THIS IS THE SEASON FOR GOD’S PROMISES TO TAKE FLESH

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”—John 1:14

 

Jesus is the promised seed of Eve that came in the flesh to crush Satan’s head, “So the Lord God said to the serpent: ‘Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman. And between your seed and her Seed; He [Jesus] shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel” (Genesis 2:14 – 16). 

 

God has given promises to every person and His desire is to see the fulfillment of every promise that He has made to you that is for his promises to take flesh. “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen; to the glory of God through us” (1 Corinthians 1:20). 

 

It is God’s will for you and your household to be saved, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

The promises of God include: healing, deliverance, safety, peace, access, provision and promotion, to name just a few.  Whatever you have need of God has made provision for you through His Word.  Study the Scriptures His promise to you that meets the need in your life, or the life of someone else and then mediate upon that Word.  It will become life to you and then you will be able to appropriate His promise through faith.   Then you are able to ask Him and believe that you will receive whatsoever things that you desire (Mark 11:24).

The promised seed, Jesus came to earth in the flesh and was victorious over sin and death, “…‘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.’  So all of this was done that it might b fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet saying: ‘Behold the virgin shall be with child and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:20).  Because of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, He then is, “…the High Priest of a better covenant which was established on better promises” (Hebrews 8:6).

Today, too many Christians pray without really expecting an answer.  We can expect the answer to God’s promises once our heart is convinced that God means what He said, and that He said what he meant.

Prayer—Father I thank you that all of Your promises for me are yes and amen.  Today, with Your help I purpose in my heart to study your Word and to appropriate Your promises into my life, or into the life of others, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

 

THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS MOVING: KICK OVER THE PEDESTALS IN YOUR LIFE

 “You shall have no other gods before Me.”—Exodus 20:3

 

To put someone or something on a pedestal means to place on a raised stand so that it can be greatly admired and magnify its importance.   Have you ever seen an art object or a molded bust of someone put on something that raises it to about eye level, so that it can be easily admired?  Sometimes the expression is used of a husband or wife putting their spouse on a pedestal; meaning that the individual is greatly thought of or admired, either for something that they do or perhaps it is their physical appearance.  In the Church, for example, a minister or ministry can be put on a pedestal for their ministry gifts or talents.  What happens in the spiritually realm when this is done is that the person or object is elevated to a position of importance that is higher than God.   And often times the person or object either falls off the pedestal or we knock it off because of our emotional outbursts.  This same thing happened to Samson in Judges 14 -16.

 

An angel visited Samson’s mother and father and told them that they would have a child and that he would be a Nazirite to God from the womb until his death (Judges 13).    In Numbers we find what being a Nazirite means, “He shall separate himself from wine and similar drink; he shall drink neither vinegar made from wine nor vinegar made from similar drink; neither shall he drink any grape juice, nor eat fresh grapes or raisins. All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, from seed to skin. All the days of the vow of his separation no razor shall come upon his head; until the days are fulfilled for which he separated himself to the Lord, he shall be holy. Then he shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow. All the days that he separates himself to the Lord he shall not go near a dead body. He shall not make himself unclean even for his father or his mother, for his brother or his sister, when they die, because his separation to God is on his head. All the days of his separation he shall be holy to the Lord” (Numbers 6:2-8). 

 

In verse 25 of Judges chapter 13, we find that the Spirit of the Lord began to move upon Samson.  Judges 14 details how Samson saw a Philistine woman and lusted after her, and put her on a pedestal.  As a result, Samson, who had been set-apart by the Lord, dishonored God and His commandment and did not fulfill the assignment of the Lord.   

 

The prophetic word has been given that the Spirit of the Lord is moving.  Today, ask yourself the question: Have I put anything or anyone on a pedestal that will not allow me to fulfill the assignment that the Lord has given to me?  Have I allowed someone or something to come between me and God?  Allow the Spirit of God to move in your life by aligning your heart with His hopes and dreams for you.  Repent of any pedestals in your life and ask the Father to restore you into a right relationship with Him.

 

Father—Lord  You commanded me not to have any other gods before You.   I repent of any pedestals that I have placed in my life that replaces You or elevates above You and I ask You to forgive me.  Holy Spirit move in my life and bring me into my destiny, in Jesus Name. Amen.   

 

HONOR AND RESPECT ARE ESSENTIALS IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD

“That all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father.  He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.”—John 5:23

 

In the New Testament, the book of Ephesians is addressed to a group of believers who are rich beyond measure in Jesus Christ, yet living as beggars—only because they are ignorant of their wealth.  Paul begins by describing in chapters 1-3 the contents of the Christian’s “every spiritual blessing”; adoption, acceptance, redemption, forgiveness, wisdom, inheritance, the seal of the Holy Spirit, life, grace and citizenship.  In chapters 4-6 the Christian learns a spiritual walk rooted in his or her spiritual wealth.  Ephesians 6: 1-3 shows us how to receive a promise from God, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’”

 

Soon France will be deciding if they should replace the words, “mother and father” from their legal jargon within their government with the word, “parents.” If I understand the premise correctly, it is being done to seem inclusive of all people (lesbians and homosexuals) who are parents.   In the anti-God climate of the world today, we see children of all ages rebelling, but they often escape discipline.  This has led to two dangerous attitudes. One says people do not need to accept responsibility for their actions. The other attitude permits neglecting the greater good in favor of personal goals. To find an example, simply look at people who are texting and driving. 

 

To build a Christ-honoring community within the worldly culture, believers should instruct children to honor parents, and then discipline any failure to show respect. One important way to teach this lesson is by modeling honor. Our families should see us treat our own parents with care and consideration.  Honoring Mom and Dad is not a suggestion. The Lord has placed these important people in our life. Whether or not we feel they have served well in that capacity, we are to obey God by offering them care and respect.

