Standing Firm: The Power of Faith and Unity

### Summary

Today, we gathered to celebrate the power and presence of God in our lives. Reflecting on the joy of the Lord as our strength, we acknowledged the weariness that often accompanies our spiritual battles. We are reminded that as Apostolic Pentecostal people, we believe in the power of the Holy Ghost to overcome spiritual challenges. The message today emphasized the importance of standing firm in our faith, even when faced with overwhelming odds.

Drawing from the story of Shammah in 2 Samuel 23, we learned about the significance of standing in a strategic place. Shammah defended a field of lentils against the Philistines, demonstrating that the value of the field was worth the fight. Similarly, we are called to stand our ground and defend the spiritual territory God has given us. This includes our families, our church, and our community.

We also explored the story of Benaiah, who fought a lion in a pit on a snowy day. This story illustrates the importance of dealing with challenges head-on, even when conditions are not ideal. By confronting our issues now, we prevent them from becoming bigger problems in the future.

The sermon concluded with a call to action for the congregation to support their pastor and church leadership. We were encouraged to give generously, pray fervently, and stand united in our mission to bring about spiritual revival and transformation in our community. The message was clear: we are in a strategic place, and God is ready to pour out His blessings if we stand firm and fight for what we believe in.

### Key Takeaways

1. **The Joy of the Lord as Our Strength**: The joy of the Lord is a powerful source of strength, especially when we feel weary from life's battles. This joy is not just an emotion but a spiritual force that empowers us to overcome challenges and stand firm in our faith. [01:25]

2. **Standing in a Strategic Place**: Like Shammah, who defended a field of lentils, we must recognize the value of the spiritual territory God has given us. Standing firm in our faith and defending our spiritual ground is crucial, even when others may not see its worth. [10:37]

3. **Confronting Challenges Head-On**: The story of Benaiah teaches us the importance of dealing with our issues directly, even when conditions are not ideal. By addressing problems now, we prevent them from becoming bigger issues in the future. [23:17]

4. **Supporting Spiritual Leadership**: Our pastors and church leaders carry a significant burden. It is our responsibility to support them through prayer, giving, and active participation in the church's mission. This collective effort strengthens the entire community. [27:46]

5. **The Treasure is Greater Than the Trouble**: Pursuing God's will often comes with challenges, but the spiritual treasure we gain is always greater than the trouble we face. Standing firm in our faith and fighting for what we believe in brings about God's blessings and miracles. [43:41]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:25] - The Joy of the Lord as Our Strength
[02:25] - God's Call to Be Here
[04:06] - Faith and Sacrifice
[06:43] - The Power of Giving
[09:02] - Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 23 and Matthew 13
[11:23] - God's Sovereignty and Our Unique Moment
[13:40] - The Battle of Britain: A Lesson in Commitment
[15:41] - God Uses the Common and Insignificant
[18:40] - The Life of David: Serving His Generation
[20:09] - David's Mighty Men: Rising to the Challenge
[23:17] - Benaiah: Confronting Challenges Head-On
[27:46] - Supporting Our Pastor and Church
[29:31] - Shammah: Standing in a Strategic Place
[34:44] - The Value of Our Spiritual Field
[36:29] - Fighting for Our Church and Community
[39:51] - Standing Together in the Middle of the Field
[43:41] - The Treasure is Greater Than the Trouble
[46:29] - A Vision of God's Gifts
[49:29] - Praying for Our City and Church
[54:37] - Standing Firm in Faith and Doctrine

### Bible Reading
1. **2 Samuel 23:11-12 (NKJV)**: "And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. So the people fled from the Philistines. But he stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory."
2. **Matthew 13:44 (NKJV)**: "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."

### Observation Questions
1. What did Shammah do when the Philistines gathered to attack the field of lentils? ([09:46])
2. How does the story of Benaiah illustrate the importance of confronting challenges head-on? ([23:17])
3. According to the sermon, what are some ways we can support our pastor and church leadership? ([27:46])
4. What does the man in Matthew 13:44 do when he finds the treasure hidden in the field?

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Shammah chose to stand his ground in the middle of the field rather than flee like the others? ([09:46])
2. How does the story of Benaiah fighting a lion in a pit on a snowy day relate to dealing with personal challenges in our lives? ([23:17])
3. What does the treasure in Matthew 13:44 represent, and why is it worth selling everything to obtain it?
4. How can the joy of the Lord be a source of strength during times of weariness and spiritual battles? ([01:25])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt weary from life's battles. How did you find strength in the joy of the Lord during that period? ([01:25])
2. Shammah defended his field of lentils because he saw its value. What "fields" in your life (family, church, community) do you need to defend, and how can you stand firm in those areas? ([09:46])
3. Benaiah confronted a lion in a pit on a snowy day. What challenges are you currently facing that you need to address head-on, even if the conditions are not ideal? ([23:17])
4. Supporting our spiritual leaders is crucial. What specific actions can you take this week to support your pastor and church leadership through prayer, giving, or active participation? ([27:46])
5. The man in Matthew 13:44 sold everything to buy the field with the hidden treasure. What sacrifices might God be calling you to make in order to pursue His will and gain spiritual treasure?
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of standing together as a community. How can you foster unity and collective effort within your small group or church to bring about spiritual revival and transformation? ([49:29])
7. Reflect on the statement, "The treasure is greater than the trouble." How can this perspective help you persevere through difficult times in your spiritual journey? ([43:41])

### Day 1: The Joy of the Lord as Our Strength

The joy of the Lord is a powerful source of strength, especially when we feel weary from life's battles. This joy is not just an emotion but a spiritual force that empowers us to overcome challenges and stand firm in our faith. When we face spiritual battles, it is easy to become weary and discouraged. However, the joy that comes from the Lord is a sustaining force that lifts us up and gives us the energy to keep going. This joy is rooted in our relationship with God and the assurance of His presence and promises.

