I invite you first to listen and mediate on this morsel:

Ian White – Psalm 144 from gerrankin

Okay now let’s read Psalm 144: verse 1 in different versions:  From: http://bible.cc/psalms/144-1.htm

New International Version (©1984)
Of David. Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.

New Living Translation (©2007)
A psalm of David. Praise the LORD, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle.

English Standard Version (©2001)
Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle;

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle;

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
<<A Psalm of David.>> Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war,and my fingers to fight:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010)
Blessed is Lord Jehovah who teaches my hands for war and my fingers for battle!

GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995)
[By David.] Thank the LORD, my rock, who trained my hands to fight and my fingers to do battle,

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
Blessed be the LORD my strength, who teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

American King James Version
Blessed be the LORD my strength which teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

American Standard Version
Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight:

Douay-Rheims Bible
Blessed be the Lord my God, who teacheth my hands to fight, and my fingers to war.

Darby Bible Translation
{A Psalm of David.} Blessed be Jehovah my rock, who teacheth my hands to war, my fingers to fight;

English Revised Version
A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my rock, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

Webster’s Bible Translation
A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, who teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight;

World English Bible
Blessed be Yahweh, my rock, who teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to battle:

Young’s Literal Translation
By David. Blessed is Jehovah my rock, who is teaching My hands for war, my fingers for battle.

Also see:

2 Samuel 22:35 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

This has been a post that has “travailed” in me this past week.  Certain words and thoughts burned within my heart.  I tried to remove myself from this post, but it kept coming, and coming, and different things were brought before me, and I could not ignore them further. This is not an easy post, but I cannot compromise.

It is true that we as Christians pray for peace, peace in our hearts, in our homes, in our place of work, in our church, in our community, and in our nation, and in our world; and for the most part, many of us as Christians live in a “safe harbor” away from the stark realities a lot of our brethren who labor in the Lord, live everyday.  But we cannot ignore the spiritual realm of conflicts the enemy plants like mine fields in the spirit.  Spiritual warfare is very real.

Many of our brethren are being persecuted throughout the World, however, I would like to talk about Israel today, since that seems to be burning in my heart for some reason.  I believe the Lord is calling us to pray and act for our brethren in Israel, and it calls for a special type of Child of God.

I started this post by telling you that I “travailed” meaning it took arduous prayer to get this post done. First I had the title, then the Hebrew words “Aw-yom” (that’s how I spelled it in my spirit anyway), and another word in latin (cadere), and in Hebrew “Karath”, then with most of the post done, something stirred within me when I received Donna’s weekly prayer list, which in turn led me to the post below.

What stunned me was that the title of the post at that site, was the same as the Hebrew word I had, which was dreadful.  That’s what the word “Ayom” means – dreadful – see below:

From http://concordances.org/hebrew/366.htm

ayom: terrible, dreadful

Original Word: אָיֹם
Transliteration: ayom
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-yome’)
Short Definition: awesome

From: http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=H3772

karath:

• to cut off, destroy
• to cut down, destroy

I share all of this with you, the title “teach my hands to war, and my fingers to fight”, my thoughts on those words and spiritual battle, and the word “ayom” and “karath” leading up to the posts below, not really knowing what it all means, but sensing, that God wants our attention. 

I say the above to lead you to a familiar name, Donna Dioro, a friend to “KairosKingdomWomen” whose “voice” we have heard before on this blog, and also of the “family Ortiz” of Israel, whose account you might recall of “Ami Ortiz” and his bravery in “battle” and his miracle (see the posts on this blog dated March 31, 2008 through April 14, 2008).

Posted with Permission (You can find Donna at):

A Ministry of Israelprayer.com
Now on Facebook | Donna Diorio  & Twitter
 arrowsfromzion@gmail.com or donna@d10r10.com

Her Israel Blogs:   If your weekly Arrows from Zion email does not come in, check online each Wednesday at Israel Prayer Dot Com  |  Israel Watcher – A Second Opinion   Mostly political or current events commentary | Fruit of the Fig Tree  Spiritual insights   

Indeed, Donna too has heard from the Lord along these lines of “Mighty Men” coming to the aid of “David”.

