CHRIST MAKES OUR RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD POSSIBLE.

“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.”—Romans 10:3

 

Our idea of righteousness and God’s idea are dramatically different; we could say they are polar opposites.  Christ makes our right standing with God possible.  Isaiah, the prophet, wrote that “…our righteousnesses are like filthy rags…” (Isaiah 64:6).  The prophet was talking about self-righteousness—those things that people do to try to make themselves right with God.  While self-righteousness may look good to people on the outside, it can not and will never appease sin. 

 

God’s righteousness that Paul speaks about in Romans 10:3 is the righteousness of who God is, in thought, word and deed.  It is the righteousness that God ascribes to.   The way that He thinks, acts and speaks. 

 

The Church has allowed the use of many excuses to infiltrate its character which has produced a weak and ineffective witness to the world.   The Scriptures instructs the Church what the works of the flesh include in Galatians 5:19-21.  Among those listed are adultery, hatred, lewdness, fornication, uncleanness, and jealousy, to name a few.  However, the excuse that I hear most often by a born-again believer is, “The Holy Spirit was telling me not to do it, but I guess I just allowed my flesh to rule over me.  God knows I’m sorry, so it’s alright if I slip into sin once in awhile.”  Can you see what a slippery slope this line of thinking will lead a person into?  Yes, God does forgive us when we sin, and restores us back into right relationship with Him.  However, we are expected to grow and develop spiritually so that when the flesh with its passions and desires rise up within us, we are able to crucify it.  In other words, we are to “put to death” the evil desires of our flesh.”  When we tell the flesh “no,” we are submitting ourselves to God’s righteousness.

 

The only way for the Church to remain strong and effective is to submit to God’s righteousness.  Study His Word:  Pray His Word:  Say His Word.  Choose to confess your own unrighteousness to the Father.  He will cleanse you and restore you to right fellowship with Him.  Through the communion of His Word and His Spirit, you will discover truths that will help you to grow strong in His RIGHTEOUSNESS.

 

Prayer—Father I submit myself to You.  I ask you to forgive me when I have established my own self-righteousness.  I ask that Your righteousness be established in my life, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

THE OPERATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE BELIEVER’S LIFE

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”—1 Corinthians 2:12

 

I think that we can agree that knowledge is increasing at a phenomenal rate.  We have instant access to information at our “finger tips: through the world-wide web.  I want to encourage you today that it is through the Holy Spirit that God longs to reveal His mysteries to His children.  I Corinthians chapter 2 is a gold mine of information telling us about the operation of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. 

 

In verses 1 – 4, Paul writes that he did not come to them with a great speaking ability or wisdom but it was through the Holy Spirit that he was able to preach Christ to them.  This tells me that we need the Holy Spirit in our life to be able to convince people of Jesus Christ because we are not going to be able to do it in our own ability.   We need the power of God that comes through the Holy Spirit.  “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.   And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

 

Verses 6 -11 tells us that the wisdom that will convince the world of Jesus does not come through natural human wisdom; but, it comes through the Spirit of God, the revealer of the truth, who reveals this truth to us because we love Him.  It is totally awesome how much God loves us and wants us to know what He is thinking—even His deep thoughts.  Have you ever heard the expression, “He is in a deep study?”  Meaning that the person is seriously thinking about something—Well, God is seriously thinking about something and He wants us to know His thoughts; so, He has given us His Holy Spirit so that we can know them.   “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory;  Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

 

The way we get to access the things of God is through our recreated spirits.  When we are born again, we receive a new nature.  Our old sinful nature is exchanged for the nature of God.  We are transformed into His image and into His likeness through the process called “regeneration.”  Our human spirits are made new and it is through this new spirit that we are able to know the things that God freely gives to us.  Isn’t it wonderful and exciting to know that God does not want His children to be ignorant?  He wants us to know about Him and this wonderful life that He has freely given to us.  “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.”

 

Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and show you the mysteries and wisdom of God, today.  Ask Him for His power to be a witness and light for Him today.  He longs to reveal Himself to You all you need to do is ask.

