HEARING: THE BENEFIT OF SALVATION

“To Him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.” –John 10:3

 

One of the greatest benefits of salvation is that of hearing God speak to us personally. Salvation is a two-way relationship with both parties speaking and hearing.  There can be no intimate relationship with your heavenly Father if you never hear Him speak to you.  Jesus said that His sheep hear His voice.  Notice that He did not say that they might, could or even would, but that His sheep hear. 

 

When Jesus laid down his life, He laid it down for His friends.  “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13).  He went on to say in verse 15,  “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

 

Be encouraged today that God is speaking to you, He has many ways to communicate with you, but His primary way is through His Word (Hebrews 1:1-2).  When you read and mediate on the Word of God, it is like Jesus talking to you. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).

 

Prayer—Thank you, Lord that I am Your friend and that I hear your voice when You speak to me, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

HEAR GOD: KNOW YOUR ENEMY AND AVOID DECEPTION

“Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith…” – I Peter 5:8, 9

 

In the Garden of Eden, God gave specific instructions to Adam and Eve even to what they could eat.  Satan, God’s enemy, came to Eve and through deception caused her to doubt the meaning of God’s instructions.  Adam and Eve chose to disbelieve what God said, and instead chose to believe Satan’s lies.

 

It is important to understand that Satan continues to deceive people today by using the same rationale as he did in the Garden of Eden: justification—God does not mean what He says.  Every time we do not put into practice what is found in Scripture, we are rationalizing contrary to truth and are being deceived.  God’s Word is truth, and by believing anything that is contrary to the Word of God, we are allowing ourselves to be deceived.

 

Our hearts bear witness to the truth.  Learning to hear Him begins with filling our hearts with His written Word.  When we hear something that does not agree with what is written in His Word, it is deception.  1 John 4: 1-3 tells us how to hear God, know our enemy and avoid deception, “Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God.”

 

Prayer—Lord, thank You for giving me guidelines how to hear You, know my enemy and to avoid deception.  Thank You for Your Word it is life to me, in Jesus Name.  Amen. 

 

CRY OUT TO GOD FOR HELP WITH 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.

THE KEY IN PRAYER TO RECEIVING ANSWERS IS USING THE RIGHT ADDRESS

 “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.”—John 16:23

 

There is a key to prayer that will unlock the doors and windows of heaven and grant your every need.  Without this key we can not get an answer to our prayers. This key is found in John chapter 16: “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.  Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (vs. 23-24). 

 

Jesus is our Mediator, Intercessor, Advocate, and Lord.  He stands between us and the Father.  There is no where in Scripture that it is ever recorded that Jesus told His disciples to pray to Him.  They were always told to pray to the Father in Jesus’ Name.  Therefore if we want to be sure our prayers reach Heaven and the throne of God, we pray according to what is written in the Word of God.  Jesus said to ask the Father in His Name.  This is the key that will unlock heaven in our behalf.

 

Prayer should be addressed to the Father in Jesus’ Name.  This is the key to seeing our prayers answered.  You see Jesus’ Name is exalted above every name in heaven, in earth, and under the earth.    “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 should 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: 9-11).  So whatever we ask in Jesus’ Name, our hearts are assured that the Father hears and answers.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that my heart is assured—has confidence because You have given to me the key that unlocks heaven’s answer when I pray in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.    

 

 

 

 

 

DISCERN WHAT IS GOOD AND WHAT IS BAD

“And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written, Amen.”—John 21:25

 

Every detail of every man’s life that has ever walked on the earth has not impacted the world as much as the few recorded details of Jesus’ life.  Jesus was not just a man; He was God manifested in the flesh (I Timothy 3:16). 

 

In Acts 10:38, Peter gave a brief yet descriptive summary of the life and ministry of Jesus. “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”  Jesus was anointed with power and with the Holy Spirit.  He used this power, to do good, not evil.  This is one of the main characteristics of God and it is one of the easiest ways to discern what is from God and what is from the devil.  God is a good God and the devil is a bad devil.  If it is bad, it is from the devil; if it is good, it is from God.  “Good and upright is the Lord…” (Psalm 25:8).

