June 18, 2025 • 48 mins
Ever feel overwhelmed by life's battles? The shield of faith isn't just a spiritual accessory—it's your frontline defense against the enemy's most calculated attacks.
This powerful message explores how faith works in tandem with self-control to protect us from doubt, temptation, and distraction. We break down Ephesians 6:16, revealing how taking up your shield isn't passive—it requires deliberate action and unwavering trust when everything around you screams "impossible."
Through vivid demonstrations and biblical examples, we see how faith heroes like Noah built an ark before rain existed, showing that real faith isn't just believing—it's acting on what you believe. The Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11 comes alive as we examine how ordinary people faced extraordinary challenges and emerged victorious through simple, active faith.
Most importantly, you'll discover how to speak to the mountains in your life with authority. Those obstacles that seem immovable? They must bow before your God when you stand in faith. As one listener testified, "Who are you, great mountain, that you will not bow low before my God?" became her declaration that transformed impossible situations into divine appointments for breakthrough.
Whether you're facing financial struggles, relationship challenges, health issues, or spiritual warfare, this message equips you with practical tools to walk by faith instead of sight. Your shield is ready—will you pick it up?
Listen now, and transform from a casual believer to a confident faith warrior who knows how to extinguish every fiery dart the enemy sends your way.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
It's on.
It is on.
Hello, I'm not in the house,gotcha?
Huh, well, they don't want mehooked up with that hookup
(00:39):
because it might cause fire.
They got a reason, dave.
I got something, guys.
I actually got a bigger one,but I don't know how to work it,
so I had to stick to this one.
Okay, so tonight we're going totalk about the shield of faith,
(01:00):
and let's read Ephesians 6.10.
Chris, you want to read it?
Oh, she's not ready.
I'm sorry, I've never known younot to be ready.
I know, right, I was late,never.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
Yes, the whole armor of God.
Finally, my brethren, be strongin the Lord and in the power of
his might.
Put on the whole armor of Godthat you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil,for we do not wrestle against
flesh and blood, but againstprincipalities, against power,
against the rulers of thedarkness of this age, against
(01:52):
spiritual hosts of wickedness inthe heavenly places.
Therefore, take up the wholearmor of God that you may be
able to withstand in the evilday.
And having done all to stand,able to withstand in the evil
day.
And having done all to stand,stand, therefore, having skirted
your waist with truth, havingput on the breastplate of
righteousness and having shodyour feet with the preparation
(02:15):
of the gospel of peace, aboveall, taking the shield of faith
with which you will be able toquench all the fiery darts of
the wicked one, and take thehelmet of salvation and the
sword of the spirit, which isthe word of god, praying always
with all prayer and supplicationin the spirit, being watchful
(02:38):
to this and with allperseverance and supplication
for all the safe and for me, theutterance may be given to me
that I may open my mouth boldlyto make known the mystery of the
gospel for which I am anambassador, and change that in
it.
I may speak boldly, as I oughtto speak.
Speaker 1 (02:59):
Amen.
And so tonight we're going tofocus on 616, where it says
Above all, take the shield offaith with which you will be
able to quench all the fierydarts of the wicked one.
And so, as I was studying this,I was going one way and the
(03:20):
Holy Spirit says let's goanother way.
So we are going to use ourshield of faith, as it operates,
with a spirit of self-control.
This thing, it's going to be aminute, guys, because somehow or
another it's blocking me out.
(03:43):
Real quick, I can fix it.
I got it Now.
I just got to get back to whereI was.
(04:04):
Ta-da, okay.
So I wanted to read to you outof my Warfare Bible by Joyce
Meyer.
It's called MasteringSelf-Control, very interesting.
There is no need for a generalif there is no army.
There is no discipline in theranks if there is no discipline
(04:24):
in the ranks, if there is nodiscipline in their commander.
While generals must eventuallylearn command great armies, they
often start as foot soldiers,first learning to be disciples
and the method of commandingthemselves.
So how many of us commandourselves?
(04:47):
Or does self command us?
No, that is why, of the fruitof the spirit in Galatians 5, 22
, 23, there is love, joy, peace,long suffering, patience,
guidance, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
(05:07):
Self-control is the least inthe list, is the last in the
list and therefore the firstthat should be mastered.
And so we know that the fruitsof the Spirit, when we get saved
, are not given.
They are something that weproduce, we grow, we learn how
(05:28):
to operate in them.
As a soldier assigned to themilitary unit, the first
discipline and training, frombasic training onward, all
advancements in rank and skillsrequires continual growth of
knowledge of the strategies andthe tactics of their enemy,
(05:51):
learning how the weaponry worksand how to intelligently report
back to the commander, whichwould be our father, to the
commander, which would be ourfather.
A prayer warrior positionshimself to endure and have
(06:12):
perseverance even through thetoughest circumstances.
Roadblocks in the spirit thatwithhold God's blessings from
earth are only destroyed throughdiscipline, participation and
prayer.
It is a regular affirmation ofprayer that destroys the enemy's
(06:34):
tower and his defense system.
And what I know is that whenyou pray, you pray the Father's
heart and you pray the Word ofGod, and so if you want to take
the enemy down, you come at himwith the sword of the Spirit,
which is the Word of God.
Our words are like tinklingcymbals and sounding brass, but
(06:59):
the Word of God.
That's where your breakthroughcomes.
That is how you fight the enemy.
You get a scripture, you standon it and you pray it and you
believe with all of your heartthat that is your breakthrough.
Amen.
Jesus calls us to consistentlygrow in such tactics and
(07:20):
discipline.
Though he expects us to come tohim as children and never lose
our childlike trust in him, healso expects us to grow up and
become capable ambassadors,meaning ministering to others as
he would in the world.
Okay, so he's saying that wecan come to him with childlike
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faith.
But we ain't going to stay onthe milk forever.
There is a day when we willbegin to eat strong meat, tough
meat, that we should no longerbe children, tossed to and fro
and carried about with everywind of doctoring by the
trickery of man and thecraftiness and the deceitful
(08:06):
plots of the enemy.
But speaking the truth in love?
Okay, we speak truth in love.
We don't speak the truth inanger.
If you're going to bringcorrection to somebody, you do
that in love.
You don't do that when you'reangry.
When you're upset, you waittill you cool down.
(08:27):
One, two, three.
Yesterday I was at a store.
I haven't heard this phrase fora very long time.
This lady had these two littlegirls with her and they were
being very rambunctious and shesaid hey, time to catch a bubble
?
You two.
And I haven't heard that.
You know, be quiet, catch abubble, you two.
And I haven't heard that.
You know, be quiet, catch yourbubble.
And so a lot of times, wheneveryou know we're in the flesh, we
(08:52):
need to catch that bubble.
Be quiet, step back, wait forGod to tell you when to move and
to operate in his love and notour flesh.
Ephesians 4, 14 through 15.
As we set out on a lifetime tofollow Jesus, we must grow up
(09:12):
and mature in our faith If weare to make any difference for
the kingdom of God.
As we grow in Christ, we learnnew skills and develop divine
habits.
Our level of growth increasesin our abilities and in our
talents.
We are distinguished by theexcellent achievement and seen
(09:40):
as Christ when the enemy looksat us.
The mystery of skills to enduresets you apart as someone who
is not casual in the pursuit.
