Life Lessons From The Life Of Elisha

ELISHA RECEIVING ELIJAH'S MANTLE

So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, “First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!” Elijah replied, “Go on back, but think about what I have done to you.” So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant. (1 Kings 19:19-21 NLT)

We are to serve faithfully in whatever God has put before us trusting Him that in His timing a leader will recognize our calling and take us under their wings.  

When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.” “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.” (2 Kings 2:9-10 NLT)

The test of a good spiritual son/daughter is will they stick with their spiritual Father/Mother until God's character is fully developed in them.

Many are those that are promoted because of their gifting and therefore are not ready to build on what their spiritual Father/Mother has done because of lack of godly character.

He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across. When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. (2 Kings 2:14-15 NLT)

When replacing a leader if the mantle is now on our life it will be demonstrated and the honor given to that leader will be now given to us.

ELISHA WALKING IN THE DOUBLE PORTION

One day the leaders of the town of Jericho visited Elisha. “We have a problem, my lord,” they told him. “This town is located in pleasant surroundings, as you can see. But the water is bad, and the land is unproductive.” Elisha said, “Bring me a new bowl with salt in it.” So they brought it to him. Then he went out to the spring that supplied the town with water and threw the salt into it. And he said, “This is what the LORD says: I have purified this water. It will no longer cause death or infertility. ” And the water has remained pure ever since, just as Elisha said. (2 Kings 2:19-22 NLT)

When we hear about a problem it does no good talking about it without seeking a strategy from God how to resolve it.

Elisha addressed the king of Israel, “What do you and I have in common? Go consult the puppet-prophets of your father and mother.” “Never!” said the king of Israel. “It’s GOD who has gotten us into this fix, dumping all three of us kings into the hand of Moab.” (2 Kings 3:13 MSG)

Puppet prophets are those that speak what the people want to hear and not what The Lord wants to say in fear that it may offend them.

We are not to be anyone's puppet but rather God's partner to serve people and speak God's word whether it pleases them or not.

PROVIDING FOR THE WIDOW AND HER SON

Elisha said, “I wonder how I can be of help. Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Nothing,” she said. “Well, I do have a little oil.” (2 Kings 4:2 MSG)

What we think as nothing God makes it into something when it is surrendered to Him.  

God always has a way to meet our needs if we simply trust Him to use whatever little we think we have.

One day Elisha passed through Shunem. A leading lady of the town talked him into stopping for a meal. And then it became his custom: Whenever he passed through, he stopped by for a meal.  Elisha conferred with Gehazi: “There’s got to be something we can do for her. But what?” Gehazi said, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is an old man.”  Elisha said to her, “This time next year you’re going to be nursing an infant son.” “O my master, O Holy Man,” she said, “don’t play games with me, teasing me with such fantasies!”The child grew up. One day he went to his father, who was working with the harvest hands, complaining, “My head, my head!” His father ordered a servant, “Carry him to his mother.”  The servant took him in his arms and carried him to his mother. He lay on her lap until noon and died.He called Gehazi and said, “Get the Shunammite woman in here!” He called her and she came in. Elisha said, “Embrace your son!” (2 Kings 4:8, 14, 16, 18-20, 36 MSG)

Those who take the blessings of God to be a blessing to His people will be blessed with the deepest desires of their heart.  Those who use their home to provide hospitality for others will be granted miraculous provision of all kinds.

FEEDING THE MULTITUDES DURING FAMINE

Some of the stew was served to the men. But after they had eaten a bite or two they cried out, “Man of God, there’s poison in this stew!” So they would not eat it. Elisha said, “Bring me some flour.” Then he threw it into the pot and said, “Now it’s all right; go ahead and eat.” And then it did not harm them. One day a man from Baal-shalishah brought the man of God a sack of fresh grain and twenty loaves of barley bread made from the first grain of his harvest. Elisha said, “Give it to the people so they can eat.” “What?” his servant exclaimed. “Feed a hundred people with only this?” But Elisha repeated, “Give it to the people so they can eat, for this is what the LORD says: Everyone will eat, and there will even be some left over!” (2 Kings 4:40-43 NLT)

When we are following the leading of The Lord their is no lack but plenty as long as we walk by faith not by sight.

THE HEALING OF NAAMAN

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. (2 Kings 5:10-12 MSG)

God is more about the condition of the heart than healing the body and often when ones heart changes their physical need is healed as well.

THE GREED OF GEHAZI

But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said to himself, “My master should not have let this Aramean get away without accepting any of his gifts. As surely as the LORD lives, I will chase after him and get something from him.”  “Yes,” Gehazi said, “but my master has sent me to tell you that two young prophets from the hill country of Ephraim have just arrived. He would like 75 pounds of silver and two sets of clothing to give to them.” “By all means, take twice as much silver,” Naaman insisted. He gave him two sets of clothing, tied up the money in two bags, and sent two of his servants to carry the gifts for Gehazi.  But Elisha asked him, “Don’t you realize that I was there in spirit when Naaman stepped down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to receive money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants? (2 Kings 5:20, 22-23, 26 NLT)

We must keep those near us constantly in prayer and when God reveals wrong that they have done we must deal with it, if our enemy can't take us down he will use those near us.  There is a place in the spirit that God reveals what He wants us to see so that we are not hoodwinked.

THE FLOATING AX-HEAD

“Where did it fall?” the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Then the ax head floated to the surface. “Grab it,” Elisha said. And the man reached out and grabbed it. (2 Kings 6:6-7 NLT)

Every difficult incident is an opportunity to step out in faith that the hand of God may be seen.

