RECEIVE THE WORD OF GOD WITH QUICKNESS AND WILLINGNESS

“…they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”—Acts 17:11

The early bird gets the worm is an expression that is used to convey the thought that being first has the advantage and receives the best reward.  For example, that can be seen in the world today when a new product is introduced, and people will stand in long lines waiting to be the first to own it.  However, we as Christians are to be willing and quick to receive the Word of God. 

When the Word of God has first place in your life, then that positions you to hear more clearly from the Spirit of the Lord.  Also, it will position you for greatness because you are consistently spending time in the Word.  Jesus put it this way, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.  I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5). 

The Living Word of God, Jesus, has made a promise to you that when you abide vitally united to Him and His words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts that you can ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you (John 15:7).  Your living union with Him makes tremendous power available to you.  When you accept and understanding the concept of your union with Christ then the idea of bearing fruit becomes a natural reality.  An apple tree does not have to try to produce apples it does; likewise any fruit producing tree, plant or bush.  It is their nature to produce fruit.  When you abide in vital union with Christ then it becomes your nature to produce fruit, the Father is glorified and you will be known as one of Christ’s disciples.

Prayer—Father I ask you that the Living Word would become a reality in my life today.  I ask you to help me remain consistent in your Word and that I would bear fruit for you.  Lord will you please put in order anything in my life that distracts from putting You first place, in Jesus Name. Amen.        

RECEIVE MERCY

“…as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.”—II Corinthians 4:1

Blind Bartimaeus was setting by the road side begging when he heard that Jesus was among the great multitude of people who was passing his way.  He had heard about the miracles and the healings that had taken place through Jesus’ ministry; consequently, he began to cry out for Jesus to have mercy upon him.  It did not matter that people warned him to settle down and be quite; he cried out louder.  Jesus stopped and called for Blind Bartimaeus to be brought to Him.  When Blind Bartimaeus was told that Jesus wanted him to come to where He was standing, he did something extraordinary-he threw aside his garment.  The garment that Blind Bartimaeus threw aside gave him the legal right to beg.  By throwing aside his garment, Blind Bartimaeus signaled to himself and all those people that he would never again have a need for a legal right to beg.  He arose in faith and confidence in God’s mercy.  He was signifying that God’s mercy, His kindness, would be enough for him.  He was not disappointed.  Jesus asked him what he wanted.  Without any hesitation, Blind Bartimaeus replied, “that I may receive my sight.”  Jesus said, “Go your way, your faith has made you well.”  Immediately Bartimaeus received his sight, and became a follower of Jesus (Mark 10: 48-52).   

Charles Finney said in one of his sermons that, “mercy ask that justice be set aside.”   It is through the shed blood of Christ that we receive mercy instead of the deserving justice.  When we cry out for God’s mercy in our lives, we are asking for His kindness that goes beyond what might be expected or demanded by fairness. The mercy of God endures forever and His compassion does not fail.  Learn from the experience of Blind Bartimaeus and cry out to the Lord in faith for what you need; likewise, you will not be disappointed you will receive your petition.

Prayer—Lord I ask you for mercy in my life today.  I ask you to fill every area of my life that has been delinquent of your mercy.  I receive by faith and count it as done, in Jesus Name. Amen.      

RECEIVE INSTRUCTION AND LIVE HONORABLY

“When I saw it.  I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest; so shall your poverty come like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.”—Proverbs 34:22

All around us people are conducting their lives in less than honorable ways.  Appalling scenes of people conducting their lives filled with greed, lust, violence, corruption and filth fill the television screens, movie theaters, radio and internet.  People’s reputations are being laid bare.  I have heard some say that these things are a sign-of-the- times.  However, the church of the Living God need not conduct their lives in this manner; nor, do we need to allow riotous living infect our lives. The church (the body of Christ) is to know right from wrong and to have a good reputation among those of the world.

The word honor means to have a keen sense of right and wrong, to have chastity, purity, and a good reputation.  Peter wrote that we are to, “Honor аll people. Love thе brotherhood.  Fear God.  Honor thе king” (1 Peter 2:17).  The book оf Proverbs clearly illustrates thе association of one’s behavior wіth its resulting honor.

 Honor аѕ taught in thе Scriptures is fаr different frоm the type of honor sought after bу thе world. This means, аs we honor God through оur godly character, we wіll reap dishonor from thоѕе оf the world.  In fact, the Bible teaches uѕ that “everyone whо wants to live а godly life іn Christ Jesus will bе persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).

 If we want to live honorable lives, it would then be prudent for us to look into the Word of God and receive His instructions for living honorably.  “He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor” (Proverbs 21:21, 22:4, 29:23).

