On this edition of A Touch From Above, Dr. Luauna Stines encourages pastors, leaders, and believers to keep running the race no matter what opposition comes against them. Drawing from the stories of Absalom’s rebellion against David and Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus, she warns against bitterness, pride, gossip, rebellion, and division inside the body of Christ.
Dr. Luauna reminds listeners that betrayal and persecution are not new, but God sees every hidden motive and continues to defend His people and advance His kingdom. She closes with a prayer covering pastors, churches, leaders, families, and the United States in the
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Set your spirit on fire and let Dr. Luauna Stines guide you to a life of purpose and fulfillment. To reach Dr. Luauna Stines, call 760-315-1967. That’s 760-315-1967. Or visit atouchfromabove.org. And now, here’s your A Touch From Above host, Dr. Luauna Stines.
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God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. Thank you so much for joining me. I’m Dr. Luauna, and this is A Touch From Above, right from Ramona, California. I want to encourage you. I want to thank all those that have come out to visit us at the Prairie Mountain for a Sunday morning service. I wanted to let you know. I appreciate that. It’s so awesome to meet different people from our radio program. God richly bless you. Don’t forget, we have a service every Sunday morning at 1015. A church alive is worth a drive. Come on up to the prayer mountain. Amen. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Well, I just really want to encourage you. We’ve been talking about plundering hell to populate heaven. But my main purpose of these sermons are that no matter what happens, we’ve got to run the race. And you’re gonna have opposition. You’re gonna have people come against you. Pastors, I love you. I have a prayer mountain, 25 beautiful acres. precious pastors come from all over. I was heartbroken last week, a wonderful pastor. I thought he was one of the ones who have come up to the prayer mountain, was shot in his home on a Sunday afternoon after church in Ramona. That just broke my heart. But we see what has happened throughout the years. We saw what happened with Charlie Kurt, who has been bold and has stood. But we remember also from the beginning of time, from the beginning of time, if you didn’t catch my Monday sermon on Tuesday, I give an entire list of those that have been martyred for Christ. And it’s from the beginning of time, from the beginning of the early church. the apostle paul stephen was stoned john the baptist was beheaded i mean every single one of the disciples i think except for john the revelator but of course he was beat up he was dragged through the street he was also uh tortured he was exiled to a prison and the island of patmos we have to remember it’s not strange to have the opposition come against us yesterday’s message if you missed it i talked about absalom absalom came against his own father david and the vicious vile corruption of the greedy, selfish, proud, and arrogance of those that try to rise up against God’s church and against God’s powerful called men and women. God called David. to preach the word but absalom wanted that position absalom was his own birth son now let me read to you here let me finish here so i can help you understand the consequences of that dear listeners and pastors if you’re listening to my program today I want you to know something. God hasn’t forgotten you. I know I’ve pioneered three different churches. I’ve traveled as an evangelist across the entire United States and across the globe. I’ve seen pastors broken. I’ve seen churches ripped apart because of rebels and rebellious so-called quote-unquote Christians that cause trouble everywhere they go. They’re like a little tornado whirlwind of trouble. They’re gossipers. They’re slanders. They tear down. You know, be careful. You know, be careful who you put in position. You know, God sees that. And there is nothing new under the sun, Ecclesiastes tells you and I. And you can imagine how David, King David, felt. as he loved his son, Absalom. And let me tell you really quick, Absalom, he conspired for 40 years. He undermined his father, David, until he could win the hearts of the people. And the Bible literally says, and he stole the hearts of the men of Israel. You know what? If anyone can steal their heart, let them have them. Let him have him. Let me read to you. Verse 10, 2 Samuel 15, verse 10. Then Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, Absalom reigns in Hebron. And with Absalom went 200 men invited from Jerusalem, and they went along innocently. Do you understand? They went along innocently because those that cause trouble, they make the innocent fall they cause trouble with the innocent my bible tells you and i let me tell you out of the book of hebrews let me go there real quick before i finish my story here the book of hebrews chapter 12 tells you and i let me read this to you it says Pursue peace with all people and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. Looking carefully, lest anyone fall short of the grace of God, lest a