Machaira with Apostle Bennie, Strength

EPISODE 605 – STRENGTHEN YOURSELF IN THE LORD 2

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Thursday, 19th September, 2024
 

STRENGTHEN YOURSELF IN THE LORD 2



“And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.”

1 Samuel 30:6 (English Standard Version)



Dear Machaira avid reader, I appreciate your consistency in following and fellowshipping with this Christ-centered online devotional.

The messages shared here (on Machaira with Apostle Bennie) are to help you know the application of the word of God in your daily life. You don’t just get to know what to do, but you are also taught how to do what to do.

It is important for every believer to know and understand the word of God. Your understanding of the word of God helps you live victoriously.

The topic I was teaching in yesterday’s episode, STRENGTHEN YOURSELF IN THE LORD, has practical details that help you know how to live above distress and challenges.

You have to take this teaching to heart and commit everything shared to action. You wouldn’t see its potency until you begin to act out the word.

To strengthen yourself in the Lord is not burdensome nor is it legalistic.

To strengthen yourself in the Lord is to take advantage of the resources of the Lord to mount up high above the challenge confronting you.

It is turning to the Lord and not turning to oneself. In David’s situation, he was already in distress but decided to strengthen himself in the LORD.

Sometimes you may feel your situation is worse and you have already sunk deep in discouragement or depression and defeat where nothing could be done.

The scripture says, “For “WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD [in prayer] WILL BE SAVED.” Romans 10:13 (Amplified Bible).

It is not only those who are yet to be defeated or yet to fall deeply into depression that the Lord saves. It is whosoever or everyone who calls upon the Lord.

It doesn’t matter your situation, when you call upon the Lord, you shall be saved.

David was already in distress, yet he made a decision to strengthen Himself in the Lord.

Now let me put it right:

David was GREATLY DISTRESSED.

That’s what the scriptures say. David wasn’t just distressed. Which means he was utterly shattered.

“David was in even worse trouble”
(Message Translation).

In fact, David and his men burst out in loud wails—wept and wept until they were exhausted with weeping.

“David was greatly distressed…” (AMPC).

“David was in desperation” (CEV)

‘David wasn’t in shallow situation, he “was in deep trouble” (Common English Bible).

“David too was in anguish” (VOICE)

“David was seriously worried, for in their bitter grief for their children, his men began talking of killing him. But David took strength from the Lord.” (TLB)

Just in case you find yourself in a worse situation you can still trust the Lord. You can draw strength from the Lord. Don’t assume there is no faith in you or you are faithless because you wept or felt distressed.

 
Not all men have faith, but all those in Christ have faith. There is the faith of God in you. By that faith no matter how small you think it is, you can take hold of God’s hand. All that God is looking for is for you to stretch forth your hand for His help.

As Peter noticed he was drowning or sinking, he shouted master save me.

Beloved there is help for you. Strengthen yourself in the Lord.

The word STRENGTHEN as used in 1 Samuel 30:6, is from the Hebrew word “CHÂZAQ” (Pronounced as khaw-zak’)

The primitive root of this Hebrew word means, “to fasten upon; to bind or restrain”. It also means to “cleave, catch or lay hold or take hold and also to seize”.

Which means to strengthen yourself in the Lord is to bind or fasten yourself to the Lord. Don’t allow the flood of your challenge to drown you. Fasten yourself to the Lord who is the solid Rock.

No matter the storm, take hold of the Lord.

The word “châzaq”, to be strengthened in Hebrew also means, “to cure, to repair, to amend or mend”. This implies that, sometimes the challenge may break you, but when you turn to the Lord, you can repair all the broken pieces.

To châzaq also means to have a calker.

To be strengthened by the Lord is like a ship which has skilled shipwrights or calkers, who repair or stop the seams of a deck.

In the ancient Gebal or Byblos (a city in Phoenicia, located in what is now modern-day Lebanon) they had shipwrights or master shipbuilders, who when employed on a ship, serve as calkers. They are furnished mariners who skilfully service all the various furniture in a vessel. (Ezekiel 27:9). They repair and help damaged ships to sail successfully.

These ancients of Gebal are also called “stoppers of chinks” or “strengtheners”.

Which means the strength of the Lord, serves as a shipwright. It stops all chinks or repairs every form of damage.

