This word of knowledge was giving on Thursday, February 17, 2022. I have Shamah's permission to share this word publicly. 

This encounter with the LORD took place this morning during my personal Bible study time. This was a continued word of knowledge GOD provided me concerning Shamah Taylor, but it also applies to (name purposely left out). Because these individuals are not with me this morning and I need a way to communicate to them this word of the LORD. I decided to file this account into Newford Ministries’ archive and create a video to these individuals to convey the message I am seeing in picture form in my mind’s eyes. 

​During our last Bible study, GOD placed a word in my mouth for Shamah that was applicable to (name purposely left out) as well. But in this transcription, I am speaking directly to Shamah. But this is for (name purposely left out) too. (GOD is speaking to HIS prophets).
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In most of the content here, GOD is sharing and reflecting on the things HE said to you (Shamah) this past Sunday through HIS apostle. Then GOD later confirmed what HE said concerning you (Shamah) in our Bible study through the Scriptures and through a modern-day illustration.

GOD said concerning you that there is this fire that HE has placed in you that has laid dormant within you for years. [It laid asleep (inactive, undeveloped, hidden, quiet, unexpressed) as you were wandering in and through this world (your wilderness season) as you try to figure you and your life out].

With your recent changes and growth, that fire is finally trying to ignite (as in stir up, awaken, light, burst into flames). For the sole purpose so that it can always be lit up – on fire for GOD.
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But the fire that is within you is currently flickering like a cigarette lighter that is struggling to catch fire because it is stuck. We need to stop for a minute and take a sidebar to explain this part. 
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Imagine for a minute the illustration GOD used on Sunday concerning a cigarette lighter that was flickering – it was hard to light its flame.
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​There can be several different reasons that a lighter won’t stay lit:

• The lighter gets stuck or broken
• The metal wheel on top gets rusty and won’t spin
• Dirt gets inside the lighter
• The lighter is low or runs out of fuel, etc.

But in your case, with this illustration GOD used, HE clearly indicated that for a season the fire that HE placed in you would not light because you were stuck.  

Recall on Sunday, GOD said HE has placed a fire in you. Not power but fire. (I find this interesting). On Sunday, GOD clarified for us what was the purpose of that fire. For it is for the shred purpose of consuming. To consume anything and everything that is not like HIM.

Today, GOD gave me more clarity concerning what HE meant through my perosnal Bible lesson today.

I was studying the book of Judges, chapter 6, when I got stuck on a particular chapter for several days. As I was studying, verse 21 kept jumping at me. So, let's read
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This Scripture led me to one of the footnotes referenced in the King James Version, which says. 

Immediately, the word GOD gave you during Sunday’s Bible study about the cigarette lighter illustration came to my mind. And then HE took me to Jeremiah 1:10, which reads.

We need to read that verse again, starting at verse 4 to verse 10. 

After reading verse 10, I was giving another illustration to confirm what the LORD spoke to you on Sunday. [Keep in mind, this is a second illustration GOD is giving concerning the same matter. In the Bible, one of the meanings of two is verification of facts by witnesses. GOD is verifying and sealing your prophethood (now we understand this is the SPIRIT OF A PROPHET and NOT the office of a prophet) through two illustrations coherent with the Scriptures].

GOD showed me a construction company preparing to build a new facility on a new land. This new building project was going to serve the purpose of benefiting the community and therefore, the community was behind this building project. But before the building can begin, the company has to bring in new equipment that will 

• Tear down existing buildings on the property
• It has to uproot trees, planets, etc., that will impede the building plans
• It even has to overthrow people and groups that may resist the development of the project
• As well as destroy some bad agents in the process (compare this company’s strategies and building plan to Jeremiah 1:10).

But once all these things have been achieved, then the construction company can build as well as add new plants (or life) around the premise of the new land.
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This is what the LORD is calling you two to do in the name of Jesus. To tear down, uproot, overtake, and destroy these things ( false doctrine, lying prophets, false teachings), demonic oppression, and attacks to restore order, peace and GOD's will within the land by building new altars to the LORD throughout your assigned region and planting new life in the hearts and minds of the people – both circumcised and uncircumcised hearts.  

