abundantlife daily devotions

A Holy Preview In An UnHoly Place

2012-02-13T19:49:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 14th, 2011

Today's Passage> Exodus 2: 11-25
Memory Verse> Ex. 2: 12-13

How does God give us "pop quizzes" before we're even saved to show us a preview of the calling He has on our lives? Did you ever have a glimpse of your life in Christ that you're living now when you were a mess and steeped in sin? I always wondered why God does that.

What's It Gonna Take?

2012-02-12T21:04:00.000-08:00

Monday, Feb. 13th, 2012

Today's Passage> James 1: 1-8; 12-18
Memory Verse> James 1: 2-4

What is God's formula for a life of joy as a believer? Is this an "Easy- As 1-2-3" process as advertised by the world, or is there more involved? If there is, is it worth what it costs to obtain this joy?

NO Weapon Shall Prosper!

2012-02-11T21:45:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 11th, 2012

Today's Passage> Acts 19: 30-41
Memory Verse> Acts 19: 40-41

No fear. Do not be afraid. Take courage. Be very courageous. Such words always come before God commissions any of His people to do anything. Moses , Joshua, David-- the list goes on and on, and their names are written in the faith Hall of Fame. I wonder where our lives as believers would be if they had decided not to proceed with what God had called them to do out of fear that they would be persecuted?

With the complicated legal systems that have been set up by the enemy to intimidate the body of Christ, it can become mind-boggling to wonder what we can and can't do when it comes down to sharing our faith. But God's Word assures us that greater is He Who is in us than he who is in the world. No matter what weapons form against us, they shall NOT prosper. In this passage, you can clearly see the scheme of those sent by the enemy to entrap and put God's people in chains, but it would not work. Now, had they been chained before? Yes. Would they be unfairly persecuted in days to come? Certainly.

But the one thing that keeps ringing in my spirit is that THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO STOP the furtherance of this awesome gospel. None of their schemes and tactics could accomplish that task then, and they won't do so now. We must remember that God's Word has been designed, anointed and ordained to go forth throughout all the earth. It has been assigned to never return to Him without having accomplished that which it was sent to accomplish. So what are we waiting for? Even if they succeed in silencing us, thousands more vessels will spring up in our place.

It's very important that we not take for granted the earthly elements we now have in our favor-- the hunger in the hearts of people in the world as things get worse and worse, and the time that we've been given to declare the Word of God with boldness. So, no fear. Let us not be afraid. Let us take courage. No legal systems can stand in our way, for every knee must bow and every tongue confess that Jesus IS Lord. Let us be very courageous and take the city for our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Father, You're calling us to arise and go forth without fear of being silenced or held back by the world's systems. We declare now that we are Your ambassadors. We will go where You send us, speak what You say, and see lives changed for Your holy kingdom. Thank You for every open door and heart. May Your Word resonate loudly and change every life that it comes in contact with. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Change The World!

2012-02-08T19:29:00.000-08:00

Thursday February 9, 2012

Today's Passage> Acts 5: 12-32

How did the apostles interact with the people in their city as they ministered to them?

Why Put Up With Us?

2012-02-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

Today's Passage> Matthew 13: 24-43

Even among those who are believers, it sometimes seems difficult to tell which ones are being the dividing line. Why does God allow those who aren't totally devoted to be raised up and remain in the kingdom? Why doesn't He just expose and reject those who are fake, not living right, who have the wrong motives, and who are just bound and determined to halfway live this thing?

Where Do You Stand?

2012-02-06T17:45:00.000-08:00

Monday, Feb. 6th, 2012

Today's Passage> Luke 12: 49-53; Luke 14:25-35

1. As far as God is concerned, how important is having the dividing line even when it comes to our family members? Let's be honest: our families sometimes play the "loyalty" card even past the point where we might even be required to choose between them and our devotion to God. As a believer, where do YOU stand?

Good Morning Faith!!!

2012-02-04T07:15:00.000-08:00

Saturday February 4, 2012

Today's Passage> Romans 1:1-20

What is the greatest struggle believers have with being willing to INTERRUPT society's uninterrupted existence?

Ashamed No More!

2012-02-04T05:19:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 4th, 2012

Today's Passage: Romans chapter 1
Memory Verse> Rom. 1:16

All around us, there is evidence of the ungodliness that is threatening to overwhelm and stamp out the light of God. Especially in the mainstream media, there continues to be a steady process of erasing the standard of morality that existed not too long ago. But rather than waste time complaining about it, God is calling us to DO something about it. Wherever WE are, His presence is, and thus the opportunity exists for light to conquer darkness.

So why do we hesitate when the time comes for us to speak up-- do our part to break the uninterrupted existence of evil in our society? We have the salt and light this world needs, so why DON'T we use it every chance we get? The answer is quite simple, and it's found in the 16th verse of today's passage. WE ARE ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. Even as I write this, I am overcome with shame that ninety percent of the time, I hold back from saying something to someone in the world because I don't want to interrupt their life, or cause conflict, or -- let me just be honest: open myself up to rejection. And yet on Wednesdays and Sundays, I'm declaring at the top of my lungs that what I have inside me is the MOST important thing in the world.

This gospel that saved us DOES cause disruption. It stops the ungodly in their tracks and makes them have to acknowledge what they try so hard to ignore-- that God is real, that He loves them, and that He wants to be a part of their lives. So for us to hold it in because we don't want them to get mad at us is unacceptable. Never again should we look at a person who obviously has not accepted God's Son in his or her life without looking for the opportunity to share the THING that changed US: the GOSPEL. Someone bothered to push past THEIR comfort zone so we could be saved and set free. Now WE must push past our need to feel accepted by everyone and share the power of salvation while we are able.

Our ulterior motive should simply be compassion. That alone should drive us to see lives that are broken set right again by God's love. Where would WE be if seeds had not been sown by willing vessels? Where will THEY be if we don't get out of our comfort zones and share the LOVE that was shared with us? My prayer today is that God will forgive us and open new doors in the same places that we've grown calloused to-- our neighbors and workmates. May we AWAKE and see souls dying, not well-dressed or seemingly successful people whose lives we don't want to interrupt. They NEED us to break through their insanity and speak that there IS a way out of bondage. We just have to be willing to give it away.

Prayer: Father, we have so much to repent for when it comes to Your broken. We are Your hands and feet. Yet we're not reaching out or going to where the broken are. Please give us new hearts, new eyes, and new minds. Hearts that feel true compassion, eyes that see brokenness, and minds that are NOT ashamed of what You've done for us. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Life Through Christ!!!

2012-02-03T05:34:00.000-08:00

Friday February 3, 2012

Today's Passage> Ephesians 2

Why is it so important to BE the dividing line no matter the cost?

Good Morning Obedience!

2012-02-02T06:03:00.000-08:00

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Today's Passage> Exodus 20: 1-20.

What IS the dividing line that we are compelled to uphold as believers in the One True God?

Stand Pat!

2012-01-31T18:55:00.000-08:00

Wednesday February 1, 2012

Today's Passage> Ezekiel 44:15-24

How do the Levites in this passage exemplify what God wants the "dividing line" to look like through our lives?

2012-01-31T09:48:00.000-08:00

Tuesday January 31, 2012

Today's Passage> Psalms 51

Another part of the process, "purging", means "to purify as with gold or silver". Although many believers want to be displayed by God as vessels of honor, why do we fight the purging process?

Pure Gold!

2012-01-30T10:42:00.000-08:00

Monday January 30, 2012

Today's Passage> Malachi 3:1-5

To refine means to "test" and/or "prove to be true or authentic". Why is this process necessary in the believer's life in order to establish and maintain the dividing line?

Shake The Foundation!

2012-01-27T17:30:00.000-08:00

Sunday January 29, 2012

Today's Passage> Acts 16:25-39

How has the church responded to opposition in the past? What should our standard response be as Jesus' coming draws near?

Trouble The City!!!!

2012-01-27T17:26:00.000-08:00

Saturday January 28, 2012

Today's Passage> Acts 16:1-24

As we go forth to spread the gospel, what should we expect from the kingdom of darkness?

The Power...Inherited

2012-01-26T20:22:00.000-08:00

Friday January 27, 2012

Today's Passage> John 14

What guarantee do we have that we will be able to do the same works that Jesus did?

Blaze The Trail!

2012-01-25T19:07:00.000-08:00

Thursday January 26, 2012

Today's Passage> Mark 1:21-45

When we study Christ's life, what example did He set concerning the impact we should have on the world around us?

Character Counts!

2012-01-25T08:35:00.000-08:00

Wednesday January 25, 2012

Today's Passage: Acts 5:1-11
Memory Verse: Matthew 5:13-16

What part does character play in the lives of those whom God has chosen to represent Him?

Hindrances to Mobilizing

2012-01-23T17:55:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

Today's Passage> Mark 4: 1-20
Memory Verse> Mark 4: 20

Today's Question: what are some things that stop us from being ready to take the gospel to the world?

The Great Commission

2012-01-23T17:50:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Today's Passage> Mark 16: 9-20
Memory Verse> Mark 16: 15

Today's Question: What does the Great Commission mean to us in the twenty-first century church?

The Next Moses

2012-01-21T05:56:00.001-08:00

Saturday, January 21st, 2012

Today's Passage> Psalm 37: 1-22
Memory Verses> Ps. 37: 15-16

The faces of hate and oppression seem to have changed since the days of slavery in the 1800's and Jim Crow laws in the '40's. But there is still hate and oppression. Martin Luther King, Jr. lived in a time when men and women of color were no longer shackled with physical chains, but were shackled nevertheless -- to the back of churches, public buildings, and public forms of transportation. Although African Americans fought proudly in World Wars 1 and 2 to defend the idea of freedom and equality for all, they were not given the benefits of their sacrifice on American soil. In spite of their plight, people like the man we honor this week had a revelation of who they were created to be and would not cower down before the bullies of hate and oppression.

Dr. King's dream expanded beyond the level of freedom, comfort and equality he envisioned for his children to include every person who could not share the prominent seats in a restaurant or hotel, and who could not drink from the same water fountain as a white person. He didn't just see his four babies going to the same schools and enjoying the same privileges of education as the white children; he saw the children of ALL Americans despite the color of their skin. And because of this kingdom- minded vision, God allowed the doors of opportunity to be open for the spirit of Moses to be spread everywhere, and for the then infamous notion of segregation to gradually die out.

Today's passage reminds us that oppression is not a thing of the past, but a spirit that finds its way into the hearts of selfish people in every nation. But as long as there is a remnant of people who are willing to dream of God's Will coming to pass on this earth, oppression cannot stand. We are told in Psalm 37 verses 12-16 that evil men plot against the godly and oppress those who have no-one to speak for them. But God has a plan for them that will cause their very seed to be wiped off the face of the earth, while the oppressed will possess the land. These promises have no way of coming to pass without the determination of righteous men NOT to accept things as they are.

Fast-forward to present-day life. The millennium has birthed a new form of hatred and oppression in our society. Drugs, guns and prostitution are practically free, while a quality education has been rendered virtually impossible through the systematic separation of church and state. In a public school classroom, a young lady can be given information about birth control, but it is against the law for her to be told that she can maintain her purity through Jesus Christ. Teenage pregnancy, dropout rates and sexually-transmitted diseases are rampant while the rich keep acquiring more money. Who will dream again? Who will be the next Moses? Who will rise up and refuse to accept the status quo, driven by the desire to see ALL walk in freedom? God's people must answer the call, and HE will respond with healing and victory.

Prayer: Father, we are not blinded to the cries of oppression ringing out in our cities from those who cannot get out of satan's grasp. We ask for the courage to dream and be bold in our declaration of Your Will in our land. We commit our plans to You, and stand on Your Word that You will bring them to pass because they are infused with love and hope. May we rise up and conquer territory for Your kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Changed In God's Presence

2012-01-14T17:57:00.001-08:00

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

Today's Passage> Luke 19: 1-10
Memory Verses> Luke 19: 8-9

In the book of 2 Timothy chapter 3, Paul describes the state of a society that looks an awful lot like ours. People are "lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God. They will maintain the outward appearance of religion, but deny its power" (verses 2-4). And the scary thing is he was NOT talking about unsaved people. The words "saved" and "believer" doesn't seem to have the same meaning as it did a few years ago.

This past Wednesday in our worship service, the Lord spoke over us that there needs to be evidence of being in His presence when we come out. More than ever before, as a result of moral values being consistently erased, people need to be able to tell us apart from those who are in the world. But how will this happen if many of us don't aspire to change? We don't realize that, no matter how long we've been believers, there are still things about us that don't reflect the nature of God in our lives. And rather than be indifferent about getting rid of those things, there's a certain attitude of desperation that should drive us to seek and be changed in God's presence.

Today's passage is a wonderful example of the attitude God is looking for in His children. Zaccheus is a well-known, wealthy Jew, but he is not well-liked because of what he does for a living. When he hears that Jesus is on His way, he does something that someone of his stature should never be seen doing. He runs ahead and climbs into a tree so that he can see and hear Jesus minister. Although he has every natural thing he could desire, he knows his heart and soul need a change. This type of desperation is so pleasant to Jesus that He invites Himself to Zaccheus' house. Against the will of the religious ones who saw Jesus all the time but had no clue who He really was, Jesus goes to visit Zaccheus, and the conviction to change was immediately evident.

For those who call ourselves the totally devoted, change should be the thing we strive towards like nothing else. Our desperation to see Him should come out in our dedication to worship Him on a daily basis, not only when we get to church. Zaccheus was confronted with his sin when he encountered Jesus. At the end of this encounter, repentance occurred. The closer we get to Christ, the greater our desire should be to change. Just maintaining where we've always been only reveals devotion to ourselves. May we run ahead to meet our Lord, sup with Him, and come away changed.

Prayer: Father, You are my desire. Spending time in Your Presence has become a priority for me. In Your Presence I have found everything I need. I ask You to strip me of my secret faults and let Your Holy Spirit reveal those things that separate me from You. I live to worship You alone. Change me in Your Presence. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Retreat... Or Rise?

2012-01-05T21:16:00.001-08:00

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

Today's Passage: Mark chapter 2
Memory Verse> Mark 2: 21-22

Okay. I've got a new favorite movie. I've seen some pretty good ones lately, but the one that impacted me the most is "Rise of the Planet of the Apes". If you haven't seen it yet, I give you permission to stop reading so that I don't spoil it for you. But for those of you who have seen it, I'm sure you'll agree that it has such awesome revelation. Yet again, principles from God's Word come shining through something meant merely for secular entertainment.

Caesar, the chimpanzee, is so cute and harmless at the beginning of the movie. Even though he has genetically enhanced traits from his mother that cause him to perform at the same level as a human with the intellect of a genius, he doesn't really realize there's something different about himself until he sees a dog on a leash. The questions begin to plague him about who he is and why he's not free. Then he attacks his father's neighbor and is sent to an animal shelter, where all of his innocence is soon lost as he becomes the object of everyone's wrath. In his past, he has never been exposed to living among other apes, so his entire existence is turned upside down to find he is no longer the object of affection.

In turmoil, he is heartbroken to discover that he won't be going home anytime soon. Does he retreat into himself and allow the defeat to overpower him? Should he accept that he is nothing? Or does he use the adversity to rise to the new place of authority and destiny he was created to occupy? Pretty soon, Caesar comes to the conclusion that his old ways of thinking and living are of no use in this new, hostile environment. He must learn to adapt and be transformed from having a victim's mentality to one of a victor who was meant to walk in freedom-- but not only that. He must begin to think and act like one who was meant to lead others to this new place of freedom.

The parallel with our spiritual walk is crystal clear. We stand on the verge of our new season, having been pushed there by adverse circumstances. Because we are by nature creatures of comfort, we would never desire change unless our "Father" orchestrated it by allowing us to experience turmoil. It's in this place of discomfort that we really begin to ask ourselves the tough question: is this all I was meant to accomplish? Or is there more? Then and only then can we begin to step out of old mind sets, realizing that our old ways of thinking, responding and acting have no place in the promised land where the milk and honey is flowing, but the giants are just as plentiful. Just like Caesar, the choice is ours. We can retreat into fear and insignificance, or we can rise into relevance and purpose. But no-one-- not even God-- can do it for us. The end to the story has yet to be written. We decide what it will say. May we choose what God intended all along.

Prayer: Father, You have blessed us with all spiritual blessings. You desire for us to take our place and live meaningful lives, leading others into freedom. Give us the grace to want that more than sympathy for our current circumstances. May we dare to be different, realizing that the road to destiny is paved with one decision of devotion and obedience at a time. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Difference-Maker

2011-12-28T05:48:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

Today's Passage > Galatians chapter 5
Memory Verse> Gal. 5: 16-17

This time of year, pretty much everyone gets into the habit of looking back and taking inventory. We spend time thinking about the things we've failed at, and we also look at our successes. But we focus mostly on how we can do better at improving every part of our lives. We want to be better at our relationships, saving money, and of course giving more of ourselves to God. Nevertheless, we're also aware of the fact that those wonderful plans end up being just that-- plans.

So what's the difference-maker? What is it that pushes the things we desire to change about ourselves into the realm of the possible? It's recognizing the difference between resolutions and commitments. Resolutions are merely things WE want to accomplish for ourselves. Some of us look at ourselves in the mirror and envision ourselves thinner and more attractive, so we resolve to work on that more diligently. Others of us want certain things such as a new house or a new car, and so we make resolutions to save more money or pay more to get out of debt at a faster rate. And you know what? If we really want to be honest with ourselves, we'll admit that we make resolutions as a result of comparing ourselves with others to see how close we are to the mark of success set by this world.

Being committed has to do with not focusing on ourselves at all, but allowing God's will for us to be manifested in a greater way. Basically, what that boils down to is making commitments that will cause God to increase in us while WE decrease. Resolutions are all about us, while commitments are all about God. Today's passage reminds us that all the works of the flesh keep us "me-minded", but the fruit of the Spirit point to and glorify God. We have to decide whether we want our lives to reflect more of ourselves, or more of our Lord. Let's take love, for example. Love is an action word that requires giving of ourselves, while a resolution to make our relationships better may have us focusing only on what others can do for us instead of the other way around.

This week, as we re-arrange our priorities, may we remember that the works of our flesh only go so far, while the fruit of the Spirit increase the more we operate in them. The enemy would have us to believe that only others benefit as a result of our walking in the Spirit, leaving us holding the bag. But the opposite occurs. The seeds of fruit that we sow grow and multiply, while nothing done just for ourselves lasts beyond us. May we thus be encouraged to make commitments rather than resolutions. Because ultimately, the only mark we'll press toward will be God's. And THAT is the difference-maker.

Prayer: Father, over and over again You remind me to walk in Your ways rather than work to please only myself. Every time I trust You and do things Your way, the seeds are long-lasting. I just want to bring a smile to Your face and glory to Your Name in everything I do. Please help me do that today and everyday in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Say YES!!!

2011-12-22T16:32:00.001-08:00

Thursday, December 22 nd, 2011

Today's Passage: Luke 1: 26-38
Memory Verse: Luke 1: 38

God, the Sovereign One, the Greatest Being of all time. Creator of the universe and everything we see and know. Can you imagine the thought of Him NEEDING anything from us? And yet, when you give it a little thought, it's easy to see how much stock God places in our agreement with His plan. All throughout the Word, God presented His plan to His people, going on faith that they would say yes.

Abraham agreed with God 's command to change his ways and begin to worship Him, and we are the result of his decision. Saul agreed to stop persecuting the church, and half of the New Testament is evidence of his obedience. Rahab, a prostitute, wanted more out of life and therefore lined up with the children of the One True God. Because of the choice she made to do this, she became a part of the lineage of King David. Ruth, Boaz, Elijah and Elisha-- the list goes on and on of examples of decisions made about total devotion to the Lord. But every time I come to the story of Mary and Joseph, the gravity of our choices became so clear.

What if Mary had decided that the risk of being rejected and possibly even stoned by the people of Nazareth was too great? What if her words to the angel were the opposite of what we read today? What if Joseph, who knew this was not his child, decided not to stand with Mary and give her respectability by marrying her? God would no doubt have had to wait another few hundred years for someone else in the lineage of David. But this couple was perfect for what God had planned, and they trusted the Sovereignty of His ways more than the circumstances surrounding their destiny.

The question of the day is this: how will WE respond to God's request of our services when He calls on us? Jesus' birth was the most awesome undertaking since the creation of man, but as long as we are on this earth and the enemy is allowed to roam freely, God will continue to search for willing vessels whose lives will bring Him glory in opposition to satan. And we could decide, like all the others, to agree or not to agree. Free will is part of what we were created with, so the Father would have to keep searching. But what an amazing testimony it is when we say YES! Everything falls in place, just like it did with Mary and Joseph. We pray this week that you surrender your life completely to the Father's will, and that this Christmas holiday will be one of the most special for you and your family.

Prayer: Father, You have a plan, and I want to be a part of it today. In Mary's words, let it be unto me according to Your words. Let Your plan be fulfilled in my life, and may my obedience be complete .Thank You for sending Him to bear my sins on the cross. I'll forever live to serve You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

YOU Stand!

2011-12-16T04:27:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Today's Passage> Joshua chapter 2
Memory Verse> Ephesians 6: 13

Now more than ever before, the need for God, morality or anything of that nature seems to be dissipating along with the ozone layer. With all the adversity that we face from one day to another, it would seem as though the argument for God is on the losing end. The more trials arise, the less people seem to be willing to tolerate a God Who supposedly just sits idly by while the poor continue to get poorer, and oppression from the rich and powerful gets more overwhelming. But now more than ever before, the people of God must be willing to stand for what we believe no matter what.

Case in point: for years, a city in Califonia has always allowed local churches to put up nativity scenes during the Christmas holidays. But not this year. Protests from atheists opened the door to the city granting them permission to make bids on the spots usually held by those churches. The atheists, who had obviously planned this out long before the holidays even got here, were prepared for a fight. They made 11 bids for spots and received 18; the believers, who didn't see this coming and didn't have the time to counteract this highly- organized attack, made 8 bids and only received 2 spots. And what did the atheists do with the spots throughout the city? They put potted plants at all the spots except for 2 specific locations. These two were used to display their ideas of why there is no need for a God. This means they merely wanted the ABSENCE of Christian symbols which had aggravated them for so long. If you don't think the CAMPAIGN for the antiChrist has begun, think again.

In today's passage, God uses a prostitute to show us how taking a stand is done. She knew it was time to stand for the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when the spies showed up. Rather than quake in fear of what the king of Jericho could do to her, she decided it was better to be on the side of THE God Who had shown His power by delivering His people from the tyranny of the Egyptians. Instead of being pre-occupied with what she would LOSE if she protected God's people, she set her gaze on what she was about to gain. Her acts of obedience established the foundation for Israel's takeover of Jericho. What message does that send to us today? It only takes ONE believer to take a stand.

The enemy is very crafty and cunning, slipping in behind the scenes and systematically removing the essence of who we are from our society while he pre-occupies us with the petty aggravations-- financial struggles, what other saints are saying/doing, and anything that will cause us not to have the strength to fight. But that is PRECISELY why we MUST fight. We cannot afford to be unprepared to make INFORMED decisions about our faith. We must be sober and steady, knowing that our fight is really not against flesh and blood-- although the enemy uses people to come against us all the time. All it boils down to is being willing to DO something. Now, I'm sure the churches in that city will be ready next year. But what the enemy has done is gain ground for his kingdom. This thought alone should put us on guard and fill us with the desire to always be at our post, leaving no room for the enemy. All the Lord requires of us is to stand with our WahOLE armor. And the gates of hell will NOT prevail.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the shift in our mindset as believers. I declare total submission to you and Your plan for my life. I stand with the WHOLE armor fixed and in place. Cleanse my heart and forgive all my rebellious acts. I repent and turn from them today so that You can use every part of me for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

As For Me And My House...

2011-12-15T12:29:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

Today's Passage: Exodus chapter 32
Memory Verses> Exodus 20: 1-3

In Exodus chapter 20, like a patient and loving Father, God outlines the laws He wants His children to live by in order to set them up for success. He leaves no confusion, but clearly says, "I am your God, the God Who brought you up out of slavery. You shall have NO other gods before me. You shall NOT make for yourself a carved image or ANY likeness of anything that is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water below. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, responding to the transgression of fathers by dealing with children to the third and fourth generation of those who reject me, and showing covenant faithfulness to a THOUSAND generations of those who love me and keep my commandments."

But in Exodus 32, only a short while later, the children of Israel are doing the exact thing God tells them not to do. As a matter of fact, they are so specific in their rebellion that they make for themselves a carved image of a calf. Then they bow down and worship it, saying: "you, o great calf that we have made, are our god. You are the one who brought us up out of Egypt." and every time I read this passage, I get a little better understanding of the passionate mercy and grace of God. I can't see how God could witness that blatant disrespect and let those people live for one second longer. I get outraged in my spirit and want to punish them myself for going against God's law in such an outright manner.

But in the midst of my self-righteousness, I am reminded by the Holy Spirit that we are not so far removed from what the children of Israel did. Whereas we are not necessarily willing to physically carve an image to worship, what do we do instead of waiting on God? We find an alternative. The hearts of the Israelites are exactly the same as ours when we say to ourselves, "this God I put my trust in is taking too long to respond to my situation, so let me find another route, another answer, another solution.... Basically, another god". So what we end up communicating to God when we self-medicate or find illegal ways to solve our problems is this: "You are NOT the God Who delivered me before, for I have ALWAYS had to take care of myself, and I will do it again." We communicate our distrust and lack of faith in Him, and we let Him know that we're rejecting His ways and everything He is.

