Wise Quotes - PRAISE AS A WEAPON OF WARFARE!

Following on from a previous post, 'Praising The Lord At All Times'. I promised to do a detailed post on how King Jehoshaphat won the battle through Praise and Worship to God.....Let's go back to the scripture to recap.

II Chronicles 20: 18:23{MSG*}

18-19 Then Jehoshaphat knelt down, bowing with his face to the ground. All Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping God. The Levites (both Kohathites and Korahites) stood to their feet to praise God, the God of Israel; they praised at the top of their lungs!

20 They were up early in the morning, ready to march into the wilderness of Tekoa. As they were leaving, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, “Listen Judah and Jerusalem! Listen to what I have to say! Believe firmly in God, your God, and your lives will be firm! Believe in your prophets and you’ll come out on top!”

21 After talking it over with the people, Jehoshaphat appointed a choir for God; dressed in holy robes, they were to march ahead of the troops, singing,

Give thanks to God,

His love never quits.

22-23 As soon as they started shouting and praising, God set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir as they were attacking Judah, and they all ended up dead. The Ammonites and Moabites mistakenly attacked those from Mount Seir and massacred them. Then, further confused, they went at each other, and all ended up killed.

24 As Judah came up over the rise, looking into the wilderness for the horde of barbarians, they looked on a killing field of dead bodies—not a living soul among them.

25-26 When Jehoshaphat and his people came to carry off the plunder they found more loot than they could carry off—equipment, clothing, valuables. It took three days to cart it away! On the fourth day they came together at the Valley of Blessing (Beracah) and blessed God (that’s how it got the name, Valley of Blessing).

27-28 Jehoshaphat then led all the men of Judah and Jerusalem back to Jerusalem—an exuberant parade. God had given them joyful relief from their enemies! They entered Jerusalem and came to The Temple of God with all the instruments of the band playing.

The story is told that King Jehoshaphat was there minding his own business when news came that a huge force of army had plotted to make war against him. And with no time to waste, these forces were already on their way.....Essshi! What will you do upon hearing such news? Panic of course and that is exactly how King Jehoshaphat felt. He panicked but in his panic he was very quick to recognise that only God can save them. His first response was to call for Prayer and Fasting.......His first weapon of warfare.

King Jehoshaphat prayed and reminded God of His previous Salvation as well as His Promises for His People. His second weapon of warfare was the Proclamation of The Word of God. During the prayers and fasting, the Spirit of God moved through a prophet named Jahaziel. He assured the King and the people of God's Word, which said that the war was of the Lords and they therefore need not be afraid.

His third weapon of warfare was Praise to God(verses 18-19), which will be looking at in more detail. The first thing i noticed here was that, King Jehoshaphat believed in God and trusted in His Word so he listened to Jahaziel and just worshiped and praised God.......I'm sure at this point he felt more relaxed with himself. There is power in PRAISE and in that place of Praise, VICTORY is always assured.

And our God who is ever faithful surely gave them the victory without them even raising an arm to fight. The God who can use the foolish things of this world to confide the wise set confusion amongst the people and they ended up killing themselves.....How awesome is that???

There are three things i will like you to note from this weapon of warfare - Praise. Just as King Jehoshaphat praised and worshiped God upon hearing The Word of God from the Prophet, we ought to praise the Lord even before any battle.

We ought to praise the Lord during the battle. Jehoshaphat challenged the people to get out and appointed singers who should sing to the Lord. And finally, after God gave them the victory, they gathered and praised the lord in The Valley of Beracah......We ought to praise the Lord after the battle has been won. In other words our praise and worship to God should never cease. He's such a wonderful and excellent God, who's ways are marvelous.

So the next time you're in church and you're told to give a shout of praise to God or worship Him, you make sure to join in because there is power in your joyful noise made unto the Lord. Have a blessed day praising Him.

#Inspired...ann  #WiseQuotes

*The Message Bible

Wise Quotes - STAY FOCUSED!

Today's Word came purposely for me but i feel within my spirit that i need to share because i am not the only one The Word came for. As many of you may know, i am a 'people's pleaser' and i am not ashamed to say that. Yes it's not always right to please people and i have grown to know this the hard way. I have come to realise that as you journey on to your destiny or God given purpose, there will be 'Dogs Barking' at you at every stage. The key is to be FOCUSED and keep going. If you should stop to throw stones at every dog barking, you will never reach your destination.

