Bondage Cloaked as Altruism… A Subtle Form of Wickedness

I want to talk to you about a form of bondage that I have witnessed. It is a wickedness that disguises itself in a cloak of altruism.

We are all familiar with the wickedness of using someone. This is where a person holds him or herself out as someone he or she is not in order to become close to and take advantage of another human being, absconding with everything that isn’t nailed down, whether by theft or manipulation.

The wickedness that I want to speak with you about, which leads to bondage and cursing, is the reverse of someone taking physical items from a person to the point of depletion. However, it is a form of using. The means of your being taken advantage of are so subtle, you could be in bondage for years before you realize it.

This wickedness that I speak of is where a person of means uses the people around them for their time and companionship. He or she will draw the person close with sweet words, extensive flattery, gentle caresses (depending on how bad they want you, and how effective they believe touch is for you), and wild offers of material goods, which they hope you cannot possibly refuse.

Then, one day, when you wake up and want to break free, you will find that you can’t. You pull and pull and struggle and struggle against the force that ties you to them. For those who finally do manage to break free, their breaking free is seen as a betrayal of the worst kind. They will find themselves snarled at, openly cursed, and they will witness the gnashing of the teeth.

When people gnash their teeth at you, they are separated from God. Luke 13:28.

These people know people. They have watched people. And, they know money is the great equalizer. The patterns of human behavior are predictable. If someone offers one something, even if intuition tells one that it has come too easily and may be wrong, if one thinks strongly about it, ruminating on it, one begins to rationalize it.

We rationalize why we should have that thing, why it is for us, why we deserve it.

Feeling that one “deserves” anything is a dangerous proposition and it is where most go wrong and fall into sin.

Thinking we deserve anything but hell and death is the “stinkin’ thinkin’” of entitlement. One does not even deserve the kingdom of heaven, but it is given by grace through faith and not of works, so that no man can boast. Ephesians 2:8.

How do we no longer rationalize what is bad for us, gliding down the path toward “stinkin’ thinkin’?” We have to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, meditating on the word of God. Romans 12:2. When you meditate on the word of God, renewing your mind, you are better able to see what the will of God is. You are better able to see that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2.

The bible says keep your mind stayed on what is true, what is honorable, what is right, what is pure, what is lovely, what is of good reputation. Philippians 4:8.

Do not trust your heart and its desires. Do not trust your heart telling you what it thinks it deserves. The bible says the heart is wicked and deceitful above all things, who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9.

Many people would feel honored to have a person of means seemingly fawning all over them. It is like being invited to the king’s table. However, the bible has strong words about being invited to the king’s table. You must keep your wits about you and partake sparingly, lest the king despise you. “When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are a man of great appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for it is deceptive food. Proverbs 23:1-3.

So, we have established that these people of means trap you, by inviting you in and dangling pseudo-altruism in the form of flattery and helps. But, be aware of those who carry flattering lips and a lying tongue. Proverbs 26:28.

In order to avoid the trap, you must know who you are, and WHOSE you are. I declare, “I am a child of the most high God. I belong to Abba, Father. Through grace I was saved when I came under the sacrificial blood of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

You must know deep down, on the inside of you, that God is your Source. When you “get” that God is your source, you do not “need” anything from man. You might “want” a thing, but you do not “need” it.

God will supply all (not some, but ALL) your NEEDS (not your wants, but your NEEDS) according to HIS riches and HIS glory. Philippians 4:19.

You can avoid the trap of the wealthy man, when you get it deep on the inside of you that the wealthy man does not validate you and he is not your source. You have been validated and justified through faith. Romans 5:1.

I believe this bondage is rooted in greed and entitlement on the part of the recipient. And, it is rooted in loneliness, fear of abandonment, and fear of isolation on the part of the one pulling the recipient in close.

Ultimately, the one who places others in bondage does not trust people. So, the main root of bondage seeking behavior is distrust. They say to themselves….I don’t trust that you can love me without my things, my money, or my flattery. I don’t trust that you can love me for me. I don’t trust that your love is sustainable. I don’t trust that you will remain with me. I don’t trust that you will never leave me. Then, the roots of loneliness, fear of abandonment, and fear of isolation branch out from the main, thick root of distrust.

