THE DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CHRISTIAN IS TRUTH

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever, that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in You.”—John 14:16-17

 

In some countries of the world, when some one makes a sworn testimony they must vow that the testimony that they give is the truth.  In America, and in most courts, the person giving the testimony will say something like this, “I swear that the evidence that I shall give, shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.”  The born-again believer has received the Spirit of truth so that their “testimony” to the world stems from the Spirit of truth.

 

When Jesus spoke the words, in our daily scripture, He clearly said that the “world” could not receive the Spirit of truth.  The “world” indicates the non-believing ones.  Meaning those individuals who are not born of the Spirit of God—the unbeliever.  Matthew Henry writes in his commentary concerning this passage in John 14 that “the disciples of Christ are here distinguished from the world, for they are chosen and called out of the world that lies in wickedness; they are the children and heirs of another world, not of this.” 

 

Scripture tells us that Satan is the father of all lies and deceit that is why it is so important for the believer to have a clear understanding of the principles of the Spirit of truth.  These principles include:  For the believer, the Spirit of truth will be true to you, and to his undertaking for you.  He will teach you the truth, enlighten your mind with the knowledge of it, will strengthen and confirm your belief of it, and will increase your love for it.  The Spirit of truth shall not only lead you into all truth, but others by your ministry.  The same Spirit that enabled the early Christians to leave all and to follow Christ, preach the gospel and work miracles, lives in you!  The same Helper that helped Jesus during his time of temptation is in you, to help you.  The writer of the book of Hebrews said it like this, “So we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6). 

 

The Church should remember that the distinguishing characteristic between the “world” and the Christian is TRUTH.  Allow the Spirit of truth to guide and direct your paths and your testimony.  Remember, that the way to overcome the “world” and its’ system is by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of your testimony.  “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to death” (Revelations 12:11).

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that You have given to me the Spirit of truth, my Helper, and with His help I will give testimony to Your wonderful works and glorify You in all that I say and do, in Jesus’ Name.   Amen.

 

BROKENNESS IN OUR LIFE PRODUCES THE TRUE POWER

 “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter.  Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ So Peter went out and wept bitterly.’”—Luke 22:62

 

Sometimes we are so sure that we are too strong to be broken that we do not understand the purpose that brokenness can serve in our lives.  Peter, one of Jesus’ first disciples, was such a man.  He was so sure of himself that even when Jesus told all of the disciples that they would stumble Peter said, “…even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.  Jesus said to him, ‘assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ Peter said to Him, ‘Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!’ And so said all the disciples” (Matthew 26:33-35). 

 

Scripture records that Peter did deny Jesus three times and yet through the brokenness that occurred in his life God was able to use his genuine repentance in a most powerful way.  God used this man who had denied His Son to preach the first sermon after Pentecost.  Peter was the disciple that received the revelation that salvation was not just for the Jews, but it included the Gentile world too.  God continues to use individual’s that have experienced true brokenness in their lives.

 

The Power of Brokenness is never Weakness.  It is coming to the end of one’s self-life.  Jesus said that the broken man is truly a blessed man, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).  Through brokenness we comprehend that we are finite people in tremendous need of a Savior.  A person will surrender herself or himself to the Redeemer only when she or he grasps the reality that she or he deserves divine judgment for sin and that the only hope is Christ’s mercy.  The life of brokenness begins when the individual is quick to repent.  Sin is not swept under the carpet, nor are excuses given; such as, time heals all things.  No, the broken soul rushes into the presence of God and cries out to Him saying, Lord, I have sinned.

The Power of Brokenness produces true Humility.  Until our pride is broken we will not humble ourselves before God or men.  Brokenness and humility are the results of a deep consciousness of personal guilt before God over sin, seeing our overwhelming need of a Savior, and then clinging to Christ as a result.  People who are in a right relationship with their Creator will grow in brokenness and humility until their dying day. “He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the LORD require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah. 6:8).  Humility and brokenness are inseparably interwoven so as to bring a person to surrender, repentance and victory.

The Power of Brokenness causes true revival.  Revival is birthed through humble and broken saints who yearn to see the glory of God.  In many nations of the world, Christians are suffering tremendous persecution.  God is using the persecution to ignite revival.  Because the Christians have lost virtually everything, they have no other hope than to desperately seek God’s face. 

 

Where there is pride, there is no confession of sin and no forgiveness.  When you are broken, you have no pride.  When you are broken you are willing to ‘give in,’ you do not find your identity in always being right.

 
Brokenness heals relationships, pride and unforgiveness destroys them.  The splintered American church will find healing and anointing when brokenness defines her character.

Matthew 14:19 shows us a wonderful example of brokenness, “Then he commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass.  And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes.”   Until God breaks your will, He will never use you. You will remain only a nice loaf of bread.  The power of brokenness let’s us lay down our lives for people who are not perfect, but need the love of God in their lives.

