SERIES: RECOVERING STOLEN IDENTITY & RECLAIMING MISPLACED DESTINY: AN INTRODUCTION
Judges 6: 1 Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. So the Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years, 2 and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the children of Israel fled and lived in the dens, the caves, and the strongholds which are in the mountains. 3 So it was, whenever Israel had planted, Midianites would come up; also Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them. 4 Then they would encamp against them and destroy the produce of the earth as far as Gaza, and leave no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep nor cow nor donkey. 5 For they would come up with their livestock and their tents, coming in as numerous as locusts; both they and their camels were without number; and they would enter the land to destroy it. 6 So Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord. 7 And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried out to the Lord because of the Midianites, 8 that the Lord sent a prophet to the children of Israel, who said to them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘I brought you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of bondage; 9 and I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out before you and gave you their land. 10 Also I said to you, “I am the Lord your God; do not fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.” But you have not obeyed My voice.’” 11 Now the Angel of the Lord came and sat under the big oak tree which was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites. 12 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” 13 Gideon said to Him, “O my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.” 14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?” 15 So he said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” 16 And the Lord said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.” 17 Then he said to Him, “If now I have found favor in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is You who talk with me. 18 Do not depart from here, I pray, until I come to You and bring out my offering and set it before You.” And He said, “I will wait until you come back.”
INTRODUCTION: RESTORING STOLEN IDENTITY AND RECLAIMING MISPLACED DESTINY: AN INTRODUCTION.
Series: About Stolen Identity & Misplaced Destiny & How We Can Find Them Again. Stolen Identity: Esau & Jacob, David, Adam & Eve, Moses, Elijah. Misplaced Destiny: Joseph, David, Moses, Paul, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc.
IDENTITY THEFT IN THE REAL WORLD.
Identity Thefts Leading To Undue Suffering Are Real Problems In Society: Identity Theft: Deceitful & unauthorized use of a person's private info usually for financial gains. It happens to millions of Americans every year & is increasing - about 14 million identities stolen in 2015. Despite the risks, many don’t know anything about identity theft. How Does It Work?
1. Acquisition Of Personal Data: 1st Step of Identity Theft is when someone steals your personal data thru hacking, fraud & trickery, phishing scams, redirecting or intercepting mail, physical theft - a criminal digs through your trash for infos - and data breaches. E.g. Data breaches made hackers steal private information of nearly 80% working Americans and made away with SS #, addresses, etc. At times they steal information but nothing happens.
2. Use Of The Stolen Identity: 2nd Step of identity theft occurs when thieves use personal data collected. They thieves normally conduct series of trials to test validity of the stolen info. If data proves accurate, scammers will attempt to steal more info from same source or take immediate action on data at disposal. Some common ways thieves use personal data:
? Open new accounts;
? Take over existing accounts;
? Use victim’s debit / credit cards to make purchases – houses, merchandise, etc.;
? Sell the identity on the black market;
? Acquire additional identity related documents, e.g. health insurance cards, passports;
? File fraudulent tax returns;
? Commit insurance fraud;
? Rent & steal rental cars; etc.
3. Discovery & Correction Of Identity Theft. Final Stages of identity theft involve Discovery & Correction. Discovery: Some forms of identity theft can be caught right away, like the misuse of credit or debit cards. Unfortunately, many types go undiscovered for years. The longer it takes to catch identity theft, the more accounts criminals can compromise. Correction: When you attempt to get back your identity. Depending on how long your identity theft remained undetected, it could take years and not be fully resolved.
7 TYPES OF IDENTITY THEFT EXPLAINED.
1. Commercial Identity Theft- using another person's business name to obtain credit.
2. Criminal Identity Theft- Posing as another when apprehended for a crime.
3. Financial Identity Theft- Using another's identity to obtain goods and services.
4. Identity Cloning- Using another's information to assume the individual’s identity in daily life.
5. Medical Identity Theft- Using another's information to obtain medical care or drugs.
6. Identity Theft In Media- Stealing one’s identity to receive praise for victim’s achievements.
7. Social Identity Theft: Take your info & create own social media page. E.g. Joann Varnie.
ABOUT STOLEN IDENTITY AND MISPLACED DESTINY.
