_Have you had such a string of losses, it’s difficult to remember what a win felt like? Be encouraged today as I remind you that God will restore your ability to win. He provides a clue in Isaiah when He says that no weapon formed against us will prosper, or that no weapon formed against us has the final authority in our life! Oh thank God, He alone has the final say in our life.

In that same Isaiah verse we discover there are tongues that rise against us in judgment. The most damaging voices to come against your victory are internal voices. Those accusations the enemy tosses into your mind that cause you to question every decision, and blame yourself for each misstep.

By the discipline of meditating on the promise of God, you can silence the voices of accusation and bring to the surface the affirming voice of the Lord, which enables your victory to be restored. God’s Word is a sharp sword coming from your spirit to annihilate every strategy of the enemy. You can destroy the entire arsenal of your enemy with the Word of God. Now be confidant, your VICTORY IS RESTORED!

--Bishop Gerald Doggett
 

 

 

It sounds like a science fiction movie doesn't it? Unlike Hollywood's imaginations, this really happened!

Joshua's armies could see victory but their strength was waning. After pulling an "all-nighter" marching 20 miles to the east, uphill no less, they had the element of surprise on their side. They surprised the enemy who had dismissed their strength or willingness to fight. However, God had promised the Israelites a victory -- He even went ahead of them, pelting the Amorites with large, deadly hailstones, killing many. Still there were plenty of enemy forces left for the Israelites to win the day -- but their strength was nearly gone. That had endured a series of battles and skirmishes. They were bloodied, bruised and their strength was waning.

So what did Joshua do? Did he sit down to take a breather since he had the enemy in his sights? Did he beg God to vanquish the enemy as He obviously could with hailstones or some other natural disaster? No, he did something not seen before.

In Joshua 10, the leader of the Israelites, the student of Moses, did a thing that Moses hadn't even dreamed of. He addressed the Lord, but commanded the sun and moon to stand still. Joshua didn't want the day to pass without sealing the victory; he didn't want to risk losing one man in battling in the dark. The passage says, "There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a man, surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!"

Joshua's request was granted and historical texts from the Book of Jasher say that the sun delayed moving for about a full day. Joshua received an extra day! Have you endured a series of skirmishes? Do you have the enemy cornered but feel a little unsteady on your feet? Don't be afraid to ask God for the impossible. He'll move the sun and the moon to grant you victory!

During this journey of life we frequently encounter warfare. In seasons of struggle we may omit key elements, which would break the powers of darkness asunder, and usher in a victory of miraculous proportion.

Always remember the PROMISE God gave. It’s your anchor in the storm. That promise remains steadfast and unwavering. Wrap your faith around His promise and refuse to let go. Lift an audible voice into the atmosphere and declare the Word of the Lord.

Never forget the PRESENCE of God in your adversity. Regardless of the magnitude of your struggle, His presence is covering you each step of the way. Angels are escorting you on this journey and they will not let you fall. Be aware of His presence.

Anticipate the POWER of God to manifest at any moment to deliver you, and those for whom you are praying. He provides power over all power of the enemy. God is for you and He is not a passive bystander, He is an active participant in this battle. Rely on His power.

His promise, His presence, and His power are significant elements in your journey. Activate these fundamentals and enjoy a great victory!

-Bishop Gerald Doggett

Would it surprise you to learn that God’s ultimate plan for your life might not be victory? You might say, “But victory has so many wonderful advantages. There is promotion, wealth, name recognition or even successful ministry.” I am sure you could include several qualities of your own to add to my list.  What could be more important than victory?

God wants our surrender. Of course it is extremely significant to whom we surrender. Our surrender is never to the enemy; it’s always to Jehovah. Victory is easy to handle; yet surrender is where we struggle. The ability we possess to surrender to God determines whether or not we enjoy additional victories.  Our humanity possesses potential of becoming so distracted by the thrill of victory that we never elevate our spirits to a place of total surrender before God.

Victory alone may win the battle, but it has the tendency of becoming more of a memory instead of a lifestyle.  Surrendering to God is the lifestyle, and determines the outcome of the war. Victory or surrender; let’s always choose surrender. Victories will be the result!