"Addicted to Delilah"

"Addicted to Delilah"

Judges 16:4-21

4 And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.
5 And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.
6 And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee.

7 And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withs that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.

8 Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withs which had not been dried, and she bound him with them.
9 Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known.
10 And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.

11 And he said unto her, If they bind me fast with new ropes that never were occupied, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.

12 Delilah therefore took new ropes, and bound him therewith, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And there were liers in wait abiding in the chamber. And he brake them from off his arms like a thread.

13 And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web.

14 And she fastened it with the pin, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awaked out of his sleep, and went away with the pin of the beam, and with the web.

15 And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth.

16 And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death;

17 That he told her all his heart, and said unto her. There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.
18 And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he hath shewed me all his heart. Then the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought money in their hand.
19 And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him.

20 And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.

21 But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.
 

The Story of Samson and Delilah

This is one of the most famous stories in the Bible.  Most people have heard of these two people even if they do not attend church services.  Even Hollywood has given this story treatment on the big screen.  It seems that what happened thousands of years ago across the sea still has something to say to this generation after all.
I have often tried to figure out exactly what was going on in the head of Samson and I have just not been able to figure it out.  Look at our text – three different times Delilah betrayed Samson and each time he was able to beat the enemy, yet on the fourth time he still revealed his secret.  I just could not figure this out!

It is obvious to all of us what Delilah was going to do to Samson.  She had already proved her disloyalty and I kept thinking, “Why would Samson fall for this?”  It was as obvious as the nose on his face that she was going to betray him.  Yet he continued to play this “Cat & Mouse” Game with her anyway.  I thought, “Maybe he was just a stupid jock” but that was not it.  The real truth of this story is this: Samson was addicted to Delilah.

Addiction is a horrible thing that is self-destructive in nature.  Have you ever noticed how addictions are always unhealthy?  Look at smoking: people know it causes cancer yet they still continue to smoke.  Look at alcohol.  Tens of Millions of people a year die in connection to alcohol yet they still continue to drink.  Look at drugs: Dangerous.  Yet there are millions that continue to pump their bodies full of drugs.  Why do they do this?  They are addicted!

This is exactly why Samson continued this deadly game with Delilah.  He was addicted!  Samson kept going back to Delilah time and again.  I am sure there were times after she betrayed him that he said in his heart, “I am not going back to see her anymore”, but he did again.  If you keep going to Delilah eventually she will destroy you.  You must know that there is a Delilah out there waiting to destroy you.

Who Was Delilah?

On the surface we know that Delilah was a Philistine woman.  We also know that the Philistines were the sworn blood enemies of Israel (as they continue to be to this day).  Why would Samson consort with his enemy?  He was addicted!  We just as well as the question: Why do people continue to engage in destructive behavior that they know is any enemy of their body and mind?  The answer is the same: they are addicted.

On top of all of this we can see from the behavior of this woman that she was a prostitute.  Samson was raised by Godly parents so he knew this was forbidden and deadly yet he continued to visit this woman.  Why?  He was addicted.

The name “Delilah” means “languishing” and from its root we understand further that it means “to dwindle, to dry up, to slowly die, to waste away to nothing, to become impoverished, to be emptied out, to be brought low, to become a failure, to be malnourished, to shrink away to skin and bones, to be made thin.”  None of these definitions sound very favorable to Samson yet he continued to visit her until she reduced him to the level of her name.

You can sum all of this up with one word: BACKSLIDE.  Samson was playing around with backsliding.  Samson was addicted to backsliding.  Samson was addicted to Delilah.

Signs of Addiction
People can become addicted to just about anything.  Over half of the people living in the world today are addicted to something.  In America alone, it costs 530 Billion dollars a year in medical costs, deaths, and injuries due to addictions.

People can become addicted to a variety of things, the most common being alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.  Yet, I do not want to just focus on these addictions because those are not the major problems in our Pentecostal Church.  The real problem is the addiction to this World – the addiction to Backsliding.
 

Here are the signs of addiction:
1.  Extreme mood changes – MOODY.
2.  Sleeping a lot.
3.  Abrupt changes in energy levels – one day energetic and the next day lethargic.
4.  Secretive – trying to hide things.
5.  Dishonest – lying, cheating, and stealing.
6.  Unpredictable.
7.  Unreliable.
8.  Sickly.
9.  Strange friends.
10. Easily offended.
11. Unaccountable – does not want to answer to anyone.
12. Makes lots of excuses.
13. Bothered by others.
 

Does any of that sound like someone in your church?  If so then maybe they are addicted to Delilah – addicted to backsliding.  You can tell when people are addicted to backsliding in the Church.  They will become moody.  They will become unfaithful to God and the Church.  They will stop supporting the Church so they can spend their money on self.  Their addiction to self and backsliding begins to monopolize their time and money.
 
Addicted to Backsliding
Who is the Backslider?  When anything becomes more important to you than God, you are backsliding.

          Proverbs 14:14
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways:
 
There is a great danger today of those within the church becoming addicted to Delilah.  Samson displayed destructive behavior.  He knew that Delilah was unhealthy to righteousness but he continued his relationship with her nevertheless. Samson continued to flirt with Delilah.  She had already betrayed him three prior times to the Philistines.  I had to ask myself, “Why”?  He was so drunk on the pleasures of sin that he was easy prey to the enemy.

