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 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 Nine: David, an Exact Representation

 

The battle in 1 Sam 17 is not complete without mentioning David’s character. He was, after all, a man after God’s own heart.

David wore what he knew. His armour was strengthened by God, not by men. Likewise, your armour is tested by the many tests you have written.

He trusted in God's armour because he had a relationship with God. His trust was born from that relationship.

1 Sam 17: 41So the Philistine came, and began drawing near to David, and the man who bore the shield went before him. 42And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking. 43So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”

Standing before the enemy is not easy.

• For the third time, David was judged on his age. First by his brother, then Saul, and then Goliath.
• Goliath took it one step further and found his looks appalling.
• Goliath scorned/mocked him.
• Goliath's assumption caused his death. He did not see the sling as an actual weapon.
• He cursed David. Many times, you will be cursed and not embraced for what you bring to the fight.
• He threatened David. He said that he would feed him to the birds of the air, and the beasts of the field. He saw him as a weak person. He didn’t see David’s strength.
• David was unwavering. He stared Goliath down.
• He knew who was on his side.

 

David did not allow his youth or ruddy good looks to detour him from his mandate. He knew he had to face this giant and kill him. Nor did he listen to the scorn and mockery of everyone close to him. This enemy had to come down.

He did not do this to be elevated above the rest; he did this to save God’s people from despair and fear. His vision was God’s people. He could identify with them. Even at that young age, he understood what fear can do to you. It can break you down and keep you in shackles of despair. But he had the experience of the lion and the bear to back up his theory. This giant would fall.

Do not despise what you have learned so far. Every experience you had up to this point is part of your armour. It sets you apart and it sets you up for victory. Do not allow the enemy to tell you that you are not worthy. That you cannot speak up. That you are too young, ill-trained. Not ready to fight.

Do you know who you are in Christ? Do you have the Word of God in you? This point can never be stressed enough. The Word is your defence system. The Word builds you up and give you the hope and faith you need for any battle.

Being an exact representation will cost you something. It is a time-consuming effort that will bring you no fame. It will not always be honourable. People will not flock to your side to help you. You will become a lone ranger. In this battle, you must become used to being alone. Of standing alone, of fighting the good fight, alone.

This is not the path for the fainthearted. At times you will fail or go astray. You will be bruised, beaten and face many other battles. I will not lie to you; This is a tough road, but it begins with that one decision.

And to really get into the right frame of mind, It will cost you to switch off the TV, and close the devices that keep you occupied, that steal your time. Sometimes you will say no to an invitation because you have been separated. You are no longer part of the in-crowd. It will cost you time and effort to get into the Word. This will not be an easy road.

When you continue to read David’s story, you will notice that this man had to face many more giants in his life. You name a trail, and he faced it.

• He was broke and destitute.

• He was homeless.

• He was tempted.

• He had to hide on a few occasions from his enemies.

• He killed a man.

• He lost a child in childbirth.

• His wife scorned him.

• He had to keep himself insane to preserve his life.

• He was attacked.

• He was deceived.

• He was in despair.

• He had to stay hidden from his son.

But he remained faithful to God. No matter the trail, he knew where his strength was. He never claimed to be perfect. He, too, had dreams that were dashed. Yet, his faithfulness and consistency kept him alive in God’s heart. So much so that Jesus came from his linage. His destination was a geographical destination, signifying the road we will travel, and he maintained his relationship with God through it all.

I cannot promise you a safe ride or a smooth road. I cannot promise that you will not land in the pigsty. I cannot promise that you won’t get sick or lose everything. But I can promise you a safe journey as long as your hand remains in His.

David became the template that we must follow.

We too, are called to be a remnant that will break the hedge and show the way to a better life: the way to Christ; the city on the Mountain.

Put your hand in His and trust that God will carry you through this, too. Be an exact representation of God.

Grace and peace to you.

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Day Eight: How Does Your Future Look Like?

