For unto us a child has been born and thus “The greatest birth on Earth.”  Unto us, a son was given and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty, The

 

What it takes to be a Warrior

 

 

    All warriors should prepare themselves for battle daily. Ephesians 6:12 says that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against power, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against           spiritual wickedness in high places. You should know what it takes to become a warrior. Also remember that Satan also knows these tactics; so you need to do them daily to be prepared for what the enemy has laid ahead.

 

Garment of Praise (Isaiah 61:3) – It’s considered the undergarment like a shirt or pants. It’s called the garment of praise because the Tribe of Judah would always send the praisers ahead of the army. As the praises went up; the power of God came down and miraculous times would occur. When law enforcement uses bullet proof vest, pain is still felt and sometimes bruising occurs because of the force of the bullet making impact, so be sure to have your garment of praise on under your armor. There will be peace and comfort in the battle that you haven’t felt before. 

 

Weaponry (Ephesians 6:17) –

    * The most important and powerful weapon in your arsenal is the Word of God (your sword of the Spirit—Hebrews 4:12). Your sword is very sharp and cuts like a two edge sword. When used right it can destroy the        enemy, but if used incorrectly it can destroy individuals.

    * Your tongue. When you speak and act upon your faith, it releases the power of God in the situation and in your life. When God created everything in the World he spoke it into existence. When a a commander speaks, the troops listen and obey. It’s best if when we use the Holy Spirit and pray to speak in tongues because it confuses the devil.  Also if we remind God of His word, then he will respond, if we are in His will.

    * Protective gear (Ephesians 6:13-18) – Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand. Stand therefore having your loins girded (belt) about with truth and having on the breastplate of righteousness. And your feet shod with preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Girt about with truth, encircled with it holding the rest of the armor in place. God is true, His word is truth, His truth sets free and truth is strong and eternal.

 

     – Breastplate is righteousness, the quality of being right without sin. Righteousness, not one’s own but the holiness imparted by God, protects the spiritual heart from death though sin.

 

 – Feet are for going. Soldiers wore brazen boots to protect the feet and legs and enabling them to travel to hard places. Spiritual feet of a saint are his way of going forth with the gospel of peace to give it to others at home and afar (Isaiah 52:7). The peace of inner peace, the peace of God in the heart which God gives even in the midst of outer turmoil. The Gospel is both the saint’s protection and his message.

 

     – Taking the shield of faith. The shield was held in front of one, protecting the whole body.  Faith is  spiritual protection against Satan. We can turn all the fiery darts of Satan away.

 

     – Helmet of Salvation. The helmet protects the head. The head is the director of the body, the seat of   understanding. It is also where our mindset is. If Satan can use our minds to turn us against God’s plans then he can win. We must protect our way of thinking by thinking positive thoughts.

 

Minister Laura Sue Reynolds

 

The “I AM Statements “3”

 

I AM statement number three comes from the book of John 10:7, 9.

 

These two verses insist that belief in Jesus as both Messiah and Son of the living God is the only way of being saved from sin and hell and receiving the gift of eternal life.

 

In John 10:1-5 He was the shepherd, here He is the gate. In those verses He led the sheep out of the sheepfold. In 10:7, 9 He is the door that leads to green pasture.

 

Keep studying because in John 14:6 Jesus says that He is the only way to the Father.  Jesus serves as the only way to approach the father and partake in the promise of salvation from God.

 

Friends, there are many religions claiming that they have other means of getting to heaven. Those are the ravenous wolves that we are warned to stay clear of. Men of the Bible gave their life for this prophecy and as we say here in Leavenworth Kansas, “Men don’t give up their lives for a lie.”

 

You study and choose for yourselves because we have already made our minds up to serve the Lord.

 

 

Spirit Lead

Pastor Terry A. Gordon Jr.

 

God reminded me of a parable. Many people have read it and read it and read it…and still

don’t see themselves in it. They see “seeds” because this is the parable of the sower.

Please turn with me to Luke 8:1.

(READ THIS CHAPTER to verse 18)

Luke is talking about you, me and the Word of God.

Point 1: What are you “receiving” when you read the bible? (I mean what do you “get out” of

it?)