Samson was addicted to this behavior – he was addicted to Delilah – he was addicted to backsliding.  If we are not careful we will make foolish decisions like Samson did.  These deadly decisions will lead to our destruction.

People have asked me over the years to join some cause or club but I have always turned them down because all of my affection is directed towards Christ.  I have been asked to join the Lions Club and I told them, “I am already a part of The Lions Club – the Lion of the Tribe of Judah!”  Why don’t you join the Rotary Club?  I don’t need the Rotary Club because I know the Wheel in the Middle of the Wheel!  How about the Optimist Club?   I am already Optimistic – I am optimistic that I am going to Heaven!  The reason I would not join any of these is because I do not want anything trying to steal my love for God.

One preacher was asked what was worldliness and he replied, “Anything that cools my love for God is the World.” My friends, we must keep our love for God single!  A double eye, a shared love with this world, will lead you to backsliding and destruction.

The Answer To Delilah

Only the carnal man can be addicted to this world – the spiritual man is free from this world.  Look at what the word of God says:

Galatians 5:16-24

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 

The only answer to Delilah is a “Walk in the Spirit”.  I will only be free from the addictions of this flesh if I walk in the Spirit!  I am not just talking about tobacco, alcohol, and drugs – I am talking about anything that is carnal.

I can be free from carnality if I walk in the Spirit.  If I walk in the flesh then I will be doomed to fail.  There are two things specifically mentioned in the Bible that will aid our Spiritual Walk:
1.The Bible says, “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God”.  Our faith is going to be built up by reading the Word of God.  Our faith is going to be built up by going to Church and hearing the Word of God preached.
 
2.The Bible also says, “Building up your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost”.  This is not just “speaking in tongues” but this is praying until you “pray through” to the Holy Ghost.  This will build up our faith and strengthen the Spiritual Man.
 
Young people, you do not have any business dating a sinner.  Delilah is after you!  Delilah is waiting on you.  She is waiting to catch you at your most vulnerable.  I am tired of seeing people lose to Delilah!  You don’t have to be a Samson!

Watch out for the MLB, or the NFL, or the NBA will steal your affection.  Yes they will try to draw your attention away from Christ.  First they will target your attention and then they will capture your affection.  Before you know it you become addicted to the things of this world and do not have time for God any more.  You have begun a destructive relationship with Delilah and now you are languishing away.

I have seen young ladies marry a loser that will not keep a job, he stays gone and she does not know where he is, and he breaks her heart.  She gets out of this relationship and then finds her another man just like him!  Why do they keep going back to Delilah?  They are addicted!

The path to continual victory is walking in the Spirit.  Fall in love with Jesus and keep your love for Him exclusive and up-to-date.  You will find when other loves come along and try to pull you away from Jesus that you can say “No” because you are so in love with Him that nothing even intrigues your flesh.  This is a walk in the Spirit.
In Christ

unknown author

5 LEVELS OF PRAYER

5 LEVELS OF PRAYER 

(5) SEEKING THE HANDS OF GOD
The lowest form of communication with God is only because of a personal need.

John 6:2 Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased.
John 6:26 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.

During the earthly ministry of Jesus multitudes of people sought and followed Him, but very few were interested in getting to know Him. They considered Him as not much more than a Santa Claus with a bag full of goodies. He could heal their sick bodies when they need healing. He could give them food to eat when they were hungry. Only a very few thought of Jesus as someone they could enjoy fellowship with and someone who also desires fellowship with them. Today, most Christians unfortunately are living on this level of a relationship with Jesus. Prayer life is almost nothing unless a serious problem arrives.

(4) SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER (MAINTENANCE PRAYER, SURVIVAL PRAYER)

The very minimum we should pray daily is "One Hour" to live a victorious life. But, that will not make you an intercessor or a prayer warrior, it will maintain your present relationship with Jesus.

Matthew 26:40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. ”The more you pray, the more you will want to pray"
(3) SEEKING THE FACE OF GOD (MAJOR KEY TO REVIVAL)

2 Chronicles 7:14 If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Seeking the face of God is a higher level of prayer! It involves doing whatever it takes to get the answer. It involves humbling ourselves before God. It involves doing whatever it takes to bring victory. It will often include fasting....

Mark 9:29 So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
It will include the searching of our own heart..... Psalms 139:23a Search me, O God, and know my heart;.......(2) PRAYER ON THE THRONE (PRAYER AGAINST SATAN AND HIS KINGDOM)
Prayer on the throne is a spiritual warfare we engage in because of the authority we have in Christ Jesus!

2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, The church is at war! Time to put on "The Whole Armor of God"


Ephesians 6: 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Spiritual warfare is often boldness on the throne. Binding satanic powers. Commanding them to release those who we are praying for and reaching out to. As sons and daughters of the almighty, WE HAVE THIS AUTHORITY!

