In this season when many pause to express gratitude for good things in their lives, let us as Christian folk remember to praise and thank God for His mercy and favor.
Psalm 22:27-28: “All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. For the kingdom is the Lord's, and he ruleth among the nations.”
28 November 2024
25 November 2024
Hearts Like a Warrior
Do Not Fear the Lion!
At the beginning of the Revolutionary War, General George Washington instructed his troops:
A warrior’s spirit was essential in order to win America’s freedom. This kind of warrior’s heart is also necessary spiritually. The Kingdom of God is full of paradoxes - seeming contradictions - this being one of them: though called to possess the quality of love more than any other, even to the point of laying down our lives (1 Corinthians 13), and to pursue peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14), we believers are also called to war spiritually (Ephesians 6:12-20).
We must war against the kingdom and powers of darkness, false ideologies, and the strategies behind both. Also, though “we wrestle not against flesh and blood“ (Ephesians 6:12 KJV), we must boldly oppose laws, ideologies, and spiritual forces that war against Christ’s cause.
Old Testament Warriors
In the Old Testament, God gives us examples of warrior hearts. They are our examples, not because we are called to force His will on people, but in order for their internal traits to be applied to our lives and spiritual battles. David was one such warrior. This brave fighter killed a lion and a bear to protect his father’s sheep and was ever ready to fight the enemies of God when they attempted to destroy Israel. David possessed such a strong warrior's heart that he actually ran to face Goliath! (See 1 Samuel 17:48.)
There was Benaiah, one of David’s “mighty men” (1 Chronicles 11:22-24). Like David, this heroic and bold warrior also killed a lion. It seems the marauding cat was threatening a village in Israel, which motivated the villagers to set a trap by digging a pit and baiting the lion into it. OK, so now what? How would they deal with the lion? Cage it and move it to another region? Kill it using spears, arrows, even stones? Several options were possible - none of which included jumping into the pit!
Then, there are the Benaiahs of the world.
For some reason, inexplicable except to a warrior’s heart, Benaiah didn’t want to kill the lion from above. Out of my way, he shouted. Before anyone could stop him, Benaiah jumped into the pit - “on a snowy day,” Scripture adds for good measure - and killed the lion (see 2 Samuel 23:20).
Warrior? I believe so.
Benaiah once killed “a man of great stature five cubits tall [seven and one-half feet]. Now in the Egyptian’s hand was a spear like a weaver's beam, but he went down to him with a club and snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear” (1 Chronicles 11:23).
Warrior times two!
The Lord will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter
a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies.
Isaiah 42:13
“The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army. Our cruel and unrelenting enemy leaves us only the choice of brave resistance or the most abject submission. We have, therefore, to resolve to conquer or die.” (italics mine).(1)
A warrior’s spirit was essential in order to win America’s freedom. This kind of warrior’s heart is also necessary spiritually. The Kingdom of God is full of paradoxes - seeming contradictions - this being one of them: though called to possess the quality of love more than any other, even to the point of laying down our lives (1 Corinthians 13), and to pursue peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14), we believers are also called to war spiritually (Ephesians 6:12-20).
We must war against the kingdom and powers of darkness, false ideologies, and the strategies behind both. Also, though “we wrestle not against flesh and blood“ (Ephesians 6:12 KJV), we must boldly oppose laws, ideologies, and spiritual forces that war against Christ’s cause.
Old Testament Warriors
In the Old Testament, God gives us examples of warrior hearts. They are our examples, not because we are called to force His will on people, but in order for their internal traits to be applied to our lives and spiritual battles. David was one such warrior. This brave fighter killed a lion and a bear to protect his father’s sheep and was ever ready to fight the enemies of God when they attempted to destroy Israel. David possessed such a strong warrior's heart that he actually ran to face Goliath! (See 1 Samuel 17:48.)
There was Benaiah, one of David’s “mighty men” (1 Chronicles 11:22-24). Like David, this heroic and bold warrior also killed a lion. It seems the marauding cat was threatening a village in Israel, which motivated the villagers to set a trap by digging a pit and baiting the lion into it. OK, so now what? How would they deal with the lion? Cage it and move it to another region? Kill it using spears, arrows, even stones? Several options were possible - none of which included jumping into the pit!