 

Tragedy can come from three sources: God, Satan, and natural law.  God’s wrath rests upon unbelievers only, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18).  Believers will never experience His wrath, “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him” (Romans 5:9).  New Testament believers are exempt from the punitive judgment of God since Jesus bore it for them, “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:10).

 

As for natural law, as mankind violates the laws of God, in both a natural and moral sense, they will reap what they sow, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). For example, if a person drives recklessly and kills themselves and others, it is not God or the devil that killed them.  They violated natural law and thus paid the price.  Unfortunately, the devil often steps in to accuse God of being behind all tragedy.  But our God is a good God, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17). 

 

It is incorrect to believe that God has some redemptive purpose in tragedies.  This type of thinking will lead you to ignore the devil and give him a free hand to destroy your life.  It will also cause you not to use wisdom. “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.  He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God” (3 John 11).

 

Today determine to walk in the sure knowledge that God is a good God, and that He has good things in store for you today.  Say with the psalmist, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for Your goodness in my life.  I choose to impact my world by demonstrating Your goodness to the world, in Jesus Name. Amen.

GUILT BLOCKS FORWARD MOVEMENT

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”—2 Corinthians 7:10

 

I once read a survey that asked 500 people what emotions that they felt when experiencing guilt.  The answers really touched my heart.  People reported feeling punished, depressed, worthless, rejected, and isolated.  A general sense of low self-esteem overwhelmed the people who responded to the survey.  There was no joy, no hope, and no vitality.  In a sense, it is as though the feelings of guilt had completely blotted out everything else in their lives. 

 

These are the same emotions that many who are imprisoned in the penal systems around the world feel.  Prisoners tell me that they feel especially guilty about their families and what they are going through.  I ministered to a prisoner, I will call Joe (not his real name), who was a member of a vibrant Bible teaching congregation before he was sentenced to twenty years for shooting a man while committing a robbery.  Joe was a broken man, both spiritually and physically when I met him.  The open door to the root cause of Joe’s many physically aliments: Guilt.  Through much personal ministry, Joe began to discover where his guilt was coming from.

 

Are you dealing with intense feelings of guilt right now?  If so, consider one simple question: Where does your guilt come from? 

 

Joe began to understand that God was not mad at him and was not holding anything against him.  Joe discovered where his guilt was coming from—the enemy and himself.  Although he attended an alive and growing church, he never devoted any of his time to personal spiritual growth, and fell back into his old habits and old friends.  He was plagued by personal guilt, and an Assaulting Spirit of Guilt by Satan.  This spirit would come into his cell at night and physically assault him leaving scratches and bruises.  I bound this spirit from assaulting Joe and when he was strong enough, I cast the spirit out and the many others associated with it.  Jesus said, “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26).

 

In 2 Corinthians 7:10, we see two forms of guilt.  One is a sorrow that comes from God.  This call to repentance is a tool that the Lord uses to draw unbelievers to Himself through salvation in Christ.  It also motivates believers to confess any wrongs causing “hindrance’” in their fellowship with Him.

 

A second form of guilt is the dark emotion that plagues people, like Joe, with remorse and the reactions mentioned on the survey.  Such sorrow is not from God at all, but from the world.

 

If you have received Jesus’ free gift of salvation but still struggle under the assault of guilt, let Scripture assure you; these feelings did not come from God.  He is not attacking you.  Rather, He holds the key to unlock the door to your freedom.  Do not fall victim to the Enemy’s lies.  In Christ, you are forgiven and fee.  Walk free today!

