AN INTERCESSOR IS GOD’S CHAMPION

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“…then the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice.  He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor;…When the enemy comes in, like a flood the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.”—Isaiah 59:15, 16, 19

An intercessor is someone who prays on behalf of someone; the intercessor pleads on somebody’s behalf.  The Scriptures give to us many examples of intercessors who prayed or pleaded for individuals, groups of people and even nations.  Today the nations of the world need intercessors; people who will rise up and take their place as one of God’s agents in pushing back the forces of darkness that try to overtake people and nations.  One such individual who stood up in his nation’s time of crisis was a young man named David. 

I Samuel 17 is the account of David slaying Goliath, a mighty warrior, who was in the Philistine army.  In fact he represented the defiant army, who had come to do battle with Israel. No solider in the Israeli army dared fight him because of his huge stature as a giant. However this young teenage boy, representing his nation, stood up to the giant and killed him.

If we would look at David by the world’s standards, he did not look like someone who would be a champion.  He was young, his own brothers thought that he was arrogant, his family was not significant leaders in the community, and he had no experience as a military man.  However as we examine what David did when the enemy had came in, we can draw from this battle some attributes that made him God’s champion as an intercessor.  You can apply the same principles of David’s attributes that made him God’s champion as an intercessor into your life.

  • David was prepared ahead of time (“…he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, had put them in a shepherd’s band, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine” vs. 40). 
  • Prepare ahead of time—put on the armor of God.  “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand it the evil day, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” Ephesians 6:11-18).
 
  • Be an expert (“Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth” vs. 49).  Shepherds always kept stones in their bags not waiting for an emergency to arrive before getting one.  The stones were smooth and round so they could go to their mark and not sail out of course.  Men of Israel were adept at slinging stones and many hundreds could throw at a hairsbreadth and never miss (Judges 20:16) David must have been among the best that used a sling. 
  • Be an expert in handling the Word of God (“But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” 2 Corinthians 4:2).

  • Be sure of your mark—run to the battle (“…that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands…David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine” vs. 46-48).
  • Compassion pulls people from the fire (But you beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire. Hating even the garment defiled by the flesh” Jude 20-23).
 
A Champion Intercessor is one who loves God and has faith in His saving, delivering, healing, and keeping ability.  One who is prepared with the Word of God to rescue people from the wiles of Satan.
Prayer—Lord today I yield myself to Your Holy Spirit to rescue people from the forces of satanic influence, in Jesus Name. Amen.

I AM RELEASING A NEW THING IN YOUR LIFE

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“Do not consider the things of old, nor consider the thing of old, behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth: shall you not know it?  I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”—Isaiah 43:18-19

The Book of Ruth is a portrayal of a woman’s love, devotion and redemption that occurred during a time of extreme difficulty in the land.  Because of a famine, Elimelech, his wife, Namoi, and his two sons migrated from their homeland to the country of Moab.  While in the land, his sons married pagan women, Ruth and Orpah.  During their stay in the land of the Moabites, all of the men died.  When Naomi decided to return to her homeland, she told her daughters-in-law to return to their families.  Although both Orpah and Ruth loved their mother-in-law very much, only Ruth decided to remain with her.  Upon Naomi’s return to Bethlehem, the whole city was very excited to see her.  Because of the death of her husband and two sons, Naomi complained to the people that she thought that she had been treated unfairly by God.  Through a series of events God did a new thing in Naomi’s life, as well as, Ruth’s.  God gives Ruth a new husband, Boaz, a son, Obed, and a privileged position in the lineage of David and Christ (The Book of Ruth).     

Instead of focusing on yesterday’s problems, Ruth chose to focus on her today.  “Do not…” in our reference scripture is a direct command telling us not to remember the things of yesterday.   Do not remember the problems, the failures, the fears, the concerns, the disappointments, or the success.  Focus on today.  Many people that I minister to are held in bondage to the torments of the past, whatever it may be (losses of things, limits, abuses or anything that leaves a deep emotional wound).    Focusing on the former things keep people tied emotionally to their past.  Soul ties to the past can be broken; however, a new focus must be maintained to remain free.

Today make a decision to release those thoughts that have plagued you and that have tried to define who you are.  Let your decision release the label(s) that continually harass you and that shut you off from the fullness of joy, faith and excitement about your today.  God says that He is releasing a new thing in your life.  He is making a road just for you.  The GREAT I AM has promised to make a way for you and that rivers will flow in the desert of your life.  Take it now.
Prayer—Father I purpose in my heart not to think of my past failures, mistakes or even success, but today I choose to receive the new thing you are doing in my life.  Thank you for making the desert places in my life, to be flooded with your river, in Jesus Name. Amen.

THE REQUIREMENT OF FAITH: ACTION

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“Thus also faith by itself, it if does not have works, is dead.”—James 2:17
 
I read a cartoon in a magazine that depicted a house surrounded by flooding water and a man sitting on top of the roof.  He was praying for God to save him.  A man came by in a row boat; he told the man on the roof to jump in, but the man replied that He did not need to be rescued because God was going to.  The water kept rising until it was nearly up to the roof.  A helicopter came and lowered a basket for him to get into; however, again the man told the pilot that he did not need to be rescued because God would.  The next scene showed the man in heaven talking to God; he said, “I prayed for you to save me, why didn’t you?”  God replied, “I did; I sent a row boat and a helicopter.” 
 
