When You Feel Overwhelmed

Have you ever been in a place where the weight of your life's challenges seemed to be way too much to handle? It's probably safe to say that all humankind has experienced such feelings. In the midst of the heaviness, it can be seemingly difficult to cast your cares upon GOD in worship. But the one thing your opposition is counting on is you doubting what YOU can incite through worship.

Make no mistake about it, the very best thing to do WHENEVER you feel overwhelmed is to ascend in worship. Don't bother worrying about all that may be weighing on you in trying moments. Worrying solves nothing. Also, avoid rash decision-making born out of your flustered emotions. Emotional reactions change nothing. When overwhelmed, these sort of carnal-minded approaches only make YOU worse off... 

BUT when you choose to elevate your mind (i.e. your thinking) above the circumstances and begin to bless (i.e. speak well of) the LORD your GOD, something more advantageous happens... YOU change! Your perspective, your response, your attitude ALL change because NOW you're looking at those very same circumstances from a totally different angle than before. Worship literally shifts your line of sight from what has you feeling overwhelmed to the One whom those troubling circumstances must bow and become subject. 

Know that the upper hand has NO CHOICE but to be yours as an atmosphere-shifting worshipper of Yahweh. You being able to get past how you feel at any given moment and earnestly call for an uprising of GOD's glory WITHOUT musicians, a worship team or pastor is precisely what keeps you together away from whatever physical sanctuary wherein you worship corporately. PLEASE understand that your sanity depends on YOU--as a worshipper--being able to command atmospheres for yourself. Therefore, begin to decrease your dependence on those whom you have looked to as glory carriers. Start stirring up the gift of GOD within you, so the worshipping warrior you were redeemed to become rises up and releases the governing influence of Heaven in the earth. 

How Worship Births The Unimagineable

It is amazing how we find ourselves in situations with GOD that surpass our understanding.  If you may recall, the Bible shares with us that the highly fragrant perfume in Mary Magdalene's alabaster box was valued at "three hundred denarii" (John 12:5), which is approximately a year's wages for a common worker.  When Mary took it upon herself to throw custom out of the window and break open this box, it was ironically the disciples of Jesus who criticized her--particularly Judas.  They were appalled that she would pour this costly perfume on Him because--TO THEM--its value was "ONLY" a year's wages and what good THEY felt could be accomplished had it been sold.

Now according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for U.S. workers in the fourth quarter of 2016 was $849 per week or $44,148 per year.  So you're probably wondering, "What DOES he mean by 'ONLY' a year's wages?"  After all, most of us have probably NEVER given a single monetary offering of this magnitude to anyone, let alone our Redeemer.  So seen from THIS context, the disciples' reaction to Mary Magdalene's actions doesn't seem so far-fetched.  However, her act of love and appreciation for Messiah signified so much more.  It was an act of worship...  But not just ANY act of worship.

The worship Mary Magdalene offered carried a value that far surpassed the fair market value of the pound of spikenard oil in that alabaster box.  One might even imagine that--in her mind--the oil's value paled in comparison to that of Him who had raised her brother Lazarus from the dead.  Widely noted as Messiah's greatest miracle, the coming forth of Lazarus in his grave clothes was nothing less than astonishing because he had been dead for four days.  And with saying all that, EVEN SHE--in her expression of immense gratitude--had no idea that she was anointing Messiah's body for HIS ultimate act of worship: Calvary.

What GOD Promises Is Guaranteed

Isn't it interesting how--over time--life teaches us to be skeptical of promises?  One broken promise after another seems to construct a wall of skepticism that eventually causes us to just not believe ANYTHING people say as a means of protection from disappointment.  Thankfully, GOD's promises are sure, which means they're guaranteed.  And it's time we stand upon the guaranteed Word of GOD and lay claim to everything He's promised us.  As it says in the latter portion of Hebrews 10:23, "he is faithful that promised."  What GOD has spoken SHALL come to pass! 

