Day Eight: How Does Your Future Look Like?

 

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 right now when we have a giant to face. Life is hard and trying. If you find it easy, you might not be in the River getting worn and washed by the Word.

Rejoice in your current battle, circumstance, and trial. Move fluidly and without fear as David did; for each step will only make you smoother in the New Jerusalem!

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 it is all about equality. Everything is precise and accurate. It is transparent and clear. There is no shadow that hides in a corner. Being the bride of Christ, we will walk in God’s fulness. We will have no need of the sun or the moon. 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 one in Israel, but a spiritual city, will be on the mountain and not in the valley. There is no victory in the valley. There is only victory when we stayed next to the River of Life, walking with the right mindset. In complete faithfulness of God.

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 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.

There are many who are still out there in the wilderness, in despair, unsure of the future. They need a remnant’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?

Grace and peace to you.

Day Seven: Why Five Smooth Stones?

 

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 strong, but a far worthier choice of ammunition against the enemy. What is stronger than the Father and the Son? Nothing! If this is true, why did David choose five stones when it only took ONE stone to defeat the great giant?

Five is the number of strength and power as the fifth manifestation of the Holy Spirit. (Is. 11:2) This power fuelled the first global migrations of the birds and fish created on the fifth day of creation. Just in case we missed this connection with creation and the number five, it says in 1 Sam. 17:48 that when Goliath went to meet David in battle, that David “ran quickly” to meet him. The word for ran (rutz) is the same root word used to describe the movement of the creatures created on day five. Quick flowing movement is a trademark of those filled with Christ’s Spirit of Power.

Consider that there are FIVE books by Moses or Torah. The Ten Commandments were written on two stone tablets, with FIVE commandments teaching one how to love God and FIVE teaching one how to love their neighbour. FIVE is associated with grace, the gospel, and anointing.

Though it only took one smooth stone to defeat Goliath, David picked up five, a clear sign that the Word is what defeats a beast. Jesus was likewise taunted (tempted) for forty days. Like David, He overcame the adversary with one smooth stone by quoting one of the FIVE books of Moses: 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 thread 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?

If the Word is in us, we become the stones that cry out in triumph. We have become One with the Father and the Son. The constant washing of the water of the Word wears down all of one’s rough and crooked edges. Like the river stones, this is a slow process, a journey down the bumpy path of life.

Each impact, trial, and obstacle that the Living Water subjects one to, wears, carves, and sculpts us into the image of God. The consistent rush of the water droplets 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 are given about King David. Why do you think this is so? Could it be that He wanted us to know how “a man after His own heart” defeated the beast without AND the beast within? 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 the smooth stones and the rushing water. This natural phenomenon has deep spiritual implications. The Father’s Light (water) is always trying to penetrate our skulls (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 wisely. Make sure you are not in an inaccurate place.

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

Day Six: God is the Living Water.

 

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 that David chose to have. 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 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. David knew that Saul’s armour had not been tested, but there was One that had never failed David in the past. David took from the inheritance he had in God’s Word; the law.

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. 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 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.

Grace and peace to you.

Day Five: Saul’s Armour cannot Protect you.

 

38So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. 39David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off.

• Sauls armour had no belt.

• The coat of mail did not have the added benefit of righteousness.

• David received no shoes of peace.

• He received no shield to protect him.

• The helmet didn’t fit.

• The sword was not tested.

• And Saul was not a prayerful man. He showed the same characteristics as his men. He was depressed and fearful.

As a Davidic company, we cannot trust and rely on human-centred armour. We must put on God’s armour. We must be Christ-centred. A humanistic armour is unequipped [not tested] to protect us.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLV)

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The 7 pieces of armour of God

• The Belt of Truth. It is vital to have the belt of truth. Without it we will be bend over. We will see the world upside down. We will have an up-side down mentality that will leave us fearful and depressed.
• The Breastplate of Righteousness will safeguard us against the attacks of the devil. Do a self-study on the righteousness of God. Wear it as a breastplate around your heart.
• The Gospel of Peace carries healing and refreshment. It gives us authority to tremble on snakes and scorpions.
• The Shield of Faith is our protection against the devices of the enemy. Without it, we are easy targets.
• The Helmet of Salvation protects our minds. It helps us to see the blind spots that keep us from overcoming. It protects our ears from what we hear. Our eyes from what we see and our minds from what we believe.
• The Sword of the Spirit is a two-edged sword that helps us to stand our ground. When we face Goliath and his army, we need this sword to defeat and overcome their lies.
• Prayer is the last resort of our defence. We must have the word in us to pray accordingly. If we do not understand God’s word, our prayers will be powerless. Jesus said to Satan: “It is written…” you need the word to overcome the enemy.