Then, there are the Benaiahs of the world.
For some reason, inexplicable except to a warrior’s heart, Benaiah didn’t want to kill the lion from above. Out of my way, he shouted. Before anyone could stop him, Benaiah jumped into the pit - “on a snowy day,” Scripture adds for good measure - and killed the lion (see 2 Samuel 23:20).
Warrior? I believe so.
Benaiah once killed “a man of great stature five cubits tall [seven and one-half feet]. Now in the Egyptian’s hand was a spear like a weaver's beam, but he went down to him with a club and snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear” (1 Chronicles 11:23).
Warrior times two!
Warriors Reproduce Warriors
Incidentally, from whom do you think Benaiah acquired his warrior nature? He was obviously inspired by the heart of his leader David, who also killed a lion and a giant. Warriors reproduce warriors. I’m praying God will raise up a generation of spiritual Davids and Benaiahs that will challenge satan, the roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8), who is devouring many in our day.
Eleazer was another David-inspired warrior. “He arose and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary and clung to the sword, and the Lord brought about a great victory that day” (2 Samuel 23:10). What determination! In defending the nation of Israel, Eleazer fought through his weariness; and when he no longer possessed the necessary strength in his hand to hold the sword, he held on with his heart! When the battle was over, his comrades waded through the bodies and peeled Eleazer’s hand from his sword!
Warrior!
We Need Warriors Today
How does this warrior spirit translate into action today against the spiritual giants of our land? Obviously, it begins with prayer - spiritual warfare. But there is more. Standing for truth through speaking up, voting out of office individuals with unbiblical and unwise ideals, giving to righteous causes, speaking out against all that opposes the rule of God - all are ways by which we war. To turn America back to the ancient path, we must tenaciously resist evil and tyranny, let our voices be heard, and pray until revival is seen in our land. Can we really see a reformation of America? Absolutely! If pioneer warriors with hearts like David, Benaiah, and Eleazer arise, with a determination to find and walk the old road, we can transform America.
America is filled with spiritual pacifists. I am asking God to instead raise up spiritual warriors in our nation. We desperately need men and women with hearts strong enough to face whatever firepower satan and his allies can throw at them and, in spite of it all, turn this nation back to Christ.
We need 21st-century burning-heart revivalists in the mold of John and Charles Wesley. We are desperate for Jonathan Edwards’ level anointings, causing such Holy Spirit unction that sinners cry out for forgiveness and salvation. We must have modern-day Finneys whose preaching births such conviction that men run to altars weeping and mourning. And Peter Cartwrights - Circuit Riders - who will brave wilderness paths and freezing winters on horseback to preach the gospel. We desperately need “praying Hydes,” Rees Howells and Jeremiah Lanphiers, who will shape history and birth awakenings in regions of the earth through prayer.
Perhaps you were never taught about these heroes of the faith and are wondering who some of them are. That is part of the problem. America’s heroes today are athletes, movie stars, and singers. Many are good people, but heroes? I don’t think so. And frankly, some are not good. Many Americans emulate losers - perverts, adulterers, foul-mouthed rebels, irresponsible fathers, and lying politicians. May God give us holy, selfless warriors who will fight for truth and honor. May He raise up and mantle a generation that does not fear the lion!
Pray with me:
Father, in Your Word, You use battlefield terms like wrestle, warfare, fight, and soldier to describe our spiritual activities. Even though Christ defeated our enemy and took from him his authority, it is still our responsibility to enforce that victory on the earth. We must use Your name, Your power, and the sword of the Spirit to bind and loose, open and close. We are Your Ekklesia on the earth.
We pray that warrior hearts will be found and awakened in Your church, and that people of faith and passion who run to face today’s Goliaths will be raised up. Give us Davids, Benaiahs, and Eleazars. May we fight until our hands cleave to the sword, holding on with impassioned hearts that refuse to yield to demonic forces. May the zeal of the Lord of Hosts consume us!
We ask for this in faith; and in the name of Jesus, we believe it is done! Amen.
Our decree:
We decree that a fresh generation of spiritual warriors is arising on the earth who will enforce the victory of Calvary throughout the world.