(1) INTERCESSORRY PRAYER

The person who sincerely seeks the face of God continually will eventually become an intercessor. We seek the face of God because of spiritual thirst. In seeking the face of God, we pray often to become more like Jesus, and to become more useful in the kingdom of God. God’s answer to these prayers is to fill us with His love, and a burden to pray for others. We become intercessors because of the burden and love.
An intercessor is a person who prays on behalf of another person or group-who stands in the gap between God and man.
GOD WANTS ALL MEN TO BE SAVED
1 Timothy 2: 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.It is the will of God for all men to be saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth. Your family members, your friends, your neighbors, the people you work with, and the people you meet on the street-it makes no difference how far from God they may be-God wants to save them. Jesus Christ loves everybody and He died for the sins of the whole human race:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.JESUS PAID THE PRICE SO THAT WE CAN CLAIM THE PROMISES FREELY. BUT HOW DO WE CLAIM THEM?
THROUGH PRAYER IN JESUS NAME!

One question for you alone to answer………What level of prayer are you at?

(5) SEEKING THE HANDS OF GOD

(4) SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER (MAINTENANCE PRAYER, SURVIVAL PRAYER)

(3) SEEKING THE FACE OF GOD (MAJOR KEY TO REVIVAL)

(2) PRAYER ON THE THRONE (PRAYER AGAINST SATAN AND HIS KINGDOM)

(1) INTERCESSORRY PRAYER

"GOD'S GOT YOUR BACK!"

"GOD'S GOT YOUR BACK!"

Isaiah 59:19 So shall they fear

The name of the Lord from the west,

And His glory from the rising of the sun;

When the enemy comes in like a flood,

The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.

20 “The Redeemer will come to Zion,

And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,”

Says the Lord.

21 “As for Me,” says the Lord, “this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants’ descendants,” says the Lord, “from this time and forevermore.”

I’ve got a message for those of you who have ever found yourself in the midst of trouble… I’ve got a message for those of you who have found yourself in the midst of problems… In the midst of circumstances… I’ve got a message for those of you who have ever found yourself all alone with no help (examples)… I believe that includes just about everybody in here…! Don’t you fool yourself and think that just because you’re Saved, Sanctified, and Filled with the Holy Ghost that it exempts you from being involved in troubled times… Don’t think that it exempts you from difficult dilemmas and messed up moments… Just because you’re moving and operating in His Will doesn’t mean that the enemy will never send some trouble your way…! For even Job declares “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble (Job 14:1)…” But isn’t it good to know that when trouble comes… Isn’t it good to know that when hell and havoc comes your way…? Isn’t it good to know that “When the enemy… Comes in like a flood, the Spirit… of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him…?” Tell somebody, “God’s Got Your Back…!”

I’m reminded of when the Children of Israel had come to what seemed like the end of their journey on the banks of Jordan, Moses told them to go on ahead… They began to wonder what would happen to them next, and the Lord said tell them… “Be strong and of a good courage do not fear, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you; He will not fail you, nor forsake you… (Deut 31:6) In other words He’s saying, “I Got Your Back…!”

That’s why He told us in James 1:2-3, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing that the trying of your faith produces patience…” (v12) “Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him…” In other words, the Lord was saying, “I Got Your Back…!”

Then the Lord tells us in 1 Peter 4:12-14, “Do not think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If you suffer for the name of Christ, blessed are you…!” In other words, the Lord was saying, “I Got Your Back…!”

When life presents itself with ever-changing variables, we’ve got to realize that we serve a God who is stationary in His Godness… He is the unmoved Mover…! For He told Jehoshaphat in 2 Chron. 20:17 “You shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD….” In other words, the Lord was saying, “I Got Your Back…!”

So many times we look all over for other folks to have our back, but during my journey in this Christian way, I’ve discovered some things about folks… I’ve discovered some disheartening and discouraging news about people… I’ve discovered that folks will fade away when the fire gets too hot… I’ve discovered that family and friends will forsake you when times get hard…. But I heard the Lord say; “I will never leave you, nor forsake you… (Hebrews 13:5)” It’s good to know that “GOD’S GOT YOUR BACK…!”

In our text that we find three clues that assure us the security of knowing that God’s Got Our Back…!

I. SANCTIONED SPIRIT TO LIFT UP A STANDARD

(v19) If you know anything about floods..When they come, no matter how many sandbags you put up, or how big of a dam you have...Water has a way of getting over, through, or around it… And when the water does make its way past the sandbags… Over the walls of the dam…

It has a way of engulfing any and anything in its path… It has a way of overtaking and overwhelming everything within its reach…! And such is the case with enemy in our lives today… For I’ve come to the startling and stunning realization that no matter many sandbags you put up… No matter how big of a dam you have… The enemy (just like flood waters) has a way of getting over, through, or around them… He has a way of infiltrating and penetrating right through to the very fabric of our lives and reeking havoc… But our text here says… “The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard…”

Let me suggest to you this morning that we can’t get wrapped up in what the enemy is doing to us… Just know that God’s Got Your Back…! He has sanctioned… He has approved… He has authorized… He has allowed… The Spirit to come to our rescue and lift up a standard… He has authorized a means of support on our behalf…! He has authorized the Spirit… The Comforter… To bear us up in times of weakness…

(Rom 8:26) “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses...” As the Spirit lifts up this standard, It is in actuality, lifting up the very Excellence and Authority of God… And because we are partakers of His Spirit, we have a right to walk in His Excellence and His Authority…! And because we have that right… It doesn’t matter what the enemy tries to do to you… You can rest assured that God’s Got Your Back…! Why? Because He’s put up the standard…! He’s put up the very Excellence and Authority of God…!