 

Prayer—Father I thank you for setting me free from guilt and shame.  Today, I will not allow the enemy to steal my freedom from me with feelings of guilt and hopelessness.  Thank You that You love me and believe in me and that You are not holding anything against me and that the enemy’s power has been broken over my life in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

CONTENTIONS ARE BEST AVOIDED

“But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.”—Titus 3:9

 

In today’s cultural climate, the Church is being urged to accept the false teaching of tolerance and acceptance.  Just as in Titus day so is it in our day, false teachers are in the Body of Christ disputing the fact of absolute truth.  False teachers say that there are many ways to God; however, Scripture clearly teaches us that Jesus is the only way to God, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6). 

 

The Holy Scriptures affirm that God exists.  He spoke the universe into existence.  He has revealed Himself in the written words of Scripture and supremely in the person of Jesus Christ, who is God in human flesh.  God is true whether you or I believe in Him or not and whether we like who He is or not.  You can make up a god who is all love, who never judges anyone, but such a god is not the God who has revealed Himself in the Scriptures.  You can make-up a God who lets everyone into heaven, no matter what the person believers, but that god is not the God found in the Scriptures.  If you believe in this tolerant god, then you have rejected Jesus Christ, who taught something very exclusive and narrow—absolute truth.

 

When the Apostle Paul was writing his letter to Titus, he was instructing him to set things in order, to ordain elders, he set forth the qualities of a sound church, and how to deal with those causing conflict in the church.  “But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.  Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:8-9).  Among the four things that Paul listed to avoid was contentions.

 

Contentions are the same as strife.  Strife in the original language means contention, wrangling or quarrels.  It refers to engagement in rivalry, especially with reference to positions taken in a matter, such a belief in the meaning of a genealogy.  Strife is a general term that carries the ideas of all kinds of self-centered rivalry and contentiousness about the truth.  Strife is an expression of enmity with bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissension.  It refers to persistent contention, bickering, petty disagreement, and enmity.  It reflects a spirit of hostile competitiveness that fights to have its own way, regardless of cost to itself or of harm to others.  It is produced by a deep desire to prevail over others, to gain the highest prestige, prominence, and recognition possible.  Strife is characterized by self-indulgence and selfishness.  It has no place even for simple tolerance, much less for humility or love.

 

Paul told Titus to Avoid contention.  The word “avoid” means to keep away from somebody or something.   Paul was telling Titus to, “Turn yourself about so that you will avoid these things.”  “Continually place yourself at a distance from these and stand aloof from them.”  This command is specifically given to Titus but obviously applies to believers because no one is completely exempt from the corruptive influence of falsehood.   

 

Many times parents will tell children to walk away from a fight.  We as believers can do the same thing with contentions.  We may be exposed to false teaching and doctrines, but we have a way of limiting our exposure—avoidance.

 

Charles Spurgeon said of the believer, “Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions, but to avoid them altogether; and if we observe the apostle’s precept [Titus 3:8] to be careful to maintain good works, we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable business to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings”.

 

Prayer—Father I ask You to forgive me for the times that I engage in foolish disputes, contentions, and endless explaining.  I ask You to help me turn my back to avoid these false disputes and to engage in good works that will bring glory to Your name and expand Your kingdom, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOD’S WAY OF INTERVENTION

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

 

Are you currently waiting for the Lord to intervene in some way in your life, or in the life of a loved one?  One of the struggles we face as Christians is trying to understand sometimes there are delays over matters that seem so urgent to us. Only the Lord knows all of the reasons.  However, there are some lessons that we can learn from when Peter and John were arrested and put into jail. 

 

Peter and John were arrested and jailed because they preached in the name of Jesus, the resurrection from the dead, and people were being healed.  When they were brought up before the authorities they refused to compromise and would not cease to give their testimony.  They were threatened and released.  Peter and John returned to the people that they were with, and then began to worship and praise God.  The place was shaken where they were all gathered and they spoke the Word of God with boldness (Acts 4:1-31). 

