The Voice Of Faith Nick Bowlin | River Church Frankfurt

The Voice of Faith


The Voice of Faith


1. God’s Voice Creates and Commands
Genesis 1:1-3 – "In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light."
* The first act of creation was through spoken words. God didn’t think light into existence; He spoke it. Faith speaks.
* Hebrews 11:3 – "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."
* Isaiah 55:11 – "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."


2. Faith Speaks What It Believes
Romans 10:8-10 – "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
* Salvation itself is activated by faith-filled words. Believing is essential, but confession seals it.
* Mark 11:22-24 – "And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
* Jesus emphasizes speaking faith-filled words. Three times He says to "say" but only once to "believe." Speaking is vital.


3. The Power of Confession and Declaration
Job 22:28 – "Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways."
* Our declarations, when based on God’s Word, bring establishment in our lives.
* Proverbs 18:21 – "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."
* What we consistently speak will determine the fruit we eat in life—whether good or bad.


4. Faith-Filled Words in Action
Numbers 13:30 – "And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it."
* Caleb’s faith spoke in contrast to the negative report of the ten spies. His voice aligned with God’s promise.
* 2 Corinthians 4:13 – "We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak."
* Faith isn’t just believing; it is believing and speaking.


5. Jesus – The Example of Speaking Faith
Matthew 8:8-10 – "The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel."
* The centurion understood the power of spoken words. Jesus called this "great faith."
* John 11:43-44 – "And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go."
* Jesus didn’t beg God; He spoke to the situation.


6. Aligning Our Words with God’s Word
James 3:10 – "Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be."
* We must be consistent in our confession, speaking life and faith.
* Hebrews 10:23 – "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)"
* Never let go of speaking God’s promises, even when circumstances look contrary.


Faith has a voice, and it must be spoken. God’s Word in our mouth is just as powerful as it was in His mouth when He created the world. When we align our words with His, we release the power of faith to transform our lives, situations, and even nations.


* Faith is expressed through words.
* Our words have power to create, bless, or destroy.
* Confession and declaration bring results.
* Jesus demonstrated the power of faith-filled speech.
* We must align our words with God’s Word and speak in faith without wavering.


Romans 4:17-21


KJV
17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
NLT
17 That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing 18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have 19 And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.
AMPC
17 As it is written, I have made you the father of many nations. [He was appointed our father] in the sight of God in Whom he believed, Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed. 18 [For Abraham, human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised, So [numberless] shall your descendants be.19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah’s [deadened] womb. 20 No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, 21 Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.


REJOICING


Rejoicing: Living by Faith, Not Feelings


I. Faith vs. Feelings


Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you


• Rejoicing is an act of faith, not just an emotional response.
• Feelings fluctuate, but faith remains constant.
• 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
1. Psalm 13:5“But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.”
2. Psalm 21:6-7“You make him glad with the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the LORD.”
3. Psalm 33:21“For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.”
4. Romans 15:13“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.”
5. 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls


II. David Encouraged Himself in the Lord


• 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV) “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”
• 1 Samuel 30:6 (NLT) “David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God.”
Rejoicing as an Expression of Faith


• Faith sees beyond the present situation and expects God’s intervention.
• David didn’t have proof that he would recover anything yet, but his faith in God’s promises led him to find encouragement.
• Joy is a byproduct of faith—when you believe God is working on your behalf, you can rejoice before the victory comes.


III. Bless the Lord, O my soul


Psalm 103 (KJV)


1 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger forever.10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.20 Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.21 Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. 22 Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my


• David commanded his soul to praise God.
• Rejoicing is a choice, not just a feeling.


IV. Your Soul Doesn’t Rule—Your Spirit Does


• The soul (mind, will, emotions) must submit to the spirit.
• Romans 8:14 – “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”
• Living by emotions leads to instability; living by the spirit leads to victory.


V. Live Out of Your Spirit


• Proverbs 4:23 – “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”
• The joy of the Lord comes from the spirit, not external circumstances.
• The Word of God renews the mind and aligns the soul with the spirit.


VI. The Devil Wants to Steal Your Joy


• John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy…”
• Joy is a weapon against the enemy.
• Depression, discouragement, and fear are tactics to rob believers of their faith.