 

In this fight, we cannot wear Saul’s armour. It will not fit us. But God has given us the perfect armour (and it fits all) to defeat our enemy. We must learn to stand our ground with God’s armour.

Saul’s armour will leave us open. Because it is too big, it creates openings for the enemy’s spears to get in. We must leave no room for these spears.

We cannot wear Saul’s helmet, nor his coat of mail, or his sword. It will hinder our walk. It will hinder our movement and render us powerless when we face Goliath.

2 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV)

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

(AMP) 4 The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.

God’s armour is light and not heavy. It gives us unhindered movement. God carries the burden for us. We don’t have to carry it with us. God uses our strength to conquer the enemy. He sharpens our tongue; he sharpens our eyes and ears, and he sharpens our minds. Only when we have victory over our minds, can we truly become an overcomer.

It is not about the outer casing, but about the inner strength. The knowledge that God is with us. We must not be fooled by beautiful and shining objects. They are devoid of power; the real power is within. It is in trusting God with your abilities and resources that you overcome.

How phenomenal to know that we do not need expensive things or shining things to overcome. Our ability to overcome is within us. As we walk in the spirit, knowing God’s voice, and eating our daily bread, we are equipped for any battle.

Fear and despair have no power over us.

Grace and peace to you.

Day Four: The Principles of an Apostolic Command.

 

1 Sam 17: 17Then Jesse said to his son David, “Take now for your brothers an ephah of this dried grain and these ten loaves, and run to your brothers at the camp. 18And carry these ten cheeses to the captain of their thousand, and see how your brothers fare, and bring back news of them.”

David received five commands from his father, Jesse. He acted quickly on these commands. It showed the heart of David. He understood the apostolic command of the day.

Part of an apostolic command is that you have to act quickly. There should be no delay in your actions. It is not time to think about the next step; it is time to act.

• He had to take an ephah of dried grain and ten loaves,
• He had to run to his brothers in the camp,
• And carry the ten cheeses to the captain of their thousand.
• He had to see how his brothers fare,
• And report back to Jesse.

Meaning: He had to take the moral law back to his brothers. Israel needed the moral law to fortify their minds once more.

They had forgotten what God had said and David had to remind them who they were, and Who they represented. They had to eat the word once more. They needed the proceeding word to remind them who they were. God’s nation.

The symbolism of the ten cheeses can be seen as:

1. Provision and nourishment: cheese, as a food item, symbolizes sustenance and nourishment. By bringing these cheeses, David was providing for his brothers and the soldiers. It reflects his care and concern for their well-being during the battle.

2. Offering of peace: in ancient times, sharing food was often a gesture of peace and goodwill. By delivering the cheeses, David may have been extending a message of peace or unity to the captain and his brethren.

3. Faithfulness and obedience: David’s obedience to his father’s instructions shows his faithfulness and willingness to carry out even seemingly mundane tasks. This faithfulness would later play a significant role in his life. 

19Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 20So David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, and took the things and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the camp as the army was going out to the fight and shouting for the battle.

· David was a picture of a true shepherd. He left the sheep with a keeper. A person he trusted. A person who walked with him.

21For Israel and the Philistines had drawn up in battle array, army against army. 22And David left his supplies in the hand of the supply keeper, ran to the army, and came and greeted his brothers. 23Then as he talked with them, there was the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, coming up from the armies of the Philistines; and he spoke according to the same words. So David heard them. 24And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were dreadfully afraid.

• Goliath’s voice kept the Israelites in a state of fear and dread. This alarmed David.

