You Don’t Have To Look For God In Worship, If You Worship, He’ll Come Looking For You! You’ve Got to Possess the Ability to Worship In the Worst Of It! God Does Not Stop Being Sovereign Because Of Our Situation!

 You Don’t Have To Look For God In Worship, If You Worship, He’ll Come Looking For You! You’ve Got to Possess the Ability to Worship In the Worst Of It! When You've Lost A Parent, Spouse or Child, Your Marriage is Struggling, Sibling on Drugs. Can you Worship and Give Thanksgiving Right In The Midst Of Your Darkest Days. 

God does not stop being Sovereign because of our Situation! He can do anything, anywhere for any one of His children! That’s why we need to understand the power of our worship. It summons all of Heaven to meet you in Hell, just ask Jonah:

“…I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heard my voice.” (Jonah 2:2).

To Get The Kind of Deliverance Like Jonah; You’ve Got to Possess the Ability to Worship In the Worst Of It! When You've Lost A Parent, Spouse or Child, Your Marriage is Struggling, Sibling on Drugs, Financially Strapped Or Cancer diagnosis: Would you still be able to pray to God, even in these times?! Would you still trust Him? Would you still lean on Him? Would you still believe Him? Would you still praise and worship Him? Would you still have Faith in Him? Would you still thank Him?

When you study the content of Jonah’s prayer in Jonah 2:2-9, you’ll discover that he wasn’t praying the ‘give me or get me out of this prayer’, but a Prayer of Worship and Thanksgiving (“…But I’m Worshiping you, God, calling out in Thanksgiving!” (Jonah 2:9 MSG) However, what happens next is Absolutely Dynamic; the Bible says, “And the LORD Commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.” (Jonah 2:10 NIV). What a Mighty Deliverance! BUT, if you look at what Jonah Worshiped in the Midst Of to Get It, you’ll have to ask yourself, ‘do I really want it that bad?’ Because to get This Kind of Deliverance, You’ve Got to Possess the Ability to Worship In the Worst Of It! Yes, that means to pray, worship and thank God while the eviction notice is on the front door of the home, business or church; and yes some churches get eviction notices when funds are misappropriated or when the offerings doesn't come in as needed, the pink slip after 20 years was just handed to you; the doctor has nothing else he can do for your disease; your teenage son tells you he has a baby on the way; your daughter comes home with a tattoo across her forehead; there’s nothing in the fridge but the light-bulb; the toilet water won’t go down, the heat won’t come up, the car won’t start and the bills won’t stop! YES, You Have To Still Pray, Praise, Worship and Thank God In the Midst of It All! So How Bad Do You Really Want It?!

First off, it was due to Jonah’s Disobedience that he was in Trouble in the first place! So, Jonah was where he Deserved to be, and God Put Him There, the Bible says, “Now the Lord had Prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah.” (Jonah 1:17). Like Jonah, many of us are where we are due to our OWN disobedience! BUT the very next verse says, “Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God Out of the Fish’s Belly.” (Jonah 2:1). Truth be told, sometimes Deliverance Looks Downright Disgusting!

You See, Right in the Midst of Trouble, Jonah Still Prayed Unto the Lord! He Forgot about his Situation and Fully Turned His Attention to God! Can you imagine what would happen if today the church did the very same thing? If we sought God, no matter our situation? If we still fell on bended knee no matter how many times the rug has been pulled out from beneath us? If we still talked to God, no matter how badly others are talking about us? If we still went to church even if we had to walk there? If we would still read the Bible even when we’ve lost the job? Can you imagine if we still sought God regardless of our current circumstances!?

Just think what would become of our lives if we prayed as the Bible admonishes us to: “Pray At All Times” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 GNT) Just imagine how strong our relationship with God would become if we indeed prayed at all times. And that includes praying when the car breaks down; the kids are failing in school; the marriage is holding on by its last string; the job just laid you off; the doctor just gave you a cancerous diagnosis; your parent passes away; your sibling is strung out on drugs; your church is emptying out; your bank accounts can’t even keep the bare minimum anymore; Medicaid said no; Medicare won’t cover; there’s dust in the cupboards and only Arm and Hammer in the fridge!

Just look at Mark 7:33-35, the Bible reads: “And taking him aside from the crowd [privately], He thrust His fingers into the man’s ears and spat and touched his tongue; And looking up to heaven, He sighed as He said, Ephphatha, which means, Be opened! And his ears were opened, his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak distinctly and as he should.” (AMP). Listen for the two important truths here: One, the man’s ears were opened! “So faith comes from HEARING…” (Romans 10:17 AMP) Now, you may not like the method God uses to deliver you, but you will love hearing by faith what He has to say to you! The deliverance may be downright disgusting, but won’t it be worth it to hear God say: “…All these blessings will come down on you and spread out beyond you because you have responded to the Voice of God, your God: God’s blessing inside the city, God’s blessing in the country; God’s blessing on your children, the crops of your land, the young of your livestock, the calves of your herds, the lambs of your flocks. God’s blessing on your basket and bread bowl; God’s blessing in your coming in, God’s blessing in your going out. God will defeat your enemies who attack you.” (Deuteronomy 28:1-14, MSG)

Wouldn’t a Dirty Deliverance Be Worth Hearing All of That?!

Secondly, his tongue was loose! The Bible says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21 AMP); It further shares, “You will also decide and decree a thing, and it will be established for you; and the light [of God’s favor] will shine upon your ways.” (Job 22:28 AMP) Having your tongue loosed, means you get to decree life over your life and change it with the creative power your God has given you in your ability to open your mouth and speak it! The Bible says, “…and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed.” (Romans 4:17 AMPC) Once your deliverance takes place and your lips are loosed, regardless to what your situation may still look like, you open your mouth and declare the nonexistent things God foretold and promised you and you speak to them as if they already exist! “I’m healed; I’m whole; I’m debt-free; my marriage is repaired; my children are returning from straying; my bank accounts look like phone numbers with the 1 and area code attached! I’m cancer free; the mortgage company said yes; the grant was approved; I’m driving the car off the lot; God is sending me the mate He custom designed just for me; the business proposal has been approved; the tuition is free; the church is full; my household is saved; my family is delivered; the addiction has been arrested by the Holy Ghost; the anointing is fresh; the gifts are stirred; closed doors of opportunity are unlocking as I speak; the promotion is mine; the elevation is mine; the doctors diagnosis is being reversed; the blood-work is coming back in my favor; the x-rays are clear; the chemo, radiation and dialysis are stopping; I’m graduating!”