Many years ago I used to have aprayer group called Tuscarawas
County Prayer Warriors, andthere was a group of us and we
(10:04):
were praying and I saw all themen white socks and loafers and
the Holy Spirit said to me thatthe men in our county they're
operating out of a casual spirit.
It's just casual business asusual.
And so we don't want to just becasual, we want to put on our
(10:26):
suits and get the business withGod to take the enemy out.
When you pray, when you praymasterfully, you learn to
chronicle your prayers, toschedule regiment time, to pray,
to fast, to persevere in thespirit until the circumstance
(10:51):
you are praying about bringschange or transformation.
Anyone can learn to masterprayer through their own.
Mastery will come in differentways, with skills set for each
individual.
So how Dave prays and getsbreakthroughs is totally
different from how I would prayand get a breakthrough, because
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you're a snowflake, you're oneof a kind and you have talents
that I don't have.
You know, I have giftings thatChris don't have, because God
made us all different, and so,however, when we put it side to
(11:40):
side, it is not difficult to seehow they complement one another
.
Is that right?
Does our gifts and our talentscomplement one another?
Not only can we learn fromprayer with one another, but
(12:00):
praying together will also havea compounding effect in the
heavenlies, because the wordsays where one of us can put a
thousand to flight, two of uscan put 10,000 to flight.
What can happen if there's 10of us?
How many enemies can we put toflight?
That's why there's power inprayer, power in unity, why
(12:31):
there's power in prayer, powerin unity.
God ordains and desires anddesigns us.
You will never neglect these orlet them be compromised,
otherwise you will fail.
And the part of God, Godoverall plan to which he has
called you to Amen, amen.
And so does self-control and theshield of faith work together
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in our lives?
The answer is yes, because ithelps a believer to stand strong
against spiritual attacks andto live according to God's will.
Okay, faith.
(13:17):
In Ephesians 6.16.
The shield of faith isdescribed as a defense against
the fiery darts of the evil, onewhich can include so this is
what a fiery dart is doubt,temptation, distractions.
Faith in God's promises helpsyou and I resist these attacks.
(13:47):
Self-control lists as a fruitof the Spirit in Galatians 5, 22
, 23.
It is something that you and Ishould learn to exercise every
day and to be able to haveself-control in our thoughts, in
(14:08):
our words, in our actions andin our desires being disciplined
to live a godly life.
So there's this word called I'mgoing to get it right Tandem, t
(14:30):
A N D E M, and it means to worktwo by two.
This formula was adopted byJesus himself.
This formula was adopted byJesus himself when it comes to
learning and transmitting yourfaith.
And so we work with him.
(14:51):
We're two by two, we worktogether.
Trusting in God and his promisescan give believers the strength
to resist temptation to choosewhat is right, for example, when
temptation to overindulge faithin God, provision and desire
(15:17):
will cause us to be able toexercise our self-control.
Do you ever have that desire toself-indulge?
I'm not just talking about food, I'm talking about shopping,
I'm talking about gossiping.
You know that's self-indulgingbecause what you're doing is
you're feeding your flesh.
So God tells us that throughhim, we have a self-control to
(15:44):
overcome that, because we'reovercomers.
As we pick up our shield offaith and as the enemy is
shooting them darts at us, themfiery darts, we have the ability
, through Christ, to overcomethat.
Our faith provides a power toovercome Self-control, provided
(16:07):
by discipline to be able toutilize the power of the enemy,
working together with the HolySpirit, beginning to learn how
to stand firm against hisschemes and to live a life that
honors God.
Ephesians 6, 16,.
(16:27):
In addition to all this, takeup your shield of faith, with
which you can extinguish all theflaming arrows of the evil one.
Love the evil one.
Guys, this is about spiritualwarfare, where believers are
called to put on the full armorof God To stand against the
(16:50):
devil's scheme.
The shield of faith is acrucial piece of the army.
It allows us to deflect theattacks and the temptations of
the enemy.
I brought something with metonight.
(17:10):
I'm probably going to needDave's help.
I got my shield.
I got my shield.
I got my fiery darts.
Huh, you want me to hold?
(17:31):
Okay, so the enemy's gonnabring temptation, dave?
Oh no, you're going to throw itout.
Aim for it now.
Oh, that one missed you.
I better get away from you.
(17:54):
I know the powerful rumor wasshooting me with it.
Here comes, ooh, temptation.
The shield worked.
Who else wants to volunteer?
(18:15):
Who?
Speaker 2 (18:19):
else wants to volunteer.
Speaker 1 (18:20):
Mark, yeah, that's just how the enemy is Unexpected
, out of nowhere.
Thank you, sis.
Okay, dave, you shoot at me,I'll hold it, just don't shoot
(18:40):
me.
Where'd it go?
Okay, okay, so the enemy'slying about me, but I'm going to
.
Jeez, you're a worse shot thanme.
(19:09):
So, anyhow, that enemy is prettypowerful and he's fast,
remember.
He has ambushes, schemes andtactics and he never rests and
his idea is to wear you down andwear you out to a place you
can't even hold your shield offaith up.
Amen, anybody want to try it?
(19:32):
We'll share.
You can hold it.
I'll shoot.
I'm better than you.
So take up your shield of faith.
The shield is not somethingthat is passively received.
It must be actively taken upand used.
(19:53):
Amen, amen.
God says that we can extinguishall the flaming arrows of the
evil, one being protected whenwe function in our faith.
Fiery darts I never thoughtabout the baby being there.
I'm sorry.
She was good Can representvarious attacks from the devil,
(20:23):
and we know how he works.
Can represent various attacksfrom the devil, and we know how
he works.
How has he worked with you thisweek?
Just this week, you lost, Ilost.
Wow, you didn't lose.
You're just restarting andredirecting.
(20:48):
Faith acts as a shield todeflect the attacks and prevents
them from harming you.
So our faith has to be inaction, faith in action.
Faith in action when facinglife's difficulties, involving
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trusting God, taking steps toovercome challenges.
How many of us has overcomechallenges this week?
I have overcome challenges thisweek, amen.
It's not just about beingpassive, but rather than being
dynamic, relying on God's word,relying on his strength, taking
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and putting faith into action.
Every time the advocator comesat you, every time you know when
fear comes knocking, send faithto open the door.
Don't even let him in, amen.
(21:59):
So what do we do?
We are walking by faith, not bysight.
You know when we are groundedand trusting in the Lord with
all of our heart, leaning notinto our own understanding, we
build a resilience for ourpersonal growth.
Now, you know it's hard not tolean into your own understanding
, because you know I know best.
Don't you know best?
Right, you know I understand.
Well, that's what God's sayingTrust me, lean not into your own
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thinking, your own thoughts.
Trust what I'm doing.
Faith provides a sense of hopeand strength and perseverance
when facing trials.
It allows individuals tobelieve that they can overcome
challenges, even when the pathahead looks daunting.
How many times is it when youjust look ahead and you're just
(22:48):
like there is no way I'm evengoing to get to that point in
life?
Well, that's what Satan wantsyou to believe, that you're like
your engine stalled out andyou're not moving.
Faith can offer a sense ofpurpose and direction, guiding
decisions and actions duringdifficult times.
You know, a lot of times mygo-to is I don't know what to do
(23:11):
.
I don't do nothing at all, andthen everybody else is thinking,
well, what's she doing?
I'm waiting on God, amen, amen,god, amen, to have a purpose
and a guidance.