Saints, as we make choices concerning where we will live, what our occupation will be, and who we want our children to emulate, we have to put God first in everything we do. Finding other solutions to the problems that come up rather than waiting on Him to guide and direct us push Him farther and farther down the ladder. Who comes first says exactly how we feel about God. As for me nd my house, we've already chosen to be totally devoted to Him alone-- no matter what sacrifices we have to make, and no matter how long we have to wait. Anything less is not an option.

Prayer: Father, You are the God Who brought me out of darkness into Your marvelous light. You deserve all my worship, and I will seek to put You first no matter what. I will have no other gods where You should be. I will lift You high in my life for all to see. May Your Name be glorified forever! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

HE'S Our King!!!!!!'

2011-12-14T05:41:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

Today's Passage: 1 Samuel chapter 8
Memory Verse> 1 Samuel 8:7

Over the centuries, we've witnessed how pitifully flawed humanity's sense of "right" can be. We have the capacity to do so many great things, and when we stand up for those things, no-one can stand in our way. But because even our best attempts to make the world a better place are rooted in iniquity and rebellion against God, that "sense of right" can not only be wrong, but it can also have devastating effects. Cain "felt" unfairly treated by his brother Abel and by God, so he simply killed him. Sarah "felt" that God was taking too long to give them a on, so she suggested Abraham have one by the servant girl. The list of events goes on and on of how even godly people miss the mark when attempting to do what seems "right".

Fast-forward to the last few centuries. There was a need for labor to make life more bearable in this new world called America, so it was decided that African men, women and children would be snatched from their lives and transported here to facilitate that purpose. Hitler "felt" it was his God-given right to preserve the Aryan race, so he methodically slaughtered millions of Jews over just a period of a few years. Where does it end? As long as humans are in control of our own actions, our sense of what seems right is dreadfully skewed. This is the same predicament the children of Israel found themselves in. They saw that the judges God had placed over them were beginning to fail, but rather than turn back to their Source, they came up with a plan of their own -- to have a king. And I bet you've already guessed what their spiritual reason was: BECAUSE EVERYBODY ELSE HAD ONE.

It's like a person who has no clue about building or measurements saying to the contractor who's building his house: "I feel like the closet should be where the bathroom is, and the living room should be 20 by 2." it sounds just as stupid when we try to take God's place and figure out the course of our lives for ourselves. So we make decisions like walking away from our marriages (or staying in and becoming unfaithful), walking in unforgiveness towards those we love, and walking away from God when things don't seem "right" about our lives. There's no way we can make choices outside of God and expect them to end well. All we're doing is walking in rebellion against Him, opening up doors for the enemy to come in.

Our pastors ministered to us this past Sunday about using "illegal substances" -- anything that is not in God's will for us. Recognize God as not only the One Who will judge us, but as One Who loves us and wants only the best for us. He holds the plumb line by which we can set our lives and TRUST that if we obey Him, the best will come out. But disobedience will only result in pain that we won't recover from easily. He's the King-- we don't need another. Whatever He says goes. It's such a place of peace to let Him be in control. Won't you trust Him with your life, dreams and eternity today?

Prayer: Father, my life is in Your hands. I not only WANT You, but I NEED You to guide me and keep me from the enemy's traps that are laid out for me. You see my end from my beginning, and You are full of wisdom and knowledge about things I could never even begin to understand. Forgive me for the times when I didn't trust You completely. Please take control today. You're my King, and I give You free reign. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Resist The Button!

2011-12-12T20:40:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

Today's Passage: Job 2
Memory Verse: Job 2:10

The Easy Button. Remember those commercials? Staples released commercials that told office personnel it will solve all their in-office problems.  Got a broken printer? Use the Easy Button. Is the copier jammed?  Just use the Easy Button. The commercials were so convincing, viewers couldn't help wishing there was an easy button for all of life's problems.

If there were an easy button, would God want His people to use it? I don't think so. As a matter of fact, I believe He'd be totally against it.  Simply because tthe Easy Button (as it were) would quickly become a 'bail-out' device that would leave little to nothing for the exercising of faith. With the Easy Button around, how could God use trials to build character in us? How would we develop a resistance to the enemy's attacks? The honest answer is we'd be void of things like Godly character, faith, and resistance. Think about it, although we don't actually have an Easy Button, we still employ the same approach to our trials,don't we? For instance, if we were to experience a financial struggle, we wouldn't wait for God to move. We'd go borrow the money and use His tithe to pay off the loan (Easy Button). If we're single and get lonely, we wouldn't wait for God to connect us to who He wants us to be with. Instead, we'd hook up with the first person who paid us attention and use His worship to make them feel loved (Easy Button).

So God in fact wouldn't like the Easy Button because it'd make life too easy.  And mature Christians know an easy life is a faithless one. See, God knows because of sin, our lives will never be easy. But through Him, we can have an easy "living". I'll explain. Satan will never let us have peace. And he won't let our marriages prosper. He won't allow us to have a clear path to health, nor will he offer us financial freedom. Actually, the only thing he could do is make sure the words EASY BUTTON were permenantly branded into the palms of our hands. God, on the other hand, does something the Easy Button can't. He vaccinates us. To be vaccinated is to be exposed to the thing in order to build a defense against it. Which means God doesn't take away the harshness of life, He builds within us a defense against it.  He wants our end result to be like Job. In chapter 2, he went from having it all to losing it all in mere moments. But Job had had his vaccine. Therefore he was able to fight off the urge to curse God. His resistance (through his faith in God) caused him to experience fullness of joy in the midst of great pain.

So get rid of the Easy Button mentality. Not only is it a temporary intervention, it doesn't actually work. Let God build your faith through situations that challenge you. Don't worry! He won't let you fall. I know it'll be uncomfortable. I know it won't make you popular. It will, however, make you stronger. And strength is what you need. You don't need another bad relationship or expensive leg-up. You need resistance. You need strength. You need faith. And all that has already been provided.

Prayer: Gracious Father, I thank You for taking care of me. I realize that even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I don't have to fear because You are with me. Your presence gives me the resistance I need to stand.  So, I resist fear, worry, depression, and failure in Jesus' name. Amen.

Let's Make Him Famous!

2011-12-12T04:18:00.000-08:00

Monday, December 12th, 2011

Today's Passage> Job chapter 1
Memory Verse> Luke 22: 31-32

Most of us love God with a passionate love. We know that because of Him our lives have meaning, and we do desire to serve Him with all our hearts. But something happens to some of us when the resistance comes that makes our witness doubtful. We change from being full of passion to not being sure of Who God is from one day to the next. One moment, we're on fire; the next, we've dropped off the face of the earth. What happens is an age- old tactic used by our enemy to wear down our faith until it totally disappears, or it at least is severely inactive. This strategy is called "sifting".

The meaning of this word in the physical sense is to "agitate", to move back and forth so as to separate parts of a substance that usually cannot be seen with the naked eye. When you're trying to remove impurities and rough lumps from flour, you sift it so that the undesirable elements can be separated from the part that you want to use. The figurative meaning is to "try one's faith by agitating inwardly". The enemy literally wants to pick at us until there's no SUBSTANCE left that God can use to move on our behalf. This process of wearing away is quite effective because it doesn't happen overnight. Rather, it takes place little by little, just like erosion wears away the protective sand from the beach. He's an expert at blending in when our problems are in full swing so that we don't even notice he's there, and we can begin to question God's ability to deliver us.

But God, Who knows all things and is aware that this is the enemy's primary purpose, also has a plan. He allows the enemy to sift even while providing us with the grace and strength to face the trials. Did you really think He was surprised when satan showed up before God? Why do you think God handed Jobto him on a plate? God ALREADY had a plan in place to show Himself strong and mighty in Job's life. You see, God has more confidence in that FAITH He gives us when we make Him Lord of all, and if we can just stand, we will overcome. Study Job's reaction when he began to lose the things he had worked so hard for. His response to "stuff" being gone was: "naked I came to this earth, and naked I shall return to the dust".

Job is one of the shiny examples of how firm our faith should be in the midst of the toughest trials. We must know that God is always a million steps ahead of the enemy when it comes to how much He will allow him to inflict on us. He's already calculated how much we can handle at the level of our walk. Things He never would've allowed in our lives when we were babes, He now does because our faith should be stronger. This is why Jesus told Peter the secret: "satan's plan is to agitate and aggravate all of you until you give up. But I have prayed for you that you won't allow the sifting to eat at your faith. Stand firm in that, then turn around and strengthen (encourage, bear up) your brethren".

The lesson in this story isn't to cause fear about the fact that the enemy's always after us. The issue is that our Father has confidence in what He placed inside of us. Actually, fait is so solid that it CANNOT just be whittled away with the passing of time, especially if we CONTINUE to build it up. In Jude verse 20, we learn that faith is built when we pray in the Holy Ghost. And while WE do what God's Word tells us, HE will make sure that the only things the enemy can sift from our lives will be the secret sins and other unsightly lumps that trip us up. So really and truly, we must yield to the sifting because God uses it to refine us. How much glory God gets out of the trials inflicted upon us depends upon how well we pass the test, making God's Name famous for His ability to cause us to triumphn in trials.

Prayer: Father, You are so faithful. Thank You for reminding us today that trials must come, but that YOUR purpose for us is greater than the enemy's, and only Your purpose for us will prevail. I declare today that we, Your children, will make You famous when we stand in the midst of the trials for all the world to see. Thank You for Christ, the Intercessor Who is praying that our faith won't fail. And by Your Grace, we WILL be victorious. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Prayers that Prevail

2011-12-11T04:06:00.000-08:00

Sunday, December 11th, 2011

Today's Passage> 2 Samuel chapter 12
Memory Verse > Psalm 51:10

Father, I am so grateful to You for Your relentless love. You created within me a deep desire to obey You no matter what. But You also know that the body of sin I was born into must go through the process of dying to itself and being filled with You from the inside out. So You allow me to experience resistance in order to build that rebellion against the enemy's attempts to get me to compromise.

I choose today to come into agreement with Your spirit of discernment. I ask You to help me expose my ulterior motives for those things I call my "desires"; anything that serves as a gate to the enemy I now close in the Name of Jesus. I repent for those things I HAVE allowed in -- negative attitudes and thoughts that are contrary to Your Word, and I allow Your Holy Spirit to begin to reveal them . I thank You that there is always a way of escape out of every temptation, and every trial comes to test my devotion and build resistance so that I can experience and discover Your perfect will for my life.

My Potter and my Shepherd, I give You free course to break my will and mould me into everything You designed. I will partner with You and keep my mind stayed on You with my heart established and settled, not wandering and wavering based on my current circumstances. It is You Who have made me, so You alone know what Your plan is. I make a commitment to stay in Your pasture and be CONTENT with what You have provided for this season.

As my brothers and sisters arise all over this world, may Your Holy Spirit settle them on these matters as well. Remind them that they are here for Your purpose, and fill them with the desire ONLY to bring You glory-- not to lust after what they were not meant to have. May Your Name be glorified and lifted high today. And may the enemy's plan to separate us from You be destroyed from its root. In Jesus' mighty Name. Amen.

See, Expose, and Conquer

2011-12-10T05:29:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 10th, 2011

Today's Passage: Joshua chapter 7
Memory Verse> Josh. 7: 21

"I saw it, I wanted it, so I took it.". Three elements that are at the root of every sin against God. No matter how straightforward He is with us about our conduct and how it affects the rest of our lives, we see people, places and things, and the spirit of lust takes over. The minute we begin to lust after whatever it is is the exact minute we must expose, bind and neutralize that thing. Before we know it, we've crossed the line, and there's no going back. That issue or addiction ends up not being tagged for total destruction, and it lies there, still breathing, gaining strength daily and drawing more elements like it to make it super powerful and ready for the takeover.

"I saw it, I wanted it, so I took it." These words have been repeated since Adam and Eve sinned against God, and the evidence of this pattern is clearly seen in today's passage. The children of Israel were not even aware of the transgression against God until they suffered the consequences. When they couldn't defeat a small army like Ai, then they stopped to figure out why and inquired of the Lord. Something I noticed about this story, too, is that iniquity is generational-- that is, it is passed down through our DNA when our ancestors choose to sin against God. So God had them separate each tribe, then each clan, then each family until the thing was exposed, bound, neutralized and tagged for death. After all this was done, Achan was found to be the guilty one, and this is the point when he confessed.

When asked why the sin was committed, Achan repeated those famous words. But he revealed the heart that many of us have when it comes to resisting the takeover. Why DON'T we shout at the top of our lungs for help when we're confronted with "I saw and I wanted"? Why don't we call someone and expose that temptation so that it doesn't become conceived in us? The time to confess to someone isn't AFTER the defeat and the exposure-- because Satan will expose us himself if God doesn't -- but when the struggle becomes real to us. When Achan saw those items from the other nation that God said to destroy, why didn't he grab a fellow Israelite or go to Joshua and say, "I'm struggling with this obedience thing. Remind me again of what God says, and help me to stand rather than fall to the temptation." Instead, he hid his desire and took the forbidden items. And one selfish act brought death to an entire family.

We hold on to items that should be marked and tagged for death as a foreign substance because we make our desire for that thing stronger than our desire to please God. It's that simple. At that moment, we don't care that God loves us and has something bigger and better. We just want that person, place, or thing. At that moment, we don't even care that this thing is going to ultimately destroy us. We will begin to experience victory over it when we stop treating it like a friendly and expose it. When we replace our desire for that thing with a desperation to please God at that very moment, the enemy doesn't stand a chance. Submit to God's way and resist the enemy, THEN, the Word says, he will flee. Our way doesn't work. Find a person who will hold us accountable when we struggle, because going to hide only causes us to be isolated and vulnerable to the temptation. It comes down to this: do we REALLY want to be totally devoted, or only in words? The way we respond to temptation will tell the story. How about breaking the cycle and coming up with a NEW plan-- God's plan-- for deliverance? "I saw it, I exposed it, so I conquered it!" Now THERE are words worth repeating.

Prayer: Father, I acknowledge my transgression in Your Presence, and my sin is ever before me. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Don't allow my enemies to triumph over me. By Your grace, allow me to submit to Your plan and resist the enemy rather than give in. I am Yours, and I choose to be totally free, not only halfway so. Break my will, and YOU take over in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Neutralize!!!

2011-12-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 9th, 2011

Today's Passage: Joshua chapter 7
Memory Verse> Joshua 7:13

People live with deadly things everyday, and lately, our society has become so comfortable with the idea of "freedom" to do whatever we want that some just walk in utter stupidity. With all the technology and worldly knowledge, how can we NOT know that wild animals are not a good idea to have as pets? Even when caged, they have the potential to calculate when and how they will move in for the kill. They do NOT see humans as friends or benefactors, despite what these deluded individuals may think. On the contrary, they only see their next meal. Yet some go out of their way to put themselves in harm's way, thinking that somehow they are doing the Earth a favor by keeping them.

We've all seen end results of the tragedies that have occurred as a result of having ferocious animals too close to humans: one or another of these individuals ultimately loses life or limb. One crucial mistake that we also make, although we would never consider our spiritual circumstances similar to the one just described, is to see sin as HARMLESS. We create our own version of what could be a deadly experience when we allow sin to be part of our lives. Think about it: sin, like a young wild animal, starts out as a cute, cuddly, seemingly manageable situation. It lures one into thinking they're in control. At this point, there's no roar, no teeth, and no fangs. Where's the harm? All they're doing is talking, texting, or looking, right? The harm in it is clearly depicted in the word of God. In the book of James, God says when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. (James 1:15). Like wild animals, sin doesn't stay small and manageable for long. It tends to grow into this destructive beast. Not long after that, the beast strikes at its closest victim....the one who nurtured, fed, and raised it.

Finally, choose righteousness and peace as pets (if you will). For when they grow, the one who nurtured them will become mature people of God, seeking only to please Him not others. They won't win you the prize at the local "dog and pony" show, but they will win the heart of the Father, from whom blessing after blessing will come. No risk, no danger.....and no stinky clean-up!!! Yuck...

Prayer: Father, You have set a clear path for us by showing us how to expose and neutralize sin. And You've also given us the power to trust that You have a way out of everything that threatens to destroy us. Help us to choose Your way over every temptation so that we can bring You the glory You deserve. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Don't Let Up!!!

2011-12-08T04:12:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 8th, 2011

Today's Passage: 1 Samuel chapter 11
Memory Verse> Ephesians 4: 27

When you feel the scratchiness in your throat especially during this time of year, and the fact that you have to keep blowing your nose and wiping your eyes to get the water out of them, you know well what's going on. We're in the midst of the Florida "cold-one-minute, warm-the- next" season that causes our bodies to be more susceptible to colds. Now, I certainly don't have time to get into the scientific reasons why this occurs, but we just know that an invasion is imminent. At that moment, we don't go to the store and buy over-the- counter drugs that make us weaker and more vulnerable to the viruses that have already made their way in, do we? Certainly not. We immediately kick into protection mode, doing things that will HELP our immune system do its job rather than hurt.

I,for one, being a person that has to use my voice at least three times during the week, cannot afford to be completely down with a cold, which turns into other things like laryngitis. So I begin to pile on the Vitamin C, make a point to keep my body covered, drink warmer liquids, and suck on throat lozenges. I don't let up for one minute, because doing so could mean not being able to do the thing I love so much: minister to God's people in song. So, as I've become older and wiser, I am learning not to take the cold symptoms lightly by putting off doing those things, or only doing them for a while and then stopping.

The point of all this is that we've already established how cunning and relentless the enemy is at trying to get in and taking over our entire existence. For this reason, when we identify thoughts in our lives that do not belong, it's a great idea to bind them. But we can't stop there. We must completely NEUTRALIZE them, rendering them completely useless and incapable of getting free and letting in others like it. Binding is just a temporary process that tells the enemy to be still for that moment. But in order for him to be totally defeated in that area, he must see that we have totally fallen out of agreement with his presence there. We cannot SAY, "devil, I bind you from bringing me that lustful thought" -- which works for that second because we're made in God's image-- then give in to getting the phone number, or allow ourselves to go to that website where we can continue to see those images. That's the foothold that causes the thought to become action, which then becomes a pattern that crystallizes into habits that can't be broken.

Saints, hear this and settle in your hearts this truth: our enemy will NEVER give up trying to destroy us. He will not quit, and he doesn't care what he uses, as long as he's got access into our lives and uses that thing to take us out. Remember: the ultimate plan is to destroy the will of God for our lives. If he can use food, he will. If he can use lack of self-control in whom we allow around us, he will. If he can deceive us into thinking it's just a harmless little indulgence, he's got us. WE are the ones who must block him access and recognize the "symptoms" he uses, bind him, AND neutralize him by tagging those things for death (but that's the next blog). Right now, I need to get to work taking down every foothold I've given the enemy to take over. Are you coming?

Prayer: father, You are so faithful. You've given us everything we need to be victorious over the enemy in the areas of our struggles. You just need us to be in agreement with Your way of accomplishing that victory. I submit to You now, declaring that no longer will I make excuses for my struggles, but close every door of access to the enemy and depend on You for my deliverance. I declare submission over the readers, hearers and doers of Your Word today. In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.

The Power's In Knowing Him!

2011-12-06T21:05:00.000-08:00

Wednesday December 7, 2011

Today's Passage: Matthew 16: 13-20
Memory Verse: Matt. 16:19

I don't know about you, but there are days when I feel so small in this world. Now, I don't don't mean that in a "woe is me" kind of way. I'm just amazed at the way God meticulously cares for me, when I must be a speck of dust in the grand scheme of things. The more I think about it though, the relevance of my life doesn't come from how big I am, it solely rests upon how big God is in me.

Matthew recorded a conversation in which Jesus asked His disciples who people, and they, said He was. Their initial answers consisted of names of mere men. They were the disciples' failed attempts to assess a value to what was priceless. But Peter gave a different answer. He said: "You are the Christ, Son of the living God"! That statement was a game-changer. It took Jesus from being a mere mortal to being so much more. This is what we have to understand. Alone, we are mere men; small, insignificant, incapable of caring for ourselves. But if God lives within us, we become people of power and authority; able to change any situation. Remember what I said before? It's not about how big I am in the world, it's about how big God is in me.

We don't have to feel small in this world because the size of the God that lives within us is enough. His jurisdiction stretches from the depths of Earth to the heights of Heaven. There's no issue our faith can't touch and no situation our prayers can't change. Jesus proved that point when He told Peter whatever he bound on Earth would be bound in Heaven. And whatever he loosed on Earth, would be loosed in Heaven. That's not little man stuff, baby. What is your capacity? How much of God are you allowing to live in you? Do you only want Him when you're in trouble, or are you TOTALLY DEVOTED? If you want to successfully effect change in your life (and in the life of your loved ones), you have to have the revelation Peter had. That is what makes your life bigger and better than you ever thought it could be.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word. I receive the promise that whatever I bind and loose has already been bound and loosed in Heaven. I take authority now by the blood of Your Son Jesus, and I bind every foreign substance that does not belong in my life. I also loose the freedom to walk in everything You have for me. My life is always Yours, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Thanks for Homeland Security!!!

2011-12-06T03:55:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

Today's Passage> Psalm 119: 97-117
Memory Verse> Ps. 119:98

Imagine life in the natural with a body that allows every foreign object to take residence inside it without the ability to defend it. Cells that should be preparing to identify things that should not be are either slow in responding or totally unresponsive altogether. Without an immune system that does its part to protect us from deadly diseases, even the insertion of a vaccine would be no good. Now imagine the life of a young child or mother struggling to survive, totally defenseless against every invading virus or bacteria that exists. That's how people who have auto-immune deficiency diseases live-- especially those with AIDS.

But that's not how God designed for our bodies to operate. He created a highly effective defense system to first and foremost DETECT a foreign substance known as an ANTIGEN. The purpose of this foreign body (which could be as simple as the cold bug or as complicated as the AIDS virus-- it really doesn't matter--) is to invade, find a comfortable place, multiply, then take over the body's immune system. So whether big or small, the body sends out ANTIBODIES to IDENTIFY this foreign substance so that it can be arrested and rendered incapable of accomplishing its initial purpose.

How awesome is that, that God would pattern our physical bodies after the spiritual realm He expects us to live in! We already know that the thief in our lives is the enemy of our souls, whose sole purpose is to steal from, kill and destroy us-- and he really doesn't care whether he uses something simple or something deadly-- it all depends upon what we ALLOW. But God, Who is truly rich in mercy, has provided a way for us to defeat satan's plan. First and foremost, He has given us His Word, by which we gain wisdom and understanding as well as discernment. If we allow it to have first place in our lives, we can see those antigens coming a mile away. The negative attitudes, temptation to compromise, and opportunities to take another path other than that which God has laid out for us -- these "antigens" are everywhere everyday. But if we are being watchful as the Word instructs us, we can block them from accomplishing much even IF they do pass the first line of defense (HOMELAND SECURITY) and invade.

The second provision for defense against these deadly antigens is the Person of the Holy Spirit. He takes the Word that we hide in our hearts and brings it back to our remembrance at just the right moment that we need it. He lovingly helps us use our discernment and urges us to identify those foreign substances-- things that do not belong in our lives. Things like resentment, bitterness, unforgiveness, doubt fear, and every unclean thing that enters through our eye and ear gates and seeks a comfortable place in our thoughts. He knows the Father's heart towards us, and steers us in the way of utmost victory against those things. But He also knows there can be no destruction of these foreign substances IF WE DON'T FIRST IDENTIFY THEM. We are the only ones with the dominion and authority to refuse them access into our souls, so He supplies the ammunition of God's word and will, always reminding us of what our lives should look like as God's totally devoted. So the decision is again up to us: do we choose to IGNORE the provision that has been made to bring us victory? Or do we embrace it and allow it to be activated every day that we live in this fallen world? The evidence of our choice will be seen by all who watch our lives unfold and see our fruit. Remember: Invasion is inevitable, but TAKEOVER is NOT!

Prayer: Father, once again I thank You for the careful and thoughtful way You provide for me to always walk in triumph. I receive the Homeland Security of You a word, and I commit to letting it take root in my heart so that the Holy Spirit can use it to remind me of Your a will. I come into agreement with You, and give You permission to use me to destroy the enemy's plan in my life and the lives of all who love You. In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.

Little By Little

2011-12-05T03:55:00.000-08:00

Monday, December 5th, 2011

Today's Passage: Deuteronomy chapter 7
Memory Verse> Deut. 7:22

God has given us so many awesome and precious promises! I love to read the book of Deuteronomy in the midst of a trial, because God clearly outlines in that book just how much He has invested in us. He lets us know that He will shower blessings upon us in the presence of our enemies-- in fact, He plans to take the land that belongs to our enemies and give it over to us, removing them out of the way as we go along. I must admit that I like the part about about being able to snatch the inheritance from those who refuse to acknowledge Him as God. That gets me charged and ready to walk in that promise right away.

