Sword of the Spirit – The First Stone #1036

Posted on June 18, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1036

“The First Stone”

And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)

Have you ever watched a movie and could not wait for the bad guy to get his comeuppance in the end? Was it justice we wanted or vengeance?  Would we have rejoiced equally had there been an alternate ending to the movie and the committer of heinous crimes received salvation through Jesus Christ?

I confess that I am too quick to be judge, jury, and executioner. I know that I am one that Jesus is speaking to when He says, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone…”

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. (Romans 2:1)

At the root of our judgmental tendencies is a false sense of self-righteousness. It speaks to our minds that our sin is not as bad as their sin. We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment… (Isaiah 64:6)

…Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:1-5)

For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? (1 Corinthians 5:12) We have even corrupted our judging of those inside the Body of Christ. We have taken the charge to discern what is right and to correct, coach, and minister to others in love and turned it into either a judgmental bludgeon or we have swung the pendulum fully and tolerated the sin by turning a blind eye for fear of offending someone.

With respect to those outside the Body of Christ we should follow the example set by Jesus and step out in ministry first. Ministry builds relationship which builds trust and that opens the door to influence by the Holy Spirit and the power of the Word of God to save the lost and transform lives.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him…  (Matthew 3:16-20)

May you allow the Holy Spirit’s refining fire to search and cleanse your hearts clothing you in the righteousness of Jesus. and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— (Philippians 3:9)

May we put down our stones and follow Jesus’ example to minister to the lost in the love and power of His Name instead of judging them.

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Sword of the Spirit – Thought Life #1035

Posted on June 11, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1035

“Thought Life”

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24)

Have you ever been lost in thought and suddenly brought back to present reality by someone saying, ‘ A penny for your thoughts’? Would you eagerly share them or would you be ashamed of where your mind has been?

Our thoughts are the wellspring of our life decisions and actions, therefore we must be as concerned with what we think as we are with what we do. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23) Our thoughts can generally be in one of three areas: The Gutter of Wickedness, The Gulley of Worry, or in The Garden of Life.

Gutter of wickedness: And he (Jesus) said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” (Mark 7:20-23) We may be able to hide the time we spend with our mind in the gutter by not accepting the offer of a penny for our thoughts, but we cannot hide the truth from God. “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:10)

By the conviction of the Word of God, repentance and the grace of forgiveness we can climb out of the gutter. For the word of God is living and active…discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 55:7))

Gulley of worry: Some of us become physically and emotional ill from worrisome thinking. …Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ … your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:25-34)

We can escape the gulley by keeping our thoughts on the Word of God. Read, study, and commit to memory key Scripture verses that you can think and speak to keep out of the Gulley of Worry. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ… (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Garden of life: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8) There is no shame in such thoughts and we eagerly share them – they are priceless, worth far more than a penny.

May our prayer be as that of the psalmist who wrote: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

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Sword of the Spirit – Polluted House #1034

Posted on June 5, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1034

“Polluted House”

…and they polluted the house of the Lord that He made holy. (2 Chronicles 36:14)

I have read about The Great Pacific Garbage Patch aka the Pacific Trash Vortex lately. Although one of many such patches, this one is now twice the size of the state of Texas.

In the beginning, God created the heavens, the earth, and man. God declared His creation to be very good. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. (Genesis 1:31). When Adam and Eve sinned the pollution of the heart of man and of God’s creation began and continues to this day.

Pollution is defined as the presence or introduction of something that has harmful or poisonous effects. We can readily see what effects pollution has on our air, land, and seas. But what about spiritual pollution? We seem to be more concerned with the pollution of our temporal physical environment Heaven and earth will pass away…(Matthew 24:35) and less concerned with the pollution of our immortal souls. And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. (Matthew 25:46)

As Christians, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Are we polluting God’s house? Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

We pollute the house of the Lord physically when we freely give in to its lusts for pleasurable things that are harmful to our health. We pollute the house of the Lord spiritually when we willfully and repeatedly expose our hearts and minds to words and actions that God considers to be sin and an abomination before Him. Like the whale that died ingesting trash that appeared to be food, we too are in peril when we allow ourselves to be polluted by the sin of the world. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1:27-NIV)

We may have a pious Christian outward appearance, but be nothing more than a whitewashed tomb due to the sin pollution we allow in our life. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. (Matthew 23:25 & 27)

The root cause of polluting our environment as well as the temple of our spirit, mind and body is a selfish love of self and a lack of love for God and for our fellow man. …“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:36-49)

May the great commandment to love God and fellow man be firmly embedded in your spirit, guiding your heart and mind in all life choices, decisions, words and actions to the glory of God.

