Ninth sermon in the 1 John series. For other, go to my YouTube site at Pastor Danny Anderson.

The Battle is Not Yours!

Oftentimes, the enemy you are facing appears to be an overwhelming foe. As far as your human eye can see, there is only difficulty, pain, and great loss mounted against you. You see no out. Defeat is imminent. Great loss is all that your tomorrow holds.

The Scripture tells me that a vast army had arrayed against the Jewish nation. The Jews seemed so small and insignificant in comparison to the great number of enemy preparing to overwhelm and destroy them.

Understanding the critical nature of the situation, King “Jehoshaphat was afraid, so he resolved to seek the Lord. So he proclaimed a fast for all Judah, who gathered to seek the Lord. They even came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him” (2 Chronicles 20:3-4 HCSB). Fear gripped the hearts of all the Jews including the king.

Jehoshaphat realized defeat was the only possibility in this situation outside of an intervention by GOD. Maybe you are in a similar situation right now? Health issues, financial crisis, family out of control? Jehoshaphat turned to his only hope—GOD. He got serious and he and the nation began to pray and the LORD responded.

The Scripture tells us that the Spirit of the LORD came upon the priest and declared: “This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s’” (v.15).

He continued: “You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for the Lord is with you” (v. 17).

As the Jews gathered and headed out to face the battle, the Scripture tells us they had appointed a praise team to lead them out—praising and glorifying GOD. “When they went out in front of the armed forces, they kept singing: Give thanks to the Lord, for His faithful love endures forever. The moment they began their shouts and praises, the Lord set an ambush…and they were defeated” (vv. 21-22).

We are told: “When Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude, and there were corpses lying on the ground; nobody had escaped” (v. 24). But the story doesn’t end there. GOD wasn’t finished. He had a plan for a much greater victory celebration than they could have imagined.

GOD not only provided the victory but He provided a victory celebration. The Scripture says: “They found among them (the enemy) an abundance of goods on the bodies and valuable items. So they stripped them until nobody could carry any more. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much” (v. 25).

GOD’s provision is always much greater than we could ever imagine. Out of His bounty and His great love for you and I flows an abundance of blessings. They faced their enemy with praise and worship unto the only One capable of delivering them from defeat. GOPD came through and delivered them in a way they would have never imagined.

Today, you may be facing impossible odds in your life situations. It’s time to turn your attention to the One who can deliver you. It’s time to pray and trust in Him and then begin to praise and worship Him and wait for the victory that He has in store for you. This battle is not yours, stand back and see the salvation of the LORD!

Scripture Reading: “God, we have heard with our ears- our forefathers have told us- the work You accomplished in their days, in days long ago: to plant them, You drove out the nations with Your hand; to settle them, You crushed the peoples. For they did not take the land by their sword- their arm did not bring them victory- but by Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You were pleased with them. You are my King, my God, who ordains victories for Jacob. Through You we drive back our foes; through Your name we trample our enemies. For I do not trust in my bow, and my sword does not bring me victory. But You give us victory over our foes and let those who hate us be disgraced. We boast in God all day long; we will praise Your name forever” (Psalm 44:1-7 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father, the odds seem stacked against me. Troubles and problems are overwhelming me. I see nothing but defeat as I look out at my life and where I am right now. I pray for Your help. I ask You, LORD, to step into my problems and issues and circumstances and to bring a great victory. I know that as Your child, You will step in and bring victory for me in all these situations. Please help me. I give You praise, glory and honor in all things for You are the Mighty Warrior, the Victor in all things. I praise You and love…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Penetrating the Darkness

Looking around at our world today, it’s easy to see how dark our society has become. The sinfulness that has overwhelmed our world has encapsulated our society in an utter darkness that is thick enough to feel.

Isaiah prophesied this time would come near the end of times when he wrote: “Look, darkness covers the earth, and total darkness the peoples” (Isaiah 60:2a HCSB). Never could we have imagined a few decades back that our society would darken so deeply so quickly. The rapid influx of deep, dark sin into the hearts and minds of the masses has created a societal darkness from which we often wonder if we can ever recover.

Jesus aggressively addressed this idea of utter darkness by declaring its solution—the church, to whom He gave the task to penetrate the darkness of the world. He said: “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16 HCSB).

