by Jeanie | Jun 22, 2016 | Uncategorised
Not a blacksmith could be found in the whole land of Israel. The Philistines made sure of that“Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears!” That meant that the Israelites had to go down among the Philistines to keep their farm tools—plowshares and mattocks, axes and sickles—sharp and in good repair. They charged a silver coin for the plowshares and mattocks, and half that for the rest. So on the day of the battle not a soldier with Saul and Jonathan had a sword or spear in his hand; only Saul and his son Jonathan had them. 1 Samuel 13:19-22
The preceding verses to this text puts some context to the story. Israel is hemmed in by the Philistines in three directions – whichever way they turned a raiding party was in position. With no armours or blacksmiths to make swords and spears, what could they do with blunt instruments?
It seems God is not yet done teaching me about the need to gear up so I am staying put. On reading this short text, I discovered the Israelites had been stripped, disarmed and dislodged. I couldn’t but reflect on my life and the state of the church in general.This is not the first time in scripture, the people of God were treated in that manner. Jeremiah has written records:
After Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had captured and enslaved Jeconiah (son of Jehoiakim), king of Judah, and exiled him to Babylon along with the princes of Judah and the skilled tradesmen—the carpenters and blacksmiths—the Lord gave me this vision. Jeremiah 24:114
King Nebuchadnezzar took ten thousand captives from Jerusalem, including all the princes and the best of the soldiers, craftsmen, and smiths. So only the poorest and least skilled people were left in the land. 2 Kings 24:14
You’ve probably heard the saying ‘’ If it happens once, it’s a mistake. If it happens twice, it’s a choice’’. I dare say it’s a pattern that needs to be reversed. That’s why we must be quick to repent when we sin. Captivity is the consequence of disobedience to God’s laws. Yes there is grace but if you break the hedge, you will be bitten. The soul that sins shall die!
Who let Israel be robbed and hurt? Did not the Lord? It is the Lord they sinned against, for they would not go where he sent them nor listen to his laws. Isaiah 42:24
Dislodged
By taking Israel captive and exiling her to Babylon, their orientation, position and direction were tampered. They could no longer live where they used to nor could they do as they pleased. Princes became slaves and skilled tradesmen where made redundant. Their talents were useless and their calling unsure – that’s destiny diverted!  A royal priesthood and holy nation people once feared and revered were captured leaving the poor and least skilled. The 21st century church has had her goal post moved various times. They have been exiled to a place where ‘creator God is now being referred as the universe, source and mere presence. There is a limit to what they can or cannot have. Church is being forced to marry Adam and Steve and oh miracles, they’re a tale of the past. No venison, no prophecy and if you must pray, there are restrictions on what you can say and how loud you can go!
Church is now full of the most sick, broke and disappointed people. It seems like the gates of hell have prevailed over the collapsed church.
I have seen slaves riding on horses and princes walking like slaves on the land. Your pride and joy, O Israel, lies dead on the hills! Oh, how the mighty heroes have fallen! She said, “The glory is departed from Israel, for the ark of God is taken. Ecclesiastes 10:7, 2 Samuel 1:19, 1 Samuel 4:22
Stripped
Israel’s was left with minimal tools – they were deprived of their core (essential or standard) people or members of cabinet. The necessities had been taken away from them leaving them destitute, disfavoured and disadvantaged. They were prohibited from making weapons but permitted to manufacture implements of husbandry. Talk about limitation! Not a blacksmith or a metal work could be traced in the entire nation- sad! Isn’t that typical of our churches today? Many apostles, prophets and the likes but fewer pastors and fathers. No real models and mentors to influence and shape the God’s war clubs and battle weapons.
You are my battle-ax and sword,” says the LORD. “With you I will shatter nations and destroy many kingdoms. Jeremiah 51:20
Disarmed
Ridding Israel of her smiths and weapons meant she was rendered impotent and harmless. Their offensive capabilities were removed making them less hostile and malleable. The Philistines made sure of that! In 1 Samuel, only 2 people in an entire nation had weapons. The rest had to travel down to Philistine to sharpen their blunt tools. No wonder the church is weak today. We have no cutting edge! Mostly the Pastors and ministry board are equipped and armed for battle, the rest have plowing instruments. No wonder our bodies, homes, finances and careers are under attack. We have been robbed of our strength and have been tossed meager pieces to pacify us but we are indirectly paying for them. We have been bribed with buildings, TV stations and Gift Aid i n exchange for faith, prayer, fasting, worship and evangelism. How many great women and men have we birthed of? Who is succeeding the retiring matriarchs and patriarchs of faith? Lest the church become rich, heal the sick, raise the dead, evangelize the world, she’s been maimed, castrated and deboned.
Oh, how the mighty heroes have fallen! Stripped of their weapons, they lie dead. 2 Samuel 1:27
Oh that we would rise and reclaim our lost glory! I want Jesus to make headlines in all media and that’s going to happen only when we are reinstated to our rightful places, repossess our possessions and recover lost and stolen properties. Let the glory return! |
by Jeanie | May 23, 2016 | Uncategorised
I woke up this morning with this word impressed in my spirit. I had been reflecting on a number of things particularly my relationship with God. I had become lethargic and was drifting and if I didn’t cry out any sooner (like peter did while sinking), I would have sank.
