Crossing Over in Pursuit of the Enemy 7-8-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I long for Your living waters to keep rising up and flowing out of me. ... "So David set out, he and the six hundred men who were with him. They came to the Wadi Besor, where those stayed who were left behind. But David went on with the pursuit, he and four hundred men; two hundred stayed behind, too exhausted to cross the Wadi Besor" (1 Samuel 30:9-10). The enemy of our souls comes in "to steal and kill and destroy" just as David's enemies came in to steal the people and possessions entrusted to his care and near to his heart (John 10:10; 1 Samuel 30:1-6). And many "turn bitter in spirit" against God and God's leaders (v. 30:6). Part of the enemy's strategy is to get us blaming You and one another instead of blaming the one who came to steal and kill and destroy. It makes us weary and discouraged, bitter and angry, so that we have no spirit to rise up and fight for or inheritance and all You have entrusted to us. So many are "left behind" and "too exhausted" to cross over from depression to determination, from being a victim to being victorious. But You have not left Your people without Your warriors. "David strengthened himself in the Lord his God" (v. 30:6). And "David inquired of the Lord" for Your divine strategies for the plan of heaven to come against the hordes of hell (v. 30:8). Your word in response to his prayers was not one of waiting or appeasement or treaty with evil; it was "Pursue; for you will surely overtake and shall surely rescue" (v. 30:8). Even though some would stay behind, some rise up and join the battle to follow the man of God, led by the Lord to pursue and overcome and take back all the enemy had stolen. "The kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force" (Matthew 11:12). And in Your abundant mercy and unfailing love, when the battle is fought and won, even those who held back -- because they either could not or would not rise up and cross over into the battle -- will rejoice in receiving the blessings of the restoration of all that was taken from them (1 Samuel 30:24-25). Lord, open my eyes to see all the enemy has stolen from me. Let my anger be turned toward the enemy of my soul, the spiritual forces of wickedness who come to take my inheritance and all I love and hold dear (Ephesians 6:12). By Your grace, I will not give in to discouragement, weariness, bitterness, or despair. I will seek You and the wisdom of Your divine strategies with those You are calling to join with me to cross over into the battle. Together, we will "fight the good fight of the faith" and "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness" as we "take hold of the eternal life to which (we) were called" (1 Timothy 6:11-12). And the victory of the cross You enforce through our lives, "the God of peace will soon crush Satan under (our) feet" (Romans 16:20). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays "The Fountain School of Spiritual Ministry" led by Tommy Hays July 24-26, 2008 (Be equipped & empowered as a spiritual leaders for spiritual ministry -- suggested donation $75.00) CHILD CARE AVAILABLE - Please contact Marilyn Walker for detailsand for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) NEW DATE -August 2-3, 2008 RETREAT - "The Shepherd's Pen" -- Come away to hear the Shepherd's voice and embrace His healing touch, led by Tommy Hays and Laura Beach of Messiah Ministries. Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org Daily Archives: www.morningbymorning.blogspot.com