Another helpful resource to this word is provided in the video below - There Is A Flame Buring Within.
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​You cannot overcome ANY form of sin or temptation without ALL of the following in place. 
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​This is a requirement. No ands, ifs, or buts concerning having God as part of your intervention team. (See Matthew 11:28-30). Without Him, you will find yourself having one relapse after another. Only to succumb to the burdens of your sinful desires one year after the next. Your will power to quit smoking; drinking; engaging in sexual perversive acts like homosexuality, bestiality, porn, adultery, child pornography, violence, or other sinful acts that damage your body, mental state, health, your family; those that you victimize, take advance of or abuse; and even destroy your community. Your self-determination is not enough. It is not! This is why more than 99% of people NEVER overcome their sin, at least in the long run. They might have bursts or short-run of successes that eventually will lead them right back to the same hold in the wall because they never leaned on and depended upon the only Source that has the power to either take it all away in a blink of an eye. (Compare to Mark 10:27). Or sustain us through our process so that we never fall back into the pit we crawled out of. (Compare to 2 Corinthians 12:7-10). HE IS REQUIRED IF YOU WANT TO SEE REAL SUCCESS.
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What we must not only understand but also accept is our limitations as humans. (Compare to Isaiah 55:8-10). Yes! Self-discipline is important, but it is not enough. Yes! Will power is needed, but this too is not enough. Yes! Positive thinking is a necessity, but the reality is we often battle with negative thoughts whether it is from the people around us or our own minds trying to coach us to do not the right thing but the wrong thing. (Compare to 1 Corinthians 9:24-27). It is foolish to think self-determination is the only thing we need. WE ARE IMPERFECT BEINGS. Which means we have inherited a desire to purposely fall short. (Romans 3:21-23). Let’s be honest here. There are moments I just want to have sex. It ain’t got to be with a woman. OUR SEXUAL DESIRES, THE NEED TO FULFILL IT, IS NOT ABOUT GENDER! IT IS ABOUT FULFILLING THAT URGE. Technically, that is not the issue – that is the desire to fulfill your sexual urges. Our bodies are wired to reproduce. Therefore, whether you are a man or a woman, your body NATURALLY desires to fulfill the specific purpose for which your DNA has been programmed to do. So, at times, when my sexual urges go into full assault. It is not necessarily because I need to be with a woman. It is simply that I have a desire to meet a sexual yearning, which makes me normal and human. 

When those times occur, I have a choice. To act or not to act. Now, if left completely up to me, I will fulfill that need one way or the other. THAT’S A FACT! I AM HUMAN. But due to my circumstances, that is, I am single, not married. Therefore, it will be a sin on my part to engage in ANY sexual acts. That is oral, dry humping, foreplay, masturbation, porn, fornication, homosexuality, or especially sex outside of marriage, etc. But again. If left up to me, I would fulfill my urging as I see fit. 

​As my accountability partner always says to me, “this body wants what it wants.” And therefore, we must beat our bodies into submission. And the point we must understand. We will always fail at this if we do not include the one source that Jesus himself has sent back to help us endure through all things. (Compare to John chapters 14 through 16). Holy Spirit is our anchor. He endows us with the power and strength that is not manmade to overcome anything that is impossible for us to fully overcome. 

You can be successful without an accountability partner. But it is not recommended. Because it will be extremely difficult to be faithful to challenging moments without one. Think about it like starting a diet or a new exercise routine with the goal to lose 50 pounds. Our natural tendency is to cheat on our diet when we start to crave the foods that we are supposed to eliminate or cut back on. Then there are those days we forego working out because we are too tired or feel lazy. This is why people hire a trainer. Someone who can monitor our progress and push us when we are heading off course from the plan that was designed for us. On the days when we are tempted to cheat or to be lazy is when an accountability partner will prove to be valuable. A good and disciplined accountability partner will help you to overcome that sinful desire to cheat, to be lazy, to give in, or even give up. They will talk sense to us when we are not talking sense. 

The loving act of an accountability partner is that he or she will show us US when we do not want to face truths or the reality of our own demise. They will keep us grounded by being transparent and honest with us – even when it hurts our feelings. They do not contribute to our lack of discipline or shortcomings by approving and supporting our bad habits. Instead, they point them out to us with the goal to build us up; to make us better men and women. AND THEY NEVER COVER OUR ERRORS. Instead, they expose them to us (Ephesians 5:11).  

