The Ultimate Goal!

 Philippians [Christ our Joy]:  This Epistle was written to the first church founded in Europe.  Paul was called there by the vision and the cry, “Come over into Macedonia, and help us” (Acts 16:9).

Paul urges the Church to have unity and joy, even amid trouble and problems.  Remember, Paul and Silas sang in the jail there at Philippi at midnight when their backs were bleeding and sore! He is rejoicing now as he writes this letter, chained to a Roman soldier, for he knows that his very chains are helping him to spread the gospel.  He could reach some in Caesar’s household that he never otherwise could have brought to Christ.  So, he was urging the Philippian converts to rejoice because they were allowed to suffer for Christ (Philippians 1:29).  So, he said to them, Philippians 3:1: “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord”.  Philippians 4:4, he said, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again, I say, rejoice”.

Rejoice is the root word chairo (khah’-ee-ro), meaning, to be cheerful; calmly happy or well-off; be well; be glad.  The word joy, or rejoice, occurs in this epistle sixteen times.

Text: Philippians 3:12: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  Vs 13: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:  but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before: vs 14: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Ultimate (from Latin, Ultimus [last]): beyond which it is impossible to go; final; conclusive; beyond further analysis; fundamental; greatest possible; final point or result. Synonyms (farthest; extreme; maximum).

Goal is the place at which a race, trip, etc, is ended; an end that one strives to attain.  Synonyms (object; end; aim; ambition; intention; arrival).

Paul said, “Not as though I had already attained (achieved; accomplished; reached), either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend  that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  Vs 13: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:  but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before: vs 14: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high  calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul is saying here, not as though he had already attained (achieved; accomplished; reached), neither were already perfect (complete [in labour, growth, mental and moral character], or come to full age), but he was following Christ that he may apprehend (eagerly; take; seize; comprehend; obtain) that for which also he was apprehended of Christ Jesus. Nor did he count (think or suppose) to have apprehended, but he had walked away from the Pharisaical life and was reaching forth the mark (goal) for the prize of the "high [upward; high place] calling [invitation; vocation]" of God in Christ Jesus, now that he had experienced the encounter with the Light (Christ) on the road to Damascus (Acts 9).

·       James 1:4: But let patience have her perfect (tel’eios) [brought to its end, finished, wanting nothing; necessary to completeness] work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

If Jesus said that we can be perfect, that settles it and He did say it: Matthew 5:48: “Be ye therefore perfect (tel’eios) [complete (in labor; growth; mental and moral character); of full age], even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect”.

Then Paul wrote in Hebrews to the newly converted Jews: Hebrew 10:14: For by one offering he hath perfected (teleio’o) [to complete; accomplish, or consummate (in character); fulfilled] [made perfect]  forever them that are sanctified: vs 15: Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before:  vs 16: This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, said the Lord; I will put my laws into their hearts (kardi’a) [thoughts; feelings (mind)], and in their minds (dian’oia) [deep thought; the faculty (mind or its disposition); its exercise; understanding] will I write them:  vs 17: And their sins (hamarti’a) [offenses] / hamartan’o) [to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize); to err; trespass; your faults] and iniquities (anomi’a) [illegal violation of law or wickedness; unrighteousness; transgression of the law] will I remember no more. 

What does the Word of God say about “deep things” in 1^st Corinthians 2:9: But as it is written, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him”.  Vs 10: But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep (bath’os) [profundity (deep insight; great depth of knowledge or thought]; extent; mystery] things of God.

Mystery (muste’rion) [a secret].  Denoting, not the mysterious (as with the Eng. Word), but that which, apprehension (understanding; grasp), can be made known only by divine revelation, and is made known in a manner and at a time appointed by God, and to those only who are illumined by His Spirit.

The only way we can attain the ULTIMATE goal God wants us to attain is in and by the Word of God!  Jesus said, Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word (rhe’ma) [utterance; a matter or topic (of narration; command; dispute); saying] that proceeds out of the mouth of God”!

God’s Word is a proceeding (beginning; set in motion) Word, meaning that when He speaks something it has already advanced, progressed, moved forward in time or space to bring to pass what He has spoken!

·       Numbers 23:19: God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Word depending on what’s being said is how it’s used whether rhe’ma or log’os. For example: Word in Matthew 4:4 (how man shall live) and Ephesians 6:17 (being the sword of the Spirit) is RHE’MA, which is individual scripture the Spirit brings to our remembrance for use in time of need, requiring studying and storing of the Word in the mind. Whereas, Word St. John 1:1, is “log’os”, which pertains to the entirety of the Word of God (Bible), as something said (including the thought); a topic (subject of discourse); reasoning (the mental faculty); motive; the Divine Expression (Christ).

RHE’MA:  Luke 21:14: Settle it therefore in your hearts (thoughts; will; feelings (mind), not to meditate before what you shall answer: vs 15: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries (antik’eimai) [to lie opposite; be adverse to; be contrary; oppose] shall not be able to gainsay (antep’o) [refute or deny; say against] nor resist (anthis’temi) [stand against; oppose; withstand].

LOG’OS:  Genesis 1:1: In the beginning God (the WORD) created: vs 3: And God said, “Let there be”! Also,  St. John 1:1: In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD, was with God, and the WORD was God: vs 14: And the WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us!

