GOD DESIRES TO BE KNOWN

“Oh, that My people would listen to Me…” –Psalm 81:13

 

Most people want to be understood. We may have many acquaintances, but we need to feel “known” by those we love most. This also applies to how God views our relationship with Him. He knows our every thought. God can count the number of hairs on our head. We also should be learning His ways because it is a two-way relationship.  We should know how our Father thinks, what motivates Him and what is His plan and purpose.

Although we desire to know the Lord’s mind, He makes it quite clear that this is impossible. He tells us quite plainly that, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9),

This is why God gives us His Spirit. The Holy Spirit can teach us and reveal what we otherwise could not understand.  To have a deep personal relationship with God, growing in spiritual understanding is necessary.  We must know His ways before we can walk in them.

 

The Apostle John recorded one of Jesus’ teaching on how we can get to know God in John 16: 15, “All things that the Father has are Mine.  Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.”  In other words, He was saying that the Holy Spirit will reveal the Father and His desires to you. 

 

Allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you into knowing God.  He will always tell you the truth and will not lie.  God does not lie and He wants people to listen to Him.  Have you been listening to Him, or to what other people are telling you about God?  We are to be humble in our hearts and learn of Him.  We can do that through reading the Bible, prayer, mediation, and being around people who truly know God. 

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that You want me to know You just as much as You know me.  Help me Lord, to not know you intellectually, but through your Spirit, and experientially in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

DESIRE TO BE SATISFIED

“He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.”—Proverbs 145:19

Everyone has desires.  Throughout the world people want something.  From birth, we begin to have desires.  Desire is the most basic longing or drive in the human nature.  When babies are hungry, thirsty, tired, or experience discomfort they cry.  Through crying they are able to express their desires or need to be satisfied. 

 

Desire means to have a craving for, a longing, yearning, to want, to covet something with intense longing.    The following scriptures give some insight into desire. “Whatsoever things you desire when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them” (Mark 11:24).  “The desire of the righteousness shall be granted” (Proverbs 10:24).  “The desire of the slothful kills him…” (Proverbs 21:25).

Having desires is good. Goals drive us and set the direction for our life. But we want our objectives to match the ones God has for us. Longings contrary to His purposes have the power to corrupt the body, mind, or spirit. They can also cause some believers to fall into temptation.

How can we be sure our desires are right? A godly ambition is usually specific and fixed. It will stand up to evaluation through prayer and Bible study.  In contrast, a wrong desire fails to meet these criteria. For instance, some people may have only a vague sense of what they want from life.  Or their yearning changes easily as circumstances shift or time passes.  Most dangerous is that goal which is pursued despite its incompatibility with a righteous lifestyle.  In such cases, the believer has neglected to consider two vital questions:

1.   Does God want this for me?
2.  Can I follow Christ and this objective at the same time?

 

 Miriam Hellman writes in her book, The Art of Receiving Understanding the Wish to be Satisfied, that “When the [human] ego is involved, our desires are filled solely with self-interest, … whereas the desire of the heart that is centered in God for our source will fulfill all true and proper goals.”

Many of the things we desire aren’t specifically addressed in Scripture as “thou shalt” or “thou shalt not.” That is why the Lord gives us access to the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and discernment. We must prayerfully evaluate our longings. This will ensure we are within God’s will and pursuing His purpose for our life.

 

If your desire and God’s desire align, your desire is then pure, focused, and in your best interest.  Remember, God cannot fulfill your desires until you release them to Him, and that they are added to us from the kingdom of God. 

 

Prayer—Father I repent of any ungodly desires, and I ask you to help me align my desires with Your desires, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

LIFE LESSONS HELP TO FORM YOUR CHARACTER

 “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”—Proverbs 22:6

 

Although I enjoy watching football, and my children participated in sports at various levels, I can honestly say, I know very little about any given sport.  However, I am very glad that my children participated in sports because they learned character shaping life lessons.  One of the many valuable lessons that my daughter learned was to finish what you start, and not to quit and give up even if you are not the best player on the team.  Included in my sons, life lessons are; it takes team-work, practice, determination, and to trust in the judgment of their coaches. 

 

Life-lessons learned during the maturing years will continue to impact your life in the years to come.  Today, I'd like to share a touching story from the book Finish Strong: Teen Athlete  by author Dan Green.  The book identifies 16 key principles for developing the champion within. No matter which sport is played, any teen athlete (male or female) can learn from it.

Finish Strong: Teen Athlete is a follow-up to Mr. Green’s best-selling book Finish Strong (the book and the mantra the New Orleans Saints (NFL football team) used along their journey to become the 2009 Super Bowl Champions).  The story is called "Respect Will Carry You Home."

Respect Will Carry You Home

Western Oregon University's Sara Tucholsky had no idea that the first – and, as it turns out, only – home run of her career would cause ripples that would make her last swing of the bat as a college softball player a national media sensation.  With two runners on and her team down a run to Central Washington University, Sara hit a home run to centerfield. As she rounded first base, she missed the bag. When she turned to tag the base, she injured her knee. Able only to crawl back to the base, Sara was told that she would be called out if her teammates came to her aid.   If a pinch runner checked into the game, her home run would count only as a single.

Players and fans alike were stunned when Central Washington first baseman Mallory Holtman, the conference's all-time home run leader, asked the umpire if there was any rule against opponents helping an injured player around the bases.  She was told that there was not. Together, Holtman and shortstop Liz Wallace picked up Tucholsky and carried her around the bases, stopping at each bag to allow Sara to touch it with her good leg. "It was the right thing to do," Holtman said in an interview on national television, after the respectful act of sportsmanship had been witnessed by millions on ESPN and had become a YouTube sensation.