ELISHA TRAPS THE ARAMEANS

The king of Aram was furious over all this. He called his officers together and said, “Tell me, who is leaking information to the king of Israel? Who is the spy in our ranks?” But one of his men said, “No, my master, dear king. It’s not any of us. It’s Elisha the prophet in Israel. He tells the king of Israel everything you say, even what you whisper in your bedroom.”  Early in the morning a servant of the Holy Man got up and went out. Surprise! Horses and chariots surrounding the city! The young man exclaimed, “Oh, master! What shall we do?” He said, “Don’t worry about it—there are more on our side than on their side.” Then Elisha prayed, “O GOD, open his eyes and let him see.” The eyes of the young man were opened and he saw. A wonder! The whole mountainside full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha! When the Arameans attacked, Elisha prayed to GOD, “Strike these people blind!” And GOD struck them blind, just as Elisha said. (2 Kings 6:11-12, 15-18 MSG)

God exposes the plans of the enemy so we can counter his every move, when he shows up no matter how big he is (how bad the situation may appear) our God is bigger for we have more with us than against us and we will be delivered, unless our eyes be blind spiritually from unbelief.

ISRAEL PLUNDERS THE CAMP

Every word of the Holy Man to the king—“A handful of meal for a shekel, two handfuls of grain for a shekel this time tomorrow in the gate of Samaria,” with the attendant’s sarcastic reply to the Holy Man, “You expect us to believe that? Trapdoors opening in the sky and food tumbling out?” followed by the response, “You’ll watch it with your own eyes, but you won’t eat so much as a mouthful”—proved true. The final stroke came when the people trampled the man to death at the city gate. (2 Kings 7:18-20 MSG)

Change is normally a long process, but God can do the impossible and change can take place instantly.

JEHU ANOINTED AS KING

One day Elisha the prophet ordered a member of the guild of prophets, “Get yourself ready, take a flask of oil, and go to Ramoth Gilead. Look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat son of Nimshi. When you find him, get him away from his companions and take him to a back room. Take your flask of oil and pour it over his head and say, ‘ GOD ’s word: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and get out of there as fast as you can. Don’t wait around.” (2 Kings 9:1-3 MSG)

We have the authority to anoint those who are called to govern, so let us be willing vessels that are set apart to release the called into their God ordained positions.

Life Lessons From the Story of Elijah

Life Lesson #1

(Brook of Cherith, Widow of Zarepath)

The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land.

But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the LORD sends rain and the crops grow again!”

The LORD heard Elijah’s prayer, and the life of the child returned, and he revived!

Then the woman told Elijah, “Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the LORD truly speaks through you.” (1 Kings 17:6-7, 13-14, 22, 24 NLT)

When Judgement comes in the land God will supply supernaturally for His righteous remnant.

Life Lesson #2

(Prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel)

“I have made no trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the LORD and have worshiped the images of Baal instead. Now summon all Israel to join me at Mount Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah who are supported by Jezebel. ” (1 Kings 18:18-19 NLT)

We must fear God not man, being His voice to confront sin against government leaders and false prophets who tolerate it.  

We should be so confident in God that we are willing to publicly demonstrate His power, proving that all other gods are not real.

Life Lesson #3

(Rain is Coming)

And soon the sky was black with clouds. A heavy wind brought a terrific rainstorm, and Ahab left quickly for Jezreel. Then the LORD gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel. (1 Kings 18:45-46 NLT)

If God said it, He will do it, we are to speak it, until we see it, and trust God to give us the strength to see it through.

Life Lesson #4

(Jezebel)

When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal. So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.” Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” (1 Kings 19:1-4 NLT)

Often the greatest spiritual victories are followed by the most challenging tests.  It is great to testify what God has done but what matters most is how has it changed who we now are.  When are enemies don't respond as we expect and even threaten us the actions that follow will determine how much we have changed.

Life Lesson #5

(Conversations with God)

So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. But the LORD said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” (1 Kings 19:8-10 NLT)

Just because our needs are being met does not mean we are in the right place.  God is merciful and will take care of His children but He has called us to live in a place of obedience.  Whatever excuses we make and whoever we blame for running from the call of God will not stand any ground when The Lord says to us as He did to Elijah "What are you doing here?"

Life Lesson #6

(Walking and Partnering Together)

So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. (1 Kings 19:19 NLT)

If we feel overwhelmed often it is because we are taking on more than we can handle for we are operating independent from those God has placed beside us.  Our life extends as far and long as those who we choose to walk together with.

Life Lesson #7

(Death of Ahab)

“So, my enemy, you have found me!” Ahab exclaimed to Elijah. “Yes,” Elijah answered, “I have come because you have sold yourself to what is evil in the LORD’s sight. So now the LORD says, ‘I will bring disaster on you and consume you. I will destroy every one of your male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel! I am going to destroy your family as I did the family of Jeroboam son of Nebat and the family of Baasha son of Ahijah, for you have made me very angry and have led Israel into sin.’ (1 Kings 21:20-22 NLT)

We must continue to confront wrong until God has had His way.

Life Lesson #8

(Elijah passing on his mantle to Elisha)

“You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.” As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven.

Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River. (2 Kings 2:10-11, 13 NLT)

A mantle can only be given to those who walk closely with another during difficult times.

Life Lessons From the Life of Solomon

Life Lesson #1

1 Kings 1:37, 47

The desire of a godly leader is to be replaced with someone who will do even greater.

-Leaders who don't invest in replacing themselves are selfish.

Life Lesson #2

1 Kings 1:51-53

Mercy should be given to those who turn from rebellion and submit to God and those in authority.

Life Lesson #3

1 Kings 2:1-4

A Fathers final instructions can be followed and built on if he has walked it out himself but Fathers that are full of regret can only release good wishes that never amount to a thing.

Life Lesson #4

1 Kings 2:5-9

If we die with unresolved issues we pass them onto our children, we must assure that our children's inheritance is only blessings not curses.

Life Lesson #5

1 Kings 2:20-23

A wise leader never compromises even with family but through discernment knows ones true intent.

Life Lesson #6

1 Kings 3:3

We must have no exceptions regarding idols, if the enemy can find an area of access he will come in and rob us of that which God intended us to hold.

1 Kings 3:4-14

In God's mercy He will come and lock the gates where we have allowed the enemy access.  We must now ask God to fill the emptied area with His wisdom.

Life Lesson #7

1Kings 3:9

A godly leader is one who understands their personal limitations.  Who realizes that through reliance on God alone can a leader govern people well.

