days of declaration...

The days of declaration are upon us. We have for 245 years celebrated the fourth of July as the birthday of the United States of America. A day where our forefathers cut the ties of the United Kingdom by writing, signing, and shipping a letter to the British King, George III, invoking our rights of freedom and self governance. It officially started the march toward full independence.

What a day and what a time! To have been alive in that day would have forced you to choose your allegiance. Was it for the crown or for the colonies? Which patriot would you have been? Where would you have gone if you couldn’t have suffered either? The battle had begun.

History has taught us that there were many defeats before ultimate victory. We’ve heard of Washington’s crossing of the Delaware and the Boston Tea Party. We’ve been taught of Paul Revere’s ride and Benedict Arnolds’ betrayal. We found out who were the founders and the betrayers.

Today, we find 2 styles of believers, those who sit on the right and those who sit on the left... and yes, there may be a few straddling the fence too. But all in all most Americans and most believers today are in 1 of 2 camps.

Times can challenge you to become more than you ever thought possible. You can be a person of faith and rise up to something God has called you to be or you can stay doing whatever it is you are doing.

King David had thoughts like that too. He almost got to a point of fatigue that could have caused him his kingdom. “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13 KJV).”

I almost fainted... grew weary... lost strength... lost hope... but...

I BELIEVED... I believed to see His goodness in the land of the living. The land where you and I reside. The land of our times! I believed!

You see, David too was encompassed by his enemies. Even enemies from within his own country. Often times it is those who are your neighbors and fellows that can be the most adamant opposition for you. Yet the king wouldn’t let this keep him down. “Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident (Psalms 27:3 KJV).”

Though they gathered all around to come at me, my heart will not fear them; though they raise a standard against me, as to do battle, in this main aspect will I be confident... “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple (Psalms 27:4 KJV).”

To dwell with the LORD... His greatest desire written so plainly; spoken, nay, sung with affection and intent. It was a declaration! One desire that I will go after... to exist in the place the Lord is and see Him and adore His glory. Then to speak plainly as if looking into water and speaking straightly, a moment of heart to heart (Proverbs 27:19 KJV).

So as I sit here with the final hours of my holiday just ahead, I get a sense to share this new journal entry with you. The days of declaration are upon us! Hear ye! Hear ye! Men of stature... Men of degree... Men of the field... Men of the fold... All men everywhere, it is time to hear and declare (yes, this includes women too)! We were designed with 2 ears and a single mouth. We have the opportunity to listen and understand twice as much as we speak, but when we speak... let it be a declaration. Let it be as David... one with hope and a stirred up faith.

King David, a man history ultimately respected and revered as a great leader, warrior, and seeker of God. A man flawed with passions and lust, but a man made with a heart that beat after God’s own (Acts 15: 24 KJV). Take time this day and seek the Lord. Don’t give up. Fight the good fight of Faith.

Godspeed, The JourneyMan

Ps. Today’s story comes with a little desert. The Lord struck back in the heavenlies as each firework exploded through the night! The angelic swords from heaven pierced the demons of the night and have shifted the battle to the Lord’s favor once again. I’ve included the 27 Psalm for your enjoyment!

Psalms 27: 1-14 KJV “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.

9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.

11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

Proverbs 27: 19 KJV “As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.”

Acts 13: 22 KJV “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king, to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man, after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.”