Although the message in the cartoon was meant to evoke humor, it carries a powerful message, which is that faith requires action.  God has already done His part; we must do our part.  This is why we always tell people to do what they could not do before when we pray for their healing.  You will act on what you believe.  Faith with corresponding actions will always produce result.  If you are asking God for prosperity, then you must give. Someone who says that they believe God for prosperity, but do not give, is deceiving themselves.  A person who says, “I am healed,” but continues to act sick and dwell on their symptoms, will kill whatever faith they have.  Furthermore, a person who intercedes for someone and then still worries whether anything will ever happen is not acting in faith.  

True biblical faith must be acted upon it will always produce results.  I encourage you to act upon what you believe.  Do you believe that you are healed?  If so, then you must act like it. Do you believe that God answers prayers?  Then do not give any thought or energy to the contrary of what you have prayed.  Say what God has to say about the situation and you will be amazed at how things will begin to turn around for you.
Prayer—Father thank you that my faith is active and energized, and today with your help I will put actions to my faith, in Jesus Name. Amen.

PEACE: THE ANTIDOTE OF A TROUBLED HEART

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“Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you.  Not as the world give do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid—stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.”—John 14:27 Amplified

In the beginning, God created Adam and Eve to live in harmony with Him and all of His creation; the one restriction that God placed on them was not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  However, God’s enemy, Satan, seduced them into doubting that God meant what He said, and as a result they ate the forbidden fruit. 

Adam and Eve did not believe the consequences that God imposed if they ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  He said if they ate of the tree that they would die. They doubted God’s Word and as a result death entered the human race and the first sin was committed. When Eve gave the fruit to Adam, he had a choice not to eat; but, he chose to eat.  The lesson we can learn from this is: Don’t allow the spirit of self-doubt subjugate you to another person’s doubt.  You can believe even if someone else chooses not to believe.

Adam and Eve doubted God’s love for them.  Satan accused God of not wanting what was best for them.  In essence, he told Adam and Eve that God was denying them of something that would make them wiser.  This was a direct attach on God’s love and integrity.  God had treated the human couple with respect and honesty, providing everything they needed, and He even visited with them everyday.  However, Adam and Eve chose to doubt His love.  Think about this…they took the word of a talking snake over the Word of God (Genesis 1-3). 

It is unreasonable to ever doubt God’s love when you consider Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.  When you get a revelation on the great love that God has for you peace will flood your believing heart and doubt will vanish.  You can boldly say, the Lord is my Helper and His peace fills my heart.  Because of His peace, I have all confidence and expectation that all of my needs will be met according to His great riches!
Prayer—Father I thank you for giving me your Peace.  When fear and doubt try to crowd my mind, I turn to You, and say that the Lord is my Helper and your Peace floods my heart and mind, and then I can remain fixed and stable in You, in Jesus Name. Amen.


PRAISE STOPS THE DEVIL AND ADVANCES GOD’S PLAN

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“Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.  Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name, my soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.”—Psalm 63: 3-5

Jericho was completely shut off from the children of Israel.  No one could go in or out of the city.  Rahab, the harlot, and her family were shut-up within this city.  The army of Israel was on the outside of the walls.  The same people whom Rahab had helped were now encamped against her city. 

Today you may be facing a similar situation as Rahab, and feel completely shut off from any help or solution to a problem.   Perhaps you have rescued some of God’s children, and you yourself, now need to be rescued.  I want to encourage you today that just as God had a plan for rescuing Rahab and her family; He has a plan to rescue you.  He is saying to you today: in the day of trouble I will come to you I will rescue you.  I will never leave you.  I will never forsake you.     

The very plan that God gave to Joshua to take the city of Jericho was the plan that rescued Rahab.   Because God honors His Word above His Name, He will honor His Word that He has given to you.  The plan that God gave to Joshua and the army of Israel was to march around the city once a day for six days not saying a word.  Seven priests were to carry seven rams’ horns before the ark; however the seventh day the army was to march around the city seven times and then the priest were to blow the ram’s horn.  When the people of Israel heard the sound of the trumpet they were to shout with a great shout.  The army of Israel and the priest obeyed the plan of the Lord.  On the seventh day they went around the city seven times, and when the people heard the blast of the ram’s horn a loud shout went up and the walls of the city fell down.  Rahab and her family were the only people in the city whose lives were spared that day because they put their faith in a delivering God (Joshua 6).

The word “shout” as used in this scripture means to shout for joy, according to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible.   Praise according to Webster’s Third New International Dictionary means, “The act of glorifying or extolling God.”  Praise means speaking well of, extolling, or magnifying the virtues of someone.  Praise comes from a close relationship with God.  Praise must always be vocal.  It is not silent.  Thanksgiving occurs when we whisper a prayer of thanks to God.  But, praise occurs when we tell someone else about God’s goodness.

One of the words used for praise in the book of the Psalms is shabach.  In Psalm 63:3-4 David says, “Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee [shabach].  Thus will I bless thee while I live.”   David was saying that he would give a loud shout for joy unto the Lord.  There is a time when it is appropriate to give a loud shout of praise unto the Lord.  This is the kind of praise that STOPS the Devil and advances the plans of God.

Put your faith in God’s delivering plan; begin to shout the praises of God, and see the Devil’s plan stopped and God’s plan advance.
Prayer—Father I thank you that you have given me a weapon of praise to use to stop the Devil and advance your plan, in Jesus Name. Amen.