Prayer—Father, I come to you asking you to give me instructions so that my life brings glory and honor to your name, in Jesus Name. Amen.

ASK AND RECEIVE

“For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”—Matthew 7:8

God wants your life to be fulfilled in every way.  He wants you to enjoy happiness and to develop all of your best talents, abilities, potentials and capabilities.  He is not a God who sends disease and pain.  He does not want you to live in poverty and lack.  God has plenty and it is for you to enjoy.  His direction for your life is success, health and happiness. 

Jesus said that, “He was your good shepherd.  The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:11).  Jesus became your shepherd and guide by giving His life for you.  The Good Shepherd paid the ultimate price for you; He died for you so that you would be fulfilled in every area of your life.  He said”…I have come that [you] may have life, and that [you] may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

To receive any blessing Christ died to provide, you must believe that it is His will that you receive it.  When you believe, this is called faith.  All of God’s blessings come to you through faith.  That is why Jesus said, “Only believe”, and “Whatever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive it, and you shall have it” (Mark 3:36, Mark 11:24).  However, even though Christ died to put away your sins, and to open the way for you to have His abundance in every area of your life, you must believe the message of the gospel and be convinced that Christ did this for you personally. 

Scripture says that all of the promises of God are yes, and amen.  It is by faith that you receive the promises of God.  Believe that God says what He means, and He means what He says.  When you do you can ask and you shall receive.

Prayer—Father, thank you for providing your abundance for me to enjoy.  I receive your blessings for me by faith, in Jesus Name. Amen.

RECEIVE THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT: BE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNING

“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritual discerned.”—I Corinthians 2:14

To receive the “things” of the Spirit a person must have a regenerated spirit.  The person must be “born again;” a “new creation.”  To receive the “things” of the Spirit of God you must be living under the control of the Holy Spirit.  For the Christian to receive the “things” of the Spirit, he/she must not try to discern Spiritual matters with the “natural man.” 

The meaning of "natural man," as used in I Corinthians 2:14 are those individuals who are governed and influenced by the natural instincts; those who are under the influence of the senses. The “natural man” tries to understand with natural human reasoning the things that are of God; however, the “natural man” cannot because of using carnal wisdom.  The “natural man” does not "embrace" or "comprehend" the things of the Spirit of God.  The “natural man” rejects the things of the Spirit of God as irrational thinking; wisdom is not perceived, and thus they are despised. The “natural man” loves other things better.  For example, a man of intemperance does not receive the arguments for temperance; a man of licentiousness, the arguments for chastity; a liar, the arguments for truth.

The “things” of the Spirit of God are those doctrines which are inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the things which pertain to His influence on the heart and life of mankind. The “things” of the Spirit of God are all the things which the Holy Spirit produces.  The “spiritual individual” is living under the control of the Holy Spirit and minds the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:1-13; Galatians 5:16-26).  The “spiritual individual” has the mind of Christ and discerns (perceives) and esteems spiritual things above the carnal.  The “spiritual individual” examines, convinces, and reproves the things that are not of the Spirit of God.   The “spiritual individual” can understand Spiritual truths for the Holy Spirit has revealed them.                                     

Prayer—Lord, thank you the “things of the Spirit” help me to discern (perceive) and understand them so that I can know you better, in Jesus Name. Amen.

RECEIVE HEALING

“Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, ‘If You are willing, you can make me clean.’  Then Jesus moved with compassion, stretched out His hand touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.”—Mark 1: 40 -41

Dr. T. L. Osborn related a most unusual story about a man who attended one of their crusades in Asia.  Thousands of people attended the outdoor crusade.  In the great sea of people, a leprous man stood and heard the preaching and received the prayer for healing.  After the crusade, he walked for many miles back to his mountainous village where he had a home among the other lepers.  On the way back to his village, the man was cured of his leprosy and he began to witness to the fellow lepers and pray for them.  Many years passed before Dr. T. L. heard about the miracle of this man’s healing.  When he returned for another crusade, the cured man came upon the stage and told the testimony of his healing.   He told how he had witnessed and prayed for the lepers in the area of Asia where he lived until there were no more leper colonies, and that several churches had started as a result of his ministry. 

You may be fortunate to live in an area of the world where leprosy is no longer seen as a threat to one’s health.  However, everywhere in the world there are diseases of various kinds; the list would be endless if we tried to name them all.  You may be suffering from an affliction, or may know someone who is.  No matter where in the world you may live, or what the affliction may be, the Word of God is still the same.

While Jesus walked the face of the earth He ministered healing to every part of the human body.  He cast out devils, healed the sick, forgave sins, and restored wholeness to those tormented by Satan.  Jesus healed people because of His compassion.  “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion…” (Psalm 145:8).   Christ Jesus is still the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  If He was willing to heal the leper yesterday, He is willing to heal the leper, or whatever affliction it may be, today.