From: entry post

http://israelwatcherasecondopinion.blogspot.com/

DREADFUL DREAM 

From David Ortiz in Ariel we received an extremely sobering dream he had that we believe is important for the coming year.  In his own words:

January 4, 2012   I want to address this crisis because it applies to those of us who live here and those who live outside the country. There are many who are doing an excellent and vital work in Israel, and who are glorifying the Lord in this land.  In the Messiah, David Ortiz

16 So it was, from that time on, that half of my servants worked at construction, while the other half held the spears, the shields, the bows, and wore armor; and the leaders were behind all the house of Judah. 17 Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon. 18 Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me. 19 Then I said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people, “The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall. 20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” 21 So we labored in the work, and half of the men held the spears from daybreak until the stars appeared.   Nehemiah 4:16-21

DREADFUL DREAM   Last night I had a dream.  I heard an announcement that was made from Hell, saying, “There is a sword that has been issued to cut down those that are declaring the message of salvation to the Jewish people that Yeshua is the Messiah. It should cut them down to pieces.”

I could hear that the order was given from far away and from a very deep pit.  The believers were in a type of a dark catacomb, caves where there were many passage ways.  Soon a very tall man came out who had a very dark shadow on him.  He came out running and swinging a machete with all his might.  People began fleeing from before him.  As he ran towards the groups of people, one of the brothers braced himself as the man was swinging and coming in his direction, but he bypassed this brother and made it clear that he wasn’t the target, but the others were.

As he chased the others, I could hear the clinking sound of the weapon hitting solid rock when the machete didn’t hit its mark, but some were hit.   But just because he wasn’t able to hit some, that didn’t deter him from continuing to pursue the people in the catacombs and didn’t stop him from his goal.

The brother that was spared by being bypassed was gripped with fear and backed up to the cold wall behind him in order to not be seen.  Once again, the assassin bypassed him, but this time made it clearer that he would not be targeted as long as he didn’t get involved.  The brother felt relieved that his life had been spared.

Among the courts of men, people’s motives aren’t always clear-cut and identifiable.  Sometimes it isn’t immediately clear if the crime was intentional, 1st degree, 2nd degree, or done out of ignorance, because man doesn’t know the heart and it can take a long period of time or even years before the true motive is revealed.   But with God this is not the case.  Truth is evident in less than a second because all the intentions of a man’s heart are laid bare and not hidden.

Man stands before God completely naked and without excuse (Hebrews 4:12-13), and in the dream this was plainly understood and evident.  The reason why the brother did not get involved and didn’t take interest in trying to save the others is because he was relieved that his life had been spared.  It was almost like he was in the heat of a hot a desert with no relief in sight and all of a sudden he was transported to a room that was fully air conditioned and comfortable and  had all the amenities he needed to refresh himself from the trauma of what he had seen.  At least he thought so, because little did he know that his escape was temporary and he would also meet the same fate.

When I woke up, I was in shock that I had even dreamt something like this so clearly and plainly.  These words from the book of Esther came immediately to my mind:

And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”  Esther 4:13-14

I am a student of history, like many of us are.  As a child I always wondered how people could stand by and let others be mistreated, just so their lives could be spared.  I wondered because I was raised in a home and in a certain group of people with the mentality that felt that it was a cowardly act to stand by when others were being attacked and abused especially if it was in your power to do something about it.  But my experience growing up and examples in history show us that when people don’t stand up for others, it allows aggressors to hurt whole people groups and communities. The Bible says

But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?  1 John 3:17

As we see, read and hear, the Ministry of Interior, other government agencies, anti-missionary groups and non-believing religious groups that purposely target Christian groups to get funds and benefits, are making it clear that all those who work with Messianic believers will be harassed directly or indirectly, and when applicable, visas will be taken away or put into question.

The College in Ariel has made it completely clear to Christians that come to study in their programs that if they work with or even fellowship with Messianic Jews, their visas will be revoked.  Born-again believers submit to that threat and intimidation, thereby even considering to have their right eye to be removed like in the book of 1 Samuel 11. The Ammonites came against a tribe of Israel, and the Israelites who were badly outnumbered wanted to make a peace treaty with them.  The Ammonites said they would consider that only if the Israelites would allow them to gouge out their right eyes, and thus bring a reproach to Israel.  In the same manner, believers allow their God-given freedom of choice and worship to be taken away in order to spare themselves.  May God give us the strength when the time comes to cling to the words of Yeshua,

Greater love has no man, than to lay down his life (or his self-interest, or his ministry) for his brother. John 15:13
And to stand up for His bride that He gave and shed His blood for.

Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.  Hebrews 13:3

Here are some practical steps you can take to help Jewish Believers who have made Yeshua Lord and Savior of their lives in Israel.

-          Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who  love you be secure.” Ps 122:6

-          Pray for body of the Lord that lives in Israel.

-          Adopt a person, family or congregation in prayer.

-          Support businesses and buy things made by believers in Yeshua.

-          Request newsletters from credible ministries in Israel so you can stay informed.

-          Support the more than 120 Messianic Congregations which are spread from the Northernmost to the Southern-most part of the country.

-          Read your Bible, understand history, the economy, up to date events, understand disputes, facts about Israel, past present and future, know who are the Ethnic groups and religions that live here.

World War II was won with more than tanks, missiles and an army.  It was won also by something called “The Home Front”who were people who took it upon themselves to write letters, make phone calls, send pictures, remember people’s birthdays, send care packages, and in doing so encourage and strengthen the soldiers on the front lines.

There are numerous ministries in Israel that are doing a tremendous work for the Lord in spiritual and physical ways that the home front can strengthen and encourage. 

From: entry post 

http://israelwatcherasecondopinion.blogspot.com/

ADDITION – added Jan 5 2012 at 7 AM
by Donna Diorio

“Dreadful Dream” is the warning of an assignment from hell that has gone out against those declaring salvation to the Jewish people, and how some believers think themselves “safe” if they just keep out of the way, un-involved. I received the Dreadful Dream early yesterday from a ministry in Israel whose son was miraculously spared by God when he opened a Purim basket that had been rigged with powerful explosives and left on the Messianic family’s doorstep by a religious extremist.

I believe that all word curses spoken out against these are a major factor in David Ortiz’s “Dreadful Dream”.

Words are like arrows – whether intentional or unintentional – speaking evil against someone unleashes an assignment for those words to hit their mark.

I’m not just offended by the lack of backing the Body in Israel gets from the Church – I am alarmed at how vulnerable we leave them. Selah.

January 5, 2012 6:57 AM

Thank You Donna and David Ortiz.

Beloved, let’s look at Israel as if it were David, and we the “called” as those men who came to the aid of David, as it reads in 1 Chronicles 12.  (Donna too had some insight on this, which she will probably share on her site or emails.

The description is amazing, so let’s take a look:

(you can read it here in it’s entirety) – from: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+12&version=NIV )

1 Chronicles 12 (in part reads):

 1 These were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was banished from the presence of Saul son of Kish (they were among the warriors who helped him in battle; 2 they were armed with bows and were able to shoot arrows or to sling stones right-handed or left-handed; they were relatives of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin):

 8 Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear. Their faces were the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles in the mountains.

 14 These Gadites were army commanders; the least was a match for a hundred, and the greatest for a thousand.15 It was they who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks, and they put to flight everyone living in the valleys, to the east and to the west.

21 They helped David against raiding bands, for all of them were brave warriors, and they were commanders in his army. 22 Day after day men came to help David, until he had a great army, like the army of God.[b]

 24 from Judah, carrying shield and spear—6,800 armed for battle;

 25 from Simeon, warriors ready for battle—7,100;

 26 from Levi—4,600, 27 including Jehoiada, leader of the family of Aaron, with 3,700 men, 28 and Zadok, a brave young warrior, with 22 officers from his family;

 30 from Ephraim, brave warriors, famous in their own clans—20,800;

 32 from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command;

 33 from Zebulun, experienced soldiers prepared for battle with every type of weapon, to help David with undivided loyalty—50,000;

 34 from Naphtali—1,000 officers, together with 37,000 men carrying shields and spears;

 35 from Dan, ready for battle—28,600;

 36 from Asher, experienced soldiers prepared for battle—40,000;

 37 and from east of the Jordan, from Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, armed with every type of weapon—120,000.

 38 All these were fighting men who volunteered to serve in the ranks. They came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. All the rest of the Israelites were also of one mind to make David king. 

What picture do the words above draw for you? Do you imagine men cowering with trembling knees, or do you see confident courageous men who knew where they were standing and what kingdom they were fighting for, and what was the cause.  They held their weapons with assurance and acted decisively and accurately as a warrior must, not swinging haphazardly as if hitting a piñata.  A warrior has his focus on his mark and advances, whereas a “piñata hitter” is wearing a blindfold and is staggering from side to side; a warrior is relentless and uncompromising, whereas the “piñata hitter” compromises; the warrior uses his weapons and his body effectively, but the “piñata hitter” who had a “mighty stick” did not know how to use his stance and hit with force.  Are we as Christians ready as warriors or are we “party-goers” or “social clubbers”?

