This is my first post, and I am very excited to have a space to share the strength, excitement, joy, and peace that I find in reading the word of God. It is my heartfelt hope that others may find encouragement in these words.
I have been told that I am a pillar of strength. I feel quite the contrary. People that know me well, are amazed that my elevator still goes up, and the lights are still on. The truth is, the word of God has rescued me. It is like fire shut up in my bones. This reminds me of a passage in the book of Luke, where Jesus speaks of a reed shaken in the wind. This is a representation of someone who is dense (dimly lit), and spiritually weak. It was not a representation of John, and it is not a representation of me. John 6:63 “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” What did they think that they would see?
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28, KJV)
I have been seeking the Lord for a lot of years and haven’t understood the importance of “A Meeting Place” until this year. No matter how I am feeling or what I am in need of, I can sense that God knows that I am on my way, and he is waiting there. I have felt his immense presence, healing, and love as never before. I have heard his voice. He has answered many prayers and continues to bless me beyond my own understanding.
My Journal excerpt October 8, 2026:
“I finally got off of the couch and went back to my bedroom to meet with the Lord. I just laid there and let the tears roll. I had no idea where they were coming from, except that God was touching me deep within. I let them run down on purpose, because I knew that he understood each one. I had the most wonderful experience! I told the Lord how I had been missing him, and how I was longing for him. I asked the Lord if he had been missing me. Deep down in my heart I knew that he had, I felt it. As the tears rolled down my cheeks, I knew this was the difference between seeking God’s face instead of his hand”.
The Meeting Place is not only where I pray, but it is where I feed on God’s Word. I always ask the Lord to set my heart on fire as he feeds me. Sometimes I just have to shout, other times I cry, but I am most always drawn to prayer. The Word of God is the anchor and strength of my soul. My HeartDoes Burn Within Me. I am thankful for that!
The enemy is all about keeping us bound and too weak to fight. Nahash the Ammonite tried to put out the right eyes of the people of Jabesh-gilead (1 Samuel 11). The Philistines tried to prevent the Israelites from making swords and spears (1 Samuel 13:19). In today’s world satan fights us with busyness in hopes that we will become spiritually blind, weak, and ineffective in spiritual warfare.
Trust is the word that I have been pondering on lately (Psalm 118:8-9). God hears us when we pray (2 Kings 19:20). He knows the enemy’s abode, how he rages, and about all of his goings (2 Kings 19:27). I Love That!
Truly, I have never experienced such peace in the midst of a battle, as I have since I found the “Meeting Place.” One day I may write about this battle, but it is not for now. For now, I just need to say: “I Trust You, Lord! I Trust You,” Amen.
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. John 10:14 (King James Version)
The 23rd Psalm was written by David, a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). It’s Always about Relationship with the Lord. When David wrote about the shepherd’s rod and staff, he was writing about something that he knew well. Samuel had anointed him to be King of Israel when he was just a ruddy boy tending his father’s sheep (1 Samuel 16:12-13).
PSALM 23
1 TheLord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
As I read about the duties of a Shepherd, the Rod and the Staff, it brought the 23rd Psalm to life for me. In the morning the shepherd would lead the flock from the fold, walking before them, calling them as he went. He watched over them in the pasture and supplied them with water. In the evening, he returned them to the fold. They were passed under his rod at the door of the enclosure, where he counted and checked each one. If one was missing, he searched until he found it (Unger, 1988, p. 1179).
Rods and staffs were used for various purposes. They both served as weapons against wild beasts and robbers. The Shepherds staff was a sign of rank. It was helpful in climbing hills and beating the low brush when flocks would stray into areas where snakes and lizards thrived (Unger,1988, pp. 1180,1218,1219). It was also used to gently guide the sheep, and the hook was useful in pulling a stray back to safety (Keller).
The Rod is a short, heavy wooden club used as a weapon (Keller). Literally, the Rod is referred to as a stick of punishment (Proverbs 13:24). Figuratively, it is not only symbolic of being under God’s punishment but also being under his Special Care (Unger, 1988, p.1085). It is a representation of God’s Power and Authority. The Israelites went under the Rod of God’s punishment (correction) for the practice of Idolatry when they went into Babalonian captivity for seventy years (Jeremiah 25:1-13) . The Lord loves us, and he will not share us with another. He is a jealous God who preferes obedience over sacrifice (Relationshipover Religion) (Exodus 34:14, 1Samuel 15:22-23).