25So the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel; and it shall be that the man who kills him the king will enrich with great riches, will give him his daughter, and give his father’s house exemption from taxes in Israel.”

26Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

• David had his own questions. He wanted to know what the champion of God will receive to remove the reproach from Israel.
• The zeal of God compels us to do mighty exploits.
• David was compelled to act on behalf of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NLV)

14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

27And the people answered him in this manner, saying, “So shall it be done for the man who kills him.” 28Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.”

Eliab represented the institution.

• Eliab didn’t understand the proceeding word and found fault with David. Remember; he was the accuser of the brethren. Though his name signified that God was his father, he didn’t live like that.
• Instead, he acted in haste and became angry.
• He didn’t enquire about David’s motives.
• They didn’t have a relationship, and, because of this, he didn’t know his brother, otherwise he would have known that there is no pride or insolence in David.
• He looked down at David because of his age.
• Eliab didn’t know about David’s exploits. He didn’t know that David had defeated the lion and the bear.

29And David said, “What have I done now? Is there not a cause?” 30Then he turned from him toward another and said the same thing; and these people answered him as the first ones did. 31Now when the words which David spoke were heard, they reported them to Saul; and he sent for him. 32Then David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”

• Saul made the same mistake as Eliab. They looked at the outer man and not the heart.
• God looks at the heart and not the package.
• David was unwavering in the face of danger. 

34But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. 36Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”

And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”

It is a choice that you must make. To keep your head up, is the only defence that you have. Be sure of who God is in your life. 

Grace and peace to you.

 

Day Three: Powerless In The Midst Of Your Enemy.

1 Sam 17: 12Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem Judah, whose name was Jesse, and who had eight sons. And the man was old, advanced in years, in the days of Saul. 13The three oldest sons of Jesse had gone to follow Saul to the battle. The names of his three sons who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, next to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. 14David was the youngest. And the three oldest followed Saul.

The three eldest brothers were a representation of their father, Jesse, and not of Christ.

God has called us to be exact representations of Christ and not Jesse.

Eliab’s name signified that God is my father, but did not live up to that declaration. He was the “accuser of his brother.

Abinadab’s name signified that the father is generous, but Jesse was already old and sickly.

Shammah conveyed wastefulness. He most likely squandered what was given to him and was not very reliable. The reason Jesse had to send David to check up on his brothers.

Though David was the youngest, he already showed what kind of man he would become. His consistency gave him the edge above his brothers.

15But David occasionally went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. 16And the Philistine drew near and presented himself forty days, morning and evening.

40 represents the Wilderness.

Goliath tested them for forty days. He mocked them. Told them how useless they were. Day and night, Goliath’s voice drowned out God’s Word from their midst. Not even Saul had the power to contradict this man’s tongue. He rendered Israel to a eunuch state. He castrated them; removing their manhood and left them paralyzed. (Sounds like someone else we know but we will not speak about Jezebel now.)

With all the mocking, Israel must have felt they were back in the wilderness and had forgotten about the manna. In the wilderness, they received their daily bread (manna)on two tablets but here we see they didn’t eat of this manna. They had no proceeding word to deal with this uncircumcised Philistine.

When you do not take your daily bread, you become powerless to fight the enemy. You forget about God’s Word and the power it has. You become depressed and fearful. You try to run and hide, but Goliath’s voice holds you captive. Instead of going to Azekah, they stayed in the valley.

They needed a David. But the David they envisioned and the David they received did not look the same.

This applies to us today. We pray for an outcome, but when it doesn’t look like the one we envisioned, then we attack the God send “champion”. Just like Eliab did with his brother.

Whose word will you believe today?

Will you believe a mocking Goliath’s word? Or will you trust in Christ’s words of healing and restoration? The choice is yours.

Grace and peace to you.

 

Day Two: A Champion Emerges.

 

1 Sam 17: 4And a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath (Jos11:21-22), whose height was six cubits and a span. 5He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. 6And he had bronze armor on his legs and a bronze javelin between his shoulders.

A Champion is a middleman, one who could decide the outcome of a particular battle by one single-handed fight with a similar champion from the opposing side. He is the go-to guy; many would see him as the bully that could sort things out with his mean streak.