But in all this excitement, the thing that sticks out is not so much that God will bless us and display us before our enemies; it's the fact that He'll EXPOSE us to them for a season. WHAT?! My earthly nature wants to scream, " Uh... Hello, Daddy?! I know You're God and all, but aren't You kinda keeping Your children in the grasp of death, surrounded by enemies? What's all that about?" And that's here His ultimate wisdom kicks in. Our pastors have been ministering to us about why building resistance is necessary for preparation to take the promise. But how is leaving our enemies all around us and taking them out one by one really going to prevent the invasion from taking place?

Even in the natural, God has made this concept clear to us by allowing us to be exposed to foreign and potentially deadly substances. Because we live in a fallen world, sickness is all around us, and we will eventually come in contact with a cold, the flu, or things that are worse. Why does He do this? He knows that the exposure is necessary so that our bodies, which are so efficient at protecting us, will recognize that something FOREIGN is threatening to invade and take over us. Our immune system will then begin to formulate antibodies to prevent this. But it is a PROCESS which takes TIME, and that's the element that makes the difference. We panic when we experience the presence of foreign substances round us, but it would be even more dangerous if God just caused them to disappear without allowing us to have to do anything. That's what the working of faith is all about, building resistance "little by little" so those foreign substances don't just run over us the next time.

What kind of God would He be if He just allowed us to receive the harvest of victory without having to engage in the fight ourselves? We would be weak and anemic, not being able to recognize and RESIST what comes to take us out, and the next potentially deadly substance we come in contact with WILL destroy us. So allow the process of God including us to destroy our enemies "little by little" to take place. Because He loves us, He exposes us to the deadly things in this world that SIN is composed of. The more we recognize its presence, the more power He gives us to fight off its ability to overtake us. But we MUST depend on Him and allow that resistance to be built. How well we do this will show in the next exposure to foreign substances. Are you ready?

Prayer: Father, You tell us in Your Word that You have a plan to destroy our enemy, sin. I declare that today I will trust the strategy You have out in place to defeat its power over me little by little. As I submit to Your will, You make me stronger and prepare me for the next level of trial which is sure to come. I surrender my life to You and rejoice that You will use me to show that sin CAN be defeated. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

A Tale of Two Choices

2011-12-02T23:01:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 3rd, 2011

Today's Passage> James 4: 1-8
Memory Verse> James 4:7

There's something about the way we think that acts as either a magnet for God, or a repellant. Sometimes I wish God just made robots who responded automatically to God's commands and ways. But He didn't. Instead, He created and placed His best inside of us and allowed us to choose Him. History has already shown us that it does us no good to let our minds wander.

Rewind to Eve. She loved God, but simply allowed herself to consider the options. Rather than asking God, Who was the source, she opened herself up to the suggestion that something was missing in what God had provided. How do you get someone who has nothing to convince you that he can offer you something more than what God had set aside? Yet this is what she was deceived into doing. And the moment she submitted to the enemy's voice rather than God's, she chose to resist Him. Funny how God's system seems like too much, but the gold- covered package the enemy's trinkets are wrapped in appear worth it.

Funny, too, how the minute we submit to the enemy, we automatically draw closer to him rather than God. Remember what happened when they ate the fruit? They went running away from God's Presence, and wanted nothing to do with the One Who created them for fellowship. This is exactly what happens to us when we submit to the enemy. But rather than focus on the fear of what we lose when we fall, how about zoning in on what we get when we do the OPPOSITE of what the enemy wants? How about doing it GOD's way? His Word tells us not to covet what does not belong to us. Rather, ask God to open His floodgates of blessings so that we can display how great He is. Can you imagine how much we forfeit because we refuse to change our attitude about WHY God wants to bless us?

This attitude change makes the difference in who gets our devotion. If we submit to God, we are choosing to be a friend of God, accepting the fellowship He's always wanted with us. And as we submit, this resistance will build inside us to repel the enemy, who cannot stay wherever we are one with God. It's a simple tale of two choices; who we serve is completely up to us.

Prayer: Father, words will never be able to express how grateful I am that You chose me before the foundation of the world. I choose to submit to Your way, even when it requires me to wait rather than give in to temporary pleasures. It's YOU or bust. I am Yours forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

"Vaccination Situation!"

2011-12-01T21:29:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 2nd, 2011

Today's Passage> 1 Samuel chapters 18-20
Memory Verse> Psalm 144: 1& 2

It is quite amazing how the human brain works. Although many scientists do not acknowledge that their ability to learn and solve problems comes from God, we know that no-one but God could give humans the intellect to figure out how to make something like a vaccine. It's intriguing to say the least. I didn't realize until I was in my early thirties that the stuff they put in your body is actually the same illness you're trying to avoid. In order for the vaccine to work, or to make you "immune" to the illness, you have to take in a small dose of the actual illness and allow it to enter your system so that you can be "exposed" to it.
This is necessary in helping you build immunity.

I know God is the author of the wisdom behind the creation of vaccines, because His kingdom works exactly the same way. Only God can expect us to do the very thing that would potentially kill us, exposing ourselves to it and all its dangers. That's what He did to David. He sent Samuel to anoint him king when he barely knew himself, then taught him how to be the best shepherd boy he could be. He stayed in the fields with his father's sheep, protecting them from the lions, tigers and bears that threatened to destroy them. Little did he know that it was about to get worse.

But here's the interesting part, as Pastors Chad and Nette explained to us: because David was already exposed to dangerous situations, he was PREPARED to face Goliath without even realizing it. When he saw the Philistines making a mockery of God's people, he just had to respond. But he already had what it took to do so. And just when you thought he'd already done enough, God thrust him into another "vaccination situation". He caused the people to show David more favor so that Saul could drive himself deeper out of his place as God's chosen. Pretty soon, Saul was relentlessly pursuing David, trying to kill him at every turn. But once again, David somehow knew he had been prepared in advance for this kind of hostile environment, and he was able to stand.

Whatever your "vaccination situation" today, God has already figured out how much of that deadly substance you need to be exposed to. As you submit to it, in much the same way we as parents do with our children because we trust the doctor's word, you will find yourself built up and ready to face greater levels of adverse circumstances for the glory of the Lord. Oh- by the way, David is known in the Bible for being the most prolific writer and psalmist, as well as the king after God's own heart. Do you think maybe it was from everything he allowed himself to be exposed to? Makes me want to jump up on the Doctor's table and say, "Hit me up with some of that deadly juice, Doctor Jesus! I love the results!"

Prayer: Father, I expose myself to every adverse thing You've already pre-determined for me to walk through. I want my life to accomplish everything You set it out to do. Even through the valley of death's shadow, I will not fear because my life is filled with Your purpose. Thank You for Your ways. I. Submit to You now in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Do You Dare?

2011-11-30T21:11:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

Today's Passage> 2 Kings chapter 2
Memory Verse> Romans 12:3

We've all had the thoughts: big favor= big ministries. Every ministry with more than a thousand members is automatically labeled by believers and non-believers alike as "rich". The basis of their message to the rest of the Christian world is that faith did it all. It almost gives the impression as though they were hand- picked by God Himself to show that not everyone can obtain this gift of faith. After all, even in the everyday lives of people like you and I, some of us seem to thrive and survive the worst situations. But others seem to barely be able to make it from one day to the next.

What is this thing called faith, anyway? Is it really obtainable to every believer? How do you know you have it? If you don't, why not? I think something many believers overlook is that faith is personal and individual. The Word says in Hebrews that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things nor seen. How is it possible to develop faith for something if you don't even know what you're supposed to be hoping for? We spend so much time looking at the lives and callings of others, comparing ourselves to them and lusting after what they have that we miss our on the time we should be taking to pursue what God has for us.

Secondly, faith only develops as a result of growing in our ability to hear God speak to us through His Word. We can see through the lives of people like Elijah and Elisha that God really isn't a Respector of persons as some may tend to believe. Elisha eased into the position of armor bearer for Elijah, and almost didn't make it into the elite group of prophets. At the beginning, he couldn't decide whether he wanted to be a servant of the Most High God, or go back to his comfort zone. But eventually, as he watched God move through Elijah, he had enough faith built in him to reach for more. You know how the story ends, as he receives the famous "double portion" of the anointing on Elijah's life.

It all boils down to this: how well do you know the purpose God has for your life, and how bad do you want it to come to pass? Are you willing to push past the resistance with some of your own? Faith is something has to be worked. I guess you COULD say that God plays favorites when you look at it this way; He'd do anything for the ones who've figured out what God's sacrifice through His Son purchased for us. It's all about how deep we're willing to go, as our pastors ministered this past Sunday. Every believer is given his or her own measure of faith. Only those who dare to use it will receive more. Do YOU dare?

Prayer: Father, how awesome to be included in the number of Your faithful! And yet my faith does fail at times when it's hard to see what You're doing. I've come to the place where I just want You. Whatever it takes, as long as my life brings You glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

A Heavenly Set-Up

2011-11-29T21:23:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

Today's Passage> Genesis chapter 37
Memory Verse> Gen. 45:5

It's supposed to be the safest place in the world. It's a place where nurturing, caring relationships should blossom and help establish us as the people we're supposed to be. And yet, the very family God put on this earth to be a blessing to us can sometimes be used by the enemy to point us as far away from God's plan as possible... Or is it really what happens? In actuality, could this be a set-up from Heaven on our behalf?

Today's passage shows Joseph growing up in a hostile environment. It seems as if the odds were stacked against him from the get-go. The only person in his corner is his father, and he doesn't make things any better by tattling on his brothers and telling them how lowly they are. It's these and other factors that lead me to wonder whether God doesn't orchestrate such circumstances to propel us into the path that would bring Him the most glory. Just go with me for a minute and imagine with me this scenario: what would life have been like if Joseph's family had been the warm-and-fuzzy, nurturing one we all wish for?

For starters, he wouldn't have had the conflict with his brothers that ultimately pushed them to kidnap and sell him off to the first traveling merchants they encountered. They would've loved him so much that Joseph's life as we know it would never have come to pass. He certainly would never have ended up in the very place where he was able to provide for them and save them from starvation. The way I see it, God's system takes what we consider impossible and uses it to make the enemy the liar he is. So maybe, just maybe, a look at our own relationships will find us at the place where God can turn them upside down so that provision can be made for the future and establish His plan in the lives of those whom He has chosen.

Today, we encourage you to stand firm in the place of resistance, even if it is coming from people you know and love. Most resistance is designed by God to orchestrate our entrance into our destiny. Is the process unexpected and painful? Yes. Does it feel to our flesh as if all of heaven and earth is against us? By all means. And yet even that which the enemy means for evil cannot remain that way when God is involved. So how do WE respond when the resistance, which is sure to come, comes from those we love? We walk in love and never in strife; we keep ourselves vulnerable and keep God's peace and forgiveness flowing through us, knowing that God causes ALL things to work together for good to those of us who are totally devoted. And we look forward to the awesome unfolding of His plan that we get the privilege of participating in for His glory.

Prayer: Father, Your ways are perfect and true. We stand now and take this opportunity to partner with You in the making of miracle opportunities in our relationships. Have Your way in our lives, and may we never stop allowing You to work in and through our loved ones for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Work It Out!

2011-11-28T20:04:00.000-08:00

Tuesday November 29, 2011

Today's Passage: Romans 5:1-11
Memory Verse: Romans 5: 3 & 4

I've been working with a personal trainer this past few weeks, and I must say the results have been nice (just ask Yas). I can feel the difference in my arms, chest, and legs after each session. To say the least, I've been pleased with my progress. Now, as I am well pleased with the new improvements, I can't forget the great pains (thanks Rudy) I endured to get here.

One of the methods our trainer uses to burn calories and build muscle is called 'Resistance Training'. He uses light to heavy weight with continuously quick reps in order to get the best result. Why is resistance needed to build strength? On the spiritual side of things, we grow and develop through our ability to stand in the midst of resistance. At the end of the day, we are people of faith, aren't we? The word of God tells us specifically that trials (resistance) come to build patience and perseverance in us. God knows we won't grow if He pampered us all the time. I mean, would a baby learn to walk if his mother never put him down? We have to develop the ability to use heartache instead of letting heartache use us. Christians don't have to go through life blaming everything on the devil. Some situations we find ourselves in may be God "putting us down" because He wants us to walk.

"We walk by faith....". That statement is the motto for Christian life. But how can we walk by faith if everything comes easy? Faith comes by hearing. There's no doubt about that. In the same light, however, faith is strengthened through operation. We were all given a measure of faith. That's how you came to meet Jesus after hearing His gospel. But, if you give up when presented with resistance, that faith would never grow into the mountain-moving force God intended it to be. Like God, Rudy (our trainer) loves us. He would never do anything to purposely injure us. But the love he has doesn't mean he'll always keep us from pain. He knows every groan, every scream, and every sigh means we're getting stronger. He also knows that delivering us from that minor discomfort too quickly will have no positive effect in the long run. So, as you begin your day, try not to lose sight of who you are if you're faced with a trial. Consider it a workout session with God. He has chosen you to become stronger and more patient today. Take the workout seriously, my friend; because you never know, the weight may get heavier next time. If it does, you'll be prepared. You'll know just what to do (and have the stamina too) to lift it off of you. Now go.....you need a good workout!

Prayer: Father, I thank You for planting inside of me the seed to growth and strength. Every time I encounter what seems like a setback, I'm learning to recognize that it's only fuel for You to use as the miracle situation that builds my faith. I come into agreement with Your plan for the direction in which You're taking me. Yes, indeed to Your Will! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

It's Necessary!

2011-11-27T20:37:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 28th, 2011

Today's Passage> Exodus chapter 1
Memory Verse> James 1: 2 & 3

When we first started working out, our physical trainer said to us, "I'm going to ease you into the routines. We'll take our time." It was challenging, but that was mostly because we were not accustomed to the rigor of moving so much. But gradually, we got used to the exercises. Then I noticed they began to get a little more stringent. The jumping jacks became longer, and we went from running in place to running around the block. And I also noticed something else: as the weeks went by, our trainer began to put us on more weights. When we asked why, he simply said we could handle more.

Then one week in particular, he made one statement to us the minute we walked through the door: "It's about to get worse.". And boy, was it ever! The resistance training began in earnest, and it seemed as if every muscle in our bodies hurt for the next week. But gradually, we've been able to add more resistance. And although it continues to be challenging, the joy of working towards our health, fitness and ultimate weight loss helps me keep the right perspective even through the tough workouts.

I wonder if it goes something like that with our Father. He looks at what He wants us to become, and He sees how out of shape we are in the spirit realm. So He starts out slowly but surely, adding to the variety and level of resistance that would cause us to hurt in the spiritual sense. And when He thinks we're ready to go to the next level, He says, "It's about to get worse, my child." And He allows the resistance to be applied, knowing just how much we can bear but knowing that the resistance is necessary.

The next time you're at the point where you begin to feel the pressure in a certain area, know that God has already measured the amount necessary to build the resistance needed for the next level. And when you get ready to ask, "Why me and why now?" know that humans are naturally resistant to being changed, although they desire change. So He HAS to put us in uncomfortable positions to strengthen our ability to withstand attacks from the enemy, which are sure to come because he also knows where God is taking us. What we need to ask for is the grace to give in to the process of resistance rather than resist it. If God thinks it's necessary, our only answer should be, "Yes, Lord."

Prayer: Father, I can feel the pressure mounting, but I sense that You're up to something. As long as You're there, with Your rod and Your staff, not even the valley of the shadow of death will cause me to fear. Let everything You're planning for my life come to pass. I say yes to the resistance in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-22T21:27:00.000-08:00

This, of course, is the week we celebrate Thanksgiving. But what exactly are we celebrating? If you've lost a loved-one, gone through financial hardship, or been in poor health, should you be thankful? Yes, you should. The reason we should is because although these situations are painful, they're not final. Knowing this gives us a different perspective. It gives us a reason to appreciate life on a whole new level. Jesus said in this world you WILL HAVE tribulation, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.

See, you can't be thankful if you don't know Jesus. No matter what your situation is, what He did for us at Calvary trumps it. He's the only remedy for the various trials of life. So, someone who has had his/her heart broken can still embrace the spirit of this holiday. Instead of hiding away and drowning in sorrow, they can use this time to repair broken relationships, or bless the poor. The point is, with the love of Jesus as motivation, a broken heart can be healed and become whole again.

Finally, if you know someone who because of tragedy or misfortune struggle during this season, advise them to win the battle in their minds. God's word tells us to think on things that are true, pure, and noble (Phil. 4:8). He says to meditate on things that are "praise-worthy". Pastor Chad asked us in Bible study if we ever had to struggle to think negative thoughts. The answer for most was no. Thinking negative thoughts is so easy to do. The enemy of our souls always wants us to see the glass as half empty. In contrast, God desires for us to see His fullness in everything. So whether you have a turkey leg, or a bologna sandwich this Thanksgiving, be grateful. Don't allow traditions that bring no relevance to this season to put pressure on you. Don't eat too much. Don't spend too much. And don't forget to give God praise for all His faithfulness. That's where the true spirit of this week lies.

Happy Thansgiving!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, every good and perfect gift comes from You. So before we sit down to all the things that cater to us, we pause to appreciate You. Thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for salvation and restoration. We are so grateful. And we look forward to receiving more of You, in Jesus' name. Amen.

God's Arithmetic

2011-11-21T20:45:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

Today's Passage> Acts chapter 9
Memory Verse> Acts 9:21

The Bible clearly tells us that we are not to boast about the sin in our past, and so out of reverence for the Lord and His Word, this is not going to be a stroll down Memory Lane. But what I AM going to stand on is the premise that I am so grateful for the parts of my past that the Lord had always intended to use. There were parts of my life that the Lord placed there to remind me that there was more than what I was settling for at that time.

I'll always be grateful for the gift of ministering in song that the Lord gave me. Even at an early age, I knew there was one thing special about it. So even in the midst of my sin, I cherished it as the most important thing that made me valuable. But without a relationship with God, I didn't understand the purpose of this gift and just how set apart I truly was. When I finally gave my heart to the Lord, the scales fell from my eyes and I began to see more and more clearly with each passing day why the Lord had let me live through the ravages of war.

I especially loved reading the story of Saul, who spent the earlier part of his life doing what he thought was right. Imagine his surprise when he gets literally stopped in his tracks by the Lord Jesus Himself. After his time of isolation, which he no doubt needed to help him figure out what was about to take place, the scales fell from his eyes when hands were laid on him. That's when he began to realize that the law had its place, but a relationship of walking in the Spirit was the best way to honor God. But do you know what he maintained from his past that God had always intended to use for His glory? His fire-hot passion and determination.

This same drive is what pushed Saul to pursue the Jews nd persecute them all those years. And this same drive is what God used to push Paul back into the same synagogues where he'd tried to convince the very Jews of the Lordship of Jesus. Still think there's nothing from your past that is praiseworthy? I beg to differ. There's something in there that God created and will use to make people wonder what changed about you so quickly. I wouldn't worry about what people have to say because there is therefore now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. You just have to be willing to go forward like Paul did with a new name and a new purpose. Don't waste another moment trying to figure out God's arithmetic. He knows just what He wanted to add, and what He's already subtracted from you for His glory. The sum total of you is what He always intended You to be. And that's all that matters.

Prayer: Father, You knew what I would be even before I began to Walk in that direction. I just want to show You how grateful I am that You still want to use me the way You do. Let come what may, I truly want You to be glorified forever. But if possible, please arrange it so that those from my past will be able to see that You have changed me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

It's Our REASONABLE Service!!!!!!

2011-11-20T18:59:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 21st, 2011

Today's Passage> Psalm chapter 50
Memory Verse> Psalm 50: 14 & 23

We as parents are peculiar. We're capable of providing for our children, for we love them dearly and would do anything to see them happy. We're also very capable of doing everything that needs to be done in the household, such as cleaning the house, taking out the garbage, and cooking the food for that day. As a matter of fact, we know we're capable of doing this because we performed theses duties before our children got here and when they were too young to help us do it.

But when our babies get old enough, we like for them to begin participating in these duties -- not because we HAVE to depend on them, but because we'd like them to develop a sense of helping as a reasonable service for getting to enjoy the blessings of staying in a home they don't have to pay for, and eat food that's automatically provided for them without fail. And once we assign these duties, we don't like to hear them complain about having to do them because WE don't complain about all the sacrifices WE have to make for them; we just make those sacrifices.

God has this same attitude about the way He wants us to be thankful to Him. He does everything that He knows we need without complaining; He loves to bless us and show Himself faithful to us. So when it comes down to showing Him our gratitude, He expects it to be done without giving off the attitude that it's a chore. It hurts Him that He'd have to MAKE us be grateful to Him when we ought to know it's our REASONABLE service. What do you give a Father like God Who already has everything? Animal sacrifices don't work because everything physical already belongs to Him. You give Him the gift of an attitude of gratitude. It's the only thing He can't make us give Him because it wouldn't make Him happy.

Gratitude is closely linked to total devotion because it lets our Father know we have confidence in His care for us, and that even when we can't see where the provision is coming from or just how He's going to make a way, experience with Him tells us that if He's done it before, He'll surely do it again. While He's out moving this and shaking that to provide for us, the very least we can do is have an expectancy that He's going to come through, and praise Him in advance for what He WILL do. Let's face it, though: our eyesight's not that good all the time. So even when we can't seem to be able to praise Him for what's coming in front of us, how can we pretend to forget what He's ALREADY done? We could literally spend 365 days in a year and not exhaust the number of times He was faithful to us or loved ones around us. Next time you're tempted to complain about how ungrateful your kids are, try remembering how God feels with HIS children and keep an attitude of gratitude because it's our REASONABLE service!

Prayer: Father, You are so faithful. Morning by morning, I feast on Your faithfulness, which You offer asking nothing in return but my devotion through worship, praise and thanksgiving. I open my mouth now so that You can fill it with the praise You deserve. May my life be filled with praises to You and only You for Who You are to me. I love You so much. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Prayers that Prevail

2011-11-19T19:39:00.000-08:00

Sunday, November 20th, 2011

Today's Passage> Nehemiah chapters 9 & 10
Memory Verse> Nehemiah 9:38

Father, thank You that You never allow our past sins to destroy our opportunity for reconciliation! You love us so much that You made provision for the forgiveness of our sin long before we even acknowledged that we were sinners. We join together today to make some declarations to You in the company of heaven and earth.

We thank You for being a God Who does not deal with us as we deserve. Our ancestors took it upon themselves to create their own gods, then fashion religions of their own to avoid giving You the honor You deserved. Even in spite of that, You provided them with the fulfillment of the things they needed. Still they were hesitant to acknowledge You. In Your great mercy You allowed them to go through a time of captivity so that they could see You and call out to You. This caused them to do so, but only for a short period of time. Generation after generation, they ignored You in spite of Your mercy, and taught their children to do the same.

But today, we Your children turn our hearts away from the acts of our fathers. We renounce and cut ourselves off from every act of rebellion they performed. We declare that we will be totally devoted to You in spite of what our forefathers did. We embrace Your righteousness and renounce the rebellion for the rest of our days. Even as we make a covenant to seek You with all our hearts, we recognize that the enemy is planning strategies to cut us off from You and distractions to pull us away from You. But we refuse to be distracted. We desire You and declare that we will not only turn to You, but will teach our children to do the same.

Today, as we arise, we set our hearts on one accord to walk in righteousness from this day forward. We know that every promise You make, You keep to the third and fourth geneneration to those who fear You. So we will arise and worship You, calling You Holy and giving You the glory You deserve. May all those who have struggled with being double- minded in the past begin to see clearly what an awesome God You are as the scales fall from their eyes. We declare that You will be our God, and we will follow You forever. In the mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.

Change We Believe In!

2011-11-18T19:32:00.000-08:00

Saturday November 19, 2011

Today's Passage: Nehemiah 8
Memory Verse: Nehemiah 8:1-3

Geez! Things are getting crazy around here. Within minutes of watching the evening news, I often find myself mortified by all the reports of murder, abuse, schemes, and other injustices. Where has our morality gone? It seems as the days go by, more people are losing their core values than ever. It can also be seen in our schools. As an educator, I've been in meeting after meeting where children disrespect their parents as if it's the right thing to do. I'm not real sure how things got this way, I know for a fact they have to change. And there's only one thing that will change it.

How does one establish a repentant society? Do we make new laws, build new prisons, or hire more law enforcement? Since we are all natural punishers, do we revert to public stonings or lynchings for those who break the law? Whereas these interventions would probably have some effect on immoral behavior, it wouldn't have a lasting effect. The reason it wouldn't is because punishment only stops us from doing bad things. Now I know what you're thinking. And you're right, it SHOULD stop us from doing bad things. Some of us wouldn't be as well-behaved as we are if it weren't for a bit of punishment. So this discussion is not to convince us that punishment is evil. As mentioned before, it has it's merits. The problem with punishment however, is it doesn't teach. There's no aspect of punishment that makes one understand why they should do good things. That's why the word of God is important. In our passage, due to the choices people were making, Ezra, along with other leaders, gathered everyone together and began to remind them of God's law. They turned their attention back to the moral code on which their nation was founded.

Those of us who agree that humanity has to be better behaved have to make sure our voices are heard. We have to first be prayerful. God has shown us in His word that if there's at least one of us who still desires to live for Him, He'll heal us. Also, we have to be diligent in the way we elect our leaders. We can't afford to allow party lines or race to distinguish who's right or wrong. We must make those decisions based on character. Who's going to lead us according to the Word? That's who should get our votes. In order to re-establish morality in society, its leaders must be the example of that morality. They must lead us in prayer (locally and nationally), and like Ezra, always remind us of what God expects of us.