VII. To Take Your Strength


• Nehemiah 8:10 – “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
• Without joy, we become weak spiritually.
• Choosing joy empowers us to stand firm in trials.


THANKSGIVING
Safeguards our Faith
Gratitude is a shield
The enemy will always get you to look at what you don’t have


Psalm 7:17 I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.


Psalm 9:1 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.


Psalm 35:18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you.


Psalm 69:30 I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.


Psalm 95:1-3 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.


Psalm 100:4-5 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;his faithfulness continues through all generations.


Psalm 106:1 Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.


Psalm 107:21-22Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy.


Psalm 118:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good his love endures forever.


Psalm 147:7 Sing to the Lord with grateful praise;
make music to our God on the harp.






Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus


Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.


Colossians 3:15-17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.


Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.


1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.


Hebrews 12:28-29 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”


Hebrews 13:15-16 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
PRAISE
The helicopter of Praise
Here’s Mark 11:22-24 (KJV):


22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.


Many people praise the problem


Ephesians 5:18-20 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
You began to see like He sees


What Is Praise?






“Praise the Lord your God.” So they all praised the Lord, the God of their fathers; they bowed low and fell prostrate before the Lord and the king (1 Chronicles 29:20).


Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever (Psalm 106:1).


Praise the Lord. Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord (Psalm 113:1).


Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples (Psalm 117:1).


Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord (Psalm 150:6).


If we are to obey these commands from God, we must first learn what praise is.


SO What Is Praise?


1. To praise means to commend, to approve, to give a favorable judgment, to glorify, and to esteem.
2. Praising God by commendation means that we entrust ourselves to His care and recommend that others do the same.
1. David spoke many testimonies of God’s Faithfulness, and how he put his
2. O Lord my God, in Thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me (Psalm 7:1 KJV).
3. 4. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You (Psalm 9:10).
5. 6. Preserve me, O God: for in Thee do I put my trust (Psalm 16:1 KJV).
7. 8. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God (Psalm 20:7).
9.

3. Praising God by approval means that we have a favorable opinion of God, which we tell Him and others.
4. Praising by giving God glory means that we honor Him and express our admiration for Him.
5. Praise turns the focus of our life from us to God.
6. Before we can consistently praise God, we must get close enough to Him to see His true nature and character.
7. Praise is a conscious choice, an act of our will.
8. A sacrifice of praise is the praise we give God from obedience despite how we feel.
Praise includes commending; expressing approval or a favorable judgment of; and glorifying,


When do we praise God
1. In the good times
2. In the bad times
3. I’m the regular schedule


WHEN IS THE PRAISE RESPONSE CALLED FOR?
1. When you are confronted with disappointment, discouragement or frustration (Isa. 61:3)
2. When you believe that God has heard and answered you even when it doesn’t appear so in reality (Rom. 4:20 Ps. 106:12)
When physical response is to the contrary, you release the response of praise
3. When the enemy expects you to weep, mourn or exist in downcastedness. (Acts 16:25-26)
Anytime the devil wants you to do something, do the opposite; if he wants you to sit down stand up, if he wants you to slow down, speed up; if he wants you to be quiet, shout!
4. When you have done all you know to do and you don’t know what else to do (2 Chron. 20:12, 21-22)
5. When the journey or progress of life seems to come to an abrupt end (Josh. 6:20)
6. When the enemy seems to have done his worst (Ps. 16:8-11)
7. When you deliberately decide to pull the trigger of faith (1 Pet. 1:8)
The praise response is the peak of faith, and every time God sees faith He moves into action
WHAT IS THE OUTCOME OF THE PRAISE RESPONSE?
1. Instant invitation of God into the situation (2 Chron. 20:21-23)
2. Drastic Divine participation and intervention (2 Chron. 20:21-23)
3. Sudden confusion in the camp of the enemy, both spiritual and physical (2 Chron. 20:21-23)
4. The redirection of enemy weapons against themselves (2 Chron. 20:21-23)
5. The collapse of limiting walls, obstacles and oppositions (Josh. 6:20)
6. The dismantling of captivity and chains of bondage (Acts 16:25-26)
7. The establishment of desired victory (2 Chron. 20:23)
When God is in control, nothing can be out of control.
When God takes over, the devil must take cover!