Life Lesson #8

1 Kings 3:10-14

What we ask God for should come from a right heart and a good motive, based on His greater purpose and not our personal agenda.  When our prayers are God honoring He will respond by not just granting our request but blessing us with our personal desires as well.

Life Lesson #9

1 Kings 3:28

Leaders with godly wisdom know how to settle disputes by asking the right questions that will bring out the truth, establishing justice.

Life Lesson #10

1 Kings 4:20,24-25,29-34

A godly leader does not take advantage of the weak but uses their God given wisdom for the benefit of everyone.

Life Lesson #11

1 Kings 5:1-8

When what we plan is to honor the name of The Lord, God will grant us favor with man and we will have the supply needed to follow it through.

Life Lesson #12

1 Kings 6:12-13

There are prerequisite conditions to the fulfillment of God's promises, we must obey the commands of The Lord.

Life Lesson #13

1 Kings 7:9-12

God desires that which is made unto Him to be of best quality for the glory of His name.  Since He is the best we should give our best.  Poor quality work brings shame to His name.

Life Lesson #14

1 Kings 8:10-13

God's invisibility becomes visible through the glory of God upon those who have become His holy temple.

Life Lesson #15

1 Kings 8:22-25

Inheritance is not automatic just because of ones bloodline, God's promises are conditional to our obedience.  What is passed down will be taken away if one doesn't represent God right.

Life Lesson #16

1 Kings 8:26-66

Godly leaders understand that their prayer life will determine how successful they lead for without acknowledgement of God they are bound to failure.

Life Lesson #17

1 Kings 9:1-2

We should not expect to receive new prophetic direction until we complete what God instructed us previously.

Life Lesson #18

1 Kings 9:3-9

I am just as responsible for my children as I am for myself, if either of us betray God, all the great and marvellous things that God has done will cease and devastation will follow.

Life Lesson #19

1 Kings 10

Having a good reputation is rare, leaders who have it will gain the hearts of other leaders and the people they serve both near and afar.

Life Lesson #20

1 Kings 11

What one obsesses about is what possesses their soul becoming the object that eventually seduces them away from God provoking His wrath to remove all blessings, opening the way for adversaries.

Life Lessons From the Bible Character Stephen by Stephen Taylor

Acts 6-7

Life lesson #1

Be faithful to the Messiah with the message He has given despite if that means we might not live long.

Character - (Charasso) meaning symbol or imprint to engrave, to scrape and scratch.  Engraved mark.

Life lesson #2

The amount that we allow The Lord to engrave His character in our heart is to the amount we become christ like.

Life Lesson #3

Peace and humility are the characteristic of those who have truly placed their lives completely into God's hands.

Life Lesson #4

If we believe in the truth we don't have to defend ourselves against those who falsely accuse us.

Stephens martyrdom is what launched persecution and the birth of missions into the world.

Life Lesson #5

Being a person of faith and being filled with the Holy Spirit are the qualifiers of having a role in ministry no matter how menial the task.

Life Lesson #6

We are all part of history, God's story continues through those who walk with Him.  Just because no one is writing it down does not mean it's not important.  Do we see ourselves as part of a God provential plan?

Life Lesson #7 

No matter what our ministry role is (whether it be feeding older ladies) we have opportunities to walk in miracles and lead people into the kingdom of God.

Life Lesson #8

We have no right to be proud against those who come from a different worldview just because we know the truth.  We got to ask ourselves are we defending the faith or defending ourselves?

Life Lessons From King David by David Stabler

A Man After God's Heart

Life Lesson # 1

Patience, Patience, Patience

- David had the spirit of The Lord to be king way before he was anointed by Samuel as a teenager and wasn't appointed until he was thirty.

-  David during the timeframe learned to become a greater servant, warrior, friend.

-  If David had not been patient he would have forced his hand to be king.  His 2nd option was to just walk away and say forget being king.

-  Patience is no longer something our culture admires.

-  Life is becoming faster and faster.

-  Patience is a biblical characteristic that never goes out of style.

-  Patience is being like Christ for it is the fruit of the Spirit.  Without it we have rotten fruit.

-  Being Patient shows our love to others.

Application:  What am I willing to be patient for?

Life Lesson #2

Mastering the small lessons in life equip us to defeat the "giants" that may come.

Before David was warrior he was shepherd.

-  Shepherds provide shelter for sheep, pastures - to be fed, protection for they are defenseless.

- People want to start big rather than work their way to the top.  They don't want to do things "beneath them."

- Our character develops one small decision at a time.  Luke 16:10

-  Authority comes one small step at a time.  Luke 19:16-17

-  Authority is a God given responsibility to prove one's ability to be a good steward.

Application

What small step is God calling me to be faithful in?

Life Lesson # 3

Growing in my relationship with God is my responsibility.  1 Samuel 30:6

-  It is in our preparation that makes us strong when we face difficulty.

How do you grow a relationship? 

-By spending time together.

-Share honestly.

- Sacrifice for the other person.

-  Relationship with God is a two way street.  

Application?  

Do I do things for God or with God?

-  with someone builds relationship.

Can I share anything with God?

Do I do what God wants or what I want?

-  who really is boss?

Life Lesson #4

Revenge does not defeat our enemies; Grace does!

2 Samuel 9:3,11

-  We all have enemies.  People who are against us.

-  How do we respond?  Naturally we attack them or ignore them.  The biblical response is to seek peace with everyone, to love our enemies.

-  God doesn't ask us to do anything He hasn't done.

-  We have all been enemies of God.  God pursues His enemies with love and grace.  How about we do the same?

Showing grace restores relationships.

The testimony of David's life:

* Acts 13:36

Served the purpose of God, and he was a man after God's own heart.

Summary

Patience in all things

Faithfulness in the small

Growing our relationship with God

Sharing God's grace with others

Serving the purpose of God

Having a heart after God

Life Lessons From The Life Of Samuel

Life Lesson #1
1 Samuel 1:10-12
God responds to prayers that are not self based but kingdom based.  Meaning prayers that are about the greater purpose beyond our needs being met, where what we receive from God is dedicated back to Him for His purposes.

