SECURITY = Freedom from doubt, anxiety, or fear. Something that gives or assures safety. The condition of not being threatened, especially physically, psychologically, emotionally, or financially.
In the book of Judges, we see Israel experiencing poverty, invasion, captivity, and civil war due to their disobedience in following the laws of God. The underlining factor for their failure is found in Judges 17:6 which describe the actions of Israel, “In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Fortunately for them, God in His mercy would repeatedly raise up a judge that would help deliver the people out of the hands of their captors. It is the story of one of these judges that I will utilize in discussing the security test.
Judges 6 opens with Israel being oppressed by the Midianites, the Amalekites, and the children of the east for seven years. In their usual fashion, they cried unto God, and God hears them and chooses Gideon from the tribe of Manasseh for the task of deliverer and judge.
An angel appears to Gideon with a message from God, which he questions because of his insecurities and Israel’s misfortunes. The angel reassures him with these statements, “The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.” (Judges 6:12,14,16)
With these words of encouragement, assurance, and sign from the angel Gideon built an altar unto the Lord and called it Jehovah Shalom. That same evening God gave Gideon his first directive. He was to tear down the altar of Baal which belong to his father, cut down the grove that was by it, build an altar unto the Lord and offer a sacrifice as specified by God upon it. With ten of his servants, Gideon did as the Lord had directed; however, the men of his city was not pleased with his actions and threatened to kill him. Gideon’s father defended him, and the men of his city relented.
Consequently, there were several events that solidified Gideon’s feeling of security. First, when it was time for the next battle, Gideon fleeced God two times, and God did what he requested. Next, God allowed him to sneak into the enemy’s camp and hear a soldier talking about their defeat at his hands. This empowered him to lead his small army of men; for when he had summons the men to fight thirty-two thousand men of war gathered, but God reduced that number down to three hundred by processes of elimination, so they would not feel they were victorious due to their ability.
Judges 7:16–22 best described the battle. It reads, “And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man’s hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers. And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do. When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon. So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands. And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon. And they stood every man in his place round about the camp; and all the host ran, and cried, and fled. And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the Lord set every man’s sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host.”
As seen many times in the scripture, Israel did not have to fight because God caused their enemy in confusion to turn on each other. This all happened because of Gideon’s sense of security in God and His word. Throughout this ordeal God let Gideon know He was with him and he would be triumphant. Despite the size of the enemy’s army and the smallness of Israel’s army, Gideon chooses to believe and not doubt. His security allowed him to give his army a successful warfare strategy which ensued with victory and forty years of peace.
Hopefully, from this blog, you have been encouraged; feel confident in God in the midst of whatever you are presently experiencing, and ready to pass the security test. If fear, doubt or anxiety assails you, remember Gideon.
WARFARE = The waging of war against an enemy; armed conflict. Military operations marked by a specific characteristic. A state of disharmony, conflict, and strife. Acts undertook to destroy or undermine the strength of another. A contest or struggle.
Israel during the reign of King Solomon’s son, Rehoboam divided into the Northern and Southern tribes. Each of these tribes had their king, and unfortunately, most of the Northern tribes’ kings were ungodly and led the people into forsaking the laws of God. In the Southern tribe, which consisted of the people of Judah and Benjamin, there were several good kings that followed the laws of God. One of these kings was named Jehoshaphat, and one of the warfare experiences that happened during his reign chronicled in 2 Chronicles 20 will be the focus of this blog.
King Jehoshaphat learned that three nations consisting of the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites, were about to stage a military attack against his nation. King Jehoshaphat knew he did not know what to do, and he must go to the only one that could help him. 2 Chronicles 20:3-4 states, “And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the Lord: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.” Jehoshaphat and the people understood the outcome of this attack would be devastating. They knew they need not delay; they needed direction and a solution.