Let me ask you a bold question and be careful how you listen to my question. *Has the

bible become “blank” words to you, with (what feels like) no life in them?

What is your motive to read? Could it be that you’re rushing through it just to maintain some

sort of peace of mind that you’ve read it? In this case: Verse 12 talks about you.

The devil is coming against you to take away the Word from your heart. Just reading it

doesn’t do anything for you. You’ve got to pray about what you’re reading; before,

during and after! Care about what you’re reading! See how it applies to you or others

you care about. (Elaborate)

TAKE the time! Don’t walk along the path…walk ON the path! Get it into your heart and not

just your head!

Point 2: I believe a lot of the “so called” Christian world is in danger of receiving their seed

on the rock. (verse 13)

Praise and Worship can make EVERYONE feel good, but how many know that just singing

and dancing won’t get you through a bought with Cancer or a bank account with a zero

balance at the age of 60, or a ten-year sentence in prison for something you didn’t do!

You need MORE to make it through things of that magnitude!

You can’t say you have roots just to think that you have them.

Point 3: What about the seed among the thorns? (verse 14)

Well, let me ask you this…Is your mind so cluttered with all of your plans. Scheduling your

meetings. Making your phone calls that you’re having trouble grasping anything NEW

out of the Word of God. Don’t be quick to say, “no” that’s not me.

(The bible says to BE CAREFUL HOW YOU LISTEN to this.)

Examine yourself. It’s between YOU and the LORD and no one else.

Being “busy”…whether it’s for you and your house or for the Lord and His…is still just

that… being “busy.” And if you stay in that frame of mind and don’t apply what you

read, the bible says that the Word in you will not mature because there’s no room for

God.

I had to throw this is my notes because the Lord brought it to my remembrance while

preparing for tonight.

I have a mustache story for you…

My dad had one of those big, bushy mustaches from the early 70’s and I used to love it! He

had the side-burns like Elvis to match. I can’t tell you how much I loved that mustache! He

would make me laugh by tickling my face with it. He’d make funny faces with it and just

being silly. I enjoyed my early childhood in Emporia and that mustache represented it ALL!

The dancing to the loud jukebox with the windows at home open wide.

The hours my brother and I spent building model forts out of the Sonic Drive In signs.

Running through the rain in my swimming suit with good friends.

Getting my back scratched by my mom until she fell asleep. (and then I’d move)

It was a ‘moment in time’ and that mustache was a collection of that time.

Then, one day there was talk about him shaving it but for some reason…I didn’t think it

would happen.

The next thing I knew…my dad had the whitest upper lip that I have ever seen! I thought he

would grow it back, but he didn’t.

When I asked him why he did it…he said, “People in business don’t respect a guy with a

mustache. Bankers won’t take them seriously and that could cost us a lot of money.”

He said that it was time to grow up.

I was so sad. I wanted to hold on to that last bit of my childhood through his mustache…but

we both had to let go to make room for growth.

What am I saying? I’m saying that if you don’t “consider carefully how you listen” to the

Word of God (*verse 18) and let go of your childish ways of thinking…whatever you

THINK you have will be taken from you.

Don’t let that happen. Make up your mind tonight to plant the Word of God in good soil.

Plant it with a noble and good heart. Retain what you hear and persevere.

People will be ‘saved’ because of your perseverance! It’s the Word of God!!!

By: Pastor Linda A. Skeen

God reminded me of a parable. Many people have read it and read it and read it…and still

don’t see themselves in it. They see “seeds” because this is the parable of the sower.

Please turn with me to Luke 8:1.

(READ THIS CHAPTER to verse 18)

Luke is talking about you, me and the Word of God.

Point 1: What are you “receiving” when you read the bible? (I mean what do you “get out” of

it?)

Let me ask you a bold question and be careful how you listen to my question. *Has the

bible become “blank” words to you, with (what feels like) no life in them?

What is your motive to read? Could it be that you’re rushing through it just to maintain some

sort of peace of mind that you’ve read it? In this case: Verse 12 talks about you.

The devil is coming against you to take away the Word from your heart. Just reading it

doesn’t do anything for you. You’ve got to pray about what you’re reading; before,

during and after! Care about what you’re reading! See how it applies to you or others

you care about. (Elaborate)

TAKE the time! Don’t walk along the path…walk ON the path! Get it into your heart and not

just your head!

