CONFRONTING GUILT

“And Abimelech said, ‘What is this you have done to us? One of the people might soon have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us.’”  Genesis 26:10

 

There are times when people are bound by guilt long after the feeling should have been resolved.  Some rightly live with it because they refuse to give up the sin that brought it on.  Meanwhile, others suffer the weight of false guilt because they harbor shame that does not belong to them.  Whatever the root causes of your condemnation, the battle plan remain the same.

 

Victory over guilt begins with understanding that Jesus took our shame to the cross and paid our penalty.  There is no way that we can pay for our own sin.  The Living Bible says: “God showed His great love by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…and now He has declared us not guilty…Since, when we were His enemies, we were brought back to God by the death of His Son, what blessings He must have for us now that we are His friends and He is living within us! Now we rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God – all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done in dying for our sins – making us friends of God” (Romans 5:8-11).   But we do need to honestly identify the source of our guilt and confess before God.  That means we agree with His perspective on what we have done.  In other words, we admit when we are wrong.  When we admit that we are wrong, we are accepting responsibility for our actions—in today’s vernacular…we are owning up to it.  Repentance goes a step further; we turn away from the wrong and choose to do right.

 

Confronting guilt in this way replaces the weight of shame in our heart with peace and joy, which are far lighter and more freeing.  And an amazing side effect is that we have wisdom to share.  Openness about our past mistakes, resulting consequences, guilt burdens, and forgiveness can reveal the Lord to those in our sphere of influence.  Through our witness, God may reach others who need their guilt chains broken. 

A young man shared this amazing testimony with me:  He was out jogging one day when he ran past a homeless man.  The Holy Spirit impressed upon his heart to stop and asked the homeless man if he would do him the honor of having lunch with him that day.  The homeless man just stared at him and at first said, “No, I am not hungry.”  However, the young man continued by saying, “That’s alright, would you have a cup of coffee with me?”  The homeless man replied, “I guess so.”  The two men went to a nearby restaurant and had lunch together.  During their meal and conversation the homeless man related his burdens, and the young man was able to relate the love of Christ to someone who had never experience being asked out to eat.  This reminded me of another young man (Jesus) who asked a sinner (Zacchaeus) if he would do Him the honor of having dinner with Him, “Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.’  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, ‘He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.’  Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.’  And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost’” (Luke 19:1-10).

 

The battle to overcome guilt is one that should not be delayed.  The feeling will not just do away.  Whether your condemnation is true or false, it needs to be dealt with quickly.  Stop running, and face the source of your guilt.  It is time to end your captivity and start walking in the joy of God’s blessing.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for Your great love for me and sending Your Son Jesus Christ to suffer the punishment for my guilt and shame so that I do not have too.  Today, I choose to confront the source of guilt in my life.  If it is because of sin in my life, Lord I ask You to shine the light of Spirit upon any area in me that is the source of this guilt and I confess and repent of it before You today.  I ask You to remove any false burdens of guilt that Satan has laid upon me, and I ask You for the power of the Holy Spirit to help me live a life free of false burdens and guilt, in Jesus Name. Amen.

GUILT AN EFFECTUAL TEACHER

“The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.”—Ezekiel 18:20

 

Guilt is the emotion that we feel when we think that we have cone something we are not supposed to do, or have not done something we should have.  It is an emotion we have experienced since early in our lives.  If you have ever seen the look on a child’s face when he or she feels guilty, you can understand what a basic and natural emotion that it is.  The child’s eyes are downcast and avoid you.  The child feels bad.  These tips will help you to understand what guilt is, why it is useful in some situations and why habitual guilt can be destructive.

Guilt over doing something that violates the conscience is a normal emotion.  However, living under a cloud of remorse for no discernible reason is not, as demonstrated in the following account.  “But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.  Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them.  Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act.  Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned.  But what do You say?’  This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.  So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.’ And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.  Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.  When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, ‘Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?’   She said, ‘No one, Lord.’  And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more’” (John 8:1-11).

Guilt is a bad feeling and an effective teacher.  As children, most of us felt guilty when we misbehaved.  We wanted to avoid that bad feeling, so most of us learned to follow the rules set out for us.  That is one of the ways our behavior was shaped.  In this way guilt plays a part in learning right from wrong.  The Lord designed feelings of guilt and regrets to serve as a reminder that a person has done wrong and needs to repent.  But Satan twists those emotions to imprison men and women; those living in shame are uncertain of God’s love and often lack self-confidence.

Good guilt—the Lord’s effective tool for prompting repentance—is a gift that helps us find the right path.  However, the Devil encourages false guilt, which involves taking and then suffering self-condemnation for not changing the outcome.  This unhealthy type of guilt is also a widespread problem for those in legalistic churches or lifestyles—certain behaviors or thoughts are labeled as wrong, and then people feel ashamed for doing or thinking those things.

Self-condemnation stunts a relationship with Jesus.  Instead of enjoying the peace of God, people who are trapped by shame fear His rejection and feel driven to prove their worth.  Trust is nearly impossible because they are waiting for God’s judgment to rain down.  Their guilt even colors how they see themselves; rather than saying, “My action is wrong,” they say, “I am bad.” 

Many times guilt experienced in childhood has shaped the habit of feeling guilt.  For example, if as a child you were scolded for breaking or spilling something, as an adult, you may feel guilty when something is spilled or broken.  The enemy uses hurtful memories as an arrow against us and to keep us in bondage.  Jesus did not come to accuse or condemn us, “For God did no send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”  Christ restored our souls and made us righteous before God so that our guilt is removed.  If our Savior forgave the woman caught in an adulterous relationship, just imagine how ready He is to take your shame away too.

Prayer—Father I thank You that You are not condemning me.  I repent of developing the habit of feeling guilty over actions that I cannot control and I ask You to remove the feelings of guilt for_______, in Jesus Name. Amen.

MEEKNESS THE GIFT TO USE IN RESTORING CHRISTIANS

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in a fault, ye who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of meekness, considering thyself lest thou also be tempted.”—Galatians 6:1

 

In our scripture reading for today, we are taught to deal tenderly—gently with those Christians who are overtaken in a fault that is, brought to sin by surprise of temptation.  There is a big difference between deliberately entering into sin and quiet another thing to be overtaken in a fault. 