The purpose of the church in the world today is to bring light into the darkness. Light symbolizes truth and truth is the Word of God that can transform even the hardest of hearts. It takes but a small light source in a dark cave to drive out the darkness. It takes but a peppering of truth in a deceived society to begin to drive out the darkness that has been created by man’s selfishness and sinfulness.

Paul charged the church to “Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life” (Philippians 2:15-16 NLT). As a part of GOD’s family, you and I have a responsibility before GOD to dispel the darkness by living and sharing the truth. We have a responsibility in our society to stand up for what is right and to declare the truths of GOD even in the face of persecution.

As the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are obligated by GOD to penetrate the darkness of our world by making the right choices based upon the principles of GOD’s Word. Each of us will be held responsible before GOD for who we personally choose as our nation’s leaders. When you willfully select a leader, through your own vote, who believes that killing an unborn baby through abortion is an acceptable practice, understand that GOD will hold you accountable on judgment day for the lives that individual destroyed because you made the choice to side with their views.

GOD is not a democrat, republican or independent. GOD is GOD and we, as His children, are to place His principles above all others. As children of GOD, we are not to be molded by a party but molded by Godly principles and decisions. Political leaders who defy GOD’s principles in their decision-making are to be defied by those who call themselves children of Almighty GOD!

Scripture Reading: “Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the LORD rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the LORD rises and appears over you. All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance. Look and see, for everyone is coming home! Your sons are coming from distant lands; your little daughters will be carried home. Your eyes will shine, and your heart will thrill with joy, for merchants from around the world will come to you. They will bring you the wealth of many lands” (Isaiah 60:1-5 NLT).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, help me to always remember that as Your child, I am not of this world. However, while I am making my journey through this world, I am responsible before You for the decisions and choices I will make. You have tasked me with carrying Your light into the utter darkness, penetrating the darkness, with Your truth. Help me to seek out Your heart and what moves Your heart before I choose the direction I will follow. I want to make a difference in my world, LORD! I don’t care what others may think; I don’t care what my family may think; I only desire to please You in all things. On judgment day, I want You to be pleased in what I did with my life. Help me, LORD!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

GOD’s Great Benefit’s Package

When we move out into the real world and begin seeking lifetime employment, one of the questions we desire to have answered is: What does the “company benefit’s package” entail? Will I receive company-paid health insurance? How much vacation time will I be allotted each year? Sick pay? Is a 401k retirement program available? All of these things are considered outside of the agreed upon salary or wage. They are benefits the company awards to its employees.

When we approach the cross in repentance for our sins and surrender our lives over to Jesus, we gain eternal access to the heavenly kingdom. For many, that’s where it stops. They fail to recognize that GOD also has a “benefit’s package” that is available to all His children.  

David recognized that GOD had a whole lot more to offer all who came into a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. He revealed that package in this way: “My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits. He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfies you with goodness; your youth is renewed like the eagle” (Psalm 103:2-5 HCSB).

Let’s take a moment and review this package. GOD continues forgiving your sins, lifting the heavy load they create, on a regular basis as you come to Him seeking His forgiveness. GOD is your healer. Learn to trust in Him by faith believing that by His stripes you are healed as recorded in Isaiah 53:5. GOD is your Redeemer who, out of His great love and mercy, paid the price for your sins, saving you from an eternity in the pits of hell.

GOD grants you His peace and security through His ongoing love and mercy which is constantly being showered upon you bringing complete relief from the onslaught of the world around. GOD brings satisfaction to the life and soul of all who remain nestled in His arms of love. Whereas, the satisfaction the world attempts to offer is only temporary and often filled with sinful pleasures, GOD’s satisfaction brings total comfort to the soul.

Finally, GOD continually renews and recharges His children with His strength and power, invigorating them with a new, youth-like energy every day.

Employers don’t make their employees utilize all the benefits they have awarded them; but, it is all paid for and always available for use. In the same way, GOD’s “benefit’s package” is always available to all His children; still, many fail to take advantage of all it has to offer.

Many take the step of faith in Jesus Christ but that is as far as they go. Over time, many of these will become discouraged with their Christian walk. They begin to question what it’s all about anyway. They begin to feel as though there should be more. Fact is, there is—much more—it’s all paid for and available but never accessed.

Today, I challenge you to prayerfully consider GOD’s great benefit package in and for your life. Take full advantage of all the great things GOD has for you even while you are still here on the earth. Accept what He has given and utilize it in full for His glory and honor in all things.

