often times a lot of us don't know why the devil is fighting us we'll scratch our head and think is it just me was it something I did but let me tell you something the reason why the devil fights us a lot of the time is because he wants to keep you from discovering what's inside you the devil is afraid of who you will become should you fully commit to the lord the devil is afraid of you discovering the gifts that God gave you often times we don't know why the devil is fighting us but
may I submit to you that you have a gift inside you a gift that will anger the kingdom of darkness your gift is what the enemy is trying to stifle it's what he's trying to choke out of you so he will throw naysayers your way he will throw discouragers your way the enemy sends people your way he sends the Pharisees the Sadducees those people who are self-righteous and consider themselves to be highly educated and better than you he sends them to try and talk you out of your calling you can't sing worship you can't teach
the Bible you can't preach but you see the devil can can throw these rocks but none will injure you the devil will throw fiery darts at you but none will pierce you that's why the Bible says your gift will make room for you your gift will make room for you because no weapon formed against you will prosper and I'd like to add to the fact that in order for us to realize our gifts for us to fully experience the gifts that God has placed within us there has to be a desperation about us we desperately
need to be filled with the Holy Spirit we desperately need to get the word of God in our hearts we desperately need to get on our knees in prayer that's how you'll learn your gifts and know what it is that God has placed inside of you if you want to live out your calling if you want to walk effectively in your assignment you have to know you need to know what it is he has placed in you and if you're wondering what these so-called gifts are 1 Corinthians 12: 7-1 says to each is given the
manifestation of the spirit for the common good for to one is given through the spirit the other utterance of wisdom and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the Same Spirit to another Faith by The Same Spirit to another Gifts of healing by the one Spirit to another the working of Miracles to another prophecy to another the ability to distinguish between spirits to another various kinds of tongues to another the interpretation of tongues all these are empowered by one and the Same Spirit who apportions to each one individually as he Wills the Bible is
clear that to each there are spiritual gifts but the devil doesn't care that you have gifts as long as he can keep you from activating them if he can keep you in the dark if he can discourage you then his job is done this is why wisdom and knowledge is so important for the believer the devil is after you because of the gift inside of you and some of you will keep finding yourself under attack one after the other one battle followed by another constant opposition but hear me it's like this you're attacked like this
because as you are making Str rides in your spiritual life as you are growing in faith he knows that sooner or later you're going to break through and realize or recognize your gifts that is why the attacks are launched but during that time during a season of Attack as a child of God you should be persistant a thief doesn't break into an empty house they don't there's nothing of value in a house that's empty there's nothing to steal but when you find the devil trying to break into your life it's because he knows he knows
what's inside you he knows the heights that you can reach he knows the value the gift inside of you and that's what he wants the enemy hates the Christian man or woman who is walking in their calling operating in their gift with power with humility with Integrity all for the glory of God that's what the enemy hates to see in as much as we all have unique gifts each unique gift comes with its own set of unique battles there are evil forces that come against you specifically to try and delay the cultivation of your gift
they come against you to stop the realization of your gift or to Simply distract you when you are under spiritual attack that's almost always a sign a strong sign that you're doing something right it means you're on the right side darkness is in opposition to light evil is in opposition to good fear is in opposition to Faith and likewise when you're a child of God when you're living and breathing for God you're in opposition to the devil so expect opposition now because you're living for Christ you will inevitably grow in him and the more you
mature the more you develop in your relationship with him the more the devil will realize that you are edging closer and closer to your calling and so this is one of the primary reasons you'll begin to experience spiritual warfare the gifts and callings are without repentance so that means anybody can have them but it is the anointing that makes the difference it makes all the difference I hear my pastor talk all the time about how we have anointed singers at our church but he says that there's somebody out there under a bridge somewhere that can
sing someone out of a coma so don't get it twisted don't be fooled by God using you don't think that just because God is using you he approves of what you're doing we have to make sure that we live a life worthy of the calling live a life worthy I heard a preacher many years ago say don't let your call take you where your character can't keep you that saying blessed my life because doors will open and people will want to hear what you have to say check your motives and check your maturity and make
