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KJV v. 13... I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. v.14…Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait I say on the Lord.
David, the son of Jesse and descendant of Ruth who became king of Israel after the death of the rebellious Saul, and thus began the golden age of Israel. This powerful king wisely governed the tribes of Israel, forging them into a united nation. God blessed this man to be a valiant soldier, a great military strategist, an able administrator, a diplomat, a composer, a musician and king. David, the shepherd boy who defeated a giant named Goliath with a sling shot and a smooth stone. The one that killed a bear and a lion with his bare hands. David, the mighty man who led successful battles against enemies and won many wars with no swords and shields. David, the man after God’s own heart! If David had such a powerful background and stated HE almost fainted, what about you and I? Yes, even David had times that he almost fainted, almost lost consciousness and almost lost his balance. However, I don’t think he was referring to the physical fainting as much as he was the spiritual. David endured all that and then some but now he’s talking about fainting! This should sound very familiar to the Christians right about now. Those of us that love the Lord with all of our heart and have made a commitment to serve Him until we die are going through some of the greatest challenges that we have ever faced. Have you ever experienced any kind of difficulty that made you feel like fainting? Has the enemy ever messed with you? Is he bothering you now? I mean trying any and everything he can to cause you to just fall out and die! You do know that the enemy's job is to steal, kill and destroy us and he does not stop at anything! Sometimes in this Christian walk even the Savior will put us to tests. Oh yes He will! Ask Abraham, Job, Hannah, David, The Three Hebrew Boys, Paul, Silas, Miriam, The Sinner Woman and the list goes on. They all experienced times that they too, could have fainted. In the 6th division of the Psalm David asked God not to rebuke him in His anger or discipline him in His wrath. He says to God, "Be merciful to me, Lord for I am faint!" He cried unto the Lord to answer him and when he calls, he begs God to grant him some real relief! He asked God to give ear to his words and listen to his cry for help. David was TIRED! Although he accepted his punishment, he still asked God how long? Anybody ever asked God, "How long will I have to be in this?" David wasn't crazy, he knew he really should have been wiped out! All that David went through was not all for a spiritual reason. Some of the hardships he endured were just plain carnal but God still intervened. Whether it's a tragedy from satan or a test from God, we must not lose hope! Let me encourage you today as this passage of scripture encouraged me: The same stuff that happens in the physical occurs in the spiritual when we experience fainting! We become WEAK IN our FAITH! We become WEAK IN OUR WALK! We even become WEAK IN OUR WITNESS! We get those spots in our eyes which prohibit us from seeing clearly. We can't hear well to follow the directions of the Lord. We lose our balance and fall! Fall out of fellowship, forget our contract of followship; we even forfeit precious friendships! Fainting is REAL! What is it that is causing you to feel faint today? Is it your job? Your ministry? Your finances or should I say the lack of? Has a loved one died and left you behind? Could it be a relationship matter? Maybe your past? Are you living in guilt? Does it feel you just don't have what it takes to make it as a man/woman of God? Is there unforgiveness in your heart? Whatever the case, we, the Christians, the Ecclesia; the 'Called out Ones', the remnants, those that are TRULY living for Christ cannot give up! Notice that David begins the 27th Psalm on a high note; the Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall l I fear. He goes on to tell all that God is and has been to him in his life. He talks about how the enemy came to him to eat up his flesh but did not kill him. He thanks God for intervening. He reverences the God of his life all the way until he gets to verse 13. David stops and remembers what could and should have happened; kind of like we do today and he remembers that he almost fainted! The good part to this is when David states...unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! I could go on and on but let me close with this, unless we believe that there is more to life than what we see, we will all faint and die! Life is not going to be easy but guess what? It is not impossible for us to survive this life! God has given us all we need and it's all found in His word. Hallelujah and thank God for His word! It is here that we find help and hope for all of our situations. Let's take a the lesson from David in Psalm 27:13 so that we may not be guilty of having fainting spells. First of all, David teaches us how to prioritize, how to put God first. He acknowledged God for who He was, his Light and his Salvation. Whenever we put God first, we will remain on our feet! There