'Don't stop to throw stones at every dog barking at you' has been a phrase i had heard several times, but never before had it been so clear to me what it actually meant till recently. See, being a people's pleaser, i had been battling in my mind for so long on why people treated me the way they did, why they didn't like me, why they said hurtful things to me.......i would ask why why why and the list goes on.

I had been praying about it for a while for God to lead me in a way i could solve these issues or perhaps get over them. There were nights when i'll cry out to God because i knew i had done nothing but wished the best for people so i didn't deserve the treatment i was getting back. There is a saying that, 'When you think everyone around is mistreating you, then you need to check on yourself because you might be the cause of their behavior'. I took this on board and started another prayer chain of renewing of the mind or whatever it was that i was doing to attract such behaviors.

I woke up today and was reminded of the phrase above. I was also lead to the story of Nehemiah.....Let me tell you a bit about the Story of Nehemiah(Please read Nehemiah chapters 2 - 6 when you get the chance).

When Nehemiah wanted to go and rebuild the walls and gates of Jerusalem, Sanballat and Tobiah were upset that someone had come to help the Isrealites. These two men not knowing Hehemiah from anywhere made fun of him and also laughed at him when he started rebuilding the walls. They made sure to say hurtful words to Nehemiah and his men who had been working tirelessly to rebuild the walls. To talk of hatred, Sanballat and Tobiah at one point made it very clear of their hatred for Nehemiah. They made plans to stir up trouble and fight against the people of Jerusalem. They even made up stories and false accusations against Nehemiah just so they could harm him.

But through it all Nehemiah kept focused and prayed to God. I can just about imagine what was going through his mind at the time, with all sorts of accusations together with the pressure from his own people to finish the task at hand. Nehemiah prayed at every stage of the battle. He prayed for wisdom, he prayed for direction and also for strength to go through it all. He finally finished building the walls and Sanballat and Tobiah were put to shame.

After reading this story, The Spirit of God aroused a spiritual anger so fierce within me i rose up and told myself NEVER again. I choose to stop throwing stones at every barking dog that comes my way. If you don't know then let me tell you today, When God has a purpose for your life or makes you a beacon for His Glory to the world, the enemy can even use the closest to you (if they allow themselves) to distract you. Not everyone will like you or will rejoice with you when God raise you to a higher level. Not everyone will understand the magnitude of blessings given to you because their minds can't comprehend. And guess what? As difficult as it may seem that the whole world is turning against you, that is when you need to be FOCUSED. Focus on the purpose for which God has called you in this marvelous light and keep shining. Focus on the goal of which you are set for, focus on your destination but remember you have to keep your eyes on Jesus......remember Nehemiah prayed at every stage of his journey instead of stopping to have a 'pity party'. He knew he had a God who was bigger than the 'nay sayers' and the 'back stabbers' so he persevered till he finished his task.

I have chosen to look up to God and it is my prayer that you do the same. But remember to always pray for those who persecute or say wrong about you because only their eyes will they see what The Great I AM is doing and they will testify of God's goodness. Not only will they testify but they will also come to the saving Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Have a blessed evening as you mediate of this.

#inspired...ann #WiseQuotes

Wise Quotes - GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN YOU!

A recent documentary on BBC 1 brought to light the man behind the camera at the Buckingham Palace. Till the time of this documentary, many, like me did not know who Peter Wilkinson was. Yet he has been a camera man for the Queen for over 18 years and has also been in the broadcasting industry for over 50 years. He is the only cameraman allowed a few inches closer to the Queen and is also allowed to talk back with her. Oh WOW! I hear you say.......Those were my exact reactions while watching.

Just like Peter Wilkinson, many of us are hidden behind the scenes working for God without any recognition. The world is all about getting recognized by someone for what we do but when we make our work all about pleasing man, then i am afraid to say we have failed. 

As the bible says, Our God sees in secret and He is the only one to please. He sees all that we do when we think we are not recognized. Many people like Peter Wilkinson have done great and wonderful things in our world but little is known of them......He was fortunate to have being recognised in a documentary and i hear you ask, 'How about me'? Well i'm here to tell you today that my God who sees in secret will surely reward you. Hebrews 6:10 says, "For God is not unjust to forget your work and labour of love which you have shown toward His name.......in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister."

