Pointers on how to navigate through this life.

 

A Sixty-Year-Old’s Perspective.

As we become older it’s easier to look at life and what we have learned because we look in retrospection to it.

Maybe, if I had this information when life was still winking brightly to me, I could have made better choices. So, my hope is, though you might not understand all that I am writing now that you will tuck it away somewhere in your cupboard to revisit. Making sure you are on the right track.

Pointers on how to navigate through this life.

Whatever life may bring you; it will be good to keep these markers as signposts close by.

Because my favourite medium of communication is writing I have done so and trust that it will bring clarity into your own life.

Writing has been a cornerstone of our culture since the Stone Age, when early humans inscribed pictures on rocks using ink made from plants, blood, and mud.

Writers are a big part of our everyday life. The written word, whether in news articles, motivational pieces, or fiction, leaves a lasting imprint. It expresses thoughts, emotions, truths, and falsehoods. It can be offensive or revolutionary, beautiful or ugly. Words can elevate or diminish us, yet their thread consistently draws us towards authenticity.

The Bible exemplifies the written literature. When you read the New Testament, you see that the manner of communication was always letters. Paul wrote to his spiritual sons, giving them explicit instructions on how to live and walk in their faith.

The moment words are written, it’s binding. In Nebuchadnezzar’s time, it was a degree that couldn’t be changed. People who tried were killed.

We can dissect the meaning of the Words. We can decipher the writer’s thinking, and the era reflected in the writing. It is a source of reflection and deeper understanding and has tremendous value for the next generation. Therefore, libraries were built throughout history to contain its wisdom, and bookshops still have a place in society no matter the boom in web serving. We long to connect on a deeper level to understand ourselves and the world God has given us.

The four gospels narrated Jesus’s life through the eyes of his disciples. People we trust because they have walked alongside Jesus, therefore, are expert witnesses.

The books of Moses were a testimony of God’s faithfulness and his development as a leader. We gain insight from this patriarch’s life. These books are accounts of Israel and their journey through the desert, serving as a symbolic reminder of why it’s essential to obey God’s commands. What we read in there remains relevant today.

Internet’s vast book collection notwithstanding, another book proves essential. Each person’s viewpoint holds equal significance to those of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John. Each piece adds another layer of wisdom and understanding into the deeper things of God and our race.

Why this piece, you wonder?

December is my birth month, but what makes 2024’s birthday special is that I will celebrate my 60th birthday.

60. Yep, it’s unbelievable, right?

When I was ten, 60 was ancient. It was my grandmother's age, and I could not phantom the number nor the age dynamic. At 20, I believed 60 was a long way off. There was no need to think of it. When I was 30, 60 became into my scope but it didn’t bother me. I still had plenty of time to accomplish my dreams. Turning 40 gave me some insight, but by then, my path was established, and reversing the course felt impossible. So why bother, right?

I think 50 was a wakeup call, and clarity dawned on me when I had a reality check. But by then, my resources were limited, and time had turned into an adversary. With no second changes, I had to fight to stand on my feet and get to grips that time was turning against me. Therefore, I should use each minute wisely.

And now I am at that stage. The grandmother-stage. I have two beautiful grandsons with the world before them. They think as I once did, even if they don’t say it. Now, it is my responsibility to document the lessons I’ve learned for them to read and hopefully act upon before it’s too late.

For several days, I reflected on these lessons and realized how often I’ve gone in circles, reaching the same outcome during my course. We must break the circle if we want to have better results.

So, here are a few things that stood out for me.