PRAISE IS A WEAPON
After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites (3 nations) 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 and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:1-3‬ ‭NLT‬‬


-What do you do when bad news comes your way
- Jehoshaphat feared
- Jehoshaphat called fast
- Is why we fast often
- Maybe you feel surrounded with issues and bad news
-Your not leaving the Same way
Help is on the way


Our God is a God of the impossibilities being possible
Jehoshaphat got real with God
He didn’t pray a religious prayer
How many of you has God brought you out of an impossible situation


“About that time Hezekiah became deathly ill, and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to visit him. He gave the king this message: “This is what the Lord says: Set your affairs in order, for you are going to die. You will not recover from this illness.” When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, “Remember, O Lord, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you.” Then he broke down and wept bitterly. But before Isaiah had left the middle courtyard, this message came to him from the Lord: “Go back to Hezekiah, the leader of my people. Tell him, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your ancestor David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will heal you, and three days from now you will get out of bed and go to the Temple of the Lord. I will add fifteen years to your life, and I will rescue you and this city from the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my own honor and for the sake of my servant David.’””
‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭20‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬


My pastors father become sick, and was about to die, and my pastor prayed and God gave him exactly 15 more years


Many people get this part right
They cry out to God
But they miss the most important part


4 4 “So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help. 5 Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord. 6 He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. 7 You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? 8 Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. 9 They said, ‘Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’ 10“And now see what the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir are doing. You would not let our ancestors invade those nations when Israel left Egypt, so they went around them and did not destroy them. 11 Now see how they reward us! For they have come to throw us out of your land, which you gave us as an inheritance. 12 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 ‭20:4-12‬ ‭NLT‬‬




Then He began to magnify God
He began to recall all of Gods faithfulness
In some of my toughest times I began to speak testimonies of what did for me






Praise: to commend, to applaud or magnify.


What does praise do?
Praise places our attention onto God instead of the problem.
Don’t tell God how big your problem is.
Tell your problem how big your God is.
You have to praise God in advance


Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord them out them all
His ears are open to the righteousness


“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. 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.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:13-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬


* As the lifted up the Lord, he showed up
* It’s important to have people around you that hear from God
* My wife
* My mentors
* Do not fear
* Do not give up, don’t quit
* The opposition might be great
* The Battle is not yours
* God is fighting for us
* We are more than conquerors
* There more than are with us
* If God be for you who can be against you
* We have the victory






“Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the Lord. Then the Levites from the clans of Kohath and Korah stood to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud shout.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:16-19‬ ‭NLT‬‬


The enemy wants to keep you out of Gods presence
In His presence is fullness of Joy
The Joy of the Lord is your strength
The enemy wants to steal your strength
The presence brings direction
Maybe you need direction today
The steps of a good man
May you receive it today
You aren’t going under
You’re going over
You have the victory
Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord
Your key to breakthrough his in His presence
Praise is the doorway to the presence


1 “Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. 3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. 5 Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬


“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 the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” 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.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:20, 22-24‬ ‭NLT‬‬


Through the power of praise every enemy of your destiny will be defeated
Victory after victory
It’s the power of praise that brings confusion in the enemy’s camp causing them to fight against themselves. The Lord brings you out with a shout.


“King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all! 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. Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the Lord had given them victory over their enemies. When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:25-27, 29-30‬ ‭NLT‬‬


The enemy tried to steal kill and destroy
The Bible says you a thief is found you must restore seven fold
But you can’t curse what God has blessed


JOSHUA 1
JOSHUA 6
ACTS 16


INTIMACY BRINGS STRONG FAITH
THE MOST VALUABLE THING I LEARNED


* Pressing in with the cd player in the bathroom
* Getting hungry for God
* Bible school should be an appetizer
* My greatest touches came when I was spending time with God
* When I’m in Gods presence He gives me direction
* He directed me to Bible school


1. Faith Comes Through Hearing and Relationship
CAMP MORGAN


• Romans 10:17 (NKJV) – “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
• Faith is built by consistently listening to God’s voice, which happens through His Word, prayer, and intimacy with Him.


