As representatives of God on earth, we have a responsibility to those we serve, whether that’s our family, community, or even those we encounter in our daily lives. But to serve effectively, we need to stand firm—grounded in God’s Word, led by the Holy Spirit, and equipped to help others apply the wisdom we receive.
[00:00:37] Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host Elgin Carelock. The Bible Speaks is a daily
[00:00:44] podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, rightly dividing the word
[00:00:50] of truth, and learning how to apply it to our daily lives. You may contact Elgin at the
[00:00:57] address given at the end of the broadcast. And now, here's Elgin.
[00:01:02] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
[00:01:10] to another edition of The Bible Speaks. And today we're diving into the sixth episode
[00:01:16] in our series titled, Guaranteed Victory. Today's topic is Stand. And our inspiration comes from
[00:01:26] 1 Kings 3 9 and reading from the Complete Jewish Bible. It reads,
[00:01:36] So give your servant an understanding heart to judge your people, to discern between good
[00:01:43] and bad. For who is able to judge this great people of yours? As representatives of God on earth,
[00:01:52] the Bible says, we have a responsibility to those we serve, whether that's our family, community,
[00:01:59] or even those we encounter in our daily lives. But to serve effectively, we need to stand firm,
[00:02:07] grounded in God's word, led by the Holy Spirit, and equipped to help others apply wisdom we receive.
[00:02:15] Today, I'm joined by two powerful servants in the kingdom, Dr. Ovidya Rulak and Dr. Darrell Brooks.
[00:02:24] And we're going to explore what it means to stand strong in our faith, why it's necessary,
[00:02:31] and how we can do that. So let's start with Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 3 and 9.
[00:02:38] Solomon was given the incredible responsibility of leading God's people, and he recognized that he
[00:02:45] needed wisdom to do it effectively. He asked God for an understanding heart so that he would discern
[00:02:53] right from wrong. In the same way, we have a responsibility to seek God's wisdom as we lead
[00:03:01] and serve those around us. This wisdom isn't just for us. It's for the benefit of others.
[00:03:07] But to be able to guide, counsel, and help others, we need to be firmly rooted in the truth of God's word.
[00:03:16] Reading scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to bring us understanding, and standing on that
[00:03:23] understanding are essential if we're to fulfill our purpose. But why is it so important to stand firm?
[00:03:31] 1 Peter 5 and 8, reading from the New International Version, gives us a clear reason.
[00:03:39] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
[00:03:49] We are in a spiritual battle, and the enemy is constantly looking for ways to derail us.
[00:03:55] If we are not firmly grounded in our faith, it's easy to be swayed by doubt, fear, and the challenges of life.
[00:04:04] The enemy seeks to destroy our confidence, sow confusion, and weaken our resolve.
[00:04:11] That's why it's crucial that we not only understand God's word, but also stand on it.
[00:04:19] And to stand on it means to be unmovable in our conviction that God's word is true,
[00:04:25] and that his promises will never fail. It's about trusting that God is guiding us, protecting us,
[00:04:33] and empowering us to fulfill our calling. And with that, I'll invite Dr. Brooks to start us off.
[00:04:42] Let me hear what you have in your heart on this subject, sir.
[00:04:48] Man, thank you again for inviting us. We always call you Pastor Elgin, Dr. Elgin,
[00:04:53] in your own right, a great teacher of the word of God, a student of the word of God.
[00:04:59] And this subject is awesome. When you look at this in the context, you know, you have Solomon now.
[00:05:08] David is no longer king, if you will, and the Lord makes Solomon king.
[00:05:14] And what I love about this, if you read in the sixth verse, it says,
[00:05:20] And Solomon said, You have shown great mercy to your servant David, my father, because he walked before you in truth,
[00:05:27] in righteousness and in uprightness of heart with you.
[00:05:31] And you have continued this great kindness for him, and you have given him a son to sit on his throne as it is his day.
[00:05:39] Then the seventh verse says, Now, O Lord, my God, you have made your servant king instead of my father David.
[00:05:44] But I'm a little child. Yes, I do not know how to go out or come in.
[00:05:52] What I love about this is Solomon gets real with where he is.
[00:05:57] A lot of times we take on positions, but we're not we're not real with where we are.
[00:06:02] You know, he understands that this is this is a great responsibility.
[00:06:06] And I refuse to act like or that I that I understand, you know, like like we have.
[00:06:12] We talked about this before on one of the shows, assuming a title without bearing responsibility.
[00:06:18] And and there is no accountability for the souls and the people.
[00:06:23] But Solomon says, I got to be accountable for this great host of people that you give to me.
[00:06:27] I'm king.
[00:06:28] But the first thing he says is in order for me to judge them, let me let me let me be real where I am and who I am.