Faith can offer a sense ofpurpose and directions.
Did I already do that one Inthe most difficult time,
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entering peace.
How many of you have ever trulyentered right in to the peace of
God?
It is, if you haven't, pressinto that, because it is a place
where you can't even worry.
You know how many times I havebeen slayed in the spirit and
come up out of there and I can'teven.
I can't even think.
You know, it's just like I'm sorefreshed and so renewed.
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But eventually the worldpresses back in on you.
But for that, for that time,enjoy that, that perfect peace
that you have in Christ.
You know faith in action.
Faith without action can belimitless, actively working
together for solutions, settinggoals and taking intentional
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steps forward.
Because we have to take, like,say, there's prayer on Sunday
morning and the altars are openand you choose, know you need
prayer, you know you need setfree, but you choose to set, you
choose not to put your faithinto action.
(24:43):
But ooh, dave, his helmet.
He says pick up your shield offaith, put it into action.
So what it says?
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What people say is faithwithout works is dead.
The importance of both beliefsbelief and action in our life.
If faith is not manifested andactively moving in your life,
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then your faith is dead, becausewithout works it's dead.
And so we have to push into.
We do, we have to push intofaith.
It's not going to come.
When I got ordained 10, 12years ago, I was prophesied over
that I had a faith beyond faiththat I could believe for things
(25:50):
.
That's going to manifest God'samazing work in your life.
Listen, if anything everhappens to me and I'm drawing my
(26:17):
fatal breath, you guys pray forme until I'm breathing no more,
because I'm not giving up thefight.
I've got my show of faith upand I've got.
My belt is tight around mywaist, I'm girded up and I have
the truth of righteousness.
And you know, you guys hold onto me.
(26:40):
You keep me here Because Satantries to take me out.
Amen, unless I say let me go,guys.
Then you say good riddance, oh,I'm teasing Anyhow.
Faith without works is dead.
The importance of both believe,belief and actions in life.
(27:02):
The importance of both beliefand actions in life Faith as a
belief is faith in God and histeachings.
Faith without works isincomplete.
You know, when God told Noah nowlet's set the scene.
(27:23):
They're in a wilderness placeand God speaks to Noah and he
says Noah, I want you to buildan ark.
What's Noah do?
He hops right to it, he getsthe right wood, he gets the
right amount of wood, he getshis family prepared.
But here's the irony of it allit had never rained, and so he
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was putting his faith intoaction, believing what God said
to him, and he built the ark andthe people were in total denial
, thought he was as crazy as aloon for building this huge.
What's he doing?
What's rain?
Well, when the rain began tofall, they knew that he was a
(28:06):
man of God and as he slammedthat door shut and locked it and
they're on the outside wantingin, how hard do you think that
was for him.
But a whole new earth had tobegin because of sin and
corruption.
(28:27):
But he put his faith into actionand he did what God told him
and I'm sure he faced many, manyfire retards, I'm sure of it.
Then they brought all themanimals in.
Just really take a moment tothink about that.
They had to have a place to putall those animals.
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They had to have food for thoseanimals.
You know that was a big, big,big endeavor.
Look how much God trusted him.
All the aspects of it.
I think it's a beautiful storyof it.
I think it's a beautiful storyso, when we combined our faith
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with resilience, which is theability to bounce back from
adversity that is fueled byfaith, it empowers us to face
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challenges that are ahead,believing that through Christ I
can do all things.
In Holly I can do nothing, butthrough Christ I can do all
things.
Turning to faith to a spiritualleader for guidance and
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encouragement you know that'swhat the leaders are for is to
guide, lead and help direct bythe leading of the Holy Spirit,
help, direct by the leading ofthe Holy Spirit.
You know, engaging in prayer,meditating, being mindful, to
(30:17):
find peace and clarity duringdifficult times.
You ever have those difficulttimes where you're just like
Calgon, take me away.
Do you ever just Calgon?
Do you girls know about Calgon?
No, calgon used to be a bathsoak, like Epsom salts, but it
was called Calgon and thecommercial was Calgon, take me
away, relax, relax in Jesus.
(30:37):
Yeah, in a tub, having theopportunity to serve others
actively, aligning our faith andour principles up with God's
word.
You know, I have to alignmyself up with God's word.
It's not going to align with me.
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I have to get myself in linewith it, with his word being
actively living in my life, withhis word being actively living
in my life.
Overcoming obstacles Obstaclesare a part of life, right, but
(31:18):
we don't let them define ourjourney.
Them obstacles are not going totell us where our destiny is or
what our purpose is, becausewe're overcomers.
We overcome obstacles.
When the enemy sends usstumbling blocks, god turns them
into stepping stones.
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You know, persevering, movingforward even when we are facing
difficulties, knowing that faithprovides strength to persevere
I love that word persevere topress in, to push on to be more
(31:59):
than you were yesterday, amen.
So in Hebrews 11, 1, it definesfaith as a substance of things
hoped for, the evidence ofthings not seen.
Hebrews 11, 6,.
Without faith, it is impossibleto please God, and so we have
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to learn how to grow in ourfaith and we learn in our.
We grow in our faith fromexperience to experience, from
faith to faith.
You know I know I've said itbefore If life was nothing but
sunshine, rainbows and sprinkles, how would we ever learn to
overcome adversity, if all weever had was the greatness?
You know, you got to have alittle rain with our sunshine.
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Nothing grows without rain,amen.
Romans 10, 17.
So, then, faith cometh byhearing, and hearing by the word
of God.
That's what's happening tonight.
I am speaking faith, you'rehearing it, believing that that
seed is planted and it's goingto grow in you, and you're going
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to grow into a mighty oak byoperating through your faith.
Ephesians 2, 8 and 9,.
That salvation is by grace,through faith, not of works, so
no one can boast.
So the only way I have faith isthrough the grace of God, amen.
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Matthew 21, 22.
This verse shows power of faithand prayer, suggesting that if
you believe, you will receivewhatever you ask in the name of
Jesus, as long as it aligns withhis will for your life.
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Mark 9, 23.
Wait a minute, okay.
Mark 9, 23.
The power of faith isovercoming obstacles, as Jesus
(34:10):
said, if you can believe, allthings are possible to him that
believes.
James 2, 17.
The importance of works as ademonstration of faith.
Importance of works as ademonstration of faith.
Starting faith by itself.
If it does not have works, itis dead.
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Did you know that the book ofHebrews 11 is the list of old
testament believers celebratedfor their unwavering faith?
I don't know.
See who they were, cm um.
It is an encouragement to us topersevere in our faith, drawing
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inspiration from the examplesof these heroes.
They were Abel, enoch, noah,abraham, isaac, jacob, joseph,
moses, rehah, showcasing theiracts of faith in the face of
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adversity.
Now let's just take a look atSarah and Abraham.
God told Abraham he was goingto be a father of nations.
Sarah's hiding behind a tree.
You know she's 99 years old.
She snickers I ain't have nobabies.
And so because of that, theywent through many adversities to
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get Isaac.
But he is a father of nations.
She says so.
Is she the mother?
But because of her lack offaith and then she had him do
things.
You just need to read that foryourselves.
It's a really good read.
It's a real good example ofGod's faith and how it operates
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in our lives when we allow it.
Confidence is what we hope forin the assurance about what we
do not see.
So I, in my faith walk, I'mconfident in god.