You see that’s the beauty of deliverance, no matter how dirty it is, you get to receive the restoration of your hearing and speech! It may be dirty but thank God for deliverance anyhow!

You see, deliverance comes when we can Worship God During the Worst of our Troubles! Understand that there’s No Doubt About Your Deliverance Coming, You Just Need to Accept the Fact, In Advance, That Your Deliverance Will Come, But It Won’t Come Clean! You’ll often have to get Dirty Before You Get Delivered! Can I Prove It? The Bible says, “Elisha sent out a servant to meet him with this message: “Go to the River Jordan and immerse yourself seven times. Your skin will be healed, and you’ll be as good as new.” Naaman lost his temper. He turned on his heel saying, “I thought he’d personally come out and meet me, call on the name of GOD, wave his hand over the diseased spot, and get rid of the disease. The Damascus rivers, Abana and Pharpar, are Cleaner by far than any of the rivers in Israel. Why not Bathe in them? I’d at least get Clean.” He stomped off, mad as a hornet. But his servants caught up with him and said, “Father, if the prophet had asked you to do something hard and heroic, wouldn’t you have done it? So why not this simple ‘wash and be clean’?” So, he did it. He went down and immersed himself in the Jordan seven times, following the orders of the Holy Man. His skin was healed; it was like the skin of a little baby. He was as good as new.” (2 Kings 5:10-14 MSG). Are You Willing To Get Delivered Even When You Don’t Get To Choose The Method of Your Deliverance? Are You Willing To Get Delivered Even When You Don’t Get to Choose the Prophet? Are you willing to be delivered where no one can see it and talk about? Are you willing to be delivered when God uses a nobody to declare the Word of healing to you? Are you willing to get delivered even if you must do something “beneath” your title, office, or position to get it? How Bad Do You Really Want To Be Delivered!? Because Naaman dipped seven times in the dirty Jordan River, will you quit at 2 because it’s just asking too much of you? But at least Naaman was above ground, dipped seven dirty times and came up clean, Jonah lies in the belly of a great fish for 3 days and 3 nights! Listen, if you can’t handle 7 dips, you’ll lose your natural mind over 3 days and 3 nights! So, how badly do you really want it to be delivered?

Honestly, Do You have Enough Guts to get Dirty Before You get Delivered?! Can you Worship and Give Thanksgiving right in the Belly of the Fish, before you get set Free on Dry Ground?! Truth is, anybody can Worship and Give Thanks AFTERWARDS, But the Beginning of Deliverance is Doing It DURING?! And since we’re talking about Worship, how about we visit Jonah’s Church, enter into his Sanctuary, and take a good look around at What Jonah Worshiped in the Midst Of! Jonah 2:2-6, Describes Jonah’s Fish Temple of Worship: The Bible says, “In trouble, deep trouble, I prayed to God. He answered me. From the belly of the grave I cried, ’Help!’ You heard my cry. You threw me into ocean’s depths, into a watery grave, with ocean waves, ocean breakers crashing over me. I said, ’I’ve been thrown away, thrown out, out of your sight. I’ll never again lay eyes on your Holy Temple.’ Ocean gripped me by the throat. The ancient Abyss grabbed me and held tight. My head was all tangled in seaweed at the bottom of the sea where the mountains take root. I was as far down as a body can go, and the gates were slamming shut behind me forever…” (MSG).

And we think we’ve got problems? We have the audacity to complain about our church. Look at what Jonah worshiped in the midst of! Jonah worshiped amid fish guts and seaweed,

Christians cancel their worship due to rolling eyes and attitudes; over what someone said or didn’t say; because they didn’t sing our song or preach you happy; because it’s raining outside; because they sat in our seat; because of what the doctors said. Tell yourself from this day forward, the devil is a liar! I’ll let nothing and no one cancel my worship again! Not their words, facial expressions, opinions, criticisms, discouragement, or bitterness! Why do I refuse to let it cancel my worship? Because I can say with Jonah, “…Yet you pulled me up from that grave alive, O God, my God! When my life was slipping away, I remembered God, and my prayer got through to you, made it all the way to your Holy Temple. Those who worship hollow gods, god-frauds, walk away from their only true love. But I’m worshiping you, God, calling out in thanksgiving! And I’ll do what I promised I’d do! Salvation belongs to God!” (vss. 1-9 MSG)

If Jonah can worship God in the midst of all of this; surely, we can worship God in the midst of our situation! If Jonah Can Cry Out to God In the Midst of a Belly of Hell, Surely We Can Walk Into Our Pretty Sanctuary and Worship God? Surely! He lay in fish guts while we sit on cushioned seats, and we still can’t worship God? His music was the indigestion of a fish, while we have a whole minstrel section and yet we still can’t worship God. He was at the bottom of the ocean, and we sit elevated in our prestigious pulpit seating and yet we still can’t worship God? How is it that Jonah can give God his all right where he was, and yet there are believers who haven’t given God anything and they’re in a better position than Jonah?!

And an added bonus: You don’t have to look for God in worship, if you worship, He’ll come looking for you! “…true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the FATHER SEEKS.” John 4.

Blessings

J.P. Olson

www.journeyintotheword.com

Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday morning at 5:30 AM CST & 6:30 AM EST on The Now Network http://www.theNOWnetwork.org

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The Mordecai Challenge Is This, Maybe Where You Are Right Now Is For: “This Very Purpose, For Such A Time As This. Many Of Us Want To Be ‘CHOSEN’, But What Happens When Our Being Chosen Comes With An Assignment We Didn’t Want To Be Called To?

The Mordecai Challenge Is This, Maybe Where You Are Right Now Is For: “This Very Purpose; A Moment Like This; To Be Chosen As The Very One That God Has Brought To This Place, In This Position, For Such A Time As This. I Know Many Of Us Want Our ‘PURPOSE’ To Be Great, But What If Our Purpose To Serve Is In A Painful Place? Many Of Us Want To Be ‘CHOSEN’, But What Happens When Our Being Chosen Comes With An Assignment We Didn’t Want To Be Called To?

