Elder9

As long as the armies saw the rod they prevailed, motivated to fight, when one became weary and weak or the noise of the battle confused them to ask "why am I here?" And before fear of losing one's life overtook them just by looking up revealed the reason and the motivation. As the rod represented God's power and presence, it was strength to the army that He is with us, and that we will prevail. It became a symbol of strength and encouragement, sort of like looking up and getting an adrenalin rush. All I have to do is look unto Jesus the author and finisher of my faith, He which began a good work in me will complete it or perform it until the day of Christ. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me, I get charged knowing that He is with me as I'm with Him. No weapon formed against me shall ever prosper as long as I can look up and see The Commander of God's Army, and the Banner flying high, we will fight.

Jesus couldn't call for help in this battle although the host of heaven was patiently waiting for the order to march, this was one battle of all battle that was strategically meant to be won differently. Without resistance Jesus quietly, humbly and successfully defeated our eternal adversary. His life for my life, He died that I might live, the battle was won in the garden, and demonstrated its success on the cross. Its not going to be pretty, now the heavenly host has been rallied for THIS DAY, for centuries they have been waiting for this day, when they will go forth to battle with a furious fury urged on by the Commanders voice to destroy without mercy.

His servant was afraid because of vision problems. Not being able to see as God see's or reveals to His servants. God had already dispatched help, he just couldn't see it as his master Elisha could. I often have poor vision until God opens my eyes to the wonderful things that he's done and doing in my life or on my behalf. The difference between the two was realm knowledge, Elisha knew God and was used to seeing the invisible, his servant was used to seeing with earthly eyes only. This can really cause a problem to those working in Kingdom building, one see's enormous amounts of potential another see dispair and hopelessness. We need to see as God see's in order to accomplish His work. Sometimes it takes the fear of losing our lives as was the case with Elisha's servant or the threat of losing something intimate. Shock treatment has a way of introducing us to reality even when we close our eyes to facts. The thing that makes us unique is that God uses everything to His advantage to get us up to speed. All things work together for the good, even in Elisha's servant condition and panic stricken moment God made it good. How often can I claim the same experience (untold numbers of times). Once I realize and stop quaking, that the God that I serve is greater than any circumstance in my life, whew what a sight of relief. I can over come any and every obsticle and advdesary. I stop looking at the enemy and look at the size of my God.

Because we should be enlisted in His cause, its all about God's plan. If there is any side to take, we must find ourselves on His side. We have tendency to look at things from our perspective and not God's. This was a reality check, He didn't come to choose side, but to remind us of whose side we're on. The significance is He was sent not so much to help as to refocus our efforts, the victory is already ours so fighting from victory ground should cause us to look unto Him. The Commander in Chief found Joshua almost fearful according to his response at seeing Him (whose side are you on, or in affect if you're not our enemy help us). Joshua was given specific instructions from God at Moses' death "as I was with Moses' even will I be with you" no matter who showed up Joshua was a winner in battle. Joshua was certainly encouraged after this exchange, but Joshua should have remembered God's words to him, maintaining a good relationship with God would produce GOOD SUCCESS. I too would have been greatly lifted and emboldened (I certainly will not blame or accuse Joshua of fainting or being weak in fairth, not me of all people, I'm looking in retrospect only).

It tells me that our GOD is exalted & Supreme over ALL THAT EXIST. His glory is much like a "mantle" with which He cover that which belongs to Him, it also covers His Majesty from unholy eyes (He cannot behold evil or sin, nor can the unregenerate impure behold Him) He's veiled by His Glory. It's like cracking open a diamond and finding a more precious stone inside. What God has revealed of Himself is about all that we can handle without a new container (one like Christ's, Glory beholds Glory.) God told Moses' no man has seen my face and lived. We've yet to see PURE GOD or God in His purity. As this precious jem is broken open and its true or inner preciousness is revealed it should be reflected in our worship of His Glorious Majesty, by changing us into His Glory, being made into His image. Paul says "from glory to glory, even by the Spirit of the Lord"

I am first struck by the fact that there is no other that is greater than He. He has chosen to reveal this of Himself that we might know Him, and that knowing Him through the revelation of Himself in this way lets us know "He's not just another god, but truly God of god's". High and lofty gives the connotation of "there's more". This represents not only His position but His domain, His claim as "High & Lofty" announces that there's none above nor is there another dwelling place apart or aside from His. (All of creation and all of space is His realm.) It helps secure my belief and position in Him because there's none Higher, there's no other higher authority or court of appeals to which I may contest, protest or appeal. Causing me to revel in His Glory, and blush with pride (knowing that He has called ME.)