Even though I don't see it.
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I believe it because I walk byfaith and not by sight, and
because faith coming over thehearing of the word, I mean when
dave got hurt, we walk by faithand not by sight.
And because faith coming overthe hearing of the word, I mean
when Dave got hurt, we walked byfaith.
We never missed a beat.
I know sooner get back to work.
And he got COVID, I mean onething right after another.
But we pressed in and wepressed through.
(37:06):
I remember one time I was havinga table talk meeting on a
Friday night and there wasprobably 100, 150 people there
and he comes right up out of theclear blue and tells me he lost
his job that day.
I about fell over.
But he said God said that he'sopening another door and that
(37:26):
we're going to be just fine, andI don't even think we filed for
unemployment before he hadanother job.
But that's just how faithfulGod is.
Now it knocked me off my gamefor a little bit, especially the
way he told me Probably was theeasiest way to pray.
But God worked it all out forus when we are facing
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persecution.
You know Jesus, he faced greatpersecution and I always say in
my heart of heart when I'm beingpersecuted that I am among good
company because my Christ, hewas persecuted, so why would
that not come my way?
Amen.
(38:17):
So the Hall of Fame of Faithcontinues to inspire us today,
demonstrating the power of faithto overcome obstacles and to
live a life pleasing to God.
You know, 2 Corinthians 5 and5-7 is to walk by faith and not
by sight.
And you know, if I trust Dave,if I had him blindfold me and
(38:44):
walk me all around here, I wouldbe a little leery right.
Or vice versa, if I had himblindfold me and walk me all
around here, I would be a littleleery right, or vice versa,
because we're not sure where ourfoot is going.
But when God is leading us weare sure-footed because we know
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he's got the master plan for ourlives.
Paul encourages the Corinthianchurch to live with confidence
and hope, even in difficultseasons.
How many in here tonight are ina difficult season?
Amen.
So you know, we are confidentand our hope is in Christ.
We are confident and our hopeis in Christ.
(39:29):
He reminds us that you and Iare true citizens of heaven and
that whatever journey that weare on at this moment, it's
temporary, because at any timeGod can step in and save the day
, and he will Because that's theday and he will Because that's
(39:52):
the kind of God he is.
You know, walking by faith, itshows great resilience in God's
word.
We are confident in his wordand we believe in his promises
rather than the personalfeelings that we have and the
personal feelings that we have.
You know, feelings, emotionsare what wants to run us.
(40:12):
What wants to motivate us isour feelings and our emotions,
and God gives them to us for areason.
But we have to learn to haveself-control over that.
You know, my emotion is tellingme to say and do this, but my
spirit's saying back off andwait.
(40:32):
Does that make sense?
Trusting God's plan, walking byfaith and not by sight,
(40:54):
encourages us to trust God has aplan for our lives and that he
is working all things togetherfor our good, even when we don't
see it.
Jeremiah 29, 11, one of myfavorite scriptures, for I know
the plans I have for youdeclares the Lord Plans for good
and not evil, to give you afuture and a hope.
God is showing us that he haspositive intentions for each one
of us.
Matthew 17, 20.
(41:16):
Truly, I tell you, if you havefaith, as a grain of a mustard
seed, you will see this mountainbe moved, moved from here to
there and it will move, andnothing will be impossible for
you.
The power of faith isovercoming obstacles and
(41:37):
achieving what God has for eachone of us.
You know we've got to pray witha believing heart that
mountains will move and we willovercome any unbelief.
Because see, satan, that's whathe does.
(41:57):
He makes us doubt, he makes it.
You know well, what if thisdon't happen?
Or what if?
What if?
What if we cannot live in aworld of what if this don't
happen?
Or what if?
What if?
What if we cannot live in aworld of what if?
It says in the book of Psalmsthat we cannot live in dread of
what's around every corner?
We can't, because you know, ifthat's the case, we're doing
(42:19):
nothing but walking in fear, butwhen we're trusting God, what's
around that corner is going tobe for my good In the long run.
It might not feel like it thisminute, but in the long run it
will turn out for my good.
Mark 11, 22,.
Another one of my favoriteverses have faith in God.
(42:41):
The scripture in Mark 11, 23says Speak unto this mountain
(43:04):
and it will be lifted up andcast into the sea.
The importance of faith andbelieving in God's power for
believers to experience miraclesand having their prayers
answered.
You don't know how many times Ihave spoken to this mountain,
casted it into the sea andbelieved that God was going to
move on my behalf, talking aboutmountains.
(43:30):
When I got my, when I got hiredat Burners, I was hired in on
man cam, but I needed full timefor insurance, and so I began To
search the word and I cameagainst this scripture.
Where is it at?
It's here somewhere.
I didn't write it down.
Well, I didn't write it.
(43:55):
It's in Zechariah.
I don't have the scripture, butit's in Zechariah and it's
talking about a man calledZerubbabel and he says who are
you, great mountain?
Who are you that you will notbow and lay low before my God.
(44:22):
Now that's how you talk tomountains in your life.
Who are you, great mountain?
Great mountain of debt?
Great mountain, I needed a job.
I needed a job, that full time.
I prayed that.
I prayed that prayer every dayfor six months back and forth to
work.
On March I had COVID and I hadmissed 25 days of work.
(44:44):
This is crazy.
The next day when I go back towork, my boss tells me they're
going to hire me full time witha raise.
Now that's God, movingmountains, amen.
One time it was Christmas and Iwas out several weeks with COVID
(45:06):
.
You guys know, if I get sick, Iwon't get sick, it isn't just a
sneeze and get better.
And when I went back to workthis was the first year I worked
there and it was Christmas andeven though I had missed I
wasn't even full time they gaveme a very, very, very nice
Christmas bonus and a gift.
(45:29):
And I known it was because Iwas praying who are you, great
Mountain?
That you will not bow low, notbefore Holly, but before my God.
And so, oh, great mountain,right now I declare the
(45:54):
mountains and my friend's lifein this room tonight, father,
that they would bow low beforeyou, that they would be plain
before our God.
I thank you, lord, that youwould begin to move mightily
among your people tonight, lord.
I thank you, lord, as they holdup their shield of faith.
(46:14):
And Lord, that shieldextinguishes those fiery darts.
Father, god, that they willhave a confidence and a faith in
you, lord, that would neverwaver.
In the mighty name of Jesus.
I thank you, lord, that youjust that tonight we are walking
(46:34):
by faith and not by sight, lordJesus, that faith cometh by
hearing the word.
I thank you and I praise you,lord, for each and every person,
that their faith would arise,that their faith would arise in
you, almighty God.
That they would know, lord,without a shadow of a doubt,
that they can do all thingsthrough Christ, who strengthens
(46:57):
them In the mighty name of Jesus.
We thank you for this evening,lord.
We thank you for our timetogether.
I thank you, lord, for yourpeace, that path us all
understanding.
I thank you, lord, for guidingus, leading us, directing us.
I thank you, father, for greatdiscernment to rise up in us
tonight.
Lord Jesus, I thank you, father,that you bless their hands,
(47:21):
lord, and everything that theytouch will prosper, for the sake
of the kingdom.
I thank you, lord, that youwould just guide and lead in a
magnificent way.
I thank you, Lord, that faithwould be manifested in each one
of their lives.
I thank you and I praise you,lord, as they continue to study
(47:42):
out Hebrews 11, lord, and theystudy out the heroes of the Old
Testament, lord, of how theystood the test of time.