[00:06:35] He says, I'm a child and I do not know how to go in or come out.
[00:06:39] You know, and he says, and your servant and your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen are great people to numbers to be numbered and counted.
[00:06:49] Therefore, our key verse, therefore, give your servant an understanding heart to judge.
[00:06:56] He says, I'm too young to handle this.
[00:06:59] But if you give me a heart, if you give me a heart and that's the thing that God says, he says, ring your heart and not your garment.
[00:07:07] Give him your heart.
[00:07:08] You know, one of Dr.
[00:07:10] Oldsman, she probably come on.
[00:07:11] This will probably give her a part of tag into what she always talks about.
[00:07:14] I desire to know truth on the inward parts.
[00:07:17] He says, I know.
[00:07:18] I know I'm not ready for this.
[00:07:19] I know that I'm not able to handle this.
[00:07:21] And if we as leaders understand, first of all, God, this is your people.
[00:07:26] Solomon understood that as a young man.
[00:07:28] This is your people.
[00:07:29] These are your children.
[00:07:30] These are your people that I've been chosen or gifted to lead.
[00:07:35] And because of this, I don't want to lead on me because my father was righteous.
[00:07:39] My father did what was right in your sight.
[00:07:41] According to his prayer and David, he said, David served you.
[00:07:43] He walked up right before you in truth.
[00:07:45] So what I need, I need wisdom to deal with a people like this that I don't understand.
[00:07:53] The first thing he says, he says, I don't know how to deal.
[00:07:55] He says, I don't know how to go out and I don't know how to come in.
[00:07:58] So in other words, give me a mind to be able to deal with the people that my father dealt with.
[00:08:07] Yeah, I saw him, but I'm too young to understand it.
[00:08:10] And the responsibility is too great.
[00:08:13] So he understood that in order for me to do what my father did, in order for me to do what you are calling me to do, I need your wisdom.
[00:08:26] Yes, yes.
[00:08:27] And it's wonderful that he had that recognition, isn't it?
[00:08:31] Yeah.
[00:08:32] And I wish that many of us today would have that recognition.
[00:08:36] That's right.
[00:08:37] And you have to know that he's aware of how he got there.
[00:08:41] That's right.
[00:08:42] And so he saw that the Lord still blessed his father, even though he had times where his decision making maybe wasn't the best.
[00:08:50] That's right.
[00:08:51] Wasn't the best.
[00:08:54] But he stood in truth.
[00:08:55] The one thing he said when he said, was my father stood in truth before you.
[00:08:58] The one thing that David did was, even when David was found wrong, when it came to him that, you know, you are the man.
[00:09:03] When the prophet said, you're the one who did it.
[00:09:05] David didn't turn.
[00:09:06] David didn't hide it.
[00:09:07] David went back to God and said, I'm the one.
[00:09:09] I've done this in your sight.
[00:09:11] Deal with me.
[00:09:13] He came back.
[00:09:15] He was open.
[00:09:16] He embraced it.
[00:09:18] And if you will, not so much as embrace, but he confessed his faults before the Lord.
[00:09:21] He says, against thee have I sinned and against thee only have I sinned.
[00:09:25] And done this great thing in that sight.
[00:09:27] So David, that's why God said he's a man out of my heart.
[00:09:29] Because even when he was wrong, he always came back to God.
[00:09:33] He never ran.
[00:09:34] He never hid.
[00:09:35] He never denied it.
[00:09:36] He never lied.
[00:09:37] You understand?
[00:09:37] He came back to God and said, hey, this is me.
[00:09:40] I did this.
[00:09:41] Yes, I'm the man.
[00:09:42] I did it.
[00:09:43] And so in walking in that truth, Solomon comes back and he says, I understand that you allowed me to sit on the throne.
[00:09:53] You made that promise to my father that his sons, his seed will sit on the throne forever.
[00:09:58] And so here it is.
[00:09:59] I'm sitting on the throne.
[00:10:01] But in order for me to do even what my father did or to lead your people.
[00:10:06] Now, I got to first understand where I am, which I'm young and I don't understand anything.
[00:10:11] I need your wisdom.
[00:10:12] But the thing that knocked me off out of the scripture, the very next scripture from the one you gave us was this.
[00:10:20] And the speech pleased the Lord.
[00:10:24] Yes.
[00:10:25] The 10th verse.
[00:10:26] Yes.
[00:10:28] That Solomon had asked that.
[00:10:31] And it showed a great amount of wisdom already, didn't it?
[00:10:37] Yes.
[00:10:38] Yes.
[00:10:39] Because, you know, if he'd asked in the modern days world of the Lord basically asked Solomon, so what shall I give you?
[00:10:46] And people would have whipped out a list of all the things that they wanted materially, not understanding the bigger picture.
