1. Grace can save the world.

Genesis 6:8 AMP – But Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord.

Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV – For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

 

2. Grace can give one all good things.

Psalms 84:11 NKJV – For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.

 

3. Grace can bring men to repentance.

Zechariah 12:10 AMP – And I will pour out upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace or unmerited favor and supplication. And they shall look [earnestly] upon Me Whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him as one who is in bitterness for his firstborn.

 

4. Grace can impart great blessings.

Acts 4:33 AMP – And with great strength and ability and power the apostles delivered their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace (loving-kindness and favor and goodwill) rested richly upon them all.

 

5. Grace can bring salvation.

Titus 2:11-12 AMP – For the grace of God (His unmerited favor and blessing) has come forward (appeared) for the deliverance from sin and the eternal salvation for all mankind. 12 It has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world.

Ephesians 2:4-10 NKJV – But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

 

6. Grace can impart faith.

Acts 18:27 NKJV – And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace.

 

7. Grace can justify.

Romans 3:24-25 NKJV – Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith.

Titus 3:7 NKJV – That having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 

8. Grace can overcome sin.

Romans 5:20 NKJV – Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.

 

9. Grace can reign in life if permitted.

Romans 5:21 NKJV – So that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

10. Grace can make one God’s elect.

Romans 11:5-6 NKJV – Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

 

11. Grace can give boldness.

Romans 15:15 NKJV – Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God.

 

12. Grace can make the unclean, clean.

1 Corinthians 10:29-31 KJV – Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

 

13. Grace can give power.

1 Corinthians 15:10 NKJV – But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

I have counsel and sound knowledge, I have understanding, I have might and power. 15 By me kings reign and rulers decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges and governors of the earth.  Proverbs 8:14-16 AMP

4. A great leader is one who is honest and truthful and who loves justice and righteous judgment.

You shall appoint judges and officers in all your towns which the Lord your God gives you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. 19 You shall not misinterpret or misapply judgment; you shall not be partial, or take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. 20 Follow what is altogether just (uncompromisingly righteous), that you may live and inherit the land which your God gives you.  Deuteronomy 16:18-20 AMP

The Lord requires of leadership that they judge righteously and impartially, according to the laws of the land. They are NOT allowed to show favor to certain people in violation of the truth and the law. A great leader does not misinterpret the law or misapply judgment. A great leader is one who is not partial to, or favorable toward, only certain people. A great leader NEVER ever asks for or accepts a bribe.

And I charged your judges at that time: Hear the cases between your brethren and judge righteously between a man and his brother or the stranger or sojourner who is with him. Deuteronomy 1:16 AMP

Thus has the Lord of hosts spoken: Execute true judgment and show mercy and kindness and tender compassion, every man to his brother; 10 And oppress not the widow or the fatherless, the temporary resident or the poor, and let none of you devise or imagine or think evil against his brother in your heart.  Zechariah 7:9-10 AMP

You shall not pervert the justice due to your poor in his cause. 7 Keep far from a false matter and [be very careful] not to condemn to death the innocent and the righteous, for I will not justify and acquit the wicked.  Exodus 23:6-7 AMP

A great leader may NOT EVER pervert justice. There is NEVER a justification for perverting justice. A great leader does NOT disregard the rights of any person, for any reason. Leaders are bound by God’s law to execute justice – and not to delay it either. Deliberately condemning the innocent and acquitting the guilty is completely unacceptable to God. If you want to make God very angry, then call the wicked, good, and the good, wicked!

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and prudent and shrewd in their own sight! 22 Woe to those who are mighty heroes at drinking wine and men of strength in mixing alcoholic drinks! — 23 Who justify and acquit the guilty for a bribe, but take away the rights of the innocent and righteous from them! 24 Therefore, as the tongue of fire devours the stubble, and as the dry grass sinks down in the flame, so their root shall be like rottenness and their blossom shall go up like fine dust — because they have rejected and cast away the law and the teaching of the Lord of hosts and have not believed but have treated scornfully and have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.  Isaiah 5:20-24 AMP

Leaders who are arrogantly disrespectful of God and His laws will pay the price of His retribution! Leaders who get carried away by their own importance, and who are drunk on their own power – better beware. If they are a careless drunk, or covetous, or a glutton, or a philanderer, and they make the satisfaction of their own needs more important than doing the right thing, then it will be virtually impossible for them to do what is right. If you are transgressing God’s laws yourself, then you are not likely to apply justice in your judgment of others!