Through you, god, through you,through your strength, lord, let
them glean.
Let them glean from theseheroes of faith.
(48:04):
I just thank you and praise youfor tonight, lord.
I thank you for everything thatyou've done, for all that you
do, for what you continue to do,lord, and I thank you for
leading us.
Lord, I give you the glory, thehonor and all the praise, and
everyone says Amen.
It's on.
It is on.
Hello, I'm not in the house,gotcha?
Huh, well, they don't want mehooked up with that hookup
(00:39):
because it might cause fire.
They got a reason, dave.
I got something, guys.
I actually got a bigger one,but I don't know how to work it,
so I had to stick to this one.
Okay, so tonight we're going totalk about the shield of faith,
(01:00):
and let's read Ephesians 6.10.
Chris, you want to read it?
Oh, she's not ready.
I'm sorry, I've never known younot to be ready.
I know, right, I was late,never.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
Yes, the whole armor of God.
Finally, my brethren, be strongin the Lord and in the power of
his might.
Put on the whole armor of Godthat you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil,for we do not wrestle against
flesh and blood, but againstprincipalities, against power,
against the rulers of thedarkness of this age, against
(01:52):
spiritual hosts of wickedness inthe heavenly places.
Therefore, take up the wholearmor of God that you may be
able to withstand in the evilday.
And having done all to stand,able to withstand in the evil
day.
And having done all to stand,stand, therefore, having skirted
your waist with truth, havingput on the breastplate of
righteousness and having shodyour feet with the preparation
(02:15):
of the gospel of peace, aboveall, taking the shield of faith
with which you will be able toquench all the fiery darts of
the wicked one, and take thehelmet of salvation and the
sword of the spirit, which isthe word of god, praying always
with all prayer and supplicationin the spirit, being watchful
(02:38):
to this and with allperseverance and supplication
for all the safe and for me, theutterance may be given to me
that I may open my mouth boldlyto make known the mystery of the
gospel for which I am anambassador, and change that in
it.
I may speak boldly, as I oughtto speak.
Speaker 1 (02:59):
Amen.
And so tonight we're going tofocus on 616, where it says
Above all, take the shield offaith with which you will be
able to quench all the fierydarts of the wicked one.
And so, as I was studying this,I was going one way and the
(03:20):
Holy Spirit says let's goanother way.
So we are going to use ourshield of faith, as it operates,
with a spirit of self-control.
This thing, it's going to be aminute, guys, because somehow or
another it's blocking me out.
(03:43):
Real quick, I can fix it.
I got it Now.
I just got to get back to whereI was.
(04:04):
Ta-da, okay.
So I wanted to read to you outof my Warfare Bible by Joyce
Meyer.
It's called MasteringSelf-Control, very interesting.
There is no need for a generalif there is no army.
There is no discipline in theranks if there is no discipline
(04:24):
in the ranks, if there is nodiscipline in their commander.
While generals must eventuallylearn command great armies, they
often start as foot soldiers,first learning to be disciples
and the method of commandingthemselves.
So how many of us commandourselves?
(04:47):
Or does self command us?
No, that is why, of the fruitof the spirit in Galatians 5, 22
, 23, there is love, joy, peace,long suffering, patience,
guidance, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
(05:07):
Self-control is the least inthe list, is the last in the
list and therefore the firstthat should be mastered.
And so we know that the fruitsof the Spirit, when we get saved
, are not given.
They are something that weproduce, we grow, we learn how
(05:28):
to operate in them.
As a soldier assigned to themilitary unit, the first
discipline and training, frombasic training onward, all
advancements in rank and skillsrequires continual growth of
knowledge of the strategies andthe tactics of their enemy,
(05:51):
learning how the weaponry worksand how to intelligently report
back to the commander, whichwould be our father, to the
commander, which would be ourfather.
A prayer warrior positionshimself to endure and have
(06:12):
perseverance even through thetoughest circumstances.
Roadblocks in the spirit thatwithhold God's blessings from
earth are only destroyed throughdiscipline, participation and
prayer.
It is a regular affirmation ofprayer that destroys the enemy's
(06:34):
tower and his defense system.
And what I know is that whenyou pray, you pray the Father's
heart and you pray the Word ofGod, and so if you want to take
the enemy down, you come at himwith the sword of the Spirit,
which is the Word of God.
Our words are like tinklingcymbals and sounding brass, but
(06:59):
the Word of God.
That's where your breakthroughcomes.
That is how you fight the enemy.
You get a scripture, you standon it and you pray it and you
believe with all of your heartthat that is your breakthrough.
Amen.
Jesus calls us to consistentlygrow in such tactics and
(07:20):
discipline.
Though he expects us to come tohim as children and never lose
our childlike trust in him, healso expects us to grow up and
become capable ambassadors,meaning ministering to others as
he would in the world.
Okay, so he's saying that wecan come to him with childlike
(07:45):
faith.
But we ain't going to stay onthe milk forever.
There is a day when we willbegin to eat strong meat, tough
meat, that we should no longerbe children, tossed to and fro
and carried about with everywind of doctoring by the
trickery of man and thecraftiness and the deceitful
(08:06):
plots of the enemy.
But speaking the truth in love?
Okay, we speak truth in love.
We don't speak the truth inanger.
If you're going to bringcorrection to somebody, you do
that in love.
You don't do that when you'reangry.
When you're upset, you waittill you cool down.
(08:27):
One, two, three.
Yesterday I was at a store.
I haven't heard this phrase fora very long time.
This lady had these two littlegirls with her and they were
being very rambunctious and shesaid hey, time to catch a bubble
?
You two.
And I haven't heard that.
You know, be quiet, catch abubble, you two.
And I haven't heard that.
You know, be quiet, catch yourbubble.
And so a lot of times, wheneveryou know we're in the flesh, we
(08:52):
need to catch that bubble.
Be quiet, step back, wait forGod to tell you when to move and
to operate in his love and notour flesh.
Ephesians 4, 14 through 15.
As we set out on a lifetime tofollow Jesus, we must grow up
(09:12):
and mature in our faith If weare to make any difference for
the kingdom of God.
As we grow in Christ, we learnnew skills and develop divine
habits.
Our level of growth increasesin our abilities and in our
talents.
We are distinguished by theexcellent achievement and seen
(09:40):
as Christ when the enemy looksat us.
The mystery of skills to enduresets you apart as someone who
is not casual in the pursuit.
Many years ago I used to have aprayer group called Tuscarawas
County Prayer Warriors, andthere was a group of us and we
(10:04):
were praying and I saw all themen white socks and loafers and
the Holy Spirit said to me thatthe men in our county they're
operating out of a casual spirit.
It's just casual business asusual.
And so we don't want to just becasual, we want to put on our
(10:26):
suits and get the business withGod to take the enemy out.
When you pray, when you praymasterfully, you learn to
chronicle your prayers, toschedule regiment time, to pray,
to fast, to persevere in thespirit until the circumstance
(10:51):
you are praying about bringschange or transformation.
Anyone can learn to masterprayer through their own.
Mastery will come in differentways, with skills set for each
individual.
So how Dave prays and getsbreakthroughs is totally
different from how I would prayand get a breakthrough, because
(11:17):
you're a snowflake, you're oneof a kind and you have talents
that I don't have.