root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, And by this, many, many become defiled. You see, when people allow bitterness or unforgiveness to come into their heart, let me tell you what they do. If you don’t deal with that, all you become is a troublemaker. And that’s exactly what happened to Absalom. Absalom was blinded by his pride, but he was also blinded by the bitterness. He was bitter in his heart. And he was mad at everyone, most of all, his own father. And he persuaded these innocent men. These innocent men here went along innocently and did not know anything. Then Absalom sent for Ahithothal, the Gideonite. David’s counselor from his city, from Gilo. While he offered sacrifices and the conspiracy grew strong for the people with Absalom continually increased in number. Now a messenger came to David saying, the hearts of the men of Israel, they’re with Absalom, David. So David said to all of his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, Let’s arise and let us flee. We shall not escape from Absalom. Make haste to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly and bring disaster upon us and strike the city with the edge of the sword. Do you understand? His father knew the deception. He knew the evilness that could lurk in Absalom’s heart. Don’t think that God does not see. And the king’s servants said to the king, we are your servants ready to do whatever my lord the king commands. And then the king went out with all of his household after him. But the king left 10 women concubines to keep the house. Let me stop there for a moment. You see, Absalom was so stinking rotten selfish that all he could think about himself. He didn’t think about the people that he destroyed around him. Not only that, but he went into his own father’s concubine, that means his wives, and Absalom set up a tent in front of all the city, and he went in and slept fornicated, had sex with all of David’s wives in mockery to his own father. You know, when bitterness comes into the heart of somebody, be careful. Be careful. They’re like poison. I’m telling you what, they’re like a viper. They’re like a snake, like a rattlesnake. And when they bite, it’s like poison. And you have to be careful, dear pastor. You know what? You’ve got to guard against that. You’ve got to be in prayer. You’ve got to not step into their arena of strife. If you notice that Absalom, he caused an army against his father, 200 men. Later on, you see hundreds of men that came against his father. But you know what David did? David fled. David didn’t flee because he was a chicken. David fled because he knew the Lord would fight his battles. Sometimes you got to just shut up and let God fight your battles because God is in control. You have to understand betrayal has never stopped from the beginning of time. Let me read to you in the book of Luke. Do you realize, do you think betrayal stops because you get saved? Do you think everybody in church is going to be your friend and they walk with you and they love you? I’m sorry, folks, but I’ve been saved a long, long time. Let me read to you this one portion of scripture in Luke chapter 22, reading. Let me find it really quick. Oh, my goodness. I’m turning my Bible. And while he, let’s talk about Jesus, and while Jesus was still speaking, behold a multitude, and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve disciples, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said to Judas, Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss? Let me stop there. Are you shocked? Judas walked with Jesus for over three years. Jesus saw the multitudes. He saw great things happen. He saw blind eyes open. He saw the fish multiplied. He saw the bread multiplied. He saw the dead rise. But you see, you forget something. There was a secret problem in Judas’s heart. Judas had a spirit of covetousness. Did you know the Bible says that Judas used to steal from the offering? judas stole from the offering there was something hidden you see you don’t know what’s in the hearts of men you know you but we’re called to love no matter what we’re called to train and equip and raise up powerful men and women but you know what you have to also be in prayer because god will show you You see, Jesus, he knew what was in the heart of Judas. Are you kidding? He knew. You know why? He knew because he told Judas, he said, go do what you will. Go do what you will. He said, is it I, Lord? Is it I? Who’s going to betray you? Is it I? You see, God knows. He knows the hearts of all men. He knows everything. There is absolutely nothing hidden from God. I believe that God was probably trying to, Jesus was probably trying to give Judas time to repent. But you know what? My Bible, let me read to you what was wrong with Judas. Pastor, listen to me. You have people in your church that got a spirit of covetousness. You know that. I’ve been in ministry a long time, folks. Trust me. Some people try to punish their pastor, but I’m not going to give my tithe. They try to give it to somebody else. Well, you know what? God will raise up somebody else and somewhere else finances will come in because that’s how good and that’s how awesome our God is, that God loves his people and he loves his work. So what was wrong with