In moments of difficulty, we can draw on this joy to find the strength we need. It is a reminder that we are not alone and that God is with us, providing the support and encouragement we need to persevere. By focusing on the joy of the Lord, we can rise above our circumstances and continue to stand firm in our faith, knowing that God is our source of strength. [01:25]

Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): "Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"

Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you experience the joy of the Lord during that time, and how did it help you overcome the challenge?


### Day 2: Standing in a Strategic Place

Like Shammah, who defended a field of lentils, we must recognize the value of the spiritual territory God has given us. Standing firm in our faith and defending our spiritual ground is crucial, even when others may not see its worth. Shammah's story teaches us that every piece of ground God gives us is valuable and worth defending. It may seem insignificant to others, but in God's eyes, it holds great importance.

We are called to stand our ground in our families, our church, and our community. This means being vigilant and proactive in protecting the spiritual blessings and responsibilities God has entrusted to us. By standing firm, we honor God and demonstrate our commitment to His purposes. [10:37]

2 Samuel 23:12 (ESV): "But he took his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and struck down the Philistines, and the Lord worked a great victory."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel called to stand firm and defend your spiritual ground? How can you take a stand in that area today?


### Day 3: Confronting Challenges Head-On

The story of Benaiah teaches us the importance of dealing with our issues directly, even when conditions are not ideal. By addressing problems now, we prevent them from becoming bigger issues in the future. Benaiah's courage to fight a lion in a pit on a snowy day illustrates that we must confront our challenges head-on, regardless of the circumstances. Avoiding or delaying action can lead to greater difficulties later on.

By facing our challenges with faith and determination, we can overcome them and prevent them from growing into more significant problems. This proactive approach requires trust in God's strength and guidance, knowing that He will help us navigate through difficult situations. [23:17]

1 Chronicles 11:22 (ESV): "And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant man of Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds. He struck down two heroes of Moab. He also went down and struck down a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen."

Reflection: Identify a challenge you have been avoiding. What steps can you take today to confront it head-on, trusting in God's strength and guidance?


### Day 4: Supporting Spiritual Leadership

Our pastors and church leaders carry a significant burden. It is our responsibility to support them through prayer, giving, and active participation in the church's mission. This collective effort strengthens the entire community. Church leaders often face immense pressure and challenges as they guide and shepherd the congregation. They need our support to continue their work effectively.

By praying for our leaders, giving generously to support the church's mission, and actively participating in church activities, we contribute to the overall health and strength of our spiritual community. This support not only uplifts our leaders but also fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose within the congregation. [27:46]

Hebrews 13:17 (ESV): "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."

Reflection: How can you actively support your church leaders this week through prayer, giving, or participation in church activities?


### Day 5: The Treasure is Greater Than the Trouble

Pursuing God's will often comes with challenges, but the spiritual treasure we gain is always greater than the trouble we face. Standing firm in our faith and fighting for what we believe in brings about God's blessings and miracles. The journey of faith is not without its difficulties, but the rewards far outweigh the struggles. When we remain steadfast in our commitment to God's will, we experience His blessings in profound ways.

The spiritual treasure we gain includes a deeper relationship with God, a stronger faith, and the joy of seeing His work in our lives and the lives of others. This perspective helps us endure hardships, knowing that the ultimate reward is worth the effort. [43:41]

Matthew 13:44 (ESV): "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you faced significant challenges in pursuing God's will. How did the spiritual treasure you gained from that experience outweigh the trouble you faced?

Hallelujah. The Bible says, "Clap your hands, all ye people." And then it says to "shout unto God with the voice of triumph."

Anybody triumphant in this house? I want you to be seated for a moment. Let's stay right there. You guys are good. Just keyboards at least for just a minute. Man, it's good to be back at Apostolic. This is one of my favorite places to go.

And the last time I was here in January, I thought I was going to stay here permanently. I was stuck in the Dallas airport. Remember that ice storm that happened? I was stuck in the Dallas airport for a few hours overnight. And it was a lot of fun. I thought, well, I'm just going to be here. And Pastor Justin's going to have to put up with me. God is good.

I love what I feel in the house of the Lord. The Bible says that the joy of the Lord is our strength. You ever felt weary? Am I the only one? Just felt weary. I think it's partly we run ourselves ragged with everything we do. And part of it is we are facing spiritual things in heavenly places. We're fighting. We're fighting against spirits.

And I think it's part of who we are as Apostolic Pentecostal people. We believe in the power of the Holy Ghost to cast down imagination and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God. Bring it into captivity.

And I feel like God's going to do a couple things here today. As Pastor said, this is my third time being here. The first time I was with you, I preached a message called "The Tragedy of Unused Potential." Last time I was with you, I preached a message called "There's an Army in Your Valley."

God has spoken to me for today in a unique way. Your pastor reached out to me on Wednesday. And he said, well, he actually reached out to me last week. He said, "Where are you? Your first weekend in the building." And I was, my wife and I were in Houston speaking and wasn't able to come.

And then he reached out to me Wednesday and said, "I just feel like you need to be here." I said, well, let's pray about it. He agreed. And so I prayed, got up early Thursday morning, began to just say, "God, do you want me to go? I don't want to go just to go, but I want to go with the word."

And the Lord spoke very clearly to me that I was to come in and be a part of the service today in this wonderful church. And I told your pastor, every time I come here, it's like God just starts downloading things into my spirit. I just, I have one or two other places that are kind of like this.

And so anytime that he calls and says, "Can you make something happen?" I'm going to do my best to do that because, number one, I love what I feel here. I love what God is doing. And I love your pastor and his family. How many love the Michael family? Aren't you blessed? You're blessed.