The three runs sent Western Oregon to a 4-2 victory, ending Central Washington's chances of winning the conference and advancing to the playoffs.

"It's a great story," Western Oregon coach Pam Knox said, "something I'll never forget – the game's about character and integrity and sportsmanship, and it's not always about winning and losing."

 

As it turns out, the players who helped Sara had no idea of the circumstances surrounding the at-bat, or that the story would make headlines around the country. "We didn't know that she was a senior or that this was her first home run," Wallace said. "That makes the story more touching than it was. We just wanted to help her." The gesture left Sara's Western Oregon teammates in tears. "I hope I would do the same for her in the same situation," Sara said. Central Washington coach Gary Frederick called the act of sportsmanship "unbelievable."

 

"In the end, it is not about winning and losing so much," Holtman, who initiated the act, said. "It was about this girl. She hit it over the fence and was in pain, and she deserved a home run."

 

Today, reflect on the life-lessons that you have learned—even if you never participated in sports, and remember when you cannot make it on your own God will always send someone to help you—He will not leave you alone.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for all that I have learned and that I can trust you to send someone to help me when I need it, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

THE LORD REQUIRES JUSTICE, MERCY AND HUMILITY

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”—Micah 6:8

 

A few months before my mother died, she told me that her favorite verse was Micah 6:8.  I never thought to ask her why this was her favorite scripture, but have pondered on it many times.   

 

Growing up, my mother had her hands full with raising five children, a husband and helping do the many necessary tasks on a farm.  During this time as a child, I suppose I had the normal feelings of any child that is one of many, and did not think that I was dealt with justly when punishment was dealt out—especially, if in my small mind that I did not start the argument.  Mercy, now that is what every child needs, who has just shot a hole in their dad’s Pick-up truck window with a bb gun.  No, in my mind growing up, particularly when punishment was being given, I did not think that justice and mercy were a part of my small world.  However, after I became an adult I began to understand that my parents were doing their best to rear children who would act fairly towards other people in business and personal relationships, and have a compassionate disposition towards others. 

 

Micah 6:8 tells us how we are to treat other people and what our attitude towards God should be.  We are admonished to deal fairly with people, and to be compassionate towards other people,   forgiving them.  “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (1 John 3:17 KJV).   The other admonishment that we are given in this Scripture is to have a respectful attitude towards God.  We are to remember that He is the big “I” and we are the little “i’s”.  Many years ago, I heard this phrase, “If it had not been for the Lord…”  Let us not ever forget that if it had not been for the lord’s justice and mercy we would die in our sins. 

 

He sent His Son, Jesus, to suffer the justice that we deserved and through His Mercy we receive forgiveness.   

Today, I challenge you to be a woman or man who seeks to treat all people according to God’s standard of justice. Do not cheat people in business. Fight oppression. Defend the defenseless. Allow God’s mercy to flow through you.  Take food to those who are hungry, clothing to those who are naked. Visit prisoners. Sponsorchildren living in poverty around the world.  Also walk humbly with God! Do not be boastful in your life and work.  All your good is the result of God working within you. Be humble in all things as you walk with God.  

Keep your eyes open as you step out your door and you will find opportunities to do good.  Needs are all around us, but we have become skilled at turning a blind eye. Open your eyes and see all around you the places where the Lord would have you do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with him.

Prayer—Father I thank You for Your justice and mercy at work in me and through me.  I purpose to keep my eyes open for opportunities to demonstrate your justice and mercy in the world, in Jesus Name. Amen.

THE TRIALS YOU FACE TODAY PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE VICTORY

“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”—Luke 16:10

 

David’s believed his past trials had prepared him for his future victory, “Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God” (1 Samuel 17:36).  This was the secret to David’s success in killing Goliath.  When no one was around watching what David was doing, he had killed a lion and a bear that had attached his father’s sheep.  He was not trying to be brave or to prove anything; in fact, he could have run away and no one who have known.  However, he chose to stand firm in his responsibilities and protect the sheep.

It was David’s victories over the lion and the bear that gave him the assurance and faith that God would also be with him to kill Goliath.  He knew that Israel was more precious to God than a few sheep.  David had learned to trust God when no one was looking so that when they were looking, his faith remained strong and was established. 

 

Many people dream of doing some great exploit, but they are not faithful in life’s everyday trials because they are not doing things for God.  Their focus has become skewed all the while that they are promoting themselves.  They are waiting for a great audience and then they think that they will be able to perform.  However, the people that are able to overcome in the small things will be victorious in the big things.  The Scripture tells us that promotion does not come from the east nor the west, but from the Lord. 

 

David’s faithfulness in the relatively small things was what enabled him to be ruler over much, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much…” (Luke 16:10).  Be faithful in the trials that you face today, and your faith will be strong and your heart in the right place for when the big tests and trials come your way.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for the trials that I overcome today are preparing me for my future victories, in Jesus Name. Amen.

REDEFINE THE LABEL THAT SOCIETY HAS PLACED UPON YOU

“…you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”—Matthew 1:21

 

A label is a description that identifies who or what something is, and it can also include information about the person or item being identified.  To “redefine” means to make something different, and when we refer to a person, we are basically saying “to start over.”  This means we are not to be defined by are present circumstances, past deeds or past associations. 

 

The lineage of Christ, in Matthew chapter 1, includes a list of five women, who were defined by their society; but, God redefined that label, and they had an important part in the history of the world.  Today, let’s look at two of them, Bathsheba and the mother of Jesus, Mary. 