Goliath was the champion of Philistine. A big man with many kills under his belt. These wins made him great among his people. Other nations feared Philistine because of him. He was a seasoned veteran that knew how to wield a sword.

His height is also very impressive. He towered over his enemies; not only with his skill, but with his height as well. In today’s terms, six cubits and a span is translated into 9 feet 9 inches/ 2.97 meters.

Nine is the number of completion and fulfilment. It signifies the end of a cycle. It symbolizes wisdom and enlightenment. It reminds us of our strength to overcome any challenge. It is also a symbol of selfless service.

In Goliath’s case it this number is a double digit: 9 x 9 = 81. He was the answer to Philistine’s problems. He was the complete package. Though he possessed the strength and wisdom, he had the Skilled Intelligence to outwit and overcome his enemies.

His clothing was also very significant. His head was covered with a bronze helmet, which made him strong in mind. It showed his endurance and readiness to fight, and it proclaimed to the armies that he would bring judgement on all who meet his sword.

5 symbolic meanings of Bronze

• Durability—Bronze was durable because of its ability to withstand extreme heat and pressure. Bronze represented Israelites’ desire to build solid structures.

• Strength—According to the book of Revelation, Christ’s feet resembled shining Bronze, a symbol of strength.

• Judgment—It is related to judgment since it is used to construct objects like sacrificial altars, which represent judgment.

• Purification—Bronze symbolizes purification, as the Bible suggests. The Lord refines his people by removing impurities.

• Sacrifice—Sacrifice is seen in the old testament, where instruments and utensils are made of bronze to make sacrificial offerings to God. It also symbolizes the blood shed by Christ on the cross. After Christ was resurrected, his feet looked like polished Bronze, signifying his pain and suffering on the cross.

 After reading the symbolic meaning of bronze, I turned to Revelation 1: 12-16.

Here Christ did not wear bronze on his head but on his feet. The complete opposite of Goliath. His garment covered his entire body, and his chest was girded with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, like snow, and his eyes like fire. Christ’s sword was not in his hand but in his mouth.

Remember: all scriptures lead to Christ. He is our final destination. He is our hope and our salvation. Not Goliath, or Saul, but Christ.

Revelation 1:12-16

Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

The picture of our Champion or Middleman looks quite different from that of Goliath.

Because of time and space, this bible plan cannot go into every detail, but when you have time, study the Word and see what God reveals to you.

Let us continue…

7Now the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his iron spearhead weighed six hundred shekels; and a shield-bearer went before him. 8Then he stood and cried out to the armies of Israel, and said to them, “Why have you come out to line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and you the servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. 9If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” 10And the Philistine said, “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.”

Goliath was a proven soldier that displayed a character of one that has endured many battles successfully. He was the judge of the Philistines and purified by his gods [Dagan, Ashteroth (Astarte), and Beelzebub], He was willing to lay down his life for his people. An intercessor with a mandate which made him a force to be reckoned with.

He was a copycat of Christ that had appeared to be powerful but was beheaded by David.

Christ is our mediator and judge. Christ does not copycat anyone; He is the rightful Champion that has given us the victory by the way of the cross.

Remember that the hedge is broken. Listen to His voice and rely on Him as your middleman. The one that stands in the gap. His ways is correct and just. You can trust him with your life.

Christ commands authority not by his brute force. Christ’s voice carried healing, protection, authority, dominion, and peace, unlike that of Goliath, who only commanded death. Israel was in despair and fear because of what he said.

11When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

Goliath’s voice made them fearful. They became depressed and mental blocks were erected. The surrounding hedge became so strong that they have forgotten that the God of Moses, Abraham, Izaac, and Jacob were with them. Israel believed his lies.

Christ does the exact opposite. When He speaks, living water is released that brings life abundantly.

Don’t listen to the enemy’s voice. Let Him show you the way through the hedge. Let Christ be the one that saves you from every word of despair and fear the enemy slings to you. You have been called to reign with Christ and not quiver in the Valley of Elah.

Grace and peace to you.

Day One: The Places Of Importance

 Keyscripture for this bible plan is 1 Sam 17. I want to encourage you to read it beforehand and do some self study as well. 