are so many people, places and things that could and sometimes do take the place of God. Shame on us all! God is a jealous God and will not have any other god before Him! We must learn to put God in the place He belongs and leave Him there. Next David shows us to have the right perspective. If he had constantly focused on all that the enemy could have done to him, he would have lost control. David realized that the enemy had some power but God has ALL power! His enemies tried to get to him but they stumbled and fell! And the same will happen to ours if we turn them over to God! Even the enemy of doubt, fear and insecurity! If you want to know what kind of perspective a person has just listen to what they talk about most! What's on your mind right now? Our mind cannot be on satan and the Lord at the same time! Where's your focus? And last, David realized that all he needed, all that he ever needed was living inside of him. David was favored all of his life! He had the right provision which was supplied by his maker. Our Lord has promised to supply us with all we need as well. When we look at our own lives sometimes, we feel that we do not have enough of this or that. We hear nothing but bad news on a daily basis but it's good to know that OUR God desires for us to be safe from all danger and harm. Those people that I mentioned previously all had their share of adversity and trouble. However, the end result was always another win for Jesus! His entire journey was that we may have a good and prosperous life! That does not mean that we will not go through some things. We will all have our moments of I would have fainted unless...... but let us not rest right there. We must continue in this race to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. People of God, don't lose heart in these trying times. God has not forgotten about His people. Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to become weary when doing well, when doing God's work, when keeping His commandments; for as we wait on Him and serve Him with our whole heart, we will reap a harvest..oh yes we will! But the stipulation to that promise is IF we FAINT not! We cannot see anything if we have blacked out! Stay alert and remain aligned in God's word Be encouraged and above all, be blessed today! (Genesis 12:1)The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you".
Isn't it amazing when God wants to use His people for greatness that He will change their surroundings? Abram was told to leave his family and his country! Why would God want Him to leave? I am glad you asked! God knows how comfortable we get as humans. We get in a certain position whether in our home, church, job or relationship(s) and we determine this is our permanent place until Jesus' return. We depend on the voices that are familiar to us on a daily basis and God knows that if He does not get us away we will never be able to grow up and God will not be glorified through us. Both are very sad results so God has to many times get us away from the familiar. God's promise is only a bunch of words in the air without a willing vessel to fulfill that promise through. Abram was that vessel in this instance. God called Abram out of his homeland, "to a land" that He would show him. No one else had the power to do this. When God says "He will show us", that should settle everything we feel or think. As you continue to read Genesis chapter 12, you will discover that the Lord appeared to Abram and said, "To your descendants I will give this land So, a land would be given to the descendants of Abram which was the essence of the first promise. Abram's obedience was not just for him! Later we discover that this promise of land to the descendants of Abraham was fulfilled when God gave them the promised land. God ALWAYS makes good on His word! Many times we try to figure out the entire scope of God's orders when all He wants us to do is obey Him. The order for Abram to get out of his country and leave his home would later qualify him to be the Father of many nations. His descendants, his seed would be great according to God's promise. God is so great, kind, loving and unselfish that He has a multitude of people in mind when He speaks to one person. God only needs one! I have no idea how this makes you feel but I get filled with joy over and over again when I reflect on how sovereign God really is. His ways and thoughts are not like ours. In our most troubled decisions, God is being glorified! When God says, "Get out" you can look forward to going up. What do I mean by this? Our elevated places will not come easily because God wants to make sure our heart and motives are pure. Before we can be great, we must show God that we are willing to obey ANY command He gives to us. And I don't mean great in the sight of men but do do great things for God's glory! Family, friends, associates, careers, titles, wealth...I mean nothing can come between the orders that God has or will give to you. Why? There are too many lives at stake. Remember, God knew before you and I were formed in our mother's wombs the assignments He already had waiting for us. Our job is to simply obey Him. Is God trying to use you today? You know it