Now that is one promise to hold on to. Our Heavenly Father will never forget our service to Him. And what better way to be approved than man's approval and recognition. Have a Spirit filled day serving Him Faithfully.

#WiseQuotes #Inspired...ann

Wise Quotes - NO RESTRICTIONS!

We live in a world with numerous restrictions. Drive around and you'll find One Way routes, No Parking or Stopping and the most annoying one, Diversions. Step into a company's reception and there are no go areas with signs such as Staff Only, No Entry or simply Do Not Enter.

Restrictions are everywhere and one way or the other, we are obliged to abide by those rules. Mostly we also need appointments to either see a Doctor, a Head Teacher or even a Minister/Pastor. Some of these appointments can take days, months or even years depending on where you need to be.

Today i bring you good news.......You DO NOT need an appointment or have no restrictions in coming to God. Where there have been signs of being barred from going, God says, 'Come to me as you are and I will give you rest.' Where you've been scrutinized with extensive background checks before being accepted, God says, 'Do not let your hearts be troubled, trust in Me'. Do you need someone to talk to and there don't seem to be no one around? talk to God. You have unlimited access to Him at all times. Those who come to God encounter no 'Keep Out' signs.

Jesus Christ has paved the way for you to go straight to the Father. With prayer, You can just about speak to The Father at anytime and anywhere enjoying unrestricted fellowship with Him. I'll leave you with these wise words;

Our prayers ascend to heaven's throne. 

Regardless of the form we use; 

Our father always hears His own. 

Regardless of the words we choose. - D. De Haan.

Have a blessed day.   #inspired...ann #WiseQuotes

Wise Quotes - A CHEERFUL GIVER 3

Our days require giving mostly in monetary offering as compared to Ancient days where farming was the main source of income. In giving, have it in mind that it is to God and not man. So does God need our money or anything we can give? NO!

 Remember God is the creator of the universe and He owns everything in it. In Psalm 50:10 - 12 this is what God says, 'Every creature in the forest is mine,  the wild animals on all the mountains. I know every mountain bird by name; the scampering field mice are my friends. If I get hungry, do you think I’d tell you? All creation and its bounty are mine.' 

So there you go, God does not need our money. And i hear you ask the next question, why then do we need to tithe? Proverbs 3:9 says Honor God with everything you own; give Him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. In other words, we are to first of all bring our tithe to God even before spending on any other thing. This teachers us to put God first in everything we do. If we claim that God is the creator of our lives and we put Him first in everything, why then do we struggle to put Him first in our giving? (Food for thought)

Some have argued that, there are times when the finance doesn't add up enough to be able to give or sometimes an emergency arises and you wouldn't have enough to give. God says to TEST Him in this and see and just as the last part of the verse says, He has also promised to open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. So there you go, test Him and see.....after all He is The Almighty right? And nothing is impossible with Him. Therefore take that emergency case or shortage of finance to Him in prayer and watch Him sort it all out........Take of the limitations off God.

Continuing on from our study with Melchizedek, let's look a bit more closer at how His priesthood came about in relation to giving.

Hebrews 7:11-28.

A Permanent Priesthood

11-14 If the priesthood of Levi and Aaron, which provided the framework for the giving of the law, could really make people perfect, there wouldn’t have been need for a new priesthood like that of Melchizedek. But since it didn’t get the job done, there was a change of priesthood, which brought with it a radical new kind of law. There is no way of understanding this in terms of the old Levitical priesthood, which is why there is nothing in Jesus’ family tree connecting him with that priestly line.

15-19 But the Melchizedek story provides a perfect analogy: Jesus, a priest like Melchizedek, not by genealogical descent but by the sheer force of resurrection life—he lives!—“priest forever in the royal order of Melchizedek.” The former way of doing things, a system of commandments that never worked out the way it was supposed to, was set aside; the law brought nothing to maturity. Another way—Jesus!—a way that does work, that brings us right into the presence of God, is put in its place.

20-22 The old priesthood of Aaron perpetuated itself automatically, father to son, without explicit confirmation by God. But then God intervened and called this new, permanent priesthood into being with an added promise:

God gave his word;
    he won’t take it back:
“You’re the permanent priest.”

This makes Jesus the guarantee of a far better way between us and God—one that really works! A new covenant.

