"Exploits" - Daniel 11:32
ZADOK PUBLICATIONS - Dr. C. R. OLIVER
April 1, 2020





C. R. Oliver





ZADOK PUBLICATIONS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
April 1, 2020

"Exploits" - Daniel 11: 32

You may watch this Newsletter in a video HERE.

Introduction:      

Daniel's vision contains prophecy, both for his day and for the days to come. As a matter of fact, this particular passage has connotations for this present hour. Because it is so pertinent to those receiving this newsletter, I encourage readers to seek guidance from the Spirit as to where they fit in relation to it.

First, let us examine the passage in the Scripture in order to be familiar with it.

Daniel 11:32-35:
Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. 33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. 34 Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. 35 And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time.
NKJV

In a corrupt society, what causes some to rise up and do mighty assaults against it? Well, according to this passage, "those who know their God." Integral to accomplishing "exploits" is an intimate relationship with their God. Knowing God is more than knowing about God. They have spent time with the Lord and know His power works within them.

Because this passage comes at the end of an angelic word concerning a historical person, Antiochus Epiphanes, there is a need to recognize its ramifications both in history and in current society. Warren Wiersbe summarized it nicely.

Daniel 11:21-35:
Gabriel closes this section about Antiochus by reminding Daniel that what he had related to him had implications for Israel in "the time of the end" (11:35). Although he had spoken about leaders who would appear after the fall of Persia, Daniel could see in those events some of the things that would happen to the Jews in the end times. This was especially true of Antiochus Epiphanes, a clear picture of the future Antichrist. Daniel knew that his people would endure great suffering for their faith, that some would apostatize and join the enemy, and that others would trust the Lord and "do exploits" (v. 32). No matter how difficult the times, God has always had His faithful remnant, and He will keep His covenant with His people to the very end.

Having mentioned "the time of the end," Gabriel will now speak about the future Antichrist and the terrible time of Jacob's trouble (11:36-12:1).
(from The Bible Exposition Commentary: Old Testament © 2001-2004 by Warren W. Wiersbe. All rights reserved.)

Because this prophecy incorporates history, let us review more intently those facts before drawing parallels to current events.

Dr. Chidi Okoroafor, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God, Nigeria, wrote about this passage in splendid form.

The Bible declares, "The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." That is a great promise and this is one of the most courageous verses in the Bible. This is referring to a courageous family within Israel, who lived between the Old and New Testaments - the Maccabees, who in 167 B.C. rebelled against Syria and gained freedom for the nation of Israel for the first time, since the Babylonian invasion and for the last time, until 1948.

The Jewish people have experienced some fierce persecutions through the centuries, but none worse than under Antiochus Epiphanes, the Syrian king who reigned from 175 to 164 B.C. He assumed the name Theos Epiphanes, which means "the manifest God." But the Jews changed one letter in his name (in their language) and called him Epimanes, which means "mad man." And mad he was! His hatred for the Jews was literally insane.

Daniel anticipated his reign prophetically in this eleventh chapter of the book. And he did exactly what Daniel predicted. He ordered the Jewish sacrifices to cease and polluted the temple of God by offering swine's flesh on the altar. In addition, he prohibited the observance of the sabbath and the circumcision of children, ordered all copies of Scripture destroyed, set up idolatrous altars, commanded the Jews to offer unclean sacrifices, and insisted that they eat swine's flesh. Anyone who disobeyed his edicts was sentenced to death. It was an ancient holocaust. As Daniel anticipated this atrocity, he asked himself how these people would ever be able to survive. The answer was not long in coming: "the people who know their God will display strength and take action" (11:32); that is exactly what they did. A group of courageous men, called the Maccabees, led a heroic revolt against Antiochus. Their exploits, against insuperable odds, were nothing short of phenomenal. They knew their God, laid hold of His sovereign power and might, took action, and broke Antiochus' grip on Israel. Their story is a saga of strength, the mighty power of people who know God.