 

Prayer—Heavenly Father, I ask you for your wisdom and power to be evident in my life today.  Help me to lay down selfish ambitions so that I can speak Your wisdom today.  I ask You to reveal what You are thinking about today.  I humble myself to say, Lord whatever is on Your heart let it be on my heart too, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

 

LEAVE NO ROOM FOR DISCOURAGEMENT

“Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances and it endures everything [without weakening].”—1 Corinthians 13:7

 

David wrote Psalm 38 at a time that he was very discouraged.  He was a man whom God said was “after His own heart,” and yet here we see him downcast and discouraged, struggling and crying out in distress to God. “I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart, My heart pants, my strength fails me; as for the light of my eyes it also has gone from me. But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; and I am like a mute who does not open his mouth. Thus I am like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth is no response” (Psalm 38:6, 8, 10, 13-14).

 

Reading this Psalm, we get a picture of a man who is plagued by discouragement.  His soul is “cast down” to the point that all he could do was cry.  This is a man who hungered for the Lord and daily poured out his heart to Him in prayer and worship.  But now, discouragement has settled in on him and he can see no way out of this situation.

 

Many Christians are discouraged, and like David are trying to figure out why they feel so empty and broken in spirit. In this state, the enemy brings every failure, sin and foolish deed before them.  He then brings the thought to their minds, “Am I so wounded that I am beyond hope?” 

 

Even at his lowest point, David would not allow himself to excessively indulge in unbelief. Because of David’s relationship with God, He continued to cry out to Him in faith. “For in You, O Lord, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God” (vs. 15).

 

Today, you can cry out in faith to God for His help.  God is a God of love and His love never fails, even when we do.  His love is unconditional.  He loves you because He is love and He does not withdraw it from you—ever.   I Corinthians 13: 4-8a list the remarkable characteristics of God’s love. 

 

“Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy; is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited—arrogant, and inflated with pride; it is not rude (unmannerly), and does not act unbecomingly. Love [God’s love in us] does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it—pays no attention to a suffered wrong. It does not rejoice in injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances and it endures everything [without weakening].   Love never fails—never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end” [emphasis added].

 

As you mediate upon these Scriptures, strength and courage will come to your heart knowing that you can trust in God’s love for you; therefore, leaving no room for discouragement to grow.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that Your love dwells in my heart by faith, and where there is love discouragement cannot have a place in me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

INTERCEDE WITH CONFIDENCE

“…pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”—James 5:16 - 17

If you have ever been confused about how to intercede for someone, the Apostle Paul’s prayer in Colossians is appropriate for every person and every situation.  Because it fits perfectly with the will of God, you can ask these requests with great confidence—both for yourself and for others.

 

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 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; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.  He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:9-14).

 

To be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.  Not only do we need to know God’s plan for our lives; we also require discernment to distinguish His guiding voice from our own self-directed ideas.

 

To walk in a manner worth of the Lord, pleasing Him in all ways.  Our lives should be patterned after the One we follow, with a goal of glorifying and delighting Him.

 

To bear fruit in every good work.  Instead of being wrapped up in our own jobs, possessions, pleasures, and plans, we should be contributing to the lives of others.

 

To increase in the knowledge of God.  By reading His Word, applying it to our lives, and observing His ways, we will gain a deeper understanding of the Lord.

 

To be strengthened with His power so we remain steadfast.  The Christian life can be lived only with the Holy Spirit’s power.

 

To joyously give thanks for all the He has done for us. Believers should be characterized by joy and gratitude.

 

Our prayers should be focused on the spiritual work that the Lord is doing.  Effective prayers are based less on temporal needs and emphasize the Lord’s desires.  Your life will be transformed and you can intercede with confidence when the focus of your prayers is less temporal and more spiritual. 

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that You help me always and I ask for your help when I pray so that my prayers will be effective and life transforming, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

GOD SEEKS THOSE WHO ARE SEPARATED FROM HIM AND FEEL ALONE

 “…for He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”—Hebrews 13:5

 

People all over the world struggle with loneliness; however human beings were not designed to walk through this world alone.  God said that it was not good for man to be alone so He created him a helper, “And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him’” (Genesis 2:18).  Loneliness can cripple a person emotionally and spiritually.  We are made for relationship, which God gladly supplies.  

