Thursday, July 9, 2020

WHILE IN THE PANDEMIC OR TRIBULATION, WHAT SHOULD GOD'S PEOPLE KNOW?


INSIDE THE STORM:  THE EXPERIENCE AND THE VICTORY
“... So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ... A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed...” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV).
 “… [King] …Nebuchadnezzar full of fury ...commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace…” (DANIEL 3).
 ... a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).
“...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword ...he proceeded to seize Peter also ...Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).
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SCRIPTURE(S): “...In the world ye shall have tribulation...” (John 16:33 KJV). YET “...overwhelming victory is ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
PURPOSE OR GOAL OF LESSON: TO LEARN GOD’S PEOPLE, JUST LIKE ANYBODY ELSE, GO THROUGH TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS. THE BIBLE TELLS THEM THEY WILL GO THROUGH TRIBULATIONS.
APPLICATION OF LESSON: TO ALLOW THE STORIES OF JOB, JOSEPH, THE HEBREW BOYS, JESUS, AND DANIEL TO TEACH YOU, BY SEEING THEIR EXAMPLES, HOW TO PRACTICE REMAINING IN FAITH (TRUSTING & DEPENDING UPON GOD) DURING TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS
 TOPIC DISCUSSION: DISCUSS HOW YOU, PERSONALLY, HAVE EXPERIENCED GOING TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS. DISCUSS HOW YOU MAINTAINED FAITH, HOPE, AND PROMISED VICTORY THROUGH YOUR TROUBLES. A climate STORM is a violent disturbance of the atmosphere that is usually accompanied by strong winds, rain, dust devils, whirlwinds, blizzards, thunder, hail, ice, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, etc. Climate STORMS can last for a few moments, days, or weeks. However long a STORM lasts, when it comes, it disturbs the ENVIRONMENT and DISRUPTS normal conditions. ALL climate STORMS have the potential to harm lives, destroy property, and change the environment. Climate STORMS are a regular part of life and can change the conditions of people’s lives. Some Climate STORMS, can and will damage or destroy something in the environment. The things that are damaged or destroyed can be MAJOR and effect normal life spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially, and mentally. Some Climate STORMS can actually cause a DIASPORA for some and change their home location forever. Nonetheless, a real climate STORM can and will change the ATMOSPHERE and NORMALCY! Other STORMS OF LIFE, come through the experiences people face un-expectantly. The STORMS of LIFE like climate storms disrupt peoples atmospheres and disturbs their normal conditions through unexpected death, divorce, long-lasting sicknesses, stock market crashes, lost jobs, injustices, sudden tragedies, fiery furnaces, lion dens, prison, etc. “…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo ... we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along …” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “... So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ... A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed...” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV). “… [King] …Nebuchadnezzar full of fury ...commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace…” (DANIEL 3). ... a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV). “...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword ...he proceeded to seize Peter also ...Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV). Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him...” (John 19:28-30 KJV). INSIDE the above STORMS, Job faced tragedies, Daniel faced the lion’s den, the Hebrew Boys faced the fiery furnace, Peter faced a dooming trial, and Jesus faced death upon a cross. Their LIVES were seriously disturbed by a variety of situations and nothing was NORMAL anymore. “…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo ... we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along ” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “...they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ......” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV).“… [Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego ...[WERE CASTED]... into the burning fiery furnace…” (DANIEL 3). ... a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV). “......he proceeded to seize Peter also ...[and]... Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV). ...[They]...took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands…” (John 19:1-16 KJV). Job, Peter, the Hebrew Boys, Daniel, Jesus were POWERLESS against their STORMS and could NOT deliver themselves. Each of them FACED and were INSIDE STORMS with different circumstances, but each one had NO DELIVERER except God, the Holy Spirit.  INSIDE the STORMS OF LIFE, it is the intent of the enemy, the EVIL ONE, through his evil people or evil circumstances, to OPPRESS the righteous, God’s people. “...These are the names of the SONS OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) (that is, Jacob) who moved to Egypt with their father, each with his family: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.  In all, Jacob had seventy descendants in Egypt, including Joseph, who was already there. In time, Joseph and all of his brothers died, ending that entire generation. BUT THEIR DESCENDENTS, the Israelites, had many children and grandchildren. In fact, THEY (GOD’S PEOPLE) MULTIPLIED SO GREATLY THAT THEY BECAME EXTREMELY POWERFUL AND FILLED THE LAND. Eventually, a new king came to power in Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph or what he had done. He said to his people, “LOOK, THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) OUTNUMBER US and are stronger than we are. WE MUST MAKE A PLAN TO KEEP THEM FROM GROWING EVEN MORE. If we don’t, and if war breaks out, they will join our enemies and fight against us. Then they will escape from the country.” SO THE EGYPTIANS MADE THE ISAELITES (GOD’S PEOPLE) THEIR SLAVES. THEY APPOINTED BRUTAL SLAVE DRIVERS OVER THEM, HOPING to wear them down with crushing labor. They FORCED THEM to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king. BUT THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD, and