FACING THE GIANTS

 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.  All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.  Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.

 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

 David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine’s sword and drew it from the sheath. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword.  I Samuel 17:45-51 NIV

Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.  I Samuel 17:40 NIV  “The number 5 symbolizes God's grace, goodness and favor toward humans and is mentioned 318 times in Scripture. Five is the number of grace, and multiplied by itself, which is 25, is 'grace upon grace' (John 1:16). The Ten Commandments contains two sets of 5 commandments. The first five commandments are related to our treatment and relationship with God, and the last five concern our relationship with others humans.”  (Meaning of Numbers in the Bible The Number 5Ask a Question!   -   Newsletter Biblical Meaning of Numbers)

Facing the giants in our lives takes courage and faith just like David.  David knew, based on his own experiences, that God had been faithful and he encouraged himself in this.  But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it.  Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”  I Samuel 17:34-37 NIV

When we are standing up for our faith, especially in these times, we are standing against the world which is trying to dictate who we are supposed to be and what we are supposed to think and what we are supposed to say.  We need to be like David and face the giants not only in the world (media, politicians, etc.) but the personal giants that we face.  God does not operate in a spirit of fear but faith.  For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.  2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

David was given grace to face the giant.  He knew that with God he was an army and not alone. He chose 5 smooth stones to bring down the giant.  Why did he choose five stones?  It does not directly say in the Bible but some have deduced that Goliath had four brothers that David may have had to deal with.  Also, how would David know that the first stone would bring the giant down?  I believe it was God’s grace that brought the giant down in the first blow.

David used Goliath's own sword to kill the giant.  David used a stone and a sword.  How do we bring down the giants in our lives?  We use a stone, the cornerstone, Jesus Christ and the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.  When my precious granddaughter, Anastasia, was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on one of her kidneys while she was still in her mother’s womb, we, as well as many family and friends used the sword of the Spirit and the Name above all names, Jesus Christ to speak healing over her.  A few days after her birth, the biopsy indicated that the tumor was not cancerous and they were able to remove the kidney that had the tumor wrapped around it and she is now a lively, beautiful, five year old who is a delight and a testimony to God’s grace.  By the way, the name Anastasia in Greek means “Resurrection.”

Face your giants and use the Sword of the Spirit and the Name above all names, Jesus Christ to bring them down!  We are not alone.  We have been given the weapons for our warfare.  The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.  2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV

Marcella Ward November 24, 2021

 

                                                       GO INTO THE STREETS

I recently heard a preacher on TV state that as a result of COVID the Church has left the building and gone out to the people to evangelize.  Yes, the devil is perfectly happy with us staying in the four corners of the church but is that the way it is supposed to be?  Jesus went to the people.  He went out into the streets to meet people where they were.  Yes, He went to the Temple, His Father’s house to preach and pray but He went out to heal people and meet them at the point of their need.

And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.  Mark 6:56 NIV

The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’  Luke 14:21 NIV

I have observed during the pandemic era those who have taken to the streets to preach and reach the people with the Gospel.  There are praise and worship leaders as well as evangelists taking to the streets/parks to spread the message of salvation and deliverance.  I watched a video where people who had gathered outside for praise and worship were running to the altar to give their lives to Jesus!!

Not all of us are called to be evangelists but we can do our part.  Everyday life presents itself as an opportunity that sometimes we just “walk right into.”  For example, a few weeks ago, I went to the grocery store and I met a man named Scott, who was homeless, asking for money.  I decided I would give him some money and I asked him if he was a Christian and he said that he thought he was and since he was not sure I led him in the prayer of Salvation.  He said he had a Bible but he couldn’t understand it so I told him to ask the Holy Spirit to help him.  I then prayed for him to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.  We also prayed that he would find a fulltime job.

After I left this man, I was about to leave and I noticed that a young woman with crutches needed assistance so I got out of the car and I asked her if she was a Believer and she said yes and she said that it was nice to hear someone not be afraid of asking that question.  I asked Rochelle what the problem was and she said she was going to have surgery on her foot so I asked her if I could pray for her foot and she said yes.  I also mentioned to her that she could pray for her foot and she said that her grandmother had told her the same thing.

I felt so blessed that day that God allowed me to minister to two people.  We never know how God will use us.  We need to be open to wherever He takes us even if we cannot reach thousands of people we can do our part.  There is a saying that says, “If I cannot do great things then I can do small things in a great way.”  If we cannot do “great things” for God, then we can do small things in a great way.  Who knows, maybe there will be a ripple effect that we will never know about until we get to heaven.

Jesus spoke to the Samaritin woman at the well and she recognized the Messiah and evangelized the whole city by just one encounter with Him.  The one “yes” from Mary, the Mother of Jesus, changed the world. 

It may not be something we say but something we do that will draw others to God.  A simple smile, a kind word or even saying, “God bless you.”  St. Francis of Assisi said. “We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.”
― St. Francis of Assisi 

"The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today." ~ Francis of Assisi

One person can change the world one person at a time.  You and I were born for such a time as this so “go out into the streets!”