Therefore, be encouraged to let your time in worship extend the Set Apart Spirit a warm, welcoming invitation to clear your mind of all those ungodly thoughts and ways of reasoning you've let keep you from experiencing all GOD has for you.  Let Him reassuringly dismantle the wall you built with man's broken promises, that it might serve as a form of protection.  As your heart yields to the influence of the governor of the Kingdom, Ruach Hakodesh the Holy Spirit, He will minister to your hurting places and wounded spaces by administering the unconditional love of the Father.  It's time you free yourself in worship, receive the Father's love and be healed, so the broken promises of your past no longer interfere with you apprehending the promises of GOD. 

Exchange and Be Changed

One thing I personally love about the atmosphere worship sets is the healing and deliverance that takes place when the Father's presence is welcomed into the place of meeting. As a lead worshipper myself, it is what I desire to see happen every time I enter a corporate worship setting, regardless of whether I be on assignment to lead or not. Scripture declares that where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17). If the Set Apart Spirit is indeed present, then there also should be the manifestation of liberty. And it goes beyond the freedom to praise and worship. If nothing else is evident, the signs of the times should be clear enough for us to see that people are in desperate need of so much more than a "hallelujah good time."  There is a desire for the liberation to live--and might I add to live life more abundantly, as the Savior Himself said (John 10:10).

As we endeavor to become atmosphere changers and not just atmosphere readers, it is imperative that we become intentional worshippers. Each time we enter into the holy of holies, it should be our aim that we welcome the presence of Almighty GOD in to repair every broken place and mend every torn space in us as well as those around us in worship. When we worship with an awareness that there are others around us in need of repair and mending, we'll be more inclined to take the intensity of our worship up a notch or three because we understand that the healing virtue of GOD flows freely in His presence. As worshippers--whether we be onstage behind microphones, playing instruments or singing among the congregation--we must be fully engaged in the moment, so the right atmosphere can be created.

Worship Brings Transformation

One of the greatest things that can happen in your life is the inner transformation that occurs as evidence of your life of worship.  Believers often talk about themselves being worshippers, but their lifestyles will sometimes make you wonder if worship is really at work in them.  And it's not that there is an expectation for GOD's people to be without flaws and issues.  (Because GOD never promised a life void of flaws and issues, only a life in which His people would be empowered to live victoriously over them all.)  There is, however, an expectation that the sensitivity the life of worship imparts frees the believer to acknowledge their shortcomings without becoming victim to them.  The barriers that separate people, causing mankind to pay more attention to our differences than our similarities, are ultimately destroyed when the Creator and who we are in Him becomes our main focus.

As any true worshipper can confirm, the transformation that happens in those sacredly secret spaces of the soul is all the proof you need that GOD is in you and you are in Him.  His presence stirs the mind, will and emotions in such a profound way that you begin to see Him, yourself and everything (as well as everyone) around you differently.  Internally, what was once closed off amazingly opens and experiences a power so supernatural that your humanity hardly has the strength to stand in such an overwhelming presence.  Walls built in response to past hurts and disappointments literally topple beneath the weight of GOD's everlasting love, and the Father's reassurance provides the encouragement necessary to walk by faith in the newness of life when physical senses would find safety in the bondages of those old fears.

The Desire For Fresh Fire - Part 2 | 01.05.13

While conversing with my mom on yesterday, she said something that left me super inspired to write this (unplanned) second installment.  After reading the original blog, her spirit and mind connected the dots that, "This must be what it means to fight fire with fire."  I immediately became intrigued because I never before considered this.  By posturing ourselves as holy fire starters here in the Earth, we are creating a thoroughfare for the glory of GOD to be manifested in such a way that it fights the fiery darts of the enemy on our behalf.  Man, that right there encourages me to the very core of my soul!