Point 2: I believe a lot of the “so called” Christian world is in danger of receiving their seed

on the rock. (verse 13)

Praise and Worship can make EVERYONE feel good, but how many know that just singing

and dancing won’t get you through a bought with Cancer or a bank account with a zero

balance at the age of 60, or a ten-year sentence in prison for something you didn’t do!

You need MORE to make it through things of that magnitude!

You can’t say you have roots just to think that you have them.

Point 3: What about the seed among the thorns? (verse 14)

Well, let me ask you this…Is your mind so cluttered with all of your plans. Scheduling your

meetings. Making your phone calls that you’re having trouble grasping anything NEW

out of the Word of God. Don’t be quick to say, “no” that’s not me.

(The bible says to BE CAREFUL HOW YOU LISTEN to this.)

Examine yourself. It’s between YOU and the LORD and no one else.

Being “busy”…whether it’s for you and your house or for the Lord and His…is still just

that… being “busy.” And if you stay in that frame of mind and don’t apply what you

read, the bible says that the Word in you will not mature because there’s no room for

God.

I had to throw this is my notes because the Lord brought it to my remembrance while

preparing for tonight.

I have a mustache story for you…

My dad had one of those big, bushy mustaches from the early 70’s and I used to love it! He

had the side-burns like Elvis to match. I can’t tell you how much I loved that mustache! He

would make me laugh by tickling my face with it. He’d make funny faces with it and just

being silly. I enjoyed my early childhood in Emporia and that mustache represented it ALL!

The dancing to the loud jukebox with the windows at home open wide.

The hours my brother and I spent building model forts out of the Sonic Drive In signs.

Running through the rain in my swimming suit with good friends.

Getting my back scratched by my mom until she fell asleep. (and then I’d move)

It was a ‘moment in time’ and that mustache was a collection of that time.

Then, one day there was talk about him shaving it but for some reason…I didn’t think it

would happen.

The next thing I knew…my dad had the whitest upper lip that I have ever seen! I thought he

would grow it back, but he didn’t.

When I asked him why he did it…he said, “People in business don’t respect a guy with a

mustache. Bankers won’t take them seriously and that could cost us a lot of money.”

He said that it was time to grow up.

I was so sad. I wanted to hold on to that last bit of my childhood through his mustache…but

we both had to let go to make room for growth.

What am I saying? I’m saying that if you don’t “consider carefully how you listen” to the

Word of God (*verse 18) and let go of your childish ways of thinking…whatever you

THINK you have will be taken from you.

Don’t let that happen. Make up your mind tonight to plant the Word of God in good soil.

Plant it with a noble and good heart. Retain what you hear and persevere.

People will be ‘saved’ because of your perseverance! It’s the Word of God!!!

A) What is blood?

Blood

* The red fluid circulating in the body that takes nourishment to the body parts and carries away waste.

* The word “blood” is often used literally in Scripture. Sometimes the word refers to the blood of animals (Genesis

* The word is also used figuratively in the Bible. It may mean “blood red” (Joel 2:31) or murder (Matthew 27:34).

* The phrase “flesh and blood” means humanity (Hebrews 2:14).

* But the most important biblical concept in regard to blood is the spiritual significance of the blood of sacrificial

37:31); at other times it refers to human blood (1 Kings 22:35).

* In the New Testament, this Old Testament idea of sacrifice is applied to Christ’s blood. References to the “blood of

animals. Although some scholars believe the blood primarily means the animal’s life, most agree the blood refers to

the animal’s death. Most of the Old Testament passages that discuss sacrifices mention the death of the animal, not

its life (Leviticus 4:4-5). The Bible makes it clear that the satisfaction or payment for human sins was made by the

death of a specified animal substitute: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar

to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11).

Christ” always mean the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross. References to the blood of Christ were made by Paul

(Romans 3:25); Peter (1 Peter 1:19); John (Revelations 1:5) and the author of Hebrews (Hebrews 9:14). Although all

have sinned, “we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7).

B) Why was blood required for the atoning of sin?