[00:10:55] The bigger picture.
[00:10:56] Right.
[00:10:57] When he, you know, Solomon showed God that he understood that these people belong to you.
[00:11:03] And they're a great number.
[00:11:05] And if I am to lead them, then I need you to be leading me.
[00:11:08] And I want to stand on what I saw you build with my father and move it to the next level.
[00:11:15] Yes.
[00:11:15] And the other thing too, he's seeking wisdom to deal with the people that his father led, that he must not lead.
[00:11:27] He's been given a great responsibility.
[00:11:30] And he understands that in order for me to fulfill this charge, I need your wisdom.
[00:11:40] I need your direction.
[00:11:41] I need you because that can't go off of me.
[00:11:44] I can't do it in me.
[00:11:45] And so a lot of times what happens is we take on responsibility and we're feeding the people us and not God.
[00:11:53] We take on position.
[00:11:55] And I gave an example in the workshop that if the Lord should call you and give you instruction, would you be the prophet that just walks by and taps the person on the shoulder and says, everything's going to be all right?
[00:12:07] The Lord just said, tell them everything's going to be all right.
[00:12:10] Would you be the prophet that just touched the shoulder and said, hey, everything's going to be all right?
[00:12:14] Or would you be the prophet that touched the shoulder and said, hello, I'm Dr. Apostle Daryl Brooks from Disciples of Christ Ministries.
[00:12:20] And the Lord told me to tell you everything's going to be all right.
[00:12:24] It's a difference when you're just doing what God told you to do without putting you in it.
[00:12:32] Absolutely.
[00:12:33] Absolutely.
[00:12:34] So with that, I'd like to invite Dr. Rulak to join in the conversation.
[00:12:40] I know she has some serious words of wisdom for us.
[00:12:43] Well, good to see you, Brother Elgin and Apostle Dr. Brooks.
[00:12:51] I was sitting back enjoying what you all were saying.
[00:12:54] But as I was listening to both of you and thinking about, you know, it's amazing how God will call someone to a position or to an assignment.
[00:13:08] He knows what he has placed inside of them.
[00:13:11] He knows what they're equipped and ready to do when they themselves may not feel worthy.
[00:13:18] They themselves may not feel ready.
[00:13:20] And when I began to think about, you know, when he began to seek the Lord, the Lord asked him about what did he want.
[00:13:29] He said an understanding heart.
[00:13:32] That's a heart.
[00:13:33] That's a heart that you want to have the ability to see what God's will is in a situation.
[00:13:43] And you make the right choice or you make the right decision.
[00:13:49] As I was listening to you all, it was amazing when he said this, it was pleasing unto the Lord.
[00:13:58] Now, I personally don't think it was any surprise to God because God knew whom he had chosen for such a time as this.
[00:14:09] So when keeping that under consideration, that God knew who he had chosen, knew how he had already equipped him.
[00:14:19] It was no surprise to God when he came before him and said that.
[00:14:23] And when he came and said that, that's why he said the scripture talks about his speech pleased the Lord.
[00:14:32] That word pleased oftentimes people think you can look at it.
[00:14:38] It means it came into agreement.
[00:14:40] That's right.
[00:14:41] It came into agreement.
[00:14:44] You know, his speech pleased the Lord.
[00:14:47] It came into agreement with what the Lord already knew, already purposed, and had already ordained concerning Solomon.
[00:14:57] And he said, because you didn't ask for long life.
[00:15:02] You didn't ask for the rich and you didn't ask for me to take care of the enemies.
[00:15:10] But you asked just for an understanding heart.
[00:15:15] A heart that gives the ability to see God's will in a situation and make the right decision.
[00:15:27] Because of that, I'm going to grant you that which you didn't even ask me for.
[00:15:33] And I think it also points to the fact that he understood.
[00:15:41] Because when you said that he didn't ask God to take care of his enemies, what ran through my mind is, wow, how brilliant was that?
[00:15:49] That he showed God that he understood that this was about his people.
[00:15:53] You know, Jesus hadn't given the greatest two commandments, right?
[00:15:57] But yet he was already exemplifying that.
[00:15:59] God said, man, you already got it figured out because this is about the relationship between me and you and the relationship between you and the people I send you.
[00:16:09] And Solomon understood that the task, the assignment was great.
[00:16:17] Look at the vast number of people that he was being assigned to.
[00:16:21] So he knew he had to have wisdom.
[00:16:24] And the word of God tells us to ask for wisdom.
[00:16:27] And a lot of times in life, we fail to do that.
[00:16:33] But Proverbs talked about trusting in the Lord, relying upon the Lord, leaning not to our own understanding.
[00:16:44] So many times try to figure situations out based upon our understanding.
[00:16:49] And to me, that's indicative of me looking at what I see that's opposite of what I'm truly believing, to be honest.
