Esther

Esther

Means “Star” in Persian

Her real name was “Hadassah” which means Compassion

To be a prayer warrior you must have compassion

Providence: Defined as "The protective care of God"

Synonyms: Fate, Destiny,God's will, divine intervention, predestination.

The story of Esther is one of Providence.

We too are predestined, Romans 8:28-31

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.30 Moreover whom He PREDESTINED, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

God’s Everlasting Love

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

The King Ahasuerus was from a long line of kings many of which gave of their wealth for the  rebuilding of the temple of God. Ezra 6;8, 6:7 and Neh. 2:8. King Ahasuerus lavished in his wealth by throwing banquets for many days and Glorifying himself. He didn't give glory to God. Esther 1:3-4  In his Kingdom he had a very close adviser, Named Haman whom he trusted and listened to. Haman was a descendant of Agag The King of the Amalekites. Esther 3:1.  Now When Saul was King he was commanded by God to completely destroy the Amalekites because of their attack on Israel when he brought them out of Egypt. Exodus 17:8-16.  King Saul did not listen to God and let the King of the Amalekites live {Agag}and 1 Sam. 15:13,1;7-9. Disobedience and lies and pride were Saul's downfall.  Obedience, humility, and Character were Esther's rising up.

God Knew that the war between the Amalekites was a spiritual battle between devils and angels and being worked out in the natural. Don't be deceived the things of the spirit are more real then the things of this world.  God wanted to remove them from the earth because the devil was using them to stop the work of God in his people Israel. He wanted to stop attacks on his children. King Saul didn't obey and God's enemies the Amalekites rose up again against his Children in The story of Esther.  God also chose a person with a warriors spirit to do this. He first chose Saul but he failed. So he then Chose Esther. Both Saul and Esther were from the tribe of Benjamin. let's see what God says Of the tribe of Benjamin. Genesis 49:27

We all have a spirit within us that directly has to do with our call. Only God knows what that is but as long as we obey him and seek his will he will unfold our calling and purpose in our lives. Esther was very obedient.

In Esther 1 we see how God plans to bring Esther and Hamon face to face begins. Esther 1:10-12

so the King get's rid of Queen Vashti. 

Pride comes before the fall and Humility before exaltation. Vashti was full of pride but Esther was humble and lowly. God wants us to have this type of character. She was an orphan and a captive in the Persian Empire.  Esther was not a natural warrior. She didn't walk into that spirit of a warrior until she prayed.  prayer and fasting will initiate providence it will prepare the way. Just like Jesus did in the desert 40 days and nights. Esther knew that she had to seek God.  

Haman and Mordecai Esther's uncle. Mordecai knew who Haman was and although Haman was a high official of the king Haman refused to pay him honor or bow to him. You should know the Character of the people around you. Mordecai felt Haman was evil and did not deserve honor so in accordance with God's law Mordecai only payed respect to God and the anointed King. This angered Haman. He wanted to kill Mordecai. Then his anger turned to rage and he sought to rid the earth of all the Jews. The devils Plan. But God has a plan and it never fails.  Esther 3:1-2, 5-6, 3:8-11

Esther 4:1-17

See How prayer made her brave. Apart from God we can do nothing!!!!!

Esther learns that obedience is key to success in God. She also learns that God's will be done whether through her or someone else but God will have his way. Just as God rose her up because King Saul disobeyed. Esther 4:13-14 

Esther risks her life for her people 

after she prayed three days she got up and got dressed and went and stood before the king. Esther 5:1-2

Finding favor in the sight of the king. We have already found favor in Christ when we obey his commands. Even Christ says ask and you shall receive. Esther was  very obedient to her uncle and she sought counsel whenever she needed to. There is safety in a multitude of counselors. 

Here the King says to Esther Ask and you shall receive. Esther 5:3

Esther did not act right away she invited the King to a dinner with Haman as guest. Most people like to speculate on why she waited. I simply say it is because everything happens in Gods timing. God simply wasn't ready he wanted certain things to happen first. Everything had to be rightly aligned. 