YOU DESERVE THE BEST; CHOOSE WISELY

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 “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”—Deuteronomy 30:19

Every year just before school began, my mother would take my sister and me shopping.  One particular year we got up very early to drive 72 miles to the nearest city with a number of department stores to do our shopping.  We were very excited to be getting to this particular clothing store just after it opened because it was advertised to be the biggest and best sale of the whole year.  Nothing that we had ever experienced before could have prepared us for what awaited us that day.  The store was crowded with people even though it was early.  We moved through the crowd seeking our clothing sizes among the tables and racks of clothes.  Women were grabbing everything in sight; if someone laid an item down, it was snatched up by another woman.  We finally found some things to try on; but, the changing rooms at the back of the store were taken.  Women began to move towards a large storage room and use it for a changing room so, we followed the crowd.  Although to some people, what appeared to be chaos made for the excitement of the day among the women shoppers.  A lone elderly man ventured into the storage room looking for his wife and was immediately met with high pitched screams of women yelling, “There is a man in here.”  The elderly man’s face turned a scarlet red as he hastily turned around and made an exit from the store.  During all of this chaos, my sister decided to look for something different.  Mother told her to just wear the store’s dress and carry her dress as we looked for a different one.  While looking for another dress, my sister laid her dress down which was immediately snatched up by a woman.  When my sister noticed that the woman had her dress, she had a very difficult time convincing the woman that she had made a wrong choice, and that my sister’s dress was not one for sale.  Needless to say, not long after this incident we paid for our purchases and left the store.  Just as we did on every shopping trip, upon arriving home, my sister and I paraded our choices before our father.  He gave the proper oohs and ahhs, and assured us that we had chosen wisely. 
 
Everyday we are confronted with choices.   God created each of us to make our own distinctive mark on the world.  The decisions that we make everyday are comprised of the choices that we make.  The choices we make today effect our tomorrows.  When the choices we make are based in the Word of God we are assured of God’s Best.  “Blessed is the man [woman] who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of the sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his [her] delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he [she] meditates day and night.  He [she] shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he [she] does shall prosper” (Psalm 1:1-3). 
Prayer—Father thank you that with your help I will chose to do those things that are pleasing in your sight, and that I am blessed with your favor and receive your best, in Jesus Name. Amen.

VIRTUOUS WOMEN IN THE LAST DAYS SHALL BE PRAISED

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“…But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”—Proverbs 31:30
 
The worldly view of women paints a picture of women as “sugar and spice and everything nice,” and includes a hue of pastel colors to get the message of passivity across to people.  However, the view that Scripture gives of women is quiet different.  In fact, God said that He would use the seed of the woman to bruise Satan’s heel (Genesis 3:15).  Throughout the Bible we can see instance-after-instance when women were very courageous and some even went into battle.  Jeremiah wrote, “how long will you waver and hesitate [to return], O you backsliding daughter? For the Lord has created a new thing in the land [of Israel]: a female shall compass (woo, win, and protect) a man” (Jeremiah 31:22 Amplified).    The new thing that Jeremiah spoke of has a direct relationship with Joel’s prophecy of the last days.  Joel prophesied that God would pour His spirit upon all mankind, and that God’s handmaidens would be used to speak forth prophetic revelations (Joel 2:28). 

When the prophet Jeremiah stated that “a woman shall compass a man,” he was not saying that she would rule over (as to overtake) him (Jeremiah 31:22).  The Hebrew word for compass is cabab, and it means to “surround or be about on every side.”  Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance gives several action words to describe “compass”: close, come, go, stand, round, about, remove, sit, down, turn-self-about, aside, away, back.  This simply means that in every way in every place you look, God will be using a woman.  The meaning of the three words used in the Amplified Version to describe “compass”:  woo — “to solicit, to achieve, attempt to gain; to evangelize:” win — “to reach despite of difficulty and gain the loyalty of”: protect — “to guard and keep from being attacked, damaged or stolen.”  

In the same manner that a lioness guards her territory to ward off danger, the woman will fight for her family.  The devil hates women because he knows that it is in a woman to confront issues that need to be dealt with and to win the lost.  Just like the woman with the issue of blood, and the woman who would not leave the judge alone until he ruled in her favor, today’s women are  tenacious and will not give up. 

Proverbs 31:10-31 is a detailed account of a virtuous woman.  The word virtuous is chayil in the Hebrew, and it means “an army that is war worthy.”  Proverbs 12:4 says a virtuous woman is the “crown” of her husband.  The meaning of the word crown means to “encircle for attach or protection.”  It also means “to compass.”  This scripture refers to a woman of valor who is bold to do battle. 

As you read through Proverbs 31:10-31, keep in mind that the Scriptures are speaking of an army that is war worthy.  Use the verses in your prayer time to decree and to declare, the virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman over your personal life or over the life of other women.
Prayer—Father I thank you for the Virtuous Women who walk in the light of your Scriptures, and who seek to do your will.  May the fruit of their labors provide for them and may their own works praise them in the gates, in Jesus Name. Amen.


FAITH CAN BE SEEN

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“When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgive you.”—Mark 2:5

James wrote in his Epistle to the Jewish believers that, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).  Faith must work; it must be visible; it must produce.  Verbal faith is not enough; nor, is mental faith sufficient.  James stressed that true faith inspires action and is manifested in works of faith. 
 
