FROM CAPTIVE TO CONQUEROR – PART 1

ARE YOU A SLAVE?
 
Thanks to Allison Sylvester-Conliffe for this series of articles.

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos
When we fall into habitual sin (going against the will of God), we bring ourselves into captivity….

Then the children of Israel did evil 
in the sight of the LORD. 
So the LORD delivered them 
into the hand of Midian for seven years, 
and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. 
Because of the Midianites, 
the children of Israel made for themselves 
the dens, the caves, 
and the strongholds which are in the mountains. – Judges 6:1-2

While practicing sin we toil in vain, because the Scripture says that God is the One who gives the increase. God cannot tolerate sin and therefore He is unable to bless.  Sin is a stench to His nostrils.  Therefore we keep ourselves from prospering in the things that we put our hands to. According to Judges 6:4, because of the Israelites’ sin, they lost all of their blessings…. 

So it was, whenever Israel had sown, Midianites would come up; 
also Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them. 
Then they would encamp against them and destroy the produce of the earth as far as Gaza, 
and leave no sustenance for Israel, 
neither sheep nor ox nor donkey. – Judges 6:3-4

However, God showed mercy after the Israelites cried unto Him….   

And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried out to the LORD because of the Midianites, that the LORD sent a prophet to the children of Israel. – Judges 6:7-8a

As we read on, we observe that God always seeks to reconcile, and so He woos us into repentance….

I said to you, 
“I am the LORD your God; do not fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.” 
But you have not obeyed My voice.’” – Judges 6:10

Is there some unconfessed sin in your life? Have you been experiencing frustration because of it? Have you been feeling guilty? Sad? Out of sorts? Unfulfilled? Anxious?

Just as He did with the Israelites, God is wooing you back to Him. If you call to Him He will answer. If you confess your sin, He is faithful and just to forgive you and to give you a brand new start.

To be continued….

HE IS THE FIRST AND LAST

I’m not sure who wrote this poem, but it expresses my sentiments exactly
He is the First and Last,
The Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the Universe and the Manager of times.
He always was, He always is, and He will always be
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never undone!
 
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
 
The world can’t understand Him,
The armies can’t defeat Him,
The schools can’t explain Him, 
Hitler couldn’t silence Him
The New Age can’t replace Him, 
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
 
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful and pure.
His ways are right, His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.
 
He is my Savior! He is my Joy,
He is my guide, and He is my Peace!
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!
 
I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
The power of the powerful.
The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, 
the overseer of the overcomers, and is to come. 
 
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me, Nor forsake me,
Never mislead me, Never forget me,
Never overlook me 
and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book.
 
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me home!
 
He is everything 
for everybody, 
everywhere, 
every time, 
and every way.
 
He is God, He is faithful, 
I am His and He is mine!

THE MULTIFACETED GOD

Thanks again to 
Allison Sylvester-Conliffe 
for allowing me to post another one of her powerful articles.

God’s aim and purpose is always for restoration of men to Himself.  When he does a miracle or a deliverance for example, it is not solely for the benefit of the person being delivered, but for the greater good of ALL the masses, with the purpose of glorifying Himself and His Kingdom.
The book of Acts records that the apostles were thrown into prison by the high priest of the Sadducees, and God allowed it.   

Miraculously released from prison
Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. – Acts 5:17-20

They came out of the prison, miraculously! The doors remained locked on their exit and they were not seen of the guards.  Surely in the early morning they were seen preaching the gospel to those in the temple.  Their miraculous escape was not only a marvel to the apostles themselves, but to the Sadducees and also the multitude in the temple who heard of the testimony.  This act was done for the greater benefit of all.

Further in the Book of Acts we read that Aeneas was laid up sick of the palsy for eight years.  

Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.  There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed.  And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately.  So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.Acts 9:32-35

His sickness prevailed until Peter came to him and healed him of his condition.  Again, the greater miracle was that all the people of Lydda and Saron who saw him healed got saved.  With one deliverance we see the Lord bringing a multitude to Himself.

Peter raises Dorcas from the dead

Another example was when Dorcas was raised from the dead in Acts 9:36-42. 

At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.

The greater miracle was that many in the region of Joppa believed on the Lord after hearing Dorcas’ testimony.