 

At the time that the apostle Paul wrote this letter to the churches in Galatia, the Galatian churches were facing a double threat, involving purity of doctrine and purity of conduct.  Certain individuals had come into the area which “would pervert the gospel of Christ” (1:7; 5:10).   Paul exhorts Christians “by love serve one another” (5:13) and cautioned against a temper which, if indulged, would hinder us from showing mutual love and serving one another.    Serving one another in love and humility will also keep us in the hour when we may be tempted. 

 

To restore we are to be spiritual—that is to say we are not to walk in the flesh.  The flesh would verbally or physically abuse some one in an effort to see a change in behavior; however, the spiritual Christian walks in love and humility when she or he is actively working to restore.  We are to labor, by faithful corrections, and meaningful and timely instructions, to bring the individual to repentance. 

 

The word “restore” means to set in joint, as a dislocated bone: we are to bring them to themselves by convincing them of their sin and effort, persuading them to return to their Christian values and actions, comforting them in a true sense of forgiving mercy and grace, and persuade them to return to their intimate relationship with God the Father.  Many needful corrections lose their effectiveness by being given in anger; but when they are managed with calmness and tenderness, and appear to proceed from sincere affection and concern for the welfare of those to whom they are given, they are likely to make a due impression.

 

A very good reason why restoration should be done with meekness: Considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.  We ought to deal very tenderly with those who are overtaken in sin, because none of us know that if at some time or other we may need to be restored.

 

Prayer—Father I repent for criticizing other people and treating them badly when they have fallen into sin.  I ask You to forgive me, and restore a right heart in me.  Lord help me to “restore” Your people in tenderness and love, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

 

DO NOT PLACE BOUNDARIES ON GOD’S VISION

“Then the Lord answered me and said: ‘Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.  Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”—Habakkuk 2:2-3

 

I am persuaded that many of our goals and dreams fail simply because we place limitations --boundaries upon ourselves. This is true for the church as well—Christ’s command to share the gospel is an example of the vision that He gave to the church, “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.  When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.  And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” (Matthew 28:16-20).

 

Jesus gave us the vision to tell all nations about His salvation, and as His followers, we should make this our aim.  Many Christians, however, are not working to fulfill this “Great Commission”—at least not fervently and purposefully.  Are you working to fulfill the vision that God has given to you?  Often, what holds us back are the boundaries we place upon ourselves.

 

Fear is one of the biggest self-erected barriers to success.  For instance, if evangelizing means traveling overseas, lack of safety might worry us.  We may also feel concern about how family and friends will react to our decision and whether people will react negatively to our message.

 

Another hindrance might be conditional obedience—that is, a willingness to serve as long as God keeps us in a particular location or has us minister in a country where we do not have to learn a new language.  And some people make the inconvenience of spending money, time, or effort into an obstacle that prevents service to the Lord.

 

There are many barriers that can keep us from sharing the gospel and fulfilling the vision that God has given.   But when we are willing to tear those down, we will be amazed at what God can accomplish through us.

 

Are you passionately sharing the gospel and fulfilling God’s vision?   If not, identify the boundaries that stand in your way, and pray for forgiveness.  Refocus by reading the Word and remembering the vision that Jesus gave you.   God’s love covers the whole world, and He therefore intends that everyone hear the good news and He wants your participation.

Father—I thank You for the vision that You have given to me.  I ask You to forgive me for placing boundaries, the restrictions on what You gave me to do.  I ask You to help me in fulfilling your dreams and desires for my life and ministry, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

HEALING: A LEGAL INHERITED COVENANT RIGHT OF THE BELIEVER

“That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: ‘He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.”—Matthew 8:17

 

Healing belongs to the believer.  Jesus purchased it by going to the cross.  You have ever right to be healed as you do to be saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. 

 

According to Matthew 8:17, Jesus took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”  The word “infirmities” means feebleness of body or mind, sick, without strength, weak, impotent, and “sicknesses” means disease, infirmity, sickness.  Jesus bore infirmities and sicknesses in His own body so that you and I would not have to.  We are redeemed from sickness and disease.

 

In fact, Paul wrote in Galatians 3: 13-14 “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”  Jesus bore the curse so that we could receive the blessing.   A study of Genesis chapter 17 tells us what the blessings are.  “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect [or upright, sincere].   And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly…Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee…And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.”  This covenant God made with Abraham was sealed with the blood of Jesus.  According to Galatians 3:29, “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” when you belong to Jesus Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise. 

 

You are an heir to the blessing which God gave to Abraham.  This blessing found in Deuteronomy chapter 28, covers every area of your existence: spirit, soul, body, financially, and socially.  One of these blessings is physical healing.  You have the right to live free from sickness and disease.  Peter said of Jesus, “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed’ (1 Peter 2:24).  The stripes laid on Jesus’ back by the Roman soldiers stood for your healing.  Notice that in both this scripture and in Matthew 8:17 the form of both words used is past tense—“bore” and “were.”  Bore our sickness—past tense.  By those stripes, you were healed--past tense.  You were healed over 2,000 years ago, but you have to receive it by faith today. 

 

Healing is part of your inheritance, part of the blessing of Abraham; but in order to live in your inheritance, you have to believe it for yourself and accept it as a reality in your life. 

 

As a child of God, you have a right to your legal inheritance; however, just as in the natural realm you would inherit something you would have to claim it.  The same is true in the spiritual realm.  You must claim by faith what Jesus Christ has provided for you.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for provided healing for me in every area of my life, spiritually, physically and mentally.  Thank You Lord Jesus for bearing in your body the healing that I need in my life.  I receive Your healing right now; no longer will I allow Satan to unjustly put sickness and disease on me.  Lord I submit myself anew to You today for complete healing in every area of my life, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

ATTITUDES SHAPE OUR FOCUS

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…”—Proverbs 23:7

 

Our attitudes shape our mind-set—our focus.  How we view certain things affects every area of our life.  Jesus taught different attitudes than the religious leaders.  We are able to see the marked contrast of attitudes between the world’s thinking and our Lord’s viewpoint in Matthew 5 -7. 