In my heart I could feel David’s Passion while reading the 23rd Psalm. Jesus is theGood Shepherd who gave his life and took it up again that I might live (John 10:11-18). Therefore, this is my version of the 23rd Psalm:
1 Jesus, you are my keeper. I trust you in all things. 2 You cause me to rest and give me peace.3 When I am broken, you restore me. You lead me in the way that I should go, justbecause I am yours. 4 When I pass through the darkest places in this life, or come to face it’s end, I will not be afraid, because you will never forsake me. You have conquered death, hell, and the grave, and I take comfort in your Power and Authority over my life. When I stray, you pull me back to yourself with the staff of your Great Love. 5 When the enemy surrounds me, you feed my soul. You have strengthened my inner man with the Holy Ghost, enabling me to walk in the Spirit. The overflowing joy of knowingyou is my strength. 6 Surely your goodness and mercy will never leave me, and I will be yours forever, Amen.
References
Unger, M. F. (1985) The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary Moody
Hebrews 12:13 And make straight (level, G3717) paths for your feet, lest that which is lame (limp, cripple, G5560) be turned out of the way: but let it rather be healed. (King James Version; Strong,1992)
The authorship of the book of Hebrews has been in controversy since the earliest of times, but Scofield felt that the Apostle Paul was most likely the author (Scofield, 1917). I agree with Scofield mostly because of Hebrews 13:23.
Paul instructs us to run this race called life, as to win the prize (1Cor.9:24). We are further instructed to lay down every sin and weight that so easily besets us and run with patience (Hebrews 12:1).
In reading Hebrews 12:13, I have always compared my inward brokenness to a broken bone that needs to bepromptlyreset before it cripples me. It’s hard to run a race when you have a limp.
There is so much Power in this twelfth chapter of Hebrews! We are all going to fall down sometimes (get broken). Sometimes we are even going to suffer the chastisement of God. We are chastised for our own profit because we are not fatherless bastards (Hebrews 12: 8-10). We are God’s children; therefore, we mustn’t faintin our minds (Hebrews, 12:3). We don’t have to approach Mount Sinai to hear from God anymore. We can go directly to Jesus. We can now approach mount Sion and enter into the presence of the living God for ourselves (Hebrews 12:22-24).
We have received the Spirit of God (Holy Ghost)!The kingdom of God that Cannot be shaken lives inside of us! I Want to Get Ahold of That! He has given us the power to run this race acceptably in His Sight (Hebrews 12:28). We have the power inside of us to lift up our hands in praise, and to straighten out our knees when they become paralyzed. I also noticed the instruction to make our path even (get rid life’s clutter), so we are not tripping over things that prevent our healing (Hebrews 12:12-13).
We need to look diligently at our own inner man, and guard against the root of bitterness (poison, G4088, Strong). It is the poison that defiles so many, therefore our treatment of others is vital to our salvation (Hebrews 12:14). The bitterness of one person can affect those around them as well. Sometimes we even get bitter against God in the midst our trials. They complained continually in the wilderness, therefore God was not well pleased and overturned them there (1 Corinthians 1:10:1-11). Because they didn’t wholly follow God their generation did not inherit the promised land (Numbers 14: 22-24).
Hebrews 12: 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
The Lord knows the enemy’s abode, and his going out and coming in, and his rage against us (2Kings 19:27), but “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him”(Isaiah 59:19), Amen.
We do Not have to remain in a state of defeat! On those days when we feel weary in our minds, I pray that the Holy Ghost rises up inside of us and reminds us that the Kingdom of God is alive and well, and that it Cannot be shaken! I pray that we are empowered to Straighten Up, and encouraged to go on, In Jesus Name, Amen.
References
The Bible, Scofield Reference Edition, edited by Cyrus I. Scofield, Oxford University Press, 1917
James Strong, S. L. (1992). Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible. World Bible Publishers, Inc.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (King James Version)
For approximately three years now God has been thumping my heart about Christian behavior. It seems to pop out at me in every book of the Bible. I am thankful to be a work in progress. The potter’s wheel is not a comfortable place, but it is a necessary one. I hear the still, small voice of God speaking loudly to my heart (1 Kings 19), as He is shaping me into a vessel that is fit for His use (Jeremiah 18:6).