What Is Identity? In secular terms, identity is who a person is. It tells on the surface who you are. What Is Destiny? What you will do with what you were called to be. In Spiritual Terms: Identity answers the question: ‘Who has God called you to be?’ He has called you to be a Pastor, Musician, Engineer, Giver, Mother, Encourager, etc.
1. Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
3. Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Destiny is the answer to the question: ‘What has God called you to do?’ As a king, pastor, mother, father, what has He called you to do?
1. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
2. Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.
3. Psalm 138:8 The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.
4. Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, 'My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure'.
NOTE: Discovering the answers to these questions can help us Discover Our Identity & Fulfill Our Destiny (Calling) of God on our lives. Many were called to be something but they never accomplished it though they have all the giftings to. See David For Example.
1. Ps. 71:70 God chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; 71 from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. 72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.
2. Acts 13:36 For David, after he had accomplished the purpose of God in his generation, he slept with his fathers. (So refuse to die until you have accomplished your destiny).
IDENTITY THEFT IN GIDEON.
In Judges 6, Israel Is Living Under Oppression From Their Enemies, The Midianites. All are in hiding from the enemy including a young man Gideon who is hiding in a winepress, threshing wheat. God sends an Angel to Gideon to proclaim his God-given Identity & Destiny. Judges 6:12-14 12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” 13 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” 14 The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”
When The Angel Calls Gideon A ‘Mighty Man Of Valor,’ He Is Calling Him By His God-Given Identity. In the Bible, name is often synonymous with a God-ordained identity or destiny. Gideon means ‘cutter down’ or ‘destroyer’, and Gideon is destined to be a leader who, with God’s help, will overthrow Israel’s powerful enemies. But Gideon sees himself differently - as insignificant & powerless. Thus he is living in fear & weakness. The angel’s pronouncement of Gideon’s identity & destiny sets in motion chain of events that propels Gideon out of hiding & into history. Gideon Teaches Us Things About Our Identity & Destiny.
THREE THINGS WE LEARN FROM GIDEON IDENTITY & DESTINY.
1. God Himself Initiates Your Identity & Destiny.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. God steps into Gideon’s normal, everyday life and announces His intention for him. God’s purpose for our lives is not our own good idea of what we would like to be or do - it is His plan for us. God’s destiny for your life will be consistent with the way He wired you. It may be helpful to consider the clues He has given - your unique experiences, passion, abilities and spiritual gifts. God took Gideon by surprise and has some surprises in store for you. Take time to pray & ask God the questions: ‘What have you called me to do?’ ‘Who have you called & created me to be?’ You may need to ask godly leaders you trust of what they see in you. Allow them to speak into your life. You Need Destiny Helpers…
Examples Of Destiny Helpers And Destiny Killers:
1. The Paralytic Borne Of Four: Mark 2:1-12: Capernaum - Four friends were destiny helpers - tried to go thru the door, could not, but did not give up. Those God has ordained to help you will not give up on you. These friends knew if a door shuts, one opens at the top.
2. Jethro & Moses: Gen. 18 Jethro was a destiny helper to Moses. He went to meet Moses, and advised Him on how to appoint & delegate helpers. He gave Moses wise counsel.
3. Joseph, The Butler & The Baker: Gen. 40:6-7 In prison, Joseph looked after the butler & baker when they were downcast & helped the Butler to fulfill his destiny. Be a burden bearer.
4. Naaman & The Maid: 2 Kings 5:3: God used a maid to help Naaman. God can use anybody to help you. Do not overlook people God will send in your life.
5. Elijah & The Widow Of Zarephath: 1 Kings 17:12-13: God sent Elijah to save the widow of Zarephath and her son from death.
6. Mordecai & Esther: Esther was an orphan but her uncle, Mordecai, who knew she was special, kept her & disciplined her. When the time came, he introduced her to greatness.
