“Banner: A piece of cloth bearing a design, motto, slogan, ect., sometimes attached to a staff and used as a battle standard.”
– WEBSTER’S NEW WORLD COLLEGE DICTIONARY
From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, every nation and principality, many organizations, and some families have a banner that is the official standard of their people. The Danish flag, consisting of a large white cross on a red field, is the oldest national flag in existence.
According to a legend, a red banner bearing a white cross appeared in the sky at a most critical moment during a crusade against pagans, led by Valdemar II of Denmark. The flag created from that legend has been the national emblem of Denmark since the 13th century.
Long before the Danes ever saw their banner in the sky, God established the first banner over His people. In Exodus 17:15 we find our personal banner, Jehovah Nissi – the Lord our banner, our victory.
As people of God we are covered by Jehovah Nissi. As long as we operate under His banner we are assured victory. When we move out from under His covering, that’s when we get into big trouble.
“Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth” (Psalm 60:4).
God’s standard has been set, and I want to hold it high. I want to represent the victorious people of God in every word and deed. As long as I name the name of Jesus, I represent God’s glorious kingdom.
If I don’t hold up the standard, the banner of righteousness, I cannot be part of the people of God.
What flag flies over the kingdom of your heart? Maybe it is time to check your flag pole to see what banner you have been waving for the world to see.
As people of God, we represent the Messiah and the promises of victory, peace, and prosperity that He brings to the world. All you have to do is wave the flag, and people will be on your doorstep asking for help – His name is Jesus!
Excerpt permission granted by Albury Publishing
Carman Domenic Licciardello is an enigma in Christian music, often described as part evangelist, part Vegas Showman. His concerts were more like a rock and roll Billy Graham Crusade than a Christian music event. After all the singing, dancing, clapping, and preaching, crowds of people would stream down to the counseling area to accept Christ-many times as many as 5,000 in an evening.
Admission was usually free; a simple offering was taken, similar to 30,000 churches on Sunday mornings. And he filled the largest stadiums the world over. Carman held the record for the largest Christian concert ever in Dallas, Texas. But it even goes beyond that. Take the Mega Stadium acts that played the famed landmark such as Pink Floyd, U 2, Madonna, The Jackson Five, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, and even Metallic. As the newspapers noted, you'll see that the one-act that drew the highest attendance in Texas Stadium was Carman, with 71,132.
Carman (1956-2021) was a popular contemporary Christian singer and songwriter.
Born Carman Licciardello, he began recording under his first name and released his debut album in 1980. Carman began charting contemporary Christian hits in 1984 with "Sunday's on the Way," reaching No. 1 with "The Champion" (1986) and "Radically Saved" (1988). His other hit songs include "Lord of All," "Jesus Is the Light," and "Satan, Bite the Dust!" Carman reportedly holds the world record for the largest audience at a Christian concert. His popularity was at its height in the 1980s and early '90s, but he continued releasing albums for years, including his most recent release, 2014's "No Plan B." In 2018, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