Repairing our moral compass will be a tall order, but by God's grace, it can be done. Those of us who are reading this devotional can let it begin with us. Let's pray for our nation, be wise during elections, and stand for justice. Let's never allow God's word to go far from our hearts; always reminding our neighbors of its power to change. Alone, we'll never be powerful enough, loud enough, or influential enough to accomplish this. However, together we can do all things through Christ, who I know will strengthen us. Let's not sit back and wait to become victims of lawlessness and immorality. Let's change the world!!!!

Prayer: Our Father, You are glorious and awesome; perfect in all Your ways. As we look around, we see the fruit of our rebellion and immoral practices. We now repent of our sin and turn our hearts back to You. Only You can save us from this path to destruction. So, we totally submit to Your ways, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

2011-11-17T19:55:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 18th, 2011

Today's Passage: Nehemiah chapter 6
Memory Verse> 2 Peter 2:1

The Bible clearly tells us in 2nd Peter that there will be false prophets in the fold, just as there were in days of old. For this reason, we are to be sober, watchful and prayerful. It also says that God has ordained the days to be shortened so that the very elect would not be deceived. This brings about the question: is it possible that there exists in the year 2011 prophets who claim to be sent by God that are not? Are there really wolves in sheep's clothing who are destroying and scattering the sheep even as we speak?

It might be hard to hear this because, as I write this, it's hard to put into words. But God would not warn us if there were no danger to be wary of. A false prophet is one whose purpose is to sow seeds of doubt and fear among the saints by speaking words that APPEAR to be from God on the surface, but at the very foundation are nothing but an assignment to destroy what God has built. Over the past twenty years or so, there has been a shift in the Christian church from focusing on being about our Father's business because He's coming soon to living for now. Although our Father promises in His Word that if we seek Him first, He will add these things and all others to us, it seems mighty strange that we began to hear prominent ministers preach a gospel that sounded like it was straight from the throneroom... until we all looked up and found that we had to repent from lusting and coveting after what was not ours, as well as resenting God rather than living in contentment with what He's given us FOR the now.

Rather than take offense, just think about this for a moment: a false prophet may not necessarily be one who knowingly or deliberately sets out to destroy the purpose and plan of the people of God. He or she may just start out with good intentions and end up walking in error due to his or her own selfish desires getting in the way of that person's ability to hear the voice of God and speak what He says without compromising. I believe that this is what we've experienced. There are genuine people of God who missed it while taking their eyes off of the prize of the high calling for just a moment... but a moment is all it takes for the enemy to move in. And before they know it, they're being used by him to accomplish his own agenda rather than God's in this end time harvest. Let's face it: we've all been used by that deceitful dragon at one time or another to take a person off course -- whether it may be through the words we spoke, or our actions. Did that mean we had totally gone off the reservation and began to serve the enemy? No. But that's how cunning and deadly the devil is.

Nehemiah experienced the same thing when he was on the verge of finishing his assignment. All of a sudden, people who should've known that God's Sovereign will is always to lift and bless His people began to speak out against what he was doing, and began trying to instill fear in him. But there's something about those who are totally devoted and intimately connected to the Most High God. Nehemiah didn't waste time forming opinions of them or trying to assassinate their character. He merely kept His eyes on God and asked Him to get them out of the way so that he could finish what he had started. And that's exactly what we need to do.

Pastor Chris reminded us on Wednesday night that we are expected to be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Anyone who produces the opposite mentality or heart in us does not have God's heart towards us, no matter how popular that person is or how anointed they may be. If that person's ministry causes doubt rather than confidence to be stirred in us, we'd better be questioning whether they really are who they profess to be in these last, evil days. We must keep locked in to the vision of the house the Lord has planted us in, and be sure that the pastors we're submitted to have the heart of God. If we are supposed to be prospering even as our souls prosper as a result of being under the teaching of godly men and women, there should be no doubt as to whether we are hearing from God or not. Test the spirits by the spirit and see whether the prophetic words you're receiving line up with the Word of God. Period. With perilous times all around us, we simply have no time to be second-guessing our destiny. When we stand before the Father, there'll be no room for "I thought they were YOUR prophets, God." If they're God's messengers, they'll do what the Word says: correct, reprove, teach, exhort, and always love through it all. There will be no scattering, with the purpose of the ministry being split after a period of time Watch and Pray, saints. We must guard ourselves against wolves in sheep's clothing.

Prayer: Father, I think back to times when I could've been led astray by those sent on assignment by the enemy. But You didn't let that happen. I just want You to know that I appreciate Your protection. Continue to cover Your people and see us break free of the spirit of being susceptible to "itching ears". Only You can keep us until end times. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

PRE- OCCUPIED!!!!

2011-11-16T20:37:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

Today's Passage> Nehemiah chapter 5
Memory Verse> Isaiah 58: 6-7

OCCUPY. It's the latest form mainstream America is using to express how they feel about an issue. This time, it's the senseless distribution of wealth among those who are already wealthy. A decade ago, it was an outcry about saving the planet through recycling, reducing and reusing materials. The awareness of the suffering in the lives of others besides ourselves has also been growing, but not as fast among believers as it has among those not professing to be Christians.

With all the things we have to focus on, having a burden for what happens to others can get pushed to the bottom of the list in a heartbeat. But to God it is not a laughing matter, nor is it something to consider light. In Isaiah 58, He reminds us that we only walk in blessing if we don't ignore the oppression around us. When we fast and pray, our prayers become top priority to Him, but only when we make lifting the oppression off others a priority. In Matthew 25, God clearly outlines what He expects from us where oppression is concerned. Only those who are preoccupied with feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the lonely and seeing about the needs of the sick will be entering into heaven.

It's quite interesting that we as believers, who are given a spirit of discernment to know what direction to pray, begin to use that discernment for other reasons. We're hypersensitive to the comments of people whose opinions shouldn't matter in the first place. While hurting people continue to hurt around us, we're pre-occupied with everything but what God has called us to be concerned about. Oppression in ANY form should be something that we speak out against-- not out of fear that if we don't, we'll be punished, but out of obedience to the heart of God. Look around: is there a need we can do something about? I've found that the more pre-occupied I am with the needs of others, the less anxious I am about my own needs and issues. Let's be pre- occupied with God's broken.

Prayer: Father, there are so many broken people around us. We pray that You will give us a heart that is sensitive to Your heart. Only You can prepare us for the task of looking out for the needs of others. It takes Your heart, and without Your will to push past our own desires, there will be no- one to go the extra mIle . Please fill us with the desire to please only You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

The More We Bind Together...

2011-11-15T20:58:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

Today's Passage: Nehemiah chapter 4
Memory Verse> Nehemiah 4:6

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! For it is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard.. Of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing-- life forevermore." (Psalm 133). What is it about unity that gets God so excited that He would make provision for His children to walk all over the enemy?

Unity is the absence of strife. Where there is no strife, the spirit of confusion cannot dwell. This makes it very difficult for the enemy to hang around, and very easy for him to walk away as frustrated as Sanballat and Tobias did in today's passage. These two, who were bent on destroying the purpose of Nehemiah and his team to get to work and complete it, were no match for the determination and power of one accord. They thought that, with there being so much work to do, the Israelites would soon become engaged in heated arguments and the work would be left by the wayside. After all, it worked when they were in the wilderness. But I love what it says in verse 6: "The people had a mind to work."

This takes me back to the whole mindset of total devotion, which is the opposite of double- mindedness. Minds that are focused on the will of God, being steadfast, unmoveable, and always abounding in His work have no room for strife, confusion and uncertainty. The people of Israel were so ready to do something about the brokenness in their city, so tired of seeing the enemy win, that they refused to allow anyone or anything to stop them from getting it done. Which takes me back to Psalm 133. What do you think happens when God sees His children rally together to bring His will to pass on this earth? He opens the floodgates and removes all limits and boundaries from before them.

And that's where the enemy's defeat is sealed. God is waiting for US to get on one accord so that He can release the blessing that will set into motion the fulfillment of visions, dreams and every possible blessing. Our individual destinies have to take a back seat to the more pressing issues at hand: the needs of the city. As soon as we begin to move towards healing each other out of love from the back-stabbing and selfish bickering, we'll see a turnaround. The enemy HAS to back away because the demonic forces will have to flee when God sends His host of angels to cover us. Imagine what things we could do in short periods of time. Get ready! Begin to gird yourself about with truth. The more we bind together, the more blessed we'll be. And there's NOTHING the enemy can do about it.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the peace of knowing You will do exactly what Your Word says You will do. We ask for the peace that will cause us to strive to walk in unity with one another, and invite Your Holy Spirit to move freely among us. Strengthen us to begin and complete the work you've called all of us to do. In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen.

Positioned for Greatness

2011-11-14T20:31:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

Today's Passage> Nehemiah chapter 2
Memory Verse> 1 Corinthians 1: 27

In our society, there's this thing for celebrities that I just can't figure out. All a person has to do is become popular for any crazy old thing nowadays, and people fall all over each other just to be included in a group that gets to meet them. It started out with pop and movie stars, which seemed innocent enough. But in more recent years, the infatuation with celebrities has been expanded to criminals of every kind who peddle their wares on camera and do their best to teach the younger generation that sex, drugs and guns are the right kind of dream to aspire to.

Even in the Christian community, we pass on the same infatuation with stars to pastors and singers that are on television regularly. Believers will barely make it to church on a regular basis, but will pack out an arena to see a televangelist or gospel artist. It turns out that God, too, has a thing for famous people, although not in the way we think. God's agenda involves positioning those who represent Him next to people of very influential status. Here's how and why I believe He does this.

Bishop Ray Willis often says, "God's got this uncanny idea that it's all about Him.". This statement is true in that God wants His glory to be revealed in the most unlikely but prominent of places. HOW does He do this? Why, He's God, of course! He is more than capable of sending His ministering spirits to orchestrate moving us from one place to another until He has us exactly where He wants us. God did this with David, who was just a shepherd boy taking his brothers something to eat when he was thrust into the battle between the Israelites and Philistines. Esther wasn't sure she would ever be chosen from a long list of girls from prominent backgrounds, but her favor with the king paid off. Daniel and Joseph found themselves in similar positions, all of them having one thing in common with Nehemiah: they were all totally devoted to bringing God's will to pass.

God has a way of getting His will done by people who under normal circumstances would never dream of allowing it to happen. God has always wanted His will to prevail over that of people who think they are too powerful to need Him. That's why He uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. All Nehemiah was doing was being a cupbearer for the king in today's passage. All he had was a heart for God's city not to remain in ruins. And because of His heart, God allowed Him to be positioned among great men so that the city walls would be rebuilt. Don't despise the day of small beginnings, for you, too, are being positioned to walk in favor among great men for His glory. Just never lose your burden for God's heart, and never seek to please man rather than God. By the time all's said and done,you will be on your way to accomplishing something awesome for the Kingdom.

Prayer: Father, thank You for what You've ordained to accomplish in my life. I know You have a purpose for me, and so I release You to pour out Your favor in spite of my limitations. I let go of every doubt and ask that You get ALL the glory in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Let the Humility Begin

2011-11-13T20:50:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 14th, 2011

Today's Passage> Nehemiah chapter 1
Memory Verse> 2 Chronicles 7:14

Fasting and praying seems like a lost art in our churches nowadays. It's been cast aside along with services that were held just to "tarry before the Lord", as any saint who's at least 40 years old will tell you. While tarrying may seem to have no place in our fast-paced, "give me everything now" society, we have to admit that fasting and prayer can never be replaced with any more modern Christian practices if we want to walk in true power.

One of the things fasting does is draw us out of the realm of self and into the realm of kingdom. Only fasting moves us from thinking about what WE want and what WE need to thinking about others. In today's passage, Nehemiah heard about the condition of his homeland and how the walls were broken down. But only when Nehemiah decided to fast did his heart begin to soften concerning the news. Imagine how many disturbing stories we hear on the news or from people around us from day to day. We tend to shield ourselves from these heartbreaking details, which causes us to be de-sensitized to their impact. Only fasting can remind us that our lives are not about us, but that God needs us on the wall, interceding for others.

And that's where prayer comes in. Even if we're denying our flesh the things it craves, the real power comes only when we accompany fasting with prayer -- heartfelt, sincere prayer to the Father. I have found that I wasted quite a bit of time when I tried fasting but didn't do much praying. I pretty much stayed in the carnal realm, only going through the motions rather than crucifying my fleshly desires in anticipation of what God was going to do. So prayer is what turns the focused heart on not our will, but God's will for the situation that we're praying for. Nehemiah did not only complain about the plight of the Israelites, but asked God for His answer to the situation. He was able to ask for forgiveness for not only his immediate family, but for the children of Israel as a whole. And not only that, but he went through this process for several days rather than just one. I believe this is how He tapped into the power to begin the work that lay ahead of him and his people.

We can definitely use Nehemiah as an example of how fasting and prayer prepares us for total devotion to the work that God is calling us to do. Take a look around you. What has God made you sensitive to? Is the plight of the elderly bothersome to you? Young ladies who are not getting any support while they're carrying their babies? Understand that whatever it is, you'll just end up complaining about it if you don't invite God's intervention through prayer and fasting. Total devotion to the work God is calling us to do only comes as we yield our will to the Lord's. With patience and diligence to the process of dying to ourselves, we'll begin to see the Lord move on the behalf of those we are praying for-- so let the humility begin.

Prayer: Father, we've spent so much wasted time trying to ignore the heartache and brokenness around us. Our desire is truly to see Your will be done in our lives and that of others. We bow before You now and repent for the sins of our ancestors as well as ourselves. Please forgive us and begin to break our hearts with the things that break YOUR heart. We lift up our city and ask You to repair the breach, O Most High God. Only You can heal, save and set Your people free. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Prayers That Prevail!

2011-11-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

Sunday November 13, 2011

Today's Passage: Nehemiah 9 & 10

Heavenly Father, we'd like to first thank You for who You are. There's no one like You, Lord. Arise in us as we awaken to this new day. Let every heart beat for You alone; declaring Your Lordship and worth. We won't put anyone or anything before You. You are God and King, and we worship You today.

Father, we realize You are a covenant God. Your love for us goes beyond emotional bargains or vain agreements. Your promises are yea, and amen. Which means if we obey You, Your grace will fulfill every promise made to us. Every word You've spoken is full of life, favor, and blessing. All we need to do is honor the covenant we made with You.

We are not forsaken, nor are we are forgotten. However, Lord, the disobedience of our generation must end. Whereas You are a loving Father, we mustn't forget that You are ALSO King. Therefore, we must live our lives boldly, but carefully. We can't take this covenant lightly. We can't assume because of grace, we can live lives that reject You. As a matter of fact, we repent personally, and corporately for our lack of devotion. So please Lord, be merciful as our hearts turn back to you. From this point forward, our lives will be a reflection of Your word. The world will see that Your covenant with man still lives within the hearts of the totally devoted. We are the generation that will stand on Your word. We are the people that will honor this covenant. Be glorified Lord, in Jesus' name. Amen

Show out Through Me, Lord!

2011-11-11T19:59:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 12th, 2011

Today's Passage> 1 Kings chapter 18
Memory Verses> 1 Kings 18: 36-37

Look throughout the Bible, and you'll see it. There's a specific trend that shows how God responds to total devotion from His children. He responded to Abraham with protection over him and his family as they made the move from his homeland to a totally new place God had called him to. He responded to Noah's obedience by giving him the strength to build a huge boat for himself, his family, and two of every species of animal, then releasing rain that flooded the whole earth. God's Word says He looks to and fro about the whole earth, seeking to whom He can show Himself faithful.

When God brought His people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt, He was simply showing out. He wore down the Egyptians with the various plagues until they finally gave in and let the Israelites go. Can you imagine what a spectacular display God orchestrated when they got to the Red Sea? I would've loved to have been there to watch the Egyptians pursue them, then realize they had walked into a watery trap that would be their grave. But the thing that amazes me about some people is that, even as flamboyant as God has been from one generation to another to let those who love Him know how He feels about them, there are still some who remain aloof from His reach and find themselves unsure about whether to serve Him or not.

That's why I absolutely love the way Elijah showed confidence in His God. He basically issued a super challenge to all those who were still straddling the fence, telling them that God was about to manifest Himself, and they needed to make up their minds who they were going to serve. And did God show Himself or what? He responded to Elijah's boasting in Him with fire on an altar that had been doused with water. It would again have been amazing to be an eyewitness to something so spectacular. And yet, it makes me wonder: do we really need God to perform tricks just to get His people to worship Him? I noticed in the passage that only AFTER the miracle by fire did the Israelites who were there bow down and acknowledge God's greatness.

We as believers must be mindful of the mentality that we'll hold off on our worship until God does something big to wow us. Yes, God WILL show Himself strong because that's Who He is. But notice that Elijah's show was to expose the UNGODLY to the terrible power and might of the Most High God. It was not meant to convince those who were already believers that He was worthy of their praise. That's what ended up taking place. But if we don't develop a diehard, totally devoted heart towards our God, we'll only be on the outside looking in, watching as He uses others to display His greatness instead of us. I don't know about you, but I'd rather be on the convincing end of things instead of having to BE convinced over and over due to shaky faith. Gird yourself, people of God. Stand on His Word and let Him respond with a miracle through you.

Prayer: Father, You have shown me throughout my life that You are truly a great God. I'm persuaded that there is nothing impossible for You. I offer myself to be used by You to display Your greatness through me whenever and wherever You so desire. May the world see and bow down in awe of You. Show out through me, Lord! In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.

COLD Or HOT?

2011-11-10T22:34:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 16th, 2011

Today's Passage> Revelation 3: 14-22
Memory Verse> Rev. 3: 16

God is a Spirit, but He is strong enough to make it abundantly clear that He hates double-mindedness with a passion. And personally, I agree with Him. Whenever I read this passage, I try to put myself in His place and see what it would be like to be Him. I take a moment and remember the whole idea of being able to not only see everyone, but also hear their thoughts. Can you imagine eavesdropping on six billion conversations in a million different languages? "Evan Almighty" doesn't even come close to describing it.

I guess that's why I totally understand God's stance on the issue of double- mindedness. In His own words, He pretty much tells the church, "I'd respect you more if you were either hot or cold." at least that way, He'd know where each of us stands. You can see passion coming a mile away. It's easy to see when someone is head-over-heels in love with something or someone. There's no doubt in that person's mind from one moment to the next what they're planning to do. They already know going in what sacrifices have to be made, and they're prepared to make them with no turning back.

At the risk of sounding superficial, I don't know of a single diehard fan of any football or basketball team that has a problem with being double-minded. I've seen two Seminoles fans in particular just skip the whole team apparel altogether and spray themselves from head to toe in team colors. There's no way you'd get one of those fanatics to turn their backs on their favorite team-- even when things didn't go right on a given week or even a given season. And you certainly wouldn't dare suggest that they root for a rival team just because their own team may be down. On the other hand, someone like me who doesn't really have that diehard spirit where sports is concerned needs help seeing what all the fuss is about. It'd be pretty hard to attend a game to watch a losing team play even in the nicest weather (unless there were something in it for me afterwards-- like dinner, for example).

Now, imagine the God of this universe, who made such sacrifices for all of us, having to hear us bellyache and complain about His care for us just because we may have to walk through hard times. I see now more than ever before why He'd rather have a group of cold, heartless people around than a bunch of timid, apathetic and unsure believers. At least He knows where they stand with Him. Now, let me qualify this by saying He loves us all unconditionally. Nothing we can say or do will ever stop His love from flowing towards us. But if all WE can offer in the form of devotion is our half-hearted attempts to serve God, He'd much rather we take it back. It has to be either cold or hot as far as our devotion goes. What's YOUR temperature?

Prayer: Father, when I compare my sacrifice to Yours, I realize how little I have to sacrifice for Your kingdom. I want to thank You that by Your grace I CAN give my all, and do it with- holding nothing. May my heart and life bring You joy daily, and set a positive example for others to follow in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

It's Just the S.O.P.!!!!!

2011-11-09T21:21:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

Today's Passage: Daniel chapter 3
Memory Verse> Dan. 3: 17-18

News stories just like this one have been the subject of discussion and debate for the past two weeks or so. A Baptist minister, who has prayed at the flagpole of a school in Green Cove Springs for more than ten years, suddenly was told he could not continue to do so by the principal. In another incident, a prayer that ended "in Jesus' Name" was challenged by a young atheist who opposed the right to call on God at a school game. More and more frequently, those who are set apart as believers have to make a stand against the antiChrist spirit that is in operation in this world.

But for those believers who just might be wrestling with a bit of uncertainty concerning whether or not it's really that serious, and whether or not to believe that we have to go to that extent just to show that we have faith in God, it's necessary to go back to the Word for a lesson in just how the world reacts to us. In Daniel chapter 3, you'll find an example of opposition to righteous people. It is a testament to the fact that the antiChrist spirit has been in operation as long as faith has. It's amazing to me how, with all the different beliefs in Babylon, only the children of Israel were pinpointed as the ones that were disobedient to Nebuchadnezzar's ruling about the worshipping of the golden image.

Fast-forward to today. With all the varying beliefs that exist in the great United States, why is stopping Christian believers from exercising their faith so important to certain people? Don't you find it a tad bit odd that the only nation on the surface of this earth that has made itself a place of refuge to so many cultures and creeds is giving up its original Christian foundation in favor of those who stand for other things besides the One True God? Well, this should not come as a surprise. At the root of all of this upheaval is the basic test from the kingdom of darkness to see whether those who believe REALLY believe as they profess to. The enemy wants to know if the church will give up its faith by just rolling over and playing dead, allowing all kinds of laws to be put in place that oppress and prevent us from being able to express our devotion to Jehovah God.

And that is why we must regard this opposition as merely the enemy's "S.O.P." --standard operating procedure -- not to be ignored by any means, but also not to be feared. All God is requiring from us is that we stand and resist him, and he will ultimately flee. Every knee has been ordained to bow to no-one other than the Most High God, Creator of heaven and earth. But if WE are more afraid of the opposition than God, and offer no resistance, we will be renounced at the day of judgment. Stand firm, men, women,and young people of God. Read the way Daniel and his boys handled "the test". They declared that they would stand for God even if it cost them their lives. We all must search our hearts and ask ourselves the tough question. Is this faith we proclaim worth standing for even to the death? Because if it isn't, we certainly won't live it out effectively. We will be able to convince no-one -- least of all ourselves -- that God is truly Who He says He is. But oh, how powerful the witness is when we pass the test! It's not us who go to bed at night wondering whether it's really worth it to say there's no God. And eventually, when we all stand before Him, there will be none who WILL be able to say they never heard of the good news. So stand tall, even if it means a fiery furnace. God knows how to deliver His totally devoted and create converts out of even the most hard-hearted people. Just ask Nebuchadnezzar...

Prayer: Father, You are so awesome! It's a privilege and an honor to live for You. Your Presence in my life has made such a difference. I offer myself now as a sacrifice to show those who dare oppose You that You're worth living and dying for. You've made such a precious sacrifice for me that I dare to declare I will live and die for You. To live is Christ, and to die is gain. May those who read this today be filled with a passion to allow You to make their lives mean something for the rest of their days. In the Name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Be the Tree!

2011-11-08T18:30:00.000-08:00

Wednesday November 9, 2011

Today's Passage: Psalms 1
Memory Verse: Psalms 1:1

What is the key to keeping oneself totally devoted to God in spite of the double-mindedness that we see around us? The key to remaining totally devoted to God is being rooted and grounded in His word. Simple, huh? To fully understand this point, let's look at the opposite side of things.

In Psalms 1, the Bible says we'll be rewarded for not walking in the "counsel of the unGodly". UnGodly counsel is the seat of double-mindedness. It creeps into or minds when we're in trouble, or scared. Its origin can be tracked to our upbringing (yep, momma and auntie 'nem), past experiences, and friends or co-workers. Over time, it attaches itself to our souls (the place where we make decisions) and becomes the staple by which we live. Then we meet Jesus. And after experiencing His unfailing love, we decide to live totally devoted to Him. However, we often forget to throw out all those unGodly belief systems we held inside us. We're often reluctant to confront the fact that they in fact caused us to 'stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful'. What results is this new creation with a hint of the old nature hidden inside. We're driven to hold on to it just in case "God fails us". But total devotion requires us to get rid of the unGodly counsel. At the end of the day, it only leads us right back to old mindsets and habits. It's kinda funny. In my experience, people always tell me how hard it is to accept Jesus as their Savior. Truth is, though, I didn't have as much difficulty accepting Jesus as I did denying myself. So like many, my double-mindedness nearly became my undoing.

In conclusion, this day may present the opportunity to make an important decision. On one side, the word of the Lord will knock at your heart, ready to inoculate you with truth. On the other, there'll be the fear-fed advice that only makes "sense", not truth. Which will you choose? My best advice would be to not ask your flesh, or comfort zone. They always appeal to YOUR will. Best practice is to decide now. Decide to choose God's word before you get to that crossroad. Be like that "planted" tree, bringing forth fruit in its season. The tree isn't double-minded, so it prospers, and if you follow suit, so will you.