 

It is essential that for us to live in God’s Kingdom, we must follow His commandment to honor parents, and when we do we have a promise.  He told the Israelites, recorded in Exodus 20, to treat parents with respect so that their “days may be long upon the land” that He was giving them. This did not guarantee that respecting authority would necessarily mean survival till old age. The words “days” and “long” seem to imply productivity, strength, and satisfaction rather than a certain number of years.

The word “Honor” means to esteem, valuable or precious.    Not only are we to honor our earthly father and mother, but we are to honor the Son, Jesus Christ, just as we honor our Heavenly Father.  When we esteem our Heavenly Father, we are indicating, to Him and His Son, they are worthy, morally good and upright, they are principled and we admire them for their personage.    Recently, I heard a teenager address God in a most unbecoming way, not one of respect, dignity or honor.  I stepped in correcting the young person in the way they were disrespecting our Heavenly Father.   If and adult was in their own home, they should not allow this type of disrespect to be said to an earthly father; therefore, we do not allow this type of behavior to penetrate our churches.  We can do our part by speaking up and teaching right from wrong. 

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that You have promised me a long life if I honor my father and mother.  Today I repent for the times that I have treated them disrespectfully and did not honor them and I ask You to forgive me.  Also Lord, forgive me for the times that I have not honored and respected You.  Help me Lord to live a life that would honor and please You in all that I say and do, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

 

 

CHRIST: OUR LEADER: OUR FILE COMMANDER

"Indeed I have given him as a witness to the people, a leader and commander for the people."—Isaiah 55:4

 

Four times in the New Testament Jesus Christ is called Leader or Prince.  Originally the word means the First of a file of men, and therefore their Captain or Commanding Officer (see Acts 3:15; Acts 5:31; Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 12:2).

 

Christ leads from death into life.   When the nation of Israel crossed over the Red Sea it is symbolic of the Christian crossing over from death unto everlasting life.  Probably Joshua was the first to pass over the dried bed of the Jordan, as the priests stood by bearing the Ark of the Covenant;  Jesus Christ has preceded the believer through the waters of death, and will hold them back until each of the ransomed has passed "clean over", “Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan” (Joshua 3:17).  And from Psalm 23:4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.”

 

Christ leads His followers into victory. When our Lord was exalted to the right hand of power, He opened up a path to be trodden throughout the ages by a company which no man can number. As He overcame, we may overcome; as He reigns over all principality and power, so we believe that He will bruise Satan under our feet, and make us more than conquerors.  “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

 

Christ leads those who suffer to perfection. Though He was the Son of God, He learned obedience by the things that He suffered, and transformed suffering, showing that it was a purifying furnace, a means of discipline and strength. “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered; and having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:8-9),   If we are thrust into the fiery furnace of test and trials we shall find the Son of God walking at our side, and shall emerge without our bonds, and with no smell of fire upon us.   Jesus is the Leader of a long procession of martyrs and sufferers.  He leads us through no darker rooms than He went through before; He knows exactly how much we can bear, and will not test us beyond our strength.  He is with us "all the days," and will help us to learn obedience, faith, and hope, as we follow in His footsteps.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that Your way is perfect.  Help me to always trust in Your goodness and that I may walk with You and follow You in all simplicity.  Father help me to possess a quiet and contented mind and that I may cast all of my care upon You, for You care for me.  Thank You that it is You that has gotten me the victory and that I am more than a conqueror in You, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

EFFECTUAL PRAYING RECEIVES THE ANSWER

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”—1 John 5:14-15

 

Recently, I have been rereading Answers to Prayer by Rev. Charles G. Finney which was compiled and edited by Louis Gifford Parkhurst, Jr.   Rev. Finney lived from 1792 – 1875.  I highly recommend that this book be added to your library as it contains wonderful encouragement and enlightenment upon the subject of prayer and revival amidst a nation that had suffered the decline of Christian and biblical teaching following the war.  Mr. Parkhurst writes in his biographical sketch of Finney’s life that he was not raised as a Christian, nor did he ever hear a prayer in his father’s house.  Finney was self-taught and while studying to become a lawyer he discovered that the foundation for American law was the Bible.  So, he bought a Bible and as he studied law and the Bible, he became convinced that the Bible was God’s Word.  He gave his life willingly and completely to Jesus Christ on October 10, 1821 and at the age of 31 he was licensed to preach and became a Presbyterian missionary. Through prayer and the study of the Scriptures he became a well-known revivalist minister.  His revival ministry resulted in multitudes turning towards Christ and many miraculous healings.  Additionally, he held three pastorates and helped found Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio where he often taught.

 

This book inspired me to pen a short poem.

 

                                   WHEN I PRAY

 

Is it only in the throngs of death

                                  That I take up the fight for my fellow man?

 

                       Or do I engage in combat day-to-day

                                  To seek my Saviors face?

 

If I lack the will to persist,

                                  Still, I seek to fight on─

 

Knowing that it is my Savior’s will

                                  To win the battle and the fray

     

                                  So—I continue to pray… and to pray. 

                                                                                           Rev. Pamela Tattershall 09/23/2012

  

For the believer, over time praying can become such common practice that it becomes easy to fall into habits that result in a lifeless and empty prayer life.  Instead of a dynamic conversations and requests that are thoughtful and with our ears and hearts listening for God’s response, our prayers can seem more like a grocery list.   Rev. Charles Finney said that, “Prevailing, or effectual prayer is that prayer which attains the blessing that it seeks.” Because communication with the Lord is such a vital part of our Christian life, we need to occasionally reassess and examine our prayer life. 

 

   Begin by asking yourself these questions.

How effective are my prayers?  Our my prayers being answered, or does it seem as if my prayers never go past the ceiling?

Who am I praying for?  Are most of my requests from myself, or others?

What am I asking God to do?  Have I looked in the Scriptures to see what He wants, or am I trying to get the Lord to intervene according to my plans and desires?