Listen, I’ll be the first to tell you that my greatest moments in ministry have happened during some of the most difficult times. And yet, knowing that the Will of God for my life is being fulfilled does make those difficult moments all the more worth it. I even love the fact that God doesn’t snatch us out of every painful moment we experience because sometimes reconciling people requires you being able to relate to people, and truth is there are very few, if any people, walking around completely pain-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 12 months, and 366 days a year!

Never let a Moment of Misery cause you to lose sight of your Monumental Ministry given to you by God! Always Remember: You Were Rescued to Reconcile!  You are where you are for a reason, and that reason is to be a Glimpse of God in someone else’s Gloom. You May Be Facing A Mordecai Challenge. You May Have Asked Yourself Why Am I Here? A Mordecai Challenge Is This. You are where you are to prove to those who are suffering in bondage, that God doesn’t even have to bring you OUT, He can bless you and make you more than A conqueror even while you’re still IN! You are where you are to encourage someone in knowing that despite all these things, God is still able!

Think about it: When your children or your marriage is in trouble, do you really want to talk to someone who has never had any issues in this area, or would you prefer to speak with someone who has been here, and can show you how to go through and come out of it?

Esther 4:12-14, “When Hathach told Mordecai what Esther had said, Mordecai sent her this message: “Don’t think that just because you live in the king’s house, you’re the one Jew who will get out of this alive. If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.” (MSG)

Maybe you’re a candidate for the Mordecai Challenge where you are right now. And if you are, take a listen to the challenge found in Esther 4:12-14, it’s where we find a Jewish young woman named Esther providentially placed in the position of being Queen of Persia. No one knows she’s Jewish, and she’s in this great position which her cousin Mordecai is asking her now to totally lay on the line.

In a palace plot, Esther’s people-God’s chosen people-have been targeted for annihilation. Only Esther was able to get to the king and plead for the lives of her people. But the law called for anyone who went unbidden into the throne room of the king to be put to death. And Esther hadn’t heard from the king for a month. Now here’s that Mordecai Challenge, “…Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.” (MSG) Varying translations say it like this:

“And who knows whether you have attained royalty for such a time as this [AND FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE]?” (AMP);

The Mordecai Challenge is this, maybe where you are right now is for: “this very purpose; a moment like this; to be chosen as the very one that God has brought to this place, in this position, for such a time as this…to save the lives of many?”

2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Listen to what Paul said: “Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first, I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then He told me, my grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size – abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so, the weaker I get, the stronger I become.” (MSG)

How amazing that with all the gifts we seek after in God, one of the greatest of the gifts is “…The Gift Of A Handicap To Keep Me In Touch With My Limitations…”

Sometimes God lifts you up into high positions so you can get a better view of those living in low places. Therefore, the position is not so others can see you, but so you can see others who need a hand getting back on their feet. So don’t get lost in loftiness, you are positioned there not to push yourself up but to pull someone else up.

Listen: Even Paul got to a point where he learned to stop focusing on the handicap and instead started appreciating the gift. And you need to learn to do likewise. Stop focusing on the pain, the hurt, the loss, the betrayal, the gossip, the discouragement, the abandonment, the loneliness, the failure, the disappointment, the grief, the anger. And instead start appreciating that God gifted you even in places such as these! You don’t lose an ounce of your anointing because of attacks. Those are in fact the best places to continue to serve God, because it says in essence, “I trust God even in this!”

Example: Daniel 3:16-18, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.” (MSG) you must reach this place in God where you KNOW He can deliver you, and yet maintain the conviction that even if He doesn’t, I’ll still serve Him and not Satan nor my Circumstances! You can’t grow having circumstantial conviction! You can’t believe God only when it’s good, you can’t believe God only on the mountain. You must determine to believe and trust God no matter what curve ball life throws you to knock you off your game!

Listen to Jesus speak: Matthew 26:52-54, “Jesus said, “Put your sword back where it belongs. All who use swords are destroyed by swords. Don’t you realize that I am able right now to call to My Father, and twelve companies—more, if I want them—of fighting angels would be here, battle-ready? But if I did that, how would the Scriptures come true that say this is the way it must be?” (MSG)

You see, as believers, angels have been given a charge where we’re concerned: Psalm 91:11-13, “He ordered His angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes and kick young lions and serpents from the path.” (MSG)

And though we have all of this at our disposal, there are still times in which God will NOT deliver us because He’s using us as lifeboats to rescue someone else! Why is He using us in the storms of life? Because we’ve proven to Him that we’re anchored in Him! That’s why you must learn how to trust and rely on God even when you’re in a position that looks like it will cost you your life!

You must grow and mature into a place that says I’ll serve Him even though He slay me! Job 13:15, “I will continue to trust God even if He kills me…” (ERV) Are you at that place of trust? Will you trust God regardless of the diagnosis, the disease, the length of the depression, the divorce, the demotion, or the disagreement? Will you still trust God that He has your best interests at heart even when they lay you off, the kids stray, the finances dwindle to dust? Will you continue to trust God even if your loved one does not receive the healing? Will you still trust God when the church doors close, the house forecloses, the car is repossessed, and the business goes belly up? Will you still trust God like Paul? Will you still trust God like Jesus? Will you still trust God like Job?

Luke 22:42 says, “He walked away, perhaps a stone’s throw, and knelt and prayed this prayer: “Father, if You are willing, please take away this cup of horror from Me. But I want Your Will, not Mine.” (TLB) Will you trust God enough to follow His Will, His Word, and His Way, even if you’d rather jump ship?! Do you trust God enough to continue to follow His plan even while you’re experiencing so much pain? Do you trust God enough to continue to pursue His purpose for your life though you keep running into problem after problem? Do you trust God enough to stay on track even when life keeps trying to derail you? Do you trust God enough, like Jesus, that in the very thick of your heartache, you kneel in prayer instead of prostrating in a self-pity party? Do you trust God enough to ask Him to take the cup of horror away from you, but if it’s not His will, you’re content enough to drink it?

