Don't wrestle--worship

This is a continuance of Joyce's "The Battle Belongs to the Lord" part II entitled "Transformed through Worship".  (Phase 5)  Here she talks about Elijah (1 Kings 17:1) the prophet of the Lord.  During this time he was sent to the wicked king Ahab to warn him of a coming drought although, God took care of Elijah by sending him to a poor widow woman.  This 3 year drought and famine was on the land to show Ahab God's power.  After three years God sent Elijah again to tell Ahab it was about to rain again.  Now Elijah heard this in his spirit by faith.  This made Ahab angry, because he did not want him to be right or in control.  Elijah was listening to God and he believed what He said and began to act on it before he saw the manifestation.  The point is just like Elijah announce to Ahab it was going to rain, we need to announce outloud what is going to happen in our life according to the word of God.  So, hold your battle position.  Elijah down on his knees got  in the position of worship and it kept him strong.  "When you worship God, He will send a Holy Ghost rain and drown out the Ahabs.

(Phase 6)  Don't wrestle-worship:  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12).  Our war is not with the people around us, nor with ourselves.  Our greatest battle is with ourselves, struggling with where we are and where we see that we need to be.  We must remember that only God can fight our battles and give us the victory.  Salvation is our most valued blessing.  We can be changed as we worship God and not look to ourselves or counting our flaws-but as we look to Him.  We can not do it on our own and have been given the Holy Spirit to aid us in our endeavors and to be like Christ.  "Don't spend life trying to collect what is due you from someone that can never pay you back.  God is our vindicator, reward and recompense.  We release God to work on our behalf as we release our faith.  As we worship God, we are released from frustration.  When we worship His attributes, they are released in our lives.  Such as: His loyalty, kindness, love, peace, faithfulness and more will be released in our own character.  

(Phase 7)  Be Transfigured:  The scriptures speak about the transfiguration on Mt. Carmel of Jesus.  As he was praying, the appearance of His countenance changed and His garments became a dazzling white.  Being in His presence transforms us.  We are in a battle, be ready to use our weapons of prayer, worship, praise and the Word of God.  "When the world looks at us they need to see something different about us." The countenance on our face  counts.  In prayer, the first thing we normally talk about is our need or desire, but we need to enter His gates with praises and thanksgiving first.  Worshiping Him should come before our asking.  "More praise than petition."  Magnify the Lord and with uplifted hands; there is power in worship and God is worthy.  Water baptisim demonstrates what we believe is our through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Worship is a powerful force that shakes heaven, earth, and hell it gets God attention.