 

The word "beatitude" comes from the Latin beatitudo, meaning "blessedness." The phrase "blessed are" in each of the beatitudes implies a current state of happiness or well-being—an attitude, as well as a promised future reward.  The expression held powerful meaning of "divine joy and perfect happiness" to the people of the day.  In other words, Jesus was saying "divinely happy and fortunate are" those who possess these inward qualities / attitudes.

 

Today we will highlight the Be Attitudes in Matthew 5:3.4.5, 6, and 10

 

(v. 3) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Poor in spirit / kingdom of heaven

 

The word “poor” is speaking of being inferior, inadequate, or lacking, such as when we speak of poor attendance or poor health.  Jesus was telling those who recognized their spiritual inadequacies to be happy because help had come. They could receive new spirits (2 Corinthians 5:17) by letting the kingdom of God come within them (Luke 17:21 and Romans 14:17).

 

(v. 4) “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Mourn / comforted

 

 Jesus could have been referring to those who mourn because of their problems.  Isaiah 61:1-3 definitely states that the Christ would comfort those who mourn (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).  He could have also been identifying the repentant person, as in 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 and James 4:9.  Or He could have been speaking to "all that mourn" (Isaiah 61:2), which would include both of these groups.

 

(v. 5) “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

Meek / inherit the earth

 The ancient meaning of "meek," which was dominant during the time of the King James translation, was "kind or gentle." It was not a term of weakness, as we can see in Matthew 11:29 where Jesus said He was meek.  Jesus had all power, but He would not use that power to promote Himself.  So meekness includes humility, submission, kindness, and gentleness.

 

(v. 6) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Hunger and thirst for righteousness / filled

 

Blessed is the one who continually longs to know Christ's righteousness experientially and walk steadfastly conformed to His will as a starving man longs for food and a man perishing of thirst longs for water, for that one will be truly satisfied, fully filled.  Note that both hunger and thirst are in the present tense which calls for these pursuits to be our lifestyle.  Stop and think for a moment - if you eat only one meal, does it satisfy you for the rest of the week?  Of course not.  Even though that meal might have satiated you for the moment, your body naturally grows hungry again as time passes.  In the same way, as genuine believers we will continually hunger and thirst for God's righteousness.  One day we will see Him and we shall be like Him in glory (1 John 3:2) but until that day we are all "works in progress" (Philippians 1:6).  Think of the prophet Isaiah, probably the "best man (the most righteous) in the land of Israel" in his day.  What happened when he saw perfect righteousness (Isaiah 6:1-8)?  He was undone and after cleansing of his lips with coal (Isaiah 64:6), he responded to the Lord's query of "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" by saying "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8) We will never reach the breadth and length and height and depth of God's perfect righteousness in this life and so as aliens and strangers (1 Peter 2:11) our goal and our quest is continual pursuit of His righteousness manifest in and through us as we live our lives in the power of His Spirit for His glory. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:36).

 

(v. 10) “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Revile, persecute and all kinds of evil / great reward in heaven

 Persecution is an inevitable part of the Christian life (John 15:18-20 and Philippians 1:29-30). The only Christians who don't suffer persecution are those who aren't living godly lives (2 Timothy 3:12). Persecution is from Satan and is designed to uproot God's Word in our lives (Mark 4:16-17) by taking our eyes off of Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-3) and, therefore, making us fall into strife or despondency (James 3:16).

 

There are many forms of persecution. Having our lives threatened because of our faith in Jesus is one way we can be persecuted, but it is not the most damaging. History shows that the church has always flourished under persecution with increased numbers and zeal. During intense, life-threatening persecution, people's priorities get straightened out, and the Lord assumes His rightful place. This always works for our good, regardless of what our outward circumstances might be.

 

A far deadlier form of persecution is simply people speaking evil of us or separating us from their company, as Jesus mentioned in Matthew 5:11-12.  It is deadlier because it's more subtle. Many who would never directly deny the Lord will fall into self-pity or strife because of someone's criticism. This will render us just as ineffective as would a negative reaction to our lives being threatened.

 

It helps to recognize that it is not us whom they are persecuting, but rather Christ in us (Acts 9:4). We are actually becoming partakers of His sufferings (Philippians 3:10) and will share His rewards (Romans 8:17-18, 2 Timothy 2:11-12, and Hebrews 11:26). With this in mind, we can actually shout and leap for joy in persecution (Luke 6:22-23 and Acts 5:41).

 

These “be attitudes” give us a clear picture of the true disciple of God.

Prayer—Father I repent for attitudes that do not reflect You, and I ask You to refocus and reshape any attitude that is not aligned with how You think, in Jesus Name. Amen.

GRATITUDE IS A GOD HONORING ATTITUDE

“Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”—Ephesians 5:20.    

 

Throughout history, many cultures have set aside a time for expressing their thankfulness. In the US, Thanksgiving Day originated with the pilgrims. In the midst of extreme hardship, loss of loved ones, and meager supplies, they still believed they were blessed. They chose to celebrate God's blessings by sharing a meal with Native Americans who had helped them survive.  In the Bible, we find that God’s people came to gather more than once a year to celebrate God’s blessings in their lives.  For example, they celebrated the beginning of the harvest, and then again at the end of the harvest season.   Special occasions were another time to celebrate; such as, after they had gained victory over their enemies.  The Psalmist declared, “The Lord is my strength and my shield.... I will give thanks to him in song” (Psalm 28:7).

 

It is important to set aside time to reflect on God’s goodness to us.  No matter what you might be going through right now, God has blessed you far more than you can even imagine, and not just with material goods, but with family, with freedom and with the ability to enjoy His gifts.  Scripture tells us to, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Billy Graham wrote, "Ingratitude is a sin, just as surely as is lying or stealing or immorality or any other sin condemned by the Bible."   He then quoted Romans 1:21, “Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened,” one of the Bible's indictments against rebellious humanity.   Then Dr. Graham added, "Nothing turns us into bitter, selfish, dissatisfied people more quickly than an ungrateful heart.  And nothing will do more to restore contentment and the joy of our salvation than a true spirit of thankfulness."

