After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. Then they carried the ark into Dagon's temple and set it beside Dagon. When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! They took Dagon and put him back in his place. But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained. 1 Samuel 5: 1-4 NIV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.

          1 Peter 5:6 Jubilee Bible 2000

 

In my opinion, this Scripture illustrates God's humor as well as His power. The Ark of the Covenant symbolized God's presence. The Philistines obviously had no respect for the ark and placed it in a room with one of the false gods they worshipped. God had to show the people of Ashdod who He was and that He was not on the same level as their stone made god but He was the God who created the stone. So when the people of Ashdod entered the temple of Dagon the statue had fallen flat on his face: "every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord." I believe that was a very kind and gentle message that God was giving to the people of Ashod. But they still did not heed the message. So God made sure there was absolutely no doubt in his second delivery. "After they stood the statue back up the following morning they found the head and hands of the statue broken off and laying at the door of the temple with the body lying face down. God is a jealous God; He will not share His glory with anyone. We must always stay in a posture of being humble, understanding every good gift is from God, our mere existence is due to his Grace and love for us.

 

…I will not let my reputation be tarnished, and I will not share my glory with idols! Isaiah 48:11b NLT

 

Prayer

Thank you Lord for your Sovereignty that rules and reigns throughout the earth and in our lives.

 

 

 

 

 

Complete Control

 

There are many promises in the Word of God that help us stay grounded. But believing and trusting that God is in complete control gives us the confidence and assurance that no matter what circumstances we find ourselves everything will work out. I just wanted to remind you today that God has all power and authority and because you belong to Him He has gifted you with authority over the enemy as the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus.  Satan never has the upper hand and here's why:

 

Matthew 28:18

NIV: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

AMP: All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

MSG: God authorized and commanded me to commission you.

GNB: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

 

Luke 10:19

CSB: I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpion and over all the power of the enemy; nothing at all will harm you.

MSG: Master even the demons danced to your tune! Jesus said I know. I saw Satan fall, a bolt of lightning out of the sky. See what I've given you? Safe passage as you walk on snakes and scorpions and protection from every assault of the Enemy. No one can put a hand on you. All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God's authority over you and presence with you. Not what you do for God but what God does for you-that's the agenda for rejoicing.

AMP: I have given you authority that you now possess to tread on serpents and scorpions, and the ability to exercise authority over all the power of the enemy (Satan) and nothing will in any way harm you.

I purposely provided scripture from different translation so you could really understand that you are completely covered and protected by God. Romans 10:9-13 tells us "For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. In the Greek salvation means deeds of deliverance, help, and prosperity. Use your words of confession over every area of your life. When you trust in the Word I believe our Father stands with his chest out and shoulders back saying, "That's my Child right there whom I am well pleased".

Prayer

Thank you Lord for entrusting us with your power and authority. We give you Glory, Honor, & Praise that you only deserve. Amen

He Did it All for YOU

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 ASV

If you have never listened to Pastor Joseph Prince messages I would encourage you to do so. They are life changing and will help you to understanding the Grace and love of God personally for you.  He stated the words below based on Isaiah 53:5 to give us a full appreciation for the length and depth of what Christ went through on the cross just so He could have a personal relationship with us. I pray that these words will bless you and touch your heart.

"His nakedness was to clothe us (me) with the robe of righteousness. The spit on his face is to clothe us(me) with the glory of God. The crown of thrones is to crown us (me) with the peace that surpasses all understanding. He was naked and destitute so that God would always supply all our (my) needs.  He was cut off from God at the cross so that God would never leave us (me) nor forsake me."

"The cross is a testimony to the lie of the devil that began in the Garden of Eden that God is holding something back from us. God gave His best, His beloved Son."

 

Copied from Pastor Joseph Prince, "Jesus is Really that Good."

 https://www.josephprince.org/