Listen, I’m not telling you this is easy,  it can and will be difficult at times, but I will say this, I don’t regret it for one moment, I had the opportunity to pray with others, to share the promises of God, the salvation, healing and deliverance of God, the peace and joy of God. Isn’t that worth it?

 “Even in this place, even under these circumstances, remember who you are. Remember why you’re there.” Esther realizes she has been placed where she is to save lives and she risks hers to rescue them. And her people live because of it. Right now, God may be saying to you about your situation-where you work, where you go to school, the sport you’re in, the club you’re in, the neighborhood you’re in, the jam you’re in, “You have been put in this position for such a time as this. Use that position to tell people about My Son. “

I guess in a sense, we’re all Esther. God has placed us where we are to save some lives there; lives that Jesus died for. And God has put those people within your reach through your situation so you can rescue them. So…..how are you doing on the real reason you’re there?

That’s our job church, to employ more people in the Kingdom of God! To reach them, encourage them help them find restoration and redemption. We are assigned to bring life to a dying soul. We are to bring eternity to those who have no idea just how short the hour of salvation has become. That’s why we can’t afford to get distracted in the last days. There are too many souls on their way to hell instead of heaven because the church is too consumed with her own hurt! But we have no time to wallow when there are so many souls that are wounded and need healing from the only One who can mend the Broken-Hearted!

Whether we’re in poverty or prosperity; whether we’re in the pulpit or the pew; whether we’re happy or hurting; it’s all irrelevant when we’ve been giving a charge to keep! And yes, sometimes we will be called to fulfill that charge in pain, in hurt, in disgust, in betrayal, in failure, in suffering, in trials, in tribulation, in frustration, in confusion, in sleepless nights, in sickness, and yet, we still must keep the charge.

Look at it like this: Not one of us would take our car to a baker when it’s in trouble; we don’t take our plants to the zoo when they’re dying; we don’t go to the museum when the house is on fire. In other words, we take the issue to the appropriate person and place to get it fixed, restored, or healed. And believe it or not, but you are that person and place for someone. Someone needs your fractured pieces to become whole. When you go into the hospital it’s not because you need to be there, it’s because God needs you to be there for someone else. He needs you to be His mouth, His hands, His feet, and His soothing, comforting, and encouraging presence so that all will be well. You are where you are for a reason, and that reason is to be a Glimpse of God in someone else’s Gloom. When you show people that you don’t have to throw in the towel when tough times come, but that you can wipe your blood, sweat and tears, and remain in the fight, and even win it, that’s powerful! That’s encouragement, empowerment, inspiration, that’s purpose, that’s ministry! You are where you are so you can tell someone else: “NAY, IN ALL THESE THINGS WE ARE More Than Conquerors Through Him That Loved Us.” (Romans 8:37) The New Living Translation says it like this: “No, Despite All These Things, Overwhelming Victory Is Ours Through Christ, Who Loved Us.” (NLT) You are where you are to prove to those who are suffering in bondage, that God doesn’t even have to bring you OUT, He can bless you and make you a more than conqueror even while you’re still IN! You are where you are to encourage someone in knowing that despite all these things, God is still able!

So don’t walk out on the marriage just yet (your children are watching and listening); don’t leave the church just yet (the people of God are watching and listening); don’t quit the job just yet (the bosses and coworkers are watching and listening); don’t go into despair in the doctor’s office or the hospital (other patients are watching and listening). Your actions, words, and attitude show people how to go through and get through and not give up, give out, or give in. Many will follow your lead. Show them how to take it to prayer, show them how to praise and worship even with it, show them how to dance and sing even if you’ll cry later, show them how to rest in the Word of God no matter what the newspapers say from day-to-day. Show them your life of faith!

People (saved and unsaved) are watching us and listening to us, let’s not mar the image and likeness of God that we are. Let’s not murmur, grumble, or complain. Let’s not have a pity party or live in a mansion of misery. Let’s show them how to keep showing up!

God has placed us where we are for a reason, it is not by accident, and it is not without purpose and a plan. Therefore, don’t just sit there “Esther”, but take a stand and do something that will better the lives of many.

Esther 4:15-17, “Esther sent back her answer to Mordecai: “Go and get all the Jews living in Susa together. Fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days, either day or night. I and my maids will fast with you. If you do this, I’ll go to the king, even though it’s forbidden. If I die, I die.” Mordecai left and carried out Esther’s instructions.” (MSG)

And 4 chapters later, with the very same verses reads:

Esther 8:15-17, “Mordecai walked out of the king’s presence wearing a royal robe of violet and white, a huge gold crown, and a purple cape of fine linen. The city of Susa exploded with joy. For Jews it was all sunshine and laughter: they celebrated, they were honored. It was that way all over the country, in every province, every city when the king’s bulletin was posted: the Jews took to the streets in celebration, cheering, and feasting. Not only that, but many non-Jews became Jews—now it was dangerous not to be a Jew!” (MSG)

It’s time we get to work, because there are people, countries, provinces, states, cities, and nations just waiting for us to remember Why We Are Here…to Fulfill the Great Commission! And unlike our jobs, we don’t get to use vacation, personal and sick time so that we can clock out and check out on ministry. We don’t get snow days. Conditions Should Never Compromise Our Commission, Call or Conviction! We are to be about our Father’s Business like never before. So, let’s clock in and work like we know the last hours are truly at hand…because they are!

We are here for a reason, and it’s for the People’s Souls Not Our Personal Success, don’t lose Sight of that! You Are There For a Reason!

Blessings

J.P. Olson

www.journeyintotheword.com

Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday morning at 5:30 AM CST & 6:30 AM EST on The Now Network http://www.theNOWnetwork.org

ROKU, Cable & Online

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The Greatest Cardiovascular Specialist You’ll Ever Encounter, Is Jesus. Enter Into His Waiting Room. When Life Caves In, He Comes To Us Not With Answers But With His Presence. He Will Search Our Heart. God Spells It All Out For Us In Psalm 23.

 

The Greatest Cardiovascular Specialist You’ll Ever Encounter, Is Jesus. Enter Into His Waiting Room. When Life Caves In, He Comes To Us Not With Answers But With His Presence. He Will Search Our Heart. Father, Remove Any & Everything From My Heart That Displeases You. God Spells It All Out For Us In Psalm 23.