 

Have you ever noticed that throughout Jesus’ life that He would say things like, “I must be about my Father’s business,” and “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working?” (Luke 2:49, John 5:17).   He was the first person that ever called God His Father, and through this we see how His life demonstrated that intimate connection with the Heavenly Father.  The Heavenly Father desires our companionship just like He did in the Garden before the fall.  In the Garden, He called out to Adam and Eve seeking them, “Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9).  God has not changed; He is still seeking those who are separated from Him and feel alone, “For the son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).  Only Christ can fill the void of loneliness in your life.  No man, no woman, no child, no object, or animal was ever created to take the place in our hearts that is reserved for God Himself.  He has said, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3).

 

Although our source of intimate connection is to the Father, He has provided for our need to have emotional support and companionship through people.  The church is designed to meet our need for person-to-person intimacy.  A spiritual body works much like a human body—parts are both independent and interdependent, each needing others in order to function well.  We require support from our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Paul admonished people to accept one another, “Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God,” bear each other’s burdens, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill he law of Christ,” and avoid judging, “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way” (Romans 14:13). 

 

You may be experiencing the enemy’s pressure of loneliness and isolation; however, the Lord stressed His constant presence because He knows our need for assurance, especially when we feel deserted or isolated (Matthew 28:20; Joshua 1:5).  Even when we feel that we are alone and that no one cares, nothing can compare to drawing near to God “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…” (James 4:8). 

 

God wants every believer to completely trust that He is near.  And in case we forget that the Lord is near, He gave the Bible this consistent theme: I love you and I am with you always.  People need one another—Look around you and allow the Holy Spirit to use you to bear another’s burden in some way.  When we help others, our problems do not look as big.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for reminding me that You are with me always.  I ask You to open my eyes to see someone that I can help with the resources that You have given to me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

THE WAITING ARMS OF GOD

“…Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.”—Mark 10:14

 

Last year, a six year old child was among the twelve people who were murdered in a movie theater.  However, this does not tell the story about children’s deaths world-wide.  According to Global Issues, in 2007, “some 21,000 children die every day around the world.”   Furthermore they report that this is, “Equivalent to 1 child dying every 4 seconds, 14 children dying every minute, and that some 92 million children will die between the [years of] 2000 and 2010.”  The majority of the children die from, “Poverty, hunger, preventable diseases and illnesses.” 

 

Regardless of how a child dies, the impact upon the family can be devastating and long lasting, unless they have the assurance of where their child will spend eternity.  Nonetheless the death of a loved one is never easy, whether you are a Christian or not.  Understandably, people who experience the death of a child want assurance that their little one is safe in the arms of God.  The Bible is not explicit about what happens to those who are too young to make a proclamation of faith; however, the Lord’s mercy upon them becomes clear as we study His Word.

 

Over the years, people have created unbiblical explanations for what happens to little ones who die.  There are those who argue that salvation is available to some but not to others, which is scripturally inaccurate (see John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9).  Another more complicated theory holds that God uses His foreknowledge to determine whether a child who dies will enter heaven or hell.  The idea that He rescues those who He knows should have grown up and been saved, but He rejects the rest.  What terrible uncertainty that would mean for family members left behind.  Another inaccurate explanation contends that God uses His foreknowledge to allow some children to die because their life would not have been one of good moral judgment. 

 

God does not keep people guessing.  What His Word teaches is that during the early years of life, a child does not know how to choose good from evil, “Moreover your little ones, and your children, who you say will be victims, who today have no knowledge of good and evil…” (Deuteronomy 1:39).  “For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good…” (Isaiah 7:16) and therefore is not held responsible for his moral conduct.  Accordingly, when a little one departs from life, the Lord is waiting with open arms.  This is the only theology that makes biblical sense, given the Father’s character, desires, and plan.

 

Until a child is mature enough to decide about whether to serve the Lord, he or she is safe from divine judgment.  Our just and loving God does not punish children for being too young to grasp their need of a Savior.  Believers join their departed little ones in heaven, “But now he is dead… I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” (2 Samuel 12:23).

 

If you are a believer, then you have the assurance of an eternal home in heaven when you die, and you will be reunited with your believing loved ones in heaven. “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God, will bring with Him those who asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

 

Although there is grief in death, for the believer we are not to sorrow as others who have no assurance—no comfort, for we know that death is not the end; in Christ there is life everlasting.

 

Prayer—Father today I thank You that there is assurance and comfort knowing that in Christ there is life everlasting.  I pray for the families of children that Your Spirit of Comfort will touch their lives today and ease the pain and grief of death.  Lord help them to know that they are in Your loving care, in Jesus Name. Amen.