A great accountability partner is balance. They know when to show tough love because that is what we need. They know when to show compassion and mercy because that is what we need. They are our biggest cheerleader/fan – celebrating with us every small step of successes we make. They are that additional blessing that God provides. Adding a fourth cord to God’s already guaranteed 3 cord strand binds to a successful life. (Compare to Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

​I felt led to share this, this morning. So, whomever this is for, I hope it helped.

It is extremely important, that in this season, during this brief period of testing of all Saints (2 Corinthians 13:5). We must be mindful that God does not MOVE on man’s timetable. Nor DOES He always does things according to the way man thinks it should be done. GOD IS SOVEREIGN. Therefore, His timing is His timing. His way is just that. His way (Isaiah 55:8-9). 

We also as His Body, must be mindful of God’s counsel He provides for all of us in His Word, the Holy Scriptures. That is, “we know in part.” Therefore, each one of us “prophesy in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9). None of us, nor do our ministry or church possess understanding or knowledge of everything. This is why we are called 1 Body. (See Romans 12:4-8).

​With that being said, we as the Body of Christ, God’s Ecclesia, need to be diligent in using our Bible – not man’s interpretation or perspective as our measuring stick or guide when it comes to events like prophecy. For instance, when comparing the prophetic words spoken by many of God’s prophets and prophetesses concerning the 2020 US Presidential Election to prophets we read about in our Holy Scriptures, were all prophetic words given by prophets during Bible time happened during that prophet’s lifetime? NO! There are some prophetic words given in one season that is meant for a later time, which could be a week later, months later, years later, even decades or generations later. 

We the people need to slow down and stop overreacting to every detail the news media releases. What is more important for today’s Saints is to learn and figure out which prophets of God in this season, especially in the region in which you live, are speaking most accurately  when it comes to prophecy. Because they are the prophets and prophetess you need to cling to in this season for what is ahead of us. It is critical, especially if we ourselves are not hearing clearly from God about prophetic things as well as the season and the times we are living in. We need to identify and know which prophets are prophesy God’s truth.

​Once identified, we must trust the process and show patience when God’s prophets prophesy truth. Better yet, PRAY! PRAY to the One who has all the answers – God Himself. And I promise you. If you yourself are hearing from God accurately, God will show you truth. 

​Now. I am not a prophet. But I AM STANDING AND TAKING A POSITION WITH THE BODY OF PROPHETS ON THIS ONE – concerning the 2020 US Presidential Election. Yet, at the same time, I am also praying to God for understanding and clarity. And not unless God speaks to me personally to show me that His prophets got it wrong. Or, God Himself has changed His mind about Donald Trump – I’m sticking with God’s prophets. AND THE BODY OF CHRIST, GOD’S ECCLESIA SHOULD DO THE SAME TOO. 

Around 12:50 a.m., I was awakened out of my sleep and I heard myself say in my drowsiness.
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My people, do not be discouraged. We cannot forget that God’s Word was written for us as an example of all the things that not only have happened but must occur. (See Romans 15:4-6). For there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:3-10). Just like times before, Christ our Savior prepared his apostles and all his disciples for this day through the everlasting accounts found in the LORD’s holy writings through the Scriptures.

For Jesus’ apostles and his Body were all taken through a period of testing of their faith before and when Christ was taken to be crucified on the cross. The one thing Jesus’ disciples were not expecting was the many different things that took place leading up to Jesus being crucified on the cross.  

• The suffering and beatings Jesus endured
• The lies
• The thievery made by all sorts of Roman men and leadership
• The piercing of Jesus’ flesh
• The involvement of many Roman citizens from all walks of life who banded together to commit one of the greatest fraudulent cases ever to fool and convince an entire nation to turn on and against an innocent man and God
• The nationwide censorship
• The many criminal acts of evil done by the small and the great, that is Roman religious leaders and government officials 

Many of these criminal evil acts were done by subordinates and men of great influence within the Roman religious and business sectors and political arena so that these individuals could remain in control and in power. Many individuals, both powerful and subordinates came together to commit high treason in order to have an innocent man murdered and a righteous religious group censored and canceled.