Likewise, He has given the Spirit the authority to operate on our behalf… The Holy Spirit is our Paraclete… Our Attorney… Our Defense… So every time the enemy tries to come against you, know that because of the Spirit’s intervention, he won’t be able to touch you… Because when the enemy chooses to come at you with his fiery darts of doubt, disbelief, and disappointment… The Paraclete raises up in your defense…!

So every time the enemy comes your way in an effort to overthrow you… The Lord, by way of the Spirit jumps up and says, “I Got Your Back…!” Every time the enemy tries to remind of past failures … The Lord says, “I Got Your Back…!” Every time the enemy tries to remind you of past hurts … The Lord says, “I Got Your Back…!”

Every time the enemy tries to remind of past heartaches… The Lord, says, “I Got Your Back…!” Because He has Sanctioned The Sprit To Lift Up A Standard (v 19) Anothing reason you know that GOD’S GOT YOUR BACK, is because He’s…!

II. REINFORCED US W/ THE REDEEMER

(v20) Not only has God Sanctioned the Spirit to Lift Up a Standard… But likewise He has added to our strength by Reinforcing us with the Redeemer…!

God has fortified our position by sending His Only Begotten Son, Jesus as our Redeemer…! The truth of the matter is that He has come not only to redeem us from sin but also from the hand of the enemy…! The word redeemer comes from the Greek word ga’al (gaw-al’)… It is the primitive root of redeem (according to the law of kinship). Used in the context of an avenger, deliverer, purchaser, revenger, or one who ransoms… Therefore that fact is evident that God’s got our back because He has allowed Jesus, The Redeemer… To pay the price at Calvary in order that we might be redeemed…!

It’s good to know that we’ve got a Loving Redeemer… One who was willing to stand in our place… For it’s because of Christ’s redemptive work that we have a right to eternal life…! I don’t know about you, but I’m glad that He took my place…! I’m glad that He hung, bled, and died for a filthy old wretch like me… Not only has He died for my sins, and paid the ransom for me, but my Bible lets me know that one day He’s coming back…To redeem me…!

(The text says…) Notice who He’s coming for… He’s coming back for those that have turned from their transgressions… Those who have turned to Holy Living…! Those who have turned from their sin… (2 Chron. 7:14) He’s coming for His people… “Who are His people?”

(1 Peter 2:9) “Chosen Generation… Royal Priesthood… Holy Nation… Peculiar People… People who are to proclaim the praises of the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light…” Don’t expect God to have your back, and you’re not doing His Will… Don’t expect God to bail you out and you’re doing your own thing…! For I’ve found out that if you’re standing on God’s Word and standing in God’s Will…You won’t have to worry about the enemy… If you’re in His Word and His Will, every time Satan tries to come your way, you’ll find out that God’s Got Your Back…! And the good thing about is that He won’t call up the Armed Forces… He won’t activate the National Guard… For He’ll just simply allow the Redeemer… His Son Jesus Christ… To step in right on time… And as you stand on His Word and His Will… He’ll reinforce you…!

When the enemy puts anger in your spirit… The Redeemer will reinforce you… With some Kindness… When the enemy puts discord in your spirit… The Redeemer will reinforce you… With some Peace… When the enemy puts hatred in your spirit… The Redeemer will reinforce you… With some Love… For Jesus… The Reinforcer of Righteousness… Reinforces us with His Power… It doesn’t matter what things look like… When the enemy comes, remember what Paul said, “All things work together for the good of them who love the Lord… And are called according to His purpose…!” He’s Sanctioned The Spirit To Lift up A Standard... He’s Reinforced you with the Redeemer…! But most of all, He’s...

III. COVERED IN US HIS COVENANT

(v21) The final point of our text assures us to the fact that indeed God’s got our back because He has covered us… sheltered us… And secured us in His Covenant…! (text)…

As I continued to look further into what the Lord was saying, I discovered that this verse was the preamble… the preface… the forerunner of what was to come… It was the initial indication and assurance of the fact that indeed God’s got our back…! Verse 21 is the reaffirming of the covenant that was given to the forefathers before the coming of the Redeemer…! But now that the Redeemer has come…! (Now that Jesus Christ has come…!) Now that He has already come into a sin-sick world…. And redeemed us… Hebrews 8:10 is the confirmation that lets us know that now we are covered under a New Covenant…! (He makes it personal…) “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days… I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts… And I will be their God, and they shall be My people…” (See if I got this straight…) If He is my God… And I am His child… Then I know that He’s got my back…! I know that He’s got me Covered…!