You might have won some spiritual territory already, but that doesn’t mean the enemy has retreated.  He is cowering somewhere, planning a counter-attack on another front (another area), so always keep advancing, keeping the shield of faith up, and your armor on. You can’t be on “reserve” status, you have to be on “active-duty.”

You can’t go into war blinded, you have to see where the enemy is coming from, and have a full artillery in anticipation that the enemy will “hit” you with everything he’s got, so you take a powerhouse with you, fully loaded.

This is not just “big” talk, it is knowing in whose authority you come.  Don’t grow weary as you face “spiritual warfare” for it exists only on this earth, therefore it is temporary and will not have any place in heaven, where we have eternal life.  Let’s read:

2 Corinthians 4:17-18: 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Paul knew the secret hiding place of David, which is reflected in his words, as he said in (2 Cor. 4:8-10) “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”   David had God as his defense, and Paul knew Jesus, the “Word of God.” These are three of our mightiest weapon in our arsenal – the “Word” of God, Worship and the “blood of Jesus”.

Teach your hands to war and your fingers to fight – raise those hands up in worship – the enemy cannot take that away from you unless you let him.  We need to proclaim as did David who was greatly annoyed and offended, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26)

How about his “blessed assurance” when he boldly proclaimed (1 Samuel 17:45) while holding a slingshot and five stones, but the Word was with him as he said:

45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

Whew, makes me tremble and stirs me up just reading it!  Makes me want to shout and sing, “Blow the trumpet in Zion, Sound the Alarm!”

Blow the Trumpet in Zion.wmv from heavenboundcarol

the victory song from LinwelinUK

Let’s look at other scripture which speaks to this (as if David is Israel):

1 Chronicles 12  (in part reads):

16 Other Benjamites and some men from Judah also came to David in his stronghold. 17 David went out to meet them and said to them, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, I am ready for you to join me. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free from violence, may the God of our ancestors see it and judge you.”

 18 Then the Spirit came on Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said:

   “We are yours, David!
We are with you, son of Jesse!
Success, success to you,
and success to those who help you,
for your God will help you.”

Will we stand with David (Israel)? Will we cry out like David in Psalm 144:1 (teach my hands to war, and my fingers to fight)?  David turned his cry to the Lord in his battle knowing that God can give us skills for the arsenal with which He has equipped us.  There is a certain skill in placing the arrow and drawing the bow back to strike with precision. Ah, but the same hands and fingers which skillfully drew the bow, and placed the arrow, were also the hands instructed of God to worship Him on the strings of the harp. Our fingers can fit into places where our whole hand cannot. 

That same God which equips us with spiritual armor will enable us to stand against the spiritual enemies as we stand with Israel. David not only believed God to release his warring angels, but David also believed that God could enable him, a man, to be a warrior, to use not only his hands, but his individual fingers to war, to fight.

David believed that the shepherd boy in him could be a mighty warrior.  Why was his belief so focused and did not deviate?  The reason is the same as it is for you and for me, Jewish or gentile, we are “Children of the Most High God,” so put your hands together, intertwine your fingers, not into fists, not the Spirit of anger.  Don’t’ confuse the spirit of anger with spiritual warfare, as it can open you up to all manner of attacks from the enemy.

Ephesians 6 reads:

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 

Let us be in careful prayerful resolve as the first part of Psalm 144:1 says: “Blessed be the Lord my strength…”

Let’s join our hands together as we pray for Israel and the Laborers in Christ, Jew or gentile, Messianic or Christian. Selah.

MIGHTY WARRIOR from SCWatchman

How many times did David cry out OMG (oh my God), as he was running and surviving assassination attempts from King Saul?  I can imagine a weary David in a cave calling out to God, and in doing so comforting his discouraged inner self that there was and is a mighty God on the throne.

As he went from one difficulty to another adversity and through danger and hardships and from bad situations to only find himself in worse circumstances, he called out to God as we see below.

Some of the “OMG’s”

Psalm 22:2 – O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.

Psalm 25:2 – O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

Psalm 38:21 – Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me.

