Victory Without Battle

Freedigitalphotos.net

Often times, the LORD desires us to stand and fight in spiritual battles - uncomfortable as it may be. We learn how to do this several places in Scripture although the most familiar may be Ephesians 6.

Sometimes though, the LORD will deliver us WITHOUT a battle that we have to fight. Sometimes, without our intervention, God wins the battle for us.

But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the Lord their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen. (Hosea 1:7)

We should look then, to the Lord Jesus Christ only, and not to man to save us. Man cannot save us by the greatness of his army or by his power. God alone can win the battle for us. How often we miss His blessing by looking to man for our answers, neglecting much prayer about it "because it seems to make sense". Yet, God Himself has mercy on us and can defend us in His perfect timing.

When there is a battle, let us be in prayer. Let us not fear or be dismayed, because like Joshua, the Lord our God is with us!

The parable of the sower

freedigitalphotos.net

The parable of the sower is an important parable because it explains the different states of professing believers and how that relates to salvation.

Below is a chart showing what each gospel tells us about the four soils. Sometimes there is confusion about this parable. Some believe it shows that we can lose our salvation. Yet, this is not what it shows at all. When we put it together the picture is clear. Let's look:

Parable of the Sower: Mark 4:13 ..Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

	WAYSIDE	STONY GROUND/ROCK	THORNS	GOOD SOIL
MATTHEW	13:19 Does not understand wicked one takes away word	13:20 hears receives w/joy no root offended at tribulations	13:21 Hears Cares of world make unfruitful	13:23 Hears Understands Bears fruit
MARK	4:15 Hear The word is immediately taken away by satan	4:16 Receive with gladness but no root Endure for a time until persecution	4:17 Hear Cares of world choke	4:20 Hear Receive it Bring fruit
LUKE	8:12 Hear Devil takes away word in heart LEST they believe and be saved	8:13 Hear Receive with joy Fall away in time of temptation	8:14 Heard Choked by pleasures No fruit to perfection (KJ) “mature fruit” (ESV)	8:15 In honest & good heart Hear Brings forth fruit with patience
Summary: Picture of all types of believers: Non believer Emotional “believer” Baby “Christian” that never grows Those that endure to the end with patience (saved)	Never saved (Lk 8:12)	Never says these believe, understood or brings forth fruit. Plant can endure for a time,  but not bring forth fruit	Never says these believe, understood or brings forth mature fruit. Plant can endure for a time, but not bring forth mature fruit. Warning to long term “baby Christians” /  “carnal Christians” that don’t ever grow	It was sown in an honest and good heart. (Who makes our hearts honest and good? Not in our natural state - Jer 17:9 - it is God (Eze 11:19) Heard Received Understood Bore fruit with patience (see Heb 10:36)

[Jesus] answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. - Matthew 15:13 ESV

How to discern God's leading in hard decisions

freedigitalphotos.net

A few months ago Pastor Dave gave a sermon on Jacob and Laban. He detailed four points for us to know when God is in a move.

For us to apply these points, this doesn't have to be a physical move but a move or change in our lives that effects not only ourselves but our families. When it is hard to discern God's will for your life in a "move", consider these points from Genesis 31.

1. There must be a desire for change. Jacob desired God but waited on him through bad work/living circumstances.     Timing is always important. If desire continues, then good, but wait on God.

2. There must be a change in our circumstances. (in Jacob’s case, sons were born and he was no longer heir)

3. We must have a conviction from God

4. There must be agreement in marriage.

When all 4 come together, God is leading.

Faith and Fear

freedigitalphotos.net

Let's look at two examples in Scripture where faith conquered fear.

• David and Goliath - In the account of David and Goliath, despite David's small size and Goliath's large size, David's God was even bigger than the giant. Faith won. David triumphed over the giant, saving his nation. (1 Samuel 17)

• 12 spies: In trhe account of the 12 spies that  Moses sent out to survey the land God had given them, only 2 had faith in God's promise. The rest saw the giants in the land and said, "We are not able!" (See October 22nd blog entry for more on this text) Unlike David, the giants in the land seemed to the spies, bigger than their God. (Numbers 13)

Fear and unbelief elevate the obstacles over God: the giants become bigger than our Lord . When we walk in faith, like David, our God is bigger than our giants. Which will you choose today?