When God looks at your heart and examines your heart, He wants to know that His Son is sitting on the throne of your heart. God began to work on our hearts, He mended the hearts that were broken, and He renewed & restored the heart with life, purifying, and regulating the blood flow, He will regenerate the heart that is weak from stress, worry, and care of the world, hearts that are damaged from a life of self-destructive abuse. God goes in to cleanse our hearts so that we may serve Him and only Him. God looks at the heart of His children and He does not see the heart of the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. God is looking for pure hearts and He will revive and cleanse our hearts during this season of preparation.

If you want to make it into heaven, you must get your heart right! Forgive, love, and treat people like you want to be treated. Pray for Jesus to teach you how to love, forgive, and have mercy like He does. The greatest Cardiovascular Specialist you'll ever encounter is Jesus! Give Him Your All. He will fix your heart if it's broken, hurting, or hardened.  God looks at the heart, He wants to know does His Son sits on the throne of your heart or if are we just giving good lip service with our prayers. The worst thing you can do is to stand before the Lord unprepared. The Lord says...."Prepare them. I am coming quick!" We want many things, but God is EVERYTHING we need. In understanding this and being firm in our faith, I know that our heart's desires will also be granted. He is the source of everything we want and need. One area He starts preparing us is in Grooming.

THE MASTER GROOMER: Sometimes Grooming hurts us in places where we are being groomed as well as pruned. God doesn't want us to hurt but He must remove certain things to groom us into His likeness.

God knows how to prepare you for where He is taking you. You can call Him the Master Groomer because He will get you ready!

1.) If you need to be tougher, He'll make you tougher!

2.) If you need to be humble, He'll humble you!

3.) If you need to be more spiritually grounded, He'll start disconnecting you from all relationships to where all you have is Him and the Word to look to temporary isolation!

4.) If you need to be more discerning, He'll allow you to continuously get hurt by people until you learn to test the spirits!

5.) If you need to learn forgiveness, He'll allow sickness/ailments in your body and not forgive you of your transgressions, until you start forgiving others!

6.) If you're fearful, He'll put you in situations where the only choice you have is to fight and grow some courage!

7.) If you're a negative spirit breaker, He'll bless the person you've been breaking down with right before you and put you in situations where you will need them, to put you to silence and change your heart!

When you are afraid trust in God. When you are not afraid, trust in God. When things go wrong remember Jesus is the bridge and the way back. God sees our hearts and knows exactly what we think and feel. Discouragement is not from God.  God already has the solution. Can it be that simple? Yes, because there is no second-guessing in Jesus Christ.

When life caves in He comes to us not with answers but with His presence, which is the answer.  What is God saying when He says "Be Still and Know That I Am God? The key phrase here is "Be Still. Be still and listen, be still and draw closer, be still and focus on Him. Psalm 46:10, be still and meditate on His word. There is no greater worship than giving God all of you. We can't watch TV for 3 hours then read the Bible for 3 minutes and expect to grow spiritually close to God.

God is God and the Bible instructs us to come humbly into His presence. (1 Peters 5-6). The word humbly actually means to be close to the base, not too far above the plain or foundation. God is a welcoming Father who encourages us to come boldly into His presence.

If you are struggling right now, remember this, God will provide.  His ways are often different than our own, but He always provides. If God could close the mouths of Lions for David, Part the Red Sea for Moses, make the sun stand still for Joshua, send ravens to feed Elijah, open the prison door for Paul & Silas, put a baby in the arms of Sarah, raise Lazarus from the dead, then he will certainly take care of you.  Nothing you are facing today is too hard for Him to handle.

When the enemy brings hardships into your life, God has a way of taking that experience and turning it to your advantage.  You may think that you've hit a dead end, but if you stay in faith, you will see God begin to open a new route.  He'll put the right people in your path, the right opportunities, and the right circumstances to move you forward toward your God-given destination.  In every situation that touches your life, God is there. His presence is there. Father, today search our hearts and remove anything that should not be in or on our hearts. Give me a clean heart, so that I may serve thee so that I can be used by Thee.

God spells it all out for us in Psalm 23. 

The Lord is my Shepherd: *That's RELATIONSHIP! *

I shall not want *That's SUPPLY! *

He makes me lie down in green pastures *That's REST! *

He leads me beside the still waters *That's REFRESHMENT! *

He restores my soul *That's HEALING! *

He leads me in the paths of righteousness *That's GUIDANCE! *

For His name’s sake *That's PURPOSE! *

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death *That's TESTING! *

I will fear no evil *That's PROTECTION! *

For You are with me *That's FAITHFULNESS! *

Your rod and Your staff comfort me *That's DISCIPLINE! *

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies *That's HOPE! *

You anoint my head with oil *That's CONSECRATION! *

My cup runs over *That's ABUNDANCE! *

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life *That's BLESSING! *

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord *That's SECURITY! *

Forever *That's ETERNITY! *

Face it, the Lord is amazing. *TAKE YOUR GLORY LORD*

Blessings

J.P. Olson

www.journeyintotheword.com

Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday morning at 5:30 AM CST & 6:30 AM EST on The Now Network http://www.theNOWnetwork.org

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God’s Directions May Not Always Make Sense To Us. Listen To God’s Voice In Your Life. Why Did Gideon Put Out a Fleece? Putting Out A Fleece Is Not A Positive. On The Contrary, It Is A Sign Of A Lack Of Faith. Why Is God Patient With Our Lack Of Faith

 God’s Directions May Not Always Make Sense To Us. Listen To God’s Leading Voice In Your Life. Why Did Gideon Put Out a Fleece? And Should We? Putting Out A Fleece Is Not A Positive. On The Contrary, It Is A Sign Of A Lack Of Faith. Why Is God Patient With Our Lack of Faith?

As Humans, We Are Short-Sighted And Weak. We Fall Time And Time Again When We Trust In Our Strength Instead Of Striving To Find And To Do God’s Will In Our Lives. Gideon Was About To Experience This Firsthand In His Life. 

