GO IN GOD’S STRENGTH TO WIN THE BATTLE

“O God the Lord the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.”—Psalm 140:7

Joshua saw God’s might hand at work many times from crossing the Red Sea to watching Jericho’s impassable walls crash to the ground.  But then the Hebrew commander over the Israeli army experienced a devastating defeat.

Right after the conquest of Jericho, his advisors recommended moving forward to defeat the city of Ai.  Joshua took their advice, expecting quick success.  Instead, the Israelites found themselves retreating in fear after some of their own men fell in battle.

 Why, Joshua wondered, would the Lord God do this to them (Joshua 7:7-9)?   But he had misread the situation.  God did not initiate the disaster.  The problem originated within the Hebrew army, when an Israelite took forbidden plunder after Jericho fell.  Because Joshua failed to seek God’s counsel, he did not know that there was a problem until it was too late.

The man who had sinned was put to death along with his family.  Then God told Joshua that it was time to take Ai.  This time, purged of unrighteousness and following divine direction, the army was successful (Joshua 8). 

The story contains two vital lessons for all believers.  First, it is critical to deal with sin quickly and completely.  Iniquity skews our thinking and keeps us from communicating with our heavenly Father.  Secondly, before taking action, we should wait for God’s guidance.

Prayer—Father I recommitted myself to not allowing sin to be in “my camp” and to always seeking You first, in Jesus Name. Amen.

THE PROMISE OF SALVATION IS NOT MEANT JUST TO GIVE HOPE, BUT TO SPUR YOU ON TO HOLY LIVING

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”—1 Thessalonians 5:23

Did you know that God did not save you just to keep you from hell and to get you into heaven?  His top priority while you are here on earth is to shape you into the image of His Son. “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29).  Sanctification (being set a part for God’s own purpose) is a mutual process.  In other words, God does not do it all for the believer.  We have a responsibility to cooperate with Him and actively participate in the process. 

Yet many Christians have a passive attitude about the life of faith.  They tolerate sin and smooth it over with the age-old excuse, “Nobody is perfect!” 

When you received Christ as your Savior, you took the first step in your walk with Him.  Your walk will last throughout eternity.  However, you also stepped into spiritual warfare with Satan.  The Enemy may have lost your soul, but he is going to do everything he can to hinder, sidetrack, and discourage you.  The last thing he wants is a saint who is on fire for the Lord and useful in the kingdom of God.

 

But many believers have neglected their responsibility to live holy lives.  In fact, some of them look and act just likes the unbelieving world.   Sexual immorality is one area of compromise that the apostle Paul addressed specifically but in truth we should abstain from anything that interferes with godliness.  

 

 “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality: that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles [unbelievers] who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 4: 3-8).

Have you allowed something in your life that should not be there?  If so, you need to get rid of it now.  You do not want a thread of sin to become a rope, then a chain, and finally a cable that traps you in a stronghold.  Turn back to the Lord, and let your sanctification continue.

Prayer—Father I repent for allowing _____________to be in my life.  I ask you to remove every thread of sin in my life so that I can life a holy honorable life for you, in Jesus Name. Amen.

WAITING FOR GOD TO INTERVENE

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.”—Psalm 27:14

Are you currently waiting for the Lord to intervene in some way in your life, or in the life of a loved one?  One of the struggles we face as Christians is trying to understand sometimes there are delays over matters that seem so urgent to us. Only the Lord knows all of the reasons.  However, there are some lessons that we can learn from when Peter and John were arrested and put into jail. 

Peter and John were arrested and jailed because they preached in the name of Jesus, the resurrection from the dead, and people were being healed.  When they were brought up before the authorities they refused to compromise and would not cease to give their testimony.  They were threatened and released.  Peter and John returned to the people that they were with, and then began to worship and praise God.  The place was shaken where they were all gathered and they spoke the Word of God with boldness (Acts 4:1-31). 

The first lesson is: Determine Your Focus.  In the urgency of the moment, it is easy to center your attention on the need instead of on God.  Peter and John remained focus on their message, not on getting out of jail.  We may start out waiting for the Lord, but end up waiting for the answer we want.  Soon we become more interest in what God can do for us, rather than our focus remaining in Him.  Sometimes God delays until we get our focus back on Him.  He wants us to delight in Him; not in just what He can give to us.

