A Slave to fear

Acting on fear is the downfall of so many of us. In the bible the Israelites are the perfect example. Several times in their history they acted on fear instead of having courage and faith in God.

First they were in Egypt for centuries getting stronger. Pharaoh himself claimed that the Israelites were stronger than the Egyptians. (Exodus 1:8-10) However when the decision was made to enslave Israel, according to biblical records, Israel did nothing. For centuries they were enslaved without a rebellion recorded. (Exodus 12:40-41). After God used Moses with a mighty hand to free them and bring them through the desert, they were confronted with the Canaanites who were living in the promise land.

Once again they lacked faith and react with fear. They declared that they could not defeat the Giants who live there. They did even worst. They wished they had died in the wilderness or had never left their masters in Egypt. (Numbers 14:1-4)Their fear was truly remarkable considering they had seen a multitude of miracles provided by an almighty God with the sole purpose of freeing them and delivering to them the promise land.

Many centuries later, after the Israelites had seen many more miracles, fear would show its ugly face again. The Israelites would once again act out of fear and demand a King that could protect them against their enemies. For centuries God had lifted up men who for the most part were good, wise, moral, who feared Him and were dedicated to Him and whose sole purpose was defending Israel, but Israel’s fear was so intense that they were willing to surrender their freedom. Instead of being slaves to Egypt they would now be slaves to a king.

The prophet Samuel explains that the king would take their land, their earnings, their sons and daughters and force them to serve him. But they still wanted to be slaves in exchange for protection. (1 Samuel 8)

Fear has turned many into slaves. Fear stops us and keeps us from doing all we can and from putting our abilities to use. Opportunities can be lost and in the worst case scenarios we can remain trapped in a place that God does not want for us.

Let us all keep in mind what Paul told one of his young leaders, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) God does not want us to fear, but trust in Him and believe or as Jesus said “with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

Related articles

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• God will deliver you from your Egypt, just like He did with the Israelite’s!(amandalouisehobba.wordpress.com)
• Dependence on God (tchesh.wordpress.com)
• #9 Enslavement and Exodus (biblestudybasics.wordpress.com)
• The Burning Bush (iamchasewordz.wordpress.com)
• Genesis 23.1-20 (9markspastor.wordpress.com)
• What if Moses didn’t raise his staff and stretched out his hand?(chaparnada.wordpress.com)

4 lepers save the day

Starving and alone the four men suffering from leprosy stood, holding their empty bellies. These men were unwanted, rejected and of little worth to society due to their horrendous disease.  They were homeless and helpless.  To make matters worse they were literally in the middle of a war between Syria and Israel. (2 kings 7) Going to Samaria (city in Israel) meant certain death, since the siege by the Syrians had made food scarce. They were certainly not welcomed in the Syrian camp and if caught, they would most likely be killed. How many in the same situation would have thrown up their arms and just given up? However these men decided to take a chance.    They placed themselves at the mercy of the enemy. Their hearts must have been pounding, but the ache in their stomach was overwhelming.

They walked right into the enemy camp. However there was no one to surrender to. The Syrian camp had turned into a ghost town. Not one soldier could be found.  But there was plenty of treasure, weapons, and most important food left behind!

Moments before the four men walked into camp, God had caused the Syrians to hear the roar of a huge Calvary. Believing that the King of Israel had hired Hittite or Egyptian soldiers they decided to flee in haste leaving everything behind. God had cared for these men, when no one had given them a second thought.

What a feast it must have been. Literally an army worth of food for just four men to eat!  They entered the first tent, ate, gathered a wealth of items and then proceeded to the next tent, where they did similarly.

In this incredible moment of ecstasy, these men who had just been blessed by God with what could be a personal fortune to last generations, and had been rejected by society, decided to share. Even more than this they thought it a responsibility. They said to each other “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news.” (2 Kings 7:9) They immediately went to Samaria told them of this great blessing that all could share in their blessing.

What a multitude of lessons!