And yet, none of Jesus’ true followers were expecting any of the above to occur; although, Jesus had long prepared them for this day. For prior to all the incidents that were mentioned above, Jesus disciples were confident that it was nothing for Jesus to take out the Roman government, its military and leadership, and their puppets of religious leaders. In their eyes, this was an easy task for Christ the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. For this Man of God before them all, had walked on water, walked through walls, disappeared in the middle of a crowd of people, fed thousands of people with only five loaves of bread and two fish, expelled wicked spirits from people, healed thousands, and raised countless from death. So, overturning a corrupted and crooked Roman government and a religious system was nothing for the Messiah.

And yet, to the surprise of Jesus’ disciples, he did not rise against these evil forces. Instead, he did the unthinkable. He willingly yielded to the Roman government and its military as well as their unrighteous religious puppets. Jesus humbled himself to these traitors and opposers of God to the point of suffering a brutal death at the cross. For Jesus’ goal or mission at that time was different from his followers. For his followers wanted an immediate end to the current corrupted system they resided in. But Jesus wanted and had plans to rescue the entire world. So that anyone who came before, with, or after him will have an opportunity to choose life over death (John 3:16). This has always been the Father’s plan and will. For everyone to have an opportunity at life and escape the forthcoming penalty of death (2 Peter 3:9).

Therefore, Jesus’ disciples left the feet of Jesus at the time of his death confused. Some may have even felt hopeless. Not knowing what to do or what to expect next. For their desire and plans through Christ had not become their reality. And to add to their disappointment and dismay, as Christ followers, they now had become targets of the religious liberals of that time and the Roman government. Many began to mock Christ's followers. They were picked on, some were killed, lied on, called all sorts of names all for the sake of Christ the Messiah.

Despite their disappointment, many of Christ's followers tried to live a life of normalcy by returning to the work they once did prior to abandoning their careers in order to follow Christ. And it would seem that many of their stories would have ended there – in disappointment. But the greater was to come. 

Today, we cannot be ignorant of the power of Christ our Savior. Especially since we have the historical account that has been recorded for us as evidence of the season and time we are in. For we know, after the crucifixion of Christ our Messiah, he rose and gathered his people in order to uplift, encourage, and edify them before his ascension to heaven to take his heavenly position at God’s side – waiting for the day the Father tells him to return to this earth to subdue all things to the Almighty Living God.

Until his return, Jesus has made this promise to his disciples at John chapter 16 verses 16 through 17.

“… Again a little while, and you will see me… because I go to the Father.”

Jesus followers did not understand nor did they know what the Son of the Living God was talking about. But Jesus continued by asking

“… Are you deliberating together about this…. Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief WILL BE TURNED INTO JOY” (John 16:16-20).

Is this not where the Body of Chris is today as it relates to the 2020 US Presidential Election?

The Lord continues

“Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world. Therefore, you too have grief now but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and NO ONE WILL TAKE YOUR JOY AWAY FROM YOU” (John 16:21-22).

Then Jesus closes with these words at John chapter 16 verse 33.

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world.

We must be mindful that Jesus has not come to the earth to bring about peace as some erroneously believe he has. No, Christ has come to bring a sword that will divide people based on their mindset, belief system, and their belief in him or the lack thereof (Matthew 10:34-39). The sword that Jesus will bring forth will divide and clearly mark those who belong to him from those who do not. For many of these so-called “causal Christians” as Marcus Rogers calls them, will clearly take their stance and position for this world. These ones will claim to know Christ but bow down (promote, proclaim and vote) for a political agenda that is completely against the standard of God. This political agenda will stand to eliminate every moral Biblical standard while slowly eroding the Christian faith to the point of exterminating anyone who claims The Way, that is the truth. 
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Can you imagine what all of Jesus’ disciples must have felt to see this man, the Christ, who carried such immeasurable power and glory, to be reduced down to a victim of such horrific offenses?

