Praise the Lord, Grace & Peace great people of our “GREAT GOD” …JESUS!
Continue reading “Nugget #50: A Jesus OBJECTIVE Will Always Be Satan’s OBJECTION”
Praise the Lord, Grace & Peace great people of our “Great God” …JESUS!
As we perpetually dwell in this evil world influenced by Satan, we must gird up the loins of our minds, and embrace this faith walk, while utilizing the power of the Holy Ghost that we have received, in order to accomplish the delegated task that has been assigned by the Lord! Our spiritual warfare is real, hence; our determination to please the Lord has to far exceed the erroneous doctrines and stances of this age. Many appear to stand idle, while the powers of darkness try to mock, and make havoc of the church and the saints, because of their passive behavior. It is because of what the Lord has chosen us to do, we must set our face as a flint to combat all the forces of darkness! Hence, for this Golden Nugget I would like to provoke the thought, “No Apologies Are Necessary” To provoke further gospel provocation, I present the following scriptures to support my premise!
(Deu. 20:1-4) When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
(2Ti. 2:3-4)Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
(2Co. 10:3-6)For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
One of the thematic in the Old Testament writings was Israel’s call to fight the Lord’s battles. The moment they put their foot upon the promise land, it was to destroy all the inhabitants in those cities who represented sin, who would not render obeisance to the Lord. Deu. 20:16-18 “But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth: But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee: That they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so should ye sin against the LORD your God.”
This was distinct and emphatic. Abrahams’s seed was not only to possess the land of Canaan, but they were to be God’s instruments in executing His righteous judgement upon the guilty inhabitants, whose abominable sins had risen up to heaven, to the extent they became absolutely intolerable.
My question to all of you who have, and are experiencing the grace and mercy of the Lord, do you feel there is a need to apologize for Jesus executing judgement on all who perpetually reject Him? Hence, we see a divine COMMAND of judgement rendered toward the seven nations of Canaan. I’m often amazed at the people who mock the saints that speak truth out of the Word of God, and label them as being judgmental. Noticeably, it is when the Word of God is walked out, it does the judging!
It was an honor for Israel to exterminate those guilty nations, who deeds God hated. God’s elect was called to honor His commands, and His Word; and in essence were given an opportunity to prove themselves before the Lord. Please recognize that Israel did not execute Gods’ request to its fullest, because they left alive many of those who should have been utterly destroyed; and yet they spared them, and they ended up being that same wretched instrument of their own ultimate ruin and demise! Those who were left alive, eventually influenced them to practice the same sins, that God rendered divine judgement on. These nations represented what God hated; SIN. The Hebrew writer encourages us all, according to Heb. 12:1 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race [the task] that is set before us”
When we evaluate a Non-Apologetic Warrior, it is imperative that we look at the qualifications that was deemed necessary to fight the Lord’s battle in spiritual warfare. Based on my observation in the beginning of the chapter of Deuteronomy, we see there was a divine sequential order which had to be followed.
Brothers and sisters, please observe that the people prior to approaching the battle, were to be addressed first by the priest, and secondly, by the officers. This divine sequence was essential. The priest came forward to unfold to the people their high privileges; the officers came to remind them of their holy responsibilities. This same divine sequence can be applicable today. Our Privileges comes first, and then our responsibility with accountability. Deu. 20:2-4 “The priest shall approach, and speak to the people, and shall say to them, Hear O Israel; ye approach this day to battle against your enemies; let not your hearts faint, fear not and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; for the Lord your God is he that goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you”.
What blessed words these are! The Priest role was to comfort and encourage those that were about to go into battle, so that all fear and depression would be abrogated; and replaced with courage and confidence to any fainting heart. The priest expressed the grace of God; illuminating His love for each individual warrior of Israel. His words were designed to help gird up the loins of the mind, and the nerves of the feeblest man to fight. He reiterates to them that God, Jehovah Elohim presence would be with them. Hence, there was no need for the conditions, i.e., “IF” or “BUT,” for these would be unqualified statements. The Priest reiterated that it did not matter in the smallest degree how many, how powerful, or how formidable their enemies were; they would prove to be as chaff blowing in a whirlwind, before the presence of the Lord of hosts!
The Officer had to be heard as well as the Priest, for they represented the civil aspect of the men going in battle, as he addressed their personal affairs! Deu. 20:5-9 “And the officers shall speak to the people, saying, what man is there that has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it. And what man is he that has planted a vineyard, and has not yet eaten of it? let him also go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it. And what man is there that has betrothed a wife, and has not taken her? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her. And the officers shall speak further to the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return to his house, lest his brethren’s heart faint as well as his heart. And it shall be that when the officers have made an end of speaking to the people, that they shall make captains of the armies to lead the people.”
It is imperative that I emphasize why these two roles had to be administered in preparation for those who would fight the Lord’s battle. The men’s heart had to be thoroughly disentangled from natural man, and its influences; in order to have a bold unclouded confidence in God. 2Ti 2:4 “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” Saints, there is a vast difference between being engaged in the affairs of this life, and being entangled by them. A man could have had a house, a vineyard, a wife, and yet still be fit for the battle. These things were not, in themselves, a hindrance; but it was having them under certain conditions, that would cause them an entanglement, which would have made that man unfit for the Lord’s battle! GOLDEN NUGGET!
