ENDURANCE

ENDURANCE

 

"The battle is not ours, but the Lord’s."  Meaning, He has given you the victory and will tell you if, when, and how to fight.  It is He the carnal world rejects and fights against in vain.  Jesus told us that the world will not love us.  How can we expect the world to love and respect us, when they have no love or respect for one another?

 

My  Blessed Brothers and Sisters, fellow bearers of the cross, 

I greet thee with the loving embrace of Our Father's Holy Spirit within us; He, who directs and guides us down the divine path for our lives; He, who is the Divine Architect, who instructs us, in the building of a temple, worthy of the Living God; He, who is The Counselor to help us adjust our lives to God's plans for His Kingdom; and our General to lead us in the battle of Spiritual Warfare. 

My friends, the way of the Lord is paved with humility.  Those who walk the narrow path look neither to the right or to the left, nor turn to see what is behind them. Those who endure will reign with Jesus in His Kingdom.

Romans 5:17

For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

2nd Timothy 2:12

If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us

Yes, my brothers and sisters, through His teaching, we become equipped to “fight the good fight of faith (1st Timothy 6:12),” but, with the intentions wrought by our Heavenly Father for us to live life abundantly, in peace, with love for our neighbor and fellow man.  With this in mind, I pray this message strengthens and comforts you and equips you to thwart the fiery darts of the enemy, hurled in wrath and enmity, intending to keep you from the joy, peace, love and abundant blessings of Abba Father.

We must ask ourselves, “What does man have, that he has made or done, that will endure throughout eternity?  Endurance comes from God.  Our love for one another can only endure through God.  Let us look in awe at the endurance of Jehovah God.

PSALM 72:17

His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him:all nations shall call him blessed.

PSALM 104:31 

The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works.

PSALM 52:1
Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.

PSALM 106:1
Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

PSALM 111:3
His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

PSALM 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

PSALM 117:1 & 2
O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

PSALM 145:13
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

EZEKIEL CHAPTER 22:14
Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee?
I the LORD have spoken it, and will do it.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

When we count all the things we do for others, our deeds, gifts and affections are in vain.  We have our reward.  We cannot and should not count anything except our blessings and, still, all glory goes to God; for we truly cannot live abundantly or endure without Him.
 
At some time in your life, you have probably observed or been part of an unhealthy relationship or perhaps you were unevenly yoked to another, having chosen a relationship outside of God's will.  The relationship could have been physically, emotionally, or verbally abusive.  It could have involved neglect, betrayal or infidelity.   One or more parties involved may have been too passive or too aggressive.  One may have enabled the unhealthy misbehavior of the other, while another may have refused to be supportive to  emotional or physical needs to nurture and sustain the relationship.

A multitude of problems, flaws and defects, be they spiritual, physical, financial, personality and character related, or psychological, may have caused conflict, division and irreconcilable differences in the relationship.  Perhaps, the relationship became unbearable, as each person refused to see eye-to-eye, because they were too busy going toe-to-toe—that is to say, quarreling and fighting.
 

2nd Corinthians 6:14

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 

 
As people struggle with issues within a relationship, love is cast aside and they become more concerned with being right, than with finding a solution to their problems.  In any event, the relationship becomes marked by the ability or inability to tolerate and/or endure unhealthy and ungodly behavior.

Many endure or end relationships because of rebellion, stubbornness and pride, which usually involves selfishness, egocentricity, jealousy, anger, hatred, status, money, covetousness, greed, vanity, vindictiveness, control, insecurity, and questions with identity and self-worth. 

Rebellion is like unto witchcraft saith the Lord God on High.  Stubbornness is like unto iniquity and idolatry.  People under their own will idolize themselves and become bewitched and enslaved to a lie conjured up by the father of all lies, Satan. It is a rejection of God.  They become the salt that has lost its savor; a bell that cannot sound.

1st Samuel 15:23

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and
idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

Matthew 5:13

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IT'S GOD?