And so I'm just going to be me. I hope I'm not going to, well, I'm not going to quench the spirit because God's here. God's going to do miracles before we get out of here. But I felt something very, very strongly when I landed yesterday.

Last minute ticket to get here was a little pricey. I looked around trying to find the cheapest I could find and wanted to take a boat, but because that would have been cheaper. But there's no way to get here through a boat. And so I text your pastor. I said, "Here's what the price of the ticket is. Are you sure?" He said, "Let's do it."

I love a man of faith. I do. I love a man of faith. Amen. And I felt this, and I'm just going to be me. I'm going to be honest. And this is all part of what we do as the people of God. I don't want you to get nervous. I want you to remember that God is here and God's going to speak.

But I want to make sure that all the expenses of this week are covered for this church. And I know you guys have just moved into this incredible facility. Y'all, I like this a lot better than I like the other place. Anybody agree with me? This is awesome.

And I know you guys have sacrificed a lot to get in here. And God's going to bless you. But I'm going to do something. I want them to put that QR code for the giving up there if you can. If you have it close by, just put that up there real quick.

But here's what I want to do, okay? I'm just going to tell you what my ticket costs, okay? Pastors, it's all right. He's getting nervous. I love it. I love it when the pastor gets nervous. My ticket costs $777. Okay, yeah, exactly.

And I do not want that to come out of this church's budget. I don't. I want this weekend, the expenses of this weekend to be completely taken care of. But I also want us to do something else. And I really felt. I felt this in the Holy Ghost.

Your pastor and his family, to make this move, have sacrificed a lot. I think you know that. I know your pastor needs a break. He needs a break, okay? Doesn't mean he's leaving. But he needs just to get away for a few days. And I told him. I told him, "See, you are getting away." I commanded him.

And Jesus, no, I didn't go that far. But as someone a little bit older than him, I said, "You need to do this." And I want this church to provide that for them. I know. I'm not looking over at him because he's sweating right now. But it's good for him. It's good for him.

He needs to recognize who I am. How many believe that God is in control of everything? Everything. It doesn't matter what it is. He's in control.

And so, as I preach today, I'm just going to ask them to leave that up there. They can take it down when I give you scripture, if that's fine. But as you feel led, I want you just to give. Just snap that QR code. If it's $100, if it's $200, if it's $50, I don't care what it is. I'm going to give. I've already given some. I'm going to give.

I want them to be blessed. I want this weekend to be taken care of. I want the expenses of everything that you're doing. You know what? You guys have done. Boy, I feel this in the Holy Ghost. The sacrifice that you have made to get to this place is only the beginning of the open doors that God is about ready to pour out upon this church.

And I say that feeling that in the Holy Ghost. Amen. Everybody still love me? Are you sure? All right. How many are going to obey the Holy Ghost? Two of you. Great. How about some more? How many of you are going to just obey the Holy Ghost? How many of you are going to just obey the Holy Ghost? If God speaks to you, I want you to follow God.

Okay? I'm not up here trying to make a hard sell. I'm just doing what I felt the Holy Ghost. I was in prayer this morning in the hotel room. I said, "God, I seldom do what I've just done. I seldom do this." But I felt the Holy Ghost just say, "I want you to challenge this church just a little bit more."

And I want you just to follow the Holy Ghost, whatever that is. Someone say amen. Amen, amen, amen. Amen.

And also, since I've been with you last, I just released a book called "Battle the Beast: Destroying the Lions That Oppose Your Destiny." I'll be available in the back. I'll take cash. I'll take your food stamps. I'll take your EBT card. I'll take Apple Pay. Please help. I've got to try to afford the surgery to reattach my arm. Praise God.

I'm just joking. I pray that it will be a blessing. I put study questions in it so you can go through it in small group and help you out. I think everyone that is able should get a copy if you can. And I'll even sign it. Depreciates the value to like nine cents on eBay if I sign it, okay? It goes from $19.99 to nine cents, just like that. Amen.

God's good. God's good. Why don't you stand with me one more time? Close your eyes. Show your hands in the air. And say, "Thank you, Lord, for your blessings."

Do you feel the sweet presence of the Lord? God, I thank you. Thank you for what you're going to do in this house beyond what you've already accomplished. There's healing in this place. There's direction in this place. There's answers in this house.

In the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus. 2 Samuel 23. I'm going to read two verses of Scripture. 2 Samuel 23. Pastor Justin, wonderful wife, I love you guys so much. So thankful for your connection in our lives.

2 Samuel 23, verse 11. Then we're going to be going to Matthew 13. One verse of Scripture there, verse 44. 2 Samuel 23, 11 and 12 says this. In the New King James, it says, "And after him was Shammah, the son of Agi the Arite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. So the people fled from the Philistines, but he stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory."

Matthew 13, verse 44, one verse of Scripture again. "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which a man found and hid. And for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."

I know we kind of try to put titles on sermons and messages so it gives you something to kind of hang on to, but I don't know. I want to just speak to you out of my heart today for this church. And I want to preach to you "Standing in a Strategic Place."

Can we clap our hands one more time? Give God praise. God, I thank you for your word. I thank you for your spirit. I thank you for what you're going to do in the next few moments. Let the Holy Ghost minister in this house. Open our eyes to see, our hearts to receive, and our ears to hear. In Jesus' name, amen. You may be seated. God bless you.

If the last few years have taught us anything, it has taught us that God is sovereign, that he's in control, that nothing gets beyond his all-seeing eye. And even though we may be living in an hour of intense pressure and uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring, we also find ourselves in a unique and a powerful moment in the history of our world.

We are living in a very unique hour that is rapidly moving toward the rapture of the church. I still believe Jesus is coming very, very soon. And somebody say amen. The word of God is very true when it says that these may be perilous times. But one thing I have recognized, though many things that have happened that may have shocked us, God's not surprised.