sure that when you go through the door it's one that God is opening for you you need to learn your gifts one thing about the gifts is that many times we're ignorant regarding them many of us don't even know why the devil is fighting us you have no idea what you're packing seriously learn your gifts get with the Holy Spirit get in the word learn your gifts and know what it is that God has placed inside you if you want to live out your calling if you want to walk effectively in your assignment you have
to know you have to know what he's placed in you if you are out there doing all these great feats and everyone sees this Mighty call on you but you have no power in your personal life oh he's a okay with that but what he hates is people walking in their calling with power with the anointing and with integrity that gives the devil a whole headache he hates to see you walking in your calling with the anointing and integrity for what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his
own soul or what will a man give in exchange for his soul today I want to speak to you if you've ever looked at someone else in thought I I wish I was gifted like that person if you've ever thought if only I was that talented I'd like to read the parable of the talents to you Matthew 25: 14-29 the scripture says again the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip he called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone he
gave five bags of silver to one two bags of silver to another and one bag of silver to the last dividing it in proportion to their abilities he then left on his trip the servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more the servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more but the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the Master's money after a long time their Master returned from his trip and called
them to give an account of how they had used his money the servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said Master you gave me five bags of silver to invest and I have earned five more the master was full of Praise well done my good and faithful servant you have been faithful in handling this small amount so now I will give you many more responsibilities let's celebrate together the servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said Master you gave me two
bags of silver to invest and I have earned two more the master said well done my good and faithful servant you've been faithful in handling this small amount so now I will give you more responsibilities let's celebrate together then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said master I knew you were a harsh man harvesting crops you didn't plant and Gathering crops you didn't cultivate I was afraid I would lose your money so I hid it in the earth look here is your money back but the master replied you Wicked and lazy
servant if you knew I harvested crops I didn't plant and gathered crops I didn't cultivate why didn't you deposit my money in the bank at least I could have gotten some interest on it then he ordered take the money from this servant and give it to the one with the 10 bags of silver to those who use well what they are given even more will be given and they will have an abundance but from those who do nothing even what little they have will be taken away I want to encourage you and remind you that
God has entrusted you with a gift he's entrusted you with a talent you're called to serve in the kingdom of God so stop looking at others comparison comparison is the thief of Joy so don't look at what others are doing or at what others have been given focus on doing the best for the Lord with what you have there is treasure within you and I want you to commit to the Lord's task and harvest knowing that Jesus Christ will reward your due diligence if you're called to encourage others do it with all your heart if
you can sing sing for the glory of God if you can support missionary work then do so with all your heart whatever you have been entrusted with may you use that gift and talent to glorify the name of the Lord now as we go to the Lord let's keep in mind that we want to ask him to help us be a good Steward over what he has entrusted us with we want to take every opportunity we have to glorify the name of the Lord with our gifts and with our talents Lord Jesus I pray for
each and every person under the sound of my voice God I pray that you would reveal the gifts and talents that you have planted within them reveal the treasure that's inside every man every woman every boy or girl listening God give them a heart that seeks to use their gifts for your glory help us Lord Jesus so that we may not procrastinate or put off working for your kingdom Lord don't let us be lazy or take the gifts you have entrusted us with casually don't let us take them for granted but give us a sense
of urgency so that we may work and invest in the Kingdom of Heaven instead of this Earth Colossians 3 verses 23- 2 and whatever you do do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance for you serve the Lord Christ but he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done and there is no partiality Lord whatever our task may be in the body of Christ whatever our role may be in the Kingdom May the Holy Spirit help us