How can we tell if God is telling us to endure or end a relationship?  God will manifest Himself.  Let us look at some of the ways and reasons He helps us to endure:

Endurance is covered in God's righteousness, not self-righteousness.  Endurance will manifest the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. God will not close doors to relationships we refuse to mend because of our pride and stubbornness.  Divorce is given to us only as an option for adultery in a marriage, because of our pride. Some under the spell of stubbornness, might say that the Lord has told them to endure or end a relationship, usually for their own benefit. 

Unhealthy relationships keep us from living in truth, holiness and righteousness.  A relationship that is abusive, violent and life-threatening or turns you against your Heavenly Father, is never the will of God, but He will help you to endure it a while and bring you out of it (if you desire it and allow Him to help) to help you grow and mature.  Often, we need to learn what is bad for us before we can know what is good for us.

When God is ready to remove you from a relationship, He will close doors, harden hearts, remove opportunities and desires.  Darkness may penetrate and overshadow everything, as if it has no end.  He will allow things to become uncomfortable, until you have had enough.  Then, just as He parted the Red Sea, He will open another door for you to escape.

When God helps you to endure, there is growth, increase, direction, comfort, and maturity, along with the Fruit of His Holy Spirit.  He wants you to learn to be God-centered and not self-centered.  He wants you to surrender your life to Him and not try to control or be controlled by others. Throughout your trials and tribulations, He is trying to teach you that there is a better way and that through Him you can rise above your circumstances. 

How do you know it is God helping you to endure?  As you endure, you become repentant and humbled.

PSALM 34:18

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

• God longs to give you a more abundant life, but, first, as the Potter, He must break and mold you.  By allowing you to fall, God allows you to experience Him and get to know Him as He reaches down and lifts you out of your dark pit and brings you into His marvelous Light. 

• God affirms your significance and value to Him and His Kingdom. There is affirmation of His Love for you as He gives you a new identity in Christ. 

• There is no fear, anxiety, malice, vindictiveness, judgment or condemnation, but renewed hope and a renewed mind focused on Christ Jesus and the Kingdom of God. 
• How do you know it is God helping you to endure?  As you endure you forgive those who wrongfully abuse and accuse you.  Forgiveness is always required of us, as well as our charge to bear the Fruits of our Lord's Holy Spirit.

Matthew 6:14,15
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

• As you endure, God will instruct you in His Ways.  Each new experience, trial or tribulation will draw upon fruit/s from His Holy Spirit. 

• Faithfulness to God, His Will and His Way;

• Forbearance (tolerance and patience to that which we have given over to the Lord, in understanding and belief of His power to change, not only our circumstances, but our own hearts);

• Gentleness and meekness of Spirit toward all;

• Goodness, which only comes from God--for there is no one good, but Him;

• Joy, which comes from knowing who you are in Christ and the joy which comes from our Father, who tells us to Rejoice always, “Again, I say Rejoice.”  We were made to praise him and rejoice always--in good times and in bad times;

• Kindness toward all--even our enemy and those who mistreat us;

• Love that comes from knowing God

• Peace which comes from surrendering all to God and abiding in His Holy Spirit;

• Self-control, which comes from obedience to His Word because of our love for our Father.

When God wants us to endure, He helps us to endure, for He knows how much we can bear.  Always, we must ask Him what His desire is for our lives and surrender to His Will and Way.  He will not force Himself upon us.  We must be open to His teaching and His love, taking on the yoke of His Son, Jesus; for Abba Father knows what is best for us. 

Matthew 11:29, 30
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Throughout your journey, God strengthens and guides you, if you listen and lean on Him.  The end result is a stronger, wiser, more loving individual, who gives all glory to God.

On the other hand, if one tries to endure, in the flesh, with stubbornness, pride, bitterness and hatred, darkness increases their iniquities.  They cannot see that two wrongs do not make a right.  They are blinded and bewitched.  If they never give their pain and heartache over to God and allow themselves to be cleansed and healed, they allow themselves to be changed for the worse.  Darkness has prevailed over the relationship and put them both in bondage.  They never cease agonizing over the pain and hurt they endure and commit themselves to martyrdom.  They are lonely and rejected.  Theirs is an unstable mind and an unstable mind is a double-mind, always open to darkness, trying to serve two masters.