Prayer—Lord, I thank you that you are willing to heal today.  I ask you to heal ______________ (your affliction, or someone you know affliction).  Thank you, I receive it by faith today as done, in Jesus Name. Amen. 

RECEIVE THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission f sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”—Acts 2:38

 I had been “born again” for several years before I experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Through teaching and the study of the Word of God, I discovered the difference between the work of the Holy Spirit in the “new birth” and receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  These are two separate works of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Although I was instantly delivered from drugs and alcohol when I was “born again,” it was though the baptism of the Holy Spirit that I received empowerment to break many bad habits in life.  People of today are no different than the people were when the Holy Spirit was initially poured out during the Day of Pentecost.  We need the help, the comfort, the power and the life giving rivers of living water that the Holy Spirit gives to us when we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

 To have a good understanding of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, today’s devotional is longer than usual.  However, I hope that today’s devotional will give you a better understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit in your life, and if you have not yet done so, to be inspired to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

 The term, baptism of the Holy Spirit, comes from the prophecies made by John the Baptist and Jesus concerning this experience.  John said to those he baptized in the Jordan River “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.  He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and fire” (Matthew 3:11).  Just before Jesus ascended back into heaven, He spoke to the apostles and, “… commanded them they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, He said, you have heard from me” (Acts 1: 4-5).

At the moment a person is converted, The Holy Spirit gives birth to a new creation in the believer (John 3:1-8; II Corinthians 5:17).  Not my works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).  The Holy Spirit’s basic work in salvation is to impart a new life to a person, and thus making her/him a child of God (I John 5:12; John 1:12).  Through the process of the Holy Spirit you become a part of God’s family; the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13).  Scripture tells us that “…no one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit” (I Corinthians 12:3).  As believers, it is the Holy Spirit that bears witness with your spirit that you are the children of God (Romans 8:16).  God has more for you as a believer; not only does He wants you to be blessed, He wants to use you to bless others.

After His resurrection, Jesus told his disciples, “Behold I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).  The baptism of the Holy Spirit was called the promise of the Father in this passage of scripture.  According to Jesus, these followers would be endowed with God’s power to be witnesses of Him.  Furthermore, following His instructions some 120 of His followers, including the disciples, met together to wait for the promise of the Father.

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as a rushing might wind, and if filled the whole house where they were sitting.  Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” –Acts 2: 1-4

 An important reason for the baptism of the Holy Spirit is power for witnessing of the living Christ.  “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).  After the 120 received the baptism of the Holy Spirit they went into the streets witnessing of Jesus.  Not only that but, Peter stood up and preached about Joel’s prophecy and the resurrection of Christ.  The results were amazing as they witnessed in the power of the Holy Spirit; about 3,000 people received Peter’s word and were baptized (Acts 2:41).  Soon another 5,000 people believed the word and they were added to the church (Acts 4:4).  By reading the Acts of the Apostles, you can discover more remarkable events including the miraculous due to the empowerment (the enablement) of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus described the Holy Spirit as rivers of living water that would flow out of the believer’s innermost being.  “…Jesus stood and cried out saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’  But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified” (John 7: 37-39).  The Holy Spirit produces rivers of life, love, joy, peace, and power to flow out of your spirit to meet the needs of others.  Jesus said those that believe upon Him should receive the holy spirit.

One of the names that Jesus used in speaking of the Holy Spirit was “Comforter.”  The Greek word is Paraclete, meaning “one called alongside to help.”  Jesus also said that the Holy Spirit would teach and guide the believers.  “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17).  It is important to notice that Jesus declare that an unbeliever cannot receive the Holy Spirit, for Jesus said that the world cannot receive Him.  The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to testify of Jesus to the believer.  It is He who is the revealer of truth to the believer.  He reveals the wealth and riches in Christ, opens our eyes to what is promised to you in Christ.  He glorifies Christ Jesus the Lord and Saviour.  “However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.  He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you” (John 16: 13-14).  The truth is in God’s Word.  The Holy Spirit will always guide you into an understanding of the truth as revealed in the Scriptures.  What He hears from God, He speaks to you.  What He speaks will always glorify Jesus and be consistent with the Word of God.

God’s will is for every believer to be filled with His Spirit “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit’ (Ephesians 5: 17-18).  His desire is that you be continually overflowing with His Spirit.  Jesus commanded  the disciples not to leave Jerusalem until they had been endued with power (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4).  In John 7:39, Jesus said that those that believe on Him should receive the Holy Spirit. 