I realize that we share a unique position, we are the only earth inhabitors that have access to the MOST HIGH, God requires a perfect worship & allegence. Any haphazard approach to God is tantamount to baspheme knowing who we're approaching and based on the death of His only Son Jesus Christ, we humble ourselves before His Majesty. We would not approach Prseident Bush by saying "yo what's up" its irreverent and disrespectful, though we we don't bow in his presence we know that his office requires a certain amount of respect. God has said that we can approach the Throne of Grace at any time to get the help that we need, but there is a protocol. The angels cry "Holy, Holy,Holy" and cover their feet & eyes and they dwell in His presence.

They both agreed and both believed that He was the Only Supreme Sovereign, and that He was alone in this status. His name represented the loftiness of this position, that He was/is unequal in Supremacy. That He alone is unchallenged for Sovereignty over creation. If there are any other god's they all recognize Him as God of god's. The abrupt appearance to Abraham as Supreme Lord and of Melchizedek as the Priest of that Lord sealed the debate about Lordship.

When we as a people (singular & plural) realize that God inhabits our praise, He actually becomes present in our praising Him. We then Glorify God by "forgeting about ourself and concentrating on Him". When He becomes our focus regardless of what life has tossed in our path, Lifting Him higher. I believe that the higher we lift Him up, the higher He lifts us. I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Its not inportant who's at the Church, whether the choir is singing or the organist is playing its our hearts devotion to the Infinite God of our salvation that requires our focaled praise. God gets Glory when we see Him for who He is, healer, deliverer, advocate et al. I can be an initiator, by not waiting for someone else to praise. Enter into His gates & courts with praise & Thanksgiving. If there's no fire, I'll strike the match.

I guess if we start with "now unto Him who's able", praying to an entity (source of self sustaining life) capable of unimaginable feats or displays of power. And realizing that this life form (totally alien to me, and beings like me) has called me into fellowship with Him. And has asked me to call on Him and to talk to Him and to ask Him anything according to His will, and get and answer, its beyond cool. I once talked with an IRS agent who said that "ignorance of the law is no excuse". Just because we don't know, still does not excuse one from knowing because the information is available. God can truly say to us when we suffer needlessly "it's not My fault". We suffer needlessly being too pious or afraid to ask thinking that suffering is godly. God's given us "Carte Blanche" in asking, He said "you have not, because you ask not". If I need food and don't ask, its my fault, not God's. I'm limiting what He wants to do in my life to demonstrate to a world gone wrong what His love can accomplish. I'm setting a bad example to the unbelieving world. So that they may see my (His) good works among men, and Glorify God which is in heaven, so He can draw men by His goodness to me. Start by asking little things from God that bring Him Glory, then as our Faith grows, so will our compassion and ability to ask for others to see God work in their lives increasing my Faith. If I ask food for the neighbor down the street, and see God perform a miracle (even if I'm the instrument) Its working. I then move from food to clothing to housing to transportation etc. I'm growing and God is blessing. He meets my needs that I can meet others. Even if I start asking for myself, I'm growing. If I have Volkswagon faith but ask with a Lexus mind God will honor the "ask" and increase my faith through it. I don't want to get to heaven and pass the room called "missed blessings" and find my stuff in it. (smile).