Psalm 71:4 – Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

How about some of the “OLMG’s”:

Psalm 7:1 – O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me…”

Psalm 13:3 – Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;

Psalm 35:24 – Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.

Psalm 109:26 – Help me, O LORD my God: O save me according to thy mercy:

Somehow, David’s prayers and crying out renewed his spirit. Not only did he call out to God, but he called out to his inner-self to “stand up” and be strengthened.  Call out to God today, lift your eyes up, surrender what you think is lost, and keep the hope in your heart alive because as David knew, mercy never leaves.

Psalm 62 Song By Aaron Keyes with Lyrics – Praise Song (My Soul Finds Rest In God Alone) from ajrademacher

I Will Lift My Eyes - Bebo Norman (with lyrics) from alwaysforgiven821

Austins Bridge – Mercy Never Leaves from TheSevenTrip

From: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/propelled

As David grew into his calling, his “mantle”, he went from an unknown to a leader. He was: 

• David the Shepherd
• David the Anointed
• David the Psalmist
• David the King

He was chosen for Greatness. As graced as he was, he did not seek his own wisdom. David sought divine direction for his calling.  David went to the source of all wisdom, God. David understood that God knew his past, present and future and that God knew his weaknesses and strengths.

Psalm 139:1-24 (NIV)

From: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139&version=NIV

 1 You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

 7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

 13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.

 19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Mantle is shown to mean “a cloak or a covering” and the Thesaurus indicates it is “a cloak of authority on younger shoulders.”

From: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/mantle

1 Samuel 16:13 (NIV) reads: “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power.”

As with David, God will fulfill his calling, his plans for you and your life. David was aware that he was chosen by God, whereas Israel had requested a king, and God gave them Saul.  Yes, David grew into his mantle, because he knew that promotion is not given by men, or by followers, but promotion comes from above, from God, and the anointing grace of the Holy Spirit.  His enabling did not come from the flow of the oil, but it served as an outward sign that God’s spirit was with this one. Sometimes people need a visible sign to recognize the calling of God on another.

David had been called, anointed and yet he returned to tending the sheep. Preparation in the field was necessary in order to ascend to the throne. The first lesson was waiting on God’s time.

Shepherd Boy.wmv from videomania50

Let Your Oil Flow from soundingjoy1

Grace Williams – Your Anointing from Wudase

Let’s look at the word – testify:

1) to answer, respond, testify, speak, shout

    1a) (Qal)

        1a1) to answer, respond to

        1a2) to testify, respond as a witness

    1b) (Niphal)

        1b1) to make answer

        1b2) to be answered, receive answer

 2) (Qal) to sing, utter tunefully

 3) (Qal) to dwell

From: http://lexiconcordance.com/hebrew/6030.html

Testify to the wars you fought.  Don’t you remember how the victories were sweeter and meant more when the victories were over scuffles, the battles, the “small stuff”, like where the next payment would come from, or praying for peace in the family, or favor before the boss, or getting that job you prayed for when you were in the red. How about in the thick of warfare, or simply someone lied on you.  Or you needed a tank of gas, or you just needed someone to reach out to you, to see you. Did someone write you off..cut you off…? Did God bring you through?  Was he there in the midst of it all?  I’ll tell you…He was!

In reading this next Psalm you will quickly discern that the “man” who lifts up the next discourse is someone who has been through stuff, who has been “delivered” more than once, whose faith has grown through adversity, who has stood against his enemies, and knows that worship in the midst of struggles and open wounds will only strengthen and heal him. He speaks to the One he has trusted before, and will trust again.  In his current state of weakness he seeks shelter in the mighty fortress and knows that his plea will bring the “command to save” (verse 3).

He is a believer.  You know this as he personalizes his plea and read time after time the word “my.”  Read below, my confidence, my hope, my rock, my God.  He knows God will speak to his problem. He dwells in verse 14, as it reads, “I will always have hope…” (NIV): “but I will hope continually…(KJV).

If any of the above applies to you, then this Psalm will “speak” to you too:

Psalm 71 (NIV)

 1 In you, LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
turn your ear to me and save me.
3 Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.

 5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD,
my confidence since my youth.
6 From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
I will ever praise you.
7 I have become a sign to many;
you are my strong refuge.
8 My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long.