The Confidence We Have | 08.08.12

This past Saturday, the following Facebook status I posted seemed to garner a good bit of attention:

"Elton Taylor believes the very best thing to do whenever you feel overwhelmed is to ASCEND IN WORSHIP. Worrying solves nothing. Emotional reactions change nothing. They only make YOU worse off... But when you elevate your mind above the circumstances and begin to magnify the LORD your GOD, something happens... YOU change! Your perspective, your response, your attitude ALL change because NOW you're looking at those same circumstances from a totally different angle than before. You being able to get past how you feel and call for an uprising of GOD's glory without musicians, a worship team or pastor is what keeps you together AWAY FROM THE PHYSICAL SANCTUARY. #TrustMe #YourSanityDependsOnIt"

What I didn't share on Facebook was that I was speaking from my own experience of what was going on that very day.  I began to feel overwhelmed by things happening around me, and it became more evident as my mind began to race with thoughts of "What if?," "How will I?" and the such.  The hovering presence of worry was attempting to set in, and then I remembered something: "I don't have to feel this way!"  I can't tell you how many times I've said, "The joy of the LORD is my strength," "In His presence there is fullness of joy," and "Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the LORD delivers them out of them all."  BUT THIS TIME, I had to do more than just SAY it...  I had to BECOME it.  Those words had to COME to BE...IN ME.

Never Cease To Worship | 07.08.12

While contemplating the power of worship a while back, I was inspired to post the following status update on the FHW Facebook page:

"As we worship and usher GOD's presence into our lives, it's the very weight of His glory that tips the scales of life situations in our favor.  So NEVER cease to worship..."

For those who may not know, there is an empowerment that comes with worshiping GOD.  It follows the release of cares and concerns regarding situations over which we, many times, have zero control.  When we choose to worship GOD, as opposed to worshiping problems via our worry, a holy activation begins to take place.  There's a rising up of GOD's power within us that lifts our countenance, changes how we perceive our situations and even manifests solutions.  Worship is indeed powerful because it's our way of letting GOD know that He is more worth our time, energy and resources than the many other things that daily tug on us.

By making GOD's presence in our lives a top priority, we position ourselves to daily witness GOD shifting His weight on our behalf.  GOD's glory does not show up where it's not welcomed.  Therefore, we must make a habit of ensuring the Holy Spirit is ALWAYS welcome in our lives and not just when we want something.  We must never let ourselves become overconfident.  In order to consistently see GOD's glory tip the scales of life situations in our favor, we must REQUIRE the presence of GOD.  Let's strive to increase the extremity of our sincerity, thereby causing us to do away with the foolishness of religion.  Let's focus on our faith and refuse to allow situations and circumstances to rob us of the joy of our salvation.  Be found in worship.  Be found exalting GOD above all else.  And we'll see His power manifest as His presence saturates our lives.

Love Responding To Love | 06.06.12

About a couple of days ago, I was listening to the song "How He Loves," as recorded by David & Nicole Binion along with the music ministry of Covenant Church.  During his exhortation, David Binion says, "Worship is simply love responding to love."  Now I've listened to this song a number of times over the two years I've owned this recording, but THIS TIME it stood out like never before.  My guess is because I'm getting a greater understanding of GOD's love, its significance and its power, thanks to the book I recently finished reading ("Furious Pursuit: Why GOD Will Never Let You Go" by Tim King and Frank Martin), which has phenomenally impacted my life.  (It was so good that I've consecutively read it twice and am about to read it AGAIN.)

Shortly after awaking this morning, I pondered that quote from David Binion and the Holy Spirit began to impart His insight to me as I meditated on those words.  Worship is the manifestation of our relationship with GOD.  He loves us so much that we'll literally spend the rest of our lives and all of eternity comprehending the magnitude of GOD's love.  More than anything, worship is our response to GOD's love.  The more extravagant our response to the love of GOD, the greater our comprehension of it.  Furthermore, as we mature in the depth of our comprehension of GOD's love, the more extravagant growth we'll see in our love responding to His love.

