"There are no victories at discount prices." General Dwight Eisenhower *

“There is something about war that sharpens the senses... You hear a twig snap or the rustling of leaves and you are in attack mode. Someone coughs and you are ready to pull the trigger. Even after days of little of no sleep, war keeps us vigilant. “

HOW EHUD MADE WAR - Ehud wasn’t AFRAID to confront the enemy Running FROM God is the longest race of all. HOW WE MAKE WAR Confront SIN! Running TO God is the shortest.

HOW EHUD MADE WAR - Ehud wasn’t AFRAID to confront the enemy Ehud ACCEPTED his potential in God’s eyes Without the gospel, we hate ourselves, instead of our sin. HOW WE MAKE WAR Confront SIN! See our VALUE in Christ! Worth is never determined by a price tag, Worth is determined by what your willing to pay to get it back.

HOW EHUD MADE WAR - Ehud wasn’t AFRAID to confront the enemy Ehud ACCEPTED his potential in God’s eyes Ehud had unreserved FAITH in and RECOGNITION of the ability and resources of God. Our responsibility is RESPONSE to God’s ABILITY HOW WE MAKE WAR Confront SIN! See our VALUE in Christ! Remain HUMBLE!

Colossians 2: As therefore you have received the Christ, Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, 7 Having been rooted and being built up in Him, and being established in the faith even as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 8 Beware that no one carries you off as spoil through his philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ; 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, 10 And you have been made full in Him, who is the Head of all rule and authority.

Colossians 2:8a (other bible versions) “See to it that no one takes you captive…” “Don't let anyone capture you…” “Be careful not to let anyone rob you…” “See to it that no one enslaves you…” “Beware lest any man spoil you…” “Take care that no one takes you away by force…” “Beware lest any man cheat you…” “See that there be no one who shall lead you away as a prey…” “Take care lest there be some one who leads you away as prisoners…”

PART 2 VICTORY IN ADVERSITY GENESIS 26 & 1 PETER 1 "There are no victories at discount prices.” General Dwight Eisenhower

Genesis 26:1-6, 12 1 Now there was a famine in the land—besides the earlier famine of Abraham's time—and Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar. 2 The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. 3 Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. 4 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, VICTORY IN ADVERSITY

Genesis 26:1-6, 12 5 because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws." 6 So Isaac stayed in Gerar. 12 Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him. VICTORY IN ADVERSITY

The famines we face: relationship difficulties, financial hardship, depression, health issues, spiritual Genesis 26:1 1 Now there was a famine in the land… Genesis 26:12 12 Isaac planted crops in that land… VICTORY IN ADVERSITY

1 Peter 1:6-7 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith… may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. VICTORY IN ADVERSITY

WHAT DOES A FAMINE PRODUCE? 1. GROWTH Growth is the product of active resistance “Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God.” Thomas Jefferson Genesis 26:12 12 Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him. VICTORY IN ADVERSITY

WHAT DOES A FAMINE PRODUCE? 1. GROWTH 2. AN OVERCOMERS ATTITUDE We do not determine growth by what we avoid in life, but by what we overcome. Don’t avoid the famine, overcome the oppression VICTORY IN ADVERSITY

WHAT DOES A FAMINE PRODUCE? 1. GROWTH 2. AN OVERCOMERS ATTITUDE 3. LIFE OR DEATH Famine will either: - make us more sensitive to God - or make us dull and insensitive, and proud. Regardless of the famine, the highest goal of the believer is: - to become increasingly and progressively better acquainted with the Lord. VICTORY IN ADVERSITY

WHAT DOES A FAMINE PRODUCE? 1. GROWTH 2. AN OVERCOMERS ATTITUDE 3. LIFE OR DEATH 4. OPPORTUNITY The greatest revelation of your life is hiding in the greatest trial of your life. VICTORY IN ADVERSITY

Even though we might experience famine in your life, As Issac did, just keep sowing- GOD WANTS TO BLESS YOU! Don't give up… keep perusing God for all that’s in you. VICTORY IN ADVERSITY