 

In the story of David and Goliath, we see David emerge from being a shepherd to one who kills Goliath with one stone. From there on, his future was sealed. His aim was so secure that it killed Goliath immediately. Beheading the Philistine showed the nation of Israel that fear and despair had no control over them. He broke the lie Goliath had let them believe. Fear and despair can leave you powerless. As long as you believe these lies, you will not overcome. That is why you have to get back into the Word and eat it daily. It must be part of your daily routine.

Life is hard and trying. If you find it easy, then you must get out of this river. In this river you will be washed by the Word until you are smooth like a stone. Which means you will experience trails.

Rejoice in your current battle, circumstance, and trial. Move fluidly and without fear as David did; for each step will only make you smoother—an exact representation of Christ.

When I battled with these lies, I got back into the Word and used communion every day. In fact, I still use it because I have realised the benefits of taking it daily. The more you “eat” the Word, the more these lies or mindsets bow its knee. Communion reminds you who you are, what God has done for you, and it becomes a reality that heals you.

I want to leave you with the following passage from the Book of Revelation. This section speaks about our future inheritance (nachal). Like David, we can draw from this truth.

Rev. 21:9-27 

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper. It had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. There were three gates on the east and three gates on the north and three gates on the south and three gates on the west. And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, and its gates and its wall. The city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as the width; and he measured the city with the rod, fifteen hundred miles; its length and width and height are equal. And he measured its wall, seventy-two yards, according to human measurements, which are also angelic measurements. The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Our future is in Christ. He is our final destination. In Revelation 21, we see that everything is precise and accurate. It is transparent and clear. We are all equal in God’s eyes, doing exactly the same thing.

Being the bride of Christ, we walk in God’s fulness. There is no need of the sun or the moon because Christ’s light will shine through us. We will walk in constant light. There will be no idols, no fear, no crafty schemes to keep us from our task. It will all be equal.

God’s purpose is to bring us to this place of Zion. This city called Jerusalem, not the geographical one in Israel, but a spiritual city. It will be on the mountain and not in the valley. There is no victory in the valley. There is only victory when we stay next to the River of Life, walking with the right mindset. In complete faithfulness and oneness with God.

Here are a few things that you can do when you are in the valley.

· Thanksgiving Ps 69:30

· Rejoice Phil 4:4

· Intercession Dan 9:3-19

· Acclamation and adoration Ps 34:1

· Loyal Ps 78:8

· Self- examination 2 Cor13:5

· Repentance James 4:8

Laying down any man-made achievements and glory will bring us that much closer to God’s plan for us. We are called to be a remnant that will break the hedge for those who are not part of the Kingdom yet. No matter how we look, or our age, or what position we held on to this earth. God is looking for the Johns, Josephs, Gideons, Elijahs, Samuels, Zechariahs, Ruths and Esthers, etc. that will stand in the gap. People who will set everything aside to be an exact representation of Christ on this earth.

These people erected the gates in their lives, setting the example for others to follow.

There are many who are still out there in the wilderness, in despair, unsure of the future. They need a shepherd’s voice; one who is familiar to them, to take them through the hedge into victory.

Matt 28: 19 -20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Discipleship is a huge part of our work. The labourers are few. Will you be part of the remnant, whose voice will capture those who is calling out? Will you be a David who will take the lead and kill the Goliath in order for your people to be set free? Are you that disciple that will bring direction and clarity to the lost?

Ask the Lord to show you how to be an effective stone, ready to be used, so that you, too, will be part of this plan of God. And overcome the valley as soon as possible.

Grace and peace to you.

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Day Seven: Why Five Smooth Stones?

 

Picking up smooth stones was a favourite pastime of my family. Even today, when I go camping or hiking, I am always on the lookout for smooth rocks. The array of colour and creative texture mesmerise me. Though I have never used it as weapons I am still drawn to it.

In Biblical times, and for those living in the countryside, it was part of their weaponry. Some might call it barbarism, but for others it's survival. No matter how we feel, we can learn much from this story of David.

Remember that the story of David is for symbolic interpretation, just as the rest of the Old Testament is a symbolic interpretation of our lives. So, when we read about a battle in the O.T., it does not mean that we learn how to do battle physically. Today’s battles are spiritual and mostly within our minds. The more time we spend in the Word, the more we will defeat the strongholds that hold us captive.