 

Prayer—Father I repent of pride in my life.  Holy Spirit will You please shine Your light onto any areas of my heart where I harbor pride?  And I ask You Father to forgive me.  Lord will You please help me to walk in true humility in my life?  Father show me the people who need to know Your love and I ask You to use me in demonstrating Your love to them, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

TAKE INVENTORY OF YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”—Philippians 1:6

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

           

       

 

 

 

 

BE REDEFINED: NOT DEFINED BY PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”—2 Corinthians 5:17

Who are you?  Have you ever really thought about this question?  Who are you as a person that is how do you define you?   The definition of ourselves’ tends to be defined by external circumstances.  For example, you fail a test in school the definition of yourself becomes “I’m a failure.”   You get married, the definition of yourself becomes, “I’m a wife” or “I’m a husband.” In contrast, if/when you get divorced, you come, “The divorcee.”   But it is not like in the time you were a wife, to the time you were divorced, you suddenly transformed into a new self, right? Or what if you were employed in the morning as a bank teller, but by the end of the day you were laid off. You are no longer a bank teller, but are you a different person?  No, you are not. These external labels do not define you.   You are so much more than these labels.

Have you ever just met someone and they immediately ask you what you did?  Sadly, many women I have been introduced to will immediately say something like this, “I’m just a housewife.”   The hidden meaning behind their opening statement is quite evident; “I do not feel that what I do is valuable; therefore (in their viewpoint), the label that they associate with is defining there worth as an individual.  We’re given labels our entire life (popular girl, jock, bully, rich kid, loser, CEO, stay-at-home-mom, etc.).   But we don’t have to adopt those labels as our personal truth.   Remember that Christ never thinks about us, according to the labels that society, or we place on ourselves’.   

Christ’s salvation is continually redefining.  What I mean by this statement is that as we accept our definition that Christ reveals to us as “we are in Him.”  We do not fully grasp the reality of what it means to be “in Christ” all at one time, but the Holy Spirit continually reveals Christ to us.  For example, the very action of salvation is redefining.  You were lost now you are saved.  You were a victim now you are victorious.  You were dead now you are alive in Christ.   You were afar off, but now you have been made near by the blood of Christ.  What are some other examples that you can think of?

In Matthew chapter 1 verses 1 – 16, we find the history of some of the women in Jesus’ lineage.  The Holy Spirit included these women as redefined by God, and not one of them is mention by the label that society or others had placed upon them.   If you will read the history of Tamar, you will find that she was labeled as a misused woman, a woman of shame; but, the Holy Spirit never mentions that in these verses.  Rahab was defined as a harlot—a prostitute and in Joshua 2 she was labeled sneaky because of circumstances.  Later, we see her redefined as wise counselor, aide, and savior of her own family and the mother of Boaz. 

Today ask yourself the question, what does my past say about me?   And then be encouraged because salvation removes our past.   Our positive actions count and we can turn ourselves around.

In Matthew 1:18 – 21 we read, “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. ¹ And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Notice in vs. 21 that God knows every detail of His plan for your life.  We see here that God is giving to Joseph the details.  He is given the gender, name, and purpose. I encourage you to   remember that God’s plan always has a purpose and His purpose is always bigger than you.  Today make a conscious effort to choose to identify with the way that your Heavenly Father sees you, and allow the Holy Spirit to enlarge your understanding of the purpose that He has for your life.

Prayer—Heavenly Father, today I purpose to lay aside labels that society, others, or myself have placed upon me.  I choose to be redefined by You as Your plans for me are for good and they will bring me to my expected end.  I surrender to You and not to be defined by my present circumstances, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

 

 

YOU CAN BASE YOUR WHOLE LIFE ON GOD’S PROMISES

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

 

A promise is valuable only if the one making it has trustworthy character and the ability to carry through.  In today’s world, people may promise us many things, but do they possess the character and have the ability to carry through?  Scripture tells us over and over again that God’s promises never fail.  Our heavenly Father is truthful, faithful, loving, and all-powerful.  You can base your entire life on His promises, secure in the knowledge that He will do just as He has said.

 

The Christian’s life rests on the foundation of God’s promises for today and for the future.  That’s why my goal is to encourage you to read your Bible more and help you believe in and take advantage of the wonderful array of promises found throughout His Word.  You can trust everything that our heavenly Father has said because His Word shows Him to be…

 

Truthful—The Lord knows what is true and speaks honestly in all matters.  Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man, that he should lie; … hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”   We humans are pretty weak-willed.  Sometimes out of fear we will make an impulsive promise, even though we know we cannot keep it.  But God does not need to do that.  For one, He never feels threatened or pressured.  But most important, the Bible says He simply cannot lie, “That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God lie, …” (Hebrews 6:18) and, “In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began” (Titus 1:2).   His promises are based on His infinite knowledge and truthfulness. 