[00:17:00] But God is saying, lean not to your own understanding.
[00:17:05] I can't look at my situation, my circumstance, and see it as it is.
[00:17:13] I have to trust and believe God for what he said it is.
[00:17:18] Because I tell you, our circumstances could be overwhelming at times.
[00:17:26] Yes.
[00:17:27] But that's when we have to come back and remind ourselves, Lord, I trust you.
[00:17:32] What is your word saying about my situation?
[00:17:36] Yes.
[00:17:36] Because when I look at my situation, I have to begin to say, okay, God, what does your word say?
[00:17:47] He said that which concerns me, he's going to do what?
[00:17:50] He's going to perfect it.
[00:17:52] He's going to bring that situation to pass.
[00:17:55] What did his word say?
[00:17:57] All things are working together for my good.
[00:18:00] Well, I don't see the good.
[00:18:02] I don't feel the good.
[00:18:03] I can't even think good.
[00:18:04] But my spirit man knows why.
[00:18:07] Because I'm going to bless the Lord.
[00:18:09] I'm reminded of what God has brought me through in the past.
[00:18:14] And now I know without a shadow of a doubt that, listen, even though my flesh want to be a mess,
[00:18:21] I got to stand on the word of God because his word is not going to change.
[00:18:26] His word is not going to go out and return void.
[00:18:29] It would do that which he pleased it to do and prosper where it would have it to prosper.
[00:18:35] So when looking at Solomon, Solomon did not look at all.
[00:18:41] He was aware of the vast majority of people that God was assigning to him.
[00:18:47] And he knew within himself it was greater than him.
[00:18:51] So how do I handle this, Lord?
[00:18:54] So that's when he said, God, I need to have an understanding heart.
[00:19:00] I need to have the ability to see what your will is in every situation, every circumstance that I make the right decision.
[00:19:10] And God is awesome.
[00:19:14] If we could just, if we can, tying it into you saying standing and guarantee victory.
[00:19:24] When we trust in the Lord, rely upon him.
[00:19:28] When we lean not to our own understanding, when we seek him for an understanding heart.
[00:19:37] Requesting, Lord, I desire to have the ability to see your will and to deal with this according to your will.
[00:19:48] When we do that, we're guaranteed victory.
[00:19:51] We are able to stand.
[00:19:53] And, you know, most of the time when we look at that word stand, for me, it's a military word.
[00:20:01] That word stand means, you know, I'm going to take a posture.
[00:20:08] I'm not going to be moved by what I see.
[00:20:11] I'm not going to be moved by what I hear.
[00:20:14] I'm going to take the posture that God is yet in control.
[00:20:21] That's right.
[00:20:22] And I have a guaranteed victory.
[00:20:26] What I know, that I know, in spite of what I see, in spite of what I hear.
[00:20:34] So now that we understand why we must stand, let's talk a little bit about how we actually do it.
[00:20:43] So in Ephesians 6 verses 13 through 19, reading from the New International Version, it gives us a blueprint.
[00:20:54] And it says, therefore, put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.
[00:21:04] And after you have done everything to stand, stand firm, then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
[00:21:23] The armor of God is not just a metaphor.
[00:21:27] It's a practical guide or how we can equip ourselves to stand firm.
[00:21:33] The belt of truth is the foundation of our ability to stand on God's word.
[00:21:39] In a world full of deception and shifting values, we must be anchored in the truth of God's word.
[00:21:47] The breastplate of righteousness, living righteously protects our heart.
[00:21:54] When we walk with integrity, the enemy has no foothold in our lives.
[00:22:00] The gospel of peace, the readiness that comes from the gospel gives us stability.
[00:22:06] When we are confident in the peace we have with God, we can face any challenge without fear.
[00:22:14] The shield of faith.
[00:22:15] Faith is what extinguishes the fiery arrows of doubt and fear that the enemy throws at us.
[00:22:22] Our faith in God's promises protects us.
[00:22:26] The helmet of salvation.
[00:22:28] Our salvation is the assurance that we belong to God.
[00:22:32] It guards our minds against the lies of the enemy.
[00:22:37] The sword of the spirit.
[00:22:39] This is the word of God.
[00:22:41] It's not just a defensive tool, but an offensive weapon that allows us to cut through the lies of the enemy and speak truth into every situation.
[00:22:53] And finally, prayer.
[00:22:56] Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer.
[00:22:59] It is through constant communication with God that we receive the strength, guidance, and encouragement to stand firm.
[00:23:10] Dr. Brooks?
[00:23:12] Dr. Brooks?
[00:23:12] It is with this that I bring my mind back to something I wanted to say earlier.
[00:23:18] But when we seek a God response, we will receive heaven's supply.