How do you see faith?  You see faith like you see the wind.  You can not see wind, but you can see the effects of the wind by seeing things blown by the wind.  Likewise, you cannot see faith, but a person’s actions will prove when they are acting in faith.

While Jesus was staying in Capernaum, many people came to the house where He was staying to hear Him preach.  So many people came, that there was not anymore room in the house.  Some friends of a man who was paralyzed carried him to Jesus; however, upon arrival they discovered there was no room for them to get their friend to Jesus.  Not giving up, the friends cut a hole in the roof where Jesus was, and let the bed down on which their friend was laying to Jesus.  When Jesus saw their faith, He said, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”  The religious leaders, who were sitting and listening to Jesus, began to think in their hearts that no one could forgive sins but God.  Immediately, Jesus perceived in His spirit what they were thinking, and responded to their thoughts by saying, “…that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins…take up your bed, and go to your house” (Mark 2:8-11).  The paralytic man immediately stood up, gathered up his bed, and left the house.  Everyone there was amazed and began to say, “We never saw anything like this!” (Mark 2:1-12). 
 
These men could have believed that Jesus could heal their friend, but then took no action on what they believed.  However, because they acted upon what they believed their friend experience a healing, and Jesus was able to use the occasion to teach about forgiveness.  Actions are a vital part of faith.  For faith to be seen, corresponding actions must accompany faith (James 2:17).
Prayer—Father I determine in my heart to walk in genuine trust and reliance upon you, in Jesus Name. Amen.




FAITH QUANTIFIED QUESTIONS GOD

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“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you,  not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”—Romans 12:3

In Numbers chapter thirteen, we find the account of the Hebrew spies sent into the land of Canaan.  The Lord instructed Moses to send out a man from each of the twelve tribes to spy out the Promised Land. Moses chose the twelve men and instructed them where to go and what to look for in the land.  They were to determine what the land was like, how many people were there, if the cities were build like strongholds, could the people fight, if the land was good for planting and supporting herds of animals, and if there were any forest.  The men returned to Moses and brought an example of the fruit growing in the land and gave a report to the whole congregation of Israel (Numbers 13:1-26). 


Then they told him [Moses], and said: "We went to the land where you sent us.  It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit.  Nevertheless, the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there.  The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittities, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan."  Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it."  But the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people for they are stronger than we."  And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, "The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature.  There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight"  (Numbers 13:27-33).


Notice that the ten spies were concerned with the quantity of their faith.  They described the people as being bigger and stronger.  Their self images were reflected in their statement when they said, “We were like grasshoppers in our own sight.”  When you quantify your faith you not only question yourself, but God.
 
Joshua and Caleb’s faith was very different than the 10 spies.  They were not concerned with how much faith they had (the quantity); moreover their faith rested in the Promise Maker and that He would keep His word. “Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread, their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us.  Do not fear them” (Numbers 14:9).  God did keep His promise; Joshua and Caleb were used mightily of the Lord to bring the people into the Promised Land.
 
Personal faith based in the human will and accomplishments will most certainly lead to failure and disappointments.  Put your faith in God and His promises and you will never fail, or be disappointed.
Prayer—Father I thank you that because my faith rest in you I will never fail or be disappointed, in Jesus Name. Amen.

QUALITY FAITH: JUDGING GOD FAITHFUL

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“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”—Hebrews 11:1

It is important to understand the meaning of four key words in the Hebrews 11:1.    The words are faith, substance, hope and evidence.  When the word “faith” is used it means what you believe in, "substance" has the meaning of assurance and confidence; whereas "hope" means to expect, and "evidence" is the proof.  So, if we place these words into the reading of Hebrews 11:1 and make it personal, the scripture would read, now what I believe in is the assurance of things that I expect for, the proof of things not seen.”  To gain further understanding of Hebrews 11:1 let me use the following example:  If I would call you on the telephone and tell you that I was coming right over to your house, and the doorbell rang a few minutes later; you would not be surprise that it was me when you opened the door.  But, if it was someone else, you would be surprised.  However, some people that read Hebrews 11:1 are surprised when the answer comes to them exactly what they have asked for, or they never expect an answer to come.  Today what is the quality of your faith?  Does your faith rest in the confident expectation that what believe will come to pass even before you see it with your natural eyes?

God promised Sarah a child when she was passed the childbearing age.  However, “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). Sarah did not question if she had enough faith.  Quality faith is judging God faithful.  Sarah judged that the promise maker would keep His word. 

Many times I have heard people say, “Well I guess I just did not have enough faith.”  However, Jesus said that faith as small as a grain of mustard seed would remove mountains, and nothing would be impossible to you (Matthew 17:20). You have been given a measure of faith (Romans 12:3).  Faith is meant to be exercised and used.  In yesterday’s devotional, I told you how I first began to exercise my faith by asking God for bread and how it was provided.  I found in the Scripture where it was written (I found the will of God) and then I judged God faithful to His Word.  Your faith is not based on how much you have, but in quality. 
Prayer—Father I thank you for the faith that you have given to me.  Never again will I be deceived into thinking that I do not have enough faith.  I choose to exercise and develop my faith, in Jesus Name. Amen.