1. When there seems to be no answer to the problem God can still make a way.
2. We can be rejected by society, our families, our friends, but God will still care for us and use us as a mighty instrument in His hand!
3.  Those that reject us may someday have to thank us.
4. The blessings of God are meant to be shared, so that they might be a blessing for all!
5. Today, not tomorrow is the day of “Good News”. A truly spiritual message for all those that have been redeemed by the lamb, Jesus Christ. Today we must share this “Good News!”

Related articles

• Hope (freshwind-ministries.org)
• 2 Kings 7. The Syrians flee (bummyla.wordpress.com)
• 2 Kings 7 (sisterspray4me.com)

A new hero for the New Year

Imagine being a farmer, like Gideon, out in the country having a nice peaceful time working on his land.  The sun is shining and birds are chirping and all of a sudden a mighty Angel yells out at you “Yahweh is with you, you mighty man of valor!” (Judges 6:11) That would be startling. It would sound a bit insane as well, since you are just a farmer who quite cowardly is busy hiding his grain so that the enemy, the Midianites, won’t take it from you. However, God was getting ready to call Gideon to fight those same Midianites. God was ready to do something new.

Often in our lives we feel ill equipped for the task at hand.  We are sure that someone else could do the job better. But then we find out God is not interested in someone else, He is interested in us.  God sees into our hearts and knows that we are the right person at the right time.

Gideon looked to his flaws and answers God back. Would we dare do that? Maybe Gideon was valiant. However we should save our courage for facing the enemy and reserve our fear for when we face the almighty God. Gideon says “O Lord, how shall I save Israel? Behold, my family is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (Judges 6:15)

While mighty men from great families have risen throughout history, God wanted to do something new. He lifted a humble man to greatness. We can be that humble man or woman God lifts up.  Now God was about to get even more radical!

With God’s help Gideon was able to organize an army of 32,000 men. God decided that army was too big. Yeah you heard right, too big! God loves to try new things.  Through Gideon God direct all the men that were fearful to just leave. (Judges 7:3)  Apparently God likes to work with people of courage. Be brave! Now only 10,000 men were left. The army was still too big! Gideon must have been ready to lose his mind. We would be thinking “God have you ever fought a battle? Having more soldiers is a good thing.”

God caused 9,700 men to leave. (Judges 7: 4-7) God was just starting to get creative. He tells Gideon to give the remaining 300, trumpets, empty pitchers, and torches. (Judges 7:16) What happened to the swords?

Gideon now faced an army that the bible describes as follows

The Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like locusts for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand which is on the seashore for multitude.(Judges 7:12)

Gideon did not run. He was not worried or scared. God had done something new. Listen to Gideon’s declaration to his brave 300, “Arise; for Yahweh has delivered the army of Midian into your hand!”  (Judges 7:15) God had transformed him into a “mighty man of valor.”

The entire Midian/Amalekite army was defeated and sent running for their lives. God created so much confusion they actually killed themselves.(Judges 7:22)

In 2014 God is looking for a few brave men and women that He can lift up to take on the enemy. That problem or challenge can be defeated and God can turn us into “mighty men/women of valor!”

Another bibleaid article for the new year New things and the Yew Year

Try  Verses for the new year

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• The Sword of the LORD, and of Gideon (livinginlibertyblog.wordpress.com)
• Enough (happygostuckey.com)
• 300 Equals Victory (shawncornett.wordpress.com)
• Accept Who God Says You Are! (menofredemption.wordpress.com)
• #Faith Testing (expressionsbyacg.wordpress.com)
• Judges 7 (onethingonechapter.wordpress.com)
• The Grip of Fear (Part Two) (nataliemnieves.wordpress.com)
• Judges 6 (onethingonechapter.wordpress.com)

The return of Jesus

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:3

They came from long and far and traveled across barren deserts. They were carrying precious cargo and perhaps they encountered dangers. Perhaps they fought of thieves. However they were not deterred, because they knew they had seen a sign. This was the fulfillment of the prophecy, a child born of a virgin that would free all mankind and establish an eternal kingdom. (Isaiah 7:14)

