determined and serious about it,  of one leaving nothing untried.
We are to be watchful and not sleeping but observing, keeping guard, inspecting, all that is before us.


Remember about Saul, that it was while Saul slept that his spear and cruse were taken. It was while Samson slept in Delilah's lap that his locks came off his head. Sisera's head was indeed nailed to the ground (a type of those fastened to earthly things) while sleeping in Jael's tent. Or remember Jonah sleeping in the storm, those spiritually asleep shall only awake to be plunged in destruction. Yikes!

And then the most profound thing for us, is to be given a mouth that boldly declares the mystery of the Gospel!  We would do well to having courage to open and speak about the Lord and His goodness. Amen!

Like Paul, we too, are to look for utterance to be given us and not to depend on the  natural or acquired power.Our earnest prayer is to be for that God would open for us "a door" and be ready to open our mouths, so as to avail ourselves of every opportunity to speak to others about the Lord. Remember the Psalms written by David and know he had some conflicts to arise, but he met them head-on, not running but facing the enemy and had testimony after testimony of how great God is, was, and is to come!

Father, Your word is promises to me and those who pray this today. We go to possess in the name of Jesus. In His name we pray today and say that we are willing to take the chance, to take the risk and get back to the good fight of faith. Oppression and destruction will not come near us as we take up the armor of God and we stand enjoined with You for the purpose You have for our lives. We offer up thanksgiving to You Who has called us to be fellow workman.....laborers together with and for YOU! We have on the breastplate of righteousness that protects our love walk. We will not draw back  or shrink in fear, then Your soul would have no delight or pleasure in us. We rejoice today that You delivered us out of darkness and drew us to Yourself. We are transferred into the Son of Your love. We confess and praise You, O Lord our God with our whole heart; we will glorify Your name for evermore. We pray that we always and in every season, embrace opportunities to pray and confess the Word as the warrior. Today we commit to put aside our own desires and conveniences. We yield to Your leading and take our place in putting on the armor that qualifies us for a good future against rebellion and stubbornness. Anoint our ears to hear, and eyes to see, We stand with feet shod with the Gospel peace.  As our steps are ordered by You ( Psalm 85:13) righteousness will go before You O God, and shall make Your footsteps our pathway. We stand in readiness to receive Your instruction today. We pray for the saints, and endure with patience. We ask for a character that produces and sounds like a joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. We are free and our desire is to forget those things that lie behind us and we strain forward to what lies ahead. We press forward toward the goal to win the prize to which You in Christ Jesus are calling us upward. The past no longer will control our thinking patterns or our behavior. We have the mind of Christ and His wisdom is formed within us!
In the name of Jesus, we withstand the devil. We are firm in our faith. We are rooted established, strong, immovable and determined. We cease from human labor and are zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter into the rest of God and that we will know and experience that for ourselves. Father, thank YOU that Your presence goes with us and You give us rest. Amen.


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