TRUST GOD: HE IS WORKING FOR YOUR GOOD

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“For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus as leaning of your entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom and goodness…”—Colossians 1:4

The Scriptures instruct us that we are to come to Jesus with child-like faith.  We can come to Him with confidence and have reliance upon His character, ability and strength.  The disciples put their trust in Him time-and-time again.  For example, when there was not enough food to feed the crowds of people, they did what Jesus told them to do; they took a few fish and loaves of bread and passed it out among the thousands of people.  Can you imagine how it must have been like to begin to pass out the food among the great crowds of people?  They had never been in a situation like that before.  They simply trusted the Words of Jesus; did what He said to do, and then began to witness the fish and loaves of bread multiplied. 

One of the first times that I believed God for bread was when we lived on the farm.  I needed to buy some bread and did not have enough money to buy a loaf of bread.  So, I prayed and asked God for some bread quoting Proverbs 37:25, “I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread.”    A few hours after I had prayed, a man came to our door with several loaves of bread. I learned that I could trust His goodness in my life.  Today trust His goodness to meet your every need. 
Rahab, the harlot, is another example of someone who put her confidence in God.  When she hid the spies that Joshua sent into Jericho, from the king of the country, she chose to trust in God for deliverance when the Israeli army invaded their city.   She was not disappointed; her life and lives of her family members were spared (Joshua 2).   You can trust Him for your deliverance. “How blessed is he who considers the helpless; the Lord will deliver him in a day of trouble, the Lord will protect him and keep him alive, and he shall be called blessed upon the earth; and do not give him over to the desire of his enemies’ (Psalm 41:1-2).
 
The main speaker at a business seminar that I attended related the following testimony of how he had been blessed.  He said that he had over 3,000 employees world-wide, and had several business and personal advisors.  However, there were times that their advice was not always enough.  During these times, he would schedule specific times to pray and seek God’s wisdom throughout his busy day. Without fail, he always received wisdom and insight that he had not previously known.  “Blessed is the man who listens to [Wisdom] me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors” (Proverbs 8:34). 
There are times that we have put our trust in people and they have disappointed and even failed us; however, the unfaithfulness of people does not change the faithfulness of God.  God’s goodness never changes.  When we put our faith and trust Him, His goodness is at work in our lives.
Prayer—Father I purpose in my heart to trust you and to seek your wisdom for life’s challenges.  Thank you that I can trust your goodness to be at work in my life, in Jesus Name. Amen.  

THE POWER OF GOING FORWARD

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“The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.”  Job 17:9 NLT

God has been telling people to go forward for a long time.  He told Adam and Eve to go forward, have dominion and replenish the earth (Genesis 1: 27-28).  Noah walked with God, and God told him to build an ark.  “Thus Noah did, according to all that God commanded him, so he did” (Genesis 6:22).  Abram was instructed by God to go forward and to leave his county (Genesis 12: 1-4).  Has the Lord been telling you to go forward?

Going forward will impact lives that may be more far reaching than you have ever dreamed.  A friend’s husband died five years ago; she had the choice of keeping their small business operating, or closing it.  Although she had helped run the business, her husband was the dynamic of its operation.  After prayer and much soul searching, she decided to keep the business operating.  She told me that the main reason she decided to keep going forward was because 18 families depended on the income from the business.  Not only has she kept the business operating, but she has been able to give raises and bonuses to all of her employees.      

Because Joshua, Moses’ assistant, went forward, the Israeli people were able to cross over the Jordan River and to enter the Promised Land.  He said, “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses” (Joshua 1:3).

You have a choice to stay where you are or go forward.  Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Syria, followed the instructions of Elisha, the prophet, and was healed of leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-14).  I want to encourage you to choose to go forward with whatever the Lord has put in your heart to do.  Although it may seem impossible, or it may seem out-of-the ordinary, all things are possible with God.

 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV)
Don’t be afraid to keep moving on,
For what was before, now has gone,
God wants to accomplish so much more,
But we need to move forward in the Lord.
© By M.S. Lowndes, Based on Isaiah 43:18-19
Prayer—Father I ask you to help me to keep going forward, in Jesus Name. Amen.


CHECK YOUR WORD POWER

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“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit .”—Proverbs 18:21
 
A friend of mine related the following story to me.

A few years ago, I came upon the scene of an accident.  A car had gone out of control and cut off a power pole.  The high-line wire was hanging about three feet above the ground.  Many people had stopped and gotten out of their cars, they were standing no more than three feet way from that live wire.  They were thinking that it was insulated or that the power had been cut off.  But, this was not true the wire was “live” with over 17,000 volts of electricity running through it.  I watched from my car, a safe distance away, as the ambulance attendants carried the woman on a stretcher up the highway embankment.  As they crawled under the power-line, one of them got too close and the electrical current arced to his body like a lightening bolt.  He died instantly and the other attendant was critically injured. 

The ambulance attendant violated the natural law that governs electricity.  No doubt, he did it in ignorance; yet is was fatal.  Lack of knowledge did not stop the electrical force it continued to work.  It was the same force that cooked his meals, heated his house, and washed his clothes.  It was created to work for him to make his life more enjoyable.  The very reason for its existence was to supply his needs.  And yet, this same power used for good was the cause of this man’s unfortunate death.  Every year millions of lives are affected in a similar way, not by downed utility poles, but by words. 

Remember the familiar saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words may never hurt me?”  These words spoken out of ignorance do not agree with what the Bible says.  Jesus said in Matthew 12:35, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.”  Words spoken can hurt, cut, create stress, tension, anger, frustration, a sense of hopelessness, helplessness, or even kill.  On the other hand, words can create peace, joy, happiness, satisfaction, contentment, and heal. 