Scripture Reading: “From eternity to eternity the Lord’s faithful love is toward those who fear Him, and His righteousness toward the grandchildren of those who keep His covenant, who remember to observe His instructions. The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. Praise the Lord, [all] His angels of great strength, who do His word, obedient to His command. Praise the Lord, all His armies, His servants who do His will. Praise the Lord, all His works in all the places where He rules. My soul, praise the Lord!” (Psalm 103:17-22 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I often forget about all Your great benefits You have so graciously given me as an expression of Your love and devotion to me as Your child. Please help me to recognize these things that are available to me and to utilize them in and through my life to touch the hearts and lives of others. May I find my joy, peace and satisfaction in all You have made available to me. I love You and give You all glory for You, LORD, are the only true and worthy One!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Glorifying GOD in the Face of Evil!

Have you ever felt like the world was out to get you—at least your little world? It seemed everything you would say and do was twisted and eventually used against you by others in some negative way?

It is an unfortunate action friends and acquaintances will often use. I’m not sure why? Maybe makes them feel better about themselves? But, it definitely creates situations which become very hard to ever break free from—friends often become enemies—outside of the help of God.

I have discovered in my years of ministry work that those who I considered to be allies in the ministry often became enemies when God blessed what was being done. Everyone seemed to want the glory for great strides being made for God’s kingdom rather than realizing all glory is to be attributed to God—and God alone.

Some of my most difficult, trying times involved other ministry leaders who failed to accept that God blesses those He chooses to bless and there is nothing we can do but simply continue working for His kingdom because ultimately it is all about Him.

Daniel was a man who placed God above everything else in his world. His love and commitment to God was evident in every aspect of his life. He was a man of integrity, in a position of high authority, and the king trusted him in all regards.

Jealousy arose among some in the court arose and soon a plan was being initiated to get rid of Daniel. Evil men duped the king into signing a law declaring all worship would be aimed at the king alone.

When Daniel was caught worshipping Almighty God, he was sentenced to death in the lion’s den. But, Daniel was at peace, he trusted in the decision God would make about the outcome of this ordeal. He was secure that God would bring him through victorious in whatever way He chose, whether by death or life.

The following morning, the king rushed down to check on Daniel and found him safe and secure in the midst of the hungry lions. Daniel announced to the king: “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths. They haven’t hurt me, for I was found innocent before Him. Also, I have not committed a crime against you my king” (Daniel 6:22 HCSB). He secured his victory in the face of his enemy through his innocence before God.

Consider that Daniel had been forced to live in a pagan, cruel, evil world that was not his home; but, he didn’t allow his difficult circumstances to take his eyes off the eternal prize. He remained focused on fulfilling God’s divine plan for his life regardless of what the world threw at him.

Your struggles and problems in the world are an unfortunate part of living in this evil world. But, do not allow them to rule your thoughts rather remain focused upon the prize God has waiting for you.

Stay focused upon His call, His purpose, His plan for your life—always knowing that the closer you get to God the more hatred the world will have for you. Remember what Jesus said about you: “They are not of the world, as I am not of the world” (John 17:16 HCSB). When you “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him…He will act” on your behalf (Psalm 37:5 HCSB).

Scripture Reading: “Then King Darius wrote to those of every people, nation, and language who live in all the earth: ‘May your prosperity abound. I issue a decree that in all my royal dominion, people must tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion has no end. He rescues and delivers; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.’ So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian” (Daniel 6:25-28 HCSB). Note the final outcome: God received all the glory for Daniel’s righteous decisions and actions!

Personal Prayer: Father, I often find myself being ridiculed and harassed by the world for my commitment to You. I pray that You would give me the strength and ability to continue serving only You in the face of all the hostility and persecution. May my life point people to Jesus. May I be found faithful before You in all my ways and may my commitment to You continue to increase and grow. I desire to be Christ-like to every person I come into contact with in my life regardless of their feelings about me. May I love like Jesus loved! Thank You, Father, for loving me and bringing me in as a part of Your eternal family!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

A powerful, relevent message for the days we are living in. A real eye-opener!

Enemies of the State

America’s push for political-correctness has left many true Christians wondering just how long we have left before we begin to undergo constant prosecution for speaking the truth of the Word of God.