We see these double-minded people everyday.  Some of them go to church regularly, praise God and pray.  They work consistently and socialize.  However, they may be starved for attention and affection but don’t know the correct way to receive it.  They are emotionally scarred and spiritually starved;  for the bitterness and pride within does not allow them to be fortified by the Word they hear, although they pretend that this is what is keeping them.  Yet, God is a merciful God and He waits.  He tries to get their attention.  He feels their pain and wants them to let go--to humble themselves.

You may have heard someone say, “I did everything I could to make the relationship work,” or “ I did everything for them and they didn’t appreciate me.”  How sad when God’s children believe they can leave Him out of their lives, forgetting that we can do nothing without Him.

Too often, people expect loyalty because of what they’ve done for someone.  Everyday, people complain that they have given someone money and gifts and in return they betrayed them or did not give them the recognition or affection, they felt they deserved.  They count their money, time, material things and what they deem as love that they have given to others as a debt owed to them, although, they pretended to give it in love.  

Their gift had strings attached to it.  Ironically, they have given Satan permission to chain a heavy yoke around their neck and hands, with iron shackles and chains around their ankles.  They have chosen bondage instead of freedom.

People who give in this selfish way will often slander, curse, gossip, and complain about others; repaying evil for evil, because of their pride.  But, what were their motives in giving?  What were their motives for a relationship?  

The world teaches us that love must expect  reciprocation and just receiving “some” is never enough.  Those who suffer from rejection, criticism, neglect, adultery, abuse or unrequited love, feel the pangs and agony of a broken heart.  Yet, think of how much God loves us all.  Can we return the unconditional love He has given to us?  Does He stop loving us because we don’t return His love in kind?

Matthew 5:46
For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

ARE YOU WILLING TO WEAR GOD'S ARMOUR TO ENDURE?

Do you know how much your Heavenly Father loves you?  Do you want to learn to love Him?  Do you understand why He sent His Son, Jesus to die for us?  Do you love yourself?  Are you ready and willing to truly love others; even those who have mistreated you?  Are you willing to die-to-self daily and live in Christ?  Do you want to see beyond the flesh with God's eyes? 

We need the Armour of God to endure.  God's armour will aid us in helping others as well as covering us with His protection.  However, we cannot help others unless we love them as ourselves.  If we do not truly love them, then, we use them for our own pleasure, glorification and self-righteousness, just like the carnal world.  We hang on to hurtful things they have said and done.  We count all the things we have done for them.  Yet, when we count all the things we do for others, our deeds, gifts and affections are in vain.  We have our reward.  We cannot and should not count anything except our blessings and, still, all glory goes to God. 

When we give ourselves to another because of self-love, our flesh and love of the world, we have our reward and cannot expect anything greater than what the world offers.  

Likewise, when we give gifts to others expecting something in return, we have our reward in that we glorify ourselves.  God’s Word tells us that we should do everything to and for the glorification of God, the Giver of all good gifts.  He will pour us out a blessing until our cup runneth over.

God commanded us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.  

Our motive in giving must be based on the true, holy, righteous and enduring love that emanates from God.  Our relationships must be based on this love.  Our motive for endurance must be born of His Love.  And if we are betrayed in any way, our love must endure, seeing past the flesh to our true adversary, who is the same adversary of God.  

And, with this knowledge, we draw closer to God.  We not only endure, but we learn to live in His holiness and righteousness.  We are ready to wear His armour, fight in the spiritual realm and thwart the fiery darts of Satan that would rob us of our promised abundant life.

2nd Corinthians 10:3-6
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Through the humility of Christ who endured and withstood all to save us from sin, we learn to humble ourselves.  Through humility, we learn to conquer.  The humility of Christ upon the cross enabled Him to defeat Satan and rise with all power in His hands.

When we plead the blood of Jesus over a situation, we must remember why Jesus shed his blood.  It was not that we should be helpless to the evil in this world.  He showed us a selfless act that gave us power over all sin.  Therein, when we sacrifice ourselves to God, daily, dying to self, abiding in His Holy Spirit, we are given power over our enemy and the carnal world—power to endure.

