​This message is a simple, but profound foundational truth of God's word.  It refers to the account of a great King of Judah during Old Testament times and how he responded in the midst of an attack.  How he overcame by the word of the Lord and how he had victory.  This message speaks of the enemy we face, but most of all, how the battle is not ours, but the Lord's. We can be encouraged by his example today.
 2Chronicles 20
The children of Moab and Ammon  came against 
Jehosaphat and Judah to destroy them.
They also bought others with them, so as to form "a great multitude".

Jehoshaphat's Primary Focus - Seek the Lord
(Proverbs 3:25)
Be not afraid of sudden fear   
note: the verse goes on to refer to the desolation/destruction of the wicked  "when it comes"
Immediately, Jehosaphat  set himself to seek the Lord
all the cities of Judah came to seek the Lord!
fear will come naturally, but don't lean to your own understanding

We hear news of evil, pandemic, natural disasters, chaos, etc. Address it, know how to deal with it.  We need to look up, our redemption draws near
don't ignore spirits of poverty and lack
don't let them steal our peace, joy and confidence in the Lord
seek the Lord by fasting and prayer
(immediately seek the Lord for strength, peace, direction)

A Surprise Attack (don't be caught off guard) 
Don't be ignorant concerning the devil's devices!  Be not dismayed.  "count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations".  James 1:2
Jehoshaphat was surprised by the attack from nations that they had spared!
they had turned on them and become their enemy
 friends may turn on you and become your enemies
(enemies may become friends, too!)

Put God in remembrance
Remind  God of what he has already done in our lives, not get in fear of the future
that same God is able to deliver now!
--  all things are possible to them who believe  Mark 9:23

Psalm 103 
Bless the Lord oh my soul and forget not all his benefits
He has done mighty things for us.
2 Chronicles 20:11 
"turned on us to cast us out of thy houses in which thou hast given us!"

keep your eyes on the Lord!
bless, forgive, do good to your enemies
the battle is the Lord's!  He will repay
the weapons of our warfare are mighty!
what enemy meant for evil, God turned for good  - Gen. 50:20
No weapon formed against us shall prosper  Isaiah 54:17
When the enemy comes in like a flood    Isaiah 59:19

Jehoshaphat acknowledges that he does not have strength
 2 Chronicles 20:12
God judges them ?
"we have no might, neither know we what to do"
Now - rioting, pandemic, governmental elections, etc.  keep our eyes on Him!

We must have a prayer life, consistent and strong in the Spirit
prayer and fasting is needed
seeking HIs wisdom  relationship with God through the Spirit
KNOW HOW TO STAND IN THE VICTORY THAT YOU ALREADY HAVE

Acknowledge that you don't know what to do, and pray much in the Holy Ghost!  
(Romans 8)
We know not how to pray but the Spirit makes intercession according to the will of God!
When we pray in the spirit, we speak mysteries unto God while the Holy Spirit prays for us.  He helps our infirmities and inabilities!  God has a master plan!
We need to understand who the enemy is

Ask the Lord to show you what to do, that he might be glorified.

Jesus also makes intercession for us
we don't know what to do but our eyes are on you
(Hebrews  2:8)
"we see not everything under his feet but we see Jesus"

Don't put your eyes on His feet looking at what you think should be under his feet,
look at His face!    communicate face to face! 

Moses - I don't know what to do, if you don't go with me I will not go...
show me your glory! show me your way
seeking your face - Jehoshaphat set himself

Trust in the Lord!
David  (Psalm 27) 
the Lord is my light and my salvation
strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid
be confident, that will I seek after  to behold the beauty of the Lord  He shall hide me in his pavillion
also Psalm 91  hide in the secret place -  no evil shall befall me.  he satisfies me with long life

Know where we stand, who we belong to
He shall set me up on a rock  lift up your head, your voice your praise

(Psalm 24:6)  the generation of them that seek thy face Oh Jacob, Selah!
Lift up your heads. the King of glory shall come in!