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Sword of the Spirit – Upside Down World – #1033

Posted on May 28, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1033

“Upside Down World”

There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler: folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place. I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves. (Ecclesiastes 10:5-8)

Our world is an upside down – inside out world filled with moral incongruity. The celebrations in the streets of Ireland this week over the abolishment of the ban on abortions made me sick to my stomach. The upside was the signing of the fetal heartbeat bill in Iowa. The inside-out twist expected is that the bill will be blocked by a Federal Judge and it will never see the light of day as have many other such bills before it.

The Truth of God’s Word informs us that this is not a new thing. Our world has been suffering from moral incongruity since the fall of Adam and Eve. Elijah, a great man of God, sat distraught in a cave while the evil personified Jezebel boasted in the luxury of a palace.

The righteous man, Mordecai lived on the street while the evil Haman lived in luxury, plotting to kill all the Jews while seeking more power and the favor of the king.

David lived in caves, pursued like a dog while Saul lived in luxury in the palace.

Jesus, the Son of God, fully God and fully man, served the lowliest of the low while evil ruled in luxurious palaces. And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” (Luke 9:58)

We are not without hope, however. The Lord hears and answers prayer. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (James 5:16) The Lord has and does intervene in our topsy-turvy world and bring it right side up on occasion.

Justice prevailed and Jezebel met a violent death.

Haman was hung on the gallows of his own making and Mordecai received his reward.

David became King and Jesus overcame death and was resurrected, paving the way for eternal life for all who would believe in Him. As Jesus said: So the last will be first, and the first last. (Matthew 20:16)

Western society has all but forsaken the Lord, worshipping at the altar of Baal and sacrificing their unborn children to the god of mammon.

May we enter into intercessory prayer seeking God to intervene, bring revival of hearts, and heal our land. May the Lord stay the hand of our blinded, hard-hearted judiciary and allow laws to be passed that will protect the lives and rights of unborn children.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus and turn our world right side up again.

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Sword of the Spirit – You Have Heard #1032

Posted on May 21, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1032

“You Have Heard”

 …in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:9)

‘Fake News!’ is the outcry of the day. From social media to the broadcast networks carefully selected information bites are pulled out of context and skillfully spun to further an agenda. It has become increasingly difficult to discern the truth.

Sadly, this problem exists in the church context also and it is not something new. Since the fall of Adam and Eve there have been false prophets among the prophets of God and to this day we have false teachers among us. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus spoke the Truth with authority. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18) Jesus addressed six topics prefacing His statements with ‘You have heard…but I say to you.’ He corrected conventional thinking and false doctrine on the subjects of Anger, Lust, Divorce, Oaths, Retaliation and Love for enemies.

You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment… (Matthew 5:21-24) Jesus clarified the intent of the Law to matters of the heart. You cannot harbor bitterness and hate in your heart and still offer an acceptable gift of worship at the altar of God.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28) Again, lust is more than an act – it is a matter of heart intention. We often cannot avoid seeing things that entice us to lust; however, the second look is a choice.

“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Matthew 5:31-32) Divorce has become too easy in our society and the demographics of our churches are no different than that of the unsaved world. We cannot undo what has been done and forgiven by the shed blood of Jesus, but we can teach future generations by word and example of the value and importance of purity in premarital relationships. We need to teach them the Biblical Truth of the covenantal relationship of marriage as God intended it to be.

Jesus continued to undo twisted teachings concerning making empty oaths – Let what you say be simply Yes or No; retaliation – Do not seek an eye for an eye vengeance; and to Love not only your neighbor but your enemies also.