• Unjustifiable and unfair (one-side, biased, dishonest) trial by Pilate and the religious elite. (Compare to the US Supreme Court refusing to hear the hundreds of public citizens’ evidence of fraud in our 2020 US President Election)
• The crowds jeering concerning Jesus – “crucify, crucify him!” (Luke 24:21, 23). (Compare to the many people of this nation yelling “Impeach, impeach him!” concerning an appointed vessel).
• Pilate pronouncing and granting Jesus’ death sentence (Compare to the Republican party members as government officials who did not stand boldly and strongly against the treason act that has taken place against this country).
• Both the political and religious leaders sneering at Jesus. Mocking him by saying such things as, “he saved others, let him save himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One” (Luke 24:34). (Compare the religious leaders in the Church who have and are mocking those who have taken a position to stand behind the only candidate in the 2020 US Election who ran on a platform that is based on Pro-Bible principles, that is Donald Trump. While the other candidate completely ran on an anti-Bible principle platform, that is Joe Biden. There is no denying that. And yet, these so-called Christian leaders beat their breasts as the Bible says, proclaiming these ones who stand on the side of a pro-Bible platform, proclaiming them as false teachers, false prophets, false whatever.) There is no fear of the LORD by the people and they lack understanding of what they have done in the eyes of the LORD.

​But here’s the point. Can you imagine Saints, the shock Jesus’ disciples felt as they watched their Savior being sentenced to death and dying on the cross? Can you imagine the hopelessness many of them must have felt?

What Jesus’ disciples failed to understand at the time was that Jesus’ death was only the beginning of his victory for the true church – his Body of Christ, his Ecclesia. For the Words (prophecies) of the Scriptures must be fulfilled according to how it was written before the Ecclesia could truly benefit from all of God’s blessings and promises. For the Son of Man had to be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day (Luke 24:7). But when the resurrection of Christ reached the ears of Jesus’ disciples, they were still shocked by the crucifixion of Christ. For they not only did not recognize Jesus upon his resurrection, but they initially fell into disbelief. They could not believe that things did not turn out as they thought it would in their minds. (Compare to Luke 24:2-35).

After confirming that Jesus’ body was no longer in his burial spot, Jesus’ disciples left Jesus’ grave probably more confused than ever. At some point, they begin their journey along the road of Emmaus. A journey that would change many of their lives for once and for all time sake. For these few disciples were about to see with their own eyes, one of the greatest miracles that Jesus had ever done.

While the disciples were traveling on the road of Emmaus about all the things that had occurred, Jesus just appeared among the group out of thin air and begin to travel with them. But Jesus’ disciples did not recognize him. In fact, they were expressing their disappointment concerning what had actually occurred compared to what they thought was going to happen. One of them said, “… we were hoping that it was He (Jesus) who was going to redeem Israel. Instead…” he was crucified (Luke 24:21).

This is the beauty of who Jesus is and his character. In the mix of this confusion among his disciples and the disappointment they felt, Jesus, whom they still did not recognize, responded to his disciples' sadness by saying

“O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” (Luke 24:25)

Jesus was plainly reminding his disciples that things were not what they seem. Certain things must take place in order that…. Let me just finish quoting Jesus’ words.

“Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:26)

There were certain things that were necessary to take place so that no man can but only God would get the glory. (Compare Mark 10:27; Deuteronomy 10:20-21; Ephesians 3:20-21). 
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Is this not what this is all about – His glory? Certain things must take place so that no one other than God can get the glory and praise that He alone deserves. In addition to God only receiving glory, a line needed to be drawn that would clearly show

• Who really is for God and God’s agenda and who is not
• Who all really believe in what they preach and teach and who do not
• Who all are professing Christ, but not living for Christ
• For this one, I need to quote something Brother Paul Keith said that I think speaks volumes concerning the season and the time we are in today. He said​

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​This is not the season to give up or give in to anti-Bible principles. We must trust God! Things are not what it seems. Man does not have the last word or say. God does. As Brother Christ Yoon has said, “we will be redeemed.” All those who gave a witness, and spoke whatever Holy Spirit required you to speak or declare – you will be redeemed for your obedience and faithfulness. We will see the LORD's favor and He will get the glory. He will get the glory. Stay strong. Stay faithful and remain obedient to the word of the LORD knowing that we may suffer for just a little while for his name sake (2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-14; Matthew 5:10-12).
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In the video below, Deaidre discusses the impact unforgiveness had in her life and in her relationship with her parents. She also talks about how she overcame it.

Also, in this video, Felicia discusses how to get free from such entanglements as homosexuality. She divulges her previous struggles with such a lifestyle and how she overcame it. She also shares with listeners that you can overcome whatever your struggle is if you participate in your own deliverance process. She also explains what that process may look like.
Today’s discussions can be applied to anyone in any giving situation, dealing with almost any type of challenges or struggles in relationships or with one’s self.