I have always admired gentle, easy-going people because it is not my nature. The realization that I was far from measuring up started one day as was reading Galatians 5. I realized that things like wrath, strife, and envy are mentioned along with some of the more conspicuous works of the flesh that bar us from heaven.
Lately, I have decided to read the book of James more often in remembrance of who I ought to be in Christ. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead (James 2:26). That Is Powerful! To me this is saying that faith produces works (Achange in us). As God is holy, so should we be in our conduct (1Peter 1:15). It’s not about what we gain, but what we leave behind (example). The photo that I created above is a representation of a heart that has been tried and purified in the Fire of God. As life has ended in a vapour, the soul returns to God, leaving behind memories that remain like precious gold glimmering in the dust.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Taking into consideration the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13), It is impossible to overlook the first and second Greatest Commandments of all; that is to Love God with All of our heart, soul, and mind, and to Love our neighbor as ourselves. On these two Commandments hang all the law and the prophets (Matthew 22; 26-40).
Colossians 3:14 And above all of these things put on charity (Love), which is the bond of perfection (maturity).
It is a powerful reality that Love is the bond of perfection that holds us together. If we lose our witness to the works of the flesh, we are no longer effective as glue or salt in this world. Those works are; adultery, fornication, uncleanness (physical or moral impurity, G167), lasciviousness (filthy wantonness, G766), idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance (contention, debate, strife, G2054), emulations (jealousy, malice, G2205), heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings (rioting, G2970), and such like (Galatians 5: 17-21). (James Strong, 1992)
Galatians 5:22-26 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith. 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections (emotions, G3804) and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. (James Strong, 1992)
Jesus told us that we would face tribulation in this world (John 16:33). Paul said that they had no rest. They were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears (2 Corinthians 7:5). We all go through trials, and I have had my fair share. This world has taught me how to fight. Jesus is teaching me how to love. It’s easy to see how far that he has brought me when I am at peace, but it is my behavior in the storm that is going to make the difference.
One morning as I was sitting in my bed tangled up in the worries of this life, (which provokes bad behavior) I prayed. God gave me the Sweetest Peace in Ecclesiastes 12: 7, 12:13, and James 4:14 (listed above). “Life is but a vapour. The body will return to dust, and the spirit will return to God, who gave it. The only important thing is Loving the Lord and keeping his commandments. That is thewhole duty of man. He will take care of the rest.” That was my inspiration for this post.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that you will help us to run with certainty, keeping our bodies under subjection, fighting a good fight. Don’t let us become ineffective cast aways swinging into the air with our poor conduct (1 Corinthians 9:26-27). Empower us to turn the other cheek and to forgive with our whole heart. Teach us to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, not becoming tangled up in the affairs of this present life (2Timothy 2:3-4), In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen.
References
James Strong, S.L. (1992). Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible. World Bible Publishers, Inc.
So, when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord: thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs (John 21:15). (King James Version)
Have you ever noticed that of all the good deeds done, people still have a tendency to define one another by their failures? Sadly enough, the denial of Jesus is what many people remember the most about the Apostle Peter.
I noticed as I was studying about Peter that he was part of Jesus’ inner circle. When Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead he didn’t allow anyone in except for her parents, Peter, James, and John (Luke8:51). These three were also taken apart to the “Mount of Transfiguration” (Matthew 17:1), and at the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus took Peter, James, and John on further with him to keep watch as he prayed (Matthew 26:36-38).
Peter was the impulsive one who cut off the soldier’s ear (John 18:10). The one who spoke out of turn at the Mount of transfiguration. The one who was quick to answer (John 6:67-68), and the Only one besides Jesus who walked on the water (Matthew 14:26-). “Let that sink in.” He did start to sink, but he was just a man (Acts 10:26).
The Catholic church teaches that when Jesus named him Peter (The Rock) that he was making him some kind of a chief steward or Prime Minister (first Pope), but in reality, Peter’s revelation of Jesus being Christ is the Rock that the church is built upon, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone (Matthew 16:15-18), Amen.
As I was reading John 6, it stirred my spirit. Many of Jesus’ disciples went back because of his doctrine, then he said to the Twelve, “Will ye also go away”? Then Simon Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go”? (John 6:60-71) I Love That! In reality All of the disciples vowed that they would not deny Jesus, but they All forsook him in the garden (Mark 14:31,14:50).