to be diligent workers when it comes to the things of God Lord help us to put forward our very best effort when it comes to glorifying your name Lord Jesus we commit the works of our hands to you father all that we do may it be pleasing to you may all of our plans and Ambitions begin and end with your name being glorified and uplifted and all our endeavors and all that we place our effort in May you not only anoint our hands but lead us guide us so that we can be servants that are
effective and impactful in this world all for your glory Lord Jesus and Lord I pray for each and every person who is listening and maybe Wonder ing what is their gift what is their Calling May the Holy Spirit reveal their gift to them your word says in 1 Corinthians 12: 7-10 a spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other to one person the spirit gives the ability to give wise advice to another the same spirit gives a message of special knowledge the same spirit gives great faith to another and
to someone else the one spirit gives the gift of healing he gives one person the power to perform Miracles and another the ability to prophesy he gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the spirit of God or from another Spirit still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said help us holy spirit Spirit to identify the gift and the calling that is on our life help us to flourish with humility as we use these gifts for
the glory of the kingdom of God lord Jesus we give you glory praise and honor and all that we do may your name be lifted up there is no good thing that comes without you Jesus and so we praise you for being merciful kind and loving God God I thank you for listening to this prayer we pray it in the mighty matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ amen when you think about some of the Heroes of Faith in the Bible and all the trials they went through you'll see that all of them
had one thing in common they were unshakable in their faith they were strong in faith Daniel was thrown into the lion's den but he held on to God Paul and Silas were beaten chained up and imprisoned but they still praised God Moses stood in front of the Red Sea and called on God these are all great examples of men who stood their ground and trusted in the Lord even when all the odds were against them no matter what they faced their faith was not shaken their faith was not broken because they knew that the god
whom they served is bigger greater and more powerful than anything or anyone else who they could come up against we can learn a lot from the Believers in the Bible and from how they dealt with adversity because even in the present day we often find ourselves in situations where our faith is put to the test and we must decide how we will respond your trial may not look like theirs your trial may not be a den of hungry lions or being chased by an Egyptian Army into an enormous body of water but it might seem
just as hopeless and just as intimidating but here's what the Bible says in 1 Peter 1 6-7 in all this you greatly Rejoice though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of Trials these have come so that the proven genuiness of your faith of Greater worth than gold which perishes even the though refined by fire may result in Praise Glory and Honor when Jesus Christ is revealed no matter what your hardship might be be strong in faith don't allow yourself to be moved because as soon as you
let go of God's sure promises you are bound to get swept up into the madness of this world Jesus Christ is the only sure Foundation a theologian by the name of Martin Luther once said something remarkable he said I have held many things in my hands and I have lost them all but whatever I have placed in God's hands that I still possess think about what we're being told here everything that this man has held on to and put his hands on everything that he's tried to fix and change he's lost it all he's been
unsuccessful with but he says whatever I have placed in God's hands that I still possess in other words he's saying I had better success in life when I've left things in God's hands and dear friends that's what I want to encourage you to do today leave it in God's hands that means pray about it stand on God's word concerning that issue or problem fast and believe God for it but more importantly leave it in the hands of the master and let me tell you this when you take things into your hands you are being disobedient
to God because the Bible says trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding the Amplified translation for 1 Peter 5: 7 says casting all your cares all your anxieties all your worries and all your concerns once and for all on him for he cares about you with deepest affection and watches over you very carefully furthermore Philippians 4: 6-7 says be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the Peace of God which surpasses all understanding will
guard your hearts and Minds through Christ Jesus this is telling you that if you have something you're worried about pray about it make your requests known to God and leave it in his hands if there is something that's making you anxious the Bible tells you to cast all all your cares on Jesus Christ is there an issue with your children is there a private sin you're wrestling with whatever it is remember that we are not to worry about anything instead pray about everything tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done