To strengthen yourself in the Lord also means to be strong in the Lord, taking advantage of all the mighty power of God. It is to amass the military might of God to your favor.

That was what David did.

He was in distress because of the attack by the Amalekites, and he reminded himself that He has God.

There is this courage and valiant posture you take on when you know what it means to have help from the Lord.

David paused and would have thought to himself:

 “Why am I in tears? Is the God who helped me defeat Goliath, not my God any more? Why am I dismayed?”

David thought of what the torrent flow of God’s power can do.

He was encouraged. It was these moments that inspired David to sing Psalm 18:1-50.

When you fasten yourself to the Lord you become courageous and fortified.

That is what châzaq also means. To be strengthened in the Lord is to wax mightily, to be programmed to conquer, and to have a restraining force for victory.

No matter the pressure you remain firm or obstinate in the Lord. You become too hard to break and maintain an undisturbed composure.

Beloved, strengthen or fortify yourself in the Lord.

Selah!

DIG DEEPER
(Psalm 18;  Ephesians 6:10; Psalm 28:8; Psalm 18:2; 1 Samuel 23:16)
 
WE PRAY
Pray:

1. that every damage or leakage caused by the pressures of life within your emotions and mind will be mended by the strengthening ability of the Lord.

2. calling upon the Lord for His mighty help even as you feel distressed.
 
BIBLE READING IN THE YEAR 2024
Malachi 4
Matthew 1 – 2
 
DECLARE THESE WORDS:
– I am strengthened by God in my inner man at all times.
 
– I have the strength to surmount every challenge.
 
– No challenge or situation can dominate my life.
 
– Through the supply of the strength of God, I sail through every challenge victoriously.
 
– I don’t loose strength.
 
– Greater is He that is in me, than any challenge that is in the world.
 
– Through prayer, I engage the energies of God within me.
 
– I have strength!
 
Oh thank you Lord Jesus for enabling me with strength in my inner man.

We'd love to connect with you!

To help you build a proper foundation of spiritual understanding.

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Beha Eric
Beha Eric
22 days ago

Thank you Lord.

He that is in me is greater than any challenge in this world

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago
Reply to  Beha Eric

Glory to God

Beha Eric
Beha Eric
22 days ago

The Lord is my strength therefore I cannot be broken.

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago
Reply to  Beha Eric

Oh Glory to God

Juliet Yeboah Appiah
Juliet Yeboah Appiah
22 days ago

Hahahaha…. oh Glory to God

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

Gloreeeey

Juliet Yeboah Appiah
Juliet Yeboah Appiah
22 days ago

Oh I have help..
I have strength..
The Lord is my strength

Hahaha ….oudh

Hallelujah

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

Praise the Lord!!

Akporhor Cynthia
Akporhor Cynthia
22 days ago

Glory be to God
Thank you father

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

Oh thank you Father

Samiratu Sulley
Samiratu Sulley
21 days ago

The Lord is my Shipwright
Thank you Father

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

Oh Thank you Lord for your suppy of strength

Bumbede
Bumbede
21 days ago

Hallelujah

I am fastened to the Solid Rock.
I am strengthened and secured in the Father’s hand

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago
Reply to  Bumbede

Oh Glory to God

Benjamin Okyere
Benjamin Okyere
20 days ago

Thank you Lord Jesus 

I strengthen myself in God for his name is a strong tower the righteous run to it and they are saved. Until you hold unto the Lord you cannot be saved

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

Wow…Glory to God

Benjamin Okyere
Benjamin Okyere
20 days ago

I don’t stay overwhelmed by challenges I turn to the lord for strength 

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

Oh Thank you Lord Jesus

Benjamin Okyere
Benjamin Okyere
20 days ago

He that runs to the lord Will not be put to shame

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

Goodness,I cannot be put to shame. It’s just not possible

sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
20 days ago

I take advantage of the resources of the Lord to mount up high above the challenge confronting me.

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

Oh Glory to God

sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
20 days ago

It doesn’t matter the situation when I call upon the name of the Lord I shall be saved

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

Kaish…It doesn’t matter the situation… there’s strength in God for me. All I need to do is to fasten unto him to receive.

Belinda Teye
Belinda Teye
20 days ago

No matter the pressure I remain firm or obstinate in the Lord. 