Satan fools us into believing our stubbornness and pride gives us power over others and our circumstances, when in Truth, he has rendered us power-less and placed us in bondage under his control.  His false light makes us believe we are acting under God’s authority and power. However, our power and increase lies in the Fruits of God's Holy Spirit.  As John 15:1and 2 tell us, those who are fruitless will be cut off.  In other words, do not expect God to help you endure when it will be fruitless. 

John15:1,2

1. I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

There are no words that can truly describe what God actually did when He sacrificed His Son for us.  It is the epiphany of God’s Love, Grace and Mercy, which reaches beyond our understanding.  However, what we can and must understand is that He was willing and the result restored our relationship with Him.  His love for us is unconditional.  Yet, all relationships must have accountability on both sides.  God keeps His promises.  He promised never to leave us or forsake us.  His promises endure.
 

Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will  never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

He promised to provide for all our needs and our hearts desires within His Will.  He said, “ if you love Me, you will obey, Me.”  That is where our accountability begins--in our obedience to God.  Still He requires more from us. “Love one another,” Jesus said, “ as I have loved you.”
 

John 15:8-12
8   Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
9   As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you,that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

When you die-to-self, surrendering your will to Jehovah God, you show God how much you love and trust Him.  You show your love and sacrifice for your family, friends and neighbors.  You become a vessel of God to be used to bless others.  You seek and maintain healthy relationships.  It becomes easier to relate to others, even strangers, because you try to look beyond their faults to see their needs.  Your relationships flourish because you put others before yourself, as Jesus did.

Are you saved?  Yes?  But, is there something keeping you from living out your salvation?  Jesus died for us all, that we may be free from sin and fear; even sickness and disease, for by His stripes we are healed.  Jesus has saved you from whatever you are struggling with in your life.  But, your expectations, your beliefs, your pride or stubbornness may keep you from living out your salvation.

Proverbs 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

LAYING DOWN YOUR LIFE

When a fellow soldier has been wounded and is under fire, the right thing to do would be to place yourself in harm’s way to rescue them.  So, we must do for the lost, blind, bound and sleeping.  If a person has never known true kindness, sacrifice and Godly love, we must show them true kindness, sacrifice and Godly love; even if it means not receiving anything in return, or being treated unkindly by them or others.  We must humble ourselves.  Pride will tell you to not let them make a fool of you and not to trust Godly wisdom.

John15:13-17
13 Greater love hath no man than this,that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.

A LITTLE LIGHT 

When you are in a dark room, a little light may peep from under the door, just enough to cast a shadow.  If you are willing or able to open the door, the light will flood the room.  Sometimes, we must be that light to help others see in the darkness.  Even if it is just a little light, we must trust the power, grace and mercy of God for their deliverance.  Our kindness, our shielding, our sacrifice and willingness to carry them to safety, may be enough to empower them to not only survive, but to want true salvation.  It may open up their heart to trust God and open the door to let His Light flood their soul and be made whole.  Our light may help them endure.  God may  place you into someone's life for this very reason—to help them endure.

There are times when you will not escape the battlefield unscathed.  You, too, may be wounded by the incoming fire, especially if you have not equipped yourself with God’s armor.  Is this a risk anyone wants to take?  Is it a sacrifice you want to make; laying your life on the line; perhaps even for a stranger?  Can you in good conscience, just leave a wounded man on the side of the road bleeding to death in darkness?  Will your first thought be for yourself or him? 

He will require care, which means more sacrifices: medical care; time; attention; companionship; understanding; patience; provisions; nurturing; ministering; money and prayer.  “But, what about my life; my needs and desires?”, you may say.  Is the wounded man my responsibility?  Perhaps he won’t even show appreciation for what I've done.  He might even be an enemy or someone who has not been kind to you or hurt you.  More often, it is someone in your own household, church or job.  Are they worth saving?

This may sound like an extreme example that you may never face, but in our daily lives, our relationships meet similar challenges and require an answer to the question, “Is the relationship, is the person worth saving?”  Is it God's will that I be used in this situation?