Marcella Ward November 17, 2021

 

 

 

                                                               FLIP THE SWITCH

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.  Hebrews 11:1 NIV

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.  Hebrews 11:6 NIV

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.  Mark 11:24 NIV

For we live by faith, not by sight.  II Corinthians 5:7 NIV

When you want to turn a light on you flip a switch.  It is activated by an action.  Of course today, because of technology, you can clap to turn a light on or just by your motion you can also activate a light to turn on. 

The word faith was used 338 in the King James Bible. Out of the 338, 280 of these times were in the New Testament, mostly being in quotes from Jesus.  (ANSWERS Bible Statistics and History)

Healing of the Paralytic

 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” ⁷ Then the man got up and went home.  Matthew 9:6-7 NIV

The Woman Who Bled for 12 Years

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak.  She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” 

 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.  Matthew 9:20-22 NIV

Two Blind Men

 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”

When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

“Yes, Lord,” they replied.

 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.”  Matthew 9:27-30 NIV

Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight

 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.  Mark 10:49-52 NIV

The Man with The Withered Hand

 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.  Mark 3:5 NIV

Faith is a verb.  It is an action.  Faith is the key that can unlock the answers to our prayers.  I know that I struggle at times with faith and I’m pretty sure that many of us do but we all need to have complete faith in God Almighty Who is the Creator of all things. 

F  Forsaking

A  All

I   I

T  Trust

H  Him   (Faith Meaning www.allacronyms.com › FAITH)

FLIP THE SWITCH!          

Marcella Ward November 10, 2021

 

                                           THE GREATEST TIME TO BE ALIVE

What does the Bible say about the Last Days?

“The Bible talks about the last days of earth primarily in the Book of Revelations, in which John writes about the return of Jesus Christ and the deliverance of all believers. Revelation informs us that the final showdown between God and Satan is imminent. Satan will increase his persecution of believers, but they must stand fast, even to death. They are sealed against any spiritual harm and will soon be justified when Christ returns when the wicked are forever destroyed, and when God's people enter an eternity of glory and blessedness.” (Compiled and Edited by BibleStudyTools Staff on 2/25/2021)

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,  but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.  Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV

 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.  Matthew 13:17 NIV

Are we living in the Last Days?  There are many who believe we are.  The disciples asked Jesus what would be the signs.   As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.  For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.  Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of birth pains.

 Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.  At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.  Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.  And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.  Matthew 24:3-14 NIV

In Matthew 13:17 Jesus told the disciples that they were truly blessed to be alive and to see the fulfillment of the prophecies of old because they were experiencing Jesus, the promised Messiah, Who would come into the world to save us from our sins and be resurrected.  and that He may send [to you] Jesus, the Christ, who has been appointed for you,  whom heaven must keep until the time for the [complete] restoration of all things about which God promised through the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time.  Acts 3:20-21 NIV

If we are living in the Last Days and we experience the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, then we are living in the greatest time in history. "Our nation is in crisis. It has grown darker over the past six years. It will continue growing darker until we turn back to God as a nation. The good news is when we do, we'll see a Great Awakening and many souls will come into the kingdom," says Jennifer LeClaire, senior editor at Charisma magazine, contributor to BarbWire.com and author of The Next Great Move of God: An Appeal to Heaven for Spiritual Awakening. "I'm blowing the trumpet. I'm sounding the alarm. There is hope for America, and that hope lies in the body of Christ rising up to do as Jesus commanded: Occupy until I come."  (Is the Third Great Awakening on the Way? By Matt Barber, CP Op-Ed Contributor)

The Third Great Awakening, many believe, has begun.  This awakening will be the greatest the world has ever seen and it will be that which will bring the greatest harvest of all time.  In my own observations, I have perceived that many aware waking up to the deception and persecution that has been going on and they are beginning to take a stand.  It is a convergence of patriots and Christians coming together.  There are those patriots that are waking up and are coming into the Kingdom as they see the Truth of the Gospel on display with those willing to take a stand for their faith and freedom.  There have been many conferences throughout the United States where these patriots and Christians are coming together to lift up America and support each other in their endeavors.  The “Mama Bear” movement is a part of this.

 “The words revival and awakening are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction. An awakening takes place when God sovereignly pours out his Spirit and it impacts a culture. That is what happened during the Jesus Revolution, and it’s what happened in multiple spiritual awakenings in the history of the United States, predating its establishment as a nation.

A revival, on the other hand, is what the church must experience. It’s when the church comes back to life, when the church becomes what it was always meant to be. It’s a return to passion. I think many times we overly mystify the idea of revival, but we don’t really need to. Another word I could use for revival is restoration – restoring something to its original condition.” What Is the Difference between a Spiritual Awakening and a Revival? (Greg Laurie Senior Pastor, Harvest Christian Fellowship July 25, 2018)

If we are in fact living during the Last Days and experiencing the Last Great Awakening before the Second Coming of Jesus, we will be witnessing the greatest miracles, signs and wonders the world has ever known.  Buckle up, because we are going to be embarking on the greatest time to be alive!  You were born for such a time as this!