I for one will remember Peter as “the one who loved Jesusmore.” It is a beautiful thought that John sees himself as “the one who Jesus loved”, but as I read John 21:15 it occurred to me that Peter thought that he was “the one who loved Jesus more.” Some days I feel like Peter, other days I feel more like John.
Peter was passionate. He called for the replacement of Judas (Acts 1), Preached the first sermon proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36), and gave us the beautiful words, “Silver and gold have I none: but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6). The sick were brought into the streets hoping that at least Peter’s shadow would pass over them (Acts 5:15), and Tabitha was raised from the dead (Acts 9:40).
Through his trials, failures, and triumphs Peter learned how to take joy in suffering, and victory over it. He teaches us the importance of humility, Christian behavior, and tells us to “Grow in Grace” which he did (Acts 5:41, 1Peter, 2Peter). He was filled with the Holy Ghost, and Jesus called him to feed us, the sheep (Acts 4:8, John 21:15). It never was about Peter, and it’s not about us.
People are watching our walk. Humility and Christian behavior are fruits of the Spirit. We are all a work in progress; I pray that we remember the good in one other, and as we face life’s trials and fall short at times, that we can remember to “Give Peter a Break”, and “Grow in Grace”, Amen.
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13 (King James Version)
When it comes down to it, war is a power struggle. If you feel that you are frequently in spiritual warfare it is because you are a danger to the enemy. He wants to take you out because you have a Purpose.
In my own life I have wondered when it really began. Many times, when I am talking the Lord, I remember being a four-year-old little girl who saw the big stained-glass window of Jesus holding the sheep. I knew we came for him. I knew that he loved me. Sometimes I still tell him, “It’s me Jesus”.
I also remember a recurring nightmare that I had when I was approximately five years old. I think the house that we lived in was a wicked domain. Every night it sounded like someone was hopping up the basement stairs. In my dream I was out in the yard, when men made out of wax would form a circle around me and strike me repeatedly with their crutches. They had the appearance of eighteenth-century military men. I believe that their crutches were meant to cripple me, butJesus breathed on me with a fire that melts wax, Amen.
As I look back on my life, I truly believe that was spiritual warfare. I believe that they were demons sent to strike me with oppression, depression, anxiety, poverty, abuse, hopelessness, and many other such things.
Although I have lived through many of these things, I consider myself as Blessed and highly favored (grace). We all have our battle scars. Lately I have learned something, “the enemy knows our weak spots”. He is crafty so we must learn spiritual warfare (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
If we come to the Lord with an open heart, he will heal us and teach us to fight (Psalm 144:1). I don’t know about anyone but myself, so I will share as much as I can about something that I went through recently. Hopefully, I won’t give too much of myself away.
I was listening to secular music that would seem harmless to a lot of people. To me it was not! Before I knew what hit me, I was feeling bad physically and spiritually. Actually, I was feeling Lousy! As I sat in my quiet place talking to the Lord I cried out, “LORD, WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME”? I just kept on waiting to snap out of it.
A day or two later I was watching my favorite preacher, and he introduced me to a word that I had never heard of before, “Limerence”. When I studied up on it, I could see that God was answering my question. The secular music was causing me to obsess about someone that I had been talking to. It was in my way.
I am not going to go in depth about Limerence, but I can tell you that unresolved trauma and childhood scars make people more vulnerable to it. It can also affect serotonin and dopamine levels. Many people go to therapy for treatment, but I am thankful that God is my Counselor.
I have often wondered why the fight is so hard. I don’t know who needs to hear this, but I have finally found my Purpose. I am a blogger. I write about my Love for the Word of God. It goes where God sends it. If it touches one person, then I am living my Purpose. I can’t give what I don’t have, so God has to be the center of my life. I can’t be a good soldier for Christ if the weapons of my warfare have become tainted by the world.
I have also realized the importance of Living in the Peace of God. It is one of our greatest weapons, and I never understood that until now. It’s hard to bear fruit when your life is in chaos, and you don’t have clarity of mind. It’s hard to be a good witness when you’re at your wit’s end. THE ENEMY IS AFTER OUR PEACE! Jesus tells us not to lose our peace worrying about tomorrow. One day at a time is enough. Life is more than food, and the body is more than raiment. God knows what we need (Matthew 6:25-34).
If you are a soldier in the army of the Lord, know that you are a force to be reconned with, and the enemy knows it. Watch your triggers (music is one of mine) and Guard your Peace. If you find yourself having a battle within, come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Our God fights for us.
