Weep, Mourn, Pray

 When tragedy strikes the heart, it causes us to fall to our knees.  We are not able to stand strong upon our own strength, we are humbled.  As we are humbled, our hearts are broken before God so we weep.  As the tears fall upon the ground, we become completely empty of ourselves.  When a vessel is completely empty; it’s the only time it can be filled.  We can’t touch people if our eyes are upon ourselves; we touch them when we see their deepest need within their lives.  Yet, do we see the needs around us?  Have our hearts become so calloused to the cries of the broken? Or are we overwhelmed with the destruction?    



     If we truly want to change the world, we have to be broken over the destruction of their lives.  Do we see the weapons or bondage upon people’s lives?  Or do we see just problems?  Problems we are unwilling to solve or change because we don’t have the oil or wine to provide.  Our wells have run dry, so we have nothing to offer to quench the thirst.  Instead, we shaking our heads or speaking words of condemnation, we refused to be involved or believe it’s “someone else’s” problem.  So, the broken stay bond, the battle keeps raging, and God’s heart keeps bleeding.  When will this merry-go-round stop?  It will only stop when it breaks us to the center of our soul. 

 “Let tears flow from my eyes, let them pour out night and day, never let them stop.  The people of my nation have suffered a terrible wound; they have been crushed.” Jeremiah 14:17

     Although Jeremiah prophesied the capture of the Israelites it wasn’t easy to see it fulfilled.  Besides part of the temple being destroyed, capture of his people, the walls surrounding Jerusalem are destroyed.  As he overhears the casual conversation of his kinsmen share the disbelieving news, it gripped the heart of him.

Nehemiah 1:4 “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted and prayed to the God of Heaven.”

     Instead of shaking his head and continuing on with his royal duties of comfort, Nehemiah was floored.  Have you ever received terrible news that knocks the breath out of your chest?  Or that you had to sit down it was too overwhelming to fathom.    Well, this is the man Nehemiah.  Nehemiah was broken for his people, his nation and inheritance because he was a patriotic Jew.   When Nehemiah hears the words of the destruction, he is overwhelmed.  He has to sit down; it’s too much to take in.  In fact, he is so overwhelmed his heart is broken, he weeps.  A person isn’t weak for weeping it causes the heart to melt for change.  A weeping hurt touches the troubles of another soul, it shows compassion.  Jesus wept.  He was touched with their sorrow, so he felt their pain.  What’s truly missing is a heart of sorrow for people.   Sorrow is defined as a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune suffered by one or others.  Sorrow must be felt in order for change to occur. 

      II Corinthians 7:10 says, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret but worldly sorrow brings death.” 

Although Nehemiah weeps over the destruction of his people, it causes a deeper stir within his heart.  He mourns over them.  It’s not a simple grief; it’s a sorrowful heart that continues for days.  It causes his heart to surrender to prayer and fasting which is the key to complete transformation.  If transformation comes, it’s birthed in prayer as Nehemiah who prayed for four months for his people.  In other words, the call of God wouldn’t release Nehemiah from turning away.  Nehemiah was so distraught and broken; he couldn’t perform his responsibilities with joy.  Besides being his death for brings sorrows before the king, he couldn’t be restored until his nation was restored. 

    When Solomon’s temple was created it took seven years to complete, some of the areas were twenty stories high.  Yet, Nehemiah who was never a construction worker rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem within 52 days.  When the walls of Jerusalem were completed, she was restored except for a king.  Every aspect of the city its economy, worship, and the buildings were restored to prepare for a greater opportunity-the coming of the Messiah. 

One man was moved by the tragedy of his people, so he acted.  He didn't allow the tragedy to overwhelm him; He went to the Rock who is higher.  We must be broken before God, so He can empower us to do something we may have never done before.  Faith is the key to turn a tragedy into a triumph.

Preparation Ground

     The moment we are born we are in the process of dying, life is the journey between it.   Life is a journey whether good or bad, it’s has tremendous opportunities to learn from.  Some lessons are repeated because we are too stubborn to either repent or change.  So, instead of getting to the destination, we are planted firmly in the desert.  Nevertheless, the desert has a beautiful purpose, its preparation ground.   