When do I pray?  Is it only during emergencies or when I need something? 

If you discovered any selfishness in your answers, you are not alone.  Most of us struggle to enter God’s presence with our eyes focused on Him instead of our needs.  But the only way we will be able to pray effectually is to fill our minds with Scriptures so that we can find out what the Lord wants to do.

 

Your prayer life can become effective and dynamic if you will approach the lord with a clean heart, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear” (Psalm 66:18).  Align your requests with His will, and believe He will do what He says, “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them” (Mark 11:24).  Then you will be able to pray with absolute confidence, knowing that He will hear and answer your petitions.

 

Prayer—Father today I come to You asking you to clean my heart, O Lord, and renew a right spirit within me.  Lord I desire to pray effectively help me to persevere  in prayer always seeking Your will and Your ways, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

                                   

PRAYER: OUR GREATEST TIME SAVER

“Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust.”—Psalm 143:8

 

What is the first thing that you think about when you wake up?  Do you instantly think about all that you must accomplish in the day ahead, or are your thoughts focused on the Lord?  Although most of us of us have busy lives that consume much of our time and attention, the most important and time-saving part of each day is that time spent in quiet solitude with our heavenly Father. 

 

Yet many believers feel so rushed that they do not think that there is time for the Lord.  They immediately jump up in the morning and rush around with whatever that they deem necessary, and then wonder why they are so frustrated, confused, and dissatisfied.  Even if there desire is to follow God, they do not know where He is going since they have not stopped to get directions for the day.  They also feel like they are not connected to the Lord because they have ignored their relationship with Him.  No one can have intimacy with Christ without daily communication.    

 

 If you are like a lot of people who are busy with church commitments, work, and family, you wonder if it is wrong for you to pray “on the go?”   It is always good to pray no matter how busy our schedule is; in fact, we are admonished to, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).    But we also need to set aside time specifically for prayer, when we can spend that alone time, for intimacy with God.  Spending time exclusively with the Father allow us, His children, to enjoy being in His presence.  When we take the time to seek Christ’s direction and wisdom for the day, we will accomplish more, make wiser decisions, have increased strength and energy and be free from time-wasting anxiety.

 

There was no person in history who had a greater demand or who had to be more intentional with his time than Jesus.  He ministered from early in the morning until late at night healing diseases, casting out demons and teaching and preaching.  However, Jesus was never too busy for prayer.  Because it was vital, He would wake up early in the morning just to make exclusive time for the Father.  On other occasions, He would dismiss the crowds to have time in the evening for prayer, other times after a hard day’s work.  Whatever the cost, unrushed prayer was a priority.  It was His source of power, energy, and wisdom.  Prayer was the greatest use of His time, He said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner” (John 5:19).  Prayer is our greatest time- saver. 

 

If you have fallen away from your time with the Father or have never made the time for Him, purpose in your heart to lay aside the busyness of the day to spend time with the Father.  I must warn you; you have an enemy, his name is Satan—do not allow Satan’s distractions and interruptions deter you from persevering in prayer.  Do not deny yourself the blessing of an intimate relationship with Christ.  When you make time for Him, He will fill you with peace and joy, guide you in your decisions, grant you wisdom and empower you to obey, make you more productive, and comfort you in His love and mercy.

 

Prayer—Father I repent for allowing distractions in my prayer time and I ask you to help me persevere in my time with You.  Holy Spirit I ask You to enlighten my days, give me wisdom and strength as I make decisions today, empower me to obey You in all that I say and do, and may Your  Peace and Mercy comfort and cheer my heart today, in Jesus Name. Amen.

REFOCUS YOUR SELF-FOCUS

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.”—Psalm 37:4-5

 

God wants to be the greatest passion of every believer’s life.  If we claim to love the Lord, our relationship with Him should have priority over possession, vocation, and even other relationships.  Yet we often miss the true message of Psalm 37:4 & 5 by assuming the verses mean we can get what we want.  It is not uncommon for someone to tell me about a prayer request and then add, “God promised to give me the desires of my heart.”  But in context, this scripture reveals that the Lord’s principle for purifying our desires and issues a call for devotion to Him. 

 

To delight in the Lord means to take pleasure in discovering more about Him and following His will.  This leads to the Holy Spirit aligning our hearts desires with His, which always puts us in position to experience His blessings—Refocusing our Self-Focus.

 

When we commit our way to God, we allow our thoughts, goals, and lifestyle to be shaped by His will and the things He loves.  In other words, we acknowledge His right to determine whether our longings fit His plan.  If we rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him, we rely on Him to work out circumstances, even when the desire He has given us seems impossible.  When He is our first love, our hearts become focused on making His glory known in our lives.

 

As we grown and develop, we learn to enjoy Him for who He is, our self-focus wants are replaced by His perfect will and purpose.

 

Prayer—Father today I ask you to refocus my wants and desires to fit into your plan and purpose for me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

THE SPEAR OF PRIDE PIERCES YOUR SIDE

“Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.  Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, then to divide the spoil with the proud.”—Proverbs 16:18-19

 

Pride and vanity cast a net over our souls and brings us into captivity.   Many times the words pride and vanity are used interchangeably, but they are different.  Pride refers to a person’s sense of arrogance and self-importance while vanity most often refers to a sense of pride in personal appearance.  Pride and vanity both present dangers to us.

 

We can have pride and vanity in a variety of ways in our lives.  A proud and vain spirit can be evident no matter what economic or culture that a person is in or has come from.  People from each spectrum—rich or poor—well-dressed or in rags can walk in pride and vanity.  Pride knows no economic or cultural boundaries.   Pride is very much hated by God.  “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate” (Proverbs 8:13).  But, God is instantly forgiving when pride is replaced by humility. 

 

We are warned not to put undo attention into our outward personal appearance, but that are attention should be to the hidden person of the heart, “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:3-4).