In the world, heroes are rewarded, honored and even idolized.  The world sees them as having gone far above and beyond the call of duty.  As Believers, what is our duty?  What is our calling?  Will the world love us?  Will the world love us for trying to save humanity from darkness? 

John 15:19
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

When we say we are followers of Christ, we are disciples who imitate our master, becoming like Him, doing what He does.  Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice was on the cross, yet, He sacrificed Himself daily.  He did not live in self or selfishness, but did only what He saw and heard his Father tell Him to do.  He sacrificed Himself to the lost, blind, lame, deaf and dumb, the leper and demon possessed.  Yes, even to His enemies.  This same sacrifice He taught to His disciples.  He empowered His disciples and sent them into the world to heal the sick, raise the dead, bind and cast out demons, preach the Gospel, spreading the Good News that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

As Followers of Christ, we are more than worldly heroes.  We are vessels of Light--Conquerors, not driven by fear or self-preservation, but by faith, trust, holiness and righteousness and the love, wisdom  and glorification of God.  Are God’s children worth saving?  Jesus thought so and suffered the rejection of his people and the humiliation of the cross.

CAN YOU ENDURE GOD'S CHASTISEMENT AND CORRECTION?

Shall we obey God or shall we obey man?  Shall we worship the One and Only God, who alone is worthy or shall we worship the folly, foolishness and vanity of man?  Then, lean not to your own understanding.  Humble yourself and allow God to chastise and correct you.  Allow Him to show you His will for you and help you to endure.  Do not try to fight a battle that is not yours, neither can it be won by man, alone.

Proverbs 50:10
Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

Proverbs 3:5,6
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 

The battle is not yours, but the Lord’s.  Meaning, He has given you the victory and will tell you if, when, and how to fight.  It is He the carnal world rejects and fights against in vain.  Jesus told us that the world will not love us.  How can we expect the world to love and respect us, when they have no love or respect for one another?

Matthew 10:22
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Believing you, alone, have the power to endure and have things your way, is rejecting God and trying to limit His power.  Man has always tried to limit the power of God.  This was Satan’s snare, believing he could become as powerful or more powerful than the Almighty God.  Since the Garden of Eden, Satan continues to try and trick us into believing we can act on our own power and righteousness.  You cannot limit the power of God, nor take it from Him and claim it for yourself.

To those who profess to believe in Him and His Son, God sends His Holy Spirit to abide in them, apportioning His power according to their faith.  Contrary to the belief of some, God’s Holy Spirit can and will abide in us all of the time, to teach and help us to endure.  He promised never to leave us alone.  You cannot get too much of His Holy Ghost (Spirit).  There is no limit to the time one can or choose to abide in Him.  It is possible to rest and abide in His Holy Spirit throughout each and everyday, if we die to self.

Satan feeds us the lie that we cannot abide in the Holy Ghost for long to keep us from bearing good fruit.  God wants to help us all of the time, not just when we think we need Him.  He wants to commune with us throughout the day and night, being our friend, helper and teacher.  Yes, even through the night, while we lie asleep, He comes to us in our dreams to teach us how to endure and overcome the world.

ARE YOU PREPARED TO WEAR GOD'S ARMOUR?

Sentinels or Watchmen, keep watch and give fair warning of an upcoming attack.  God blesses us with His Holy Spirit to watch over us and prepare us in every way, even as Watchmen and Soldiers.  He is our Counselor to help us adjust our lives to God's plans for His Kingdom and our General to lead us in the battle of Spiritual Warfare.  He tells us when and if we are to fight; when preemptive action is needed; and when we are to stand and be still for God to move.

To wear God's armour, you need to be endowed with His Holy Spirit, who works through you, bringing to remembrance the teaching, power and truth of each plate of armor (Helmut of Salvation, Breastplate of Righteousness, Belt of Truth, Shield of Faith, Sword of the Spirit, Feet Shod with the Gospel of Peace); manifesting their power to help you endure and bear His fruit.