     Besides being dry, covered with sand, and extremely hot the desert has purpose.  The desert causes us to crave water; it makes us to die to ourselves, and prepares us for the Lord’s purpose.  The journey to the Promise Land wasn’t a delay in God’s Word; it was Israel learning to rely upon it.  Whether it was the water from the rock, manna from Heaven, or walking with God’s presence (Pillar of Fire at night/Cloud by Day) Israel had to learn to trust God.  Although Israel made some terrible choices, God remained faithful to His people.  God never departed from them; He walked with them to the Promised Land.  Deuteronomy 29:5 "During the forty years that I led you through the desert, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet." Some lessons are easily learned, others we have to be cracked over the head.  Pride and stubbornness truly caused major delays in Israel getting their promise.  It doesn’t mean God never corrected them, He did. 

     On the other hand, the desert doesn’t mean it has to do with being corrected.  According to the Word, the Spirit led Christ into the desert.   In the desert, Christ was tempted by the enemy.  (Matthew 4:1-11) Satan came to entice Christ to sin, forsake His purpose, and His mission.  Yet, Christ overcome it all, His faith stood the test, so we could overcome whatever obstacle Satan throws.  So the desert will prepare us for the work of the Lord.  After Christ was tempted, He was able start His public ministry.  So, if you are in the desert, allow the Spirit to empower you, draw you closer, and prepare your heart. The desert is only preparation ground, so wait on Him. Don't get impatient!

     Our faith will be tested; we will go through the fire.  Yet, we will not be burned.  As the three Hebrew men stood in the fiery furnace, a fourth man stood in their midst.  All of the Hebrew men came out of it unharmed, without smelling like fire, and victorious over their enemy. 

Daniel 3:26-27, "Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnance and shourted, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come out!  So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them.  They saw tht the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scrorched, and there was no smell of fire on them."

       The desert must cause us to hunger for the water, the living water.  It’s only through the desert; we learn who our source-Jesus is.  We will never be led anywhere without the Spirit, He is our comforter.  Yet, we must learn to come to the end of ourselves, so Christ can shine.  So, don’t be upset about the desert, realize you are being prepared for God’s purpose.  It’s just time to become an empty vessel, He can fill. 

Chosen By God

During gym class or childhood games, many of us can recall two children selecting who would be the best for their teams.  As each child was called out, it usually was from the strongest to the weakest.  Or the most popular to the unpopular child, those dreadful times of waiting to be selected.  Can you recall those innocent prayers?  Oh, Lord!  Please don’t let Suzie be on our team or don’t let them pick me.  On the other hand, the last child remaining would have painful questions what is wrong with me?  Why am I always the last one selected?   

Rejection is one of the hardest pains to overcome; it eats away at our hearts.  The inner turmoil of questions rips the heart piece by piece trying to investigate the cause.  It’s one of Satan’s strongest weapons to diminish our self-image and our identity in Christ.  If he can cause us to doubt our worth, we become confused, powerless, and hopeless.  If we walk in the confidence of Christ, we walk victorious.  So, I wanted to share something with you, God has precious thoughts towards us.  Oh, I don’t think you know about my past or my weaknesses.  God can’t have precious thoughts towards me.

      Regardless of what time period on this earth we live, we are chosen by God to dwell with Him.  Our Heavenly Father’s complete pleasure is adopting us to be His children.  No one was created as an accident, a misfit, or a mistake in the sight of God.  Although we come to Christ in our sin, we can be transformed to a holy and blameless life so we can resemble our Father.   May this truth enter your heart, God PREDESTINED US TO BELONG TO HIM.  We belong.  YOU BELONG! Nevertheless, God not only predestined us to belong to Him but to complete His will.  We are not without a home or a purpose on this earth, God is my Shalom.

What’s so amazing, I once didn’t belong to anyone even my own family.  Besides being rejected by my peers, my family didn’t see any promising potential.  It’s sad but true.  This nagging emptiness didn’t fade until I accepted the Lord as my personal Savior.  In His presence, I belong.  The world can completely pass me by or melt away but my soul will boast in the Lord.  Regardless of the battles of life, I am thankful I belong.  As a child of God, my heritage is secure with a seal from the Holy Spirit.  On the day of redemption, I will inherit my heritage-eternal life.

