I COME IN THE NAME OF THE LORD
How does a Christian remain strong during this chaotic time? No season in our lives has been more battle-focused than now. A war rages in Israel and we are witnessing a political war here at home; our very democracy is being challenged. Churches are facing declining numbers and financial loss. The economy in the US has become a serious strain for many families and morality in our nation is at an all-time low. Demons are emboldened and people are failing under the demonic pressure as depression and suicide rates skyrocket. The temptation for many is to let down their guard, cast off restraint and give up. Do not do that. It is time to be proactive; take a stand, fortify your position and go on the offensive. It is time to strike back.
ISRAEL FACING ANNIHILATION
Throughout history, God’s people have faced insurmountable odds as their enemies rose up against them. During David’s time, it was the Philistines who came to annihilate them. The world was shifting from the bronze age to the iron age. The Philistines had a powerful chariot army and their technology was shifting from soft bronze weapons to much harder iron ones. Iron weaponry was the pathway to military supremacy and the Philistines were determined to conquer Israel in the process of attaining that iron. They lived in the region of present day Gaza but to get iron ore they had to go north on the coastal plain and cross the land of Israel. There, they would cut across the Jezreel Valley to reach the iron mines located where the nation of Jordan is today.
As their chariots raced to reach the mines they plundered Israel along the way. The Jewish people were in a fight for their lives. The Philistines decided that they had the upper hand and moved forward to conquer the land of Israel, enslave, and ultimately annihilate God’s chosen people.
The battles were intense and finally they came to a climactic showdown in the valley of Elah. The Philistines set up camp on one side of the valley and the Israelites set up their camp on the opposite side of the valley. Every day the giant Goliath came forward to challenge the armies of Israel. He was over nine feet tall and was fully decked out in armor. It is interesting to note that all of his armor was made of bronze except for the head of his spear which was made of iron. Philistine technology was transitioning.
Goliath stood before them each day and shouted, “This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other” 1 Sa. 17:10. The loser of the battle would cause his nation to become slaves to the other. “On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified” 1 Sa. 17:11.
The odds were against Israel, for they had no man who compared with the excessive might and vitriol of Goliath. The people of Israel had lost hope and did not know what to do. That is similar to the situation and disposition that many Christians are facing today. They don’t know what to do.
At this time, David had remained at home caring for his father’s sheep until his father sent him with food for the army. When he arrived at the battleground, he was taken before King Saul. He told the king that he would fight the giant. He said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine. Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you” 1 Sa. 17:37.
When David faced Goliath he was fearless. “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. This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head” 1 Sa. 17:45-46 (emphasis added).
Many Christians fear the power of the devil and the attacks of evil people against God’s people. They see the enemy’s weapons and they are terrified. Others, however, are learning from Bible heroes, like David. They recognize the enemy’s weapons and their ungodly boasts but they have a more powerful response. They identify the schemes of the devil and they proclaim and prophesy, “I come against you in the name of the Lord.”
I want to give you five lessons from David that we must embrace if we are to stand and be victorious in this present battle.
1. David was God’s man and was sent by God.
Realize who you are. You must be God’s person and realize that you have been sent by him to fight the enemy and win the battle. After David took down Goliath, the entire Israeli army engaged in chasing down and destroying the enemy.
2. David was a man of courage and faith.
Do not focus on the enemy’s evil but receive the Word of the Lord so that you may have faith. Then put your faith into action by being courageous. Do not fall back into lethargy and defeatism but be faithful to hold your place in the church and do your part to fight and be stronger than ever before.
3. David used God ordained weapons.
Do not fight this battle with the weapons that the world uses. David did not fight Goliath with a sword and a spear but with a sling and a stone. Your prayer and spiritual strategy given by God will result in victory. This is a spiritual battle so you need to hear from the Holy Spirit.
4. David prophesied victory against the enemy.
He boldly prophesied into the air saying that he came against the giant in the name of the Lord and this day he would defeat him and cut off his head. That is a great prophecy. With the church family, pray and proclaim the victory that is yours in the name of the Lord.
5. David Killed Goliath.
Finalize the battle by destroying the stronghold of evil in your community. Win over and strengthen the hearts and minds of those God has given you. Rejoice in the God of your salvation and build a strong church. Elect leaders over your community, state, and nation who will rule with godly, Biblical principles.
Killing Goliath does not mean the war is over but it is a great victory that will send the enemy running and fortify the people of God. Help build a strong local church, for it is the only deterrent against evil in America.
We pray our monthly teaching
devotional empowers & inspires you
to live a supernatural Christian life.
DR. PETER WYNS
Founder & President
Christian for Messiah Ministries
Pastor at Antioch International Church
Instructions in Righteousness is produced by “Christians for Messiah Ministries” (CFM). Dr. Peter Wyns is the President of CFM and the Head Pastor of Antioch International Church. He has served as a pastor for 54 years and ministered in more than 45 nations.
3 Comments
Jerry Palmeri June 20, 2024
This is an awesome article. It reminds me of a very vivid dream I had a few years back, I dreamt that Goliath was in town . I wasn’t sure exactly where but I could see him going from place to place and actually negotiating with different people and groups. the people were listening to him and he was deceiving them that he was going to bring them what they needed. I was interceding in the dream that they would not be deceived into believing his lies and trickery. that he would be seen for who he really was. Then the Trump dream. I had that one in August of 2020. We were invited to a large mansion with a long walkway for a very important meeting. It was not a government building but it was huge. we walked thru many rooms with high ceilings and were escorted toward the back by security. At the room there were 2 doorways in We went thru high doorways to get there. The doorway to the right was open. I saw Trump at the head of the table talking to a large table of people about very important issues. He looked right at me and with a warm nod he motioned for my wife and I to come in . security led us to the back of the room where we entered. Then I woke up. That was 4 years ago and still as vivid as the day I had it. much prayer over what it meant but months later God showed me that Imy wife and I was only representing 2 out of many thousands of christians that ate interceding for this man and this movement. God showed me 2 things. Full discovery of all lies and anarchy Full discovery of the truth including salvation soteria and revealeation of Gods hand of deliverance. The second is the word Logistics. full logistics going forward with Gods end time plan For Isreal and the united states. He who sits in the heavens laughs at their foolishness and is secretly working on Gods elects behalf as the wicked fall into every trap they have set. We will tem up with Gods warring Angels and send them forth and we speak his word. we are not moved by what we see but only by the victory at hand, Lord help us not to be distracted by the smokescreens of battles and negative words all around us but recreate his world through our words so that his angels can hearken and perform his will on earth as it is in heaven. Amen we
declare it and agree. Thank you for blessing us with this article. May shalom reign in your ministry and life’s unhindered , Nothing missing nothing broken we agree. Thanks again
Barbara Ann June 20, 2024
Thanks
Excellent 💜✅🕊️🙌
Isaac chegero June 20, 2024
Wonderful teachings about David and Goliath. Thank you for the teachings.