Recommended videos:
25-year-old shares testimony of heaven and hell - https://bit.ly/38418vo
More videos by Felicia Crawford - youtube.com/user/feliciacrawford
God, Where Do You Want Me To Go - youtu.be/y_hDkBJ3YsA
Do I Hate Men - youtu.be/y9RMHJ0vrK
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The most treacherous water you will have to swim through is not the valley of darkness because it is to be expected. You know it is there and at some point, it will come for you. Sad to say, the most treacherous waters we must LEARN to swim through are the rivers of lights that will throw stones at you. Stones of

• Jealousy
• Envy
• Slander
• Gossip
• Dissension
• Factions (2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:19-21)

As I have said many times in the past, your greatest threat are people inside the church. Those who will attempt to take away your voice and your identity. 

It is funny though. Because when it has taken many of us a tireless journey up a steep mountain to overcome so many challenges in our lives, which often include identity crisis – figuring out who we are and what God has called us to be. And then, on your way to the top of your mountain – the battles you have to overcome to be delivered and set free. God drops a bombshell on you by revealing to you a revelation about yourself that turns your world upside down and then right side up, many times over. He reveals to you who you are in His eyes. His apostle. His prophet. His shepherd (pastor). A Bible teacher. An evangelist. Or whatever He calls you to be (Jeremiah 1:5). 

For many of us, especially when we look back down the mountain you just climbed, to only realize you have only made it halfway up. And now God drops this news on you. Now, you have to finish your journey to the top of this mountain with this new identity heavy on your mind. Resulting in you spiraling into another identity crisis as you contemplate your new identity in Christ. But you keep climbing to the top because you have come too far to turn around now. 

By the time you reach the top, God has built you up with so much confidence that you not only accept your new identity, but you receive and embrace it. 

You are now at the top of your mountain climb, celebrating that you 

1. Overcome all your trails and strongholds
2. You made it to the top
3. And for the first time in your life, you know who you were created to be. You have a voice – a new identity in Christ.

Only to discover once you reached the top, that your victory dance will be short-lived. For a new warfare is already brewing. For members within the church now takes issue with your conversion. The same issues as the church took with the conversion of the apostle Paul. Very few are celebrating your triumph, embracing your new identity in Christ. (Compare to Luke 15:10). Instead, these ones throw stones of 

• Jealousy
• Envy
• Slander
• Gossip
• Dissension
• Factions

​These stones come in at such a high speed that often time, you do not have time to react. The only thing that spares your life is the shield of wall that God has placed around you to protect you from the barrage of stones from those who should be providing you covering, a shield, and protection. These same ones will never call you out by your name and say you do not belong to Christ because they see Christ in you! But they will be the first to pick up a stone and hurl it at you from among the crowd. 

Despite this difficulty, what gives you the confidence you need is the next words you hear from the LORD. As the LORD stands there, shielding you from the onslaught of stones, He says

“See cross there though the valley,” as He points to the northern direction where you stand from the top of your mountain. “See that mountain across the way? Head there and you will find My presence waiting for you.”

One victory will eventually lead you through more trouble waters you must swim through to reach the next victory. And once you reach the top of the next mountain and look back. You will discover not only how much territory you have gained. But also the validation, the anointing, the authority, and the power that resides within you through this new discovered, new identity, you have gained through Christ. You have discovered your voice. 

Yes, it is true. Some will abuse such a privileged position, anointing, authority, power, and title. But YOU, you not only found your identity in Christ – you carry it with integrity. You carry it in an honorable way in which it deserves. Therefore, the LORD knows your name. (Compare to Isaiah 43:1; Jeremiah 1:5; John 10:3).  For that reason, you should not carry the tools and gifts or title He has blessed you with in shame. Nor should you allow anyone to attempt to take away what the Lord has given you – blessed you with – that is your voice and a new identity in Christ. 

If he calls you his lieutenant. Wear it with confidence. If he calls you his prophet. Then wear it with honor. If he calls you his apostle. Then carry it with respect. If he calls you his Bible teacher. Then uphold it with uprightness. If he calls you his general. Then display the character with the reverence that such a position requires. Whatever God calls you and how He positions you in the Body of Christ, wear it with honor and let no man strip you of your stripes – that is your voice and identity in Christ. For you have earned it. You climbed that mountain. You swarm  through those troubled waters. You endure the trials and tribulations within that valley for His name sake. You willingly underwent a complete transformation to earn your strips and therefore, you should not only embrace your new identity in Christ, but wear it with conviction. Because you are his apostle! His prophet! His Bible teacher! His shepherd (pastor)! His evangelist! His servant!