[00:23:30] It was a God response that Solomon, and when you talked about the basis of how we get that, by putting on the whole arm of God.
[00:23:43] Putting on the whole arm of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the enemy.
[00:23:48] But the first thing that God gave him after wisdom, he said, riches and honor.
[00:23:57] It is because he humbled himself not to seek long life, not to seek anything else.
[00:24:03] With that humility, peace out of God response.
[00:24:07] This is what I need to do because I can't do it on my own.
[00:24:10] And how do you stand?
[00:24:11] By putting on the whole arm of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the enemy.
[00:24:15] And when you do this, through prayer, as Ian, you said the prayer and supplication.
[00:24:21] 18th verse, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit.
[00:24:26] And then being watchful to this end with all perseverance.
[00:24:31] And then supplication.
[00:24:33] Watch this.
[00:24:34] This is where he ties Solomon back in.
[00:24:36] With supplication for all the saints.
[00:24:40] The spirit of intercession.
[00:24:43] When Solomon came in, I can't do this.
[00:24:46] Do you want me to cover this people?
[00:24:48] Do you want me to lead this people?
[00:24:50] I need to be covered.
[00:24:52] I need your wisdom.
[00:24:53] I need your strength.
[00:24:55] I need to be armed.
[00:24:57] And what I need to be armed with, I need your word.
[00:25:00] So I can judge between the right and the wrong.
[00:25:03] I need your, so that I can have a heart.
[00:25:07] Your heart to deal with this people.
[00:25:09] And to lead them.
[00:25:11] And to lead them righteously.
[00:25:13] To lead them to you.
[00:25:16] To be able to handle this great multitude.
[00:25:21] But so that I would not fail.
[00:25:25] And so with that prayer.
[00:25:27] In his prayer response.
[00:25:30] It's the same thing here.
[00:25:32] Prayer and supplication.
[00:25:33] How do I want to be able to do this?
[00:25:36] And make supplication for the saints.
[00:25:38] And for me, the apostle Paul says,
[00:25:41] That utterance may be given to me.
[00:25:43] That I may open my mouth boldly.
[00:25:46] To make known the mystery of the gospel.
[00:25:48] For which I am an ambassador in change.
[00:25:51] That in it, I may speak boldly.
[00:25:54] As I ought to speak.
[00:25:56] Even Paul seeks wisdom.
[00:26:00] That's right.
[00:26:01] That's right.
[00:26:03] And we're not just called to stand for ourselves.
[00:26:07] We're called to help others stand as well.
[00:26:10] The wisdom and understanding we receive from God.
[00:26:13] Is meant to be shared.
[00:26:15] We're called to be pillars in our community.
[00:26:19] Guiding others with godly wisdom.
[00:26:22] And helping them apply the principle of God's word in their own lives.
[00:26:27] Proverbs 4 and 7 reminds us.
[00:26:30] The beginning of wisdom is this.
[00:26:32] Get wisdom.
[00:26:34] Though it costs all you have.
[00:26:37] Get understanding.
[00:26:39] But that understanding is not just for our benefit.
[00:26:43] It's to uplift those around us.
[00:26:46] Dr. O.
[00:26:47] I would just say.
[00:26:49] Following back upon the armor of God.
[00:26:54] This is something that.
[00:26:57] I do daily.
[00:27:00] Is.
[00:27:01] To put on the whole complete arm of God.
[00:27:07] The helmet.
[00:27:08] Because.
[00:27:09] When you talk about taking that stand.
[00:27:12] And asking God for the understanding heart.
[00:27:16] We need the helmet.
[00:27:18] As you were saying.
[00:27:19] Salvation.
[00:27:20] But a helmet protects the mind.
[00:27:22] It protects the head.
[00:27:24] And the battlefield of the enemy.
[00:27:28] Is our mind.
[00:27:30] And so.
[00:27:31] That's why it is so important.
[00:27:34] That we.
[00:27:36] Cover it.
[00:27:37] With the helmet of salvation.
[00:27:39] Where we're able to cast down.
[00:27:41] Imaginations.
[00:27:42] And everything that will exalt itself.
[00:27:45] Against the knowledge of God.
[00:27:47] Bringing our thought into captivity.
[00:27:50] To the obedience of Christ.
[00:27:52] You know.
[00:27:53] And then.
[00:27:54] For that.
[00:27:55] You talked about the breastplate of righteousness.
[00:27:58] You know.
[00:27:59] When you think about.
[00:28:00] A vulnerable part.
[00:28:02] Again.
[00:28:02] Of our hearts.
[00:28:03] And.
[00:28:04] Those organs that are protected.
[00:28:07] You know.
[00:28:08] Our.
[00:28:09] Our.
[00:28:09] Breastplate of righteousness.