Faithful—Scripture compares the Lord to a shepherd who, “He will feed His flocks like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young” (Isaiah 40:11).  What He has planned for us, He will bring to fruition, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).  Our heavenly Father does not waver in His intentions or will.  In Matthew 24:35, Jesus explains, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”  In fact, God goes out of His way to guarantee Himself for all eternity:  “My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of my lips” (Psalm 89:34).  Then He backs it up by doing what He says.

Loving—God is love, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love’ (1 John 4:8).  God’s love for us was demonstrated at the cross.  He sent His son Jesus to die by crucifixion and thereby take the punishment for our sins.  The Savior experienced God’s wrath against iniquity so we might know only His love. “For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).   This is the ultimate proof of His devotion to us.

 

All-powerful—Divine power created the world and raised the Savior back to life, so we know God has the ability to carry out all His plans.   In Colossians 1:17 we find that, “And He is before all things, and in Him all things consists.” And in Revelations 19:6, “And I heard, as it were the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thundering, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!”  Our omnipotent Father will keep every one of His promises.

 

Prayer—Father today I lay all of my insecurities of not trusting You aside.  I understand that I can trust You with everything because You are truthful, faithful, loving and all-powerful.  Today I choose to trust You in everything that concerns my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. 

 

 

DESIRE GOD’S BEST

“I will give you a new heart.  I will give you new and right desires.  I will put a new spirit within you.”—Ezekiel 36:26(LB)

 

Are you willing to dare to dream?  Or is fear of failure or rejection keeping you shut down and imprisoned.   You are an important creation of God, and He wants you to desire His best.  “But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’ But God has revealed them …” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).  You were created for a particular purpose!  Go ahead and dream and ask God to direct you.  Remember, many great visions start with small dreams.   Michelangelo, the great sculptor, bought a chunk of marble which others thought was inferior.  When asked why, he replied, “Because there is an angel locked in that marble, and I must set it free.”

 

Many of us feel that we have not “made it” in life, or for that matter, we were not “made” for dreaming big.  I have heard some people say, “I wish I had a sense of humor.  I can not sing or act.”  Some may have had parents who thought they did not amount to anything.  I can remember thinking that when I went back to school, as an older adult, that I was not sure if I would be smart enough.   Have you ever thought like that?  A few of us may have achieved great goals or made a lot of money, but we still feel insecure inside.  Perhaps we have asked ourselves, “Who am I?” and did not hear a clear answer.

 

No matter where we are in our self-evaluation today, we can move on.  We can dare to dream.  Dr. T.L. Osborn, once said, “When I think of any one who is imprisoned by a sense of inferiority because of race, color, social, academic or economic status, or when I see someone who is lonely, abused, discouraged or afraid, I know that inside that individual is a super person whom I must find the way to set free.”  Because Dr. T.L’s messages are so uplifting and positive, they help to remind me of God’s original idea for me: to share His life and His abilities with me, to make me happy, healthy, talented and prosperous.  Jesus summed up the Father’s will for me when He said, “…I come that you might have life and that more abundantly” (John 10:10).

 

In Barbra Streisand’s powerful film, YENTL, an intelligent young woman grows up under her rabbi father’s religious dominance.  As a female, she is forbidden an education, prohibited from reading rabbinical books, predestined to a lifetime of female inferiority and servitude.  Her hunger and thirst for knowledge coupled with her determination caused her to break sacred rules…she dared to read the Talmud.  She went as far as, disguising herself as a male in order to pursue Talmudic studies as a yeshiva—the sacred domain of male’s only.  She is finally alienated from her people and journeys off into the distance with a boatload of seemingly displaced nonpersons in search of a land that is free of religious bigotry.

 

Her sin?  She dared to desire and look beyond religious limitations.  She dared to dream that God must be as good to women as He is to men.  As Yentl struggles with her free spirit and struggles with religious prejudice, she expresses her desperation in some awesome songs. 

 

She asks:  Where is it written that I cannot be the person I am meant to be?  Describing the narrow views religion has permitted her to glimpse, she realized that she had only been allowed to see a piece of sky.  Now she had stepped outside and looked around, having never dreamed the sky was so wide or so high.  Because of her new found knowledge, Yentl is now born into a new world.  She has a voice now.  She has a choice now.  

 

Some of her additional lines include:  What is wrong with wanting more?  Why settle for just a piece of the sky?  Yentl sings about certain things which once you have, no wind can blow away, nor tide can turn away, no fire can burn away, nor time can wear away.  She asks the question, why is a bird given wings, if not to fly?  Why have eyes to see and not see? Or arms to reach, and not reach?  Or a mind unless you are meant to question why?  Or why have thirst if not to drink? 