The Lord Jesus came to the earth and ministered for three years.  His death and resurrection was for the benefit of the whole of mankind.  His crucifixion and resurrection was purposed for the salvation of whosoever believed on the name of Jesus. 
Look at the woman at the well, when she met with Jesus in John chapter 4.  Her deliverance was not for her benefit only.  

She left her waterpot and told the whole city about Jesus
And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His own word. Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.” – John 4:39-42

As a result of this singular event God managed to bring almost the entire city of Samaria to Jesus. Again, the occurrence of one event, tailor made for the greater benefit of the multitude.

We can even see this in the Old Testament when God was dealing with the rebellious Jews in the Book of Numbers 16.  Even though the Israelites did not get it, the death of Korah and all those who died with him, served as a testimony to those who were witnesses, so as to bring the fear of God to them and to propel their obedience to God’s Word.  We may view the incident as tragic, but it was an event to bring the greater good.
Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream and is promoted

Joseph’s brothers ill treated him, and he spent time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. However, the Book of Genesis records that he eventually was promoted to second in command to Pharaoh so that his family, the twelve tribes, could be fed in the time of the grievous famine.  This also served to bring restoration of himself and his family.

Your test will bring about your testimony

Similarly, you may be imprisoned at this present time by sin, sickness, poverty, low self esteem, addictions, trouble with children etc. This does not mark the end for you.  The Lord has a greater purpose for you even in your condition.  

If, when you go through your wildernesses, you would persevere with the Lord, you will see the greater good of the testimony when you overcome the very situations.  God does not allow bad events in your life because He wants to punish you or because He is evil.  He has a greater purpose for your testimony.  

 During your trying state keep your focus on the Lord, knowing that His thoughts toward you are always good so as to bring you to an expected end – Jeremiah 29:11.  Remember that God’s intent is always to draw men to Himself.  That is why He sent His Son Jesus.

God’s purpose for your life goes beyond what you can see at present.  When He delivers you, your testimony is designed to deliver others, but you must first be an overcomer. You cannot free anyone if you are bound yourself, and to be an overcomer you must have some things to overcome.  This is God’s method and He will not change.  The key is to stay in love with Jesus and keep your focus on Him in worship with the knowledge that He is always right.  In that place you will keep your peace and your joy, and thus gain the strength to go the distance while the problems exist.  In this way you will ultimately bring glory to the God of the heavens and the earth as He continues to work in and through you.  

 Glory to His Holy Name!

ISSUES OF THE HEART: 6 – Run to Reconcile

But when he was still a great way off, 
his father saw him and had compassion, 
and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 
Luke 15:20

Picture yourself as the father of this prodigal son.

Months, maybe even years ago, he had suddenly demanded his inheritance. It pained you to grant his request, but you obliged, and gave it not only to him, but to his older brother also.

It has been a heartbreaking time because of this breach between you. The pain that you have felt far outweighs any fleeting spells of anger. You’ve tried your best to make life as normal as possible, but that nagging image of him walking away, creating an ever widening gulf, has never been far from your mind.

Then one day as you stand outside you see a small cloud of dust on the path in the distance. You know that someone is coming to your house, though you can’t quite tell who it is. But then as you look closer you recognize the shape of that body. You have never forgotten that unmistakable walk, even though it’s much slower than the last time you saw it. It’s him!!

Forgetting your advancing years you take off in full gallop to meet him, willing your aging legs to move faster, and ignoring the protesting pains in your body. You are undaunted by the stares of neighbors and servants who are all witnessing this scene, and wondering if you will once again be subjected to another public humiliation.

As you finally reach him you gather him into your arms and kiss him over and over again, tears of joy streaming down your face. You’re oblivious to the dirt and sweat that cake his unwashed body. It doesn’t even dawn on you to consider what his reaction would be. All you know is that you’re together again.

THE FATHER’S LOVE
This father had every right to be hurt and angry. He had suffered because of his son’s words and actions. Yet his reaction to his son’s return can only be described in one way – love without restraint. He didn’t wait for an explanation, an excuse or an apology. He made the first move in repairing the breach. He ran to reconcile.

Can you picture our Heavenly Father doing the same with you? Without hesitation He draws you into Himself and offers you all that is His. His servants – the angelic host in heaven – break out in an impromptu party because you have come home! To the Father your motive for turning to Him does not matter. He knows that His unconditional love covers a multitude of your sins, and that in His presence there is healing, restoration, forgiveness, peace and joy.