Distrust

Fear         Fear         Fear

Loneliness    Abandonment     Isolation

So, like a serial killer who eats his victims to remain close to them, this person pulls people in close and tight, using material possessions and flattery to keep them closer than a brother. But, unlike the relationship with a brother, which is a relationship based in phileo love (where we get the word “Philadelphia”), a friendly love or attachment, this is an artificial relationship and it is a relationship that is not rooted in love. This is a relationship based in hate. The rich man (or woman) will hate you when you go. And, they will curse you for leaving.

Biblically, love never fails, but everything else will cease. I Corinthians 13:8.

Look at love… love is patient. Love is kind and is not jealous. Love does not brag and is not arrogant. Love does not act unbecomingly. Love does not seek its own, is not provoked, and does not take into account wrong suffered. Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in truth. Love stands under pressure. Loves believes. Love hopes. Love endures with longsuffering. I Corinthians 13:4-7. If you see the antithesis of these things in a person professing flattery, sweet nothings, and acting as though they are your “source,” please know that this person is not acting in love. And, if God is love, they are not coming from a place of God. 1 John 4:8.

Now, some of you are in ministry and have been called to work with this population. If that is the case, remember to maintain your boundaries, first and foremost. These types of people are used to overrunning the boundaries of others in a major way.

Second, and there is psychological research on this, you are to, in a very deliberate fashion, allow them to attach to you. THIS WILL FEEL VERY UNCOMFORTABLE FOR THOSE WHO WALK IN THE PROPHETIC AND STRONG DISCERNMENT.

After you pace them psychologically, establishing a relationship built on love, trust, and boundaries, you are to begin hooking them into God. The research calls you “good enough object,” and God, “Perfect Object.”

This is a tool used to help those with psychological attachment issues. Hook them into you…. consistent, love, trust, boundaries. Then, hook them into God… Perfect Object.

This work with one individual can take years and is not for the faint at heart. However, we have to be “boots on the ground,” so that in the end we will hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23.

Got it? Good.

Now, parachute in, put your boots on the ground, and get to work.

by C. Blue

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Visualization Prayer: Calling Your Peace Back to You

One of the greatest tools used by the evil one against God’s people is the tool of rejection.

Have you ever worked in a place where despite your education, knowledge, and experience, you met with constant interference from others and an overall lack of appreciation? No matter what you did and how well you did it, the opposition was constant and fierce.

What you experienced was the evil one’s fiery dart of rejection. Ephesians 6:16. This fiery dart was meant to discourage you, frustrate you, and crush you.

Jesus has some pretty harsh words for those who greet His workers with rejection while the workers attempt to tread out the grain. Matthew 10:12-15.

This video show you how, through visualization prayer, to call your peace back to you after meeting rejection behind doing the work to which you’ve been assigned.

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Warfare Prayer: Ryan Paranormal State – Pancreatic Cancer

This young man has been on my heart for months. This is a spiritual warfare prayer where I battle against the evil that has settled into Ryan’s body.

I believe that he came into contact with an evil, unclean spirit through his work on the Paranormal State show. We must be careful to only do the spiritual work for which we are sanctioned by God. Otherwise, like the seven sons of Sceva, we will get our clothes beat off of us. Acts 19:11-16.

By His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5.

Your prayer requests are always welcome. Please send me a message. http://www.thesummitdevelopment.com

Warfare Prayer: Casting Out Fear

I recently read an article regarding Travis Barker of Blink 182. He still struggles with a fear of flying four years after surviving a devastating airplane crash. This is a prayer, a spiritual warfare prayer, offered up on his behalf. In this prayer, I rebuke the evil one, who brings such fear.

God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7. Perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18. And, God is that perfect love. 1 John 4:8.

I welcome prayer requests. http://www.thesummitdevelopment.com

Prophetic Word: Ambush & Coincidence

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Just came in this morning at 5:50 a.m. Prophetic Word:

This word is for those to whom God spoke an *impossible* word. God gave you a vision, and it’s been a long time in coming to pass.

You don’t know how that thing is going to go down. You don’t know how the opportunity will arise. You don’t know how you will gain access to the people, finances, etc.

The Lord says that it will seemingly happen by “coincidence.” So many of the faithful remove that word from their vocabulary, “There are no coincidences, only moves of God.” WELL, He says that this is going to seem like a series of coincidences.

You will be “ambushed” and it’s not going to feel good because you will feel your control being taken away. This thing just isn’t going to FEEL right. Just get your things and start walking with the ones sent to ambush you.