 

The entire, moving story, dramatizes the glorious enthusiasm of a person who has at last understood that God gives us the power of positive desire.  When at last you understand that you are a new creature and that old things have passed away, at last you can say with Paul, “Those who belong to Christ have nailed their natural evil desires to his cross and crucified them there” (Galatians 5:24 LB).

 

You believe in the new creation—the new you that He has made you to be.  F.F. Bosworth said, “Always desire what God desires, and desire it for the same reason He desires it, and then His Holy Spirit will work with you to achieve what you want.” 

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for the power of positive desire.  Today, I examine my desires and I ask the Holy Spirit to shine His illumination upon anything in me that is not from You.  Lord, I repent of __________________and I ask You to forgive me.  Help me Father to desire what You desire for the same reason that You desire it, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

 

 

 

CHAOS CAN HAVE NO EFFECT ON PEACE

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”—Isaiah 9:6

 

At the time of Jesus’ birth, Israel was in the iron grip of the all-powerful Roman Empire and they hated it.  The Jews remembered the covenant of Abraham and the promises concerning the coming Messiah; however they were expecting an earthly ruler, a political leader and one who would restore the glory years of King David and King Solomon.  They were not expecting the Savior of the world, the Prince of Peace to come in the form of a servant.  Perhaps they were thinking of an earthly overthrow of the Roman Empire; instead, the Son of God overthrew the kingdom of Satan. 

 

According to Webster’s dictionary, peace is a state of tranquility, quiet, calm, freedom from civil disturbance.  A state of security-being secure within a community, freedom from oppression, strife and disorder.  In harmony in personal relations, and untroubled by conflict, agitation or commotion.  It is our Lord’s desire for us to have peace in the midst of turmoil, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).   Real peace can be known in the midst of turmoil, chaos, or confusion.  The surface of the water during a storm at sea is quite violent; however, the deeper you go below the surface the calmer things become.  Far below the surface, deep in the ocean, is a quiet that is totally unaware of the chaotic disturbance that is felt on top of the waves. 

 

Jesus provided that kind of peace for us “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1).  Ephesus 2:14 says, “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.”  When Satan throws everything against us, and it seems like hell has broken through on the surface of our life—health, finances and relationship may crumble and toss us about like a violent wave; remember that by sinking down deeper into Him, we experience His peace as an anchor of security.

 

The Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote to his dear friends saying, “And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).  Allow the peace of God to be your guard heart and mind in the midst of chaos in turmoil.  The enemy comes against our mind and our emotions; however we do not continually go over the bad things that have happen to us in our mid, nor allow our emotions to rule us.  Christ’s Peace will calm every conflict in our lives.

 

Prayer—Father I ask You to help me turn to You in every conflict of my life today.  Lord help me to keep my mind on You because in You there is peace in the midst of all that is going on in my life, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

 

 

 

THE PLACE OF INTERCESSION IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.   For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,”—1 Timothy 2:1-5

Our scripture reading for today tells us the priority that God places intercession.  Hear His heart’s cry, “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men…who will have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of truth”(v. 1-4).  The Greek word for first if “proton” and is defined in Strong’s Concordance as being first or foremost in time, place, order, or importance.  Since God desires for all men to be saved, is it any wonder that intercession must be a priority in the life of a believer?

A powerful motivation for us to make intercession for the lost is because we follow Jesus’ example.  The prophecy in Isaiah 53 says that Christ “made intercession for the transgressors.”  This prophecy was literally fulfilled when on the cross He prayed, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).  And then in Hebrews 7:25, we see that “Christ ever lives to make intercession.”

God has made intercession for the lost our responsibility.  Being members of God’s “holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5) makes us responsible for others because priests represent earth to heaven.  Our primary task is to stand between mankind and God pleading their case to Him.  This is exactly what Aaron did when he took a censor and stood between the living and the dead to halt the plague of death caused by Israel’s sin (Numbers 16). 

Legally, all souls belong to Christ because He paid for their sins on Calvary, “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:2).  But Satan, illegally and forcefully, continues to hold them captive, resolutely refusing to let them go.  And he will continue to hold them bound in spiritual darkness, until we take our rightful place and exercise our throne-rights by demanding their immediate release on the basis of Christ’s shed blood and our delegated authority from Him.  I exhort you to take up your place in intercession and pray for the lost today. 

General Jonathan Wainwright, along with other allied prisoners of war, was incarcerated on the Island of Formosa for nearly four years.  Although the war was over and the Japanese commandant knew it, he neither told his prisoners nor released them.  But shortly an allied plane landed on the island with news of victory.  Then General Wainwright announced to the Japanese commandant, “My commander-in-chief has defeated your commander-in-chief.  I demand the immediate release of this illegally-held captive.”   Beloved, this is what we do in intercession.  We demand of Satan to release the captives and then insist upon it based upon the finished work of Christ and the authority that we have been given.  Don’t give up—resist the devil.  Your armor is secure and intact (Ephesians 6:10-18).  Be assured that the enemy has lost his grip and he cannot continue to hold out against bold, fervent warfare praying!