It is imperative that we remain cognizant that we are children of God, and hence, we are called to carry on perpetual spiritual warfare without apology! We have to fight for every inch to maintain the heavenly position which Jesus has put us in, and to acquire future victories against our enemies. Eph. 2:1-7 “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”
It is obvious by comparison that what the Canaanites were to Israel, the wicked spirits in the heavenlies are to us. In doing this comparison, I know that we are not called to fight for eternal life; because we have received this free gift from Jesus Christ! We are not called to fight for salvation; because we have to be saved, prior to entering into the conflict. It is most needful to know what it is that we have to fight for, and whom we are to fight with. Hence, I reiterate my former premise, that the objective of our fight is to make good, to maintain, and to execute our heavenly position with a godly character; in the midst of situations and circumstances, which confront us in our life day to day.
The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in Eph. 6:10-18 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the 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;”
We should never apologize for what we are called to do as we face our spiritual foes, who are wicked spirits in this present time, which are permitted to occupy the heavenlies in our atmosphere, who influence the unregenerated; and cause the regenerated to faint in their mind! I reiterate that “We wrestle not against flesh and blood” Just as Israel had to do battle in the land of Canaan against principalities, against powers, and against the world-rulers, so do we.
I am convinced without a shadow of doubt, based on experience and present observation, that in order to be a JESUS warrior without apology, the following has to be exemplified. The warrior heart has to be thoroughly disentangled from things earthly, and carnally. The warrior also has to maintain an unclouded confidence in God. You ask how can we maintain these things. Just follow the divine plan that has been rendered; “Wherefore take to you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day!” This has been the plan since Calvary’s Cross and until the coming of Jesus Christ! My beloved brothers and sisters in Jesus I reiterate… “and, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness and your feet shod with the 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.” …Glory!
Please know that the Lord secretly prepares His bold Warriors who march unapologetically as instruments for new, and more difficult task in conquering the enemies of Jesus Christ. He trains in secret those whom He is about to use publicly. He makes these warriors acquainted with Himself in the secret solemnity of His sanctuary, and causes His greatness and glory to engulf them, so that they may endure the difficult path that’s set before them.
David was one who came with NO APOLOGIES NECESSARY, He had been alone with God while keeping the sheep in the wilderness; his soul had become filled with the thought of God’s power; and now he makes his appearance in the valley of Elah, documented in 1Sam. 17:21-51. King Saul was an apologetic warrior, as he and his army set by fearfully, not rendering the required dignity as men of faith! These men fully proved their lack of faith as they sat by for forty days, while the giant Goliath rendered haughty boasting. Jesse’s three eldest sons could not do anything either, because it was not in them to take a stand during this time of adversity! Not even Saul’s son Jonathan, who had proven to be a great warrior. Yet the young ruddy David entered the scene, clothed in the strength of the LORD! GOLDEN NUGGET!
My brothers and sisters, please notice that when the words of Goliath were reported to David, he immediately recognized the blasphemous defiance of his living God. David Non-Apologetically ask “Who,” said he, “is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” David’s faith; was recognized in the trembling host before him, the army of the living God! Hence, David makes it a question between God, and the Philistine Goliath!
I need all of you to note that regardless of the situation or circumstance, it should not ever rob the saints of God of their dignity in the eye of FAITH. We may be brought low from man’s perspective, just as it was in Israel’s case, but one’s faith will perpetually acknowledge what God has imparted, based on past victories; because trusting in Jesus has brought us through! Hence, David, as he beheld his poor brethren fainting at the sight of that 9-foot 3 inch or 11-foot man; He enabled those around him, not to apologize for their identity concerning who they were in the Living God; because the Lord was with them! Hence, they should not sit by and let this uncircumcised Philistine defy the name of the LORD!
I can truly say from experience that when faith is exercised over fear, one can do great exploits in Jesus Christ! This effort will bring any consecrated soul into direct connection with the grace and faithfulness of God, and His purpose toward His people. It is a fact that Israel brought all this sorrow and humiliation upon themselves by their unfaithfulness; it was not of the Lord that they should show fear in the presence of an enemy; it was the fruits of their own doing! When one does not practice taking a stand for God, how can one be prepared to stand during adversity. When a child of God has experience in the Lord, they don’t apologize for knowing Him through prayer, and His precious Word. They will perpetually respond, and ask all who are adversarial, and enemies of the Cross, the question, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?”
When this inquiry is made of faith, one can see it was not about the army of Saul that the man of faith David beheld. No; it was the army of the Living God, an army under the command of the same Captain (JESUS) that had led His hosts through the Red Sea, through the terrible wilderness, and through Jordan! Anything less than walking by faith, would not satisfy the faith that was needed from David!
Paul expressed also that he had no need to apologize in Rom 1:16-17 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
Our stand in God will always bring conflict from within and without, yet we must realize no weapon form against shall prosper. What amazed me was after David had conquered Goliath, the word of God states that Goliath sword was still in his sheath when David pulled it out and cut off his head. God knows how to deliver those out any situation that will give Him glory and honor! Hence, we serve Him relentlessly, knowing who we are in Jesus Christ; and honored to maintain the mindset that “No Apologies Are Necessary” Please strive to have a “JESUS DAY”