Secondly, Release Your Expectations into His Hands.  Peter and John said, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. Fore we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).  The Lord is working on your behalf, but sometimes we cling so tightly to a desired outcome that He must wait until we open our hands and let go of our own expectations.  Holding onto your own assumptions about how the Lord should intervene is emotionally exhausting.  But peace awaits those who trust that He will do what is in our best interests in every situation that we encounter.

Prayer—Father I thank you that I keep my focus upon You and I release my desire into Your hands as I wait for the answer, in Jesus Name. Amen.

GOD IS SOVEREIGN OVER DELAYS

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”—Proverbs 16:9

No one likes to wait, but have you ever wondered why?  It is because delays show us that we are not in control.  Someone or something else is behind the scenes calling the shots.  Although we may be able to identify the immediate cause—like an airplane or train delays, traffic light or the long lines to checkout in a grocery store—ultimately the One who controls all our delays is the Lord.  Since He is sovereign over everything in heaven and on earth, even our time and schedules are in His hands. 

What this means is, that in every delay we are actually waiting for God in one way or another.  You might have thought that the expression “waiting upon the Lord” applies only to seeking guidance from Him or an answer to prayer.  But it can mean so much more when you remember that He controls all your day-to-day inconveniences and frustrations.

Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, was very sick so his sisters sent word to Jesus.  When Jesus got the word, He said that he would not die from this sickness and delayed going to his bedside.  When Jesus told his disciples that He was going to Lazarus’ house, they did not want him to go because the Jews were trying to kill Him, and thought that Lazarus would recover.  However, Jesus plainly told them that he was dead.  When Jesus arrived, he discovered that Lazarus had been dead for four days.  Lazarus’ sisters were very upset and said that if Jesus would have been there he would not have died.   Likewise, the people who were with the sisters said that if Jesus’ had been there He could have kept Lazarus from dying.  Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus, but not when the people who loved and surrounded him thought that he should have been (John 11:1-44). 

In the Christian life, learning to wait is vitally important because until you do, you will never be able to walk in obedience to God.  Learning to wait is part of an effective prayer life, and experiencing the peace of resting in His loving sovereignty.  We must learn to trust His judgment, in the big and small events of our life, even when we are irritated, impatient, or even angry.  If we are sensitive to His instruction, each delay has a lesson.

Prayer—Father I thank you that delays are no surprise to you help me be patience and remember Your sovereignty in every area of my life, in Jesus Name. Amen.

GOD IS THE FATHER OF US ALL

“And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers…”—Malachi 4:6

The book of Luke records the account of ten lepers who called out to Jesus, as He passed by, to have mercy upon them.  When Jesus saw them He told them to, “Go show yourselves to the priests.”  As they went, they were healed.  However, only one returned giving thanks and praises to God.  Jesus asked the man where were the other nine who were healed, and why weren’t they there giving glory to God?  He went on to tell the man that his faith had made him well (Luke 17:11-19).   

Just as this account reminds us that not everyone returns to glorify God for working in their lives, God is still at work turning the hearts of the children back to Him.   

Some years ago, I was overseeing my then teenage daughter’s homework.  She was not in the best frame of mind because I had asked her to rewrite an English assignment.  If you have every corrected a teenager who was not in the “mood” to change their mind, you can imagine the stressful atmosphere that was is the room.  She was unhappy with me because her teacher “did not care” if her paper was “sloppy.”  Later, as I was rechecking the paper, I noticed a book that she did not want me to see.  The book had several names of rock music groups written on it.  I shared scriptures from Colossians 3 and Ephesians 4, with her concerning being a new person in Christ, and what our character is to reflect, I assured her of my love.  Not only did her rebellious attitude changed, but her eyes sparkled and her voice lifted, as she told me that her Dad loved her. 

Later, I was praying for my daughter and my heart was heavy because I longed to hear that my daughter loved me.  I had seen the change in her countenance when she said that her Dad loved her.  This thought came to me: How God must yean for His children to return and express love to Him.  Somehow this brought peace to my soul.  Knowing the special sparkle that came to her, as she mentioned how her father loved her.  It was alright with me, and I had peace in my heart—because that special sparkle should be reserved for Father’s. 