23-25 Earlier there were a lot of priests, for they died and had to be replaced. But Jesus’ priesthood is permanent. He’s there from now to eternity to save everyone who comes to God through him, always on the job to speak up for them.

26-28 So now we have a high priest who perfectly fits our needs: completely holy, uncompromised by sin, with authority extending as high as God’s presence in heaven itself. Unlike the other high priests, he doesn’t have to offer sacrifices for his own sins every day before he can get around to us and our sins. He’s done it, once and for all: offered up himself as the sacrifice. The law appoints as high priests men who are never able to get the job done right. But this intervening command of God, which came later, appoints the Son, who is absolutely, eternally perfect.

This further explains the role of Melchizedek as Christ who lives forever. Melchizedek abolished the law by bringing about a change in the order of the priesthood. This change in priesthood brought people into the presence of God. And just like Jesus, wherever He is, The Law is abolished. The Law takes away but Jesus gives life. Another clear indication that when we give, it is indeed unto The One who lives forever.

Next question, What then is the tithe used for since God will not come down Himself to take the money offered? In those days the tithe was used to support the priest......(Numbers 18:20-21 explains further). And just like those days, the tithe is still used to support Pastors and Ministers in the church. I know for sure that in my church, it is also used for transactions such as paying rent, utility bills, for missionaries and also other charitable works.

Now you have the facts, don't let anything stop you from giving. I have done this and i can testify on the numerous times i thought I could never live with what's left after giving my tithe but God has always been faithful and seen me and my family through. He's the same God of Yesterday, Today and Forever.....He has promised and He'll never fail so trust Him and test Him on this. Have a blessed day.

#inspired...ann #WiseQuotes

Wise Quotes - A CHEERFUL GIVER 2

A cheerful giving is one which is sacrificial. Sacrificial in its' sense of willing to give whatever you have for another, like that of our Father God giving of His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ. In the first post, we read about how both Abraham and Jacob gave willingly and with a grateful heart. In their days, their giving was not so much in monetary terms like in our days. It was more of whatever produce, goods or wealth one had or hard worked for.

Going back to how Melchizedek might have introduced tithing to Abraham......Let's read Hebrews 7:1-10(TM)

Melchizedek, Priest of God

7 1-3 Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of the Highest God. He met Abraham, who was returning from “the royal massacre,” and gave him his blessing. Abraham in turn gave him a tenth of the spoils. “Melchizedek” means “King of Righteousness.” “Salem” means “Peace.” So, he is also “King of Peace.” Melchizedek towers out of the past—without record of family ties, no account of beginning or end. In this way he is like the Son of God, one huge priestly presence dominating the landscape always.

4-7 You realize just how great Melchizedek is when you see that Father Abraham gave him a tenth of the captured treasure. Priests descended from Levi are commanded by law to collect tithes from the people, even though they are all more or less equals, priests and people, having a common father in Abraham. But this man, a complete outsider, collected tithes from Abraham and blessed him, the one to whom the promises had been given. In acts of blessing, the lesser is blessed by the greater.

8-10 Or look at it this way: We pay our tithes to priests who die, but Abraham paid tithes to a priest who, the Scripture says, “lives.” Ultimately you could even say that since Levi descended from Abraham, who paid tithes to Melchizedek, when we pay tithes to the priestly tribe of Levi they end up with Melchizedek.

This King Melchizedek, doesn't seem to have any genealogy or history of any family background yet deemed a high priest of The Most High God, dominating the world ALWAYS as a Priest FOREVER. When you read the New Kings James Version, the verse four tanslates "Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of his spoils instead of giving it to the sons of Levi who had the commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law."

Melchizedek must have been great indeed.....His name meaning 'King of Righteousness' as well as 'King of Peace', depicts that of Jesus Christ who is King of Righteousness and Peace. Now before we go on remember, In the beginning was The Word and The Word was with God and we know The Word is Jesus Christ.......And in the Old Testament, there use to be sightings of Jesus Christ so it will be no surprise that Melchizedek whom no one knew either His beginning and End is indeed Jesus Christ.

