DEFEATING THE ENEMY (3)

In conclusion, we acknowledge that THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S.  And when we walk in the flesh, we by nature, are inclined to say: “Yea right, easier- said- than -believing.” Well, let me assure you that FAITH is a gift from GOD that me must embrace with confidence. The WORD is our shield. This we know_

There are three things Satan can’t withstand: GOD’S WORD, CHRIST’S BLOOD, and the NAME OF JESUS. When we use them we’ll bring him down EVERY TIME - just like David toppled Goliath!

T

he instant he went out to fight Goliath, David began to declare victory saying, “You come against me with sword and spear…but I come against you in the name of the Lord… [He] will hand you over to me…and the whole world will know…there is a God in Israel (as in all believers)…for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands” (1Sam. 17:45-47NIV). 

Nobody around him seemed to have figured God into the equation, but David talked about NOTHING else. He saw what they didn’t and refused to acknowledge what they did. Why? Because he knew that the God he served was bigger than the giant he faced.  Is your God that big?

When we are in a seemingly hopeless situation where there appears to be no way out, instead of wasting time and energy dwelling on our weaknesses and shortcomings, begin to focus on God’s power. [Hey friends, I’m encouraging myself…just as David did again in 1 Sam. 30:6]  When we focus on the enemy we stumble, but when we focus on God the enemy stumbles.  We will NEVER win if we fight in our own strength; so we won’t even go there! God’s already “given us authority…over all the power that the enemy [possesses]: and nothing shall harm us” (Luke 10:19AMP). 

Paul wrote, “Put on God’s [coat of armor]…that you may be able successfully to stand…against [all] the strategies…of the devil” (Eph 6:11AMP).  But, friends, our coat of armor will not protect us if we leave it hanging in our closet. We must put it on! 

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

DEFEATING THE ENEMY (2)

 "DAVID…SELECTED FIVE…STONES"

40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.

Shall We Talk?

Just like David…selected five…stones from the brook,” here are 5 stones we can use to defeat the enemy: (1) The stone of past successes.  Recalling his earlier victories David declared, “God who delivered me from the …lion and…bear, will deliver me from this Philistine” (1Sam. 17:37TM).  Write your defeats in sand, but carve your victories in stone by keeping track of God’s faithfulness and the “marvelous works…He has done” (1 Ch. 16:12NKJV).  Has He ever failed us?  No, and He won’t now!  (2) The stone of prayer.  “Prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare” (Eph.18 TM); we can’t win without it. David “strengthened himself in the Lord” (1Sam 30:6NKJV).  When Saul came after him he called on God, his “defense and refuge” (Ps.59:16NKJV). (3) The stone of priority.  God’s priority is His reputation and David’s objective was to defend it by proving “There is a God in Israel” (1Sam.17:46). Involving God in our situation gives Him an opportunity to showcase His grace and power.  (4) The stone of passion.  

We can’t stare at our giant forever.  Rehearsing our hurts won’t heal them and cataloging our problems won’t solve them.  We must go out and face the enemy, knowing “the battle is the Lord’s” (v. 47). (5) The stone of perseverance. Solomon said, “The diligent make use of everything they find” (Pr. 12:27NLT). 

David picked 5 stones because he didn’t know how many he’d need to do the job.  Like Yogi Berra said, “It ain’t over till it’s over,” so be prepared to go the distance. It may take more than a day, a month, or even a year to see results, but with God’s help we’ll win....to be cont'd

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

DEFEATING THE ENEMY (1)

 

“AS GOLIATH MOVED…TO ATTACK,

DAVID QUICKLY RAN…TO MEET HIM”

1 Samuel 17:48-50 (NIV)

⁴⁸ As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. ⁴⁹ Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.

⁵⁰ So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

The Bible say, “For forty days, twice a day” (1Sa17:16 (NLT) Goliath mocked the children of Israel. Today our giant may not wear armor and brandish a sword, but he’ll taunt us relentlessly day and night about unpaid bills, past sins, a failing marriage, or a job we detest. Goliath’s ancestors had been Israel’s enemies and Joshua annihilated them all – except the inhabitants of Gath where Goliath hailed from. Why do you suppose this is something of value to note? Because if we leave our old enemy a –leg- to –stand- on he’ll rise to fight again.  Perhaps dear friend, you’re dealing with issues your parents and grandparents struggled with – things like addiction, divorce, anger and depression. 

When the Israelites “heard the Philistine’s challenge, they were terrified and lost all hope” (1Sa17:11 TM).  If that’s how you feel (been there and as I share, I encourage myself), do what David did, “As Goliath moved closer to attack, David …ran out to meet him.”