Judas? Why? Well, let’s go back and let’s look at the situation with Judas. Then six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom he had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper, and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the fragrance of oil.” But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Jesus, said, Why was this fragment oil not sold for 300 denarii and given to the poor? This Judas said, not that he cared for the poor, but because Judas was a thief, and he had the money box, and he used to take what was put in it. Warning, hello, are you listening to me? You see, you don’t think Jesus knew that he was a thief? You don’t think your pastor knows when you’re a little con? I love you. But you know what? Your pastor knows when you’re conning. Your pastor knows. Thank God we pray. Because the Holy Spirit wakes us up. You know what? There’s such a powerful scripture that always says, just stirred my heart and made me smile. Be careful what you say behind closed doors for little birds take your words and take them to the hearer. You don’t think that God knows everything you say behind the closed doors? God knows that you will try to interrupt? I’m talking to you, one that causes division. Listen, God loves his church. Ministries will continue on with you or without you. God doesn’t stop moving. You think Absalom thought he could stop his father? David went on. What was the end of Absalom’s life? Well… Absalom thought he was all that and a bag of chips. Absalom thought he could destroy his father. He forgot that his father was a warrior. He forgot that his father had an anointing on his life. He forgot that it was God’s hand that had called, that it was God who called him. And can I tell you, Absalom ended up hanging up on a tree with his beautiful locks that he thought he was all that. Absalom ended up hanging. He was running, running, running, and his hair got caught. on a terabith tree and the donkey or horse that he was riding continued on and guess what he’s tangled up there you don’t think god had a plan oh yeah dear one god had a plan what was that plan god loved david god loved israel god knew what was happening You don’t think that God sees everything that’s happening? Can I tell you that God loves you and I, and you and I have to understand that no matter what comes against the body of Christ or his saints, that God is a good God, and it doesn’t matter Well, Pastor, I don’t want to be a martyr for Christ. Well, you could die in your car today in a car wreck. I’d rather die for Christ. You know, I mean, come on. Let’s face it. At any moment, we could die. At any moment, we could breathe our last breath. I mean, how many things have we seen from the tsunami to a plane wreck to a train wreck to a bus crash to a motorcycle crash? How many times have we seen all these things happen? Can I tell you the thing that you and I have to do, dear pastors, leaders, keep your hand to God’s plow. Don’t lean to the right or to the left. Don’t run and hide. Don’t back down. I pray that those that are listening to my program today who got stirred up because of Charlie Kirk’s death, I pray that you will run. You will run the race that God has set before you. And let me tell you something. You cannot fall apart out of fear. Let me tell you what happened to Absalom. Absalom. So Absalom and all the men of Israel said the advice of Huthii. Now remember, Absalom thought he was going to go pursue David and kill all of David’s men. Let me back up here a little bit. Now therefore send quickly and tell David, saying, Do not spend the night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily cross over, lest the king and all the people who are with him be swallowed up. By who? By Absalom. Now Jonathan and Ahimeaz stayed in Rogel, for they dared not be seen coming into the city. So a female servant would come and tell them, and they would go and they would tell David. Nevertheless, Elad saw them and told Absalom, but both of them went away quickly and came to a man’s house in Baharim. But they had a well in his court, and they went down into it. Then the woman took and spread a covering over the well’s mouth and spread ground grain on it. And the thing was not known. You see, she hid those powerful men that were warning David. And when Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they said, where are Aminahaz and Jonathan? So the woman said to them, they have gone over the water brook. And when they had searched, they could not find them. They returned to Jerusalem. Oh, my goodness. Can I tell you that God sees everything? So what happened to Absalom? He thought he could pursue his father. He thought he could destroy what God had given him. You see, you can’t take what God didn’t give you. I’m telling you, you cannot take what God did not give you. Then Absalom met the servants of David. He rode on a mule. The mule went under a thick bow of a great terabith tree, and his head caught in the terabith. And so Absalom was left hanging between heaven and earth, and the mule which was under him went on. Now a certain man saw it and told Joab and said, I just saw Absalom hanging in the terrapah tree. So Joab said to the man who told him, you just saw him and why did you not strike