Our response should be to seek His face, call on the Lord
Trust in Him  - He knows!
He will give us strategies, instructions, what paths to walk, what things to do
Psalm 27:8  When thou saidst seek my face, thy face will I seek

(Ezekiel 37:3)  -  God asks, "shall these bones live?"  -  "Lord,  you know.
We speak mysteries to God (praying in the Spirit) and he gives wisdom
The Spirit of the Lord himself will come
Then came the Spirit of the Lord in the midst of the congregation
God sends help by 5 fold ministry gifts, angelic beings, fellow believers, etc.
(2Chronicles 20:20) - believe in the lord your God, so shall ye be established, believe His prophets so shall ye prosper

(Acts  11:26)  First called Christians in Antioch
persecution had come to the church, don't be confused, astonished when it comes, know that Gods grace is sufficient
(I Peter 4:12)  think it not strange concerning the fiery trials that shall try you.
His grace is sufficient - they ministered to the Lord and fasted/the Holy Spirit said 
"In this hour you will need to have a relationship with God that you hear him.
You must have strong relationship with God
Don't follow the voice of another."

God sends angels to help us and guard us, to fight our battles, etc.   ie: (Psalm 91 and other accounts)
(Revelation 19) 
Isle of Patmos  Angel of the Lord with John the apostle.   He referred to himself as a fellow servant, not to be worshipped.
fellow servants - 5 fold ministry for greater instruction and confirmation of what the spirit has already told you. 
same unction, testimony, spirit of prophecy upon individuals,5-fold ministry confirms
The Holy Spirit Spirit will speak to you.  Learn how to get into the Word of God for yourself.   Get in tune like never before
Seek God for your strategy for your family, your health, your ministry...what He is telling you to do.
(Chronicles) - strategies to overcome the enemy
Be so in tune to His voice in this hour.  Do what He is telling you to do.   
Hearken, be not afraid nor dismayed..., the battle is not yours 
1) be not afraid  don't allow the spirit of fear to overtake you or the spirit of dread and confusion or be overwhelmed by what is going on in this world!
you have access to the weaponry and presence of God.  We are more than conquerors

God gives victory 
So shall we ever be with the Lord
we are in the kingdom to let people know.  He is the only hope
Let our light so shine, 

Lessons from Jehoshaphat
1) don't be afraid,  2)the battle is the Lord's   3) direction: what to do, where to go
God's direction to Jehoshaphat:
"tomorrow set yourselves, stand ye still and see, fear not.  tomorrow go out  to...

(Exodus 14:13) 
Set yourself.  don't be double minded  your answer is in Christ Jesus
(Galatians 5:1)
stand ye still, stand fast in the liberty, be not entangled again in the yoke of bondage
(Galatians 5:7-15) 
ye did run well, but who did hinder you that ye did not obey
the answer is in God  he is the only way out of the problems of this life
our victory is in Christ Jesus
Not in politics, medicine, etc.
cry, call the nation, sinners, saints to repentance!
Seek His face before you bow to his feet in worship once you get the revelation, the answer, the word from God.  If He says it, it will happen
when He gives you the answer,  look up and praise him!
Release praise and the angels do battle! 
lift up your heads and He comes in and does battle
(2 Chronicles 20:22)
Jehoshaphat appointed singers to the Lord,  praise the Lord for His mercy endureth forever
Praise was the weapon of war they had to confuse the enemy. 
praise confounds/confuses the enemy  - Jehosaphat's  enemies attacked one another!
Let God arise and the enemy will be scattered
His praise shall continually be in my mouth
2 Chronicles 20:22   when they began to praise, the Lord sent ambushment against the children of Ammon and Moab.  The enemy destroyed themselves and left riches for the Hebrews.
Remember Gideon: the sword of Gideon
 and the Lord
Let God arise and the enemy will be scattered.

STAND FAST!  SPEAK THE WORD, PRAY IN THE SPIRIT!
(Romans 8:28)  we know that all things work together for good, 
(Jeremiah 29:11)  thoughts of peace toward you...
This is the hour in which the people of God must seek God in fasting and prayer.
relationship, covenant with the Lord must be stronger than ever before
pray in the spirit and speak mysteries unto God and He gives wisdom as to what to do

The power of your word, consistency of our love
covenant commitment to God has to be stronger than ever before!
because the devil knows that he has a short time and sin is abounding, but grace much more abounds
stand, set yourself, stand ye still and ye shall see the mighty hand of God!
We declare victory right now!