 

God has blessed us by giving us the privilege of knowing Him and walking with Him every day. He did this by sending His Son into the world to die for our sins.  For those in American who celebrate Thanksgiving this year, may you celebrate the greatest gift of all by inviting Jesus Christ to come into your life.  Then thank God for all His blessings — not just today, but every day throughout the year.

Prayer—Father I thank You for your unending love in my life.  Thank you for all your blessings in my life.  Without You my life would be impossible to bear.  Thank You, Father, for giving to me a deeper revelation of You and who you have created me to be, in Jesus Name. Amen.

THE POWER OF THANKFULNESS

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”—1 Thessalonians 5:18

  

Is it really possible to give thanks in all circumstances, no matter how bad?  This doesn't mean we need to be thankful for every turn of events in our lives, but it does mean we are to cultivate a thankful spirit--giving thanks for the good things in life, and looking for ways in which God brings blessings out of even the most difficult experiences.

 

And all of us can learn to be thankful.  In writing to the new believer in Colosse, Paul said: “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving (Colossians 2:6-7).

 

Thankfulness is powerful because it transforms our thinking.  It makes us joyful.  Thankfulness unleashes God’s power in our lives; it is the foundation of joy, and the joy of the Lord is our strength.  Without joy we are weak.  What wipes out our joy?  Complaining, feeling sorry for ourselves, focusing on the negative aspects of our lives.  But thankfulness replaces all these negatives and restores our joy, which makes us strong and powerful. 

 

Paul said that we should overflow with thankfulness, “Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20). 

 

When you and I are thankful for everything we affirm the sovereignty of God in our lives.  When I can be thankful for everything—the good and the bad—it means that I believe God is in control, even when bad things happen to me.  That kind of thankfulness-giving thanks for everything—is so powerful.  It means that the enemy of our souls cannot defeat us, no matter what happens because we are going to give a sacrifice of thanksgiving even in the tough times.

 

In addition, when we are thankful, we affirm that we know and believe that God cares for us.  Did you know that one of the greatest challenges to your faith is to believe that God does not care?  Satan wants you to believe that God does not really care about you because then you will lose your joy and be defeated. 

 

The great Bible commentator, Matthew Henry, once was robbed as he walked along a highway Afterwards he told his friends there were four things for which he gave thanks. First, he was grateful that he had never been robbed before. After many years of life this was the first time he had been robbed and for that he was grateful. Secondly, he said,

"Though they took all my money, I am glad they did not get very much."

That was something to be thankful for.  Thirdly, he said,

"Though they took my money, they did not take my life, and I am grateful for that."

And finally, he suggested,

"I am thankful that it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed."

Let’s be like Matthew Henry and learn the power of "overflowing with thankfulness!"

Prayer—Father thank You for reminding me the power of being thankful, and I ask You Lord to help me focus on the positive to give praise and thanksgiving to You in all things ,and Lord will you please restore my joy?, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

STAND AGAINST THE WORLDLY ANTICHRIST MOVEMENT

“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.  They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them.  We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us.  By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”—1 John  4:4-6

 

The world finds Christ offensive.   Many people today claim we each can design our own belief system.   But Jesus said faith in Him is the only way to a relationship with the Father.  We are instructed to test the spirits in 1 John 4:1-3, Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  By this you know the Spirit of God; every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ ahs come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that doe not confess Jesus is not from God; that is the spirit of the antichrist, of whom you have heard that it is coming and now it is already in the world” (emphasis added). 

 

An example of the antichrist movement is the campaign to remove Christian symbols from public places.   Advocates use buzzwords like “religious freedom” to mean freedom from religion.  Those listening, even some believers, are fooled into agreeing that worship should be private.  The subtle motive often goes unnoticed to push Jesus out of society.  What things have you noticed? 

Another worldly, antichrist idea is doing what feels right is fine, as long as no one gets hurt.  Yet, Jesus taught that sin of any action, thought, or attitude contrary to God’s principles has consequences.

Antichrist philosophies will often sound persuasive because Satan designs lies to appeal to human nature.  Therefore, believers must know right from wrong. The Lord has provided three guides for safely navigating through life.

First, the Holy Spirit enables us to discern God’s facts from Satan’s fiction.  Next, Scripture explains the truth about the Trinity and the divine plan for mankind.  Finally, we have access to righteous p

people who preach and teach authentic Christianity.

Even if some unbelievers try to erase Jesus Christ’s name from society, they can’t remove all of His followers.  We need to stand firmly rooted in Scripture and proclaim the gospel. God can work through us and win souls for His glory.

Prayer—Father I thank You for the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and today I recommit to stand firmly rooted in Your Scripture and proclaim the gospel to win souls, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

ARE YOU RELAXING OR ARE YOU STRESSING?

“Casting all of your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”—1 Peter 5:7

 

The Gospel according to Mark, in Chapter 14: 1-10, gives a very detailed account of an incident that happened during the final days before Jesus’ death.   “Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.”  While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.  Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume?  It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.  “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.  The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.  She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.  Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them.” 

 

In these scriptures, we see Jesus sitting down relaxing eating a meal with Simon, a leper, who had been healed by Jesus.  While Jesus is relaxing and enjoying a meal with friends and His disciples, a whole lot of confusion is happening.

 

 People are plotting, scheming, and stressing over how they were going to kill Him.  Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead entered the room broke the seal on a very expensive bottle of oil and began to pour the oil on His head.  And, to add to the stress of what was happening, the disciples and others began arguing and judging her offering; saying it was too much and it was a waste.  They then proceeded to speak cruelly to her saying that the oil should have been sold so that the money could be given to the poor.  Jesus calmly defends Martha’s actions and is not drawn into their stressful argument, nor is He anxious about Judas selling Him out to the chief priests. 

 

Feelings of stress and anxiousness are tormenting emotions that the enemy would like to keep us embroiled in; however, we do not have to be anxious—fretful, worried or fearful we can “cast”—throw our “cares” onto the Lord.  We do not have to carry the burden.  Jesus is waiting to carry our burden(s)—those things that we think about all the time and weigh us down, “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30).