They arrived in Israel. But still did not know where to find him. Possible with great fear, but with little choice they sought the help of King Herod. When the King heard their story he was troubled. Another king to take his place! Of course he was troubled. But why was all Jerusalem troubled? (Matthew 2:1-12)

Why be troubled because the messiah had come? Why be troubled that he who would free all men had come? Why be troubled because He who would set the captives free (Isaiah 61:1), heal the sick (Isaiah 35:5-6; Isaiah 29:18), bring light to a generation in darkness (Isaiah 9:1-2, Isa. 42:6), and raise the dead had been born? Why be troubled that he who had come to die for our sins had been born (Isaiah 53:5, Isaiah 53:10-12)?

Perhaps that generation was no different from ours. Our generation knows what it wants but refuses to recognize what it needs. It wants money, financial security, a mansion, fast cars, big cars, fancy cars, a pension, early retirement, a vacation home, an ipad, a minipad, an iphone, and an ipod.

What does this generation need? This generation needs someone that will bring peace, love and unity. This generation needs someone that will heal our sickness, bodily and mentally. This generation needs someone that can remove worry, and pain and wipe away every tear. This generation needs someone who will wash away our sins and reunite us with our God.

Who will be troubled by the return of Christ? Everyone who likes the status quo, those who have no problem with war, sickness, poverty and a growing inhumanity, is troubled by the return of the King of kings. Everyone who is sure that man will solve man’s problems and government will lead the way.

Herod felt the same way. He was King and in control. He liked things the way they were. I’m sure he thought he didn’t need any help. All of Jerusalem seemed to agree. Jesus is coming and when he arrives how will He be welcomed this time? Will they once again be troubled?

Bibleaid articles on the return of Christ

Rrunning out of time

Verses on the return of Christ/

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A time of Darkness

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 

Prostitution, idols to other gods, incense burning to a multitude of  gods, priest dedicated to the worship of strange gods in the temple, the practice of witchcraft,  channeling (also known as mediumship or spiritism) and the sacrificing of children, by burning them, were among the horrific practices of Israel when Josiah became king. (2 kings 22-23)

How had Israel fallen so far from the grace of God? They had rejected God and misplaced their bible.  They had tossed out the very word of God, as if it was garbage. They no longer had any use for it.

Israel had entered a time of darkness much like our own.  We now have a society that has rejected God and the bible is treated like it’s a work of fiction.  Its rules, commandments, code for living, and guidance in all matters are no longer applicable.

Today we have prostitution, drug addiction, and in this year we’ve had almost 40 million abortions; in the United States 22% of all pregnancies end in abortion. (http://www.worldometers.info/abortions/).Slavery exist all over the world, in the form of human trafficking, where children and woman are either kidnapped or bought from poor parents and kept worst than cattle. They are sold into prostitution, used in pornography (remember pornography is protected as free speech) and when they are no longer of use resold for body parts. In our generation, with the United Nations firmly established and active throughout the world we have seen in different locations government sponsored genocide, wars and acts of aggression. We are living in a time of darkness right now.

In Josiah’s time the nation of Israel was spared complete destruction for only one reason.  They rediscovered God’s word and turned to it with all sincerity. They put away all their evil practices and obeyed God. I truly believe that God is merciful and if our nation can rediscover God it would bring down a shower of blessings that would benefit both great and small. It is still not too late for a revival.  We can begin with caring for our neighbors, sharing God’s love and preaching His word.

Try Verses on the bible

Faith during hardship

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good,…. Genesis 50:20

When you are the favored son and daddy buys you really cool stuff, life can be like living in a dream; especially if daddy makes you a top manager at the family business, and places you in charge of your older brothers. This was the life of Joseph. He even had dreams about how his brothers were going to bow to him. Life was pretty nice. However his older brothers didn’t think it was that great. They sold Joseph into slavery and told their father he had been eaten by wild animals. Now this was a family with problems!