God’s Mercy - God's greatest gift to mankind
He came to deliver us, desires we be free from the powers of darkness and reign with Him, have
life with him forever

The importance of forgiving and walking in forgiveness one to another:
The prayer of repentance accepts full responsibility, can’t justify or
minimize sin

Against thee only have I sinned
Psalm 51
King James Version
51 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my
transgressions.
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be
clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they
offer bullocks upon thine altar.

God gives access.
I John 1:9
If we confess or sin he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us of all
unrighteousness
Prov 28:13
He that covers his sin will not prosper but he who confesseth and forsakes

There is no act He will not forgive, great is HIs mercy, removes the cloud of condemnation if you will call out
restore the joy of our relationship
forgetting, cast as far as the east is from the west
God decides not to remember
He "dismembers" it and does not recreate the situation

Come let us reason together He will restore
He brought us up out of the miry clay, a new creation, gives a new slate, a new beginning,
shows us how to show mercy and forgiveness to our fellow man
we deserve death, but we get the gift of life
Psalm 103
"Bless the Lord, Oh my soul who forgives all our iniquities and heals our diseases!

Titus 3:5 not by works of righteousness. His shed blood paid the penalty, He became sin for us!
HE PAID THE PRICE

Isaiah 53:5, He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement
of our peace was upon Him
He died that we might be made righteousness

REJOICE BECAUSE YOUR ARE BORN AGAIN -YOUR NAME IS WRITTEN IN THE LAMB'S BOOK OF
LIFE
"Blessed is the man whose sins have been forgiven"

Forgive one another - fully appreciate what mercy we have received
if we don't forgive, God can't forgive us our sins
Matt 6:12,14
Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

The greatest sin is to die in sin
1)"except you repent you shall all likewise perish"
2) if we don't forgive, that separates us from God's presence (Isaiah 59)
the following promises will have to impact
our confessions and decrees have no power Mark 11:23,24 whosover shall say... believe...he
shall decree a thing and it shall be done unto you, if any 2 agree as touching, if you ask
according to His will you have, speak to the mountain
- “when you stand praying, forgive”
this is the greatest hinderance to prayer in the life of a believer
Matt. 18:23 one servant owed 10,000 (mIllions of dollars in debt)
- I forgave you all that debt should thou also have had compassion on our fellow servant?
forgive from your heart every one his brother, remember were He brought your from

Forgive yourself
God’s mercy is enough, you don’t have the spirit of pride to keep brining it up

2 Cor 5:17
Old things are become new

Romans 8:1
There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus...free from the law of sin and death - don’ allow the enemy to make you feel guilt declare who you are in Christ!

Paul on the road to Damascus - on the way to destroy the church, orchestrates the murders of
Christians in his ignorance to the law of Christ
resentment builds up if you don’t forgive
bitter indignation of having been treated unfairly, root of bitterness becomes spirit of murder,
want to see bad come to those who hurt you

like a vine chokes the life out of your spirit and paranoia and fear set in
Corrie Ten Boom - forgiveness was the key to releasing her from bondage

the enemy reminds us of what has been done in our past, brings a root of bitterness

forgive, forget and be free
don’t cuddle it, or nurse it
it becomes a “badge of honor”
let it go
pray for grace to forgive

Don’t rehearse it
2Cor 10
Cast down imaginations, our weapons are not carnal
we overcome by the blood o the lamb, speaking life
bring every thought into captivity
plead the blood over your emotions

Ephesians 4:29
Cast your care upon the Lord, go to him you and He alone
reconcile, walk in the peace of God
Galatians 6 let him who is spirtual go to him in a spirit of meekness

Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of our mouth, minister grace to the hearers

Ephesians 4:26
Be ye angry and sin not (let him that stole steel no more
(“if you can’t say something good.”)

Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness, anger, wrath, clamor and slander be put away
from you along with all malice

Matt 5:43-46 
​Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you,
pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you that you may be the children of your
Father in heaven,,,if ye love them that love you what reward have you?
”Don’t nurse it, don’t cuddle it, don’t rehearse it”

​We must know the heart and the desire of the father.  What brings joy to Him?  
What pleases the Father? 
Seek first the kingdom of God 
John 15 (The Desire of the Father) Seek 1st the Kingdom of God. What pleases the Father?
If ye abide in me and my words abide in you
Herein is my father glorified that ye bear much fruit so shall ye be my disciples   John 15:8
John 15:16-19 King James Version (KJV) 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
Jesus identifies himself as the vine 10:7 ask what you will…

We put Greater emphasis on verse 7.  naming our desires confessing the promises of God
Greater understanding of the power of agreement John 5 confidence 
we stand strong in believing and seeking the blessings of God

any two agree it shall be done we have been well equipped to understand why we should abide in the word to access the promises made to us
power of agreement greater assurance and greater manifestation 

We have learned how to name and decree and speak life
why it is so important to abide in the word so we can ask
1John 13,14
Mk 11:22…have faith in God, say to the mountain… when you pray believe that you have them and you shall receive them.
We have keys to the kingdom, access to the throne of grace

I John 5 confidence we have assurance of His word and signs following
5:13,14 confidence ...we desired of Him
Because he hears us we know we have the petitions we have desired of him.

access to the throne of grace, but we have put more value on temporary things, not eternal
material more than spiritual, earthly more than heavenly
verse 8 that the Father be glorified

There is something God wants to do in and through us
that you should go and bring forth fruit and that fruit remain
how they can be effective soul winners themselves
We need an awakening amongst the people of God, purpose and responsibility to reach souls!

-Col 3 if ye be risen, seek things above
-2Cor 4 things seen are temporary, light affliction not but for a moment. Things work in our favor
- be steadfast, unmovable
-don't cast away your confidence
-be not weary in due season
God cannot lie, whatsoever He promises, He will perform
He rewards those who diligently seek Him

Don't get in love with things of the World, focus attention and value, set affection on things above - temporal verses eternal
I John 2 - Love not the world...be not conformed
Mark 4 the sower and the thorns - In the parable, the seed took root and began to grow.  But the cares of life, deceitfulness of riches choke out the word.

Souls are eternal!
if we are concerned about souls, we have peace. We are not given the spirit of fear
It is selfish to have this knowledge and be unconcerned about these controlled by the powers of darkness.  It is our right and privilege to be soul winners!
We were once bound, now free.  This is the word of our testimony!
Jesus died for our sins, loves you! He set an example for us.  He came to seek and save…to do the will of the father!

Herein is the father glorified that we bring forth fruit - souls!

This is a command.   We must win souls!
Matt 10 sent out 2 by 2
go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel
freely you have received, freely give!
There is none righteous…not by works of righteousness are we saved...
blessed with material things, power to get wealth
that we heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils in His name

Jesus rose again, disciples hid in fear
John 20 sins remitted and regained
power to see people saved, sins forgiven
give understanding that sins are dealt with
NOW tell them!
all they have to do is believe on the Lord Jesus

don't have to be in sickness, torment, fear
Jesus is preparing a place
He has given angels encamped about you in a new covenant based on promises in His Word
until they come to the knowledge of Christ
- He who has the son has life John 3:16
miracle of leading souls to salvation
miracle worker every day!
soul winning not an option for the believer, a command to His disciples - go, in Christ's stead
- He's made a way
I beseech you in Christ's stead

Matt 28 go ye therefore and teach all nations.  "all souls are mine"
Mark 16 they that believe...
Not just power to heal, etc., but power to save, commission and command


Ezekiel 3 watchman
warn them of impending danger, sin, see what is going on around us!
Matt 24 wars, rumors, pestilence, famines earthquakes in diverse places...look up, Lift up your heads your redemption draws nigh
It’s a matter of time before judgement comes
when we let them know what concerns their future, not just responsibility to warn
- Ezekiel 3:17 blood required at thy hand if you don’t warn, wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.
verse 19, delivered thy soul if you warn the wicked,  warn the righteous to stay saved

3-fold mission: get saved, stay saved, help others come in
vs. 20 warn the righteous to stay saved
warn the wicked to get saved and warn the righteous to stay saved
souls are at stake and we have responsibility of letting them know that Jesus is savior
-Luke 15:1 He saw them as sheep without a shepherd.  Sheep are helpless, have no defense their wool is like a sponge that can cause them to drown should they fall into a body of water 
they are most helpless and hopeless
all we like sheep have gone astray…    Isaiah 53
God loves all sheep, all mankind
Desiring that you come to know him in the pardoning of your sin
God is glorified when you bring forth fruit, you have been ordained
Bringing souls into the kingdom of God
No an option, a command
Do! Go!  
What would make God rejoice? What would cause a celebration in heaven?
Luke 15:1 they drew near the hear him (Publicans and sinners)