- Hannah being barren represented barren Israel.  Her personal misfortunate was bigger than herself, it was due to the state of the nation, that God would use her cry to not only meet her need but the nation as well.

Life Lesson #2
1 Samuel 2:1-10
Our prayers answered establishes the revelation of who God is into who we now are.

Life Lesson #3
As God lifts us from the pit of despair our enemies fall down under.

Life Lesson #4
1 Samuel 2:17-18
You cannot trust that just because it is a religious institution godly behavior will be in effect.  What our heart is set on is what we will do no matter the environment.

Life Lesson #5
1 Samuel 2:22-26
When the kids in our household do not listen and still do wrong we must stop them or we will be just as guilty.

Life Lesson #6
Those that have a Christian title do not have a get out of jail free pass from the consequences of sin but rather suffer a more severe penalty, for their sin is not just against another but against God.

Life Lesson #7
1 Samuel 2:29, 32-36
Christian leaders that rob God for their own benefit will be replaced with the truly faithful and they will be turned into beggars who are always in need.

Life Lesson #8
1 Samuel 3:1-10
Just because someone serves The Lord does not mean they know The Lord.  Yet it is a servant heart that opens the ears to hear God's voice.  For God calls those that will obey Him.

Life Lesson #9
1Samuel 3:17-21
God will speak to anyone who listens, He will use whoever He can rely on to speak His truth, even if it means the student correcting the master.  People will respect anyone no matter the age if their words are proven to be true.

Life Lesson #10
1 Samuel 4:3,5,10-11, 21-22
God may turn His back on those who only call on Him when in need of help, for God's mercy eventually becomes judgment when people refuse to repent as His Glory fades away,

Life Lesson #11
1 Samuel 5:11
When we mix worship of God with pagan idolatry we provoke God's wrath.

Life Lesson #12
1 Samuel 7:3
God will only deliver those who really want it.  If we really want God we must give Him our heart which means removing all other idolatry.

Life Lesson #13
1 Samuel 7:8-10
We may have tasted defeat time and time again but the moment we get right with God we will taste victory.

Life Lesson #14
1 Samuel 7:15-17
We operate as God's judge as we grow in the grace to rightly divide the Word of Truth and become more discerning of God's voice.   For we are now able to bring counsel to others pointing people to God and away from sin.

Where Our Strength Comes From - Life Lessons From Samson

Judges 13

Once again the Israelites do evil and are handed over to the enemy who oppresses them.  God rich in mercy supplies a deliverer.

Life Lesson #1
What God delivers to us is required to be dedicated back to Him (vs. 5).

Life Lesson #2
God rescued us that we would be set apart, different from the world, so people in the world would know where to look for help in time of trouble (vs.5)

Life Lesson #3
When we receive a message from God in part instead of walking in confusion and trying to figure it out on our own, seek Him.  God creates the mysterious so in our seeking and discovering our relationship deepens (vs. 7-14).

Life Lesson #4
Whether we have an encounter with God through an Angel of God or a man or woman of God we must remember they are just mere messengers, ministers of God's will.  They should never receive honor and glory except it be unto The Lord, less we worship the creation above the creator (vs. 17-23).

The American church often reflects Hollywood we have made celebrities out of Christian leaders.  It is time we cast down our idols and give glory to God alone.

Life Lesson #5
Samson's name means sun.  Our strength is to be a reflection of the Son.  God's strength is demonstrated as we operate out of the radiance of His Glory (vs. 24-25).

Judges 14
Life Lesson #6
If our parents (or anyone in authority) tradition stand against God's will (which at times goes against logic) we now have the God given authority to disobey them.  No matter how we explain it they will probably not understand, for tradition nullifies the word, though they have nothing but good intention, therefore we need to be respectful (vs.1-4).

Vs. 4-7
Life Lesson #7
Opposition may seem as if it is a warning from God to not proceed ahead but it could be the enemy trying to prevent us from entering into God's ultimate plan.  We know it is of God because what appears to be one thing is really a blessing in disguise.

In this incident Samson broke his vows and did wrong.  Yet God knowing all things turned it around for His purpose.

Vs. 8-25
Life Lesson #8
Just because God makes right what we did that was wrong does not mean we won't suffer consequences.

Life Lesson #9
Never play games with those whom deep down want to harm you.

Judges 15
Vs.1-20
Life Lesson #10
Blaming others instead of owning ones own wrong will lead to a life of animosity that will end in nothing but destruction.

Life Lesson #11
We cannot justify the wrong we do despite the results, our God given ability should not be used in a way that stands against the character of God.

We are to judge people by their fruit, godly character is the determining factor if ones actions are justified by God, our gifts are given without repentance.

Judges 16
Vs. 1-3
Life Lesson #12
What we do in the dark will be brought to the light.  What we think is hidden is already exposed, it's a matter of time before it gets the best of us.

Vs. 4-21
Life Lesson #13
No matter how gifted we are, if we stay around Delilah long enough, until will eventually lose our strength and become totally captured, bound to sin.

If we continue to grieve the Holy Spirit, the true source of our strength He will depart from us.

Vs.22-31
Life Lesson #14
We are never beyond restoration no matter what damage we have endured, God's mercy through our repentance will triumph over.

Life Lesson #15
When pride has become our downfall, humility will become our rebuilder.  Then the shame the enemy had us under will be turned unto his own head.

Moving Beyond Excuse - Life Lessons From Gideon

Judges 6:1-6

Do you know people who go in and out of their relationship with God and yet are angry at the difficulties they face?

How often do we let problems pile up until they are unbearable before we cry out to God?

Judges 6:7-40

Life Lesson #1
God will respond to the cry of His children but are we willing to listen.  It is easy to complain, point fingers, and even blame God Himself but how about saying God use me to bring change.

God now chooses Gideon a "least likely" to become Israel's deliverer.  The problem though despite the angel of the Lord speaking to Gideon "God is with you, mighty warrior,"Gideon had a hard time believing it.