There are some that say God does not care about man or how we live. He has no interest. But I beg to differ, especially when considering the Sundry Laws in Leviticus chapter 19.

I have never taken the time to count how many different miscellaneous laws are mentioned there. But they cover almost every aspect of our lives. God established laws - a way of living that all men, women, and children should follow. Take for instance, in verse 11, it states clearly that we SHOULD NOT steal, deal falsely, or lie to one another. Verse 16 says we should not SLANDER another person. Verse 26 states that we the people should not practice or take part in soothsaying or divination such as horoscopes. There are just so many laws listed there for a generation of God's people to follow.

When you read about such laws and other provisions God has put in place for mankind to follow, the problem has never been with His laws or mandates. The problem has always been with man, that is individuals. Their inability or refusal to be obedient or rebellious spirit. Man, each one of us sees ourselves as "good", when we have time and time again violated the standards of God. Standards He has established for us to follow. Right there in that same chapter, we are instructed - "EVERYONE OF YOU SHALL reverence his mother and father...." (Leviticus 19:3) How many of us actually do this by word, action, or deed? Do we bring our parents honor or shame? This same chapter forbidden us from honoring other things in our lives more than God. (See verses 2 through 4 of Leviticus chapter 19). And yet, many of us place entertainment, our friends, the preferences of spouses, our children, our jobs, our pastor, our church, social agendas - you see where I'm going with this. We put these things above God.

God has standards. But man has over and over again - from one generation to the next, choose to ignore, no, abandon these standards. We, speaking to my generation, are instructed to teach our children about God and His ways when we sit in our houses, when we walk about, when we lie down, and when we rise up (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Okay, so how many of us are really doing that? We have abandoned God and His ways. He certainly cares about every aspect of our lives. But we the people have rejected Him.

First, I need to thank Salom Ben Yah. Due to his inquiry, I realized, I do not read Isaiah chapter 45 enough. It is jammed packed with the beauty, the power, and the intelligence of our Creator. Salom sent me a very informative and well-written perspective of his view of Isaiah 45, focusing on verse 7 primarily. He asked that I respond to his inquiry, which I have done so below. Salom, feel free to comment below after reading this blog post response. Or, you may reply to our initial feed on Facebook. 

Wow! Isaiah 45 is a very powerful chapter. A chapter that I do not read enough of during my private reading. As I said before, this chapter is loaded with elements of God as what creation and the Holy Bible declares Him to be. That is, He is omnipresence (everywhere and anywhere in the past, present, and future); omniscience (knows anything and everything that can be known in past, present, and future); and omnipotence (the be-all and end-all to anything and everything past, present, and future).

To appropriately respond to the perspective Salom provided, I started my reading from verse 1 of Isaiah chapter 45. As I read verses 1 through 6, everything is setting up for the climate that is stated at verse 7. 

​These few verses, verses 1 through 6, especially verse 7, is establishing God's authority as the One True Living God. Hence, why God says about Himself in verse 6,

And that is the point of Isaiah 45. That God is KING, LORD, and there is no other god that can match Him.  
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So, as we read through verses 1 through 7 of Isaiah chapter 45, we see why God has earned the title as the #1 God and the Only True God in all the universe. But to make sure we do not miss the point, we need to look at this more closely by isolating the points stated that leads to verse 7 by looking at chapter 45 verse by verse.

​V1 - In verse one, we see that God has the power and ability to choose any man who He wants and guide that man throughout his childhood into manhood, to serve God's purpose at an appointed time in history. Take, for example, Jesus’ life. Before Jesus’ birth on the earth, God had decided a pinpointed time when Jesus would save mankind from themselves. Jesus, as a man stated his divine purpose at Luke 19:10.