Life can certainly be unfair. Perhaps Joseph’s bothers had reason to be jealous, but he did not deserve slavery. Joseph did not ask to be loved more than his brothers. He didn’t ask for special treatment. When it comes to being in charge, Joseph really was more competent than his brothers and most likely deserved the elevated position. Perhaps what they all needed was some counseling and a family meeting where everyone could air out their concerns. Joseph was actually a good, faithful, intelligent son who deserved the admiration of his older brothers. Instead he found himself on a caravan of slave traders headed to Egypt.

Joseph is sold to a top general and quickly proves he is capable. He is placed in charge of the entire estate. Unfortunately the general’s wife takes a liking to Joseph and when Joseph rejects her, she makes false accusations and Joseph is placed in jail. By now each and everyone one of us would be absolutely furious. We would be screaming “Where is God in all this?” We would be thinking “I am faithful, hardworking and honest. I am talented, intelligent and I do a great job, how can life be so unfair?” But Joseph never complained. He was one of the greatest examples of faith in history. He must have known “that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

In jail Joseph once again proves himself and is placed in charge of the other prisoners. He also proves himself a great interpreter of dreams. This ability made possible by the revelation of God.

Once pharaoh heard of Joseph’s ability, he was removed from prison and made to serve pharaoh. Joseph was then elevated and made the second most powerful man in all of Egypt. From that position he was able to save the nation of Egypt and his family during a horrific time of famine and yes his brothers did bow down to him. (Genesis 37, 39-45)

For many years life was certainly unfair for Joseph. At times we may feel like we are walking in Joseph’s shoes. But like Joseph we cannot lose faith. Nor can we grow angry with God or life. We must approach every hardship we go through as if it is a new opportunity to grow and become even better, because that is exactly the reason why we go through them. Remember God is not done; He is doing something great in each of us.

Humility is required

And he returned to the man of God, he and all his aides, and came and stood before him; and he said, “Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel… 2 kings 5:15

He was a mighty warrior known throughout the ancient world, respected by everyone, feared by his enemies and loved by his countrymen, and King. The bible described him as a mighty man of valor who even God seemed to favor. He was General Naaman, commander of the Syrian army. He had been successful against Israel and had taken at least one captive that the bible mentioned, a young servant girl.

Naaman had one terrible flaw, that was rather disgraceful. He was a leper. A terrible disease that attacked the skin, destroyed limbs and eventually killed its victim. Naaman needed help. How humiliated he must have felt, but it was about to get worst. His lowly Hebrew servant girl showed compassion and revealed the only solution possible, a miracle from the God of Israel.

Naaman would have to admit that the Syrian gods and their priests were of no use and instead went to the King of Israel, his enemy, in search of a man of God, a true prophet. Apparently, for God, this was not humiliating enough.

When Naaman finally does track down the prophet Elisha, he goes right to the front of his home, and most likely expects an honorable greeting. He was after all General Naaman. Naaman may have thought Elisha would fear for his life and grant him anything. However Elisha does not even leave his home to say hello. Perhaps he doesn’t have the time or was too tired to make the effort. Elisha simply sends his servant with a prescription for Naaman.

Naaman was outraged at first. However to Naaman’s credit, perhaps showing why he was such a great general, heard the servant and took his advice. It was not going to be easy. Elisha through his servant told Naaman to go and wash himself seven times in the filthiest river in Israel, the Jordan.

This mighty general humbled himself and obeyed the orders. Seven times he went into those dirty waters and when he was done he was miraculously healed. Naaman went a step further and recognized that the only true God was the God of Israel.

Naaman discovered many lessons that we all need to understand. First God is powerful and can supply our needs when no one else can. Second God often does not do things the way we want it to be done. Naaman wanted Elisha to wave his hands and be instantly healed. Third God may want us to take an action on behalf of our faith, as Naaman did when he took seven baths. Lastly Faith may not be the only requirement for a miracle. God may also want humility. These are a few lessons for us to consider the next time we ask God for a miracle.

A repentant tax collector

“Today salvation has come to this house” Luke 19:9

Zacchaeus was the most hated man in the Jewish town of Jericho. He had managed to steal from most and take from all. He provided the Romans with a bounty of wealth and property. He was of course the tax collector.