 

Knowing that it is God’s will for you to be filled with the Holy Spirit gives you confidence in asking Him to baptize you with the Holy Spirit.  “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him that if we ask anything according to His will he hears us.  And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (I John 5:14-15).  Jesus said that our heavenly Father would give the Holy Spirit to those that would ask Him.  We may ask the Father to give us the Holy Spirit and have confidence we shall receive (Luke 11:9-13).

The 120 believers all spoke with other tongues on the Day of Pentecost when they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4).  The gentiles in the house of Cornelius spoke with tongues when the Holy Spirit came on them (Acts 10:44-48).  Likewise, the people at Ephesus spoke in tongues when the Holy Spirit came on them (Acts 19:6).  Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit when Ananias laid hands on him.  He later told the Christians at Corinth that he thanked God that he spoke in tongues more than they did (I Corinthians 14:18).  In his message to the Corinthians Paul concluded his instruction on tongues with these words, “Therefore brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.  Let all things be done decently and in order” (I Corinthians 14: 39-40).  One of the signs Jesus said would follow those who believe was that “…they would speak with new tongues” (Mark 16:17).

If you have not yet received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, ask your heavenly Father to baptize you today.  I have found that there are many believers who have not spoken in their new tongues in some time.  How long has it been since you have prayed in tongues?  The Bible tells us that tongues are a refreshing (Isaiah 28:11 -12), and that praying in tongues will build you up on your most holy faith (Jude 20).   

Prayer—Heavenly Father, I ask you for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, the refreshing, the empowerment to be a witness for you.  Please fill me now as you promised me you would in your Word in Jesus Name.  Amen.

GIVE FREELY WHAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED

“Heal the sick, cleanse the leper, raise the dead, cast out demons.  Freely you have received, freely give.”—Matthew 10:8

Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus, went very early in the morning to the tomb where Jesus had been buried after His death.  When she arrived, she saw that the stone that had been rolled in front of His tomb was rolled away.  She than ran to tell Peter and another disciple that Jesus’ body had been removed, and that she did not know where it had been laid.  Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb.  When they arrived, they saw for themselves that Jesus’ body was gone; the only things that remained in the tomb were the linen cloth that He had been wrapped in, and the handkerchief that been around His head.  The disciples went to their own homes, but Mary stood outside of the tomb weeping.   Weeping she looked into the tomb again, and saw two angles sitting where Jesus’ body had lain.  The angles asked Mary why she was weeping.  She told them that the reason she was weeping was because her Lord’s body had been taken away, and that she did not know where it was.  Turning around, she saw Jesus standing there who asked her why she was weeping.  Mary thought that the man was a gardener and spoke to him saying, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”  After Jesus spoke her name, Mary recognized Jesus.  Jesus told Mary not to cling to Him for He had not yet ascended to His Father.  He then gave Mary an assignment.  She was to go to Jesus’ brethren and tell them that He was ascending to His Father, and to their Father, and to His God and to their God.  Mary went and told the disciples what she had seen and what the Lord had spoken to her (John 20:1 – 18).

Mary Magdalene had experienced deliverance and had become a follower of Jesus.  He was the one that she had set all of her hopes on. She had left everything to follow Him.   She had watched her Saviors’ crucifixion, and experienced a sense of loss and heartache, the gloom of death and separation encompassed her.  Moreover, she felt frustrated and confused. 

Mary was a grieving woman that Jesus had delivered.  He had ministered to her.  She had followed Him and believed on Him.  Mary represents many of us. Jesus loved Mary and cared so much about her individual pain that He was willing to delay His ascension until He had been able to see Mary.  Jesus let Mary see Him. He comforted her, assured her of His resurrection, and entrusted to her the first message of the resurrection.   

Jesus cares about your grief, your individual circumstance, your loss, and your crises in life.  He cares about those heart things that no one seems to understand.  He is willing to go out of His way and make a special effort to encounter you, to comfort you, to heal you, to restore you, and to empower you to be a special messenger of His Good News!  Expect Him to wipe away your tears with His presence and His love.  

Prayer—Father thank you that you care so much for me, and that today you wipe away my tears.  Thank you for empowering me to be your special messenger to give freely what I have received from You, in Jesus Name. Amen.

RECEIVE DIRECTION FROM GOD

“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”—Proverbs 3:5 – 6

 

People have needs.  Some needs seem bigger than others.  The sons of the prophets who were taught by Elisha, the prophet had a need.  The building that they were living in had become too small, so they asked Elisha if they could build a bigger building.  Elisha told them that they could.  During the cutting down of trees to be used for the construction of the building, an iron ax head flew off of the handle of the ax and fell into the river Jordan.  The man using the ax head was very upset because the ax head was borrowed.  Instead of blaming the person from whom he had borrowed the ax head, he was greatly troubled because he could not return what he had borrowed in good condition.  Today we should take a lesson from this incident, and be careful of that which we borrow.  Because we must love our neighbor as ourselves, we should take care of what we borrow just-as-if it was our own so that it does not receive any damage.

