FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:48-52

David took his stand. He went out against Goliath with a sling and a stone. David dropped him right where he stood. Great victory ensued that day and the rest of the army joined the battle when they realized that God was truly on their side. In this instance, shepherding had the chief function of demonstrating the application of the rod of iron. David’s faith moved God’s Hand on the enemy. The enemy died. Once the army saw the Hand of God put the enemy in the grave, then they understood. This was spiritual war and the majority had yet to join the battle. The church hasn’t really joined the battle for the nation. Passivity enables evil by crippling the church. People have not seen pastors with a rod of iron. That is going to change! This is the year of change. This is the year where God arises in the church and a whole new sound of whirling slings and flying stones is heard! The warrior bride with warrior Priests who proclaim, prophesy and pray against an enemy is arising. When we learn to pastor with a rod of iron, the church will join the battle just like Israel joined David.