 

The first lesson is: Determine Your Focus.  In the urgency of the moment, it is easy to center your attention on the need instead of on God.  Peter and John remained focus on their message, not on getting out of jail.  We may start out waiting for the Lord, but end up waiting for the answer we want.  Soon we become more interest in what God can do for us, rather than our focus remaining in Him.  He wants us to delight in Him; not in just what He can give to us.

 

Secondly, Release Your Expectations into His Hands.  Peter and John said, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. Fore we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).  The Lord is working on your behalf, but sometimes we cling so tightly to a desired outcome that He must wait until we open our hands and let go of our own expectations.  Holding onto your own assumptions about how the Lord should intervene is emotionally exhausting.  But peace awaits those who trust that He will do what is in our best interests in every situation that we encounter.

 

Prayer—Father I thank you that I keep my focus upon You and I release my desire into Your hands as I wait for the answer, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

WALK THROUGH TRIALS WITH CONFIDENCE WITH A DAILY DOSE OF GRACE

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

 

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

 

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

2.      Grace builds our confidence in our Heavenly Father.  Nothing looks hopeless when we focus on Him instead of on our problems.

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

GOD HAS PROMISED TO HELP US

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” –3 John 2

 

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul states how the help that he received from them was like a “sweet-smelling aroma an acceptable sacrifice.”   “Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.  Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.  Indeed I have all and abound, I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God, shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:15-19).  Furthermore, he pointed out that they were the only ones who had helped and partnered with him in these efforts.

 

Although there are difficulties in life, God has promised to us help.  In our scripture, the Greek word (euodoo) “prosper” means to get help on the road, to succeed in business affairs and to have a prosperous journey.  As Christians, we are, “to walk by faith, not by sight’ (2 Corinthians 5:7).  Our heavenly Father knows that while we are walking by faith it will not be easy and euodoo promises us ‘help on the way.’ 

 

Whatever you may be facing today begin to say with all confidence, help is on the way. The psalmist wrote, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted I Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him’ (Psalm 28:7).

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that You care for me and today by faith I declare that help is on the road, that I succeed in business affairs and I have a prosperous journey, in Jesus Name. Amen.

IN THE DAYS OF ADVERSITY, FAITHFULLNESS WILL SEE YOU THROUGH

 

"That You may give him rest from the days of adversity.  Unitl the pit is dug for the wicked."  Psalm 94:13

 

 

How you view adversity will determine your outcome.  Do you see it through the veil of unbelief and doubt, or through the eye of faith, even when you do not understand?  When believers go through test and trials, it is rare to hear someone say, “My faith has gotten me the victory.”  Usually what we hear about is the difficulty and at the end at phrase is stuck onto the sentence that says something like, “Thank God He brought me through.”  The attitude is almost in reluctance that a way of escape was made by God in His great mercy and compassion for the individual.

 

However this was not the case with Ruth. The book of Ruth records the story of a young woman from Moab who chose by faith to follow the God of her mother-in-law, Naomi, instead of the gods of her ancestors.  To me, the most striking life lesson that we can learn from Ruth is her faithfulness to her mother-in-law and the God that she had chosen to serve.  She had given up her ancestral gods to serve the one true living God. 

 

Although Ruth was from Moab, she became an ancestor of David and Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5- 16) through her willing obedience.  Ruth’s husband, Mahlon, was the son of a Hebrew, Naomi and Elimelech.  Naomi and her family came to the land of Moab to escape the famine in Judah.  After the deads of Mahlon, his brother, Chilion, and their father, Elimelech, Namoi and her daughter-in-laws lived in the land of the Moabbities.  However, their came a day when she woke up from her situation and decided to move back where she had come from.  She wanted to send her daughter-in-laws back to their families, but Ruth was the only one who would not go, in fact she said this to her mother-in-law, Namoi, “…Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God” (Ruth 1:6).  When Ruth said this she was demonstrating her faithfulness to God, in times of adversity—even when she did not understand. 