There is certainly a rise in the amount of persecution Christians are undergoing for speaking out words of truth, which is occasionally accompanied by some form of prosecution, and I am certain further, more intense, prosecution can’t be too far off. In our society, true Christians will begin to be eyed more and more as enemies of the state.

I have been asked: What is the right thing for a Christian to do in the eyes of God? Some will say we are obligated to follow the laws and dictates of the state in accordance with what Paul wrote in Romans 13:1-2: “Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves” (HCSB).

On the other hand, others go back to Acts 4 where Peter and John were arrested for speaking out about Jesus. They were commanded by the authorities to quit doing so. Peter and John’s response was this: “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20 HCSB).

Soon afterwards, they were in trouble once again and were brought in and questioned by the leaders: “Didn’t we strictly order you not to teach in this name?” (Acts 5:28) to which they responded: “We must obey God rather than men” (v. 29).

So, where do you draw the line? Who is right; who is wrong? Are they both right in their own regard? Simply put, the law of God always trumps the law of man. As long as the law of man lines up with the law of God, Christians are bound by both.

Think about it this way: Did Jesus say, if the government approves it, you are to go into all the world and preach the gospel? Absolutely not! Jesus commanded all believers to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15 HCSB).  In so doing, you might break the laws of the land…you might suffer persecution or even prosecution, simply be obedient to God!

Notice the outcome of the Acts 5 encounter. Peter and John were flogged and then commanded to quit talking publicly about Jesus. The story continues: “Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored on behalf of the name” (Acts 5:41 HCSB).

They suffered through a harsh punishment for their disobedience but then went away excited because they had been counted worthy to suffer for the cause of Christ. The stand you take as a Christian will make you an enemy of the state. Persecution and prosecution will continue to intensify as you continue to stand up and speak out. Are you up for it? Will you rejoice in having been counted worthy to undergo such for the cause of Christ?

I believe it is vital to make two points at this juncture. First, in light of the radical, extremist violence advocated by some religions and groups, God never advocates violence of His followers. We never find followers of the true God engaged in violent acts against others or their governments in Scripture. Rather, believers are to respond in like manner to the response of Peter and John.

A second important point I wish to make concerns responsibilities and obligations of true believers. The laws, rules and commands of God are not suggestions to be considered as optional. Following and fulfilling these are the responsibility and obligation of all true believers. The command of Proverbs 31:8 obligates all believers to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” (NLT). In other words, unborn babies, the poor, the destitute—anyone not given an opportunity to speak out for themselves due to their situation leaves believers obligated to stand up for and speak out for.

The simple fact here is that God’s law is ultimately supreme. Man’s laws are to be followed and obeyed to the extent they do not prevent one from living and serving in accordance with God’s principles, standards and laws.

What in the World Has Become of the World?

As I read the news of the chaos that our nation and world has become entrenched in, I find myself asking “What in the world has become of the world?” How has our society slipped into such a chasm of craziness in such a short time? The meaningless killings of innocent people on the streets. The senseless murders of police officers simply doing their jobs. The rioting, the violent protests—our nation is very sick today!

As a pastor, my heart goes out in daily prayers for America but even more so for the church of the Lord Jesus Christ in America. We are witnessing a rapidly growing satanic attack upon the church. From the outside, he is working to destroy our ability to influence our world. The rapid influx of new laws pertaining to political correctness are working to silence those speaking out for what is right. There is a growing proliferation of radical groups denouncing Christianity and the church and the government has bought into their radical teachings and philosophies.  

From the inside, many churches have become weakened by the growing influx of worldliness, by the failure of pastors to preach repentance, sin, judgment, and by a failure of the people to truly repent and turn from their wickedness. Symbols of God’s mercy, such as the cross, have been removed from a growing number of churches to prevent people from being offended. Yet, it is only by way of the cross that salvation has come!

John Wesley said: “Before I preach love, mercy, and grace, I must preach sin, Law, and judgment.” Paul wrote to the Galatians: “As for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world has been crucified to me through the cross, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14 HCSB). He told the Corinthian church: “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Until people realize that the Gospel message is the message of life that is so inherently needed for eternal salvation, their personal response will remain weak, at best, often failing to open the door of access into that life. The church must get back to preaching the truth of the Gospel message just as Paul instructed us. The messages of prosperity and blessings that became popular some years back are laced with untruths and filled with lies and deception. They serve only to tear down the true workings of God through His church.