Daniel himself was a man who knew God. When the presidents and princes of the Medo- Persian Empire prevailed upon King Darius to issue a decree prohibiting anybody from making petitions to any god or man except the king, or be cast into the lion's den, Daniel went right on praying to the God of Heaven (Daniel 6:4-15). Not even the threat of death could keep him from it. He knew his God, and people who know God have the courage and strength to do His will, even though the whole world be against them and everybody around them be giving in to sin.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were men who knew God in Daniel Chapter 3. They could not bow before that golden image. When it became obvious that they had refused, they were brought before the king and given one last chance. They turned down the last chance, and refused to worship the golden image. They knew an all-powerful God, who was able to deliver them. And they believed He would.

The Lord is looking for ordinary Christians through whom He can display His extraordinary nature. He wants to do mighty deeds that bear witness to the reality of who He is in us. God is raising up a people who will know Him intimately, who will be transformed into His image by beholding Him, and who will demonstrate mighty acts to manifest His power for the glory of His Name.

Are you a willing vessel to be used by God in these last days to reveal His Glory and Power to a dying world? God wants to do mighty things through your life. See, you need to break off this negative thinking through which you disqualify yourself from being used by God, based upon what you can or can't do. God doesn't want you to do what you can do by yourself; He wants to begin to do things through your life that only HE can do, where only He gets the glory.

Turn now to a passage in Hebrews which exemplifies Daniel's vision. There have been those in the past who rose up and did "heroic acts of daring (exploits)." It is necessary to define the term "exploits" in order to see the commitment involved in those who do them. Although "exploits" is italicized in Scripture to show it was added for clarity, other translations use "great actions" or one of those below:

FEAT, EXPLOIT, ACHIEVEMENT meaning a remarkable deed.

FEAT implies strength or dexterity or daring.

EXPLOIT suggests an adventurous or heroic act.

ACHIEVEMENT implies hard-won success in the face of difficulty or opposition.

Each person pictured in the Hebrews 11 "hall of faith" exemplifies the above definitions.

Hebrews 11:32-39-12:1:
32 And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: 33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again.

Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented - 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.

39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

12 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Slowly, we see the dots connect when it comes to "exploits." Gideon, who deemed himself not capable of carrying out the command of God, fielded an army of three hundred against thousands and did "exploits," using the power of God working through him. Each of the others mentioned above had similar testimonies.

Whether we review the unending oil and meal of the widow's table or the powerful witness of John the Baptist, who was heralded as the greatest of prophets, we are looking at feats unexplainable aside from the provision of God.

With such wonderful provision, the words of Jesus, "greater works than these shall you do because I go to the Father," must be part of our own witness and ministry. We must attempt and dare to do exploits within the realms of our authority. We must be satisfied with nothing less.

I Peter 2:9: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, and a people of His own, that you should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (v.10) Who in time past were not a people but are now the people of God.

With these credentials, what hinders us from reaching beyond the ordinary to attain the extra-ordinary - determining to join the great cloud of witnesses and to be companion to their exploits?

Among the missionaries with whom we associate, "exploits" characterize their lives. Often, they report such bizarre acts of faith that the hearers shake their heads in response to the feats of daring and boldness they reveal.

Recently, at our annual meeting, several rose to attest experiences happening from the mission field that prove, "those that know their God are strong and do exploits."

From Guatemala comes this testimony, through missionaries Larry and Marla Johnson. A lady who had three children was targeted by a witch doctor, who caused one of the young ones to die. Rather than allow authorities to bury him (in Guatemala they bury the dead within a day of death),the mother went into prayer to bring him to life from day one. Next day, the authorities came to take the child, and she withstood them. The third day found her believing for his life and behold, the child lived. The evil continued through the death of a second child. Again, she refused burial. She knew her God and prayed for three days over that child's dead body. On the third day, it lived! Once more, the dark powers took a third child. This time, she prayed for three days and there was no response. This did not dampen this mother's faith, and on the fourth day, the child came to life.

The Lord honors the faithful, believing children in His kingdom. Pouring in from many directions across the earth are testimonies of what some would deem "unbelievable" witness to the truth of Daniel 11:32.

As darkness courses its way through these last days, there is a band of believers who will rise up and challenge the evil empires. The book of Acts is filled with experiences of "exploits" endemic to the early church. They knew their God! They braved the onslaught aimed at their annihilation. (There is no reason for less in the modern church.).

Similarly, the Scripture pictures men and women of old who embodied Daniel 11 and Hebrews 11. Consider David coming against Goliath, whom he fearlessly defeated or consider Benaiah in I Chronicles.11:22-25.