Genesis 4:1 (NKJV): Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, ‘I have acquired a man from the Lord.’”
The Hebrew word “yada” (יָדַע) means “to know” in a deep, intimate, and experiential way. It goes beyond just intellectual knowledge


1. Intimacy & Relationship – As seen in Genesis 4:1, where Adam “knew” Eve, indicating a deep, personal, and relational knowledge.
2. Experiential Knowledge – Not just knowing about something, but personally experiencing it (Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know (yada) that I am God.”).
3. Spiritual Understanding – Used in Daniel 11:32 – “But the people who know (yada) their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.”


In the context of faith, “yada” signifies a deep, personal relationship with God, not just knowing about Him but walking closely with Him
-This type of intimacy produces life- in natural and spiritual
- Real Intimacy produces real fruit
YADA & REST – How Knowing God Brings True Rest


Many believers struggle with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty because they know about God but don’t truly yada (know) Him. When you deeply know God, you enter into His rest, because intimacy with Him removes doubt, fear, and striving.


1. REST COMES FROM TRUSTING HIS CHARACTER


• Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know (yada) that I am God.”
• This verse connects knowing God with being still (resting).
• If you know God’s character, you trust Him completely.
• You stop striving, worrying, and rest in His sovereignty.


2. REST COMES FROM KNOWING HIS PLANS


• Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know (yada) the plans I have for you…”
• God is saying He intimately knows His plans for you, and they are for good.
• When you yada God, you understand that His plans are secure, and you can rest in them.
• Worry comes from not knowing—rest comes from confidence in God’s plan.


3. REST COMES FROM HIS PRESENCE


• Exodus 33:14 – “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
• God told Moses that His presence brings rest.
• Yada is about a deep relationship, and the more time you spend with God, the more at peace you become.


4. REST COMES FROM HEARING GOD PERSONALLY


• Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
• The rhema (spoken word) of God gives confidence.
• When you hear directly from God, your faith is unshakable, and you rest in His promises.


5. REST COMES FROM KNOWING YOUR IDENTITY


• Daniel 11:32 – ”…the people who know (yada) their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.”
• When you truly know God, you also know who you are in Him.
• Identity crises, confusion, and insecurity disappear when you are firmly rooted in your relationship with Him.
• When you know who you are and Whose you are, you rest in your divine assignment.


HOW TO ENTER INTO REST THROUGH YADA


1. Pursue deep intimacy with God – Not just head knowledge, but real relationship.
2. Meditate on His Word – The more you read and apply it, the stronger your faith grows.
3. Listen for His voice – Faith and rest come from hearing God personally.
4. Trust in His plans – Let go of control and rest in the fact that He already knows what’s best for you.
5. Abide in His Presence – Worship, prayer, and fellowship with Him bring supernatural peace.




The more you know (yada) God, the more you learn to rest in Him. True rest isn’t just about stopping work; it’s about ceasing from worry, doubt, and striving—because you are confident in who God is and what He has promised.
Definition of Abide (Meno - Greek: μένω)


• To remain, stay, dwell
• To continue in a fixed state
• To be kept, held, or endure
• To remain united with


-Hogging the bathroom at Williams Crossing


John 15:1-16 (KJV)
-Tennessee


1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.


2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.


3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.


4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.


5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.


6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.


7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.


8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.


9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.


10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.


11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.


12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.


13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.


14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.


15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.


16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.


THE CALL OF GOD
Can you be shaken concerning
Salvation
Gods healing power
The baptism in the Holy Ghost
YOU HAVE TO BE THAT SURE OF THE CALL
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Here is 1 Corinthians 2:7-12 from the King James Version (KJV):


7. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8. Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
YOU MUST BE SURE OF THE CALL
* Pastor Eric
* Suzanne
* How God Called Me
* Marrying Janina
How I grew into the call
My Faith Grew
• Psalm 37:4 – “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
A. Intimacy with God Changes Our Heart
• James 4:8 – “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”
• As we draw near to God, He changes our desires to align with His.
• B. Renewing Our Minds
• Romans 12:2 – Transformation through the renewing of our minds to test and approve God’s will.
• The more we spend time with God, the more our heart is aligned with His thoughts and desires