 

“And Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah” (Matthew 1:6).    Bathsheba is the woman identified in this scripture, and we find the rest of the story in 2 Samuel 11-12.  King David saw Bathsheba bathing and decided that he wanted to have sex with her.  Although he knew that she was married and that her husband served him in his army, he still had sex with her.  As a result, she became pregnant and told King David.  To cover up his sin, David sent for her husband to come home.  His intent was for Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, to sleep with her; however, Uriah, was very committed to his position and cause of the army, so he did not go to see his wife.  As a reward, David sent him to the front lines of the army where he would be killed when the opposing army attacked.  Uriah, was killed and Bathsheba was “labeled” as a widow.  This beautiful young woman was forced, compelled to do something that she never wanted to do and suffered the heartache of conceiving a child by adultery, and then the child dying.  Have you ever felt compelled to do something that you never wanted to do?  People can be drugged into decisions that are really of their own making all over the world.  God redefined who she was and place her in the divine flow of the lineage of Christ, and God can redefine you too.

 

Mary, the mother of Jesus, had the label of a “contracted” woman.  Her marriage was one of an arranged contract.  Whether it was between her father, or brother, or another relative, we do not know; but we do know that the contract was based on her virginity.  She was defined as a virgin and betrothed. “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18).  Now, her label included adulterous.  God knew all these things when He chose her to be the mother of our Lord.  Mary, a young woman, between the ages of 12-15, chose to say, “Yes,” to God’s plan for her life.  She did not know what it meant when the angel told her how she would conceive, “And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you…” (Luke 1:35).  She probably felt overwhelmed.  Have you ever felt overwhelmed with the plan of God? 

 

Some REDEFINING principles that we can learn from Mary are:

1. Have a heart of commitment.  Mary’s heart was committed, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word...”  (Luke 1:38). 
2. Understand that God does not mess up your life.
3. Let it happen.  Mary did not try to make it happen.  We get into trouble every time we try to help God out.  Let Him bring His plans to pass.

 

God knows every detail of His plan for your life. 

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, and angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name, Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:18-21).

 

God gave to Joseph the details of His plan.  He gave the gender, the name and the purpose.  God’s plan always has a purpose and His purpose is always bigger than YOU.

 

Today, pull off the labels that society has placed upon you.  Is it divorcee, widower, prostitute, adulterer, liar, deceiver, show-off, gossiper, fault-finder, home-less, bum, addict, or another?   Step-by-step cultivate the “Mary” attitude.  We are the MARY’S which are being REDEFINED and bringing forth salvation.

 

The very action of salvation is a “REDEFINING” of who we once were.  We have gone from LOST—to SAVED; VICTIMS—to VICTORIOUS; OLD—to NEW CREATIONS; HOPELESS—to having a SURE HOPE; FEAR—to FAITH.  Our salvation experience is continually redefining who we are, as we accept the new definition that Christ reveals to us, by our understand more-and-more of who we are in Him.

 

Prayer—Father I thank you removing the labels that I have allowed society to place upon me.  I ask you for courage and strength to bring to bear your plan for my plan.  Help me to see myself more clearing as You see me, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SLANDERING AND GOSSIPING ARE TWIN SPIRITS THAT PRODUCE NEGATIVISM

“The words of a whisperer or slanderer are as dainty morsels or words of sport [to some, but to others are as deadly wounds], and they go down into the innermost parts of the body [or the victim’s nature].”—Proverbs 26:22 (Amplified)

 

Gossip and slander can ruin reputations, families, break up marriages, separate friends, destroy communities and divide churches.  Knowing that gossip and slander does so much damage has not stopped people from either gossiping/slandering or participating in it.  People have come to me for prayer about gossiping.  They are embarrassed about gossiping and wanted to stop, but because of the habit of gossiping they continued to practice it.  One person described her issue with gossiping as, “It is like my friends expect me to have the latest information on whomever we are talking about.  It was not until the person received understanding about why they gossiped and slandered people that they were able to receive deliverance.

 

First, people gossip so that they can feel good about themselves.  The gossiper’s ego is boosted when they tell of other’ sins and mistakes, and it makes them feel superior to the person that they are talking about.  Gossipers tend to draw other people into their own hurt and anger.  When they tell their side of the story they want their friends to side in with them, so that when the story is repeated it is slanted in their favor. 

 

Secondly, gossip is a six-letter word that produces emotions of excitement, pain or guilt.  Excitement comes from gossip because it is the unredeemed human nature to want to hear something bad about others and repeat it.  In some nations of the world, tabloids sold are filled with unfounded stories about the rich and the famous—gossip/slander. 

 

We should realize that participating in negative conversations harms us spiritually; it creates confusion that can lead to deception.  We are admonished in Proverbs 20:19 about associating with gossipers, “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.”  

 

The one gossiped or slandered about usually ends up in emotional pain.  One time I heard this illustration that really makes the point of the effects of gossip.  A man in a small town slandered a minister for quite some time.  One day, feeling bad about what he had done, he went to the minister to ask for forgiveness and to see what he could do to repair the damage done by the gossip.  The minister forgave the man, but told the man to take a pillow and cut it up and shake out the feathers.  The man did as he was told and then asked the minister what to do next.  The minister told him to, “Go collect all the feathers.”  The man replied that it was impossible because the feathers went everywhere.  The minister said that is the point, “It is impossible to repair the damage done by your words as it is to recover all the feathers.”  Gossip may be fun for a moment, but in the end it will only produce hurt, guilt and pain that you are not able to repair on your own.

 

Gossip also hurts the gossiper.  According to psychiatrist Antonio Wood, when you speak ill of someone, you alienate yourself from that person.  Say bad things about many people and your words will separate you from them.  Guilt is another emotion that is felt when the gossiper knows in his or her heart that it is wrong to slander and talk about someone behind his or her back.   When we do not follow the biblical principle of telling someone about a trespass, we feel guilty.  “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother” (Matthew 18:15). 

 

The following are some ways that gossiping can be avoided.