​Most of us, who have followed the life of Jesus from infancy until about 30 years old, know that God guided the parents of Jesus to ensure that Jesus was properly prepare for his life in ministry. And when he became a young man, God continued to groom Jesus for the purpose in which God had called Jesus to fulfill. (Compare to Jeremiah 1:5, Luke 2:23).
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So, Jesus finished the first half of his calling when he died, was resurrected 3 days later, and then ascended to his Father. The life of Jesus is an extraordinary example of God knowing any and everything that would occur in Jesus’ life (past, present, and future) that would try to prevent God’s purpose from occurring in Jesus' life. And because God is omnipresent (anywhere and everything at once), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipotent (the be-all and end-all to any and everything). God was able to counter any and everything that tried to impede His plan and His will for Jesus. This is why God is the irrefutable and undefeated champion – the GOD of all gods and the LORD of all lords.

So, reflecting back to verse 1 of Isaiah chapter 45. As we mentioned before, God has the power and ability to choose any man who He wants throughout mankind’s history. And guide that man throughout his childhood into manhood to serve God's purpose at an appointed time in history. At Isaiah chapter 45 verse 1, that man was Cyrus. God selected Cyrus to be the king over the Persian nation prior to Cyrus’ birth. Just as God had done with Jesus or any other man or woman throughout mankind’s history.

God appointed Cyrus to fulfill a specific purpose, at a specific time in the future, to save His chosen people who needed rescuing from the clutch of the Babylonian empire. And as the Bible and the historical accounts and books support, Cyrus, became the king of Medo-Persia and defeated and conquered the Babylonian empire which set God’s people free from their 70 years of enslavement under the regime of this pagan nation. (You can read about these events not only in the Bible but in secondary historical records).

Vv2-3 - In verses 2 through 3, it tells you how God had planned to pull it all off. An intense study and research of the archaeology history of the nation of Babylon, the nation of Medo-Persia, and King Cyrus will easily validate everything that is written in God’s Word concerning the rise and fall of these nations and King Cyrus’ kingship and his military campaigns and conquests.
The point we need to walk away from these verses are these:

​1. In history, our glorious encyclopedias, history books, etc., credits Cyrus for all his successful military campaigns. But here, in the book of Isaiah, as we can see, all credit rightfully belongs to God. 

​God certainly made King Cyrus' path straight – in the way, he should go in order to guarantee King Cyrus’ military success. Resulting in God’s plan, purpose, and will to be fulfilled (Proverbs 3:5-6).

​2. What was the sole purpose behind all of this? To establish God as omnipotent – the be-all and the end-all to all of mankind’s woes as well as successes. To firmly establish that nothing is impossible with God because He is the Almighty, all-powerful, and monotheistic God. And as it is clearly stated here

​​It is God who calls forth a man, any man, at any given time in human history for His glory, His plan, His purpose, and His will.

V4 – God is the promise or covenant keeper. When He says or declares a thing, it has already happened. Even when that promise will not literally take place until 500 years have passed from when He initially spoke it. As we can see in verse 4 of Isaiah chapter 45, God made a covenant or promise with Jacob, who God had chosen to lead His people – the nation of Israel. (See Genesis 28:13-15). And in keeping that promise to Jacob, they were many things that occurred throughout mankind’s history that tempted to impede that promise. But to ensure that God is always true to His word – the be-all and end-all to any and everything, that is omnipotent. God appointed Cyrus, a pagan king, who did not know God at all, as His anointed vessel to serve God’s purpose for His people. Isaiah 45:4 says,

​Vv5-6 – In verses 5 and 6, God establishes His authority as the Supreme Ruler, the Alpha and Omega, the all-knowing (omniscient), all-present (omnipresent), and all-powerful (omnipotent) God. He said,

And that is the point. There is no other god in our universe that is like the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.

V7 – And now our final verse, verse 7. In this verse, God is simply establishing His ability as the monotheistic King in the universe. A God-King who can and has established

1. light – owr (daylight)
2. darkness – choshek (that is to create something out of nothing or to create something out of chaotic dark material)
3. well-being – shalowm (peace)
4. calamity – ra (this is not the same as moral evil as mentioned at James 1:13 or moral failures that are stated at Galatians 5:17-21. But calamity here is speaking the opposite of peace, such as, war, disasters, etc. Similar to what is mentioned at Hosea 4:1-3.)

The point being. When it serves God’s purpose, His will, or His plan, there is nothing God cannot do, cannot create, cannot destroy, cannot build up or cannot tired down. There is nothing that can thwart the plans of God. There is nothing that can prevent God’s plan from occurring. Nothing. ​