Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the LORD , all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Father God, I worship You with gladness and wholehearted devotion. You are the sweet Song in my heart. I know, with confident assurance, that You are GOD, my creator, Elohim. I rejoice because You uniquely designed me and I belong to You. I know You, hear Your voice and follow You. A dependable provider, You lead me to green pastures where I can graze on Your Word until my heart’s content. You guide me to steams of living water in my Bible, where I can drink until I’m satisfied. A reliable protector, You defend me from the wolves of sin and temptation that hound me.
Father, I willingly enter the gate and come into Your presence with a thankful heart and praise on my lips. You're my Good Shepherd. Strong and mighty, You're always with me, Emmanuel. I gratefully adore You for Your goodness, love and faithfulness. Your name is Wonderful! Your love delightful! Your faithfulness is infinite! I'm constantly praising You because of Jesus, my Savior, Redeemer and Friend. Amen
Prepare your heart for corporate worship this weekend, by pondering God’s goodness. Make a list of five blessings you received this week. Carry it with you when you go to church. Before the service starts, reflect on your blessings, thank God for each one!
I’m blessed and thank God for:
1. The USA where I’m free to worship Him openly
2. Rest, relaxation and refreshment
3. Precious time with my family
4. Friends
5. The beautiful flowers in my garden
Friday, June 22, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Psalm 51:10-12
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Have mercy on me O God, according to Your unfailing love and great compassion. Blot out my blemishes, wash away my wickedness, and cleanse me from corruption.
I know that I have broken Your sacred laws and blatantly disobeyed You. I know I’ve done bad things. They haunt me relentlessly. I’ve hurt others causing You pain and grief. I haven’t acted like the child of a King. I’ve been a rebellious brat since I was conceived.
Cleanse me in the refreshing fountain of forgiveness! Wash away the gunk and grime so that I’m whiter than the glistening snow. Hide Your face from the ugly stains marked by the consequences of my poor choices. The marks that won’t go away are embarrassing. Please don’t pay attention to them.
Create in me a pure heart, O God by cleansing me from the inside out. Renew a steadfast spirit within me. Fill me with wholesome thoughts and desires. Please don’t cast me from Your presence! Don’t take Your power from me. I need it to live above my foolish faults and failures.
Sparkling in the Son shine I can hear joy and gladness again. I can come close to You and experience the rich full life as a child of the majestic, dignified King. Gladly, I will bring my friends to the refreshing fountain of forgiveness, praising You for Your righteousness along the way. Lord, please put a merry melody in my mind. Remove my guilt and shame so that I can sing a sweet song for You.
Build me up from my brokenness and make me prosperous in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Do you feel that you can’t come close to God because of something terrible you’ve done? God can and will forgive any sin if you tell Him about it. He will always cleanse you, but not always remove the stain. While a stain is clean; there is often a mark left behind from the sin.
David was truly sorry for his adultery with Bathseba, and for murdering her husband to cover it up. He knew his actions had hurt many people. He repented and God mercifully forgave him. No sin is too great to be forgiven.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Have mercy on me O God, according to Your unfailing love and great compassion. Blot out my blemishes, wash away my wickedness, and cleanse me from corruption.
I know that I have broken Your sacred laws and blatantly disobeyed You. I know I’ve done bad things. They haunt me relentlessly. I’ve hurt others causing You pain and grief. I haven’t acted like the child of a King. I’ve been a rebellious brat since I was conceived.
Cleanse me in the refreshing fountain of forgiveness! Wash away the gunk and grime so that I’m whiter than the glistening snow. Hide Your face from the ugly stains marked by the consequences of my poor choices. The marks that won’t go away are embarrassing. Please don’t pay attention to them.
Create in me a pure heart, O God by cleansing me from the inside out. Renew a steadfast spirit within me. Fill me with wholesome thoughts and desires. Please don’t cast me from Your presence! Don’t take Your power from me. I need it to live above my foolish faults and failures.
Sparkling in the Son shine I can hear joy and gladness again. I can come close to You and experience the rich full life as a child of the majestic, dignified King. Gladly, I will bring my friends to the refreshing fountain of forgiveness, praising You for Your righteousness along the way. Lord, please put a merry melody in my mind. Remove my guilt and shame so that I can sing a sweet song for You.
Build me up from my brokenness and make me prosperous in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Do you feel that you can’t come close to God because of something terrible you’ve done? God can and will forgive any sin if you tell Him about it. He will always cleanse you, but not always remove the stain. While a stain is clean; there is often a mark left behind from the sin.
David was truly sorry for his adultery with Bathseba, and for murdering her husband to cover it up. He knew his actions had hurt many people. He repented and God mercifully forgave him. No sin is too great to be forgiven.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
O Great God,
You are the most famous artist of all time. I could search the whole wide world and find no one as creative or talented as You.