3 Examples of rejoicing over finding something precious that has been lost.
parable of the shepherd who left the 99 sheep to find the one that was lost
found my sheep which was lost. "Joy in heaven over 1 sinner that repents more than the 99 already saved!!
Rejoice with me!
People are fainting 
There is a celebration in heaven
Jesus had compassion on them, men's hearts failing them for fear
it's prime time to tell them there is one way - Jesus- “I am the way”!
Just as the woman who lost her coin and rejoiced over the piece which she had lost when it was found!
The Father begins to rejoice over one sinner!
Likewise, rejoicing in the presence of the angels!  The father rejoices when one sinner repenteth!
Can you reach at least one?  remember the starfish story – “I saved that one”.

warn, encourage let them know   goodness, plan, purpose God has for them
if you don’t get saved you will die in your sin

prodigal son realized what he had squandered!
if only people could realize what it is like to know what is like to be in the presence of the father, to know that your name is written in heaven, 
tell them they can have the same peace you have
rejoicing over one soul
bring forth the fatted calf, the best robe, the ring
this is the one that was lost!

when was the last time you brought joy to Him by winning a soul?
when was the last time you brought joy to the father in that way?

CROWN OF REJOICING/SOULWINNER’S CROWN
Understand the value of a soul. God is salvation.  this is the reason He came
for souls to be saved, for lives to be transformed by the power of His love
you have the key that you can open the door, invite them in and welcome them in to the body of Christ
many ae waiting for your to give them the invitation.  Offer them the invitation
encourage the saints to stand fast, hold fast to your confidence in the faithfulness of God.
Romans 10:10 whosoever believes shall be saved.  if they only receive the invitation, encourage them to stand fast, stay faithful, keep confidence

Death and destruction are all around
Ask the Lord to remove all fear and pride in sharing the gospel. 
Have conviction in your heart, urgency iny our spirit, compassion to be willing and obey,
Be a soul winner.  Bring joy to the Father's heart!

Symptoms to know you are under attack of the spirit of discouragement and how to overcome and have victory

"When God gives a promise, the enemy has a plot to destroy us."  
no promise is fulfilled without opposition, hindrances, obstacles to discourage us from fulfilling our purpose
(1 Peter 5:8) 
the devil roams around seeking whom he may devour

3 symptoms that we are under the enemy’s attack 

• Fatigue
  
• Frustration
  
• Failure

Our reaction to these symptoms is often to succumb to DOUBT, ANGER, LUST, JEALOUSY, etc.  The enemy entices with the same types of attacks, leading to   GUILT and  CONDEMNATION
When God gives you a promise, it is not a guarantee that you will actually receive it, you must fight and overcome the hinderances
I will do a new thing...shall ye not know it?  (Isaiah 43:19)  

 Numbers 13:2
-God already gave the assurance of a good land and his strength to be with them 
2. Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel:


Israel's examples to us:
The case of the Red Sea and the Promised Land: 
God gave them a promise: - promised land flowing with milk and honey, (Exodus 33:1-3 )
Exodus 33:1-3 
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, 'I will give it to your descendants.' ²I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. ³Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.

How were they discouraged?
Numbers 13:28
They focused on the problem instead - the threat of the enemy, allowed it to become greater than then truth of God's word
Numbers 13:31-33
31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.
32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.
33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.


The Case of Rebuilding the Wall:  
God’s promise: Nehemiah 4:4,

How were they discouraged? 