Click on the link below to watch the full video.
https://youtu.be/II_Av2tW79Y
1. Coffey, William T., editor. Patriot Hearts: An Anthology of American Patriotism. Purple Mountain, 2000. p. 118.
Incidentally, from whom do you think Benaiah acquired his warrior nature? He was obviously inspired by the heart of his leader David, who also killed a lion and a giant. Warriors reproduce warriors. I’m praying God will raise up a generation of spiritual Davids and Benaiahs that will challenge satan, the roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8), who is devouring many in our day.
Eleazer was another David-inspired warrior. “He arose and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary and clung to the sword, and the Lord brought about a great victory that day” (2 Samuel 23:10). What determination! In defending the nation of Israel, Eleazer fought through his weariness; and when he no longer possessed the necessary strength in his hand to hold the sword, he held on with his heart! When the battle was over, his comrades waded through the bodies and peeled Eleazer’s hand from his sword!
Warrior!
We Need Warriors Today
How does this warrior spirit translate into action today against the spiritual giants of our land? Obviously, it begins with prayer - spiritual warfare. But there is more. Standing for truth through speaking up, voting out of office individuals with unbiblical and unwise ideals, giving to righteous causes, speaking out against all that opposes the rule of God - all are ways by which we war. To turn America back to the ancient path, we must tenaciously resist evil and tyranny, let our voices be heard, and pray until revival is seen in our land. Can we really see a reformation of America? Absolutely! If pioneer warriors with hearts like David, Benaiah, and Eleazer arise, with a determination to find and walk the old road, we can transform America.
America is filled with spiritual pacifists. I am asking God to instead raise up spiritual warriors in our nation. We desperately need men and women with hearts strong enough to face whatever firepower satan and his allies can throw at them and, in spite of it all, turn this nation back to Christ.
We need 21st-century burning-heart revivalists in the mold of John and Charles Wesley. We are desperate for Jonathan Edwards’ level anointings, causing such Holy Spirit unction that sinners cry out for forgiveness and salvation. We must have modern-day Finneys whose preaching births such conviction that men run to altars weeping and mourning. And Peter Cartwrights - Circuit Riders - who will brave wilderness paths and freezing winters on horseback to preach the gospel. We desperately need “praying Hydes,” Rees Howells and Jeremiah Lanphiers, who will shape history and birth awakenings in regions of the earth through prayer.
Perhaps you were never taught about these heroes of the faith and are wondering who some of them are. That is part of the problem. America’s heroes today are athletes, movie stars, and singers. Many are good people, but heroes? I don’t think so. And frankly, some are not good. Many Americans emulate losers - perverts, adulterers, foul-mouthed rebels, irresponsible fathers, and lying politicians. May God give us holy, selfless warriors who will fight for truth and honor. May He raise up and mantle a generation that does not fear the lion!
Pray with me:
Father, in Your Word, You use battlefield terms like wrestle, warfare, fight, and soldier to describe our spiritual activities. Even though Christ defeated our enemy and took from him his authority, it is still our responsibility to enforce that victory on the earth. We must use Your name, Your power, and the sword of the Spirit to bind and loose, open and close. We are Your Ekklesia on the earth.
We pray that warrior hearts will be found and awakened in Your church, and that people of faith and passion who run to face today’s Goliaths will be raised up. Give us Davids, Benaiahs, and Eleazars. May we fight until our hands cleave to the sword, holding on with impassioned hearts that refuse to yield to demonic forces. May the zeal of the Lord of Hosts consume us!
We ask for this in faith; and in the name of Jesus, we believe it is done! Amen.
Our decree:
We decree that a fresh generation of spiritual warriors is arising on the earth who will enforce the victory of Calvary throughout the world.
Click on the link below to watch the full video.
https://youtu.be/II_Av2tW79Y
1. Coffey, William T., editor. Patriot Hearts: An Anthology of American Patriotism. Purple Mountain, 2000. p. 118.
Copyright © 2024 Dutch Sheets Ministries, All rights reserved.
21 November 2024
19 November 2024
Unfulfilled Promises
From Dutch Sheets:
The last two verses of Hebrews 11 shed light on this. “And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made complete” (Hebrews 11:39-40).