When he heard this, Gideon must have thought, “Don’t you know how weak and afraid I am?” Of course, God knew this, but He chose Gideon anyway. God knows our personality and our weaknesses, our tendency towards sin.  But it is not a mistake that He has chosen us.

Those who see themselves as the greatest, the strongest, the wisest will have a hard time hearing God’s voice above their high thoughts and opinions. However, those who are lowly, with open and receptive hearts, will be able to become God’s men of valor, ready to do His will. The Bible story about Gideon is incredibly inspiring for all of us! How would you feel leading 300 men against an army? “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor! You shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites!”

An oppressed nation: Because the people of Israel had turned away from God, He allowed the Midianites to terrorize Israel for seven years, destroying their land and livestock.  Judges 7:12 says the Midianites were “as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude.” In their need, Israel cried out to God. In His mercy, God stepped in and decided that Gideon would lead the poverty-stricken, oppressed, fearful Israelites to victory.

The uncertain leader Gideon took on the role reluctantly. He asked God for signs time and time again. First, the Angel summoned fire to consume the food Gideon had brought. Afterward, Gideon put out a fleece of wool on two consecutive nights, first asking for the fleece to be wet and the ground to be dry, then for the fleece to be dry and the ground to be wet.

Why Did Gideon Put Out a Fleece? And Should We?

It is time to put this whole “putting out a fleece” madness to bed. The expression “putting out a fleece” comes from Judges 6:33-40, where Gideon requests God’s guarantee of victory through two tests. Gideon puts a fleece garment on the ground in the first test and asks God to miraculously cause dew to only collect on the garment, not on the rest of the ground. Then, in the second test, Gideon reverses the test- now, he asks for the fleece to be dry and the ground to be covered with dew.

Many Christians have taken this narrative as a positive and adopted the practice of “putting out a fleece”- testing God to determine his will. For example, in a dating relationship, someone might say, “God, if they send me a card in the next 6 hours, then I’ll know you want me to marry them.” Nope! Let me be as transparent as possible: putting out a fleece is not a positive. On the contrary, it is a sign of a lack of faith. So, let us set the record straight on a few aspects of Judges 6:33-40.

Gideon was not asking God to reveal what he should do. God had already told Gideon what he should do by special revelation (Judges 6:14, 16). Gideon was trying to get a guarantee that the God who was speaking to him would grant him victory. This was a common practice in these cultures, but Gideon sought confirmation on his terms rather than God’s. Thus, Gideon’s test betrays a Canaanite theological perspective.

Gideon was trying to get a guarantee that the God of Israel was greater than Baal. This is the least known and yet most crucial piece of information regarding Judges 6:33-40. Baal was the Canaanite God of the storm (rain, lightning, etc.). In one Baal tale, his weakness results in a drought of both rain and dew. Baal’s daughter Talia is thought to be responsible for dew. Guess what the Hebrew word for dew in Judges 6:33-40 is? Tal. There is no doubt that Gideon here is testing God to see if he is more significant than Baal. Gideon (who fought with Baal in Judges 6:25-32) is not entirely convinced that Baal is not the real deal yet. So, the fleece tests result from Gideon’s Canaanite way of thinking, and his lack of faith in Yahweh, the God of Israel.

Putting God to the test is sinful. In Deuteronomy 6:16, God says, “You shall not put the LORD your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah.” In Judges 6:39, Gideon says, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me TEST just once more with the fleece.” Gideon even uses the same verb for testing found in Deut. 6:16. If we count Gideon’s request for a sign from God’s messenger Judges 6:17-18, he has tested God three times so far.

So why does God put up with Gideon’s lack of faith? Why does he answer the tests? Why does he even offer a fourth sign later in Judges 7:8-14? The only answer to these questions is God’s covenant faithfulness or his grace. His condescension to Gideon’s Canaanite worldview is not meant to condone testing God or demanding signs. Instead, God’s patience shown to Gideon highlights the greatness of his grace towards both Gideon and Israel. He essentially holds Gideon’s hand throughout the entire process, thus addressing his lack of faith, faulty theology, and fear.

Yes, God is patient with our lack of faith, our faulty theology, and our fear. But the message is not to imitate Gideon but rather to learn about God and us from his experience. This narrative encourages us to believe in God without the extra drama. Once again, in Judges, Othniel’s simple faith stands out when contrasted with Gideon (Judges 3:7-11). Let us learn from Gideon’s experience. God is greater than any false God, he is able and willing to save, and he is motivated by his grace. Do not test God. Believe him.

Was God discouraged by these constant requests? Did He begin to reconsider His pick? No! All these signs and wonders occurred, giving Gideon the strength and faith, he needed! God refused to give up on Gideon, even when Gideon had given up on himself.

Fast forward to a short time later: Newly armed with the Spirit of the Lord, Gideon stands at the head of an Israelite force of 32,000 warriors. Now, this is a mighty army to be reckoned with! Then comes a new order from God: Everyone who is afraid should go home! God knew that Israel would claim the glory of victory, celebrating its strength instead of rightfully honoring God who was in command.

“There are still too many!” Overnight, 22,000 of Gideon’s soldiers left. This must have been a severe blow to Gideon. As a leader of 32,000 men, he would have begun to think it was possible. But, with only 10,000 men, it was nearly impossible!

Then God spoke again: “There are still too many!” Still too many? This new command went against all human reasoning! And that is precisely the way God wanted it.

First, some background: What exactly does the word judge refer to? In the Book of Judges, the term “judge” (shofet שׁוֹפֵט) is not a magistrate or a judicial officer who sits in a court of law. Instead, this refers to a warrior whose victories over Israel’s enemies are deemed divinely mandated “justice.” The Period of the Judges was an interlude of approximately two centuries, beginning with the conquest of the Land by Joshua (1200 BCE) and ending with the enthronement of the first king of Israel, Saul (1050 BCE). This era was marked by anarchy and disunity, as the Israelites had not yet dominated all the indigenous Canaanite tribes, and authority was not centralized. The Bible clearly expresses a negative assessment of this period: “In those days there was no king in Israel; all the people did what was right in their own eyes.” (Judges 17:6). Because there was no central authority, leadership sprung up episodically in local chieftains known as judges, including Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Barak, Gideon, Abimelech, Jephthah, and Samson. The Harod Spring at the foot of Mount Gilboa in northern Israel, where Gideon tested his soldiers.