This hated tax collector had become aware of the arrival of the great prophet, some believed to be the messiah that was promised to Israel long ago. Zacchaeus was curious, perhaps even hopeful that this great man may be able to help him in some way. It is typical for those of us in need to see Jesus as an answer. But Zacchaeus most likely did not lack for anything. This seemingly materialistic man, who had cheated the poor people of Jericho, must have realized a spiritual need, a sign that he was ready for repentance.

Jesus upon seeing the tax collector hiding in a tree, immediately informs him that he would be visiting him in his house that day and that he must come down from the tree. However Jesus never makes mention of Zacchaeus’ sins until Zacchaeus does something truly wonderful.

He admits to his wrong doings and humbly tries his best to make up for all he has done wrong. He tells Jesus “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” (Luke 19:8) He is filled with guilt and understands the pain and suffering he must have caused others. This is why he does more than just offer to pay back what is rightfully owed; he offers to give them 4 times the amount. This extra amount is punishment he is placing on himself. Zacchaeus is truly repentant.

True repentance comes with a sincere recognition of wrong doings. It is absent anger, the type of anger that can follow being caught. Anger is also absent because we do not seek to blame anyone else but ourselves, and we wish to make amends as quickly as possible. We do not believe ourselves worthy of forgiveness, instead we are grateful to be forgiven. Unlike a judging crowd or a group of Pharisees, Jesus saw his heart and recognizes true repentance in Zacchaeus. He says “Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9)

Zacchaeus provides us all with a mirror to reflect ourselves in and check to see if we are truly repentant of our sins. It is wise for us to take a long look and be sure. Our salvation depends on true repentance that is absent anger and excuses. Most importantly we will receive forgiveness gratefully, knowing we never deserved it.

A simple plan, march and shout

So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat….Joshua 6:20

The city wall was tall and thick, perhaps 13 feet thick (http://www.bibleplaces.com/jericho.htm). The city, Jericho, was ancient and filled with experienced soldiers, the bible described as “mighty men of valor” (Joshua 6:2). The proud people of this great city must have felt secured, armed with fine soldiers and a mighty wall. However God had promised this land to the Israelites. Surely God would give His people an ingenious plan filled with an incredible strategy never heard of in the ancient world, a brilliant military campaign that generals would be studying centuries later; not exactly.

God decided to give them, what amounted to virtually no plan at all. All they had to do was march around the city. The Israelites must have become the laughingstock of the ancient world. What was wrong with these people? Did they think that marching alone would bring down such a wall? Perhaps they could stomp their feet really hard and the earth would tremble just enough. How many Israelites must have questioned God and their leader Joshua after the first day of marching? They had marched around an entire city. They must have been tired. Day two through day six, they had to do the same thing. Then on the seventh day God’s request was even more challenging and hard to trust. He asked Israel to march around the city seven times, blow their trumpets and shout. We can only wonder  about the number of Israelites that were questioning the sanity of this plan.

However the majority of them must have believed. They trusted in God, while Jericho trusted their mighty wall. The wall lost. It came down and the Israelites took the city completely defeating those men of valor.

The plan might have been simple, but it wasn’t the plan or the marching that defeated Jericho, it was God. In our lives we must face constant challenges, and perhaps a more elaborate plan might be more comforting, but God remains our true source of strength and in the end He is the one that will give us the victory. Should we put away our brains and never try to plan or strategize? Of course not, but when all the planning in the world fails us, perhaps it’s time to depend on God. Sounds simple, however, that’s what we need to bring down a mighty wall.

Can we trust God more than the train?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5

There I was speeding through the Bronx on an elevated train way above the ground. Children were playing and having a great time. Mothers seemed relaxed and contented. The driver of the train was nowhere in sight. But I was happy as can be and without a care in the world. I figured I was 100% safe. No reason to be concerned with who might be driving the train, his or her physical condition or capabilities; I was not worried about the condition of the train or the old tracks. What could go wrong? I trusted the construction of a system whose parts in some cases dated back to the 1800’s and an anonymous driver. As a species we are actually more trusting than what we think. We trust our waiters, our cooks, our babysitters, and our doctors. However when it comes to God how often does our trust fail?