You need a clear head to judge wisely and to lead righteously. God forbids drunken leaders, because they always pervert justice. Because they have yielded to their carnality, and not held themselves to any decent standard, they can be either bribed and/or black-mailed to twist the law. Those leaders and judges who pervert justice for bribes, make no mistake, they will have a very bad ending.

5. A great leader is one who is not partial to, or favorable toward, only certain people.

These also are sayings of the wise: To discriminate and show partiality, having respect of persons in judging, is not good. 24 He who says to the wicked, You are righteous and innocent — peoples will curse him, nations will defy and abhor him. 25 But to those [upright judges] who rebuke the wicked, it will go well with them and they will find delight, and a good blessing will be upon them.  Proverbs 24:23-25 AMP

You shall not be partial in judgment; but you shall hear the small as well as the great. You shall not be afraid of the face of man, for the judgment is God’s. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it. Deuteronomy 1:17 AMP

A great leader sees people through God’s eyes and does not take advantage of them just because they can. A great leader does NOT disregard the rights of the powerless: an outsider, an orphan, a widow; a temporary resident, or a poor person. Justice must be applied according to truth and law, not according to a person’s station in life or what their life is worth in the eyes of man. In God’s eyes, ALL are equal, whether: rich or poor; old or young; pretty or ugly; male or female; master or servant; king or ordinary citizen. The Lord requires that law and justice be applied equally and impartially to all.

Cursed is he who perverts the justice due to the sojourner or the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. All the people shall say, Amen.  Deuteronomy 27:19 AMP

He who oppresses the poor reproaches, mocks, and insults his Maker, but he who is kind and merciful to the needy honors Him.  Proverbs 14:31 AMP

Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker, and he who is glad at calamity shall not be held innocent or go unpunished.  Proverbs 17:5 AMP

 

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.  26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 NKJV

God – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is the Source and Creator of life. There is no life apart from God, here on earth or in eternity. The life we have is a gift from Him. Jesus has power over life and death, as well as the power to forgive sins. Through His death on the cross, He conquered death and imparted His resurrection life to those who believe in Him. Death can never conquer this life! Even if your body dies, you will continue to live on in His presence. You will never experience the sting of death!

 

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.  25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth — those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.  John 5:24-30 NKJV

 

Jesus said that the dead would hear His voice – He is talking about the spiritually dead who would hear, understand, and accept Him as Savior. The moment you receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, you are “born again” – at that very moment, you pass from death to life, and His resurrection life is activated in you. You are “revived” and eternal or everlasting life is yours from that moment on.

 

Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:3-11 NKJV

 

When you accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, you are baptized – immersed – into Christ. In God’s eyes, you (and your sins) were in him when He died. You were resurrected with Him, but your sins, and your sinful nature, remained in the grave. Now you walk in the newness of life – resurrection life! Jesus has dominion over sin and death – consider yourself dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord!

 

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.  1 Corinthians 15:20-22 NKJV

 

So it is with the resurrection of the dead. [The body] that is sown is perishable and decays, but [the body] that is resurrected is imperishable (immune to decay, immortal). 43 It is sown in dishonor and humiliation; it is raised in honor and glory. It is sown in infirmity and weakness; it is resurrected in strength and endued with power. 44 It is sown a natural (physical) body; it is raised a supernatural (a spiritual) body. [As surely as] there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 Thus it is written, The first man Adam became a living being (an individual personality); the last Adam (Christ) became a life-giving Spirit [restoring the dead to life].  1 Corinthians 15:42-45 AMP

 

Physical death is inevitable, but it cannot keep you down – God promises that when Christ returns, you will be resurrected with Him and live forever in a glorified, supernatural, eternal body.