Prayer—Father I give thanks to you today for your unconditional love to me, and help me to always have a grateful heart, in Jesus Name. Amen.

GOD NEVER LEAVES YOUR SIDE

“In the multitude of my (anxious) thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul!—Psalms 94:19 (Amplified)

I personally do not know of anyone who has not experienced a time of testing and trials, in their life.  The Apostle Paul gave us an example of his mind set concerning what he was going through when he wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 that, “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed.”  In essence he was saying, we may be going through hard times, but we are not going to be overwhelmed by them.  Today you may be experiencing some difficult times, but I want to encourage you.   You Are Going To Make It!  God will never leave you, nor forsake you.  He will never leave your side.  He is always with you, always willing to calm the storms of life. 

A man brought his son to Jesus’ disciples for a mute spirit to be cast out.  The disciples did not have any success in casting out the mute spirit, so when Jesus came up to see what was happening, He asked the scribes what were they talking about.  The father replied that he had brought his son for deliverance of a mute spirit that would seize his son, throw him to the ground, and cause him to foam at the mouth and gnash his teeth.  Jesus had the son brought to him, and told the father when he questioned if Jesus could cast out the spirit, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:14-27). 

 

Although the father had witnessed the distressing trial of the demon spirit seizing his son from time-to-time, the father still called out for help.  Jesus is still responding to the call for help even when times seem the darkest saying, “if you can believe, all things are possible.”  Furthermore, Jesus is not intimidated when the devil puts on a show.  The Scripture says that the enemy goes about as a roaring lion…he is not a lion. When your heart seems to be overwhelmed with anxious thoughts, remember that the Father has never left your side.  Reach out to Him with faith today; He is the peace in the storm.

Prayer—Father I thank You that You are always with me even when I am not aware of Your presence. You are there, in Jesus Name, Amen.         

FRIENDSHIP IS POWERFUL

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”—John 15:13

Friends are an important part of our society and culture.  At a young age, we formed friendships and usually had someone we could call our “best friend” with whom we shared our dreams, secrets and had a lot of fun with.  As we grow older, new friendships emerge and we connect with friendly “acquaintances,” and a few become connected to us as good friends with shared interest.  

Levels of friendship seem to develop within the diversity of those we call friends.  This could be due to distances, personal interest changes, children, marriage or any number-of-things seem to influence our friendships.  I once heard someone say, "A friend is a gift we give ourselves," and when you find a good one, you will want to keep him/her forever. Of course, as with any gift, you must treat it with care and respect, and he/she will return the favor.

Sherri Curry wrote, “Too often the I-can-handle-it-myself society we live in seems to promote loneliness rather than friendship.  Friends are an important part of sharing the burden and worry of each day.”  Long before social media made it popular to be called a friend, Jesus called us His friends (John 15:14). 

Our friendship with Jesus is powerful.  He rescued us (Ephesians 2:4-5), restored us into relationship (Ephesians 2: 13-14), He is a faithful friend (2 Timothy 2:13), and He is a good listener (Hebrews 4:16), just to name a few things that make our friendship with Him powerful.  Today consider what are some of the things that make your friendship with others powerful?  Are you loyal, trustworthy, a good listener?  People need good friends.  Determine today to become the best friend that you can.

Prayer—Father thank you that Jesus is my friend, and I ask you to help me become the best friend that I can be, in Jesus Name. Amen.

THE CHILDREN OF PROMISE

“But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’”—Matthew 19:14

I have known of couples who have given birth to children that the doctor’s have said was a medical impossibility.  But because the parents believed the promises of God, they were able to conceive and bear their child.  In Hebrews chapter 11, we read account after account of children who were children of promise.  Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah when they were older.  Twins, Jacob and Esau, along with Joseph’s children were also called children of promise.  Moses, the promised deliverer, was a child of promise.   

As you read this today, I encourage you to think about the promise that God has given you concerning your child/children.   Perhaps you have a promise concerning a children’s ministry, or your children or grandchildren.  Whether your children are your own or spiritual children, God’s promises are still relevant for them today. 

We as adults are admonished by scripture to bring our children up in the fear and reverence of the Lord.  We are instructed to teach our children not to be feel intimidated when coming into the presence of the Lord; but on the other hand, He desires an intimate relationship with them, not a casual one. 