 

Charles Finney wrote in his autobiography about a wealthy woman who was under conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit, but was afraid to receive salvation because she did not want it to interfere with the fun plans that she was making.  She agreed to see Rev. Finney and pray with him.  While they were praying together, Rev. Finney felt impressed to pray that she would become as a little child and receive salvation.  This burden of prayer was much impressed upon his mind and as he continued to pray along these lines he began to hear her say the same thing…asking the Lord to make her “as a little child.”  When she repented of her pride and humbly came to God as a little child she received salvation.  “…assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

 

Humility will always break pride.  One of the outward signs of humility is to kneel in prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of pride in your life.  Genuine repentance will follow the humbling of yourself as a little child and God will cleanse your soul of vanity and pride.  “Behold you desire truth in the inward parts; and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.  Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, that the bones [the pride and vanity] you have broken may rejoice…Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me… Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me in Your generous Spirit” (Psalm 51: 6-12).

 

When we ask the Lord to deliver us from the spear of the enemy of pride and vanity, He will deliver us from the will of our adversary, the devil (Psalm 27:12).

Father—today I genuinely repent of pride and vanity and I ask for Your forgiveness.  Cleanse me Lord, and renew a right spirit within me, teach me Your ways and lead me in the path of righteousness, in Jesus Name. Amen.

DEAL WITH CONFLICT: DO NOT BECOME A VICTIM OF BITTERNESS

“So also My heavenly Father will deal with every one of you if you do not freely forgive your brother from your heart his offenses. ”—Matthew 18:35

 

Conflict is a part of life. It may originate from misunderstandings, a difference of opinion, or deep convictions. But discord often stems from envy, pride, or hunger for power.

 

Scripture records an account of a man, Jonah, who was in conflict with himself, God, and the people that God wanted to save.  God spoke to Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and warn the people of their wickedness because He was seeking to turn them from destruction; however, Jonah did not want to go because he knew that His God was merciful, and he did not want God to show mercy upon the enemies of his people.  Jonah wanted them destroyed; but it would be unlike God to fail or refuse to warn mankind of coming destruction and give them an opportunity to avoid it.  So, he fled from the presence of God and the place where He had told him to go, thinking no doubt, that if he did not warn Nineveh, God would destroy the inhabitants.  Jonah’s disobedience caused the lives of a ship full of people to be put into jeopardy; he spent three days and nights in the belly of a big fish before he called out for relief from God.  God responded to his cries, delivered him from the fish and for a second time, instructed him to go to Nineveh.  Jonah went and delivered God’s message to the people; however, he remained a victim of bitterness and anger because God chose to have mercy upon his enemies (Jonah).   

We can learn some lessons from Jonah and his experience with conflict.  First, never run away from conflict—even if you do not think that God sees what is going on He is always present. Sadly, many people have an unhealthy reaction to disagreement.  Some repress difficulty, ignoring the issue or pretending it does not exist. Others place blame while defending themselves.  Second, recognize that you are not able to control the other person’s response to conflict; you are accountable only for how you handle it. 

Negative responses to conflict often indicate one of three underlying scenarios. First, past hurt can leave a person emotionally insecure and unable to handle criticism.  Second, a perfectionist sets such high benchmarks that she or he can never live up to her or his own standards—then it is hard to acknowledge mistakes.  Finally, pride makes it hard for some people to admit when they are wrong or to ask forgiveness. 

 

In the parable of the Unmerciful Servant, we see what can happen to someone who does not give forgiveness.

"Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’  Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’  Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents [several millions of U.S. dollars].  But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.  The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’  Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii [about seventeen U.S. dollars]; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying ‘Pay me what you owe!’  So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.  So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done.  Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.  Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’  And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. ‘So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses’” (Matthew 18:21 -35).

Unless we respond correctly to conflict, we limit our potential to grow, because we are not learning what the Lord is teaching.  Also, we develop an unforgiving spirit, which leads to bitterness and resentment.  Eventually, such an attitude can destroy relationships.

By following the example of our Savior, we learn that there is a positive way to handle conflict.   The Scripture reveals how our Savior responded when He was wrongly accused, unfairly judged, and killed for something He did not do.   Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). 

How do you deal with accusations, criticism and conflict?  Forgiveness is the only response that will keep you from becoming a victim of bitterness.

 Prayer—Father I ask You to help me deal positively when I experience conflicts in my life.  I choose to forgive those who are involved in the disagreement and I ask that Your Peace be released into the situation and I release all anger, bitterness and resentment, in Jesus Name. Amen.

PREPARE FOR YOUR DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”—Revelations 3:20

 

The New Testament city of Philadelphia was strategically located on travel routes between Rome and the east, which made it an important conduit for Greek culture and language. The church there received an exciting opportunity when God planned that the region would become known for a new export—the good news of Jesus Christ. 

For the loyal church at Philadelphia, this was a tremendous blessing. In Revelation 3, Jesus Christ acknowledged the congregation’s deeds, which means they must have carried out their work with diligence and dependence on the Lord. The body also followed God’s Word and didn’t deny His name, despite opposition from “the synagogue of Satan”—the worldly people who also inhabited the city.  “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens: I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet; and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth” (Revelations 3:7-10).

We all desire that the Lord give us His best for our life—in our vocation, finances, service, and spiritual growth.  So we must build a proven record of faithful obedience, as the Philadelphian church did.  When we serve God with loyalty, humility, and diligence, He will open doors for even greater blessings and opportunities. 

The opportunities that you will experience in the coming days will produce far greater good because of the positive choices that you make on an every day basis.  Recently, a prophetic word was released by Rick Joyner, Senior Pastor of MorningStar Fellowship Church, in part that said, “Even a small decision to do what is right in the sight of the Lord could spark a great revival.  A subtle turning in the direction toward the Lord by a nation can begin a Great Awakening.”  The prophetic word released over America by seasoned women and men of God have stated that the one thing that will save America is a “Great Awakening.”  I personally believe that every nation needs to be awakened to be able to respond to their door of opportunity. 