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. Proverbs 10:12
Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10

There is no doubt that this father would have been tremendously hurt because of his son’s actions. He suffered…

  • heartbreak
  • disappointment
  • humiliation
  • unmet expectations
  • financial loss
  • loss of contact
  • lovelessness
  • the son’s indifference to his feelings and welfare
  • unanswered questions
  • abandonment

Yet this man disregarded his anguish and ran to reconcile with his son.

The action the father took was as much for himself as it was for the son. In reaching out to the prodigal the father set his own life on a course of healing and restoration. He knew that he would not be whole unless he reconciled with the very one who caused him so much pain.

MY TESTIMONY
Years ago there was a person who had caused me tremendous emotional pain, and for a long time I walked around with very silent, very subtle resentment and bitterness towards this individual. I thought that as long as we stayed clear of each other and I wasn’t reminded of the offense, then all was well. I was a leader in the church, yet I was unaware that this breach had actually caused a domino effect.

One day the Holy Spirit convicted me, and I picked up the phone, called and forgave this person, saying that as of that moment it was as if the offense had never occurred….and I meant it. Mind you, I could only have done this with the help of the Holy Spirit Himself!

After that conversation I literally felt a weight lift from me – a weight that I never knew I had been carrying all along. I also hadn’t realized that the resentment that I had been harboring had affected those around me. This bitterness had spread like a cancer, affecting other relationships in my life. That was the domino effect! But once I repaired the breach those relationships improved also.

OFFENSES WILL COME
I’m sure that like me, someone has caused you pain by their words and/or actions. As long as we are in this world offenses will come (Luke 17:1). Maybe even now, as you read this article, the situation is yet unresolved. Can you relate to some of the suffering that the father endured?

Sometimes you and I are the ones who commit the offense. At that time guilt, embarrassment, rationalization and fear may tempt you to do nothing, and pretend that all is well. But the Lord still requires that you obey His Word.

IT’S A TEST
Your reaction to a breach in a relationship is actually a test of your love for the Lord, not just for the individual you’re at odds with. Jesus said that if you love Him you will obey His commandments.

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words… John 14:23-24a

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23, 24

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 5:14-15

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation 2 Corinthians 5:18

WHY RUN?
This father didn’t walk slowly, he didn’t hesitate, nor did he stop in mid stride. He ran and kept on running until he reached his target. Why run?

In the natural running bridges a gap quickly. It allows you to get from your starting point to your destination with speed. In a race, the fastest runner claims the prize. Think about it…………you hardly ever see a lazy runner! Runners usually have a goal to reach and they focus on their target. This father was serious about reaching his goal, so he ran!

The same is true in the spiritual. Running to reconcile with someone is an indication that you are serious about  obeying God’s command. It also prevents the enemy from stepping in and doing further damage to the relationship. It’s hard for satan to hit a fast moving target!

In hurrying toward his prodigal son the father outran his own personal hurt. He outran the spirits of doubt, accusation, anger, resentment, bitterness and unforgiveness that would have hindered him had he lingered.

I pray that as you listen to the song below, it will inspire you to
run to reconcile!

GOD HEALED MY MARRIAGE – HER STORY

The following article is a powerful testimony that was written by my dear friend, Allison. It was first posted in June 2009, but is being re-posted with some additions.

One must agree that relationships are under attack in the church. The great ploy of the enemy is to divide, while the Lord Jesus came to reconcile and unite us with each other and with God – Luke 9:56. In His final prayer before leaving the earth, Jesus prayed in John 17:21 concerning His disciples that we may all be one just as the Father and Jesus are one. I see that particular Word being attacked daily in the church and by extension even outside of the church. The Word of God has advised that offenses must come. See Matthew 18:7. However, we are mandated to walk in love. See John 13:34.

Marriage is a great institution by the Lord. It is the greatest union that a man and a woman could enter into. It is not just a physical joining but a spiritual one. This joining is the seed or nucleus of family life. God instituted this joining when He was creating the world. He saw that it was not good that man should be alone so he gave the man a wife. This was sacred. He showed the importance of this union by taking a rib from the man in order to form woman and then He breathed HIS breath into them and blessed them saying unto them that they should reproduce after their own kind. In other words, that was the license given to populate the earth – to bring forth duplicates of God’s creation.