• God is the Source; the rest is only a resource.
• God’s Word takes president over humanistic philosophy.
• Don’t interpret the Bible willy-nilly and follow ignorant people. Truly understand it by studying it. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.
• Trust the Holy Spirit and guard your heart.
• Take the time to know God. Get the culture right from the beginning and teach your children.
• Don’t open doors to any kind of sin. Sin is a momentary excuse to change your path wrapped in a red bow. Overcome every evil with the Written Word. If you see something is wrong, act on it, immediately.
• Never be afraid to speak the truth. However, always speak in love. If you don’t know how, read the Bible.
• Remember, unfairness is a humanistic word. God is supreme, therefore trust Him alone.
• Likewise, entitlement is an abomination before God. Work for what you want. Press in and never stop. Even when you are as old as father time, press in.
• Be vigilant. The devourer will try to trip you, but God’s Word will show the way. Never be afraid of God’s blacksmith, he’s only purpose is to test you. The test is not your destination, the winning line is.
• Don’t ask, “Why me?” Rather ask, “What must I learn from this?” And move on.
• Don’t open a door to poverty, it will lead to ruin.
• Don’t indulge in debauchery of any kind. It will damage you and your children.
• If you don’t change your trajectory, you will not change your future.
• Don’t believe a half truth. It’s a lie. No matter how good the reason may be, it remains a lie.
• Righteousness is more valuable than anything else.
• Never throw your pearls before the swine. They will devour it, trample over you and roll in the mud with it. It’s their nature.
• Don’t count your eggs before they hatch.
• Trust is the only commodity you have. Use it wisely, even if you must walk alone.
• Save. The moment you receive your first pay, begin to save. Don’t wait until you make “enough” before you begin. You will never have “enough” so begin small. You will thank yourself later.
• Learn. Use every opportunity to learn and study. Never wait or use tiredness as an excuse. Never use busyness as a way of stalling. Begin.
• Follow your dreams, no matter the obstacle.
• Enjoy each moment. Live in the present.
• Love with your whole heart.
• Be respectful… even those you think don’t deserve it. You are not better than them.
• “What if” or “but” has no value, dismiss it. It’s like cotton candy: very sweet, yet it doesn’t satisfy your inner being. Only God can fill the void.
• Be passionate about life. Happiness is not in a bottle or pill. Never trust it. It will rob you of valuable time and resources.
• Stay on course. Allow God to remain at the steering wheel.
• Never despise small beginnings.
• Time is a commodity that must be spend wisely.
• Pick your battles.

Things to walk away from:

• If something sounds too good to be true, it is.
• Don’t trust the wrong people. When they show you their true colours, trust them. They know themselves better than you do.
• If someone tells you they love you, but show something different…
• If someone doesn’t value you, walk away. Whether it’s a spouse or friend.
• Never pact with wolves. They are only out for themselves.
• Don’t mingle with dogs; they always return to vomit or dig out dead bones; reminding you of past failures.
• Beware of the harlot on the street corner. She is deceptive and cunning and will influence you to turn away from righteousness.
• Respect and trust are expensive, don’t sell it for a momentary solution.

Practical things with value: Good habits is the foundation of your existence, stick with them.

·         Make up your bed, every day. Even if you have a maid, tidy it yourself. Clean your own mess.

·         Take a bath/shower every day.

·         Comb/wash your hair often.

·         Dress neatly. Iron your clothes, clean your shoes. No one will wonder what the label was, but they will remember your neatness.

·         Keep your car clean.

·         Put on a smile.

·         Be punctual.

·         Be consistent.

·         Be respectful. Whether it is the cleaning lady or the president.

·         Read – a lot.

Pointers on how to navigate through this life. by Lynelle Clark

Verlore Gisters deur Lynelle Clark. Beskikbaar in Kindle en e-boek.

Genre: Misterieuse Spanningsverhaal

Uitgewer: Ns. Skrywershuis Publikasies teen R40 per eboek

ISBN: 978-1-7764392-8-7

Bladsye: 85

In ons daaglikse keuses berus die besluit tussen goed en kwaad by ons. Watter een sal seëvier. Kies ons verkeerd, wel, dan moet ons die prys betaal. Die vraag is wat sal jy doen om jou kind se nagedagtenis in ere te herstel?

Skakels:

Goodreads: Verlore Gisters, ’n Spannende misterie-novelle.

Smashwords / Amazon / NS Skrywershuis / Barnes & Noble / Apple /  

 

Sinopsis

 

Die Kennis van Goed en Kwaad is die dryfveer van Verlore Gisters. In ons daaglikse keuses berus die besluit by ons watter een sal seëvier. Kies ons verkeerd, wel, dan moet ons die prys betaal. Die vraag is wat sal jy doen om jou kind se nagedagtenis in ere te herstel? 