As a nation of people, they came together, humbled themselves, fasted, and prayed. Jehoshaphat, as the leader of the nation, petitioned God. First, he acknowledges God’s past relationship with Israel, and then he avows God’s omniscient, omnipresence, and omnipotence. Next, he reminded God of His promise to save them if they sought Him before His temple and he ends his prayer asking God to judge these military invaders for he and the people were helpless and did not know what to do.
God gives the people this word through Jahaziel, the son of Zechariah, “Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you” (2 Chronicles 20:15-17). After hearing this word, King Jehoshaphat and the people bowed down and worshiped God, followed by the Levites standing up and praising God clamorously.
On the next morning the King encouraged the people with these words, “Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper” (2 Chronicles 20:20). Then he appointed singers to go before the army praising the beauty of God’s holiness, and His mercy, which endures forever. As the Levite sang the Lord set up ambushments and the invading forces started fighting among themselves and destroying each other leaving an abundance of spoil and precious jewels which took Jehoshaphat and his people three days to gather. After this auspicious event, King Jehoshaphat and the people blessed the Lord and returned home with joy for the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies.
The enemy had planned a major attack on Judah, and they came with reinforcements. They wanted to strike fear in the hearts of the people, and they wanted their land. Our enemy functions in the same manner. He does not attack us with one thing; he piles things on, making us feel overwhelmed, hopeless, and fearful. He wants what we possess. He wants our peace.
When Jehoshaphat hears of the planned attack, he does not ignore it; he acknowledges it for what it is. When the enemy attacks us, it makes no sense to think he will go away without accomplishing his goal. Like Jehoshaphat, we need to seek help from the only one that can give us proper direction, and this may include a time of fasting and praying. Additionally, Jehoshaphat realized even though they had received a word, fear, if allowed, would attempt to cloud and distort what they heard, so he encouraged the people not to waver or be fearful.
Often when God directs us, we try to impose our thoughts and execute our plan, which often leads to failure. In this text, God provided the people with instructions which they did not alter, and they reaped a bountiful reward.
Finally, I think it is important to note that throughout this whole experience, the people maintained their contact with God in petition, worship, and singing words of praise and thanksgiving. Thus, despite what we may see, feel, or hear from our enemies lets follow this excellent example provided for us in this text and watch God fight our battle.
FRUSTRATION = an act of hindering someone’s plans or efforts, a feeling of annoyance at being hindered or criticized, the feeling that accompanies an experience of being thwarted in attaining your goals, a deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs, a feeling of anger or annoyance caused by being unable to do something, the act of preventing the success of something.
Moses at age eighty while keeping the flock of Jethro his father in law on a mountain in Horeb has his first encounter with God. God spoke to Moses out of a burning bush and commissioned him to go to Pharaoh in Egypt with a message from Him. During this encounter, Moses presents five reasons why he should not go, and God rejects all them. God tells Moses what will happen when he goes to Pharaoh, what to say to the elders of Israel, and that Aaron, his brother, will assist him in this commission.
Moses reluctantly goes to Egypt and follows God’s instructions. After ten plagues and increased hardship placed on the Israelis by Pharaoh, the Israelis a total of 600,000 men plus women and children are finally allowed to leave Egypt with Moses leading them across the Red Sea and into the wilderness.
During their time in the wilderness, God was their benefactor. He provided for them all that they would need; however, they murmured and complained continuously, and they not only directed their hostility toward God but also to Moses whom the bible stated was a very meek man above all the men of his time. Moses was a sincere, dedicated, and compassionate man who loved his fellow kinsman. He was a leader not by choice but by God’s appointment, and he was doing the best he could to lead a rebellious, ungrateful, hardheaded people. All he wanted to do is to bring these people into the land of Canaan, but they refused to be willing participants.
The Israelis murmured against Moses over food and water. They murmured against him and threatened to stone him due to their fears and cowardliness concerning entering the land of Canaan. They grumbled and were jealous of his leadership and place of authority. They blamed him for every difficult situation they were experiencing, and it finally took its’ toll on him.