Discouragement and despair follow God's judgement on Israel through Nebuchadnezzar 
Nehemiah and his peers set out to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and the temple of God. ( It had been considered one of the 8 wonders of the world.)
while looking at the rubbish of the once great temple, they remembered the great glory of the former temple and became discouraged at the prospect of rebuilding,  
(Neh. 4:10)   the strength of the bearers of burden is decayed, we are not able to build the walls!

behold the word of God, keep your ears tuned to it  
those who have ears to hear, discouragement comes when distractions and deceptions come - leading to unbelief

(1Tim 4:1-2, 1Tim 4:8,  2Tim 3) Beware brethren ...departing from the faith

Lessons from Nehemiah and Haggai:  
unbelief is not going to please God!
keep ourselves encouraged
remembering how things used to be in the past always seems like things were better then
faced with challenges they'd never seen before
We don't want to go back into bondage as they did!
your past is behind you


HOW DID THEY RECOVER?
God brought encouragement and direction through his prophets,  Haggai and Nehemiah, Ezra and Levites
(Haggai 2:4,6,9) 4 "yet now be strong...all ye people of the land...and work; for I am with you, saith the Lord, and work; for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts: 6yet once it is a little while and I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea,  and the dry land..9for the  glory of the latter house greater than the former, and in this place will I give peace."
(Nehemiah 4:14)  Be not afraid of them; remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses."
(Nehemiah 8:10) the joy of the lord is your strength


What about us?  

How to know when you are under the attack of the enemy
3 symptoms that we are under attack 
fatigue, frustration, failure

Once we give way to these “symptoms”, they often give way to DOUBT, ANGER, LUST, JEALOUSY, etc.   The enemy can then entice us with the same tools he used to control us before salvation came to us.   GUILT and CONDEMNATION follow.
you may find yourself looking at the things around, the report of the world,
the enemy uses special weapons/attacks of sin in the same areas where you experienced weakness and sinfulness before your salvation

feelings of self-condemnation, regret, inability, weakness, apathy, unworthiness, etc.
the enemy tries to take away your will to fight and fulfill the blessings and calling of God.



,
HOW CAN YOU  OVERCOME AND HAVE VICTORY?
(Galatians 5:1) be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage
(Heb.l:2) run the race with patience
(1Tim. 2:3-5) endure hardness as a good soldier
(Hebrews 12:1)   lay aside every weight and sin that so easily besets us

**how to lay aside, how to deal with the "enemy within me" giants within us
(Romans 8:1) there is therefore now no condemnation
(2Cor 5:17) If any man be in Christ - new creature
(Ephesians 6:10) be strong in the lord and the power of HIs might  
by HIs spirit authority of His name, power of the blood, know who He is and who You are

KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON JESUS
  be on guard concerning what you give ear to what you allow your eye to see and ears to hear, distractions  - 
(Hebrews 12:2) Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith
set your eyes upon Him, seek first the kingdom 

Take heed to what your hear most news is not good news the nature of a man is to be drawn to bad news  earthquakes, fires, etc. 
 there is little media about revival, good news, healings

Encourage yourself in the LORD!
(Jeremiah 17:16-26, John 15:19, 1John 2:15-17) Remember we are in this world, but not of it
(Proverbs 4:20-) incline your ear to God's Word
(Isaiah 53) Who hath believed the report of the Lord
(2 Cor 5:17) you are born again, the future is better than the past
wages and consequences of sin
(Psalm 27:13) I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living
the past is behind you

(1Tim 4:1-2, 1Tim 4:8, 2Tim 3) Beware brethren ...in departing from the faith

How can we be strong in the lord?

(I Cor. 10:13) there is no temptation that is not common
He knows how to give you strength
(Phil. 3:14) This one thing I do, press toward the mark
there will be trials in this life
____but through it all, Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11
He has plans for you, strength and preparation
make sure your ear is on Him
you can start over, change is a part of life
God is faithful to bring you through the transition



BE ENCOURAGED, "THERE IS LIFTING UP!" 
(Psalm 121, Psalm 24:9)  lift up your eyes...King of glory shall come in
GOD IS IN CONTROL 
 I am doing a new thing, "God"

There is a better day ahead
Kingdom age, out of the church age
not the name of a pastor, building
bringing people out of darkness
(Matt 9:36) look out on the multitudes, see them lost, without God and without a savior, heart deeply oved with compassion
it's time for us to give them hope!
We are the church, this is a new day!
don't get discouraged!

pick up the pieces
Nehemiah rebuilt the walls after destruction

3 SYMPTOMS OF DISCOURAGEMENT 
complaining, negative proclamations
Ie:  Neh. 4:10   "strength of the bearers of burden is decayed, we are not able to build the walls!"
tired, fed up, decree 

1) fatigue - tired
physical and mental
procrastination, delay when tired
2) frustration - too much to do, too hard, can't see progress, etc.
causes you to get angry, hot tempered, responding out of anger, not love, where is your smile,   encouragement
3) failure
failure is not an option in your life
"I didn't fail, I just came to realize that I have to attack it a different way."
take charge, take authority, seek the Lord for a strategy.