Jesus said in Mark 13:9: But take heed to yourselves:  for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues you shall be beaten:  and you shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.  Vs 10: And the gospel must first be published among all nations.  Vs 11: But when they shall lead you and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what you should speak, neither do you premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak you: for it is not you that speak, but the Holy Ghost. [Also, Luke 21:14-15] [this is Rhe’ma at work].

So, what is “the ultimate goal” we can and must attain?

·       Ephesians 4:11: And he gave some APOSTLES (apos’tolos) [a delegate; an ambassador of the Gospel; commissioner of Christ [with miraculous powers]; messenger; he that is sent], and some PROPHETS (prophe’tes) [a foreteller; an inspired speaker], and some EVANGELISTS (euaggelistes’) [a preacher of the gospel], and some PASTORS (poimmen’) [shepherds], and TEACHERS (disdas’kalos) [an instructor; master; doctor].  Vs 12: For the perfecting (katartismos’) [complete furnishing] (repairing; adjusting; mending; fitting; framing; preparing; restoring; perfectly joining together] of the saints, for the work of the ministry (diakoni’a) [attendance (as a servant, etc); teacher; ministration; administer; servicing], for the edifying (enlightening; educating; instructing; uplifting; improving; nurturing) of the body (so’ma) [the body (as a sound whole); bodily] of Christ: vs 13: Till we all come in the unity (oneness) of the faith, and of the knowledge (epig’nosis) [recognition; full discernment; acknowledgement] of the Son (huios’) [a son (s)] of God, unto a perfect (tel’eios) [complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc); completeness; of full age; perfect] man, unto the measure (same degree of anointing Jesus had) of the stature (maturity) of the fulness (ple’roma) [repletion [filled; well supplied with] or completion] of Christ.

This “body of believers” or sons of God (male/female) are those that has taken on the quality and essence of God Himself, so much so that the distinction between the two are indiscernible.

·       Hebrews 1:1: God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets:  vs 2: Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds: vs 3: Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of Majesty on high. 

     Jesus being on the Father's right hand is not God sitting off beyond the blue in some high back chair with the Son sitting in another chair at His Father's right hand. But Jesus being on the Father's "right hand" is the "place of power" the Father has placed (appointed) Him to abide or dwell in.

God is now speaking through His “sons”, the body of Christ, called the Church!  We are now the many-membered body of Christ in the earth, with "Jesus’ anointing” that He had when He walked the earth!

·       Ephesians 5:30, “We are members (limbs; parts) of his body, of his flesh, and his bones”!

·       1^st Corinthians 2:12, “For as the body is one and hath many members and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also, is CHRIST”.  Vs 13: For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Therefore, the “ultimate goal” is for all of us to come into the unity (henotes’) [oneness; unanimity] of the faith (pis’tis) [persuasion; credence; moral conviction (of truth); belief] of who we are in God and all of who He is in us, by drinking of this “one Spirit”!  The one SPIRIT being the very breath of God Himself.

What is the “breath” of God? His breath is not just the air or oxygen that we breathe to stay alive in this universe, but it is the inhaling of God Himself into ourselves!

Spirit in Hebrew is the root word ru’wach, meaning breath, a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; life; spirit, but only of a rational Being; Spirit or spirit; wind; mind; courage; to blow; breathe; to smell or perceive; to anticipate; enjoy; accept; touch; make of quick understanding.

That’s what happened to the man (Adam) when the LORD God breathed into his nostrils (aph [face; forehead (mind)], the breath (neshama’) [a puff; wind; divine inspiration [fill with the urge or ability to do or feel something; do something creative]; intellect; spirit] of life and man became a living soul (ne’phesh) [a breathing creature; fig. sense (bodily or mentally), soul, life, person, mind, heart, creature, body, with the will, desire, and appetite to have eternal life being God's representatives in the earth (Genesis 2:7).

This man (male/female) was already in existence in a flesh body with a mind, heart, and soul in it, but he was amongst the walking dead, but when the LORD God breathed the breath of God into him, he became a living soul, or he was made alive! This man (Adam) (male/female) inhaled the divine inspiration (creative thought; intellect; Spirit) of God that revived, quickened, nourished, recovered, repaired, and restored them to God life (immortality)!

That’s why 3^rd John 2 states: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers”.

Spirit in the Greek is pneu’ma, a current of air, breath, (human) a rational soul; vital principle, mental disposition; (superhuman); (divine) God; Christ’s Spirit; the Holy Spirit; wind; life.

We know that within the breath (Spirit) that was breathed into Adam was blood, and the blood is what gives life.  Leviticus 17:11, “The life if the flesh is in the blood”!  Blood in Hebrew is dam (dawm), meaning blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or animal; the juice of the grape; blood guiltiness). 

The “man” the LORD God formed in Genesis 2:7, this word “man” is the root word adam’ (aw-dawm’), meaning, ruddy; a human being (an individual or the species mankind; Adam; hypocrite; common sort; low; man; men; person (s). The continued definition is to show blood (in the face); flush or turn rosy; dyed red. 