God's not surprised. God has a plan. God sees where each of you may find yourself today. He sees what you have endured. And he sees the fight that many have left, that has left many of you maybe battered and beaten. But I love the scripture that says, "He knows the way that I take."

God knows where you are. It doesn't matter. It does not matter where you stand right now. It does not matter what mountain may be in front of you right now. It does not matter what challenges you are facing in your life. He knows the way that I take. And somebody say amen.

Again, with an illustration that I came across recently that I believe will help us to where God wants us to go today. It happened during the apex of the Second World War. In fact, this moment was a major turning point in an already brutal conflict. Germany's massive war machine was setting its sights onto the United Kingdom.

And under the direction of their air commander, they intended to totally annihilate Britain for, or at least bring them to a place of surrender. However, what they did not truly take into account was Britain's Royal Air Force. And under the direction of their commander, a man by the name of Hugh Dowding, the Royal Air Force from Britain at first appearance did not seem to be as prepared.

They weren't equipped. They weren't as trained as Germany's pilots were. In fact, Germany's commander stated that he believed that they could wipe out the Royal Air Force from the skies in just four short days. Now, what's interesting to me is the fact that the Royal Air Force consisted of young ragtag. They weren't very well-trained pilots. They didn't seem to have a whole lot to offer.

But even though they were fewer in number, and even though they had inferior training, and even though they lacked the technology that Germany's planes allowed those pilots to have, the Royal Air Force, history tells us, held back Germany's attack. And in only a few short months during the summer of 1940, they were able to turn the tide of war in what has become known now as the Battle of Britain.

And while the battle raged, and while Hitler tried to take his air command to destroy Britain, Winston Churchill, in his address to the House of Commons during the height of the skirmish, said this: "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."

What Hitler was not expecting, and more than likely could never have known, was the passion and the commitment that these few ragtag, young, under-trained Royal Air Force pilots possessed as they pushed back the onslaught of a much superior air command. It became a major victory for Great Britain, and it became a significant turning point in the war.

As we begin to walk down this path today, need I remind us, it has always been, and it will always be throughout history and scripture, that God has never, ever required a majority to accomplish his purposes. The Apostle Paul did his best to expound upon this thought when he begins this discourse, if you will, concerning the weakness of man versus the power of God.

And in 1 Corinthians chapter 1, we discover that God chooses the foolish things of this world to confound the mighty. God chooses the base things, the common things, things overlooked and despised, in order to bring about his purpose upon this planet. What does Paul do? Paul proves the guarantee of God that we don't always understand, neither do we comprehend.

We just have to surrender to the sovereignty of God and realize that God, your ways are above our ways, and your thoughts are above our thoughts. God knows. I don't care if you've come from the crack house or the White House. God knows who you are. God knows what you have, and God knows what he can do through you.

Don't spend any time at all in the word of God. You will quickly discover significant moments with ordinary people who stood up against seemingly insurmountable odds and overcame, because they chose to stand in the gap and be the man, or the woman that God needed during their generation.

Hebrews 11 just invites us to meander down the hallway of the faithful, as we encounter one person after another that rose to the challenge of their generation. They brought about out-needed victory in spite of what the climate of their culture was, in spite of what the economic situation was, in spite of what others were doing around them.

Hear me today, God has always been very comfortable pulling from the canvas of the common those insignificant, insufficient, unqualified men and women in order to make a difference in our world. God has never needed, and God will never need a majority to accomplish his purpose. He's never asked you to be mighty. He's not looking for the brave or even the elite.

Amen. Our creator is totally content using common things. He'll take a lad with two fish and five loaves and feed a multitude. He'll take a Samson with the jawbone of a donkey, and he'll destroy the enemy. It doesn't matter how bad it is or how good it is. With God, all things are possible.

Let me work this over a little bit today, okay? Everybody good? All right. QR code still back there? Put the QR code, yeah. Just flash it every once in a while. There's a life that, in scripture, that has always been probably one that I have loved more than any, and it's the life of the insignificant shepherd boy by the name of David.

When David was plucked from the field of tending his father's sheep, when he was placed in front of the national spotlight to face off against Goliath the giant, there was an entire nation that was just waiting for somebody to rise up who would lead them to greatness.

And from the moment Goliath fell till David took his final gasp of air on his deathbed, we see a man whom the Bible says served his generation. He restored a nation. In fact, it is said that under the leadership of David, the territory of Israel, what they controlled and what they conquered, expanded some 10 times more than when he first stepped to the throne.

What did David do? He placed Jerusalem on the map. David restored national pride and honor into the hearts of ordinary men and women of Israel that was unrivaled by any nation in the world. How? How was David able to take the common run-of-the-mill Israelite and turn them into ambassadors of the Almighty?

I'll tell you how he did it. David made up his mind. While I'm breathing, while I'm here, while it's my time, while it's on my watch, while I'm living and walking in this world, I'm not going to waste my time. I am going to serve my generation. I'm going to do something. I'm not just going to sit back and let somebody burp me to heaven. I'm not going to just sit back and wait for somebody else to step in. I'm going to serve my generation.

Hear me. I'm big on this. I feel this. When David finds himself hounded by Saul attempting to put an end to the threat of David becoming the next monarch, we see something very unique begin to happen. Men who found themselves discontented, men that were distressed, men that were in debt made their way to the cave of a giant killer.

The name of David, who was passionate about doing something with his life and serving his generation, men that had been cut off from family, men that had been ridiculed by their neighbors, men and women that had been pushed to the side, journeyed to the cave where God was using the crucibles of life to turn a man into a king.

And the Bible says these men begin to be fashioned into what the Bible calls the mighty men of David. Stay with me for just a minute. Hear me. From that encounter, we discover these mighty men being fashioned and formed. Literally, they begin to change the course for their nation. They saved the nation from becoming like the nations that were around them.