 

The man was so upset by loosing the ax head that he cried out for Elisha.  He told Elisha what had happened.  Instead of blaming the man, the prophet, Elisha, cut off a stick and threw it in the river Jordan.  The iron ax head floated to the surface and Elisha told the man to pick it up; he did (2 Kings 6: 1 – 7). 

 

In this modern era, there is a plethora of technology to choose from to give directions in nearly every aspect of life.  However, technology can not give you Spirit-led direction in your life.  The Scriptures tell you that it is God who gives direction for your life, and that there is nothing too hard for Him. The same God who made the heavens and the earth made you.  He wants to meet your every need and give direction in your life.  All that Christ provided for you is only available to you through your faith.  Just as the student of the prophet Elisha cried out to him with his need, you can cry out to your heavenly Father and tell Him your need expecting (using your faith) good results.  His Spirit will lead and guide you in the right direction.

Prayer—Heavenly Father, thank you that I can trust you to give me direction in every area of my life, in Jesus Name. Amen.

DISCOURAGEMENT LEAVES WHEN STRENGTH IS RECEIVED

“By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.”—Hebrews 11:11

Over four million Israelites traveled through the desert wilderness to the land of promise.  Their travel was hot, dusty, and rough with little water.  God had promised that He would guide and provide for them.  However, like many of us, they became discouraged along the way.  Instead of keeping their eyes focused on Jehovah the Provider, they looked away and saw the circumstances, and they began to grumble and complain.  In contrast, 1 Samuel 30 reveals to us what action David did when confronted by discouragement.

The Amalekites had burned Ziklag, destroyed David’s residence and private property.  Furthermore, they had taken captivity all the women and children, including David’s.    However, David’s distress drove him to the Lord, “But David found strength in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6).    

 

Today your way may be through what seems like the wilderness, and it may be easy to become discouraged; but, remember that discouragement is a tool of Satan.  He does not want you to think that you are going to make it; however, like David, go to the Lord and receive His strength.  God told David to go and pursue his enemies and that he would overtake them and recover all. You have been promised victory in Jesus, and are to go in the strength and the power of His might.  Receive His strength to day, and be more than a conqueror in Jesus Name.

Prayer—Father, I ask you for your strength, your power and your might today, and I receive it by faith, in Jesus Name. Amen.

RECEIVING SPIRITUAL ADVICE CAUSES SPIRITUAL GROWTH

“By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.” Proverbs 13:10

One of the lessons that my earthly father taught me was to listen to advice—good or bad.  He taught me that even when others may advise me to do something that I did not agree with it; I was learning something.  My mother was the more practical one.  She would say, “Just because someone is going to jump off a building doesn’t mean that you need to do it.”   Because of our global network of communication, we are able to get input and advice from every corner of the world with a few clicks of the mouse, or key strokes of our computers, or telephones.  Advice is available everywhere from people we know and respect, and those we do not. 

We should not be quick to reject any advice, but we should remember to make sure the advice we receive does not go against God’s word.  We should seek and follow God’s advice in all that we do great and small. Not following God’s advice will only bring sorrow. We should also seek advice from others including godly parents, spouses, friends, loved ones, fellow believers, and spiritual leaders.  We should always be willing to listen to and follow good advice even when that advice is tough. Wise people appreciate and follow good, godly advice. Seeking and following good advice will make us wise.  Meditating on scriptures that encourage good advice will help you to grow spiritually.                                                                                          

Prayer—Father thank you for helping me to follow good sound biblical advice, in Jesus Name. Amen

RECEIVE HIS FULLNESS

“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.”—John 1:16

After a missions conference, a group of pastor’s and I went to eat at a restaurant.  The atmosphere was inviting, the food delicious, but what I remembered the most was the service we received.  Before we placed our orders, the server brought all of us a glass of water.   After we had ordered from the menu, the server was constantly by our sides replenishing whatever we drank.  Whether it was water, tea, or coffee, not one person’s glass or cup was ever more than one-fourth empty, because the server continually refilled our drinks. 