God wanted Haman's plan for the Jews to be fully visioned by Hamon and begin to be put into action. Esther 5:13-14  Then God wanted the king to remember that Mordecai saved his life and honor him. But not just honor him, but use Haman to do it. So this could cause Haman humiliation. Esther 6:1-3, 4-12 

Now God was ready! Esther reveals herself and pleads for her life and the life of her people. Esther 7:3-4

Esther names Haman as her enemy Esther 7:6

God turns all things around for the Good of the Jews. Esther 7:10

The house of Haman given to Esther. Mordecai gets Haman's job. The Jews are allowed to protect themselves against their enemies. Then many become Jews because fear of the Jews fell upon them. Mordecai becomes very great in the Kingdom. Their mourning turned to Joy and they rejoiced. All Haman' sons hanged. A feast day instituted “Purim” Esther 8,9,10

Jesus came to turn our mourning to Joy.

Isaiah 61:1-3New King James Version (NKJV)

The Good News of Salvation

61 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
3 To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

So God avenged his enemies through Esther and blessed his people whom Haman the Devils tool sought to destroy. 

Naomi a Mother's day message.

“My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you?

Ruth 3

New King James Version (NKJV)

Ruth’s Redemption Assured

3 Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you? 2 Now Boaz, whose young women you were with, is he not our relative? In fact, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. 3 Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do.”

5 And she said to her, “All that you say to me I will do.”

6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law instructed her. 7 And after Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was cheerful, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came softly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

8 Now it happened at midnight that the man was startled, and turned himself; and there, a woman was lying at his feet. 9 And he said, “Who are you?”

So she answered, “I am Ruth, your maidservant. Take your maidservant under your wing, for you are a close relative.”

10 Then he said, “Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich. 11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.12 Now it is true that I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I. 13 Stay this night, and in the morning it shall be that if he will perform the duty of a close relative for you—good; let him do it. But if he does not want to perform the duty for you, then I will perform the duty for you, as the Lord lives! Lie down until morning.”

14 So she lay at his feet until morning, and she arose before one could recognize another. Then he said, “Do not let it be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” 15 Also he said, “Bring the shawl that is on you and hold it.” And when she held it, he measured six ephahs of barley, and laid it on her. Then she went into the city.

16 When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “Is that you, my daughter?”

Then she told her all that the man had done for her. 17 And she said, “These six ephahs of barley he gave me; for he said to me, ‘Do not go empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’”

18 Then she said, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.”

Naomi took in her daughter in Law Ruth even while going through a time of much pain. She found comfort in this young woman's loyalty and the mother in her just rose up in her. She had to do what came naturally to her. To nurture, to secure, to protect, to advise, to take such care in her relationship with Ruth. She was older, wiser, and she knew the way to get Ruth exactly what she needed. She shared all she knew to do and Ruth obeyed. This was a selfless act on Naomi's part but because she chose to do it she furthered her bloodline and Naomi revived her own soul. Mother's give of themselves without measure. We tire, our bones ache, we get frustrated and even depressed but when things happen to the young ones around us we can't help it. Something just rises up in us and we must act. We must nurture. and care for others. In the end it is what revives us, it blesses us, and we are fully satisfied. Thank God for the heart and spirit of a Mother.

Ruth 4:14-17

14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! 15 And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.” 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her bosom, and became a nurse to him. 17 Also the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, “There is a son born to Naomi.” And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Why Gentiles can be part of the promise and not be a Jew.

Follow my study on Galatians 3

To the end that through [their receiving] Christ Jesus, the blessing [promised] to Abraham might come upon the Gentiles.

Galatians 3

Amplified Bible (AMP)