1 Sam 17: 1Now the Philistines gathered their armies together to battle, and were gathered at Sochoh, which belongs to Judah; they encamped between Sochoh and Azekah, in Ephes Dammim. 2And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and they encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in battle array against the Philistines. 3The Philistines stood on a mountain on one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side, with a valley between them.

Sochoh was a city of the tribe of Juda (Josh 15:35) and located 14 miles west of Bethlehem in the foothills of the Judean Mountains. In 2 Chron 28:19 it was captured by the Philistines, and they settled there.

For the Lord brought Judah low because of Ahaz, king of Israel, for he had encouraged moral decline in Judah and had been continually unfaithful to the Lord.

The enemy is always looking for a place to settle. It wants to steal your joy and inheritance. It is not satisfied of staying on the sidelines. Your enemy brings the fight right into your midst and settles.

The name Sochoh means hedge or thicket; weaving a protective barrier to keep you trapped. The Philistines understood the importance of hedges and settling. However, before you think this story has ended before it has begun, hold on to your seat.

In Micah 2: 12-13, God gave us a clue in how to break through the hedge.

“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.”

If you are part of the remnant, then Christ; the good shepherd will break open the hedge and lead His flock out into the field. Christ will be in front. Showing the way. Meaning, when you think you have lost, God will show you the way. He will break the hedge by using a David. What kept you at bay will break before God’s mighty hand. Before any sword has been lifted, the battle had been won.

But the key here is that you must know God’s voice. It is in the knowing that you will follow Christ through the hedge into victory.

Azekah means cultivated ground and was a fortified city during the time of the judges. It was a place of refuge for many. It had seen many battles and a few miraculous interventions. Staying in this city, you know you are well protected.

Ephes Dammin means the boundary of blood. It serves as a reminder of ancient struggles and the boundary where bloodshed occurred—a poignant marker in biblical history.

Saul and his men camped in the Valley of Elah. It was the opposite of Sochoh. They were out in the open. The valley is a low place. They were not protected.

The root of the word Elah can be described as a place of foolishness, or a failure to live up to cognitive standards or common codes of conduct. It also means worthlessness or a worthless thing.

Saul could have stayed in Azekah. That would have given them an eagle’s view, but he camped in the valley where they felt worthless and foolish. Being in this place set Israel up for failure. It held them in captivity before they began.

The very reason Goliath could play with their minds and get the upper hand so easily.

But, you see, they needed a remnant; one who is unafraid to break the hedge. He has put them together, broken the hedge, and passed through it into victory. He led the way.

David is a picture of Christ that shows us the way out and when Goliath’s head rolled, the hedge was broken, fear and despair were demolished, and the Philistines scattered.

They were not settled in Sochoh anymore because there was no hedge they could use.

When you trust in God, when you know the good shepherd’s voice, you have the victory already. Christ has shown you the way. Fear and despair cannot hold you once you know His voice. The battle is the Lord’s, and the victory is yours.

Get to know his voice. How do you do that? By reading and studying the word. By spending time with God. Being obedient is the first step to your victory.

Whatever you face, know that God is with you. He is already there. You don’t have to listen to the lies or stay in the low country. You can go higher, there where the eagles fly.

Grace and peace to you.

A 12 Day Bible plan: The Lessons we Learn from David and Goliath and How to overcome Despair and Fear.

A 12 Day Bible plan by Lynelle Clark 

Synopsis:

Key scripture: 1 Sam 17 (KJV)

David and Goliath story had captured the minds of many children, warriors, and believers. It is a story of war, dedication, and unwavering faith in an unseen God.

However, the story of David and Goliath reveals more than what we read in the key scripture of this bible plan. It takes us from the charismatic into the apostolic sphere with precision and unwavering fear. We are called to do mighty exploits in God’s name. We can relinquish our despair and fear and walk into battle with the right mindset.

The symbolic significance of this confrontation in the history of Israel gives us a deeper look into our own life and how to face the battle within. This is a battle where you have to choose your war tools carefully. It is also important to wear the correct armour, otherwise you will be caught off guard.

You are ready to face your fears when you face your Goliath.

