Praise Him In The Storm With Hands Held High

A few weeks ago, the Lord told me, “Praise Me with your hands held high as Moses did in the battle with the Amalekites (Exodus 17: 8-16) praise me with your hands held high and you will win the battle.” In Ephesians 6: 10-20, Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God, the helmet of salvation, breast plate of righteousness, and feet fitted with readiness. Paul then says for us to stand firm.


We must remember that the battle is spiritual. In vs. 18 Paul says to pray in the Spirit on all occasions. If you are not Spirit filled and flowing with the gift(s) of the Spirit, I urge you to read 1 Corinthians chapters 12 – 14. You will notice that chapter 13 is on love and is read at most weddings. It is not coincidence that God inserted a chapter on love between two chapters that deal with the fruits of the Spirit. God is love.

If someone tries to tell you that those gifts were just for the 1^st Century church, ask them where it says that in the Bible. Then tell me because I have not been able to find it. 1 Corinthians 12: 10 states, “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” This is why you and I could never give one of the gifts of the Spirit to another person. If you still do not understand how each person receives these gifts, reread vs. 10 again and then pray for God to tell you. He will.

Trying to win the battle without the gifts is like trying to swim across the Atlantic in a hurricane.

God’s promises are always yes and amen. I am so blessed to be His child.

Keep the faith and fight with the gifts. Satan is already defeated! God wins!

What's Holding You Back?

In Luke 19: 1–9, we see that Zacchaeus had a goal; he wanted desperately to see Jesus. However, a very large crowd was in his way and being a short man he couldn't see over the crowd. Instead of him saying "Well I can't do this", "I am too short", "The Democrats or Republicans are in power", “its Bush’s fault,” Zacchaeus came up with a plan.

Zacchaeus made a decision to see Jesus through the crowd. He decided no one would stop him. No matter what, or who, Satan puts in our way, even if the doors seem closed, or barriers are in the way to accomplish your dream, be like Zacchaeus!

So Zacchaeus ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by. Zacchaeus refused to say no. "If I can't get past the crowd I will climb that tree to see Jesus."

Zacchaeus was an unlikely person to have an encounter with Jesus because he was a tax collector, he wasn't part of the "in" crowd that seemed like they should be blessed and have success in Jesus.

Jesus saw Zacchaeus when he got to the tree; he looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Jesus wanted it to stay at his house.

Zacchaeus expected Jesus to show up by the sycamore tree. He made a plan. He didn't allow others to dictate what he would receive from God. He didn't allow others to dictate the outcome of his dream.

Let's now examine our lives. You have a God-given dream and whatever barriers you see are only temporary obstacles. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells us to speak to our mountains.

It is no coincidence that the parable of the ten minas is found immediately afterwards. In this parable, the king tells his 10 servants to put the 10 minas to work – until his return.

Don't let others inhibit your God-given dreams! Make a plan, be creative, and aggressively pursue Jesus. He will pass by and He will see you. Jesus wants to stay in your house!

What are you investing in? Our King is coming again.