Each road that you go down is labeled “Coincidence Way.” When you first start walking, after the ambush, the font is going to be really small on the signs. However, the font will get LARGE at the intersection where you are to be. “Coincidence Way.”

When you go in, be very strategic. The people sent to ambush you might not be Christ followers, but doors are going to open for you.

Don’t be distressed. God is in control on this thing. BE STRATEGIC. These unbelievers are going to be looking toward you for something.

YOU MUST STRATEGIZE AS STORMIN’ NORMAN SCHWARZKOPF. Remember him? STRATEGIZE AS A MILITARY LEADER WITH AUTONOMY. Many of the military leaders, today, are puppets. Let’s take this thing back to a place where there was a semblance of autonomy with military leaders instead of political correctness and politician agenda.

CONSIDER JOAN of ARC and her strategies.

STRATEGIZE. This is an incredible season of DISCOMFORT, but YOU ARE MAKING PROGRESS.

by C. Blue

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Singles: He Doesn’t Love You, He Wants Sex

I. Introduction: Amnon “Loves” Tamar

Singles, did you know that the bible gives an example of the old “hit it and quit it” that many men (nee, boys, because they certainly are not mature) are so fond of employing with unsuspecting women and teenage girls?

Take a look in the bible at the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 13. The bible tells us that Amnon had a sister named Tamar. According to the word of God, Amnon loved Tamar to the point of vexation and illness. 2 Samuel 13:2.

II. He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

Interestingly enough, the word for love as it is used here is “ ‘âhab” (aw-hab´) or “ ‘âhêb” (aw-habe´), meaning to have affection for, sexually or otherwise. The word “ ‘ahab” (ah´-hab) comes from this word and means affection in a good or bad sense.

Affection, sexually or otherwise. Affection, in a good or bad sense. When one hears a paramour express the word “love” one should ask themselves, “Does the person saying that they love me love me sexually or do they love me otherwise?” “Is the affection that is being conveyed affection in a good sense or affection in a bad sense?”

Love is always good, right?

Well, it should be. But, many wolves are out among the sheep. Matthew 10:16. Self-serving charlatans, seeking whom they may devour. 1 Peter 5:8. Sounds like the evil one, doesn’t it? This is because the evil one is exactly where people like this come from… they are serving the devil because the bible is clear that one cannot serve two masters. Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:13. A person who prowls, seeking to cause another to stumble, is not someone sent by God.

You must be shrewd as a serpent and innocent (harmless, simple) as a dove when dealing with such nonsense. Matthew 10:16. And, be of sober spirit, be on alert. 1 Peter 5:8.

When one is as shrewd as a serpent, one is thoughtful, exercising a cautious character. In the Greek, this is “phronimos” (fron´-ee-mos), which comes from the word “phren” (frane), meaning to rein in or curb the feelings, the mind, or cognitive faculties (understanding). “Frane” sounds like it could be where we get our word “refrain” from in the English language.

Refrain from allowing your feelings, mind, and understanding to run wild when dealing with the words expressed by a paramour.

Rein in or curb your feelings, mind, and understanding when dealing with the “lip service” expressed by a paramour courting to get your attention.

The bible’s original text, Old Testament, was recorded in Hebrew and Chaldee. In the New Testament, the word of God was recorded in Greek. The Greeks have many words for love, getting right to the heart of the matter. Agape love? Unconditional love. Phileo love? Brotherly love. Eros love? Well, you get the picture.

However, in the Hebrew, the word for “love” seems to be a warning in and of itself. Someone says they love you? The word isn’t used to denote something necessarily altruistic. Maybe they mean they love you sexually. Maybe they mean they love you otherwise. Maybe there is affection being conveyed in a good sense, maybe there is affection being conveyed in a bad sense. Watch and pray.

III. Back to Tamar

Amnon wanted Tamar so bad that it made him ill. 2 Samuel 13:2. But, he had a cunning friend, Jonadab, who hatched an elaborate plan and helped him set up Tamar for rape.

Amnon was NOT interested in marrying Tamar. He was interested in defiling her. Before he defiled her, she told him that if he asked for her hand in marriage, it would not be withheld from him. 2 Samuel 13:13.

Tamar knew that to lay down with him outside of marriage would bring shame upon her head and reveal him as a wicked fool. 2 Samuel 13:12-13.