And time after time after time, one of these once mediocre misfits of society would rise up in the face of insurmountable odds, and they would become the vessel that God would use to secure victory for the people of God. Time does not permit me to discuss these mighty men of David in depth as I would like. But let me just say this before I go much further.

Amen. I felt this in the Holy Ghost in the moment your pastor texts me. Amen. God is raising a people in this city, in this church, that are not settling for a normal routine or a normal church. Amen. We're believing for miracles. We're believing for signs and wonders. We're believing for chains to be broken. We're believing for emotional healing. We're believing for spiritual outbreak. That's what God wants to do.

Let me talk about one of these. And I'll be honest. I wrote about him in this book. His name is Benaiah. If you want to study the life of Benaiah, I wrote about it. It got a hold of me. I wrote about it. I wrote about it. I mean, the Bible tells us that this man by the name of Benaiah comes across a lion that goes down into a pit on a snowy day.

And it goes on to say that this man, Benaiah, decides to go down into that pit in the middle of a snowstorm and take on a lion. If it had been me, I'd been walking that path in the middle of a snowstorm, and I saw a lion lick his lips and look at me. I'd have run the other way, honey. If he would have went down into that pit, I would have started dancing, shouting, speaking in tongues.

I'm already shorthanded. I don't need no lion. I don't need a lion biting another arm off. But not Benaiah. He recognized something that I think is important for this church to get a hold of today. It was not the most opportune moment for him to tackle a lion. The condition was not the best. There was no solid footing. It was snowy. It was icy. It wasn't the most pleasant season.

But Benaiah said, "If I don't take care of this now while it's beneath the surface, one day it may come up and do damage to me." And he said, "If I don't take care of this now while it's beneath the surface, one day it may come up and do damage to me."

And he climbed down into a pit with a lion on a snowy day, and he waged war against a potential problem for somebody else. Every time you pray, every time you worship, every time you shout, every time you speak in tongues, every time you get lost in the Holy Ghost, you are doing more in the domain of darkness than you can recognize.

You've got to take care of those things that are under the surface. Can I preach to a good church today? Take care of those things in your 20s so they don't destroy you in your 40s. Can I just preach a little bit? Sometimes we want to just push things under the rug. Well, pastor doesn't know about it. My wife doesn't know about it. My friends don't know about it.

You've got to take care of those things. Benaiah, when he went down into that pit, his mindset was, "I better take care of this now, amen, because I do not want it coming out and destroying my life later." He took care of that. He dove down into the domain of darkness, and he waged war against a potential problem.

Honey, those prayers you're praying right now are going to see your children used by God later. That war with lust that you've got to conquer is going to set you up for success. Amen. That war against jealousy and bitterness that the enemy's trying to get you dragged down into the pit from, you have got to recognize, "I got to take care of it now."

Deal with it while you can. Well, it's okay. This bitterness is all right. This jealousy is all right. This envy is all right. This lust, I'm on it right now. I'm just going to stay right here for a minute. Sometimes we come in, we get our five-minute tongue talking. We lift our hands, think everything is okay, and we go back.

We go back out there, and the enemy has dragged us so far down into the pit and launched it and locked his jaws on our soul, and we think we're okay because we come in here and feel a little bit of liberty. You got to deal with those things now, amen, while they're beneath the surface, while nobody sees them, while it's just you and Jesus.

You never know what diving down into that pit and defeating that spirit while it's below the surface is going to do. You never know what you're going to do to bring about victory in the lives of your family. I want to commend you, pastor and sister pastor. I want to commend you for diving down into the domains of darkness in Dallas and fighting through some.

I know it's not easy. I know you face hell and high water, but I'm here to tell you there's a church being built. There's a church being built. There's a victory that's happening. This is really the first time I've been here that I've actually been able to spend some quality time with the pastor, and he picked me up yesterday afternoon.

He went to eat and started driving me around, showing me different areas. I love having apostolic conversations. I commend you. I commend the both of you and your young family. You chose to dive down under the surface when others didn't understand what you were doing, when others thought maybe that guy's absolutely crazy.

The only good thing he's got going for him is his wife. Is that, did I say that the way you sent it to me? Thank you for that email, by the way. When it was just a concept, when it was just a burden, when it was just something that was a dream, I commend you. When it appeared that this was the craziest thing you could have done, when it felt like you were pulling things uphill and you may still feel it, I commend you.

I commend you. I commend you. I commend you. I commend you. I commend you. I feel that way when people fought, when people resisted, but I commend you because it may not have been the most pristine of conditions. You may have had to deal with the mess and the embarrassment of dealing with those things, but hear me.

God's just looking. I'm preaching to somebody right now. God's just looking for somebody, someone that's not afraid to stand on the Lord's side and declare victory in the face of defeat. Can I preach to a good church? You say it often. Let me tell you what's happening in heaven. Heaven's looking down and saying they're building a work that is going to change.

I see a balcony full of people. I see seats that are anointed to loose the captives. With those things now. I don't know why I'm still on this, but deal with those things now. You're young enough, some of us. Deal with them while they're beneath the surface.

Another mighty man that we read about today is a man by the name of Shama. I'll be done in just a few moments, I promise. A misfit turned mighty, stationed himself in the middle of a field of beans, defended it, killed the Philistines, and the Bible said the Lord brought about a great victory.

A once derelict, disdained, and disowned misfit now plants his feet firmly in the ground, willing to give his life for something he loves so dearly. Stop here for just a moment. Try to impart my burden and what I felt God begin to deal with me this morning.

We're not given a whole lot of information about this field. We don't really know who owned it or took care of it. It is assumed it belonged to Shama just because of the action that he took on that fateful day when the enemy was trying to take that little small patch of beans.