We must stand guard over our children with the Word of God and by the example of our lives.  Children are always watching and they mimic what they see.  Let your life be a reflection of hope and joy for the young lives around you today. 

Prayer—Father I thank you for the promises that You have made in Your Word concerning Your children.  May they enjoy the fruits of your righteousness as they follow the examples of goodness and joy, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

THE LOVE OF GOD IMPACTS THE ONE WHO IS A BELIEVER

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”—I John 4:7

One of the first principles that a Christian learns is that God loves them.   As a Christian we soon become able to quote Bible verses on the subject of love.  Sometimes as Christians, we even become indignant, if someone were to suggest, that we did not love everyone who did not share our view points.  Yet for the most part, do Christians really grasp what it means to be loved by the Creator of the Universe?

Today we will look at three aspects of God’s love. My prayer is that you will really think about them. 

First, God’s love is uninfluenced by anything within us or around us.  We know that even while we were still living in sin, Christ died for us.  “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).  There is no greater sacrifice, and there is nothing we do that can hinder God’s love for us.  Realizing this depth of love that God has for us should lift a burden off of your shoulders.  “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God  which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

 Second, divine love is eternal and believers will never be separated from it.  The Father chose us before the foundation of the world.  “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundations of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (Ephesians 1:4).  Therefore, we know that His care for us has always been a fact, and will always continue to be.

Third, we know that God’s love is part of His character.  “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love (I John 4:8).  His love is directed towards all people “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (John 3:16).   

Believers experience God’s love differently from those who do not follow Jesus.  Consider what would happen if an umbrella would shield part of a garden.  When it rains, the flowers covered by the umbrella would not get wet although they might be surrounded by water.  Similarly, a person who does not have a relationship with God is not impacted by His love, although it exists and is available.

Today I want to encourage you that you can trust the One who loves you intensely and completely.  Jesus proved this by dying in our place to spare us the consequences of our sin.  He promises to stay with us always and redirects us when we stray.  Although we may not always feel His love, it continuously surrounds and protects us forever.

Prayer—Father I thank you for your love impacting my life even when I do not feel like it, in Jesus Name. Amen.

DO NOT BYPASS THE ALTAR

“…tear down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the wooden image that is beside it; and build an altar to the Lord you God on top of this rock in the proper arrangement, and take the second bull and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the image which you shall cut down.”—Judges 6:25-26

Gideon was a man mightily used of God.  He took three hundred men and defeated an army that numbered in the millions.  Although it was one of the greatest military victories in the history of Israel, and Gideon was called a “mighty man of valor” by the angel, he certainly did not start out with a good self-image and confidence.  In fact, Gideon saw himself as the least in his father’s house and part of the weakest clan.  Gideon, like his fellow country-men, was walking in fear.  Fear of the very people God had told them that they were to defeat. 

 

The Midianites raided Israel each year, plundering their crops and goods.  Whenever Israel resisted, the Midianites drove them into the hills and mountains.  God’s people ended up seeking refuge in caves and dens, and having to scavenge for food.  Before God sent a deliverer to Israel, he sent a prophet who put his finger on the problem.  In essence he said, “I made it clear to you from the very beginning: you are not to fear anyone but your heavenly Father.  Let no other fear enter you heart.  But you have disobeyed me once again.  You have allowed all kinds of fears to enter in.  And you have forced me to hand you over to your enemy, to drive you back to me” (Judges 6:8-10). 

In Judges 10, we see that God’s people admitting to this sin: “The children of Israel cried unto the Lord, saying, we have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim” (vs. 10). 

The word Balaam is a plural form.  It denotes all the false gods in the world.  The root of Balaam is Baal, which we recognize from Scripture as a demonic spirit.  Baal’s mission is to rob God of all worship and trust by his people.  It accomplishes this by focusing our attention on our circumstances rather than on the Lord.  In the Old Testament, Baal was represented by a carved idol, made of wood, stone or metal.  It was formed into the image of a man and has a powerful spirit behind it.  This same spirit is at work in the world today.  It is sent forth from hell for one purpose: to cause people to doubt the reality of God.  It is a spirit of unbelief that assaults our minds with doubts about God’s faithfulness. 