In their traveling the Israelis are once again at a place where they have no water, and they proceed in their usual fashion to complain. Moses and Aaron intercedes for the people, and God gives Moses this instruction, “Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink” (Numbers 20: 8). Unfortunately, in his anger and frustration, Moses does not follow God’s instruction completely; instead, he calls the people together and says, “Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?” (Numbers 20:10) Then he lifts up his hand, and smites the rock twice with his rod. God found this unacceptable and states this, “Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them” (Numbers 20:12). Moses begged God to change His mind, but God would not comply. In kindness, God did allow Moses to view the Promise Land from Mount Nebo before he died in the land of Moab (Deuteronomy 32:49-52).
What did I learn from Moses’s experience? Sometimes God will give us an assignment that we feel unqualified to fulfill, but since he gave it, He knows we can handle it. This assignment may be with people who will cause you a great deal of heartache, headache, anger, and frustration. Plus, the enemy will use them to thwart your assignment. However; we cannot allow our emotions to become so overwhelming that we forget our instructions, for one wrong move may cause you to forfeit seeing and experiencing your promise land.
So, I close this blog with this thought, “I may become frustrated, but I will remain focused and not deviate from my assignment.”
LONELINESS = A feeling of disconnectedness or isolation and is usually based on the perception of a person’s relationship with others. Also, feelings of loneliness have been linked to an assortment of physical, emotional, and mental health issues.
In 1Kings 17, Elijah told King Ahab there would be no rain in the land until he spoke the word for it to come. Three years later, after living in Cherith and Zarephath, God instructs him to go to the King and inform him, “God will send rain upon the earth.” During his absence Elijah did not know what was happening in the land of Samaria and to his fellow prophets; however, while on his way to the king he was informed by Obadiah the governor of Ahab’s house how Jezebel killed the prophets of the Lord, and how he took a hundred prophets, hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water. Also, Elijah was told that King Ahab had desperately searched for him in every nation and kingdom.
When Elijah and King Ahab meet, Elijah tells the king to gather unto Mount Carmel: Israel, the four hundred fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of the groves which eat at Jezebel’s table. When assembled Elijah says, “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God (1 kings18: 21-24).”
The prophets of Baal followed his instructions and called on the name of Baal from morning until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice. They cried loudly and cut themselves with knives and lancets till the blood gushed out. However, they received no response from their god.
Elijah took twelve stones and built an altar in the name of the Lord, and he made a trench about the altar, which he filled with water. He cut the bullock in pieces, and laid it on the wood which he had placed in order on the altar and then he had people fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood three times. Elijah prayed this prayer to God, “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again (1 Kings 18:36-37).” The response to this prayer was God sent fire that consumed the burnt sacrifice, the wood, the stones, the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. When this happened, the people fell down and said, “The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God. Elijah had the people gather all the prophets of Baal and he slew them at the brook Kishon. Then he told Ahab to eat some food and go home because it was going to rain and just like Elijah said it happened.
When King Ahab got home, he told his wife Jezebel all that Elijah had done, including slaying all the prophets of Baal. This infuriated Jezebel, and she sent a message to Elijah, telling him she was going to kill him. In fear, Elijah fled to Beersheba and then into the wilderness where he prayed and asked God to take his life. Exhausted Elijah fell asleep and slept until an angel woke him, and had him eat. Elijah went back to sleep and the angel came the second time again, woke him, and had him eat again. After eating these energizing meals, Elijah was able to travel forty days and forty nights unto Mount Horeb without eating again.
“What doest thou here, Elijah?” is the word of the Lord which came to him while he is lodging in a cave in Mount Horeb. Elijah response was, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” God had Elijah stand on the mount where he experiences a great strong wind renting the mountains, and then an earthquake, followed by a fire. God, in a still small voice, repeats his question to Elijah with Elijah repeating the same answer. God then gives him instructions, tells him about future events in Israel and lets him know he is not the only person serving him for He had seven thousand in Israel which have not bowed down to Baal. With this information, Elijah leaves the mount and goes forward obeying the instructions that he had received from the Lord.