is possible, right? We are descendants of Abraham. If this was for you today please get out so that you can go on up! Your faith to leave what is familiar will determine the fate of your future! When you read on you will see that Abraham, no longer Abram, received ALL that was promised to him. The word today is Get out and just OBEY the voice of God! I was reading some of the posts that have been shared this week and became a little concerned in my spirit. Some of our own leaders in ministry have voiced their concern about the snow and icy weather this week. It is no surprise to God that some of us would not be able to do what we typically do but this is God's work! Do we not know who God is? He is the one that made the heavens and the earth! He is the one that can speak at ANYTIME and ANYTHING is subject to happen! He is God and God alone! He is also the God of the snow and the ice! HE MADE IT! No, God is not concerned about our plans but only that His will be done! I, too had major plans this week along with my regular work but NONE of it has taken place! Don't get me wrong, I'm not balling by any means and I need to work, too but I do realize that I am blessed beyond measure and I know who God is! Yesterday He silenced me and reminded my mind of who He is again! I had to reflect on the God that never leaves nor forsakes His children. Maybe you are one of the ones that has not been able to get to your normal routine this week; can't get to work, can't get to the bank, the grocery store, etc. and you are a little uncomfortable. I know you are because I've read about it! However, I've heard no one complain about not being able to get to the church house! Many Bible studies and mid-week services were canceled but, no fuss about that! Let me remind those that love the Lord and keep His commandements that we live under a different law that most do not understand. If we have not been able to work, that's of no fault of ours so guess what? We still eat, drink and sleep because Our Father takes real good care of His children. Not convinced? I have examples to prove my case. Now that the reprimand is over, here is the crux of the matter which is God's love and His promises:
Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed (children) begging bread. We have not been without and never will. Our children will not suffer either. We also live under the promise found in Phillipians 4:19... But my God shall supply all your need, according to his riches in glory, by Christ Jesus. The world's way is so different from ours. God will take care of His children, HE PROMISED! And if that does not satisfy you, the Lord has made the most important promise of them all found in Matthew 28:20...And 'lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." He's got us right where He wants us and more than that, He loves us and backs up every bit of it! So if we say this is God's work and His weather, why not give Him what He desires the most? Rain, hail, sleet or snow, He wants us and desires our time and attention more than we give to anyone or anything else. He tells us in Exodus 20:5 that He is a jealous God and No one should ever come before Him. Until we get this, we can expect God to do ANYTHING to get our undivided attention before He returns (remember the children of Israel?). So let's give Him what he wants. Pray instead of partying, study instead of shopping, spend time with family, clean house, meditate, worship more than worry...think on the goodness of Jesus! Someone would love to see the snow!! And from my view I see snow falling and the sun shining at the same time! Wow! Work Jesus, work! We are so blessed! I promise, we will be back to our normal routine before we know it; which is really the problem. God is trying to change our focus; no more normal life, no more business as usual. He's a God that can change winter to summer and spring to autumn at the blink of an eye! He can change anything, even the way we think! So don't look at it as not being able to do what YOU want to do but having the privilege to do what God wants most! You and I may be trapped but we're not stuck! Don't miss the big picture which is the greater lesson. Will you allow God to change your plans when He wants to? Mightest well, He's God! He does what He wants to and whenever He desires. Be blessed today! I know we are all aware of the most current events that have been taking place in our world, our country and even in our own cities. Some people are paying close attention and some are not. I won't put anyone on blast but, I was talking to someone recently and mentioned the situation taking place in Egypt right now. To my surprise, this person was not very knowledgable of what was happening there. The response to me was, "I guess I've been sleeping too much!" I proceeded to share what I knew hoping to spark an interest for learning and research. Although this person was not really serious in this response to me, this is really what is happening in the world today. God is giving us so many warnings to be prepared when He returns but some are simply sleeping right through them all. After our conversation, I was reminded of the parable in the Bible of the 10 virgins.