 

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 15:51-57 NKJV

 

“We shall not all sleep” means that we will not all die – but we will all be changed. When Jesus returns, all believers – whether physically dead or living – will be resurrected into an incorruptible body in a twinkling of an eye. (See also 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Death and the grave will never have complete victory over the child of God!

 

And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.  John 6:40 KJV

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  Colossians 3:17 NKJV

To do everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus – in word or deed – is to do what is pleasing to Him, and also what brings honor and glory to Him.  As we seek to please God and to do what we do in the name of Jesus, we must do these things:

6. Forbear with all men.

Be gentle and forbearing with one another…  Colossians 3:13a AMP

We must not only do no hurt to anyone, but we must do what good we can to all.

7. Forgive all men.

Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive].  Colossians 3:13 AMP

Jesus has freely forgiven us and asks us – from our heart – to be patient and forgiving with others.

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses.  Matthew 18:35 KJV

8. Put on divine love.

And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony].  Colossians3:14 AMP

Verse 12 says that we should clothe ourselves in tender mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness.  Verse 14 says that we must put on divine love as an outer garment – which is the finishing touch of a well-dressed Christian.  Love covers all, unites all, and binds us together as one in God’s perfectness and harmony.

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. 5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. 7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. 8 Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].  1 Corinthians 13:4-8a AMP

9. Let peace be the umpire of your life.

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].  Colossians 3:15 AMP

Allow peace to rule your heart.  This word “rule” means: to be an umpire; to arbitrate, direct, and govern.  Peace must be your boss and lead you and guide you. You are called to live in peace in all things and through all things.  And also to be thankful and appreciative, continually giving praise to God.

10. Know the Bible – know the Word of God.

Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness…  Colossians 3:16a AMP

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV

11. Teach and admonish one another.

Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.  Colossians 3:16 AMP

12. Use the Christian’s power of attorney.

And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.  Colossians 3:17 AMP

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.  John 16:23 KJV

Whatever we ask for must be asked of the Father in Jesus’ name.  Whatever we do – in word or deed – must be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.  It must be done in total dependence upon Him and must bring praise to God the Father through Jesus Christ.

Sing to the Lord, all the earth; show forth from day to day His salvation. 24 Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all peoples. 25 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He also is to be [reverently] feared above all so-called gods. 26 For all the gods of the people are [lifeless] idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 27 Honor and majesty are [found] in His presence; strength and joy are [found] in His sanctuary. 28 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength, 29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name. Bring an offering and come before Him; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness and in holy array. 30 Tremble and reverently fear before Him, all the earth’s peoples; the world also shall be established, so it cannot be moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice; and let men say among the nations, The Lord reigns! 32 Let the sea roar, and all the things that fill it; let the fields rejoice, and all that is in them. 33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out for joy before the Lord, for He comes to judge and govern the earth. 34 O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! 35 And say, Save us, O God of our salvation; gather us together and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name and glory in Your praise. 36 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, forever and ever! And all the people said Amen! and praised the Lord.  

1 Chronicles 16:23-36 AMP

There are so many reasons to praise and bless the Lord. Here are just a few:

We praise Him because of His creation (1 Chron. 16:23;26).

Everything God does, He does perfectly and marvelously.  We are His creation, along with the world and everything in it.  We worship Him for He has done all things well, and we are grateful to be alive and living on this beautiful earth that He has made for us.

We praise Him for His salvation (1 Chron. 16:23;35).

When mankind sinned, God did not leave us in our sin, He sent Jesus to save us from sin, condemnation, and hell.

We praise Him for His glory (1 Chron. 16:24;28;29).

We acknowledge the glory of God and we praise Him for His glory. He is worthy of all worship, honor and praise.

Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.  Psalms 148:13 KJV

We praise Him for His marvelous works among all nations (1 Chron. 16:24). 

Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.  Psalms 96:3 KJV

We praise Him for His greatness (1 Chron. 16:25) 

For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.  Psalms 96:4 KJV

We praise Him for His power. 

Be exalted, Lord, in Your strength; we will sing and praise Your power. Psalms 21:13 AMP

We praise Him for His great honor (1 Chron. 16:27).