Isn’t it interesting that Satan prowling like a roaring lion is mentioned in a passage dealing with anxious thoughts?  Worry can feel like an attack—we get torn up on the inside by fears, frustration, and helplessness.   Anxiety is a source of severe mental anguish, and the Devil wields it very well.  Peter described how to deal with anxiety and stress (1 Peter 5:6-9).   First, we humble ourselves before God.  What causes worry / stress is a sense of helplessness in a given situation, so the best response is yielding yourself to God—submitting to Him with the confidence that He has the power to control your life.  Another thing that builds trust is the realization that God is always engineering circumstances for your good and His glory, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose”  (Romans 8:28). 

 

When we tell God our troubles, our worries we can rest confidently that He is more than adequate to handle every one of them.

 

Prayer—Father today I realize that I do not have to carry the burden of ___________________.   I give it all to You and from this day forward I will not worry or try to find a solution to the problem, but I will wait for You to work all things together for my good, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

 

THE DUTY OF THE CHRISTIAN IS TO CONTEND FOR THE FAITH

“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”—Jude 1:3

 

In 1 Samuel 17, we are given a picture of an individual who dealt with someone who was much larger physically and more experience in battle.  However David, a teenager, under took such a fight to contend against the giant who had defied the armies of the living God.  David's short battle with Goliath was more than a fight between Israel and the Philistines.  It was a defense of Jehovah's name against those who doubted His supremacy.  As David pointed out, the only way a boy with a sling could defeat a giant warrior like Goliath was by the Lord's hand.  And that's exactly what happened.

 

In confronting Goliath, David showed real courage and faith. But we see that what drove him to face the giant was righteous indignation: "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" (1 Sam. 17:26).  David believed that someone had to wipe away from Israel the reproach caused by Goliath's insults.  Since no one else would step forward, he volunteered to defend Yahweh's name.

 

Modern audiences often read this story merely as a battle scene wherein an inexperienced underdog toppled an ancient superhero.  We comfort ourselves that we will probably never have to deal with such a scenario.  But the real story is that David stood up for God.  Given how our culture scoffs at both the Father and Jesus Christ, believers will certainly spend some time in David's sandals.  The question is whether we will turn and run or stand and fight in God's name.

 

The book of Jude reminds us that when apostasy (the refusal to accept religious beliefs anymore), arises that we are to fight, to contend, to do battle.  We, like David, are to contend for the faith when false teachers emerge and when the truth of God is attacked.  The danger is as real today as it was in Jude’s day.  False teachers have crept into the church, turning God’s grace into unbounded license to do as they please.  Jude reminds people of God’s past dealing with unbelieving Israel, disobedient angels, and wicked Sodom and Gomorrah.  In the face of such danger Christians, should not be caught off guard. 

 

When Jude exhorted the believers to, “contend earnestly for the faith…,” the word “earnestly” is only used here in the whole of the New Testament.  Although there are similar words to it in the New Testament, but the exact word translated “earnestly” is only found in this verse (v. 3).  Jude is telling us that we must actively participate in a spiritual wrestling match.  This is something that we must stand up and take a stand for; just like David did.  It is the duty, the calling, the responsibility of those who are the called, the beloved, and kept for Jesus Christ.  Jude is writing to those people saying, “I’m writing YOU—you called, you beloved, you kept and I am telling you that you need to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all deliver to the saints (v. 1).    

 

You don't need a theology degree to combat those who would mock God.  I exhort you to purpose in your heart not to run from those who would mock God and call evil good and good evil.  Stand firm in your faith knowing that God is on your side and He has given you His Word.   Your "smooth stones" are the truths you have pulled from the Bible.  No enemy can win an argument against scripture.  Remember when someone may challenge God’s Word that: GOD’S WORD CAN WITHSTAND RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT. 

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that You are standing with me as I purpose in my heart to stand and contend for my faith.  I ask for Your wisdom and determination to stand firm in my faith regardless of others beliefs and arguments.  Help me to express Your love and compassion in the face of trouble and conflict, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

THE BELIEVER POSSESS DELEGATED AUTHORITY

“And Jesus came and spoke to them saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and in earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.”—Matthew 28:18-20

 

The believer is joined to the Lord in covenant agreement the moment that they accept Jesus, “But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him” (1 Corinthians 6:17), and from that moment they possess delegated authority.  You see Satan usurped Adam and Eve’s authority when he deceived them in the Garden of Eden.  Satan lies to cover-up the truth that his power was stripped from him by Jesus Christ, “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:15).  Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection assure the believer that she or he has authority over the enemy. 

 

John A. MacMillian writes in his book The Authority of the Believer, that, “When the Lord Jesus, the Captain (Archegonn, Prince-Leader) of our salvation, was raised from the dead, the act of resurrection was accomplished through ‘the exceeding greatness of his [God’s] power [dunameos], to usward who believe, according to the working [energeian] of the strength [kratous] of His might [ischuos].”  He went on to say that, “In this working there was such a putting forth of the divine omnipotence that the Holy Spirit, through the apostle, requires four words of special significance to bring out the thought.”  (These Greek words are included within the brackets).  The use of these four different powerful words relates to us the powerful significations of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; it was the mightiest working recorded in the Word of God. 

 

Christ Jesus was raised from among the dead and exalted by God to His own right hand in the heavenlies (Ephesians 1:20).  You see the resurrection had been opposed by the tremendous “powers of the air”:—“all principality, and power and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world [aion, age] but also in that which is to come” (Ephesians 1:21).  It is important for you to understand that the risen Lord has been enthroned “far above” them, ruling with the authority of the Most High.  And that you, His chosen child, have been elevated to a place—“and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6).  To share a throne means without question to partake of the authority which it represents.

 

This authority can only be exercised to the extent of a believer’s spiritual apprehension.  The war is and has always been in the heavenly realm; however, the believer must take the time to study and receive illumination (revealed truth) from the Holy Spirit to be able to exercise their authority over the principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places and over the conditions which those powers have brought about on the earth.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that You are all powerful and that Jesus Christ has defeated the enemy.  Thank You Lord that I am joined to Christ and as such You have given me authority over all the power of the enemy.  I ask you to increase my spiritual understanding of Your Authority and Your Power, Might and Strength in my life, in Jesus Name. Amen.   