• Seek a repentant and clean heart from God so that you will have the power to resist talking negatively about others.  Confess to Him the times that you have gossiped or criticized in the past, and ask Him to forgive and transform you.  Release any pride or fear that is obstructing you from making the changes you would like, and be open to God’s correction and guidance.  Examine your heart and ask the Lord to show you the reason why you are tempted to speak negatively, and ask Him for the strength to confront and overcome those reasons.

 

• Pray for the people that you have hurt—either purposely or inadvertently by speaking negatively about them.  Bind and pluck up those Words in the spiritual realm, and ask God to heal them.  Pray for the people who have hurt you in the past through their negative words about you.  Bind and pluck up those Words in the spiritual realm, and ask God to heal you.  Forgive them and ask God to let them be aware of His loving presence with them.

 

• Pray for God to give you wisdom in such situations. 

 

• Ask God to help you resist being pulled into negative conversations.  The following are some ways that I have used to help determine the speaker’s motivation in telling me something.  I ask questions such as, “Is this something I need to hear about?”  “Who told you this information?”  “Have you spoken to those people who are directly involved with this situation?”   “Before you share any further with me, what are you expecting from me?”

 

• If you get into a situation that you can not get out of quickly, you can respond to gossip and slander with powerful positive words to heal when confronted with destructive, negative words.  “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). 

 

• Another key to positive communication is to remember the simple saying about the word, think.

       T—Is it true?

       H—Is it helpful?

       I—Is it inspiring?

       N—Is it necessary?

        K—Is it kind?

 

The Apostle Paul provides a key for incorporating these concepts, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—mediate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).  let us all use the power of our words for lifting and healing people.

 

Prayer—Father I repent for any time that I have knowingly or unknowingly gossip/slandered or participated in gossip or slander.  I ask you to forgive me, and reveal any hidden agenda of pride in my heart.  By the power of Your Spirit, I bind and pluck up any words that I have spoken or that have been spoken against me, and I ask You to heal the emotional pain that these words have caused, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

GOSSIP HAS POWER TO DESTROY

“And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.”—I Timothy 5:13

 

When people spread rumors or tell other people about the personal details of other’s lives especially maliciously, this is called gossip, and God hates gossip.  He wants our speech to be pleasing to Him. He certainly does not consider idle talk or mean-spirited words pleasant, “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth” (Colossians 3:8).

 

 Gossip is practiced so freely that even some believers participate and then try to justify their conversation with excuses. An excuse that I hear quite often is, “I am only telling you this so that you can pray.”  Another closely associated one often used by intercessors is, “We have to talk about the situation so that we can get the understanding of what we are to pray about.”  But hearsay has no place in a Christian’s life.  Romans chapter 1 contains one of the Bible’s longest lists of sins. The book’s author, the Apostle Paul, is reminding believers that God has revealed Himself to all mankind. Those who reject Him and pursue after idols are turned over to their evil worship and the immoral practices that go with serving self.

“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient” (Romans 1: 28-31-emphasis added).

Notice that Gossip appears in the middle of the list. God despises it because malicious talk destroys lives whether the stories are true or false. The person who is targeted by the rumor often loses the respect of those who listen to it. Hurt feelings may not be the only negative effect.  A job or relationship could be lost as well. The following is a poem by an unknown author.

 

My Name is Gossip.  I have no respect for justice.  I maim without killing.  I break hearts and ruin lives.  I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age.

The more I am quoted the more I am believed.  I flourish at every level of society. My victims are helpless.  They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face.

 

To track me down is impossible.  The harder you try, the more elusive I become. I am nobody’s friend. Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same. I topple governments and ruin marriages. I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartache and indigestion. I spawn suspicion and generate grief.

 

I make innocent people cry in their pillows. Even my name hisses.  i am gossip.

 

This enlightening poem helps us to understand the damage done through gossip.  Another phrase that I heard a lot as a child was, “Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”  While I flung this phrase back into the face of those who were taunting me at the time, I knew in my heart that this was not true.  While this appears to be a useful attitude to take when insulted by others, reciting this phrase does not take the hurt away.

Those spreading tales also face destructive consequences.  People who refuse to control the tongue reveal evil motives or, at the very least, lack of discipline.  As a result, believers and unbelievers will often avoid such untrustworthy individuals. For a Christian who spreads rumors, there is potential for even worse damage, in that such actions can harm fellowship with the Lord. Animosity toward another person and intimacy with God cannot coexist in the same heart.  

Gossip achieves no good in anyone’s life, which is why the Lord warns against it. Gossiping has power to destroy another person’s life because it places a curse on the other person.  These evil words are used as arrows by the enemy to assault another person.  As Christians, we cannot practice witchcraft and partake of the Lord’s Table.   Instead, our words should build up, comfort, and encourage others.

Words carry great power.  God created the world through His words.  He said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.  We, as humans also use words to communicate.  Words communicate what is in the heart of the person speaking.  “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

 

Today, determine in your heart that your words will be positive and will lift up and bring healing to yourself and others.

 

Prayer—Father I repent for gossiping and listening to gossip and I ask you to forgive me.  Today I purpose in my heart to say words that are full of grace and truth that will lift others and not do damage, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

BECAUSE THE WORD OF GOD ENDURES FOREVER, YOU ARE BORN AGAIN

“For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.”—1 Peter 1:23

 

Today, the Holy Spirit has directed me to talk to you about the “enduring Word of God.”  The word “endure” means to last, survive over a period of time, and continue.  In Genesis chapter 1, we discover how God created the heavens, the earth, and everything in the earth, under the earth, and above the earth—He spoke it into existence.  Luke chapter 1 tells us about Jesus’ conception.  The way He was born of a virgin was the same way that God created the universe.  God said that it will be done and it was done.  It is not impossible for God to perform His every declaration.  Mary, Jesus’ mother, asked the angel, “How” it could be possible for her a virgin to conceive a child when she never had a sexual union with a man?  She did not doubt, but only asked, “How.”  After she heard, “How,” she simply replied, “…be it done unto me according to thy word…”  She agreed with the Word, establishing that fact upon the earth, and it came into being.   

