Month: August 2023

³² David said to Abigail, ‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. ³³ May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands. 1 Samuel 25, also yesterday’s blog.

SOMETIMES IN THE RAVINE, THE TIGHT AND CONSTRICTED PLACE, GOD STOPS OUR PLANS IN ORDER TO RELEASE HIS!

Abigail interceded with David and his 400 men on behalf of her household and after he’d listened to her he calmed down. God sent a messenger to appease David’s wrath and stop him from taking revenge on Nabal. (Nabal in Hebrew means fool)

³ Stone is heavy and sand a burden,
    but provocation by a fool is heavier than both. Proverbs 27

David had been seriously Provoked by Nabal, a pompous Fool, but God stopped David and blessed him from the very place that had insulted him. GOD CAN BRING BLESSING FROM THE VERY SOURCE OF OUR TROUBLE AND THEY MAY NOT EVEN REALISE IT’S HAPPENING!

³⁵ Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought to him and said, ‘Go home in peace. I have heard your words and granted your request.’

David Accepted The Offering of Appeasement which had been brought to him and he blessed Abigail, wife of Nabal. Godly and discerning wives can still save their husbands much trouble today, by turning away strife from them.

³⁶ When Abigail went to Nabal, he was in the house holding a banquet like that of a king. (Perhaps that’s how he saw himself, King Nabal) He was in high spirits and very drunk. (Her husband wasn’t in a mood to listen) So she told him nothing at all until daybreak.

Abigail postponed telling her husband what had happened, but when things had quietened down and the revelry had stopped she revealed the whole truth to him. Nabal’s heart failed him at the thought of what had almost happened. But then God intervened and finished what David wanted to do himself.

³⁷ Then in the morning, when Nabal was sober, his wife told him all these things, and his heart failed him and he became like a stone. ³⁸ About ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal and he died.

This Biblical account does have a happy ending, when the, ‘beautiful and intelligent Abigail’, became David’s wife. Prophet Russ Walden said the Lord had spoken to him one time and told him, ‘You’re going where you’re giving!’ Certainly true for Abigail.

The Lord bless and keep you today.

 

³⁵ Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought to him and said, ‘GO HOME IN PEACE. I have heard your words and granted your request.’ 1 Samuel 25

One woman, Abigail, turned back a small army and stopped David, Israel’s future king, from avenging himself and  shedding unnecessary blood.

Abigail’s husband, Nabal, had incensed David and his warriors by the abuse he’d hurled at the ten young men whom David sent for a blessing after the shearing was complete. One of the servants told Abigail what had happened and urged her to do something urgently to prevent disaster.

^{16 ‘}Night and day they (David’s men) were a wall around us the whole time we were herding our sheep near them. ¹⁷ Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him.’

So Abigail hastily gathered provisions and sent her servants ahead of her with the gift for David and his men. She met David and his 400 men in a ravine, coming to destroy Nabal and his whole household. RAVINES ARE INTERESTING PLACES! I believe God brings us into RAVINES, SITUATIONS WE MUST GO THROUGH AND CAN’T GO AROUND. Abigail HUMBLED HERSELF AND INTERCEDED WITH THE KING ELECT IN THE RAVINE and prevented bloodshed and loss of life. When we are in confined places we are more apt to cry out to God for His deliverance.

Hannah, the mother of Samuel, wept and interceded before the Lord for a son. She promised God that she would give that son to the service of the Lord for his whole life. The priest, Eli, mistook her for an intoxicated woman and rebuked her.

¹⁵ ‘Not so, my lord,’ Hannah replied, ‘I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. ¹⁶ Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.’

¹⁷ Eli answered, ‘GO IN PEACE, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.’ 1 Samuel 1

Haman, an army commander for the king of Aram came to Israel to have his leprosy healed. At first he was angry that Elisha hadn’t even come out to greet him, but told him to go and dip seven times in the Jordan. He wasn’t going to obey the prophet but once again it was the servants who convinced Haman to do this simple thing and be cleansed. 2 Kings 5:13, 14 Haman came back to the prophet’s house a different man (God works deep Change in us through problems and humbling) and this time Elisha did greet him. Haman had come to know and receive the God of Elisha through his humility.