Gideon was given instructions to tear down and completely destroy the altar his father had built to Baal (the symbol of unbelief), and to build a new altar to the Lord.  The altar of the Lord is built upon faith and trust that God is who He says that He is and that He will do what He says that He will do.  Gideon took his father’s bull to pull down the altar; however, today you have the Holy Spirit’s power and strength to pull down every thought of doubt, fear and worry.

Prayer—Father I repent for allowing fear to motivate me and hold me in bondage.  I ask for the help of the Holy Spirit so that I my focus can be upon you, in Jesus Name. Amen.

DON’T FOLLOW THE HERD: BE WHO GOD CREATED YOU TO BE

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in m mother’s womb. I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”—Psalm: 139:13-14

According to the Scriptures, John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus, was created by God, to be a prophet to the nation and prepare the way for Jesus.  Luke 1 and 3 record the ministry of John the Baptist.  He spent thirty years in the deserts of Judea preparing for the ministry that lasted only a short time before He baptized Jesus.  Nevertheless, in this brief amount of time John turned an entire nation to God. 

John the Baptist did not take the normal approach and go where the people were.  He was out in the wilderness and the people came to him.  He had no advertisements other than the testimonies of those who had heard him.  He was not the best dressed man around; he wore camel hair and a leather belt and definitely did not eat the best food available.  He did not do anything the way the religious leaders taught it was suppose to be done; yet it worked.  In a few months, John the Baptist stirred an entire nation to anticipate the coming of Jesus.

God accomplished this amazing feat through a man who was not “normal.”  Too often our “herd instinct” keeps many of us from being used by God.  We are so afraid of what someone else will think about us if we do what He tells us to do and live by His Spirit and Word.  We try to be like everyone else, and then we wonder why we are getting the same results as everyone else. 

John the Baptist was completely yielded to the Holy Spirit, and he succeeded against all the odds.  Dare to follow the Holy Spirit, even if it means going against the crowd, and you will get supernatural results too.

Prayer—Father I thank you that you have made me a unique individual and I purpose today to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit instead of what other people are doing, in Jesus Name. Amen.

THERE IS POWER IN HABITS

“Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.”—1 Corinthians 15:33

It is an old saying, but a true one: First, you make your habits, and then your habits make you.  Some habits will inevitably bring you closer to God; other habits will lead you away from the path He has chosen for you.  If you sincerely desire to improve your spiritual health, you must honestly examine the habits that make up the fabric of your day.  And you must abandon those habits that are displeasing to God.  For instance, do you have a habit of watching or reading things on television, or over the internet that you know are not wholesome, clean, or pure?  Do the people you are around tell coarse jokes and use foul language?  Are you cultivating a healthy spiritual atmosphere that will produce life, joy, power and peace in your life?  Or is the opposite occurring? 

If you trust God, and if you keep asking for His help, He can transform your life.  If you sincerely ask Him to help you, the same God who crated the universe will help you defeat the harmful habits and evil company that have here-to-fore defeated you.  So, if at first you do not succeed—keep praying and trying.  God is listening, and He is ready to help you become a better person. 

Prayer is a habit, worship is a habit, tithing and giving alms is a habit, kindness is a habit.  These are all pleasing to God.  Ask Him today to help you develop habits that are pleasing in His sight.

Prayer—Father I ask you to do a spiritual check-up of my habits.  Holy Spirit I ask you to reveal any bad habits in my life and evil company.  I repent of these things that You show me and now Lord help me to develop the habits that are pleasing in your sight, in Jesus Name. Amen.

A SMILE OPENS THE DOOR FOR HEALING

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”—Proverbs 17:22

Laughter is a medicine for the soul, but sometimes, amid the stresses of the day, we forget to take our medicine.  Instead of viewing our world with the lens of optimism and hope, we allow worries and distractions to rob us of the joy that God intends for our lives.

Sometimes our hearts become heavy with the difficulties of life, and our countenance falls.  Our composure wavers and the heaviness of the difficulty is evident in our outward expressions.  We may react to situations that normally would not bother us emotionally with outbursts such as, anger, tears, fear, or hysterical laughter. 

Although David encountered many distressing situations in his life, he was able to bless God in the midst of the difficulties, and by doing so, was able to bring peace to his soul. “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within Me? Hope in God for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.  O my God, my soul is cast down within me; therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, and from the heights of Hermon, from the Hill Mizar. Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; all Your waves and billows have gone over me. The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me—A prayer to the God of my life” (Psalm 42:5-8).