Amnon was not interested in anything Tamar had to say. He was interested in sex. 2 Samuel 13:14.

Does this sound familiar? How often has your paramour’s eyes glazed over when you try to tell him about your day? How often has he gotten defensive when you tried to tell him a story about a wrongdoing perpetrated against you by someone else? When you are struggling with an issue, is he there for you, all in, undivided attention? Does he seem to care about your distress? Does he ask questions to gain clarity on the issue concerning you or the story that you are trying to tell?

If he cared, he’d be aware. If he cared, you could share.

IV. From Love to Hate

After Amnon “hit it,” he “quit it.”

The bible says that after Amnon had sexual relations with Tamar, he hated her “exceedingly.” Then, it goes on to say that “the hatred he hated her with was greater than the love that he’d loved her with.” And he told her, “Arise. Be gone.” 2 Samuel 13:15.

Cold. Blooded.

How many men have pulled this on women, only to remark, “Don’t hate the player. Hate the game?” This type of primitive, evil behavior goes on, to this day.

I am here to tell these types of men. Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man shall sow, that he shall also reap. Galatians 6:7. Predators such as this, dogs, shall have their day. It hurts to be the victim of such predatory practices. Tamar’s grief in scripture is palpable.

But, we are to avoid men who are lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. 2 Timothy 3:1-4. We are even to avoid them if they seem to have a form of godliness, but deny the power of God. 2 Timothy 3:5. The bible says that among these types of men are men who will enter into a household and captivate weak women who are weighed down by sins, led on by various impulses. 2 Timothy 3:6.

If women avoided these types of men, predators would be beat out of the bushes with a large, sharp stick before their “game” ever got off the ground.

Furthermore, do not allow oneself to be weighed down by sin or led by impulse. Repent and return to God so that your sin can be wiped away. Acts 3:19. Even though you were preyed upon, you want to walk away with clean hands, allowing room for God to deal with the predator who stalked (roamed to and fro), pounced/preyed upon (sought), and defiled (devoured) you. 1 Peter 5:8.

V. Conclusion

Amnon was given a second opportunity to preserve Tamar’s reputation. She reminded him that it was more evil to send her away after defiling her, than the defilement, itself. He not only defiled her, but he heaped shame upon her head. 2 Samuel  13:16. Then, he called a servant to throw her out and bolt the door. 2 Samuel 13:17. He couldn’t even be bothered to do it, himself.

How many of you have dated a guy and lain with him, only for him not to return your phone calls, later? Maybe he has a roommate answer the telephone or the door when you call or stop by, and he has the roommate lie and say that he is not at home.

When it comes to a devil that preys upon others, pretending to be interested in one thing, such as marriage, in order to achieve a hidden goal, such as bedding down a victim, revenge is a dish that will be served cold. 2 Samuel 13:23.

As the woman, repent for being weak-willed enough to fall victim as prey, and raise not your hand to him. Accept your role in the sordid ordeal, wrent your clothes, and heap ashes on your head. And, know this, what goes around always comes back around and Mr. Lothario will meet a fate deserved. 2 Samuel 13:23-29.

by C. Blue

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Perseverance When The Promises of God Seemed Delayed

From the book of Joshua, Chapters 1-6.

I want to speak with you, today, about perseverance. At this moment in time, many of you are struggling, holding out hope against hope for the manifestation of the promises of God. This might be manifestation of financial promises, ministry promises, promises regarding family, and promises regarding professional vocation.

On this day, I speak life into you and say, “BE STRONG and VERY COURAGEOUS.”

I. The Foundation.

Three times in the opening of the book of Joshua, Joshua is told to “be strong and very courageous.” Joshua 1:6, 7, 9. God also states, “Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you.” Joshua 1:5.

Perseverance starts with courage in the face of adversity. In the face of pain, in the face of obstacles, in the case of a feeling that there is no way out, this is where perseverance starts.

The word “strong” as used in the Old Testament, which was recorded in Hebrew and Chaldean, is the word “chåzak” (khaw-zak), which means to fasten upon, be obstinate, bind, and cleave. Joshua was to cling or bind himself or be obstinate about God’s word, that God had given Jericho into Joshua’s hands. Joshua 1:3, 6:2.

When God spoke to Joshua, He spoke in the prophetic perfect. It was already done. Jericho was already in Joshua’s hands despite the wall not having come down and despite the children of Israel not having marched, yet. Joshua 1:3, 6:2.