THE LOVE OF GOD IS CONTINUOUS

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND DO NOT TOLERANT WICKEDNESS

“These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him; A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that she innocent blood, a heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren.”—Proverbs 6:16-19 (Amplified)

 

In America, our society is constantly being bombarded by the media and special interest groups to be tolerant and accepting of people’s lifestyle choices that are in direct opposition to God’s ethical standards of conduct.  For example, special interest groups have led the charge to accept as a normal lifestyle, homosexuality, lesbians, same-sex marriage, and all manner of sexual perversion.  The Scripture explicitly forbids this lifestyle and instructs us not to approve it (Romans 1: 18-32). 

 

Let’s be clear, as Christians we are to love people, but we are not to condone lifestyle choices that are immoral and unethical.  We are to love and minister to people who are engaged in these activities, but we are not to be a partaker of another person’s sin.  As ministers of the gospel, there is no scriptural justification to tattoo and have body piercings to present the gospel to any particular group of individuals.

 

A spirit filled believer came to me one time and told me that she was going to start ministering to teenagers; furthermore, she believed that God had told her to get her nose pierced, so she could identify with the teenagers she would be witnessing too.  I shared with her the following scriptures which teach us concerning body piercings and tattoos.  “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:28).  Although 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 does not directly apply to tattoos or body piercings, it does give us a principle: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”  After I had shared these scriptures and reminded her that God does not contradict His Word, the young woman said, “I do not care what the Bible says; I am going to do it anyway!”   Even after I told her that I Samuel 15:23 said, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…” she stilled rebelled and got her nose pierced.  From that time on, this young woman has experienced a lot of difficulties in her life.

 

The Apostle John had a revelation that he wrote about in Revelation 2:18-23.  The church in Thyatira was doing well for the Lord.  The church was commended for their works, love, service, faith and patience; however, there was a problem because they tolerated a woman by the name of Jezebel.  Jezebel called herself a prophetess, and taught and seduced the people to commit sexual immorality and eat things that had been sacrificed to idols.  She was given time to repent of her sexual immorality, but she did not; therefore she experienced many difficulties.  

 

Examine your heart and make sure that you are not tolerating those things in your life that God does not tolerate.  He wants you to yield to the Holy Spirit so that your whole life is pleasing to Him.  

 

Prayer—Father I willing yield my life to You today, and if I am tolerating sin in my life in anyway, I ask You to show it to me.  I repent of anything that is not pleasing to You, and I ask You to strengthen me today so that I my life reflects You, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

GOD IS WILLING TO CALM THE STORMS OF LIVE

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

ANGER REACHES THOSE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY

“Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways, and set a snare for your soul”—Proverbs 22:23-24

 

Anger can wreak havoc on both the body and soul, but its tentacles reach beyond the individual and wrap around everyone in close proximity.   Bitter outbursts and silent resentment are not just our own personal issues.

 

An angry spirit is contagious.   It is passed from one person to another—and from one generation to the next.  Workplaces can become tense environments full of caustic words and attitudes.   Anger turns homes into battlegrounds of verbal explosions or silent hostility.   Even churches suffer from malicious gossip and fights over personal preferences.

God created us to live in fellowship with others, but anger can poison our relationships. Tragically, those closest to us are the ones who suffer the most.   Children learn to respond to life's situations by observing their parents' example.   They then develop similar attitudes and patterns of behavior.   We need to give serious thought to what kind of heart we are passing down to our sons and daughters.

 

Thankfully, God is in the heart-changing business.   Just as we learn an angry person's ways by association, so we can learn right-eous ways by walking closely with the Lord.   Christ calls us to come, learn from Him—and find rest for our souls “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest fro your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

 

Which would you prefer: churning anger or Christ's peace? Both require sacrifice.   To maintain anger, you might have to forfeit healthy relationships and a godly heritage for your descendants.   But to acquire peace, ask God to help you leave your grudges, personal rights, and insults on the altar.  Why not do that today?

