Embracing Open Heaven: Choosing God’s Presence Over Earthly Gains

In 2 Kings 5, we read the compelling story of Naaman, a wealthy Syrian general suffering from leprosy. Despite his influence and wealth, he was plagued with a condition he couldn’t heal himself, and his only hope came through an unexpected source—a young servant girl who shared her faith and directed him to the prophet Elisha. This young girl’s faith in God’s power illustrates the theme of "open heaven," a moment when God’s presence and power manifest so tangibly that even the impossible can happen. Her simple faith invited Naaman, a polytheist and idol-worshiper, to experience the healing power of the true God.

Naaman’s story is remarkable because he wasn’t a believer, yet God’s mercy extended to him in his time of need. When he sought out Elisha, however, he quickly learned that God’s healing wouldn’t come through any grand gesture or transactional exchange. He arrived ready to pay for his miracle, but Elisha didn’t even greet him personally. Instead, he sent a servant with an unexpected instruction: Naaman was to dip himself in the muddy waters of the Jordan seven times. It was not the dignified, miraculous spectacle Naaman had expected; it was simple obedience. And, at first, his pride resisted this humbling command.

This part of Naaman’s journey teaches us a profound lesson: God isn’t impressed by our status or wealth. He values our posture before Him, our willingness to humbly obey. Through Naaman’s initial resistance, we see how we often expect grand gestures in response to our prayers, overlooking the simple acts of faith and obedience that open heaven in our lives. Finally, at the urging of his officers, Naaman relented and followed the prophet’s instruction. His healing came, transforming his life and leading him to acknowledge the God of Israel as the one true God. When heaven opens, lives change—not because of fanfare but because of simple obedience and humility.

This story doesn’t end with Naaman’s healing, though. In a surprising turn, we see Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, falter in his commitment. Unlike Naaman, Gehazi was a follower of God and a servant to the prophet, positioned to inherit a double portion of Elisha’s anointing. However, Gehazi’s focus shifted, and he was more captivated by the wealth that Naaman offered than by his own calling. He pursued Naaman secretly, lying to obtain material gain. In this moment, Gehazi chose the “door of opportunity” over the “door of responsibility.”

The contrast between Gehazi’s and Naaman’s choices highlights the dangers of misplaced priorities. Gehazi traded his future with God for temporary, material gain. By choosing the door of opportunity rather than responsibility, he lost the anointing and blessing that was waiting for him. The Bible says, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity” (Proverbs 11:3). Gehazi’s duplicity brought judgment upon him, leaving him with the same leprosy that had afflicted Naaman.

Gehazi’s story reminds us of the temptations we face in choosing between temporary gain and our calling. The world is full of enticing opportunities that can seem rewarding in the short term, but they often pull us away from the lasting, purposeful path God has set before us. When we rely on earthly solutions to meet spiritual needs, we risk forfeiting the blessings God has for us.

In a world that celebrates status, achievement, and wealth, it’s easy to find ourselves distracted from God’s priorities. Our faith can become diluted when we prioritize recognition or financial success over our relationship with God. When heaven is open, however, God calls us to align our desires with His. We should be more concerned with seeking God’s presence than with chasing after worldly gains.

To experience open heaven in our lives, we must cultivate contentment in God’s presence and a heart for obedience, even in the simple things. Naaman was healed because he chose to humble himself and follow God’s instruction, while Gehazi lost his future by grasping for worldly rewards. When we place ourselves in a posture of humility, we invite God to work powerfully in our lives. True contentment is found not in possessions but in knowing that we are aligned with God’s purpose for us.

In our daily lives, the door of open heaven is accessible through simple, consistent acts of faith and humility. Like the servant girl who directed Naaman, we too can invite others into God’s presence by living out our faith boldly and humbly. And like Naaman, we must be willing to humble ourselves and obey God, even if it means taking the less glamorous path. Finally, unlike Gehazi, we must remain committed to our calling over fleeting opportunities, trusting that God’s provision and blessings far outweigh any earthly reward.

As we navigate life’s choices, may we be reminded of these two doors: the door of opportunity and the door of responsibility. Our calling to pursue God’s presence, to prioritize His kingdom, and to act with integrity is a choice we make daily. When heaven is open, God’s power transforms lives, including ours, as we choose Him over everything else. Let us choose to walk through the door that leads to open heaven, knowing that it’s there we find true peace, purpose, and fulfillment.