What excuse have we made for God not being able to use us?  We can believe Him for salvation but why not as His deliverer.

Blaming others for the problems we face comes easy.  Making excuses comes just as easy to those who are blamed.

Leaders get bombarded with people who want to complain yet won't volunteer themselves.

Life Lesson #2
What God is looking for are people who move beyond making excuses and blaming others and start taking ownership of the land by becoming change agents through Christ.

Life Lesson #3
God is okay with us seeking a sign from Him before we step out for at least we are attempting to believe, what He is not okay with is unbelief.

I have always been a big dreamer but sometimes when a dream is about to become a reality it is hard to believe that God the creator of the Universe would use me despite my shortcomings!

Despite our doubts God continues in His mercy and long suffering to reveal His plan to us in one way and another until we finally say, yes Lord, I believe, and fear turns to faith, and anxiety turns to peace as we submit ourself to Him as a living sacrifice to follow His will.

Life Lesson #4
It will always cost something to obey God.  Have we counted the cost?  Are we willing to surrender all, even if it means our life?

In the midst of confrontation God's Spirit will empower us as it did with Gideon to stand strong for the Lord.

Chapter 7
vs. 1-7
Why do we to face such adversity in life?  Why does every step forward come with such a fight?  Why do battles that seem easy become so difficult?

We see these questions answered in Judges 7:2.

Life Lesson #5
If things were so easy we would become proud.  The glory goes to God when man cannot boast in that which only God can do.  (vs. 2)

Life Lesson #6
We should rather walk forward with a few, who are filled with faith, than many who are full of fear.  What pleases God is not numbers but faith.  If people are growing in faith God is pleased, for faith moves mountains not crowds (vs.3)

Life Lesson #7
Some people mix faith and foolishness together.  They say they are walking by faith but they are blind from lack of understanding.  Wisdom and faith need to go hand in hand.

If we don't have a proper balanced Kingdom perspective of the Word of God, our so called faith will turn out to be nothing but foolishness.  Man may promote us because of our gift but God promotes us when we have been made truly ready by the word of God.

God tested the men of Israel and only 300 out of 20,000 had faith mixed with intelligence.  Yet God only needs the few who are truly ready to take down a multitude of enemies (vs. 4-7)

Life Lesson #8
As long as we have the desire to believe, God has away of erasing our doubts (vs. 9-15)

Life Lesson #9
When the Word of the Lord directs our steps the sword of the Lord goes before us and defeats all our enemies (vs.17-25).

Chapter 8
Vs. 1-3

Have you ever expected peers to celebrate victory with you but rather they responded with animosity?

Life Lesson #10
People's criticism often comes from jealousy, to avoid unnecessary conflict, the best response (like Gideon when he returned from victory over the Midianites), is to remind them of their own great accomplishments (which caused their anger to reside).

Vs. 4-21

Jesus said in Mark 9:40 "that those who are not against us are for us," therefore those who are against us are not for us.  Gideon reached out for help when his men were tired and was refused, in which Gideon promised punishment would follow.  This did not steer Gideon away from his original objection to catch and destroy Zebah and Zalmunna.  Though tired they continued on and met their objection and later returned and punished those who refused to help.

Life Lesson #11
We must be about our Father's business not allowing disappointments to move us out of His perfect will.  People who we expect to support us may reject us when in need, but God will still carry us through, we don't need to take it personal for "vengeance is mine says the Lord."

Vs. 22-35

Why would we rather be ruled by man than God?  Is it that we prefer a lower standard.  We would rather not lose total control.

Life Lesson #12
When the people of Israel finally recognized the value of Gideon and admonished him to rule them, he said no, that the Lord alone would rule over them.

This is why God uses the least likely, for in their broken state, they serve God in humility.

Man may promote us because of our ability but God promotes us because of our humility.

Godly humility recognizes that one is nothing without God for He alone therefore is exalted.

Many people start well but don't finish well.  Gideon created a sacred ephod made from gold as a memorial to honor God.  People prefer idols because they do not require one's life in return.  They have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof.  They are merely symbolic, just mere images, not the authentic real thing.

Life Lesson #13
As leaders we must understand that what we think may be right because it comes from a pure heart may not be wise because of those around us who may use it with wrong intentions.  What Gideon thought was honorable to God became a stumbling block for idol worship.  We must be wise what is the condition of the hearts of the people we serve so that what we implement instead of drawing closer God drives them further away.

Keys To Victorious Living - Joshua Chapters 12-24

The Land Yet To Be Conquered 

When Joshua was an old man, the lord said to him, “You are growing old, and much land remains to be conquered. (Joshua 13:1 NLT)

In the Kingdom of a God their is no retirement. As we grow weaker our reliance on God strengthens and greater works is He now able to do. We may do less but He does more. We are more prone to delegate, giving instructions to others, impacting them with the wisdom we've gained through the years. We live our days preparing an inheritance to pass on to others establishing our eternal legacy.

Faith Is What Makes Us Strong

I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. So give me the hill country that the lord promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great, walled towns. But if the lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the lord said.” (Joshua 14:11, 12 NLT 

If we follow through exactly as God has commanded we will receive all that He has promised.

What God has promised though can be hindered for a time due to the unbelief of those around us but if we stay trusting and believing living totally for God the opportunity will come again to take hold of what God promised. 

And here I am today, eighty-five years old! I'm as strong as I was the day Moses sent me out. I'm as strong as even in battle, whether coming or going." Joshua 14:11-12.

Caleb said regarding the Anakimites and their great fortresses in the way of his inheritance, "If God goes with me, I will drive them out, just as God said." 

Child like faith keeps one's physical strength renewed despite becoming old. Age should never be a determining factor for what we can and cannot do, faith is what moves mountains. Our faith is what makes us strong.

Promised Rest

So the lord gave to Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. And the lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the lord helped them conquer all their enemies. Not a single one of all the good promises the lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true. (Joshua 21:43-45 NLT)

God has promised us rest, so why do we often struggle? Faith is the factor. We must believe Him in every area. 