Experiencing GOD's Greater Glory - Part Two | 04.28.12

Being an obedient citizen is an extremely critical aspect of Kingdom life.  It's directly linked to loving GOD, believing His Word and having faith in His promises, all of which are believed by some to be ABOVE obedience.  Scripture says that if we love GOD, then we'll keep His commandments (John 14:15).  Since the Book of James admonishes us to not only be hearers of the Word but doers also (James 1:22), believing GOD's Word implies we're doing something with the Word we've heard.  Otherwise, it's rather hard for us to validate our beliefs.  That which we believe must motivate us to take corresponding action.  And, of course, we're all familiar with the scripture that faith without works is dead (James 2:20).  Something must be done on our part in order to activate the power of our faith in GOD's promises.  One of our best examples is Abraham, whose faith pleased GOD simply because He obeyed GOD.  Abraham took Isaac, the promised son of his old age, up Mt. Moriah to offer him as a sacrifice, just as GOD instructed.  As we can see, obedience is prominent in every aspect of worship.

So please hear my heart, friends and readers...  It is not my mission to judge or condemn ANYONE should their beliefs and/or choices be different.  In fact, I've been commissioned to help those--including myself--who are open to receiving the help GOD provides and doing better.  I beseech--I beg--of us all to evaluate our own lives.  Let's honestly consider how much of ourselves does GOD really have influence over?  Instead of examining the lives of others, how about we pray concerning those areas in our own lives that we've made off limits to GOD?  We're so fearful of what people would think, if they would ever know about our inner secret places, that even the illuminating power of GOD's Word can't even get past the barriers we've erected to provoke us towards personal improvement.

Father, make clear the instances in which our own rebellion against Your way of doing things have blocked our access to manifestations of Heaven's power here in the Earth.  We're all tired of church as usual, and it's the desire of our hearts to experience miraculous moves of Your power in our midst.  Help us to obey You, O GOD: we understand now that this how the glass ceiling over our worship will get shattered.  Through obedience, we can expect to experience Your greater glory WHENEVER and WHEREVER we worship You.  AMEN!

Feel free to check out Part 1 of Experiencing GOD's Greater Glory...

Experiencing GOD's Greater Glory - Part One | 04.27.12

Something very interesting recently occurred to me.  Well, first of all, I'm always listening, especially when people may be thinking that I'm not; and as I mentally replay dialogue that I've heard, certain statements and phrases usually stand out and catch my attention.  In this particular instance, I was thinking about how we have a tendency to say we want "more of GOD," or that we want "a greater experience with GOD."  While I do believe there are realms of glory we've yet to tap as worshippers, I don't believe that it's necessarily due to any "withholding" of glory on GOD's part.  Although this may be a tough pill to swallow, the GOD-presence we desire to experience, in most cases, far exceeds the depth in which we actually worship the Almighty.  We are the ones who limit GOD's ability to manifest Himself in greater ways because our worship, which we believe to be so deep, is in fact quite shallow.  The worship we offer fails to bring us into the place of intimacy with the Father that we desire because our disobedience nonverbally communicates a lack of trust in GOD.  And despite our best attempts at experiencing intimacy with GOD, who in their right mind feels comfortable letting their guard down around anyone they really don't trust?