Elijah had been isolated from fellow believers for several years. Except for himself, he thought no one was serving God. He was feeling lonely and thus experiencing emotional, physical, and mental issues. He viewed Jezebel as being more powerful than God. He knew God could provide him with shelter and food but questioned His ability to keep him protected. He allowed his thoughts and feelings to erase from his mind what God had done for him and with him. Elijah allowed himself to fall into a state of depression. He failed the loneliness test.
Loneliness can be used as a weapon of the enemy to draw us into a state of depression. Therefore, during these periods of loneliness/isolation, we must guard our minds, read the Word, and apply it to our lives. We must remember, despite what we may be experiencing that God is with us. We may be isolated from people, but we are never separated from God. Finally, God may manifest His presence in a demonstrative manner, but he often speaks to us in a still small voice.
MOTIVATION = the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior.
In this blog I will share the story as found in 2 Kings 5 of Naaman the leper who was a valiant captain in the Syrian army, cherished by the king of Syria for his many successful military campaigns and was willing and motivated to go to a place where he knew he would be stigmatized for his leprosy to be healed.
During one of his military campaigns, a captive brought out of the land of Israel was a young maid who was given to Naaman’s wife as a servant. This maiden told her mistress about Elisha the healing prophet who resided in Samaria. Her words were relayed to the king who then sent Naaman to the king of Israel with a letter telling him to heal Naaman of his leprosy. When Jehoram the king of Israel read the letter he became distraught because he knew he was powerless to heal; however, the news of this event reached Elisha, and he told Jehoram to send Naaman to him.
When Naaman arrived at Elisha’s home, Elisha did not come out and greet Naaman, but sent these directions to him, “Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.” Naaman became angry because of the lack of reception and the manner in which he received direction from Elisha. He also felt if he was to wash and be clean the Abana and Pharpar Rivers of Damascus were better to wash in than all the waters of Israel.
Rejecting the instructions, a furious Naaman was leaving to return home when one of his servant’s said to him, “My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? How much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?” This question had a positive effect on Naaman for he went down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, and his flesh came like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
Naaman was so thankful he returned to Elisha’s home, met face to face with Elisha and declared, “Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.” Naaman had brought with him the following gifts: ten talents of silver, six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment. However, Elisha adamantly refused to receive anything. Naaman, because of this miracle, became a believer of God and pledged his allegiance to God. He requested earth from Samaria to take back to Syria as a symbol of conversion and belief. He also asked God’s forgiveness ahead of time for having to bow with his master when he accompanied him into the house of Rimmon (a false god) to worship. After hearing Naaman’s declaration, Elisha sent Naaman home in peace.
Naaman’s motivation to be healed sent him on a long journey on the word of a young girl. He did not know if this child was telling the truth, but he was willing to see, for back then, unlike today, there was no curable treatment for leprosy. Leprosy was a contagious disease that affected the mucous membranes, skin, and nerves, causing lumps on the skin, discoloration and, in severe cases, deformities and disfigurement. The scriptures do not reveal the extent of this disease in Naaman, but it was troubling enough for him to want to be rid of it.
It is important to note that in Israel as instructed by God, people that had leprosy were isolated from the general public. No doubt this was the reason Elisha did not come out the first time Naaman came to his house. In other nations, this isolation apparently was not enforced. Therefore Naaman was insulted when Elisha did not go out and address him.
Naaman had to make an attitude adjustment to receive his miracle. Naaman had to get over his frustration and anger at Elisha. He had to humble himself and do the unthinkable (dip in the nasty Jordan River), but the results brought him immediate success. Also, his religious convictions motivated him to carry earth back home because he wanted to do what was right in the sight of God.
Naaman is an excellent example for us. Are we motivated to go to a place to receive the benefits of God? Are we motivated enough to make an attitude adjustment when necessary? Are we motivated and willing to humble ourselves when given instructions we don’t like? Are we motivated to carry a load for a distance to honor God? Naaman’s motivation and actions brought him success; I pray that yours is doing the same.