 

What happens in the natural realm is an indication of what is happening in the spiritual realm.  Countries all over the world have experienced record droughts.  Over and over again, we have heard reports on how dry it has been over much of American and other nations of the world.  This is true in the spiritual realm as well. However, instead of criticizing people and churches for the dryness—look at it as an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to create a little spark and a little breeze to create great fires of revival to begin to blaze.  Catch the vision—prepare and see the opportunity.   Ask the Lord to show you how you should prepare for your opportunity, and thank Him that you recognize your door.

Prayer—Father I thank You for my door of opportunity and I ask You to show me how I should prepare for my opportunity and how to recognize it, in Jesus Name. Amen.

LOVING OTHERS IS THE FRUIT—NOT THE ROOT—OF GOD’S LOVE FOR YOU

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”—1 John 4:19

 

The body of Christ must return to their revelation of how Christ first loved them.  This is one of the issues that Christ addressed in Revelation 2:4, “Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”

 

Often, the preaching and teaching is centered on how we should love others.  Although this is certainly appropriate, the greatest and most distinguishing characteristic of a true Christian is their love for the brethren, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).  A true revelation of how much God loves us gives us the ability to genuinely love others.  Trying to do so without a vibrant, experiential love within us is like trying to give someone a drink from a well that has ran dry.  It can not be done! 

 

The Christian life is not just hard to live; it is impossible to live in our own strength.  True Christianity is not you and I living for Jesus, but Jesus living through us, “I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).  Nowhere is this more apparent than in loving people.  The kind of love that Jesus commands including turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) and forgiving those who crucify us (Luke 23:34).  This kind of love is humanly impossible.  It can only be done through allowing the supernatural love of God to flow through you. 

 

Therefore, loving others is the fruit—not the root—of God’s love for you.  As you return to the joy of understanding how much God loves you the way you did when you first received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you will love others more than you have before. 

 

Prayer—Father thank You for loving me and giving me a fresh revelation of how much You love me so that I can love others as You have loved me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

MANIFEST THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF THE HEART

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”—Luke 12:34

 

Charlotte Brontë mused about the human heart’s hidden treasures by writing, “The human heart has hidden treasures, In secret kept, in silence sealed; The thoughts, the hopes, the dreams, the pleasures, Whose charms were broken if revealed.”  She is saying that if the secrets of the hidden treasures of the heart are exposed then the allure of the treasure would be broken.   However, Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount that the real issue is: where my heart is. He wants the hidden treasures of our hearts exposed so that we can evaluate if our hearts are seeking after self or after a real vibrant relationship with God (Matthew 6:19-24).

 

Sometimes people perceive us as being spiritual or godly, when in reality, deep in our hearts we know that we have just put on a mask.  Because in our private life, we struggle with fears, temptations, and desiring the things of the world for man’s praise instead of glorifying God.  The treasures that we have sought have only brought physical or emotional comfort rather than true spiritual happiness.  Jesus directly addresses the heart by asking the question, “Where is your treasure?”  He says in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.”  There are a lot of things competing for your heart, as this is the control center for life.  

 

Your life is a reflection of your heart.  “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23).  The heart is like a water well and from if all the issues of life gush forth.  Therefore, we must guard our hearts and watch over them so that our heart follows hard after the things of God and is not distracted by the things of this world.   

 

We must ask the question, “Where is our treasure?”   Because in asking this, we will answer the question “Where is our heart?” because where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The second question to ask ourselves is: “Where is our focus?”  What are our eyes focused on? Are they focused on the seen or the unseen?

 

Where Is Your Treasure?

 

The Rich Young Ruler in Matthew 19:16-22 came to ask Jesus a question. The question he asks is how he might have eternal life.  Jesus answers the man by telling him that he needs to obey the commandments, and the rich young ruler responds, “Which ones?” Jesus responds, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” The young ruler responds that he has kept all these things and asks, “What do I still lack?” This is where Jesus drops the bomb on the rich young ruler. He says, “Go, sell what you have and give to the poor” and “follow Me.”  Where was this young man’s heart? You can tell by his reaction. His heart is controlled by his wealth and riches. This young ruler is wealthy and supposedly has a lot going for him, but he is not willing to let those things go in order to follow Jesus. He is willing to love his neighbor and do the commands that pertain to his fellow man, but when it comes down to loving the Father and having no other gods before Him, he is not willing to let go of the wealth he obtained here on earth.  His end result was spiritual death. His heart was set upon the things of this earth, and he was willing to disobey God for the sake of temporal riches that do not last. The things we gather here on earth are only temporal; they do not last for eternity.

 

Where is your treasure?  Are you earthly-minded or heavenly-minded?  Are you investing in the future eternity to come, or are you investing in the here and now?  Are you enthralled with the temporary versus the permanent?   Jesus used the three examples of the moth, rust and thief in Matthew 6:19 -20 to show how the things we deem most important are only temporary., “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

 

At the end of our life as believers, we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account for our lives here on the earth.  Those believers who seek to build up wealth and riches on earth will suffer loss and will be saved as through fire, whereas those who strive to lay up treasures in heaven will receive a reward.

 

So the question arises, “How do we lay up treasures in heaven?” The answer is by living the way God has asked us to live and following after Him in all that we do. For example, loving your neighbor as yourself – if a man has a need for a shirt and you have extra, give him one – being a cheerful giver, honoring God in your marriage, guarding your mind against adulterous thoughts, sharing the good news of the gospel with those around you. There are so many things which all narrow down to loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving your neighbor as yourself.