However, I see time and time again a dis-jointing in marriages with many divorces occurring as well as tragic endings to other marriages. Some claim “irreconcilable differences” to be the reason for their separation. The majority of times marriages end because of infidelity. The latter being the only excuse that God would accept in permitting a divorce. See Matthew 19:9.

My own life attests to the extreme attacks from the enemy even from the inception of my marriage. For seventeen years I was miserable beyond words. Communication problems together with gross infidelity on both sides occurred. Arguments and just downright friction and unhappiness prevailed. In the midst of the negativity and un-pleasantries the Words that caused me to remain married were “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” Whenever I reached to the point of utter frustration, those Words came to me as a reminder. After seventeen years of wedded un-bliss, life began to change, only because I saw God lifting me to another level in Him. He caused me to view this union with different eyes – in other words, the Lord showed me my marriage from HIS perspective.

Do you know that Adam never had a choice in having Eve for his wife and vice versa Eve never had a choice in choosing her own mate? Adam did not have the freedom to say that he’s looking for a 34-26-38 figured woman with blonde hair and blue eyes. Nor did Eve have the freedom to choose specifics for a husband. Do you know that God chose the two to be united? In this world system, we have a false sense of what marriage really is and how we are to determine who is to be your spouse. We use all sorts of criteria that are irrelevant to God when choosing a mate. The mandate to man from his Creator, was to leave his mother’s house and go find a wife See Matthew 19:5.

I have realized that we must first love the Lord our God with all of our hearts, and subsequently we should allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit of God – see Romans 8:14. It stands to reason that we ought to be led by the Spirit of God in choosing our spouses.

We are born with purpose by God. Therefore, the person who God will give us to wed will be the person who will help us to fulfill our purpose and destiny in God. Have you thought of what will happen if we go about choosing a mate ourselves instead of waiting on the leadership of the Holy Ghost? Our destiny would be at stake?

I had lived for years looking to satisfy my fleshly desires in marriage, but God has shown me that His purpose for bringing me into this world has nothing to do with my unruly flesh. I was created to complete the husband that God has given to me and also for my husband to complete me, and together we are to fulfill our purpose on the earth, as God has already ordained in Eternity. We all have to grow up and out of operating in our flesh and learn to walk according to the Spirit of God’s direction. Walking to fulfill this flesh will cause us to lose our souls in hell. See Romans 8:5-8 and Galatians 5:16-17

Marriage is something that we work at. It entails a lot of dying to the flesh – in other words, the marriage must include the activation of agape- the God kind of love, in order to live this life victoriously for God. Couples would never agree on all issues because they are individuals, with different likes and dislikes who have come together to form one unit. However, God still expects the couple to live victoriously as husband and wife. The keys to living the victorious life in marriage are as follows –

  • Allow the Word of God to take first place in your life, meaning, choose to obey and do the Word of God at all times simply because it pleases the Father! Read Ephesians 2: 1-7 & Ephesians 5:21-23
  • Approach the marriage in this manner, not for what YOU could GET from your spouse but rather what YOU could OFFER to your spouse. Love is not selfish! Read 1 Cor 13
  • When there is a problem within the relationship …. and there will be problems …. take the matter to God and ask for Him to make things right. Read Psalm 37:4-5
  • Always be quick to apologize whether you are right or in the wrong. God does not judge according to the principles of “right” and “wrong”, He judges our actions against His Word. Read Matthew 5:23-25 Ephesians 4:26-27 Philippians 2:3.
  • Just LOVE your spouse. If we all walk in AGAPE (the God kind of love) we will easily find ourselves responding in a godly manner, when we are faced with the negative stuff that would confront us. The Holy Spirit will always help us to act right…. but we need to have the Word of God in us so that the Holy Spirit will have something to work with. He works with the Word.

It has been proven by my own life that as we all follow these simple guidelines in marriage, God will intervene and cause each marriage to be successful to His Glory and Honour and so serve to be a beacon to the saved as well as the unsaved. It is indeed possible readers, to live together as man and wife, even in these dark days, and have a successful marriage. God did it for me! He has truly fixed my mess and made it into this message.

To read her husband George’s story please click on the link below:

God Healed My Marriage

The following article is a powerful testimony that was written by my dear friend, Allison.