In chapters 6-8 of the Book of Judges, we read the story of Gideon combating the Midianites and Amalekites, two Transjordanian tribes who routinely crossed the Jordan River to raid the northern tribes of Israel.

Next, he takes his army to the Harod Spring and gives them an odd drinking test to further reduce the military to a core group of 300 elite fighters. Here is the passage which describes the ordeal:

So, Gideon took the men down to the water. There the Lord told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog lap from those who kneel to drink.” Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink.”  Judges 7:5-6 NIV  

There are two groups of men: (1) the “lappers” and (2) the “kneelers.” The smaller group of 300 “lappers” are chosen to remain while the larger group of 9700 “kneelers” are sent home. But the exact details of how each group’s drinking style differs are confusing. We tend to picture the “lappers” lying on their bellies with their tongues in the water drinking boorishly like dogs, whereas the “kneelers” are genuflecting down on one knee politely using their hands as a cup. According to this interpretation, Gideon favored the “lappers” because they were less civilized, more animalistic, and perhaps even less intelligent than the “kneelers.” Thus, the opportunity for God to magnify his role in the victory becomes more significant.

I want to suggest a solution. Regardless of which translation you choose to follow, I think that the phrase “lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps” is not meant to be taken literally. The “lappers” are not drinking in the same way that dogs drink. They do not insert their mouths directly into the water, as this is a very inefficient – even impossible – way for human beings to drink (try doing this without inhaling water through your nose!). Physiologically, humans cannot drink water exactly like dogs because their tongues function differently. A dog sticks his long tongue into a pool of water and curls it back and up to form a small cup. He then uses this “tongue cup” to scoop up a portion of water, then flicked back into the mouth. Human tongues simply cannot accomplish this feat, and the dog reference in verse 5 is therefore meant to be understood metaphorically. The “lappers” use a single cupped hand in the same way that a dog uses his tongue: to scoop up a portion of water and to flick it into their mouths quickly. Much water is lost in the process, but it is quick and easy. This would mean that the “lappers” are not lying on their bellies but rather crouching down, still standing on their feet. They remain alert and unexposed, which is crucial on the battlefield.

The “kneelers,” by contrast, are entirely prostrated, down on their knees beside the spring. They too drink by using their hands but in a different way: their two hands are joined to form a bowl from which they can comfortably sip. Although this is a better, less wasteful method of getting water into one’s mouth, the kneeling position leaves the soldier vulnerable to attack because he has his face to the ground. Thus, Gideon needed an elite force of 300 alert soldiers who would not endanger themselves by taking long water breaks. So, as far as they are dog-like, the “lappers” were not chosen because they were more vicious or vulgar than the “kneelers” but because they were less indulgent. Ultimately, however, the “lappers” were selected because they were the minority. From the outset, God indicates that he favors a small army of a few hundred instead of a few thousand to emphasize that the victory is due to divine providence, not a human achievement.

In obedience to God’s leading, Gideon took the army to the river to drink. Only those who lapped up the water with their tongues, drinking like a dog drinks, were allowed to stay, while everyone else was sent home. When the dust had settled, Gideon was left with only 300 men! At this time, Israel had fallen into sin and idolatry, and—as a judgment—God permitted vast hordes of Midianites to invade their land each year and rob them of their harvest. One day, while Gideon was furtively threshing wheat in a winepress—to hide it from the Midianites—the Angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, “The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!” (Judges 6:11–12). The Lord saw Gideon quite differently from the way that he saw himself. Gideon saw himself as young, weak, and ineffective. Yet, the Lord hailed him as a “mighty man of valor.”

The Lord then commissioned Gideon to lead Israel in the battle against the Midianites. In response, Gideon assembled an army by the well of Harod, with the Midianites encamped to the north. What were the numbers on both sides?

Gideon’s army 32,000: Midianites 135,0002. Thus, Gideon, with 32,000 men, faced 135,000 Midianites. He was outnumbered by more than four to one. Imagine Gideon’s reaction when the Lord told him, “The people who are with you are too many!” (Judges 7:2). The Lord instructed Gideon to send away all those in his army who were fearful and afraid. As a result, 22,000 men departed, and Gideon was left with 10,000. At this point, he was outnumbered by more than thirteen to one. But God was not finished! To Gideon’s astonishment, He said, “The people are still too many.”

Then He instructed Gideon to bring his men down to the water so that He might test them there by the way they drank from the water. All those who went down on both knees to drink were eliminated. Only those who lapped like a dog passed the test (Judges 7:4–7).

One Essential Character Requirement: The test focused on one single character requirement: vigilance.

Picture first those who drank in the usual way. Laying aside their shield from the left arm and their spear—or sword—from the right arm, they went down on both knees and buried their faces in the water. In this posture, they were vulnerable to a surprise attack. They could not see any approaching enemy, nor did they have their weapons ready to use. In the time they took to get themselves ready, the enemy would have overcome them. What about those who lapped like dogs? When a dog drinks, it does not bury its nose in the water; it stretches out its tongue and laps the water up into its mouth, usually splashing some water around. How, then, should we picture the men who lapped? They went down on one knee only. Retaining their shield on their left arm, they set down their spear or sword beside them with the right arm. Then, with a cupped hand, they scooped up the water to their mouths. In this posture, they remained alert, constantly watching for any surprise attack. Their shields were already in position, and they could instantly pick up their spear or sword and have it ready to use. There was no possibility of the enemy taking them by surprise. Only 300 of Gideon’s men passed this second test. They were facing 135,000 Midianites. They were outnumbered 450 to one!

In the outcome, of course, Gideon and his 300 broke through the Midianites and threw them into total confusion. After that, other Israelites rallied behind them and inflicted a total defeat on the Midianites. The proportions are illuminating. Only 300 men fulfilled the qualifications for making the initial breakthrough. But once the breakthrough was made, thousands of Israelites were eager to pursue the fleeing Midianites.