Prayer—Heavenly Father thank You for reminding me that Your number one priority is intercession for souls.  Today with Your help I will make intercession for those who do not know You.  Thank You for giving to me the assurance that if I ask anything in Your name it will be given to me, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

THE LENIENT CHRISTIAN

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.  For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.  To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?  For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.”—2 Corinthians 2:14-17

In today’s society the word lenient has taken on the meaning of being tolerant of misbehavior, or being lax.  However, some years ago the word was thought of as being merciful or compassionate and in some dictionaries it was defined as an emollient.  If you are like me when I think of the word emollient, I think of something that soothing.  For example, like a cream that you can put on dry skin. 

I think that this is a good word for us to be reminded of, as Christians.  As Christians, we carry the oil of the Holy Spirit that is soothing and healing.   We are carriers of mercy and compassion in a world that is in darkness.  Darkness cannot comprehend what you and I as Christians possess.  As born-again Christians, we are the light in the world.  Scripture tells us that, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:1-5). And then in Philippians 2:15 we find, “…, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”

I encourage you today to ponder what being lenient really means in Biblical terms.  A good place to start is studying what is called the “Be Attitudes” in Matthew 5-7.  There you will find the attitudes of an emollient individual who knows that they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.  As you ponder and study these attitudes of a “lenient” Christian, your faith will grow stronger and the gap will widen between light and darkness in your life. 

Remember people are drawn to the light, so expect opportunities to share the light that is in you with those who come near you.  You be that fragrant oil that brings joy and gladness and brings soothing relief, in someone’s life.

Prayer—Heavenly Father I thank You for Your light living in me and for the oil of Your Holy Spirit.  I ask You to help me today to bring Your sweet fragrance of love and peace into someone’s life today, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen. 

 

THE PRAYER OF INTERCESSION: SEEING GOD

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another that you may be healed.  The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”—James 5:16

 

I encourage you today to reach out to God through the prayer of intercession.  The prayer of intercession occurs when we turn from all human help, go beyond ourselves and seek God.   

 I am continually awed by how quickly God responds to our prayers of intercession.   Have you ever experienced a time of intercession when you set yourself to seek God above all else, and it seems as through that you hardly had to mention the need before the answer came?  King Hezekiah was delivered some bad news by the prophet Isaiah so he turned his face to the wall and prayed.  Before Isaiah could leave the compound, the Lord told Isaiah to go back and tell Hezekiah that He had given him an answer to his prayer (Isaiah 38: 1-5).

Here are a couple of principles of intercession that we can learn from Hezekiah that will help you.

“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.  ² Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord,  ³ And said, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.  ⁴ Then came the word of the Lord to Isaiah, saying,  ⁵ Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years”

1.      When given a death message, turn to God, not man.  In verse 1 King Hezekiah, we see that he is incurably ill and that God had pronounced a death sentence upon him.  Verse two tells us that he turned to the wall.  He turned away from the circumstances and turned to God.

2.      In intercession see only one thing:  God.    When we pray, see only God.  Turn away from your own sensations, symptoms, sufferings, sympathizing well-meaning people, medical reports, and anything else that is not God.  See one thing:  God.

I want to encourage you today if you are facing a situation that seems hopeless to turn your face to the wall, and there you will find Jesus Christ your refuge and help in time of need.  He is the answer to all your problems and the answer to all your needs, and with God nothing is impossible.   

Prayer—Heavenly Father I come to You and to You alone today, seeking Your face and Your help.  Lord without You I can do nothing, I have no power of my own, it is in Your power that I must rely upon, Your strength, Your presence in this _______________________situation.   I turn from all outside sources to see You and You alone, help me Lord in Jesus’ Name.  Amen. 

 

ATTITUDES THAT SHAPE DIVINE HAPPINESS

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

 

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

 

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

 

Today we will highlight the Be Attitudes in Matthew 5:3 and 10

 

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

Poor in spirit / kingdom of heaven

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

  

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

DEAL WITH INJUSTICE ACCORDING TO THE NEW COVENANT

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

 

The people living under the Old Covenant had some very straight guidelines for dealing with injustices.  For example, kidnapping was punishable by death, as was cursing your mother or father.  Sorcery was punishable by death, mistreatment of a stranger was not permitted, and if someone borrowed anything from their neighbor who was not present when it became injured or died; restitution was expected.  It was taught “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe” (Exodus 21-22). 

 

Under the New Covenant the guidelines for injustices are different than the Old Covenant’s.  Jesus taught “You have head that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also” (Matthew 5:38-39).  He taught that we are to love our enemies and bless the people who curse us.  Furthermore, we are instructed not to curse, and if someone forces us to go one mile we are to walk with that person two miles, and many other things (Matthew 5-8). 