Sadly, some people never know who they are or where life will lead them.  I admit, I don’t have life all figured out but I have the most important part complete.  I am a child of God.  Since I belong to Him, I have life and a wonderful future ahead whether on earth or in Heaven.  If that doesn’t make one thankful, I don’t know what else would.

 

Ephesians 1:4 states, “For he choose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.  In love he predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will

Someone's At The Front Door

     When life is pressing hard against you, press hard into the presence of God.  It’s the only solution to overcome the trials of life.  When the trials hit us hard, we sometimes doubt God’s care or the truth of what is embedded in our heart.  Yet, the truth of God’s Word will always anchor our spirit. 

     A few years ago, I can recall one of the darkest periods of my life.  Regardless of what direction, all areas of my life were attacked.  First, it started with my job, overtime was no longer allowed.  So, I had to get a part-time job to supplement our income.  Second, my husband who was perfectly healthy had to have surgery.  Next, we had a flood inside our house causing major damaged to our home.  Both vehicles had some need of repair and the kids were sick, one needing medical attention.  Besides my family, I got a muscle spasm in my back which caused me not to be able to hardly walk for three months.  Lastly, my full-time job laid me off after five years of service, so I only had my part-time job.  With no job, savings depleted, my family unhealthy, I admit my hope was almost gone.

     In the midst of all the turmoil, my heart was completely overwhelmed.  Without medical insurance, we had to use up our savings.  Our home insurance covered most of the damages but we didn’t have the funds to finish it.  My husband’s recovery from surgery was quick, so he was able to aid me to recovery.  All of the children were healthy again but it was mom who needed medical help.  As the months passed, I was able to walk again through physical therapy.  Also, I was able to find another job but it was a major cut in pay.  As we gained our lives back, it was difficult to stand in the midst of the storm.

     During one night, I just lay upon my bed and wept before God.  No words could be uttered, only groans.  My soul was so perplexed, torn, and afraid.  Truly, I was grateful for the Holy Spirit who prayed through me, I just didn’t have the words. 

     When our faith is tested, it will truly show what we believe.  All I could hold onto was the past experiences of God’s deliverances within my life.  If God delivered before, He can do it again.  Day and night, I would cry to God, my heart was weak.  Have you ever been there?

     It usually during those moments, it seems as if Satan is trying to destroy us.  We can see the fiery darts but we are too weak to hold up the shield.  As the battle gets hotter, we find we have no more artillery.  May I remind you, the battle is the Lord’s!  Where does our help come from?  The Maker of Heaven and Earth. (Psalm 121:2-3)  Whom shall I fear?  If an army besieges me, even then I will be confident in God’s right hand.  (Psalm 27:1-3)

          One of my favorite stories is found in 2 Kings 6:15-17, a marvelous story of God’s care of His children.  Elisha was a prophet of God who was mightily used for the protection of Israel.  An evil king of Aram desired to destroy Israel but God advised Elisha of his battle plans.  So, when the king of Aram tried to attack, Israel was already prepared.  The king couldn’t get the upper hand, so he tried to find out their secret-it was the prophet Elisha.  Yet, the king felt that he had a traitor within his midst so he questioned them.  As he found out Israel’s secret, he decided to destroy Elisha.  Well, if that’s not a target on one’s back, I don’t know what is.  While the enemy was preparing to attack Elisha, he had no idea.  Elisha had a marvelous night sleep, so he gets up to find an army at his front door and the city.  As Elisha’s servant cries out in fear, he stands confident of God’s protection.  “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered.  “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” ~ 2 Kings 6:16   

     The enemy wants us to be afraid of his words, his tactics, and his army.  He will try to surround us but he will never defeat us.  God doesn’t slumber or sleep, He is completely prepared to protect His children.  As Elisha prayed for the servant, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.”  Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”~2 Kings 6:17

     Although the enemy may have you surrounded, I pray God opens your eyes to see the chariots of fire surrounding you.  He will always protect, lift you up, and go into battle for you.  God never prepares His children for failure but for success.  Right now, it may seem as if the world is caving but if it does, I am on the Rock!  All of the rocks may fall down but God is building a mountain for to climb. 

