YOUR HEART CRY LEADS TO DELIVERANCE

“Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses.”—Psalm 107:28

 

Many times in our lives we face situations that are difficult at best, while others can seem down right overwhelming.  A family that we know recently faced a situation that had all the ear marks of destroying their lives if it had not been for God’s miraculous intervention. 

 

Tragically the young wife and mother went in for her yearly physically exam when the doctor discovered a small lump behind her ear.  Although the doctor thought that the small lump was probably just a small cyst he convinced the young woman that a biopsy was needed.  When the biopsy report came back, to the surprise of the doctor it was a malignant tumor.

 

The lives of this young family were filled with turmoil, fear and uncertainty until the day that God spoke to the woman’s heart to read the Psalms.  She told me that she had a sense while reading these precious scriptures of peace coming to her.  Finally one day, she noticed that she was not fearful anymore and that she actually looked forward to reading each day.  It wasn’t long after this that a particular Psalm seemed to “jump off” the page to her.  The more that she read and reread Psalm 107:28 the more convinced she became that if she would tell God what was troubling her that He would hear her and remove what was distressing in her life.  The day came that she told the Lord, “This tumor is a trouble to me Lord, and You said if I would cry out to You about it that You would bring me out of all my distresses.  Lord, this is causing me and my family grief and anxiety thank You for bringing me out, in Jesus name, amen.”  For the next several days as she continued to read the Psalms and in particular Psalm 107, she would thank the Lord for bringing her out of distress.  One morning she woke up and the pressure in her head was gone.  She noticed that she did not have a headache, and while she brushed her hair she noticed that the lump was completely gone. 

 

She immediately made an appointment with her doctor and after more tests he confirmed that the tumor was completely gone and that a miracle had occurred. 

 

Let’s be encouraged that when we cry out to the Lord He will bring us out of all those things that are causing us to experience grief and anxiety. 

 

Prayer—Heavenly Father this ____________________is a problem to me.  I ask for your help and deliverance today.  You promised in Your Word that when I cry out in my trouble to You that You will bring me out of all my distress.  I ask for Your help today, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

GRACE CAUSES YOU TO WIN WITH WHAT YOU HAVE

“When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.”—Proverbs 11:2

 

Samuel chapter 17 details an important truth to us: Pride causes you not to receive God’s grace to do what you can with what you have. 

 

David, a shepherd and the youngest of eight boys, took care of his father’s flock of sheep.  His three older brothers had followed King Saul into battle against the Philistines.  The army of the Philistines stood on a mountain on one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side, with a valley between them.  The champion of the Philistine army was Goliath, a giant.  He stood on the mountain and hurled insults against Israel challenging them to send a man to come and fight him.  If he won then Israel would serve the Philistines, but if Israel’s man won then they would serve Israel.  When Saul and his men heard this, they were very afraid and did not know what to do.

 

David came to the battle site from time-to-time to take his brothers some food during the forty days this scenario went on between these two great armies.  One day David’s father told him to take some grain and bread to his brothers and some cheese to the captain of their thousand, and inquire how they were doing.  David came into camp just as the army was going out to fight and shout at each other.  David went to where his brothers were to talk to them and happen to hear Goliath’s threats and the men in Israel’s army say that Saul would give the man whoever killed Goliath rich.  In addition, he would get his daughter in marriage and his household would be exempt from taxes.

David spoke to the men who stood by him confirming what the reward was to be for killing Goliath, and then went on to say, “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

 

 When David’s oldest brother heard what David said, he was very angry with David and said, “Why did you come down here?  And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness?  I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.”

 

The army of Saul could not defeat the army of the Philistines as-long-as they were trying to do it in their own strength because in their own eyes they were too small.  Their pride in the usual way of doing battle would not work for them.

 

David came on the scene and declared to the leader of Israel’s army that the God whom He served would deliver him and Israel from the army that had defied the Living God.  David did not wear Saul’s armor or his weapons to fight against Goliath he used what he had and what he knew how to use—five smooth stones.