the more alarmed the Egyptians became. So the Egyptians WORKED THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) WITHOUT MERCY. They made their lives bitter, forcing them to mix mortar and make bricks and do all the work in the fields. They were ruthless in all their demands...” (Exodus 1 NLT). When you try to OPPRESS people, it is your intention to FORCE or use your AUTHORITY to keep them DOWN or to CONTROL them. “...LOOK, THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) OUTNUMBER US and are stronger than we are. WE MUST MAKE A PLAN TO KEEP THEM FROM GROWING EVEN MORE...” (Exodus 1 NLT). OPPRESSION is ALWAYS about one GROUP of PEOPLE trying to CONTROL another GROUP of PEOPLE. Or one person trying to control another person. This CONTROL, often, includes treating them unjustly. “...If we don’t... [KEEP THEM OPPRESSED].., and if war breaks out, they will join our enemies and fight against us. Then they will escape from the country...” (EXODUS 1 NLT). The EVIL ONE “tries” to CONTROL God’s RIGHTEOUS people. This CONTROL also includes treating them unjustly through their trials and tribulations or INSIDE their STORMS of LIFE. The injustices, God’s people, experience, during their STORMS of LIFE, makes them feel depressed, discouraged, heartbroken, question their faith, sad, marginalized, etc.  ” SO THE EGYPTIANS MADE THE ISAELITES (GOD’S PEOPLE) THEIR SLAVES. THEY APPOINTED BRUTAL SLAVE DRIVERS OVER THEM, HOPING to wear them down with crushing labor. They FORCED THEM to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king...” (Exodus 1 NLT). In the land of EGYPT, the Egyptians represented the EVIL ONE and became to God’s people, the righteous, their OPPRESSORS. God’s people, his righteous ones, may be happy or content in their lives, until a STORM comes and causes their heart and emotions great affliction. “...These are the names of the SONS OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) (that is, Jacob) who moved to Egypt with their father, each with his family: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah,  Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.  In all, Jacob had seventy descendants in Egypt, including Joseph, who was already there. In time, Joseph and all of his brothers died, ending that entire generation. BUT THEIR DESCENDENTS, the Israelites, had many children and grandchildren...” (Exodus 1 NLT). The STORMS of LIFE - such as the death of a loved one, unexpected sickness, loss of a job, marital conflict, relational conflict, deferred dreams, unjust punishment, etc - disturb lives and disrupt normalcy. “...THEY (GOD’S PEOPLE) MULTIPLIED SO GREATLY THAT THEY BECAME EXTREMELY POWERFUL AND FILLED THE LAND. Eventually, a new king came to power in Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph or what he had done. He said to his people, “LOOK, THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) OUTNUMBER US and are stronger than we are. WE MUST MAKE A PLAN TO KEEP THEM FROM GROWING EVEN MORE...” (EXODUS 1 NLT). Peter, Job, Joseph, Jesus, the Hebrew boys, King Jehoshaphat, and Daniel were all upright and righteous children of God, but ALL ended up INSIDE a STORM where WICKED, EVIL, and HATEFUL people tried to OPPRESS them or TREAT them unjustly. “...SO THE EGYPTIANS MADE THE ISAELITES (GOD’S PEOPLE) THEIR SLAVES. THEY APPOINTED BRUTAL SLAVE DRIVERS OVER THEM, HOPING to wear them down with crushing labor. They FORCED THEM to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king...They were ruthless in all their demands...” (EXODUS 1 NLT). Every experience, INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE, seem OPPRESSIVE.  It also SEEMS as if the WICKED are prospering while the righteous are suffering. “...They were ruthless in all their demands...” (EXODUS 1 NLT). “...In the world ye shall have tribulation...” (John 16:33 KJV). YET “...overwhelming victory is ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
INSIDE PANDEMICS, STORMS, TROUBLES, TRIBULATIONS
1.      What is a climate storm? a climate storm is a violent disturbance of the atmosphere that is usually accompanied by strong winds, rains, dust devils, whirlwinds, blizzards, thunder, hail, lightening, tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, etc. what can a climate storm do to the environment or normal conditions? It can destroy the environment and disrupt normal conditions. Can a climate storm harm lives, destroy property, and change the environment? Yes. Can climate storms cause a diaspora for some? Yes. How Are the storms of life or tribulations similar to climate changes? Both can disrupt the environment and change normal life. Name a few things that disrupt your life and change normalcy. Unexpected death, pandemics, divorce, sudden tragedies, fiery furnaces, lion dens, slavery, prison, etc. “…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo ... we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … ” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). HOW WAS DANIEL’S LIFE DISTRUPTED BY TRIBULATIONS? BECAUSE OF DANIEL’S DEVOTION TO GOD, THE KING GAVE THE ORDER TO HAVE HIM THROWN INTO THE LION’S DEN.“... So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ... A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed...” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV). HOW WAS THE HEBREW BOYS’ LIFE DISTRUPTED BY TRIBULATIONS? BECAUSE THEY REFUSED TO WORSHIP THE GRAVEN IMAGE THEY WERE THROWN INTO THE FIREY FURNACE. “… [King] …Nebuchadnezzar full of fury ...commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace…” (DANIEL 3). HOW WAS JOB’S LIFE DISTRUPTED BY TRIBULATIONS? HE EXPERIENCE HORRIBLE TRAGEDIES. HE LOST HIS FAMILY AND HIS WEALTH ALL AT THE SAME TIME. ... a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV). HOW WAS PETER’S LIFE DISTRUPTED BY TRIBULATIONS? BECAUSE HE BELONGED TO THE CHURCH, HE WAS ARRESTED AND THROWN INTO PRISON TO BE PUT TO DEATH BY THE SWORD.“...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword ...he proceeded to seize Peter also ...Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV). HOW WAS JESUS’ LIFE DISTRUPTED BY TRIBULATIONS? HE WAS UNJUSTLY MISTREATED AND CRUCIFIED UPON A CROSS LIKE A CRIMINAL.Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him...” (John 19:28-30 KJV).