7. Hannah & Eli: 1 Sam. 1:17: Eli had issues, but he was the destiny helper God used to unlock Hannah’s barrenness. All Hannah needed was a prophetic declaration from a priest.
8. Shunammite Woman & Elisha: 2 Kings 4: Shunammite woman told husband they should help Elisha. Thru Elisha she had child. May God open your eyes to locate your destiny helper.
Examples Of Some Destiny Killers In Mark 2:1-12
1. People Preventing Paralytic Man From Reaching Jesus: Mark 2: The friends tried to get their paralyzed friend thru the door but the people around Jesus wouldn't allow them. They were not bothered about the condition of the paralyzed man. They had no compassion; and diverted the friends from getting to Jesus. They are destiny killers – they block your dream, divert your destiny, cause delay, frustrate efforts, only see the negative side of you, and they kill your joy. Destiny killers tell you your vision is too big, they drag you back. Destiny killers are discouragers, time wasters, and limit and mock you. Some destiny killers are in your house, Church, around you. Destiny killers weaken your faith. If your destiny has been diverted, God would re-order it today in Jesus Name. Any tare that has been sown in your life by the enemy will be uprooted in Jesus Mighty Name.
2. Herod Killing Others To Secure Himself (Matt. 2:1-18): Bent on abolishing the destiny of others. He tried to kill Jesus; killed babies, beheaded John the Baptist, killed James, etc.
3. Sanballat & Tobiah Hindered Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:10): Discouraged Nehemiah by claiming the vision was too big.
Note: Your destiny killers must change or God will trouble them, take away their peace, give them an assignment they cannot complete (Acts 23:12 – took oath to kill Paul). If destiny killers don’t change, may God send them on journey of no return.
2. God Himself Turns Our Weaknesses Into His Strengths.
1 Cor. 1:26-27 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.’ When God calls Gideon, the young man does not comprehend his Destiny Or His Identity - in fact, he is currently being and behaving the very opposite of what God has called him to be. Gideon is fearful; however his God-given identity is to be BOLD. He feels himself to be the smallest and least significant, but God is calling him to be a leader. God does have a sense of humor - in the Bible, those whom God uses powerfully usually have a history of weakness or failure in their very area of strength. E.G. Plague On Office Wall…
3. God Himself Desires Intimate Relationship With Us To Wholly Fulfil Our Destiny.
Here Is The Bottom Line. Here Is The Very Foundation Of Our Identity & Destiny. We are created to have an intimate love relationship with God. This is the beginning of our identity and the ultimate end of our destiny. An Encounter With God Is An Invitation To Relationship With Him. Potentially, Gideon’s encounter with God could be the beginning of a personal relationship with Him. He has the opportunity to be an Abraham, a Moses - a friend of God. Gideon has the opportunity now, to not only overcome the enemy, but also to lead Israel in worship of God. However, tragically, he will fall short of his destiny and instead, lead the nation into idolatry (Judges 8:22-27).
As Christian Believers, We Are Sons And Daughters Of A Loving Father. This is the relationship that Jesus paid to restore when He shed His blood on the cross. And before we can fully understand our personal identity, we need to comprehend our Family identity. We need to understand what it means to have the divine DNA, the identity of being a member of God’s royal family. Once we have understood this, we can fully embrace and enter into our personal God-given identity - and fulfil it.
WHAT DESTROYS IDENTITY AND DESTINY IN OUR LIVES – THE MIDIANITES.
Judges 6:2 “The POWER of the MIDIANITES was SO OPPRESSIVE…” The Same Way thieves are bent on Stealing our Identity & Blocking our Destiny. If the thief can take your identity, he can destroy your ability to function smoothly. In spirit realm, John 10:10: “The thief comes…” (his mission)
1. Through Lies: Have God Said? You Are Not Good Enough
2. Through Your Past: Disappointments / Statements Made. You Won’t Amount To Anything.
3. Through Problems: And Mountains You See.
4. Multiple Problems: They come in ripples.
5. Your Background: What you lack or family history.
6. Forgetting Your Position In Christ: Lost identity.
7. Through Under-Rating Yourself: That Person Is Better Than You.
8. Through Fears: You are afraid of what is to come.
RESULTS OF LOST IDENTITY AND MISPLACED DESTINY.