For Psalms 91:1-4 tells me (make it personal)… “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (I will say of the Lord,) He is my refuge and my fortress… (He is) My God, (and) in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver me from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover me with His feathers, and under His wings I shall take refuge; His truth shall be my shield and buckler…” Tell somebody, “God’s Got Your Back…!” How do you know…? Because He’s Covered You In His Covenant…! (Title) What do you mean…? God’s got you wrapped up, tied up, and tangled up in Jesus…!

I don’t know about you, but I’m so glad that I’m covered… I’m glad that God’s Got Me Covered…

Covered In His Goodness:

(David said in Psalms 23:4-6)

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me…

Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever…” Tell somebody, “God’s Got Your Back…!”

I’m so glad that God’s Got Me Covered…

Covered In His Strength:

(King Hezekiah said in Psalms 46:1-3)

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof…”

I’m so glad that God’s Got Me Covered…

Covered In His Blood:

(Paul said in Romans 5:8-11)

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, now having been justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation…” Tell somebody, “God’s Got Your Back…!”

I don’t care what you’re going through… If family turns their back on you… When friends forsake you… Just know that…

“Though the storms keep on raging in my life,

And sometimes it’s hard to tell the night from day…

Still the hope that lies within is reassured,

As I keep my eye upon the distant shore…

I know He’ll lead me to the blessed place He has prepared… But if the storms don’t cease…

And if the winds keep on blowing in my life…

My soul is anchored in the Lord…!”

Because… “My Hope Is Built…”

4 LIFE CHANGING WORDS

                                    4 LIFE CHANGING WORDS
         LUKE 7:44-48
44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this
woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet:
but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of
her head.
45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath
not ceased to kiss my feet.
46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed
my feet with ointment.
47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for
she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

Can four words really change your life?
 Sure they can!
 Examples:
 I'm sorry, it's cancer.
 Yes, you are pregnant.
 You owe one thousand.
 Please take a number.
 The baby needs changed.
                Jesus changes lives, and did so in our text with just four words! 

What an incredible moment when Jesus said those 4 life-changing
words – “Thy sins are forgiven”
 Listen to those words again.
 Say them with me.
 Take the statement apart:
 “Thy” – the pronoun of the 2nd person in the nominative, objective
case, indicating the person being addressed.
In other words, He’s talking to YOU.
He’s addressing YOU.
               Lets break these 4 words down!
“Thy” – the pronoun of the 2nd person in the nominative, objective
case, indicating the person being addressed.
 In other words, He’s talking to YOU.
 He’s addressing YOU.
He’s addressing ME.
 He’s addressing US.
 This is not some cold, impersonal, or flippant comment.
 He’s not talking about someone else’s sins.
 He’s talking to YOU.
 You can’t do anything about anyone else’s sin, so quit worrying
about them, and start dealing with your own.
 Jesus is addressing YOU today!
 “Sins” – Those times in your life when you have missed the mark;
erred; offended someone; wronged someone; made a mistake; had
sinful desires; not believed; had no faith; did not trust God; were
lewd in words or actions; habitually messed up; deviated from God’s
plan for your life; failed in the performance of your duties; broken an
OT commandment; broken a NT commandment; when you have
fallen short.
 The Bible says we all have sinned and fall short, no matter who
we are.
 A little boy had just received the Holy Ghost and he sat on a bench
next to an old man who looked upset. The little boy said to the man,
"Sir, do you need to get saved?" The man, startled, said abruptly,
"I’ll have you know I’ve been a Deacon in this church for over 30
years and Chairman of Deacons for 15 years." The little boy
responded, "Sir, it don’t matter what you done, Jesus can still save
you!"

“Are” – a simple verb declaring and affirming this truth right now.
 “Thy sins are _____________” what?
 Fill in the blank...
 Obvious?
 Hidden?
 Heavy?
 Weighing you down?
 Killing you?
 Destroying you?
 Destroying others?
 Waking you up at night?
 The declaration of the word “ARE” means it is an affirmation of a
“RIGHT NOW” God!
So why is that people who dwell too long on their sin and refuse to
release it to God.
 Today is the day of Salvation…
 Now is the accepted time…
 God is a God who can do it “RIGHT NOW!!!”
“Forgiven” – What a word!
 It means that you have been pardoned; your sins have been canceled.
 You have been loosed, and set free.
 Your sins have been released from you.
 You have been freed from the slavery to sin to become a servant
of God your Creator.
 You now have the ability to follow after God instead of fleeing
from Him.
 You now have the ability to flee from sin and run to the Lord.
 What does this mean?
 What are the implications for us today?
 To know that your sins are forgiven means: There exists the
possibility of a personal relationship with God.
 To have a “right relationship” we must be right with God.
Jesus’ death on the cross makes your forgiveness possible.
 He paid the price.
 He was the perfect sacrifice, the perfect Lamb that was slain for
my sins and yours.
 Jesus’ resurrection from the grave makes a relationship with God
possible.
 If He had stayed in the grave, we would have no Savior, no
eternal life, and no place in heaven.
 There exists the possibility of a restored relationship with God.
 There exists the possibility of restored relationships with others.
 Because we are forgiven, we are called to be forgivers.