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2.      WHAT CLIMATE STORM DISTRUPTED THE LIVES OF THE FISHERMENT IN ACTS CHAPTER 27? A STORM CALLED THE EURAQUILO. “…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo ... we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along ” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). WHAT HAPPENED TO DANIEL? HE WAS THROWN INTO THE LION’S DEN. “...they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ......” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV). WHAT HAPPENED TO THE HEBREW BOYS? THEY WERE CAST INTO A FIREY FURNACE. “… [Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego ...[WERE CASTED]... into the burning fiery furnace…” (DANIEL 3). WHAT HAPPENED TO JOB? HE TRAGICALLY LOST HIS FAMILY AND HIS WEALTH.  ... a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV). WHAT HAPPENED TO PETER? HE WAS ARRESTED AND IMPRISONED. “......he proceeded to seize Peter also ...[and]... Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV). WHAT HAPPENED TO JESUS? HE WAS UNJUSTLY MISTREATED AND CRUCIFIED. ...[They]...took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands…” (John 19:1-16 KJV). IN ALL THE ABOVE SITUATIONS, WHO WAS THE “ONLY” DELIVERER? GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, WAS THE ONLY DELIVERER. “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold...[YOUR husbandman]…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
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3.      WhAT DID KING JEHOSHAPHAT DO WHEN HE WAS FACED WITH TRIBULATION? HE CALLED UPON GOD AND REQUESTED HIS HELP. “... Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord in the front of the new courtyard and said: “Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’ “But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them.  See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you...” (2 Chronicles 20:5-12 NIV). DOES GOD HELP HIS PEOPLE WHEN THEY ARE IN TROUBLE? YES, HE IS A VERY PRESENT HELP. “...God is ...a very present help in trouble...” (Psalms 46:1 KJV). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).   “…You are my helper…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT). WHY CAN GOD HELP HIS PEOPLE? BECAUSE HE IS THEIR ROCK, FORTURESS, DELIVERER, AND REFUGE.“…[God is]…Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you can] … take refuge…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
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4.      THE TRICKS AND STRATEGIES OF THE ENEMY MAY FORM AND BE VISUALLY THREATENING, BUT WHAT DOES GOD’S WORD PROMISED “HIS” PEOPLE? THE ENEMIES’ WEAPSON WON’T PROSPER. “...No weapon that is formed against ...[God’s people]... shall prosper…This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). THE EXPERIENCES, GOD’S PEOPLE, MAY HAVE IN THE STORMS OF LIFE OR TRIBULATIONS ARE “NOT” ALL GOOD, BUT WHAT DOES GOD PROMISE? THAT “ALL” THINGS WILL WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD.  “….All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (Hebrews 13:5 & ROMANS 8:28 KJV). “…ye (THE ENEMY) thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good…” (Genesis 50:20 KJV). WHEN JESUS CAME, WHAT DID HE DO TO THE WORKS OF THE ENEMY? HE DESTROYED THEM. “... But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil...” (1 John 3:8 NLT). Therefore, “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “...overwhelming victory is ours in christ ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE OR TRIBULATIONS, IT IS OKAY TO FEEL AND EXPRESS YOUR FINITENESS? YES.  “ … he ...offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears …” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV). “take this cup from Me..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). DOES GOD UNDERSTAND WHEN YOU FEEL AND EXPRESS YOUR FINITENESS, DURING STORMS AND TRIBULATIONS? YES, HE UNDERSTANDS. “...We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted (inside the storms of life or tribulation) in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin...” (Hebrews 4:15 NIV). WHAT DOES GOD PROMISE “HIS” PEOPLE, DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE? HE WILL NEVER LET THEM DOWN, NEVER WALK OFF OR LEAVE THEM, AND HE’LL BE THERE READY TO HELP THEM. “…God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG). HOW DOES THE MESSAGE BIBLE SAY KING JEHOSHAPHAT FELT DURING HIS STORM OR TRIBULATION? IT SAYS HE WAS TERRIFIED. “…After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.). Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).  
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5.    KINH JEHOSHAPHAT WAS TERRIFIED AT HIS PENDING STORM OR TRIBULATION, BUT DID HE ACT IN FEAR OR IN FAITH? HE ACTED IN FAITH. HOW? BY TURNING TO GOD IN TRUSTING AND DEPENDENT PRAYER. “…Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “… Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and BEGGED the Lord for guidance.” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE ARE FRIGHTENED, ANXIOUS, OR TERRIFIED BY THE STORMS OR TRIBULATIONS OF LIFE, HOW WILL GOD RESPOND? GOD IS THEIR REFUGE IN TIMES OF TROUBLE. HE IS FOR THEM, WITH THEM, AND WILL HELP THEM. “...God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam ...Be still, and know that I am God ... The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress...” (Psalms 46 NLT).  “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). . “…If God is for us, who is against us? ...” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). WHAT MOTIVATES GOD TO HELP AND STRENGTHEN HIS PEOPLE, DURING THE STORMS OR TRIBULATIONS OF LIFE? HE LOVES AND CARES FOR THEM. HIS FAITHFUL COMMITMENT TO “NEVER” LEAVE THEM WON’T EVER CHANGE. Great is his love toward us...” (Psalms 117:2 KJV).… “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6.    ARE THE STORMS OR TRIBULATIONS OF GOD’S PEOPLE, UNDER HIS CONTROL? YES. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). DOES THE BIBLE INFORM GOD’S PEOPLE ABOUT STORMS AND TRIBULATIONS YES. WHAT WILL BE THE OUTCOME OF THEIR STORMS AND TRIBULATIONS? THEY WILL HAVE OVERWHELMING VICTORY. “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). THE NIGHT BEFORE PETER’S EXECUTION, WHAT WAS HE DOING? HE WAS SLEEPING. “...THE NIGHT BEFORE HEROD WAS TO BRING HIM TO “TRIAL”, PETER WAS SLEEPING BETWEEN TWO SOLDIERS, BOUND WITH TWO CHAINS, AND SENTRIES STOOD GUARD AT THE ENTRANCE. (ACTS 12:6 NIV). PETER HAD OVERWHELMING VICTORY OVER HIS STORM OR TRIBULATION. WHAT DOES HIS VICTORY TELL US ABOUT GOD’S FAVOR? THAT GOD LOVES HIS PEOPLE. HE IS THEIR FORTRESS AND POWERFUL GOD. THEY HAVE HIS BLESSINGS AND ARE PROTECTED BY HIS FAVOR. “…the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “...Be still, and know that I am God ... the God of Israel is our fortress (defense, stronghold, place of protection, etc.).” (Psalms 46 NLT). “…BLESSINGS are on the head of the righteous…” (Proverbs 10:6 NASB).  “…You surround [your people] ... WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB). “...overwhelming victory is ours  through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). HOW DID GOD REVEAL HIMSELF TO PETER? HE REVEALED HIMSELF AS “HIS” ALMIGHTY GOD AND DELIVERER. “…I’ve also done it … so you will know that I am the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “…your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). WAS WHAT PETER’S REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE OF GOD AS HIS DELIVERER? PETER WAS UNCHAINED FROM THE TWO SOLDIERS. HE WALKED RIGHT PAST HIS BONDAGE (THE QUADS OF GUARDS) AND ADVERSITY (IMPRISONMENT BY HEROD) TO FREEDOM. “...The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him.  Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).
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7.     GOD’S GLORY CAN BE WITNESSED THROUGH HIS PRESENCE, HIS GOODNESS, AND HIS WORKING POWER. HOW IS GOD’S GLORY WITNESSED IN PETER’S DELIVERANCE? GOD’S PRESENCE IS WITNESSED THROUGH THE ANGEL. GOD’S GOODNESS IS WITNESSED IN HIS RESCUE. GOD’S POWER IS WITNESSED IN HIS MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE FROM HEROD’S CLUTCHES. “...Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel (God’s presence) and rescued me (God’s goodness) from Herod’s clutches (God’s powerful deliverance) and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “…I HAVE DONE IT, declares the Lord…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “…the Father (the indwelling Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me (Jesus, the WORD), he doeth the works (the Holy Spirit doeth the works) …” (John 14:10 KJV). “… at God’s [miracle-performingWORD) … what we now SEE (everything witnessed and experienced) did not come from anything that can be SEEN (it came from the WORK of the Holy Spirit)…(Hebrews 11:3 NLT). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God (the miracle-performing POWER of God)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “... When this had dawned on him ... [Peter realized] ...  he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellous things… (Acts 12:7 NIV & Psalms 98:1 KJV). “… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV). WHAT MIRACULOUS THINGS HAPPENED DURING PETER’S DELIVERANCE? PETER’S CHAINS FELL OFF. HE WALKED FREELY PAST ALL THE GUARDS. THE GATES OPENED FOR HIM. HE WAS LED TO FREEDOM.“...the chains fell off Peter’s wrists...They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has ... rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). REMEMBER: “...The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).
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8.      THE NIGHT BEFORE PETER WAS TO BE EXECUTED HE WAS SLEEPING. WHAT WORD OF GOD ALLOWED PETER TO REST SO PEACEFULLY CONSIDERING WAS HE WAS FACED? THE WORD OF GO TOLD HIM HE HAD THE VICTORY AND TO NOT LET HIS HEART BE TROUBLED.“...Peter was sleeping....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours  (and was Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). WHY CAN GOD’S PEOPLE FOLLOW PETER’S EXAMPLE? BECAUSE VICTORY IS THEIRS TOO. GOD LOVES EACH ONE OF HIS CHILDREN. HE IS FOR THEM AND NOTHING WILL EVER SEPARATE THEM FROM HIS LOVE. “...Peter was sleeping....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “...If God is for ...[peter]... who...[or what could be]... against ...[peter]? ...” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “…Who...[or what would]... separate ...[peter]... from the love of Christ?” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “....Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword...[separate you or peter from god’s love]? ” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). ... [NO] … [NOTHING] …will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). HEROD HAD PLANS FOR PETER’S DEMISES, BUT WHO ELSE HAD PLANS FOR PETER? GOD HAD PLANS FOR PETER. “...For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). PETER COULD HAVE NEVER RESCUED HIMSELF, WHAT DOES SHOW HIS PEOPLE WHEN THEY ARE WEAK AND INSUFFICIENT? THAT HE IS THEIR STRENGTH AND SUFFICIENCY. “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). WHAT CAN GOD’S PEOPLE TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD TO DO? TO WORK ALL THINGS TOGETHER FOR GOOD. “...ALL THINGS work (PROCESS) together for good to them (the redeemed) that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV). EVEN THOUGH PETER WAS SLEEPING, HE WAS STANDING IN FAITH. HE DEMONSTRATED HE TRUSTED AND DEPEND UPON GOD TO HANDLE HIS STORM. WHAT SPIRITUAL ARMOR SHOULD GOD’S PEOPLE WEAR DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE? THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD. WHY OR WHY NOT? SO THEY CAN STAND IN FAITH. “...Therefore [INSIDE the STORMS]... 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. Stand firm...” (Ephesians 6:13-14 NIV).“... Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil...” (Ephesians 6:11 NLT). “…HE (the indwelling Holy Spirit) “WILL” KEEP YOU STRONG to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).“…God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help...” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG).“…He said, … Do not be afraid or discouraged ...the Lord is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
9.      “…No weapon that is formed against [YOU]… shall prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…the battle is not yours, but God’s. …...(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…you will not even need to fight...(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…Take your positions; then stand still..(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…watch the Lord’s victory...(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
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10.    GOD IS GOOD AND HIS GOODNESS IS PART OF HIS GLORIOUSLY DIVINE NATURE. WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE ARE FACING STORMS AND TRIBULATIONS DOES GOD REMAIN FAITHFULLY GOOD? YES, HE DOES. HE NEVER CHANGES. “…[God is]... GOOD …” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “.…there is none good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “… I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “… he remains faithful [and good], for he cannot deny who he is(2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). WHAT FAITHFUL CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD’S DIVINE NATURE CAN HIS PEOPLE “ALWAYS” TRUST AND DEPEND UPON DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE? THEY CAN TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD TO BE THEIR ROCK, FORTRESS, DELIVERER, ROCK, REFUGE, AND GOOD TO THEM. “…[God is]... GOOD …” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “… [God, the Holy Spirit] … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock ...[ YOUR goodness]…  in whom [you] … take refuge...” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). IF PETER WAS SLEEPING DURING HIS STORM, SO SHOULD YOU. WHY SHOULD YOU REST IN GOD’S PROMISES? BECAUSE “OVERWHELMING VICTORY” OVER THE STORMS OF LIFE IS ONE OF GOD’S UNFAILING PROMISES. “...Peter was sleeping....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “...overwhelming victory is [y]ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
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THE PROMISED “OVERWHELMING VICTORY”
11.    THE ENEMY THROUGH EVIL PEOPLE OR CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO STOP, LIMIT, OR OPPRESS GOD’S PEOPLE: TRUE OR FALSE? TRUE. “...These are the names of the SONS OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) (that is, Jacob) who moved to Egypt with their father, each with his family: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah,  Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.  In all, Jacob had seventy descendants in Egypt, including Joseph, who was already there. In time, Joseph and all of his brothers died, ending that entire generation. BUT THEIR DESCENDENTS, the Israelites, had many children and grandchildren. In fact, THEY (GOD’S PEOPLE) MULTIPLIED SO GREATLY THAT THEY BECAME EXTREMELY POWERFUL AND FILLED THE LAND. Eventually, a new king came to power in Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph or what he had done. He said to his people, “LOOK, THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) OUTNUMBER US and are stronger than we are. WE MUST MAKE A PLAN TO KEEP THEM FROM GROWING EVEN MORE....” (Exodus 1 NLT). THE PURPOSE OF OPPRESSION IS TO FORCE PEOPLE TO COME UNDER ANOTHER’S AUTHORITY OR CONTROL. HOW ELSE DID THE EGYPTIANS TRY TO KEEP GOD’S PEOPLE DOWN? BY TRYING TO STOP THEM FROM GROWING OR MULTIPLYING. “...LOOK, THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) OUTNUMBER US and are stronger than we are. WE MUST MAKE A PLAN TO KEEP THEM FROM GROWING EVEN MORE...” (Exodus 1 NLT). IN ORDER FOR THE EGYPTIANS TO FORCE THEIR CONTROL, HOW DID THEY END UP TREATING GOD’S PEOPLE? THEY TREATED THEM UNJUSTLY. “...If we don’t... [KEEP THEM OPPRESSED].., and if war breaks out, they will join our enemies and fight against us. Then they will escape from the country...” (EXODUS 1 NLT). “..THE EGYPTIANS MADE THE ISAELITES (GOD’S PEOPLE) THEIR SLAVES. THEY APPOINTED BRUTAL SLAVE DRIVERS OVER THEM, HOPING to wear them down with crushing labor. They FORCED THEM to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king ...So the Egyptians WORKED THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) WITHOUT MERCY. They made their lives bitter, forcing them to mix mortar and make bricks and do all the work in the fields. They were ruthless in all their demands...” (Exodus 1 NLT).