How does one discern the Truth? Discernment comes by reading and studying the Word of God for ourselves, guided in all Truth by the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come; so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. (John 16:13; Ephesians 4:14)

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Sword of the Spirit – Respect Authority #1031

Posted on May 14, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1031

“Respect Authority”

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment… Pay…respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. (Romans 13:1-7)

In my annual journey through God’s Word, I continue to marvel at the great restraint and respect for authority demonstrated by David concerning King Saul. But David said…who can put out his hand against the Lord‘s anointed and be guiltless? …The Lord forbid that I should put out my hand against the Lord‘s anointed. (1 Samuel 26:9-11) There is a difference between being anointed by God and appointed by God. Not all who are appointed are anointed. Both, however are worthy of respect as outlined in the Word of God.

Have you noticed the juggernaut of disrespect that is loosed in our society? We see it firsthand every day in our schools, places of work, the marketplace, halls of government, and yes even our churches. But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. (2 Timothy 3:1-6)

The biblical value of respect and honor is first birthed and taught in the DNA of our society – our family unit. The pervasiveness of disrespect we see today is the result of decades of deterioration of the family unit. Divorces, infidelity, the selfish pursuit of materialism and careers have usurped the primary obligation of parents to be parents to their children and to raise them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. …bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

The bitter fruit we are reaping from the deterioration of family is evident with the verbal and physical attacks on parents, pastors, teachers, and police and government officials. The elderly among us are largely neglected by their children and have become prey to a growing criminal segment of our society. The solution is to repent of our dishonor and disrespect and by the power of the Holy Spirit to begin to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in our life: words and actions. Set the example for our children and youth of the biblical values of honor and respect and love. Values are caught by others, for how we act speaks louder than what we say or teach. Walk the talk of respect and honor for parents and all authority.

“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”; Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors…; (Ephesians 6:2-3; 1 Peter 2:13-14)

A culture of respect will not take hold overnight. It will take years, even decades to turn around. But we have to start somewhere. Let change begin today with me and you.

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Sword of the Spirit – In His Time #1030

Posted on May 7, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                1030

“In His Time”

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? (Psalm 13:1-2)

I do not wait well. I have to prayerfully practice patience every day especially when a deadline looms. I have noticed that my patience level wears thinnest when I am weary and tired from working and in need of rest. It is during those times, which I confess are more frequent, that I cry out, ‘How long, O Lord?’

There is comfort to be found in God’s Word in that He reveals to us that what we are experiencing is common to our human nature and was experienced by great men of faith: David, Habakkuk, and Elijah – even Jesus. Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. (John 4:6)

O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? (Habakkuk 1:2)

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”(1 Kings 19:4)

The Word of God is also rich in encouragement as we wait for the Lord. The first is a reminder that God is beyond our finite time-bound life. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you… (2 Peter 3:8-9)

God reveals to us through His Word His love for us and His promise to take us through weary times and restore us. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison… (2 Corinthians 4:17)

For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish. (Jeremiah 31:25)

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! (Psalm 31:24)

Whatever trial or difficulty is causing you to be weary and tired of waiting, find comfort and encouragement in the Living Word of God. Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chronicles 16:11)

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

David began his psalm crying out to God. He was direct and to the point in his complaint. David ended his prayer with an expression of faith and trust for he encouraged himself in the Lord.

But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me. (Psalm 13: 5-6)

May the Lord comfort and encourage you as He leads you through difficult and weary times.

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Sword of the Spirit – The Hatred of the World #1029

Posted on April 30, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                  1029

“The Hatred of the World”

If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. (John 15:18)

In 2012 opposition mounted against Dan Cathy, President of the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain for standing firm in his faith and speaking the truth of God’s Word from his heart.

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that … I may hear of you that you are standing firm… and not frightened in anything by your opponents. – Phil 1:27

At that time Chicago Alderman Joe Moreno stated publically “Because of this man’s ignorance, I will deny Chick-fil-A a permit to open a restaurant in my ward”. Further east, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino sent a letter to Mr. Cathy stating that there was “no place” for Chick-fil-A in the city. Thank God that both Moreno and Menino’s threats are still illegal in this country.

In recent news, Chick-fil-A opened its largest restaurant in the world in New York. The headline in the New Yorker publication referred to this event as a ‘Creepy Infiltration of New York City’. The article goes on to criticize and demonize the public and prominent display of Biblical Christian values by Dan Cathy and the Chick-fil-A Corporation.

In this land of free speech, how is it that only viewpoints that align with current politically correct liberal norms are allowed and all else is considered hate speech and to be censored?  Have you noticed how intolerant those who profess to be tolerant are?