Let’s delve into 1 Sam 17 to learn more about the stones and what it means for us.

1 Sam 17: 40Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine.

In Hebrew, a stone or eben is a merging of the words father and son (av + ben). Therefore, a stone is not only hard, and used in the right hand a weapon, but shows us the relationship between a father and a son. It is a far worthier choice of ammunition against any enemy that wants to attack you.

The fact that David threw the stone at Goliath’s head is symbolic of a damaged mindset that has to be destroyed. This can only be done by a strong relationship between a father and a son. We learn this first hand from the relationship between the Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus Christ. Christ is our Rock. Because of Him, we can overcome every lie and stronghold that is preventing us from being in a relationship with the Father. When we rely on Him, as our Rock, we can overcome.

So, why did David choose five stones when it only took ONE stone to defeat the great giant? There are many debates about this, but let’s see what the word says about it.

FIVE is associated with grace, the gospel, and anointing. It is the anointing that breaks the yoke of fear and depression. It is grace that brings us to Christ and the gospel that gives us the wisdom to stand.

Though it only took one smooth stone to defeat Goliath, David picked up five, a sign that it is the Word that defeats a beast. Jesus was likewise taunted (tempted) for forty days. Like David, He overcame the adversary with one smooth stone by quoting Deuteronomy, the fifth book. Coincidence? I don’t think so.

The hints of the number five are one example of many precious stones scattered throughout the Biblical text. When the Light hits them just right, our (spiritual) eyes see the connections that threaten the entire Bible together in one seamless and flawless tapestry. The same story is told again and again in simple and progressively more detailed and varied ways. That story is the Good News or the Gospel.

Why Are the Stones Smooth?

The Word washes us, like iron that sharpens iron. It brings correction, edifies us and smooths out the rough edges. When the Word is in us, we become the stones in God’s hands. We become One with the Father and the Son.

Each impact, trial, and obstacle that the Living Water subjects us to, wears, carves, and sculpts us into the image of God. The consistent rush of the water threshes the things that offend us until one is as smooth as David’s five stones.

God chose the story of David and Goliath to be one of the first impressions we have about King David. Why do you think this is? Could it be that He wanted us to know how “a man after His own heart” defeated the beast without AND the beast within? I believe it is. We see David battling this dual war throughout his lifetime.

He committed serious sin in his lifetime. But like the water, David was persistent and consistent in turning back to God and repent and let God continue the good work He began in him. As such, he became a “living stone” and a role model for us.

It must be part of our daily walk; to sit by the river (Word) and meditate on it until we become smooth stones that God can use.

This natural phenomenon has deep spiritual implications. The Father’s Light (Lampstand) is always trying to penetrate our minds (and hearts) to remove the blind spots. But like the hard rocks, we must yield to the Word. The will of God is evident: He desires us to be Living Stones in His House.

1 Peter 2:5 - 6

you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”

This can never be emphasis enough.

• You must allow the Word to smooth the edges consistently.

• To understand the season, you must study the Word.

• To have vision or sight, you must study the Word.

• To hear/know God’s voice, you must study the Word.

• To be part of the remnant, you must know the scriptures.

• To distinguish who is your champion, you must know the Word.

So far, we have covered the following in this bible plan:

• You must walk with God’s armour and not your own.

• You must choose your place of battle wisely. Make sure you are not in an inaccurate place; this can determine your mindset.

• You must understand obedience and how to activate God’s word. Quickly.

• You must know who your protector is. 

Each step is a conscience choice you must make to enjoy the benefits of the Kingdom.

Grace and peace to you. 

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Day Six: God is the Living Water.

 

So far, we have learned a few important things from this famous battle in the Bible. We have learned that our positioning is crucial when facing the enemy. When the enemy emerges, will you believe his voice or that of God? What to do when you feel powerless? The principles of acting quickly or to act on an Apostolic command and what armour to wear.