HOW TO RECOVER

GOD ALWAYS GIVES US THE VICTORY
Rejoice in Him!  He is your strength to go forth,  stand, fight, go forth
cannot give in!

THINK OF THE GOODNESS OF JESUS, THINK ON THESE THINGS...
"He Did Save, He Is Saving, He Will Save!"
renew my strength
Psalm 51
God will remove discouragement, anxiety, fear

(Neh 4)  Hear and know we are discouraged, "they have provoked thee"
 (4:9)  we make our prayer - Sanballad, Tobias, etc. were trying to keep them from doing the work of God
(4:4) Sanballad, etc. were angry will they build, etc.
the enemy is angry when he sees you try to rebuild, you must watch as well as pray, be on guard against evil 
set up to rebuild, take sword, spears and bows
you must increase your prayer life!  

KNOW THAT THE BATTLE IS THE LORD'S
Fight for the relationship with God that He has established, 

SEE THE BIG PICTURE:  one problem or desire in your life can make you lose focus on God's blessings and benefits made available to you, one situation can blind you 
(Genesis 3:1, 2:17) God said, of all the trees, don't eat of this one tree
Gen 3:4
Satan casts doubt.  Ye shall not surely die, the tree is good for food, etc. The devil told her that God was hiding something from them
Gen 3:6
When she saw: it the tree was  good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it
 
Galatians 6:2
Bear one another's burdens, encourage.
Discouragement is contagious.   
One wrong look,
Attitude can easily spread negative feelings
Pass on the word of God & stand together

Galatians 6:14 
Stand together, encourage one another
Pray for one another (I Samuel 12:23)  I will not sin against God in ceasing to pray for you
exhort one another daily  (Hebrews 313)
Neh 4:14
(Deut. 31:6, Jer. 1:8, Neh. 4)    be not afraid of them, remember the Lord - I fight for your families

Rejoice and fight having on the whole armor of God!
returned everyone to his work
Nehemiah split half the people to work on the wall, the other half to fight - 1/2 and fighters- shields, harbingers, 1/2 builders- bearers, workers 
“The Joy of the lord is your strength”


Be encouraged, you shall fulfill your call!

Upward, Inward, Outward  
upward to God, inward search or motives, outward look on the multitudes
We need to take inventory of where we are at this point in the last days.
Today we emphasize our being True Worshippers and Friends of God.  We love and worship God with all our hearts.
We must have a hunger for righteousness to hear and know the will of God. We must hear with clarity and move forward with certainty.
 
Upward Vision - We  Look Up!

True Worshippers
Compassion in the hearts of God's people
without God there is no hope in the world
there is a sense of uncertainty, fear and confusion like Jesus said would be in the last days.   He said when you see these things happening, look up for your redemption draws nigh.

We are at peace, abiding under the shadow of the almighty.  He is our redeemer, our provider, our protector.
even people of God lose confidence, saints should bear the infirmities of the weak!

witness to the lost!
material possessions: gain the world yet lose your soul?
John 3:16 God is not willing that any should perish
- He wants others to come to the knowledge of the truth of Jesus Christ
Inward Vision – “Woe is me”
Isaiah 6:5 “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in  the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King,
After the death of the familiar King Uzziah, Isaiah had a vision in which God brought 3 things to his realization.
That God and His angels are Holy and the old is past away   (my eyes have seen the King)
that he, Isaiah,  is unclean - not as worthy as he had believed   (I am undone)
that the people need to know the Lord   (“Lord, Send Me” 6:8)  


the death of the familiar 6:1
things we have grown accustomed to have changed!
we cannot put God in a box
God is doing a new thing!
sometimes we realize we had more faith in these things than in the things of God?
We need an ear to hear and a heart to believe, a mind to take action
God is not willing that any should perish
love our fellow man, love one another as he has loved us
do good to all
love and pray for all to be saved
compassion must develop in the hearts of God's people
intercede for one another, bear one another's burdens, strengthen the brethren