The twelve-day bible plan is devised to fall in love with God’s word again. God’s word will give you the mandate to operate as an exact representative of God on this earth. A remnant called to obey, to overcome and lead others to victory.

I would like to invite you on this journey of discovery as you learn the truths and the practical application to overcome. There might be many unfamiliar phrases you haven’t heard before and don’t understand, but I want to invite you to reach out and ask.

The Apostolic movement is not for the fainthearted but for the equipping of the saints to lead us back to Christ, our final destination.

Grace and peace to you. 

Lynelle
Hephzibeula Intercontinental Ministries: H.I.M. 

Day One / Day two / Day three / Day four / Day five/ Day six / 

Day seven / Day eight / Day nine / Day ten / Day eleven / Day twelve 

Week 6: Ignored stains.

 

Ignored stains are the worst kind of stain. It is an ugly thing to look at; especially on top of a beautiful wood table where everyone can see. It leaves an aftertaste for the onlookers and spoil an immaculate life. No matter how hard you ignore it, it will mark your life unless you deal with it.

We all have our reasons why we don’t want to deal with it. It is harmless and won’t hurt anyone, we might think. Or it will take too much time to remove it and will take you away from what you love to do.

Others will say, “I just don’t let it bother me,” but it won’t solve the problem. It will just increase the problem.

In Acts 24, Paul was preaching to a ruler named Felix. Paul reasoned with Felix of “righteousness,” “temperance,” and of the “judgment to come” (v. 25). This caused Felix to tremble. Clearly, he was affected by what Paul had said. Instead of acting on what he had learned, he responded, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” Felix chose to do nothing about his sins. Instead, he chose to ignore them. As far as we know, Felix never found a convenient season to obey God.

We don’t escape responsibility from our sins by ignoring them. Ignoring sin will cause us to be lost eternally. Instead of ignoring sin, a non-Christian must believe (Jn. 3:16), repent (Acts 2:38), confess Christ (Rom. 10:10), and be baptized (Acts 2:38, Mk. 16:16). The Christian who sins must repent, pray, and confess his sins (Acts 8:22, I Jn. 1:8-10).

Don’t find an excuse or allow more time to laps, before you do something about it. Do it now while the time is now.

Prayer

Father, I humbly bring my sin……. (name it) to your table of grace and confess my unwillingness to deal with this. Lord, give me the wisdom to come clean and to allow the Holy Spirit to do his perfect work of healing and restoration in me. Wipe my slate clean, Lord, and show me how not to sin anymore.

I confess Romains 10: 10 over my life: For it is with my heart that I believe and are justified, and it is with my mouth that I profess my faith and are saved.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

©LynelleClark2023

Week 5: Hidden Stains

Stains can be stubborn, so much so that we have to hide them. Then we concoct a reason of why we hide them.

Have you seen these hiding devices in other homes? Maybe it hides your own; crochet lappies, vases, books; they are all things we can use to hide that persistent stain.

We usually hide them out of shame or because we are too busy to handle it. However, both can rob us from the joy of a clean table.

We get stains that really struggle to get out. Stains that you need to revisit, scrub just to cover it once more because of its stubbornness. You try every cure that you can buy, but nothing seems to help.

Are we not like that as well?

Hiding our stains because of shame and fear. What will the people say, or what will God do when He sees it? These are some reasons that motivate us to hide it. (Sounds familiar? Hint: Adam and Eve) I know I do.

Hidden stains can rob you from the freedom to be yourself, your confidence, and can rob you from your relationship with the Heavenly Father and others.

But once you have confronted it, it has lost its hold on you. That feeling of accomplishment, once you have faced it, feels invigorating. As if a heaviness was removed and you can breathe with uncanny freedom.

Do not go through another day hiding your stains from God. He knows it. So, why not confess, and throw away the excuses and live a life of freedom and confidence?

Christ has done a perfect work in us. Nothing is hidden before Him. He knows all, sees all, and wants to take it from you. No stain is so big that it cannot be removed by the blood of the Lamb. Use your stain removal rather than hide it another day. Look that stain in the eye and say, today is the day that I will be set free from your smear. I am cleansed; I am healed, and I am free.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice that set me free from this stain (name it). Thank you for the victory of the Cross.