only then then can you and I experience God's peace which exceeds anything we can understand his peace will guard your hearts and Minds as you live in Christ Jesus faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of Things Not Seen faith is believing in the promises of God faith is believing what your natural eyes can't see let me put it this way faith says I don't have to physically see the blood of Jesus for me to believe that I'm protected faith says I don't have to physically see angels for me to believe the
word of God that tells me that the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him faith says I don't even have to see the holy spirit for me to believe that he has power and he is a comforter and a teacher you see faith is a requirement for every believer it is the core of our Christian Living it's by faith that we come to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior it is also by faith that we live our lives with joy and gladness knowing that there is eternity to be spent with
the father above and perhaps one of the most prominent verses in the Bible about faith is Hebrews 11:6 but without faith it is impossible possible to please him for he who comes to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him Are you standing in faith are you living by faith are you walking by faith faith is a life of action based on what you believe to be true for example the action of not worrying that is a result of you having the faith that God is
in control the of not trying to fix everything that too is a result of you having the faith that God is in control Jesus Christ said let not your hearts be troubled why did he say this because he wants you to have faith that he will take care of all your needs another way to understand or Define faith can be summed up in the following way Faith is doing your part which is trusting God to do his part your part is to believe that's all you need to do and then you leave God to do
his part your part is to stand on God's word his word that says nothing is impossible with God so let me ask you are you doing your part are you believing are you believing and standing on God's word are you walking by faith and not by sight strong faith comes from knowing and believing that Jesus Christ not only rose from the dead but he defeated the devil he defeated death hell and the grave strong faith comes from meditating on God's word strong faith is cultivated and developed when you not only read the word of God
but you internalize it you Ponder on it and dwell on it I would even go so far as saying strong faith comes as a product of great trials circumstances change people change social norms and public perceptions change but the word of God remains true forever in the Book of Matthew Jesus says Heaven and Earth will pass away but my words will not pass away that's why we can stand confidently in him that's why we can cling to him when we feel like we're slipping away into the chaos of life he will rescue us and place
our feet back on On Solid Ground what does it mean to be unshakable in your faith it doesn't mean never having doubts it doesn't mean never being afraid it simply means that when Trouble Comes our way we don't panic we don't lose hope we don't turn to the world or to ourselves for answers instead we are able to rest in the promises of God the thing about Daniel andul Paul and Moses was that they understood the stakes they understood that even if nothing went their way even if they ended up suffering deeply it would be
worth it because knowing Jesus was so valuable so precious to them can the same be said for you do you treasure Jesus above your own life he is worthy and he wants you to experience Abundant Life by trusting him and obeying his word so when Trouble Comes Your Way stand firm be unable be immovable be unshakable in Psalm 119:71 David said it is good for me that I have been Afflicted that I may learn your statutes and I've always asked the question how can it be good for you to be afflicted how is there any
good for you to go through pain tribulation and hard times now if I could draw your attention to acts 14: 21-22 the Bible reads they preached the good news to that City and made many disciples then they returned to lisra and to Iconium and to Antioch strengthening and establishing the hearts of the disciples encouraging them to remain firm in the faith saying it is through many tribulations and hardships that we must enter the kingdom of God now I believe that Affliction although is unpleasant it is necessary for the Christian man or woman because if it
were not for the struggle you're going through how would you know that God will never leave you nor forsake you if it were not for the Affliction in your body how else would you know that by his stripes we are healed if it were not for the financial challenges that you faced how would you have known that the Lord is a provider I believe that as we go through life and face different trials should we remain in the Lord should we continue trusting in the mighty name of Jesus Christ should we stand firm and believe
God's promises to be true then we will experience what the Bible talks about in J 1: 2:4 consider it nothing but joy my brothers and sisters whenever you fall into various trials be assured that the testing of your faith through experience produces endurance leading to spiritual maturity and inner peace and let endurance have its perfect result so that you may be perfect and completely developed in your faith lacking in nothing afflictions bring about a result in you it leads to spiritual maturity it produces endurance afflictions will result in you praying with a purpose afflictions will