3 O you poor and silly and thoughtless and  non-reflecting and senseless Galatians! Who has fascinated or bewitched or cast a spell over you, unto whom—right before your very eyes—Jesus Christ (the Messiah) was openly and graphically set forth and portrayed as crucified?
2 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the [Holy] Spirit as the result of obeying the Law and doing its works, or was it by hearing [the message of the Gospel] and believing [it]? [Was it from observing a law of rituals or from a message of faith?]
3 Are you so foolish and so senseless and so silly? Having begun [your new life spiritually] with the [Holy] Spirit, are you now reaching perfection [by dependence] on the flesh?
4 Have you suffered so many things and experienced so much all for nothing (to no purpose)—if it really is to no purpose and in vain?
5 Then does He Who supplies you with His marvelous [Holy] Spirit and works powerfully and miraculously among you do so on [the grounds of your doing] what the Law demands, or because of your believing in and adhering to and trusting in and relying on the message that you heard?
6 Thus Abraham believed in and adhered to and trusted in and relied on God, and it was reckoned and placed to his account and credited as righteousness (as conformity to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action).
7 Know and understand that it is [really] the people [who live] by faith who are [the true] sons of Abraham.
8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify (declare righteous, put in right standing with Himself) the Gentiles in consequence of faith, proclaimed the Gospel [foretelling the glad tidings of a Savior long beforehand] to Abraham in the promise, saying, In you shall all the nations [of the earth] be blessed.
9 So then, those who are people of faith are blessed and made happy and favored by God [as partners in fellowship] with the believing and trusting Abraham.
10 And all who depend on the Law [who are seeking to be justified by obedience to the Law of rituals] are under a curse and doomed to disappointment and destruction, for it is written in the Scriptures, Cursed (accursed, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment) be everyone who does not continue to abide (live and remain) by all the precepts and commands written in the Book of the Law and to practice them.
11 Now it is evident that no person is justified (declared righteous and brought into right standing with God) through the Law, for the Scripture says, The man in right standing with God [the just, the righteous] shall live by and out of faith and he who through and by faith is declared righteous and in right standing with God shall live.
12 But the Law does not rest on faith [does not require faith, has nothing to do with faith], for it itself says, He who does them [the things prescribed by the Law] shall live by them [not by faith].
13 Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified);
14 To the end that through [their receiving] Christ Jesus, the blessing [promised] to Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, so that we through faith might [all] receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit.
15 To speak in terms of human relations, brethren, [if] even a man makes a last will and testament (a merely human covenant), no one sets it aside or makes it void or adds to it when once it has been drawn up and signed (ratified, confirmed).
16 Now the promises (covenants, agreements) were decreed and made to Abraham and his Seed (his Offspring, his Heir). He [God] does not say, And to seeds (descendants, heirs), as if referring to many persons, but, And to your Seed (your Descendant, your Heir), obviously referring to one individual, Who is [none other than] Christ (the Messiah).
17 This is my argument: The Law, which began 430 years after the covenant [concerning the coming Messiah], does not and cannot annul the covenant previously established (ratified) by God, so as to abolish the promise and make it void.
18 For if the inheritance [of the promise depends on observing] the Law [as these false teachers would like you to believe], it no longer [depends] on the promise; however, God gave it to Abraham [as a free gift solely] by virtue of His promise.
19 What then was the purpose of the Law? It was added [later on, after the promise, to disclose and expose to men their guilt] because of transgressions and [to make men more conscious of the sinfulness] of sin; and it was intended to be in effect until the Seed (the Descendant, the Heir) should come, to and concerning Whom the promise had been made. And it [the Law] was arranged and ordained and appointed through the instrumentality of angels [and was given] by the hand (in the person) of a go-between [Moses, an intermediary person between God and man].
20 Now a go-between (intermediary) has to do with and implies more than one party [there can be no mediator with just one person]. Yet God is [only] one Person [and He was the sole party in giving that promise to Abraham. But the Law was a contract between two, God and Israel; its validity was dependent on both].
21 Is the Law then contrary and opposed to the promises of God? Of course not! For if a Law had been given which could confer [spiritual] life, then righteousness and right standing with God would certainly have come by Law.
22 But the Scriptures [picture all mankind as sinners] shut up and imprisoned by sin, so that [the inheritance, blessing] which was promised through faith in Jesus Christ (the Messiah) might be given (released, delivered, and committed) to [all] those who believe [who adhere to and trust in and rely on Him].
23 Now before the faith came, we were perpetually guarded under the Law, kept in custody in preparation for the faith that was destined to be revealed (unveiled, disclosed),
24 So that the Law served [to us Jews] as our trainer [our guardian, our guide to Christ, to lead us] until Christ [came], that we might be justified (declared righteous, put in right standing with God) by and through faith.
25 But now that the faith has come, we are no longer under a trainer (the guardian of our childhood).
26 For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith.
27 For as many [of you] as were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union and communion with Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah] have put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ.
28 There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if you belong to Christ [are in Him Who is Abraham’s Seed], then you are Abraham’s offspring and [spiritual] heirs according to promise.
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/Gal/Understanding-Presence-Spirithttp://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/Gal/Identifying-Children-Abraham

How to change your water into wine

How to change your water into wine

John 2:1

2:1On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.

Three is a very significant number in Judaism. Jesus rose again on the third day for a reason. God strategically planned it that way.

Three means: Completeness and stability

It is a prime number

7 is also a prime number and it means promise, blessings, complete or whole, and perfection. It is one of the most powerful numbers in Judaism.