 

Prayer—Father I give you my anger towards_________________.  I repent for harboring ill feelings, resentments, grudges, and anger and I ask You to forgive me.  I ask You to deliver me from a spirit of anger and that Your peace to flood my mind and heart, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

 

 

AS A CHRISTIAN, YOU ARE A MINISTER OF RECONCILIATION

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the word of reconciliation.”—2 Corinthians 5:18

 

Thousands of acres of forest, a great many homes have been burned due to a rash of wildfires in the western part of the United States. Fires currently burn in many western states including Arizona, California, Colorado and Oklahoma. Nineteen firefighters have been killed battling the blazes along with some home owners.   Firemen have risked and sacrificed their own lives in the rescue efforts while their own homes were being burnt to the ground.  Along with the devastating fires in the western part of the United States, the eastern region has experienced record breaking flooding.  And in Oklahoma, clean-up efforts continue due to the tornados.  Across the country, people are helping victims and their family members in any way possible. 

 

True compassion not only tries to understand the pain of others, but also provides practical help. 

 

In light of these recent calamities not only in America but that have occurred world-wide, let us consider how we can express care and concern for those affected.

 

First, remember that you and I have a wonderful privilege; the ability to touch anybody anywhere in the world through prayer.  No matter how far away the victims are, they can be comforted by God as He responds to your heartfelt cries.  So as soon as word of a tragedy reaches you, start praying for the victims, rescue workers, and officials managing the crisis.  Let the Holy Spirit guide you in petitioning God for protection, provision, comfort, awareness of His presence, and whatever else He deems fitting.  “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26). 

 

Second, donations (money, food, clothing, and household goods) and assistance of many kinds are usually high priority.  It is wise to team up with dependable relief organizations and to consult trusted sources about what is needed.  Travel limitations may narrow your options, but in local situations, you can express compassion with words of comfort, a warm embrace, or something as simple as a listening ear.  Through this kind of love, the world will recognize its true Light—Jesus Christ, who was anointed to bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the brokenhearted, and comfort all who mourn (Isaiah 61:1-2). 

 

Today, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal ways to pray for those that are still suffering, and how you can minister comfort to those that are in need.  Your prayers and actions can have a profound impact.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that I am a minister of reconciliation.  Holy Spirit will you please show me ways that I can minister and pray for those in need, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

EXPOSE THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF YOUR HEART

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Where Is Your Treasure?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

BECOME A SKILLED GIVER

“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves, a good foundation for the time to come that they may lay hold on eternal life”—1 Timothy 6:17-19

 

The more skilled you are at a task, the more you’ll enjoy it. For instance, when an orchestra adeptly plays a masterpiece, an accomplished musician will derive greater pleasure from listening than would a person with an untrained ear. You might be surprised to learn that the same is true of giving.

God has many reasons for asking us to give. First, by returning a portion of our wealth to the Lord, we are acknowledging that everything actually belongs to Him, “For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills…For the world is Mine and all its fullness” (Psalm 50:10, 12b).   Second, giving is a way to obey, “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering, from everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering” (Exodus 25:2).  Third, when we contribute to a ministry or reach out to help the needy, we participate in kingdom work, which brings deep joy. Fourth, our offerings are an opportunity for God to reveal His character; as we demonstrate generosity, He faithfully provides for our needs and blesses us abundantly, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).   Over and over again, the saying, “You can’t out-give God” proves true.

Giving involves more than money. God has blessed us with talents, time, and resources— along with plenty of opportunities to share them with others. It is important to rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance so we will know what, to whom, and how much we should give.

Remember, the Lord is continuously giving to us: salvation, comfort, encouragement, breath, life, and countless other blessings. We are indebted to Him and should give back, not just out of obligation, but with gratitude and joy, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).  Ask God to reveal any selfishness or other hindrance to sharing—and to help you become more skilled at giving.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for the blessing of giving.  I ask You to reveal any selfishness or hindrance in my life that holds me back from giving and sharing what You have given to Me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

CELEBRATE FREEDOM

“… Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”—John 8:34-36

 

While we live on this earth, our bodies and souls are united with Christ.  In his first letter to the church at Corinth, the Apostle Paul tells Christians that freedom in Christ is a serious responsibility.  “All this are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful.  All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.  Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them.  Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.  And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.  Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?  Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot?  Certainly not!  Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her?  For ‘the two,’ He says, ‘shall become one flesh.’  But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.  Flee sexual immorality.  Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.  Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (I Corinthians 6:12-20).