Under the Old Testament law, the penalty for men’s sins (that were not punishable by death) was the sacrifice of an animal’s

life. The shedding of blood was required to atone for their sin. God wanted man to understand that when he (man) sinned,

it meant death for something or someone. When people had to take a little dove and bring it to be slain upon an altar as an

offering for their sins, the impact of sin became real to them. Sin always requires a sacrifice. Today, we have the Spirit of

God that cleanses us from our sins as we confess them. Jesus was the lamb slain from the foundation of the world; and His

death and shed blood paid the price for sin once and for all.

C) Human blood VS Jesus blood

a) Human blood keeps the body healthy and alive

b) His blood keeps the body of Christ healthy and live

a) Human blood facilitates a cleansing of the system.

b) As members of the body of Christ, we are in need of cleansing when we come to the Lord. This cleansing process is an

ongoing operation, as we walk in the Lord, so that we will remain free from sin.

a) Human blood brings carbon dioxide to the lungs to be exhaled and exchanged for the oxygen needed for the body. (If the

blood lacks oxygen it is full of impurities and is a dark color)

b) Just as the body needs cleansing, we also need cleansing work in our spirits and souls. When the Holy Spirit points out sin

to us, we need to repent and confess that sin so that we can be cleansed of it.

* Not only does the blood of Jesus bring cleansing to the body, but the Scripture says in Hebrews 9:14 that it will

“…purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” The Lord desires that all the evil in our hearts

and minds and consciences be purged so that we can have the mind of Christ. This cleansing process is

accomplished by applying the Word of God to our lives. When Jesus offered up His blood, He did it so that you and I

could become clean, holy vessels.

a) Human blood carries life in the physical body

b) The blood of Jesus brings life to us. Those who do not know the Lord Jesus are dead and have no life inn them. If we do

not accept the life of Christ, eternal death will result. Just as life leaves when the blood flows out of the natural body, so it is

true with those who have not the divine flow within their veins.

a) Human blood has a capacity to bring healing to the physical body. Should the body become ill, the blood alters its normals

to adjust and promote healing. The white blood cells are the body’s first line of defense against bacterial invaders. When

bacteria enter the body, white blood cells are produced in great numbers. They travel to the infection and engulf the invaders.

b) The blood of Jesus spiritually does the same for the body of Christ. When Satan invades, the Holy Spirit stands ready to

come to our aid and bring the needed healing. The Lord desires that we walk in divine health. Satan tries to drain us of our

spiritual strength and weaken us to the point where we have no resistance against His attacks. Staying in the flow of God’s

Spirit prevents this, as we then have His strength to overcome and walk victoriously. We are not to walk in weakness but in

the Lord’s strength. Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees (Isaiah 35:3)

If we have been taking of Christ’s blood (abiding in His Spirit) and eating his flesh (reading His word) then we will

have blessed communion with the Father. We shall walk in health and strength for they are the Lord’s blessing and

promise. When we do not walk in the Lord we find our spiritual body becomes unhealthy, and we begin to have

problems.

a) Human blood is to distribute the needed nutrients to all parts of the body.

b) Because of what Jesus’ blood purchased for us, we also receive spiritual nutrients. God feeds us through the Word by

quickening (making alive) the right word to us. If we have need of comfort, He will show us the Scriptures in His Word that

bring comfort. And because the Holy Spirit is the comforter He will bring that to our spirits. When we are submitted to Him, we

will be fed the proper word so that we may grow in Him. If we are not submitted, we can become imbalanced in our spiritual

lives.

* Protection is another benefit of the blood. It is what is behind the blood, not the mere speaking of the blood that brings

protection.

– A perfect example is in Exodus 12:13 “And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye

are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you,

when I smite the land of Egypt.” Because they had faith in God and obeyed His command, all that were in those

houses were spared. — It wasn’t the blood, it was the FAITH BEHIND THE BLOOD!!!

Our faith in what the blood of Jesus does for us will bring us the victory. We are never to walk in condemnation, but

in the righteousness of Christ. When we are “born again,” we then have Christ’s righteousness, so “there is therefore

now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans

8:1). We can boldly come before the Lord washed clean in the blood of Jesus. We can have not only sweet

fellowship, but also access to the power and authority of Christ.

D) Why is Jesus’ blood so powerful?