Bertha Geldenhuis se lewe het ’n lelike draai gemaak die dag toe sy met Heino Beetge en sy vriende deurmekaar geraak het. Die prys van dié vriendskap het haar alles wat belangrik is gekos.  

Wanneer hoop net ’n vae begrip word en vriendskap yler as hoendertande, dan weet jy jou keuse was ʼn fout. Sou sy die een hand wat wel na haar uitgehou word vat, of sou sy aanhou om die verkeerde besluite te neem? Die besluit van kennis van goed ... of kwaad? 

Luitenant-Kolonel Hendrik Swanepoel is op die drumpel van aftrede. Sy lewe as oujongkêrel en toegewyde polisieman was vervullend. Maar die dag toe hy Bertha Geldenhuis ontmoet, was sy keuses afgebaken in hoopvolle meetsnoere.  

Met die ewige vraag: wat beteken die kennis van goed en kwaad nou eintlik, word hy aangespoor om die antwoord vir Bertha te soek. Wat hy vind is meer as net ’n antwoord. Dit is ’n openbaring wat hom op wye draaie sou vat.  

Hoop is soms al wat ons het om aan vas te hou ...  

’n Spannende misterie-novelle.  

Verlore Gisters deur Lynelle Clark

 

Declarations of immediacy.

Spotify

Declare this word right now in the name of Jesus.

In the beginning of the year, we received the scripture in Matt 11:12 as our key scripture for the year. It says, “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.”

Once the scripture is unpacked, you cannot sit still or stay passive in your pursuit of a mature walk. As a baby in Christ, you receive all that God has promised you, but as you begin to read and learn more, you will see a definite change in pace. There is also a demand to become more mature in the things God has called you to do, and to be obedient. This maturity takes commitment and dedication to step into the calling God has for you.

It demands time within the word and put away all childish ways. The responsibility to turn what you have learned into a practical demonstration also increase with a greater urgency. If you want to see change you must become the change.

Declaring an immediacy comes with a warning sign and should not be taken lightly. You won’t be pampered but will be expected to grow up.

God works quickly. We won’t understand all He is doing and how He does it, but we must be ready to act. So, if you are ready and willing, then declare this into your life and your family’s life. Be unafraid, like David to storm your Goliath with all your might.

I want to prophesy some aspects of acceleration over your life from the book of Mark. I will add these declarations with the scriptures to my blog as well. Do visit and follow the blog for updates. And click the follow button of this podcast to stay connected.

Right through the Book of Mark, you will come across the word immediately. Mark is known as the apostle of acceleration. The sudden moment that will shift you from the old into the new. Let there be a sudden moment that will propel you to the next step into your life.

The Lord will appear suddenly in his holy Temple.

I pray He will appear suddenly in you, as His temple. That God will turn up in your ministry, and in your family, in your workplace and in every other area God opens doors to you.

In every way, let Him appear suddenly.

Declare:

Mark 1: 10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

I declare an open Heaven over your life. Immediately; oppressive elements must depart from your life. Immediately you have to come to the place called sonship. A new position of dominion and authority. Amen.

Verse 12 Immediately, the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. 13 And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him.

I declare over your life that immediately; you will be led by the spirit of God and while tempted be able to declare; It is written.

Verse 18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

I declare that immediately; you will leave all structures, old strategies, old methods and follow Him. The old way of doing won’t work in this new shift. Be ready to be challenged.

Verse 20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.

I declare that immediately; you will leave sentimental relationships. Immediately you will leave old fathers, and false fathers, in the name of Jesus that holds you back from your destiny. Take that step into the new life. Become adventurous in the ways of God.

Verse 21 Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

I declare that immediately; you will begin to teach the word of the Lord. Immediately, you will begin to teach with authority directly from the Throne of God.

Verse 27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” 28 And immediately His fame spread throughout all the regions around Galilee.

I declare with you that immediately; God’s Fame will spread throughout Every Nation, every tongue, and every city you touch. Immediately, this message will go viral. What you carry within you will spread to the outer parts of the world. Your influence will reach those willing listen.

Verse 30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. 31 So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.

Verse 42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.

I declare with you that immediately; signs and miracles and wonders must follow the ministry of the word of God.