 

Patrick Wood told how he was driving down a road one day and a big truck carrying a boat careened into his lane.  His reaction was to veer out of the path of the truck; he narrowly missed hitting the large boat motor which would have went through his windshield instantly killing him.  Thinking that he had somehow missed everything and that his life would be spared, he did not see the ditch, utility poles, and lake.  His car hit the utility poles which halted his car from plunging into the lake.  Miraculously, there was not a scratch on Patrick’s body, but his car was a total loss.  However, the guy driving the truck fled the scene of the accident leaving no evidence that he was the cause of the accident.  Patrick said that he felt, “humanly helpless,” and that was when he brought his case before God.  He based his prayer petition on Matthew 6:33 saying something like this, “Father, You said that if I seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness my needs would be provided.  Now as far as I can tell, I’ve met my responsibility on that, obeying Your voice instead of the worlds.  Now, if I am mistaken, let me know, but please give me justice and a car.” 

 

One week after Patrick prayed the authorities phoned him and told him that a woman had witnessed the accident and followed the man who caused the accident.  She wrote down his license plate number.  Shortly after receiving the first call, his church called and said that someone had a car that they wanted to donate to him. Justice and a car had come to Patrick. 

 

Likewise, our needs are met when we heed Jesus’ instruction.  Essential to seeking God’s kingdom and experiencing its “terms of provision” is obeying the One seated on its throne.  Confident that you are living this way, take comfort in His power to provide, be assured of His desire to do so, and place your trust in Him.  You will not be disappointed.

 

Prayer—Father I repent for the times that I have sought my own justice instead of Yours, and I ask You to forgive me.  Today I look to You for Your justice and provision in my life, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

 

EATING THE BREAD OF THANKSGIVING

“And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”—Luke 22:19

 

Have you ever thought that when you eat something that it literally becomes a part of you?  Jesus exhorted His disciples, to work for food that would endure to eternal life, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him”(John 6:27).    Our Heavenly Father has always called humankind to return to Him. He wants us to know Him and to receive all that He has to offer to us.  Reading Isaiah 55:1-2 reveals a divine prompting, “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 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.”

 

Our Scripture reading today reminds us that Jesus is the food offering that we are to partake of.  In fact, He was essentially saying, “I will die in your place and conquer death, for you, and this will bring you real life.  I encourage you today, even in the act of eating natural food—a necessity to sustain your physical body—to remember who is “your daily bread.”  And when you do, give thanks for what He has given to us.  You have been given everything that pertains to Zoë life—the life as God knows it! 

 

Prayer—Heavenly Father, thank You for everything that You have given to me.  Today I chose to delight myself in Your abundance, in Your goodness, and in Your mercy.  Today, Lord, I chose You as my daily bread, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

TAKE TIME TO THANK GOD

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

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

 

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

 

God is good because….

He loves you.

He gave you breath.

He redeemed you.

He gives you the capacity to know Him.

He gives you the desire to trust Him.

He does not remember your transgressions.

He takes piety upon your needs.

He considers the poor.

He fulfills every promise.

He is trustworthy.

He is dependable.

He is always present.

He never leaves you.

He forgives us.

He receives us into eternity.

 

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

 

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

 

FAITH BUILDING IS ESSENTIAL IN A BELIEVER’S LIFE

 “Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.”—Habakkuk 2:4

 

Jesus spent time developing His disciples’ faith because He knew it would be essential for the tasks ahead of them.  For over three years, they attended a school of faith with Jesus as their instructor and the Bible as Jesus knew it consisted of some twelve to twenty scrolls of different sizes. On those scrolls were written 39 books which were divided into three major groups - Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim.  Most often Christ used parables in His verbal instruction, but many of the lessons were taught through demonstrations.  He healed the sick, cast out demons, fed thousands, and calmed the sea.  Their training even included tests that revealed if they truly believed Jesus was the Messiah.

 

At times the disciples’ understanding was slow or faltering, but Christ never gave up on them.  He reproved them whey exhibited a lack of trust, “But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?’” (Mark 4:40).  He also commended signs of progress, “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’   Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’  Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 16:15-17).   His objective was to firmly establish their faith so He could accomplish His work in and through them.  After His ascension, He commanded His men to spread the gospel of salvation to the remotest parts of the earth.  Without faith, they would have failed.

 

The Lord has the same goal for us—to increase our faith so we can do the work He has planned for us.  If our faith is great, He will entrust us with challenges and achieve amazing things through us.  But small faith limits God’s activity in a believer’s life.  He uses us only to the degree that we trust Him.