* There is power to testify of his humanity! Jesus was a flesh and blood man like all of us. He was tempted in every way that

* In the blood of Jesus, there is power to redeem us from slavery. Without Christ, we are slaves to sin and slaves to a system ]

* In the blood of Jesus there is power to satisfy God’s justice. The justice of God must be satisfied for every individual. But

* In the blood of Jesus there is power to overcome Satan. Without Christ, we are ruled by the power of darkness. Our enemy

* In the blood of Jesus there is power to cleanse from sin. As we try to walk in the light of his word, the blood of Christ keeps

* In the blood of Jesus there is power to seal the pact or covenant we have with God. When we accept this covenant, there

*** We gain bold access to God in Worship and Prayer – The Bible is clear that every person is alienated and separated from

we are, yet without sin! He was the perfect human being and the perfect sacrifice. He was a real human being who

bled like the rest of us! He understands because he was one of us!

of law that cannot save us. Nothing we can do would buy our freedom, but the blood of Jesus paid the price.

Jesus was innocent! He owed no debt of guilt. When Jesus suffered so grievously, God was forever satisfied for the

guilt of all who would accept Him.

rightly points out our guilt, while urging us on to greater evil and separation from God. Our only hope is in the power

of the blood! The white robed hosts of heaven overcame Satan by the blood of the lamb!

on cleansing every stain so that “dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless we stand before the throne.” In

addition to being able to enter into God’s presence through the blood of Christ, we are also forgiven of our sins. 

Ephesians 1:7 says that, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to

the riches of His grace.”  Because of Christ’s shed blood, God is able to forgive us for our sins and give the

punishment that we deserved to Christ. He said, “For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for

many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28).  He was telling His disciples that just as the blood of the lamb

delivered the Hebrews from the night of terrors in Egypt, so Christ’s own blood would deliver the people who were

covered by it from the judgment of God on the last day.

must be an exchange of blood. Christ has offered his blood before the throne of Grace. Only when we contact the

blood as well, when we are baptized into the death of Christ, do we officially have a personal agreement with God in

Christ.

God because of our sin (Colossians 1:21). But the Bible tells Christians to come boldly into God’s presence, “We

have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). “Now in Christ Jesus you who

*** We are able to conquer the accuser of the brethren – Because of Christ’s sacrifice and spilling his blood on our behalf,

*** Rescued out of a sinful way of life – “…you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not

once were far off have been made near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). It is because of the blood of Jesus

Christ that we have the great privilege of pouring our hearts out to God (Psalm 62:8) casting our cares on Him (1

Peter 5:7) and praying any time and any place in the power of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18).

we can trust in the righteousness of Christ and not our own righteousness when we are accused by our enemy. 

Revelation 12:11 says, “And they have conquered him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their

testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”  As believers, we know that we cannot stand on our own

merit or because of our own deeds.  We know that our good deeds are as filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6) and

that the Christ’s righteousness attributed to us is how we are able to stand up against accusations.

with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without

blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:18-19) We are rescued from a life lived devoid of meaning and are brought into a

relationship with God and the ability to live in his will and with purpose. The blood of Jesus gives Christians

salvation of their souls, forgiveness from sins, access to God, victory over the enemy, and the power to live

with a clear conscience, something that the gold and silver items in the Old Testament temple could never

do.

E) Application of the blood

Under the old covenant, the blood of animals was applied by sprinkling with the hyssop. Under the new covenant, we apply the blood of

Jesus with our words. “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto

salvation” (Romans 10:10)

Just as the blood had to be sprinkled on the doorposts, you also must apply the blood of Jesus. It was already shed for you, but it

becomes powerful in your life when you apply it. … D/C LESSON

You are applying the blood of Jesus when you say, “the blood of Jesus was shed on the cross for me.”

You can apply the blood to your body to receive healing (Isaiah 53:5).

You can apply the blood to yourself and your family for protection (Exodus 12:13).

You can apply the blood to cover your children and their circumstances (Job 1:5).

You can apply the blood to anything you have authority over or influence upon.