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12. DURING THIS STORM OF SLAVERY, WERE GOD’S PEOPLE TREATED UNJUSTLY? YES. ” SO THE EGYPTIANS MADE THE ISAELITES (GOD’S PEOPLE) THEIR SLAVES. THEY APPOINTED BRUTAL SLAVE DRIVERS OVER THEM, HOPING to wear them down with crushing labor. They FORCED THEM to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king...” (Exodus 1 NLT). WHOSE PEOPLE DID THE EGYPTIANS MAKE INTO SLAVES? IT WAS GOD’S PEOPLE, THE ISRALITES. “...These are the names of the SONS OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) (that is, Jacob) who moved to Egypt with their father, each with his family: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah,  Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.  In all, Jacob had seventy descendants in Egypt, including Joseph, who was already there. In time, Joseph and all of his brothers died, ending that entire generation. BUT THEIR DESCENDENTS, the Israelites, had many children and grandchildren...” (Exodus 1 NLT). THIS SLAVERY AND UNJUST TREATMENT CHANGE AND DISRUPT THE LIVES OF GOD’S PEOPLE? YES. WHAT STRANGE THING HAPPENED WHILE GOD’S PEOPLE WERE ENSLAVED? THEY KEPT GROWING AND MULTIPLYING. “...THEY (GOD’S PEOPLE) MULTIPLIED SO GREATLY THAT THEY BECAME EXTREMELY POWERFUL AND FILLED THE LAND. Eventually, a new king came to power in Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph or what he had done. He said to his people, “LOOK, THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) OUTNUMBER US and are stronger than we are. WE MUST MAKE A PLAN TO KEEP THEM FROM GROWING EVEN MORE...” (EXODUS 1 NLT)
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13. DID GOD SPARE HIS PEOPLE FROM SLAVERY OR BEING TREATED UNJUSTLY? NO HE DID NOT. “...SO THE EGYPTIANS MADE THE ISAELITES (GOD’S PEOPLE) THEIR SLAVES. THEY APPOINTED BRUTAL SLAVE DRIVERS OVER THEM, HOPING to wear them down with crushing labor. They FORCED THEM to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king...They were ruthless in all their demands...” (EXODUS 1 NLT). GOD’S PEOPLE WERE EXPERIENCING THE STORM OF SLAVERY. IT WAS OPPRESSIVE. WHY DID IT SEEM AS IF THE WICKED WERE PROSPERING INSTEAD OF GOD’S PEOPLE? BECAUSE THE WICKED TREATED GOD’S PEOPLE BRUTAL, RUTHLESS, AND WORKED THEM TO THE BONES.  “...They were ruthless in all their demands...” (EXODUS 1 NLT). “... THEY APPOINTED BRUTAL SLAVE DRIVERS OVER THEM, HOPING to wear them down with crushing labor. They FORCED THEM to build...” (EXODUS 1 NLT). WHAT WAS ONE OF THE REASONS THE WICKED TREATED GOD’S PEOPLE THE WAY THEY DID? THEY WERE AFRAID OF WHAT “MIGHT” HAPPEN. “...If we don’t... [KEEP THEM OPPRESSED].., and if war breaks out, they will join our enemies and fight against us (FEAR). Then they will escape from the country...” (EXODUS 1 NLT). “...The wicked flees when no one is pursuing...[them]...” (Proverbs 28:1 NASB). THE EGYPTIANS TRIED TO STOP, LIMIT, AND OPPRESS GOD’S PEOPLE, BUT WHAT HAPPENED INSTEAD? THE MORE THEY OPPRESSED THEM THE MORE GOD MADE THEM INCREASE AND MULTIPLY. “...THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD...” (Exodus 1 NLT). “…ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good…” (Genesis 50:20 KJV).
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14.    WhEN THE ENEMY PLOTS AND TRIES TO OPPRESS GOD’S PEOPLE DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE, WHO WILL GET VENGEANCE FOR THEM? GOD WILL.  “….Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME.” (Matthew 25:40 KJV). The bible says, “...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance (making things JUST) belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19 ASV). God miraculously protects ALL of his children, even you, letting no one “…do them wrong...” and says “….touch not mine anointed (his righteous children who are set apart for his service) and do…[them] no harm.” (Psalm 105:14-15 KJV). WHEN SAUL WAS PERSECUTING GOD’S PEOPLE, HOW DID JESUS PROVE HE WAS PERSECUTING HIM AS WELL? HE TOLD HIM SO WHEN HE MET HIM ON THE DAMASCUS ROAD. “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou ME? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man...” (Acts 9:1-7 KJV). “…. inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME.” (Matthew 25:40 KJV). IN THE STORY ABOUT THE EGYPTIAN OPPRESSIVE OF GOD’S PEOPLE AND THE PERSECUTION OF SAUL AGAINST JESUS’ DISCIPLES, WHAT DOES IT TELL GOD’S PEOPLE ABOUT HIS PROTECTION? THAT IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US. NO WEAPON WILL PROSPER. HE IS OUR GREAT AND MIGHTY DELIVERER. “…If God is for us, who is against us? ...” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).   “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
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15. IF YOU MESS WITH GOD’S PEOPLE, DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE, YOU MESS WITH HIM. THE ENEMY MEANS FOR YOUR TROUBLES, DURING THE STORMS, TO DO EVIL AND HARM TO YOU, BUT WHAT IS GOD’S INTENTION FOR THE TRICKS, WEAPONS, AND SCHEMES AGAINST HIS PEOPLE? GOD’S INTENTION IS FOR THEIR GOOD.  “…. inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME.” (Matthew 25:40 KJV). “... "Vengeance (making things JUST) belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord...” (Romans 12:19 ASV). “...THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD...” (Exodus 1 NLT). “…ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good…” (Genesis 50:20 KJV). BRUTAL SLAVE MASTERS WERE ALLOWED AUTHORITY AND CONTROL OVER GOD’S PEOPLE, DURING THE STORM OF SLAVERY, FOR A SHORT TIME, IT SEEMED AS IF THE EGYPTIANS WERE THE PRIVILEGED ONES, BUT WHO HAD OVERWHELMING VICTORY THEM OR GOD’S PEOPLE? GOD’S PEOPLE DID.  “...THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD...” (Exodus 1 NLT). “…ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good…” (Genesis 50:20 KJV). “…If God is for us, who is against us? ...” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).   “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).“...overwhelming victory is [y]ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
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  1. GOD’S PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS MULTIPLY UNDER OPPRESSION. THE SECRET OF THEIR GROWTH IS THAT GOD’S PEOPLE ARE NOT KNOWN BY THEIR NATIONALITY, RACE, COLOR OF SKIN, OR ETHNCITY. WHERE ARE GOD’S PEOPLE FROM? FROM EVERY NATION. “…Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM.  In every nation HE ACCEPTS those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “…Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no RESPECTER OF PERSONS: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)…” (Acts 10:34-36 KJV). “...In every nation HE ACCEPTS those who fear him ...God through Jesus Christ ... is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). WHAT “ONE” FACT CONNECTS GOD’S PEOPLE TOGETHER AS A CHOSEN RACE AND HOLY NATION? THE FACT THAT THEY “ALL” BELONG TO GOD.“… [Everyone] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  We (from EVERY nation) are his; we are “HIS” PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). “…[In EVERY nation, people]... belong to Christ…” (1 Corinthians 3:23 NASB). “…[In every nation, people]... belong to God, my dear children…” (1 John 4:2-7 NIV). HOW CAN YOU TELL THE CHILDREN OF GOD FROM THE CHILDREN OF HE DEVIL? THE CHILDREN OF GOD LIVE RIGHTEOUS AND LOVE OTHER BELIEVERS.“...we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT). WHAT DOES EACH CHILD OF GOD HAVE THAT MAKES THEM “BELONG” TO GOD? THEY HAVE THE INDWELLING SPIRIT WITHIN THEM THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. “…Jesus Christ is in ...[them]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).