1. You Become A Pessimist.
2. Hiding From Public View.
3. Forgetfulness Of Who God Is And What He Has Done.
4. Unmet Goals And Aspirations.
5. Losing The Will To Dream Or Take Risks.
6. Being Suspicious Of Everyone.
7. Barely Getting By To Survive.
8. Living A Life Of No Faith.
9. You Tear Down The Achievements Of Others Through Envy And Jealousy.
10. You Live In Pity.
11. You Hold Grudges And Hatred And Revenge.
12. You Forget Who You Are And What God Has In Store For You.
13. You Speak Rashly And Make Stupid Vows To Impress Others – Not God.
CONCLUSION: THE HELPER OF HELPERS.
Note: Final Stages of identity theft involve Discovery & Correction. Discovery: What your identity & destiny are in Christ. Correction: Proclaim it over your life and the way you live. But The Chief & Original Helper Is The Almighty God, the King of kings, Lord of lords, One that positions people to help you, Helper of the helpless, the very present help in times of trouble, the glory and the lifter up of our heads, the Original Promoter, the One that can demote someone in order to elevate you. God Almighty will activate your destiny helpers and send them your way to lift you up today in IJN. God engineered it and took the paralyzed man to the top where no evil one, power or principality could touch him. Jesus healed the paralytic, forgave him, and he immediately arose, took up his bed and walked past those who had earlier not made a way for him. God will make a way where there was no way.
KNOWING YOUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST BIBLE VERSES.
4. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
5. John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
BIBLE VERSES ON FULFILLING MY DESTINY
5. Acts 17:26 And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation.
6. Acts 27:24 Saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.'
INTERCESSION: PRAYERS AGAINST IDENTITY THEFTS & DESTINY KILLERS.
1. The enemy will not convert my destiny & identity to rags IJN.
2. Lord, restore me to your original design for my life IJN.
3. O Lord, enlarge my coast beyond my imagination IJN.
4. I refuse to operate below my divine identity & destiny IJN.
5. O Lord, anoint my eyes, hand and legs to locate my divine purpose IJN.
6. I come against every power contending with my divine destiny IJN.
7. Everywhere my identity has been stolen and misrepresented, I take it back IJN.
8. God, arise and let every powers of the night working against my life be destroyed IJN.
9. Every yoke of the oppressor over my destiny is broken by fire IJN.
10. Every tombstone designed to bury my destiny is shatter IJN.
11. Let the spirit of excellence come upon me IJN.
12. Any power militating against my life shall be disgraced IJN
13. Any power assigned to steal, kill, bury my career, children, progress, marriage is silenced IJN.
14. Unfriendly helpers, I command you to depart from me IJN.
15. Lord, rend the heavens open and bring destiny helpers to me IJN.
16. Every personality antagonizing my divine helpers shall be confused IJN.
17. Let the mark of good favor & spiritual sensitivity fall upon me right now IJN.
THE AARONIC BLESSINGS
Numbers 6:23–27: 24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. 27 “So shall the name of the Lord be upon you and bless you. Amen.
SERIES CONTINUES NEXT WEEK IF GOD KEEPS US ALIVE
ILLUSTRATION: Rocks / Gravel / Coffee / Sands / Water: Put the important things – God, family, health, education - in your life first, and all others will follow.
5 Ordinary Objects To Teach How We Can Live Well In The Year 2010.
1. A Mirror – Remember Who You Are. 1 John 3:1-3
2. A Withered Leaf – Stay Connected, Pursue Intimacy With God
3. Water – Pour More Of God In… Did anyone add any dirt to their glass in 2009?
4. A Light – It’s About Him” "You are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14-16
5. A Rope – We’re Better Together (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