DECEPTION: THE ENEMY’S PLOY

“For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”—Romans 6:14

 

When Jesus Christ endured the punishment and paid the penalty for humanities sins, Satan’s authority over us was ended, “Which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come’ (Ephesians 1:20-21).  This means that Satan no longer has the right to confuse, deceive and misguide us.  Once we give Christ the reins of our life, our enemy no longer has the legal right to distort how we are led and guided.  Before we received Christ as our Lord and Savior, we served a lying, deceptive manipulator who acted as our salve-driver.   But when Christ becomes our Lord, we yield our guidance system to Christ who is our Good Shepherd.  The Good Shepherd: He makes us to lie down in green pastures.  We fear no evil.  He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies.  Our cup overflows.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life (Psalm 23:2, 4, 5,6).

 

The blessings of God never diminish you His blessings will enlarge and enlighten you.  However, your enemy, the deceiver tries to bring confusion to your mind and whispers in your ears doubt.  But the Good Shepherd knows every device that the enemy uses, and we can say what David said, “The Lord shall preserve me from all evil” (Psalm 121:7).  Our pathway will be lighted all the way when we walk with God and trust His direction as our Good Shepherd, “The Lord shall guide you continually” (Isaiah 58:11).  “The steps of a good man [or woman] are ordered by the Lord’ (Psalm 37:23).  “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).  “The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1).  Jesus spoke these encouraging words, “My sheep hear my voice…and they follow me, a stranger will they not follow” (John 10:27, 5). 

 

Reject the deception of the enemy and give him no place in your life.  He is a thief who comes to steal, kill and to destroy (John 10:10).  Jesus came to give you life in abundance and to lead and guide you.  Anytime that you feel that you are being pressured or driven into doing something, it is not god: it is the enemy.  God guides.  A friend told me that once she felt like she was literally pushed from behind when she did not do something that gave her no peace.  The enemy was trying to harass her.  However, we stand our ground resist the enemy and he must take up his weapons and flee.   

 

Jesus Christ, your Good Shepherd, your Guide, lives inside of every born-again believer.  His Spirit will guide you into all truth so that you can enjoy the redemptive blessings that God has provided for you.  Today, ask the Lord to remove all distortion that the enemy has placed on your mind and all blinders.  Ask Him to refocus and readjust your guidance system so that His signals to you are clear and unfettered.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that Jesus Christ is my Good Shepherd.  Today I surrender anew to you, I ask you to remove all distortion and blinders from my mind and spiritual eyes.  I repent for following after the deception of the enemy.   Lord will you please refocus and readjust my guidance system, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

THANKSGIVING IS A SURE PATH IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLE

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”—Philippians 4:6

 

“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand,” said King Solomon in Proverbs 19:21.  Thought Habakkuk lived about three hundred years after Israel’s wisest monarch, the prophet Habakkuk saw Solomon’s pity proverb become hard reality.  The people of Judah had chosen a path and made their plans, but they had long ago stopped seeking the Lord’s counsel—and now they were colliding with it. 

 

Evil and corruption permeated the society of Habakkuk’s day, from the most lavish room in the palace to the plainest threshing floor in the valley.  Once, the people of Judah had pursued justice and truth.  Now selfish gain was their goal, and the government stank of corruption.  But God was about to reveal His own plan to Habakkuk, one that would scuttle godless agendas and reveal a desperate need for the Lord’s unchanging counsel.

 

In a prophecy, God revealed that the ancient world’s most formidable nations, Egypt, and Assyria, would be defeated.  A new ruthless superpower—the Babylonians—would overwhelm them both.  This emerging enemy would eventually take aim at the people of Judah, too, destroying the beloved city of Jerusalem and taking her people captive.

 

Habakkuk cried out in sadness and confusion.  True, Judah needed discipline but why would an enemy be allowed to supply that correction?  Why would a loving God permit evil to be the tool that brought the nation back to Himself (Habakkuk 1:12-17)?

 

In a gracious response recorded for us by the prophet, God explained that the Babylonians would indeed punish the people for their sins, but He would one day punish these foreigners for theirs as well (Habakkuk 2:2-20). 

 

Tough times of correction and discipline were ahead, but the Lord allowed heartache for the ultimate good of His beloved people.  God’s children had to do more than repent and let go of their sins; they had to cling tightly to the truth.  God encouraged Habakkuk to spread this word of encouragement, “The righteous will live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4).

 

That faith is what emboldened the prophet to speak these inspiring words of thanksgiving in chapter 3:17-19, “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls—Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.”

Habakkuk was able to offer thanksgiving in spite of bad news.  He saw terrible sorrow, pain, and trouble ahead for the people, but he also discerned, through the eyes of faith, that God would make a way to overcome each looming enemy.

 

The Lord does not always move the mountains that are in His children’s way.  Sometimes, the obstacles we face are consequences for sin, mistakes, or poor choices.  Other times, they are a there because of the fallen world or as an avenue for us to grow in our faith.  But always, God gives us the strength to overcome every difficulty, making our feet as a nimble on rocky terrain as those of a deer, “He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high place” (Psalm 18:33).  Think about these gracious animals and how they can leap over dangerous impasses, balance on precarious, sharp rocks, and gain ground where other animals would slide backwards or even fall. 

God produces in the believer the spiritual agility to climb where others might stumble and tumble downwards.  Where some people might tremble in fear at the size of the obstacle ahead and the difficulty of the path, we can express thanksgiving to our God, who makes us sure-footed.  He has equipped us, through the Holy Spirit, to be just as secure and safe on a steep, treacherous peak as we would be on the bank of a quiet stream.

Like Habakkuk, we can face any unexpected calamity with a spirit of thanksgiving if we make a decision to live by faith.  God can even use our enemies to bring about His loving, perfect will for our lives.

When the road ahead is rough and we have to navigate an unexpected path, Habakkuk’s prayer reminds us that we can still celebrate the Lord’s sovereignty because we know that He is good and His will is best, no matter what lies ahead. 

God may not move our mountain, but He can give us the ability to climb.  What matters is that we keep moving, walking with Him.