 

David spoke these words, “This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you….that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” before he slung his first and only stone that hit Goliath in the forehead. 

 

Goliath and the Philistine army was defeat that day because David understood the principle that grace causes you to win with what you have.  He walked in humility and not pride which gave him the wisdom to use what he had and was familiar with to win the battle.

 

Today I want to encourage you that when others pressure you to do this or that just to back off of the situation and ask the Lord what you should do—He will give you the wisdom.  We do not have to give in to others pride.  Scripture tells us that pride comes before destruction, but we have received grace.  It is grace (God’s unmerited favor) that helps us to do what we can with what we have.

 

Prayer—Heavenly Father thank You for Your grace working in my life.  Today I refocus my attention on You and what You say rather than on what others are pressuring me to do.  Thank You for helping me do what I can with what I have, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO TESTIFY IN YOUR 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.

 

 

PEDESTALS ARE THE IDOLS IN OUR LIVES

 “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.

 

Prayer—Heavenly Father 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 KEY INGREDIENTS IN GOD’S KINGDOM

“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.’”

 

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.

 

 

 

 

GOD LEADS BY REVELATION

“And I [Paul] went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles…”—Galatians 2:2

 

What the Apostle Paul was saying in Galatians 2:2, is that he went to Jerusalem about seventeen years after his conversion because it was divinely revealed to him that he should go and tell the church what he had been preaching among the Gentiles.  Read Galatians chapter 1 and you will discover that Paul was a highly educated and zealous man who worked fervently persecuting the Church before his conversion.  After his conversion, Paul writes, “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mothers womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus” (vs. 15-17).  Paul points out that he was not influenced by others in what he should do after his conversion, but he walked in the revelation that he had.

 

John chapter 7 gives an account of when Jesus’ brothers did not believe that He was the Messiah, and how they tried to influence Him so that they would have positions of honor.  

 

“After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him. Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. His brothers therefore said to Him ‘Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.’ For even His brothers did not believe in Him. The Jesus said to them, ‘My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. You go up to the feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come’” (vs. 1-9).

 

The Feast of Tabernacles was held the 15-22 of September and this Feast was about seven months before His crucifixion.  This was a very solemn time for all the Jewish males and called for their personal attendance.  Jesus’ brothers (some of His kindred) tried to influence Jesus to go to Jerusalem so that more people could see His miracles.  This sounds like reasonable advice at first glance—more people get exposed to His ministry; however, reading a little further you discover that his brothers did not believe that He was the Messiah.  A Prophet—Yes but not the Messiah.  Perhaps they were thinking that they would be able to share in the “lime-light” if He was exposed to more people.  But, what we do know is that Jesus told them to go along with the other people; he was not going to Jerusalem at that time.  Closely examine the Scriptures and you will see that Jesus knew by revelation not to follow along with the rest of the people who were going.  Perhaps His going with them would have stirred up the people with animosity before it was prophetically time for His crucifixion, we do not know for sure.  But we do know that Jesus always walked in revelation of His timing and did not follow along with the crowd, and you can to. 

 

Jesus was not moved by ideas of grandeur and influenced by the needs of others.  He humbly stayed submitted to the Father and never did anything but what He heard the Father say and do.  We can walk in that same revelation by staying humble, walking in love and being submitted to the Father.

 

 Prayer—Father I thank You for Your revelation.  I purpose not to walk ahead of my appointed times by being influenced by family and others in Jesus Name. Amen. 

 

 

 

 

 

GOD HAS HELPERS TO FULFILL YOUR DESTINY

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen; to the glory of God through us.”—2 Corinthians 1:20

 

Many grandparents have remarked to me that their homes are “YES” homes when their grandchildren come to visit.  Whatever the grandchild or great-grandchild asks for, the answer is always “yes!”  A conversation with a grandchild or great-grandchild usually goes something like this…

“Can I have some cookies?”

 “Yes.”

“Can we play a game?”

“Yes.”

“Can I have some ice cream?”

“Yes?”

“Can I have some ice cream before dinner?”

“Yes.”