I know this may offend some readers, but it's a truth of which we need to be made aware.  We can love GOD, believe His Word, have faith in His promises AND STILL find ourselves desiring more from our worship experiences.  Yes, I know that this sounds puzzling; however, what we neglect to consider a vital part of our worship is the powerful role obedience plays in the releasing of GOD's glory.  Isaiah 64:6 has been quoted by many to affirm that "our righteousness is as filthy rags" to GOD; and unfortunately, when taken out of context, this verse of scripture can mislead many well-intended believers to minimize the vital importance of obedience by downplaying its effect on our ability to experience GOD like never before.  The "righteousness" spoken of in Isaiah 64:6 refers to man not being able to achieve right standing with GOD on his own.  However, once we've been declared righteous by GOD, then we are to live righteously in obedience to GOD.  So let's be honest with ourselves, okay?  We can only sing so many songs, say so many prayers and shed so many tears before we hit a plateau in the realm of the Spirit.  Herein is the reason why our worship runs "smack dab" into spiritual glass ceilings: the places in GOD we desire to be require a greater degree of access than we've allowed ourselves to be granted... Reaching those untapped places in GOD we so desperately desire does not require better material to sing, more skilled musicians and vocalists, or higher quality instruments and audio equipment... The powerful moves of GOD we hunger for require lives of obedience, which in turn receive clearance from the heavenly government to function as portals (or conduits) for GOD's glory to enter the Earth realm.

Be sure to check out Part 2 of Experiencing GOD's Greater Glory

Only By Prayer and Fasting (Part 2 of 2) | 02.02.12

The following blog is a continuation from Part 1:

Faith comes by hearing both the Word that's already been spoken (Logos) as well as hearing what the Holy Spirit is yet saying (Rhema).  If we can't posture ourselves to hear, then it begs to be asked what exactly are we saying when we open our mouths to praise GOD?  Oh, that's right: WE DON'T... because THAT'S the praise team's job, just like it's the preacher's job to motivate us, the teacher's job to study the Word for us, and the intercessor's job to pray for us.  If we can't MOTIVATE ourselves, STUDY for ourselves and PRAY for ourselves, then we need to REEVALUATE ourselves because our faith apparently is in man and not in GOD.  Why do we place more faith in another man's ability to hear from GOD than our own?  Simple: we're too apathetic and lazy to do that which is necessary to hear from GOD for ourselves.  The whole point in Jesus reconciling us to the Kingdom and filling us with His Spirit is to the end that we indeed be able by the power of the same Spirit to boldly articulate prophetic utterances, consistently receive a Rhema Word and fervently pray for Heaven's earthly intervention OURSELVES.  However, all of this requires us being able to hear from Heaven.

Only By Prayer and Fasting (Part 1 of 2) | 02.01.12

It seems something strange is happening with my blogging.  As of late, I am being inspired by my own Facebook status updates.  It's kind of weird, since I tend to get inspiration from other people's status updates and tweets; so bear with me as I adjust to the new thing GOD is doing.  Earlier this week, I posted the following status:

"Elton Taylor believes that there are some things we desire from GOD which require prayer AND fasting.  Sorry, but we just can't praise our way out of EVERYTHING. C'mon, that's just silly..."

One of my goods friends left a comment that got me to thinking: "...you will be amazed at your heightened spiritual connection to really hear from GOD and how revealing scriptures are during that time frame."  I began to consider how fasting and praying COMBINED create a heightened sense of awareness in our spirit man.

Matching Heaven's Frequency (Part 2 of 2) | 01.09.12

Heaven's frequency grants us access to the yoke destroying power of the anointing that we so desperately need (Isaiah 10:27).  But it's not enough to just find it--we must create a duplication of Heaven's sound right here in the earth.  WE have to become the amplifier from which the sound of Heaven is audibly heard in the earth realm.  In other words, we need to see ourselves as the conduits through which the sound of the eternal unseen world enters into time.  This creates an avenue or thoroughfare, if you will, for the condition of Heaven to invade the condition of Earth and fulfill the purposes of the Almighty.  And because the Spirit of GOD dwells inside of the redeemed, every born again believer has the capability to do this--not just the singers and musicians.

Matching Heaven's Frequency (Part 1 of 2) | 01.08.12

As worshippers, it should be our earnest desire to see a manifestation of GOD's glory EVERY time we enter into worship.  Whether we be in a public or private setting, our time of worship should result in a divine visitation of GOD's Spirit.  Otherwise, we've wasted our time. After all, there's just simply no point in performing ACTS of worship without encountering GOD DURING the worship.  And that goes for everyone, not just the singers and musicians who have been tasked with leading the worship in our corporate gatherings.