During a particularly difficult time in my life, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart to begin to smile at people.  I really did not “feel” like smiling at anything or anybody.  However, the next time I encounter someone I made myself smile at them.  I remember how heavy my heart was as I smiled at the elderly woman at the grocery store.  When she smiled back at me, my difficulty had not changed; but, I noticed that my countenance began to change over the following days that I made a point of smiling at people.  It was not long before I even was able to smile from my heart.  I had indeed discovered the truth of Proverbs 15:13 “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”

As you go about your daily activities, approach life with a smile on your lips and hope in your heart.  And laugh every chance you get. 

“Laughter dulls the sharpest pain and flattens out the greatest stress.  To share it is to give a gift of health.”—Barbara Johnson

Prayer—Father I thank you for the joy of the Lord in my life.  Help me to rejoice in You always, and to share Your joy with people, in Jesus Name. Amen.

THE BIBLE IS NOT LIKE ANY OTHER BOOK

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”—Psalm 119:105

The Bible has been attacked and criticized more than any other book in history. The Romans burned it, the government banned it from the masses during the middle ages, and atheists ridicule it.  The Bible could only have survived these attacks due to divine preservation.

 The Bible is God's revelation to mankind.  The Bible identifies itself to be the divinely inspired word of God in many passages of scripture.  “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteous” (2 Timothy 3:16).  “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21).

The Prophets, Apostles, and the Lord Jesus Christ himself believed the Bible to be the Word of God.  “The words of the Lord are pure words . . . . . . Thou shalt keep them, O LORD; Thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever” (Psalm 12:6-7).

It is self evident when reading the Bible that it speaks with all of the authority and power of God himself, unlike any other book.

The Bible has been translated into the languages of most of the world's population. No book on earth can compare to the Bible's world-wide circulation.  The Bible is God's manual for life. It answers mankind’s deepest spiritual questions; such as, who am I?  where did I come from?, what is my purpose for being here?,  and where will I go when I die?  The Bible tells us why human nature is the way it is. It tells us about God himself, the history of the human race, future events, salvation and judgment to come, and how God requires us to live.  These are the very issues we would expect God to tell us about, and no other book can provide the logical, intelligent answers that the Bible gives. The Bible can be seen to be unique when compared to the world’s greatest literature

The unity of the Bible testifies of its divine origin. The Bible is a collection of 66 books written by over 40 authors over a period of about 1,600 years (Moses 1,500 B.C to John 100 A.D).  The authors’ of the Bible come from a variety of backgrounds; such as, Kings, Shepherds, Fishermen, a Tax collector, a Doctor, a Rabbi, and many more.  It was written from 3 different continents (Europe, Asia and Africa), in 2 major languages (Hebrew and Greek).  It deals with a multitude of controversial subjects and different styles of literature including Prophecy, Poetry, Biographies, Law and History.  Despite all of these complex factors, these 66 books read as one unified whole i.e., the Bible exalts one God, and has one continuous theme, namely the salvation of mankind through our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

As believers, we are instructed to study the Bible and meditate upon its meaning for our lives; yet far too many Bibles are laid aside by well-intentioned believers who would like to study the Bible if they could “just find the time.” 

I like what Warren Wiersbe wrote, “When the child of God looks into the Word of God, he or she sees the Son of God. And, he or she is transformed by the Spirit of God to share in the glory of God.” 

God’s Holy word is a transforming, life-changing, one-of-a-kind treasure. And it is up to you—and only you—to use it that way.                                                                                                    Prayer—Father forgive me for taking your Word lightly, and not valuing what you have done to get the Word into my hands so that I can become more like You, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

EXPERIENCE A MORNING WITH OUT SPIRITUAL CLOUDS BECAUSE OF YOUR FATHER’S COMPASSION

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”—Lamentations 3:22-23

Your relationship with God is ongoing; it unfolds day by day, and if offers countless opportunities to grow closer to Him…or not.  As each new day unfolds, you are confronted with a wide range of decisions; how you will behave, where you will direct your thoughts, with whom you will associate, and what you will choose to worship.  These choices, along with many others like them, are yours and yours alone.  How you choose determines how your relationship with God the Father will unfold.