Prayer: Gracious Father, Your glory is everlasting. I'm thankful I have Your word to guide me through this life. My prayer today is that You will deliver me from myself. The more "I" exist, the less of You I have. So, I give myself away so You can use me! Now, take me as Your own, and I'll give You praise, in Jesus' name. Amen.

The Slippery Slope

2011-11-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, Nov. 8th, 2011

Today's Passage: Romans chapter 1
Memory Verse> Rom. 1:20

In the course of years that I've been walking with the Lord, I've observed the lives of believers who were in relationship with God at one point. But in time, that walk became less and less evident until there was no longer a trace of the bond between that person and God. And as a result of seeing this phenomenon time and time again, I came to the central question that troubled me for a while. How is it possible for people who supposedly love God to walk away from Him and live the opposite way from His laws?

A relationship with God is just that -- a relationship. It must be maintained, not by us, but by our Father. He knows how easy it is for us to lose focus of the most important thing in our lives. So He uses the Holy Spirit, Who speaks to us and convicts us of the areas where we stand in the most danger of going against His will. While for most of us, this is a good thing, and we run to the throneroom, confess our sins, and receive forgiveness as well as a closer walk with God, others resent this "high-maintenance" activity.  What we see in the beginning is they seem to be okay with God living in their hearts. But as time goes by and He requires us to relinquish more and more control, the resentment grows.

The whole idea of being able to simply walk away after having enjoyed a relationship with God at one time has to do with being double-minded. Unholy alliances with the world and everything it stands for cause our allegiance to God to waver depending upon the season we're in if we're not completely sold out to Him. And this is the situation in which those who question their loyalty to God find themselves.  Therefore, it IS possible to find oneself "in love" with Jesus one minute, then not even recognized as one of His own the next. What we don't take into consideration is that whatever foothold we give the enemy is access to torment us about our loyalty to the kingdom of God. He dangles whatever he can before us -- relationships, money, things we may have had success with in the world before Christ, you name it -- and it is up to us to reject those things or allow the doubts to rise concerning whether or not to let them go.

In the end, the struggle is simply too painful and no longer worth the trouble. It becomes easier to just lapse back into what we used to know, and to tell the truth, walking in the flesh can be as easy as getting on a bike again after a while. Our old nature WILL return if we don't do what's necessary to cut all ties with it and let the Holy Spirit do His work in our lives, trusting God to make the change complete no matter how painful it may be. Here's the sad reality: the more we reject God's ways, the more we'll find that He releases us to do so. Ultimately, He will give us over to the reprobate mind referred to in today's passage, and we become the complete opposite of what we once used to be. The result: former gospel artists singing secular music, and even so-called ministers condoning homosexuality as well as other sins as something God accepts in spite of what His Word says. Saints, we must be very careful about allowing ourselves to get on this slippery slope of backsliding. There is no going back from it. Stay in the shadow and shelter of the Shepherd's care.

Prayer: Father, You've purchased my soul from the enemy's grasp, and You deserve all of me. But more than anything, I WANT to live for You because You loved me first. You went to the pit of hell itself for me, and I'll go wherever You desire. To live for You is not burdensome, but a privilege and an honor. Keep me in the cradle of Your grace, and I'll live to bring You glory always. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

If You're Saved and You Know It...

2011-11-06T20:40:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 7th, 2011

Today's Passage: James chapter 1
Memory Verse> James 1: 6-7

My brother-in-law is an interesting person. He may be much better at this now, but when he was yet unmarried and lived at home, it took him quite a long time to decide exactly what he wanted to wear. My husband tells me it was even worse when they were in high school. He would pull out five or six outfits, try each one on, then go searching for something completely new until he had the one that he felt the most satisfied with -- the one that matched with the right shoes and made him look the best. This took place nearly everyday, and they would consequently be late for school on a daily basis because he never could go through this process the night before. But even if he did, he would probably change his mind by the morning, and the whole thing would start all over again.

As hilarious as this seems when it comes to clothes, it is no laughing matter when it comes to the issues of our lives. Of all the things not to be sure about, our eternity is not one of them. First Corinthians tells us to "Be steadfast, unmoveable, [and] always abounding in the work of the Lord, because our labor is not in vain in [Him]. But double-mindedness is the opposite of everything in this verse. Our pastors ministered yesterday about how a double-minded person is one whose devotion to God is less than total. His attention is divided between God and other things. This means that other things have equal place in this person's life, and take up as much space as, or more than, what God should. What goes on in our spirits is exactly what manifests in the natural with animals: a two-headed animal.

If an animal has two heads, this means it is getting two completely separate sets of commands. Which one will it be able to follow? How can the one body go left when it's being told to go right at the same time? As a result, they often move in a disoriented and dizzy fashion; some simply zigzag without getting anywhere. In their research, our pastors found out that two brains result from the failure of two fertilized eggs to separate properly during the gestation of the mother. So basically, there are two completely different animals living in the body of one. Eventually, the two-headed animal will die from not being able to properly feed, protect, and sustain itself in its environment.

Do you see the parallel for believers who are trying to live saved but have not made the necessary changes in order to receive everything that God has provided? James strongly warns us to ask for the wisdom necessary to obey and be totally devoted to God. Basically, we must be willing to kill our will, separate and cut off its ability to rule in our lives. In order for us to be the steadfast, sold-out and totally devoted believers we were created to be, God must be the Only One in control. No-one else should be allowed to control us, tell us where to go, who to associate with, or even what to eat and how to spend our money. Everything about us should be completely submitted to the Father. If you're saved and you know it, live like it. Don't live confused, disoriented and unsure from one day to the next whether you're going to follow Christ or not. This decision must be settled in your mind FIRST. There is simply no other alternative.

Prayer: Father, as You show us the uncertainty of the times in Your Word, I feel You urging Your people to make up their minds Who they will serve. As for me and my house, we will serve You, the Most High God. You are the Only One Who deserves our devotion, for You are the Only One worthy to receive it. You paid the highest price for our lives, so we give them back to You without reservation. Live big in us, O God. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Prayers that Prevail

2011-11-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

Sunday, November 6th, 2011

Today's Passage> 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11
Memory Verse > 1 Thess. 5:8

Father, You have chosen us to be sons and daughters of the day, and not of the night. What an awesome thing, to be chosen as one of Your own! You've called us out of darkness and into Your marvelous light, and we come willingly to serve You and live out our lives to bring You the glory You deserve. But this privilege also comes with a responsibility. You require us to awake from our slumber, because we are still in the midst of a war. This war is for our nation, our families, and our faith in You.

We pray today that You will fill us with such a passion to seek You like never before, not as a religious exercise or out of some sort of obligation, but with expectancy to see You move on our hearts and in the lives of the people around us. Give us a spirit of watchfulness, being aware of the times and seasons so as to always keep Your presence before us. Keep us prayerful and thankful for Your intervention in this age. Give us a heart to seek Your Will above all else, and never compromise our devotion to You.

According to Your Word, we declare that we will be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and wearing on our heads the helmet of salvation which is the very hope of our existence. May we embrace this season of comforting and edifying one another like never before, filling each other with this blessed hope, so that we all may walk in contentment and peace, knowing that You, the Shepherd, are in full control. We also lift up our pastors, asking You to cover them and give them even more anointing and intimacy with You so that they may preach Your Word unhindered and unrestrained all their days.

We also pray that You will give us the grace to forgive and release one another no matter what the offense was, not rendering evil for evil at all, but showing them mercy just as You have done for us over and over again. We declare that we will rejoice always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks to You in every season. May we arise to give You sincere praise today, with that blessed hope in our hearts. May that hope spread to the lives of those who need to know that You are real, and that You reward those who diligently seek You. In the mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.

The Promise of Eternity

2011-11-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday, November 5th, 2011

Today's Passage> 1 Peter 1: 3-25
Memory Verse> 1 Peter 1: 4 & 5

I often think about the hard lives many have had from one century to another. What kept the Pilgrim settlers hoping against hope when they took that giant step across the Atlantic Ocean to start their new life? When they had to bury their loved ones taken by the harsh winter and disease, what gave them comfort? No doubt words of a hymn like "How Great Thou Art": "When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation to take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration, and there proclaim, "My God, how great Thou art!"

A few hundred years afterwards, during the capture, murder and enslavement of African people, what did they have to look forward to? When their babies were snatched from them, and their families were separated as they were bought, sold off, and sent to various parts of the country, what gave them comfort? The promise that there was a place much better than this one where no such horrors would take place. They sang the words of the song, "Swing low, sweet chariot, comin' for to carry me home" along with others that warmed their hearts on dark, cold nights and lit their path when all hope seemed lost.

No matter the time or season, the promise of eternity is the one beacon that shines brighter than any other element of our faith. It strengthened our Lord Himself when He was stretched out on the cross, and it sustained him to focus on what He was purchasing for us. Today's passage gives me the feeling that if this was important then, it's important now. Many believers spend countless hours feeling worried, sad, hopeless, or aggravated about the circumstances in which they find themselves. But hope is what makes the difference, and for good reason.

I've said this before and I'll say it again: eternity is the only thing the enemy has no influence over. So rather than try, he simply works on getting us to fear the unknown so much that we lessen the impact of eternity on our NOW. If we can trust God with our future, why wouldn't He take care of our present? We must begin allowing the things God has put in place for us to stand firm in our hearts, even when we can't feel or see it. Hope in our eternity is the best thing we've got to latch on to. In the midst of the hardest situations, it's amazing how a simple song can transport us to another place. I don't know what your "eternity" song might be. For me, it's "Lord, You're my dwelling place; I long to shout Your praise, singing hallelujah. I know that there will come a day when I will see You face to face, and I will be embraced by the beauty of holiness....."

Prayer: Father, thank You for the promise of eternity. I'm longing for the day when I get to see You, hear You say, "Well done", and sit at the welcome feast with Your Son Jesus. All of the issues of this life fade into insignificance when my heart settles on this fact. Be glorified in all I say and do, and may those who do not know You accept this same promise. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Hope...Don't Leave Home Without It!

2011-11-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

Friday November 4, 2011

Today's Passage: Job 11:7-20
Memory Verse: Job 11:8

Last year, a friend of mine was told she had cancer. At the time, I'm sure fear in regards to her future were ever before her. However, she approached each day as if she had a lifetime to live. When she could, she continued to work and function in ministry as she'd always done. While praying for her one night, I asked God how she maintained such a positive outlook, and His answer was life-changing. He said "As long as she has hope, she has help".

Hope is not a man-made, emotional sensation. Hope is a gift given by God Himself. Its very definition describes it as a confident expectation. For the believer, all is not lost when the loved-one has passed, or when the diagnosis is spoken. All is not lost when the there are more bills than money. All is lost when the expectation that God will deliver what He promised is cast aside. Without faith, it's impossible to please God. Without hope, it's impossible to know Him. Hope brings a spiritual God into our natural world. It literally grants access into the kingdom of God. So, while some might have felt sorry for my friend, we rejoiced in the fact that she knew at any moment, God could take her cancer away. What do you hope for? As you think about your answer, be reminded that hoping is not wishing. Those who wish live by chance. Their lives are like tossing a coin into a well, thinking something will come out. Again, hope is expecting; like buying a ticket knowing the train will soon arrive.

Our passage today says God is far higher than we could ever imagine; deeper than we can comprehend. Nothing will ever be able to go over Him, or get around Him. He's all powerful, and totally inexhaustible. That being said, no matter the circumstances of our lives, we must position ourselves to access His limitless power. Hope establishes that position for us. So what part does hope play in getting us through tough times? It plays the biggest part. You can't get through tough times without hope. Just ask my friend, she sang with our praise team Wednesday night....cancer free!

Prayer: Holy Father, we are in awe of You. You give us everything we need. You knew there would be days our faith would be tested. You knew we'd experience moments of weakness. So You gave us hope. You promised us You'd be there for us. So, we'll live with expectation, in Jesus' name. Amen

The Necessary Thing

2011-11-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

Today's Passage> 1 Peter 3: 8-22
Memory Verse> 1 Peter 8:15

As believers, we are in amazing company. We share in the glory of the disciples and all those who lived and died in Christ after them. We share in the joy of knowing that, no matter how many trials arise, God is always there to strengthen and sustain us. But more than that, we share in the hope that persecution, or suffering for doing good, is worth going through.

Persecution is defined as the act of being mistreated or abused, especially for religious reasons. We greatly sympathize with those who have to endure it, many times voicing our outrage that it even has to happen to them. But the very essence of being a Christian, as much as we may want to avoid facing this fact, is being ready and willing to go through persecution. A look at the lives of those who've gone before us will answer the question: "Is persecution necessary?". God, in His great wisdom, figures this into the equation and allows this as part of the process that makes us who He's calling us to be.

With this in mind, how exactly do you maintain hope in the middle of this necessary thing? Does God expect us to paste this smile on our faces and pretend as though everything were perfect? What purpose does it even serve TO have this blessed hope when one's world is crashing? Again the answers are found in the biblical examples that were left as landmarks. Scourged, crucified, and rejected by His own because He declared Himself to be the Son of God, Jesus endured the pain and shame of the cross. What was He holding on to, and where did it come from? Better yet, why did He hold on to it? The hope was in God's promise that those who did not see but believed anyway would be given a crown of righteousness.

For Christ, Who was already righteous, it was necessary to hold on to that hope because He was the first fruit of the promise that salvation would be made available to every man who accepted it. Can you see Him standing there the whole time He was being hit by the cat' o nine tails? Every lash was for what He was winning for us. While He didn't bear that agony with smiles on His face, He bore it with the promise that it was not in vain. Every blow we are dealt can be withstood in the same way-- because our children's children are coming after us, and we must still set the standard for them to uphold in this world. Just as Jesus saw us, we must see them and reach for that promise with every ounce within us. May our hearts burn with the same fire as all those who were loved by the Father, as we boldly declare, "We CAN do the necessary thing!"

Prayer: Father, You are so loving. You have prepared us to reach for the provision even in the midst of mistreatment. We want You to be glorified no matter what. We hold on to the blessed hope, which will allow us to not take matters into our own hands. Use us always, and speak through us when the time is right in Jesus' Name. Amen.

It's Tea Time!

2011-11-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

Today's Passage: Jeremiah 29:10-14 (NKJ)
Memory Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJ)

I was so happy when Yassah allowed me to drink Arizona Green Tea again. I had gotten into trouble because I drank too many of them too frequently. So in order to keep her darling husband from overdoing it, she handed down the decree that I'd have to drink water for a while.  Finally, I was able to buy one. After buying it, I sat it aside with special plans for it. I thought frequently about when I'd bring it out and enjoy it again. I don't know how many times I opened the refridgerator to make sure it was still in place, unmolested by greedy kids and my out-of-control behavior (lol).

Okay, maybe you don't like green tea that much, but you can still imagine having something special in your possession.  You know what it is, and its purpose for existing. Therefore, it is extremely valuable to you. Not only that, there's a specific moment when you plan to unleash that purpose and destiny. Likewise, we are God's special prize. None of us were brought into existence by accident. He purposed for us to be here.

Some may say they didn't have a good beginning. Maybe your upbringing was financially challenged, or your home was more like the Simmons' than the Huxtables. It doesn't matter. God has a plan for you. He has sanctified you (set you aside...like my tea) for a specific purpose. God's word in the Book of Jeremiah says "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope". Listen, when the Creator of Heaven and Earth says He thinks about you, you're in a good place! And since He is incapable of thinking evil about you, His thoughts have to consistently be of love, companionship, and blessing. Don't think you've done too much to be in relationship with Him. He's waiting for you. Besides, You wouldn't preserve something you're planning to throw away would you? Well God wouldn't sanctify what He plans to destroy. But wait, this part excites me even more.    He didn't require Jeremiah to be taller, or smarter, or richer, or lighter, or darker. He never told Jeremiah to be anything but obedient. So lose the 'I need to be like them' mentality. You don't need it. He never required you to speak like him, or sing like her. He knows what you can and can't do, yet He still has an awesome plan for your life. What does that tell you? Each day, He looks to make sure you're where He placed you. He doesn't want you to be tainted by the greed of the world and its ideals. Besides, the world is your mission, not your destiny. Pretty soon, God's going to release that purpose for which you were born. So be ready.  Don't spend another day being a slave to the past. In contrast, you should spend each moment preparing for a bright and glorious future. Hmmm, that made me thirsty. Would anyone like some tea?

Prayer: Gracious God, You are everything we need. Thank You for giving our lives purpose. When we were living without You, we didn't know what we were here for. But now, through You, life has meaning.  Mere words will never be able to express what You mean to us. So we'll just let Your praise continually be in our mouths, in Jesus' name.  Amen

Hope Worth Holding On To

2011-10-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

Today's Passage> 1 Corinthians 15: 35-56
Memory Verse> 1 Corinthians 15: 52 & 53

There's a powerful statement in this passage that I never really knew was there. It says, "First the natural, then the spiritual." All this means is, nothing ever becomes spiritual unless it is first manifested in the natural. No dream, no vision, no accomplishment ever materializes without making its presence in the physical realm. This is a spiritual law that God created, so He honored His own law by sending His Son Jesus to take up residence in the body of a human being, and had Him walk this earth. Why would He go to all that trouble just to send Him back home? What was the ultimate goal here?

Christ walked out the whole process of breathing our air, experiencing our joys and pains, and being tempted just like we were, yet without sin. He did all that so He could model for us what life looks like not only here in the natural, but also in the spirit realm that He is preparing for us. And if you have a problem accepting this, how do you explain what happens when all life begins? Every living thing starts out in one form and becomes another, then goes back into the earth and dies, but not really. Life only begins again. Every plant that dies receives nourishment from other dead things and comes back as a new plant.

If you accept that this is true, logic should follow that our human bodies, which also start out as one thing and end up as another, will be resurrected by the Lord Who is responsible for setting the example that death is not the end, but a step in the process. Our hope rests in the fact that our earthly bodies are flawed and tainted with sin. But because Christ the second Adam, Who passed the test of loyalty to the Father, intervened and stripped the power of sin and death from the enemy, He has given us His Word that we will be given new, incorruptible bodies. Unlike any other life forms, we have souls. This is who we really are, and this part of us, in keeping with the natural law, has to live on this earth and follow Christ's example of loyalty to God.

Only a loving God would leave clues as to how our earthly bodies will be transformed into heavenly ones. Everytime we see a bird, a flower, or any other living thing, we know that if God has made provision for life to begin again, why not with us? We are of more importance than any sparrow. We can trust that we WILL live again because Jesus lives again. Prepare to exit this treacherous body, but not for good: there is something better to come. No more headaches, heart problems, or surgeries to fix those things. But even more than that, we will have access to the Father Who loved us unconditionally. We long for the day when we will not only sing of and pray to Him, but will see Him just as He is. That in and of itself is hope worth holding onto.

Prayer: Father, only You could demonstrate love for Your children that You would fix everything we messed up, then give us something extra that we could never deserve. You've given us salvation to keep our heads up while walking on this earth. But then You promise us eternity after our resurrection. I just want to thank You for all You've prepared for me and all those I love. May all those who don't know You be drawn to this love, and to the wonderful promises You are sure to keep. Be glorified in our lives in Jesus' Name, Amen.

I Believe it ALL!!!

2011-10-30T15:55:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 31st, 2011

Today's Passage: 1 Corinthians 15: 1-34
Memory Verses: 1 Corinthians 15: 13-14

There are millions of people in our world today who do not accept the Christian faith, and they do this for many reasons. Their rejection of our faith primarily stems from the high standard of morality, namely the Ten Commandments, which they claim is hypocritical since it is not humanly possible to fulfill all of them at the same time. Another reason is the promise of eternity to those whose lives are dedicated to the obedience of these commands. So rather than taking God at His Word and allowing Him to give them the grace to follow, they simply decide it must all be hogwash.

But in today's passage, Paul is addressing another group of people -- not unbelievers at all, but some who had actually accepted the faith. Everything, that is, except for the resurrection. They were okay with the fact that Jesus came to show us a new way to live. He took the commandments to a whole new level, making it personal rather than some mechanical response to God's will. They even agreed with His death, which gave them the right to see Him as a martyr, a sure sign that He must be worshipped. But this group of Corinthians who called themselves believers stopped short at the resurrection. They absolutely refused to believe that it was possible for a man -- even Jesus -- to be raised from the dead. They obviously bought in to the lie that the Roman soldiers told when they claimed that Jesus' body was stolen by His disciples, although there was no way for anyone to roll away that humungous stone that blocked the door of His grave.

And so Paul took the time to write to these Corinthians that if they took away the resurrection from what we believe, we have nothing by which to declare that salvation is possible. Jesus wasn't just a good person Who came to show us how to live on this earth, but gave His life so that we could live with Him in the next. If no-one rises from the dead, there is no heaven or hell. That would give credibility to those who have decided to live anyway they want to now, for there is no accountability. There would be no Judge Who will review the motives, intentions and actions of every day that we lived on this earth, so there would be no need for a Savior to rescue us from our miserable sinful existence. Basically, there would be no reason to believe, and we might as well give up hope on the rest of the message of the gospel.

Here's a question for you: do you believe in the WHOLE gospel? Do you believe in Christ's life, death, AND resurrection? Or do you have a problem holding on to the part that causes you to dig deep inside of you for faith that is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen -- such as eternity? As for me and my house, we choose to believe it all. Like Paul, I believe the rest of it is worthless if we're not spending our lives living out the message that Christ died and rose again so that He can one day come back and redeem us not only from this sinful world, but also our corruptible humanity. If that part's not in the story, I don't want only half of it. But thanks be to God that He is just, and I stand on His promise that if I live totally devoted to Him, He Who gave up everything to provide a place for me will come back and take me to a place where I can BE with Him. For me, it's all or nothing. What about you?

Prayer: Father, I believe in You and Your love for me. I believe that You thought I was worth sacrificing Your Son Jesus to redeem. I believe that He rose from the dead, and is seated at Your right hand, interceeding for me even now. I believe that one day He will come back, and all eyes will see Him as He cracks the sky. I dedicate my life to serving You even more deeply so that I can be in that number for whom You will come. Thank You for the blessed hope! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Prayers That Prevail

2011-10-29T06:27:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 30th, 2011

Today's Passage> Romans 8: 1-17
Memory Verses> Romans 8: 1-2

Father, I am so grateful today for your freedom! Because of what Your Son Jesus accomplished on the cross, I am no longer condemned to live under the law by my own ability, but under a new law. This new law entitles me to allow Your Holy Spirit to breathe Your life into me. By Your Spirit, I now can experience the joy of yielding to Your leading instead of the heartache of failing yet again to live up to Your holy standard on my own.

Today, I choose to come into agreement with Your will for my life. You know the pastures You desire me to feed on, and Your Son's blood purchased the right to drink from pure, clear and still waters. Thank You for the anointing oils and salves that You've made available to bring me relief from the pests that threaten to steal my rest. As long as I'm following You, I have access to the Lamb's inheritance -- provision, peace, and power among other things. No matter what plans are formed by the wolves, lions, and bears that lurk in the shadows, I have no need to fear. For I do not carry the burden of trying to find my own pastures -- You do.

Wherever You lead, I will follow. The hireling's voice I will NOT hear. I'll spend all my days allowing You to order my steps and letting my ways be transformed to Yours. You've introduced to me the life of dying to myself and being content to be with You even through times of suffering -- for that is what gains me access into fellowship with Christ. You will only allow the pains that are necessary for me to be marked and branded as Yours, and I yield to that process willingly, trusting You all the way. Only those who belong completely to You will fully enjoy the benefits of Your ownership.

As all Your sheep arise this day, I pray that we all may respond to Your call and yield to Your leading. May we all recognize the cost of becoming completely Yours as worth the price and stick with it until the process is complete. Your yoke is easy, and Your burden is light. May we all be united in our desire to be so close to one another and to You that other sheep who have not yet submitted themselves will do so freely. In the mighty Name of the Sacrificial Lamb, Jesus, we pray, Amen.

Lay Down the Law!

2011-10-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 29th, 2011

Today's Passage: Romans chapter 7
Memory Verse> Rom. 7: 6-7

It never seems to fail: we operate in a certain degree of responsibility and ability to do what we're supposed to do without having to be told we MUST do it. We take care of our bodies by eating right, getting proper rest, and exercising when we can. But the minute someone lays down the law about it-- say a doctor, for instance -- it becomes one of the hardest things we could ever consider doing. The same thing goes when the word "fasting" is mentioned. All of a sudden, what I seemed to be able to do without any effort (skipping 1 or 2 meals a day just for the sake of it) bturns into an impossible feat.

Sound familiar? This is the same dilemma many believers face whether they are new to the faith or older. What makes the law so hard to follow? Is it because in it's very nature the law is a hard taskmaster that makes us feel as if we're being forced to give up things that we hold dear to us, even if in reality we're really not? I often wonder what I would've done in Adam and Eve's place had I heard these words for the first time: "You may NOT eat from that one tree in the middle of the garden". It seems easy enough to imagine that, if it were I, I would've been content to enjoy all the millions of lush vegetation created with me in mind, taking advantage of every possible fruit I could even dream of.