 

Faith stands and faith talks.  All through the book of Ruth and during, very tumulus times, we see the faithfulness of this young woman demonstrated in acts of service and loving kindness.  She demonstrated faith in God and not in her circumstances.  When was the last time you shared with someone, on told them how God has delivered You.” 

 

Ruth’s faith was in God, not in herself or her circumstances.  She was young, innocent, and weak.  Her faith demanded obedience.  She followed (God to Judah, and to the field of Boaz.  Her life of faith is an example to all believers, faith must be lived in our actions, not just spoken with our lips.

 

Prayer—Father I thank you for bringing  your people into this city of refuge, where you are as close as mention that name.  Let your people never forget your faithfulness and willingness to turn hopeless situations around, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

WHAT PLAN ARE YOU FOLLOWING?

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

PRACTICING TRUTH FROM GOD RESULTS IN SPIRITUAL GROWTH

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”—James 1:27

 

If you want to genuinely grow in spiritual maturity, it is not enough to simply be instructed by the Word of God.  You may love going to church or listening to Christian radio or television programs.  You might talk about everything you hear and assume that you are growing because your knowledge is increasing.  However, if you do not actually grow closer to God by allowing His Word to change you from the inside out, your head will merely continue to fill with information.  You might even sound like a godly person who is admired for the ability to quote chapter and verse.  But if you do not take the next step and allow God to touch others’ lives through you, you are missing the point.

 

Spiritual growth is the result of practicing the truth you receive from God.  He wants you to give away what He give to you—that is, by loving and serving others and sharing the truth of the gospel.  Our example is Jesus, who said that He did not come to be served, but to serve even the lowest outcast of society.  “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).  He could have exalted Himself and spent all His time preaching and teaching.  Instead, Jesus did only the Father’s will, which was to reveal His heart of love to a broken world.  The Lord sacrificially involved Himself in people’s lives, and He calls us to follow in His footsteps.

 

God’s plan is to reach the world though you.  If that were not the case, He would have taken you to heaven as soon as you were born again.  But you are here for a purpose—to live out Christ’s life alongside hurting people who desperately need to experience His love. 

 

Prayer—Father thank You for helping me today to reach someone who needs to experience Your love, in Jesus Name. Amen.

TRUE FREEDOM: NO CHAINS

“… 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.

DISTRACTIONS PULL YOU OFF OF GOD’S PURPOSE

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”—Ephesians 4:23-24

 

Have you ever noticed that when you get started on an important project that inevitably interruptions begin to occur?  Sometimes these interruptions can get so pronounced that you become distracted from the project and you loose your focus, your purpose?  These distractions, if not dealt with properly, end up as a big source of stagnation in our daily lives.  If you want to stay focused on achieving your dreams and God’s purpose for your life, you need to find everything in your life that is distracting you and eliminate it.

 

Then enemy does not want you to find out what is distracting you.  For some it might be poor relationships, video games, television, social media or other people’s drama, just to name a few.  Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what distractions are pulling you off of God’s purpose.   I have noticed that when I move on from specific aspects of my life that are preventing me from progressing, new ones start to come into my life which help accelerate my goals. It’s like being a receiver in football. You have this defender on you running everywhere you go, preventing you from catching the ball. But after a few plays you begin to realize what you need to do to get past him, and catch the pass for a touchdown.   Remember, Satan can not out run God and He always makes a way of escape for you.  His plans for you are for good and to bring you to an expected end.

 

Franklin Graham said, “There is not a single thing that Jesus cannot change, control, and conquer because He is the living Lord.”

 

Prayer—Heavenly Father I ask You to shine Your light upon the distraction(s) in my life and give me Your wisdom on how to remove them, so that I can fulfill Your purpose for me, in Jesus Name.  Amen

 

 

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OPTIMISM IS A CHOICE

^“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”—Colossians 3:2

 

Have you ever heard of the expression, “Is your glass of water half-full or half-empty”?  The person speaking this means how do you view things?  Are you an optimistic type person who tends to see events in a positive manner, or do you see them more pessimistically, in a negative manner? 