This event reminded me of the time Jesus came to the city of Samaria.   He was tired and thirsty from His journey, so he sat down by a water well.  Because Jesus did not have anything to draw from the well, He asked a Samaritan woman to give Him a drink of water.  She was astonished that a Jewish man would talk to her because it was against their customs and traditions.  Jesus replied to her and said, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.’”  He went on to tell the woman that whoever drank of the well water would be thirsty again, but whoever would drink of the water that He gives “would never be thirsty again, and that the water would spring up to be a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:5 – 26).   Jesus is the well of life we come to Him and drink freely.  Not just one time, but over and over again, as much as we want, we can be filled.  Do you need a refill today?  Come to Jesus, tell Him what it is that you need and He will fill you up.

Prayer—Father, I come to you today asking you to replenish me, strengthen me and fill me with your fullness, in Jesus Name. Amen.

IN YOUR PLACE OF OBEDIENCE YOU WILL RECEIVE PROVISION

“If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;”—Isaiah 1:19

God’s provision for us is not always where we would expect to find it.  Such was the case with Elijah the Prophet, a man of whom the Bible says was subject to like passions as we are (James 5:17).  Elijah had told Ahab that because of his wickedness no rain would fall on the land.  Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah and warned him to hide.  So Elijah was obedient, and went to live by the brook Cherith where God commanded the ravens to bring Elijah bread and meat morning and evening.  This was miraculous provision during a terrible time (I Kings 17). 

Later, the brook dried up, and Elijah became despondent and wanted to die.  However, the Lord spoke to Elijah telling him to go to the village of Zarephath.  Although sever drought conditions prevailed over all the land, the Lord said to Elijah, “See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you” (I Kings 17: 8).  It is important to note that God did not send provision where Elijah was.  My boys played football, and one thing that I learned is that a quarterback does not throw the football to where the receiver is, but where the receiver is going.  God’s miracle for Elijah was not where he was but, rather where the Lord was sending him. 

We must be flexible when God changes the place and method of our provision.  If we are not seeing God’s provision where we are, then it is time to evaluate ourselves and see if we are in that place of obedience, or if an adjustment needs to be made.  God chose to use a widow woman with a son to provide for Elijah.  Although they did not have much to share, she used the last of her provision to cook a meal for the prophet.  Miraculously, “the barrel of meal was not used up, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord” (I Kings 17: 8 -16).  After a while, the widow’s son died.  Then the power of God enabled Elijah to revive the child.  Elijah and the widow received provision because they were obedient. 

Take courage today, knowing that your heavenly Father know what you have need of, and that He will sustain you, perhaps in unexpected ways.

Prayer—Heavenly Father I thank you for your provision in my life, in Jesus Name.  Amen. 

RECEIVE THE COMMISSIONING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

“As the Father has sent Me, I also send you,”—John 20:21

After Jesus’ death, the disciples gathered together and shut the doors for fear of the Jews.  Jesus appeared to them saying, “Peace be with you.”  When the disciples saw Jesus’ hands and His side, the Bible tells us that they were extremely glad.  It was during this time that Jesus commissioned the disciples.  He said to them, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you,” and then He breathed on them, and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive the sins of any they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20: 19 – 23). 

 As the Father sent His Son to bring salvation to everyone who receives it, and as Jesus sent the disciples, so is He sending us, His Church.  We are not only to bring the message of salvation, but also to bring the spirit of its truth—forgiveness.  Salvation and forgiveness cannot be responded to unless it is delivered.  The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 10, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?  And how shall they believe in Him of whom whey have not heard?  And how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach unless they are sent?  As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’”   Only the breath of His Spirit can enable us to go obediently and to reach the people with love in our hearts.  Many are waiting to hear the message of salvation and forgiveness, will you go?

Prayer—Father, I humbly submit my will to your Will, and ask you to help me to be a witness for you, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

RECEIVE SALVATION AND JOIN THE CELEBRATION

“But as many as receive Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name”—John 1:12

Easter is celebrated throughout the world.  The meaning of Easter is more than an Easter Bunny, coloring eggs, and having a good meal.  Easter is the day that Christian’s gather around the world in commemoration and celebration to worship the resurrected Lord.  Statics show that more people attend church on Easter than any other day.  I think that the reason people may seem more drawn to church on Easter Sunday is because they are looking for answers and hope in their lives. 

Jesus is the Hope of the world.  Hope is the reason that people want to continue to live when faced with life threatening illnesses.  When Jesus rose from the dead, He forever changed our human perspective on death.  His victorious return from the grave is proof that death has been vanquished.  Man’s ancient enemies, sin, and death, no longer threaten those who have trusted Jesus Christ as Lord.  For Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life; he that beleiveth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall be live” (John 11:25).

 

The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that there is another dimension of life.  For He promised, “I go to prepare a place for you. I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14: 2-3).  This assures us that Jesus Christ will raise all who believe in Him.  This good news is worth celebrating!