 

Yes, we can eat what we want, spend our times as we please, and pursue activities we enjoy.  However, as believers, we are inseparably joined to Christ’s church.  This means that when we die, we are raised up to live with Him forever.  However, before we enter heaven, we live on the earth and our bodies and souls are joined to the Lord.  We are not our own; we belong to the Lord. 

 

As temporary custodians of these bodies, we have the responsibility to find out what is and what is not good for them.  We must exercise discipline with our God-given liberties because there is no value in “freedom” that spiritually cripples believers or causes pain, shame, and guilt.

 

Notice the distinction that Paul makes between freedom in Christ and reckless abandon; God’s grace and forgiveness cover our sins, but that does not give us permission to engage in harmful behavior.  As followers of Jesus, we are to give ourselves over to the pursuit of godly living, not self-serving pleasures.  Christians are “earthen-vessels,” created by God to fulfill His purpose and bring honor and glory to Him.  “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).  Therefore, anything that violates the human body is not permissible for us.  

 

True freedom means living without the chains of sin and destructive behavior.  Jesus Christ paid a price to release you from those bonds.  Therefore, do not put your body into slavery to damaging habits.  Glorify God with your whole self—heart, mind, soul and body.

 

Prayer—Father I thank you with Your help I take the responsibility for my freedom seriously. I ask you to forgive me for giving my body, mind, will and emotions to things that are harmful to me.   I, like the Apostle Paul, bring my body into subjection to Your will. I purpose to live a life humbly submitted to Your will knowing that You have my best interest at heart, in Jesus Name. Amen.

YOUR SOUL SEEKS TO FIND SATISFACTION

“Ho!  Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what it is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good and let your soul delight itself in abundance.”—Isaiah 55:1-2

 

 Have you ever gone to a restaurant to eat, but when you looked on the menu there was nothing on it that seemed to fill the vague sense of emptiness or discontent that you were experiencing?  You did not have anything specific in mind to order, but just something to fill a longing.  Whatever you choose will probably not fill you up, because the empty spot is not in your stomach, but is in your soul. 

 

Whether the substance is food, career, possessions, or relationships, your soul is continually trying to find satisfaction.  But nothing in this world will fill the void.  Since we are created for relationship with God, He placed deep within us a yearning for Him.  Although we may not recognize it as such, everyone knows the feeling of dissatisfaction that at times seeps into our souls.  Whenever we attempt to find fulfillment with worldly substitutes, disappointment and disillusionment are sure to follow.

 

There are two possible menus from which we can choose to fill our empty souls.  Satan’s menu is long and full of enticing things that seem to promise fulfillment and pleasure.  These could include relationships, prominence, acceptance, riches or recognition.  Whatever he offers looks like the good life that will bring contentment, but it is a deception.  Recently, my husband told me that he saw a news story about a woman posting her “soul” for sale on EBay.  But God’s menu is quite small.  In fact, it list just one “item”—Jesus.  He is the only one who can fill the void. 

 

What are you pursuing in life?  Have you found the satisfaction that you seek, or is there always a vague sense of discontent in your soul?  If you will give Jesus a bigger place in your life and spend focused, unhurried time with Him, He will satisfy you as nothing else can.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that my soul delights itself in You. I purpose to put you first in my days and that when I have a sense of dissatisfaction help me to remember that You are always present in my life, in Jesus Name. Amen

DEPEND ON GOD’S REVELATION TO GIVE

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”—2 Corinthians 9:6

 

In school, we learned how to subtract and to add.  Take away and you will have less than what you began with; add, and you will have more than what you started with.  The view point of the world thinks that when you give something away then you will have less than what you started with; however, God tells us that when we give, we will receive even more in return.  “Give, and it will be given to you.  They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return” (Luke 6:38 NASB).

 

God’s design for giving requires that we depend on His revelation rather than our own human reasoning.  Logical thinking would look to see how much money you had before deciding how much is available to give.  The Bible, however, states that all wealth belongs to the Lord and we are to give back to Him the first fruits of our labor (Deuteronomy 18:4-5).  “Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the Lord your God, also the earth with all that is in it” (Deuteronomy 10:14).  When we obey, we trust Him to take care of us—which sometimes means choosing to ignore what makes logical sense and.  There are times that God satisfies our needs and blesses us in a way He knows will truly be the best for us. 

