NOTHING BUT THE WORD

07/11/2023

"...Let the party last all night! Stand guard over our celebration..." (Psalm 5:11 MSG).

I remember asking a fellow why he always had a frown on his face, and he responded, "Pastor, I don't mean to frown, but things are so difficult right now." Then I asked him what Jesus had done about his situation. All of a sudden, his countenance changed. I said that to say this—regardless of what's in front of you that may look daunting, you can not allow it to take your joy from you. 

We can learn from David. The Bible says, "When Saul and his troops heard the Philistine's challenge, they were terrified and lost all hope." But not David. He did not see Goliath as a threat. David asked, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (1 Samuel 17:26). Just imagine what may have gone through the minds of those present when David asked that question. First, David was too young to be in the military. Second, if anyone was going to confront Goliath, it should have been King Saul because King Saul was head and shoulder above everyone else in Israel (1 Samuel 9:2). No one took David seriously. Perhaps, they saw it as a classic example of his youthful exuberance. His eldest brother Eliab, who listened as David inquired from the soldiers who were standing by perplexed, became angry with David. He asked, "Why did you come down here?… Who did you leave those few sheep with in the wilderness? I know your arrogance and your evil heart - you came down to see the battle!" (1 Samuel 17:28).  

David saw Goliath's size as an advantage and not a threat. David saw what others saw as a daunting task as an opportunity he could not miss. 

So, what is that challenge before you? Be rest assured that the answer has been made available to you in Christ Jesus. No matter the circumstance, you already have the victory in Christ Jesus. In Numbers 14:9, when others were perplexed by the news of the giants in the land which God had promised, Caleb said, "… do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them." I get excited when I read: "…Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them." He could have said, "Let's pray that God will remove their protection from them and grant us victory." But he didn't. He was fully persuaded by the promise of God. He knew that their protection was removed from them the moment God gave them the Word. All that was required of them was to act in faith.

So be conscious of joy 24/7. Let nothing exalt itself above the ability of God in your life. Affirm your faith in God's Word again and again until you can't see anything but the Word in every circumstance. Psalm 5:11 says, "But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy…" 

God bless you!

Faith-Filled Confession:

No weapon that is formed or fashioned against me shall prosper. Jehovah is my refuge, and I am confident of His ability in me. So, no matter what I see, hear, or feel, I am established in my place of rest. I am fully persuaded by God's Word to me, and so, I rejoice! Hallelujah! My soul is at rest! Hallelujah!

Prayer points for today

Pray that every resident and partner of GHC has an indescribable hunger for souls. Pray that they preach God's Word everywhere with boldness, resulting in the salvation of souls and that the Word of the Lord increases and bears more fruits in them (Acts 4:29-31)

Pray for those who have been inconsistent in their faith. Pray that they are no longer children tossed to and fro and that Christ may be formed in their hearts as they are strengthened in those things that are most surely believed among us (Lk 1:3, Eph 4:14).

ONE YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Psalm 1-3; Acts 16:1-15