 9 Do not cast me away when I am old;
do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
10 For my enemies speak against me;
those who wait to kill me conspire together.
11 They say, “God has forsaken him;
pursue him and seize him,
for no one will rescue him.”
12 Do not be far from me, my God;
come quickly, God, to help me.
13 May my accusers perish in shame;
may those who want to harm me
be covered with scorn and disgrace.

 14 As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.

 15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
of your saving acts all day long—
though I know not how to relate them all.
16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD;
I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.

 19 Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens,
you who have done great things.
Who is like you, God?
20 Though you have made me see troubles,
many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.
21 You will increase my honor
and comfort me once more.

 22 I will praise you with the harp
for your faithfulness, my God;
I will sing praise to you with the lyre,
Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips will shout for joy
when I sing praise to you—
I whom you have delivered.
24 My tongue will tell of your righteous acts
all day long,
for those who wanted to harm me
have been put to shame and confusion.

From: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+71&version=NIV

Psalm 71 (with LYRICS) by Stevo Norris and David Tanner from TheStevoTorpedo

Another take on Psalm 71:

Skillet - You are my Hope (with Lyrics) from rbtransformed

Testify to Love Lyrics from Yocky14

The previous posts on Psalms are just an example of how our mouth can be used as a shofar, and for those who can’t carry a tune, then our instrument can just as well be a computer keyboard. 

My hope is that in Psalms you will discover that in your storm you can still sing a song and sees God’s hand.  Let’s go to Psalm 40 (1-17) (KJV). 

 1I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

 2He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

 3And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

 4Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

 5Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

 6Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.

 7Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,

 8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

 9I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.

 10I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

 11Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.

 12For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.

 13Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.

 14Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.

 15Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.

 16Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

 17But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

From: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+40&version=KJV

I know personally that God is a restorer.  God will be what you need in your time of need, in your circumstance. If you call He will hear, and He will answer what is best for you, what you need, not what you think you need or want. 

I encourage you to write your own Psalm.  Discover your understanding of who God is to you; your “Selah moment”. 

You can study the word “Selah” further at: http://www.gotquestions.org/selah.html

Remind yourself (testify to your soul) what “waters” God has brought you through. Simply honor Him for who He is. Express your love for God in poem form or just as a letter or in song form (worship). Those things which you have stored up in your heart will come out as a bubbling well from your mouth.  This exercise will create a heart of worship in us. 

Are you a composer of songs to the Lord, or a singer of Psalms?  Maybe you consider you have nothing to offer.  With all humbleness, here are some of my personal psalms:

I praise You for your Majesty, You are my King!

Your are sovereign, You are my King!

You are the Prince of Peace, You are My King!

Your kingdom is eternal, You are my King!

You are mighty to save, You are my King!

You are worthy…

• Worthy of my love
• Worthy of praise
• Worthy of hands lifted up
• Worthy of an atmosphere of thanksgiving
• Worthy of receiving a string of hallelujah’s

I thank you for your covenant with me through Your Son

I thank you because you never leave me

I thank you because you comfort me

I thank you because you look at me with favor in your eyes

I thank you because you cover me

I thank you because you hear me

I thank you because you answer me

I thank you for the gift of Your Holy Spirit

You are the fragrance in the anointing oil….

You are the perfume released in my praise

Your oil flows in the midst of my pressing..

Here, try one for yourself….start with:

• I delight in the almighty, My God….

(count all the ways you delight in God)

Here is another one….start with:

• How excellent is they name
• Burden lifter
• Encourager
• Victory bringer
• Forgiver

Go ahead express yourself…

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) - Matt Redman (Worship with lyrics) from GloryToFatherGod

Tammy Trent – Worthy of my Praise from TheSevenTrip

See the back story (the cause to sing her psalms – songs):

Tammy Trent from Cerritelli

Let’s consider David and how he “spoke” faith. Look at the description:

• He is our rock
• He is our defense
• He is our strong tower
• He is our fence
• He is our Salvation
• He is our hiding place
• He is our shield
• He is my strength
• He is the lifter of my soul, of my head
• He restores our soul
• He listens to the afflicted

As you speak faith, your confidence grows, just look at some of the declarations David made, (with attitude, I might add):

• I shall not fear
• I shall not be moved
• I will hope in His Name
• I trust in God’s unfailing love
• I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people

What do you have to do soul (call them soul exercises):