Prayer—Father I ask You to forgive me for murmuring and complaining about my circumstances and what I see coming for the future generations who do no know You.  I choose to see with the eye of faith and to trust You for overcoming every obstacles for my nation, my state, my city and my people, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

A SEARED CONSCIENCE LEADS TO REBELLION

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.”—1 Timothy 4:1-2

 

Are you making certain choices today that your conscience would not have allowed in the past? If that’s the case, you may have become desensitized over time. This is a dangerous place to be.

 

God uses our internal “moral compass” along with the Holy Spirit’s guidance to direct our daily choices.  The conscience serves as an “alarm system,” intervening when a Christian is about to take part in ungodly behavior.  In that way, it offers protection.  But sin can throw off the system’s sensitivity, “This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck.” (1 Timothy 1:18-19). 

 

The insidious process begins if we choose to disobey and then refuse to deal with our rebellion. The conscience warns us repeatedly, but it will eventually become “gummed up” and ineffective if we persist in ignoring the distress signal.  When that happens, there are no longer any signals from the heart to point us back toward godliness.  In other words, the conscience has become seared.

 

This situation is akin to removing all traffic lights from a busy intersection: it is a recipe for disaster and leads you into rebellion.  If you are at this place, get on your knees and repent, immersing yourself in God’s Word and bathing your life in prayer.  Pursue accountability and fellowship with other believers. A healthy conscience is worth the effort.

 

Are your internal signals in good working order, or have they become muffled?  Don’t delay. Scripture warns us that we have a real Enemy who desires to lure us away from godliness and into destruction.  God uses a clear conscience to guide, protect, and lead us into His light and peace.

 

Father—I repent for deliberately choosing to disobey You and ignore my conscience.  Forgive me Lord I ask You to remove any consequences of my actions.  Help me Lord to refuse to be disobedient to You, to Your Word, and to Your Spirit, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

GRACE TO KEEP STANDING

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”—Romans 5:1-2

 

As believers, we readily attribute our salvation to God’s grace, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8), but what does “this grace in which we stand” mean to us now?  How does it work in everyday life, especially when we are going through periods of trial or suffering?

 

1.       The Lord’s grace releases His supernatural power within us so we can endure life’s hardships with a godly attitude.  In fact, we will even be able to rejoice in what He is doing in us through the adversity.

2.      Grace builds our confidence in the sovereign Lord.  Nothing looks hopeless when we focus on Him instead of on our problems.

3.      We discover the assurance of God’s sustaining presence as He walks with us every step of the way.

4.      Because we have experienced His care for us, we are able to show empathy and love to others facing hard times.

5.      During fiery trials, grace works to transform our character so that others can see Jesus reflected in us.

 

Difficulties in life are unavoidable.  So we need a daily dose of God’s grace if we are to walk through trials with confidence.  If we rely on our own strength, however, obstacles will appear insurmountable, leaving us discouraged and ready to give up.

 

Too often believers rely on Christ for their salvation but then try to act independent of Him.  If God’s grace was needed to save us, then it is logical that we would also need it in our everyday living.  Only through a continuous infusion of His sustain power and grace can we live a victorious Christian life. 

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for your sustaining grace in my life.  I recognize that without your grace in my life I can not endure and persevere to overcome.  Lord I ask You to give me more wisdom and understanding to stand in this grace whereby I am saved, in Jesus Name. Amen.

GOD HAS PROMISED TO BE OUR KEEPER

“He who keeps you will not slumber, behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep, the Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.  The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth and even forevermore.”—Psalm 121: 3b-8

 

David’s song in Psalm 121 portrays the Lord as your keeper.  In America, as elsewhere in the world, national elections were held just a few days ago, and a lot of people are in fear of what the future will hold for their nation, and for them as individuals.  I want to assure you that the One who cares for you is not asleep; furthermore, He has promised to protect you in treacherous times.

 

In Acts 16 Paul and Silas were “busted” and thrown in jail because of preaching the gospel.  The Scripture tells us that a “great earthquake” shook the jail that they were chained up in, and the prison door flew open.  Thinking that the prisoners had escaped the jailer drew out his sword to kill himself; but Paul and Silas did not run out the door just because it was open, (Every open door may not be an opportunity to be taken) and they called out to the jailer to stop him.  Because Paul and Silas trusted the Lord to be their keeper, the jailer and his family became Christians.  Later Paul and Silas were let go and went into the house of Lydia, the first convert in on the European continent.  God preserve their souls, and their goings and comings. “The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore”   (Psalm 121:8).   Be assured today that God will protect you from anything that would cause you to fail or fall.  He maintains the cause of the righteous. “For You have maintained my right and my cause; You sat on the throne judging in righteousness” ( Psalm 9:4).

 

God is sovereign.  He is with us always—protecting, pointing the way, and teaching.  He accompanies and leads even in the small tasks that seem insignificant.  God is our keeper, and He cares for us better than any earthly person can.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that You are my Keeper preserving my soul, keeping me from evil, and that You are maintaining my goings and comings, in Jesus Name. Amen.

DOUBT STEALS ALL OF GOD’S PROMISES FROM YOU

“So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”—Hebrews 3:19

 

In this scripture, the writer of Hebrews is reflecting on the deliverance of the children of Israel from bondage.  The Lord had brought the people out with great miracles, but then they were unwilling to step into the Promised Land because they were afraid and they doubted God’s promise.  They did not believe that God had promised to give them the land.  They allowed circumstances to dominate there conclusions on the matter rather than God’s word.  They were not resolved.  So it is in that context that we are delving into the thought in Hebrews 3:19.

 

Notice that the only reason they could not enter into the promise was because of unbelief.  It was not the armies of Canaan that prevented them from entering.  It was not the waters of the Jordan River that prevented them from entering, it was nothing tangible.  It was only their doubt.

 

Dr. Ladonna Osborn had this to say about doubt: “Doubt is a cruel thief that steals from you all of the promises of God that He has given to you so that you can receive His provision.”  What God says is truth in spite of all circumstances, but it requires faith for us to align our attitudes with the Word of God.   Faith is what abolishes doubt.  You cannot live in faith and doubt at the same time. 