Mark 2: 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them.

I declare to you an immediate increase in your territory. You will become better and better; you will become bigger and bigger and so begin to increase your territory. Begin to build bigger buildings. Expand your tent pegs so that the master’s will will come in soon.

Verse 8 But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts?

I declare to you an immediate maturity to come into your life. Immediately; discernment will come into your life.

Verse 12 Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

I declare to you that immediately; you will begin to shift people from inaccurate systems into the Kingdom of God.

Mark 4: 26 And He said, “The Kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27 and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. 28 For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. 29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

I declare to you that your Harvest is here immediately. Begin to claim it. Begin to see it. The Harvest of the seven months will come forth and all that which you expect within a thousand years will manifest within one day. So that all these things should happen immediately. 

Chapter 5:29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”

Verse 42 Immediately, the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.

I declare to you that immediately; you will begin to rise. The New Generation Church Must arise in the name of Jesus.

Chapter 6:45 Immediately, He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away.

Immediately; you will send your sons on apostolic journeys and sent them to Pioneer in the Nations.

Verse 50 for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 51 Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed by themselves beyond measure and marveled.

I declare to you that immediately; Jesus will come into your boat. Immediately; the storm will cease in your life. Immediately; the spirit of fear will depart from your life.

verse 54 And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, 55 ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was.

I want to say to you when those who come in contact with you will see you immediately; they will recognize Christ in you. Immediately; they will celebrate Christ in you.

Chapter 7:35 Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly.

I want to declare to you that there will be acceleration. You will speak this message plainly. Make these things which are difficult plain. Those who come in contact with you. Immediately they will have intelligent hearing and begin to hear what the Lord is saying to the church.

Chapter 10:52 Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.

I declare that those you come in contact with, immediately; the scales will fall from their eyes, and they will receive Apostolic sight.

Chapter 14:43 And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude of swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely.” 45 As soon as he had come, immediately he went up to Him and said to Him, “Rabbi, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 46 Then they laid their hands on Him and took Him. 47 And one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

Acceleration comes into your life when those who are meant to betray you betray you quickly. Those who are meant to betray you in the next 10 years must betray you quickly so that your life will be accelerated.

Chapter 15:1 Immediately, in the morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council; and they bound Jesus, led Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate. Then Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered and said to him, “It is as you say.”

Immediately; the kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ will be established in the Earth. The Kingdom of God will increase and will accelerate on the Earth and that can only happen through a company of people who receive the word of acceleration.

I declare acceleration to you.

I declare immediately to you, in the name of Jesus. 

Grace and peace to you.  

 

Day Twelve: Fear And Despair Has Been Destroyed.

 

 

This is the last day of this bible plan and I trust that I have planted a seed of hope into your life and that you have received practical things you can do. You can have the victory if you follow the Word.

If there is one thing that stands out from the story of David, it is that he had a relationship with God. From that relationship, he could do mighty exploits. He became the champion of the nation of Israel in this momentous event, and later on, he became the king of Israel. But it all began when he had to shepherd his father’s sheep. Never despise the small beginnings because you don’t know where it will lead.

Every part of the Bible is for our edification and growth. It is also a very practical book that gives us the how and the what. A manual to govern our lives and receive the victory in Christ.

Twelve is the number of government; it is the number of completeness and wholeness. God wants us to walk in wholeness every day of our lives. He wants us to have dominion in our sphere of influence. Therefore, it is important to understand that when you take action in the right way, fear can be completely overcome.

Let’s look at the last four scriptures in I Sam 17.

51And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. 52Now the men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted, and pursued the Philistines as far as the entrance of the valley and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell along the road to Shaaraim, even as far as Gath and Ekron. 53Then the children of Israel returned from chasing the Philistines, and they plundered their tents. 54And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent.

• Because the mindset of despair and fear was broken, Israel could attack the Philistines. The battle has shifted from a victim to dominion. When Goliath’s head was cut off, the rulership returned to the nation.· 
• Then they pursued the Philistines to the valley and to the gates of Ekron. Ekron means barrenness and to be torn up by the roots. It is a place where many battles had taken place. It was also the last resting place of the ark before it returned to Jerusalem. The Philistines had to be torn up by their roots in the valley for Israel to take back what God has demanded and in its later years, Ekron was totally demolished. The roles were now switched. Israel was no longer in the valley, but the Philistines were.