Loving one another is not a battle, neither should our homes and communities be a battlefield.  If we are to love as Jesus told us to love, as He loved us, we must love always and abide in Him for our love to endure.

Wearing God's armour goes hand-in-hand with bearing His fruit.  We arm ourselves to protect that which Satan would steal from us; that which he knows will ensure abundant life; that which is manifested through God's Holy Spirit.  The father of lies, our jealous adversary, seeks to kill, steal and destroy to prevent us from producing fruit, leading us into sin and ultimately—death.

So, as we put upon our armour, as we walk and live as Soldiers of Light, we must be aware of what we are protecting, as well as who is the real enemy.

Can you endure or tolerate the relationship with the wayward child, the aging parent or relative, the difficult or unfaithful spouse; the callous boss and adversarial co-workers; the judgment, mockery, ridicule, jealousy, greed, selfishness, bitterness, hatred, violence and ungratefulness of mankind?  No!  You cannot endure, not alone, and God is not asking you to do so.  He said, abide in Me and I will give you rest.  That is the true test of endurance till the end--ABIDING IN HIM; for it is through Him--His Holy Spirit within us--The Rock--that we conquer the things of this world, and the fiery darts and gates of hell shall not prevail against the Body of Jesus Christ

When you abide in His Holy Spirit, you are rooted and grounded; a tree planted by the water which cannot be moved; a soul that cannot be shaken.  You are connected to the Vine.  It is through the finished work of Jesus that we are not only forgiven from sin, but protected from sin, as we abide in God’s Holy Spirit, The Counselor, who counsels us to  become like Jesus.

As we bear the Fruits of God’s Holy Spirit and put on His armor, we not only repel the darkness, but vanquish it, claiming our Holy Territory and abundant life, conquering the world and death and enforcing the victory of Jesus.

When you abide, you are under the mind of Christ--One with Abba Father--in agreement; free from double-mindedness.  In Him lies your strength and power over your circumstances; power to endure.

Many are led to believe they must be in self to deal with difficult people and situations in the world.  They feel you must return the harshness and hatred the world gives to you, if you are to survive in this world and be treated with respect.  If there were truth in this, then, we serve a weak God and we can think the world and ourselves wiser than He.

Those who teach and preach bitterness, hatred, violence and strife are still attached to the world and love of the world.  They idolize themselves, thinking they have more power than God.  They have adopted a weak philosophy instead of a sovereign God who has all power.  God would not tell us to bear His Fruit if there were no wisdom, power and strength in them.  He would not tell us to put on His Armor if there was no protection, wisdom and power and strength in doing so.

Oh ye of little faith, if you abide in Him, Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Faith, will increase your faith.  He will release you from the hypocrisy of serving God with your lips.  He will lead you to the straight and narrow path and brighten your way, moving you beyond endurance to the higher state of conquering and deliverance.

PRAYER FOR ENDURANCE

Blessed Father, whom I love and adore, I acknowledge Your presence within me. Oh Merciful Jehovah.  I come before you with love; wanting to love you even more.  I come before thee with a repentant and humble heart, ever thanking You for my life and Your love, grace, mercy and kindness upon it.

My Father, I know the situation I am in is not pleasing to you.  I know the feelings that I sometimes have are not pleasing to you.  Lord, I am sorry for hurting you.  I am sorry for hurting others.  I know that I cannot do this by myself.  When I take matters into my own hands, that is just what I am doing—shutting You out of my life.  Please forgive me Father.  Have mercy upon me.  Help me to forgive myself and realize that I am your child.  Search my heart and remove the darkness that spreads fear, pride, and all manner of iniquity.

My faith has waned.  Forgive me, Lord.  I have put my trust in man instead of You.  Forgive me, Lord.  I have forsaken Thy teachings and Thy Word.  Forgive me, Lord.  I have lashed out with my tongue in bitterness, forsaking Your love.

Forgive me, Lord.  I have put others before You. Forgive me Lord.  I have tried to control what I have no control over.  Forgive me, Lord.  Because of my own desires, I have been a hindrance instead of a help.