This man before he became a “living soul”, had guilty blood within him.  Within his heart, soul, mind, and body, he was a mortal, driven by his own desire, greed, lust, and appetite.  He was a hypocrite, of common sort, a man of low degree, without status in the earth. But it was the breath of God that gave man (male/female), the ability and quick understanding of knowing what it would be like to be God’s representatives in the earth, with dominion, authority, and power to rule and reign over creation!  That’s because the “innocent blood” of Christ was breathed into him, that made Adam (male/female) a living soul!

Look at the name Adam (aw-dawm’), remembering that blood in Hebrew is dawm, so he’s the man Adam (awdawm’) [male/female] with God’s blood in him.

Remember what Judas said: Matthew 27:4: “I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent (ath’oos) [not guilty] blood”.

Keep in mind, Christ has always been.  Revelation 1:8: I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Therefore, the blood of God has always been in existence!

That same God that moved for the Adam race in Genesis is doing the same thing for His people today.  That same innocent blood is within us, that are CHRIST’S and have accepted the Spirit of Christ! 

·       Romans 12:5: So, we, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone members one of another.

·       1^st Corinthians 12:12: For as the body is one, and hath many members and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body:  so also, is CHRIST!

John wrote 1^st John 5:7: For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.  Vs 8: And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree (eisi- i-see’) [they are; is] in one.

The “ultimate goal” is for us to be ONE with God:

We are ONE with Him in Christ Jesus! 

·       2^nd Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if any man be in CHRIST, he is a new creature (creation); old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new”. 

·       Colossians 1:27, “To whom God would make known, what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is CHRIST in you, the hope of glory”.

Jesus prayed for this:  John 17:20: Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word:  vs 21: That they all may be ONE, as thou Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:  that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

So, the ultimate goal for us is as our main scripture Ephesians 4:13 says:

Till we all come in the unity (oneness) of the faith (persuasion) that we are Christ’s body in the earth now:  We’re members (parts; limbs) of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones (Ephesians 5:30).

And of the knowledge (epig’nosis) [recognition, full discernment; acknowledgement]. This is the people of God coming into the awareness, understanding, and acknowledgement of who God is in us in His fullness; and the understanding and acknowledgement of who we are in God in the fullness of Him!  These are the sons (male/female) that has taken on the quality and essence of God Himself, so much so that the distinction between the two are indiscernible. 

·       1^st John 4:17b: As he is, so are we, in this world!

This happens for us here and now, not out in the sky somewhere.

Of the Son of God:  Adam was the son of God by creation (Luke 3:38) Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God. 

Jesus was the Son of God by birth of the spoken Word into the womb of a woman –

·       Matthew 1:21: And she (virgin Mary) shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins:

·       Matthew 3:17: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”.

We are sons of God by birth of the Spirit:

·       St. John 1:11: He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  Vs 12: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  vs 13: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 

·       St. John 3:3: “Except a man be born gain, he cannot see the kingdom of God”:  vs 5: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God”: vs 6: That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

·       1^st John 3:1: Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God: therefore, the world knows us not, because it knew him not. Vs 2: Beloved, NOW are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear (phanero’o) [to render apparent (evident; plain; obvious); show; be manifest; show (one’s self)] what we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 

This appearance (manifestation) is not out in the sky, but in His people.  That’s because He can’t appear without us, because we are His flesh and bones in the earth now (Ephesians 5:30). Therefore, we that have been brought into this revelation know that we "already see Him as He is" when we see one another!

Our goal is for the body of Christ to reach spiritual maturity as a perfect (tel’eios) [complete in labor, growth, mental and moral character, of full age] man (the man Jesus in the earth as His flesh and bones). 

Those of us that have this revelation are fulfilling 1^st Corinthians 13:9: For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.  Vs 10: But when that which is perfect IS COME (present tense), then that which is in part shall be done away.  Vs 11: When I was a child (ne’pios) [an infant (minor); simple minded; an immature Christian; babe] I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.  Vs 12: For now, we see through a glass darkly (obscurely [not discovered or known; uncertain; unclear; difficult to understand] (when we were bound by religious order)]; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Now that truth has (is) come to us, now we see face to face! When I see you, I see Him!  When you see me, you see Him!  When you look into the mirror, you see His face.  That’s because with us being His flesh and bones in the earth, we are His face, in the earth!!

The ULTIMATE GOAL is for the Body of Christ to come unto the measure of the stature (maturity; full age) of the fullness of CHRIST (in equality) [total agreement with His truth].

When we, the Body of Christ become this perfect man in the earth that God has ordained us to be, the same anointing the Father gave to Jesus Christ, we shall have (or now have) also. 

·       John 3:34: For he whom God hath sent speak the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. 

God’s sons (male/female) also have His Spirit without measure!

This equality is:

 In mind:  1^st Corinthians 2:16b: But we have the mind of Christ: Philippians 2:5: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  vs 6: Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery (thievery) to be equal (in total agreement) with God.

In Power: Matthew 10:1: And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power (exousi’a) [ability; force; capacity; freedom; mastery; control; jurisdiction; authority; liberty; strength]; against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manners of sickness and all manners of disease.