You know, I have giftings thatChris don't have, because God
made us all different, and so,however, when we put it side to
(11:40):
side, it is not difficult to seehow they complement one another
.
Is that right?
Does our gifts and our talentscomplement one another?
Not only can we learn fromprayer with one another, but
(12:00):
praying together will also havea compounding effect in the
heavenlies, because the wordsays where one of us can put a
thousand to flight, two of uscan put 10,000 to flight.
What can happen if there's 10of us?
How many enemies can we put toflight?
That's why there's power inprayer, power in unity, why
(12:31):
there's power in prayer, powerin unity.
God ordains and desires anddesigns us.
You will never neglect these orlet them be compromised,
otherwise you will fail.
And the part of God, Godoverall plan to which he has
called you to Amen, amen.
And so does self-control and theshield of faith work together
(12:56):
in our lives?
The answer is yes, because ithelps a believer to stand strong
against spiritual attacks andto live according to God's will.
Okay, faith.
(13:17):
In Ephesians 6.16.
The shield of faith isdescribed as a defense against
the fiery darts of the evil, onewhich can include so this is
what a fiery dart is doubt,temptation, distractions.
Faith in God's promises helpsyou and I resist these attacks.
(13:47):
Self-control lists as a fruitof the Spirit in Galatians 5, 22
, 23.
It is something that you and Ishould learn to exercise every
day and to be able to haveself-control in our thoughts, in
(14:08):
our words, in our actions andin our desires being disciplined
to live a godly life.
So there's this word called I'mgoing to get it right Tandem, t
(14:30):
A N D E M, and it means to worktwo by two.
This formula was adopted byJesus himself.
This formula was adopted byJesus himself when it comes to
learning and transmitting yourfaith.
And so we work with him.
(14:51):
We're two by two, we worktogether.
Trusting in God and his promisescan give believers the strength
to resist temptation to choosewhat is right, for example, when
temptation to overindulge faithin God, provision and desire
(15:17):
will cause us to be able toexercise our self-control.
Do you ever have that desire toself-indulge?
I'm not just talking about food, I'm talking about shopping,
I'm talking about gossiping.
You know that's self-indulgingbecause what you're doing is
you're feeding your flesh.
So God tells us that throughhim, we have a self-control to
(15:44):
overcome that, because we'reovercomers.
As we pick up our shield offaith and as the enemy is
shooting them darts at us, themfiery darts, we have the ability
, through Christ, to overcomethat.
Our faith provides a power toovercome Self-control, provided
(16:07):
by discipline to be able toutilize the power of the enemy,
working together with the HolySpirit, beginning to learn how
to stand firm against hisschemes and to live a life that
honors God.
Ephesians 6, 16,.
(16:27):
In addition to all this, takeup your shield of faith, with
which you can extinguish all theflaming arrows of the evil one.
Love the evil one.
Guys, this is about spiritualwarfare, where believers are
called to put on the full armorof God To stand against the
(16:50):
devil's scheme.
The shield of faith is acrucial piece of the army.
It allows us to deflect theattacks and the temptations of
the enemy.
I brought something with metonight.
(17:10):
I'm probably going to needDave's help.
I got my shield.
I got my shield.
I got my fiery darts.
Huh, you want me to hold?
(17:31):
Okay, so the enemy's gonnabring temptation, dave?
Oh no, you're going to throw itout.
Aim for it now.
Oh, that one missed you.
I better get away from you.
(17:54):
I know the powerful rumor wasshooting me with it.
Here comes, ooh, temptation.
The shield worked.
Who else wants to volunteer?
(18:15):
Who?
Speaker 2 (18:19):
else wants to volunteer.
Speaker 1 (18:20):
Mark, yeah, that's just how the enemy is Unexpected
, out of nowhere.
Thank you, sis.
Okay, dave, you shoot at me,I'll hold it, just don't shoot
(18:40):
me.
Where'd it go?
Okay, okay, so the enemy'slying about me, but I'm going to
.
Jeez, you're a worse shot thanme.
(19:09):
So, anyhow, that enemy is prettypowerful and he's fast,
remember.
He has ambushes, schemes andtactics and he never rests and
his idea is to wear you down andwear you out to a place you
can't even hold your shield offaith up.
Amen, anybody want to try it?
(19:32):
We'll share.
You can hold it.
I'll shoot.
I'm better than you.
So take up your shield of faith.
The shield is not somethingthat is passively received.
It must be actively taken upand used.
(19:53):
Amen, amen.
God says that we can extinguishall the flaming arrows of the
evil, one being protected whenwe function in our faith.
Fiery darts I never thoughtabout the baby being there.
I'm sorry.
She was good Can representvarious attacks from the devil,
(20:23):
and we know how he works.
Can represent various attacksfrom the devil, and we know how
he works.
How has he worked with you thisweek?
Just this week, you lost, Ilost.
Wow, you didn't lose.
You're just restarting andredirecting.
(20:48):
Faith acts as a shield todeflect the attacks and prevents
them from harming you.
So our faith has to be inaction, faith in action.
Faith in action when facinglife's difficulties, involving
(21:09):
trusting God, taking steps toovercome challenges.
How many of us has overcomechallenges this week?
I have overcome challenges thisweek, amen.
It's not just about beingpassive, but rather than being
dynamic, relying on God's word,relying on his strength, taking
(21:31):
and putting faith into action.
Every time the advocator comesat you, every time you know when
fear comes knocking, send faithto open the door.
Don't even let him in, amen.
(21:59):
So what do we do?
We are walking by faith, not bysight.
You know when we are groundedand trusting in the Lord with
all of our heart, leaning notinto our own understanding, we
build a resilience for ourpersonal growth.
Now, you know it's hard not tolean into your own understanding
, because you know I know best.
Don't you know best?
Right, you know I understand.
Well, that's what God's sayingTrust me, lean not into your own
(22:24):
thinking, your own thoughts.
Trust what I'm doing.
Faith provides a sense of hopeand strength and perseverance
when facing trials.
It allows individuals tobelieve that they can overcome
challenges, even when the pathahead looks daunting.
How many times is it when youjust look ahead and you're just
(22:48):
like there is no way I'm evengoing to get to that point in
life?
Well, that's what Satan wantsyou to believe, that you're like
your engine stalled out andyou're not moving.
Faith can offer a sense ofpurpose and direction, guiding
decisions and actions duringdifficult times.
You know, a lot of times mygo-to is I don't know what to do
(23:11):
.
I don't do nothing at all, andthen everybody else is thinking,
well, what's she doing?
I'm waiting on God, amen, amen,god, amen, to have a purpose
and a guidance.
Faith can offer a sense ofpurpose and directions.
Did I already do that one Inthe most difficult time,
(23:35):
entering peace.
How many of you have ever trulyentered right in to the peace of
God?
It is, if you haven't, pressinto that, because it is a place
where you can't even worry.
You know how many times I havebeen slayed in the spirit and
come up out of there and I can'teven.
I can't even think.
You know, it's just like I'm sorefreshed and so renewed.
(23:56):
But eventually the worldpresses back in on you.
But for that, for that time,enjoy that, that perfect peace
that you have in Christ.
You know faith in action.
Faith without action can belimitless, actively working
together for solutions, settinggoals and taking intentional
(24:22):
steps forward.