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The One Thing That Can't Be Taken Away: Choosing What's Better in a Distracted World

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list? Do you find yourself constantly busy, yet wondering if you're really accomplishing what matters most? In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of activity, even in our spiritual lives. But what if I told you that the key to true fulfillment and effectiveness isn't doing more, but choosing what's better?

The Tale of Two Sisters

Let's look at a familiar story from Luke 10:38-42. Jesus visits the home of two sisters, Martha and Martha. While Martha busies herself with preparations, Mary sits at Jesus' feet, listening to His words. Martha, frustrated by her sister's apparent laziness, complains to Jesus. But His response is surprising:

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42).

This story illustrates a profound truth: in our spiritual lives, there's often a warfare going on – not against external forces, but in resetting our priorities.

The Danger of Distraction

Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She was so focused on serving Jesus that she missed the opportunity to be with Him. How often do we fall into the same trap? We can become so busy doing things for God that we neglect our relationship with Him.

I've observed this pattern over the years, which is why I made a covenant with God years ago. I said, "God, I never want to serve you from a place of frustration." Because the moment I serve from frustration, I become ineffective. You can't bear fruit if you're frustrated – you'll only bear the fruit of frustration.

Choosing What's Better

So what's the alternative? It's choosing what Mary chose – to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His words. This doesn't mean we neglect our responsibilities, but it does mean we prioritize our relationship with God above everything else.

Here's what I've learned: lovers of God outwork the workers. People who prioritize their relationship with Jesus don't just come in all fired up, ready to do something for God, and then burn out two years later. They have the sustainability to fulfill their God-given assignment.

The One Thing That Can't Be Taken Away

Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen what was better, and it wouldn't be taken away from her. Think about that for a moment. In a world where everything is temporary, where we can lose our possessions, our health, even our loved ones, there's one thing that can never be taken from us – our relationship with Jesus.

As David said in Psalm 27:4, "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple."

The Power of Sitting at Jesus' Feet

Later in the Gospels, we see the fruit of Mary's choice. When her brother Lazarus dies, it's Mary who moves Jesus to tears and action. While Martha receives a theological truth from Jesus, Mary receives His compassion and sees His power in raising Lazarus from the dead.

This shows us that when we prioritize our relationship with Jesus, we position ourselves to see His power at work in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Putting It Into Practice: Resetting Our Priorities

So how do we apply this in our daily lives? Here are some practical steps:

1. Evaluate your schedule: Are you making time to sit at Jesus' feet daily?

2. Identify distractions: What "many things" are worrying and upsetting you?

3. Choose the "one thing": Commit to prioritizing your relationship with Jesus above all else.

4. Serve from a place of worship: Let your actions flow from your time with Jesus, not from frustration or obligation.

5. Trust in the sustainability of intimacy with God: Remember, it's not about doing more, but about being with Him more.

As we reset our priorities and choose what's better, we'll find that we're not just more effective in our service, but we're also more fulfilled, more at peace, and more in tune with God's heart. And that, my friends, is something that can never be taken away from us.

Walking in Victory: Embracing Obedience, Accountability, and Unity in Spiritual Warfare

In the midst of life’s battles, it’s easy to feel isolated, overwhelmed, and defeated. Whether it’s a personal struggle, a spiritual challenge, or a community crisis, many of us try to fight these battles on our own, only to find ourselves exhausted and burned out. The truth is, spiritual warfare was never meant to be fought alone. God’s design for victory involves obedience, accountability, and unity within the body of Christ. Let’s explore how these three elements—obedience, accountability, and unity—are essential for walking in victory.

Obedience: Trusting God’s Unconventional Instructions

One of the most powerful stories of obedience in the Bible is found in Joshua 6, where God commands Joshua and the Israelites to march around the city of Jericho for seven days. At first glance, the instructions may have seemed unusual and ineffective for conquering a fortified city. But Joshua’s willingness to follow God’s command without question resulted in one of the greatest victories in biblical history. The walls of Jericho crumbled, not by the Israelites' strength, but by their obedience to God’s Word.

In our own lives, God often calls us to act in ways that may not make sense to us at first. Whether it’s a difficult conversation, a decision to wait instead of act, or a step of faith into the unknown, obedience to God’s instructions leads to breakthrough. Many times, our human nature wants to take control and handle things in our own way, but true victory comes when we surrender to God’s plan, trusting that His ways are higher than ours.

Ask yourself: In what areas of your life is God asking you to obey? Are you holding back because His instructions seem difficult or unclear? Like Joshua, we must be willing to take the step of faith, even when we don’t fully understand the path ahead.