“Can I have ice cream with dinner?”

“Yes.”

 Whatever the grandchild/great-grandchild wants always results in a “Yes” response. 

 

When I was very young, our family was visiting my grandparents, and my mother laid me down for a nap.  My grandmother was in the bedroom next to the one that I was to be napping in; however, I very much wanted to see my grandmother instead of taking a nap, so I quietly got down from the bed, and made my way into my grandmother’s room.  Her welcoming love filled arms were outstretched to me as I struggled to climb into the big bed with her.  Although my grandmother was a double amputee and her hands were very crippled with arthritis, she helped me get up into the bed.  In essence, she was telling me “yes,” and I will help you come to me.  I do not remember the conversation we had, but I still remember the feeling of contentment as I lay with my grandmother that warm spring afternoon.   

 

I have often reflected on the memory with my grandmother and it reminds me that all of God’s promises are yes and amen!  Today remember that your life is full of promises that are yet to be fulfilled.  Do not give up!  Lift up your outstretched arms to your heavenly Father who desires to fulfill all of His good promises to you.  He cares for you and there are people who are ready and willing to help you reach your promises.  Phoebe was a woman who helped many people including the Apostle Paul.  “I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord, in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper, of many and of myself also” (Romans 16:2).

 

Prayer—Father I thank you for Your promises to me.  Thank You for the people who are ready and willing to help me reach the promises You have made to me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

YOUR HEART IS WHAT MATTERS TO GOD

“And He said, ‘what comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from with, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. Al these evil things come from within and defile a man.”—Mark 7:20-23

 

The outward appearance of a person is not important.  It is the condition of a person’s heart that matters to God.  However, mankind has not always understood this.  The covenant of circumcision was give to Abram in Genesis 17:9-14.  God said that any man who did not carry this sign of the covenant in his flesh was to be killed.  This placed a great importance on the act of circumcision.  The Apostle Paul tells us that Abraham had already been justified by faith before he was circumcised, in Romans 4:3-13.  Abram’s faith in God and His promise saved him at least thirteen years before He commanded Abram to be circumcised.

 

Down through the centuries, the Jews turned their focus to the outward act of circumcision instead of the inward act of faith as the reason for salvation.  This was a source of contention between Jesus and the religious leaders too.  They emphasized all the outward acts the Lord had commanded and were totally disregarding the condition of their hearts.  Jesus said that if an individual would cleanse their heart, their actions would inevitably change too. 

 

The condition of a person’s flesh is not the important thing.  God is interested in a person’s heart, not if their flesh has been circumcised or not.  Today, the religious questions center around the doctrine of water baptism, church membership, and other outward acts that some preach are necessary for salvation. 

 

Your faith in the love of God, as expressed through Jesus on the Cross and in His resurrection is the only thing God demands for your justification.  Religious rites mean nothing when it comes to salvation.  Your heart is what matters to God.  You can rejoice today that your heart safely trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. 

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that my heart is right with You and because it is out of the abundance of my heart my mouth will utter things that are pleasing to You, in Jesus Name. Amen.

FINISH YOUR COURSE WELL

“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

 

One of the prophets used to foretell Jesus’ birth, the plan for His life and death was Isaiah. 

 

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His

shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)  In chapter 53 verses 2-6, is a detailed account of how people would think about Him at His death and what it would accomplish…“ He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

and by His stripes we are healed…” (vs. 5).

 

Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, but was born the same way as any other human infant—through his mother’s womb (Luke 1:31).  When the angel announced the Messiah’s coming birth to Mary, he declared that Jesus would reign as King forever (Luke 1:33). He grew up in a home without special position or privileges.  It is probable that he learned the carpentry trade from His earthly father, Joseph, and used it to support Himself during His younger years.

 

His public ministry began with the selection of ordinary men to be His disciples, including one, Matthew, the tax collector, who was despised.  Jesus traveled from town to town, interacting with people, many of whom doubted and disbelieved Him.  His teachings were regularly misunderstood and often opposed.  At times even His followers turned away when they heard something that they did not like.  After traveling from city-to-city saying and demonstrating what His heavenly Father was like, Jesus was labeled a criminal, crucified between two thieves, and buried in someone else’s tomb.