leave you with a desire to really connect with God because you know that you cannot go through this battle with your own strength when the Lord allows you to go through tough times when he allows you to face certain obstacles he is refining molding and shaping you in his divine plan he knows that this situation will build your character this situation will build your faith this situation will build your prayer life so be encouraged the Lord is Sovereign the Lord is in control I'm sure that each of us when we've gone through certain things in
life when we Face difficulties or challenges if you're anything like me then you will go through that situation trying to feel figure out how will this work for my good when we are in trouble how many of us want details from God how many of us ask God why am I going through this how many of us ask God questions like God if you're going to make a way out for me how exactly are you going to do it at precisely what time will you come to my rescue how long will I have to go
through this before things actually start turning around for my good but God doesn't always give us answers while we are in the fire all we can do is have faith in his promises promises like those found in nem 1:7 which says the Lord is good a stronghold in the day of trouble and he knows those who trust in him we ought to hold on to the promises like those found in psalm 55:22 which says cast your burden on the Lord and He Shall sustain you he shall never permit the righteous to be [Music] moved as
you mature in Christ as you grow and develop in your knowledge of God the holy spirit will work within you to broaden your horizons and shift your perspective 2 Timothy 2: 21 says therefore if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable he will be a vessel for honorable use set apart as holy useful to the master of the house ready for every good work so the experiences that I go through the hardships the difficulties the testings the trials the Sorrows they're all a part of God's necessary preparation as he is seeking to prepare the vessel
to be used by the master as he empties me of myself that he might fill me with his fullness that I no longer live for my own Glory but I Live Now for his glory that I serve him in such a way that it brings glory to him this is why the Bible says in Matthew chap 5: 16 let your light so shine before men that when they see your good works they glorify your father which is in heaven as you experience the love of Jesus Christ as you experience a deep and rewarding relationship perspective
what is your perspective as a believer in Christ I ask this question because at some point in your walk with the Lord as you know him more and more you have to shift your perspective from God take me here take me over there to Lord I Thank you for how far you've brought me I thank you because I am no longer where I used to be perspective your perspective goes from always asking and always seeking to receive from God and it shifts to you always seeking to serve him your prayer becomes Lord how can I
serve you Lord make me a vessel for your use we can never repay the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us on the cross we could never find the appropriate words to fully Express how thankful we are for his Amazing Grace for his Everlasting mercy and Providence now now it is my belief that all we can offer to the Lord as a sign of gratitude is our lives all we can offer Jesus Christ is ourselves we cannot repay him we cannot compensate the Lord or do anything to equal his sacrifice but I tell you the
least we can do is serve him the least we can do is to become a servant of the Lord now there may be someone who has gotten to the point where you are so low that you think God has forgotten you there may be someone who finds themselves today at a point of uncertainty you don't know whether to turn left or right you don't know whether to cry or smile and regarding whatever it is that's making you feel this way if it's sin if it's addiction if it's your marriage or if it's the fact that
you can't seem to find someone to marry if it's your job or financial situation I want to encourage you to pray about it pray about it before you give up pray about it before you look anywhere else pray about it before you look to anyone else and the reason I'm telling you to pray about it is because too often when we find ourselves in these certain positions we either drift away and get lost in the sea of our problems or we start paddling trying to find a way out of our problems we start trying to
use our own strength to get out of the messes we're in we do our best to use our resources and know how just to try to save ourselves but I would like to encourage you to pray about it call on the name that is above every other name the name of Jesus pray about it and call on the lion of the tribe of Judah I want to share something with you I have seen many people walk in and out of my life some came and they were a blessing some came and they were a challenge
I've met people who I thought were be in my life for many many years but sadly and often unexpectedly they walked away however I have also met a handful of people who to my surprise became my encouragers they were my teammates in the things of God however for one reason or another they came for a season they served their purpose but then life careers ambition missions callings they took us in different directions however out of all the people we will ever come across in life there is only one who will never disappoint us there is