Accountability: We’re Not Meant to Fight Alone

In the book of Ecclesiastes, we are reminded of the importance of community: “Two are better than one... If either of them falls down, one can help the other up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Accountability is an essential part of the Christian walk, particularly when facing spiritual warfare. Rob’s personal journey, as shared in his testimony, highlights how isolation led to exhaustion, but accountability brought healing and growth.

One of the greatest deceptions of the enemy is convincing us that we are alone in our struggles. When we believe this lie, we keep our battles to ourselves, often out of pride or fear of judgment. But the reality is that we all face challenges, and we need each other to walk through them. Accountability involves being honest and transparent with others, allowing them to support us, pray for us, and help us stay on the path of obedience.

If you don’t currently have someone in your life who holds you accountable, it’s time to seek out a trusted friend or mentor. Find someone who can speak truth into your life, challenge you when needed, and encourage you in your walk with God. Likewise, be willing to offer the same support to someone else. Together, we can bear each other’s burdens and walk in victory.

Unity: The Strength of the Body of Christ

One of the key takeaways from the story of Jericho is that the Israelites didn’t achieve victory alone. It wasn’t just Joshua’s obedience that brought down the walls—it was the collective obedience and unified effort of the entire community. They marched together, silent yet united, trusting God’s timing. When the moment came to shout, they did so in one accord, and God gave them victory.

Unity is a powerful force in spiritual warfare. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to stand together, supporting one another in our individual and collective battles. This unity doesn’t just apply to our local church communities but extends to the global church as well. We are all part of God’s mission to bring healing, restoration, and salvation to the world.

As the Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 4:3, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Unity is something we must actively pursue, especially in a world that often seeks to divide. Whether it’s through prayer, serving others, or simply offering encouragement, we all have a role to play in fostering unity within the body of Christ.

Consider how you can contribute to the unity of your church or community. Are there ways you can step in to help build up others, encourage leaders, or support someone in need? When we walk in unity, we create an atmosphere where God’s power can move freely, bringing victory not just to individuals but to entire communities.

Conclusion: Stepping Into Victory

Spiritual warfare is real, but so is God’s promise of victory. However, that victory doesn’t come through our own strength or striving—it comes through obedience, accountability, and unity. As we surrender our pride, lean on one another for support, and stand together as the body of Christ, we create the conditions for God’s miraculous power to break through.

If you’ve been fighting your battles alone, now is the time to take action. Seek out accountability, engage in community, and be obedient to what God is calling you to do. Remember, you are not alone in this fight—God goes before you, and He has surrounded you with a community to help you walk in victory.

May you step into that victory today, trusting in God’s faithfulness and walking in obedience, accountability, and unity.

Watch the full message here… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=granJMqMJgk

#Obedience #Surrender #Spiritualwarfare #Tucson #TucsonAZ #SouthAfrica #Oklahoma #NewZealand #Tonga #Hawaii #DontDoLifeAlone #Accountability #Responsibility #MeleanaHarke #JohnHarke #RobLester #TracyLester

The Battlefield of the Mind: Winning the War Within

Have you ever felt like your own thoughts were working against you? Like no matter how hard you try, you can't seem to shake off negative patterns, bitterness, or unforgiveness? You're not alone. As Christians, we often face an intense spiritual battle - not out there in the world, but right inside our own minds.

The Apostle Paul understood this struggle well. He wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5:

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Let's break down what this means for us today and how we can win the war within.

Recognizing the Real Battle

When we think of spiritual warfare, we often picture dramatic confrontations with evil forces. But the truth is, much of our battle happens in the quiet moments of our daily lives - in how we think, perceive situations, and respond to others.

As I've learned over the years, "Our warfare is in our minds." It's those persistent negative thoughts, bitter memories, and destructive patterns that try to set themselves up against what God says about us. These are the real strongholds we need to confront.

The Enemy's Strategy: Lies and Deception

"Satan's strategy is to block the knowledge and application of God's word in the thoughts of believers so that they can be held hostage by his lies." The enemy wants nothing more than to keep us trapped in cycles of negative thinking, unforgiveness, and bitterness.

I've experienced this firsthand in my marriage. There was a time when I couldn't wait for my husband to get home from work, but as soon as he walked in the door, I felt this overwhelming negativity. It wasn't until I sought God about it that He revealed a root of bitterness I had allowed to grow over time.