 

Today’s text, “For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23), shows us how we become born again.  The “re-birth” of our human spirit takes place because the Word of God lodged in our spirit.  It then caused us to act upon the Word, and we are born again.  At that moment, we become “born again” a brand new creation—the righteousness of God.  We heard the Word, it became planted into our spirit which caused us to become a new creation, because the Word of God declared it and no Word of His returns void.

 

Today, many people are facing situations that seem hopeless; but I want to encourage you—just speak the Word of God.  His Word is with Power, it will not return to you void, it will accomplish what it is sent forth to do it will succeed, “So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, and without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 NAS).  God’s Word has enduring power.  It will survive, it will continue, it will succeed.  For those whose children who have gone astray, remember the Word is not corruptible.  Begin to speak those positive Words over your children; such as, my child (children) will not be given to another land, my children are the righteousness of God, etc.  Whatever your situation, begin to call those things that are not as though they are.  Say to the mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea.”   

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that Your Word is incorruptible and that it lives within me and that it is enduring.  Lord, I lift up my mountain of ___________________and I call it removed and cast into the sea, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

 

IDENTIFY THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SPIRITUAL CHILDHOOD

“That we should no longer be children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.”—Ephesians 4:14

 

Growing up is a process.  Just as you were not born a full grown human naturally or physically, neither are you born into the Kingdom of God, as a full grown Christian.   The Scripture teaches that we are newborn babe, and then we grow up, “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2).    

 

The characteristics of the childhood stage of spiritual development are similar to the physical.  Some of these characteristics include: Unreliable, full of curiosity, talkative, always filled with self-importance and foolish speaking.

 

Unreliable—Young children can be unreliable.  When given an assignment to complete, a child will begin the assignment with enthusiasm; however, the assignment is easily forgotten when something else comes along that gets their attention.  For example, before our children went to sleep they were expected to put up their toys.  When my husband or I stayed in the room, the toys got put up; however, if we left the room most of the time when we returned, the children would be playing with the toys, and not much progress would have been made in putting up the toys.  I have people tell me all the time that they are going to do something, but they never follow through with their promises—they are unreliable.     

 

Full of curiosity—Children are full of curiosity.  When our grandchildren, come to visit they always want to know what is in the cupboards and drawers, and if we have gone grocery shopping they begin to look in the bags.  Spiritual children often act in the same manner.  They want to know what is going on in someone else’s personal life, and are often the first ones to spread rumors and gossip.   The works of the flesh are produced in their life, instead of, the fruit of the Spirit, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

Talkative—After a child learns how to talk, it seems like that they will never learn to be silent.  They are talkative.  People in the childhood stage of spiritual development are talkative, too.  The Word of God admonishes that sin comes when there is a lot of talking going on, but you are wise if you do not talk a lot.  “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19).  Also, Ecclesiastes 5:3 says, “…A fool’s voice is known by his many words.”  Some years ago, the Lord spoke to my heart to, “Study to be quite.” 

 

Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin once said about Christians who are in the childhood stage spiritually that, “Folks who are talking all the time are usually guilty of at least three sins.  They are often guilty of evil speaking—talking about and discussing the faults and failures of people not present.  They are guilty of vain speaking—always talking about them self; what I’ve done; what I’m going to do; where I’ve been.  And they are often guilty of foolish speaking—jesting, joking, and things that unprofitable.”

 

It is natural for a mother, father, or guardian of a child to want them to grow-up and develop into a mature responsible adult.  The same is true with our Heavenly Father, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God to a perfect man to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things unto Him who is the head—Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-15).

 

 Spiritually mature Christians do not tell filthy jokes, or talk foolishly even in a joking manner; but give thanks to God, “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (Ephesians 5:4).  The spiritual mature Christians puts God first, and that the things of this earth do not have priority in their life.  Today, purpose in your heart to identify where you are spiritually, and if some adjustments need to be made He will help you.  He wants us to become more and more like Him.  After all, we are His children and we should identify with His characteristics.

 

Father—Thank You that I am Your child.  Lord, I ask You to help me to grow and develop into a spiritually mature Christian made into Your likeness.  Today I put-off childish ways, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

THE CONSCIENCE IS GOD’S WARNING SYSTEM

“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”—Hebrews 9:14

 

It has been said, that the conscience is God’s early warning system that alerts us to up-coming danger.  Pastor John MacArthur asserts that because of the openness and pervasiveness of sin that the conscience’s is increasingly becoming desensitized to sin.  Cultures around the world are deteriorating in their addiction to corruption.  Today, we see people who are enslaved to sex, numb to violence, and completely self-absorbed.  God has place within every human being a powerful ally to aide them in the battle against sin.  He graciously gave us a conscience that when used is the key to freedom. 

 

Our conscience works like a monitor; it checks for incorrect conduct in our emotions, thought life, and conduct.  For example, if you believe that lying is wrong, then your conscience will prick your mind when you tell a lie, or even a partial truth—it is like you know that something is wrong on the inside of you.  Some people have been known to get physically ill if they go against their conscience.  However, if a person thinks that lies are justifiable, their conscience is silent.  Also, the more that we over-ride our conscience then the less sensitive we become to it and eventually it will be silenced. 

 

As a Christian, you have the capacity to walk before God with a clear conscience.  The Apostle Paul said, “…I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and man” (Acts 24:16).  Do not go against your conscience, if you do then you will eventually go against true conviction of sin. 