Constantly believing that the fullness of God's indwelling presence would radically change (once and for all) any life. That's the prayer for my Christian brethren. I've prayed for friends and strangers to filled with this knowledge and His presence. Its a desire that I believe the Church (believers) should drink deeply from this well unto full. That God would be revealed to this individual to the nth power. That there would not be nothing left of the individual, that the insatiable thirst for God could only finally be quenched by Him alone. It summarizes Paul's desire to see the believer truly dedicated to God. Things that are dedicated are special in that they're holy, sanctified, unpolluted. If we become full, then there's no room for the worldliness that contaminates and drains so much of our strength. We're then without spot or blemish et al.

Paul had a desire for us to know the unknowable. Get to know the unknowable God. Not be satisfied with a normal Christian life, reach for the supernatural experience that awaits those who venture beyond the "veil". Strive to better understand this unique heavenly love. Its not earthly but heavenly, not of this world. Untainted by bigotry, bias or greed, pure unadulterated heavenly love. He does mention that its past finding out. But Get to know it anyway. Cool. Lives are changed when we understand that it was not a deserved/earned love but a commended love, even while we were yet sinners. How could we not respond to that type of genuine love. Not wanting anything but to be allowed to love to the fullest, then duplicating that same love to others. All it requires is all of us, not a bad deal considering what we gave up (nothing, life without Christ is nothing). The love of God in Christ Jesus is unsearchable, it has no depth, height, wideth. One writer said its too high you can't get over it, and too wide you can't go around it and too deep you can't go under it. That's love. I believe throughout all eternity we'll never fathom the love of God nor His Son for us. No greater love.

The inner man being that part of man that connects with God, guided by the Spirit is most important to spiritual growth. Physically we can into adulthood or size, spiritually we grow in Faith or in Christlikeness. If we're to become anything its by the strength of our inner man, as it increases through the Spirit's tutoring. I pray that God would reveal His Son in me to such a degree that I'm so totally absorbed in Him, that I become as He is (like Him). The heart is our inner most being or the throne room of our passions. To gain control of that throne room means that you've surrendered completely. If God abides in/on that seat than He, not me rules. Not necessarily so, Jesus Himself says, why call me Lord, and do not what I say. We could be saved, but not allow Christ to singlely (Himself only) rule in our hearts. The old man keeps popping up at our behest.

We've got to know that a greater than Solomon is here. I've got to know that there is in exsistance a greater that great power to which I've connected myself to capable of awesome miracles and exploits. There's so much of the child in us looking for something to be in awe of, God fills that catagory. Through His immensely demonstarted power in creation and sustaining life. I can certainly say "there's nothing too hard for Him". So I align myself with Him. His statement beside me there is no god, clenched it. By realizing whom I'm connected to, by understanding the nature and revealed power of God. By reseaching His resume, I looked in Job's narative pulled up a chair and listened to Him brag, I left fully convinced. Giving them the same information and guided tour through the Word of God that convinced me, I understand that it takes different things for others. Still it's a start. Praying that their eyes are open to the truth of His person, and that the Holy Spirit would reveal Himself in an AWESOME way, sometimes all it takes is a DEMONSTRATION.

One result would be a cessation of prayer. What's the use. All hope would be for naught. If our God isn't greater than us, then we're the same, only one of us is calling himself God. Talk about a real downer. Once we realize that God has riches in store for the faithful Saints, eyes that have not yet seen, nor ears that couldn't possibly hear of it and a heart that couldn't comprehind what God has in store for us. I want that. It gives me motivation and hope. That after living a life now, sometimes going without there's a better life ahead. My prayers become not so much a "gimmie" list, but I can ask for things within His Word and watch Him honar my Faith. It provkes me to rely upon Him for everything, and ask Him anything (within His bounderies). I'd pray that they abandon themselves to God and dive deeply into His Word for comfirmation. God is not a man that He should Lie ... I'd suggest if they can find their need in His Word, then there's also close by an answer. I'd encourage them to read His last will and testament (OT & NT) for humanity, find out what God said is ours. What we can ask for and receive now, and what we can expect to receive after this life is over.