 

Looking at the natural, most people who would summarize Jesus’ life would say that He had a good start in life, but His ending was terrible.  Especially for someone who was to rule the world as Lord. 

 

It is Jesus’ “spiritual summary” that gives us the true picture.  His humility, self-sacrifice, total dependence upon God, and completes obedience—even unto death—are the marks of greatness in God’s sight.  Having fulfilled His Father’s plan, the Son was given the name to which all will one day, bow.  “Who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee would bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:6-11).

 

Today consider how your life would be “spiritually summed” up.   Are you walking in humility?  Have you sacrificed “self” on the altar of His Mercy and Grace?  Are you totally dependent upon God?  Are you walking in obedience to His will for you?  Allow the Holy Spirit to make any needed adjustments so that you can finish your course well.

 

Prayer—Father I ask for the Holy Spirit to bring to my mind any needed adjustments in my life, and with Your help I know that I can finish my race and receive the victor’s crown, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

           

 

NEVER GIVE UP BELIEVE GOD

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God for I shall yet praise Him. The help of my countenance and my God.”—Psalm 42:11

 

Discouragement can rob peace, joy, and contentment.  I have known people who appeared to be in an impossible situation.  Some time later, however, they were in a much better place, either in terms of their circumstances or their emotions.  The reason?  They never gave up.  Instead of sulking in self-pity, they chose to believe God, step out in faith, and climb out of the emotional pit.

 

Nehemiah is a good example.  He had every reason to feel defeated, because his people were in trouble.  After receiving news that the city wall had been destroyed, this man of God acknowledged profound disappointment and grieved.  Though pain flooded his soul, he did not allow himself to stay in that low place.  Instead, Nehemiah cried out to God seeking direction.

 

Sadness in the presence of royalty was a punishable death.  But the Lord answered Nehemiah’s prayer with amazing power, prompting the king to notice his servant’s sad countenance and then to ask what he could do to help.  This miracle led to the rebuilding of the wall and the redemption of God’s people.

 

“And it came to pass in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxexes, when wine was before him, that I took the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had never been sad in his presence before. Therefore the kings said to me, ‘Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart.’ So I became dreadfully afraid, and said to the king, ‘May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire?’ Then the king said to me, ‘What do you request?’ So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, ‘If it pleases the king, and if you servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.’ Then the king said to me (the queen also sitting beside him). ‘How long will your journey be? And when will you return?’ So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time. Furthermore I said to the king, ‘If it pleases the king, let letters be given to me for the governors of the region beyond the River that they must permit me to pass through till I come to Judah, and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he must give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel which pertains to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house that I will occupy.’ And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me” (Nehemiah 2:1-8).

The Lord can take impossible situation—no matter what it is—and move in ways mightier than you can imagine.

 

Do you live in eager expectation of what the Lord will do?  Or have you chosen to linger in the depths of despair?  Like Nehemiah, turn your disappointment into a petition for God’s help.  He can restore your hope and prevent negative emotions from gaining a stranglehold on your life.

 

Prayer—Father I repent for allowing negative emotions cutting me off from your best for me, and I ask You to restore hope in my life, in Jesus Name. Amen.

GOD’S LOVE SURROUNDS AND PROTECTS US FOREVER

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

 

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

 

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

 

First, God’s love is not influenced by anything within us or around us because we know that even while we were still living in sin, Christ died for us.  “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).  There is no greater sacrifice, and there is nothing we do that can hinder God’s love for us.  Realizing this depth of love that God has for us should lift a burden off of your shoulders.  “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God  which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

GOD IS THE FATHER WHO IS ALWAYS WITH US

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

  

Every person has their own idea of what a Father means to them.  Most people agree that when the word “Father” is used that they will always relate it to the father figure in their home; good –or bad.   Sadly all over the world, no matter what the reason may be, a father may not present in the home on a full-time basis. 