 

Jesus always looks at the heart: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” One of the Ten Commandments states: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3).  When we set our hearts on the things of this earth and fall to the temptation of being worldly in our ways, we are committing idolatry because we are no longer serving God.  Rather, we have put our riches above God, and we are serving them. They have become our god and our life.  Jesus challenges us, to ask ourselves where our treasure is. If your treasure is on earth and the things of this world, your heart will be there as well. If your heart is focused on the Father and on laying up treasures in heaven, your heart will be there.  “That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3-4).

 

Prayer—Father I repent and ask You to forgive me for not focusing on laying up treasures in heaven, and with Your help from today forward my focus, my treasures will be upon You, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

TURN THE LIGHT ON TO SEE WHERE YOU ARE GOING

“Also He said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?’”—Mark 4:21

 

In the passage of scripture for today’s reading, Jesus had just taught and explained the Parable of the Sower to His disciples.  He stressed the importance of God’s Word in our lives.   Just as a farmer can not have a harvest without planting seeds, we can not bear fruit without putting God’s Word into our hearts.   While still speaking about the importance of God’s Word, Jesus said that a candle must be put into a candlestick to shine its light.

 

The Psalmist wrote that God’s Word would light up your path, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).   Without the illumination of God’s Word, we are not able to see where we are going.  Jesus taught that it is God’s Word that sheds light on all of our situations and difficulties.  He said what is the purpose of having a light if it is not going to be used?  Why would anyone place a lamp under a bed or a basket to block the light?  That does not make any sense.  However, that is exactly what we often do with the light God has given to us.

 

How many times have we neglected meditating on God’s Word because of our busy schedules, and as a result we just stumbled blindly though our day?  The influence of God’s Word in our lives is not a luxury we can do without.  It is as essential as light in a dark room.  Light in the darkness enables us to function as if it were day—as long as the light is in a prominent place.

 

Your light is not in a prominent place if you are walking in darkness.  Here are some ways to check the validity of your light, and to know if you are walking in darkness.  Are you allowing an ungodly person to influence your decision, or are you seeking godly wisdom from those whose life exemplifies Christ?  Do your own self-interest and desires come before what you know to be what God’s desires are?  Does God have first place in your life, or are you putting other’s wants, needs and interest first?  God wants the body of Christ to mature and grown up and break out of the cycle of darkness, and walk in the light as He is in the light. 

 

Your heart is the candlestick on which you set the light of God’s Word.  As you mediate on it day and night, there is no circumstance or secret that will not be clearly revealed to you through the light of the Word, “For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.  If any has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:22-23).   You will see where you are going and not stumble today if His Word is shining brightly in your heart. 

 

Prayer—Father I ask you to reveal any hidden thing in my life that is in darkness.  I desire to walk in the light as your representative in the world.  I purpose to let my life shine, and I ask You to forgive me for allowing others to hide and dim my light.  I know that You will help me shine brightly for You, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

 

 

THE GROANING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ALWAYS PRODUCES GOOD FRUIT

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For  we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.”—Romans 8:26

 

The Scripture tells us that Jesus was friends with Lazarus and his sister, Mary and Martha.  In fact, Jesus spent times with them in their home and eating with them.  However, Jesus was in another town when word reached Him that Lazarus was sick and that his sister’s wanted Him to come and see their brother.  When Jesus arrived Mary came out to meet him, she fell down at his feet crying and saying that her brother would not have died if He had been there.  Then we read a most amazing statement, “Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled” (John 11:33 emphasis added).  The word “groaned” as translated here expresses that Jesus was deeply moved, but not necessarily with sorrow.  It was more of a groan of anger at Satan who had caused all the grief and sorrow that He was seeing around Him.  Jesus came to,  “…destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14), and He was grieved to see the pain His enemy had inflicted on those He loved.

 

This is the type of groaning that the Holy Spirit does for us that Paul wrote about in Romans 8:26.  It is not just the Holy Spirit sympathizing with us, but it is the Holy Spirit doing battle for us when we do not know how to pray.  In the case of Lazarus, the Holy Spirit used Jesus to do battle against death and for Lazarus to be released from the grave.

 

Everyone who has the Holy Spirit in them either has, or will have this experience.  The groaning of the Holy Spirit is not just grief but righteous anger and resistance against Satan’s devices in our lives.  Many times Christians do not discern this because they think that they are just grieved over their situation, but the Holy Spirit is moving them into intercession with Him against their common enemy, Satan.

 

Although the groaning of the Holy Spirit inside of you is not uttered, you can react to it with audible groans or physical movement of some kind, like someone who is grieving.  There is nothing wrong with this as long as you do not confuse your reaction with the Holy Spirit’s action.  Notice in Romans 8:26 that you are responding to the Holy Spirit’s silent groaning inside of you.  “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered”. 

 

The genuine groaning in the Spirit is priceless and always produces good fruit in your life, so when this happens, just flow with the Holy Spirit. 

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for the Holy Spirit in my life.  Together Lord, we are doing big business with you—kingdom business, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

FIND PEACE IN THE MIDST OF WORLD TURMOIL

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”—Isaiah 41:10

 

Nations around the world are in turmoil.  For some the turmoil is political, for others it is economical, and some are experiencing turmoil due to the changing global weather patterns that bring economic and human devastation.  The scope and scale of global turmoil is hard to phantom; however, Paul wrote in Romans 8:22, “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pang together until now.”   Matthew Henry writes in his commentary concerning this verse that the miseries of the human race are brought on because of sin and these sins have brought woes and turmoil to the earth.  The only hope for people that there is help is found in the Blessed Hope, Jesus Christ.

 

Jesus told the early disciples that they would experience problems and that they could have peace in the midst of the turmoil, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  Many years ago, I heard an observation about Christian life that makes a lot of sense.  We all are either heading into, going through or coming out of a trial in our lives.  No one gets through life without a struggle because the refining of our hearts is done through fire.  True lasting peace can only come through Jesus Christ.  It does not come through some person, some thing, some possession, some job, some vacation, some event, or some arranged peace between political allies.  It can only come through a personal relationship through Jesus Christ.  All these other ways are only an illusion—a mirage, and will soon fade because they are not real. 