Three is also a great number and has an important part in bible history. There are seven festivals that God commanded the Israelites observe, three of these are pilgrimage festivals. After the exodus from Egypt God commanded these observances on mount Sinai.

The three pilgrimage festivals are 1. The Passover 2. Shavuat (Pentecost in Greek) (1 kings 17:21) 3. Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) This is a Harvest festival. It was recently celebrated this year 2013 from September18th to the 25^th.

John 2:2-5

2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”

4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”
5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

If it was not yet time and everything happens in God's timing why was Jesus able to move anyway?

I'll tell you why, there were certain elements in place to create a miracle.

We have this ability also. Jesus said that we shall do greater things then he. There must be the right elements in place though.

How many people know the story of Hezekiah and his illness and death sentence?

(2 Kings 20:1-6)

God gave him 15 more years and it happened on the third day.

This is just to prove to you that we have the ability to spiritually change our natural circumstances. It is called a miracle.

John 2:6-7

6 Now there were set there six water pots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.

Purification means to cleanse. (Rev. 1:5) says about Jesus “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” (Luke 22:19-20) Says

19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it,and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

Notice that there were six pots of water. Six has meaning in Judaism too, it is the number of man because God created man on the 6^th day. Keep in mind that Satan also stood in wait for his way to trap man almost immediately after God created them.

Since 7 is the number of completeness and of perfection, 6 reminds us of our incompleteness without God. We will always fall below perfect #7.

The 6^th commandment is to value the life God created on the 6^th day, “Thou shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13)

These six jars of water are significant. The number 6 means balance, Harmony, cooperation, marriage, and Love.

Boaz gave Ruth six measures of barley symbolic of his love and protection for her (Ruth 3:15)

In other resources I found that 6 also represents motherhood. A mothers sacrificial nature, her caring, healing, nurturing, protecting, and teaching all fall in line with #6 and of course Love.

But because 6 is imperfect A mother can also be intrusive and meddling. She also can because of her sacrificial nature be lead down a path of abuse at the hand of others. She can be a doormat at times and trampled over. Satan again taking something good and trying to corrupt it.

John 2:8-9

8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.

Obedience is a key ingredient in moving God's hand. Mary Jesus' mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

John 2:10

10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”

When God does perform a miracle he gives you his best. Like Peter and the fish with the coin in it's mouth was enough to pay the taxes for both Jesus and Peter. So much so, it's worth was, that it shut up those who were making the inquire in the first place.

John 2:11

11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

God's main purpose to perform a miracle is that he gets all the glory.

It would do us all well to remember that God deserves all the glory, honor, and praise. When we receive our miracle we must testify to God's glory. So others can believe in him and be saved.

If we want miracles to happen in our lives, we should remember that we are incomplete without God. That Satan is out to trick us out of our blessing just as he was in the beginning. That we should always obey God. We should allow ourselves to be filled with the Holy Spirit to the brim or overflowing so Jesus can turn our water into new wine (Matt. 9:14-17) Like the 6 jars of water.

New wine represents change. It represents miracles in our lives and in others since our jars should overflow. So if you need change or if you have been praying for a miracle remember you have the ability to move God's hand.

Amen!

What is Man? part 1

What is Man?

Psalm 8

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Glory of the Lord in Creation

To the Chief Musician. On the instrument of Gath.

A Psalm of David.

8 O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!

2 Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have ordained strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.

3

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
4 What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
7 All sheep and oxen—
Even the beasts of the field,
8 The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

There is a battle going on which has been raging for millennium. This battle is the battle between Good and Evil within each and everyone of us. How we choose to fight that battle determines the outcome of our lives. Some ignore it by denying that it even exists. Others are so preoccupied by it that they fail to enjoy the gift of life to it's fullest. For many of us the battle goes on beneath our radar because of our primary focus on our material needs: Food , housing, clothing etc... We can also become overly concerned with our material wants: Things which we do not really need but which we perceive as necessities which improve our quality of life. Sometimes we have to make hard choices which put those needs and wants in direct conflict with our conscience.

I feel that we are at a period in our collective existence where great changes are occurring in both the natural and spiritual realms. These changes have a direct impact on our ability to make sound decisions regarding our spiritual needs.

I have made a choice to try and shift the focus of my efforts to achieve a greater balance between the material and spiritual needs of my circle of influence ( family, friends, brethren...).

