As soon as the ark of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel gave such a mighty shout that the ground shook.
When the Philistines heard the noise of the shouting, and when they learned that the ark of the Lord had come into the camp, they were terrified. Their hearts sank as they bemoaned, “A god has come into the camp. Nothing like this has ever happened to us before. Woe to us! Who can deliver us from the power of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with every sort of plague in the wilderness."
Can you imagine the awesome anointing that fell upon the Israel camp that day? God's people were gettin their worship on with shouting and dancing and celebration so much so that the enemy felt the ground shaking. The LORD of Hosts had come to fight their battles. Can you imagine the great victory God brought to Israel that day? Can you imagine the power and strength of the Almighty overwhelming the evil schemes of the Philistines?
Ooooh Boy! This message can sure preach to God's church today! When we get our praise and worship stirred up and the anointing falls and we rise to our feet and the ground begins to shake with the thunderous sound of voices joined together lifting God up in all His glory... OOOOOH WOW!!! Who can stop God Almighty from accomplishing His victory in the lives of His people?! Can I get a Witness?!?
But guess what... ISRAEL LOST!
That's right...Israel lost the battle! -- Don't believe me? Read 1 Samuel 4:1-11.
You see, God isn't all that impressed with thunderous volumes of praise and worship...with anointed prophetic words of healing and deliverence...with a nation of people joined in unison shouting victory over their enemies -- not when those same people pervert His statutes and follow their own desires...not when the priests/pastors of those people pervert God's Word teaching doctrines that redefine the very nature of God...not when those who claim to be children of God actually behave as if they control the authority and rule over God.
Deuteronomy 9 has this recorded against God's people as a warning:
"Remember and do not forget how you provoked the Lord your God to wrath in the wilderness. From the day you came out of the land of Egypt until you came to this place, you have been rebellious against the Lord. Even at Horeb you provoked the Lord to wrath, and the Lord was so angry with you that he was ready to destroy you." (vs. 7-8)
Ever heard the words, "God is for you, not against you."? Well, God's word is very clear: God is FOR those who obey His Word; and, God is AGAINST those who refuse to obey Him.
You want to have real victory over your enemies? Don't look for a megachurch that has an awesome music show, groundshaking volumn, and weekly uplifting power-sermons to inspire your anointing. Rather, look for a fellowship that is razor-focused on seeking the truth of God's Word and committed to obedience of His commands. Because, THAT's where you're going to find God at work leading His true believers in victorious living!
IT'S A VERY DANGEROUS THING TO REDEFINE GOD!