Prayer—Father, make real to me the glorious hope of the resurrection, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

RECEIVE THE WORD WITH JOY

“But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.”—Luke 8:14

Christian’s the world over celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.  Because of Christ’s resurrection, Christians have the assurance of life after dead because they have received Him into their hearts.  The events leading up to Christ’s dead, burial and resurrection are important for us to understand and learn from.  One such event began the night that Jesus was betrayed.

After the disciples had their last supper with Jesus, and their feet had been washed by Him Jesus revealed to them that one of the disciples would betray Him.  He told the disciples that they would all leave Him, but Peter emphatically denied that he would ever do such a thing.  Jesus replied, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me” (Luke 22:34).  Further reading of the Scriptures reveals to us that Peter was tempted, and that he did deny Jesus three times before the rooster crowed (Luke 22: 54 – 62).

We, as Christian’s, can identify with Peter on so many levels.  We go to our church meetings where we get inspired, our faith gets charged up, and we are so happy that things are going to be different in our lives because of the Word of God.  But when we get home, we face the same circumstances that were there before we left, and soon “fall away” from what has inspired us.

The scriptures tell us that Peter wept bitterly after he denied Christ.  He must have felt like such a failure, but Christ never called Peter a failure.  In fact, Jesus had told Peter that Satan was going to try to shake him like wheat, but that He had prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail, and when he had returned to the Lord Peter was to strengthen and establish the brethren (Luke 22: 31 – 32).  The book of Acts is full of what Peter did after returning to the Lord.  He preached the first sermon at the Day of Pentecost and was the one that God used to reveal to the world that everyone was included in God’s plan of redemption.

Determine in your heart today that when difficulties in your life come, that you will stay faithful to the Lord by putting His Word first in every circumstance.  When you do, God will strengthen your faith and your circumstances will change because you have chosen to build your faith upon the rock of Jesus Christ.

Prayer—Father, I come to you today asking for your forgiveness for the times that I have given up and did not persevere in your Word.  Lord, I ask you to strengthen my faith that I may stand securely upon your Word, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

RECEIVE ABUNDANCE OF GRACE

“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ”—Romans 5:17

Esau and Jacob were twin boys born to Isaac, the son of Abraham, and Rebekah.  Through deceitfulness Jacob received his bother’s inheritance.  Esau hated Jacob for what he had done and promised himself that he would kill his brother.  Jacob found out what Esau intended to do and fled from his homeland.  Many years passed, Jacob married, had children, and became very wealthy.  One day the Lord spoke to Jacob telling him to return to the land of his fathers and to his family; furthermore, He told him that He would be with him and help him.  So, Jacob left where he had been living, and began his journey back to his homeland.  He sent messengers to his brother, Esau, telling him that he was coming.  Esau came out to meet him with 400 men.  When Jacob heard that his brother was coming with 400 men, he was very afraid.  Jacob gathered up a large number of animals from his flocks and sent them before him as a present to his brother.  By sending a gift to his brother, Jacob hoped to make up for what he had done, and to appease his brother for stealing his birthright.  When Esau met his brother, he did not try to kill him, nor was he still angry with his brother.  God had done a work in his heart and the prayer of his father had come to pass, “…and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke [Jacob’s] from off your neck.”  Esau had received God’s grace in his life to break free from the yoke of unforgiveness, and as a result both, Esau’s and Jacob’s families were greatly blessed (Genesis 25 -33).

When we choose to receive God’s grace in our life, our lives will be filled with peace and life.

Prayer—Lord, thank you for your abundant Grace working in my life and helping me to break free of all that is contrary to your Word and will for my life, so that I can live a life of peace and harmony with you,  in Jesus Name.  Amen.

RECEIVE THE WITNESS OF GOD

“If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; …”—I John 5:9

Our two year old daughter lay so pale and lifeless in the hospital bed.  A team of specialist had been working on our daughter’s case for two days, and still no one could find the source of her bleeding; only two small spots were detected by x-ray on her lungs. We were not given any hope from the doctors that she would live.  Our pastor came to pray with us, and I will never forget his words, “God is calling her home because she will probably grow up to be a drug addict.”  In anguish, our hearts cried out, No, No, and my husband asked him to leave the room.

My husband held me close to his chest as I wept, and recalled the years that we had prayed for a blonde hair, blue eyed daughter.  Everything in me rejected the words that God was taking our child; I simply would not receive those life destroying words.  Not long after the pastor had left, two very good friends came to visit us.  They shared with us what the Bible had to say about believers laying hands on the sick, and asked us if they could lay hands on our daughter (Mark 16:18).  Eagerly, we replied YES! 