     We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:8-9

The Jonathan Principle

We are called to preach the Gospel to the world but the world can be so cold and hard.  Sometimes we refuse to come towards the broken; we are unsure how to assist them.  As they curse, have explosive anger, or refuse to share we don’t realize the depth of pain they hold.  Pain comes to be their closest friend without any room for vulnerability.  It’s hard to allow anyone near, trust has been severely broken.  Should we shake our heads or should we extend a hand to them?  The hurting desperately need healing, the source is God.

     Yet, do we realize the wealth of riches we possess as Christ as our Savior?  If we really understand the wealth we possess, we wouldn’t hold on to it.  While in college, I had the honor of sitting at the feet of Dr. David Watson.  One of my favorite courses in college with Dr. Watson was called Personal Evangelism.  Still after so many years, I will never forget some of the heart changing words I experienced.  It wasn’t long to grasp he heartbeat of Dr. Watson which should be the heartbeat of the church or every Christian-to mend the broken.  As we went through the semester we discussed several truths: why we hate witnessing, how to be prepared for “God’s divine appointments” and realizing the depth of the broken heart.  Yet, we learn a truth Dr. Watson entitled “The Jonathan Principle.” On an outing with his family, he took the family out boating.  We left the boat at the dock but a man felt he was wrong for parking in “his spot”.  So, he decided to approach Dr. Watson “to discuss the matter”.  Dr. Watson was walking with his son, Jonathan as he came towards him.  At the time, Jonathan was only eight years old but they were getting chewed out with very colorful language.  They unknowingly docked their boat in someone else's spot. As they were walking away Jon looked at his dad and asked Dad that man is really hurting isn't he?” Jonathan principle - see the need

     What drove Christ to the cross was to mend the brokenness of our spirits; we were complete drowned in sin.  Satan’s deceiving power, our selfish ways, and sin’s blinding power rob us of our identity, life, and a relationship with God.  Sin binds the feet of the sinner entrapping their soul to lies.  As our Heavenly Father watched this world groan and ache for deliverance, He came to our rescue-Christ came.

     As our souls bleed for love, ached for healing, and cried for deliverance our Heavenly Father heard our cries for relief, He didn’t ignore them.  Although it was prophesied by Isaiah the prophet of Christ’s coming in Isaiah 61, Christ knew His mission.  As He read this chapter before the tabernacle, (Luke 4:18-21) Christ said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

because the LORD has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]

2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor

and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes,

the oil of joy

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the LORD

for the display of his splendor.

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins

and restore the places long devastated;

they will renew the ruined cities

that have been devastated for generations.

5 Strangers will shepherd your flocks;

foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.

6 And you will be called priests of the LORD,

you will be named ministers of our God.

You will feed on the wealth of nations,

and in their riches you will boast.

7 Instead of your shame

you will receive a double portion,

and instead of disgrace

you will rejoice in your inheritance.

And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,

and everlasting joy will be yours.

8 “For I, the LORD, love justice;

I hate robbery and wrongdoing.

In my faithfulness I will reward my people

and make an everlasting covenant with them.

9 Their descendants will be known among the nations

and their offspring among the peoples.

All who see them will acknowledge

that they are a people the LORD has blessed.”

10 I delight greatly in the LORD;

my soul rejoices in my God.

For he has clothed me with garments of salvation

and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,

as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,

and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up

and a garden causes seeds to grow,

so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness

and praise spring up before all nations.

     Today is the day of salvation, this very moment is your opportunity to know Christ.  So, if you never made this choice, I plead with you-“Don’t turn away!”  All of the pain doesn’t have to haunt your soul or cause you to live in fear.  God is there, He wants to help you.  Call upon his Name, He will answer you.  No matter what you have done or what’s happened God will help you.  If you need someone to pray with you, please contact me on the blog or my email anointedmanna77@gmail.com

Close To The Broken Hearted

       God still performs miracles, it’s amazing when it manifests in your life.  When it occurs God captivates your heart with such awe and wonder.  What just happened?  Did you see what God did?

     When we think of “miracles” we often recall the miraculous healings of Christ.  Whether it was the lame, the blind, or the deaf person being healed, we are complete amazed.  All of the sick people who encounter Christ left changed, they were made whole.  Life was completely RESTORE.  There weren’t any side-effects from medications or scars but only proof of a miracle.  What about a healing for broken hearts?  Does God care about a broken-spirit?  Yes, He cares for the broken, He is near them.

Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” 

Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good new to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”

      Can you forgive someone who abused you?  Whether it was physical, emotional or sexual abuse?  It’s only possible through Christ’s help, we can forgive.  The greatest miracle of one’s life who suffered abuse is being able to forgive the person.  Of course, this is the hardest part of healing but it proves life is restored. 

     Christ said, “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44) 

  Sometimes our enemies are members of our own family.  It’s not only shocking but the pain can destroy relationship with our spouses, children, and co-workers if it’s not dealt with.  As the pain festers it corrupts our self-esteem, prevents intimacy with others, and peace within.

     Can you image being hunted down like a wild animal?  Of course if you committed a crime we would expect to be hunted by the law.  But what if you are innocent?  How do you explain someone trying to harm you?  Especially if they invited you in their home, gave you a job, and allowed you to marry their eldest daughter.  (I Samuel 16:14-23; 1Samuel 18:18)Who wouldn’t feel loved or honored by this person?  Well, if anyone could relate it would be King David.  Once favored in the King Saul’s site for his music abilities, honored for his military victories, and marriage to Michal, he is wanted dead or alive.  It wasn’t one occasion, it was several accounts.  His father-in-law is chasing him, a member of his own family!  Who would want a father-in-law like Saul? 

     Forget family reunions, Thanksgiving dinner, or barbeque parties with family, a feud broke out.  It wasn’t over who took grandma’s last piece of homemade apple pie, it was serious.  Saul’s jealous, anger, and unwillingness to obey God destroyed his life.  Saul lost the kingdom, love of his family, and respect of others. Yet, David never desired to touch God’s anointed with his words or actions.  When the opportunity came for vengeance David never took it.  When he became king, he could have wiped out the previous dynasty.  Who would have blamed David?  When a new king took the throne, it wasn’t uncommon.  Yet, David desire to bless Saul even after his death. (2 Samuel 9:1-13)

     Recently, I was on the phone with my mother who started sharing an account of a recent church service.  After her pastor taught a powerful lesson, my mother testified to the truth of his lesson: the power of forgiveness.   As she testified how God used my mother and me to lead my father to Christ, it wasn’t anything but a miracle.  All of our lives were destroyed from my father’s addiction to alcohol; the side effects didn’t help either.  Make-up can only cover the bruises but the scars are left permeate.  After the divorce my mother hated my father for the physical abuse she suffered.  She only communicated with my father for my sake but it wasn’t her desire. 

     When I was in college my professor said, “Hurting people will hurt people, they don’t know how else to respond.”  It’s true.  It’s only through the scared hands of Christ, my mother and I was made whole.  After my parents divorced, all parties were broken but I never dreamt that healing would come.  All of the years of praying were not in vain, God heard them.  Maybe God was preparing me for a miracle, a personal one.

      My father is currently battling third stage cancer, so he is making strides in his health.  When I learned the news, I quickly came.  When I flew home, I always stay with my mother.  So, she drove me to my father’s house.  Upon arriving to my dad’s house my heart was completely filled with compassion, my father was frail.  So, I would clean his house, keep him company, and watch television with him.  While visiting my dad I started sharing the Gospel, he was finally receptive to it.  Yet, I was more shocked of his request.  My father said, “If your mother will pray with me, I will accept Christ.”      

     When my mother’s car pulled into the driveway I wasn’t expecting anything.  “It will not hurt to ask,” I said to myself.  What happened next still chokes me up, she came.  She was willing to extend forgiveness to the man whose hands hurt her.  As we held hands together, my mother and I lead my father to Christ.  Instead of hands hurting him, we brought healing to his. 

     Besides my father’s salvation, a miracle occurred within mine-my life was restored completely.  My life wasn’t destroyed by bitterness, hatred, or vengeance.  It wasn’t an overnight experience; it took years for this day to come.  Sometimes we wonder if we are really growing in Christ.  That day proved to me, I had.  What a wonderful realization of God’s grace!  God’s grace is truly amazing, it’s endless.  As I left my father’s house my heart rejoiced with the old hymn, “There is a new name written down in glory.” 