The enemy has a foothold wherever fear and unbelief reside. 

We must allow God to deliver us from all. If we abort the process then we give the enemy the right to our own inheritance. 

God desires above all else that we prosper, the reason it is hindered is by the words that come out of our mouth. Our words either re-enforce God's promises or re-enforce Satan's lies. They either advance us closer or push us further behind.

Leaving A Legacy

But as surely as the lord your God has given you the good things he promised, he will also bring disaster on you if you disobey him. He will completely destroy you from this good land he has given you. If you break the covenant of the lord your God by worshiping and serving other gods, his anger will burn against you, and you will quickly vanish from the good land he has given you.” (Joshua 23:15-16 NLT)

Joshua's success was because of his faithfulness to what God commanded. Now as he approached death he passed on the same commands. To be alert, strong, courageous, and to obey every detail of the revelation given to Moses. He warned them of what would occur if they were unfaithful. 

True success goes beyond lifetime, it is determined by how we effect the generations to come. 

We must learn to think like relay runners always looking for those who we can pass on the baton of revelation God has entrusted to us.

Inter-Generational Continuity 

Joshua 24:15But if you refuse to serve the lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the lord.”

The people of Israel served the lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him—those who had personally experienced all that the lord had done for Israel. (Joshua 24:31 NLT)

History not learned is bound to be repeated. What we learned in our lifetime needs to be shared or the lessons we've learned can't be built upon by others. 

Christ has not returned because the earth is not ready, why? Lack of progression due to generational disconnection. 

The older we get the more we should be discipling youth or our life will be soon forgotten. 

Why do the older generation's complain about the younger yet do nothing to impact them?  

Once a youth grows up without the loving correction of adults their hearts are bound to rebellion. 

We must model commitment to God while in relationship with the younger generations to expect them to follow our example.

Joshua spoke into the lives of elders but not into youth and therefore Israel after his death shortly abandoned God and began worshipping idols leading the nation into destruction.

Keys To Victorious Living - Joshua Chapters 7-11

Joshua Chapter 7

No matter how small the battle may seem we need to confer with God before stepping out.

It is good to be confident but presumption often leads to defeat.

We need to properly evaluate everything we plan to do or we will be caught off guard.

"We are only as strong as our weakest link," if one team member is in sin it effects us all.  As it says in Joshua 7:13, "we won't be able to face our enemies until we have gotten rid of cursed things."

When we pray God opens our eyes to the conditions of our heart. When all is right, peace will fill the atmosphere and the light will turn green as we press on.

Those who have been exposed and refuse to be purified must be ostracized from the camp.

This act of punishment is not to condemn but to establish a righteous standard, with the hope that through such discipline repentance will follow as people realize the consequences of their sin.

Joshua Chapter 8

1 God said to Joshua, “Don’t be timid and don’t so much as hesitate. Take all your soldiers with you and go back to Ai. I have turned the king of Ai over to you—his people, his city, and his land.

What seems like a loss is a gain if we learn our lesson and get right with God. We will know this to be true for God will lead us to continue to advance His Kingdom.

 It is okay to get knocked down as long we we get back up and counter with truth.

The damage from our mistakes are never beyond God's ability to restore.

As long as we listen and follow God's leading we will always outsmart our enemy. When God is in control complete victory is what always follows.

Joshua Chapter 9

14The men of Israel looked them over and accepted the evidence. But they didn’t ask God about it.

Our enemy is constantly trying to fool us, for he is the father of lies. Only through God can we see the evil intentions of that which appears good, for Satan mask's himself as an angel of light.

In the areas we don't acknowledge God we can bet we have been deceived. In the Spirit we see Truth, and as long as we see Truth we see through lies.

Once we have given our word we must honor it even if we were fooled, and hope that through repentance God will be merciful and the consequences of not acknowledging Him won't be too severe.

Joshua Chapter 10

Each victory we win the enemy will respond with bigger opposition but the Captain of the armies of the Lord can even cause the Sun and moon to stand still until our enemies are defeated, "For our battles are not our own but the Lord's."

As long as the Lord is fighting our battles there are no impossibilities, therefore we should not hold back, but be strong and courageous for victory is the Lord's.

We are not called in Christ to taste defeat any longer, victory should be the order of each day.

Joshua Chapter 11

15Just as God commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it. He didn’t leave incomplete one thing that God had commanded Moses.

To honor God is to honor those who God places in our life to follow.

It is one thing to honor God who is perfect but how about to honor those who are not perfect, for the bible says "we are to submit to one another."

We need to stop pointing out our leader's flaws and rather support and honor them as unto the Lord.

The way we honor someone is as Joshua did with Moses, "he didn't leave incomplete one thing that God had commanded Moses."

God moves through His body maybe we can't recognize Him because of our judgmental view.

Life Lessons From Joshua Chapter 1 - Moving On Up!

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Keys To Victorious Living From Joshua Chapters 2-6

PowerPoint Presentation of Life Lessons From Biblical Characters - Joshua Chapter 2-6

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Face to Face - Life Lessons From Biblical Characters - Moses

While growing up my Grandma did not drive so we had to rely on others for transportation. Living in the rainforest of Washington state you could not just walk and get somewhere. It seemed my childhood was filled with hours of just waiting, it would drive me crazy, still to this day I hate waiting for others. 

Have you ever gotten tired of waiting on God and decided to take matters in your own hands? 

This is what happened with the children of Israel, Moses was taking forever on the mountain with God. So Aaron who was second in command let the people convince him to do things their own way, forget Moses, forget God, let's make our own gods, that are available when and how we want them. 

Do we have objects that we turn to when desperate rather than Jehovah God? 

The moment we choose to forsake God our old carnal nature comes to the surface. In this life we will never be completely delivered from our past until we are delivered from our flesh. We must catch the warning signs before we fall. We need accountability partners, who will hold us to established restrictions so we stay standing. We need to be like Moses on the mountain, in the game, rather than the children of Israel down below, spectating from afar. When we spectate we speculate, our thoughts wander, and sin lies at the door.