 

I want to encourage you today that god the father is always present. “…For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).  Of the many names that are given to God to describe who He is, the name Heavenly Father is one of great comfort to us.  Although no father on earth is perfect, we have a Heavenly Father who longs to show you His love—unfailing, forgiving and faithful. 

 

Never forget that once you decide to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you become a child of the Most High God.  He becomes your Father and you become His child.  “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is reveled, we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is’ (1 John 3:2). 

 

1 John 4:8 tells us that, “…God is love.”  Just as our Heavenly Father longs to express His love to His children let us purpose in our hearts to express the love of God to our world.  Let the world around you know that God is the FATHER who is always present by the words and actions that you express to them.  You may be the only contact that they will ever have to know a father or to turn their hearts to Him.  Our Heavenly Father has no way to express Himself through except by your hands, your feet and your words.

 

Prayer—Heavenly Father, thank You for your unconditional love to me, and help me to always have a grateful heart and expressing Your love to my world around me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

FAITH MUST BE SEEN

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

 

James wrote in his Epistle to the Jewish believers that, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).  Faith must work; it must be visible; it must produce.  Verbal faith is not enough; nor, is mental faith sufficient.  James stressed that true faith inspires action and is manifested in works of faith. 

 

How do you see faith?  You see faith like you see the wind.  You can not see wind, but you can see the effects of the wind by seeing things blown by the wind.  Likewise, you cannot see faith, but a person’s actions will prove when they are acting in faith.

 

While Jesus was staying in Capernaum, many people came to the house where He was staying to hear Him preach.  So many people came, that there was not anymore room in the house.  Some friends of a man who was paralyzed carried him to Jesus; however, upon arrival they discovered there was no room for them to get their friend to Jesus.  Not giving up, the friends cut a hole in the roof where Jesus was, and let the bed down on which their friend was laying to Jesus.  When Jesus saw their faith, He said, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”  The religious leaders, who were sitting and listening to Jesus, began to think in their hearts that no one could forgive sins but God.  Immediately, Jesus perceived in His spirit what they were thinking, and responded to their thoughts by saying, “…that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins…take up your bed, and go to your house” (Mark 2:8-11).  The paralytic man immediately stood up, gathered up his bed, and left the house.  Everyone there was amazed and began to say, “We never saw anything like this!” (Mark 2:1-12). 

 

These men could have believed that Jesus could heal their friend, but then took no action on what they believed.  However, because they acted upon what they believed their friend experience a healing, and Jesus was able to use the occasion to teach about forgiveness.  Actions are a vital part of faith.  For faith to be seen, corresponding actions must accompany faith (James 2:17).

 

Prayer—Father I determine in my heart to walk in genuine faith and for my actions to align with the faith in my heart, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

FACE DISAPPOINTMENT WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”—Matthew 6:33

 

Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, was a righteous person who had sought a godly woman to share his life with.  Imagine the disappointment that he must have felt when he learned that Mary was pregnant and it was not his child!  Furthermore, she claimed that no man had touched her.

 

Any way Joseph looked at the situation it appeared grim.  And yet Matthew 1:20 tells us that Joseph “considered,” that is to say, that he sought a wise righteous response.  God entered Joseph’s life in a dramatic way to confirm Mary’s story and put a stop to his “quiet annulment” plans (Matthew 1:19 - 24). 

 

The Lord turned Joseph’s mourning into joy.  Mary had told the truth, strange and startling as it was.  The couple would bear the intense public censure of an early pregnancy, but Joseph stopped thinking about what others would say.  God had blessed work for him: to raise the Messiah alongside a faithful woman.

 

Followers of Christ should seek a godly response to disappointments they face.  Since the lord always has a plan, the wisest reaction is to anticipate the good He can do and await His timing.  God certainly blessed Joseph for his willingness to “seek first His kingdom.” 

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for showing me how to response to _________________situation.  I know that You will bring good out of this situation because You are for me and not against me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

GOD IS NOT ASHAMED OF SIN

"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered in shame" (Psalms 34:4-5, NIV).