Today we see how important it is to be refreshed from the living water. When we face Goliath, we become thirsty, and it is important then to drink at the refreshing waters of the Word.

Let’s continue with the scripture in 1 Sam 17.

1 Sam 17: 40Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine.

When faced with the threat of an enemy army and their champion, it wasn’t the king’s armour or sword David had chosen to use. No, this shepherd went with what he knew best, his trusty old sling shot.

His choice of ammunition was Five smooth stones from the brook. Before we get into his choice of picking up five stones, let’s look at the Hebrew word used here for brook.

In Hebrew, the word is nachal, which means to inherit, to occupy, to bequeath, or to possess. In other words, David drew his ammunition from the only trustworthy source: from the living waters of the promises of God. He embraced his inheritance in God and knew that God has given him the land to possess. It refreshed his body, soul and mind.

David knew that Saul’s armour had not been tested, but there was One that had never failed David in the past. That was his refreshment that occupied his mind. He remembered the lion and the bear. He already knew the outcome and knew he could trust God again with the same outcome. Victory was on his mind when he knelt at the brook.

Remember back in day one, God said in Micah 2: 12-13, “I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob, I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together like sheep of the fold, Like a flock in the midst of their pasture; They shall make a loud noise because of so many people. 13The one who breaks open will come up before them; They will break out, Pass through the gate, and go out by it; Their king will pass before them, With the Lord at their head.”

David was called to break open the hedge of despair and fear for his people. He possessed the power to not only break the hedge but also to lead the army of Israel into victory. He had the mandate directly from God.

What made David so sure that he could defeat the giant Goliath? After all, he was the youngest of his brothers and was much smaller in stature than King Saul. I believe it was because he knew who he was in the eyes of God. He was part of the remnant. Shepherding the flocks of his father, Jesse had given him valuable experience in not only tending to the vulnerable but also in defeating mighty beasts. And that’s exactly what David compared Goliath with, an uncircumcised beast.

David knew that the Holy Spirit would always prevail over the flesh of a beast, whether that beast is an actual beast of the field, or if it is a man living in the beast’s image. David had already chosen to live after the image of God. He was the exact representation of Christ; therefore; a remnant; called to do mighty exploits. Those made in the image of God RULE over all creatures, great and small. Goliath was no exception and David had complete faith in this truth from the Word of God.

Though the giant taunted Israel with threats for forty days, invoking great fear in the king and army of Israel, David could “see” beyond his natural sight. I believe this is figured not only in the source of his ammunition (the stones were retrieved from Living waters), but in the number of stones that he chose to carry.

How good is your sight?

In order to really win a fight, you must envision the victory. David already saw Goliath’s head rolling into the valley.

Sight is very important when you are fighting the enemy. Without sight, you are blind.

Jesus asked the disciples in Matthew 11 three times, “What do you see?”

7As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’

Without vision, we cannot see what God is doing. We cannot understand the things that happen right before our eyes if we do not study the word.

How do we receive vision?

By studying the word of God.

Ephesians 4:14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,

It is so easy to be tossed around and carried away with every doctrine that is out there. False teaching on when Jesus is coming, about the rapture, or going to heaven. We are called for much more and not to run away. We are called to overcome.

We must be able to understand the scripture, divide it rightly. Jesus confronted the disciples by asking them three times, “What do you see?”

We must understand the smoothness of the stones and its significance in order to use it correctly. We must know that we have to get it from the living waters; the river of God to be accurate in our interpretation. We don’t have time to run after lies and hide in the shadows. No, we must understand the times, and be part of the remnant that will break the hedge for others to follow.

The significance of the five smooth stones carries a grace with it that can be wielded once you understand God’s word. It is effective and powerful. It carries with it an authority that only the Davidic company can use. But it begins at the brook, where each stone has been washed and cleansed with the pure waters of the Word. Once you drink of this water, you will not be satisfied with polluted water.

God is the living water that wants to refresh your daily intake. This is where you will become strong, trust in your inheritance as a son of God and do mighty exploits for God.

Grace and peace to you.  

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