him there to the ground i would have given you ten shekels of silver and a belt but the man said to joab though i were to receive a thousand shekels of silver in my hand i would not raise my hand against the king’s son for in our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Hattai, saying, Beware, lest anyone touch the young man Absalom. You see, you have to be careful. You cannot allow an unhealthy love to deceive you. Otherwise, I would have dealt falsely against my own life. For there is nothing hidden from the king, and you yourselves would have set yourself against me. Then Joab thanked God for a mighty man of God, Joab, and a true friend. I thanked God for a true friend that is loyal and faithful. Then Joab said, I cannot linger with you. And he took three spears in his hand. He thrust them through Absalom’s heart while he was still alive in the midst of the Terabith tree. And ten young men who bore Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom and struck and killed him. So Joab blew the horn, and the people returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab held back the people. And they took Absalom and cast him into a large pit in the woods, laid a very large heap of stones over him. Then all of Israel fled everyone to his tent. You see, there’s a consequence when you understand that God’s kingdom will go forth. God’s kingdom will never stop. Can I tell you that even though Judas Iscariot thought that he could get over, I want you to know something. The saddest story in this Bible is to have walked with Jesus. for 30 years and at the end of your life you betray the one that you loved i cannot believe that judas thought he could actually get away with the betrayal what happened to judas well let me tell you what happened Judas ended up committing suicide. Absalom ended up hanging on a tree and was killed. Throughout this word of God, I read of those that have tried to stop what God’s doing. And I want you to know something. You can’t stop what God does. The world can’t stop what God has done. The world can’t stop at all what God is doing. And if God before us, who can be against us? For greater is the God who dwells within us than he that’s in the world. We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus who strengthens us. Maybe you’re listening to my program today. Pray. I’m going to pray for pastors. Father, I lift up pastors all across this nation. I cover each one in the precious blood of the Lamb. I lift up faithful pastors who have laid down their life for the purpose of this gospel. i cover them in the blood of jesus i cover their churches in the blood of jesus i cover their families in the blood of jesus i cover their ushers in the blood of jesus i cover their leaders in the blood of jesus father i pray right now that no weapon formed against them will prosper and every tongue that rises up in judgment against them you shall condemn for that is the heritage of the servants of the most high god I pray, Father, that you would pour out your spirit, that you would break the yoke of the enemy in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Father, we cover the United States of America in the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and we pray for your faithful servants in little churches, in the big churches. We lift up Father, faithful churches, faithful workers, David, Jeremiah, we lift up your faithful, faithful pastors that nobody knows, Father, across this nation. We pray, Lord, that there would be an outpouring of your spirit like never before. In the name of Jesus, Satan, get under our feet. You are defeated by the blood of the Lamb. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen. God bless you. I’m Dr. Luauna. This is A Touch From Above. Don’t forget, we’re a listener-supported program. Give online at touchfromabove.org. I love you.
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Thank you for listening to Dr. Luauna Steins. Give online at atouchfromabove.org.
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Are you distracted? Seems like everything gets in the way? Come to A Touch From Above Prayer Mountain, 25 beautiful acres. Walk up to the cross or relax in a small private cabin to pray. Bring your leaders to pray. At Prayer Mountain, God answers prayer. Even Jesus had to get away to pray. Call today and make your reservation, 760-315-1967. Your answer is just a prayer way, atouchfromabove.org.
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Are you a woman called a God? Have you been told over and over women can’t preach? Are you confused about the Scripture in Timothy? You know you are called, but don’t know how to step into your ministry. Order Dr. Luauna’s book, A Woman Called of God. She brings clear understanding of the scriptures and why women can preach. You will read how Satan tried to stop her, to keep her from stepping into her calling. Dr. Luauna is called to train and equip thousands of women to step into their full-time ministry. to fulfill their call as A Woman Called of God. You can order her book today, A Woman Called of God. Go to our website, atouchfromabove.org, or call 760-315-1967. We are so grateful for you listening, and we thank God for your support. May God richly bless you.