 

Continue to reform and inform your conscience with the truth of God’s Word.  When programmed with the truth of God’s Word, the conscience has great value for a Christian. It detects deviations from the Lord’s standards and sends out a warning. The Holy Spirit uses that signal to get our attention. Then, He will reveal what the problem is, give us understanding about it, and show us the right choices to make. He will guide us to relevant scripture verses that can shed light on our situation and point out the implications of a wrong choice.  A trustworthy conscience is a powerful aide to spiritual growth and stability in your daily life.  With a clear conscience you can avoid traps of the enemy and live in abundance of freedom and joy.

 

Prayer—Father I thank you that you have given me a warning system, my conscience.  Please forgive me of the times that I did not listen to your warning and help me to walk with a clear conscience towards You and those I come in contact with, in Jesus Name. Amen. 

 

A Christian Citizen’s Responsibilities

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”—Romans 13:1

 

This year America will elect its next president, and as one of the world’s leading industrialized nations of the world who leads our nation is important.  Millions of dollars are being spent on media advertisements to sway the populace to vote for one candidate or another.  Your country may have a different governmental structure or style.  But all, from dictatorships to democracies, have this in common: their leaders have been given their positions of power by the Lord (Daniel 2:21). 

 

From a Biblical point of view, everyone with political authority is a servant of God for the good of that society.  “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.  For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.  For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor” (Romans 13:1-7).  While the Lord will hold the political leader accountable for how they govern, His Word also details the Christian's responsibilities as a citizen.

 

As believers, we should be law-abiding. God's children are expected to obey even if the issue is paying taxes.  “Render therefore to all their due; taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor” (Romans 13:7). 

 
The Apostle Paul exhorted the Church to pray for all people, for kings and all who are in authority—government officials.  He indicated a two-fold purpose in our praying for government officials.  The first is, so that we can live in peace, godliness and dignity.  Secondly, God desires people everywhere to be saved and to come into the knowledge of truth.  “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2: 1- 4).

 

We can influence our government through righteous prayers and actions.  Jesus called His followers, in Matthew 5:13, "the salt of the earth", because salt changes the flavor of whatever it touches.  Salt is also known as a healing agent, as well as, a preservative.  God can bring health to a nation through citizens whose first priority is allegiance to the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords—Jesus Christ.

 Prayer—Father today I repent for not taking my duties as a citizen of the Kingdom of God seriously.  I ask you to help me pray consistently for my governmental leaders, in the area where I live, and for all those who are over me in any way.  Lord You said that when it goes well with the righteous that the city rejoices.  I pray for righteous leaders to be put in positions of authority, in Jesus Name. Amen. 

 

 

SATAN’S DOMINION OVER CHRISTIANS IS BROKEN

“Since, therefore, [these His] children share in flesh and blood—that is, in the physical nature of human begins—He [Himself] in a similar manner partook of the same [nature], that by [going through] death He might bring to naught and make of no effect him who had the power of that, that is, the devil.”—Hebrews 2:14 (Amplified)

 

Scripture tells us that God’s wisdom is a hidden mystery to the rulers of this age, and if they would have known what the dead of Jesus would mean to them, then they would have never crucified Him, “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Corinthians 2:7-8).  When Christ was crucified on the cross, Satan must have thought that he had won a strategic battle against God.  But instead, the Enemy was decisively defeated.  The Apostle Paul tells us what Jesus’ death accomplished in Colossians 2:15, “Having disarmed principalities and powers; He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” 

 

Have you ever wondered why there are times that you may not always feel as if Satan has been conquered?  The reason is because we as Christians still wrestle against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness and against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).   The Enemy was not destroyed at the cross—that will happen later (Revelations 20:2,10).  For now, he is the master and reigns over those who are without Christ.  Once a person accepts Christ as their Savior and Lord, Satan is no longer their master.  As a believer, you are not of Satan’s world; you are in a new kingdom—God’s, “They are not of the world, just as I [Christ} am not of the world” (John 17:16).  This means Satan no longer has control over your life.

 

Satan is a deceiver.  He wants people to believe that he rules and reigns, and for people to give up hope when they see the devastation he makes.  Jesus did call him, “the ruler of this world,” but let’s not miss the rest of what He said, “[he] will be cast out” (John 12:31). 

 

Believers can be tempted and sometimes might fall into sin, but Satan is powerless to force a believer into disobedience, “For sin shall not have dominion over you…” (Romans 6:14).  Satan has no rightful authority over believers.  Peter admonishes us to be sober and vigilant; because our adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).   Satan is a liar and a deceiver, and he misleads his victims into fear and intimidation.  He uses deception as his weapon to gain advantage over those who are ignorant of the limitations of his power.   Another tactic that the Enemy tries to use is guilt; however, because Christ suffered and bore the pain of guilt, we do not have to.  Condemnation and guilt are never from God. 

 

Every believer has authority over Satan, 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).  God is in you, as a believer, you have been give power over Satan.  By submitting to God, and exercising your authority in the name of Jesus, you are more powerful than the enemy, “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world’ (1 John 4:4). 

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that Christ broke Satan’s power over me, and no longer will I be frighten, befuddled, intimidated, or walk in guilt because the greater one lives in me, and You have given me power over all the power of the enemy, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

GOD HAS A PROVIDENTIAL PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE

“Roll your works upon the Lord—commit and trust them wholly to Him; [He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.”—Proverbs 16:3 (Amplified)

The word “providential” is from the root word “providence,” which is the wisdom, care, and guidance believed to be provided by God; therefore, when we use the term “providential plan,” we mean a plan that has God’s guidance, direction, wisdom and care. 