Have you ever been able to convince someone not to go through with something, though their mind had been set? I know my own stubborn nature, once my mind is set only the closest people have a chance to convince me I may be wrong. Moses was that close to God that he convinced Him not to destroy the children of Israel. God may have just been testing Moses loyalty as Israel's leader, yet this helps us understand how deep He wants our relationship to be. Moses is one of the greatest examples of a friend of God.

When I was in school we terrorized substitute teachers, they were often timid, and afraid, not able to stand in authority against the lack of respect we gave them. We ate them up and chewed them out, some never taught again. We can see who true leaders are by how they handle adversity. 

Aaron gave the people what they wanted, he was more concerned about being liked, than taking a righteous stand, so he led them into wickedness, disgracing Israel amongst their enemies. People point fingers not so much on the leader who did wrong but on those who appointed them. Leaders must be tested before given certain responsibilities.

Moses was willing to be erased from the book of life if God would not forgive their sins. True leaders lay down their life for the sake of their followers. They are willing to take the heat for their groups own failures. Many leaders bounce when things get out of hand, godly leaders stick to whom God has called them to until God sends them elsewhere. They are not moved by circumstances they are moved only by the voice of God.

God told Moses okay I won't destroy the children of Israel, but since I can't stand them, I will just take care of matters from afar. It's like most CEO's they don't interact with the employees, they are behind closed doors, out of sight, making decisions from afar. 

Now that the people hear this news, they are depressed, they for one did not want to get too close to God, yet they didn't want Him too far as well. They are afraid to live without Him but also afraid to get too close to Him, sounds like many of us Christians today.

God established a tent of meeting, what we call church, where people could meet with God. Yet Moses was the one that mainly entered this tent, with Joshua who would remain after he left. The people would give their respect, standing in attention, bowing down in worship as the pillar of cloud came upon the tent. But, Moses alone would speak to God face-to-face.

How many of us come to church, listen to the sermon, bow down and worship God, but don't encounter Him face to face?

In Exodus 33:11-23 you see Moses talking with God the way we would talk to our close friends. Have any of us talked to God in this manner? Maybe we could expect God to talk to us like this, but to talk back to God, to question Him, and then make requests that nobody else has experienced before. Who does Moses think he is? Well, God's friend, that's who.

Moses knew that the only distinguishing factor he had was the presence of God. We must learn from this! I was away in Seattle recently without my family, I hated it! I do not like being on my own. I love traveling, experiencing new places, but not without my family. This is how we should be with God's presence. 

We need to learn the art of waiting on God, not moving until He is leading and guiding us in fellowship along the way. Well isn't God omnipresent? Yes, but He manifests His presence upon those who seek Him. Our seeking proves our wanting. Just like in the dating world one may play "hard to get" so the other can prove how much they really want them. 

Those who don't worship and pray daily don't really want God. We can say we love someone but if we always ignore them and never make time for them, we don't, "for actions speak louder than words."

How many of us struggle in our relationships, we are not good spouses, good parents, or good friends? We have pasts that are full of hurts and our trust level is bare minimum. Where do we start? Renewing the mind, changing the way we think is what will change the way we act.

“The person who knows my commandments and keeps them, that’s who loves me. And the person who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and make myself plain to him.” (John 14:21 MSG)

We can only walk with God as long as we are willing to obey Him. To the degree of our obedience will determine the degree of His manifestation.

In John 15 it says He makes Himself home with those who keeps His commandments. These are those whom are His friends in which He lets them in on everything He hears from the Father.

I don't know about you, but I'm convicted of not being a very good friend of God. I don't want a distant relationship, I want to encounter God moment to moment, face to face such as Moses. So I repent for grieving the Holy Spirit and choosing not to enjoy the fullness of God's love that can be experienced in His presence by complete obedience to His word as His friend.

Guidelines to Healthy Relationships

Guidelines to Healthy Relationships

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GOD'S SPECIAL TREASURE
Read Exodus 19:3-6

I often reflect on how amazing my life has turned out despite the challenging circumstances. My mother was schizophrenic, I was abandoned by my Father, abducted from a cult by my grandmother, who raised me in a home with her abusive husband. This is only half of it, yet through it all God used my Grandmother to shelter me from what would have been an expected negative upbringing.

Considering all I faced my grandmother was rather overprotective which as a young adult led to being confused as I lacked clear direction. But, God swept me up in His eagles wings, supernaturally saving me, renewing my mind, transforming my life, where I am now a very focused, purpose led, individual. 

We have been chosen as God's special treasure to reflect His character and ways so the world discovers what they are truly longing for. 

It is easy to receive love the difficulty is replicating it. We often don't realize how selfish we are until we get involved in a serious relationship. How we treat our spouse is a reflection of the level of our spirituality.

THE BENEFITS OF SACRIFICE
Read Exodus 19:8-25

I would expect young people sign up for the military primarily because of the benefits. Yet when boot camp hits, or war breaks out, some wish they had never done so. The benefits are great but it can cost your life.

Regarding marriage, saying "I do" is one thing, keeping your vows is another. No matter what people may say, male and female are completely different, actually no two people are alike, so how can two people walk together? It takes, "laying down one's life for the other." This is the ultimate expression of love, for which Christ was the ultimate example. 

The children of Israel wanted the blessings of God without relationship. They wanted to keep their distance, do their own thing, just maintain religious rituals, such as offering animal sacrifices when God wanted their hearts. When we just go to church, without opening the Word for ourselves, having communion yet not living in communion, singing songs but not worshiping in spirit and truth, giving money alone, we are no different. We expect the Pastor to be our bridge between us and God, but Jesus Christ is that bridge and each individual must go through Him to enjoy the blessings of salvation.

GUIDELINES TO HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
Exodus 20

As previously stated, I did not know how selfish I was until I got married, I honestly thought I knew what it meant to walk with God. My wife often reminds me when I am only thinking about myself. She has become my standard of how much of God's love I really have. Over the years we have learned each other's love language and have grown quite a lot. When I notice how beautiful she looks, open the door for her, assist her with something without her asking, I am behaving like a gentleman, making her feel my love and support.

