November 2000

[Part Twenty-nine]

We saw in our last episode on STONES AND ROCKS in Scripture how, in the account of David and Goliath, one “smooth stone” was used as an effective and deadly weapon of judgment. We saw that the word, “smooth” (Heb 2512) is also translated, “TO BE SEPARATE”. This holds great significance for all sons who are called to walk the walk of faith. God has set many“giants” in our way to challenge our faith unto the death, and only to the extent we are “separated to God” from this world of sin and death, are we able to prevail against them! He calls these giants “powers and principalities” and teaches us how to deal with them in Eph 6:10-18.

“My brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might! [This was God’s prophetic Word for His sons at the beginning of the year 2000!!] Put on the ‘whole Armor of God’ (which is Christ- our Ark of safety) so you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (carnal thoughts)! For it is not against flesh and blood that we must wrestle [see: Ge 32:24] against powers...principalities...rulers of this world’s darkness...and spiritual wickedness in high places! Therefore put on the whole armor of God so you may be able to stand (endure to the end) in the evil day; and having done all you can do, continue to stand! But stand with your loins (“of your mind”; See 1 Pe 1:13) girt about with Truth (Christ said, “I am the Truth!” Jn 14:6); putting on the breastplate of Righteousness (Christ is the Righteousness of God! “But our righteousness is as filthy (menstrual) rags!” Is 64:6); have your feed shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace (“To be spiritually- minded IS... Peace!!!” Ro 8:6) and above all, take the shield of Faith (Christ is our Faith) with which you can quench all the fiery darts of wicked thoughts; then put on the helmet of Salvation (Christ is our Rock of Salvation); and take up the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (which is surely Christ); and pray with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit so as to watch over all the saints with total perseverance and supplication!”

These are not just idle words, beloveds! This is the very Armor little David wore to confront Goliath! This was after he had shunned the fleshly armor of Saul which only weighed him down! Carnal minds unite to offer worldly alternatives to “Waiting upon the lord to renew our strength” (See: Is 40:26-31; 41:1) but to these God says, “Broad is the way that leads to destruction” (Mt 7:13) Whenever a serious concern that weighs heavily in our thoughts is finally resolved, we say it is as if a great stone was lifted from our minds! And so it is! But understand, dear ones, that the time span of each and every “weighty concern” we are given to carry is fixed by our wise God according to the PATIENCE He is using it to work in our spiritual nature! Patience is a necessary characteristic of all sons of God because it reflects one of the greatest aspects of our Father’s Divine Nature! We want to be found in His Image and Likeness until we find out the cost of that wonderful attribute! But be encouraged, brethren, God knows the exact moment to speak forth His word of deliverance:

“Cast ye up! Cast ye up! Prepare the Way! Take the Stumbling Block out of the way of My people! For thus says the Highly Exalted One that inhabits eternity, whose Name is Holy, ‘I dwell in the high and holy place with him who has a contrite and humble spirit; then I revive the humble spirit; and I revive the contrite hearts!!” (Is 57:14-15) Wait on the Lord and “He shall set you up upon His Rock!” (Ps 27:5) Hold fast to the end of your trials, long-suffering ones, God has not forgotten you!

[TO BE CONTINUED]