• Wait on God
• Be thou silent
• Be taught by God
• Silence your murmurings
• Check your self (self-will)
• Contemplate his mighty works
• Recall what He has done for you in the past
• Bind up the enemy
• Be in the presence of God in thought and emotion
• Praise Him
• Dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of your life

My expectation is from Him for He has made us to:

• Sit with Him in heavenly places
• To be protected from any plague coming near our dwelling
• To mount up with wings as eagles
• He is close when I am brokenhearted
• Delight in the Lord and receive the desires of our heart
• Not see the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread
• Give us relief from days of trouble

Learn to turn to this treasury of the Book of Psalms when life batters you to the core and when it seems “you’re at the end of your rope.”  It is the original “soup for the soul”.  It is a tonic for whatever your condition. It is remembering the victories. It is remembering the reasons you love God.

Through Psalms, David shows us that we can grow beyond our present capacity, and to the full potential God has planned for us. How did David become so eloquent?  I personally think that his powerful expressions were born out of the many challenges and choices he had to face.  He was human, and sometimes his choices brought him to his knees or left him clinging to hope alone. Does that sound familiar?

See this quote by Wintley Phipps: “It is in the quiet crucible of your personal private sufferings, that your noblest dreams are born and God’s greatest gifts are given in compensation for what you have been through.  It is well.” 

Crucible Meaning and Definition (n.) A test of the most decisive kind; a severe trial; as, the crucible of affliction.

From: http://thinkexist.com/dictionary/meaning/crucible/

That is what David went through…Can you imagine him singing this song?  Sing it for yourself…

“It Is Well With My Soul” By Wintley Phipps from hoover4000

God Of My Everything from koolchristiangirl

CeCe Winans - Alone In His Presence from meishivom

I love the Book of Psalms. In Psalms we find a wealth of words and a treasury of experiences.  I don’t know about you, but along with reading my daily bible reading (following a plan), I supplement it with a Psalm for that day.  It is like a vitamin supplement.

It is hard to choose a favorite Psalm, because so many speak to my heart, and revive my soul as I read of the heart wrenching experiences the Psalmist endured. On some days a Psalm serves like a lifeline, other days it is a boost of encouragement, other days it might be a prayer for a transgression, or for a shield against an attack of the enemy, or when your soul feels “cast down”. Quite frankly on some days it is like oxygen for the soul, heart and even the brain.  Sometimes when reading a Psalm you just feel encircled by God’s love. 

The Psalmist exhorts his soul time and time again.  He sets his soul as a watchtower to “watch” instinctively for the snares because a watchman can see the enemy approaching from a distance.  It is not enough for the watchman to watch, he must also call out a warning. He calls attention to “self.”  Have you ever said, “self…” in a challenge. (I know, I know, I talk to myself a lot.)    

The Psalmist not only tells us his belief system, but what has caused him to believe and how it has shaped his character and his nature.

The Psalmist quiets his soul and although some requests seem unreasonable. He starts out in some Psalms noting that the enemy is crushing him, his soul panteth, he would have died, and as he exercises his authority in God, his confidence grows where he does not have to qualify his fears, and makes simple deliberate declarations of how he is enveloped by God.  He tells his Soul to “see” the greatness of God, the glory. He tells his soul to stand in awe.  He encourages his soul to use discerning vision in seeing our Big Mighty God in small things and in gentle ways and even in the stillness and silence. He reminds his soul that he is covered and protected.

Chris Tomlin: “Your Heart (DAVID)” – Official Lyric Video from SparrowRecords

Man after your own heart from stealth713

Who Can Satisfy My Soul from dennisjernigan

Matthew 24:44 (KJV) – Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Matthew 25:13 (NIV) – Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) – But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) –  8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  9Not of works, lest any man should boast.

from: http://www.biblegateway.com/

“Used with Permission” from: http://www.gailrodgers.ca/index.php/site/articleItem/200/

Christian Character Your Spiritual Journey by Gail Rodgers

Do you ever wonder if the person at the desk next to you believes in a higher power? Does your neighbor think there is life after death? Do other members of your family pray? Most everyone has some view of spirituality. More often than not it is unspoken and held silently. Many have questions. Some don’t believe at all.

The majority of people do believe in the supernatural in some form. Many claim to have “faith” yet never enter a church. Many pray, often in times of desperation. Yet others feel prayer is a false hope.

Powerful stories of answered prayer have come down through the ages and the generations. The question of faith is an intensely personal one. Each one of us decides in our own heart if we will believe in God or if we will reach to other forms of spirituality. You alone make the final choice as to where to place your faith.