 

A friend of mine related a life lesson that the Lord had taught her, “God is not ashamed when she sinned.”  As she related to me, the many times that she had become depressed when she did not always act as a Christian, my mind went back to the days of my childhood.  During the era that I was raised, a child’s behavior reflected on how others viewed his or her parents—at least this was the way my parents taught me.  So, if I or one of my brothers or sisters did not behave well in public then our parents would bemoan the fact that we brought shame upon the family name, and our parents would “never be able to show their face in public again.”  Of course they always did; however, this was so ingrained in our thinking as children that it carried over into our adult lives, and translated into how we viewed our Heavenly Father.     

 

My friend’s life lesson caused me to begin to reflect on the fact that many of our ideas on how God thinks about us are simply not based upon fact; but, rather on a faulty belief system whose biases cloud our view of how God really thinks about His creation.  Perhaps the root of this problem began in the Garden when Eve’s view of God was distorted and she and her husband sinned.  After Adam and Eve’s eyes were opened, they withdrew from God because they were ashamed: God was not ashamed He immediately began to deal with the problem and covered their shame (Genesis 3).

 

God is not ashamed of sin because He covered humanities sin with the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.  His blood sacrifice never looses it power, “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for our only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:2).  God still covers sin for those of us who love Him, but at times our behavior does not reflect who we truly are as His children, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). 

 

Today, do not allow the enemy or cultural ideas distort your view of God and how He thinks about you.  He is not ashamed of you.  If you have done wrong, confess it to the Father, repent—turn from doing the same thing over and over again—by faith accept the fact that your Heavenly Father is not holding anything against you—and begin to conduct yourself as a child of the living God.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that You are never ashamed of me.  Lord forgive for the times that I have thought that You were ashamed of me, cleanse my mind and my heart from false ideas and view points of who You really are, in Jesus Name. Amen.

CHALLENGES STRENGTHEN OUR DETERMINATION

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works." –Hebrews 10:24

 

Not long ago, a young child with a physical disability was brought forward for prayer during one of our services.  The little boy was not able to walk immediately after prayer, but latter in the week he was able to walk for the first time in his life.  No matter what age people are, I have often marveled how God chooses to heal and restore people.  I have often thought how God uses challenges in our lives to strengthen our determination. 

 

When the Apostle Paul went to Europe to preach the gospel, he faced a challenge in his life that caused him to deal with a situation.  He determined to see a woman set free from demonic influence.  Acts 16:16-18 gives the account.  “Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling.  This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, ‘These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.’  And this she did for many days.  But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’  And he came out that very hour.”

 

Although what this woman said was probably true, the purpose of Satan in it was to discredit the message of the apostles by making the people think they were in league with demon spirits who were making this announcement through a demon possessed medium.  The people would conclude that they were doing miracles by the devil and so disregard the gospel.  When the demon was cast out in the name of Jesus it proved that they were of God and mot of demons. 

 

Notice that this situation went on for many days.  Paul, Luke and Timothy’s determination to preach the gospel did not lessen as they were faced with this challenge day-after-day.  Paul saw the purpose of Satan, so he turned to the demon spirit, not the girl, and commanded it to come out of her (v. 18).  And it did! 

 

Whatever challenges you may be facing today, allow your determination to be bolstered that you will come out victorious.  Even though Paul, Luke and Timothy were put into prison, remember God sent an earthquake to deliver them.  He may not send an earthquake, but He will deliver you. 

 

I have noticed that in our spiritual development that God seems to use each obstacle that we face to help prepare us for the next stage of our spiritual journey.    Thank God for the development and enjoy the journey! 

 

Prayer—Heavenly Father I thank You that You are developing me and causing me to grow and not to remain stagnate.  I choose to determine to be strengthened by You today in the inner man, so that I can comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, length, depth, and height of your love, in Jesus Name.  Amen. 