·       Luke 10:19: Behold, I give unto you power (exousi'a) [ability; freedom; jurisdiction; authority] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

·       Acts 1:8: But you shall receive power (du'namis) [miracle working enablement], after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

How do we get to this goal?  Ephesians 4:11: And he gave some apostles (apos’tolos) [a delegate; an ambassador of the Gospel; commissioner of Christ [with miraculous powers]; messenger; he that is sent], and some prophets (prophe’tes) [a foreteller; an inspired speaker], and some evangelists (euaggelistes’) [a preacher of the gospel], and some pastors (poimmen’) [shepherd], and teachers (disdas’kalos) [an instructor; master; doctor].  Vs 12: For the perfecting (katartismos’) [complete furnishing] of the saints, for the work (er’gon) [toil (as an effort or occupation); act; doing; labor] of the ministry (diakoni’a) [attendance (as a servant, etc); teacher; ministration; administer; servicing], for the edifying (educate; instruct; teach; build up] of the body (so’ma) [to body (as a sound whole); bodily] of Christ: vs 13: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge (epig’nosis) [recognition, ie full discernment; acknowledgement] of the Son (huios’) [a son (s)] [of God, unto a perfect (tel’eios) [complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc); completeness; of full age; perfect] man, unto the measure of the stature (maturity) of the fulness (ple’roma) [repletion or completion] of Christ.

We also attain this ultimate goal through prayer: 1^st Thessalonians 5:17: Pray without ceasing.

Through study: 2^nd Timothy 2:15: Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

We know that this is all by faith: Hebrews 11:1: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Vs 6: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that his is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

We can and must (not optional) attain this ultimate goal, because reaching this goal gives us eternal and everlasting life (St. John 3:15-16).

·       1^st John 5:7: For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.  Vs 8: And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. Vs 9: If we receive the witness of men the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.  Vs 10: He that believes on the Son of God hath the witness in himself:  he that believes not God hath made him a liar; because he believed not the record that God gave of his Son.  Vs 11: And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this LIFE is in his Son. Vs 12: He that hath the Son hath LIFE; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

Our ULTIMATE GOAL is to live!!  Psalm 118:17: I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.  John 10:10: I am come that they might have life; and that they might have it more abundantly.

Pastor Gracie Perry

 

 

 

 

 

WAKE UP! TAKE YOUR POSITION

 TEXT: JUDGES 4: 1-9

Judges portrays Christ as Deliverer and Judge

The Book of Judges, a period marked by cyclical oppression and deliverance in Israel’s history. The Israelites repeatedly turned away from God, faced oppression by enemy nations, cried out for deliverance, and were rescued by judges appointed by God.

Our text serves as a reminder to us that we may encounter situations where we feel we have God’s support, yet we still face obstacles in our lives that shines a light on our humanity and limitations. It’s natural to have moments of doubt and fear when confronted with life challenges. He told believers to call on Him in times of trouble; I will deliver you (Psalm 50:15).

Just like Judah, we might find ourselves in a situation where no matter how hard we try, some battles seem beyond our reach. Yet, through those moments, we are still called to faith and perseverance. We are reminded that trusting in God means relying on Him, even when circumstances do not favour us.

The Bible emphasizes that we are called to be used by God, serving not just for ourselves but for a greater purpose.  Deborah and Barak are a narrative of faith, courage, and collaboration. It shows how Deborah’s wisdom and faith, combined with Barak’s leadership, demonstrate the power of working together to achieve God’s purpose.

Their legacy encourages us to rely on divine guidance, respect one another’s gifts, and step boldly into the roles we are called to play. I want to share three takeaways in this message; (1) The importance of collaboration, (2) Have faith in God’s plan, and (3) God’s unwavering presence.

Judges chapter 4 opens with refrain: Vs 1: "Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD.”  The book cycles through sin, servitude, supplication, and silence.   When Ehud was dead (or after Ehud died), the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD.

This moment marks a significant transition in the written account. Ehud was the third judge God appointed to rescue the Israelites from their foreign enemy. He brought 80 years of peace to Israel after personally assassinating Eglon, the King of Moab.

Once Ehud was dead, the Israelites again did evil in the sight of the LORD. This meant the end of a period of peace and the beginning of a new period of disobedience and oppression for Israel.

Judges 4:2, So the LORD sold them (Israel) into the hand of Jabin, king of Canaan.

Jabin was given divine permission for oppression for covenant faithfulness on God’s part. See! Israel broke the stipulations: God kept His word regarding disciplinary consequences. From Sinai onward God bound Israel to a covenant that included explicit sanctions: “If you do not obey the LORD your God…those who hate you shall rule over you.” (Leviticus 26: 14-17).

 The challenges that Judah faced were not isolated incidents but part of an ongoing narrative involving a lack of faith, and the consequences of not fully trusting God. You’ve heard that old cliché’ – “when the cat’s away, the mouse will play.”

When those judges died, Israel returned to worshipping idols, and this vicious cycle of idolatry – bondage – deliverance repeated itself for 430 years through fifteen judges, who varied in their faithfulness to God.

Judges 4:3, the children of Israel cried out to the LORD, for Jabin had nine hundred chariots of iron, and he cruelly oppressed them for twenty years. The chariots were a military threat which represented the super- weapon, made of iron or wood and was the most feared and powerful weapons of the day.

Israel was not powerful enough to defeat such an invincible army therefore, Jabin and Sisera, commander and force of the army, had no problem oppressing Israel. The iron chariots made them feel helpless believing they were unable to defeat the Canaanites on their own, their technology didn’t match this cutting-edge military power.