2 Samuel 22:7-8
In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears. 8 Then the earth shook and trembled: the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth.
Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest (John 4:35). King James Version
Yesterday was Easter. We had a wonderful time at church, but sickness ruined our evening family plans. By the end of the lonely day, I was feeling quite sorrowful. I was weighed down with the cares of this life, and as shameful as it is, I was feeling like “I don’t live, I just exist”.
A dear friend of mine sent me a message requesting prayer. The minute that I started reading the message I could feel God all over me. As I prayed for her the Lord restored me! When she thanked me for praying, I just wanted to return that thank you to her for the “call to prayer”. The body of Christ is knit together in love, and we need each other.
I woke up this morning with a new perspective on life and a grateful heart. I sat in my bed having my coffee and spending time with the Lord (that’s our meeting place). As I talked to the Lord about these things I started laughing in the Spirit, then I was laughing and crying at the same time (Romans 8:26-27). I said out loud, “The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). I asked him for his Word and opened my Bible to Romans 8.
As I concluded reading the chapter and writing in my journal, I was inspired to post this blog entry. God knows exactly what we need! While the enemy would like to convince me that I “only exist”, God showed me that I am here “For such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). The fields are white and ready to harvest. While the enemy was screaming loneliness in my ears, God was whispering INTIMACY, Amen.
It is when we see through our spiritual eyes that we can Live in the Peace of God (Romans 8:6), for we have not received the spirit of fear (Romans 8:15). In All things we are More than Conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:37). All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
As I thought about my life journey, I can see that God was preparing me “For such as time as this.” When I started college at fifty-years old the only thing that I knew about a computer was how to turn one on. I earned an associate’s degree in accounting, but life took an unexpected turn, and I have never used it. I have always enjoyed writing, and all of the mandatory written reports helped to improve my writing skills. What a privilege, joy and honor to be able to share my love for the Word of God, but the Greatest gift of all is to share Jesus.
The fields are white, and the harvest is ready.
Nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39).
And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also (Genesis 1:16). King James Version
Notice in the photo above the “Earth to Scale”. It is a lot for my human mind to understand that God is so big that he holds the world in his hands, and he knows the number of hairs on every head (Matthew 10:30). When I take into consideration the sun and stars, I am like King David “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it”(Psalm 139). If I could, then my prayers would most certainly be bigger!
This Easter I want totake in the fact that Jesus humbled himself and came into the world that he created (John 1:10) (Ephesians 3:9). His love is as unsearchable as his creative power! “It is high, I cannot attain unto it.” He was laid in a lowly manger (Luke 2:7) and raised as a carpenter’s son (Matthew 13:55). He taught by example as he washed the disciple’s feet (John 13). He conquered death, hell, and the grave, yet he was gentle and humble in heart. Oh, what a Savior!
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek (gentle) and lowly (humble) in heart: and ye shall find rest for your souls (Strong’s 4239, 5011).
Ephesians 2:9-11
9 Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father.
I am not a carnal man on a spiritual journey. I am a spiritual man on a carnal journey. This world is not my home. In Ephesians 5:19-20 my Bible describes “The inner life of the Spirit filled believer,” and it is All because of Jesus! He breathed on them and told them to receive the Holy Ghost (John 20:22). I Love That! Breath on me, Jesus, please Breath on me, Amen.
Ephesians 5:19-20
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord: 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Those scriptures remind me of the song that is in my heart today. It’s called Gratitude (Brandon Lake). “Come on my soul, don’t you get shy on me. Lift up your song, cause you got a Lion inside of those lungs. Get up and praise the Lord.”
Revelation 5:5
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, and the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
He is Risen!
My Easter prayer:
Lord, please soften my rough edges. You have created all things, and you call the stars by name (Isaiah 40:26). There Is None Like You, yet you are Gentle and Humble in Heart. Please, help me to grasp that reality! Let my life be pleasing in your sight. I love you, Lord! In Jesus name I pray, Amen (So Be It).
Works Cited
Strong, James. Strong’sExhaustive Concordance of the Bible World Bible Publishers [1992]
2 Kings 19:20 Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard. (King James Version)
As I read these scriptures I could relate to the message that Hezekiah (King of Judah) sent to the prophet Isaiah, “This is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to birth and there is not strength to bring forth”.