Why do we doubt God even if we have experienced his power first hand? The Israelites had experienced the power of God who liberated them from Egypt with a mighty hand. But when they came face to face with the giants in Canaan they could not believe that God would provide a victory. Sarah had experienced the protection and guidance of God but upon being told that she would have a child, also did not believe and only laughed. I have also doubted God and yet I have personally experienced God’s blessing and care. Why do we spend so much time doubting?

Perhaps part of the doubt comes from our own feelings of inadequacies. The Israelites felt small next to those Giants and Sarah was sure she was too old. Often in finding our faith we must come to grips with the reality that when we cannot continue the fight, our God can. That when the problem is too great He can solve it and when it is impossible for us it is still possible for Him. The giants were thoroughly defeated, and Sarah would rejoice to see her baby born.

Everyday God is acting in our lives in miraculous ways. Let us trust Him. He is more reliable than the NYC subway system and has been around a whole lot longer. He is not anonymous and hears you when you call. He arrives on time and will definitely take us where we need to go.Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5

There I was speeding through the Bronx on an elevated train way above the ground. Children were playing and having a great time. Mothers seemed relaxed and contented. The driver of the train was nowhere in sight. But I was happy as can be and without a care in the world. I figured I was 100% safe. No reason to be concerned with who might be driving the train, his or her physical condition or capabilities; I was not worried about the condition of the train or the old tracks. What could go wrong? I trusted the construction of a system whose parts in some cases dated back to the 1800’s and an anonymous driver. As a species we are actually more trusting than what we think. We trust our waiters, our cooks, our babysitters, and our doctors. However when it comes to God how often does our trust fail?

Why do we doubt God even if we have experienced his power first hand? The Israelites had experienced the power of God who liberated them from Egypt with a mighty hand. But when they came face to face with the giants in Canaan they could not believe that God would provide a victory. Sarah had experienced the protection and guidance of God but upon being told that she would have a child, also did not believe and only laughed. I have also doubted God and yet I have personally experienced God’s blessing and care. Why do we spend so much time doubting?

Perhaps part of the doubt comes from our own feelings of inadequacies. The Israelites felt small next to those Giants and Sarah was sure she was too old. Often in finding our faith we must come to grips with the reality that when we cannot continue the fight, our God can. That when the problem is too great He can solve it and when it is impossible for us it is still possible for Him. The giants were thoroughly defeated, and Sarah would rejoice to see her baby born.

Everyday God is acting in our lives in miraculous ways. Let us trust Him. He is more reliable than the NYC subway system and has been around a whole lot longer. He is not anonymous and hears you when you call. He arrives on time and will definitely take us where we need to go.

Giant slayer

 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17: 45-47

For many days the giant stood before the mightiest warriors of Israel. He shouted insults and challenges. Surely one of these brave soldiers would be willing to stand up to the giant. But in the Israelite camp there was nothing but silence except for the sound of beating hearts, racing from fear. But this day would be different because a young lad, not a soldier, happened to be in camp delivering food, and he would decide to take a leap of Faith.

Trusting and waiting on God is necessary and often a good practice but sometimes a decision or a challenge stands before us and we must take action in faith, especially if others are at risk. An entire nation was in danger of being enslaved, someone had to take action.

David gathered a few stones and came before the giant trusting in his God. It was not exactly blind faith, since David had fought a lion and a bear. Still this man was a renowned warrior, who also happened to be over 9 feet tall. David could not even carry his armor. But David with much courage challenged Goliath and warned him that he would fight him in the name of The Lord the God of Israel and that He would give him the victory. David ran towards Goliath and with his sling flung a stone. Goliath fell to the ground and David acting quickly cuts the giant’s head.

David like everyone else could have easily given into fear. It is easy to be frozen when facing dangers or challenges. However David was a man of faith. When it is time to take action, we must act, and demonstrate the faith we have in God, believing He will give us the victory.