Because we have to take, like,say, there's prayer on Sunday
morning and the altars are openand you choose, know you need
prayer, you know you need setfree, but you choose to set, you
choose not to put your faithinto action.
(24:43):
But ooh, dave, his helmet.
He says pick up your shield offaith, put it into action.
So what it says?
(25:06):
What people say is faithwithout works is dead.
The importance of both beliefsbelief and action in our life.
If faith is not manifested andactively moving in your life,
(25:27):
then your faith is dead, becausewithout works it's dead.
And so we have to push into.
We do, we have to push intofaith.
It's not going to come.
When I got ordained 10, 12years ago, I was prophesied over
that I had a faith beyond faiththat I could believe for things
(25:50):
.
That's going to manifest God'samazing work in your life.
Listen, if anything everhappens to me and I'm drawing my
(26:17):
fatal breath, you guys pray forme until I'm breathing no more,
because I'm not giving up thefight.
I've got my show of faith upand I've got.
My belt is tight around mywaist, I'm girded up and I have
the truth of righteousness.
And you know, you guys hold onto me.
(26:40):
You keep me here Because Satantries to take me out.
Amen, unless I say let me go,guys.
Then you say good riddance, oh,I'm teasing Anyhow.
Faith without works is dead.
The importance of both believe,belief and actions in life.
(27:02):
The importance of both beliefand actions in life Faith as a
belief is faith in God and histeachings.
Faith without works isincomplete.
You know, when God told Noah nowlet's set the scene.
(27:23):
They're in a wilderness placeand God speaks to Noah and he
says Noah, I want you to buildan ark.
What's Noah do?
He hops right to it, he getsthe right wood, he gets the
right amount of wood, he getshis family prepared.
But here's the irony of it allit had never rained, and so he
(27:44):
was putting his faith intoaction, believing what God said
to him, and he built the ark andthe people were in total denial
, thought he was as crazy as aloon for building this huge.
What's he doing?
What's rain?
Well, when the rain began tofall, they knew that he was a
(28:06):
man of God and as he slammedthat door shut and locked it and
they're on the outside wantingin, how hard do you think that
was for him.
But a whole new earth had tobegin because of sin and
corruption.
(28:27):
But he put his faith into actionand he did what God told him
and I'm sure he faced many, manyfire retards, I'm sure of it.
Then they brought all themanimals in.
Just really take a moment tothink about that.
They had to have a place to putall those animals.
(28:49):
They had to have food for thoseanimals.
You know that was a big, big,big endeavor.
Look how much God trusted him.
All the aspects of it.
I think it's a beautiful storyof it.
I think it's a beautiful storyso, when we combined our faith
(29:12):
with resilience, which is theability to bounce back from
adversity that is fueled byfaith, it empowers us to face
(29:35):
challenges that are ahead,believing that through Christ I
can do all things.
In Holly I can do nothing, butthrough Christ I can do all
things.
Turning to faith to a spiritualleader for guidance and
(29:56):
encouragement you know that'swhat the leaders are for is to
guide, lead and help direct bythe leading of the Holy Spirit,
help, direct by the leading ofthe Holy Spirit.
You know, engaging in prayer,meditating, being mindful, to
(30:17):
find peace and clarity duringdifficult times.
You ever have those difficulttimes where you're just like
Calgon, take me away.
Do you ever just Calgon?
Do you girls know about Calgon?
No, calgon used to be a bathsoak, like Epsom salts, but it
was called Calgon and thecommercial was Calgon, take me
away, relax, relax in Jesus.
(30:37):
Yeah, in a tub, having theopportunity to serve others
actively, aligning our faith andour principles up with God's
word.
You know, I have to alignmyself up with God's word.
It's not going to align with me.
(30:58):
I have to get myself in linewith it, with his word being
actively living in my life, withhis word being actively living
in my life.
Overcoming obstacles Obstaclesare a part of life, right, but
(31:18):
we don't let them define ourjourney.
Them obstacles are not going totell us where our destiny is or
what our purpose is, becausewe're overcomers.
We overcome obstacles.
When the enemy sends usstumbling blocks, god turns them
into stepping stones.
(31:39):
You know, persevering, movingforward even when we are facing
difficulties, knowing that faithprovides strength to persevere
I love that word persevere topress in, to push on to be more
(31:59):
than you were yesterday, amen.
So in Hebrews 11, 1, it definesfaith as a substance of things
hoped for, the evidence ofthings not seen.
Hebrews 11, 6,.
Without faith, it is impossibleto please God, and so we have
(32:19):
to learn how to grow in ourfaith and we learn in our.
We grow in our faith fromexperience to experience, from
faith to faith.
You know I know I've said itbefore If life was nothing but
sunshine, rainbows and sprinkles, how would we ever learn to
overcome adversity, if all weever had was the greatness?
You know, you got to have alittle rain with our sunshine.
(32:42):
Nothing grows without rain,amen.
Romans 10, 17.
So, then, faith cometh byhearing, and hearing by the word
of God.
That's what's happening tonight.
I am speaking faith, you'rehearing it, believing that that
seed is planted and it's goingto grow in you, and you're going
(33:05):
to grow into a mighty oak byoperating through your faith.
Ephesians 2, 8 and 9,.
That salvation is by grace,through faith, not of works, so
no one can boast.
So the only way I have faith isthrough the grace of God, amen.
(33:27):
Matthew 21, 22.
This verse shows power of faithand prayer, suggesting that if
you believe, you will receivewhatever you ask in the name of
Jesus, as long as it aligns withhis will for your life.
(33:50):
Mark 9, 23.
Wait a minute, okay.
Mark 9, 23.
The power of faith isovercoming obstacles, as Jesus
(34:10):
said, if you can believe, allthings are possible to him that
believes.
James 2, 17.
The importance of works as ademonstration of faith.
Importance of works as ademonstration of faith.
Starting faith by itself.
If it does not have works, itis dead.
(34:47):
Did you know that the book ofHebrews 11 is the list of old
testament believers celebratedfor their unwavering faith?
I don't know.
See who they were, cm um.
It is an encouragement to us topersevere in our faith, drawing
(35:08):
inspiration from the examplesof these heroes.
They were Abel, enoch, noah,abraham, isaac, jacob, joseph,
moses, rehah, showcasing theiracts of faith in the face of
(35:30):
adversity.
Now let's just take a look atSarah and Abraham.
God told Abraham he was goingto be a father of nations.
Sarah's hiding behind a tree.
You know she's 99 years old.
She snickers I ain't have nobabies.
And so because of that, theywent through many adversities to
(35:55):
get Isaac.
But he is a father of nations.
She says so.
Is she the mother?
But because of her lack offaith and then she had him do
things.
You just need to read that foryourselves.
It's a really good read.
It's a real good example ofGod's faith and how it operates
(36:19):
in our lives when we allow it.
Confidence is what we hope forin the assurance about what we
do not see.
So I, in my faith walk, I'mconfident in god.
Even though I don't see it.
(36:40):
I believe it because I walk byfaith and not by sight, and
because faith coming over thehearing of the word, I mean when
dave got hurt, we walk by faithand not by sight.
And because faith coming overthe hearing of the word, I mean
when Dave got hurt, we walked byfaith.
We never missed a beat.
I know sooner get back to work.
And he got COVID, I mean onething right after another.
But we pressed in and wepressed through.