I have decided that I can no longer sit idle while lives are being lost due to greed, lies, and general confusion. I will be making a greater effort to speak the word of God and teach what The Lord has taught me. I have decided to get off the fence. I know that some of the things that I say may bother or offend some people but my duty is to the truth of the Word of God and not the glorification of man.

So I invite you to come along on this journey with me and let us see what we learn together.

God Bless you and this Ministry in Jesus' Name

Amen.

David and Goliath

David and Goliath

1 Sam. 17:1-7

Take notice, all the armor Goliath comes out with. It signifies the weapons, tactics, and angles in which our enemy comes at us. The devil our adversary could use lies,or intimidation, fear, judgments, family, friends, weakness, past sins (even just last weeks), to get our eyes off God and onto our circumstances. The enemy will use a combination of these things or just one if it will be effective enough.

Goliath came with many. He had his height, his helmet, a full body armor,he had a javelin, and a spear. As if that wasn't enough he had and armor bearer to carry his shield and go before him to protect him from attack. Then on top of all that he spoke words of intimidation and mocked the Israelite 's. (17:8-11)

David seemed to have the deck stacked against him. (17:12-14) He was young. He was inexperienced (17:33) the king said “you are a youth” and “Goliath has been a warrior since his youth”

David's reply(17:34-37) “I have the Lord!”

Let's back up some. (17:23-29) have you ever been completely right and justified in your point of view on a subject and felt that the people around you perceive you as wrong or even of having evil intent. This reminds me of the way people call a good person a goody-goody. Or a person who is a good student, gets good grades, stays out of trouble, even goes above and beyond and tutors other students, but everyone makes fun of him, calling him teachers pet.

David's brother said he was “prideful and deceitful.” God did not see it that way. No God chose David because he had the right heart. (1 Sam. 16:7)

Saul on the other hand was rejected by God for his arrogance and issues of seeking glory from men. (1 Sam. 15:16-23)

David was not perfect he did have certain qualities that pleased God.

1. Faith (1 Sam.17:34-37) I have the Lord!
2. Love for God's Law (Psalm 119:47-48)
3. Thankfulness (Psalm 100:4)
4. Repentant (Psalm 51:1-2)

David's brothers were bothered by David and they let him know it regularly. (1 Sam. 17:29) “What have I done now” You don't answer that way unless you are tired of being accused of something, especially something you're not guilty of.

We can't get caught up in peoples opinions of us. People are fickle. They will love us today and hate us tomorrow and be on our side today and oppose us tomorrow.

God's opinion is all that matter's. Notice how David didn't allow his brothers words to get him worked up and upset. He just kept on asking about what was promised to whom was brave enough to go after Goliath.

When we as Christians see opportunity in front of us. When God puts you in the right place at the right time, with the right conditions, It is our God given right to seek the blessings. God's favor say we are entitled. God's grace says we are entitled without merit. It is unmerited favor.

The enemy will always try to rob us of that kind of blessing. He will either make us feel guilty and undeserving some how, or he will try to cause us to sin so then he could try to cause us to live in condemnation so we will lose all confidence.

We must keep in mind, That when we are in the heat of battle, we do not have favor because of anything we have done. But because of what Jesus has done for us. He also gives us victory to glorify his name in the earth. To show himself strong and that he is God.

Back to the fight. (1 Sam. 17:38-40) David said “I can't work with your armor.” “I have to use the gifts God has given me to work with.” God will never ask you to use somebody else' gifts to get you to where he is calling you to go. God expects you to use your own gifts and he will do the rest.

1 Sam. 17:41-44 Goliath didn't know it but his words backfired on him. God will use the enemies weapons against him. Read Psalms many times they say the enemy was caught in his own trap. David was not shaken by Goliath' words he was empowered by them. David knew Goliath' God's had no power at all. He also knew this was God's opportunity to show the philistines exactly who Israels God is. It was proof time! (17:45-47)

When we are assured of God's ability to fight for us, there is nothing left for us to do except go forth with all our might, confident that God is with us to deliver us. (17:48-49) (Joshua 1:9)

Did David hesitate? Did he waver to the left or to the right? He didn't flinch nor did he ask for help from the others. Goliath still had his armor bearer to help him. David had God and God alone. Oh and his faith.

17:50-54) When we get the victory it empowers our brothers and sisters in Christ to go forth and get theirs. They will take their blessing with the same confidence that you did. David took Goliath' head and his sword and celebrated his victory without batting an eye. He was still carrying it when he went before the king.