I confess my shame and fear and accept your loving kindness. Thank you for removing every stain from my heart, mind, and body. I declare it powerless. Thank you, that all shame and fear has been lifted, and permanently removed from my life by the blood of the Lamb.

I pray for wisdom to be more vigilant in my choices. That I will walk in Godly insight with the full armor as my protection and shield. I choose to stay in the Light of your Word, all the days of my life.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen

©LynelleClark2023

Devotional: Week 4 Stubborn Stains

Job 1:22 caused me to pause and reevaluate my own life. It says, “Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God”. https://my.bible.com/bible/6/JOB.1.22

How often do we struggle with the stubborn stains in life?

The unanswered prayers, the persistent struggle that goes on for years without results? For some, it is sickness, financial difficulties, continuous work loss, addictions: the list goes on.

My burden of continuous financial lack and work loss is a heavy burden that has played havoc in my mind and my life. Sometimes I would cry out to the Lord, lay out the best argument, but still no genuine answer comes.

It seems there is no remedy to cure this stain in my life.

When I read the scripture in Job, it knocked me off a peg or two. Never did he sin nor did he blame God for any of his difficulties.

I, on the other, blame God for my problems at least once a week. Sometimes, I am frightful and grumpy. Days that I think this new plan/work will work just to fall flat on my face. Only when I read this scripture did I realize why Job was blessed. He never sinned nor blamed God and we know that his wealth was restored to him many times over.

Instead of trying every means possible to get the stains out, we should stop and pray. We should get the attitude of Job and praise God, close our ears off from those good intention friends, but who bring no value to our life. Ignore the nay-sayers and those that try to intimidate us.

Look to God. He is our only solution. His word has not failed us, we have failed him.

Only when we stop shifting blame and listen can we truly be satisfied.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I confess my sin towards you. I confess I have sinned before you. Help me get my attitude right. Help me stay focus on your Word.

Father, I trust you to keep me secure in the knowledge of who you are and to stay focus. Help me see what you do in my life. Close my ears to the nay-sayers and the doubters. Keep them far from me.

Thank you for your understanding and wisdom, but mostly Lord, for provision and healing in my life.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Image obtained from Pexel.

Week 3: Patterns of Faith

 

Each coffee stain has a unique pattern and can be pretty.

If by any chance you stay calm and forget the mess of the coffee stain to focus on the beauty, it will amaze you. You will notice the elegant swirls, the graceful splatters that create the most interesting images, and like when you see a snowflake, it will fill you with awe.

That is how our faith stains are as well. To us, being so close to the mess, we think of our faith path as one confused muddle. We cannot see any pattern or beauty within. But when a friend points out how your story inspires her, you will notice the graceful patterns and hopeful seasoned splatters that make up your life.

Looking back at our lives, we miss the small things that have made up the faith stains. Things we despise or look down at because of their insignificance. But it is in the small and insignificance we find the truth. A truth, so astounding that it leaves us speechless.

It is called character building. People will see you with fresh eyes. Your manners will change, the way you act changes, and your mind will think anew. You will find a strength you never thought you have, but mostly you discover that your life has meaning.

It sneaks up to you quietly that you miss the small moments where faith has become a mature substance. Your faith will have a newfound hope and new avenues had to open up. You will even find yourself on Straight street where you face your fears and do what you never thought possible. You will become a message bearer with a warrior like quality and every step will be sure.

These patterns can only be observed with a deep knowing of who you are and what you have become. It will swirl around you with a heavenly grace that supersedes any earthly garment. A garment rich with colour, fragrance, and harmony.

These are the stains I want to be remembered for. Not for the messes and the stickiness, but for how I handled myself within each part of my life. May you be an accurate reflection of the Father and your messes be a testimony of your faith.

Look, God makes all things new.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the fruit of insight in my life. Thank you for equipping me with faith. Even though my knees are scuffed, and my back is bent, I know these stains only emphasize the journey I walked with you. Help me see this and be glad about the stains. Thank you, that these stains enrich my life and strengthen me.

Thank you, that you make everything new.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.