Also note that not only did Melchizedek who was not a son of Levi collect tithes from Abraham but also blessed him. And in those days whoever blessed anyone had to be greater than the one he was blessing as verse seven explains. Having this two points in mind, you can conclude that it can only be our Lord Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God in His Full Power who must have blessed Abraham whom the promises had been given. WOW! What a revelation...........I don't know about you but for me, there is no argument. This is clear indication that giving of our tithe is to be practiced. Practiced with the knowledge of giving to God and not to man(verse 8-10)........Does God need our money or whatever we have? Learn all about it in the next post.

Have a fruitful day as you continue to let The Spirit of God give you the rhema of this Word. Remain blessed.

#inspired...ann #WiseQuote

*The Message Bible

Wise Quotes - A CHEERFUL GIVER 1

"GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER".....a well known quote we have all used one way or the other. Before we go further with this quote, hold your thoughts for a moment while we come back to it.

In today's wise quote, we'll be looking at "Tithing". The topic of tithing is one of the most controversial discussions in the church. Some argue that it's a thing of the Old Testament and therefore is not necessary for a New Testament believer because tithing was given by Moses under the Law. Others say once it says in the bible it must be practiced. So what is this act of giving called TITHING? It's one tenth of your income - whether monetary, crops, fruits, grains, resources or even your time. As we research into this, it is my prayer that we will take the time to digest this as well as allowing The Spirit of God to teach us.

Before we begin our discussion, let's first look at Genesis 14:17-24;

Abram and Melchizedek

17 Then after Abram’s return from the defeat (slaughter) of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18 [c]Melchizedek king of Salem (ancient Jerusalem) brought out bread and wine [for them]; he was the priest of [d]God Most High.19 And Melchizedek blessed Abram and said,

“Blessed (joyful, favored) be Abram by God Most High,
Creator and Possessor of heaven and earth;
20 
And blessed, praised, and glorified be God Most High,
Who has given your enemies into your hand.”

And Abram gave him a tenth of all [the treasure he had taken in battle].

Let's also read Genesis 28:10-22;

Jacob’s Dream

10 Now Jacob left Beersheba [never to see his mother again] and traveled toward Haran. 11 And he came to a certain place and stayed overnight there because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down there [to sleep]. 12 He dreamed that there was a ladder (stairway) placed on the earth, and the top of it reached [out of sight] toward heaven; and [he saw] the angels of God ascending and descending on it [going to and from heaven]. 13 And behold, the Lord stood above and around him and said, “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your [father’s] father and the God of Isaac; I will give to you and to your descendants the land [of promise] on which you are lying. 14 Your descendants shall be as [countless as] the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and the east and the north and the south; and all the families (nations) of the earth shall be blessed through you and your [c]descendants. 15 Behold, I am with you and will keep [careful watch over you and guard] you wherever you may go, and I will bring you back to this [promised] land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” 16 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and he said, “Without any doubt the Lord is in this place, and I did not realize it.” 17 So he was afraid and said, “How fearful and awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gateway to heaven.”

18 So Jacob got up early in the morning, and took the stone he had put under his head and he set it up as a pillar [that is, a monument to the vision in his dream], and he poured [olive] oil on the top of it [to [d]consecrate it]. 19 He named that place Bethel (the house of God); the previous name of that city was Luz (Almond Tree). 20 Then Jacob made a vow (promise), saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take, and will give me food to eat and clothing to wear, 21 and if [He grants that] I return to my father’s house in safety, then the Lord will be my God. 22 This stone which I have set up as a pillar (monument, memorial) will be God’s house [a sacred place to me], and of everything that You give me I will give the tenth to You [as an offering to signify my gratitude and dependence on You].”

After reading these two scriptures, note that both Abraham and Jacob had the knowledge of GIVING ONE TENTH of their offering. And this was way before the law was given to Moses. Also note that they both gave WILLING and without any pressure or being forced to do so. Their giving was out of a grateful heart and a symbol of praising God for His Unmerited Favour, Grace, Blessings and for having an Encounter with Him. So how did they know about tithing? I believe the answer lies with our first scripture(Genesis 14:17 - 24). Up until the time of Abraham, there was no mention in the bible of a one tenth of anything being given. But after Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek, he willingly gave.......And Jacob also did the same after his encounter with God at Bethel. Now the question here is, did Melchizedek introduce tithing to Abraham? Read all about Melchizedek in the next post.

 Have a blessed day as you ponder on these words. Ask The Spirit of God to give you an intuition and a deeper understanding.

#inspired...ann #WiseQuote