Sing forth the honor and glory of His name; make His praise glorious!  Psalms 66:2 AMP

My mouth shall be filled with Your praise and with Your honor all the day. Psalms 71:8 AMP

We praise Him for His strength and His joy (1 Chron. 16:27).

O my Strength, I will watch and give heed to You and sing praises; for God is my Defense (my Protector and High Tower).  Psalms 59:9 AMP

But I will sing of Your mighty strength and power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning; for You have been to me a defense (a fortress and a high tower) and a refuge in the day of my distress. 17 Unto You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my Defense, my Fortress, and High Tower, the God Who shows me mercy and steadfast love.  Psalms 59:16-17 AMP

We praise Him for His name (1 Chron. 16:29).

Sing forth the honor and glory of His name; make His praise glorious!  Psalms 66:2 AMP

We praise Him for His establishment of creation (1Chron. 16:30). 

When I view and consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained and established.  Psalms 8:3 AMP

We praise Him because He reigns (1 Chron. 16:31).

The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles and coastlands be glad!  Psalms 97:1 AMP

The Lord reigns, let the peoples tremble [with reverential fear]! He sits [enthroned] above the cherubim, let the earth quake!  Psalms 99:1 AMP

We praise Him for His coming righteous judgment (1 Chron. 16:32). 

Say among the nations that the Lord reigns; the world also is established, so that it cannot be moved; He shall judge and rule the people righteously and with justice.  Psalms 96:10 AMP

We praise Him for His presence (1 Chron. 16:33).

Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence; they will be singing Your praises all the day long. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalms 84:4 AMP

We praise Him for His goodness (1 Chron. 16:34). 

Oh, that men would praise [and confess to] the Lord for His goodness and loving-kindness and His wonderful works to the children of men!  Psalms 107:8 AMP

We praise Him for His eternal mercy (1 Chron. 16:34). 

But as for me, I will enter Your house through the abundance of Your steadfast love and mercy; I will worship toward and at Your holy temple in reverent fear and awe of You.  Psalms 5:7 AMP

We praise Him for His blessing (1 Chron. 16:35).

His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun [indeed, His name continues before the sun]. And men shall be blessed and bless themselves by Him; all nations shall call Him blessed! 18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who alone does wondrous things! 19 Blessed be His glorious name forever; let the whole earth be filled with His glory! Amen and Amen! Psalms 72:17-19 AMP

Publish date: 10/25/2015

And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? 27 And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him. 28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. 29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?  1 Samuel 17:26-29 KJV

 

Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

 

Goliath defied Israel and their God. God was not going to let that happen. He found a young boy with few qualifications in the natural, but who had an unswerving faith in God. Saul, and Israel’s army, saw a giant, but David saw a mortal man defying Almighty God. David had a cause and God anointed him to fulfill that cause. A teenager killed an experienced warrior, who was impossible to defeat in the natural, all because he looked at the situation, not from man’s point of view, but from God’s point of view. No matter how big your giant is, God has the plan to slay it. What cause has God called you to? What giant is out there defying your God? They will not prevail against a man or a woman, filled with faith, and obedient to His plan. 

 

The devil is a liar – God is true

 

Goliath had a big mouth and he made a lot of scary sounding threats, but David cut his head off. Goliath trash-talked God, but David lifted God up and magnified Him. The devil tries to intimidate you with his lies and fear – but that is all he is – a liar. The truth will always defeat the lie – no matter how big and scary it is. Start talking about how good and how great God is! The truth will prevail. What lie is the devil telling you? Chop its head off!

 

Please God – not man

 

God can only use you to the level of criticism you can handle. Other people’s opinions and criticism could not stop David. The rest of the army stood around waiting for who knows what. David saw that there was a cause, and that something needed to be done. He had God to fight for him, so there was no reason to wait. He took action, found the giant’s weakness, killed him, and cut his head off. People may try to discourage you with negativity or mockery, but you need to continue to do what is right and to do what God has called you to do. Please God – not man.