 

When facing hard financial circumstances, we can be tempted to justify hoarding our resources.  But God, who perfectly understands the situation, requires that we give not simply out of our surplus, but out of our need.  The Macedonian church, for example, gave generously even while experiencing affliction.  “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints” (2 Corinthians 8:1-4).  This pleased the Lord because they were giving in faith.

 

The world-over, people are facing difficult financial situations.  And yet, the Heavenly Father has provided a way of escape for His people by giving.  When God divided the Red Sea for His people to escape, the waters were pushed back to form a three mile wide corridor for three million people to walk across on dry land.  You may be facing a huge financial situation, but remember, you have a big god who has provided a way of escape for you.  Prayerfully give and stand in faith on God’s promise to you—He directs your seed to be multiplied back to you.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for Your means of financial escape for me.  No problem is too big for You, and today I ask You to direct the placement and the amount of my giving, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER IS ABOUT JESUS

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made of all men.”—I Timothy 2:1

 

The Holy Spirit has ignited the fire in people’s hearts to pray.  Prayer groups are springing up everywhere.  The Holy Spirit is gathering people who will yield to the Lord and prayer what is on the heart of the Father. 

 

Intercessory Prayer is not about the prayer list, how loud or quite someone prayers, or how many demons are bound or loosed.  Intercessory Prayer is about Jesus.  Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30).  Intercessory Prayer is about yielding to Jesus so that He can work through you.  Intercessory Prayer is much more effective when we yield to the Lord, it is much easier, much less effort is required, and much more is accomplished, in a shorter amount of time.

 

Let me ask you a question.  Who is the intercessor?  You?  Me?  No, it's Jesus.   "He is the great high priest…and He is ever living to make intercession for us" (Hebrews 4). So it is He who is the intercessor. Scripture tells us that, "God looked for a man to stand in the gap" and that HE FOUND ONE (Isaiah 59:16). His name is Jesus.   

 

Everything that goes to God must be initiated BY God. It's Jesus by His Spirit that works through you as you yield to Him in your praying and interceding.  You make yourself available and His Spirit will move on you, in you and through you. When it's Him it's not hard. The anointing comes on you and you may weep over China, or Korea. As He moves on you, you may declare some things, you may speak scriptures, you might speak in tongues, you may dance, you may sing, or you may laugh.  BUT IT LIFTS because it's not you, it's Him.

 

Religious Spirits can turn Intercessory Prayer into false burdens that allow the spirit of battle to operate instead of the Holy Spirit.  The false burdens makes it feel like it is all up-to-you—Your Responsibility to fight every foe.  Jesus has won the battle!  IT IS FINISHED!  Yield to the Holy Spirit. You personally can not change anyone or make anyone do anything.  It is only the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of people and governments that can bring about a change.  Jesus didn't run around Jerusalem, or Galilee or Bethany trying to meet every need. He did what the Father told Him to do, no more and no less.  And as a by-product, there were miracles and deliverances that were awesome and God got the glory. 

 

Remember, God never anoints what you do; He anoints what He does.  It is yielding to the Holy Spirit as He moves through you.

 

Prayer—Father today I yield to the Spirit of Truth who teaches me and guides me into all truth. Lord show me if I have had a false religious spirit of battle instead of Your true spirit of prayer.  Today I repent of any false burdens and false responsibilities in prayer.   May the truth of your intercessory heart beat within me as I yield myself to You to pray, supplicate, make intercessions, and give thanks for all people, in Jesus Name. Amen.

DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED—YOU ARE A GIANT IN THE FAITH

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”—Philippians 4:13

 

When I was a teenager, I went to a traveling carnival that advertised, among many other things, a man who was over seven feet tall and could lift over 400 lbs.   I will never forget how big this man was.  It was quite an experience to see him.

 

Goliath was a giant that was twice as tall as David (I Samuel 17).  David probably weighted no more than the coat of mail that Goliath wore, but he was bigger on the inside than Goliath was on the outside.  We too, often evaluate things only in physical terms.  Physically, Goliath was a giant; but in trusting God, he was a dwarf.  David was the giant in faith, and that was what won the battle.  Anyone who is strong in faith believes that God is a giant in the spiritual realm, and able to do great exploits. 