[00:28:11] Our righteousness.
[00:28:13] Is filthy rags before him.
[00:28:15] But.
[00:28:15] We are the righteousness of God.
[00:28:17] In Christ Jesus.
[00:28:20] That shield of faith.
[00:28:23] You know.
[00:28:24] He said.
[00:28:24] He's given to each of us.
[00:28:26] A measure of faith.
[00:28:27] And.
[00:28:29] Faith.
[00:28:29] Is increased.
[00:28:31] By the hearing.
[00:28:32] Of his word.
[00:28:36] So.
[00:28:38] I often say.
[00:28:40] Lord.
[00:28:40] I bind the spirit.
[00:28:42] Of those hearing.
[00:28:43] That I may hear.
[00:28:45] Not only hear.
[00:28:46] But hearken.
[00:28:48] Hearken.
[00:28:49] I hear.
[00:28:50] And all.
[00:28:50] I obey his word.
[00:28:53] The.
[00:28:54] Belt of truth.
[00:28:56] You know.
[00:28:57] A belt.
[00:28:57] Basically.
[00:28:59] Hold something in place.
[00:29:00] We know that Christ.
[00:29:02] Is the truth.
[00:29:02] He is the way.
[00:29:03] He is the light.
[00:29:04] He.
[00:29:05] This.
[00:29:05] It steps.
[00:29:06] Goes back to us.
[00:29:08] Relying.
[00:29:09] Holy.
[00:29:10] Upon him.
[00:29:11] Solely.
[00:29:12] Upon him.
[00:29:13] And then.
[00:29:14] Shouting out.
[00:29:15] Peace.
[00:29:15] The preparation of the gospel.
[00:29:16] Peace.
[00:29:17] Following peace.
[00:29:19] Because he left us peace.
[00:29:20] And not the peace of the world.
[00:29:22] But.
[00:29:22] His peace.
[00:29:24] Yes.
[00:29:24] That will surpass all.
[00:29:26] Understanding.
[00:29:26] Understanding.
[00:29:27] And then the sword of the spirit.
[00:29:29] His word.
[00:29:31] His word.
[00:29:32] Isaiah 55 and 11.
[00:29:34] My word would not go out and return void.
[00:29:37] It would do that which I pleased it to do.
[00:29:39] And prosper where I would have it to prosper.
[00:29:41] And prayer.
[00:29:43] Prayer.
[00:29:44] Is our communication with God.
[00:29:46] It is not a monologue.
[00:29:48] It is a dialogue.
[00:29:49] Where we are communicating with God.
[00:29:52] And oftentimes.
[00:29:54] Guilty.
[00:29:55] Praying.
[00:29:56] But in a rush.
[00:29:59] Sometimes don't sit.
[00:30:01] Down.
[00:30:02] And wait to hear.
[00:30:04] God speak to.
[00:30:05] I am talking to me personally.
[00:30:07] Because I will get busy.
[00:30:09] But I am going to pray.
[00:30:12] I am going to pray.
[00:30:14] But how many of us.
[00:30:16] Really sometimes.
[00:30:18] Sit back.
[00:30:19] And wait on him.
[00:30:20] To answer.
[00:30:21] Because like I said.
[00:30:21] It is not a monologue.
[00:30:22] It is a dialogue.
[00:30:24] That we can gain.
[00:30:26] That wisdom.
[00:30:29] That understanding heart.
[00:30:31] That will give us the ability.
[00:30:33] To see God's will.
[00:30:34] In every situation of our life.
[00:30:36] And even in the lives of others.
[00:30:38] I was listening to you.
[00:30:40] How God has equipped us.
[00:30:42] In order for us to move forward.
[00:30:44] To help equip others.
[00:30:47] That we will make the right spiritual decisions.
[00:30:50] And choices in our lives.
[00:30:52] So.
[00:30:53] I personally.
[00:30:54] That is a part of me daily.
[00:30:57] I always.
[00:30:58] Put on the whole complete arm of God.
[00:31:01] Before I even go into prayer.
[00:31:03] I think it is.
[00:31:05] It's my armor.
[00:31:06] It's my protection.
[00:31:07] I do it symbolically.
[00:31:09] I say it out loud.
[00:31:11] Why?
[00:31:12] Because I am hearing his words.
[00:31:15] My faith is yet increasing.
[00:31:17] By the hearing of his words.
[00:31:19] So.
[00:31:20] That gives us the ability to stand.
[00:31:22] Why?
[00:31:23] Because we are equipped.
[00:31:25] To stand.
[00:31:26] We are protected to stand.
[00:31:29] When we put on the whole complete armor.
[00:31:32] Of God.
[00:31:33] Yes.
[00:31:35] And.
[00:31:35] And.
[00:31:36] Apostle Bruce.