In Joshua 1:9, Joshua is further told not to be dismayed. In the Hebrew, the word for dismay is châthath (khaw-thar´). This word means to go prostrate, break down by confusion or fear, or to be discouraged or terrified.

Sound familiar?

Oftentimes, as humans, while waiting on the promises of God, we become quite fearful to the point of depression (going prostrate), breaking down in confusion or fear (running in circles), becoming discouraged (not being able to move on), or arriving at a place of sheer terror as funds run out, rent becomes due, and one is face with the question of what one will eat, how one will purchase gasoline, or how one will take care of a spouse and children. These circumstances can make a person feel weak, cowardly, and/or discouraged. Amen?

Whatever God has told you, it will be. In many cases, it IS (prophetic perfect). You must bind yourself to God’s word on the matter and be obstinate about it. Cling to it. God is not man that He should lie, nor son of man that He should have to repent. Numbers 23:19. God’s word will not return void. Isaiah 55:11.

II. Exercise Strategy.

In chapter 2 of Joshua, Joshua sent spies to look over the land, “particularly Jericho.” Joshua 2:1. In the course of things, the spies were pursued by the King of Jericho, hidden by Rahab the harlot, they ultimately departed Jericho, then they hid in the hills for 3 additional days until their pursuers turned back. Joshua 2:2-7, 16, 22. Finally, they had to come down from the hills and navigate a river before returning to Joshua. Joshua 2:23.

It took a lot of effort and time for Joshua to exercise this reconnaissance mission. Joshua 2:23. Joshua exercised strategy by sending out the spies. And, we must exercise strategy when dealing with the enemy who may be hindering the answer to our prayers and problems—like Daniel, from the moment you set your mind to gain understanding and humbled yourself before God, the angels began battling in the heavenlies. Sometime the prince of Persia (who in scripture represents satan) is stubborn and Michael the arc-angel has to be called upon BY the OTHER ANGELS. Daniel 10:12-14.

III. Wait, Rest, Receive Further Instructions

In chapter 3, Joshua and all of the Israelites set out, came to the river Jordan where they camped for three days before crossing the Jordan. Joshua 3:1-6.

In this season, Joshua and the people of Israel were in a season of wait and rest. On the third day of camping next to the Jordan, the children of Israel received further instruction from their leaders, Joshua and the Levitical priests. Joshua 3:2-6.

The Levitical priests instructed the children on avoiding death as they crossed the Jordan. Joshua 3:3-4. From Joshua the people received instruction on consecrating themselves. Joshua 3:5. Then, the priests received the “forward march” order from Joshua. Joshua 3:6.

Joshua received further instruction from God. This instruction from God involved specific step-by-step direction and what to expect. Joshua 3:13.

Sometimes, the stress of our problems can wear us down and before God brings us into the solution, we are to rest in Him. Set up camp, if only for a moment, and just rest.

While you are in your season of wait and rest, look for your instructions. You may get further instruction from your religious leader (the Levitical priests), from those walking in the prophetic office (Joshua), or from God, Himself.

IV. Remember the Lord, your God, and Celebrate the Milestone Victories.

In chapter 4, after the entire nation of Israel crossed the Jordan river, one man from each tribe was commanded to assist in building a memorial to the Lord’s mighty work of cutting off the waters of the river Jordan so that the nation of Israel could cross. Joshua 4:1-7.

Now, remember, the PROMISE was that they would take Jericho, a walled city. Joshua 6:1-2. However, on the way to the promise, God is “doing some things.” Before the walls of Jericho fall flat (Joshua 6:20) and the Israelites go in and possess, the river Jordan parts like the Sea of Reeds. Joshua 3:15-17, Exodus 14:21-22.

Take time to celebrate the milestones and victories experienced on the way to the full promise of God. He wants His work to be celebrated and remembered. Joshua 4:6-7.

Sometimes, in answer to a prayer, God is not answering just our prayer. In fulfilling His promise to us, He is answering the prayers of a nation. We must take the time to set up an altar of remembrance and thanks even before our promise manifests, because God is good all of the time and He will not let us down. Joshua 1:5.

V. Circumcision, Healing, and Passover.

Chapter 5, in the book of Joshua brings us to the circumcision at Gilgal. At this point, all men had to be circumcised. By now, so much time had passed between Moses leading the nation of Israel through the wilderness and up to the promised land, to Joshua leading the nation of Israel into the promised land, an entire generation had died off. This new generation was not in covenant with the Lord by virtue of “cutting the covenant” through a blood sacrifice. Joshua 5:2-7.