(37:06):
I remember one time I was havinga table talk meeting on a
Friday night and there wasprobably 100, 150 people there
and he comes right up out of theclear blue and tells me he lost
his job that day.
I about fell over.
But he said God said that he'sopening another door and that
(37:26):
we're going to be just fine, andI don't even think we filed for
unemployment before he hadanother job.
But that's just how faithfulGod is.
Now it knocked me off my gamefor a little bit, especially the
way he told me Probably was theeasiest way to pray.
But God worked it all out forus when we are facing
(37:54):
persecution.
You know Jesus, he faced greatpersecution and I always say in
my heart of heart when I'm beingpersecuted that I am among good
company because my Christ, hewas persecuted, so why would
that not come my way?
Amen.
(38:17):
So the Hall of Fame of Faithcontinues to inspire us today,
demonstrating the power of faithto overcome obstacles and to
live a life pleasing to God.
You know, 2 Corinthians 5 and5-7 is to walk by faith and not
by sight.
And you know, if I trust Dave,if I had him blindfold me and
(38:44):
walk me all around here, I wouldbe a little leery right.
Or vice versa, if I had himblindfold me and walk me all
around here, I would be a littleleery right, or vice versa,
because we're not sure where ourfoot is going.
But when God is leading us weare sure-footed because we know
(39:08):
he's got the master plan for ourlives.
Paul encourages the Corinthianchurch to live with confidence
and hope, even in difficultseasons.
How many in here tonight are ina difficult season?
Amen.
So you know, we are confidentand our hope is in Christ.
We are confident and our hopeis in Christ.
(39:29):
He reminds us that you and Iare true citizens of heaven and
that whatever journey that weare on at this moment, it's
temporary, because at any timeGod can step in and save the day
, and he will Because that's theday and he will Because that's
(39:52):
the kind of God he is.
You know, walking by faith, itshows great resilience in God's
word.
We are confident in his wordand we believe in his promises
rather than the personalfeelings that we have and the
personal feelings that we have.
You know, feelings, emotionsare what wants to run us.
(40:12):
What wants to motivate us isour feelings and our emotions,
and God gives them to us for areason.
But we have to learn to haveself-control over that.
You know, my emotion is tellingme to say and do this, but my
spirit's saying back off andwait.
(40:32):
Does that make sense?
Trusting God's plan, walking byfaith and not by sight,
(40:54):
encourages us to trust God has aplan for our lives and that he
is working all things togetherfor our good, even when we don't
see it.
Jeremiah 29, 11, one of myfavorite scriptures, for I know
the plans I have for youdeclares the Lord Plans for good
and not evil, to give you afuture and a hope.
God is showing us that he haspositive intentions for each one
of us.
Matthew 17, 20.
(41:16):
Truly, I tell you, if you havefaith, as a grain of a mustard
seed, you will see this mountainbe moved, moved from here to
there and it will move, andnothing will be impossible for
you.
The power of faith isovercoming obstacles and
(41:37):
achieving what God has for eachone of us.
You know we've got to pray witha believing heart that
mountains will move and we willovercome any unbelief.
Because see, satan, that's whathe does.
(41:57):
He makes us doubt, he makes it.
You know well, what if thisdon't happen?
Or what if?
What if?
What if we cannot live in aworld of what if this don't
happen?
Or what if?
What if?
What if we cannot live in aworld of what if?
It says in the book of Psalmsthat we cannot live in dread of
what's around every corner?
We can't, because you know, ifthat's the case, we're doing
(42:19):
nothing but walking in fear, butwhen we're trusting God, what's
around that corner is going tobe for my good In the long run.
It might not feel like it thisminute, but in the long run it
will turn out for my good.
Mark 11, 22,.
Another one of my favoriteverses have faith in God.
(42:41):
The scripture in Mark 11, 23says Speak unto this mountain
(43:04):
and it will be lifted up andcast into the sea.
The importance of faith andbelieving in God's power for
believers to experience miraclesand having their prayers
answered.
You don't know how many times Ihave spoken to this mountain,
casted it into the sea andbelieved that God was going to
move on my behalf, talking aboutmountains.
(43:30):
When I got my, when I got hiredat Burners, I was hired in on
man cam, but I needed full timefor insurance, and so I began To
search the word and I cameagainst this scripture.
Where is it at?
It's here somewhere.
I didn't write it down.
Well, I didn't write it.
(43:55):
It's in Zechariah.
I don't have the scripture, butit's in Zechariah and it's
talking about a man calledZerubbabel and he says who are
you, great mountain?
Who are you that you will notbow and lay low before my God.
(44:22):
Now that's how you talk tomountains in your life.
Who are you, great mountain?
Great mountain of debt?
Great mountain, I needed a job.
I needed a job, that full time.
I prayed that.
I prayed that prayer every dayfor six months back and forth to
work.
On March I had COVID and I hadmissed 25 days of work.
(44:44):
This is crazy.
The next day when I go back towork, my boss tells me they're
going to hire me full time witha raise.
Now that's God, movingmountains, amen.
One time it was Christmas and Iwas out several weeks with COVID
(45:06):
.
You guys know, if I get sick, Iwon't get sick, it isn't just a
sneeze and get better.
And when I went back to workthis was the first year I worked
there and it was Christmas andeven though I had missed I
wasn't even full time they gaveme a very, very, very nice
Christmas bonus and a gift.
(45:29):
And I known it was because Iwas praying who are you, great
Mountain?
That you will not bow low, notbefore Holly, but before my God.
And so, oh, great mountain,right now I declare the
(45:54):
mountains and my friend's lifein this room tonight, father,
that they would bow low beforeyou, that they would be plain
before our God.
I thank you, lord, that youwould begin to move mightily
among your people tonight, lord.
I thank you, lord, as they holdup their shield of faith.
(46:14):
And Lord, that shieldextinguishes those fiery darts.
Father, god, that they willhave a confidence and a faith in
you, lord, that would neverwaver.
In the mighty name of Jesus.
I thank you, lord, that youjust that tonight we are walking
(46:34):
by faith and not by sight, lordJesus, that faith cometh by
hearing the word.
I thank you and I praise you,lord, for each and every person,
that their faith would arise,that their faith would arise in
you, almighty God.
That they would know, lord,without a shadow of a doubt,
that they can do all thingsthrough Christ, who strengthens
(46:57):
them In the mighty name of Jesus.
We thank you for this evening,lord.
We thank you for our timetogether.
I thank you, lord, for yourpeace, that path us all
understanding.
I thank you, lord, for guidingus, leading us, directing us.
I thank you, father, for greatdiscernment to rise up in us
tonight.
Lord Jesus, I thank you, father,that you bless their hands,
(47:21):
lord, and everything that theytouch will prosper, for the sake
of the kingdom.
I thank you, lord, that youwould just guide and lead in a
magnificent way.
I thank you, Lord, that faithwould be manifested in each one
of their lives.
I thank you and I praise you,lord, as they continue to study
(47:42):
out Hebrews 11, lord, and theystudy out the heroes of the Old
Testament, lord, of how theystood the test of time.
Through you, god, through you,through your strength, lord, let
them glean.
Let them glean from theseheroes of faith.
(48:04):
I just thank you and praise youfor tonight, lord.
I thank you for everything thatyou've done, for all that you
do, for what you continue to do,lord, and I thank you for
leading us.
Lord, I give you the glory, thehonor and all the praise, and
everyone says Amen.
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