God's Weapons: Truth and Forgiveness

So how do we fight back? Not with the world's weapons of anger, gossip, or retaliation. Instead, we use the powerful spiritual weapons God has given us:

1. The Truth of God's Word
2. Prayer and Praise
3. Forgiveness

"Strongholds can only be demolished by the knowledge of God - that is, His truth," I've learned. We need to saturate our minds with Scripture, allowing it to transform our thinking patterns.

And when it comes to forgiveness, it's not about waiting to feel like forgiving. It's a choice we make in obedience to God, even when it's difficult. "The Bible says to forgive. It doesn't say feel the forgiveness, work the forgiveness. It says forgive."

Practical Steps for Victory

Winning the battle of the mind isn't a one-time event - it's an ongoing process. Here are some practical steps we can take:

1. Take every thought captive: Be aware of your thought patterns and actively challenge those that don't align with God's truth.

2. Renew your mind with Scripture: Make Bible study and meditation a daily habit.

3. Practice forgiveness: Choose to forgive quickly, even when feelings don't follow immediately.

4. Seek inner healing: Don't be afraid to dig deep and address root issues with God's help.

5. Stay in community: We need each other. "This is where we do life together," as we say at our church.

Remember, "We are not helpless victims or recipients of our thoughts. We can choose to stop our thoughts and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."

It's a journey, and it takes discipline. But with God's help and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can win the war within and experience the freedom and victory Christ has already secured for us.

Armor Up: Engaging in Spiritual Warfare for Kingdom Impact

Have you ever felt like you're in a battle you can't see? Like there are forces working against you, trying to derail your purpose and steal your joy? You're not alone. As believers, we're called to engage in spiritual warfare, but many of us don't fully understand what that means or how to do it effectively. Today, let's dive into this crucial topic and discover how we can armor up for the battles ahead.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

As I stood before the congregation, I felt a sense of urgency to address this often-overlooked aspect of our faith. "We don't want to perish," I emphasized, referencing Hosea 4:6, which warns, "My people perish for lack of knowledge." It's time we open our eyes to the reality of spiritual warfare.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This isn't just ancient rhetoric – it's a present-day reality we must confront.

The Weapons of Our Warfare

So how do we engage in this unseen battle? Paul outlines our spiritual armor in Ephesians 6:14-17:

1. The Belt of Truth
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness
3. Feet Fitted with the Readiness of the Gospel of Peace
4. The Shield of Faith
5. The Helmet of Salvation
6. The Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God)

But our arsenal doesn't stop there. We also have powerful offensive weapons:

- Prayer
- Praise and worship
- Giving
- Forgiveness
- Generosity
- Rest

"Whatever the enemy brings against you is most likely the breakthrough that is needed," I shared. "That is why the enemy is so coming against it." When faced with spiritual attacks, we must respond with the opposite spirit. Don't want to give? Give until it hurts. Struggling to forgive? Serve the person who hurt you.

The Power of Discernment

In this battle, discernment is crucial. We must be able to recognize the enemy's tactics and not be deceived by appearances. I shared a dream God gave me about a beautiful woman who came into the church but had the Mark of Satan on her. This vision emphasized the importance of spiritual discernment in our warfare.

"We don't want to admit that the devil exists," I noted. "They don't want to talk about it because they think it takes away their authority." But the truth is, we can't defeat an enemy we refuse to acknowledge. We must be alert and aware of the spiritual realm around us.

A Call to Action

As I wrapped up my message, I felt a burning urgency to challenge the church. "We were never meant to sit here and come every single Sunday just to work on our own selves," I declared. "He said feed my sheep. Don't just sit there and feed yourself."

I shared a vision God gave me for our church, The Citadel, to be at the heart of Tucson, holding keys of access to various spheres of influence in the city. But to see this vision realized, we must engage in spiritual warfare and be willing to step out of our comfort zones.

"God is looking for faithful servants that do not care about position, that do not care about jealousy, that do not care to be easily offended," I emphasized. It's time for us to rise up, put on our spiritual armor, and fight for the souls in our city.

Life Application: Putting It Into Practice

1. Daily Armor Up: Make it a habit to mentally put on your spiritual armor each morning. Pray through each piece, asking God to equip you for the day ahead.

2. Practice Discernment: Ask God to sharpen your spiritual senses. When you encounter situations or people, take a moment to seek God's wisdom and discernment.