But before my imagination goes too far from me, I remember that Satan had already made his entrance by the time Adam and Eve were created. He was determined to destroy everything that God had perfectly made. So God in His omniscience created the law to teach us to lean only on our relationship to Him rather than on any created thing. Remember the conversation Eve had with the snake? The moment he made his suggestion, what was her response? She repeated the law("God told us not to eat of that tree"). Now imagine with me how differently things would've turned out if she had responded: "I don't think we'll be doing that, for our Father has provided for ALL our needs!". Better yet, what would've happened to the enemy's plan if she'd realized how incapable she was of handling such a slick talker and just YELLED out for her Creator? She'd received all that love and companionship from God, but when it really counted, all she could focus on was what she was told NOT to do.

God used the opportunity of the fall to teach us that as long as there is sin in the world, we will side with it when we're required to choose. As long as we live in our flesh suit, which is patterned after the first Adam, we cannot depend totally on the law to be obedient to God. We must be willing to lean on what Christ did for us on the cross. Here's an easy way to remember this: when we depend on do's and don'ts, walking in condemnation of anyone who doesn't measure up, who gets glorified? Certainly NOT God. But when we realize our frailty and total dependence on the Good Shepherd, calling out for Him rather than walking away and foolishly thinking we can handle sin on our own, all we're doing is repeating the pattern and opening the door for the accuser of the brethren to condemn US before God. Why not lay down a NEW law and start a revolution of walking in total dependence on His will for our lives?

Prayer: Father, I look over my life and see how many deadly mistakes I made by trusting the law to make me obey Your will for my life. I turn from those ways now, and make a commitment by Your Grace to trust You completely. Through Your process of renewing my mind, I will be transformed from the inside out. And You alone will get the glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Forgiveness & Consequence!

2011-10-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

Friday October 28, 2011

Today's Passage: Ezekiel 18:24-32
Memory Verse: Ezekiel 18:24

It's not fair! That's what the kid on the t.v. show yelled after her parents grounded her for disobeying them. When it happened, my daughter said "Awww, that's so wrong". That, of course, sparked a family discussion.

Since grace abounds, should there be consequences for our disobedience? Is it fair to have to endure chastisment when we make the wrong choices?  When we make bad choices (and get caught), we all want the same reward....FORGIVENESS. In our minds, we think if (or when) we recieve forgiveness, we should not have to deal with consequences. However, the truth is forgiveness and consequence are two different things. Forgiveness is pardon or remission. Consequence (in this case) is the immediate response to a particular event that keeps that event from being repeated. Therefore, by definition, just because we recieve forgiveness doesn't mean there shouldn't be consequences for what we've done. For instance, The girl in the t.v. show was forgiven by her parents, but the consequence for what she'd done was still relevant. How? Being forgiven will give her the second chance she'd need to do better (we've all needed that right?), but the consequence will act as a reminder that doing better is the expectation. Moral? We have to DO BETTER.

One of the great arguments in the church is the 'once saved, always saved' principle. It's supporters say once you've given your life to Jesus, His blood washes away your sins, your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life, you "join" a church and you are in essence, saved. Whereas this stance has it's support from the word of God, it puts no emphasis on the "everyday walk with the Lord', which is the proponent's stance. To find out how God feels about it, let's of course turn to His word. Ezekiel 18:24 says "But when a righteous (saved) man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; because of the unfaithfullness of which he is guilty and the sin which he has committed, because of them he shall die". Enough said. We have to relieve ourselves of this mind-set that we can live by "natural" law, yet recieve "spiritual" benefits.  God expects us to walk uprightly before Him everyday. And although grace and forgiveness abounds, righteous living should still be our passion. We're not perfect, so grace and forgiveness come when we have a bad outcome (i.e. saying the right thing the wrong way, or omitting something we should've been doing or saying), but we can't expect it to be applied when we "choose evil". At the sentencing phase of a murder trial, families sometimes stand before their loved-one's killer, express their feelings, and offer forgiveness.  After they do, the judge still pronounces sentencing. The judge doesn't let the guilty one go free just because the family offered forgiveness. God, who is our judge, will do the same in our day of judgement. Jesus will offer us His undying forgiveness, but if we've lived lives in contrast to Him, God will pronounce judgement (depart from Me.........I know ye not). So don't be fooled. Live life out loud. Declare your faithfulness to God in the way you walk, talk, and live. He deserves it.....and so do you.

Prayer: Gracious Father we thank You for being our Redeemer. If it weren't for Your compassion, we'd still be lost. Help us now Lord God to stay on course. We don't want to just settle in the fact that You saved us. We want a relationship with You that goes beyond that. So, from now on, everything we do and say will be a reflection of the One we serve and love, in Jesus' name. Amen.

A True Horror Story

2011-10-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

Today's Passage> Ezekiel 18: 1-23
Memory Verse> Psalm 103: 9-10

In keeping with the season most Americans insist on celebrating, here's a true horror story for you: you're trapped in a time warp and have no way of getting out. Your ancestors embraced various practices such as witchcraft, human sacrifices, and the worship of animals as well as other forces of nature. Upon your birth, you were indoctrinated into these practices. But even more than that, your father and grandfather dedicated you to the "god" of the mountain (which was actually a demon), promising that your life would be lived in devotion to it. There's no earthly way out of this, because this way of life is all you know. Covenants have been signed and sealed in blood.

Scared yet? It gets worse. Upon your 11th birthday, you are told it is time for you to enter into the agreement that was made on your behalf. You are informed that you're getting ready to meet the god your ancestors have been worshipping all this time. You're made to stand in front of this mountain and chant certain words, and after a while the base of the mountain lifts and you're allowed in. The god your ancestors have been worshipping introduces himself to you, and passes on to you the requirements of your devotion. Cowrie shells are sewn into your skin, and you are given powers that will extend your life and allow you to be practically invincible. But in exchange for these powers, you must pledge to make a certain number of human sacrifices every year, and there are also kinds of foods you are forbidden to eat.

After several days of receiving your "training", you are released from the base of the mountain, and you begin to live your life as the new high priest of this god of your ancestors. Years later, when you think you have killed enough people to satisfy your god's thirst for blood, you find yourself in the middle of the civil war. You find out that you can become a soldier and help avenge your people. This will be a faster way to receive your supply of human parts -- and you take full advantage of it, working your way through the ranks of the rebel army until you become a greatly-feared general. All's perfect in your world: until the day you encounter Jesus Christ Himself in much the same way as Saul did in the book of Acts. He asks you this simple question: "Why are you slaving when you were created to be a king?" The bottom line is you catch a glimpse of true love, and you reach for it.

Here's the question: even after everything you've done to break God's heart, should He refuse to write your name in His Lamb's Book of Life just because of everything you were born into? What if you asked God to come in and forgive all the evil things you did in your past, but He decides to hold all the sins you and your ancestors committed against you? What kind of God would He be to ignore your earnest attempts to accept redemption? Praise Him that He's not at all that cruel! The young man I'm referring to, who is now a minister in Liberia, obtained his freedom from the forces of darkness after many days of fasting and prayer. The same thing can be done for anyone, no matter what web of sin he or she has been tangled in, or for how long. No principality or power is strong enough to overcome the power of the blood of the Lamb. Long story short, this young man is now ministering to other trapped souls and giving his testimony to the saving power of THE God of the Universe. For with God, nothing shall be impossible. How will your horror story end? Is it still ongoing, or will you allow the truth to set you free?

Prayer: Father, You are my Hero Who came in and saved the day, delivering me from the chains of my past as well as those imposed upon me by myself. Thank You for the blood of Jesus. May my life be the testimony You desire it to be. May I always make You famous, telling of Your saving power wherever I go. In Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen.

You "WILL"ing?

2011-10-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 25th, 2011

Today's Passage: Proverbs 8
Memory Verse: Proverbs 8:11

Will- the intent, expectation, and/or requirement to do what one is compelled to. How is life lived? A person lives by what they're compelled to do. It's a constant movement from one decision to another. There are very few things in life one is MADE to do. They may feel they have no choice, but there's always a choice. Making the right choice? That's where the rubber hits the road. But as we no, the ability (or inability) to make good choices goes right back to our will.

Let's face it, we all follow our own passions from time to time. As people of God however, those passions should have been traded for the "will" of God when we accepted Jesus as our Savior. Paul said it best when he wrote "It's no longer I that live, but Christ who lives in me". What an awesome exchange! This statement provoked two thoughts: 1) There's no man-made plan to follow Jesus. The selfishness of the flesh will simply not allow it. If a man is going to follow Jesus, his will has to be replaced with the will of the Lord. 2) You can't follow the will of the Lord without wisdom. Wisdom is the thing we need to keep God's instructions before us. Without wisdom, trials, mishaps, losses, pain, lack, and other distractions, will call into question our reasons for following the will of God.

Can we truly yield to God's will without wisdom? Many have tried. However, in the midst of trying, all they've done is create religion. Religion is defined as man's idealogical attempt to get to God. That's why we have so many religions. We have this guy who says it should be done this way, and that guy who says it should be done that way. While at the same time, very few are listening to "The Guy" (Jesus). So, what we have is mankind trying to do the will of the Lord without wisdom. Wisdom compels us to do God's will with extreme fidelity (total devotion). In our passage today, God's word says "Wisdom is better than rubies". God is telling us in His own words that being wise is more beneficial than being rich. Essentially, a wise man can find a way to make riches, but a rich man can never buy wisdom. So, doing the will of the Lord (which is wise) will offer more favor and contentment than money could ever buy. That being said, if you desire God's will for your life, let go of your ideas, habits, and traditions. Allow God's will to become your strive. You should also know that you can't have both. If you try to follow God's will and yours at the same time, you'll soon discover one will give in to the other. It's impossible for them both to equally exist. So let the wisdom of the Lord lead you to trust Him even more today. There's so much He wants to share with you. Blessings...

Prayer: Father, thank you for Your divine instructions. We couldn't make it through this life without them. We desire Your will more than anything else. So lead us Lord. We'll take the background. What You say, we'll say. Where You go, we'll go. For the rest of our lives, we'll cling passionately to You and only You, in Jesus' name. Amen

The Proof's in the Lifestyle!

2011-10-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Today's Passage> Psalm 19: 7-14
Memory Verses> Ps. 19: 10-11

What do you say to a person who asks the question, "What are the benefits of yielding to God's ways?". Only if you have actually been on the receiving end of these benefits can you give an answer, first of all. If you've had the privilege of being in the safety of the Shepherd's pasture, you should be able to rattle off a list off the top of your head. As we've already stated this week, it's a privilege to have the God of the universe set guidelines and fences to keep His sheep protected from attacks of wolves, but the sheep have to see the guidelines as a lifeline.

I love the way this passage reads in the Message Bible: "The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes." There's no set of rules anywhere on the face of this earth that is more perfect than God's ways. We come into the faith with no clue how to conform to the will of God. But rather than condemning us for what we DON'T know, God lovingly draws us in and inspires us to be more like Him. So great is His love for us that we are compelled to follow His heart. When I look back over my life, I rejoice that God took me in when He did. I see how warped my thinking was about -- well, everything. I guess that's why they call it the carnal nature. But since I said yes to His will, I can truly say that He has not guided me down any wrong paths.

Another thing I love about God's ways is that there are no hidden messages. Even when I walked in sin, I knew that something about the choices I was making wasn't right. There was never a time when I thought I was being lied to and misled. I never once thought my life was complete and there was nothing lacking. But the moment I let Christ in, I knew what I'd been missing all along: the loving guidance of a Father Who sacrificed everything to protect me from the enemy of my soul. Now, with the Word in my heart, I KNOW when I'm going against the Shepherd's clearly- marked guidelines, and I jump at the chance to get back into right standing with Him again.

Finally, there's nothing like the wisdom of knowing my life was created for a purpose-- not to do whatever I desire, which is a pretty hit- and- miss way to live, but what I was created to accomplish on this earth. I don't have to live in fear of the unknown, but walk in true joy daily because I've laid my future in the capable Hands of the Good Shepherd. He knows the plans He has for me, but these plans can only be executed if I yield to the leading of His Spirit: "Stay here. Go there. Don't do that; act now. Get up and pray. Release him or her. Ask forgiveness for what you said/ did..." all the knowledge in the world cannot compare to that gained in God's Presence. The only enlightenment I've received is that I need a Savior, and can do nothing without Him. To the question, "What are the benefits of yielding to God's ways", need I say more? All the proof you need is in the lifestyle.

Prayer: Father, I love the way You Shepherd me. Your protection over me is not a burden, but a blessing. You've set me free, changed me, and make me wiser everyday. I desire Your ways more than gold and sweet honey. Because of You, I can spot danger a mile away. I just want to thank You and declare my total devotion all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Side With the Shepherd!

2011-10-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 24th, 2011

Today's Passage> Psalm 119: 1-37
Memory Verse> Ps. 119: 1-3

There's a scripture in Proverbs that says a man's ways seem right in his own sight, but only God can weigh his intentions. In other words, if we're left to figure out on our own what's right and what's wrong, we'll get it wrong every time. So the Shepherd has put a fence around us to let us know what's acceptable and what will lead us away from Him. But what often happens is we, even the very elect of God, become tired of doing things God's way when certain circumstances arise. Let's be honest: no matter how long any of us has been saved, we find the Shepherd's statutes hard to live up to when our backs are against the wall.

The question that we must get settled in our hearts is this: is it REALLY possible to live life God's way? When He tells us to bless those who persecute us, do we really believe that He gives us a way to walk it out? When He says be angry and sin not, do we take the time to understand that it's ultimately for OUR good? Here's how we can begin to yield to His leading on a daily basis. First, we must accept the fact that, as sheep, we have no clue how to find our own way (although we do try sometimes). We need the Shepherd because He is the only way to righteousness. We can't fall into this deception from the kingdom of darkness that we can discern for ourselves which decisions are best for us. We MUST settle in our spirits that we NEED the Shepherd to lead us, and His paths are always right.

Secondly, we have to seek God with a desperation that communicates to Him how important we know He is in our lives. He promises that we will find Him if we seek Him with all our hearts. It's at that point that He shows us what He wants us to do. His Will is found between the pages of His Word, and we must hide it in our hearts so that when the time comes to choose His way, we can make that decision wisely. This next part is especially hard for our flesh, but today's passage says to REJOICE in God's laws. I can tell you right now that if you don't see His laws as your protection, you will find yourself resenting God's ways. Check your attitude during praise and worship: are you committed to worshipping God with a sincere heart even though He requires you to be the one to humble down and die to yourself? That's a simple way to know whether you're ready to yield to the Shepherd's leading, or if you just want to choose your own way.

Which brings us to the final point. At the end of the day, all God can do is speak softly to you and use His staff to lead us where we can find green pastures, and where He can protect us. But He has given us free will. So will you use yours to choose His paths of righteousness-- which gives us access to His blessing and authority over the enemy? Or will you choose your carnal solutions to the situations you face? If experience hasn't yet taught you that it's in your best interest to side with the Shepherd, it ultimately will. But I hope you'll just take God's Word for it and watch your life blossom in the Shepherd's care.

Prayer: Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, for we need You to help us find our way. Gentle Shepherd, come and feed us, for we need Your strength from day to day. There's no other we can turn to, who can help us face another day; Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, for we need You to help us find our way. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Prayers that Prevail

2011-10-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 23rd, 2011

Today's Passage: Matthew 25: 31-46
Memory Verse: Matt. 25: 34-36

Father, You are truly a Good Shepherd. You have given me everything I could possibly need. I rest in the safety of Your arms on a daily basis. I never have to fear the terror that strikes in the day or at night. I know that Your thoughts towards me are thoughts of peace and not evil all the days of my life. I trust that, even through the valley of the shadow of death, You are with me. I praise You for already making a way out of no way for my desires to be accomplished on this earth.

So, with all that You have done, what do You require in return? You've made quite an investment into my life, and You expect that it be used to bring others into Your kingdom. Your heart is for my heart to be broken over the brokenness of those who cannot stand up to the tyranny of satan. You expect me to bear them up and lift them where they're torn down. You don't expect me to merely say with my mouth that I love the least of these; You expect me to demonstrate Your love whenever I see those who are in need.

Today, I pray that You will use me and others who have heard Your voice to reach out to the lost wherever they are. You expect us to leave no stone unturned -- just like You did for me. Please fill us with Your grace to visit the sick, pray for those who are hurting, clothe those who have no clothing, and feed those who are hungry. May we fulfill Your calling not for gain or for man's praise, but for Your glory. As we draw closer to You, may our hearts be filled with the joy of knowing that we are doing Your will on this earth.

As we arise to enter Your house, let us all be drawn to hear Your Word. We ask for one accord with our brothers and sisters so that when we begin to worship, strongholds that have held us back for so long will be broken. May nothing stop us from going forth to be who You've called us all to be. In the mighty Name of Jesus, we declare this day to be a day of destiny in all our lives. Amen.

'Tis So Sweet...

2011-10-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 22nd, 2011

Today's Passage> Ezekiel 34: 26-31
Memory Verse> Proverbs 3:5

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

Refrain

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Refrain

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

Refrain

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

This hymn was written by a lady named Louisa M. R. Stead (1850-1917) who went through some heart-wrenching situations, as we all ultimately do. Born in England, she felt a strong urge to be a missionary. This urge became stronger when she attended a camp meeting after moving to the United States, but due to health issues, she had to lay those dreams aside. She met and married a Mr. Stead, who died in a drowning accident after only five years.

After heartache, we tend to harbor resentment against God. We may never say the words out loud, but He Who knows our thoughts can tell just where we are. God will allow us to go through the worst case scenario for a twofold purpose. First, He has to put our faith to the test, because only then will we be able to truly trust Him no matter how bad things get. I personally saw Him keep me from so many dangers when my life was not even submitted to Him. By the time I finally gave Him my heart, I realized He would still be the same God-- faithful no matter what. Second, He must develop in us the endurance to go as far as He needs us to go in order to get His glory out of us.

Although there were times after my conversion that I didn't see Him move with my natural eyes, I knew enough to hold on and never let go. It was in those moments when I didn't feel Him that I learned to trust that He was there. I've learned to walk by faith and believe that He will finish the good work He began in me and my loved ones. Louisa went on to do the very thing she never thought her health would allow: she was sent to South Africa to minister to the lost. If we can just stand on God's Word long enough for Him to prepare us for what we know He's put within us, He will bring our dreams to fruition. Did she even know that, more than 140 years later, God would still use her song to encourage believers to trust Him above all else? That's how serious He is about bringing about His purpose for those who will surrender their lives completely. Won't you trust Him today?

Prayer: Father, thank You for every valley experience. You taught me how to trust You when nothing seemed to go right. I ask now that You touch Your people who may be going through hard times. Cover them and let them know that You are there, and let the warmth of Your love reach them wherever they are. May this season of pain bring about Your plan and purpose in their lives forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Turn That DVR On!!!

2011-10-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 21st, 2011

Today's Passage> Ezekiel 34:26-31
Memory Verse> Ps. 23: 2 & 5

Before you read this blog, you have to take a vow of silence. Promise me you won't tell my husband that I used this analogy. Really... I'm not supposed to be paying that much attention to the game of football (lol). Well, anyway, I noticed something my hubby does that I'm sure he doesn't do alone. First, he records all the games his favorite teams play. Then, he goes through and picks the ones in which they're victorious over the other team. After that, he plays them over and over again, no matter how old those games are. Once, I asked him why he watches the old games so faithfully when newer games are on. He didn't really answer my question, but he did ask, "Isn't it just like the chick flicks you like so much--why do YOU watch them so often?"

It made me stop to consider the point he had made. I realized that there's an expectation that comes with replaying something you've already seen. You can experience the favorable outcome over and over without the uncertainty of whether it'll really happen that exists with new shows. Furthermore, everyone prefers a happy ending to one in which the underdog doesn't win. This attitude keeps sports fans positive about their favorite teams no matter how many losses they have in a certain season, because they can simply turn on the DVR and relive the victory.

I wonder if this is what God's Word means when He tells us to think on things that are praiseworthy, true, lovely and of good report. It seems so easy to replay television shows that uplifted us, but so difficult to do the same thing with praiseworthy acts that God has performed for us in the past. On the way to the things God has promised, we must develop the habit of remembering that God is a Shepherd Who keeps His Word. Not only that, but what He provides while we're waiting for the triumphs, which are sure to come, is satisfying and more than enough... If our attitudes are right. There's nothing more disheartening to a shepherd than watching the sheep stray to what they perceive to be "greener pastures"; they have no clue the sacrifices that have been made to provide the best, and more of the best is yet to come, but we have to be content with the manna now.

As you arise this morning, I admonish you to take a look into your spiritual DVR. Take some time to search among your choicest recordings of God's victories in your life. Has He ever failed you? Has He ever NOT made supernatural provision in the most dire circumstances? When has one letter of His Word not come to pass? If it's been a while since you've seen it manifest, go back through your life and dwell on the goodness of the Lord. Feast on His faithfulness and refuse to allow reruns of anything that looks like defeat. You must line your faith up with His plans for your life, but the requirement for that to occur is that you believe He is everything He claims to be. Still not convinced having faith makes a difference? My husband has lived it concerning his football team-- so much so that for someone like me who couldn't stand the sport, I've seen my husband replay those victories so often that even I have begun to have an expectation. If it works for football, imagine what could happen in REAL life?

Prayer: Father, I take this time to praise You for being a faithful Shepherd. You spread Your provision before Your sheep, even in the presence of our enemies. May we now and forever rehearse Your mighty acts to our descendants, showing them that You are a good Provider so that they, too, can grow up to be grateful and content with what You are providing NOW. We receive all of Your goodness, and thank You for Never failing us. In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.

Aggravations, BEGONE!!!!!

2011-10-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

Today's Passage> Psalm 37
Memory Verse>

Aggravations. Things that rub us the wrong way, irritate or vex us. Things that cause us to be offended and create tension between ourselves and friends, acquaintances, and loved ones. Aggravations appear when we least expect them -- for example, if we were excited about one thing and received disheartening news. They also manifest in areas of our lives that need the most healing, where God is doing the most work and we can see light at the end of the tunnel. Aggravations are especially designed to get us off focus and even have setbacks, with the ultimate goal being to make our Shepherd look incompetent.

One of the areas that cause the most aggravation is financial problems. It seems as though the more we commit ourselves to tithing and giving, the more we seem to fall short of our financial obligations. To add insult to injury, those who openly have no fear of God have lifestyles in which money is flaunted and wasted over frivolous things. People of God take one look at television shows and become frustrated that the world has it easy while God's people struggle. Doesn't the Father hear our prayers? Has He forgotten His promise to make us the head and not the tail, above rather than beneath? Hasn't He said He would supply all our needs according to His RICHES in glory by Christ Jesus? Why isn't it manifesting among God's children?

God's Promise To us is not that He'll take away all our problems in a flash, for He knows that would only cause us to become spoiled and incapable of standing under adverse circumstances. What He does guarantee is that, as we trust Him completely, standing firm through it all, the aggravations will lose their impact on us and we will walk in victory even while we wait for His promises to manifest in our lives. It's all about perspective. Would you rather be miserable, complaining about the issues and being downtrodden until breakthrough comes? Or would you like to keep praising and magnifying God for things He's ALREADY done while you wait? Which victory would be sweeter?

That, my friends, is why we must not allow the aggravations to triumph. Just as the Shepherd has to create a salve for the natural sheep's head to drive away the pests, the Good Shepherd takes the oil of His anointing and soothes us where the aggravations hit the most-- on our heads. As we submit to His calm Voice, singing over us and reminding us that He knows the plan that He has for us, we must be willing to trust Him and release all our doubts and fears. It's only in His Presence that we can get rid of the aggravations and gain a better perspective of what God has in store for us. Only the ones who are willing to allow the loving care of our Shepherd to give them rest will experience the peace that has been made available. Will you be the one to walk in freedom?

Prayer: Father, I receive Your provision of rest. I agree with Your promise that I will have my desires come to pass if I commit my way to You. I release every lie of the enemy that You are not a God of Your Word, and I mKe a decision to wait on You. May all who do the same receive everything You have in store. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Rest Well, My Friends!

2011-10-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

Today's Passage: Ezekiel 34:15-25
Memory Verse: Ezekiel 34:15,17

Picture this: we're all sheep in this awesomely green pasture. Our Shepherd has provided everything we've needed, and it's now late in the evening and He's called us to rest. As we try to obey His command, a few of us decide to use the time to settle debts, establish rank, and/or stir up fear. They decide that their personal strives are more important than the peace of the flock. And because of that, strife and quarrels spread throughout the fold. How does disunity within the flock affect our rest? And does our behavior toward one another matter to God?

It'd be easy to build walls around ourselves or establish unGodly defense mechanisms to help us deal with each other. Problem is, taking the "easy" way rarely brings successful outcomes. As a matter of fact, the quick and easy way only makes the walls thicker (or higher), and further isolates us. If we're going to experience the sweet rest the Shepherd has provided, we not only have to have peace within ourselves, we have to have peace with the ones who are sharing this flock with us. In verse 15 of our passage today, God says He will feed His flock and make them lie down. We have to understand that it brings glory to Him to have His sheep nourished and at peace. But as much as He knows what it takes to get His sheep to "lie down" (peace & unity), He knows what causes fear and aggravation (strife & disunity). So, in verse 17 He says He will judge between sheep and sheep. God watches His flock with incredible detail. It matters to Him if rams won't let ewes or lambs feed. It bothers Him if ewes shun other ewes. When strife is in the sheepfold, the sheep won't rest, and that causes the Shepherd to look incompetent.