For our purposes, under the new covenant through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our hearts are circumcised. We become in covenant with God through the blood sacrifice of Jesus. Romans 2:25-29.

All had to be re-dedicated to the Lord and committed to the promise.

Then, they had to remain in the camp until they were healed and the reproach of their past (Egypt and slavery) were rolled away. Joshua 5:8-9. In the Hebrew, this word is “cherpâh” (kher-paw´). This word means disgrace, rebuke, and shame.

While one is on this journey, unable to meet personal and financial obligations, not always feeling at one’s best, struggling with depression or anxiety, not being able to explain to others what the heck is going on, enduring the finger pointing of those who say, “Ah ha, ah ha, God is not with you or you would not be struggling so much,” facing betrayal by those around you, seeking but not finding the emotional and spiritual support needed to endure and get through while going through…. you get the picture… often, one feels the warm cloak of disgrace, shame, and rebuke slowly cover one’s face, neck, shoulders, and back like a chenille scarf and shearling coat on the dankest, darkest, coldest of nights.

That burden of reproach must be rolled away.

Then, we celebrate Passover. Joshua 5:10. This is celebration of the angel of death passing over us in our iniquity and shame after offering up the blood sacrifice. Exodus 12:11-13.

The first Passover was done in a spirit of haste, in anticipation of what the Lord was about to do. Exodus 12:11.

Notice something. While all of this is going on… while you are waiting, resting, receiving instructions, memorializing milestones, solidifying your covenant with the Lord, experiencing your healing from reproach, and celebrating that He has passed over you from death, BY GOLLY!!!, you are STILLL EATING MANNA!!!! Aarghhh!!!! Joshua 5:11-12. Manna represents having just enough. No excess. Total dependence on God. It necessitates one’s stepping out in faith that God will provide day-by-day and moment-by-moment.

Baby… God sent me to tell you, manna is about to cease. Joshua 5:10-12.

The wall still had not come down. The promise still had not exactly been fulfilled. Israel still had not marched. The wall had not fallen.

But, what they may not have realized is that when they ate some of the produce of the land on which they stood, they were now on Canaan land, eating on the desert plains of Jericho. And my bible tells me that THE MANNA CEASED. Joshua 5:12.

They did not need manna, because they had already started eating of the promise.

Hallelujah!!!!

Sometimes, before we receive the promise of the Lord, we must rededicate ourselves to Him, be healed in our iniquity, being brought back into covenant and have our reproach rolled away, and then we can celebrate that He passed over us, snatching away the keys to death, by sending Jesus as our Savior.

Say, “GLORY!!!!”

VI. Obstacles Loom!

Oh, dear! We have yelled, “Hallelujah.” And, we have exalted, “Praise the Lord!” Our faith has been renewed, we have strategized, waited, rested, received instruction, honored the milestones, experienced circumcision of our hearts and God’s healing power, we have celebrated passing over from death into eternal life, and Glory Be!, we arrive at the promise and there is a wall between us and it.

Waaahhhhhhh!!!!!! Makes you want to cry, does it not? You say, “Oh, Lord! I have been through so much! I have believed your word, I have been faithful to your people and the body, I have served others from my place of lack, I have submitted to the Holy Spirit, I have grown in Spirit, Truth, and Wisdom by leaps and bounds, I have tried to keep my chin up. But, Oh!!!!, Lord!!!!, this is TOO MUCH.

The bible tells us that the sons of Israel arrive at Jericho and it is a “tightly shut up” walled city. Jericho knew Israel was coming and everything went on lock down. Joshua 6:1.

How many of you can give a witness that as you make your way toward the promise of God, the closer you get to actual manifestation of the promise, the enemy uses every man, woman, child, beast, and demon in hell to present itself as an obstacle and stop you from seeing things through? Can I get a witness?

After all of this, one may still find one’s promise “tightly shut up.” But, as Yogi Bera said, “It ain’t ova, ‘til it’s ova!!!”

VII. Obedience and Patience.

Now, the children of Israel are instructed to march around the wall of the city for 6 days, once each day. Joshua 6:3.

Wha?!?! So close, and yet so far. They had to march around an ENTIRE CITY.