Lord save me! That was and is still my prayer. I felt like the seed among thorns, planted but not yielding – my roots had been meddled with. I could worship and pray but not as before. See I had this ‘Eden’ relationship with God – he could show up anytime and it didn’t matter where, and we’d hang out till whenever. Until I became unavailable — too busy to dial in or hanging up too soon some on other times. I was convinced Jesus was still centre place while in reality, I was pushing him back stage. I had allowed the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things to consume me to the point no real fruit was being produced.
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 1 Timothy 4:1
Now I didn’t denounce the faith subscribing to all things ‘Universal’. My belief and vocabulary did not change however there was a shift in my walk. And as I prayed to be restored, God told me to gear up.
Put on the full armour of God, so so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11
The armour is a protective covering that differentiates soldiers from civilians. In the same way, the armour of God helps believers to stand firm. It gives them support to hold steady and not succumb, to remain steadfast even when seemingly overcome. Having no armour indicates unpreparedness and unreadiness to fight. Being unequipped is like being handicapped because already you are disadvantaged and can easily become prey to the enemy yielding to his schemes.
We have different levels of devils fighting with all sorts of tools to defeat and capture us. Our relationship with God is under attack because if the enemy could just alienate us from God (our source, strength and safety) then he would have us. Furthermore, he is sowing seeds of disobedience, ignorance, corrupt thinking and falsehood – if he can get us to break the hedge then he would have free rein.
This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world. Ephesians 6:12
We live in evil days. These are the days of battle Paul writes about and the conflicts in the warzone has thrown many people off-balance. Only those with girded with armour are secure and unshakable. You need a good grip and firm footing!
Therefore take up the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13
The armour is really not a fancy gear. A warrior without a weapon will in no time become a corpse. It doesn’t make sense if you are spiritual and refuse to don yourself with the armour. If you are situated anywhere around the warfront, the armour is essential for your safety. Without an armour, one can be knocked over or trampled. Some nations stock up on arsenal, armoury and other gadgets. That’s what gives them confidence they would win certain wars. Whether you run, hide or stand firm depends on what you’ve got. We have offensive and defensive weapons in our arsenal namely belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet and sword. You have no clue how potent you are!
So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist and the protection of right living on your chest. On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One. Accept God’s salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:14-17
| Belt of Truth |
This tool protects us from the lies and deceit of the enemy. When we have the belt on, our minds are renewed with the truth in the word tightening all loose ends around the waist. |
| Breastplate of Righteousness |
The enemy has no new tricks, he still goes about asking the age old question ‘did God really say.. will he do’? The breastplate covers our heart – chest area protecting our identity as the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus and strengthening us to maintain a life of holiness without compromise. |
| Shoes of the Gospel of Peace |
The command ‘go ye’ is still a requirement. Until we move our feet and do our bit, the kingdom will know no expansion. We must not stay indoors with our slippers or walk around barefooted – not venturing out to our Judeas, Samarias and the utter most parts of the earth. The gospel is the power God uses to save everyone who believes. Peace with God is outcome. |
| Shield of Faith |
This armour is our defence against the flaming darts and arrows unleashed by the enemy. These arrows can come in the form of deception, temptation or doubt but your faith can ward them off or bring them on their knees. |
| Helmet of Salvation |
This defensive weapon assures our victory – we win because our salvation has been procured through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. |
| The Sword of the Spirit |
This offensive weapon enables us to slice and dice every argument and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and taking every thought captive to obey Christ. The word will activate the power and presence of God in our lives and cause the enemy to flee. |
After we have donned our armour, we are to fight!
“…praying at all times in the Spirit…”
Ephesians 6:18a
Prayer is that conference call you dial into to address certain items on your age
nda. Therein you bind and loose, plant and uproot, decree and establish. The one time you get to partner with God in decision-making. God seeks worshippers and gap-closers and when we collaborate with
him on these, victory is guaranteed. Don’t put it off, gear up now!
by Jeanie | Apr 18, 2015 | Uncategorised
I know it’s late but I heard a word – God’s in it. Yes, in the midst of the hurt, pain, heartache, mess, difficulty, drama, whatever it is!
A day in history, Israel lost her king and princes, the enemy fought, won, dispossessed them and took loots. Little did they know, another king (David) was in the making. One that would fight for them and restore their lost glory. You see, Saul will never co-exist with David. He must die so David can ascend the throne.
I am not sure what represents a Saul (A king, trophy, price, comfort, desire, treasure) in your life this moment. I know it may be challenging for you to embrace God’s sovereignty in the midst of your calamity but He’s in it!
Life is nothing but a cycle of no things transforming into some things. Growth occurs when some things die. Promotions occur following demotions. You may have experienced a casting down but there is a lifting up for you. You may have wept as you fled your city but you’re about to be overwhelmed with joy and peace as you return, repossessing your heritage.
That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:28 (The Message)
by Jeanie | Apr 2, 2015 | Uncategorised
Hi Friend,
I trust you and yours are well. I just heard a word which I believe will encourage you especially if you have ever felt unfavoured or unfulfilled. I know someone who’s been however God turned it in her favour. Why? Because she wouldn’t quit amidst set backs difficulties, disputes, and abuse, she persevered.
Can you give it one more push?
by Jeanie | Mar 4, 2015 | Uncategorised
Hello Friend,
Having lived a little, I have observed that people can appear to seemingly have it all together and yet be missing something within. Something beyond their reach, out of their remit or ability. That’s when one needs to be remembered, listened to and enabled. Let’s take a look at the life of Rachael.