 

We overestimate and over-emphasize the problems that confront us because we forget who we are in Jesus Christ.  David was God’s anointed king, but Jesus is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lord’s because He slew the greatest giant mankind has ever faced: sin.  Everyone born of God is a spiritual giant with power and authority far greater than anything we encounter from the enemy, the world, or our flesh, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (I John 5:4).

 

Ask God to open your eyes to who you are in the spirit.  You will find that you are a giant who will no longer be intimidated by dwarfs that the enemy has posed as giants!  The truth is that you are anointed and powerful as David and even more today because you have the Holy Spirit living inside you.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that the greater one dwells in me and no longer will I be intimidated by “dwarfs.”  I speak to my mountain and command it to come down in the authority and Name of Jesus.  I know to whom I belong and I refuse to give place to the devil any longer, in Jesus Name. Amen. 

 

 

GOD’S HELPER ENDS SELF-EFFORT

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper that He may abide with you forever.”—John 14:16

 

Control is a delusion that many people face every day.  Their decision to control every aspect of their life leaves little room for the Lord to work.  God loves us and He wants us to do what we can, but not to the exclusion of ruling Him out.  He longs to help us; otherwise, He would not have said that He would send the Holy Spirit as our Helper and Comforter. 

 

I read a story about a man who thought that he could do anything and had complete control of everything.  As a young man, he built his first home complete with masonry, plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work.  And as he progressed through life he had different jobs that he handled with ease.  Even in later years, when his wife became ill and her health deteriorated he took over the responsibility of the housework, and cooking, etc.  He said that he thought that he could handle the additional responsibility with ease.  His breaking point came when his wife could no longer be cared for at home and she had to be placed into a nursing home.  He lost control of everything and became physically ill.  Finally his doctor referred him to a therapist who suggested to him that he, “take it one day at a time.”    Although he and his wife had attended church regularly, it wasn’t until he began to ponder Matthew 6:34 that a difference began to dawn in his heart.  “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”  He remembered a song that he and his wife sang as teenagers, “Come into My Heart, Lord Jesus.”  Each night before he went to sleep he would repeat the words to the song and ask Jesus to help him.  It wasn’t long before he realized that Jesus was helping him, and that He had been their in his heart all these years, but that he had never asked for His help.

 

Today I encourage you to ask the Lord for His help.  He longs to undergird you and make your burden lighter.  He wants you to know that you do not have to do every thing yourself.  He is here to help you, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).  Allow Him to do what He has promised that He would—just call out to Him.

 

Prayer—Heavenly Father I thank You that You care for me.  Today I am choosing to lean upon You and not what I can do by my self-efforts.  Come into my heart, Lord Jesus to stay and help me along the way, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU FOR SALVATION

“But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,”—2 Thessalonian 2:13

 

In the Apostle Paul’s second letter written to the Thessalonian church, he plants seeds of truth in the lives of the believers.  Because the seeds of false doctrine had been sown among the believers causing them to waver in their faith, he is replanting truth in their lives.  His words are like cool water to a dry and thirsty land. 

 

I want to encourage you today that just as the Apostle Paul reminded the believers that they had been chosen by God—you are chosen by God.  Never forget that God is not willing that any should perish, but all should come to the knowledge of truth.  This gives us the foundation to believe that God has chosen us to represent Him so that the world can see Him. 

 

The word “salvation” is an all inclusive word.  It means everything that we have needed.  So when we say that God has chosen us for salvation it means:  God chose you for good.  He chose you for blessing.  He chose you for wholeness.  He chose you for health.  He chose you for a happy life.  He chose you for a purpose.  He chose you to be included, to be safe, to be loved, to belong, to be useful, to have dignity, and esteem.  He chose you! 

 

He had you in mind for all these good things and He did it through sanctification by the Spirit.  Sanctification means to be set apart.  He chose you and He set you apart.  See yourself set-apart.  Set apart from bondage, set apart from sickness, set apart from fear, set apart from anger, resentment, jealousy, and inferiority and the control of the enemy. 

 

As you live your life set apart, you continually believe these words of truth.     Believe that God loves you, believe that He chose you, believe that salvation is yours believe that as you extend it to others that it is effective and changes lives. 

 

I encourage you today to water others with the truth of salvation today, and as you water others you yourself will be watered.

 

Prayer—Heavenly Father I thank You that I have been chosen by You for salvation and today I purpose in my heart to see myself as You have made me—set apart for every good work, in Jesus Name.  Amen.