Matt 25:1-13 "Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘What if there isn’t enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. And so, this passage reminds us that we cannot ignore the fact that the bridegroom IS coming! The Lord is soon to come! And just as I shared what I knew reagrding a current event with someone that was unaware, there will come a time that we will all have to stand on what we know. The preparation time is now! We can't just grab a little info here and there and feel that is enough. We can't live on salvation alone but must understand that we are saved to work! We must be serious about our Christian life here as well as where we will spend eternity. We cannot get so wrapped up in the celebration, the party, the good times that we get left behind. Wake up and adhere to the signs! Grab your lamp and KEEP some oil in it! I was excited to have the "Spotlight" opportunity with Christy Wafer at KGGR Radio (the live air time will be annnounced later). Thank you for your prayers and heartfelt encouragement. Each time my voice is heard anywhere, I want edification, education and encouragement to take place. The discussion today was targeted toward single Christians: Accepting who God made you to be, living a well-balanced life and how to maintain until marriage. I give God ALL the credit for turning my heart to live celibate years ago! It changed my outlook on so many things. Celibacy is not what you choose to do because no one is available, but rather a choice to be made because it is God's way. My prayer is for singles to embrace this time and draw close to God and understand there is a significant purpose and reason for our season of singleness. Although marriage is ordained of God and I hear it is absolutely beautiful, it should not be our focus or our goal. Knowing God's heart and fulfilling HIS purpose should be the focus of every believer, not just singles. Ladies, until he finds you, find out about Jesus, fall in love with Him! Find out what HE is saying, discover his likes/dislikes and promises He's made to you. Be submissive to the Lord FIRST! Learn who YOU are! Men, seek the woman that already has a life and will not center every little thing around you, a woman that may not be a perfect 10 but is striving to keep those (10) commandments that we so often forget! A woman that is not selfish, untidy or vain! A woman that will have your back! A prudent and frugile woman. Until Proverbs 18:22 takes place, be content where God has you. He will keep you, I'm a witness! If we can't learn these principles as singles, we will make a mess of marriage! We can stop some of this foolishness before it ever starts! No, it's not going to always be easy but it is not impossible either. Remember, Jesus used (1) person many times throught the Bible to save a soul, show His love and prove valid points. You and I are no different. He desires to use us in 2011 and beyond. Know that I am praying for your success in Christ as well as the faith to endure.
Be blessed! 01/13/2011 Keep your eyes on Jesus! How exciting to experience (2) weeks in a brand new year already! Many people are still trying to finalize New Year's resolutions to make the best of this year. We've returned to work and life is as normal as ever. Some have began to feel the blah's and overwhelming feelings that sometimes come after the holidays. However, as Christians we must continue to keep our eyes on Jesus and focus on His goodness and unfailing love. A new year is always a good time to prioritize the activities and people in our lives. This always gives a fresh start and helps us to get rid of the old and step into the new. This is all fine and dandy as long as Christ is first! Understanding who the Lord is also will also keep us focused throughout the year. Yes, fear will come but no matter what happens this year, we have the assurance of who the Lord is and that our salvation is in Him. Keep your eyes on Jesus! The Psalmist continues in the 27th Psalm by stating the Lord is his refuge; everything he may have need of, the Lord is. We often start out feeling we have all we need in the hype of a new year but soon experience the lack that we just said good bye to. Here we see that everything we need is found in Jesus Christ. We have everything we need if we have Jesus! Regardless of what it may look like we have the best father ever and He takes very good care of His children. Don't let the cares of this life cause you to lose your focus but instead keep your eyes on Jesus! Stay tuned as I will be sharing the importance of these simple (3)three principles. David will teach us what happens when we take our eyes off of our light and our salvation. I pray God's blessings over your life! |
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