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17. DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE SHOULD GOD’S PEOPLE TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD TO HAVE A PLAN? YES, GOD DEFINITELY HAS A PLAN. “…The plans [God has]…for you…. [are]…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).  “…all things (even those things that make no sense and you don’t agree with) work together for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV). “…The plans [God has]…for you (his people)….[and they are]… plans to prosper ...[YOU]...and not to harm ...[YOU], plans to give ..[YOU]... hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). …Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for...[his people]...that love him...” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV). “...I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). “... I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end...” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). WILL GOD’S PEOPLE SEE THOSE PLANS AND PROMISES IN “THIS” LIFE? YES. DOES GOD’S DIVINE NATURE EVERY CHANGE? NO, GOD NEVER CHANGES. “… [You]…will receive NOW in return (in this life) a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).  “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
18. EVEN THOUGH, DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE ON EARTH, GOD’S PEOPLE EXPERIENCE GRIEF, HEARTACHE, DISAPPOINTMENT, ANXIETY, ANGER, CONFUSION, WEAKNESS, OPPRESSION, TERROR, AND A FLOW OF OTHER EMOTION AND MENTAL AFFLICTION, BUT IS THE GUARANTEED OUTCOME? OVERWHELMING VICTORY. “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...We must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours  (GOD’S PEOPLE’S) through Christ, who loved us (THEM)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). WHY DOES THE BIBLE RECORD CERTAIN STORIES ABOUT GOD’S PEOPLE? AS WARNINGS TO HIS PEOPLE AND ENCOURAGING EXAMPLES. “... These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as some of them did ...These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age...” (1 Corinthians 10:9-11 NLT).
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19. THE MORE EVIL PEOPLE OPPRESSED GOD’S PEOPLE THE MORE THEY MULTIPLIED. WHO WAS BORN DURING THE STORM OF SLAVERY THAT WOULD LEAD GOD’S PEOPLE TO FREEDOM? MOSES.
20. “...THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD...” (Exodus 1 NLT).“...Then Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, gave this order to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah: “When you help the Hebrew women as they give birth, watch as they deliver.  If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live.” But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too. So the king of Egypt called for the midwives. “Why have you done this?” he demanded. “Why have you allowed the boys to live?” “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women,” the midwives replied. “They are more vigorous and have their babies so quickly that we cannot get there in time.” So God was good to the midwives, and the Israelites continued to multiply, growing more and more powerful. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own. Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River. But you may let the girls live.” About this time, a man and woman from the tribe of Levi got married. The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She saw that he was a special baby and kept him hidden for three months. But when she could no longer hide him, she got a basket made of papyrus reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch. She put the baby in the basket and laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River. The baby’s sister then stood at a distance, watching to see what would happen to him.  Soon Pharaoh’s daughter came down to bathe in the river, and her attendants walked along the riverbank. When the princess saw the basket among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it for her. When the princess opened it, she saw the baby. The little boy was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This must be one of the Hebrew children,” she said. Then the baby’s sister approached the princess. “Should I go and find one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” she asked. “Yes, do!” the princess replied. So the girl went and called the baby’s mother. “Take this baby and nurse him for me,” the princess told the baby’s mother. “I will pay you for your help.” So the woman took her baby home and nursed him. Later, when the boy was older, his mother brought him back to Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him as her own son. The princess named him Moses, for she explained, “I lifted him out of the water.” Many years later, when Moses had grown up, he went out to visit his own people, the Hebrews, and he saw how hard they were forced to work. During his visit, he saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrews...Years passed, and the king of Egypt died. But the Israelites continued to groan under their burden of slavery. They cried out for help, and their cry rose up to God. God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act. When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied. Then the Lord told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey—the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live. Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt...” (EXODUS  1, 2, & 3:1-11 NLT). MOSES CAME OUT OF THE OPPRESSION: “…Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place…” (EZEKIEL 13:3 KJV). WHAT HAS HAPPENED BY THE “WORD OF GOD?” THE HEAVENS WERE MADE. GOD’S PEOPLE WERE BOUGHT OUT OF EGYPT. ALL THINGS CAME INTO BEING BY HIS WORD ALONE. “…BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…BY THE WORD of the Lord the [Israelis (God’s people) were delivered out of the house of bondage] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).“…I am the Lord, I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians...” (Exodus 6:6-7 KJV). “…I will rid you out of their bondage...” (Exodus 6:6-7 KJV). “…I will redeem you with a stretched out hand...” (Exodus 6:5:6-7 KJV). “…The Lord bought  [Israel] out with a mighty hand and redeemed [them] out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of…Egypt. … (Deuteronomy 7:8 KJV).“…All things  (including the DELIVERANCE of ISRAEL OR YOU FROM THE STORMS OF LIFE) came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY THAT IS “CLEARLY SEEN” BY THE THINGS THE “WORD OF GOD” HAS MADE? GOD’S DIVINE NATURE AND ETERNAL WORKING POWER CAN BE CLEARLY SEEN. “…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLE QUALITIESHIS ETERNAL POWER AND DIVINE NATURE—have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE (the GREAT DELIVERANCE)…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).