TRUST= Firm belief in the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing; confidence or reliance. Assured resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship, or other sound principle, of another person. To place confidence in; to rely on, to confide, or repose faith. To give credence to; to believe; to credit.
In this blog written from 1Kings 17, I will share the story of Elijah the Tishbite and a Gentile widow in Zarephath and how they handled the trust test.
Elijah, a mighty prophet in Israel whose name means, “The Lord (Jehovah) is my God” is sent to the wicked King Ahab with a word concerning a nationwide drought which would last for several years and would not cease until he said so. After delivering this word, God instructs Elijah to go and hide by the brook Cherith that is east of Jordan. He is also told that he would be able to drink water from the brook and ravens would bring him a meal of flesh and bread two times a day. Elijah obeyed the instructions and was kept protected and nourished until the brook dried up. At that time God sends him northeast about a hundred miles to the Phoenician city of Zarephath to a widow whom He had commanded to sustain him.
As Elijah was entering Zarephath, he saw a widow gathering sticks. He asked her for a drink of water and a morsel of bread. Listen to her answer to this request and then Elijah’s response, “As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” And Elijah said unto her, “Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth” (1Kings 17:12-14).
Prompted by God, this widow, who was not acquainted with Elijah heeded his words. Thus, she experienced a daily miracle for the barrel of the meal did not empty, and neither did the cruse of oil fail. Despite these provisions, the widow had her doubts concerning Elijah’s authenticity; however, a significant crisis proved to her that Elijah was a man of God who spoke the word of God.
This event unfolded when her son became ill and died. At first, she felt his death was caused by the sins she committed and Elijah’s presence in her household. Elijah did not condemn her, but he took the child from her, carried him up into his loft, laid him upon his bed, interceded to God, and stretched himself upon the child three times. God responded affirmatively to Elijah, and the child was revived. When he took the child down to his mother, she then acknowledged Elijah as a true man of God.
In these years of drought, trust in God is exhibited by Elijah and the widow. First, Elijah believed that God would sustain him and feed him via ravens. The raven known for its’ intelligence, omnivorous diet, and versatility in finding sources of nutrition is the first cousin to the common crow. Its’ nature was to feed itself, but these special ravens also fed Elijah. Secondly, in going to Zarephath, Elijah knew it was located in close proximity to where his enemy King Ahab lived, but he continued to trust God for divine protection. And finally, God did not send him to a rich person but to a widow who was about to starve, and his obedience resulted in continued substance for both of them.
The scriptures do not share this Gentile widow’s personal history or why God chooses to send Elijah to her. It does states He directed her to feed Elijah, and without much hesitation, she did so. She trusted God, and He did not fail her. He gave her not only provisions but the life of her son.
From this text, we see that we can trust God for our daily bread even when it comes from unlikely sources. His grace extends beyond His chosen people but also to those who will believe and obey His instructions. He can restore life to that which is dead, and He will keep you safe from your enemies as you put your trust in Him. So I close today with these two words that encompass all situations, “TRUST GOD.”
SELF-WILLED = 1.Determined to do what you want even though other people may not want you to do it. 2. Governed by one’s own will: not yielding to the wishes of others: obstinate. 3.Bullheaded, hardheaded, headstrong, immovable, implacable, inconvincible, inflexible, pigheaded, self-opinionated, self-willed, stiff-necked, stubborn, unbending, uncompromising, unrelenting, unyielding, willful.
The best example of the self-willed test is found at the beginning of time when God created the angels and established His kingdom. He created a cherub named Lucifer who became Satan due to all the characteristics that are found above in the definition of self-willed.
Ezekiel 28 describes Lucifer’s appearance before his fall. The scripture calls him, “the anointed cherub that covereth” and states God positioned him on the holy mountain of God. Lucifer was perfect until iniquity was found in him. The arrogance he displayed because of his military prowess, commercial prosperity, and intellectual ability was rooted in the spirit of pride or self-will, and it was this iniquity that led to his downfall.
