PSALM TWENTY

PUT THE FLAGS OUT!  
  
  After the battle of the Falklands, England had a strong reminder of
Victory Europe Day and Victory Japan Day.  Welcoming the forces home
there were demonstrations with flags and bunting flying everywhere. 
This demonstration of the spirit of victory has happened in nations
since time immemorial.  In Psalm 20, a prayer written by David, we see
this spirit of victory in the heart of his song.  The psalm was a
prayer used for the success of his great expedition against the
Ammonites and Syrians, who came with a vast number of horses and
chariots to fight Israel. (2 Sam.10.6-8 & 1 Chron 19.7.)  In verse 5 of
the song, David cries, "In the Name of our God we will set up our
banners".  He rejoiced in victory BEFORE the battle began.  
  Here are three reasons why we should set up our banners in the Name
of our God:- 
  1. We should set up our banners because we have an invisible and
invincible army behind us.  We cannot see them, but they can see us. 
We must say in face of the enemy, "This is where we stand!"  God will
hear - hear so as to answer - in time of trouble.  He will not hear
then turn away.  He will defend us in ALL our affliction, distress,
adversity and anguish.  "The Name of God defend thee!"  Wave your
flag1.  This is your pasport.  It gives us free access to heaven and to
all His embassies below.  Wave your flag!  He will be mindful of
us...He will record...He will recount, all your thank offerings and
burnt offerings.  Literally, it could read, "He will turn to ashes the
burnt offering."  That is exactly how sacrifice comes to its full
conclusion.  Your heart's desire will come to pass.  Wave your flag! 
  2. We should set up our banners because we have the strength of Joy. 
"We will rejoice in Thy salvation."  The joy of the Lord is our
strength.  Wave your flag! don't flag your wave!  "Who for the joy that
was set before him, endured the Cross, despising the shame."  this is
what the Scripures record about our Saviour Jesus Christ, God's Son. 
The Joy of victory lies ahead.  Wave your flag!  If we only rejoice on
joyful occasions we may never reach those occasions.  Remember, that
the first step in giving up the fight is feeling miserable and sorry
for yourself.  If the devil can break your morale, he has more than
half conquered you.  "We will rejoice and wave our flags!" 
  3. We should set up our banners because we stand in God.  Some
'think upon' chariots, says the psalmist.  Some 'think upon' horses. 
We will 'THINK UPON' the Name of our God.  They are brought down -
completely overthrown and rendered powerless.  "We have straightened
ourselves up!"  Stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the Cross!  When the
Devil would have you crawling, wave your flag and stand erect! 
  At some time or another everyone will have sorrow and trial.  In ALL
trouble, prayer is the best resort.  But, prayer does not absolve us
from action.  Wave your flag and take your stand for God. 



Copyright (c) 1995, Hedley Palmer. All rights reserved.



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