The ten commandments are not rules they are guidelines to a healthy relationship. They were not created to keep us from doing certain things they were created to help us love God and love others right. They are the standard of true love. The law has not been done away with but fulfilled through Jesus Christ. We can never obey the law apart from Christ. One thing that has bothered my wife through the years is the excuse I make when I treat her wrong. I tell her I am sorry, pray for me, I need more of God. I cannot love without God for He is love. 

We cannot obey them by keeping them before us night and day like the children of Israel did. We don't try to obey in order to show we love God. We obey them by our love for God as we abide in Christ. Jesus said the ten commandments can be summed up in two parts "loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and loving others as we love ourselves."

As the love of God through the Holy Spirit abides in us through Christ, God becomes the center of our lives, which is reflected by what comes out of our mouths as we rest in relationship with Him. His love is seen in how we treat others as we honor our fathers and mothers, not murdering, as well as not stealing, lying, lusting, or being jealous in either thought or deed.

Though the people responded in Exodus 19 that they would do whatever God asked of them, here in chapter 20, after hearing the ten commandments they continued to distance themselves in fear for they only wanted to go so far.

How far will we go with God's love? Let's draw near to God as living sacrifices repenting for staying so distant for so long.

Avoiding Burn Out!

Avoiding Burn Out!

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Exodus 18:7-12

MINISTERING TO FAMILY
We all have family members that are hard to approach when it comes to talking about our relationship with God? We need to learn to give them time! As God works in and through our lives it will become impossible not to recognize. Even if they far away from us they will hear about it. Curiosity will eventually set in and instead of us pushing it in their face, they will come seeking. As we now testify of God's goodness and their heart is now open it will be hard to resist making a life change.

Exodus 18:13-27

OVERCOMMITMENT
In our youthful zeal we often overcommit, trying to accomplish everything and what we accomplish don't last. With age usually comes wisdom, one learns what is the most valuable use of time. This helps reduce our activities so we can live a more healthy balanced life. We understand more our God given assignment and don't get pulled into overextending ourselves in activity that is meant for someone else. 

ACCOUNTABILITY
Years of fruitless work that brings unhealthy habits, causing stress and physical breakdown can be avoided if we listen to the advice of our elders. The generation gap needs a bridge called humility. Pride is what separates the fool from the wise.

We need people in our life that will ask us the tough questions like Jethro gave Moses, "what's going on here, why are you doing all this, and all by yourself?" 

Really, who do we think we are? Why do we think we can do everything? Is it because we think we are God? We might not admit it, but when we do good without going to God, we are choosing to operate in his place, as if we can do His will without Him.

WORKING AS A TEAM
When leaders fall they often take down those that look up to them. We think we are working so hard to help people yet when we burn out we will harm them more than any good we ever did. People are prone to point out our failures more than when we succeed, they see our flaws more than our good traits. 

It is not about choosing to ignore or just be lazy, it's about knowing our limitations and assuring we stay standing strong. One of my most often quotes is "I'm only as strong as my team." Meaning what I can do depends on the abilities of those around me. We need to stick to where God has given us grace and let others do the same. So if we want to see great things done we should invest our time in developing a team with diverse gifts.

As Jethro told Moses "if you handle the work this way you will have the strength to carry out whatever God commands you and the people in their settings will flourish as well."

Don't Test God!

Don't Test God 

(Life Lessons From Biblical Characters:  Moses)

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Exodus 17: 1-2
Have you ever tormented someone as a test to see what they can handle? Well as a teen I sure did. School life can be cruel, even with the anti bullying movement, kids still get picked on. Those who fight back the most are often the ones most targeted. I remember playing football in high school during freshman initiation, we either went willingly into urinated puddles, or were dragged through it by force, I chose the willing, for I dove through quick and was out but those who fought it were dragged slowly.

As parents do you feel tested by your kids, like they try to see if they can push you to the limit? It's like how dare they! 

The children of Israel, much like my child Israel, pestered Moses, they were never satisfied, always complaining and making demands. Moses not taking it personally, told them why are you testing God?

Exodus 17:3-9

When we are complaining we are testing God. When we point fingers at people, we join Satan in his ministry of accusation, releasing demonic hordes. The spiritual war is won or lost by what comes out of our mouth. Our words are weapons of kingdom of Heaven advancement or continual earthly destruction depending on what spirit they manifest from.

When accusation comes, the best response is to go to our lawyer, Jesus Christ our advocate, who always stands ready in defense. If we fight in the flesh, Satan will continue to steal, kill, and destroy, until we are wiped out. 

God has supplied all we need, our dissatisfaction comes from not recognizing what He has given. God's hand of blessing is in you and me. The closer we develop relationships with His body the more satisfied we will tend to be. 

God will align us with those who will stand strong beside us. He will use us together to bless our enemies despite their ungodly attitudes, proving to them His unconditional love. We are often overwhelmed because of our isolation, it is much more difficult to take out a group than an individual. We need to stop distancing ourselves from the body of Christ but draw nearer, the war can only be won as an army united together. If we are not fighting together against the enemy, the enemy will use us to fight against each other, so we destroy our very own.

Exodus 17:10-16

Like Moses it is difficult to offer continual Praise in the midst of war. When we are going through it and discouragement comes, we see who really has our back. Fellowship is good but do we have friends that will go to war with us. Often it is those we stand with during difficulties that will return the favor and stand with us. It can be tiring to help people but we reap what we sow, everyone has battles to face, investing time with others is the key to living a victorious life.

Kids often don't realize how blessed they are, they murmur and complain, being ungrateful, testing their parents, until they are ready to blow. Separate from God's body we will always be in want, behaving like whining kids, but if we choose to grow closer together, we will have those who will fight with us and share their blessings with us, leaving nothing left to complain about. Let us stop testing God but rather start Praising God for all the great things He has done.