 

I am encouraging you today to resist doubt.  When you are having doubtful thoughts, or feeling anxiety over what might happen you are giving your attention over to the negative circumstances.  Resist those things.  Hold fast by faith to the promises of God.  He has promised to deliver you, to provide for you, to be your protector, to be your defender, your wisdom, your righteousness for you.  He is the one who has promised:  to never leave you, to never forsake you, to never withdraw His Spirit from you, to offer you this great salvation, to be the voice that says this is the way to walk in. 

 

You have these abundant promises.  Doubt will come in a little subtle cancerous ways to steal from you everything of God purpose in your heart not to let this happen.  Through this devotion understand that we are putting up a guard against the doubt that the enemy will bring.  And you are being called to the challenge of faith to live today in absolute confidence in God. 

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that when the enemy comes to assail me with doubt that I can stand firm in faith believing Your promises because You are trustworthy, and that my faith in You will never fail, in Jesus Name. Amen.

YOU CAN CHOOSE TO LIVE YOUR LIFE WITH PURPOSE

“Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.  Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil.”—Proverbs 4:26-27

 

You do not have to live each day as a reactionary—that is someone who only reacts to situations or circumstances.  You can choose your steps.  You can choose to turn away from evil.  You can choose to make good decisions, and how your day will be invested.  You can choose what you will accomplish and what you will cause to be a better by the end of your day because of your choices.    

 

Although Esther was a young Jewish woman, she had to make a choice to live her life with purpose or to standby and die with her people.

 

 Esther was selected by the Persian King Ahasuerus to be his wife. He had banished his former wife and chose Esther through a contest. However, the king did not know she was a Jew. (Esther 1-2)

 

Esther’s uncle was Mordecai.  Mordecai learned of a plot to kill the king and made it known to Esther.  (Esther 2)

 

One of the princes in the kingdom was Haman. Mordecai and Haman had a mutual disdain for one another.  Haman devised a plan to eliminate Mordecai.  He told the king that there was a people group in the kingdom that had their own laws and customs. If they were allowed to continue they might overthrow the power of the king.  Therefore Haman convinced the king that this group should be killed.  What Haman and the king did not know at the time, he was asking the king for permission to kill the new Queen Esther. (Esther 3)

 

The law was created that allowed the Jews to be murdered.  When Mordecai learned of the new law he spoke with Esther about asking the king to reconsider. She was loved by the king, but she did not have the authority to enter into the king’s chambers and talk with him at any time she pleased.  Mordecai told her that God had allowed her to become the queen to help protect her people.  Though conflicted with the thought of perishing by the hand of the king or by the new law in place, she determined to let the king know she was a Jew and that his new law would require that she be killed. (Esther 4)

 

She told the king that there was a plot to destroy her and her people. The king was angry and asked who was behind the wickedness. When she pointed to Haman the king was furious. He went outside to think.  Haman was arguing with Esther, supposedly not knowing she was a Jew. He was begging for his life because the king had already said the person behind the plot would be hanged.  Haman got animated and excited.  He fell onto Esther’s bed. When King Ahasuerus came back from the garden he saw Haman on his wife’s bed and grew even more angered at the thought that Haman was trying now to persuade his wife sexually. (Esther 7)  Haman was hanged that day on the gallows he intended for Mordacai. (Esther 7)

 

Esther made one more request to the king. That was that the law be reversed which would have destroyed the Jews. The law was rewritten to save the Jews and destroy the family of Haman. (Esther 8)

 

Just like Esther you can choose your steps.  You can choose to turn away from evil.  You can choose to make good decisions. 

 

Everyday is a gift from God and a treasure.  It is an opportunity that you will never have again.  Choose not to let your day be frittered away with no purpose, no plan, no goals, and no achievements. 

 

God made you to have a sense of completion, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6), a sense of contribution.  I encourage you to choose to live your life in such a way that at the end of the day you will know that your world is a better place because you were in it.

 

So choose decide, do not be easily influenced from one thing to the next so that you do not accomplish anything in your day.  You can live your life with purpose—with intention.  And when you do you will have a sense of great achievement, and everything in your life will be better.

 

Father—I thank You for the day that You have given to me.  Thank You that each day is a New Day for me.  I ask You to forgive me for making wrong choices and flittering away my days.  Today I purpose to make my day count for You, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

 

ARE YOU WILLING TO WAIT FOR GOD’S WAY?

“The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I hope in Him!  The Lord is good to those who wait for Him. To the soul who seeks Him.  It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”—Lamentations 3:24-26

 

Many Christians struggle to discipline themselves in the area of self-gratification.  There are so many things we want right now.  And to make matters worse, we usually have the ability to follow through on our desires.  That is what the entire credit industry is all about:  have it now; pay later!  A business woman told me that she had gone into needless debt because she felt pressured by the demands of her board members to expand the business more rapidly than what she knew God was leading her to do.  When God was showing her to hold steady in the business and not expand right then, she listened to her board members and the company is now in financial distress.

 

But finances are not the only area where we get into trouble.  Some people are in a hurry to be married and therefore make an unwise choice regarding a mate.  Others do not even see marriage as necessary and opt for premarital sex instead of waiting for the right person.  Or maybe you are just in a hurry to become successful and well-respected in your career, never giving any thoughts to whether your pursuit aligns with God’s plans for your life.

 

One reason the Lord wants us to wait is to protect us from our own self-destructive ways.  Those who can not say no to their own desires wind up enslaved to them.  God wants us to be mature believers who have the character and self-restraint to wait for Him to provide in His perfect time.  Because the heavenly Father is omniscient (all-knowing), He alone knows what is best.  You can trust that if He asks you to wait, He has something more wonderful in mind then you could ever provide for yourself. 

 

Does anything seem to have a power over you?  If so, it may be an area that requires the practice of self-control.  Begin to mediate on scriptures such as Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law.”   Yield to the Lord and submit your desire to Him.  Then, begin saying no to temptations as you wait for God to reveal His will for your life.

 

Prayer—Father I repent for every time that I have not waited upon You and I have insisted upon my own way; I ask for Your forgiveness.  I ask You to help me practice self-control so that I am not pulled off of the right path for my life by selfish desires, in Jesus Name. Amen.