So, in conclusion, try not to live in self-awareness alone. Pursue peace with those in your pasture. When you pray, ask God to give you a heart for others. Tell members of your sheepfold you're praying for them. And if they ask why, tell them because when they are at rest, you are at rest. Oh, and make sure you do it with a pure heart, because you know the Shepherd's watching. Now picture this: we're all sheep in this equally awesome pasture. We're nourished, so no one is worried about bills or finances, and we're at peace, so everyone is walking in love with one another. As the Shepherd prepares us to rest, a calming atmosphere takes over the pasture and soon, all achieve undisturbed rest. Aaaaaah (sighing restfully)! What a time of sweet refreshment!

Prayer: Lord, You are our Shepherd, so we don't need anything. You make us to lie down in green pastures. So all we can do is thank You. Thank You for Your peace. As You establish it by taking care of us, we share it with our neighbors. As we have peace one to another, let all the Earth see what a great Shepherd You are. Let this day be another journey with You as our Guide, in Jesus' name. Amen.

No Ordinary Love!!!!!

2011-10-17T22:06:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

Today's Passage> 1 John 4: 9-18
Memory Verses> Psalm 91: 5-7

At ALM, we get excited about the song "This Ain't No Ordinary Love" by Toby Mac. And it really isn't. The love we operate in is predicated upon how far out of our comfort zones we're willing to step. We're okay with doing things for others as long as we don't get stretched to the limit. But the minute the person we're trying to help hurts us, we're done. Our expectations of the one we're making the sacrifice for are extremely high with no room for error.

But our God is not like that. First of all, He KNOWS how sinful we are, and He gave up His only Son to pay the penalty for our sin. Second, He forgives us constantly, which shows He also has high expectations for us. But His expectations are that we will ultimately choose His way and not our own. So, with all that in mind, what causes a breakdown in our trust? It's the uncertainty of the day- to-day runnings of being on this earth. But here's the amazing thing God's love does to make our fear obsolete.

Of all the things that threaten to instill fear in us, nothing is more frightening than not knowing what eternity will bring. But because He loves us with all of Himself, He took care of that fear and took the sting out of death. The blood of Jesus provided relief from the only thing that the enemy could use to keep us awake at night. Without this provision, every fear would have a right to take hold of us. But because His love covers us, the Shepherd draws the line in the sand and dares the enemy to oppress us any more.

With eternity taken care of, what other care is there that we can waste our time worrying about? If God can remove a huge burden such as certain damnation, why wouldn't He find a way to deliver us from diverse dangers? Even in the presence of death itself, we should never have fear in our hearts, because God our Shepherd has taken care of it all. His extraordinary, perfect love keeps us steadfast and unmoveable, always abounding in the work of His kingdom. And that's the reason why God wouldn't leave any stone unturned concerning our peace. He wants us focused and kingdom-minded, not tormented with thoughts of whether we will live or die from one moment to the next. How can we go forward in our calling, doing what we were put on this earth to do, if we're constantly worrying about what will happen to us? God's love is too vast to leave us stranded. You can trust the Shepherd to take care of our going out and coming in, our past, present, and future. Fear has no place if you're walking under the shelter of the Shepherd's unconditional love.

Prayer: Father, I praise You for the way You've thought of everything. When I allow myself to be fearful about the future, I'm saying that You, Who flung the stars in the sky and cause the sun to stay in its place, are incapable of taking good care of me. I make a firm commitment now to walk even more closely with You, trusting You like never before. Thank You for Your unconditional love. I accept it and come under its shadow forevermore. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

His Mark and His Voice

2011-10-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 17th, 2011

Today's Passage> John 10: 1-18
Memory Verses> Ephesians 1: 13-14

It's interesting to note how much our society is into brands. From a piece of candy to a fancy car, there's always a distinctive mark that shows who the creator is so that no possibility of misrepresentation of a company's product(s) occurs. Yesterday, our pastors shared with us the process of branding or marking the sheep, which is the natural shepherd's first order of business. Immediately upon purchase, the shepherd must subject his sheep to the painful procedure of "earmarking" to distinguish them externally from sheep that belong to another shepherd.

But although this outward mark tells shepherds whom the sheep belong to, how do the SHEEP know whose they are? It's the shepherd's voice that trains the sheep to respond to a certain call. Their shepherd spends quality time using this sound so that, when all the sheep from various pastures are in the same place, each group can only hear their shepherd's voice.

The parallel for us as believers is clear. We are the sheep of the Lord's pasture. He's purchased us with His blood. However, it seems easier for us to identify with every other brand than that which points to Christ. Here's a quick test of what we truly identify with. If someone were to ask us who we are, what comes out first? Does "believer" make the top ten, or does everything else that we do take priority? Our favorite team, the charity we support, or even our college fraternal organization seems to take up more space in our lives than our devotion to God. So when it comes to drawing the line in the sand and declaring our allegiance, whose voice do we listen to?

The important thing to understand is that God wants first place, but He is not a tyrant. He would never force us to be totally devoted to Him, but His love is what draws us. His Holy Spirit, Who is the seal that He puts in us until we are presented spotless before His throne, uses His Voice to train us to listen for the will of the Father. When He calls us, we can choose to allow His Voice to be the authority in our lives, guiding our decisions on a daily basis. Or we can choose to ignore the Shepherd's Voice. But be mindful: the wolves and other predators can also detect the rebellion, and they, too, can instantly discern our disconnection from our only Life Source. This is the sign our enemy needs to confirm that we are really without a Shepherd, and then he closes in. If you need any more evidence to convince you of the importance of identifying with the Good Shepherd, get the message from Sunday. Other than that, all you have to do is align yourself with His Mark and His Voice, and He'll do the rest.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for making a way to keep me safe. I thank You for the Holy Spirit, Who is the guarantee that You purchased me. As I yield to His Voice, may I manifest to the outside world that You are real, and that You are in full control of my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Prayers that Prevail

2011-10-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 16th, 2011

Today's Passage> Numbers 14:1-25
Memory Verse> Numbers 14:8

Father, You are Jehovah Roha, my Shepherd, the One Who takes good care of me. I acknowledge You as the answer to every question I've ever had concerning my life. You are the Healer of every disease, physical as well as spiritual. I truly find rest in the shelter of Your arms. Whenever I've strayed, I've found out the hard way that finding my own path is not Your will for me.

One of the toughest lessons I've had to learn was that just because a path LOOKED good did not make it so. At first glance, it just looked like it was the road That would fulfill the hunger I had at that moment. But when I actually strayed from You, I found nothing but rocks and thorns. The green pastures I thought I'd seen actually did not even come close to existing on this road. I realized I'd walked away from the most fulfilling nourishment for that which did not satisfy.

Another drawback to walking away from Your goodness is that I opened myself up to condemnation from the enemy of my soul, the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy every good and perfect gift that You have provided. Thanks to Your unconditional love, I didn't have to be subjected to it for long. You cover me with Your grace, and he has to flee whenever he brings up my past failures. I'm so grateful to You for providing a safe haven for me to regain my rest.

Now that I'm coming into the revelation of how awesomely You love and take care of me, I arise today with praise and worship in my heart. I want You to know that my life is completely Yours. And as I join my praise with that of my brothers and sisters in Your house today, may the thief's plans for us all be scattered. May he release his hold on every sheep that You've purchased with the blood of Your precious Son, Jesus. And may none of us stray from Your loving arms again. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Call in the Fall!!!!

2011-10-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 15th, 2011

Today's Passage> Psalm 42
Memory Verse> Ps. 42: 11

In every believer's life, there comes a point when our triumphs are very empowering. They confirm everything the Word tells us about being the head and not the tail, above and not beneath. Through the grace of God, we are allowed to see that no weapon formed against us will ever prosper, and this is such an awesome feeling. But something else happens, too. What we don't realize is that there's this tiny swelling of the head that begins to take place. Rather than giving God all the glory for His victory, we begin taking a bit of the credit for ourselves.

Not only do we start to get the big head about the few issues we think we've got worked out, we begin to look with a little contempt upon those who seem yet to be struggling in their walk. And that's when the enemy pounces. Yesterday's passage tells us to be mindful about thinking we're standing firm, when we're not. And here's why this happens: we're told that the enemy walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. While we're feeling confident that somehow it's because of what we've done that we've gotten satan to flee from us, that cunning fox is setting a trap for us.

The Word also tells us that pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. So all the devil really has to do is set the trap and wait for us to walk in it all by ourselves. A fall can come in several ways. One, we can be so into ourselves that we simply don't see the enemy coming through a loved one or someone else who's really close. When we should be praying, we're too busy gloating. Two, there could be other weaknesses inside of us that we don't see until the fall. Three, our pride could be the reason we may be deceived into thinking we really DO have it all together when we really don't.

So you find yourself in the place of oppression described by David, remembering only the times when all you wanted to do was rejoice in the house of the Lord. Now you are "cast down" or depressed, thinking there's no way God can get any glory out of your situation. But be encouraged. God's love for you is never-ending, and His faithfulness reaches to the clouds. He sees failures from miles away, and will never reject us no matter how disappointing the fall may be. Hope in God and wait for Him to deliver you, as He always does. Don't hesitate to call out to Him, for He is waiting to hear you declare your confidence in His power to deliver. Have confidence also in the Word that says the righteous man falls seven times and gets up from that place. There's no failure in our God. So trust Him to bring you back to relationship with Him.

Prayer> father, I'm a witness that You are a true deliverer. You lifted me out of my place of defeat and discouragement. I pray now for all Your children who need You to deliver them. May Your blood cover them as they call out to You, and may the enemy not be able to stop them from reaching out to You. Be glorified in spite of every trap the enemy sets. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Watch That Hole....!!!

2011-10-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 14th, 2011

Today's Passage> 1 Corinthians 10: 1-13
Memory Verse> 1 Cor. 10:12

As I read the accounts of the Old Testament saints, I'm reminded of the parallel between their lives and ours. God walks with us as He did with them. He recognizes us as His people just like He recognized them. And He plans for us to one day share His kingdom just He does for them. By and large, this life is one big journey toward a special place He has prepared for us....sound familiar?

Some see it differently, though. For example, during a family Bible study, my son and daughter were convinced they could never do some of things to God the children of Israel did. They're not alone. Many have shared this opinion. I get it. Who's going to admit they could deny Jesus like Peter did? Which one of us would tell God to take you back to your place of bondage like the children of Israel did? We didn't even mention Jonah, Cain, and Judas. Truth is, none of us would admit to having the potential to do those things....but we do.

Verse 12 of our passage warns us of thinking this way. It says "Therefore,let everyone who thinks he stands take heed lest he falls". That statement came after Paul revealed previous generations, although they were fully aware of God's presence, fell in sexual immorality (v.8), partied too much (v.7), and tempted Christ (v.9). Hmmmm, sound like anyone you know? Yeah, me too. Instead of comparing ourselves to the previous generations, we should see their lives as examples. How else would we learn to avoid the pitfalls that challenge our faith? It would be wise for us to realize we're just as vulnerable to sin as they were. However, thanks be to God, we're just as equipped to live righteously as well. Therefore, there is no temptation we can't get out of. We have the same power and authority to overcome the bondages of sin as the disciples did. So be encouraged today, but don't be over- confident. Temptations are out there, so remain on guard. Blessings!

Prayer: Father, I'm so glad that You're my Shepherd, and You are with me. I don't have to try to live this life in my own strength. Thank You for showing me through Jesus that, though the temptation may present itself, we don't have to receive it. But I also hear Your warning to be more prayerful rather than prideful towards those who seem to be struggling. Fill my heart with compassion to see them overcome. My life remains totally Yours. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Choose the Living Water!!!

2011-10-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 13th, 2011

Today's Passage> Jeremiah 2: 1-19
Memory Verse> Psalm 42:1

There's an interesting phenomenon inside of me that I'm still trying to figure out. My body is 80 percent water, right? All my organs are made up of it and require it to function properly. My food intake can only be processed properly if I drink a certain amount of water daily. The cleansing of junk from my blood, which is basically done by my kidneys, is a difficult task if I'm not drinking enough to flush out what my body doesn't need. Even my throat helps me remember to keep the water coming when it feels parched.

So what makes it so hard for me to do the very thing I need to thrive? Why is it that, when my body sends signals that I'm very thirsty -- which unfortunately is already too late, and I'm seriously dehydrated-- I still find myself dragging my feet to get water? On the contrary, I reach for any and everything else that will only make the dehydration worse. I might get some dried fruit and nuts, which are actually good for you, but not when there's not enough water to digest them. I might even get some juice, but very rarely will I go for the real thing... the water I need. It turns out, we're the only species that chooses to give our bodies the opposite of what we need to survive. Just because we have intellect and creative abilities, we think this gives us the right to have options.

As frustrating as this scenario might sound to someone who drinks water religiously, let me tell you this happens everyday in the spirit realm. Even though we claim to love God, we have this crazy idea that we can allow Him to only come so far in our lives because WE want control. So the One Who created us, knows everything about us, and loves us is left outside of the inner workings of our lives because we think He wants to take away from us our individuality. But just like with our bodies, it'll only be a matter of time before we start to dry up so much that we won't be able to function in what the Lord is calling us to do. How far do you think we'll go if we don't get a steady refilling of the Living Water that the Shepherd provides? Not far at all.

If you find yourself not being able to connect with God, you're going to need to trace your steps to the place where you left Him. Could it be that you began with the assumption that you could handle your life from this point on? Sure, you needed God to deliver you from satan's grip; you may even have needed Him to walk you through a couple of problems you had while getting on your feet as a baby Christian. Now that you've got a few battles under your belt, you've toyed with the idea that things should go more smoothly from here on out, right? WRONG. There's NEVER a time when we can do without our Shepherd. We need Him constantly, just like we need to keep our bodies hydrated without fail. To do anything else would be to deprive our souls and spirits of the life-giving water that only He can provide. No matter what You try, nothing else will be able to satisfy.

Prayer: Father, thank You for reminding me yet again that I need You. I don't want to be self-sufficient anymore. My entire life is sustained by You. I choose to drink deep of Your clear waters that are lovingly provided, not from broken cisterns that hold dirty water. My life was a wretched mess until I let You in, and I'll always be grateful for the way You take care of me. May I never stop depending on You for the rest of my days. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Green Pastures, Anyone?

2011-10-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

Today's Passage> Psalm 121
Memory Verse> Ps. 121:1-2

In a generation such as ours where the end result of almost every career now is performance- oriented, stress seems to come with the territory. I would've never thought that education would be put on that list, but it is. There are more factors that are outside of the teachers' control now, such as a lack of discipline or home support. However, more is required of us than ever before. With the new laws passed by the governor, teachers are among the public servants in Florida who have to pay 3 percent into our own retirement for the first time. More payout from our already low salaries means less money to spread between food, car and health insurance, not to mention other bills.

Couple that with high demands surrounding getting students to pass the FCAT, and you've got a recipe for some really stressed- out teachers. But even that is no reason to doubt our Shepherd, Who has promised in His Word that He will cause us to lie down in green pastures. This image suggests a peace that truly passes all understanding. So how do we walk in that, or is it a far-fetched idea? Today's passage suggests that it's very possible.

The first thing we have to do is LIFT our eyes to the hills, where all our help comes from. Just like it says in the Word, we can't focus on the problems that compile themselves against us. The enemy knows what stress can do to the mind, heart and spirit of a person. Those of us who believe that God loves and takes care of us MUST keep our eyes on Him. He is our Source, not the dried-up resources in the government. He is the Provider of our innovations and our creativity. When everyone else runs out of ways to reach and teach our children, God never will. He's just waiting on us to acknowledge Him and depend on Him for help.

No matter how far away the world is pushing from our Shepherd, I admonish you, the people of God, to come ever closer. There's nothing and no-one that has the answers to all the chaos and anxiety. He is the only One Who gives us that peace that comes from knowing that WE don't have any answers, and that's okay. Why struggle to be in control when, at the end of the day, there's already ONE Who knows all, sees all, and never has to rest from watching over us? All He requires in return is devotion and submission. That's a small price to pay for green pastures, wouldn't you say?

Prayer> My Shepherd, I totally depend on You. Everything possibly needed to sustain all life for me is already provided. Whenever things arise that are out of my control, I remember where my help comes from. You've never gone back on Your promise to take care of me. Thank You for always watching over me no matter what. I give You my yesterdays, tomorrow and my today. Whatever it is, You can handle it. I love You always! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Sparrows & Lilies!

2011-10-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

Tuesday October 11, 2011

Today's Passage: Matthew 6:23-34
Memory Verse:

What in the world are we doing? Now that I have your attention, I need to point out the fact that there are as many stressed-out people in the church as there are in the world. How can that be? We sing of the goodness of God in our sanctuaries every week. Do we not believe it? Make no mistake about it, God has never failed us, nor is He the cause for our mistakes and poor decisions. So when we worry or stress-out, it's because we've once again submitted our lives to the world's influence. And frankly, God deserves better.

Have you ever told someone God was incompetent? Ever thought Him to be a failure? We of course wouldn't say these things outwardly, but our behavior gives our outside world a view of what we feel inside. So when Christians worry, it not only destroys our faith, but it also literally messes up our witness. Worrying is being excessively concerned over what one can't control. It's wasted energy. Biologically, it forces the brain to recognize trauma. When that happens, the "trauma kit" the body has (adrenaline, heart rate, etc) is activated. If there's no trauma, however, the misused kit can cause ulcers, irregular blood pressure, headaches, and heart issues. So don't worry. Worrying says God is not taking care of us. It robs Him of His glory. And besides, if we have the same fears and worries the world does, why get saved? Are there no perks for being in the kingdom? Come on. You know better than that!

God takes meticulous care of us. Meaning, He considers even the smallest detail when He cares for us. He leaves no stone unturned. Consider the sparrow and how God cares for them. Do they ever spend a day worrying? No. Each morning they do what they're purposed to do. And they don't try to be other things, or sit back and wait for something else to provide what they need. They're convinced each day will bring the shelter and nourishment required to make it to the next day. Now, consider the lilies of the fields. God covers them in beautiful array everyday they live. Do they ever worry about what they're wearing? No. They're content with what God has given. They don't fall into the lust of wanting to look like a rose, or a daisy. They, too, are content with the covering God has given everyday they live. In God's eyes, we're more than a sparrow or lily. So if He makes sure the sparrow is fed and the lily is clothed, how much more will He do for us? There's no need to worry when God's in control. Everything He does has a purpose. So, there's a purpose for what He gives and what He takes away. There's a purpose for what He allows and what He hinders.

Worrying doesn't move the Father. It just lets the devil know he's the one in control. Listen: God has the perfect plan for your life. Notice, I didn't say "a" perfect plan. I didn't because there's only one plan. The plan God has is a strategic campaign to expand His kingdom. However, if it has to compete with your plan, "if's" replace strategy. The unknown supplants ordered steps. And that's what gives birth to worrying. So don't worry; submit. Don't stress; believe. God's gotcha. Just like the sparrows and lilies.

Prayer: Father, You are all I want and need. You've taught me that if I just live to the fullest today, being content with the daily bread You've provided, I will not pine after things that don't satisfy. So I meditate on Your goodness and perfect love towards me. Thank You for healing the pains of yesterday, fixing my focus for today, and freeing me to live for only You tomorrow. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Who Do You Belong To?

2011-10-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 10th, 2011

Today's Passage: Psalm chapter 23
Memory Verse> Ps. 23:1

Every organization I know spends a considerable amount of time and resources to establish one thing: a sense of belonging among the people who adhere to that particular organization. There is a process through which this sense of belonging is accomplished, during which time the people who carry on the traditions of that group pass them on to the new "converts", if you may. Usually this new group is observed to see which ones embrace the expectations that they will behave a certain way in order to show their alliegance. Those who don't quite "get it" (basically, because they don't conform to the requirements that define this sense of belonging) often find themselves on the outs pretty quickly.

This phenomenon is most clearly seen on the college campus. During the spring, there's this gathering called a "Rush" during which all persons who are interested in being a part of that particular organization come to see what it's all about, no strings attached. At the point of giving basic information and expressing that interest, the real work begins. Converts commit the next few weeks to grueling exercises, both physical and mental. They subject themselves to emotionally tense situations, called "hazing", during which they're tested to see if they can really stick to the standards set by that organization, or if they cannot stand the pressure. In the meantime, they memorize manuals that teach the principles of this group. The process is so tough that those who stick it out until their "coming out", which is when they're accepted as part of that group with all the benefits, usually are loyal to that group for life.

So how is it that when it comes to becoming a "convert" of the kingdom of God, we don't feel as if we can submit to the discipline of becoming a part? Jesus tells us that we must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him if we want to be His disciples. But I think we go in with the mentality of what's in it for us, rather than "Gosh, if God wants me to be His, I'm just grateful to be wanted." And that's what calling Him Shepherd is all about. We keep waiting for our flesh to agree with the process of giving ourselves totally to Him... but it won't. But unlike with a secular organization, we seem to lose sight of the fact that WE are the ones who're receiving the best part of this deal. Yes, we have to give our all, but He gave far more than we ever did.

If someone were to ask you, "Who do you belong to?" what would you like your response to be? Would you sell them on the idea that you're just halfway a part of this organization called Christianity? Or do you think they might at least respect you for being confident in what you believe in? No matter how people might feel about Christ, they know that living for Him is a big deal. They just don't like to see half-hearted Christians, because they instantly know it's not for real. We hurt ourselves as well as potential converts when we don't buy into living for Christ with all our hearts. Even Jesus says that any lukewarm believers will be spewed out of His mouth. Nothing should matter more than saying, "the Lord IS my Shepherd." This means I BELONG TO HIM. He takes care of me, so whatever He tells me to do, I'll do. May this be the attitude we develop in God's organization.

Prayer: Father, I am not ashamed of saying that I belong to You. You purchased me when I wasn't worth what You paid for me. Since I gave You my life, You've never steered me wrong. Actually, when I've foolishly thought I knew what was best for me and stepped outside of Your protection, the results were disastrous. Keep me in the shelter of Your loving care. I'll never stray from it again. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Prayers that Prevail

2011-10-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 9th, 2011

Today's Passage> Psalm 23
Memory Verse: Ps. 23: 4

Father, I've never been so aware of how much You care for me like I do now. From the time I can remember, You've always let me know You were there. Even in times when I doubted Your love for me because of the lies told by those who were being used by the enemy, I knew deep inside that my life had purpose. And if my life meant something, then I couldn't possibly just be here taking up space.

One of the most vivid moments I remember when I KNEW You were with me was during the war, when the bombs were being dropped all around us and we didn't know which moment would be our last. Even then, again I knew You were in control, and that those who lost their lives were not just doing so by chance. You knew each of Your children by name, and not one of them left this earth without Your knowledge and say-so. Before I gave You my heart, I experienced Your love and concern for me in a personal way.

Now that I'm walking with You, how can I ever doubt You? How dare I allow fear to make me feel that You are far away? I choose instead to remember how well You've taken care of me all this time, even when I was lost. I pray now for my brothers and sisters who may be going through a time of great pain. No matter what, may they accept the fact that they belong to You, and nothing they do can keep You from taking care of Your own.

As we all arise to give You praise, may we all remember what a blessing it is to be the sheep of Your pasture. May we sing of Your faithfulness, and inspire others to draw closer to You. Manifest Yourself to us all as our Great Shepherd, and we'll forever stay under Your covering. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

PERSECUTION 101

2011-10-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 8th, 2011

Today's Passage> Matthew 10: 16-32
Memory Verse> Matt. 10:28

Every day somewhere in the world, Christians are being enslaved and martyred by people of other religious beliefs. In other places, those who have embraced the Christian faith live in constant danger of their lives. In the meantime, lawlessness abounds as the voice of Christianity is silenced. Is it even worth it to BE a believer? Is Christianity worth standing up for? If you're not sure how to answer this question, you're about to take a crash course in Persecution 101.

Since the beginning of time, there has been a remnant propelled by the grace of God to uphold His kingdom at whatever cost. Imagine what life would be like if there had never been an Abraham, a Noah, a Moses, a Joshua and Caleb, and on down to the New Testament saints. There would never have been a lineage to birth the King of Kings, the One Who came to rescue the world from the tyranny of satan. And if those in the Old Testament had to endure many perils, how much more did the disciples, Mary and those who would come after them have to endure? Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they were able to stare death in the face and still declare the kingdom of God. They chose to play the roles they were asked to play by the Father Himself, and they did not hesitate to do so to the death.

Enter those of us who live in the millennial age. God has chosen us to carry the good news of the kingdom to those who have not yet heard it. This is the only way Scripture will be fulfilled that this gospel is preached to the ends of the earth, and then the end will come. But how will that happen if we're too afraid to do our part? So here's where you and I come in. It's time to get past the comfort zone and answer the tough questions. Are we, who are alive and standing on the shoulders of those who sacrificed their lives so we can live for Christ, willing to just stand by and fail to do our part due to the fear of losing our comforts?