3. Respond with the Opposite Spirit: When faced with challenges, intentionally choose to respond in a way that counters the enemy's tactics. If tempted to be selfish, choose generosity. If tempted to harbor unforgiveness, choose to bless and serve.

4. Engage in Offensive Prayer: Set aside time each day to pray offensively for your family, church, and city. Declare God's promises and speak life over these areas.

5. Step Out in Faith: Look for opportunities to serve outside the church walls. Ask God to show you where you can make a difference in your community.

Remember, we're in this battle together. As we arm ourselves with God's truth and power, we can stand firm against the enemy's schemes and advance God's kingdom in our lives and communities. Let's rise up, Citadel, and engage in spiritual warfare for the glory of God and the transformation of Tucson!

Sarah McFarland is a member of the Citadel Church in Tucson

Sarah McFarland is a mother, a wife, an author, a speaker, and a female entrepreneur, with a passion for lifting up women and children in need. Sarah has an extensive background in building businesses and creative concepts. Sarah also has a passion for philanthropic endeavors at both a national and international level. While doing so has led her to be recognized for her humanitarian efforts at both a state and congressional level. Sarah is also the founder of “Let Love be Greater,” a 501c3 organization that focuses on providing aid and scholarship opportunities for women and children in need.

Breaking Free: Weapons for Spiritual Warfare

Have you ever felt stuck, like there's an invisible force holding you back from experiencing God's best for your life? You're not alone. As believers, we're engaged in a spiritual battle against strongholds that can keep us captive. But take heart - God has given us powerful weapons to break free and claim victory!

In a recent message, I shared some key insights about spiritual warfare and how we can overcome opposition through the power of Christ. Let me break it down for you.

Understanding Strongholds

The apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:4, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds." Strongholds are areas where the enemy has gained a foothold in our lives or communities. They can manifest as persistent sin, negative thought patterns, or oppressive circumstances.

But here's the good news - we don't have to stay stuck! God has equipped us with spiritual weapons that are far more powerful than any worldly tactics. As Paul says, our weapons are "mighty in God" for demolishing these strongholds.

Three Weapons for Spiritual Battle

So what are these mighty weapons? I believe there are three key weapons we need to wield in spiritual warfare:

1. Love
The Bible tells us that "love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:8). When we respond to hatred with love, to cruelty with kindness, we disarm the enemy's tactics. Love is patient and kind, not boastful or proud. It's a powerful force that can break down walls and soften hearts.

2. Humility
Jesus "made Himself of no reputation" and humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:7-8). His humility defeated the powers of darkness and redeemed mankind. When we walk in humility, we position ourselves to receive God's grace and favor.

3. Giving
Generosity is a often-overlooked weapon in spiritual warfare. When we give sacrificially, we break the spirit of poverty and lack over our lives. Just like Hannah's vow to give her son to the Lord opened her womb (1 Samuel 1:11), our giving can open doors of blessing and breakthrough.

Pulling Down Arguments

Paul goes on to say we must be "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthians 10:5). What does this mean practically?

It means we have to guard our minds and take every thought captive. Don't let your thoughts run wild - capture them and make them obedient to Christ. Any idea or desire that tries to exalt itself above God needs to be torn down.

This takes daily discipline. We have to constantly evaluate our thoughts and attitudes, rejecting anything that contradicts God's truth. It's a battle, but one worth fighting!

Approaching Opposition with Humility

When dealing with those who oppose us, Paul gives Timothy some wise counsel: "in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will" (2 Timothy 2:25-26).

The key here is approaching opposition with humility, not arrogance or a know-it-all attitude. Our goal should be to speak the truth in love, hoping to spark repentance and freedom in others. A humble approach can actually bring people to their senses and help them escape the enemy's traps.

Putting It Into Practice

So how can we apply these truths in our daily lives? Here are some practical next steps:

1. Identify any strongholds in your life. Ask God to reveal areas where the enemy may have gained a foothold.

2. Put on the weapons of love, humility and giving. Look for opportunities to respond with love, walk in humility, and give generously.

3. Take your thoughts captive. When negative or ungodly thoughts arise, reject them and replace them with God's truth.

4. Approach disagreements with humility. Seek to understand others and speak truth in love, rather than just proving your point.

5. Pray for those trapped in the enemy's snares. Ask God to open their eyes and set them free.

Remember, we don't fight in our own strength. Our weapons are "mighty in God" to pull down strongholds. As you put these principles into practice, expect to see breakthroughs in your life and the lives of those around you. The strongholds are coming down!