After twenty years of unbearable circumstances, Israel literally, repented by crying out to the LORD for help. But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up judges to rescue them. Crying out to the LORD is a reminder of the importance of repentance and reliance on God in times of trouble. It encourages believers to turn to God in prayer, trusting in His power to deliver and restore. How many know, God is faithful in responding to cries of His people.

 But God should be the first place to turn when we are facing struggles or dilemmas. The Israelites chose to go their own way and got into a mess. We often do the same trying to control our own lives without God’s help that only lead to struggles and confusion.

On the other hand, when we stay into daily contact with God, we are less likely to create painful circumstances for ourselves. This is a lesson the Israelites never fully learned. When struggles come our way God want us to come to Him first seeking His strength and guidance.

The tribe of Judah had already decided years ago that the Canaanites were an impossible foe. Judges 1:19 signifies the shift from total victory under Joshua to partial obedience and lack of faith among the tribes of Israel. Although, God was with Judah and they took possession of the hill country, they failed to drive out the inhabitants of the plains because they had “iron chariots.”

God’s presence is crucial for victory, but human efforts alone are not sufficient to overcome all obstacles. Our reliance on God’s strength and faithfulness is not optional. When Israel allowed the inhabitants to remain in Canaan it became a source of temptation and disaster for Israel. Thereby, setting the stage for the cycle of sin and disobedience in the Book of Judges. 

So many times, in Scripture God shows up when His people cry out for help. He has left on record, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” In this case, Israel was paralyzed by fear of Sisera, who boasted 900 iron chariots. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the LORD. So, God raised up a Judge to rescue His people.

First – HAVE FAITH IN GOD’S PLAN

So, God rose up an unlikely judge, a woman name Deborah. An Old Testament wife, prophet, and judge in Israel’s history after Moses. Her prophetic ministry took place in the land of Israel. She established the prophetic order in Israel.

The ancient Hebrew culture was deeply sexist. This society’s misogyny continues to bleed through the biblical text even down into today. It’s obvious that each of the sixty-six books that comprise the canon (Bible) was written by men for men.

The role of the woman in this culture was relegated to maintaining the household, which included, bearing, naming and raising children, managing the family resources; preparing meals; cleaning house; applying medicinal therapies to sick family members, and in many ways catering to the needs of the man.

Many of the social, political and especially religious institutions excluded women. For example, women had to perform their morning rituals significantly farther away from Yahweh’s temple proper than the men.

In Ezekiel 8:14, women pray by the temple’s northern gate, while men participate in the service in the temple’s inner court between the temple’s front porch and its courtyard altar.

The Leviticus purity laws restricted women’s access to the temple during their menses and postpartum discharges. In the biblical world, the woman’s social value was determined by the men in her life whether it was her father, husband, son or male relative. It was, therefore, important for women to be married and even more so to give birth to sons (Williams). Thank God for Jesus!

Here, Deborah has risen to the heights of leadership, the fourth - first - only female judge in the ancient Hebrew community, which is worthy of special attention. We all know that women face unique, extraordinary challenges in leadership in male-dominant industries. Romans 8:31 “If God is for us, who can be against us” meaning, Deborah had the ultimate backing of the Almighty God, making them victorious over any adversities they may face.

Judges 4:4 says, she was a prophetess and was judging in Israel at the time the Israelites endured Canaanites oppression under the rule of Jabin. During this period, she executed her role as “judge”. The term “judge” doesn’t mean someone who sits in a court and decides legal issues; the Hebrew word “shaphat” means more the idea of heroic leader.

The Hebrew word “Shophetim” is derived from a word meaning - to put right, and so to rule, and this is exactly what these judges did (Morgan). These national deliverers were not elected, and they didn’t come to leadership through royal succession. They were specially gifted by God for leadership in their times and the people of God recognized and respected that gifting.

The Israelites had great obstacles. They were surrounded by people who lived in the most terrible immorality and idolatry, making a constant temptation to the same sins. Thy were focused mainly on three things: money, sex, and having a relationship with God on “my” terms instead of “God’s” terms.

So, the book of Judges shows a time of sometimes confusing, difficult, and dark times after the death of Joshua. There was no standing office of national leadership, had no king, no president, and no prime minister on earth. – only God. Yet at the necessary and appropriate times God brought forth a leader for the nation and these leaders would rise and do His /her job as assigned and evaporate when done. This required the people to maintain a real abiding trust and faith in God.

Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please God. It’s a fundamental, essential requirement to have a relationship with HIM.

Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses (all forms human/self -reliance), but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. Our security is in God’s name rather than our own strength, wealth, and intellect.

Judges 4:5: Deborah was awakened to the call of God in her life. She executed her role as judge by holding court. Her courtroom was located under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah in the mountain of Ephraim.

She chose to seat herself under a date palm tree when her nation was busy in the chaotic worship of idols - she sat.

With the strong arm of Canaanite oppression destroying her people - she sat.

As people came to her, crying in their pain - she sat - joining her people as they “cried out to the LORD for help” (Judges 4:3).

She was neither complacent nor indifferent. She rested in the security of her calling, anointing, and gifts. Deborah knew her place and knew her God.