·      The other point here is that they were chased to the gates of Ekron. Gates plays a vital part within the scriptures. God loves the gates of Zion. It is a place of victory. But in the case of Philistine, they had to be chased back into the gates, where they could be completely stripped from their arrogance. They had to return to the place of barrenness to be torn up by the root. Gates is a place of dominion and rulership and they understood that they were now totally stripped from their dominion. This was the final nail in the coffin.

• David took the head back to Jerusalem. The head is significant because it is the place where dominion is birthed. It is the place of rulership. By removing the head and taking it back to Saul, David demonstrated that the Philistines were defeated. Remember, on day two of this plan, we learned that Goliath was the champion of the Philistines. So, David showed them that this champion is now the defeated foe. David removed the head from his body.
• He placed Goliath’s armour in his tent. Goliath’s armour would have been valuable and useful. Up to this event, the Philistines had the upper hand over Israel. At that time in history, they didn’t allow blacksmiths to operate in Israel. The Israelites were virtually devoid of weapons because of the oppression of the Philistines. Again, we see David’s intelligence. He looked into the future. He knew this would not be his last battle. He prepared himself.

 

1 Samuel 13:19-22:

Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make themselves swords or spears.”  (20)  But every one of the Israelites went down to the Philistines to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, or his sickle, (21) and the charge was two-thirds of a shekel for the plowshares and for the mattocks, and a third of a shekel for sharpening the axes and for setting the goads. (22)  So on the day of the battle there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people with Saul and Jonathan, but Saul and Jonathan his son had them.

Whose son is this?

In the last few scriptures, we learn a few significant truths.

· You will be unrecognizable to the people you know.

· A new leader was born.

· It changed how people looked at David.

· Saul didn’t recognize him.

· He was not judged by his looks or age any longer.

55When Saul saw David going out against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this youth?”

And Abner said, “As your soul lives, O king, I do not know.”

56So the king said, “Inquire whose son this young man is.”

57Then, as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. 58And Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?”

So David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”

There is a lot more to say about this last piece of scripture, but I will stop here for now and recapture what we have learned.

The story of David and Goliath gives us valuable insight into the hearts of Saul and Israel. And into the hearts of the enemies of Israel, and into the hearts of the enemies of God. There is a distinct difference in these enemies. Again, this is a lesson for another day.

And most importantly, it gives us valuable insight into the heart of a leader.

When we know who we are in Christ and who the battle belongs to, we can overcome the enemy of our minds and the enemies of God.

We don’t have to stay in despair or fear. We can overcome this mental blockage or blind spots by the same way David did.

The story of David doesn’t stop here and is a great resource for our walk as believers. David is the template we can follow. Once we understand the application, we can overcome whatever the enemy throws at us.

But let us recap what we have learned over the last twelve days:

1. We must choose our place of battle correctly.

2. We must understand who we fight against.

3. God doesn’t use the ordinary but the extraordinary to defeat the enemy.

4. We must understand our mandate.

5. We must not rely on our own armour.

6. We must stay connected to the Living water.

7. Our stones must be smooth before they can be used.

8. Our future is secure in Christ.

9. We must be an exact representation of Christ.

10. We must know in whose name we fight.

11. We must know what the practical things are to overcome.

12. Fear and despair can be defeated.

As you continue your day, test where you are and align yourself with the Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth and walk in the victory you were meant to do.

 

Grace and peace to you.

 

Thanks for reading along. I trust that this Bible plan has convinced you to pick up the Bible and read it again. There are so many precious things in it that are useful for our daily life. Things that prepare us for the battle and give us the victory.

Please visit my blog for more studies like this.

Lynelle

Blogger https://authorlynelleclark.blogspot.com/

 

Day One / Day Two / Day Three / Day Four / Day Five/ Day Six / 

Day Seven / Day Eight / Day Nine / Day Ten / Day Eleven / Day Twelve 

 

 

Day Eleven: Davidic Actions To Defeat Goliath.