But what we do know is this field apparently meant something to Shama. Hear me, Apostolic. Hear me. You will never stand up for anything if it doesn't mean something to you. Hello? If you do not value where you stand, if you do not value the truth you possess, if you do not value the move of the spirit that you experience here, this is not something that happens everywhere.

I travel a lot. I was in a place recently that I felt like I was preaching in a funeral home. Amen. I was like, dear God, have mercy. I thought we were Pentecostal. You have a move of God here that is unique. I don't say that trying to make you feel pompous. I say that you better guard that. Amen. You better guard that field.

It's a strategic place when people are healed, when people are freed, when people are loosed, when people are broken from their addiction. Where you stand when the pressure comes? We'll bolt. When pressure comes, we'll just cave. When the pressure comes, we'll just give up.

When I look at this story that is so seemingly insignificant when it comes to the grand scale of the history of God, yet it is so powerful in its application to where you and I. I see a man that made a decision to do something even though others had chosen not to.

What this field represented to Shama was more important than just the beans in the field. No doubt the beans were destroyed in the conflict that day. It wasn't the beans that Shama was interested in. He could replace and he can replant trampled beans.

But it's a whole lot more difficult to take back a stolen and a captured field. It's a lot easier to replace and replant beans in a field that has been destroyed because of the conflict, but it's much more difficult to chase down the enemy that has taken your field from you.

You gotta stand your ground. Every man, every woman, every boy, and every girl that I'm preaching to right now, every parent that's listening to me right now, you've been given a field. It is a place of responsibility, and it is expanded with time.

It's now more valuable than it was in the past. It's now more valuable than it was in the past. When it was just you standing there, just you and your wife, you've got children that are there now. You've got a future that's more valuable now.

Had our first grandchild. Can I tell you I'm excited about it? Can I tell you he's quite possibly the finest grandson that has ever lived or will ever live? I have already changed my will to his name. I don't care what my other children say. I don't care if Carson has kids. They're not gonna be like little Wesley Blue.

Little Wesley Blue is quite a dude. I think he came out of the womb speaking in tongues. I'm pretty sure he did. He was filled with the Holy Ghost like John the Baptist. No slight on your pastor's kids, but I have already decided that it would be a really good thing to have an arranged marriage: Wesley Blue and little Nona.

You feel that in the Holy Ghost? Look at that, my arm's already growing. It's just powerful. We have neglected this arranged marriage deal, and I like it. I like it. Two generations. Do you think that I'm going to look at this field that God has given me and I'm going to say it's not worth being a part of it?

It's not worth fighting for. It's not worth standing my ground. Honey, I got a lot invested in it now. Every time I raise my hands, I've got kids and now a grandkid that is looking to say, "Okay, my papa, he's standing in the middle of it. He believes in apostolic revival. He believes in the power of the Holy Ghost."

Hear me, hear me, hear me, hear me. Amen. God wants us to understand this place we're standing is a strategic place. I'm going to hasten. I don't want to be too long. We're living in a very unique hour. The church is God's place, two redemptive forces in our world: the church and the home, and both are under attack.

The church is losing its influence. Family's losing its heart. We got to get these fields back. We got to make it. You know why you're building a church here? It's not just so you can fill up a nice building, have a good sermon, and go on your way. It's to shake hell. It's to break the bands of those who are in your way, and it's to those that are so desperate for change.

These fields still matter. The church matters. The home matters. They still have value no matter what they may say elsewhere. This is why I've come on this weekend, amen, to deliver my heart and why I felt so instructed of the Holy Ghost. Amen. It's time for men and women, young people, and young adults to stand your ground and fight.

Get behind the weight that your pastor carries, amen, and fight. Fight in the Holy Ghost stuff. Fight with your prayer. Fight with your worship. Fight with your giving. Fight with your support. What are you doing? You're pushing back the onslaught of the enemy. The devil doesn't want a church built in this city. He doesn't want there to be an apostolic revival, so he's fighting it.

You're awful worked up for the sergeant. I know because I believe this. We gotta fight. We gotta fight. We gotta war. When everybody has run away, why are you still believing? This field has value, Shama. Why are you standing there by yourself? I'll tell you why.

I may be the only one in my family. I may be the only one in my school. I may be the only one in my neighborhood, but there's value. I want to see the drug addict delivered. I want to see the hopeless find hope. I want to see the suicidal recognize that there is something to live for. Fight. Fight.

You fight with your worship. You fight with your praise. You fight. It's not just valuable to him or to her. It's got to be valuable to you, and to you, and to you, and to you. Do you want an apostolic center? Do you want a place where lives are changed? Then stand up and fight. Just fight.

When the enemy comes in like a flood, say, "God, lift up a standard against it." When the weight comes on your pastor and he's feeling it, you pray for him. You pray in the Holy Ghost. You pray. But you know how chains are broken? It's when not just one family, but several families have stood together in the field and said, "We're going for it."

Here's what's so interesting to me. Go ahead and play that funky music, white boy. Just messing with you. The Bible says that Shammah stood, Brother Dalen, in the middle of the field. He wasn't on the outskirts like, "I missed my calling. I could have been a fencer." At least Zorro. Some of you have no idea who that is. That's really sad. I'm an old man.

He got in the middle of the field. He stood in the middle of it. Just stand right there in the middle if you can. I know you got babies. Here's a man and a woman who have decided to get in the middle of the field, brother. They can't do it by themselves. They're pretty. They're awesome people. They are. I love them to death.

I'd spend more time with Justin. If he'd let me, I'd be his armor bearer. I'd just bring his Bible up to the pulpit and give him water. I love him that much. And then we all know that he'd be nothing without his lovely bride. One of the greatest worship leaders that I've ever heard. She just leads us into the presence.