She sat between Ramah, meaning “hill or height” and Bethel meaning “house of God”:

It would have been easy for her to push toward Ramah for status, promotion, and position. She did not!

It would have been easy for to escape from the pressures and ugliness of her imposing culture in Bethel, secluded in God’s presence. She would not!

She chose the place between self-promotion and self-protection. She was a remarkable woman, a rarity in her time. Unlike other judges who sat at the city gate, or held circuit court from city to city, Deborah was among her people. To this remote location they came, day after day, morning until evening, she was accessible to all. The Mother of Israel was always on duty.

Bethel was in the hill country of Ephraim. Ephraim means “double fruitfulness.” As we align ourselves with God’s purpose and direction, there will be double fruitfulness. The palm tree is beyond a doubt fruitful. It begins producing at 6-8 years and bears abundant clusters of fruit until well over a hundred.

Look at it! Double is the smallest dimension of blessing available to us. Though double is good, a hundredfold is possible – those who hear and understand God’s word can produce a harvest yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was planted (Matthew 13:23).

Deborah knew who she was and what she was called to. Here she stayed unwavering. May we come to the place where we can see clearly God’s plan and position for our lives and be willing to stay in His choosing…as a homemaker or a doctor…as a janitor or a garbage collector…or teacher or a lawyer…no matter the profession.

Don’t move from God’s position: Excel where you are. Remain faithful to the task in front of you. Increase comes from staying on the course.

While she sat, under the palm tree of Deborah, interceding for her people, seeking their freedom. There was no shortage of wisdom and justice. Beneath the straight and upright palm, Deborah prove herself true to God and compassionate to the needs of others. As she sat under the palm, she declared peace and victory over her distraught nation. Deborah was judging Israel when she received prophetic revelation for Barak to fight the Canaanites.

THE IMPORTANCE OF COLLABORATION

It ‘s amazing, Israel already had a judge in place, yet they cried out to the LORD for help because of the Canaanite oppression. Maybe the expectation of her judgeship was restricted to providing spiritual leadership, educational leadership, presiding over court cases, but when it came to providing military leadership, even as an established sitting judge to Israel for twenty years, she was still overlooked. Before and after her reign, they naturally gravitated to the male judges, looking to them for military leadership.

Maybe God allowed them to languish in oppression for twenty years during Deborah’s tenure because they refused to recognize that just as God had been with the judge of the past, HE was also with Deborah (Judges 2:18).

The fact that God elevated her to that position indicated that she was qualified to provide military leadership. How did God answer the Israelites prayers? By using Deborah, the judge they already had in place. Even when women are elevated to positions of power in a male-dominated industry, many times their capacities to carry out the full responsibilities required for the position are still questioned. Today, America is wearing the same shoes and walking in the pathway of the Israelites regarding women.

The Palm of Deborah was a perfect symbol of this woman’s internal strength, divine call, anointed leadership, and powerful intercession. Her greatest time of fruitfulness was about to explode, because she positioned herself in humility, and excellence like the palm tree under which she sat.

The LORD spoke to her giving her the strategy to defeat the oppressor to win their freedom. She began to put the divine plan into action and summoned the military leader Barak to advise him of the action plan.

The partnership between Deborah and Barak speaks a profound truth: collaboration can amplify strength and bring about success and a blend of spiritual and military strategy. Deborah’s role was to provide vision and divine insight, while Barak’s was to execute the plan on the ground. Their partnership was characterized by mutual respect and trust, each playing their part without envy or competition.

Judges 4:6: Deborah summons Barak to reveal God’s plan.

 Has not the Lord God of Israel commanded, deploy troops (Israelites), and take with you 10,000 men from the sons of Naphtali (6^th son Jacob/Bilhah known for swiftness/grace/favor of God) and Zebulun (6^th son of Jacob/Leah, known for bravery/skill in battle) and position them at Mount Tabor.

Judges 4:7: I WILL DEPLOY SISERA, COMMANDER OF JABIN’S ARMY, WITH HIS CHARIOTS AND HIS MULTIUDE AT THE RIVER KISHON; AND I WILL DELIVER HIM INTO YOUR HAND.

Mount Tabor: Because of its height and strategic location in the northeastern part of the valley of Jezreel, 10 miles from the beginning of the Kishon River. It was ideally suited for deploying troops. From this elevated position they could observe the movements of Sisera’s army.

River of Kishon flows through the Plain of Esdraelon and the valley of Jezreel. Often, it floods much of the valley in rainy season. Sisera wisely chose this area of the river because he was able to move the chariots freely. However, the LORD sent a storm and a flood which curtailed the mobility of the chariots and swept away the forces of Sisera and they were defeated (Judes 5:20-21). Remember the Egyptian Army at the Red Sea.

Judges 4:8: Barak agreed with the plan under the condition that Deborah accompanies him to the battle. His hesitation to go without Deborah showed a lack of trust in the LORD. Deborah had so much faith in God’s plan that she gladly complied with His condition, but prophesies that Sisera will be delivered into the hands of a woman (vs 9). This prophecy highlights that the triumph would not be attributed to a singular hero, but rather a collective effort, showing us that God’s plans often transcend human expectations.

Sisera’s defeat was not only a tactical triumph but also a dramatic unraveling of events. When he found his mighty chariot army incapacitated, he took to the ground and fled on foot seeking refuge. His flight led him to the tent of Jael that he viewed a safe haven. However, it was there he met his demise as she drove the peg through his temple, killing him instantly. This act fulfilled Deborah’s prophecy and turning point in the battle.

In conclusion:

Believers, wake up! And take your position – truly God has need of you.

God is inspiring us to awaken from our own apathy. Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”  

The same God who inspired Deborah, is calling you to arise and do His will. And when God calls you to His purpose, He ‘ll give you the unction to go forth.

Consider Philippians 2:13 “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

Go, Grow, and Glow, in the love of God.

Evangelist Brenda Hansley

The Fire of God!

Text: Exodus 3:1-2: Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. Vs 2: And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

Moses was the son of Amram and Jochebed, and brother of Miriam and Aaron, of the tribe of Levi. He led the Israelites out of Egypt. He was raised by Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son and she called him “Moses”, because she had drawn him out of the water.

The Word of God says when Moses was grown, he went out unto his brethren and looked on their burdens, and he spied an Egyptian smiting a Hebrew, one of his brethren and he slew the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. When Moses realized this thing was known, he feared, and when Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to slay Moses and so Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh and dwelt in the land of Midian for forty years (Exodus 2:11-25).

It was there, in Midian when Moses saw this awesome sight of the burning bush.

·       Exodus 3:2: And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. Vs 3: And Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt”.

This angel of the LORD was God Himself! Hebrews 12:29: Our God is a consuming fire.

·       Vs 4: And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, “Moses, Moses”. And he said, “Here am I”. Vs 5: And he said, “Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou stand is holy ground”. Vs 6: Moreover, he said, “I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

Bush in this verse is ceneh’ meaning to prick, a bramble. The nature of a bramble bush is that it is typically thorny and dense, often growing in dry or rocky areas. Brambles are known for their ability to survive in harsh environments, and their thorns can make them difficult to approach or handle. In biblical times, the bramble was considered a lowly and common shrub, symbolizing humility and often associated with wilderness or desolation.

The nature of this bush (the ability to survive in harsh environments; humility; wilderness or desolation) in which Moses awed with the “fire of God burning the bush and the bush wasn’t burnt”, was exactly what God was preparing him to experience but yet God would give him the strength to endure!

What did God say to Paul in Acts 9 (Saul’s conversion): vs 4: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, “Saul, Saul, why persecute thou me”? Vs 5: And he said, “Who art thou, Lord”? And the Lord said, “I am Jesus whom thou persecute: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks”.

Prick in Webster means a tiny puncture made by a sharp point; to pain sharply; to raise the ear erect; to listen closely. Pricks in Acts 9:4, is the Greek word ken’tron from (kente’o) (to prick); a point (center), a sting (poison) or goad; (fig) divine impulse. This was the prompting and conscience “stings” Saul felt before conversion, and I believe what Moses felt before yielding to God.

The place Moses went to after killing the Egyptian was Midian, meaning in Hebrew, brawling, contention, quarrel, discord, strife. I believe these things were going on within Moses as he battled in his mind or a “kicking against the pricks” when God said to him:

·       Exodus 3:9: Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Vs 10: Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou may bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. Vs 11: And Moses said unto God, “Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt”? vs 12: And he said, “Certainly I will be with thee: and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: “When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God upon this mountain”!

I’m sure, you and I have had those same prickly feelings (by way of fear) as Moses and Saul experienced, a “kicking against the pricks” when it was our turn to step out and obey God!  LORD HAVE MERCY! But the same God that was with Moses and Saul, that same God was and is with us now and that same “fire” is still burning!!

But how many know that God always win!!

·       Luke 9:23: And he said to them all, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me”.

·       Luke 14:27: And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

God appeared also unto Abraham in Genesis 22:11: And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, “Abraham, Abraham”: and he said, “Here am I”.

***Exodus 3:2b: And he (Moses) looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

Fire here is the root word esh (aysh), meaning fire; burning; fiery; flaming; hot. In its first Biblical appearance, the word “esh” (aysh), represents God’s presence as a torch of fire. Hebrews 12:29: For our God is a consuming fire.

This same fire is on the inside of us burning out of us everything that’s not like Christ!

What is fire? According to the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, it is represented as the symbol of Jehovah’s Presence and the instrument of His power in the way either of approval or destruction.

Fire stands for cleansing and purification. In its true essence it is the fire of Spirit, or the divine energy which never ceases its life-giving purifying glow.

When its cleansing work is completed in man’s mind and body there is no more error to be consumed, and it then manifests in purified man as his eternal life.

What is eternal life? It is knowing God and the Son, Jesus Christ! “And this is life eternal, that they might know (ginos’ko) [to know absolutely [completely; entirely; perfectly]; understand; be aware of] thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3).

This fire has always been around even since the beginning, from Genesis to Revelation. How long has God been around, and He is fire! Deuteronomy 4:24: For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire even a jealous God. This same word is confirmed in Hebrew 12:29: For our God is a consuming fire.

Besides being a consuming fire, our God is Spirit (St. John 4:24), life, love, substance, power, intelligence, Truth. John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life”!

Fire symbolizes a positive, affirmative mindset, contrasting with the negative or watery (liquefied) state of mind.

On the norm, water can put out fire. But let me tell you, water can’t put out this fire because it’s the fire of God Himself.

I could start a fire with the lighting of a match and throw water on it, and it puts the fire out. God’s fire stood and can stand the test, 1^st Kings 18. Elijah challenges four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and four hundred prophets of the grove who ate at Jezebel’s table.

·       Vs 23: Let them therefore give us two bullocks and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: vs 24: And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answers by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, it is well spoken. Vs 36: And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant and that I have done all these things at thy word. Vs 37: Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. Vs 38: Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

This same fire followed the Israelites by night in a pillar of fire to give them light and He was a pillar of a cloud by day to lead them the way (Exodus 13:21). Vs 22 states, “He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people”.

Reminds me of Hebrews 13:5, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.

Offerings were made unto God by fire:

·       Leviticus 23 (the feasts of the LORD): vs 8: But you shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is a holy convocation: you shall do no servile work therein.

·       Numbers 15 (offerings required of Israel): vs 1: And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying: vs 2: Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, “When you be come into the land of your habitations, which I give unto you”: vs 3: And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt-offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill-offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savour unto the LORD, of the herd, or of the flock: vs 4: Then shall he that offers his offering unto the LORD bring a meat-offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with the forth part of an hin of oil.

This same fire is burning NOW and will forever burn from generation to generation.

Let’s look at four characteristics of this fire. Characteristics are typical traits of a particular person, place or thing. But the “thing” we’re talking about is the “FIRE OF GOD”!

FIRE PURIFIES (removes contamination from):

·       Malachi 3:2: But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: vs 3: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

·       Matthew 3:11: I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire!

·       Revelation 3:18: I counsel thee to buy me gold tried in the fire, that thou may be rich and white raiment, that thou may be clothed and that the shame of thy nakedness, doth not appear.

FIRE CAN BE DESTRUCTIVE:

·       Genesis 19:24: Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven.

·       Numbers 11:1: And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it and his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.

GOD’S FIRE IS A PRESERVER:

·       Genesis 3:24: So, he drove out the man, and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubim’s, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

·       Daniel 3 (the Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace):

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had been placed over the affairs of the province of Babylon, and having been given official responsibilities, they had been stripped of their identity and were considered citizens of Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzars’ empire had just risen to power and set up an image of gold and at the sound of the musical instruments, all nations, people, and languages should fall down and worship the golden image. But the three Hebrew Boys were determined they would remain true to the living God!

This is what the false church system of today has done to the sons of God (males/females). They want you to bow down to their system: to teach, preach, eat and drink only what they serve and have been serving these meals and drinks for over fifty plus years. But many of you know that we that have been brought out of religion can’t bow to that system, and when you refuse, you (we) are also tried in the fire. Because the Hebrew Boys would not bow down to the Babylonian system they were thrown into a fiery furnace. Not only were they tried by the fire, but they were thrown into it bound. But because they trusted in the True and Living God, the fire burned off the bondage the Babylonians had bound them with, yet they themselves were untouched by the fire. Remember, the fiery furnace was turned up seven times hotter than usual. Seven represents perfection and completeness, typifying the completeness and perfection of God's awesomeness in all He does. This also shows forth how we the church are being  brought to a perfected state in God by His fire yet with the ability to withstand the fiery trials that come to destroy us! The fire preserved the Hebrew Boys but the same fire destroyed the very ones who threw them in. Therefore, don't worry about your haters, your enemies.

·       Isaiah 43:2: When thou pass through the waters, I will be with thee: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walk through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Vs 3: For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior.

Lastly, this very FIRE IS FRIENDLY:

Are you familiar with the term “friendly fire”? Psalm 104:4: Who makes his angels spirits and his ministers a flaming fire.

These angels are not those we’ve been told that fly around with wings, but these angels are messengers (prophets; priests; teachers; ambassadors) walking around on two feet that God has empowered and appointed on behalf of Himself that has inhaled God’s very breath and life, that He has made of quick understanding to do what He said to Isaiah:

·       Isaiah 58:1: Cry aloud, spare not lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

These are they that Jesus spoke about in Luke 21:14-15, “Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what you shall answer: for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay (antep’o) [refute or deny] nor resist” (anthis’temi) [stand against; oppose; withstand].

His ministers (servants; worshippers) are those set on fire with the Word of God, kindled by the anointing of the Holy Ghost, willing to do whatever God say to do and go wherever He sends them.

·       Matthew 16:24: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Remember what John said, Matthew 3:11, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire”.

Why the Holy Ghost?  Because the Holy Ghost is that which empowers us to do the works that Jesus Himself did.

·       Luke 10:19: I give unto you power (exousi’a) [ability; authority; jurisdiction] to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

·       Acts 1:8: You shall receive power (du’namis) [enablement to perform miracles] after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you to be witnesses unto me.

 why with “fire”? Because the fire is that which purifies and burns out of God’s people everything that is not like Him, just as fire refines gold!

That’s what the trials are for that we go through, to make us like our Heavenly Father, just as Jesus was when He walked the earth. 1^st John 4:17, “As he is, so are we, in this world”!!

Therefore, let the fire light of God burn and so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Evangelist Mary Perry