One must agree that relationships are under attack in the church. The great ploy of the enemy is to divide, while the Lord Jesus came to reconcile and unite us with each other and with God – Luke 9:56. In His final prayer before leaving the earth, Jesus prayed in John 17:21 concerning His disciples that we may all be one just as the Father and Jesus are one. I see that particular Word being attacked daily in the church and by extension even outside of the church. The Word of God has advised that offenses must come. See Matthew 18:7. However, we are mandated to walk in love. See John 13:34.

Marriage is a great institution by the Lord. It is the greatest union that a man and a woman could enter into. It is not just a physical joining but a spiritual one. This joining is the seed or nucleus of family life. God has instituted this joining when He was creating the world. He saw that it was not good that man should be alone so he gave the man a wife. This was sacred. He showed the importance of this union by taking a rib from the man in order to form woman and then He breathed HIS breath into them and blessed them saying unto them that they should reproduce after their own kind. In other words, that was the license given to populate the earth – to bring forth duplicates of God’s creation.

However, I see time and time again a dis-jointing in marriages with many divorces occurring as well as tragic endings to other marriages. Some claim “irreconcilable differences” to be the reason for their separation. The majority of times marriages end because of infidelity. The latter being the only excuse that God would accept in permitting a divorce. See Matthew 19:9.

My own life attests to the extreme attacks from the enemy even from the inception of my marriage. For seventeen years I was miserable beyond words. Communication problems together with gross infidelity on both sides occurred. Arguments and just downright friction and unhappiness prevailed. In the midst of the negativity and un-pleasantries the Words that caused me to remain married were “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” Whenever I reached to the point of utter frustration, those Words came to me as a reminder. After seventeen years of wedded un-bliss, life began to change, only because I saw God lifting me to another level in Him. He caused me to view this union with different eyes – in other words, the Lord showed me my marriage from HIS perspective.

Do you know that Adam never had a choice in having Eve for his wife and vice versa Eve never had a choice in choosing her own mate? Adam did not have the freedom to say that he’s looking for a 34-26-38 figured woman with blonde hair and blue eyes. Nor did Eve have the freedom to choose specifics for a husband. Do you know that God chose the two to be united? In this world system, we have a false sense of what marriage really is and how we are to determine who is to be your spouse. We use all sorts of criteria that are irrelevant to God when choosing a mate. The mandate to man from his Creator, was to leave his mother’s house and go find a wife See Matthew 19:5.

I have realized that we must first love the Lord our God with all of our hearts, and subsequently we should allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit of God – see Romans 8:14. It stands to reason that we ought to be led by the Spirit of God in choosing our spouses.

We are born with purpose by God. Therefore, the person who God will give us to wed will be the person who will help us to fulfill our purpose and destiny in God. Have you thought of what will happen if we go about choosing a mate ourselves instead of waiting on the leadership of the Holy Ghost? Our destiny would be at stake?

I had lived for years looking to satisfy my fleshly desires in marriage, but God has shown me that His purpose for bringing me into this world has nothing to do with my unruly flesh. I was created to complete the husband that God has given to me and also for my husband to complete me, and together we are to fulfill our purpose on the earth, as God has already ordained in Eternity. We all have to grow up and out of operating in our flesh and learn to walk according to the Spirit of God’s direction. Walking to fulfill this flesh will cause us to lose our souls in hell. See Romans 8:5-8 and Galatians 5:16-17

Marriage is something that we work at. It entails a lot of dying to the flesh – in other words, the marriage must include the activation of agape- the God kind of love, in order to live this life victoriously for God. Couples would never agree on all issues because they are individuals, with different likes and dislikes who have come together to form one unit. However, God still expects the couple to live victoriously as husband and wife. The keys to living the victorious life in marriage is as follows –

• To live by the Word of God
• To live in agape by denying your own flesh in order to cater to the needs of your spouse – not by being a maid or a bell boy, but by seeking to be pleasing to him or her while keeping in mind that God is the One who orchestrated the union
• Listen and follow after the leading of the Holy Spirit

It has been proven by my own life that as we all follow these simple guidelines in marriage, God will intervene and cause each marriage to be successful to His Glory and Honour and so serve to be a beacon to the saved as well as the unsaved. It is indeed possible readers, to live together as man and wife, even in these dark days, and have a successful marriage. God did it for me! He has truly fixed my mess and made it into this message.



For an expanded version of this post please click here: God Healed My Marriage – Her Story
To read his story please click here: God Healed My Marriage – His Story