 

Courage and faith

 

David was not encumbered with man’s armor or heavy weapons. He was able to move quickly and stay out of the range of Goliath’s weapons. David was an expert marksman with a sling and stones. What made him dangerous to Goliath – was not just his skill – but his courage and faith in God. Even the most skilled marksman will miss the mark when he is shaking in fear. 

 

Use the skills God has already given you

 

David had already seen victories against a lion and a bear, so he had experience with impossible situations that built his faith in God. He could not have done what he did without absolute faith and trust in God. When you face new problems, remind yourself of – and encourage yourself in – what God has already done in the past. Your strength comes from God. Use the skills He has already given you and move forward in life.

 

The greater the challenge, the greater the victory

 

That one act – slaying the giant – launched David into prominence in Israel. Without Goliath, no one would have known David’s name. He was already called and anointed by God to be king, and it would be years before he sat on the throne, but everyone knew of him and they also knew that the hand of God was upon him. 

 

Sometimes your challenges come not from the enemy, but from within your own camp

 

David’s victory over Goliath made him very popular with the people. Unfortunately, they made him very unpopular with Saul, who was afraid of Goliath, and who was now violently jealous of David – especially since David now carried the anointing that Saul had lost. 

 

Sometimes the small things are more challenging than the big ones – you need courage and you also need patience

 

While David was hiding and avoiding being killed by Saul, he faced his greatest personal tests. Even though it didn’t look like it sometimes, God was still on his side and His plan was being worked out in David’s life. When David took the throne, he was no longer a boy, but a mature man of proven character. Because he kept his eyes on God and His help, and because he was patient and conducted himself honorably, the tests, trials, and opposition did not wear him down or take him out – rather they helped to develop his character. It’s not the challenges that have the power to conquer us – it is our own attitude that makes the difference between victory and defeat.

 

David trusted God to keep His word to him

 

David had two opportunities to kill the man who was trying to kill him, but he wouldn’t raise a hand to King Saul, the man whom God had anointed and appointed. His men thought it was God delivering Saul into David’s hand, but David had too much respect for God. He showed Saul kindness and mercy and allowed God to deal with Saul. No matter what God has promised you, you need to resist the urge to accomplish it by natural means. The shortcut is not God’s plan. Stay on the path God has placed you on and allow God to bring His plan for you to pass.

Foundation Scripture: 

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.  James 5:13-18 KJV

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.  Ephesians 1:15-23 KJV

 

1. Praying God’s Word.
2. God’s Word is His Will.
3. Romans 10:17 KJV – “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
4. Faith begins where the will of God is known.
5. When you pray His Word, you pray His Will.
6. Speaking it out loud – meditate – Joshua 1:8, xPsalm 1:1-3
7. Everything we get from God is through His Word – Romans 10:8-10

 

2. Our assignment this week.
3. Ephesians 1:16-22
4. Personalize the prayer – write your name in – we will pray together.
5. Make this prayer yours.
6. Pray this every day this week.

 

3. What you should expect.
4. You should expect to receive exactly what is covered in this prayer.
5. Numbers 23:19 KJV – “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”
6. James 1:16-17 KJV – “Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
7. John 10:10 KJV – “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” 

 

4. Today is your day to receive. 
5. Open your heart by faith.
6. He watches over His Word to perform it.
7. Jeremiah 1:12 KJV – “Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.”
8. Receive now!

Prayer Confession:

I cease not to give thanks that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: The eyes of my understanding being enlightened; that I may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all.

1. Joy to the World. 

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  Luke 2:8-14 KJV

 

2. Joy Through Obedience.

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.  Hebrews 1:8-9 KJV

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Philippians 2:6-8 KJV

 

3. The Joy Set Before Jesus. 

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:2 KJV

 

4. The Joy Set Before You.

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.  1 Peter 1:8 KJV

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.  Psalm 16:11 AMPC

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.  Jude 24 KJV

Let us rejoice and shout for joy [exulting and triumphant]! Let us celebrate and ascribe to Him glory and honor, for the marriage of the Lamb [at last] has come, and His bride has prepared herself. Revelation 19:7 AMPC