 

Faith building is essential in a believer’s life, and God has two primary means of doing this.  Scripture tells us what to believe about Him, and tests place us in difficult situations that stretch us to believe and rely on God instead of our own understanding.  Each time we believe Him, our faith grows.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that in each circumstance that I can trust You knowing that the outcome is sure because my faith is in You not in the circumstance—good or bad.  Today I purpose in my heart not to limit Your activity in my life, but I will fully trust and confidently rely upon You, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

 

A COMMITTED MIND UNDERSTANDS GOD AND HIS WAYS

“You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me.”—Isaiah 43:10


God is not separate from what He does.  Everything He does speaks of Him.  His every action declares His name and nature.  This means that we can look at our circumstances, both good and bad, expect to see a deeper meaning within them.  If our minds are closed, clouded, cluttered or committed makes the difference in how we understand Him.

 

A closed mind is not an exclusive description of an unbeliever.  When Christians listen passively, without intending to apply what they hear, then the seed can not germinate because the soil’s surface is too hard.  Such believers will remain shallow in their understanding of God until they decide to pay attention to God and obey.

 

A clouded mind will hear God’s Word and get excited, but the person does not take the time necessary to study, grow roots, and let the truth sink into his or her heart.  With little doctrinal foundation or knowledge of God’s promises, the individual has difficulty withstanding the problems that arise in life.

 

A committed mind is one much like fertile soil.  The most intellectual person in the world, if not teachable, will miss the truth of the gospel, whereas even a young child who is willing to listen and learn will be transformed in their understanding and thinking of God.

 

A cluttered mind is one that is filled with the worries of life.  Their hearts are filled with briers, thorns, and thickets.  A preoccupied mind has little or no room for God’s word to sprout and to thrive; therefore, little understanding of God is possible.

 

Why is it important to understand God and His ways?  Life is all about God and His ways.  As we begin to understand why He does what He does.  We begin to understand His heart, and as this occurs, we find ourselves experiencing the “life more abundant” that Jesus talks about.

 

An excellent way for us to become more knowledgeable and familiar with God’s mind and heart is to meditate the scriptures as we read the Word of God. I often read the Scripture as it would apply towards me—that is, I pray His Word and put myself in it.  This makes it much more personal to me and it gives me a clearer picture of what God is doing:

You are gracious and full of compassion toward me.
You are slow to anger and great in mercy toward me.
You are good to me.
Your tender mercies are over me.
You have redeemed me from the enemy’s hand.
You deliver me out of my distresses.

 

Declarations such as these have a powerful impart on our ability to know God as He is—to understand His ways.

 

Father—I ask You to help me understand more about You and Your ways.  I purpose in my heart to have a committed mind and to experience life in abundance with You, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

FINANCIAL HEALTH IS INTERDEPENDENT TO GOD

“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.”—Psalm 24:1

 

A serious error is alive in the thinking of many Christians. Some Christians think that their beliefs and their wallet belong in separate areas. However, the truth remains the same:  financial health and obedience to God are inseparable.  He owns everything, “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, says the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2:8).  Cash, possessions, and ways to earn more are gifts from the Lord; we are simply stewards, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1).)

 

A steward oversees the use and care of someone else’s riches.  “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” 1 Corinthians 4:2.  A wise steward bases financial decisions upon the owner’s rules for using and multiplying material goods.  In our case, God has woven financial principles into the fabric of Scripture.  Since money touches nearly every aspect of life, it is mentioned over 2,000 times in many different contexts.   For example, God urged the Israelites to stay faithful to His teachings and to avoid the trap of self-reliance, “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deuteronomy 8:18).  He reminded them that the power to make wealth resides with Him rather than in their own hands, and remember everything that we do in the kingdom of God involves faith.

 

The minute a steward presumes that he owns the money he manages, mistakes are made.  He stops consulting the Owner and spends as he sees fit.  Even in trying to do well, the wayward steward is ruled by his shortsighted perspective rather than God’s omnipotent view and gentle guidance.  He will suffer the consequences of violating Scripture’s financial principles.

 

Faith and finances are permanently intertwined.  A believe must understand that he or she cannot keep his or her  money out of God’s hand, because He holds it all—he or she is simply managing it.  

 

Prayer—Father I repent and ask You to forgive me for the times that I have not used wisdom in my financial decisions and mismanaged Your money.  I surrender my finances to You and I thank You for Your wisdom directing me in all of my decisions, big and small.  I purpose in my heart to remain faithful in what You have entrusted to me, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

 

EMPLOYMENT THAT GLORIFIES THE LORD

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”—Colossians 3:23

 

In order to work, “as to the Lord rather than for men,” you must first begin with employment that honors Him.  Just because you have a chance to make money at a job does not mean you should necessarily take it.

 

God does not approve of all businesses.  He certainly would not bless anything that exploits or deceives people.

 

You may say, “Well, this is the only job I could get.”  But compromising your faith is never the way to support your family.  A clear conscience and vibrant Christian life is far more important than the money you could earn from unethical pursuits.  Furthermore, if God does not want you doing a certain job, He will give you a better place to work.