[00:31:37] I'd like you to.
[00:31:38] As we begin to.
[00:31:40] Close up.
[00:31:41] To speak to.
[00:31:43] What it is.
[00:31:44] Well.
[00:31:44] How important it is.
[00:31:45] For us to stand.
[00:31:46] In a world.
[00:31:47] That's always shifting.
[00:31:49] New presidents.
[00:31:50] New congressmen.
[00:31:51] New.
[00:31:51] New senators.
[00:31:53] You know.
[00:31:54] How do we maintain that?
[00:31:56] How do we stand.
[00:31:57] In the world.
[00:31:58] Where so much uncertainty.
[00:32:00] Where.
[00:32:01] People are doing things.
[00:32:02] That we thought.
[00:32:03] Unimaginable.
[00:32:04] Ten years ago.
[00:32:04] Wow.
[00:32:05] You almost gave me.
[00:32:06] A task.
[00:32:08] That we need to have.
[00:32:09] For another session.
[00:32:10] All right.
[00:32:12] And it's simply.
[00:32:13] Going back to the beginning.
[00:32:15] Ephesians.
[00:32:16] When you said that.
[00:32:17] You know.
[00:32:17] Father my brethren.
[00:32:18] Be strong in the Lord.
[00:32:20] Period.
[00:32:22] Yes.
[00:32:22] Be strong in the Lord.
[00:32:23] And in the power of his might.
[00:32:25] That's.
[00:32:26] That.
[00:32:26] That.
[00:32:26] That verse right there alone.
[00:32:28] Finally brother.
[00:32:29] Be strong in the Lord.
[00:32:31] And in his power.
[00:32:33] In his power.
[00:32:35] We cannot.
[00:32:36] In an ever changing world.
[00:32:38] With all the tributes.
[00:32:39] That are happening.
[00:32:40] Spiritually.
[00:32:41] Mentally.
[00:32:42] Emotionally.
[00:32:42] Financially.
[00:32:43] Politically.
[00:32:44] With all the climate changes.
[00:32:46] And different.
[00:32:47] Things that are happening around us.
[00:32:49] We have to be strong.
[00:32:51] In the Lord.
[00:32:52] And in his power.
[00:32:54] That's it.
[00:32:55] We got to continue.
[00:32:56] To seek him first.
[00:32:57] And his righteousness.
[00:32:58] And all these other.
[00:33:00] Things.
[00:33:01] And not just things that you desire.
[00:33:03] But things that you need.
[00:33:04] Protection.
[00:33:05] Provision.
[00:33:07] Covering.
[00:33:08] Strength.
[00:33:09] Direction.
[00:33:10] All these.
[00:33:10] Things.
[00:33:11] Will be added.
[00:33:13] It will be added.
[00:33:14] And so.
[00:33:15] If we.
[00:33:15] If we stay focused.
[00:33:17] On him.
[00:33:18] We will not be distracted.
[00:33:20] By the things around us.
[00:33:21] We will not be.
[00:33:23] Distracted by the political.
[00:33:24] The political change.
[00:33:26] And things.
[00:33:26] That are happening.
[00:33:27] Yes.
[00:33:27] Be aware of it.
[00:33:28] Because he tells us.
[00:33:29] To watch.
[00:33:30] As well.
[00:33:31] As pray.
[00:33:32] You know.
[00:33:33] And so.
[00:33:33] We have to make sure.
[00:33:35] That we continue.
[00:33:36] To put on the whole armor of God.
[00:33:38] That we may be able to stand.
[00:33:40] And again.
[00:33:40] Stand against the wiles.
[00:33:42] Stand against the wiles.
[00:33:43] The wiles of the devil.
[00:33:43] The tactics.
[00:33:44] The schemes.
[00:33:45] The plots.
[00:33:46] The plans.
[00:33:47] The you know.
[00:33:48] The divisions.
[00:33:49] Whatever it is.
[00:33:50] That the enemy has sent.
[00:33:52] You understand.
[00:33:53] Anything.
[00:33:54] That the enemy has done.
[00:33:55] We have to put on the whole armor of God.
[00:33:57] But again.
[00:33:58] Stand.
[00:33:59] Therefore.
[00:34:01] Be strong.
[00:34:02] In the Lord.
[00:34:03] And in the power of his might.
[00:34:06] Understanding.
[00:34:07] Number one.
[00:34:07] That wisdom that Solomon had.
[00:34:09] The wisdom that Paul thought.
[00:34:11] The wisdom of interests.
[00:34:12] That we seek for as leaders.
[00:34:13] To not stand in our own wisdom.
[00:34:16] God.
[00:34:16] What is your will for my life?
[00:34:18] What is your way for my life?
[00:34:20] What do you want me to do?
[00:34:22] So when we say stand in his power.