Bible Verses on Abuse & Violence

Many people think that the Bible has very little to say about abuse, and yet there are countless bible verses which speak clearly and definitely on the subjects of domestic abuse and domestic violence.

Quite often, if we as victims approach and confide in an elder, priest, or member of our Church, hoping for some support and encouragement, we can leave feeling even more guilty and trapped than we did formerly. We may be told that the abuse is due to our own lack of submissiveness, or our own sinfulness, that we would not suffer if our faith was greater, or that we will be rewarded in the next life for the suffering we experience in this one (!?!). I have heard of women who have been told earnestly by their vicar that it would be better for them to die at the hands of their abusive husband than to seek a separation and protection for their children!

When talking to Church members we have to realise that understanding of Domestic Abuse is still in its infant stages in many Churches, and that the majority of people (including elders, vicars and priests) still hold basic misconceptions regarding the dynamics of an abusive relationship and have formed their opinions less on what Scripture says, and more on those myths generally held in society. An added hurdle is to be found especially in the more fundamental denominations, where the mistaken belief is often that such things may happen "in the World", but not in a good Christian home!

The question, however, for every Christian person should not be what does our Church say about our situation, but what does the LORD say to us in the Bible, according to which both our Church should be based, and more importantly, according to which we, as individuals, should try to live?

The Bible condemns violence and violent men

Many passages in the Bible speak out on the issue of violence, and GOD's attitude toward those that repeatedly use violence:

Psalms 11:5 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

Zephaniah 1:9 In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit.

Psalms 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

Malachi 2:16-17 “I hate [...] a man’s covering his wife with violence, as well as with his garment.” says the Lord Almighty...."You have wearied the Lord with your words.” “How have we wearied him?” you ask. By saying “all who do evil are good in the eyes of the Lord, and he is pleased with them,” or “Where is the God of justice?”. (NIV alternate translation)

In a similar way, 'wrath' or anger is condemned as being sinful, as is sexual abuse:

James 1:19,20 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Ephesians 5:3-5 But fornication (note: that is to say, sexual immorality, including sexual abuse), and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God

What the Bible says about Verbal Abuse

Scripture also shows us that the very words we speak can be considered as a form of violence:

Proverbs 10:6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

Matthew 5:21,22 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire

As followers of Christ we are encouraged to consider everything we say to one another, whether it stands the test of being for the benefit of the hearer - verbal abuse surely does not qualify:

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

The LORD sympathises and offers comfort to those who are afflicted

The LORD does hear our prayers, He does care when we cry. He is there to comfort, guide us and heal us.

Psalms 18:48 He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

2 Samuel 22:28 And the afflicted people thou wilt save: but thine eyes are upon the haughty, that thou mayest bring them down.

Psalms 22:24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.

Psalms 140:12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.

Psalms 72:14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.

Psalms 9:9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Psalms 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

Psalms 146:7 Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:

The Church has a responsibility to hold abusers accountable and to help victims

Firstly, the Church - and each individual follower of Christ - has a responsibility to offer comfort and help to those who are oppressed (by their partner), needy (of reassurance and protection), weak (due to the constant onslaught of abuse) and in distress.

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Hebrews 12:12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

Proverbs 31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

Jeremiah 22:3 Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.

Genesis 42:21 And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.

Isaiah 35:3,4 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.

Secondly, the Church also has a responsibility to hold the abuser accountable, to admonish him, to judge (that is, to investigate and discern right from wrong) and to encourage the abuser to change his/her ways:

Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

James 5:19,20 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do

1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

1 Corinthians 6:1-3 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

As the above verses indicate, we, today, are encouraged to show a sinning Brother or Sister the error of their ways. In the Old Testament, those who had the position of being the spiritual guides of the God's people likewise had an obligation to warn those who were doing wrong of the consequences that would ensue if they did not change their ways. The words are non-compromising:

Ezekiel 3:17-19 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Thirdly, the manner in which the abuser is to be admonished (i.e. the spirit in which to approach him/her) is also spelled out for us Not one of us is perfect - our aim is not to condemn the person - whom Christ has called - but to condemn the actions, and try to encourage recognition of the sin, repentance and a change in ways:

2 Thessalonians 3:15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

We are to shun those that consistently oppress or wantonly harm others

Jesus laid out a clear and simple procedure to follow in the event of dealing with an erring brother (or sister!):

Mat. 18:15-17 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Those, who after several admonishings still stubbornly refuse to change their ways, are to be 'marked' or 'put away' - they are to be 'shamed' to the end that they realise the seriousness of their sin and repent:

1 Corinthians 5:9-13 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

2 Thessalonians 3:14,15 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Note: in all our dealings and communication with someone who has sinned, with an abuser in this instance, we have to remember that the aim is ALWAYS to try to seek a change of heart and ways in them. Hence it is also our duty to continuously encourage the abuser to face up to his personal responsibility, to repent and to seek forgiveness, and thereby be healed. Unrepentant, they are as the lost sheep in Christ's parable:
Matthew 18:12-14 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Scripture on how to treat each other

Christ has called us unto Peace, not fear, he has called us to follow his example of serving one another, not dominating each other, he has called us to Truth, not to deceit and hypocrisy. Christ has called us to Love, not to abuse.