So let's face the things that the enemy uses to keep us cowering. As a human being, what is the greatest thing that you think makes you afraid? You'll find that our Shepherd has provided an answer and cure for it. Is it being deprived of food and drink? God's Word says that we should live by every word that proceeds from His mouth. He reminds us that He will provide what we need if we only seek His kingdom first. Is it the acceptance of others? We are not to fear any man -- only God. Is it even death? That, my friend, is at the heart of every person who steps out to live for Christ. Not only did Christ give up His own life for us, but He also demonstrated to us that death, the very thing we think is so intimidating, has been put under His feet. The sting of death is sin, and if we've surrendered our lives to Him, sin has no more hold on us, and we have nothing else to fear. We're going to have to get to the place in the very near future where we are prepared to die in order to truly live, just like Christ and all those who live for Him do. If this is not your mentality right now, you're unfortunately still in the mode of self-preservation, and God's kingdom cannot use you. However, if you realize that nothing else is more important than doing the will of God -- even at the expense of our lives-- you're exactly what the kingdom is looking for. Remember? This world is not our home, but we have been sent here for the purpose of declaring that Jesus is Lord. If you're still walking in fear that you may lose the things you hold most dear, you're of no use in the battle that we're waging against the enemy. Choose life now, but be willing to lose that life so that you may gain eternal life. Everything Christ lived and died for hangs in the balance. And every eternal reward that we never think about is awaiting. This is Persecution 101.

Prayer: Father, even though I had given my life to You, there was always this fear that I didn't need to go all in because I might lose earthly comforts. But now that I've been shown how much You love me, and everything You lost so that I could gain Your kingdom, I've decided to surrender everything -- my will, my home, and even my life. I can truly say that You can use it as You will. I'm living this life in such a way that if my life is required of me, I'd willingly give it up if You will be glorified. Thank You for giving me something worth living and dying for. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Perfect Love Poem!

2011-10-06T20:43:00.000-07:00

Friday October 7, 2011

Today's Passage: 1John 4:9-18
Memory Verse: 1 John 4:18

As you rise to see a brand new day
and rub both your eyes clear;
Among your chores and daily plans
will be an urge to fear;

Disease, crime, and calamities
will all flash through your mind;
To steal your promise and convince you
to leave your faith behind;

Don't vent your fears out in the world,
it cannot save the day;
for Christ has come to live in you
and cast your fears away;

The love you've known is not real love
it's only brought fear and doubt;
God offers you His perfect love,
and fear? He kicks it out;

There is no fear for those of us who walk in righteousness,
the sting of death, Hell, and the grave ain't stored up for God's blessed,
So if you find you're not in line to see Jesus when He appear,
Know all you have until your doom is pain and grief and fear.

-Td Nation

Prayer: Father, whenever fear surrounds me, it's crowded out by the love from You that fills me. As I make room for You, I find that there's no room for the enemy's fake darts that have no place to land. Thank You for Your amazing love! May I depend more and more on You and less on the things that only feed into the river of fear. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Don't Cast Away Your Confidence!

2011-10-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

Today's Passage> Numbers chapter 14
Memory Verse> Numbers 14: 9

Recently, we've been learning about how close to terrorists the enemy's kingdom is. These spiritual forces of darkness will use anything to muscle their way into our lives and away from God's plan for us. One fire-sure way of inserting themselves is through fear. Now, God is all for reassuring us that fear doesn't come from Him, and that we don't have to fall into agreement with it. But when we choose to do so, we play a dangerous game of operating as pawns of God's enemy.

As soon as we allow fear to set in, we step into a different realm where we no longer view the Lord as our Shepherd. We make a statement that shames Him and makes Him small in the eyes of the enemy, when it should be the other way around. We begin to complain against Him as if He were a hard taskmaster, expressing our longing for things that the enemy inflicted on us in the past. The children of Israel swore that the Lord, Who moved heaven and earth to rescue them from Pharaoh, had brought them to the wilderness to kill them. Because of fear, we willingly exchange the truth of Who God is for the devil's lie. Everything He ever was fades into the distance as we grasp for the easy way out, choosing to sell our birthright for something so fleeting as a moment's comfort.

Not only will we be deceived into thinking our previous bondage was actually life for us, but we'll go so far as to choose a new leader and return to that place of bondage. Because God's grace was extended to us, we take it for granted that He won't strike us down on the spot. We enter into this stage of outright rebellion against everything godly, just because God required a little discipline from us. God's Word says that no chastisement seems pleasant at that moment, but the last thing we want to do is trade our Shepherd for the tyrant that satan really is. What we'll find ourselves doing is rejecting all the counsel that's coming from His heart, accepting the lie that all we'll ever be good for is what we've always known.

When Joshua and Caleb discovered that the children of Israel had turned their hearts from God, they immediately began to intercede on their behalf. Somehow they knew that it wasn't really them, but the fear talking. They knew that all they had to do was take a moment to meditate on the vast goodness of the Lord. No matter how tough things are, how could some of God's children be so disloyal to Him? Had He not already shown them enough proof of His ability to take care of them? Watch the Lord's response-- and this is a place we can never allow ourselves to go. He said: "How long will these people REJECT Me?". You see, we are so familiar with God's power that we forget how jealous He is for us. It hurts Him more than anything to have us look to another for answers that HE should be providing. This breaks His heart to the very core. Although He repented from destroying them, something was destroyed in His relationship with them. And THEY allowed that to happen, all because they gave in to the fear . Saints, in our time of testing, may we NEVER be found in such a state that we're willing to cast away our confidence in the very essence of our God. May every promise He's made resonate within us, doing damage to the devil's kingdom rather than our Heavenly Father's heart.

Prayer: Father, of all the things I'm most grateful for, it's got to be that Your Presence goes before me in the battle. I find peace and comfort in the fact that You are always there. How could I ever listen to the lies from the enemy when You've never let me down? My confidence is always in You, and will always be so. May my loyalty never run out, but may I always be able to find refuge in Your truth. You are my Shepherd, and I'll never listen to the voice of another. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Know God, No Fear!

2011-10-04T21:18:00.000-07:00

Wednesday October 5, 2011

Today's Passage: Psalms 27
Memory Verse: Psalms 27:1

Paralysis, hopelessness, and disobedience. These are all results of walking in fear. No wonder the enemy uses it with such frequency. The spirit of fear goes off like a bomb in the kingdom of God. The debris after an explosion sends its victims scrounging for cover. Problem is, that "covering" is usually built on self-understanding, an old relationship, or old habits.

It's kinda funny. I've heard of people running away from the enemy when they're afraid to fight, but I've NEVER heard of folks running to the enemy because they're afraid to fight. Why would you do that? Fear. Fear takes everything you know to be true and makes you think it's a lie. So truths like today's passage become distorted in your mind. It says our enemies stumble and fall when they come against us. How is the enemy going to destroy us when he can't even stand in front of us? We have to stop cowering before defeated foes. Can you imagine how that looks to God? When Moses died, God literally told Joshua about a bajillion times (okay I made that up) to BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. You see, fear blocks God's power in our lives, it keeps the kingdom from advancing, and it makes God look like a bad shepherd.

If the Lord is TRULY in control of our lives, how do we know to fear? I mean, our faith in Him should be so strong (and we should know Him so well), situations that cause fear shouldn't even register. As His sheep, our focus should only be on Him. We shouldn't be looking around for things to be afraid of. Our role in this life is to move when He says to, speak what He says to, and go where He says to. Sheep don't tell the shepherd where they're going, and chess pieces don't tell the champion where to put them. What I mean is, if you practice obedience and right-living, you'll never be on the wrong side of the enemy attacks that cause fear.

Fear has no place in the heart of those who really know the Father. The first 3 words of David's Psalm is "The Lord is....". What came after the "is" confirmed David's position. It gave him a boldness. "Whom shall I fear" is not a question asked by someone who thinks they're serving a loser. He knew what God was capable of. Although he was thrown into some crazy situations, his confidence in the Lord never waned. And because of that God gave him victories that man even to this day have not equaled. So who is worthy of your fear? The devil? He's got nothing! You can whip him with your eyes closed (prayer). A sincere praise from a true heart (not a faint one) will make his kingdom fall like a bad round of Jenga. He doesn't deserve your fear. The One who deserves your fear is fighting for you. He's the One who loves you. The victory is on His side; not the devil's. As a matter of fact, He (God) tells you not to fear. He just wants your reverence and obedience. And folks, He bought that outright with Jesus' blood. So be encouraged today. Know that fear has no place in your life. As you begin your day, I leave you with a truth to help you remember what you've read: Know God, no fear. No God, Know fear! Be Blessed!

Prayer: Father we are so glad we're on Your side. Your word says many are the afflictions of the righteous but You deliver them from all of them. It's comforting to know there isn't a trap, arrow, word, illness, or tragedy You can't deliver us from. We rest in that comfort, and we'll never doubt You again. No more fear Lord; because You are a competent Shephard. We'll follow You as long as You give us life, in Jesus' name. Amen

Who's With Us?

2011-10-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, October 4th, 2011

Today's Passage: Deuteronomy chapter 20
Memory Verse> Deut. 20:8

Every army probably as far back as the mutiny of lucifer has had to go through a process that I'll call a "weeding". It's where a series of tests are performed to determine who has the heart to be a warrior, and who only has good intentions, but does not have the ability to withstand all and see the fight to the end. Today in the modern military, the weeding process is carried out before the troops begin their serious training. Those not cut out for the military will simply prove so during the simplest of tasks, before the heat of the battle. With all the talk about warfare, it would be appropriate to conduct a "weeding" of our own by asking this question: Who's With Us?

In today's passage, watch how similar the elimination process is to one that would be conducted in God's army. Before assembling the troops for battle, the officers were told to "weed out" all those who were in the following categories: those who just got a new house and would be concerned about dying without having lived in it. Those who just planted vineyards would also be sent home because they would be more concerned with protecting their fields than defending their fellow soldiers.

Thirdly, those who were newly engaged and almost married would be weeded out to avoid someone else marrying their fiancees upon their deaths. And finally, those who were simply too scared (or fainthearted) to engage in battle would be weeded out. This time the reason was a little different. They could not be allowed to contaminate the hearts of the other soldiers who had their hearts sold on bringing the victory. And that's exactly why we must have one accord when we engage in spiritual warfare. Fear is a spirit, and it can spread from one heart to another. If the enemy can infest a brother or sister with it, pretty soon the whole battalion will be infested, and defeat would be certain.

So I ask the question again: Who's with us? If you find yourself at a stage in your walk where other things are just more important right nw, like the things spoken of earlier, it would be best to be honest and say, "Look, it's really hard to focus right now. I 'm in no mindset to fight." The truth is it would be received with much more respect than those who're just plumb scared. Did God ONLY equip SOME of us with the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, or did we ALL? Is God the kind of God Who plays favorites, or does He give each of us according to the measure of faith? It's time to decide WHO's part of the battle, or who's not ready. If you're with us, then you must also be willing to get on one accord to destroy the enemy's ability to attack the weakest link. Then, together we can destroy the most formidable enemy breathing. I'm ready. Aren't you?

Prayer: Father, You train my hands for war and my fingers to fight. I'm nothing without Your power. But with You, I can run through a troop and leap over a wall. I hear You gathering Your children together in unity against the enemy of our souls. Please strengthen us so that there are no links in between to stop You from winning. Go forth now into battle, and may Your enemies be scattered before You. In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen I love You,

Follow the Signs!

2011-10-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 3rd, 2011

Today's Passage> Joshua 1: 1-9
Memory Verse> Josh. 1:9

There are a few distinct signs the Lord leaves for us to let us know when we're embarking on a new season in our lives. The first one is this sense of change, sort of like the ending of a chapter and the beginning of another. It's the same way we know when summer is coming to an end and fall is beginning. Somehow, you know you can't do things the same way you've done them for the past year or two. I guess it's like growing out of clothes -- there's just no way you can keep wearing them when they're simply too small. Another clue is this knowing in your knower that the new thing you're walking into is bigger than you. You know it because you can see it in the distance, looming ahead like the mighty mountain it is, insurmountable except for the awesome grace of God.

Here's the sign that instills fear: the enemy knows that we're on the verge of change, too. And since his whole reason for being is to stop us from reaching that next level, you know it's real when things start to stir up all around you. All of a sudden, issues that seemed nonexistent now begin to surface. Problems that you thought you'd fixed ages ago seem to "pop" up from out of nowhere. This is a manifestation of satan's reminder that you can't possibly be thinking of going to a new place in God-- you're not ready, you're not worthy, and you're certainly not able. All of a sudden, we're faced with the possibility that we may not have heard God at all when He said, "Go." And if He didn't really give us the green light, this means certain failure, because He won't be with us every step of the way.

Today's passage is a testimony of God's antidote for fear: be filled with His courage. If you stop for a minute and think about it, you'll see that God's been preparing you for this place before now. He's equipped you to handle the larger demonic forces, so you are not defenseless against them. God had Joshua shadowing Moses from the time he was a young man. He saw firsthand how intimately Moses walked with God, and did his best to obey everything He commanded. He learned how to get results through obedience, and knew that if God told Him would be with him, He was going to keep His Word. In spite of the new enemies on every side, Joshua was very much aware of how none of that mattered because God was in control of it all.

We're privileged to have God's blueprint for conquering fear right between the pages of this book. First, know that He's walking with us every step of the way-- Jehovah Nissi, our banner, before whom no man can stand. Second, never give in to the fear, for it does not come from God and will therefore only be temporary. Third and foremost, obey every command of God. Don't detour to the left or right from it. It's the only way to arrive at our destination safe and complete. If we follow these signs, we are on a collision course to our next level to the glory of God.

Prayer: Father, how awesome You are to leave Your blueprint for us to follow so that we can complete the tasks You have set out for us to accomplish. May we spend our days meditating on Your Word, hiding it in our hearts so that we won't miss the mark. You've commanded us to go; we obey with no reservations. Use us for the fulfilling of Your will on this earth in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Prayers That Prevail!

2011-10-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday October 2, 2011

Today's Passage: James 4:1-12
Memory Verse: James 4:7

How I celebrate You today Lord for Your strength and power! You are God, and You are King. Hear my praise today God. I will not be silent and keep Your glory hidden inside. In fact, everyone will know how good You are to me. One thing I desire of You Lord, and that I'll seek after. I want to be in Your presence, inquire in the temple, and behold Your awesome beauty.

I am grateful to You Lord for giving me power over the enemy. If it weren't for You, I'd be defeated on every hand. My life would be like it was before I placed it so desperately in Your hands. But You not only saved me, You gave me Your authority. And that authority allows me to resist the devil and destroy all his traps. You also allow me to chase him away from the lives of others. So, by faith, I engage him fully confident in the fact the he is a defeated foe. He is no competition for You God. He can't even stand in Your shadow. And because You triumph over him, I triumph over him. You are so awesome Lord, and I give You praise in Jesus' name. Amen

Blow the Enemy's Cover!!!

2011-09-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 1st, 2011

Today's Passage> 1 Corinthians 2: 6-16
Memory Verse> Matthew 12: 31-32

I've always wondered about the statement that Jesus makes about blaspheming against the Holy Spirit and how no-one who does will be forgiven. As gracious as the God we serve is to forgive all sin, even against Himself, I couldn't figure out why that grace couldn't be extended to those who ignorantly made comments about the Holy Spirit. Then the Lord gave me an awesome revelation that really helped me understand to a tiny extent the extreme importance of the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity.

In Matthew 12, the Pharisees were discussing amongst themselves whether Jesus was casting out demons by God, or by satan's power. This was just after He had healed the man who was demon-possessed, blind and mute. The Pharisees were astonished that He was able to call out spirits that did not identify themselves like the others did. How did He know exactly what spirit to cast out? He must have been using demonic powers, since they did not believe He was God's beloved Son. But Jesus reminded them that no house divided itself can stand-- not even in satan's kingdom. But He, Whom God had sent to walk this earth and reveal His power and might, was able to discern things through the Holy Spirit.

Today's passage explains to us that the Holy Spirit is the very extension of God Himself-- the One Who figures out the thoughts and intentions of the kingdom of darkness and reveals them to the children of the kingdom of Light. Think about it: aren't we, although so vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy, made in God's image to the point where we can figure out what someone's intentions are without them even saying a word to us? The minute we look into their eyes, it's almost like we can see into their souls. We can tell whether or not they mean us good or evil, even if we've never seen them before. They may have the cleanest record by man's standards, but we just KNOW there's something about them that's not right.

Well, when you think back to the fall of lucifer, Who was there? Who watched him plan his mutiny against the God of all creation, seducing other angels to agree with and support him to rebel against God? The Holy Spirit! Who was sent by God after Jesus died and rose again to the earth realm where the enemy and his imps exert their influence? The Holy Spirit! And Who lives big inside of a submitted life with the guarantee that God's very wisdom and understanding will be given in every area if we will only obey when we hear what He has to say? The Holy Spirit, of course! Just as the Holy Spirit walked with Jesus every step of His life here in earth, and revealed to Him what He needed to know to defeat the enemy, we can access that same power. As we go and declare the kingdom of God, we will have the signs following us. And we'll be able to "blow the cover" of any covert operations being conducted by the forces of darkness. They are no match for the powerful Spirit of God. That's why Jesus and His Father will not tolerate any blasphemy about Him -- only those who truly receive from Him will discern that He is real or know His purpose.

Prayer: Father, You have given us an awesome treasure in the Person of Your Holy Spirit. As He dwelt in Jesus while He was on this earth, You are calling us to do the same. And as we depend completely on You, Your Spirit will show us how to crush the enemies that align themselves against You. May we never doubt Your power and might. Use us to tear down every wall built by the enemy of our souls in Jesus' Name! Amen.

Bind the Strongman!

2011-09-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

Friday, September 30th, 2011

Today's Passage> Matthew 12:22-32
Memory Verse> Matt. 12:29

As believers, we love the idea of ministering spirits following us everywhere we go. They serve as something like our own personal bodyguards, there to keep the enemy forces at bay and carry out the ultimate plan of God in the lives of His children. For a long time, many of us didn't know they were even that important in the spirit realm. But once you discover they're there, you want to do everything in your power to activate them. Here's something else many believers don't know much about, however: there are enemy forces that could be at work INSIDE of us as well as inside of those who have yielded their lives to the kingdom of darkness. These forces can only be defeated by following Jesus' blueprint for deliverance.

The enemy forces I'm referring to are known as "strongmen", spirits employed by the enemy to enforce his will on the earth by oppressing and sometimes possessing the spirits of believers in specific areas. You may think this is a far-fetched concept, but if you've ever had something take over you that you knew wasn't good, but compelled you to make bad choices, you probably experienced the actions of a strongman. The Webster definitions for "strongman" include the following: "a person who uses power or authority in a cruel, unjust, or harmful way; one who leads or controls by force of will and character or by military standards; a dictator, oppressor, or tyrant".

As we discussed this week, the enemy spends a lot of time seeking whom he may devour or destroy, but he cannot gain access into our lives unless there's a doorway. Whether through some traumatic incident, sins that we may have committed, or even through iniquity (transgressions passed down from our ancestors to us), all the enemy cares about is that he gets in. If allowed in through thoughts that are not cast down, the door is then opened for the strongman to make his stronghold (a comfortable place from which to bully us into doing the enemy's will rather than God's). Other less militant but equally destructive spirits are then allowed to take their place in our spirits, secure in the fact that their territory is protected by the strongman.

Here's an example of how this demonic but highly organized system works in a believer. The spirit of pride tries to gain entrance by suggesting thoughts that a man or woman of God should have been raised up by now. Why is it taking so long? Don't the pastors know how anointed he or she is? As these thoughts continue to be allowed to take root, the entryway is opened and the strongman, which is really the spirit of Absalom (see Cindy Trimm's book, Binding the Strongman), comes in. With this spirit come a multitude of others, including the spirit of rebellion, power struggle, divided allegiance, usurping authority, self-exaltation, pretense, disrespect and defiance. Before long, the stronghold has been built and this person is strong-armed as far away from his or her destiny as possible, outside of the will and timing of the Most High God. To answer the question, "why bind the strongman first"? This takes away all his power, re-routes him from his assignments and creates the opportunity to evict him and his co-horts from the life of the oppressed person. Jesus said that all power and authority are his, and He's given it to us to render powerless all spiritual forces at work in our lives or the lives of others. In Jesus' Name, take authority and begin walking in the freedom Jesus purchased with His precious blood.

Prayer: Father, according to Ephesians 1:2, You have blessed Your children with all spiritual blessings and seated us in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, far above ALL principality and power, and every name that is named. You also said that You have placed all things under Jesus' feet. We bind now every strongman of oppression that would operate against us, in addition to all the subordinate spirits that have taken residence in us. We bind every assignment and destroy its purpose, loosing them from their stronghold in our lives. We replace those spirits with the very purpose of You, God, and bind ourselves only to You and Your plans for us. Thank You for the authority to be free. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

It's All Him!

2011-09-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

Today's Passage> Luke 10:17-24
Memory Verse> Luke 10:20

Remember when Jesus came riding into the city on the back of that donkey? People were laying down palm branches and clothing and shouting 'Hosanna' as He passed by. Question: do you think there was a moment when that donkey thought all that stuff was for him? Of course not. How foolish would that be? That thought immediately comes to mind when I've been asked how I know the enemy will flee when I tell him to.

I know myself quite well. Therefore, I can say with assurance that I am NOTHING without the Lord. I don't have enough intelligence, might, or power (authority), to move anything on my own. So whenever I win a spiritual battle, I never have to remind myself of the fact that I won by God's authority, not mine. As a matter of fact, I'm the donkey (or the palm branch even). When we engage the enemy we can't see what he sees. Because what he sees will astound and humble us. It's like the Lion King when Simba was trying to roar at the hyenas. Remember how cute his lil' growl sounded? The hyenas were laughing hysterically at him. But, when Simba opened his mouth the last time, his father, who had been standing behind him, roared. It paralyzed the hyenas with fear. That's what happens when we encounter the enemy. The devil may be looking at us, but he sees God. Our passage drives this point home in verse 20. It says "All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God's authority over you. Not what you do for God, but for what God does for you".

So, how do I know if we engage the enemy he will go? Well, if the spirit of the Living God is not living inside of me, I don't know. Without Him, I have no authority to cast out demons, or tread upon serpents. Without Him, my marriage has no chance of surviving a demonic attack; and I am powerless to break addictions. In contrast, wherever He is, His authority is also. So, if I allow Him to live within me, His authority lives within me. In that, I'm free from the fears that others have. I'm allowed to be confident in the fact that the enemy can't harm me. Now that I think about it, it's futile to fight a spiritual battle without God. How do you devise strategy without Him? How do you know when to pray, or what to pray? I encourage you to position yourself for God's using. Engage the enemy with everything you got. Why? Well, because greater is He who is within you, than he who is in the world. The devil will flee because you'll open your mouth, but he'll hear God's roar. And as you come toward him, he'll hear God's footsteps. Remember, we don't win because of who we are. We win because of whose we are. I'll take that......will you?

Prayer: Father, I thank You for Your strong arm of victory. You've delivered Your people from some harsh experiences. You've demonstrated that You are the undisputed Champion of our lives. Forgive me for going into battle without You. Forgive me for leaning on my own understanding. Live inside us so we can have victory time and time again, in Jesus' name. Amen

The Process of Binding and Loosing

2011-09-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Today's Passage> Matthew 18:18-20
Memory Verse: Same

Many believers hesitate to engage in spiritual warfare because they think it's a process that takes too long to see meaningful results. Well, they're partly right: spiritual warfare IS a process. Spiritual strongholds that establish themselves in our lives don't come overnight. There's a saying that goes: "Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny." The thought is the foundation for the strategy the enemy uses to build his fortress inside of what should belong to God.

First, usually at an early age, the lie is planted as a seed. Something traumatic happens -- rape or molestation, the death of a dear loved one, or some other devastating event that the enemy uses to establish this lie: "if God really loved you, why would He have let this happen?" Pretty soon those thoughts speak loudly enough that they bleed over into the words you speak. "God doesn't care about me, so I'm going to live any way I want.". This becomes the signature response to anyone who even attempts to remind us of God's love.

Years go by, and one bad decision after another add to the mountain of bricks with which the enemy builds the strongman's house. But when we finally accept the Lord Jesus, we wonder why certain areas in our lives seem to get nowhere. We love the Lord with all our hearts, and yet fall short of the mark in relationships, finances, or with addictions. This is where binding and loosing comes in. According to Dr. Cindy Trimm, binding causes demonic forces and their assignments to become paralyzed, and loosing releases them from their obligation to perform the act(s) that kept us in bondage in a certain area (Binding the Strongman, 2005). The two tactics must be used hand in hand, but must never be used without first establishing the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Next, the will of God must be released to take the place of that which we have loosed off of our life. Then, with a submitted life and a refusal to allow any doors to remain open to the enemy, we will begin to see victory in those areas.

Today, as you make the decision to engage the enemy, let the Holy Spirit guide you through the process of binding and loosing. The important thing to remember is that every knee MUST bow to the authority in Jesus' Name. As long as you stay in the kingdom of light, darkness has no choice but to flee. But you must see it through to the end, no matter how long it takes. God wants His children completely set free; why don't you walk in ALL your freedom?

Prayer: Father, because of a previous life of willful disobedience, I realize that I have allowed certain strongholds to be built in my life. I repent for letting them in, and turn from those habits now, falling out of agreement with their purpose in my life. By the power of the Holy Spirit, I now declare that every spirit of fear, perversion, and intimidation must be loosed from my life in the Name of Jesus. All authority that belongs to Jesus Christ has been given to me to bind their demonic oppression and loose them from their diabolical assignments in Jesus' Name. I now release freedom to walk in power, love, and a sound mind at all times. I give You, God, the praise for the victory. In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen!