You are driving along the motor way with cruise control on.  What happens is quite remarkable.  Firstly, you begin to notice how erratic everybody’s driving really is. They fly past you and then slow down.  With your constant speed you inevitably pass them again. This can be repeated with the same driver several times. Secondly, you notice that climbing a hill your car automatically speeds up compensating for the “mountain” you are climbing.  It ensures you do not loose any ground or fall behind on your time table. Thirdly,  as you speed down a hill, low and behold, your cruise control slows you down to the intended and preplanned speed.  It makes sure that you do not get ahead of your self or go so fast that you are in danger of getting prosecuted.

Cruise control is a perfect example of faith in operation:

FAITH keeps you going forward at the speed God has set for you not allowing the discouragement of others going faster or the disillusionment of some falling behind to affect or derail you.

FAITH automatically kicks in and increases when the going gets tough or the mountain before you gets too steep.  It does not ignore the gradient rather it tackles it head on and instantly ups the pace so that there are no delays or mistakes in your walk and call.

FAITH is just as powerful in enabling a believer to slow down when things start moving too fast.  It gives the Christian the ability not to get carried away and stay within the “law” of God not compromising God’s plan or ignoring the limits or standards He has set.  

When you have faith that God is your source you can afford to be generous in forgiving and blessing others (Mathew 7:11-12).

When you have faith you wont allow the highs and lows of daily life to rule your emotions or dictate your trust in God (Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 31:32).

When you have faith you wont compromise your walk or testimony just to get an opportunity or improve your prospects (Psalm 37:23).

Sometimes it’s just best to let the scriptures speak for themselves:

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things unseen”. Hebrews 11:1.

“…all things are possible to him that believeth”. Mark 9:23.

“Great peace have they that love thy law [believing it applies to every area of their life]: and nothing shall offend them [distract them from or interfere with their relationship with Christ]”. Psalm 119:165.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in Thee”.  Isaiah 26:3

“Therefore I say unto you what things soever you desire when you pray believe that you receive them and you shall have them”. Mark 11:24.

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanks giving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. Philippians 4:6-7.

Faith is the cruise control in all of our lives. When you pace your life on the constant of faith your life will constantly fall into place.  Faith does not ignore the mountains it accelerates into them.  Faith does not allow itself to get carried away by success or opportunities and isn’t afraid to do a self check. After all nothing good can pass you by when your trust is in your heavenly Father (Matthew 7: 9-11; Psalm 31:23). 

Faith keeps you steady when everyone else is shaking, it keeps you going when everyone else is wavering and keeps you on course when everyone else is loosing their focus and sense of direction.  Faith is the greatest equalizer known to man for it is not based on anything other than an unbroken, unbreakable love and trust in a Saviour that will “…never leave you or forsake you you.  That you may boldly say, The Lord is my helper what can man do unto me”  Hebrews 13:5-6.

No matter what lane you are in, what speed you are going at or how congested the way ahead put your cruise control on TODAY!

The greatest message that can ever be preached is salvation from the slavery of sin.  Sin declares it is everything you want in life until it makes you loose everything you ever held dear to your heart.  Sin declares it will make you free until you find yourself a slave to its whims and desires. Sin is satan’s conterfeit to truth presenting itself as the answer to your needs but in reality is packed with lies and disaster. 

Don’t be deceived and don’t make God out to be a liar: “If [you] say that [you] have no sin [you] deceive [yourself] and the truth is not in [you]…If [you] say that [you] have not sinned, [you] make Him a liar, and His word is not in [you]” (1st John 1:8 & 10).  However, “If [you] confess [your] sins, He is faithfull and just to forgive [you your] sins, and to cleanse [you] from ALL unrighteousness” (1st John1: 9).

Step One: Confess your sin and declare your guilt to the Lord Jesus Christ and from that moment Christ will forgive your sin and declare that you are innocent. 

Step Two: Continuing to follow the apostle John’s inspired advice the next step is to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord of your heart and life, “[For] as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons [and daughters] of God, even to them that believe in His name”, John 1:12.  See also Romans 10:13.

Step Three: Tell people that you have been saved by Jesus Christ and live your life giving Him His place as Lord of our life. Romans 10:9.

Step Four: You can now truly declare with Paul that you are, “…dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord”, Romans 6:10 – 11. In short you can reject the sins and mistakes of your past (present and future) when they raise their ugly head and claim through Christ a perfect unbroken relationship with almighty God. See: Hebrews 13:5-6; Romans 8: 35 – 39; Psalm 129: 3-4; Psalm 31:22.

A prayer to help should you be stuck for words: Lord Jesus Christ I come to you as a sinner and ask you to forgive me of all my sins. I invite you to be Lord of my life and ask you to come into my heart to live and reign there forever. Thank you for your sacrifice on the cross. Thank you for your unconditional love for me then and now. Thank you for giving me the power to become your child.  Amen!

If you have prayed that prayer, tell some one, pray daily (talk to God), read the Bible daily (start with the Gospels and Psalms, use daily reading booklets) and find a local church to attend (Hebrews 10:25). Remember there is nothing wrong with asking for advice on all three from a Christian you know and can trust. 

Foot Note: Forgiveness is a two way street – 1st John 2:9; Mark 11:24. You can’t hold unto God and hold unto a grudge at the same time for you will tighten your grip on one and loosen your grip on the other.  Sometimes your biggest gains come from what you are prepared to let go!  Selah.

In Samuel 30: 11 – 15 God uses the most unexpected things and people to achieve the most wonderful deliverance – an Egyptian slave, a bout of sickness, an evil hearted Amalekite and a touch of kindness amidst great trouble and stress.  Many times in the life of a Christian it would be easier to believe God for a miracle if there were some obvious thing or person for Him to use. The truth of the matter is that if you are in a terrible situation with no light at the end of the proverbial tunnel then look again for Christ is all the Light you will ever need (Psalm 17:1;Psalm 78:14). 

To show David the next step in His plan of deliverance God uses the sick slave of an enemy. God even turns the cold hearted act of leaving a servant to die as the perfect way to bring David and the slave together.  So if you look across your circumstances and there seems to be very little or nothing that God can use look again.  Whatever and whoever surrounds you good or bad seen or unseen it is God’s for the taking and His for the using.

 The scripture tells us that God will make all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). The Bible also teaches that what people may intend for evil He can cause nothing but good to come out of it (Genesis 50:19 – 20).  These are not just thoughts of encouragement for the few they are promises for every believer.  Qualifying for Christ’s mighty hand to make everything work together perfectly does not involve a special call or standing in God’s eyes.  All you have to do is love your Saviour and know that you are already called by Him (Romans 8:28 – 29).  God has set His heart to save His people and that includes you (Psalm 20:6; Isaiah 40: 27 – 31).

Your week may not have been perfect but always trust God that He is.  The story of how David encounters the Egyptian slave who just happens to have all the information he needs is unusual for a reason.  It demonstrates our Saviour’s total control over every situation, personality, motive and facet of life.  Remember, God did not send an angel to guide David, or a prophet, or even a sign for the heavens. Rather He chose to use the evil heart of an enemy, a bout of sickness and an insignificant slave. Halleluiah, God really does know the end from the beginning (Revelation 22:13) and He really is in control of everything (Psalm 18:32 – 36).  Don’t look down your long dark tunnel in despair. Look again and you will find that the Lord Jesus Christ is right there backing you all the way and ahead of your enemy every step of the way (Psalm 37:23).  It might be a surprise as to how He will deliver you but have faith so that you are not surprised when He does (Psalm 31:22).  The secret to David’s success was that he kept moving forward convinced that God was preparing and leading the way.

Sub-headings:

• Understand the fundamentals.
• How was the Baptism in the Holy Ghost administered / received?
• What were the key outward signs that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost had taken place?
• Who can receive and how to receive?
• Conclusion!

Understand the fundamentals.

First and foremost lets establish that the phrase, Baptised in the Holy Ghost, is a biblical one – see Mark 1:8 and Acts 1:5.  Another commonly used phrase is to be “filled” with the Holy Ghost. Again this has its foundation in scripture – Acts 2:4.

In Mark’s account (1:4-8) he refers to John the Baptist’s preaching template. This includes underlining the importance of the Baptism in the Holy Ghost to John and of course to the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Saviour Himself reinforces the absolute necessity for this second baptism when He speaks to the disciples in Acts 1:4-9.  Jesus Christ tells them it is going to happen as an experience that is distinct and separate from water baptism leaving no room for choice or debate (v5). Christ relates this Holy Ghost Baptism to the outpouring of power which will fully equip the church to reach the whole earth with the Good News of the Gospel (v7-8). 

The fundamental question is whether or not this second baptism was only for the 120 in the upper room or was it for all men, women and children throughout the ages that turn to Christ as their Lord and Saviour?

To answer this and several others questions we will refer to three of the main references to the Baptism in the Holy Ghost in the book of Acts: Acts 2:1 – 8; 10: 44-48; 19: 1-6.   

How was the Baptism in the Holy Ghost administered / received?

Acts 2: 2-4.   In an environment of unity, worship, remembrance and obedience the most dramatic of all the accounts concerning the filling of the Holy Ghost takes place.  The mighty sound from heaven, the tongues of fire and how they sat on all in attendance was not dramatic just for the sake of it.  This first Baptism was deliberately played out by God as a mighty spectacle. It was designed to reinforce the importance of this promise being fulfilled and to mark it as the birth of the New Testament church empowered to save the world. Read again the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in Acts 1:4-8.

N.B. The evidence was that they spoke with other tongues proclaiming Christ and His resurrection power – remember the words of Jesus, “…ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost…and ye shall be witnesses unto Me …in Jerusalem…” (Acts 1:5&8).

Acts 10:44-48.  The environment was one of prayer, generosity, love and an unashamed witness and hunger for the things of God with fasting (i.e. Cornelius’ house Acts 10:1-2; v22; v30). It was in this environment that the word was preached and Gentiles were filled with the Holy Ghost without anyone touching them.  The method was different from that in Acts Ch.2 but the result was the same. The underpinning thought weaved throughout the whole of Ch.10 is that the filling of the Holy Ghost is for everyone whose heart is sold out to God…not just the Apostles, not just the 120 in Acts Ch.2 and certainly not just for the converted Jews.

N.B. The evidence was that they spoke, “…with tongues and [magnified] God” (Acts 10:46).

Acts19:1- 6.  The environment was one of faithfulness to what little revelation had been received, coupled with a hunger and willingness to embrace truth that would change their lives forever.  Again the method was different but the result was the same – Paul laid his hands on the church at Ephesus and they were filled with the Holy Ghost. 

N.B. The evidence was that they spoke with other tongues and prophesied. 

What were the key outward signs that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost had taken place?

From the above passages there are several outward confirmations indicating that the filling of the Holy Ghost had taken place…speaking with other tongues; a powerful bold witness and testimony; worship / magnifying God; and prophecy. 

Of all these signs there are two common denominators:

(1) Speaking with other tongues – manifested in all three of our examples.

(2) Boldness and power – manifested in unreserved witnessing, unrestrained worship and the gifts of the Spirit in operation.

Who can receive and how to receive?

In Acts 2 the select 120 are baptised. In Acts 10 a Roman convert and his Gentile friends were baptised.  In Acts 19 a group of disciples living in complete ignorance of the Holy Ghost never mind being filled with His power and presence are duly baptised.

It is important to emphasis that the church at Ephesus (Acts 19) did not even know that the Holy Ghost existed.  This means, for example, that a traditional background where the filling of the Holy Ghost has played no part cannot hinder a believer in any way.  Please be warned that this also means it cannot be used as an excuse not to be baptised in the Holy Ghost either.

It is crucial to note that the Ephesians were born again believers who had not been filled with the Holy Ghost.  Salvation (including the baptism with water) and the Baptism in the Holy Ghost are two separate experiences.  That said, ideally they should happen at the same time but this is in turn dependent on the knowledge and experience of those involved.

Concluding thoughts!   

To be filled with the Holy Ghost you will have to be lead and instructed by those who believe it and preach it.  To be filled with the Holy Ghost follow the pattern of those early believers.  They were faithful and obedient with what they knew, worshiped with all their might, sought God with earnest hearts and were open to the changes God’s gift would bring.  They got caught up with the person of Christ and found themselves on a collision course with the promise of Christ.  Whilst you are no less saved if you are not filled with the Holy Ghost you will be lacking in Christ’s best for you in terms of intimacy, power and authority.  This may seem harsh but the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is God’s plan with no back up in place. God’s response to Cornelius demonstrates that He will supernaturally respond to the earnest prayer of any believer. However, it is God’s singular purpose to lead all His children to the point where they will be filled with His Spirit as at the day of Pentecost, Cornelius’ house and the church at Ephesus.

Don’t reject this wonderful promise rather purpose your heart and God will lead you to it. Don’t be discouraged, for if our Lord and Saviour can guide a group of men at Ephesus (Acts19) to be filled who did not even know that the Holy Ghost existed then He will surely guide you. 

If you are baptised but waning in your authority and the anointing you once knew waste no time with regret or self-condemnation.  Rather, stir up the gift that is within you (1st Timothy 1:6).  Speak with other tongues (1 Corinthians 14:18), worship the Lord Jesus Christ, be obedient in what you do know and find something to do that will serve Him and honour Him.  Remember that the original Greek for the word “filled” means to be continually filled.  Pursue the gift of the Baptism in the Holy Ghost for it will empower you afresh day and daily.

In Mathew 6 the Lord Jesus Christ gives the disciples a frame work around which to focus their prayers and petitions to God. In verse 13 He includes the specific instruction to pray for deliverance from evil.  The Amplified Bible reads, “…deliver us from the evil one”.  The message is clear, dear Christian you are not just under physical, mental or emotional attack you have an enemy who is looking for any and every opportunity to pull you down and trample you into the ground.  In 1st Peter 5:8 we read that satan is actively seeking, not just to hurt, but “devour” anyone he can, any time he can, any where he can, “Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion [in fierce anger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour” (1^st Peter 5:8 Amplified Bible).  

Some people may think that this type of teaching is unnecessary and even offensive.  However, Peter presents it in the context of being well balanced, temperate and sober minded.  You have a vicious enemy but Christ has given you authority to pray against him.  To ignore either is at best irresponsible and in reality very dangerous. Follow Peter’s advice be sensible and learn how to pray against the devil and his demoniac forces as part of your overall prayer life.

 There is a great revelation and stark warning in Psalm 17:4.  In this verse “men” (people and the efforts they make to grievously hurt you) present themselves as the source of your problems. However, the end of verse 4 reveals that having set your faith to believe and apply the Word it is from the “destroyer” that you are delivered.  Paul underlines the reality of your battle when he declares, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities…powers…rulers of the darkness of this world…spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).  When you don’t rebuke the “evil one”, the powers of darkness and demoniac forces from your family and your circumstances they will devour and destroy laying all the blame at another’s feet. 

It is important to note from Ephesians 6:12 that when a circumstance becomes a wrestling match (something that drags on and drains you relentlessly) this is often a sign that the demoniac is involved.  People may still need to be dealt with, decisions may still need to be made and work may still need to be done.  However, in this scenario nothing will work out as it should until, through prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, devils and demons are commanded to get out of your situation and interfere no more.  Don’t be too quick to blame them but neither too slow to deal with them. If in doubt you have a mandate from Christ to pray against them (Mathew 6:13) so don’t hesitate trusting your Saviour to do whatever is needed.

It is time to be “sober” and “vigilant” (1 Peter 5:8). It is time to understand that it is not just people but the “destroyer” that you have to contend with (Psalm 17:4). It is time to realize that your enemy is organsied and has a command chain of demoniac forces which devour and destroy (Ephesians 6:12).  That said, if you are a born again believer by simply, faithfully and repeatedly using the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to rebuke these forces you will remove them from your situation.  Can you really have this level confidence?  The immediate answer is, yes! For it was our Saviour that instructed us to pray for deliverance from the “evil one” and as such this prayer is in perfect zinc with the will of God and will be answered (1 John 5:14-15).  Remember, as it was the Lord Jesus Christ who made this part of our frame work for prayer frown upon it and / or ignore it at your peril. 

Prayer template: Like Christ’s example throughout the Gospels deal with the demoniac in a direct and uncomplicated way.  Simply rebuke then off your situation or from a person specifically using the name of Jesus Christ. If you are a novice in these matters do not prolong your prayer with complicated sentences or uncertain repetition.  Like the strike of any warrior against his enemy do so quickly and move on. This is after all, only one aspect of God’s pattern for prayer.  Be aware if the devil cannot defeat you he will try to preoccupy you. Selah!

Let’s set the scene:

Even before conception and certainly during fetal development every human being has the full attention of an almighty God (Psalm 139:15-18). God can see the substance of, has recorded all the members of and has nothing but precious thoughts toward the unborn. Selah! (Psalm 139:16).

As Psalm139 reveals the unborn child is a fully formed individual in the heart, mind and plans of an omniscient God.  John the Baptist jumped in his mother’s womb at the salutation of a heavily pregnant Mary charged with the anointing of the unborn Christ in her womb. Here in is a clear lesson to all the church namely, that the unborn child is directly affected by the environment that his mother (and father) live in and create (Luke 1:41).  This includes the company they keep, what is said song and done. The reaction of a baby to “familiar” sounds such as the title music of regularly watched soap operas, or even the washing machine demands the attention of all expectant parents.  Pray for your unborn child close to the mother’s belly, play Christian music full of the anointing of the Holy Ghost, quote the word of God while you pray and in your general conversation and, when tiredness allows, be in the fellowship of God’s people worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ under the sound of the preached word. 

In the midst of God’s rebuke to Jonah (Jonah 3:11) He refers to, “…sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left”.  God chose His words carefully and deliberately. He thinks on the little child, what they are and who He intends them to be, just as if they were fully grown. He cherishes them no less for their stature and childishness. Little ones are masterpieces of God’s creation in small packages and should be handled with the greatest of care and respect.

 Let’s lay down the law:

When it comes to those who hurt and abuse children, unless they repent and are delivered from their depravity, the Lord Jesus Christ has only one message for them, “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones…it where better for him that a milestone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea (Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2).  It must be carefully noted that Christ judges sin not sickness and that He identifies the abuse of children as sin carrying particularly harsh judgment from a holy and righteous God.  Children need parents who not only do what they can to protect them in the normal ebb and  flow of life but parents who protect their children with the power of prayer (faith filled, daily and without ceasing). Children need parents to teach them scriptures that will answer life’s questions and guide them through life’s decisions and difficulties. When a child remembers a verse from the Bible amidst a troublesome and even dangerous situation it has the power of a risen Saviour in it to give them the strength and wisdom to say the right things, do what is right, get clear and keep safe (Psalm 119: 97-105).  

 Let’s set the standard:

Proverbs 22:6 states that if you, “Train up a child in the way he should go …when he is old, he will not depart from it”. See 2 Timothy 3:15. Children are bombarded with rude and depraved images and standards on a daily basis.  Dear parent, never be hesitant to talk about sensitive issues with of course an approach geared to the age of the child you are trying to help. Never be hesitant to teach clear, strong and powerful Christian truth at any age.  The statistics show that well before your child gets through school they will be offered drugs, alcohol and sex in one form or another.  Christian parents should never hesitate to teach their children about the power of God, the delivering power of angels, the power of righteousness and righteous living, the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives not to mention the power of God’s truth to guide them perfectly through every area, stage and facet of life.

Please note that the process of training up a child does not mean they won’t make mistakes and some bad choices.  It means that these will be minimized and that their training will kick in no matter what area of their young lives seem to shake or crumble.  Training is what enables a pilot to successfully fly a plane at night or through a storm or thick fog.  Children need to be taught how to “instrument fly” through the difficult times i.e. faith and scripture first, circumstance second.  

As the head of the home Christian fathers need to step up to the plate. The author not only prayed for his son in the womb but has never missed a day to pray regarding some part of his school career, university career, the call of God, relationships etc.  When you draw near to God on any issue or concerning any one person He will draw near to you (James 5:8).  Your child could be many miles away on a school trip and you will know what to pray and even when to pray it. God will give you a sensitivity and awareness that is quite literally supernatural.  If you have any doubt Paul had this experience with his spiritual children, “For though I be absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith” (Colossians 2:5; 1 Corinthians 5:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:17)

 Let’s blow the myth:

There are those who hold the position that children find their own way in life no matter what you do as a parent.  This is a cop out from those parents that are too selfish or lazy to make the effort required. Ignorance is no excuse for I have never met one person who does not know about the things that really matter to them. Selah!  If you put enough time into your child in later life they will bless you with the lives they live and the time they give back to you.  Should you feel that you have missed this opportunity with your children don’t waste their time struggling with regret.  Pray for forgiveness if need be but then pray unrelentingly for your sons and daughters and watch a faithful God move in their lives and make up for lost time. It is in the place of prayer and faith that you will find the answers they are looking for and the peace you are looking for (Philippians 4:5-6).

 Let’s establish the grounds rules:

To the Christian leader – if the call of God is not big enough to include a blessed wife and happy children then it’s either not of God or you are not in tune with God.

To the parent who learnt through the school of hard knocks – use the experience gained to love were you were not, to guide where you were left to flounder, to encourage where you were left to wallow in self doubt and insecurity, to teach where you were left to blunder and trip over problems and fears.  What you learn, teach! What you get, give! Selah.

To the man or the woman who finds it hard to express their feelings – news flash, if that is you then you are hard to live with.  Whoever cares for children should tell them that they are loved on a daily basis especially when there is no reason to say it other than the fact that you mean it.

To the struggling disciplinarian – love does what is right not what is easiest. Your child loves you but they will not respect you if you do not make them toe the line in meeting their responsibilities, their treatment of others and in the honour of their Lord and Saviour. Dear parent, would you like your child to be “…perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”?   If so, then adopt a life style of using scripture “…for reproof, for correction, [and] for instruction in righteous” (2 Timothy 3:16 – 17).

Foot note: don’t belittle the value of saying you’re sorry when you have made a mistake.  Remember children will learn from everything you do and everything you don’t do. So speak, “…the truth in love [that they] may grow up into all things, which is the head, even Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).

 A final thought:

The hidden struggle in devoted parenting is the danger of giving too much time to your children i.e. neglecting your partner and other genuine responsibilities.  The child that watches his father give time to and express his love for his wife is marked for life not scarred for life. They are market with the balance and wisdom that true unselfish Christ like love brings.  The child that watches his parents live up to and meet their responsibilities are being moulded for success instead of being set up for failure.  Successful parenting is not about being perfect just committed, unselfish, loving and honest.  If your child learns these things they will be well trained for life.

In the midst of a desperate situation, isolated and broken hearted David manages to encourage, “…himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6).  This was not self encouragement i.e. positive thinking, mental resilience, or drawing on past experience – all of which of course have their place. David, despite the horrific situation that he found himself in, decided to encourage himself in God. It is only possible to do this amidst overwhelming circumstances when a man decides that God is not his enemy but His greatest ally. That is, he chooses to love God, trust in God and seek after God not blame, accuse and forsake God.   

David decided not to let his loss steal the love of God in his heart.  David decided not to let the hurt caused by his friends turning against him dictate his actions.  David decided to put his own weakness to one side (often a very difficult thing to do) and put his future in the hands of an almighty God.  Several life changing truths were in operation: know what and who to ignore including your own emotions; know that God is NOT your enemy and make the decision to seek Him no matter how hard the blow or tough the loss; and simply do what you know to do until you know what to do next.   

Do exactly what God tells you even if it is a step-by-step process.  In 1st Samuel 30:8-9 whilst David gets a clear instruction to pursue he does not get a detailed description of where he should go never mind how he and his men are to have victory.  He went on the strength of God’s first command trusting that the rest would follow.    

You might complain that God hasn’t told you to do anything but in fact you couldn’t be further from the truth.  You have been told to pray, read the Bible, go to church, worship, love God and, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him [with the promise that] He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Doing what you know to do puts you on a collision course with God’s perfect purposes and plans.

Jesus is calling on all His children to PURSUE, find their real enemies, defeat them and take back all that has been stolen unharmed and in perfect condition (1 Samuel 30:18-19).  Decide today not to let your loss, hurt, isolation or weaknesses get between you and God and you will find that there is nothing that can get between you and your miracle (Matthew 7:7-12).  Your real enemy is to forget that the Lord Jesus Christ is your Friend, Comforter, Guide and Saviour (Psalm 103:2-5; Hebrews 13: 5-6).

 Must reads:  Psalm 55:12-17; Psalm 56:5-9; Psalm 57:4-7.

Samuel went to Jessie’s house even though he did not know who was to be selected as King and trusting God for protection against Saul (1^st Samuel 16:1-3).  To have some idea of how Samuel felt simply remember the last time God asked you to do something or speak to someone and you really were not sure how things were going to turn out.  Abraham, “…obeyed and went even though he did not know where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV).  Realising that he needed to move on Paul headed north to Bethynia but was duly informed by the Holy Ghost that this was not where he was supposed to be. He then proceeded to pass through Mysia province to the city of Troas and was promptly instructed to go to Macedonia (Acts 16:7-10). 

Samuel had to learn not to be discouraged or distracted when he did not know all the details.  Abraham was prepared to start his journey even though he did not have any idea where the final destination would be.  Paul kept going forward even though he didn’t know where to start.  Trusting and obeying God with what you know will make you grow into the answer you are looking for.  There is only one thing worse than not getting the right result and that is someone who is not ready to handle it.  If you are experiencing a delay then think again, for often God is actually laying the foundation in your heart and mind to receive the “good things” He has for you (Mathew 7:11). These are the good things that come to you through asking, seeking and knocking (Matthew 7:7-8).

We should all draw courage from the fact that these men of faith did not falter even though they didn’t understand everything all of the time.  They simply remained faithful to what they did know and acted on it.  Should you not understand everything put your trust in the God who does (Hebrews 12:2; Revelation 21:6).  Turn your frustration into faithfulness, uncertainty into confidence and impatience into earnest prayer (1 John 5:14-15). 

When you don’t know everything but are prepared to move on what you do then you truly are in prestigious company putting yourself on a collision course with God’s very best.  God will fill in the gaps as He did with Samuel, lead you perfectly through the wilderness as He did with Abraham and reveal His perfect plan as He did with Paul. 

When disappointment strikes deeply it is time to seek after the God and Saviour who is the only one in control of your life.  Even disappointment cannot halter or hinder the Sovereign hand of God from guiding and delivering His own.  In 1^st Samuel 29:8 reading to Ch. 30:6 God actually uses disappointment, rejection and complete disillusionment in David’s heart and circumstances to bring recovery, victory and blessing.  In the hands of God disappointment and rejection was used t0 get David back to where he should have been – Ziklag. Even his despair was transformed into a hunger to seek God for a victory no one would have predicted.   

 David is rejected in Ch. 29:8 declaring that most famous of phrases, “But what have I done [to deserve this]”. David is devastated at discovering his home destroyed and all the women and children taken captive (Ch. 30:1-4).  David is isolated and crushed when his own men turn on him and threaten to kill him (Ch. 30:6). On the other hand all of this placed him exactly where he needed to be so that he could to do exactly what needed to be done to get exactly the right result for everyone.  When disaster strikes the believer must literally, “Trust in the Lord with all [their] HEART and lean not unto [their] own understanding [and] in all [that is going on] acknowledge [His power and ability to perfectly deliver and direct]”. See Proverbs 3:5-6.

God actually used disappointment to get David thinking right (Ch. 30:6-8), to get David moving in the right direction (Ch. 30 9-10) and get David the right result for him, those dear to him and everyone that relied on him (Ch. 30 18-20). Not all things are good but God can literally make all things fall into place for good no matter what the original intention was (Romans 8:28). 

Putting your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ when you are experiencing disappointment automatically sets the stage for deliverance (Proverbs 3:25-26).  Put God in charge of tragedy and He will perfectly, beautifully and mightily lead you to triumph. There are two sides to every success story:

David cried, “But what have I done” (Ch. 29:8).

David “…wept until he had no more power to weep…” (Ch. 30:4).

David “…was greatly distressed…” (30:6).

However:

David “…encouraged himself in the Lord…” (Ch. 30:6).

David “…inquired at the Lord…” (Ch. 30:8).

David “…went [and] pursued…” (Ch. 30:10).

David “…smote…recovered…rescued…and took all…” (Ch30: 18-20).

David proved that disappointment may shout loud and long in your heart and mind but trust in the Lord and He will have the last say. As experienced by a multitude of Bible characters even as things quite literally kept going from bad to worse in David’s life God was actually bringing him closer to a great victory with every second that past. Pray, claim and believe that your steps are ordered (directed and established) by the Lord no matter who or what tries to dictate and take command (Proverbs 37:23).  The secret is not to get bitter but to get deeper (James 5:8).    

Study Acts 18: 7-18 and see how the Lord Jesus Christ imposes His sovereign hand when His promises to Paul (verses 9&10) seem to be completely contradicted by the sinister run of events (v.12-13) As indicated Paul’s enemies found to their cost that it is not who has the loudest say but who has the final say that counts (v. 18). I challenge the reader to study this passage and discover how not one of Christ’s promises are broken. Hallelujah! Deal with but do not dwell on disappointment. Trust in a Saviour who knows what you need before you ask (Matthew 6:8) and will answer your call for help while you are yet speaking (Isaiah 65:24; Daniel 9:23; Daniel 10:12).

Must reads: Psalm 55:12-17; Psalm 56:1-13; Psalm 59:6-9; Romans 8: 35-39 (v31); Matthew 7:7-12.

Every time something good happens to somebody else in terms of ministry or some significant blessing our human nature cries out for something sudden and wonderful to happen to us.  The truth is, however, there is always a story to be told and a well trodden path to be followed that leads to the “moment” of victory.  There is no such thing as “suddenly”.  Nothing just happens, appears or suddenly moves forward.  The difficulty is that most of us do not recognise that mighty and wonderful hand of God “…making all things work together for good…” (Romans 8:28) irrespective of whoever or whatever the issues are. 

It is time to stop wishing your life away waiting for something to happen and recognise that it has already started.  If you were a David always wanting to be a warrior for God what would your attitude have been when asked to watch a few sheep, play a harp, and practice with a sling shot when all you ever really wanted was to be a warrior with his own sword and battle to fight?  David’s chance came suddenly but his preparation was meticulous. Read: 1 Samuel chapter 16 &17. 

In Malachi 3:1 we read, “…the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to His temple…”. Dear believer the Lord may appear in an instant first in grace and then in judgement but not out off a whim but as the result of meticulous divine planning and timing.  There is no such thing as suddenly.

In the gospel of Luke 2:13 the word declares that, “ …suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly hosts”.  They may have appeared in an instant but they were part of a precisely planned crescendo designed by God Himself to celebrate the birth of His dear Son.  There are no last minute adjustments with God. There is no such thing as suddenly.

In the account of the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:2 we read that, “…suddenly there came a sound from Heaven like a rushing mighty wind”.  Was this not however the reason why Jesus came, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart I will send Him unto you”, (John 16:7).  This was no surprise, this was not an afterthought it was the perfect plan of God unfolding without hic-up or hindrance.  There is nothing that happens suddenly and out of the blue in God’s Kingdom.

As Paul travelled to Damascus with murderous intent, there seemed to be none either willing or able to stop him, “…suddenly there shone round about him a light from heaven…”, Acts 9:3.  Did Jesus panic feeling the need to intervene? Christ’s statement in v5 and Paul’s total surrender and submission in v6 tells a clear story.  It reveals a deep and drawn out process in which Paul had been convicted and challenged no matter how hard he tried to “kick” against the tug of the Holy Spirit.  There is no such thing as suddenly.

Wake up leader wake up believer for God is leading you to a “suddenly” in every issue of life and ministry.  Very young children draw one dimensionally.  There is no real sense of depth be it a character or a scene.  Big people with skill draw in 3 dimensions.  In fact the accomplished artist whether sketching or painting will draw in a manner that seems to lead nowhere to the inexperienced eye.  A line here a little shading in somewhere else and “suddenly” there is a face, a tree, a clear picture forming from apparently nothing.  Have you ever noticed how an artist gets a full 3 dimensional effect by simply shading one or two obscure parts of a picture?  The unskilled would try to create the same affect by drawing in all the wrong places and predictably get a less than satisfactory result.  Concerning your calling and indeed any other legitimate issue trust God that He actually knows what He is doing even if some things don’t seem to link together according to your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-8). Big people need to trust a big God to do a complete job even if they do not understand everything about His plans all of the time.