They can't carry the weight by themselves. And I know you guys are doing an incredible job. I'm not here. I hope you get my spirit. I hope you understand where I'm coming from. My wife and I, we pastored for 20 plus years in Southern California. Four years in Van Nuys, California, the porn capital of the world.

Sixteen years in the San Diego area. Amen. We faced hell and high water. We fought. There were days that I just couldn't even get out of my house. The darkness was so heavy. We'd have a breakthrough and the enemy would come in. I got weary. I got broke. I got hurt. I got misunderstood. Amen.

There's times I'd say, "God, is there anybody that will stand with us? Is there anybody believes that God can do this?" But I had to stand in the middle of the field. I couldn't go. I had Carson, Ashton, and Avery looking at me. "Daddy, what you gonna do when this one says this? And this one, this one's walked away. And this one's ridiculed you online. What are you gonna do?"

I'll tell you what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna stand. I'm not leaving the middle of the field. Let's just be honest. We're living in an hour. There's a lot of options. Pastor could get up and preach one thing, tick you off, and you'll go find you another church. Hello. I'm just being real.

Thank God for a pastor who operates without fear. He's not rude. I know him. He loves you. He loves this church. He wants to build a church, but he's gonna have an apostolic church. And whether you want it or not, that's up to you. I can't force you. He can't force you.

But I tell you, if you will get behind and do what Aaron and Hur did when they lifted up the hands of Moses, you're gonna see victory in your family. You're gonna see a legacy that you couldn't even believe was possible because of the background you've come from.

I'm here to tell you there's something about getting in the middle of the field. Stand with me all over this house. That scripture we read shows a man who I don't know if he was taking a shortcut. I don't know if he was trying to find a quicker way home, but he walked in the middle of a field.

The Bible says he found a treasure. And he went home. If it had been me, if I'm walking, I see something sticking out of the ground. And I dig it up, and it's an incredible treasure. I'm gonna dig. I'm gonna dig deeper and put that thing deeper. He goes home. He sells everything he has because he wants to buy that field.

No doubt there were people said, "This is ridiculous. It's not worth your time, not worth your investment. You've sold everything. You're gonna buy that field." What they didn't know that in the middle of the mess was a treasure. He didn't just get the treasure. That day, he got the weeds, the thistles.

He got the snakes and the varmints. He got the creepy crawlies, spiders, spiders. He got all the mess. Your pursuit of what God is doing here. Don't forget. The treasure is always greater than the trouble in your life.

When you're pursuing the things of God and hell's fighting you and everywhere you turn, it seems like you're not making any traction and the enemy's pushing at you and your family's fighting you and your finances are all jacked up. Can I say jacked up? I did. It does not matter.

The treasure is always greater than the trouble. Some of you are fighting hell right now. This last two, three weeks moving into this building has probably pushed some of you to places you didn't think you would go. But I'm here to tell you there's a treasure that is being uncovered in this area and in this city.

It's not a mistake that you can come in here and you can feel the Holy Ghost and the freedom that you experience when you step into this place. It's because somebody has recognized the treasure is greater than the trouble. So fight, fight, value it. Stand your ground.

You're in the middle of a strategic place. Was praying this morning. Was even going to mention this. God just brought it back to my mind. I was praying this morning. I felt like the Lord gave me a vision. Not even sure what it all means. Maybe it'll connect with someone here. I don't know.

And I hesitate to even say it because it doesn't make any sense to me. I saw this long path. Pastor, the middle of the path was this very large, I mean, like almost trashcan size or dumpster size. It was massive. And I'm standing back from it as I'm viewing it while I was in prayer.

I see it and it's like God begins to say to me, "I'm dumping gifts into this bucket for this church." There it is. I'm dumping things for families. It's time for some of us to get off the sideline and get into the middle where the blessing is and say, "This is for us. This is for our family. We're going to break generational curses."

We're not going to be the addicts our parents or our grandparents were. We're going to receive everything that God. I wonder if there's anybody that believes that God has something he wants to pour down on you. Right now, I wonder if there's anybody that'll stand in a strategic place.

Let's worship the Lord for just a minute. I feel the Holy Ghost. Somebody begin to pray in tongues, pray in the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is here right now. There are things waiting on some of you that are standing in a strategic place. There's a power waiting on you that are standing in a strategic place.

There's a Holy Ghost outpouring that's waiting on those that are standing in a strategic place. You want blessing? Stand there. You want hope? Stand there. You want a miracle? Stand there. You want to see your family blessed? Stand there. It's happening right in the middle of the field.

Come on, you can make it. You can stand. You can stand. You can stand in a strategic place. And God will do miracles, signs, and wonders in your life, in the heart of this church. Hallelujah. Hallelujah.

I want this church, if you're not praying somewhere, I want you to get as close to your pastor and his wife as you can. I want you to pray. Link hands with someone. Put your hand on someone's shoulder that's praying. Let's pray. Let's pray in the Holy Ghost.

Breathe strength into them. Come on, pray strength into them. Pray hope into them. Pray refreshing into them. In the name of Jesus. Oh, that's it, church. That's it. That's beautiful. Come on, pray in the Holy Ghost. Pray in the Holy Ghost.

Yeah, pray one for another. Let's believe God for something miraculous to happen in our life. In the name of Jesus. God, loose this church to receive everything you have for them. Every family, every individual in the name of Jesus.

Come on, stand in the middle of it. Stand in the middle of it. You're in a strategic place. God's using you to reach a generation. You're called, you're called, you're chosen for such a time as this. Come on, sir. Stand in the middle. It's time to fight for what you believe in.

Come on, ma'am. Stand in the middle. It's time to fight for what you believe in. In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus.

This is what we fight for. This is what we fight for. I need some brothers and sisters just to line the walls of this sanctuary. Go to that wall. Go to the back wall. Go here. Face the front. The sanctuary here. Here. Amen.