 

I think that Abraham must have been an optimistic person because the Scriptures say that, “(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; (Romans 4:17).  God changed Abram’s name to Abraham. He went from being called “exalted Father” to being called “father of a multitude,” even though they were childless. Abraham and Sarah called those things that do not exist as though they did for 25 years before God’s promise was fulfilled in their lives.  They choose to see the promise fulfilled instead of being pessimistic and seeing their glass of water half-empty.

 

Jesus was an optimistic person He prayed, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me,” even before Lazarus was raised from the dead (John 11:41).  We, as God’s people, are instructed to be optimistic.  Joel 3:10 reads, “Let the weak say, I am strong.” God says in Isaiah 57:19, “I create the fruit of the lips…”

 

 Rejoice in the day that God has given to you by thinking and speaking optimistically about yourself, your family, and your future.  Be quick to give God thanks, for it is He who daily loads us down with benefits.  And we should be quick to acknowledge these blessings.

 

Prayer—Father I ask You to help me see as You see, to set my mind on things above and not see things from a worldly perspective which has no hope and no way out.  Lord, thank You that in You there is always a way of escape and when I see my world through the lens of Your Spirit I can see clearly and know that everything will be alright, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

AGE IS NOT DETERMINED BY YEARS BUT IN ATTITUDE

“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’”—Psalms 126:2

 

Today I hear so many people say age related statements such as, “I suppose I can expect a little morning stiffness, you know I am over 50.”  Or, “My body just does not do the things it did 20 years ago.”  Have you ever thought that too much time had gone by and God was not going to answer a prayer for you, now that you are older?  The Bible tells us what Sarah did when she over heard God talking to her husband, Abraham, when he was 99 years old.  God promised him that he and his wife would have a son the following year.  “So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” (Genesis 18:12 NIV).   By Sarah’s response, we can see that she did not expect God to keep His promise.  She allowed chronological years to determine her attitude, instead of faith in God’s word. 

Now let’s look at her response the following year when God’s promise was fulfilled in the birth of her son, Isaac. “Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me” (Genesis 21:6 NIV).  Sarah’s response this time is entirely different.  This time her laughter is filled with joy and delight because God’s promise had been fulfilled. 

Have you ever noticed that burdens and disappointments seem to disappear when the answer comes to our prayers?  We forget the struggle because our attitude has changed.  Today, I challenge you not to allow your age or the length of time that you have prayed about something to infect your attitude with unbelief.  Keep a joyful heart and let your mouth be filled with songs of joy and praise because faithful is He who has called you who always will do it.

Prayer—Father I repent of the times that I have allowed an attitude of unbelief to reign in my heart, please forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  With Your help I will fix my eyes upon You and the Promises You have made to me and my mouth will be filled with laughter and praise because You are an awesome God and nothing is too difficult for You, in Jesus Name. Amen.

THE HOLY SPIRITS GUIDANCE SYSTEM WORKS IN YOUR BEHALF

 “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”—Galatians 5:16

 

The times that we feel deep satisfaction and great joy are when we connect with our God-given purpose.  It is important to understand that we cannot achieve the Lord’s purposes on our own; it is only by His strength and direction that we are able to succeed.

 

Jesus warned us in John 16:33 that trouble is an integral part of life in this world.  “These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  As humans, we easily forget how weak we are, and tend to take on the challenges of life in our own strength and resourcefulness.  Human nature wants to tackle life by itself, and in its own power, and then take the credit.  So when temptations, trials, criticism, gossip, and persecution assail, many of us have the tendency to go into high gear and try all the harder in our own strength and self-reliance.  This may work for awhile, but in the long run, self-reliance creates a mess and is filled with pride.  To have long lasting results in our life we must follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance. 

 

Prayer—Father I surrender my life anew to You today.  I ask You to forgive me for the times that I have pride-fully went my own way and sought my solutions instead of Yours.  Today I yield myself to the Holy Spirit’s control in Jesus Name. Amen.