JESUS IS THE ONE THAT NEVER CHANGES

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.”—Hebrews 13:8

 

Some time ago, I met a friend from high school who said to me, “You have not changed a bit!”  While I appreciated the compliment, I could not help but laugh to myself thinking how could I not change?  It has been over forty years since I graduated from high-school.  Even though I feel young at heart, we all grow older.  Whether from inside or outside forces, we change.

 

I am reminded of a young man that I ministered to one time.  He had just been released from prison and was very concerned that he would go back to his old life-style of drugs and robbery.  He wanted desperately to change his habits, but his old friends were drawing on him to go back into the culture that he so desperately wanted to be free from.  We were able to connect, “James,” (not his real name), with a half-way house for men who were coming out of prison that was Christ-Centered.  James needed to be away from old influences to radically change.  He is making tremendous progress and is enthusiastic about taking some Bible Training Courses. 

 

Our world is constantly changing; however, we can thank God for our faith, the opportunity to worship a God who is ever present to lead, guide, and fill us daily with love.  Yet most of all we thank God for Jesus Christ our Savior, who remains the same.  Who is ever faithful to all those who call upon His name.

 

Today whatever you need, call upon His name.  He is the same healer, the same deliverer, the same giver of life and He loves you and wants to help you.

 

Prayer—Heavenly Father, thank You for your presence at all times in my life.  Thank you for your guidance and unending love and for eternal life.  I call upon You today to help me with __________________, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

WE HAVE ACCESS TO THE THRONE

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”—Hebrews 4:16

 

A friend of mine was an executive in the oil industry.  He told me that many times he had to correspond with heads of state in different countries.  But before he ever drafted a letter, he would spend days meticulously planning the tone, content, and organization of the letter.  He would make several drafts until every sentence seemed precisely right, and then consult was a university professor in international communications to make sure that the final version had no grammatical errors and that it included the proper forms of address and/or royal titles.

 

I have often reflected on this conversation as it related to prayer in the believer’s life.  The amount of time, thought, and attention we devote to approaching God’s throne of grace is entirely disproportionate to the time and attention that we give to other things in our lives.  Are we giving the reverence due to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords—the Lord of all creation?

 

When we pray, we communicate with a King who is far greater than any earthly monarch or national leader.  Have you ever stopped to think that we do not need to consult with anyone concerning our grammar?  We do not need to send letters through an embassy.  Romans 5:1-2 reminds us that because of Christ’s death and resurrection, we can approach God’s throne in prayer at any time, and in any circumstance.  “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.”

 

Prayer—Heavenly Father, thank you for the access that you have given to us to your heavenly throne.  Help us to be always mindful of your majesty, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

 

EXPRESS PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING TO GOD BECAUSE HE IS GOOD

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His Name.”—Hebrews 13:15

 

There are times, in the busyness of life that we simply do not stop long enough to pause and thank our Creator for the countless blessings He has given to us.  Other “things” take the priority over our expressing gratitude to the One who made us.  But when we do, our spirits revive, our strength is renewed, and our hope is inspired.  Psalm 107:1-2 is an expression of thanksgiving.  Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  For His mercy endures forever.  Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” 

 

We express praise and thanksgiving to the Creator because He is good.  He bestows everything on us, and He deserves our gratitude.  

 

God is good because….

He loves you.

He gave you breath.

He redeemed you.

He gives you the capacity to know Him.

He gives you the desire to trust Him.

He does not remember your transgressions.

He takes piety upon your needs.

He considers the poor.

He fulfills every promise.

He is trustworthy.

He is dependable.

He is always present.

He never leaves you.

He forgives us.

He receives us into eternity.

 

Your reasons for expresses your love of praise and thanksgiving to God can be never ending, and I pray that they will never be.  Let praise and thanksgiving become a regular part of your routine.  Allow your spirit to be revived, your strength renewed, and your hope inspired, as you offer up to Him, the fruit of your lips giving praise. 

 

Prayer—Father I thank you for bestowing your life of goodness and blessing upon my life.  Today I recommitment my time to include thanksgiving and praise to You for what You have done, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

THE WORD AND SPIRIT OF GOD KEEPS US STRONG

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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