Let's lay hands and let's pray for our city. Let's pray for this field. Come on, pray in the Holy Ghost. Pray to the north, the south, the east, and the west. Pray in the Holy Ghost. Hallelujah. Breakthrough's coming. Breakthrough's coming. Breakthrough's coming for your neighborhood.

Pray for every area of this city. You're strategically placed to make a difference. You're strategically placed to shake hell. In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus. Stand your ground, mama. Stand your ground, sister. You have so much to offer. You have so much to give.

Don't be on the sidelines. Stand in the middle of the field and fight. God will rise. Stand the victory. God will bring the victory. Let the enemy convince you that it's OK to be on the sidelines. You got to get in the middle of the field and fight.

There are many people needing your fight. Many people that are looking for answers. You hold the key. Stand your ground. Stand your ground. God, give us eyes to see what you can do in the spirit. Give us hearts to receive it.

In the name of Jesus. Stand in it. God will bring about the victory. Stand in it. God will give you the treasures of your heart. Stand in it. Stand in it. Oh, in the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus.

It's not by might. It's not by power. It's by your spirit. We're trusting in your spirit, Father. We're trusting in the Holy Ghost. Do what you do best. Change hearts and lives. Help us to stand. Having done all to stand, let us stand therefore.

Let us stand for truth and righteousness. Let us stand for doctrine. Break the bands of wickedness, God, that abound people in this city. In the name of Jesus. Oh, release us into the field. Release us into the field. Release us to conquer, to be victorious and mighty. Release us. Release us.

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "The Bible says that the joy of the Lord is our strength. You ever felt weary? Am I the only one? Just felt weary. I think it's partly we run ourselves ragged with everything we do. And part of it is we are facing spiritual things in heavenly places. We're fighting. We're fighting against spirits. And I think it's part of who we are as Apostolic Pentecostal people." [01:25](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




2. "If the last few years have taught us anything, it has taught us that God is sovereign, that he's in control, that nothing gets beyond his all-seeing eye. And even though we may be living in an hour of intense pressure and uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring, we also find ourselves in a unique and a powerful moment, in the history of our world. We are living in a very unique hour that is rapidly moving toward the rapture of the church. I still believe Jesus is coming very, very soon." [12:02](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




3. "God has never needed, and God will never need a majority to accomplish his purpose. He's never asked you to be mighty. He's not looking for the brave or even the elite. Amen. Our creator is totally content using common things. He'll take a lad with two fish and five loaves and a feet of multitude. He'll take a Samson with the jawbone of a donkey, and he'll destroy the enemy. It doesn't matter how bad it is or how good it is. With God, all things are possible." [17:10](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




4. "Every time you pray, every time you worship, every time you shout, every time you speak in tongues, every time you get lost in the Holy Ghost, you are doing more in the domain of darkness. Then you can recognize you've got to take care of those things that are under the surface. Can I preach to a good church today? Take care of those things in your 20s so they don't destroy you in your 40s." [24:43](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




5. "The treasure is always greater than the trouble. In your life. When you're pursuing the things of God and hell's fighting you and everywhere you turn. It seems like you're not making any traction and the enemy's pushing at you and your family's fighting you and your finances are all jacked up. Can I say jacked up? I did. It does not matter. The treasure is always greater than the trouble." [45:40](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




### Quotes for Members

1. "If God speaks to you. I want you to follow God. Okay? I'm not up here trying to make a hard sell. I'm just doing what I felt the Holy Ghost. I was in prayer this morning in the hotel room. I said, God, I seldom do what I've just done. I seldom do this. But I felt the Holy Ghost just say, I want you to challenge this church just a little bit more. And I want you just to follow the Holy Ghost, whatever that is." [07:45](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




2. "When David was plucked from the field of tending his father's sheep, when he was placed in front of the national spotlight to face off against Goliath the giant, there was an entire nation that was just waiting for somebody to rise up who would lead them to greatness. And from the moment Goliath fell till David took his final gasp of air on his deathbed, we see a man whom the Bible says served his generation. He restored a nation. In fact, it is said that under the leadership of David, the territory of Israel, what they controlled and what they conquered, expanded some 10 times more than when he first stepped to the throne." [20:09](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




3. "When David finds himself hounded by Saul attempting to put an end to the threat of David becoming the next monarch, we see something very unique begin to happen. Men who found themselves discontented, men that were distressed, men that were in debt made their way to the cave of a giant killer. The name of David, who was passionate about doing something with his life and serving his generation, men that had been cut off from family, men that had been ridiculed by their neighbors, men and women that had been pushed to the side, journeyed to the cave where God was using the crucibles of life to turn a man into a king." [21:40](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




4. "When it appeared that this was the craziest thing you could have done, when it felt like you were pulling things uphill and you may still feel it, I commend you. I commend you. I commend you. I commend you. I commend you. I feel that way when people fought, when people resisted, but I commend you because it may not have been the most pristine of conditions. You may have had to deal with the mess and the embarrassment of dealing with those things, but hear me. God's just looking. I'm preaching to somebody right now. God's just looking for somebody, someone that's not afraid to stand on the Lord's side and declare victory in the face of defeat." [27:46](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




5. "The church is losing its influence. Family's losing its heart. We got to get these fields back. We got to make it you know why you're building a church here it's not just so you can fill up a nice building have a good sermon and go on your way it's to shake hell it's to break the bands of those who are in your way and it's to those that are so desperate for change these fields still matter the church matters the home matters they still have value no matter what they may say elsewhere this is why I've come on this weekend amen to deliver my heart and why I felt so instructed of the holy ghost amen it's time for men and women young people and young adults to stand your ground and fight get behind the weight that your pastor carries amen and fight." [36:29](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)