And whatever you apply the blood of Jesus to becomes redeemed by Christ, and Satan cannot touch it. … D/C LESSON

References for: Power in the Blood of Jesus

* New Illustrated Bible Dictionary

* What the Bible Says about the Blood of Jesus by Betty Miller

http://christunlimited.com/answers/ablood.html

* The Power in the Blood of Jesus Christ (Topics: Power, Salvation) 3/12/12

http://www.unlockingthebible.org/power-in-the-blood-of-jesus-christ/

* Power in the Blood (Wesley – October 17, 2011)

http://www.studyyourbibleonline.com/devotional/power-in-the-blood/

 

The only thing the disciples asked Jesus to teach them was how to pray. Never assume that people know how

to pray; there is a right way and a wrong way.

 

Matthew 6:9 –

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.”

This acknowledges that God is holy and gives Him praise.

Verse 10 –

“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

This acknowledges that we desire God’s will more than our own; we want His kingdom, which

means a king’s domain on earth.

Verse 11 –

“Give us this day our daily bread.”

This simply means to give us that which we need today – strength, guidance, food, clothes, and shelter.

Verse 12 –

“Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”

Meaning that we understand that if we cannot forgive others, He cannot forgive us.

Verse 13 –

“Lead us not into temptation” …

Meaning help us to avoid it:

“deliver us from evil”

Should I find myself in a compromising situation, give me the wisdom to get out safe.

 

 

Finishing our prayer time with praise as we began it.

1. Always begin prayer with praise and worship

2. Pray God’s will, not ours; salvation and healing to all.

3. Tell God all your needs.

4. Ask for forgiveness and strength to forgive.

5. Keep us from doing wrong and protect us from evil.

6. Finish with praise and worship.

A few weeks ago, we brought to you the first of seven bold “I AM” statements. The first “I

Am” statement was, “I Am the Bread of Life.” (John 6:35) This time it is the statement, “I Am

the Light of the World.” (John 8:12)

John uses this “light” metaphor referring to Jesus in John 1:4. The metaphor here alludes to

the Old Testament (Exodus 13:21, 22; Exodus 14:19-25; Psalms 27:1; Psalms 119:105;

Proverbs 6:23; Ezekiel 1:4, 13, 26-28; Habakkuk 3:3-4) the phrase brings to light Jesus’ role

as Messiah and Son of the Living God. The Old Testament points out that the coming of the

Messiah would be a time when the Lord would be a “light” for His people; (Isaiah 60:19) as

well as for the whole world. (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6) Zechariah 14:5-8 emphasizes that, “God is

the Light of the World and gives living waters to His people.”

Light refers to biblical truth, while darkness refers to error or falsehood. The closer we get to

God, the more His light exposes the error in our lives that only can be corrected by His son

Brothers and Sisters get close to Him and stay there; His blood will cleanse you of every sin!

Spirit Lead

Pastor Terry A. Gordon Jr. Read more…

What are “Your Ways” and “Your Paths”?

• 7 “But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple. 8 Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before my face.”

 

    David shared with us in Psalm 5:7-8 that he wanted to be led by God.  What does that mean?  Did he see Him walking?  How would he know that it was God?

    Many times in today’s world people feel they do things because they say GOD wants them too.  It’s in the news so often now that most of the world believes God is a joke, or that He doesn’t care, or that He isn’t even there.  Do you know that’s all the devil has to do?  Is convince you that God isn’t real.  That convincing is getting easier and easier for the devil to do.

    I want to tell you that I KNOW He’s real.  He hasn’t left me in over 20 years of service!  I have gone through some of the most difficult times of my life WITH Him.  How?  I follow His lead.  Just like David, I trusted God to take over my life and do with it what He wanted.  Sometimes, I don’t really like the direction… but I ALWAYS like the outcome.

    So again…what does it mean to be “led by God”?  Read Psalm 25;4-5; 27:11; 31:3

    Psalm 18:2 says that, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”  (He is MY Night in shining armor!)

    So first…you trust that you’re making the decision to accept something that defies all logic!  Then, you ask Him into your heart and ask Him to take over your life.  It’s that simple.  The next decision you make…go read the bible so you’ll know Who He is and what He likes.  Check out the book of Hebrews Chapter 12; verse 12-15.

    Pick yourself up, dust yourself off!  You may now serve God in righteousness, leaving your former self behind!  Praise Him as He makes your way straight!