22 Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had done many deeds. He had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day. 23 And he killed an Egyptian, a man of great height, five cubits tall. In the Egyptian's hand there was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, wrested the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and killed him with his own spear. 24 These things Benaiah the son of Jehoiada did, and won a name among three mighty men. 25 Indeed he was more honored than the thirty, but he did not attain to the first three. And David appointed him over his guard.
NKJV

As one observer commented, "What kind of person, seeing a lion in a pit, jumps into the pit knowing the consequences?" This is the nature of the "overcomer" and such will again grace the church at large.

This year, missionaries will see a rise in deeds of heroism, and will among themselves employ "exploits," which will overcome opposition to the gospel. The end times preclude such activity and herald the participants.

Already phenomenal reports are coming in from oppressive governmental regimes which are razing churches, persecuting believers, outlawing evangelism and imprisoning those who refuse to bow to the unholy demands of society.

From South America come reports of primitive villages under the control of occult leaders assailing Christians through torture, burning their homes and kidnapping their children. Across the globe, flames of anger increase acts of heroism from "those that know their God." (For instance, the citizens of Venezuela are seeing Christian resistance and daily "exploits.") Reports are coming in from China, where Christians are assisting those with coronavirus. Those Christians are not wearing masks, but are not being infected - showing witness to the power of God.

Church historians have chronicled the valiant responses of believers in the past who have taken brave stances against the oppression of kings and religious systems. Today, with government and judicial erosion from the U.S. Constitution, along with societal compromise, there well may be the need for citizens to do "exploits." How long will Christians bow to special interest groups as they employ the tactics of civil rights legislation for their deviant causes? How long will pulpits be silent as congregants struggle against sin and darkness marshaled against their lives?

When Zwingli drove the medieval sword into the ground in front of the Roman Catholic Cathedral where he was the prelate and declared, "enough," thus joining the Protestant Reformation - it was an "Exploit."

Notice the reverse of the key factors in Daniel 11:32. Those who do no exploits are not strong in the Lord. They are not strong, because they do not "know their God." The classification of "exploits" must include bravery against odds and significant feats that change history and move masses to action.

Over the years, I have been thrilled to observe "exploits" by those of the past as well as those of the present. Here are a few examples:

1. John Lake abandoned a high paying job in Canada to go by the Spirit to S. Africa, where a hundred thousand people were healed of plague in one year. Lake stood as a modern giant against skepticism, rationalism and embedded religious ideology. His "exploits" of healing and faith ruptured scientism by the power of God. His teachings raised a multitude of ministries that overcame resistance and obstacles from a ridiculing multitude. Like Stephen, those who came against him found him irresistible and unconquerable. (Those who know their God are strong and do exploits.)

2. Just two years ago, in a very dangerous area of Guatemala, an elderly, saintly, woman took on violent mobs who had murdered two pastors and several of their congregants. It was in an area where OEA had funded a small church building. Some of those mobsters murdered a man and left him as a macabre witness in the roadway to the missionaries' house. This brave woman moved to the village, purchased a house, placed a speaker system on her roof and broadcasted the gospel over the area. Threats came, but she continued facing down the spiritual and physical opponents. Her exploits produced victory. Today, a strong church exists. (Those who know their God are strong and do exploits.)

3. In Colombia, the Stendal family has done exploits for years. Resigning a high paying engineering position with the State of Minnesota, Chad entered the work of codifying the Kogi language in order to produce a Kogi Bible. He and his family determined to evangelize the nation as well as this tribe. The task required exploits to accomplish. Over the years, they have established radio towers that broadcast the gospel over the nation. Martin has negotiated peace between the national government and communist insurgents that maligned the countryside for nearly forty years. Their family has overcome governmental, religious and social opposition which manifested through being kidnapped and held for ransom, unjust imprisonment and religious persecution. Today, they are pouring Bibles and biblical materials into Venezuela. The legacy they established is a living example of Daniel 11:32! (Those who know their God are strong and do exploits.)

4. In Cambodia, Bro. Chameoun Mau was hanged in execution by the Pol Pot government. He supernaturally survived, was cut down and fled the country. After some time, he arrived in the U.S. with only change in his pocket. He flourished and developed a business from which he has established churches, schools, training centers, orphans' facilities and elderly care facilities in his native country. He supports pastors and underwrites these programs financially. (Those that know their God are strong and do exploits!)