 

Have you ever been through a difficult time in your life and were able to have a peace that you could not explain?  I have experienced this.  My husband went in for minor surgery and was in the operating room being put to sleep when the doctor’s thought that he had a heart attack.  I was notified what had happened, and that they were trying to stabilize him.  I immediately had a sense of peace, it was like a bubble surrounded me, and no report could sway me that he was not alright.   Had I not been a Christian I would have been petrified of what I was being told.  Instead, God gave me a promise in His Word and I rested in that promise, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1).  I refused to be swayed and said, “My husband’s heart is not troubled it is at peace.”   Years later, my husband’s heart is still at peace with no trace or evidence of a heart attack.  “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).

 God’s peace is available to anyone who puts their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.  Peace is a promise to every believer and it is your Heavenly Father’s desire for you to have peace, not only through a difficult time, but in your every day life.  His peace is to be the constant state of being for the Christian and is not dedicated by circumstance—good or bad.   Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 145:27).   This is what our Heavenly Father wants for His children—that they walk in peace even in the midst of the storm in their every day lives.

 

This does not mean that sometimes we might feel fear or anxiety; but, for the person of peace, the Holy Spirit’s presence quickly calms the fear and anxiety, and then that person begins to feel the power of the Holy Spirit speaking calm and assurance to their heart. 

 

A deep genuine God-given peace can be the norm for the believer.  It is what God desires for you and me.  God does not desire that your soul be in turmoil, but hat your heart be anchored in peace.

 

Prayer—Father I thank you that my heart is fixed, trusting in You.  I thank You for the Peace that passes all understanding to keep my mind stable and focused upon You.  Holy Spirit I ask You to strengthen and help me to keep my eyes upon Jesus and not the turmoil around me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

LOVE IS THE FORCE THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us in, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”—Romans 5:8

 

There is an idiom that says, “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.  This means that it is easier to persuade people if you are nice to them rather than being confrontational.   God does not force people to receive Him, but it is His goodness that draws people to Him.  “… that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). 

 

The first of four things to know how love will change your life is:

 

love sees the possibilities.    God sees beyond where you are now.  Love sees beyond the wreckage in your life. The Lord sees you where you should and could be.  Love believes the very best for you.  “The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples.  But because the Lord loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 7:7-8) . 

Love never gives up.   The times in your life when things look hopeless and there seems to be no way out, ask your Heavenly Father for help He will abundantly show mercy and help.  “Call unto Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).   Rely upon God’s love and mercy in your life instead of your own human understanding.  “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loves us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Ephesians 2:4-5)

love always pays the price.  Christ’s love for you has paid the price for the change in your life.  “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us…” (1 John 3:16).  “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s own life for his friends” (John 15:13).

love always wins.   When you comprehend that God is not working against you and that He is working for you, it will change your life.  “What then say we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies, also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:  ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, not 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 8:31-39).

Prayer—Father I thank You that Your “love force” is working a change in my life, and drawing me closer to You, in Jesus Name. Amen.

RECOGNIZE GOD’S HANDIWORK IN YOUR LIFE

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.”—Psalm 19:1

 

You may have heard that people who work in the movies, theater, and the arts are creative.  But did you ever stop to think that the work that God does is creative?  He made the heavens, earth, and all living creatures.  He formed Adam and Eve in His image and likeness (Genesis 1).  He knitted each of us in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13).   

 

His work is powerful.  Through His Son Jesus, He accomplished a great salvation for all who trust in Him.  Our heavenly Father worked mightily to open a way for us to be reconciled to Him and adopted into His family (2 Corinthians 5:18; Ephesians 1:5).  Not only that, but God’s work is ongoing, and Jesus is the one who holds all things together, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:1-3). 

 

Throughout the Bible, we observe God at work in people’s lives.  Sometimes He acts in a dramatic fashion, like when He parted the Red Sea to allow the Israelites to escape the Egyptian army (Exodus 14:21-31).  At other times it may appear as if He is not taking any action.  Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that their brother needed His help, but Jesus delayed before traveling to their home (John 11:3-6).  There are times that the Lord’s handiwork can bring great joy and delight, as was the case when Hannah bore a child (1 Samuel 1:27-2:1).  And then there are the times that his plan may lead us through painful times.  Which occurred in Joseph’s experience, before the Lord elevated him to a position of authority to help his family (Genesis 37 - 45). 

 

One of the ways to recognize God’s handiwork is to pray in an active, persistent manner.  Christ-centered prayers narrow our focus to the Lord.  Then we can more readily identify His actions and see how to join Him.  Self-centered petitions serve to distract us from Him. 

 

The Father also wants our heart and mind yielded to His will.  Pursuing our own agenda shifts the focus to ourselves and makes us lose sight of the Lord.  But a submissive attitude prepares us to listen and obey.  Regularly concentrating on God’s Word will clear our minds and help us understand what the Lord is saying to us. 

 

We must develop patience because God always works on His timetable, not ours.  Impatience can cause us to take matters into our own hands and make mistakes as was the case in Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 15 - 21). 

 

When we combine these disciplines with discernment and patience, we will have positioned ourselves to discover God’s handiwork working in our lives and in our world.   

 

God plans include individuals, families, and nations.  Have you been too busy or distracted to notice what He is doing? 

 

Prayer—Father I confess my inattention to You today and I ask You to forgive me.  Help me, Lord, to refocus my heart and mind on You so that I can readily identify Your handiwork at work in my life, in Jesus Name. Amen.