Some promises made by God to people are multi-generational and not intended to be fully accomplished in their lifetimes. Those to whom the promise was made are sometimes only the “womb” in which the “seed” is planted. The succeeding generation(s) furthers the growth, brings the seed to birth, and stewards that which is born.
The Greek word translated as “complete” (teleioo)(1) in the above verse, Hebrews 11:40, also means “to finish; to mature; to reach the intended goal.”(2) Think about the ramifications of this: there are many promises God has made to individuals who are now in heaven that He cannot “finish” or fulfill without us. What He started through them cannot “mature” or “reach its intended goal” until we grab the baton and run our leg of the race. This is profound in its significance. Why wouldn’t the Lord want us to know and declare America’s destiny – that which was written and declared at the beginning? He can’t finish it without us. Here are just a few statements and facts from America’s past we should agree with and declare:
Government
In 1643, John Winthrop, who stated that “we shall be as a city on a hill…” organized the New England Confederation, consisting of New Plymouth, New Haven, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Their Constitution, the first document in America where colonies united themselves, read,
“Whereas we all came to these parts of America with one and the same end and aim, namely, to advance the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, ...for preserving and propagating the truth and liberties of the Gospel.”(3)
William Penn, author of the book No Cross, No Crown, which he wrote while imprisoned in the Tower of London, was the founder of Pennsylvania. His first legislative act, “The Great Law of Penn,” stated,
“Whereas the glory of Almighty God and the good of mankind is the reason and the end of government, and government itself is a venerable ordinance of God...let there be established laws as shall best preserve true Christian and Civil liberty, in opposition to all unchristian, licentious, and unjust practices, whereby God can have His due.”(4)
Penn asked God to make Pennsylvania “the seed of a nation,”(5) and God answered his prayer. Our Declaration of Independence was decreed there in 1776. Four times, the document references God: as our Lawmaker, Creator, Judge, and Protector. The Liberty Bell that rang in Philadelphia that day had inscribed on it: Proclaim liberty throughout the land to all the inhabitants thereof (Leviticus 25:10). Our Constitution was written in Pennsylvania in 1787, born through prayer, which was requested by Ben Franklin. In this Constitution, our government’s three branches were formed according to Isaiah 33:22. “The Lord is our Judge…Lawgiver…King; He will save us.” The righteous seeds Penn and others planted produced a righteous nation and government. We must command these truths embedded in America’s fabric to come alive once more.
Education
One hundred six of America’s first 108 colleges and universities were founded on the Christian faith. Students at Harvard and Yale were required to read the Scriptures twice daily. Harvard’s founders stated: “All knowledge without Christ is vain.” Its motto was “For Christ and The Church.” Yale’s founders stated that “Every student shall consider the main end of his study is to know God in Jesus Christ.” Princeton’s motto was “Under God’s Power She Flourishes.” The first president of Princeton, Jonathan Dickenson, said, “Cursed be all learning that is contrary to the Cross of Christ.” The great pastor and revivalist, Jonathan Edwards, was the 3rd president of Princeton.(6)
Noah Webster, who published the first American Dictionary of the English Language in 1828 said, “Education is useless without the Bible.”(7) “The moral principles and precepts contained in the Scriptures ought to form the basis of all our civil constitutions and laws.(8) Webster also said, “The principles of genuine liberty, and of wise laws and administrations, are to be drawn from the Bible and sustained by its authority.”(9) Profound!
What God began in America is not “finished”; it hasn’t “reached its intended goal.” He needs our agreement and commands in order to complete it. Use these and other facts regarding her founding, find more through research and study, and declare them. When you do, this will generate power.
Pray with me:
Father, You are the great Olam El, the Everlasting God, who declares the end from the beginning. When our forefathers were stating their faith in You, declaring Your plans and heart for America, and covenanting to partner with You in fulfilling them, You looked ahead and saw us. You knew You would have a people in this hour who would arise in faith and agree with what was declared back then. We are that people.
As we do so, our faith is not in our ability to declare and command perfectly. It is not in our wisdom, understanding, or abilities. Our faith is in YOU, YOUR mercy offered through Christ, and YOUR ability to work all things after the counsel of YOUR will.
With this faith, we command Your purposes into our government, established under You and Your Word. We declare that You are our Lawgiver, Judge, and King. We declare that the seeds of righteousness planted in our land are not dead; they will bring forth righteous fruit. And we declare that the weeds and thorns will be uprooted and destroyed.