Eph. 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Colossians 3:12,13 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

2 Peter 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Matthew 18:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

1 Peter 3:8 Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Bibliography

Where not otherwise stated, all quotations have been taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

No Place for Abuse - Biblical and Practical Resources to Counteract Domestic Violence , by Catherine Clark Kroeger & Nancy Nason-Clark, InterVarsity Press, Illinois (to find out more and purchase the book, please check out the recommended reading in the left bar.)

Return from Bible Verses on Abuse & Violence to Religion and DV.

How the Christian Church is Failing Abused Women

I agree completely with this lady! Please read and leave your thoughts.


One of the more difficult things to recover from during the process of divorce from my narcissistic ex-husband was the treatment I received from other Christians. To be fair, none of it was intentionally mean-spirited and all of these people truly believed they were encouraging me from God's word. Unfortunately, the “advice” I received kept me trapped in an abusive marriage three years longer than I should have been.
The thing is, all of the responsibility for keeping my marriage together was placed squarely on my shoulders. I was to “forgive as Christ forgave you” and basically have no expectation that my ex-husband should change his dreadful behavior. Outside of Christian circles, the behavior I was encouraged to adopt is called co-dependency.
It all started when my ex put on a performance for the pastor, the way that narcissists do. My ex-husband had a number of issues that were finally coming to light. One was a hidden sexual addiction that had been going on since before our marriage. He also refused to work more than seasonally and was treating me in an increasingly hostile manner. While he claimed to be perfect the way he was, he had no issue talking about who else was going to hell. When I dared to question my faith, I was told that I was one of them. The pastor was appalled when I first confided in him and told me I had every right to leave the marriage; however, it was a different story after he talked to the ex a few days later.
The pastor assured me that my ex, with tears in his eyes, “would do anything to keep his family together”. Anything except being held accountable, that is. It was an oscar -worthy performance, but when it came time to actually go to counseling or make any attempt to change, I was made out to be the one with the problem.
Two golden nuggets of advice from my pastor that I will never forget are “never bring it up again” and “it's all on you to forgive”. I can hardly describe what those words did to my soul. I was not allowed to feel hurt, angry or insist that my ex seek help. He said he was sorry and that was the end of it. It probably comes as no surprise that I had a mental and physical breakdown 18 months later. Naturally, my faith must have been lacking to “allow” myself to get so sick.
There were also several women in the church who took it upon themselves to save my marriage. No matter how abusive my ex's behavior got, I was not permitted to even think of divorce, because after all, “God hates divorce”. Oh, how I hate that quote and how it is misused into guilting people to stay in abusive marriages. I had to focus on being attractive to him, forgiving him for everything and having no expectations. We just continued to “pray for him” and he was never held accountable for a single thing.
The Church Needs to Get Real
I love the Christian church, but sometimes I would like to issue it an invitation to join the 21st century. What I mean by this is, Church, please educate yourself about mental illness before offering such simplistic solutions that do more harm than good. My ex-husband was severely mentally ill and his particular issue of narcissism made it extremely unlikely that he would ever change or even seek help. Please do not assume that all marriages can or even should be saved.
Church, you are not God, you are simply his vessel. I believe with all my heart that God loves individual people more than He does their marriages, and if a marriage is causing one person to suffer so much that they can't serve Him effectively, He is merciful to allow a new start. Of course, it is God's desire to see marriages healthy and whole; unfortunately, we all have a free will and this doesn't happen nearly as often as it should.
I grew weary of hearing it preached from the pulpit that people give up too easily on marriage and should stay together no matter what. While it's certainly true that some couples give up when they face the slightest challenges, pastors can not assume that is always the case. What if you are preaching the “stay together at all costs” sermon and an abused wife who was just summoning up the courage to leave her abuser hears it and feels so guilty that she goes home, only to get beaten again?
Instead of heaping guilt on women who are already being abused at home, the church needs to do a better job of confronting the issue of abusive marriages, both physical and emotional. It is the white elephant of Christianity, and it is sitting in the front pew. Counseling and support groups need to be made available to the abused party in a marriage while the abusive spouse needs to be held accountable for his actions. Forgiveness is, of course, the right approach to take, but it should be offered along with accountability, not in place of it.
I'm in a Better Place Now
The abuse I experienced in my marriage was difficult enough without experiencing judgment by those I trusted to help. However, in the end I realized it was my life and leaving my abusive marriage was between me and God and no one else. I knew that people who were trying to be helpful were only trying to bring about reconciliation and healing of my marriage, and honestly did not know the circumstances I lived with. What made it especially difficult was that my narcissistic ex-husband is a brilliant actor, and he could convince anyone that he was actually the victim of my mental illness and not the other way around.
I came to see my former church as a dysfunctional family and knew that I had to leave if I was to recover emotionally. It was more painful for me to leave there then it was to leave my 13-year marriage, but ultimately it was the best decision I could have made. God was beside me every step of the way and has lead me to a new church, a new marriage and a way of life that is healthy and where I am not afraid to set boundaries.
It would be easy for me to stay stuck in bitterness and think my spiritual advisors should have done a better job. They could have, but I have also learned a lot in this journey which has allowed me to speak to others in a similar situation. I have learned to listen to a person's heart, especially my own.
If I had one piece of advice to offer to Christian women who are in the kind of marriage I was in, it would be to listen to God and no one else. The mistake I made was running around getting everyone else's advice and not taking the time to listen to that still small voice within. I assumed God's will was for my marriage to be saved, when in fact it was for me to know the freedom that comes from letting go. I thank Him for that mercy every day.