I've become more "expectant" of God and His manifold blessings. At first, all teaching was that you really shouldn't expect anything from God, then I find that God expects me to expect great things from Him. My "hope" shot through the roof. I'm here now and need now things for daily living. And I've not taken a vow of poverty. If what I've asked God for today doesn't arrive, hope says there's always tomorrow. Downcast, hopeless, listless (lifeless) et al. If there's no hope of a tomorrow, why live today. Since God holds my future (Jer. 29:11) He's promised me that its a good one. I still continue to look beyond the hill's from whence cometh my help. I guess I'd have to take a page out of the Apostle's book. By asking God to please open their eyes. I'm reminded of the Prophet who asked God to open his servants eyes that he might see, that they were surrounded by the help that they needed. What Christians always need, is always there, we just can't see it without hope. So I'd start by asking too, for revelatory insight.

What stands out in my mind is his consistancy in praying the "same" thing for them. As it was put till they "get it". And that the Spirit would open up their understanding, that the Spirit of God does His work inside of them. To me it means that Paul aquired quite a list of people and things to pray consistantly for, having founded Churches, he didn't just leave them to flounder but kept them constantly in his heart and prayer. It is most unlikely that unless the Spirit of Christ does the revealing, mankind would never aquire the spiritual understanding needed to attain true salvation. Man doesn't know where to look, without the Spirit's intervention we'd still be bowing down to nature or something worse. Jesus mentioned that the Samaritans worshiped that which they did not know, are we any different without the Spirit's revelation of Himself and the Godhead? God would and has revealed Himself to His creation in various ways that we may perceive His Glorious love towards mankind. Gaining a true understanding of Himself, takes Himself to do that. I marvel at the many testimonies of God's gracious love in revealing to the longing and searching heart Himself. Fullness requires the Spirit. It makes surface knowledge or understanding of the Godhead, Faith and the many important things needed in Christian growth a requirement. Or stated another way, it make the believer hungry for the many things of God. And this type of prayer, paramount.

No, I believe that Jesus didn't get special treatment. God Himself said that He is not a respecter of persons. Or holds one person in admiration above another. What God did for Daniel, Apostle Paul, Hagar et al He'll do for you and me as well. Scripture says that He learned obedience by the things that He suffered, He didn't escape that so trhere definitely was no special treatment, if so He would have avoided the cross. Constantly, are we helped like that. The Angel of the Lord is entrenched around me, as I'm followed by Goodness and mercy.

Yes the Father was pleased because it demonstrated total submission the the Fathers desire/will. Abandoning all other attempts to remove the cup. Satisfying Himself with doing the Fathers will. Because we sometimes just accept what the Fathers says without at least expressing our own thoughts/desires before surrender to His will. He already knows what we're thinking (which is left unsaid). God is not dictator, remembering Hezekiah, he spoke what was on his heart and God change His course of action and added 15 years to his life. We have not because we ask not. Expressing how we truly feel without holding back, then demonstrating obedience to the Father by surrendering and saying never-the-less (regardless of what I want, I want what you want) your will be done (has won me over).

Jesus's prayer was that "if there is another way" this cup which represents the wrath of God had to drunk. Had He not drank it we would not be able. Now, I can do all things through christ which strengthens me. Jesus desired to escape such a dreadful future, but wanted to do His will, He simply asked the father to remove the cup, as a request not a demand or condition of His obedience. I truly believe He didn't want to endure the out pouring of God's wrath, because of what it produced (seperation from the Father for the first time, it was unthinkable, but necessary). Knowing God as only He could, God wouldn't change His mind, but maybe there was another way. It was that intense/important. It meant that Jesus was focused on the will of God, and at the same time human feelings about not the pain to be suffered, but the pain of separation was filtering into His mind. I believe that this was a new experience for Christ and at the same necessary as being our High Priest, touched with the feelings of our infirmaties. I don't believe that Jesus was resisting, I believe it was more of "lets go over the plan again, is there another way". When the determinate council in Heaven decreed these plans, it was settled. There's a phrase we use a lot "it looks good on paper", sometimes we have to make accomidations for unforseen things. There was nothing unforseen except I believe, the pain of separation.