 As a Christian, we are to desire the sincere meat of the Word of God so that we can grow.  Are you continuing to grow in your love and knowledge of the Lord, or are you “satisfied” with the current sate of your spiritual health?  Today, determine to experience the tender mercies and compassion of God they are new every morning.  They are ever new, always fresh and vigorous, constant and perpetual; such are the love, grace, and mercy of God, though of old, yet daily renewed in their manifestations.  By discovering the ways that God loves you every morning, these will brighten your morning; a morning without clouds because of the Father’s compassion.             

Prayer—Father thank you that your compassions never fail and that they are new every morning.  Will you please help me discover the ways that you love me, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

YOU CANNOT WIN A SPIRITUAL BATTLE WITH CARNAL WEAPONS

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.”—2 Corinthians 10:4-5

 

For many years, when I became angry with a person, I would strike out either verbally or physically.  Although this was a spiritual battle, and had the appearance of being a learned behavior; I wanted it to change, no matter what the root cause was.  At first it was a nudging of the Holy Spirit that I should not act this way, later He directed me to a couple of scriptures that helped me to dig up the root and overcome this weakness.  “For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20), and “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are:…outbursts of wrath…” (Galatians 5:19-20). 

We must follow Jesus’ example and go to the source when there is evil spiritual powers behind the spiritual battle.  Jesus had no problem putting Satan in his place, and neither do you when you use the authority that is in the Name of Jesus.  However, some people use anger as a tool to put others in their place.  Anger against people causes us to fall into the pitfalls of the enemy.  The way to overcome the spiritual powers that come against us through people is to forgive and turn the other check (Matthew 5:39).  We are to humbly submit ourselves to God.  When you sincerely submit to God, self-righteous anger will always leave.  The rest of James 4:7 says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  I had a spiritual battle in my life for a number of months as I resisted the enemy when my flesh would rile up.  I did not merely train a spirit of anger to calm down using anger management tools, but I had to deal spiritually with a spiritual problem that produced spiritual results.

Some people believe that the higher echelon demonic spirits take more power to rebuke or remove; this is not true.  There is no demonic power, including the devil himself that will not flee when the name of Jesus is spoken in faith.   

 You will never be able to win a spiritual battle with carnal weapons.  You must realize who your real enemy is, and fight the spiritual battle with the spiritual weapons that the Lord has given to you.  When you do, you will win every time.

Prayer—Father I submit myself to you and the authority of Your Spirit and Your Word, and thus I know that I will win every spiritual battle in my life, in Jesus Name. Amen.

LAWLESSNESS MAKES THE LOVE OF MANY GROW COLD

“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”—Matthew 24:12

Many young soldiers are going to war for the first time and experiencing trying times.  A young soldier told me that he had to fight all kinds of pressures.   Because he had lived a very sheltered life, he was suddenly thrust into the midst of a world full of temptation and sin that he never knew existed.  Lawlessness truly abounded.

Although his situation was at an all-time low, his love for Jesus was at an all-time high.  The abundance of lawlessness does not have to make your love for the Lord cool off.  This young man told me that he was drawn closer to the Lord because of the choices that he made.  Every time a situation presented itself for him to follow after the flesh or the Lord, He always chose the Lord.

He said one night that he was on guard duty.  It was a raw miserable cold night and he was chilled to the bone.  As soon as his watch was over, he went inside his bunker and wrapped up in a blanket.  It was not long before he began to feel the warmth come back into his body.  He said that he often remembers the wonderful feeling of warmth that crept back into his body.

He also prayed a prayer.  He compared the chill to the sin that was all around him.  Without protection, anyone would get cold, but if the Lord would wrap him in His love like he was wrapped in his blanket, he knew that he could make it.

Lawlessness is sending a chill through our society today as never before.  Unprotected, your love for the Lord will grow cold, but that does not have to happen.  You can dress for the weather.  A little extra time in the arms of the Lord will warm your heart so that instead of your love growing cold.  His love in you will melt the hardened hearts of those around you.

Prayer—Father thank your for wrapping your arms of love around me today.  Help me to express your love to others, in Jesus Name. Amen.