PURSUE THE TREASURE OF WISDOM

“For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.”—Proverbs 8:11

 

Because we live in what is called the “Information Age,” it is important to know the best way to deal with the information.  I have noticed that while there is a lot of knowledge floating around, there is not much wisdom.   Godly wisdom is the capacity to see things from the Lord’s viewpoint and respond according to scriptural principles.  You can not instantly download that ability, but you can acquire it gradually over time.

 

In God’s opinion, the most valuable treasure to be had is wisdom, “For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her” (Proverbs 8:11).  As believers we need His perspective and His principles to live the Christian life—that is why acquiring wisdom is not a suggestion but a command, “Get wisdom! Get understanding!...” (Proverbs 4:5). 

 

People all over the world have risked their lives in a single-minded quest for treasure.  Wisdom is worth so much more than all the money or riches in the world.  In comparing the two, the Lord calls us to passionately pursue godly knowledge and discernment.

Proverbs 8:17 personifies wisdom, “I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me.” God will see to it that believers who pursue wisdom acquire it.  Moreover, when the desire of our heart is something with lasting value, we receive a bonus—knowledge, prudence, and discretion, “I wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion” (Proverbs 8:12).

The wisest man of the Bible, King Solomon, wrote that the beginning of wisdom was to acquire it, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom, and in all your getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7).

 Determine in your heart to pursue this great treasure.   As you study the Word, seek the Lord’s will, and observe His principles in action, God will pour wisdom into your mind and spirit which will help you to act in faith—not fear.

 

Prayer—Father I ask You to help me diligently to seek Your wisdom in all that I do, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

 

LISTEN TO GOD AND AVOID DANGER

“Cease listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. “—Proverbs 19:27

 

Listening to God is not a onetime event.  We must continually keep His Word before us, or we'll begin to listen to the wrong voices.

 

 In what is commonly called the Christmas story in American culture, is the narrative of how Joseph was warned in a dream that it was God’s plan for him to marry his fiancée, Mary, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows:  After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18-20).  After the dream, Joseph awoke from sleep and immediately took Mary to him as his wife (vs. 24).  In Matthew chapter two, Joseph is warned again by God to leave Bethlehem and to flee Egypt.  He was warned to stay in Egypt until the angel brought word that it was safe for the young child, Jesus (vs. 13-14).  Again, Joseph immediately obeys.  We have a record that Joseph listened to God at least twice more concerning the protection of the child, Jesus.  When God speaks to us, it is good to immediately obey for it can thwart possible danger.

 

In Genesis 2:16-17, “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”  The Lord gave a command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  But Eve began to listen to another voice and did not hold steadfastly to her Creator's words.  All that Satan had to do was plant a single doubt about God's integrity and offer Eve one appealing advantage of doing things her own way—and she fell for it.  He mentioned wisdom, but Eve used natural reasoning, and added two more benefits to the temptation: the fruit is good for food and a delight to the eyes.

 

The schemes of the Enemy have not changed.  He still whispers lies and twists truth to convince us that a) God cannot be trusted and b) His ways are not the best.  In every temptation, there is a deception about the character and motive of God, plus an attractive promise of a better way.

 

The world is filled with voices that vie for our attention and influence our thoughts and actions. Throughout the day, consider the messages that are sent your way through the media and people. Consciously begin to compare them to what scripture says about God and His ways.

 

Remembering what God says in the Bible is our safeguard against deception and temptation. Daily devotions won't protect us if they're quickly forgotten during the day.   Follow Christ's example (found in Matthew 4:1-11) and, be ready with truth in your mind and on your tongue whenever temptation strikes.

 

Prayer—Father, I repent for the times that I have not listen to You and have reaped the rewards of a rebellious heart.  Today I purpose in my heart to listen to you and to put aside my own natural reasoning so that I can immediately obey you in all things, in Jesus Name. Amen.