Your gift will make room for you and bring you before great men. (Proverbs 18:16)

What does room mean in this text? Simply that you will have room for growth, room for prosperity, new opportunities.

We must understand that victory is something we all want but it is only achievable by faith in God, Confidence in his ability, having a thick skin, Sensitivity does not win wars but determination and focus does. Focus on what? Focus on the fact That “You have the Lord!” and “The battle belongs to him”

Amen!!!

Deuteronomy 30:19

New King James Version (NKJV)

19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

I have been doing a study on the occult in holywood and the music industry. It is chilling how many artists are using mediums and conjuring up spirits to help them perform and achieve great fame and fortune. I just was so taken back by my findings. It just had me wondering how many Christians actually believe that we are the indwelling of the Holy spirit. If anyone does not understand what the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is here is a link that fully explains it http://www.truthnet.org/Holy-Spirit/5HolySpirit-Indwelling/Index.htm

God lives in us and we can do all things throught Christ Jesus who strenthens us.

Philippians 4:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

13 I can do all things through Christ[a] who strengthens me.
Our lack of faith can hinder the power of God. So even though he lives in us we can still be opporating at less power then we need in order to accomplish our God given goals.

Hebrews 11

New King James Version (NKJV)

By Faith We Understand

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Faith at the Dawn of History

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; [a] for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Faithful Abraham

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child[b]when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.

The Heavenly Hope

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them,[c] embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

The Faith of the Patriarchs

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,”[d] 19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped,leaning on the top of his staff.
22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.

The Faith of Moses

23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.
24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in[e] Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.

By Faith They Overcame

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.
32 And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: 33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again.
Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted,[f] were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.






What happens with the Holy Spirit dwelling in us? 

Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Spirit, which would result in power.  The Greek word for power is duvnamiß Dunamis, from this word, we have the word dynamite, the word means strength power, ability.  The Holy Spirit not only transforms us into a new creation, we receive power to do the work at hand. 
We may look the same on the outside, but inside we are a new creation, we are born again, with the Holy Spirit and His power.  On Pentecost, the Spirit came upon the disciples, equipping them with power to bring the gospel forth from Jerusalem.    The power of the Spirit was not only for the disciples in Jerusalem, but also for us. 
We can apply the benefits and power of the Spirit in our own lives, understanding what the Spirit does in our life. 
1. The Holy Spirit is our teacher guiding us into truth (See also John 16;13, I Cor. 2:10-11 
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.  John 14:26 
2. The Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf  
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:26-27 
3. The Holy Spirit gives us joy and peace 
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 
4. The spirit gives us gifts for ministry (Ephesians 2;8) 
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
I Corinthians 12:4-7 
5. The Spirit gives us boldness to witness (I Tim. 3:13) 
And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Acts 4;31 
6. The Spirit gives us power  (Zechariah 4:6)

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,  Ephesians 3:16
 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,  Ephesians 1;19-20 
7. The Spirit gives us the power to live godly lives 
"I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Ezekiel 36:27 
8. The Spirit helps us to pray 
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saintsEphesians 6:18 
9. The Spirit gives us wisdom and revelation 
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints 
Ephesians 1:17-18 
10.  God the Father speaks through us by the Spirit 
 "for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.  Matthew 10:20 
            The Holy Spirit, who dwells with us, gives us power which the world does not comprehend.  For many of us the potential, which dwells within us, is never realized because we will not take God at His word.                                                                                     

If people are willing to sell their souls for eternal damnation just to experience fame and fortune in this life which is but a vapor, Then why haven't we seen much more from the lives of the Christian who receive eternal glory and life evermore. The bible says we are here for a moment and gone the next. So we need to have more faith in order to do the work God has called us to do. God is counting on us to witness to the lost and we need his power to succeed in this dark and evil world. He has set before you life and death, choose life and faith, and power in his name. Amen! If you haven't accepted Christ as your Lord and savior and asked him to dwell or live in you. You can do so now.

Heavenly Father, I come before you and I confess that I believe in your son Jesus Christ That he died for my sins and rose again on the third day. I believe he sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and lead us in our daily lives. I believe Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead and that those who believe in him will live eternally with him in heaven. I believe that those who do not believe will suffer eternal damnation. Please father send me the Holy spirit to dwell in my heart and fill me with your presence. Forgive me and cleanse me from sin that I may be a new creation in Christ Jesus. Help me to fulfill your purpose in my life and give me faith to believe your words of truth. Amen!