In order to see a manifestation of GOD's power as we worship, it's imperative that we engage Him with this intention in mind.  Sadly, we've become so engrossed in the entertainment value of skilled musicianship and vocal performance that we have become comfortable NOT experiencing GOD.  Let's be honest: people have real problems, for which entertainment only provides escapism.  However, it's the much-needed encounter with Heaven that provides solutions to the problems that slowly squeeze the life out of us.  Therefore, when encountering Heaven, we must dismiss our souls' desire for entertainment and press in to the unseen spiritual realm.

The Pressing of Testing | 01.02.12

The Word for last year was that 2011 would be the year of testing, and every bit of that Word manifested just as the Spirit stated.  There were moments of success as well as failure, but GOD remained consistent despite our own inconsistencies.  And for that, I'm truly grateful.  GOD saw to it that we made it through the rigors of 2011 because He has greater in store for us in 2012.  HALLELUJAH!

During worship this past Sunday morning, the Holy Spirit plainly spoke to me regarding the New Year:  "The year of testing was indeed pressing, but the pressing is releasing fresh oil in the New Year."  There is a greater outpouring of GOD's anointing being released for 2012 because of the pressing in 2011.  And by "greater" I mean a "more potent" outpouring than had before.  It's not that GOD's power has become more potent.  The year of testing has better enabled us to carry a more potent anointing than before.  Therefore, the year of testing that seemed so unbearable has actually been worth it because we have left 2011 more powerful than we were at its onset.

Truly the effectual, fervant prayers of the righteous availeth much because one doesn't just skate through the year of testing.  However, there's something to be said about going through the rigors of "the process."  Designed to refine HOW we worship, the year of testing has better prepared us to wield the power that "the process" yields.  GOD is all about empowering His people to succeed at whatever tasks He places in front of us, no matter how impossible the work may seem.  And empowered people operate with the boldness, confidence and assurance that literally commands the desired results to manifest.  So as we enter 2012, may all we do be done in the power of the anointing released in the pressing of 2011.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

The Mind To Worship | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

The question was recently asked in an online discussion, "Why is it when we lead worship that some people can't get into it?"  My response was as follows:

"Of the many people who come to church, a good portion are not present.  Their bodies are physically in the sanctuary, but they're mentally elsewhere.  It is our thoughts that keep us from our Sabbath (i.e. our peace) as well as experiencing GOD's manifested presence through worship.  When the mind is cluttered with thoughts that aren't good, just, honest, pure, lovely and of good report, then how can one get into the corporate worship?  We always say that they who worship the Father must worship Him in spirit and in truth.  The mind is where truth is acknowledged, and it's also where the Bible says we must be renewed in order to be transformed.  Therefore, a mind unprepared for worship is what hinders most people from really participating in the corporate setting as they should.  Having the mind to worship in spite of all that's going on makes a HUGE difference in how we experience GOD's presence."

Soar and See | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

On Saturday, this thought came to me:

"Eagles soar higher in the air than any other bird, yet they can see from way up there everything happening on the ground.  We don't have to be on the ground to clearly see what's happening down there because GOD has already equipped us to see it all from above."

This blessed my soul because many times we find ourselves in situations and places which we ought not be.  We've been called to higher and loftier places, but there's still this appeal to remain connected with what's going on at the ground level.  Some of us have family members who keep us up at night worrying.  Others among us may be burdened with outstanding debts consuming our thoughts throughout our days.  There are even those who just can't seem to escape the seemingly magnetic pull of old habits and addictions.  All these things and more keep us from soaring.  They keep us connected to the ground, but GOD is calling us higher.  Our Father desires for us to view all that's happening on the ground from His perspective.

