For further inspiration, see also
Inspired Reading ...
Inspired Reading ...
- or In Despair? ... Don't Panic!
- Notes #31 - Tip #3 Prayer -
- Move Beyond Self ...
- Encouraged in Christ.
| AUDIO Notes |
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Audio Notes by Sharon Johnson | 04/2008
One of the many things I've learned to accept, (by the help
of the Lord), is that it really is okay to stand alone by faith. Its
not always easy or the popular thing to do, I agree. Its just a
fact of everyday living and from time to time, you too will find it
necessary to stand for something.
As it was with the Apostle Paul (II Tim 4:14-18). Paul had a
situation were Alexander the coppersmith, had done a lot of
evil to undermine his influence, support and ministry, to the
point that nobody would stand with Paul. Everyone that Paul
had labored with and sacrificed for, just simply abandoned
him because of the actions of somebody else. However,
since there is no counsel against the Lord,
For all it did was just confirm his authority in Christ and to
further establish him in the Word of God. All it did was make
the bond greater- stronger- and more powerful with God.
Paul didn't lose a thing. What was meant for evil - God
turned it to Paul for good. After all, Alexander wasn't fighting
Paul, he was actually fighting against God, as it was with
everyone else who tried to stop the message of the gospel.
It's written in (Acts 5:39) ...
and your stand and beliefs are greatly challenged and/or
questioned, its written in (Ephesians 6 verses 13-14) on just
how to handle it …
If no one is there to stand with you or for you, whether out of
fear - lack of faith - or because of the evil done by others -
As the Lord continued delivering Paul from every evil work, He
will do the same for you. He’s done the same for me. Which is
why I can truly say that, when you’re standing in accordance
with God‘s Word, going through or standing alone is nothing
to be ashamed of. As a matter of fact, its one of the best
reasons to rejoice, for it’s a time to build a stronger - more
powerful bond of trust, love, and assurance in Him.
Rest assured, its not going to be a one time thing. It will be
something you’ll have to learn to endure all the days of your
life and you won’t always know when that time will be. Then
again, that’s what makes the Lord’s deliverance so great -
so awesome - so remarkable in your life - because when He
stands with you - all the host of heaven is standing with you
too! And everybody including you will know it!
For as David wrote in (Psalms 55:18) - He hath delivered my
soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there
were many with me.
Scripture References:
of the Lord), is that it really is okay to stand alone by faith. Its
not always easy or the popular thing to do, I agree. Its just a
fact of everyday living and from time to time, you too will find it
necessary to stand for something.
- Whether it be a political issue that you hold a very
strong opinion about - - It may be for your own personal style and
independence - - but eventually, it will be for your faith and what you
believe in, that is, telling the truth and doing the right
thing, in spite of the consequences.
As it was with the Apostle Paul (II Tim 4:14-18). Paul had a
situation were Alexander the coppersmith, had done a lot of
evil to undermine his influence, support and ministry, to the
point that nobody would stand with Paul. Everyone that Paul
had labored with and sacrificed for, just simply abandoned
him because of the actions of somebody else. However,
since there is no counsel against the Lord,
- The Lord stood with him -
- The Lord strengthened him - and
- The Lord delivered him - in spite of no one else
being there - and - By the Spirit of the Lord -- Paul holds no resentment.
Instead Paul prays that God would forgive them.
For all it did was just confirm his authority in Christ and to
further establish him in the Word of God. All it did was make
the bond greater- stronger- and more powerful with God.
Paul didn't lose a thing. What was meant for evil - God
turned it to Paul for good. After all, Alexander wasn't fighting
Paul, he was actually fighting against God, as it was with
everyone else who tried to stop the message of the gospel.
It's written in (Acts 5:39) ...
- … if it be of God you cannot over throw it
- lest you be found even to fight against God.
and your stand and beliefs are greatly challenged and/or
questioned, its written in (Ephesians 6 verses 13-14) on just
how to handle it …
- Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that
ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having
done all, to stand. - Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth,
and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
If no one is there to stand with you or for you, whether out of
fear - lack of faith - or because of the evil done by others -
- The Lord will stand with you -
- The Lord will strengthen you - and
- The Lord will deliver you.
As the Lord continued delivering Paul from every evil work, He
will do the same for you. He’s done the same for me. Which is
why I can truly say that, when you’re standing in accordance
with God‘s Word, going through or standing alone is nothing
to be ashamed of. As a matter of fact, its one of the best
reasons to rejoice, for it’s a time to build a stronger - more
powerful bond of trust, love, and assurance in Him.
Rest assured, its not going to be a one time thing. It will be
something you’ll have to learn to endure all the days of your
life and you won’t always know when that time will be. Then
again, that’s what makes the Lord’s deliverance so great -
so awesome - so remarkable in your life - because when He
stands with you - all the host of heaven is standing with you
too! And everybody including you will know it!
For as David wrote in (Psalms 55:18) - He hath delivered my
soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there
were many with me.
Scripture References:
- II Timothy 4 verses 14-18.
- 14. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord
reward him according to his works:
15. Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our
words.
16. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook
me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
17. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened
me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all
the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of
the lion.
18. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will
preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for
ever and ever. Amen.
- Proverbs 21 verses 29 & 30.
- 29. A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he
directeth his way.
30. There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against
the Lord.
- Psalms 38 verse 20. They also that render evil for good are
mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.
- Proverbs 17 verse 13. Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall
not depart from his house.
- Romans 8 verse 28. And we know that all things work together
for good to them that love God, to them who are the called
according to his purpose.
- Acts 5 verses 29-42.
- 29. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We
ought to obey God rather than men.
30. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and
hanged on a tree.
31. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a
Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the
Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
33. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took
counsel to slay them.
34. Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named
Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the
people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
35. And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to
yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
36. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to
be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred,
joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed
him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
37. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the
taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished;
and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
38. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let
them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come
to nought:
39. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be
found even to fight against God.
40. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the
apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should
not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing
that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not
to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
- Ephesians 6 verses 10-18.
- 10. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power
of his might.
11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil.
12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness
of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye
may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to
stand.
14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and
having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of
peace;
16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be
able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God:
18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication
for all saints;
- Psalms 55 verses 16-18.
- 16. As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me.
17. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:
and he shall hear my voice.
18. He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was
against me: for there were many with me.
- Psalms 68 verse 17. The chariots of God are twenty thousand,
even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai,
in the holy place.
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