Forgive me, Lord.  I have allowed my flesh to rule me instead of ruling over my flesh.  Forgive me, Lord.

Lord, Remind me of my royal covering through Christ Jesus.  Help me to abide in Your Holy Spirit, that I may be guided and corrected.  Create in me a clean heart and a steadfast love for Thee; that I will not turn from You and Your teachings. 

Purge me of my sins and deliver me from evil, that I may sow Your seeds of righteousness.  Purge me with Hyssop, that I may be a sweet smelling aroma.  Jesus, wash me and make me white as snow.

Lord, I surrender my will to You.  Where else can I turn?  Neither friend or foe has power to bring me out of the darkness that surrounds me.  Set my feet upon solid ground, so that I may endure my trials and tribulations in holiness and righteousness. 

Father, I know that Your smile upon me will bring me peace.  I know that Your Righteous Hand upon me will keep me ever close to You and teach me Thy Ways.  Lord, Your Will be done, not mine.

My Redeemer, I accept Thy Will for me.  Speak to my heart and let Thy Will be known.  Let my obedience show my love for You.  Please keep me on the right path as I walk through the valley of darkness.  Let me not stray and be swallowed up in sin and death.

Father, the enemy is encamped around me, seeking to devour me.  He has taken my loved ones captive.  He uses them to torment and weaken me.  My God, You are my Strong Tower, My Rock.  In Thee I trust.  Your Truth sustains me.  Your Truth gives light where there is none.

Father, pain presses upon my heart.  I am abused; taken advantage of; lied to; rejected; shunned; betrayed and forgotten.  When I try to do good, evil overtakes me.  Sometimes, I feel that I am alone, only to realize that I have forgotten You.  Forgive me Father.  Strengthen me and mold me into who You would have me to be.  Have Your way, Dear Lord.  I am nothing without You.

Father me, Dear Lord, for I am in need of Your strong hand and unconditional love.  The enemy would have devoured me, had You not reached down to save me.  I thank You, Father.  I praise Your Name.  My back grows weary from looking down.  My eyes are tired and sore from the tears that have poured like rain from within them.  

Bring me to my knees, Father, that I may commune with you in holiness.  Walk with me, my Lord and Saviour, that I may learn to follow in Thy footsteps.

Jesus, Father, Holy Spirit, You have chosen to abide in me because of Your love for me.  My brother, I love you more than these.  I love you more than the world.  I crown You as my King. Father,  You are Lord over my Life.  Master of my ship. I am Your servant, Your Vessel.  Help me to be Your Ambassador in the face of adversity.

Jesus, I thank You for interceding on my behalf to our most merciful Father.  I thank you for dying for my sins and the sins of the world.

Jesus, my brother, teach me to follow our Father's voice, at all times, lest I be lost.  Jesus, teach me to obey our Father.  Lift the burdens that press upon me and place Your yoke upon my neck, that I may endure and overcome the darkness of the world.  Set my eyes upon Your Kingdom.  Make me worthy to enter Thy Kingdom and serve Thee forever more.

Jesus, open my heart and increase my faith.  Restore my joy that I may rejoice in the Lord at all times.  Place Your everlasting Light within me to shine upon others.  I desire to know You and our Father, that I may be made perfect in You. 

Jesus, when I felt hopeless, You showed me hope.  When I felt alone, You let me know You were there.  When I was filled with grief, You comforted me.  I have found my rest within You; for You are Peace.  I have found assurance within You; for You are Truth.  I have found direction in You; for You are The Way.  I have found hope within You; for You are Life.  Now, within this life, I know I can endure every storm, if I keep my eyes upon You.  If it be the will of the Father, I will withstand the storm, anchored to Your love and guidance.  I will endure.

Jesus!  Hold me up in obedience to Abba Father!  Let my testimony be of praise and worship for His boundless blessings!  Let my song be Hallelujah, proclaiming He is God and God alone!  Let me Walk in the Light, for He is in the Light and may I thereby endure in love and fellowship with my fellow man.

Amen.  Amen.  Amen.

By the grace and mercy of Jehovah, God,
Your servant and soldier

mishael