A south Florida teacher banned a fifth grader from reading his Bible during free reading time. This also happened in a Detroit school. A Phoenix Arizona Pastor served a 60-day sentence and paid a $12000 fine for zoning violations because he hosted a bible study at his home. In Arizona all references to the Bible are banned from the school system citing that the book is biased in favor of the Jewish people. Christian bakeries have been sued for refusing to bake cakes that violate their Christian values and beliefs.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Will you stand firm in your faith when the opportunity arises?  Is there enough evidence in your place of work or neighborhood circle of friends to convict you of being a Christian?  In an election, will you compromise or will you take a stand and vote for the candidate that will uphold Biblical Christian values? So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught … – 2 Thessalonians 2:15

May the Holy Spirit give you the spiritual backbone to stand firm, equipped with the full armor of God.  It is only when we stand firm and stand with one another that we can defend our values and our right to express them and live them out in our daily lives to the honor, praise and glory of Jesus Christ.

With respect to Mr. Cathy and other men and women like him: Be watchful, stand firm in the faith … Give recognition to such people. – 1 Corinthians 16:13-18

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Sword of the Spirit – Baal-Perazim #1028

Posted on April 22, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                   1028

“Baal – Perazim”

And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. (2 Samuel 5:20)

A breakthrough is defined as a sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development. Breakthroughs are needed to achieve dramatic improvements in business and technology such as we have seen in the transportation and electronics industries.

Breakthroughs are not limited to industry. We need breakthroughs in our physical and spiritual life as well. Our first breakthrough is into the guarantee of eternal life.  Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

Breakthrough salvation sets our citizenship in heaven, yet as long as we remain in the body we remain in the world but not of it. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Philippians 3:20)

Continual breakthroughs are required as the war between our flesh and spirit wages.  For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. (Galatians 5:17)

These breakthroughs come via the Lord of the breakthrough, Jesus Christ. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:5-6)

With our minds set on the things of the Spirit we can have breakthrough transformations in our thoughts, actions and decision-making. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

Breakthroughs by the power of the Name of Jesus are possible in our finances, emotions, sin habits, addictions, and relationships – every facet of our life.

May you call on the Lord of the breakthrough in your time of need. May the Lord give you breakthrough victory to overcome all of life’s obstacles as we eagerly await that final transformational breakthrough when He comes again.

…in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:52) For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

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Sword of the Spirit – Nothing Can Hinder #1027

Posted on April 15, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                   1027

“Nothing Can Hinder”

Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” (1 Samuel 14:6)

Imagine the faith in the Lord that Jonathan had to prompt him to move forward with his plan. He did not have a word from the Lord to go over to the Philistine garrison but he was a man of action and could not just sit with his father under a pomegranate tree doing nothing.

Sometimes we just need to take a step of faith and trust in God for the outcome. Be clear about your motive and intent of heart though before you step out. Note the following about Jonathan’s experience.

He told no one other than his armor bearer what he planned to do. Jonathan was not a glory seeker. He did not want fame and fortune. His motives were pure. If glory was to be had it was to be the Lord’s. Then Saul said to the people who were with him, “Count and see who has gone from us.” And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. (1 Samuel 14:17)

Jonathan knew the need for a victory was great. Israel was demoralized, hiding in caves. Jonathan also knew that God’s plan cannot be hindered. And the Philistines said, “Look, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves.” (1 Samuel 14:11)

Jonathan asked God for guidance by confirming what they were about to do. But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the Lord has given them into our hand. And this shall be the sign to us.” (1 Samuel 14:10)

By faith Jonathan moved forward one step at a time trusting the Lord with each step of the way and the Lord worked a mighty victory. And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer killed them after him…And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic. (1 Samuel 14:13-15)

Throughout history, God has demonstrated His power to save by many or few. We read about Gideon and the three hundred as well as David going up against Goliath. However, the ultimate example is the salvation of mankind through the death and resurrection of the one man, Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and…eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:18-21)

Are you paralyzed by inaction due to fear of failure? If you are a child of God, born again by the Spirit then you have nothing to fear.  I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

Whatever crossroad decision point you are at, offer it to the Lord and take the first step in faith trusting that God will provide and guide you each step of the way. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

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