The Bible records how much emphasis Jesus placed on the importance of words.  In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus faced temptation by the devil.  Every time that Satan wanted Jesus to do something contrary to God’s word, He would respond with God’s word, “It is written.”  In another place, Jesus taught that words are like seeds, in the parable of the sower (Mark 4:14-20).

Peter Daniel’s, an Australian multimillionaire, related that during his early elementary school years that his teacher would call him a dumbie, and that he would never be able to learn.  He suffered terrible abuse because no matter how hard he tried to learn to read; he could not.  He finally gave up and quit school before the age of 13.  Later in life in his mid-to-late twenties, he attended a Billy Graham crusade and became born-again.  He heard the Rev. Billy Graham say that God would help him live a good life and help him provide for his family.  Peter was a common brick layer without any education, and without any hope of advancing and making a better life for himself and his family.  He tried so hard to read the Bible everyday like the Rev. Graham had instructed the new converts to do, but was unable to.  He bought a dictionary and found a retired school teacher who would work with him every day.  He sacrificed much to learn to read, but learn he did.  He wore out three dictionaries, but now he owns several corporations all over the world and is worth millions.  All because someone came and spoke kind words of encouragement to him, and he took it personally that he was not stupid.

Words are like electricity that can be captured, harness, and channeled into creative productivity for yourself and for the good of others, or they can be used to cause destruction.  Choose today to use your words to create good for yourself and for others.
Prayer—Father I ask you to forgive me for the times that I have spoken words of destruction.  I purpose in my heart to speak words that are wholesome, good and prosperpous for myself, my family and others, in Jesus Name. Amen.

GOD PAYS ATTENTION TO YOU

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“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
 
Many years ago I was praying with a group of ladies, we would join to gather once a week.  We would sit in a circle and each of us would take a turn praying for the various needs that had been presented.  After our time of prayer, one of the ladies came to me and asked how I prayed with such conviction.  I was not sure by what she meant; so, I asked her to clarify her question.  She said, “When you pray it sounds like you really believe that God hears you.”  I was astonished by such a question.  But as we talked, I soon realized that this precious woman did not understand the scriptures.  She prayed and then just hoped that God might hear her.  Heathens pray to their idols and cannot have confidence that their prayers will be answered.   We as Christians are admonished to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).   The simple premise of Scripture tells us that if we ask anything according to God’s will that He hears us and answers our prayers.  Furthermore, the Scripture tells us that the heartfelt fervent prayer of a righteous man [woman] avails much (James 5:16).

God pays attention to us when we pray according to His will.  We do not have to be worried or apprehensive when we pray.  Our confidence does not lie in how well we have, or have not prayed, but that we have prayed the will of God.  Our prayers are not based on what we want for someone, for that is witchcraft.  Our prayers must always be based in the Word of God which is His Will.  God’s will is for His creation to live in harmony, to be at peace, to be free from worry and doubt, not to be anxious or be in sickness.  He wants His people to be content, to be saved, to be in relationship with Him, to have prosperity.  The Scripture is continuously showing us what the will of God is.  Jesus found Himself in the Scriptures.  By searching the scriptures, you can discover the will of God for everything you pray for. 

Scripture tells us to pray one for another.  I want to remind you that we pray for you everyday, and so that we can know how to join in prayer with you, you can share your prayer request with us (You can do that right here on the website).  Let us know what to agree with you about.  We’ll share with you in that confidence that whatever we pray together according to God’s will that it will come; the prayer will be answered.  You will receive the blessing the provision, the miracle from God because we have asked. 
Our ministry team joins with us in prayer lifting up the needs of the people.  We stand in faith, as we pray for you, that God will meet your needs.  We are in this together that’s what partnership is all about.  You are partnering with us as we minister to the world, and we partner with you, bringing God’s ministry of wisdom, healing, joy and prospective to your life.  We are with you one hundred percent.
Prayer—Father I thank you that hear me when I pray, and that I have confidence that you pay attention to me because my prayers are according to Your will. Thank you for boldness and confidence, in Jesus Name. Amen.


GOD CHOSE YOU — A SOMEONE TO CARRY OUT HIS PLAN

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“You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”—I Peter 2:9

Today let’s look at three elements about Mary, the mother of Jesus, that God knew when He chose the seed of a woman to bring the Redeemer to humankind.

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph: of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.  And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.  Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the son of the Hightest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”  Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.  Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month of her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.”  Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her (Luke 1: 26-38).
 
From verse 27 we discover these three elements about Mary.
1.       She was a virgin.
2.      She was espoused to a man.
3.      Her name was Mary.
 
These elements demonstrate to us that God knows:
1.      What you are.
2.      Where you are.
3.      Who you are.
 
What was Mary?  She was a virgin; unspoiled, untouched; clean.
God know what you are.  Whether you are married, single, divorced, widowed, or like many people a person who has suffered abuse, in some way.  God knows what you are when He has asked you to do something.

God knows your circumstances when He gives you something to do.  Many times people hesitate or draw back, because of circumstances.  However, be like Mary and cooperate with God’s plan for your life. 

God identified Mary when He called her by name.  In essence God was saying to Mary, your culture, the society in which you live says that women are not important to Me; but you are Mary.  I am saying your name Mary; you are important to Me.  Everyone is a someone with God.  You may be reading this and do not feel important; but, I announce to you that you are a someone with God.  You need to know that when God sends someone to you with a message that they will not get lost.  They know who you are, and where they are going. The messenger will speak directly to you.  God came directly to Mary, and He comes directly to you. God is not restricted by culture or tradition. 
 