Lucifer was created in beauty and given a high position in God’s kingdom, but he was not satisfied. He lusted after that which did not belong to him. Isaiah 14:12-14 describes his thought process and his five erroneous “I will” attempts. First, he wanted to move out of his assigned place/territory and ascend into heaven. Secondly, he wanted to change his position and elevate himself above the other celestial beings. Thirdly, he wanted to rule over the universe, thus, redirect God’s plan and purpose for his life. Fourthly, he overestimated is potential in thinking he could rise above the glory and majesty of God. Fifth and final he became delusional in his thinking and thought he could be like God.
Unfortunately, this same attitude and thinking can be found in believers. We reject God’s plan and purpose for our lives while subscribing to and pursuing what we want. We forget that God knows what is best suited for our lives even when it brings us discomfort.
Jesus was and is our perfect example of how to pass the self-will test. When faced with decisions He said, “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5: 30). When faced with the greatest challenge that would change the course of our lives and provided us with salvation He said, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39).
On today I encourage you not to lean to your understanding but in all your ways to acknowledge God. To trust God and His plan for your life no matter what heartaches and pain you may be presently experiencing, for in so doing, you will pass the self-willed test.
DISCOURAGEMENT = 1. A feeling of lost hope, a loss of confidence or enthusiasm. 2. The act of making something less likely to happen or of making people less likely to do something 3. Something (such as a failure or difficulty) that discourages someone. 4. The act of trying to prevent something from happening, especially because you do not approve of it or think it is harmful
In this life, everyone will have the opportunity to experience discouragement in one form or another. We will either be discouraged or attempt to discourage someone. In this blog, I will share two events which will display both of these forms of discouragement and prayerfully it will help you in the future to respond wisely to discouragement.
This first form of discouragement has to do with an unexpected traumatic occurrence. David and his band of soldiers had left their home in Ziklag unprotected while they accompanied King Achish to Aphek to engage in a major campaign against Israel. When the princes of the Philistines saw David and his men, they questioned his loyalty and allegiance to them; therefore, they sent them back to their home.
After a three day journey, they arrived in Ziklag to discover the Amalekites had invaded, smitten and burned Ziklag with fire. The Amalekites did not kill anyone, but they had taken captive the wives, sons, and daughters of David and his men. 1 Samuel 30:4& 6 reports this response to their findings, “Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept until they had no more power to weep. And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” First, David’s two wives were gone, all of his material things and livestock were taken, and his place of abode was destroyed. To make matters worse, his loyal men were so angry and hurt; they wanted to do him bodily harm. Not only was he discouraged, but he was also in a big dilemma.
In my research, I discovered during their sixteen-month stay in Ziklag, David had been out of relationship and communication with God. Gad, the prophet had told him to abide in the land of Judah, but in fear of King Saul, David had left that region (1 Samuel 22:5). He was a disobedient man on the run with his followers. While in Ziklag he was dishonest, a liar and a renegade but now David had sense enough to realize he needed some divine direction and he sent for Abiathar the priest and the ephod. David enquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue after this troop? Shall I overtake them? “His answer, “Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.”
Accordingly, David and four hundred men were able to overtake and defeat the Amalekites recovering all. “And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor anything that they had taken to them: David recovered all” (1 Samuel 30:19).
The second discouragement scenario has to do with the children of Israel. They had been in the wilderness for two years. God had given laws, statues, and commandments by which they were to adhere too as a nation, and now it was time for them to go and possess the land of Canaan. Twelve men were sent to search out the land. This is Moses’s instruction to them, “And see the land, what it is, and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strongholds; And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land” (Numbers 13:18 – 20a).
The twelve men returned from searching the land after forty days with one cluster of grapes, pomegranates, and figs. Ten of the men gave this discouraging evil report, “We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” (1 Samuel 14: 27-29, 31-33). These men were pleased with the land but scared of the inhabitants of the land. They forgot about the mighty God who promised to be with them and how He had previously delivered them out of the hand of Pharaoh.