 

 

 

There are some basic truths in this scripture that are still relevant to us today. In it lies the practical application that will lead us to our victory.

When the enemy arises, we must face him head on and not quiver in fear. There must be an urgency within us. This urgency is birthed from a place of knowing. There is no room for doubt or second guessing yourself.

Let us continue with our key scripture in 1 Sam 17.

1 Sam 17: 48So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. 50So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. 51Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it.

This is where you need the spiritual intelligence to rise up, to be part of the violent. Remember the scripture in Matt 11:12?

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

How does this violence look like? Well, let’s read on.

• David hurried and ran without delay. He had no doubts that God was with him. He faced this enemy head on.
• David put his hand in his bag. There was no doubt of shaking of fear in this action. His mind was made up. He knew who was backing him.
• He took out a stone—meaning one stone. He knew one stone would be enough. There was power in that one stone; He knew God was with him. “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” Isaiah 28:16
• He slung it: it was a precise action, practised over the years. He has done this before. Remember the lion and the bear? He was well-trained in battle. He knew the exact speed he will need to sling it. He knew what force he had to put in. His aim was secure.
• Then the unthinkable happened: the Philistine was struck in his forehead. David defeated Goliath. He broke through the clever devices of the enemy by dismantling the mind control Goliath had on Israel. He broke the spell of despair and fear Goliath had over the men.
• The stone sank into Goliath’s forehead; he had severe brain damage which have resulted in the loss of all his senses, and he fell to the earth.
• One should think that it would be enough, but David had the spiritual intelligence; to overcome this enemy completely, he had to take it one step further. The final blow came when David used Goliath’s sword to remove his head from his shoulders.

 

He removed his head from the governmental rule. Up to that moment, Goliath was in control of the entire battle. He tasted victory. Smelled victory. Bathed in victory, but when David severed the head from his shoulders, David made the victory complete. He removed the executive order from the Philistines and placed it back on the shoulders of Israel. (When I speak of Israel in this context, I mean that this is not the geographical Israel we know today. It is the spiritual Israel. God wants us to take our rulership back.)

This is a demonstration of Apostolic anointing in action. We must remove the worldly mindset with the tools we find in the worldly system. We must remove the governmental rule from the shoulders of the enemy to overcome. David demonstrated this as he killed him and beheaded him. We must be part of the system to defeat the giants. It sounded like an overkill, but just killing him would not have been enough. He had to severe the head from the body to demonstrate to the nation that this yoke, this lie was destroyed.

Taking into context for today; now we can fully appreciate the victory we have received.  

Isaiah 9:6-7

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice. From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Matthew 16:18

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Psalm 18:2

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Psalm 62:6-8

He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.

Psalm 94:22

But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.

Taking action in the situation you are in means you must know who you are. You must know who God is and act on that knowledge. When all of this aligns, then you can defeat the enemy. Do not allow fear and despair to rule you or your house. Remove the lie completely.

Be like a David who knows where his true strength lies and become the voice in the wilderness. The governmental rule is fully back on the shoulders of Christ. As a son, you can walk in that victory.  

Grace and peace to you. 

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Day Seven / Day Eight / Day Nine / Day Ten / Day Eleven / Day Twelve 

Day Ten: In Whose Name Do You Meet The Enemy?

 

 A name is very important. It gives you identity and identifies you to everyone else. Having a name is very important and often a name has meaning. That meaning becomes part of your DNA. Each time someone calls you by your name, they prophesy over you. That is why it is important to know the meaning of a child’s name before you give it to him/her. Every time you instruct them or call them out, you say either a good thing or a bad thing over them. And he/she hears it and acts accordingly.

Likewise, you must know whose name you are representing when you go into a battle. There is power in that name. Let’s continue to read from 1 Sam 17.

1 Sam 17: 45Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”

Upon hearing that declaration, I would have run. I mean, the entire known world at the time knew the God of Israel and the miracles He had performed over the years.

There was not a Google search engine to help them. No, they had heard this from their parents’ knees. The people of old were talented storytellers. And these stories would have been told around the many tables of all nations for many generations.

