Special Forces

Having been raised with four older brothers, and then marrying a big strong guy, I rarely have had to protect myself. I never developed the ability to defend myself against bullies or those that would intend to hurt me. I know this is strange for a woman of my age to write, but I have been asking God for help to be stronger and more fearless. I have always been so protected; spoiled. I looked up the definition of "special forces" on Wikipedia this morning.  These definitions reminded me of the book on spiritual warfare prayer that our ladies prayer group has been studying. People who really learn how to pray are just like those who are trained to be in the SPECIAL FORCES. Under each definition I will add my take from Scriptures (KJV). 

Special forces capabilities include the following:

• Reconnaissance and surveillance in hostile environments 1 John 4:1 (Apostle John wrote) Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.(Apostle Peter wrote) 1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
• Training and development of other states' military and security forces..... Philippians 3:17 (Apostle Paul wrote) Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
• Offensive action..... Our Lord Jesus said, Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
• Support to counter-insurgency through population engagement and support..... (Apostle Mark wrote) Mark 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
• Counter-terrorism operations..... (Apostle Paul wrote) 1.Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
• Sabotage and demolition..... (Prophet Isaiah wrote) Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. (Apostle Paul wrote) 2 Cor. 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
• Hostage rescue..... This may be the most difficult part but also the most noble duty of the special forces: Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. and Jude 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

SPECIAL FORCES ARE CALLED UPON TO DO A WORK FOR GOD.  ONE OF THE MAIN PREPARATIONS ARE OF THE HEART: WE MUST HAVE A CLEAN HEART...

 

CONFESSION FOLLOWED BY PRAYER BRINGS HEALING...AND WHEN RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE PRAY THINGS HAPPEN.(Apostle James wrote)James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. :

I know God rested on the seventh day, but what did he do while he was resting?

Have you ever thought of this? The other day I was thinking about the need and the blessing of having a day of rest and I began to ponder about the Lord's rest day; the Sabbath.

We are to enter into his rest, or as I choose to think, enter into his presence; give God our full, undivided attention. But God did not need to give himself attention. Or did he?

"For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his."....Hebrew 4:10

The writer of Hebrews states that God ceased or stopped doing his own works...God had been working feverishly for six creative days. Then he stopped his work his creativity and work to rest.

Health professionals tell us that a woman who gives birth expends so much emotional and physical energy that quite often she can suffer afterwards with a time of feeling very low. It has been called post-partum depression or "the baby blues". It's a time to restore and rebuild the heart, mind and body. It is a time for her family and loved ones to be extra kind and helpful.

God did not lose any strength while creating the world, but maybe he needed to step back and restore his perspective and reflect. No one really knows, but the Bible does say that we were make in the image of God. So, maybe the day of rest is to be a day of restoring our perspective and time of reflection. Whatever God did on his day of rest we may not know until we see him, but, he gave us an example to follow and I must say, that the Sabbath or day of rest is a wonderful day to be restored and refreshed.

Back from the dead...

Recently, someone very dear to our family was restored to us. It was incredible, I am overwhelmed with joy. Though it was by no fault of this person, divorce and distance had separated them from our family. Now after literal decades, a miraculous restoration has happened.

I am so amazed at how God performed this miracle. Tears streamed down my cheeks over and over at the healing joy I felt. Some did not understand why I was so moved; they may in time understand.

God can do it; he can restore our lost loved ones. God sent this person dreams in the night. The troublesome dreams were the gentle hand that led them back, and opened their blinded eyes.

God can and he will use whatever means necessary to bring about restoration. Leave "them" in God's hands. Never stop believing!

And whatever you do, don't get bitter. Bitterness may prevent the miracle from happening. Keep the door open to your heart. As the old preacher said, "God has been God a real long time and he's really good at being God". God is good at restoring the lost..that is why we call him our Savior.