There is not a doubt in my mind that everyone feels this same way sometimes. We get in desperate places in our lives where all that we can hear is the enemy spewing out threatening’s, and filthy lies. In our own selves we do not have the strength to deliver.
The Assyrian’s had taken all of the fenced cities of Judah, so king Hezekiah tried to appease Sennacherib (king of Syria) with silver and gold from house of the Lord, and from his own treasury. The lesson here is that “We can’t strike a deal with the enemy”.
I can see it in my mind, A great host of the Assyrian army surrounding the city of Jerusalem. The Jews wanted Rabshakeh (Assyrian chief officer) to speak to them in the Syrian language so the men on the wall (warriors) would not understand, but the enemy doesn’t work that way. Fear is his weapon. He stands outside of the walls our lives trying to make us think that he has the power to make us drink our own piss and eat our own dung (2 Kings 18:26-27).
The Power of Prayer came alive to me as Hezekiah sought the Lord and sent a message to Isaiah the prophet asking for prayer that God would intervein on their behalf (2Kings 19:1-5). I love God’s answer, “Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumor; and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land” (2Kings 19:6-7).
The enemy doesn’t give up easily. Hezekiah was standing on the Word of the Lord, so the next threat came in the form of a written letter. Here again, I see the Power of Prayer. Hezekiah took the letter to the house of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord (2 Kings 19:10-14). How Awesome a Privilege to be able to go into our prayer closets and just lay everything out in front of our Lord!
This is not just a story from some random book. It is the written Word of God. It is food for the soul, and strength for the inner man. Make no mistake, this is spiritual warfare (this journey). When James said, “Faith without works is dead” he was saying that we still have to Walk in Covenant with God (lifestyle) (James 2:17) (2Kings 18:11-12). When God’s people pray, he listens (James 5:16). He is the Only one who has the Power to Deliver, and His Word Always Stands (2Kings 19:7) (Kings 19:36-37). The same God who killed 185,000 Assyrians in the middle of the night because he heard king Hezekiah’s prayer is still on the throne, and We Win! Amen
REVELATION 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. King James Version
Approximately eighteen years ago, I was standing beside of my refrigerator when I heard God’s voice. He said, “He doesn’t love you, but I do”.
That is the first and the last time that I Literally heard God speak directly to me! That was the Turning Point of my Life. I had been living in a backslidden condition, and one day out of nowhere God spoke to me. I have much in common with the woman at the well and like her, “He must needs go through Indiana” for me (John 4). Oh, how I Love Jesus! One who is forgiven much, loves much (Luke 7:47).
A few years later I was driving a bus route and talking to the Lord. I was thinking about him calling James and John the “Son’s of Thunder”. Was this because of their zeal or because they asked if Jesus wanted them to call down fire from heaven on a village of Samaritans (Luke 9:54)? I asked out loud, “Lord, what would you call me, Hard Head”? The name Orpah just popped into my head. I wondered if this was God, or was it just me? I didn’t have any passengers at the time, so I pulled over and looked up the meaning of Orpha. Sure enough, it was mane fem. of back of the neck (stiff) neck (Strong’s 6203,6204). I had to laugh; you can’t tell me that God doesn’t have a sense of humor, even if it was the truth.
I like Ellicott’s reference to the “white stone” as tessera hospitalis (a pebble of friendship). It was a token of hospitality from the one who gave it. The stone is precious, not white in color, but it is shining, glistering white (Ellicott, 2004 – 2026). Jesus has called us friends (John 15:15). I imagine that everyone attending the wedding supper of the Lamb will have received a white stone with his new name written in it (Revelation 19:7-9).
I don’t claim to have absolute understanding of the Word of God. It is, however, my passion. When I read Revelation 2:17 I see it on a personal level. I have had such a real experience in walking with the Lord that I dream as a child. Is the “white stone” going to be part of my heavenly apparel? As God called Jacob Israel, will my new name hold the story of the me that only Jesus knows? I look forward to that day, but for now I am so thankful to be called The Woman at the Refrigerator, “For he must needs pass through Indiana” for me. It is a constant reminder that it never was about me. He Is Faithful! Amen
Works Cited
Ellicott, Charles John. “Commentary on [Revelation] [2].” Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers, Bible Hub app, BibleSupport.com, [2004 -2026]
Strong, James. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible World Bible Publishers [1992]