They knew about:

4.1 Noah and the Flood.

4.2 Abram that became Abraham.

4.3 Joseph’s exceptional insight.

4.4 The Exodus from Egypt.

4.5 The Wilderness Period to the Conquest of Canaan.

4.6 The Jericho experience.

4.7 Gideon and his mighty men.

4.8 Jael and Deborah.

4. 9 Jonah

None of these things happened in secret. It happened in the open, and those who experienced it firsthand could not stay silent very long.

Yet Goliath stayed. I mean, the Philistines were settled there. They were not going anywhere soon. Once the enemy has settled in your life it is difficult to uproot it. It takes force to remove it. This is why we need to understand the weapons we need to overcome them with. Especially when all the conditions are in your favour.

Satan knew this, but convinced his cronies to stay. Their stubbornness and delusions of grandeur blinded them. They never expected that a shepherd would come and defeat the champion.

Are you in a place where Satan has settled into a comfort zone in your life? Mocking you day and night just for the fun of it? I have been there. It is not an easy place to be. It drives you nuts and leaves you defenceless.

What are you going to do about it? In whose name will you proclaim victory?

Whether you face financial problems, joblessness, loss of a business, or are a victim of a scam (For me it is yes on all of them). Maybe you are on the verge of emigrating, battling a deadly sickness, have a disobedient child, or face a divorce. Yet God wants you to proclaim victory in your circumstances. Any sort of addiction can crumble your resolve. Going on pension sounds fun at first until you are there. Then it is terrifying. Having a sickly live-in-parent can send your life out of control; whatever you face the question remain; whose report will you believe?

You can do what David did. He declared, “But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you.”

God has given you the full armour; he has given you the five smooth stones and a slingshot to defeat this giant. The River of life flows through your veins. You are no longer next to the river of Babilon; you are next to God’s river.

· The Word is established in your life.

· You take communion every day.

· You separate yourself from all worldly things.

The resources are not for decoration to hang somewhere and show how religious you are. No, God gave it to you to use.

Matt 11:12

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

David responded with righteous anger.

• He came in the name of the Lord. It is the name above all names. He is Jehovah Jireh; He is Jehovah Nissi. His banner was raised over him. He is the hedge breaker, and the voice calling in the wilderness.
• He told Goliath that he was delivered into his hand. In David’s mind, the fight has already turned to his favour. Where is your mind in this challenge you face? (Speaking as one that is on a job hunt for the last fourteen years and dependent on my children and elderly father, I know it is not easy. I have made a few wrong choices on the way. I lost my faith as well. But to stay there is not an option. Just like David you must return to God and know who you are.)
• David was not afraid of Goliath’s taunts and curses. It could do nothing to David’s mind. His mind was dedicated to God. While shepherding, he got to know God very well. Therefore, he knew that those taunts and curses meant nothing. It is just a show.
• The curse Goliath spew towards David backfired on him. He was already defeated. He just didn’t realize it. The enemy may shout, the bank might take everything you have, but God is still in control. You must believe that.
• Goliath was beheaded. The enemy must be destroyed completely. To behead the enemy means you have overcome. The seven letters to the churches in Revelation 2-3 gives us a clear understanding of what God expects from us.
• We must
• Overcome apathy. Make sure that you love God and His word.
• Overcome Tribulations. Do not fear. Did you know it is written 365 times in the Bible?
• Overcome mixtures. Do not follow false doctrines like that of the Nicolaitans.
• Overcome Jezebel. If sexual immorality, or adultery is part of your life, you will not overcome. You must remove this demon from your life.
• Overcome the religious spirit.
• Overcome denial. Have you denied God in your life?
• Overcome lukewarmness.

 

• God’s name was made great because of this mighty exploit. David knew that God was on his side. David trusted God explicitly.
• David had dedicated authority from God. That was his mandate. Each of us receives a mandate from God. It is closely knitted with your vision and purpose. When you stick with that mandate, you will overcome.

If you want victory in your life, then you must follow David through the hedge to overcome. Yes, it will cost you a price, but it is worth it. Make a choice today to follow in the footsteps of Christ and live according to what the Lord shows you. He wants you to overcome but then you must trust his name. 

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Day Seven / Day Eight / Day Nine / Day Ten / Day Eleven / Day Twelve