 

Today, I want to encourage you that you matter to God and that He has a providential plan for your life.  Do not worry or fret over plans that do not seem to be working out for you.  Samuel, a prophet, had anointed Saul to be king over Israel; however, Saul rejected God’s word so God rejected Saul from being king over Israel.  Samuel mourned (worried and fretted over the plan) for Saul until one day God spoke to Samuel and asked him, “…how long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons” (1 Samuel 16: 1).  You may be discouraged today not knowing that God has a plan for you and your situation.  I encourage you today, to stop worrying and fretting about what you are to do—God loves you and He has a very special plan for your life.

 

In Psalm 139: 13 – 16 the Psalmist writes how every individual is created by God and that all of each person’s days are recorded in His book, “For you formed my inward parts; you covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows well.  My frame was not hidden from You. When I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth, Your eyes saw my substance being yet unformed.  And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.”  In essence, what the Psalmist is writing is that every day counts with God, and that it is He that provides guidance and direction for our lives.  The counsel of the Lord stands forever (Psalm 33:11).

 

We must do our part by humbly submitting ourselves to God and yielding to Him as Jesus did, and say, “Not my will, but thy will be done.”  We are to remember that our Heavenly Father is the potter and that we are the clay.  It is He who fashions us, our lives, our businesses and our ministries as we humbly submit to Him and do not lean to our own understanding He will guide and direct our paths.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for the providential plan that You have already made for my life.  I humbly submit my will to Your will and I say that I want Your will to be done in my life.  Father forgive me for the times that I have gone my own way instead of following Your plans for my life.  I purpose in my heart to follow after Your guidance and direction for my life, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

 

LIVE EACH DAY AS A RESPONSE TO GOD

“This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”—Psalm 118:24

 

Have you ever thought that each day was especially made just for you?  Everyday is special.  In the beginning, when God divided the light from the darkness (the beginning of what we call days) the Scripture tells us that, “it was good” (Genesis 1:4); in fact, Genesis 1:31 states that, Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good…”  We have an enemy, his name is Satan, he is a liar; in fact, the Bible tells us that he is the father of all lies.

 

Our enemy, the Liar, comes to say many things to discourage our day.  He will try to steal the joy out of your day.   He will try to depress you today.  He will lie to you through some diagnosis.   He will lie to you through pain.   He will lie through other people whose words hurt you very deeply.  Today, you may be facing a situation, through your family, business, ministry or other relationships where things seem a little rough. 

 

In our scripture for today, Psalm 118:24, we are told that we are to rejoice in our day because the Lord has made it.  Everything God has made is good.  God does not create badness, poverty, sickness, diseases, or feelings of rejection—the hardships of life.  God does not come and stretch you to the limit and then come to you just before you break.  No, God is not like this. He is good.

 

This is the day that the Lord has made, so right away we know that it is a good day because God has made it, and everything that God makes is good.    He knew that you needed this day to live and God made this day just for you.  The entire universe is responding to God’s desire to make your day.    

 

When you believe this scripture, “This is the day [every day] that the Lord has made,” what should your response be to this day, every day, this new day that God has made for you?  Scripture tells you and me exactly what we are to do.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.   We will not be depressed—we will rejoice.  We will not be discouraged—we will rejoice.  We will not give up.  This is our response to what God has already done.  This is what you are entitled to as God’s child.  Live in response to what God has made just for you.

 

Respond to this day as the most important day of your entire life.

 

Father—thank you for making this day just for me.  Today I purpose in my heart to respond to my day with joy in my heart knowing it is You who created me and through Christ I can do all things, in Jesus Name. Amen.

DRAW ON GOD’S POWER AND MIGHT

“That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.”—Colossians 1:10-11

 

As the Apostle Paul traveled from church to church, he always strengthened the brethren.  If a particular church had strayed from the principles of Christ, he would bring correction to them, but he would also bring encouragement to them, too. 

 

To our natural bodies, we need water, food, vitamins, minerals, etc. for strength; our spiritual bodies take nourishment from His Word and from the power of the Holy Spirit to keep us strong spiritually.

 

Proverbs 24:10 tells us that, “if you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.”  We certainly do not want to faint in the evil day (the day that the enemy has risen up against you), but we are to be like Abraham.  When we encounter difficulties, Romans 4:20 gives us a picture of how we can be victorious like Abraham was, “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthen in faith, giving glory to God.”  Today, allow your faith to be strengthened as you trust God and His promises for you. As you draw on the power of His might, know that your victory is assured.  Great is the protection and resources God has provided to you to meet the enemy and every adversity. 

 

As God prepared Joshua for battle, three times He gave him words of strength and encouragement saying, “Be strong and of good courage” and again, “Be strong and very courageous,” and then, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1: 6 - 9).  God was telling Joshua to move forward and to take the territory that had been promised.  Today, you can apply the same principles that worked in Joshua life for your life. Move forward and possess your promises, by drawing on His power and His strength, and being strong and of good courage.

The Church is to be moving forward, not going backwards.  Scripture instructs us not to be intimidated and faint in this hour, to shine brightly in the world, for this is the Church’s finest hour, so let your light shine in the power of His might.

 

Father—I thank You for strengthen me by Your Spirit today.  I draw upon Your power and Your strength to move forward and to overcome every difficulty that I face, in Jesus Name

POWERFUL PRAYERS ARE FOR THE CHURCH TODAY

“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.”—Ephesians 1:17-19

 

The Apostle Paul wrote two-thirds of the New Testament and prayed powerful prayers for the early church.  Since these prayers were for the Church, we can pray these same apostolic prayers for the Church today. 

 

Ephesians 1:17-19 gives us the prayer that he was praying for the Ephesus’ church.  This is a powerful prayer that is still valid for us today. 