YOU CAN REST IN THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD

“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”—1 Corinthians 1:9

When plans are frustrated or life just seems to fall apart in some way, people often wonder, Does God even care? Why haven’t my prayers been answered?  The Word of God offers us encouragement for times like these, by assuring us of our Heavenly Father’s faithfulness.  “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments” (Deuteronomy 7:9)

Five attributes of God make it possible for us to trust in His faithfulness.  First, He is omniscient, which means He knows everything, including our every need, thought, frailty, desire, and life situation in the past, present, and future.  Next, the Lord is omnipotent, or all-powerful, so nothing is too hard for Him, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the Earth by Your great power and outstretched arm.  There is nothing too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17).  Then, because He is omnipresent—He exists everywhere at once, He is never beyond our reach.  In addition, our heavenly Father cannot lie.  Everything that He says is true and reliable.  And lastly, God is unchanging.  Our circumstances and the world around us may seem to be in a constant state of change, and the Lord may even modify the way He chooses to interact with mankind in different generations.  But His character is always the same.  So when Scripture tells us that God is faithful, we can rest confidently upon that promise.

Circumstances, tests and trials can be painful.  But even when situations seem overwhelming, believers can trust that our sovereign Lord knows all, is in control, and lovingly works everything for His children’s good.  We can rest confidently knowing that the unchanging God of all creation is taking care of us. 

Prayer—Father I thank You for Your faithfulness in my life and when I have not remained faithful, You have.  Forgive me for the times that I have not remained true to You, and help me to understand Your faithfulness in my life.  Today I life up______________circumstance in my life and I trust Your faithfulness to see me through, in Jesus name. Amen,

DO NOT MUZZLE THE OXEN IN YOUR LIFE

“For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,’ and ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages.”—I Timothy 5:18

Oxen are a representation of the gospel ministers in our lives who help us understanding the meaning of God’s Word.  A leather muzzle or wire device can be placed over an animal’s snout which prevents it from biting or eating.  According to Unger’s Bible Dictionary, oxen were used in the Far East to thresh the grain by the oxen trampling upon it.   The command was not to muzzle the ox when threshing, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain” (Deuteronomy 25:4).  This was not intended to apply merely to the ox employed in threshing, but to be understood in the general sense in which the Apostle Paul used it  1 Timothy 5:18—that a laborer was not to be deprived of his wages. 

 

Scripture further address the issue of wages.  Under the law a Jewish laborer was to be paid his wages on the day that he earned it, and he was not to be cheated or robbed by withholding the wages until another day. “Each day you shall give him his wages, and not let the sun go down on it, for he is poor and has set his heart on it; lest he cry out against you to the Lord, and it be sin to you” (Deuteronomy 24:15).   “You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him.  The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until morning” (Leviticus 19:13).   Jesus addressed the issue of wages for those of His disciples that He sent out.   He said, “And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house” (Luke 10:7).

 

The Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthian believers that those who preach the gospel would get their substance from the gospel.  “Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14).  Furthermore, he made it clear that a minister of the gospel is to be provided for, “Who ever goes to war at his own expense?  Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit?  Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?  Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? For it is written in the Law of Moses, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,’ Is it oxen God is concerned about?” (1 Corinthians 9:7-9). 

 

We are given clear instructions on how to support the ministers in our lives.  I remember the first time that I heard any teaching alone this line.  It seemed impossible to my way of thinking that someone would be an itinerant minister and live off of the support of offerings given to them.  All of my teaching had been to bring all of the tithes and offerings into the church.  Later, as I began to study what the scripture said on this subject I began to see God’s plan of blessing, for the minister receiving and for the one doing the giving.  With great joy, we sowed into the itinerant minister, Rev. Sam Carr, who had driven from Shreveport, Louisiana to Ulysses, Kansas to help us understand the meaning of God’s Word.  This was the beginning or understanding what the Apostle Paul meant when he said, “Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.  Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed, I have all and abound, I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.  And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Philippians 4:15-20). 

 

We release the Oxen in our lives to help us understanding the meaning of God’s Word when we give financially and other ways into their ministries.   Together, as a body, we are expanding the Kingdom of God by releasing the Oxen to do the work of the ministry.

 

Prayer—Father I repent for withholding my support from the ministers that are helping me to understand the meaning of Your Word.  Thank You for helping me to understand that my involvement in ministry is vital to expanding the Kingdom of God and reaching the lost, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

THE HOLY SPIRIT TESTIFIES IN THE BELIEVER’S LIFE

“The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God.”—Romans 8:16 (Amplified)

 

In the legal court systems around the world, the word “testify” means to give evidence.  God is legal and just.  In fact, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 19:15 when He said that, “…by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established” in Matthew 18:16.  In our scripture verse for today, the same principle is followed.  The Holy Spirit testifies (one witness) together with our own spirit (two witnesses).  God is legal and He is just. 

 

In Matthew 28: 18-20 and in Mark chapter 16 verses 15 – 18 the Believer receives the commission to go, preach and teach God’s Word.  The Believer is assured that signs will follow the teaching and preaching of God’s Word because it is the Lord working with she or he confirming the Word preached. 

 

The fruit of the Holy Spirit is produced in the Believer’s life to the measure that we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us crucifying the desires of the flesh. “I say then: Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).   

 

The word “testify” means to give evidence, to be a witness, to bear witness, to show, to confirm, and to demonstrate.  When the word “assure is used it means to guarantee, to confirm, or to promise.  As a Believer, it is the Holy Spirit in our life that confirms the Word that we preach or teach.  The legal aspect is that by the witness of two or three that every word may be established.  The witness of two—is that we do the teaching and preaching and then the Holy Spirit TESTIFIES—HE confirms; He gives evidence to; and He demonstrates.

 

Our hearts are assured that we are the children of God because of the testimony of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Allow His testimony of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control continue to grow in your life, as you yield more and more to the work of the Holy Spirit, crucifying the desires of the flesh.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for the Holy Spirit testifying in my life.  Today I purpose to yield to the work of the Holy Spirit in me crucifying the desires of the flesh, so that I can be a reflection of Your grace and glory to those whom I encounter today, in Jesus Name.  Amen.