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21. WHAT DID GOD PROMISE HIS PEOPLE WHEN THEY WERE IN THE STORMS OF SLAVERY? THEY WOULD KNOW, WITHOUT A DOUBT, HE WAS THE ONE WHO BOUGHT THEM OUT FROM UNDER THE UNJUST TREATMENT OF THE EGYPTIANS. “…I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians…” (Exodus 6:7 KJV). “…the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders…” (Deuteronomy 26:8 KJV). BY HIS WORD, WHAT DID GOD DO? HE BOUGHT ISRAEL OUT OF BONDAGE.“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the [Israelites were delivered out of the house of bondage] …” WHEN YOU ARE GOING THROUGH STORMS AND TRIBULATIONS, ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING VERSES, NAME TWO OR THREE THINGS GOD’S PEOPLE CAN CHOOSE TO DO? THEY CAN CHOOSE TO PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD. THEY CAN CHOOSE TO STAND IN FAITH. THEY CAN CHOOSE TO TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD TO KEEP THEM STRONG. ETC.“...Therefore [INSIDE the STORMS, God’s people can choose to]... 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. Stand firm...” (Ephesians 6:13-14 NIV). “... Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil...” (Ephesians 6:11 NLT).  “…HE (the indwelling Holy Spirit) “WILL” KEEP YOU STRONG to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help...” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG). “…He said, … Do not be afraid or discouraged ...the Lord is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“…No weapon that is formed against [YOU]… shall prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…the battle is not yours, but God’s. …...(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“…you will not even need to fight...(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“…Take your positions (standing firm in faith); then stand still..(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“…watch the Lord’s victory...(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
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22. The storms of life are emotionally and mentally challenging for even god’s best warriors. These are real life experiences and one’s humanity is taken to the limits. Thus, god’s people experience the same thing any other human being experiences, but what sustains them? God is with them. He won’t let them down. He is ready to help them. “…Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.). Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).   “…God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG). KING JEHOSHAPHAT WAS TERRIFIED, BUT HE DIDN’T CHOOSE TO ACT UPON HIS FEAR. WHAT DID THE KING CHOOSE TO DO, IN SPITE OF HIS TERROR?  HE CHOSE TO TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD AND HE PRAYED INSTEAD. “... He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. …We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’ …O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” …” (2 Chronicles 20: 1-30 NLT). EVEN THOUGH KING JEHOSHAPHAT WAS TERRIFIED OF HIS STORM, DID GOD CONDEMN HIM OR HELP HIM? GOD HELPED HIM. HOW DID GOD HELP HIM? HE SENT AN ENCOURAGING MESSAGE THROUGH A MAN NAMED JAHAZIEL. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph…” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…He (Jahaziel) said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. …you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you … Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). WHAT DID GOD’S ENCOURAGING WORD DO FOR THE KING’S EMOTIONS AND ACTIONS? GOD’S WORD EMPOWERED THE KING WITH STRENGTH, GUIDANCE, HOPE, AND ACTION. DID GOD’S WORD ALSO LEAD THE KING TO VICTORY? YES.  “…Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in (trust in, depend upon) the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
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23. THE KING WENT TO GOD TERRIFIED AND GOD TURNED HIS TERROR INTO WHAT? INTO PRAISE AND ULTIMATE VICTORY OVER HIS STORM. “…Jehoshaphat “was” TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped...On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the Lord there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today. the Lord had given them victory over their enemies...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). GOD DIDN’T CONDEMIN KING JOHOSPAPHAT FOR HIS FEELIINGS OF TERROR, WHICH DEMONSTRATES GOD DOES WHAT FOR HIS PEOPLE IN THEIR WEAKENESSES? HE HELPS THEM.  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT).  “…He said … Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory...(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). WHAT PROVIDED FOR KING JEHOSPAPHAT’S COMFORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT, DURING HIS STORM? GOD DID. “…God is the one who provides [for you]…” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… [God] … will keep in perfect peace all who trust in … [him and] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!]” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT).….The Lord is [“your”] shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield …" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…I the LORD am thy Saviour …[even in “your” storm]...” (Isaiah 60:16 KJV). WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE READ ABOUT STORIES LIKE KING JEHOSHAPHAT’S WHAT CAN THEY DISCOVER ABOUT GOD AND THE THINGS HE DOES FOR HIS PEOPLE? THEY DISCOVER THERE IS LIKE GOD AND HE DOES MARVELOUS THINGS FOR HIS PEOPLE. “…there is none like unto thee (God, the Holy Spirit)” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). ...he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellous things… ( Psalms 98:1 KJV). “… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV). “...THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD...” (Exodus 1 NLT). GOD’S PEOPLE MAY FEEL TERRIFIED IN THE STORMS OF LIFE AND EXPERIENCE A MULTITUDE OF OPPRESSIVE, INJUST TREATMENT, BUT WHAT IS TRUE OF THEM AT “ALL” TIMES? THEY ARE BLESSED AND OVERWHELMING VICTORY IS GUARANTEED TO BE THEIRS. “...God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!” (Numbers 23:20 NLT). “...overwhelming victory is [Y]ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
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