 

Once you find appropriate employment, be sure to treat other people the way God does with love and respect, whatever their position is.  Years ago, when I was attending Rhema Bible Training Center, I worked at local hospital in the Operating Room as a Surgical Technician assisting doctors as they operated.   In those days, it was very difficult because I and one other person were the only Christians.  She worked cleaning the rooms after each surgery.  The people who had this job were treated with little respect by the medical professionals.  However, we became good friends and soon began to talk about the Bible and pray for our co-workers.  Some months later, one of my supervisors who was notoriously rude to anyone who was not her “equal,” asked, “What I was doing associating with housekeeping?”  The question startled me as I was not aware that anyone was watching what we did on our lunch break.  I was able to share with her that in Christ there are no prejudices and that in Him we are all equal.  When I resigned my position, to go into full-time missionary work, there were two other Christians.  Today, in the Operating Room nearly every one is a Christian, including the doctors.  Our witness, actions, and prayers, go far beyond what we can imagine.  

 

The Bible tells us to work as unto the Lord.  We can not do that unless we are at a job that pleases Him and aligns with His ways.  Once we find ourselves serving Him in our job, we must never forget to treat others with love and respect, regardless of our position or theirs.

 

Prayer—Father I ask You to help me refocus my viewpoint on for whom I work.  I repent for forgetting that I work for You, and focusing my attention on my job to earn money to support myself and my family.  Lord, I ask You to help me keep my focus on You rather than self, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

PAY ATTENTION AND AVOID DECEPTION

 “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 Gensis 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.

 

YOU WERE MADE TO ENJOY GOD’S ABUNDANCE AND HIS WEALTH

“As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life…exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature…”—2 Peter 1:3-4

 

God’s will for you is not different than His will for Adam and Eve.  When God created Adam and Eve He placed them in a garden filled with abundance, health, beauty, affluence, wealth and happiness (Genesis 1-2).  Having created the world, He commanded the waters and the ground to bring forth abundantly.  (Genesis 1:20).  When Jesus Christ came, He reemphasized God’s will for you.  He said, “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). 

 

God made you to enjoy His abundance and His wealth.  There is no shortage or limits with God.  He has created plenty for you.  “No good thing will God withhold from them that walk uprightly before Him” (Psalm 84:11).  “For as you know Him better, He will give you, through His great power everything you need for living a truly good life.  He even shares His own goodness with you” (2 Peter 1:3).  Remember you have been redeemed by Christ and you are a believer.  You are restored to His level and status of life.

 

Kick the poverty mindset out of your life.  The idea that there is not enough, shortages and limits are not God’s ideas.   Refuse the tendency or influence that keeps you identified with poverty.  If you think and act like you are poor, you are agreeing with a poverty mindset that will keep you from achieving God’s best.  Religious tradition teaches that it may be God’s plan for you to live in poverty, helpless, defeated, and inferior and humiliated; that such conditions may be a blessing in disguise, teaching you humility and godliness.  Religion teaches that these things will draw you closer to God and will develop the virtues of humility and holiness in you.  A study of the Scriptures shows us that these religious traditions are foreign to God’s dream and plan for you.    I totally agree with something that Dr. T.L. Osborn said, “The only way you can be poor is not to recognize Christ and His power at work in you.” 

 

You do not have to be poor to be holy like Christ.  He became poor like you so that you can be rich and holy like Him.  “For you know that grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).  Jesus taught you, as His follower, how to pray.  First, He said to begin each prayer by honoring your Father—“Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9).  This means to recognize your self-value as a child of God, related to Him, a member of His royal and divine family.  Secondly, Jesus said to recognize the family name—“Hallowed by Your name” (Matthew 6:9).  You belong to a hallowed (consecrated) family and carry the hallowed (consecrated) name.  Never disgrace that name by acting as though you are inferior or you are obliged to live in mediocrity (a quality that is adequate or acceptable, but not very good).   Thirdly, Jesus said to recognize that God is at work in you—“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).   When you say “Your kingdom come, Your will be done,” you are not surrendering or begging.  You are agreeing in faith saying, “I agree, may all that You are be manifested in me, here and now.” 

 

Every time you pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)—First:  Recognize your value as God’s child by addressing Him as your Father.  Second: Recognize that you are in the divine Family and that you honor the family name that gives you dignity and esteem.  Third:  Recognize that as quickly as you choose and decide to receive Christ, the Kingdom of God is established within you.  His will is at work in you just as it is in Heaven.  The wealth of God is in His kingdom.  His kingdom is in you.  You are in Him.  You cannot be poor, or fail or be ordinary. 

 

Prayer—Father I repent every time I have agreed with a poverty mindset of not having enough, or putting limitations on myself in some way.  Today I choose to change my mindset and see myself in You and the abundant life that you have created for me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.