[00:34:23] In his might.
[00:34:24] We stand in your direction.
[00:34:26] Your wisdom.
[00:34:27] Your strength.
[00:34:29] Your mind.
[00:34:30] Let this mind be in you.
[00:34:31] Which is also in Christ Jesus.
[00:34:32] We want your direction.
[00:34:35] Not our will.
[00:34:36] But your will be our.
[00:34:37] That's the same thing Jesus did.
[00:34:38] As I turn to go back over to you.
[00:34:40] He says.
[00:34:41] I came not to do the will.
[00:34:43] My will.
[00:34:43] But the will of him who sent me.
[00:34:45] In every situation.
[00:34:47] No matter what situation that Jesus was faced with.
[00:34:49] He always said.
[00:34:51] Not my will.
[00:34:52] But thy will be done.
[00:34:55] Lord.
[00:34:55] I seek to know.
[00:34:56] What is your will concerning me?
[00:34:59] What is your way?
[00:34:59] And if I do this.
[00:35:02] I'll always end up with a God response.
[00:35:04] And a God victory.
[00:35:05] A guaranteed victory every time.
[00:35:07] Guaranteed victory.
[00:35:08] So in other words.
[00:35:09] We have to remember that our ability to stand.
[00:35:13] Is not about our own strength.
[00:35:14] It's about the strength that comes from God.
[00:35:17] That when we rely on him.
[00:35:20] When we seek his wisdom.
[00:35:22] And when we put on the full armor of God.
[00:35:25] Our victory.
[00:35:26] Is guaranteed.
[00:35:28] I was just thinking.
[00:35:29] In terms of.
[00:35:31] The word stand again.
[00:35:33] There's a military.
[00:35:34] Word that says.
[00:35:36] It's called.
[00:35:36] Referred to as a last.
[00:35:38] Stand.
[00:35:38] And this is a military situation.
[00:35:42] Where troops hold a defensive position.
[00:35:46] Against overwhelming odds.
[00:35:50] And with that being said.
[00:35:52] I thought about what you were saying.
[00:35:54] To the people with everything that's going on politically.
[00:35:58] So much uncertainty.
[00:36:00] In the word.
[00:36:01] In the world.
[00:36:02] The one thing that we.
[00:36:05] We.
[00:36:05] Are.
[00:36:06] We are aware of.
[00:36:07] Is the uncertainty.
[00:36:09] And with that comes the spirit of fear.
[00:36:11] God did not give us the spirit of fear.
[00:36:14] Because what fear does.
[00:36:16] It causes torment.
[00:36:18] And fear will cause us to be paralyzed.
[00:36:21] Keeping us from having the ability.
[00:36:23] To think clearly.
[00:36:24] It will have us constantly.
[00:36:28] Overwhelmed.
[00:36:30] And so.
[00:36:31] The one thing I keep reminding everyone is.
[00:36:34] Yes.
[00:36:35] We see.
[00:36:36] That changes.
[00:36:39] That is very.
[00:36:41] Uncertain.
[00:36:41] Causing fear.
[00:36:43] But the one thing that is constant in all of this.
[00:36:46] God is yet on the throne.
[00:36:49] Yeah.
[00:36:49] He has not.
[00:36:52] Changed.
[00:36:53] His position.
[00:36:54] He is still on the throne.
[00:36:57] Yes.
[00:36:59] We must continue to pray.
[00:37:00] For all.
[00:37:01] Take positions.
[00:37:03] In the white house.
[00:37:07] That's right.
[00:37:09] Is still on the throne.
[00:37:11] His position.
[00:37:13] Has not changed.
[00:37:14] Amen.
[00:37:16] Amen.
[00:37:17] After you're done.
[00:37:18] All that you can.
[00:37:21] Stand.
[00:37:22] Stand.
[00:37:23] Amen.
[00:37:26] Brothers and sisters.
[00:37:27] I want to thank you for.
[00:37:30] Spending time with us today.
[00:37:32] And if this message has encouraged you.
[00:37:35] Share with someone who needs to be reminded.
[00:37:37] To stand firm.
[00:37:38] And remember.
[00:37:40] God has already secured your victory.
[00:37:43] I thank you for spending time with us on today.
[00:37:46] And I look forward to our time together on tomorrow.
[00:37:50] Until then.
[00:37:51] God bless.
[00:37:52] The Bible Speaks.
[00:37:59] The Bible Speaks is sponsored by C Squared Realty and New Gen Construction Group to help spread the gospel to the corners of the earth.
[00:38:09] If anything you've heard poured into your life.
[00:38:13] Please share it with someone.
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[00:38:40] Or by email at thebiblespeaksonline at gmail.com.
[00:38:47] Thank you.
[00:38:47] Thank you.