     Miracles don’t just happen for the physical but the broken-hearted.  He longs to bind those wounds with love.  One touch of God’s love restores the deepest scars.  It’s transforming, beautiful, and a miracle. 

   

A Mouthful Of Blessings

     Words have the ability to either destroy or lift someone’s spirit, so they must be chosen wisely.  A timely word can change someone’s life, a simple encouraging word.  Encouragement has the ability to lift the broken from the ashes to make them stand secure.  The heart can be mended if it's healed with grace, love, and mercy.  God's has plenty of it; He gave it to the world.  Since God is bountiful to supply to us, we should be able to extend the same to others or ourselves.  Well, why don’t we extend love to others or give words of encouragement?  Sadly, we don’t see the value of ourselves; we forget who we really are.

     Whether, I believe what God says or not, His words are true.  It’s only when we renew our mind with truth, we can overcome the lies.  Whatever anyone says or what negative things we believe about ourselves, it can be truly washed with the Word.  We can’t allow harmful words to enter our spirit; it dulls the heart from being.  I admit the hardest person to love is myself, it has been a struggle all of my life.  It’s only through God’s loving grace; I am able to walk in confidence.  My confidence comes from God, He is the only One who has lifted my head.  God doesn’t want us to walk in condemnation or defeated.  God didn’t send His Son to condemn the world but to redeem it.  (John 3:17) Our enemies may speak lies about us but God is our defense.

      God will not allow our enemies to speak hellish lies or to curse us, so why do we curse ourselves?  Or we listen to the curses of Satan?  For example, “You are a failure, you will never measure up?”  “Dirty, you will always be dirty, if everyone only knew your past.”  “They will never receive you.”  “Did you hear what your father said, “You are stupid, unwanted, and ugly.”  “Why would God want you?”  If we continue to meditate on these lies, we become chained to their words.

     When we come to Christ, we arrive as sinners but we leave as a saint.  Although our faith hasn’t fully developed, a seed is planted.   Our faith is being developed but our identity has been changed completely.  We are adopted into the family of God; we are His chosen people who are a royal priesthood.  When I look in the mirror, sometimes it’s hard to see anything royal or priceless.  As I have grown in the Lord, this truth changed my perspective of myself.  It’s only through the eyes of God; I could lift up my head.  Satan will always be an accuser of the brethren; God will be the one who always justifies.            

     When the children of Israel settled outside the Jordan across from Jericho, it brought fear to the king of the Moabites, Balak.  Balak was afraid of the Israelites because he saw what they did to another tribe, the Amorites.  Nothing was left or the Amorites, so Balak was fearful of the same fate.  Keep in mind, what Balak said about the Israelites in Numbers 22:5b-7, “A people has come out of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me.  Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the country.  For I know that those who bless are blessed, and those you curse you curse.” 

  From the mouth of the enemy, Balak said, “They are too powerful for me.”  Also, he was hoping to defeat them with damaging words, a curse.  He wanted to drive them out of the land, so he could overtake them.   Satan wants to speak a curse into your heart to defeat you and keep you from the promise.  If he can get you to believe it, he has defeated you.  Yet, he knows the moment we walk in truth, WE ALWAYS DEFEAT HIM!  He knows we belong to God, we are blessed.    

     As the story continues, Balak peruses Balaam to curse the children of God on three separate attempts, he didn’t give up.  Yet, he was defeated at every turn.   Balaam was able to overcome Balak because he sought the face of God, didn’t follow others opinions, or accept a bride to harm anyone.  As he was willing to walk with God, the Lord placed the words within his mouth, he spoke a blessing.  Beloved, God speaks blessings over us, He doesn’t speak a curse.  Jesus was sent on the cross to break every curse, so we could be free.  Numbers 22:12, “But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them.  You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed.”  Also, I would encourage you to highlight or memorize the passages found in Numbers 23:19-24.

    Words have no power until we believe them.  What do you believe about yourself?  Does it line up with the Word of God?  If it doesn’t, it’s time to cast it down and bring it to the obedience of Christ.

We are not a product of our past, we are transformed from it.  God doesn’t hold our sinful past against us, He has forgiven it.  We are forgiven!  God has a mouthful of blessings to declare over us, it’s time to embrace them.