To leave these matters unattended in our hearts is similar to leaving a ship unanchored on the ocean and hope the wind never comes up. Trying to put an anchor down in the midst of a fierce gale is a difficult task. We do well to examine our faith and set our spiritual anchor while the wind is calm. We all know how it can blow at times! Allow me to share with you the anchor I have found for my soul as I journey through life.

The most powerful evidence of the existence of God is seen in the person and life of Jesus Christ. His story is recorded history. His power still changes lives in remarkable ways today! His teachings still apply to our daily living and His Spirit works in our spirit to direct us and empower us beyond anything we could visualize ourselves.

The Bible tells us of a personal God who gives us hope as we believe in His son, Jesus Christ.

This believing becomes a point of power in our lives. This believing …

goes beyond rituals and rules.

it connects us to His Spirit.

it stirs in us a realization that even our own best thinking will be surpassed with God’s wisdom when we seek it.

it moves us toward a dependency on God as our source of strength.

it helps us admit our weaknesses and faults and find God’s help to change.

it anchors the soul.

As we believe in the crucified and risen Jesus and declare our faith in Him we receive authority, as an adopted child of God, to bring our requests to God in prayer.

Prayer is the natural cry of the soul to God. We were created to live a life of prayer…to communicate with God. He actually waits for us to call out to Him. That longing for spirituality that you feel within your soul was put there by God so you would seek Him and find Him. It is a simple choice to believe. It is a simple thing to acknowledge the void within and ask Him to fill it. Many have found that the things they seek to fill the emptiness can end up leaving them bankrupt spiritually and sometimes even emotionally and physically.

Anchoring your soul by faith in Jesus is the foundation for a spiritual journey that will bring you fulfillment. It will bring power in praying as you begin to apply the teaching of the Bible to your daily life.

But don’t take my word for it. It is a discovery to be made for yourself. Are you tired of feeling the void within your spirit? Have you found that the things you tried in hopes of finding that lasting satisfaction have failed? Then call out to God. Tell Him you believe His son Jesus died and rose from the grave. Tell Him you are tired of going your own way and need His Spirit to direct you. Invite Him to share the journey of life with you. You have nothing to lose and oh so much to gain. Why not anchor your soul today?

Thank you – “Used with Permission” from: http://www.gailrodgers.ca/index.php/site/articleItem/200/

Can’t Live A Day – Avalon FROM phuoc05

I Believe I Believe – Tommy Walker from babalu808

Whispered Prayers from soundingjoy1

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 6,400 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 5 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Phillipians 2:16 – King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.) – Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

From: http://bible.cc/philippians/2-16.htm

Hillsong – Run (with lyrics) from jarheadlpfoz

May you be encouraged as this year begins to get back in the Word. You will see your life with a biblical perspective as you fill your heart and mind with scripture. You will see life lessons come alive. Somewhere along your reading journey you will make a connection with “a person” in the bible. For some it will be Daniel, others, Joseph, or Joshua, or David, Job or Jonah, or Paul, and how about Deborah, Hannah, Ruth, Mary Magdalene, or Esther. The stories of their brokenness will strike a chord with your own brokenness, and your spirit will soar with their victories, as you overtake your own obstacles.

This year may you build on your Christian walk and strengthen your relationship with Jesus. This year dare to dream and live the dream that He has placed in your heart!

What is God placing in your heart for 2012?

Run with the vision and Press On!

Happy and Blessed New year!

Here we come 2012 proclaiming the gospel everywhere and anywhere we can!

Philippians 3:13-14: “…One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

“Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. (Habakkuk 2:2-3).

Here are some useful resources to augment your walk with Christ…

Daily Devotional “My Utmost For His Highest” by Oswald Chambers

http://utmost.org/

Bible Reading Plan

http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/readingplans/index.php/2012/01

He Is – Aaron Jeoffrey & Jeff Sivey – Worship Video w lyrics from brotherearl1944

Jesus through the Bible ! from halooti

ORDER MY STEPS IN YOUR WORD from Anointed1Appointed1

I have a hope Tommy Walker Worship Video with lyrics from brotherearl1944

This is my desire to honour you( with lyrics).wmv from georgiebhai

Kurt Carr – We Lift Our Hands In The Sanctuary from PeculiarPrayze