Max Lucado wrote: “We retreat behind a desk, or crawl into a nightclub, or a bed of forbidden love.  For a moment we feel safe, insulated, anesthetized, but then the work runs out, the liquor wears off, the lover leaves, and we hear Goliath again…Rush your giant with a God-saturated soul! (Tell him) “Giant of divorce you aren’t entering my home, depression you won’t conquer me, alcohol, bigotry, child abuse, insecurity…you’re going down.” When was the last time you picked up your sling and ran towards the roar?

The Bible says, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard (flag of victory) against him” (Isaiah 59:19NKJV). God has given us the power to fight this battle and win – let’s use it!.....to be cont'd

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

THIS IS HIS DAY

This is the day the Lord has made.We will rejoice and be glad in it.

____

God gives us this day; He fills it to the brim with possibilities and He challenges us to use it for His purposes.  The 118^th Psalm reminds us that today, like every other day, is a cause for celebration. The day is presented to us fresh and clean at midnight, free of charge, but we must beware: Today is a non-renewable resource – once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. Our responsibility, of course, is to use this day in the service of God’s will and according to His commandments.

Today, treasure the time that God has given you. Give Him the glory and the praise and the thanksgiving that He deserves. And search for the hidden possibilities that God has placed along your path. This day is a priceless gift from God, so use it joyfully and encourage others to do likewise. After all, this is the day the Lord has made…

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

AN ELDER’S PRAYER

THEN HE BLESSED JOSEPH 

Genesis 48:15-16

The prospect of one’s death acutely focuses the mind, but on what? Astonishingly, for some it only intensifies, concerns for personal peace and comfort. But for others, it directs their minds toward eternity and the next generation. Jacob is a very old man, near death, and that is, his frame of mind as Joseph brings him his two sons. Ephraim and Manasseh, to be blessed by their grandfather. The faith Jacob is remembered for in the New Testament is not the faith that wrestled with God, but the faith that blessed Joseph’s sons. The reason for this has much to teach about prayer.

"By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on top of his staff" (Hebrews 11:21).  To say Jacob blessed while he was dying is to say that the blessing was something that he himself would not see. That is the faith that so pleases God: "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). The verse in Hebrews just before Jacob’s mention says the same thing about Isaac’s faith, and the verse just after about Joseph’s faith. Reuben Alves said hope is hearing the music of the future, and faith is to dance to it. Jacob, though old and infirm, is dancing as he prays his blessing.

How should the elderly pray? With a great abandon to faith and a generous love that will bless the next generation. Bodies may slow down, but our prayers shouldn’t. Theologian Karl Barth believed the nearness of death should not shrink our faith; but cause the river of responsibility "to flow more torrentially than ever in view of the approaching falls, of the proximity of the coming Judge!"

And David was comforted that God understood his frailty and mortality. "He knows how we are formed; he remembers that we are dust." David’s comfort grew as he considered that even though he will die. God’s love will continue to the generations to come. "As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children" (Psalm 103:15-17). The passion of every generation should be to know the Lord. But the passion of a passing generation should especially be that the next generation will know the Lord – and so to pray that blessing.

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

GOD INTENDS IT FOR GOOD

 GENESIS 50:20

Of course Joseph’s brother’s expected him to try to kill them after their father Jacob died. They had it coming to them; years before they had tried callously to murder him. So they were stunned at what Joseph did when he heard of their fears. First he wept: then he said to them, "Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended if for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (verses 19-20). The worldwide famine would have destroyed them and their families had Joseph not been "sent" to Egypt ahead of them.

Over the years Joseph had gained a perspective on life that is priceless. It is wonderfully captured in the sixteenth century Heidelberg Catechism’s description of the providence of God. "Providence is the almighty and ever present power of God by which he upholds, as with his hand, heaven and earth, and all creatures, and so rules them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and lean years, food and drink, health and sickness, prosperity and poverty – all things, in fact, come to us not by chance but from his fatherly hand."

When Joseph had come to see was that the fundamental issue had not been between him and his brothers, but between him and his God. True, his brothers were scoundrels, but ultimately it was God who gave them permission to act as they did – and to use their evil against him to promote God’s good for all of them! Over the years his conflict with his brothers had been transformed into his wrestling with God – with a glorious result: He was freed of his bitterness. The Catechism says this perspective will make us "patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, and for the future we can have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that nothing will separate us from his love." 

This is the fruit of a lifetime of wrestling with God in prayer over the bad things others have done to us. It doesn’t relieve them of their responsibility, but it frees us of our slavery to anger and a victim mentality. Fight them, and the fighting will be endless.