DO NOT SETTLE FOR THE MUNDANE: LOOK UP

“And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and the two fish He divided among them all.”—Mark 6:41

When Jesus was faced with an impossible task of feeding five thousand men with a small amount of food, He did not look at the natural forces of impossibility.  By looking up, He looked beyond the natural into the spiritual capability of His Father. 

The word mundane means of this world.  God the Father is a Spirit and has the answers to problems that are not of this world.  There is a spiritual answer to every physical problem that you face.  The answer is just as real as the seemingly natural impossibility, and God’s supply is infinitely greater than any impossibility.  With God all things are possible. 

Remember, you are seating with Christ in Heavenly places far above principalities, might and dominions.  When confronted with seemingly impossible situation, look up, regain your sight, and by faith begin to declare that your spiritual Father will take care of every situation in your life. 

Prayer—Father thank You that I do not have to settle for the mundane in my life.  Today I choose to look up and see that You want the best for me.  Thank you for your best in my life, in Jesus Name. Amen.

THE MYSTERIES OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD BELONG TO YOU

“He answered and said unto them, because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.”—Matthew 13:11

God’s truths are hidden for His children, not from them.  He has given to us His mysteries, which are those truths that can only be understood by His children.  Only born-again believers can receive divine revelation to know how the kingdom of God operates.

God wants all people to enter and to enjoy His kingdom.  He has given an open invitation to everyone to receive the spiritual rebirth that entitles them to the revelation of these mysteries of the kingdom.  “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 spiritually discerned” (I Corinthians 2:14).  For you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, they must be spiritually discerned.  Therefore, whoever rejects Jesus; rejects the source of wisdom and knowledge.  “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

The Scriptures instruct us we are to understand God’s wisdom through His Spirit.  Satan and his imps cannot understand God’s wisdom because it is spiritually discerned.  They are spiritually dead, and God has hidden His wisdom from them.  God reveals what He has prepared for you by His Spirit.  You cannot receive this information if you are spiritually lazy and undiscerning.  The Scripture clearly explains that it is through the Holy Spirit teaching us by comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  When an individual does not continue to grow in revelation, he or she will eventually lose whatever truth they have and go into deception.  God reveals His truths to us in stages, not all at once “Whom will he teach knowledge? And whom will he make to understand the message? Those just weaned from milk? Those just drawn from the breasts? For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept. Line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little” (Isaiah 28:9-10).   

 

In this passage of Scripture (Matthew 13:11-23), Jesus spoke about those who have revelation knowledge of the mysteries of God.  They will receive even more revelation and will walk in the abundant life He provided.  As you walk in the revelation of what the Lord has already shown to you, He will reveal more of His truths to you.  The truths of God are mysterious only to those who do not soften their hearts by seeking Him with their whole hearts.  As Jeremiah 29:13 says, “And you will seek Me, and find Me, when you will search for Me with all your heart.” 

Prayer—Father I ask you to stir My Spirit to seek You will all of my heart so that I can understand the mysteries of Your kingdom that You have prepared for me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

GUARD YOUR CONSCIENCE

“For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their yes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”—Matthew 13:15

In this scripture, the word waxed means to become inattentive, dull, and callous.  According to the Dakes Annotated Reference Bible, “the idea conveyed is that the people have become this way little by little, until they were past normal, vigorous obedience to truth and righteousness.”

A person is not born with a dull or calloused heart, nor do you suddenly become this way.  It is a gradual condition that happens over a prolonged period of time when your conscience is violated repeatedly, even in the small things. 

Guarding your conscience will keep you sensitive to God and will stop your heart from becoming hardened.  Staying sensitive to the Holy Spirit, even in the small things, will increase your understanding and help you in your continuing maturity in the Lord. 

If you sin habitually and make no effort to resist your flesh, your conscience becomes defiled and condemns you.  “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled” (Titus 1:15).  God never condemns you because you are His child, and He loves you unconditionally; but your conscience will condemn you.  While you walk here on the earth, your awareness of God’s love increases your confidence that will help you resist temptation to sin, and keep a clear conscience and pure heart.

First John 3:21 says, “Beloved, if your heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.”  Today be persuaded that God loves you no matter what!  Then you will have confidence to move forward in the life that He has for you overcoming sin and succeeding in every area of your life.

Prayer—Father I repent of becoming dull of hearing and I thank you for helping me to keep a pure and clean conscience in every area of my life, in Jesus Name. Amen.