 

The term, “the spirit of wisdom and revelation,” in Paul’s prayer is not to be interpreted as mystical.  “Wisdom” concerns practical, workable principles.  “Revelation” refers to clear perception and applicable understanding.  The Holy Spirit is the divine supernatural source of both. 

 

The phrase, “the eyes of your understanding being enlightened,” literally means that your heart may receive the brightness of hope resulting when the wealth of God’s investment in you is understood. 

 

Another powerful prayer we can pray is found in Philippians 1:9 -11. “…that your [our]love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you [we] may approve the things that are excellent, that you [we] may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.”

 

Although these are only two of the prayers that the Apostle Paul prayed for the Church, through these we can see the love he had for the Church. 

 

As you meditate upon these powerful truths, your faith will grow and as Jesus said, “…with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19: 26).  Also, it is important that when you pray—to pray the Word of God because He watches over His Word to perform it.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that You are the source of my wisdom, revelation and enlightenment.  I ask you to help me to understand the wealth of Your investment in me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

 

ACCESS GOD’S SPIRITUAL RICHES OF GRACE

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”—Ephesians 1:3

 

Do you think of yourself as rich?  No matter how much money you have, if you are a believer in Jesus, you are extremely wealthy because God has lavished the riches of His grace upon you.  At the moment of salvation, He deposited into your account “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).  Why, then, do so many believers live in spiritual poverty?

1.      Ignorance.   Some Christians do not know about this unlimited spiritual “bank account,” and, therefore, they never draw upon it.

2.      Confusion.  Too many believers just do not know how to access the treasures of God’s grace.  As a result, they worry and complain about their needs and problems or in desperation come to the Lord begging and pleading for help, never realizing His abundant supply has already, been deposited into their account.

3.      Competing Interests.  Distraction by things of the world may be the most common reason.  Christians in this category focus on possessions, pressing responsibilities, and advancement but lack interest in God’s spiritual blessings.

The riches of God’s grace supersede any earthly wealth.  They give the peace and contentment that money can never buy, and their benefits reach all the way into eternity.

The only way to access God’s spiritual riches is by faith.  We do not have to beg or persuade the Lord to give what He has already made available to us.  Instead, we simply choose to believe that we are who He says we are and can do what He has called us to accomplish.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that Christ has made me abundantly wealthy in spiritual blessings.  Holy Spirit I ask you to help me access all that Christ possessed for me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

EMBRACE THE “SEASON” THAT GOD HAS YOU IN

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”—Psalm 62:8

 

Almighty God formed you.  He knows your talents and weaknesses, as well as every detail of your situation and potential results of any decision you might make.

Your Creator knows what is best for you life.  His plan for you, which is motivated by wisdom and love, is executed with perfect timing.  This last part can be hard for us to accept, especially when it involves waiting.

But patience is often part of the plan. In some seasons of life, God teaches us to trust and to yield our longings for immediate gratification.  We demonstrate surrender and humility before Him when we submit to his timetable.

Of course, there is another alternative.  God gave us the free will to choose His plan or step away from it.  When life does not follow the desired path, we can try to make things happen in our own power.  But this never works out as we hope.  In fact, it always leads to disappointment and difficulty, causing us to miss God’s best for our lives.  Though this choice is tempting at uncomfortable times, the results are undesirable.

Scripture contains rich promises that we can claim thought life—and God always keeps His Word.  As His followers, we are to believe with faith, anticipate with hope, and wait quietly with patience, “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Romans 12:12).  In the meantime, we listen and obey.

 

Embrace whatever “season” God has you in right now.  If it’s a time of waiting, choose to learn patience, trusting that His plan for your life is beautiful.  Walking in His will requires us to remain sensitive to His voice.  Our loving Heavenly Father protects us from making mistakes when we readily listen to Him.

Prayer—Father I thank You for the “season” that I am in.  Help me to understand it so that I can patiently trust You and walk in Your ways, in Jesus Name. Amen.

GOD’S TIMING IS PERFECT—THERE IS NO NEED FOR SHORTCUTS

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

 

The culture in which many of us live in is fast-paced and we are accustomed to quick results.  Waiting appears to be an activity of past generations.

It is no surprise, then, that we have a hard time if God does not answer a prayer right away.  But when we refuse to be patient, our only option is to step out of His plan.  In Genesis 16: 1-6, the Scriptures tell how Abram and Sarai (later Abraham and Sarah) took matters into their own hands because they did not like the Lord’s timetable.

Ten years had passed since God promised them a son, and Sarai was aging.  So, she and Abram decided to let her servant Hagar bear a child for them.  Sarah eventually did give birth in her old age, but that lack of patience led to great strife—for their family and of us today.  Much of the tension in the Middle East can be traced to two people groups: the descendants of Hagar and of Sarah.

 

Why would a couple choose a path of self-sufficiency?  First, Sarai’s intense desire clouded her thinking.  She desperately wanted to provide her husband with a son—which was a basis of women’s worth in that culture.  Next, she succumbed to wrong thinking.  After years of childlessness and longing, she began to think that perhaps the Lord needed human help.  Finally, she influenced Abram to believe this faulty reasoning, and both gave in to impatience.

These traps still pose danger today.  We are not immune to strong desire, human reasoning, or the influence of others.  Impatient by nature, we could easily justify taking action in our own strength.  The best advice is to listen, obey, and wait.  God’s timing is perfect, and we do not want to miss His best.  If you have been impatient waiting upon God’s timing and have chosen a path of self-sufficiency, ask Him to forgive you and to restore your timing. He will renew your strength and you will see the promise fulfilled.

Prayer—Father I ask you to forgive me of being impatient and not waiting upon your timing.  I have taken matters into my own hands and tried to work your will out for myself, instead of waiting upon You.  Help me Holy Spirit and restore me into your perfect timing, in Jesus Name. Amen.