 

Our hearts were filled with awe, wonder and praise as we watched the bleeding from our daughter’s nose and mouth cease.  In a short time, color began to come back into her body and she sat up in bed reaching out for me.  As we worshipped and praised God in the hospital room, nurses and doctors came running to see what was happening.  We all cried, hugged, and thanked God for what He had done.  When the doctors ran more tests and repeated the chest x-rays, they were amazed to find that even the two small spots had disappeared.  Our daughter is grown now with children of her own, and to this day she has remained perfectly healed.  Since our daughters healing, we have grown in our revelation and understanding of the Word of God and now know that the same Jesus who healed while upon the earth is still healing people today.  The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  The same Jesus, who healed a girl over two thousand years ago, healed our daughter. 

Because his only daughter was dying, a ruler of the synagogue came to see Jesus one day.  After the ruler of the synagogue made his way through the multitude of people surrounding Jesus, he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house.  A great crowd followed them as Jesus returned with the ruler to his house.  However, their return journey was interrupted by a woman who had been sick for 12 years with an issue of blood.  While Jesus was speaking to the woman, someone came from the ruler’s house and told the ruler that his daughter was dead.  Jesus heard what this witness had said, and spoke to the ruler saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.”

When they arrived at the ruler’s house, they saw the people weeping, and heard the ridicule of the people because Jesus told them not to weep and declared that the girl was not dead, but sleeping.  The ruler received the witness of Jesus because the Bible tells us that when Jesus arrived at the ruler’s house that He did not allow any one to go into the room where the girl was except the father and the mother, Peter, James and John. Jesus took the girl by the hand and said, “Little girl, arise.”  The girl got up perfectly healed (Luke 8: 41 – 56).

Prayer—Lord, help me not to accept the witness of people when they are contrary to your

Word, in Jesus Name. Amen.

BE ASSURED GOD’S HEARS AND RECEIVES YOUR PRAYERS

“The Lord has heard my supplication; The Lord will receive my prayer”—Psalm 6:9

There are times when we most need to pray that we feel the least capable of praying.  It can be difficult to pray confidently when our heart is heavy with grief.  Answered prayer is not based on how much, or how well, or how complete our prayer is, but on the goodness of Him who hears.  The times that we feel that our prayers are based “in the valley of the shadow of death” do not limit that the Good Shepherd is with us, and hears us when we pray. 

David wrote in Psalm 6: 1 - 7 of the difficult period that he was going through.  He spoke to God about the sickness in his body, the trouble in his mind because of his sin consciousness, the insults of his enemies, and because of all the crying he had done, he complained about his eyes hurting.  He begged God to save him.   

The times in our lives that we are sick in our bodies, confused in our minds, and our enemies raise up against us, are the times that we are to be like David.  David remembered that he was not related to the wicked (he threw aside his sin consciousness) and that the enemy had to leave (verse 8).  We are promised that when we submit to God and resist the devil he will flee from us (James 4:7).  Like David with confidence and assurance, we declare that the Lord will receive our prayer (verse 9).  We remember that our prayers are not based on what we have done or not done, but on what Christ has done.  We ask according to His will and are assured that He hears (receives) and answers our prayers.

Prayer—Lord help me to remember that when I go through the difficulties of life, no matter how I feel, I am assured that you hear and receive my prayers, in Jesus Name. Amen.

RECEIVING IS YOUR CONNECTION WITH OTHERS

“Give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom,.  For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you”— Luke 6:38

People the world over are concerned about the economic conditions, and what that means to them personally.  I have heard a lot of teaching concerning giving and receiving.  But I don’t think that I have ever heard anyone mention the fact that when we receive from others that it forges a bound between the giver and the receiver.  The Giver and the Receiver are connected.   I heard a testimony that Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India gave one time that makes this connection very clear.  (Mother Teresa, was a Roman Catholic nun of Albanian ethnicity and Indian citizenship, who founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India, in 1950. For over 45 years, she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying, while guiding the Missionaries of Charity's expansion, first throughout India and then in other countries).

The following is taken from Mother Teresa’s brief story entitled, To Die like an Angel.

 

One evening we went out and rescued four people off the streets. One of them was in a desperate condition. I told the sisters, "You take care of the others. I will care for this one who is worse off." I did everything for her that my love could do. I put her into bed, and I saw a beautiful smile light up her face. She squeezed my hand and only managed to say two words, "Thank you." And then she closed her eyes.

I couldn't help but ask myself there beside her body, "What would I have said if I had been in her place?" My answer was very simple. I would have said that I was hungry, that I was dying, and that I was cold. Or I would have said that this or that part of my body hurt or something like that. But she gave me much more. She gave me her grateful love.  And she died with a smile on her face.

Prayer—Lord, help me to remember that your love is always reaching and touches others through giving and receiving, in Jesus Name. Amen.