First of all, this scripture makes it plain that we must wrestle. The challenge is remaining focused on the real warfare. We should not spend our wheels looking, auguring, becoming frustrated at the physical side of the issue. The real battle is in the spirit realm.

Jacob had to wrestle with the Angel of the LORD for a blessing that was greater than his many possessions. This man had a revelation that we need as our anthem. The LORD told him to go back to the promise land and yet, He wrestled with Jacob when he reached it.The art of wrestling is an attempt to lift the opponent’s feet off the ground. Jacob was determined to keep his feet on the promised land. His determination got him a nature (name) change.

Don’t let your prayers become a pity party. keep your feet on the promised land and stay with it until your nature is changed.

Pastor J. L. Godbolt PhD

This story goes back to the days when the Children of Israel where coming out of Egypt and crossing over into Canaan’s Land. There were certain nations (namely the same ones in this lesson) that would not let them cross peacefully.

It looked like God was about to allow the enemy to live and get away scott free. However, it was in His plan to allow them more time to gather more goods. They owed God and they were about to pay up.

Sometimes, God allows your enemy to accumulate enough items so He can get His due with interest. When you have an enemy that seems to follow you, blocks your path, impedes your way, go to your secret place, pull out your best song and sing, “The battle is the LORD’s”. He is storing up for your big miracle.

Pastor J. L. Godbolt, PhD

It is natural for us to develop a value system in the Earth.Things such as; furs, automobiles, entertainment and other treasured possessions can be your greatest hinderances to your spiritual stature.

There are athletes that carry special insurance on their body parts. Others purchase coverage for pets, paintings, etc. But how about your walk with God? Do you know the value of it?

Abram was challenged to walk before the LORD with a perfect heart.

Where are your feet in this journey?

Pastor J. L. Godbolt, Ph.D

In a meeting with our single young adults, we discussed the importance of praying for the invisible way for your future mate. I believe that millions of couples missed their “ordained” spouse because the invisible way was intersected by a visible path of selfishness and immediate gratification.

Solomon described these four things as too wonderful, meaning, hidden, miracle, marvelous and difficult. It is awesome watching an eagle find the air current that keeps it soaring; admiring a ship charting its way through the waters; and watching two people catching each other’s eye and finding the invisible path of love.

We should pray to our heavenly Father for His divine guidance and protection of His invisible way for our life, our spouse, our children, and all those who are called to cross our path in this life. And for those of us in our latter days, let’s pray for God to keep His invisible way before our eyes.

Pastor J.L. Godbolt

Some time ago, I injured my knee in a sporting event. The process of stretching and icing it down was helping, but it was taking a long time to get back to pain free. I continued the process so long that unconsciously, I would grimace with an expression of pain when in reality there was no pain. I had lived with the discomfort and the regiment of compensating and ice packs so long that my mind could not conceive the truth. I was pain free!

Too often, the hurts of the past keeps good Christians grimacing in the present with phantom pain that does not exist. If you take that issue to the Cross of Calvary and lay it at the feet of Jesus and ask for the Water and the Blood that flowed from His side, you will experience a deliverance like never before.

There is power in the Blood. It washes away the pain of the present and the past.

Pastor J. L. Godbolt, PhD

Some time ago I was invited to attend a “change of command” ceremony. A member of our church congregation was taking over the unit. The ceremony was well underway when I spotted a soldier in formation on the front row pass out. Two of his comrades caught him and stood him up before he hit the ground.

I watched him because he never quite got it together. The next time his knees buckled, one soldier caught him, pulled him out of formation and without a word another stood in his place. In one smooth motion a soldier was moved and the vacancy filled.

As believers, we are warriors in the army of the LORD. We have to be on guard to cover our brothers and sisters on the front line and in the trenches. No matter the circumstances surrounding their fall, be ready to step up and cover their spot. Watch and pray!

Pastor J. L. Godbolt, PhD

I have seen a lot of Christians try to excuse themselves from the trials and tribulations of this spiritual journey. They gather scriptures and fellow believers to support their theory of bypassing the challenges of carrying a cross.

The apostle Paul made it clear about how we will get to know the Lord. It comes through (1) fellowshipping his suffering, (2) being made conformable to His death, and (3) the power of His resurrection. Remember, you can’t be resurrected if you have not died and you cannot be conformed to His death until you suffer.

There are four kinds of crosses we will bear throughout this life. First, there is the inherited cross. This is based on your nationality, family pedigree and the like. The second is the appointed cross. These are things God designed for you to carry throughout life so you can make His Name known. Thirdly, there is your cross. This cross is either large or small based on the choices we made in life. Finally, you must carry Jesus’ cross. This is the only cross that has Blood on it! Get under Jesus’ cross and get the Blood on you!

Pastor J. L. Godbolt PhD