One of the greatest benefits in maintaining a lifestyle of worship is how remaining in GOD's presence keeps me in a place that's high above everything around me.  It doesn't matter what may be happening because remaining in the place of worship DETACHES my emotions from everything while simultaneously INFORMING my mind of all I need to know so my heart stays in check.  That's what the picture of the soaring eagle reminds me of.  Even though it soars such a great distance above the ground, the eagle's eyes are keenly aware of the smallest rodent scurrying on the ground and is sober-minded enough to know just when it's best to swoop downward.  When you've been designed to soar, life on the ground is dangerous.  So it's with great caution that we ought to handle that which is outside of the domain we've been created to thrive in.  Worry is not for us.  Addiction is not for us.  We've been made free; therefore, we need to stay in our place of freedom.

Getting A GOD-Eye View (Part 2) | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

It's not easy climbing the mountain of worship because it requires us to put aside all the doubts and fears associated with our life situations.  There must be a steadfast determination in worshippers to push past everything that would attempt to arrest our attention and paralyze our forward progress.  Otherwise, we will never ascend to the place of worship where unto GOD desires to meet with us.  Abraham was able to make up his mind to climb Moriah and offer the sacrifice GOD required of him because his mind wasn't on what he could possibly lose.  Just as he indicated in the valley BEFORE he started the climb, Abraham's mind was on seeing the manifestation of GOD's provision (Genesis 22:7-8).

It was in the low place that Abraham declared in faith to his two servants that both he and Isaac would go up to worship and they both would return afterwards (Genesis 22:5).  Abraham was sure of this because he believed GOD would provide Himself a sacrifice.  He didn't waste time trying to figure out how GOD was going to make a way.  Abraham believed GOD and made the climb.  Unfortunately, for many of us, we can't make the climb because our minds are consumed with what we can't affect.  We worry and we fret, yet our worrying doesn't change the situation and our fretting won't help us feel any better about things.  It's through the eyes of faith that we see beyond the present circumstances, so we can overrule our emotions and press our way into GOD's presence.

Getting A GOD-Eye View | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

During The Sound Worship Conference last month (hosted by David & Nicole Binion at Covenant Church), Pastor Mike Hayes delivered a phenomenal message entitled "Meet Me On Moriah" on the first night.  While he made a number of awesome points, what really got my wheels turning was how Abraham said that GOD's provision will be seen (Genesis 22:8).  As Abraham looked up from the bottom of Mt. Moriah and saw the place at the top to which GOD called him to worship, I can only imagine what was going through his head.  He's here in this valley because GOD had instructed him (in Genesis 22:1-2) to sacrifice his only son, Isaac; and by this point, Abraham, his son Isaac and the two servants accompanying them were three days into their journey to worship GOD in the place Abraham was being shown (Genesis 22:3-4).  But upon closer look, what we see here is GOD testing the heart of His servant Abraham.

Has GOD ever called you to a place that you've never before been and called for a sacrifice that you've never before been asked to offer?  Have you ever been led to an unfamiliar place to pay a price that you're just not totally sure of?  Abraham most certainly didn't understand what GOD was doing, but I can say with great certainty that he knew the heart of GOD.  Isaac was the son of promise through whom Abraham would become the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4-5, 19).  And since Isaac was unmarried and without a son, Abraham was confident that GOD would provide a sacrifice in Isaac's stead.  Abraham knew what the instructions were and his actions indicated his obedience to GOD, but the same believing faith that caused GOD to declare Abraham righteous (according to Galations 3:6) was in operation here at the foot of Moriah.  It was the unwavering belief of faithful Abraham that kept him focused as he and Isaac ascended Moriah (Hebrews 11:17-19).  Despite popular opinion, it doesn't take GREAT faith to persist through life's dark moments.  Let's just use the faith we have: it's powerful enough to silence every demon screaming into our ears those things that are contrary to what we believe.  If the enemy can get us to doubt GOD in those times when we don't understand Him, then we won't even be able to make it to the place of worship in which GOD has called us to meet him.