© Lisa Kroulik May 27, 2011

"THE POWER OF GOD, THE POWER OF SUBMISSION"

 

 Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

As a child of God we should not have to run around in search for power, we should be saturated with power!
We have the POWER to be more than a conquer, you have the POWER to be the Victor, you have the POWER to bind and the POWER to loose, you have the POWER to declare that GOD can arise in your life and your enemies be scattered!

The first thing about the POWER of GOD is that He is the only source of legitimate POWER!

Matt 6:13
...for thine is the Kingdom and the POWER, and the Glory forever ,Amen.

It's in this verse it clearly states that the Kingdom of God is not one Kingdom amongst many Kingdoms....It is the only KINGDOM!
The Glory of GOD is not to be shared with anyone at any point in time, for all the Glory of GOD goes to GOD!
The POWER of GOD did not come from any other source, but GOD all my Himself is ALL POWERFUL!
Each and everyone of us have received POWER from something else but not GOD,GOD is POWERFUL all by Himself!

We could spend eternity and still not have enough time to grasp the unbelievable awesome POWER of GOD!

Paul describes His POWER this way....Eph 3:20
He said Gods POWER is unbelievably Awesome!

Gen 18:14
God ask Abraham a question that He is asking many of us today.
Is there anything to hard for the Lord?
Abraham was at a moment in his life where he had lost all hope in having a son with his wife Sarah.
The thought of Abraham being able to produce was enough to make Sarah laugh!
Yet Sarah was about to find out what most of us need to learn about the POWER of GOD!
The GOD we serve is so POWERFUL that He calls those things that are not as though they were and suddenly when he
declares it they become whatever He said they would be.

Hei is so POWERFUL He can look at the greatest failure in your life and declare i'm going to work this out for your good.
The day of your greatest tragedy becomes your moment of your triumph!

He is so POWERFUL that all He has to do is mention the word and suddenly the WEAK become STRONG,DEAD things come
back to LIFE, IMPOSSIBLE becomes POSSIBLE, CROOKED becomes STRAIGHT.
OLD things are passed away and behold all things become NEW! Because nothing absolutely nothing is impossible with GOD!

I know God is POWERFUL but you don't know what the doctor said, you don't know what the experts said ........ROM 8:31..
IF GOD BE FOR US WHO CAN BE AGAINST US!!! He is more POWERFUL than your diagnosis, He is more POWERFUL than your circumstances.
Stop walking around saying i know GOD can but my circumstances states.....we need to look at the Devil and say I know what my circumstance is but my GOD is all POWERFUL and i know He is able!!!

Great education might help you harness the POWER of the mind, but Faith in GOD will help you capture the mind of the ALL KNOWING ONE!
If you have faith in GOD you have all the POWER you need.
HEB 11:6
Stop looking in everything that is going wrong and have Faith in a God that does everything right!

The mere fact that GOD'S mercy is renewed each morning is a daily reminder of how POWERFUL GOD is!!!
Do you know how much POWER it takes to forgive?
We are not as forgiving as we should be yet God is so POWERFUL that His mercies are renewed each morning.
In other words He looks at all of us and says i will give you another chance when the sun comes up.
THATS POWER!!!

For a moment look at Calvary and consider God's POWER on display.
Do you understand how much POWER it took to be submitted to Calvary?
He was not arrested by Rome, He submitted to Rome!
He was not on trial by Pilate, He allowed Pilate to question Him!
You and I would not have had the POWER to get out of the circumstance that He was in, but He possessed such POWER that
with just one mention He could have called ten thousand angels to destroy everyone who laid their hands on Him that day.

We can see his POWER on display as He demonstrates restraint when Herods men of war slapped Him, mock Him and spit in His face.
With just the snap of His fingers He could have destroyed them.
Yet He was so POWERFUL that He submitted and endured it.

Listen to the cat of nine tails as it finds it's way across His back and rips the flesh from His bones. 39 times He submitted Himself.
The nails in His hands and feet didn't hold Him to the cross, He remained on the cross because that's how POWERFUL He truly was.
Calvary is a demonstration of His POWER on display!
At any moment in time He could have said NO!, if this is what it cost to redeem the soul's of men...it's not worth it!
But because He is Almighty and all POWERFUL He endured/submitted to the cross.
He is so POWERFUL that He submitted Himself to the created that they might crucify Him that you and i can be set free!
WHAT APPEARED TO BE THE EXUCUTION OF A COMMON MAN BECAME THE MOST AWESOME DISPLAY OF POWER IN HISTORY! BY DYING OUR DEATH HE GAVE US A CHANCE OF EVERLASTING LIFE!
THAT'S POWER!!!