5. In the Philippines, the Huyssen family left Germany in order to evangelize this nation. After establishing many churches, their attention turned to other Asian regions (which included China). Crossing borders into territories where the gospel was forbidden, Bro. Huyssen carried Bibles and gospel tracts through unfriendly terrains and wildernesses. He lost his life in those journeys, leaving a wife and young children. BUT, they have continued through many dangers and difficult times to fulfill his commitment. (Those who know their God are strong and do exploits!)

I could fill many pages of this newsletter with past and current examples of courageous acts of bravery and determination, for "exploits" seem to be the norm of missions. Our own national history is comprised of exploits by founding fathers and their families. With a national heritage such as this, we foresee a future which will require a people, "Who know their God." The question to be asked is, "Are churches preparing a people that know Him and are strong and capable of doing exploits?"


Until next month,

Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD.




Quote For Today:

From Brian Troxel:

Contact:
     Email: btoxel@ascendentgroup.com





"When I left the house of bondage I left everything behind. I wasn't going to keep nothing of Egypt on me, an' so I went to the Lord an' asked him to give me a new name. And he gave me Sojourner because I was to travel up and down the land showing the people their sins and bein' a sign unto them. I told the Lord I wanted two names 'cause everybody else had two, and the Lord gave me Truth, because I was to declare the truth to the people" Psalm 140:13

Brian Troxel




MISSIONS REPORT:

From: Ghiorghi Cazacu - Gospel Ministries International, Inc.

Contact Information:

Dorothy Maue
US Administrator

Gospel Ministries International, Inc.
PO Box 661
Belleville, IL 62222
Telephone: (618) 239-0215

https://www.gmii.org/gmi-ministries
Email: gmiius@sbcglobal.net




We are so very honored to share with you new pictures of the church in Pepeni, Moldova. You can see that it has come along very nicely and we are so very thankful to you and your partners for making this possible for these precious saints. They are all so very thankful to all of you for providing them a wonderful place of worship.

These pictures are before the church was completed.





These pictures are after the church was finished and are from the actual church dedication. It was a joyful time and they are so very thankful to you and your partners for making this a reality.





Bob Altemus of West Heart Ministries from the Ivory Coast, West Africa:

Contact Information:

     West Heart Ministries
     P. O. Box 121
     Converse, TX 78109
     http://www.westheart.org/
     Email: robertjaltemus@gmail.com

     FaceBook Bob Altemus Facebook

     FaceBookWest Heart Ministries Facebook




God moved mightily in our 2-day Leadership Summit in Abidjan where we trained 100+ ministers, and credentialed 35 new pastors in the Ivory Coast.

Pastor Nassa, my national host, did an amazing job leading his team to bring all this together.




There were times during our Leadership Summit where the Spirit of God fell so strong, we could not continue until the Lord did what only He could do.

This picture is my interpreter!

When the Spirit falls, everything else fades!








I ministered in 17 churches all across the country where we saw many salvations, even more rededications, even more wanting to be baptized, and even more who were filled with the Holy Spirit.

They had a great hunger and receptivity toward the things of God, and He never disappointed!




One day I ministered in 6 churches. This church was the first church of the day. You can see the rough structure behind us where they worship.

One interpreter went from English to French, and a second interpreter took it from French into the dialect of their village.

One deacon was so encouraged with my visit, he gave me a chicken. Others gave me plantains.

These people who have so little, willingly gave all they had.

Side note: We drove until the road ended, and then we had to walk through the bush the rest of the way to reach these precious people.








This is Pastor Nassa's home church in Yopougon.
This Sunday service was an amazing experience.
God did not give me the Word to preach until I stood to preach. They got the fresh download from Heaven as quickly as I was getting it.
Another special thing happened in this service. Early in the morning, God gave me the name of a man. At the end of my ministry time, I asked if that name meant anything to anyone there.
Well, just as only God can do, the man with that name was in the back of the room. I shared with him what God showed me, and that day God delivered that young man from a demonic spirit that was attacking him.




