Opposing Opposition

Oppostion comes to all of us whether we want it to or not. But if God be for us, He is more that the whole world against us. Do not be afraid or discouraged because the battle is not yours, but God's. Power and might are in His hands, and no man has to power to withstand Him. God is our judge and is more that capable of judging the enemy, for we have no power to face the attacks of the enemy without the Holy Spirit's power at work in and through us. If we are to take our positions and stand firm in the Lord's power, we are to do so by lifting up holy hands in prayer and in worship unto the Lord. Therefore, your praises will fight for you, for all of your battles are won in prayer. It is so easy to murmur and complain in adversity, that we forget to offer up the sacrifice of praise and lose the battle that Christ has already won for us on Calvary's Cross with the atonement of His shed blood. No matter the storms of opposition and/or adversity, God will build you up and in righteousness you will be established. You have nothing to fear for nothing shall come nigh your dwelling. (Psalm 91) Isaiah stated, whoever attacks you will surrender to you (Isaiah 54:15b NIV). No matter what weapons formed against you, they will not prevail. You have the right and the authority to refute every accusatory tongue, for this is your heritage as a servant of the Lord, and I will recompense saith the Lord.

Strengthening Others

After Jesus was resurrected from the grave, He appeared on the lakes shore unto certain disciples, as they ate, Jesus said, Simon Peter, son of John, do you love me? Peter's reponse all too like yours and mine, was the response of condition (phileo) love. Yes, Lord I love you. Jesus responded, "feed my lambs": Jesus is asking Peter to feed His baby Christians. Jesus spoke to Peter a second time, with the same question. Peter's reply the same, yea! Lord, I love you. At this point, Peter's heart was beginning to change. Jesus said, "take care of my sheep", nuture them, guide them, teach them to observe and do all that I've taught and commanded you. Jesus came again a third time with the same question. Peter a bit frustrated with the Lord, probably thinking to himself, "now I've been with this man; nigh a little over three years, I've repented with godly sorrow for my betrayal of Him in His greatest hour of need, and yet He continues to question my love for him. Why? We often like Peter get frustrated with God when we fail to see the reasoning and/or purpose behind the storms we face daily. Peter's respons was somewhat different this time. He said, "Lord, you know all things, you know that I love you", here is where Peter, learned the true spirit of agape (unconditional) love. He realized that it was no longer about him, but all about the one who was sending him. Jesus' response to Peter, "feed my sheep", He is also speaking to you and I, "feed my sheep", now that you have been converted (come into the knowledge of who you are, what you are, and whose you are) strengthen (equip) others.

Being Lead by His Holy Spirit

Jesus, told Peter on the night of His crufixion, that he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed twice. Peter of course denied this assumedly accusaction, but, by all means this was a prophetic proclamation. At the break of day, Peter denied Jesus, as Jesus had prophetically stated earlier the evening before. As Believer, we like Peter, often deny the power of God at work in our lives. We are often too busy trying to do things in and of ourselves verses relying on the Holy Spirit of God to lead, guide, and direct. we often run into closed doors. Zechriach reminds us in the 4th chapter 6th verse. that is is not by my power, nor by my might, but by my Spirit saith the Lord of hosts. We must learn to allow the working power of God's Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct our path. It is here that we learn total trust in Jesus' Holy name, it is here that we come to full deliverance from our past pain and mishaps. Let us learn to lean not unto our own understanding, but trust Jesus for direction, and guidance via His Holy Spirit.

The Storms of Life Raging

The storms of life bring confusion, devastation, mental, physical, emotional and spiritual decay. Everyday we face some type of adversity (storm), whether it be financial, relational, emotional and or spiritual. I'm reminded of Peter, during the time when Jesus walked on the water. Peter said, "Lord if it be you, bid me to come", Jesus, said it is I, Peter come. Peter, one of the more non-chalant, violent disciples asked the Lord to bid him to come to Him on the water. Peter was angry, bitter, jealous, and just merely frustrated with life. Jesus said, come Peter, I'm waiting for you (paraphrase mine). Peter stepped out of the boat onto the water, when he stepped out he had a zeal for God, but no knowledge of His awesome power (righteousness). The wind begin to bolster and Peter took his focus off of the Lord, and began to sink. As Peter sanked, he realized that he was about to drown in his own self-centeredness, and he cried out Lord save me. Jesus reached down to save Peter, and said O' ye of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? We often like Peter, doubt God's ability to save us, and/or direct us iwhether adversity and/or otherwise. When Peter stepped out on the water, he failed to ask the Lord how to get out of the boat, and in which direction to walk. Some would say just step out on faith and walk towards Jesus. In any situation, we must learn to ask the Lord, how, in order to plan and prepare our steps for success. Peter, forgot, adversity was all around him, and when the wind (storms of life) started raging he took his eyes off Jesus, and began to fail miserably. We as believers, often times fail to plan and prepare for things and situations, therefore, when adversity comes we are having to ask Jesus to save us. When we fail to listen for proper instructions on how to get out of the boat,we are unable to walk upright, keeping our focus on the One who has bid us to come. Therefore, let us look to the hills from whence cometh our help, our help comes from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. Jesus has bid us to come and follow Him, but we like Peter, start out with a zeal, bold in the faith, but with little planning and preparation. When the storms start rolling, our faith is shaken by the things around us. Therefore, we must plan and prepare for this walk with Jesus, whether it be relationships, finance, employment, etc., we too must conquer our fears of failure, and put our hope and trust in the Master Builder-Jesus.