There are four principles that can be learned from this scripture. 
1.       God gave a plan to Mary.  He gives a plan to every person (“For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope”-Jeremiah 29:11).
2.      God gave to Mary the ability to carry out His plan.  He gives to you the ability to carry out His plan (“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you”-Luke 10:19).
3.      God gave people to Mary to help carry out His plan.  God gives people to help you to carry out His plan (“Greet Priscilla and Aquila my fellow workers in Christ”-Romans 16:3).
4.      God said to Mary, “I’ll be with you.”  God says to you I will be with you. ( “…Lo, I am with you always even  to the end of the age”-Matthew 29:20).
Prayer—Father thank you that you have chosen me to carry out your plans.  Lord will you please help me not to draw back from your plan for my life, and with your help I will come to an expected end, in Jesus Name. Amen.

SIN MAKES WORKERS; GRACE MAKES TRUST(ERS)

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“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”—Ephesians 2:8

In the beginning, God made Adam and Eve to have fellowship with Him and to enjoy everything that He had made.  He gave them a beautiful garden to live in and they had all of their needs met.  However, Satan, God’s enemy, entered the beautiful garden and deceived Eve into transgressing against the Word of God.  As a result of this deception, called sin, Adam and Eve were banded from the beautiful garden.  As a result of his sin, God told Adam that that he would now have to work by the sweat of his face to get anything to eat.  Sin reduced Adam to slavery, and severed his relationship with God (Genesis 3).

 Jesus came to destroy the works of Satan, and return humankind back into relationship and fellowship with God the Father. The Bible tells us that grace and truth came through Jesus Christ, and that we have of His fullness all received grace for grace (John 1:16-17).
 
The simplest definition of God’s “grace” is, the power of God to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.  The fact is that we cannot do anything for ourselves.  Jesus said, “…without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).  The grace of Christ in our lives can accomplish for us what all human efforts have failed to produce.  God’s grace is something that He does for the benefit of His people just because He loves them.  God’s grace can never be earned; it is totally free.  God’s grace in our lives enables us to trust Him.  We are admonished to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).  I love the refrain of a hymn that says, “only trust Him more and more,” and we can because of grace. 

The Christian life is not a life of force but of favor

-          Satan reduces you to slavery.

-          Jesus grows you to greatness.

-          Satan severs relationships.

-          Jesus develops them.

-          Satan takes away your choices.

-          Jesus helps you make the right choices

                                                          Daisy Osborn

Prayer—Father, thank you for your grace in my life.  Through your grace I am able to trust you more and more, in Jesus Name. Amen.

RECEIVE THE ANOINTING

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“But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him”—I John 2:27
 
Christ means the “Anointed One.”  The moment that we receive Him, He comes into our hearts (spirits) to live.  Christ lives in us: therefore, Christ the Anointed One” lives in us.  The same anointing that Christ has we now have, and it abides in us.  The anointing does not come and go it abides; the anointing stays constant in our lives.  Jesus said, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26).  Furthermore Jesus said in Luke 4:18-19, “the Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind.  To set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

The six areas of anointing that Jesus spoke of were:
 

1.      The anointing is given to preach the Gospel to the poor.
  Luke 6:19-20 "And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all. Then He lifted His eyes toward His disciples, and said: 'Blessed are you poor for yours is the kingdom of God." His anointing flows to those who are hungry to receive it.

  
2.      The anointing is given to heal and restore people.
Acts 10:38 “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” 
 
3.      The anointing is given to proclaim freedom to the captives. 
Luke 13: 11- 13, 16 “And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him, and said to her, ‘Woman you are loosed from your infirmity.’ And He laid His hands on her and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.”  “so ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, who Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?”

4.      The anointing is given to recover sight.
Matthew 9:27-30 “When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, ‘Son of David, have mercy on us!’  And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, ‘do you believe that I am able to do this?’  They said to Him, ‘Yes Lord.’ Then He touched their eyes saying, ‘According to your faith let it be to you.’  And their eyes were opened…”

5.      The anointing is given to set people free.
John 8:36 “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

6.      The anointing flows in God’s timing, and also proclaims God’s timing
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” 
 As we walk in the anointing of God we go where God wills, do what God wills, and say what God wills, we then can expect to have the same results that Jesus did because we have the same anointing.
Prayer—Father I thank you for the anointing that abides within me.  May I never hesitate to do your will in my life, in Jesus Name.  Amen.
 














RECEIVE FRESH NOURISHMENT

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“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.”—John 15:4

What do you read every day to nourish and feed your mind?  What do you avoid reading because it would not uplift you, or it would corrupt your mind?  What television programs do you watch because they are helpful, and what television programs do you not watch because they do not uplift you?  You decide how to nourish and feed your mind by choosing what you read or watch.  Likewise, you decide how to protect your mind by not reading or watching certain things.   

What feeds and uplifts your mind most of all?  The Word of God does.  The Word of God is to your spirit as bread is to your body.  You must feed upon the bread to be nourished; likewise, you must feed upon the Word of God to be nourished.  “My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings, do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to all their flesh” (Proverbs 4:20 – 22.

Testimonies help to remind us how precious the Word of God is; lest we forget.