only one who can satisfy our Soul's deepest needs there is only one who has ever uttered the words I will never leave you nor forsake you and was able to keep the promise his name is Jesus Christ there is none like him there is none who can rival him there is none on Earth or any person who has ever lived who can come close to Jesus Christ he loves with an unconditional love he speaks with unmatchable wisdom he is the Good Shepherd and his presence it casts out all fear all unclean things an anxiety have
to leave his presence heals it renews and it restores at the sound of his name demons tremble on this Earth miracles happen Healing The Sick restoring sight to the blind unstopping deaf ears all those are a part of his resume he is the way the truth and the life and so so dear friend when you open your heart and embrace all that Jesus Christ has to offer this will impact your life this decision is the one that will radically transform your life if you really surrender and embrace the Lord not only does he bring eternal
life but in this present day here on this Earth if you truly surrender to Jesus Christ he's able to bring you to joy and how many of us could do with a little more joy in our lives Psalm 16:1 says you make known to me the path of life in your presence there is fullness of joy at your right hand are Pleasures forever more when Jesus Christ comes into your heart he brings joy and you will discover that Joy is ever present in your darkest hour Joy is ever present in the midst of chaos and
that is simply because Jesus Christ is the source of Joy so I ask you dear friends have you invited the Lord into your heart have you embraced him have you met the one who can offer Amazing Grace have you met the one who can heal your deepest scars have you met you met the one who raised Lazarus from the dead if you haven't met him you can you can accept him in your life today and he will come into your heart he is the one who can renew he can restore he can rejuvenate Jesus Christ
the son of God he is waiting for you to seek him the word of God teaches us that faith is the key to everything for the believer in Christ it's by faith that we come to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior it's also by faith that we live our lives with joy and gladness knowing that there is eternity to be spent with the father above and perhaps one of the most prominent verses in the Bible about faith is Hebrews 11:6 but without faith it is impossible to please him for he who comes to
God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him this underlines just how much faith is required for the believer and on the topic of Faith there are times you have to encourage yourself there are times that you'll have to learn to talk to yourself and tell yourself the promises of God tell yourself who God says you are and when you do this you will find that it will lift you up to walk on top of your situation rather than underneath it it will lift your faith tell
yourself the word of God such as nahem 1:7 the Lord is good a refuge in times of trouble he cares for those who trust him tell yourself Isaiah 4 ver 29 he gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak tell yourself Deuteronomy 31:8 the Lord himself goes before you and will be with you he will never leave you nor forsake you do not be afraid do not be discouraged when I read Jeremiah 33:3 which says call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do
not know when I read that scripture I hear the word of God telling me to pray about it whatever situation you face today whatever circumstances or situation God wants you to call on him Psalms 50:15 says call on me in the day of trouble I will deliver you and you will honor me that means pray about it so let your hope be found in God he says trust me in your times of trouble and I will rescue you he says abide in me and I will restore you he says come to me all who are
weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest I would like to ask you the question how is your heart today today both spiritually and physically what is the condition of your heart are you troubled are you worried or maybe anxious John 14:1 says let not your heart be troubled you believe in God believe also in me these words spoke by Jesus should give you comfort and if you're still needing reasons to be convinced at to why you should not let your heart be troubled the word of God in John 14:27 says peace I
leave with you my peace I give to you not as the world gives do I give to you let not your heart be troubled neither Let It Be Afraid and Isaiah 43:2 reads when you pass through the waters I will be with you and through the rivers they shall not over flow you when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned nor shall the flame Scorch you and finally Psalm 23:4 says yay though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for you are with me your
rod and your staff they comfort me God has said Peace I leave with you my peace I give to you not as the world gives do I give to you let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid if you are drowning in worry if the waters are too deep and you're struggling to catch your breath God has said when you pass through the waters I will be with you and through the rivers they shall not overflow you even if you are in a scary place if it feels like rock bottom remember the
word of God though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for you are with me your rod and your staff they comfort me [Music]