Jesus did so that we (them) would not give into whatever temptation satan may use to discredit us (them). Prayer puts us in direct communication with the source of our strength, if there was ever a time we needed God's help its at our temptation. Their temptation was giving into the flesh and its cravings. That would include its weaknesses. At a time when they should've been praying He found them asleep at a time they should have been encouraging him, they were asleep, tired, yes stiil, no excuse. No wonder He says "truly the spirit is willing, but the body/flesh is weak". Seeking the Fathers will/desire for their lives. Submitting to His Lordship of their lives. Not seeking approval for some venture of their own. Eventually, after Christ's sufferings and crucifixtion, they slowly began to understand the full extent of their need to pray in this manner. Very simply, "Thy will be done". Total submission to God's will, without question. When it comes to a complete emptying of self, a complete surrender its personal and private. Christ spent all His time openly before/with His disciples. This was a private moment between Him and His Father. Shared privately first then publically.

He's in danger of not only losing his job, but of losing his life as well. This is no small matter to come before the King with a sullen face. The Kings servants should look joval at all times. He prayer was that God would touch the Kings heart who would then grant him his petition. One word or "arrow" prayers don't say a lot but they mean a lot. Help Lord, can mean "Lord, here I go please give me Divine mercy", or something of that effect. It sums up the weeping before God and prayers that He's been petitioning God to consider and act on. He'd heard of the plight of his countrymen, the sad state of affairs of the city that he loved and its walls. Weeping before God constantly reminding God of the terrible conditions and the dangers. He most certainly had suggested to God what the remedy could be (permission to conclude what had been started but not completed) but not having the resources that the King had, plus even if he wanted to go he'd have to get permission from the King to do so. But then he couldn't empty handed. God was certainly needed to bring this to pass.

Both Daniel and Esther was in an position of influence and trust. Nehemiah's own position of cup bearer placed him also in such a place to have or obtain the Kings ear and favor. All three persons are or were considered to have been slaves at one time, so their position now is "priviledged". Their resume didn't get them the position. Because of His pre-vision God makes pro-vision. God knows the end from the biginning so in His preparation for either deliverance or rescue, He's already positioned His people to bring about His purpose. We're responsible to give ourselves to Him, for His purposes. When God places us in positions of authority, danger comes when its time to use it for His purpose and we've grown accustomed to it, not discerning why we're there. Queen Esther was reminded, this could be why you're here, not just your good looks. I'm sure there were other beautiful young girls. In a small way, to be in a position to encourage other Christians at work. I pray for wisdom to recognize God's hand in my affairs. And to be faithful.

Nehemiah's basis is none other than God's words Himself. He reminds God of what He said He would do (both bad, scatter and good, gather). There was nothing else to appeal to God with, seeing all of them had transgressed His ordinances. The only loop hole was the one God Himself inserted ... if you return unto me. He argues, that truly they have sinned against Him, but, they've also repented. According to his word by His servant Moses, they've corrected the problem, now they seek His deliverance/fulfillment of His promise. Their has to be a legitimate basis for our intercession to a Holy God. Christ becomes the basis on which we (as believers) reach/meet God. It's also the basis for the unbeliever too, for without Christ their is no mediator. As Nehemiah understood, self righteousness (personal or corporate) isn't available. There's none righteous no not one. So its either Christ or God's own words that we use as the basis for asking/intercession.

Nehemiah prayed because of the dreadful news that he had received earlier concerning the city of his God. Nehemiah's love for his people and his God was over whelming. He identified himself with them in their struggle for survival. News of this type cannot just be shucked off, he felt the pain deeply inside, and it brought him to tears, mournful tears, the kind that gets God's attention. His fasting and weeping was a result of the emotional trauma that had just occured. I believe that it was an involuntary instinct for him to do something in association with this tragic news. Fasting represents the seriousness of the situation and weeping represents the nearness. For Nehemiah, not excessive enough, he needed to get a hold of God, and that right early. This was a very troubling situation, and if any resolution was to come, God would be the one to enact it.