This was an exercise in obedience and patience. Whatever God tells you to do, DO IT. Obedience is better than sacrifice. 1 Samuel 15:22.

“For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay [tarry].” Habakkuk 2:3.

The first time the word “tarry” is used in this scripture in Habakkuk, it comes from the word “mâhah” (maw-haw´). This means to hesitate or linger. The second time “tarry” is used in this scripture, it comes from the word “‘âchar” (aw-khar´), which means to loiter (be behind) or be late.

Your vision has an appointed time. Although it does not feel like it, it is hastening toward the goal and will not fail. Although it hesitates or lingers, wait for it. It will surely come and it will not be behind or late.

Capiche? Amen.

VIII. Obedience and Patience and Anticipation.

On the 7^th day, the children of Israel were instructed to march around the walled city 7 times in that one day. Joshua 6:4. Seven is a completion number. It means to be full, “shib’âh” (shib-aw´), or complete, “shâba’” (shaw-bah´).

God is finishing this thing off, and Israel will have more than enough. They will be full and the situation is complete.

This is additional exercise in obedience and patience (7 times around an entire city!). But, also, now there should be an air of anticipation.

If we believe God is going to do what He said He was going to do, it is coming, now. We only must ground ourselves in obedience.

IX. Obedience and Manifestation.

Next, the children of Israel were instructed that on the 7^th day of marching, after having marched the 7^th time around the walled city in one day, after the 7 priests carrying 7 trumpets give ONE LONG BLAST with the ram’s horn, all the people were to give a GREAT SHOUT. At the great shout, the wall around Jericho would fall down FLAT and the people could walk straight in and possess the land. Joshua 6:4-5.

Did you catch that? The wall of Jericho would FALL DOWN FLAT and the people of Israel could go up, with every man WALKING STRAIGHT AHEAD. Joshua 6:5.

Did you catch that? When the wall to your promise is brought down supernaturally, the obstacle will fall down flat. You do not have to “heave-ho,” climbing over tumbled bricks or sections of partially fallen walls. The obstacle is removed FLAT. It’s shattered into dust. In the Hebrew, it means that the obstacle has bottomed out, “tachath” (takh´-ath), from “Tôwach” (to´-akh). Joshua 6:5.

Got it?

Now, let me tell you what the Lord said when he told them to shout. He told them to “split the ears with joy.” “rûwa’” (roo-ah´).

And, when the people of Israel gave the shout, the word in Hebrew switches and the bible says that they gave an “acclamation of joy” or a “battle cry.” “t^erûw’âh” (ter-oo-aw´).

Wow! It sounds like they were delirious with joy, and they threw in a little extra something to let the devil know he was defeated.

That same word, “rûwa’,” was repeatedly (5 times) used by God when He instructed Joshua to tell the children of Israel to “shout.” (This word also was used by Joshua when he relayed the message to the children of Israel.)

But, in the execution of that thing, the word, for the actual expression of joy, incorporated the wail of a battle cry when it finally was expressed by the longsuffering people of Israel.

Get ready to give your battle cry and expression of joy.

X. Finally.

When you are faced with a problem or the seeming delay in the promises of God, be strong and very courageous. Bind yourself tightly to God’s word and what He said He would do. Do not allow the enemy, the adversary, the evil one, (and anyone, demon or human, used by him to discourage you), to back you down.

• Be obstinate. Cling to God’s word.

• Exercise strategy when dealing with the enemy, who may be hindering your answer.

• Camp. Wait in rest in the Lord.

• Remember, through His answer to you, the Lord may be answering the prayers of a nation.

• Celebrate the milestone victories.

• Rededicate yourself to the Lord, be healed in your iniquity, and celebrate your Passover, remembering that Jesus died for you and took on sin and death.

• Keep listening for and receiving your instruction from the Lord.

• More obstacles? “It ain’t ova ‘til it’s ova.”

• An exercise in obedience and patience; you figuratively marching around the wall (your obstacle) 6 times. (The number 6 representing the frailty and fallibility of man.)

• Obedience and anticipation… you only got one more march to go.

• Manifestation! Your wall/obstacle falls down FLAT.

• Give that shout of Joy! He knows you are weary. You have been picked on, stepped on, put down, and placed in the margin. Add to that a BATTLECRY, for victory has been given into your hands by the Lord.

Amen? Amen.

by C. Blue

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