Wrestle with God, and you will be free.

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts [BSTFPA]

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

JESUS COMFORTS HIS DISCIPLES

John 14:1-4

New International Version (NIV)

14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God^[a]; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going.”

The Lord begins in verse 1 with a long address that continues through Chapter 17 and ends with His prayer for them. Jesus had repeatedly talked about His coming death and departure and He brings into a sharp emphasis the comments He had made. At this time the disciples did not seem to accept or understand, but obviously now this truth was beginning to sink in that the Lord was leaving them.

How Christ took notice of it. Perhaps it was apparent in their looks; it was said they looked one upon another with anxiety and concern, and Christ looked upon them all, and observed it.

In spite of how gloomy His leaving appeared, He comforts them telling them not to let their hearts be troubled. He emphasizes that they believed and trusted God the Father, and therefore they should also believe in Him. The disciples are not aware of the severe trials and persecutions that lay ahead for them. All of them will suffer persecutions because of their faith in the Lord and all but John will be martyred. The Lord’s coming betrayal, trial, and crucifixion will be the beginning of great troubles from them. Surely, this was on Jesus' mind when He spoke to them and assured them of the promise of heaven.

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, ye may be also."

The sure hope of heaven is the foundation of boundless strength and comfort to the child of God. It was clear that Jesus was explaining that He would soon return to heaven which is the house or abode of God the Father. Jesus was assuring them that in returning to heaven He would be preparing a place for them there where they could be with Him again. He explained several things to them.

1. One, their belief in Him assured them of a place in heaven. He was the means whereby they would enter heaven. He had explained in John 11:25-26 that He was the resurrection and the life and those that believed in him would live.

2. Jesus told them there were ample dwelling places (mansions) in heaven for them all.

3. He told them His leaving was to go ahead and prepare a place in heaven for them. He promised that their separation would not be permanent and that He would return for them.

4. Jesus said they knew the way. Jesus, by the Spirit, takes His own along with Him through life, and then takes them to His side at death. He himself conducts them to Himself.

"And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."

Thomas saith unto him, "Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?"                                               vv. 4-5

Jesus saith unto him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." vv. 6-7

Once again, the Lord repeats what He has been telling them throughout His ministry. He made it clear, that only He was the way, the only truth, the only life, and no one could come to the Father, and have eternal life except through Him. Thomas and the other disciples may not have understood earlier, but by saying salvation was only by Him they could not now misunderstand who He was or why He came into the world.

Jesus' next statement is profound. The word general word for "known" (ginosko) means "to become acquainted with." However, Jesus used the word "ginwkeite" (known), the more precise word, three times in this verse. It means to personally and intimately know Him which is a deeper relationship. The suggestion is that if they knew Him on this level of knowledge, they should know God the Father. To know Jesus spiritually is to know the Father.

Jesus further says that "henceforth you know Him" or from this moment the disciples would begin to know Him more profoundly. They did love Jesus as a man, teacher and companion, but now they would know Him as their Savior and God. He then, to preclude any misunderstanding says "you have seen Him." When they saw Jesus, they were seeing Almighty God incarnate in man. Jesus proclaimed He was God.

Note: All that saw Christ in the flesh might have seen the Father in him, if Satan had not blinded their minds, and kept them from a sight of Christ, as the image of God, 2 Cor. 4:4.

2. All that saw Christ by faith did see the Father in him, though they were not suddenly aware that they did so. In the light of Christ’s doctrine, they saw God as the father of lights; in the miracles they saw God as the God of power, the finger of God. The holiness of God shone in the spotless purity of Christ’s life, and his grace in all the acts of grace he did.

I find it amazing that some men cannot seem to comprehend what they hear and see. Preceding beliefs, prejudices and preconceptions cloud the understanding. Jesus had just stated in absolute clarity that salvation was only through Him. He told them that when they saw Him they were looking at God in corporal form. Yet, Philip's response showed the degree of his understanding. He wanted Jesus to confirm His statement with a sign or some visible form of God. He plainly had not been impressed with the great number of incredible mirages Jesus has done, nor in Jesus repeated statements as to His deity. The Jews understood God revealed Himself through His prophets, signs, and through the Shekinah glory of God.

Jesus tells them He has other things to teach them, but His time was drawing short because the devil (the prince of this world) was coming. He was referring to Judas, who was now possessed by Satan. Nevertheless, John proclaims ". . . the prince of this world is judged."  And from that day, even the memory of Satan and those that served Him will exist no longer. In contrast, those who by faith believed in Him, will be present in the New Heaven (…many mansions) and Earth with the Savior. 

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org