Caleb and Joshua attempted to convince the congregation who had spent the night weeping after receiving the evil report not to despair. They said, “The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not.” However, the congregation did not respond favorably but wanted to stone them, and they murmured against Moses and Aaron saying, “Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? Were it not better for us to return into Egypt? Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.”
At this point God was willing to smite them with a pestilence and disinherit them; however, Moses interceded for them and God pardon them and declared this judgment on them, “Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: As truly as I live, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward which have murmured against me. Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised. But as for you, your carcasses, they shall fall in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcasses be wasted in the wilderness. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise” (Numbers 14:22-23, 28- 34).
The difference between David and Israel was their response to discouragement. When David became discouraged, he remembered the mightiness of His God and sought Him for direction, but Israel allowed the words of men to prevail. Thus, David succeeded, and Israel perished.
Keeping God in our mind, meditating on His love, goodness, and mighty power is key to our success and survival in times of discouragement. Remembering how he delivered us and others in the past when the enemy tries to send discouragement our way will help us encourage ourselves to keep holding on until a decisive change takes place. Also, remembering life has its’ peaks and valleys, so utilizing all the weapons of warfare and trusting God and His Word will bring you from discouragement to hope.
Wilderness = A desert, a tract of land or region uncultivated and uninhabited by human beings, an area of land where people do not live or grow crops and where there is no building. A period of time when you are not as successful as you were previously, and a state of disorder.
On today I am going to share information on Israel’s wilderness test, and I pray this information will aid you in your walk with God.
According to the scriptures, the children of Israel had been in Egypt for 430 years, and while there they became an idolatrous people worshipping the gods of Egypt (Ezekiel 20). Nevertheless, God, because of His mercy, and Word to their forefather Abraham, sent a deliverer named Moses to deliver them from the tyranny of Pharaoh, and to bring them out of Egypt.
After ten plagues, the last being the death of all the firstborn males of the Egyptians, Pharaoh permitted the Israelis to leave; however, he quickly reverses his decision and pursues after them which ends with him and his army being drowned in the Red Sea.
Exodus 13:17-18a states, “And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea.” Being in bondage in Egypt had its advantages, for the Israelis as a people did not have to engage in warfare. The disadvantage was, they were not trained soldiers, and they were not equipped for war. Therefore, God directed them in a route that would prevent discouragement and attack from the hands of their enemies. He took His people into the wilderness.
In Deuteronomy 6:2-5,14-18 Moses in his farewell address to Israel further discloses the reason for the wilderness experience. He states “And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee.” and “Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” So, the wilderness as defined above as a dry, uninhabited place became a classroom for Israel to learn about themselves and God. Their experiences were not always pleasant; sometimes, it was painful and grueling, but all with purpose.
In this place where there were no great nations dwelling to influence them or a place to purchase the daily conveniences and provision of Egypt, Israel was humbled, tried and proved. Unlike Egypt where all their basic needs were met, they now had to depend on God to supply their needs. This was done to reveal to them their real character and willingness to be grateful and obedient to their God. The goal was to teach them to adhere to the Word of God, which would sustain them in every situation. Also, in the future, when they became a prosperous nation, the wilderness experience was supposed to remind them of the greatness of their benefactor.
Unfortunately, Israel failed the wilderness test miserably. They continually murmured, complained, and rebelled against God (Numbers14:22), and God chastised them for their actions. Moses, after forty years in the wilderness, admonishes them, “to be no more stiffnecked” because he knew firsthand that Israel had yet to humble themselves honestly (Deuteronomy 10:16).
Regrettably, Israel’s actions mirror us. God continually proves himself to us, but we question His ability when problems arise in our lives. We do not yield to His will and often display an unteachable spirit. We doubt, complain, stress, and turn from God. When He chastises us, we wonder why we are experiencing bad things. Many of us are slow learners, and for this, we suffer the consequences.