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago
Reply to  Belinda Teye

Heyaaaa !!

Belinda Teye
Belinda Teye
20 days ago

To strengthen yourself is turning to the Lord and not turning one’s self. 
 

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago
Reply to  Belinda Teye

Oh Thank you Jesus

Belinda Teye
Belinda Teye
20 days ago

To strengthen yourself is turning to the Lord and not turning one’s self.
 Just because you saw strengthen YOURSELF doesn’t mean turn to self but it means to turn to your true self who is CHRIST to draw strength. 
Thank you Sweet Jesus 

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago
Reply to  Belinda Teye

Kaish… I turn to my true self

Belinda Teye
Belinda Teye
20 days ago

Yes I am glad my heart is Calm
Lord, You are my Peace

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago
Reply to  Belinda Teye

Oh Glory to God!!

Belinda Teye
Belinda Teye
20 days ago

I am fasten to the Rock which cannot be moved
You are My Strength

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago
Reply to  Belinda Teye

Oh the Lord is my strength!

Linda Teye
Linda Teye
20 days ago

By the faith in me , I take hold of God’s hand

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago
Reply to  Linda Teye

Oh Glory to God!!

Linda Teye
Linda Teye
20 days ago

I fortify myself in the Lord

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago
Reply to  Linda Teye

Gloreeeey

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

I don’t lose strength
Oh Glory to God

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

The Lord provides strength to me as I turn towards Him in prayer

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

I am strengthened in the Lord and cannot be shaken
Oh nothing moves me !

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

I choose to call upon the name of the Lord in times of trouble
Oh Glory to God

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

I hold fast unto the Lord in all circumstances

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

Oh the Lord is my shipwright,mendining all the brokenness and clothing me with beauty. Oh Iam strengthened
Glory to God

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

I choose the strength of God in my desperation
Oh Glory to God!

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

The strength of the Lord is made fully available to me as I call upon His name
Oh Glory to God

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

The Lord is my 911
He is my call to security when the turmoils of life break lose and oh my,what a safe haven He is.
I am strengthened in and only in the Lord
Glory to God

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

In times of adversity,all I need to do is to turn to the Lord…wow
Indeed,I am strengthened in the Lord
Glory to God

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

My only place of refuge is in the Lord
Oh Glory to God

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

Oh the Lord is the peace in the midst of the storm
Glory to God

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

Oh! so great is my strength in the Lord so in times of trouble I soar higher,I just can’t faint

Tanisha Amoh
Tanisha Amoh
18 days ago

My peace in the calm is the same as my peace in the storm. In fact I experience a deeper sense of peace in the storm as I turn towards the Lord
Oh! Glory to God!!

sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
17 days ago

No matter the storm I take hold of the word

sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
17 days ago

My inner man is strengthened in the Lord

sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
17 days ago

Kaiish.. I draw strength from the Lord

sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
17 days ago

I don’t loose strength

sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
17 days ago

He that lives in me is greater than he that lives in the world

sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
17 days ago

I am strengthened and fortified by the Lord

sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
sandradzadzetor@gmail.com
17 days ago

Thank you Lord Jesus

Wisdom Elvis
Wisdom Elvis
11 days ago

I take advantage of the resources of the Lord to mount up high above the challenges confronting me.

Wisdom Elvis
Wisdom Elvis
11 days ago

No matter the storm, I take hold of the Lord.

Wisdom Elvis
Wisdom Elvis
11 days ago

I’m courageous and fortified.

Wisdom Elvis
Wisdom Elvis
11 days ago

I fortify myself in the Lord

Wisdom Elvis
Wisdom Elvis
11 days ago

I am strengthened by God in my inner man at all times.

Wisdom Elvis
Wisdom Elvis
11 days ago

Through the supply of the strength of God, I sail through every challenge victoriously.

Wisdom Elvis
Wisdom Elvis
11 days ago

No challenge or situation can dominate my life.

Wisdom Elvis
Wisdom Elvis
11 days ago

I don’t lose strength.

Wisdom Elvis
Wisdom Elvis
11 days ago

Greater is He that is in me, than any challenge that is in the world.

Wisdom Elvis
Wisdom Elvis
11 days ago

I have strength!

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