 In 1962 the Romanian government released religious and political prisoners.  One of them, Richard Wurmbrand, had spent nearly three years in solitary confinement, of his fourteen years in prison.  Richard Wurmbrand describes in his book, In God’s Underground, how one day a new prisoner name Avram arrived in the prison.  The upper part of his body was in a plaster cast.  When the guards left him he drew out a small tattered book from behind the plaster cast.  None of the other prisoners had seen a book for years.  They asked him what the book was.  It was the Gospel of John.  Wurmbrand wrote that he took the book in his hand and no life-saving drug could have been more precious to him.  From that day, the tattered little book went from hand-to-hand. And many learned it by heart and each day they would discuss it among themselves. 

It is important to feed upon the Word of God daily.  Some ways to receive nourishment from the Word of God are, by being a part of a local church body, by reading the Bible and prayer.  I have heard the Bible described as a love letter sent by God to his people so that they can know the heart of God.  Read and listen to God’s love letter to you every day.  The Word of God brings healing, faith and inspiration so that you can deal successfully with life’s problems.  “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”—Psalm 119:105.
Prayer—Father I thank you for your Word to Me.  Help me not to lose sight of how precious your Word is.  Lord your Word to me is life.  I take your life into my spirit by faith every time I hear your Word, in Jesus Name. Amen.

RECEIVE THE WITNESS: BE A WITNESS

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“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.”—Hebrews 12:1

Not every disciple of Jesus witnessed all of the events of Jesus’ ministry on earth including His death, resurrection and ascension; but, each had a part to tell.  The body of Christ has many parts; each part has a function and is important.  God still speaks to the world today through human voices.  Every person’s voice is valuable.  You are valuable.  Your words are important.  Your voice is important.  Do not ever allow anyone to tell you that you do not count, or what you do or say is insignificant. Christ paid the ultimate price for you; He values you and thinks that you are significant.  Jesus never holds your past against you.  In fact Jeremiah 31:34 says, “…For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”  Jesus cast seven demons out of a woman by the name of Mary Magdalene who then became a witness for Jesus.

 Women witnessed a large share of the miracles that Jesus had done.  They heard His teaching, and were able to repeat them including His claim to be the Messiah.  Further study of the Scriptures, reveals that it is the women who gave testimony to the events connected with the crucifixion.  It is through their words and some of John’s that we have the written record.  All that we know through the recorded word about the earthquake, the appearance of an angel, of the rolling away of the great stone, and of the announcement that “He is risen” are from the testimony of the two women who each was named Mary.  Jesus entrusted to these two women the facts that would forever change the world.

When you use your voice to be a witness you can be assured that the Holy Spirit will work with you to confirm the word.  Katherine Bushnell wrote, “Those who are His chosen witnesses will always have the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to enforce the truth of all that is said upon the hearts of those will to receive it.”
Prayer—Father I purpose in my heart to be a witness for you.  Father help me to lay aside anything that would hinder my witness, and with Your help I will go where You show me to go, do what You show me to do, and say what You tell me to say, in Jesus Name. Amen.

RECEIVE HIM JOYFULLY

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“If any one come to you and does not bring this doctrine (is disloyal to what Jesus Christ taught), do not receive him—do not accept him, do not welcome or admit him—into [your] house or bid him Godspeed or give him any encouragement.”—2 John 10 (Amplified)
In some cultures of the world, it is not customary to invite an unexpectant guest into your home.  Because the guest is treated with much respect, the host will spend considerably time and preparation to demonstrate to the guest that he or she is honored.  However, in today’s devotional we will look at a man who received Jesus joyfully into his home without any prior notification that He would be coming.

Luke 19: 1-10
Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”  8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”  9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Let’s look at some lessons that we can learn from this passage of scripture.
·         The city had been built under a curse.  Jesus didn’t let this bother Him—He came to redeem humankind from the curse.  Jesus came to redeem you from every curse.   The gospel removes the curse.   
·         Jesus was going through the city on the way to raise Lazarus from the dead.  Jesus is coming to you. 
·         Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector.  Christ came to save even the chief of sinners.
·         Zacchaeus was rich in this world’s goods.  No matter what economic station you enjoy in this life you can be saved.
·         Zacchaeus was very curios to see Jesus.  Be like Zacchaeus, who would see Jesus.  See Jesus in the scriptures, in other people, and let other’s see Jesus in you.
·         Zacchaeus did not allow his station in life to prevent him from seeing Jesus.  He used the resources at hand to see the man he had heard so much about.  He climbed a tree like a young boy.  Approach Jesus with child-like faith.
·         Zacchaeus came to look upon Jesus; not thinking that he would be noticed by Jesus.    The one that has a mind to know Christ shall be known by Him.
·         Jesus called Zacchaeus by name.  Jesus knows His chosen by name and He is calling to you.
·         Zacchaeus did not hesitate he came down.  Those that Christ calls must come down, must humble themselves and not think that they can enter heaven through any of their own righteousness.
·         Zacchaeus came down and opened his home for Jesus to come in.  Jesus stands at the door of your heart and knocks.  Will you invite Him in?
·         Zacchaeus received Jesus joyfully into his home.  This was an indication and token of his receiving Christ into his heart.  When you receive others into your home that confess Jesus Christ is Lord, it is then as if, you are receiving Christ into your home.
Prayer—Lord if I have been hesitant to open my home up to you to minister to your people, I repent.  Help me to obey you quickly when I hear you calling me by name. I ask you to show me new ways that I can demonstrate your love to people, in Jesus Name. Amen.