The Old is past away, “Moses is dead”
New territory, New assignments - 
God has not changed, and His word has not changed
His love for us is forever real
get a renewed vision of the Holiness of God
God is not a man!
always higher heights, deeper depths , faith to faith, glory to glory!
growing stronger, increasing with our relationship with the Lord
- Isaiah began to see the seraphim, the beauty of God
We are challenged in a lot of ways, but God is doing a new thing
Remembering to trust in God - 
Isaiah 43:15   I brought you out of Egypt, Babylonian captivity,
verse 15   I am the Lord, the Holy One ,…make a way in the wilderness…brought them out and into a place of provision

He is our King!
I made a way and even caused your enemy to be destroyed
remember ye not the former things nor consider the things of old
my deliverance will not always come the same way    
know that I have thoughts concerning you!
Rivers in the desert , water in the dry place
I am Holy, this is my world and I do whatever I want to do
We Must See Him, Honor Him
--- true worship by choice, not force

Believe Him for the supernatural!  Recognize who he is!
Heb. 11:6 believe that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him 
I’ll be with you always, even unto the end
Ever present help in time of need
What do we say to these things?
Respond by the word of God
nothing can separate us
If God be with us, who can be against us
The sower went out seed fell among thorns
Continue with greater desire to grow
Don’t let the word be choked out!
Don’t trust other things
Don’t lose your vision of the faithfulness and power of almighty God
Choose to trust God
Worship removes worry
Love casts out all fear
We must be a light, intercessors
Encourage ourselves in the Lord
“Why art thou cast down oh my soul, I will yet hope in God
Bless the Lord Oh My Soul His praise shall continually be in my mouth
Let God Arise
cast out Fear, chaos removed
Lost energy, be encouraged - Hope thou in God!
Shelter from the storm in worship
Dwell in the secret place
Goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life
The name of the lord is a strong tower!
Shall I pursue or stay?  
PROV. 3:5 Trust in the Lord
A still small voice
Remove all other voices
My sheep hear my voice
This is the way, walk ye in it

Jehoshaphat – what shall we do? Set yourself
Stand ye still, the battle is the Lord’s
Lift up your eyes, the King of glory shall come in

Place of transfer in worship
Trading sorrows, trading mourning for joy
The oil of Joy heaviness for the spirit of praise
True worship – renewed vision of what He wants to do
For us and through us

Renewed vision of God’s faithfulness
 Inventory of ourselves
Examine yourself
Where your confidence really lies!
Make your calling and election sure
A level of holiness still needed to attain!
-forgetting those things behind, have not arrived …  glory to God!
Isaiah 6 woe is me – I am undone
Desire to be all He wants us to be
Without the grace and spirit of God, you will never be of any value to the kingdom!

Speaking unbelief, departing from God
Hebrews 3:12 meditate on the things of God, speak blessing thee Word of God in the midst of confusion!
My eyes have seen the King

In my flesh dwelleth no good thing  
no condemnation, the law of the spirit of Christ Jesus has made me free from law of sin and death
-stand fast in the liberty… no yoke of bondage
Confess and forsake sin and love mercy
Morning by morning
My sin purged, 
Come boldly with confidence that HE Hears you

Outward view
8Also I heard the voice of the LORD, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Here am I, send me!
Jesus came to seek and save souls.  He wants souls to be saved!
How merciful He is to you,.  He wants all to see all to be saved
The world knows judgement is coming
Get the word to the people - those who abide…
Jesus said, “I am going away and will come again
World dissolved with a fervent heat
Coming for a people looking for him
I John 3, called the Sons of God, those who have this hope purify themselves
He’s coming again!
I Come quickly and my reward is with me
Our very best is as filthy rags, you must be born again
Go to all the World
They that believe shall be saved
Lay hands on the sick…
Tell them they can bed saved!
If you don’t receive His mercy…
the Day of the Lord, Judgement is coming

Rapture of the church before that Day
Be mindful of His love for us
Encourage, warn those who don’t know the Lord

Love not the world, don’t be caught up in the ways of the world
There is an expiration date
Seek the Lord  
Get a vision of whose you are
Vision of the world
Blind leading the blind
Man has no power over the woks of darkness
We must let people know

It’s about SOULS!!!
HE IS HOLY AND HE IS Coming BACK SOON!