In one church, this man raised his hand for salvation. I asked him to come forward. When his head hit the blue cloth, he stopped walking. At that point, I realized he was blind.
We prayed for salvation and God opened his spiritual eyes.
I then asked him if I could pray for his eyesight. He agreed, and I prayed. When I finished, I asked him, "Can you see me?" He said, "I can see you are a white man." I asked if he could see me when he first walked up, and he said, "No. All I could see was black." Praise the Lord!!!








This was another experience like never before. This woman suffered paralysis that left her deaf, she could hardly walk, and she could not feel if someone touched her left leg.
After prayer, she said she could hear me when I said her name while standing behind her, and she could feel me touching her leg in this picture.
She didn't have the courage to walk without her small stick, but I believe God will heal her completely as she takes each step of faith!




We visited this pastor while on our 1,000 mile trip through the interior of the country. We stopped at his church, that meets in a school, at 8:30am. They were worshipping, and I spoke.
I was later told that since our visit, an Awakening has happened. People from the village came all day after we left asking to get saved. They had many more want to join the church. Four days after our visit, they no longer fit in the school and they are searching for property! Praise God!

(These were the sweetest pineapples ever!)








One experience that always tugs on my heart is visiting Mom Simone and the 40 children she is raising in her Orphanage in Divo.
I saw the rooms where 6 girls and 1 widow live and sleep on a thin mat placed on a concrete floor. Another room housed 8 boys.
Although they desperately needed and appreciated the food and hygiene items, the education materials, and the other gifts we took, the entire compound was filled with laughter and the Joy of the Lord!
Their smiles will forever be etched into the fibers of my heart!




We hosted a smaller Leadership Summit in the interior of the country where another 100+ people were trained and equipped in their calling.
You can see the royal wardrobe they gave me as they made me an honorary King/Chief of their City/Village.
This happened in 2 other locations as well … both in the interior of the country and in the big city. Although this was an honoring gesture on their part, I believe it symbolically gave me an authority all across the land to release the hand of God.









My final ministry experience was a God-ordained invitation to speak at a Women's Conference.

I couldn't help but think of my mother who passed away in 2014.

My mother would have beamed at the way these women worshipped.

As a seamstress for many years, she would have loved all the different dresses and shirts made from the same material. And she would have hugged and loved each of these women with every ounce of energy within her. It was with tear-filled eyes that I dedicated this final service to my mom.




No trip would be complete without stopping at Mom Susie's Christian School called: Grace, Favor, Winners where their theme is "I was born for greatness."

She is educating over 200 students between the ages of 2 and 10, and God has given her plans and the land to now build a High School and a University.

Pastor Nassa told me, "Everywhere we go, you are covered up in kids." I told him, "I wouldn't have it any other way."








This was a special service that almost didn't happen. I began to get stomach pains early in the afternoon. Our ride never showed up. We went to get a taxi, and there were no taxis. We walked a half a mile and found a taxi. The taxi got lost an hour into the ride. When we got to the facility, the electricity was off.

The service started 2 hours late.

Opposition can frustrate or it can excite. This woman was drastically delivered from a demonic spirit. I am so glad we didn't give up!




The average life expectancy of a male in Ivory Coast is 57.

This is Pastor Nassa's dad, age 101!

We spent the night in the village where Nassa was raised. It was like a trip back in time as everyone cooked on an open fire, the women gathered at the well each morning to extract the daily water, and almost every home had bamboo beams packed with mud for walls.

Yes, this is the village where I ate rat. It was alpha and omega … my first and last!








I ministered in 6 home churches and cell groups. These times of intimate ministry were special and intense in the Holy Spirit.

In all the homes and churches where I ministered, God gave me a fresh message to preach, and He gave prophetic exhortation, edification, and comfort.

It didn't matter if there were hundreds of people or a hand-full, the Power of God showed up Supernaturally to meet every need.




The steps of the righteous are ordered of the Lord, and those steps are endued with an anointing that draws everything to you to accomplish the Father's will!
This elderly woman held me and didn't want to let go. The kindred spirit made it seem as though we were friends all our lives. We may be different colors and from very different lands, but you could never convince her nor me that we are not brother and sister!

Thank You Father for another rich experience in Your presence in a land that is foreign to me, but not to You!

To God be the Glory, great things He has done!











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