¹⁷ ‘If you will not,’ said Naaman, ‘please let me, your servant, be given as much earth as a pair of mules can carry, for your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the Lord. 

¹⁹ ‘GO IN PEACE,’ Elisha said. 2 Kings 5

GOD IS WAITING TO HEAR OUR VOICES FROM THE RAVINE TODAY, TO BRING US PEACE.

God bless and keep you today.

³¹ Meanwhile his disciples urged him, ‘Rabbi, eat something.’

³² But he said to them, ‘I have food to eat that you know nothing about.’

³³ Then his disciples said to each other, ‘Could someone have brought him food?’

³⁴ ‘MY FOOD,’ said Jesus, ‘IS TO DO THE WILL OF HIM WHO SENT ME AND TO FINISH HIS WORK. John 4

Jesus’ disciples returned to find Him in conversation with a loan Samaritan woman at the well of Sychar. From the outset of His ministry, Jesus knew His mission and was dedicated to its completion. It was the key thing that energised and sustained Him.

⁴ I HAVE BROUGHT YOU GLORY ON EARTH BY FINISHING THE WORK YOU GAVE ME TO DO. John 17

Jesus’ Prayer to the Father before His crucifixion. He was able to declare that He’d Finished the work God gave Him, though the greatest test still lay ahead.

³⁰ When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘IT IS FINISHED.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19

Jesus knew that He’d FINISHED HIS MISSION. Those were the last words He spoke on earth. There’d been many miracles, much teaching and defence of the Truth in the face of the Religious system. But the last thing Jesus signed out on was the COMPLETION OF HIS MISSION.

²⁴ However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; if only aim I MAY FINISH THE RACE AND COMPLETE THE TASK THE LORD JESUS HAS GIVEN ME – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20

Paul was also focused on Completing the race that had been marked out for Him, even at the cost of his life. Later when writing to Timothy he also declared that HE HAD FINISHED HIS RACE!

⁶ For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. ⁷ I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH. ⁸ Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4

Derek Prince stated that he’d had a revelation while reading Paul’s writing to the Corinthians, namely;

²⁵ Now … as one that hath obtained mercy/been SHOWN FAVOUR OF THE LORD TO BE FAITHFUL. 1 Corinthians 7

Paul had been Shown Mercy/Favour by God and that was the reason he’d been able to endure such severe trials. Many pastors or ministers don’t make it to the end of the course and many don’t finish well. ALL OF US NEED GOD’S GRACE (as well as our endurance and fortitude) TO MAKE IT TO THE END OF THE COURSE.

Ask God for His Mercy and Grace to Finish your race well and don’t just trust on your own strength.

God bless and keep you today.

²² CAST YOUR CARES on the Lord
    and HE will sustain you;
HE will never let
    the righteous fall or be shaken. Psalm 55, of David

⁷ CAST ALL YOUR ANXIETY ON HIM because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5

The Scriptures use the little word, ‘Cast’ in a number of places and in different senses.

The verses above, one from the Psalms of David and the other by Peter, near the end of the New Testament, give reassurance of the Lord’s care for us. That reassurance of God’s love is restated to both groups of God’s people. He cared then and He cares now. (‘Cast and Care’, two similar, short words in English. If we do the first as the Lord instructs, Cast/Give to Him, then He can release us from carrying the Cares of this life. Not always easy, but we can know great peace in trusting Him.)

⁷ CASTING the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He CARES for you affectionately and CARES about you watchfully. 1 Peter 5 Amplified Classic Bible

^6-7 So, humble yourselves under God’s strong hand, and in his own good time he will lift you up. YOU CAN THROW THE WHOLE WEIGHT OF YOUR ANXIETIES UPON HIM, FOR YOU ARE HIS PERSONAL CONCERN. J B Phillips New Testament, PHPS

⁷ LET HIM HAVE ALL YOUR WORRIES AND CARES, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. The Living Bible

^6-7 So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; HE IS MOST CAREFUL WITH YOU. The Message

A sister in the Lord told us recently, that we should contend for Peace. Staying in Peace would allow God’s solution to come forth. Not an easy situation but the Lord teaches us Deep Lessons in times of trial.

God bless and keep you today.

 

The importance of right leadership, who hear from and obey the Lord, in times of conflict.

The Book of Joshua tells of a series of battles that Israel had to fight before they could take their inheritance in the land of Canaan. Believers today face similar circumstances.

²⁹ THEN JOSHUA AND ALL ISRAEL WITH HIM moved on from Makkedah to Libnah and attacked it. Joshua 10

The remainder of this chapter tells us of a series of five battles that Israel fought against Canaanite cities. Every one begins with this phrase, ‘Joshua and all Israel with him’. Joshua was God’s chosen leader for Israel during this time of great conflict. Israel could not afford to lose even one battle or they would have been destroyed by enemies and its still the same today! Israel had to stay united under Joshua, their enemies were all around them. They couldn’t afford quarrels and differences of opinion (how quick we all are to offer opinions), they had to stay united, with no separations or divisions. In doing this the Lord gave them victory after victory and they conquered the whole southern part of the land.

When the northern kings heard about the victories that Israel had inflicted they decided to greatly increase the stakes in battle. They decided to throw everything at Israel by amassing a huge confederation of armies against them.

11 When Jabin king of Hazor heard of this, he sent word  to … ⁴ They came out with all their troops and a large number of horses and chariots – a huge army, as numerous as the sand on the seashore. ⁵ All these kings joined forces and made camp together at the Waters of Merom to fight against Israel.

The Lord again encouraged Joshua, telling him,

⁶ The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them, because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them over to Israel, slain.’

Joshua and Israel did conquer the whole northern confederation and totally destroyed them.

¹⁵ As the Lord commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses.

The chain of command is laid out for us in detail; the Lord told Moses, Moses told Joshua and Joshua with Israel did it. In battle there are only commands, not suggestions and they have to be obeyed.

I would say at this time that we are somewhere between the victories of the southern Kingdom, the enemy/world rulers have sustained  some big losses and the total defeat of the northern Kingdom. The major lesson in all this is that THE HARDER THE ENEMY FIGHTS, THE GREATER THEIR LOSSES!

The Lord has chosen leaders today and following them in unity will bring about victory for His people. Hallelujah

God bless and keep you today.

 

⁶ Jonathan said to his young armour-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. (They went out in Faith!) NOTHING CAN HINDER THE LORD FROM SAVING, WHETHER BY MANY OR BY FEW.” 1 Samuel 14:6

Israel were facing yet another battle with the Philistines and as often they were hopelessly outmatched, they didn’t even have weapons. Only Saul and Jonathan were armed and Jonathan decided to go up and confront the enemy with only his young armour-bearer in support. Jonathan believed that God could give them the victory, ‘Whether by many or BY FEW’. (In this case just two) and he Declared it.

⁸ Jonathan said, “Come, then; we will cross over toward the men and let them see us. ⁹ If they say to us, ‘Wait there until we come to you,’ we will stay where we are and not go up to them. ¹⁰ But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the Lord has given them into our hands.”

Jonathan, friend of David, was committed to fight the enemy, but he sought the Lord’s guidance before he stepped out. The Lord can lead as we go forward in Faith and sometimes we have to step out in trust before we know His leading.

¹¹ So both of them showed themselves to the Philistine outpost. “Look!” said the Philistines. “The Hebrews are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in.” ¹² The men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armour-bearer, “Come up to us and we’ll teach you a lesson.”

Jonathan immediately took the taunt of the enemy as a confirmation from God that He had given the Philistines into their hands. Once they STOOD before the enemy, (We have to STAND OUR GROUND IN THESE DAYS) God opened the way for them to engage the battle.

¹³ Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armour-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armour-bearer followed and killed behind him. ¹⁴ In that first attack Jonathan and his armour-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre. 1 Samuel 14

Jonathan trusted the Lord for victory over a greater enemy and stepped out to find the way of God’s deliverance for Israel. Once Jonathan won his skirmish the Lord struck the entire enemy camp with panic and Israel routed them. By standing in the face of greater odds Jonathan opened the way for a greater victory.

Sometimes the only way for God to show you His power is to let you encounter a situation that only He can bring you through. Lance Wallnau, read this morning.

God bless and keep you today

 

¹¹ But now I am writing to you that you must not associate (BE AT HOME AMONG MSG) with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, (GREED IS IDOLATRY Col 3:5, Eph 5:5) an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. (PREDATORY MSG) Do not even eat with such people. 1 Corinthians 5

The late Derek Prince said a number of times that the Church of his day didn’t have the same attitude, (DOUBLE STANDARDS) towards Sexual Immortality as it did towards Greed! Perhaps the respectable people who gave to their Churches were more accepted than others. But the Spirit clearly said by Paul that, ‘Greed is a form of Idolatry’. I have also become aware of ‘professing believers’ in the body today who are targeting brethren and stealing their money. The Message Bible uses the word, Predatory, Preying upon the Lord’s people.

Johnny Enlow, among others, has prophesied that we are coming to an Age of Prosperity, when God will pour out great blessings upon this earth and it’s people. We are still in transition at the moment and for many life is a struggle, but God is Faithful. Johnny also said that one of the last Great Tests for the Church will be the Test of Prosperity or Abundance. Can God trust us with money?

¹⁴ ‘To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. ¹⁵ I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! ¹⁶ So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I AM ABOUT TO SPIT YOU OUT OF MY MOUTH. ¹⁷ YOU SAY, “I AM RICH; I HAVE ACQUIRED WEALTH and do not need a thing.” Revelation 3

Jesus harshest words were reserved for the seventh church, Laodicea, the church that thought it had everything but was only lukewarm. It literally made the Lord sick.

Lucifer was a highly privileged angel in heaven, beside the throne of God, yet he wanted greater honour; to be like God Himself. Lucifer had great abundance, jewels within his being, but he wanted to take more for himself. He failed the test of abundance.

Will the Church which has stood in times of persecution and oppression be able to stand in wealth and abundance? Or will our HEARTS become lukewarm and cold towards the Lord who gave His life for us. How will our HEARTS function in Prosperity, will we still love the Lord and His people and want to serve Him? His bride is being prepared in this very hour, but some in the body have already been CAPTURED BY MATERIALISM. It is the Lord who gives the blessings and He is able to keep us Faithful in them.

May you be greatly blessed in these days and still have hearts that desire to live for Christ, He alone is worthy of our love.

 

² FOR WHAT IS OUR LOT FROM GOD ABOVE,
    OUR HERITAGE FROM THE ALMIGHTY ON HIGH? Job 31

‘LOT’, means a Portion assigned to someone.

Many things in this life are predetermined for us, when we’re born, where and to whom. Job recognised this in his question above and he attributed his ‘LOT’ to God, critical decisions taken before we were born onto this earth.

¹⁸ Then I realised that it is good and proper for a person to eat and drink and TO FIND SATISFACTION in their toilsome labour under the sun during the few days of life God has given them – FOR THIS IS THEIR LOT. ¹⁹ Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, TO ACCEPT THEIR LOT AND BE HAPPY IN THEIR WORK – THIS IS A GIFT OF GOD. ²⁰ They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart. Ecclesiastes 5

Ecclesiastes tells us that Finding Satisfaction in our Lot and Being Happy in Our Work is a Gift from God. There are many things in life that we can’t change and it’s better to choose to be satisfied and happy with some things than chafe against them.

⁵ LORD, YOU ALONE ARE MY PORTION AND MY CUP;
    YOU MAKE MY LOT SECURE.
⁶ THE BOUNDARY LINES HAVE FALLEN FOR ME IN PLEASANT PLACES;
    SURELY I HAVE A DELIGHTFUL INHERITANCE. Psalm 16, of David

David had many trials, he was chased for his life at home and abroad, but he still thanked God for His goodness towards him. Better to rise up and thank God than be overcome by our trials.

³³ The lot is cast into the lap,
    BUT ITS EVERY DECISION IS FROM THE LORD. Psalm 16

God hasn’t abandoned His world, though some people claim this. He’s still in overall control and aware of the many difficult situations His Children face. We can and should ask Our Father to intervene on our behalf, praise and prayer invites God presence into our circumstances.

²¹ Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you – although if you can gain your freedom, do so. ²² For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 1 Corinthians 7

Paul by God’s Spirit tells the New Testament believers to get their freedom if they can. He’s not against anyone trying to better their situation in life, but we should give Christ first place in everything we do.

²⁷ ‘So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.’ Numbers 6

 

Decisions Decide Destinies and Destinations.

³ Now Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. ⁴ They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, ⁵ both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband. (Nothing left for Naomi there) Ruth 1

These three ladies were together in close relationship for a long time, ten years or more. Then death visited all three of them and that season of their lives came to an end. We can live and walk closely with people around us for a considerable time in life, but then something happens which brings change to our situations. Naomi (means pleasant), decided there was nothing left for her in Moab and that she would return to her own people and land. So a time of separation had come, each had to decide their own way. Orpah chose the familiar route and returned to her family and her people, in the land of her birth.

¹⁴ At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her.

Naturally there was deep sadness on the breaking of such close and longstanding relationships, but the season had ended.

¹⁶ But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. ¹⁷ Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.’ ¹⁸ When Naomi realised that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. 

The bond between Ruth and Naomi was to endure Naomi’s decision to return to her people and her God. Ruth was willing to sacrifice all to go with Naomi and live in Bethlehem with the Lord’s people. WHO IS YOUR DESTINY WITH? The people we choose to walk with today may well help decide the future for us. Ruth not only embraced her mother-in-law, but Naomi’s people and her God.

Ruth and Naomi arrived at the beginning of the barley harvest. Harvest is a strategic time for rural communities and the coming harvest of souls for the Kingdom of God has been on God’s prophetic calendar for a long time. Don’t be surprised if God repositions some us to be in place for His Kingdom harvest. Some of us may find ourselves relocated within the body to be better placed for what lies ahead.

Ruth and Naomi had a long journey across an arid landscape to reach Bethlehem in Judah, but their timing was perfect. Ruth later acknowledged to Boaz, that, ‘she had less standing than one of his servant girls’, when he showed her Favour. Ruth 2:13

¹¹ And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know THAT YOU ARE A WOMAN OF NOBLE CHARACTER. Ruth 3

The only thing Ruth brought with her to Bethlehem was her nobility of character. Some day when our pilgrimage here is over that’s all we’ll have to stand before the Lord, nothing from the earth realm will come with us. Ruth arrived empty handed, but Boaz, the Lord of the Harvest took her as his bride.

God bless and keep you today.

17 After David was settled in his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent.”

² Nathan replied to David, “Whatever you have in mind, do it, FOR GOD IS WITH YOU.” 1 Chronicles 17 

David’s motives were sincere, he was thinking about God’s reputation above his own comforts. (Derek Prince said that two of the greatest idols in American/Western Church were ‘comfort and convenience’. He also said that the Lord God hated carnality, living to please our flesh without thought for eternity.) David wanted to honour his Lord and initially Nathan the prophet told him to do whatever was in his heart for GOD WAS WITH HIM. Sometimes that’s the only confirmation we’ll get, ‘Go ahead, I’m with you’! But on this occasion God spoke to the King’s prophet and told David he wasn’t the one to build Him a Temple, but his son, the NEXT GENERATION, would build it. Each generation has its own unique Calling from the Lord as part of His Kingdom plan. Each of us must be faithful to complete the work in our own day!

“‘I declare to you that the Lord will build a house for you: ¹¹ When your days are over and you go to be with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. ¹² He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. 

David’s heart was to build God’s House, so God in turn told him that He would build David’s house and it would last forever. Truly, that which we sow we surely reap.

²³ “And now, Lord, let the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house be established forever. Do as you promised, ²⁴ so that it will be established and that your name will be great forever. Then people will say, ‘The Lord Almighty, the God over Israel, is Israel’s God!’ And the house of your servant David will be established before you. 1 Chronicles 17

David received Nathan’s Word from the Lord and asked the Lord to fulfil it for him and his offspring, so that people would say, ‘The Lord Almighty is Israel’s God’. Once again his heart was to honour the Lord.

David received God’s promise late in his life after he’d come through many trials and God had, ‘cut off’ Israel’s enemies through him. Paul tells the Corinthians something similar right at the beginning of his letter which is an encouragement for the Believers today.

⁸ HE WILL ALSO KEEP YOU STRONG  TO THE END (Hallelujah, thank you Lord), so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ GOD IS FAITHFUL, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1

It is the Lord who CALLS US AND KEEPS US, He is faithful.

Wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful weekend.