The five requirements of God that Moses shared with Israel remains the same for us today, and if we do them during our wilderness testing, we will not fail. So, I close with these valuable words of Moses, “And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).
Have you ever been betrayed? It is a horrible feeling, and especially if it is done by someone you called a friend. This experience is extremely hurtful and has changed the way many people view the world and the people with whom they come in contact. Today, I am going to share how Jesus handled the betrayal test at the hands of someone who was supposed to be his disciple and a friend. Let me start with the definition of the word betray and then discuss how Judas betrayed Jesus.
Betray = 1. to aid an enemy of (one’s nation, friend,) 2. to hand over or expose treacherously to an enemy 3. to disclose (a secret, confidence,) 4. to break (a promise) or be disloyal to (a person’s trust) 5. to disappoint the expectations of; fail 6. to show signs of; indicate 7. to reveal unintentionally 8. to lead astray; deceive 9. (euphemistic) to seduce and then forsake.
Little is revealed in the Bible about the life of Judas Iscariot who was the son of Simon (John 6:71) and who was a Judean from the town of Kerioth in southern Judah. He is first introduced to readers as one of the twelve ordained disciples that Jesus chooses to be with him, and that he would send out to preach, heal sicknesses, and cast out devils (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16). Also, noted in the group of twelve, Judas served as the treasurer who handled the monies, and unfortunately he did not have compassion for poor people as Jesus did, but instead he was a thief(John 12:6; 13:29).
It is interesting to observe the actions of Jesus toward Judas. Judas ministered with Jesus for three years, and despite his character flaws, Jesus did not expose him nor treat him contemptuously. Jesus knew that his ministry time on earth was coming to an end, he knew that Satan had entered Judas, and he had plotted with the chief priests to betray him for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-14; Luke 22:1-6), yet, he washed his feet (John 13:12) and ate his last supper with him sharing bread that was dipped into this bowl which denotes a mark of honor. It was during this supper that Jesus revealed Judas as the betrayer and that for this heinous act it would have been better for Judas not to have been born (Matthew 26:20-24; Mark 14:17-21; Luke 22:21-22; John 13:18-26). Judas being delusional and deceptive asked Jesus was he the one to whom Jesus was referring (Matthew 26:25). Jesus answered him affirmatively and dismissed Judas who goes to the chief priest and temple officials to bring them to Jesus while the multitude that followed him was absent.
Since it was nighttime, a signal was predetermined to alert the officials who Jesus was. So, when Judas arrives at the Garden of Gethsemane with a great multitude of men with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people the scripture states in Matthew 26:47-50, “And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.” There are many types of kisses, but the kiss on the cheek was the customary way a pupil greeted a Rabbi in Biblical times, and it denoted affection, greeting, and respect. Ironically, Judas kiss was that of a traitor and an accomplice. Since these men were coming to capture Jesus at night, his actions would be the sure way to know that they had captured the right man. This scripture further state, “And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come?” What is amazing to me is, Jesus, knew who he was and what he had done still considered him a friend. Unlike us, Jesus did not hold on to grudges or resentment even when death by crucifixion was pending.
After Jesus is captured and taken in custody Judas remorsefully realizes what he has done, Judas admits that he has betrayed an innocent man, and he attempts to return the silver which was a comparatively modest sum for his act of betrayal to the chief priest who refuses to accept it. Judas who served with Jesus did not learn the many valuable lessons that Jesus had taught on servanthood, riches, and forgiveness. If he did, maybe he would have repented and ask God for forgiveness instead of committing suicide by hanging himself (Matthew 27:3-10; Acts1:15-20).
From the life of Judas, we learn what we should not be: a traitor and betrayer of an innocent person. From his interactions with Jesus and the teachings of Jesus on last day occurrences, we learn how to respond to a person that we know means us harm and not good. It is a tall order to follow, but it can be done with the much-needed help of the Holy Spirit. Jesus passed the betrayal test, and so can you. Remember, the next time your Judas comes to kiss you, call him a friend and leave his demise in the hands of God.
The Teacher's Pick 