This whole account vividly illustrates how different God’s ways are from ours. Left to himself, Gideon would indeed have concluded, “The people with me are too few. I need to get reinforcements.” But God’s perspective was precisely the opposite. “The people with you are too many.” In the end, Gideon was left with less than one out of a hundred of those who initially joined him. For God, the question is not “How many people?” but “What kind of people?”

A Personal Assessment

In the light of this account, we each need to make a personal assessment. If God should gather an army today like Gideon, would I be one of the few who qualify? Or would I be like the first 22,000 who gave way to fear? Or like the second 10,000 who laid down their weapons and buried their faces in the water to drink? It is easy—and often normal—to bury our faces in the business of daily living; to be absorbed in all the practical needs that confront us every day; to forget that we are in a spiritual conflict with unseen forces of darkness who are continually watching for an opportunity to catch us unprepared.

To maintain unceasing vigilance in every situation demands conscious, personal discipline. It goes beyond all our everyday concepts of Christian conduct and morality. Yet the New Testament clearly warns us: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). If we ignore this warning, we become vulnerable to subtle, unpredictable assaults of Satan.

Once again, God coaxed Gideon on. He instructed Gideon to spy on the camp, and here Gideon heard that the Midianite soldiers were also afraid. One spoke about a dream where a Midianite tent was knocked down by a loaf of barley bread. “This is nothing else but the sword of Gideon, the son of Joash, a man of Israel!” the Midianite soldier cried. “Into his hand, God has delivered Midian and the whole camp.”

Hearing this renewed Gideon’s faith. With his 300 men armed with nothing more than trumpets and torches hid inside clay pitchers, the Israelites crept to the outskirts of the Midian camp. The Israelites broke the pitchers on the signal, revealing the torches, and blew their trumpets, yelling, “The sword of the Lord and Gideon!” Surprised and thinking, a large army ambushed them; the Midianites panicked, fighting against one another before eventually fleeing into the night. Their mighty strength had been overcome by a mere 300 men led by Gideon, a man of God.

The 300 men were then divided into three groups of 100. Gideon had them put a trumpet in their hands which represents praise. Then he had them take an empty pitcher which represents the body. After the pitcher was emptied out, we must empty ourselves of the flesh, then they could put in the lamps which represent the Holy Ghost. 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 the three companies blew the trumpets, and broke 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. (Judges 7:19-20)

Gideon and his men blew the trumpets first. They praised first and then they broke the pitchers; breaking the pitcher lets the light out. Breaking the pitchers represents us being broken in spirit; the Holy Ghost can then come out and shine to the world.

The enemy had an interpretation of a dream that Gideon was going to defeat them, so when he and his men shouted, “the sword of the Lord, and of Gideon,” the enemy knew this was foretold.

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: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath. (Judges 7:21-22)

When God Goes Into Battle, Victory Is Guaranteed! So, before you dare to doubt that you are well equipped and well able to win your every battle with God on your side, remember that the Battle is HIS, and HE has NEVER lost, and NEVER will!

This is an excellent example of people wanting to do something they were not called to do. They did what they were supposed to do, and it benefited all. We have people like that today that think their role assignment is not as important as others. When everyone does their assignment as they should, then the whole, body functions properly and the good of the body is served.

And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them.

When I began to do a study of how Gideon fought, the thing that stood out to me was, “they were faint, yet pursuing.” Many of us quit when we are tired. Yet Gideon’s army kept going. The enemy started with 130,000 men and 120,000 were killed leaving 10,000. The Lord did a great work when He took 300 of Gideon’s army and slew 120,000.

Hear His Voice. Listen to God’s leading voice in your life. As we go from day to day, we may feel like we come up against walls and insurmountable obstacles; moments when we see our enemy – the sin that is rooted deeply in us – and we become tempted to feel afraid that we do not stand a chance to win this battle. But He knows who we are, and He has chosen us before the beginning of time to emerge as victors over our indwelling sin! When we put God in charge of leading our decisions, we will become conquerors, just as we read in the Bible story about Gideon! God had Already declared Israel the victor in battle. This was not about hoping and believing and wishing and praying that God would do something, it was walking by faith in what God had Already done!

And even though victory looked impossible for Gideon, God delivered with 300 men who followed Gideons orders that God had given him. With this being reiterated, it is vital that I give you an added admonishment: Make sure that everyone is with you, is with you! This needs to be of one accord! Look at it this way: You do not need to be on the East “Shouting”; with some on the West “Complaining”; some in the South “Murmuring” and some up North “Whispering Defeat”! This is important because 300 men GOES IN TOGETHER!

So, make sure you are not taking the wrong people right IN! Allow God to select them for you, His guidance never fails.

Whether it is buying a house; a car; starting a business or ministry; beginning school; changing careers; Be Careful to Leave Pessimistic, Negative, Doubting, Fault-Finding, Complaining, Murmuring, Lazy People Behind! Because the reality is, this will not be your first, only, or last battle! Your faith will be stretched again! And there are some people who just barely made it by in this battle but will be a bigger danger than your enemies in your next attack! It is not enough to win the battle, but you must make sure you have the right soldiers!

Instead, take those who walk by faith, who depend on the Lord, who trust God, who believe in the Promises of His Word, those who actively open their mouths in a Shout of Faith knowing that God cannot lie and cannot fail! Take those who see what you see, because they will help you to seize what you see! Take those ready to fight, even if all they will have to do is hold a light! Take those equipped to go the distance, even on days when the journey does not look so victorious. Take those who do not get stuck in the bumps along the path. Take those who Shout in advance over Promises fulfilled! You need soldiers who are obedient, determined, those who know how to take orders (even when they make absolutely no sense). You need those who are not afraid to Advance, March, Blow Trumpets, Carry the pitchers and shout if needed! God is giving you the Victory, but that does not mean you get Lazy Soldiers!

This is about to be an All-Consuming Victory! You will Defeat the Enemy in Every Direction! So, look around you today and see who you have in your company! You cannot afford blind-spots, and doubters, you cannot afford distracted and easily deterred soldiers! This is about to be an “On Every Side” Victory, so you better make sure the folks you have on your side, are really On Your Side!

Blessings

J.P. Olson

www.journeyintotheword.com

Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday morning at 5:30 AM CST & 6:30 AM EST on The Now Network http://www.theNOWnetwork.org

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