We declare over our education system that evil and perversion will be uprooted. We declare that Christ and His Word will once again be honored. We declare that all knowledge not rooted in Him is vain, and cursed be all learning that contradicts the Cross of Christ. We declare that to know Him is the highest goal of all learning. We command a return to truth and a rejection of deception.
We pray and command all these things in Yeshua’s holy name. Amen.
Our decree:
We decree that we embrace our God-given roots and destiny, thereby allowing God to finish through us what He started in America.
Click on the link below to watch the full video.
https://youtu.be/yeUVOikvoVk
_____________________________
1. James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990. ref. no. 5046.
https://youtu.be/yeUVOikvoVk
_____________________________
1. James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990. ref. no. 5046.
2. Ibid, ref. no. 5046.
3. “The Articles of Confederation of the United Colonies of New England; May 19, 1643.” Avalon Project, https://avalon.law.yale.edu/17th_century/art1613.asp. Accessed 15 July 2024.
4. William J. Federer, America’s God and Country [Encyclopedia Of Quotations]. FAME Publishing, Inc., 1994. p. 503.
5. Leo Godzich, Faith of Our Founding Fathers. The National Association of Marriage Enhancement Publishers, 1982. p. 78.
6. Ibid, pp. 105-111.
7. William J. Federer, America’s God and Country [Encyclopedia Of Quotations]. FAME Publishing, Inc., 1994. p. 676.
8. Ibid, p. 678.
9. Ibid, p. 679.
3. “The Articles of Confederation of the United Colonies of New England; May 19, 1643.” Avalon Project, https://avalon.law.yale.edu/17th_century/art1613.asp. Accessed 15 July 2024.
4. William J. Federer, America’s God and Country [Encyclopedia Of Quotations]. FAME Publishing, Inc., 1994. p. 503.
5. Leo Godzich, Faith of Our Founding Fathers. The National Association of Marriage Enhancement Publishers, 1982. p. 78.
6. Ibid, pp. 105-111.
7. William J. Federer, America’s God and Country [Encyclopedia Of Quotations]. FAME Publishing, Inc., 1994. p. 676.
8. Ibid, p. 678.
9. Ibid, p. 679.
Copyright © 2024 Dutch Sheets Ministries, All rights reserved.
14 November 2024
Please Pray This With Me
Father, we are appealing to You to help incoming President Trump, his Cabinet, Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Thune, and all who work with them as they attempt to clean up our government. It has become a bureaucratic cesspool. We ask You to oversee the process, including the removal of those in the way. Cleanse and restore. Give us humble, servant-hearted, patriotic leaders who honor You.
We are very certain that plans are being formulated to oppose this process. We ask You to aggressively expose and stop these plans. Rise up and scatter Your enemies (Psalm 68:1). Shatter the works of darkness (Psalm 2:9). We command Your will to be done, as You instructed us to do in Matthew 6:10, and we bind opposing spirits and their strategies.
We continue to ask for Your protection over our government leaders. Also, expose and thwart terrorist plans. We ask You to destroy terrorist organizations and their plans. End the influence of principalities behind terrorism in the Middle East and here in America.
And finally, You told us to ask for spiritual rain when we discern it is time for it (Zechariah 10:1). We know it is time, and we are asking. Let it rain!!! We ask for all of this in the name of He who has ALL authority, Jesus. Amen.
We are very certain that plans are being formulated to oppose this process. We ask You to aggressively expose and stop these plans. Rise up and scatter Your enemies (Psalm 68:1). Shatter the works of darkness (Psalm 2:9). We command Your will to be done, as You instructed us to do in Matthew 6:10, and we bind opposing spirits and their strategies.
We continue to ask for Your protection over our government leaders. Also, expose and thwart terrorist plans. We ask You to destroy terrorist organizations and their plans. End the influence of principalities behind terrorism in the Middle East and here in America.
And finally, You told us to ask for spiritual rain when we discern it is time for it (Zechariah 10:1). We know it is time, and we are asking. Let it rain!!! We ask for all of this in the name of He who has ALL authority, Jesus. Amen.
(Excerpted from Give Him 15 for 11/14/24)
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