The chaos we are experiencing in our nation and in the world is definitely a sign of the end times we are living in. Because of this, we, the church, must rise up in the power of the Holy Spirit and begin proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ and His cross and the salvation He has secured for all who will believe. It is through His power that lives will be changed. “The only hope for America is Jesus!” (Carmen).

Paul inspired the spirit in young Timothy with these words: “Preach the Word…!” (2 Timothy 4:2). May our hearts and lives be inspired likewise. GOD help America; GOD help the church in America!

  ~~ Pastor Danny Anderson

It’s Time to Take that Giant Down!

As a child, I was always fascinated by the story of David and Goliath. It was probably one of the most popular children’s church stories around. As I grew older, the story somehow began to intensify in meaning as I began to grasp more of the details surrounding the story.

Today, as I sit contemplating young, inexperienced David, I realize he was more than just a boy with a sling. He was a young man who had developed a confidence in GOD like none other. He had a trust in GOD’s ability to do whatever He wished to do through anyone He desired to do it through. GOD chose David because He knew David’s heart commitment unto Him and his openness to be used by GOD in great ways.

As I reflect back, I see young David, too young yet to fight in the king’s military, going out to the battlefield carrying food to his brothers. While there one day, Goliath the giant comes out from the camp of the enemy and he begins taunting the Israelites and cursing the name of their GOD. A terrible shudder swept across the fighting men of Israel and they cowered in fear for their lives.

David, merely a shepherd boy, had a heart of steel. He had spent many hours developing an intimacy between himself and GOD during the long nights of guarding his sheep. It was nothing for him to encounter lions and bears and packs of wolves and, without giving it second thought, he would destroy them before they could wipe out his little flock.

As the giant came out raving and ranting that day, David was overwhelmed by the lack of fortitude in his fellow Israelites. He could not believe the fear that was allowed to rise within his brothers’ hearts and lives. He was determined to take this giant down. He went to the brook, picked up a few stones and with only a sling-shot in his hand, he went out and confronted the giant.

David looked up at the giant and the final words that giant would ever hear were these: “Today, the Lord will hand you over to me. Today, I’ll strike you down, cut your head off, and give the corpses of the Philistine camp to the birds of the sky and the creatures of the earth. Then all the world will know that Israel has a God, and this whole assembly will know that it is not by sword or by spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s. He will hand you over to us” (1 Samuel 17:46-47 HCSB). With one small stone empowered by the Spirit of GOD, the giant came down!

Today, you may be struggling in your life? Evil giants have crept in and stolen your joy, your peace, your happiness? Maybe your giant is an addiction problem? Maybe an addiction problem in someone you love and care for? Maybe your giant destroyed your home and family? Whatever means the enemy has devised against you to attempt to destroy, with the power of GOD, you can take that giant down!  

In the name of Jesus and through the power of His Spirit, your little stone can become a huge boulder. That evil that has arrayed against you will come down. Pronounce judgement upon your giant today in the same way David did: “Today, the Lord will hand you over to me. Today, I’ll strike you down… the battle is the Lord’s. He will hand you over to us.”   

Scripture Reading: “I will thank the Lord with all my heart; I will declare all Your wonderful works. I will rejoice and boast about You; I will sing about Your name, Most High. When my enemies retreat, they stumble and perish before You. For You have upheld my just cause; You are seated on Your throne as a righteous judge. You have rebuked the nations: You have destroyed the wicked; You have erased their name forever and ever. The enemy has come to eternal ruin; You have uprooted the cities, and the very memory of them has perished. But the Lord sits enthroned forever; He has established His throne for judgment” (Psalm 9:1-7 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father, I realize I have never fully utilized the giftings and talents You have given me. I also realize that when I do, I am trusting in the ability of those particular giftings rather than in the ability of the One who has given them to me. Today, I ask You to help me to be strong in You, to stand up for Your name, to fulfill Your mission in and for my life. I desire to be used of You, but I realize to do all of this, I must continue to become more intimate and in love with You. I realize I must learn to be obedient to You in all things. For all these things, I seek Your help, O Lord!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

(Excerpted from my future book: “Securing Your Victory in the Face of the Enemy!”)