Unscrupulous con artists continually corrupt Your creation. The world presses people into cookie cutter patterns that perform for power, possessions and pleasure. It uses symbols of status to stamp us with success. When we conform to their hard pressed image we become heartless, mindless and lifeless like plastic toys and trinkets.
You however, have a unique technique for sculpting original works of art that are eternally beautiful, valuable and useful. All we have to do is stay soft and pliable in Your meticulous hands every day. Throughout the lifelong process, our eyes will turn toward You, our Designer, when we open our Bibles. Meditating on Your sacred Scriptures will form our true character. They’ll expose the rough spots of rebellion that need to be scraped away. They’ll correct our cracks, flaws, and blemishes. They’ll squeeze us and change us into Your perfect plan. Through the heat of life we’ll come out of the fiery furnace glazed with Your glory.
With Your Holy Word permanently etched on my heart, my mind will be altered to live Your way. Please don’t let con artists squeeze me into the rigid mold of the world. I want to remain soft and pliable in Your skillful hand where I can be shaped into a pleasantly perfect pot to pour out Your extraordinary love. Please dear Lord, transform my mind today, making me an eternally beautiful, valuable vessel for the praise of Your most creative name. Amen.
What pattern of the world is pressing you today? What will you do differently to prevent con artists from corrupting you?
Turn your eyes toward Jesus by opening your Bible and meditating on His sacred Scriptures. He will transform your mind enabling you to demolish the stronghold of sin and temptation and take captive your thoughts making them obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
O Great God,
You are the most famous artist of all time. I could search the whole wide world and find no one as creative or talented as You.
Unscrupulous con artists continually corrupt Your creation. The world presses people into cookie cutter patterns that perform for power, possessions and pleasure. It uses symbols of status to stamp us with success. When we conform to their hard pressed image we become heartless, mindless and lifeless like plastic toys and trinkets.
You however, have a unique technique for sculpting original works of art that are eternally beautiful, valuable and useful. All we have to do is stay soft and pliable in Your meticulous hands every day. Throughout the lifelong process, our eyes will turn toward You, our Designer, when we open our Bibles. Meditating on Your sacred Scriptures will form our true character. They’ll expose the rough spots of rebellion that need to be scraped away. They’ll correct our cracks, flaws, and blemishes. They’ll squeeze us and change us into Your perfect plan. Through the heat of life we’ll come out of the fiery furnace glazed with Your glory.
With Your Holy Word permanently etched on my heart, my mind will be altered to live Your way. Please don’t let con artists squeeze me into the rigid mold of the world. I want to remain soft and pliable in Your skillful hand where I can be shaped into a pleasantly perfect pot to pour out Your extraordinary love. Please dear Lord, transform my mind today, making me an eternally beautiful, valuable vessel for the praise of Your most creative name. Amen.
What pattern of the world is pressing you today? What will you do differently to prevent con artists from corrupting you?
Turn your eyes toward Jesus by opening your Bible and meditating on His sacred Scriptures. He will transform your mind enabling you to demolish the stronghold of sin and temptation and take captive your thoughts making them obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Matthew 26:41
Jesus said, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
My Dear King~
I confidently come to Your holy temple, to the heavenly throne to receive mercy and find comfort in my time of need. I come with reverence because You are my King. You hear my voice and answer. You are my wise Counselor and Best Friend. Forgive me for watering down my true feelings and not telling You the whole truth. You love when I share my heart openly, honestly and sincerely. When I cannot find the words to say, You hear my silence.
Like a loving Father, You know the weaknesses that lead me into temptation. I climb up into the high and holy fort where I watch for the enemy to sneak up on me. From my safe tower, I shoot a prayer heavenward. Boldly, I ask for more faith to believe, and more power to receive. Surrendered to Your authority, You defend me every time. In Your strength, I defeat the power of sin and temptation. The impossible is suddenly possible.
Triumphantly, I claim the peace prize to guard my heart and mind. With peace oozing from my heart, the words flowing from my mouth will naturally spread Good News of Your great love. By Your grace, I will be more joyful in the hope of my salvation, more patient in my affliction and more faithful in prayer. Then I will claim the final victory for Your name sake. Amen.
Prayer is a powerful weapon when coupled with the sword of the Word. Do you use them together effectively to fight the enemy of sin and temptation?
“Prayer keeps us in communication with the Commander-in-Chief. As we pray, He directs us, guides us, protects us, and even shows us the parts of His Word that are needed for the victory at any given moment. We must learn to pray God’s Word back to Him. Our spiritual weapons for defeating the enemy are the Bible and prayer.” – Dave Butts, The Devil Goes to Church
Add prayer to the tools God gives you to combat the enemy to demolish the stronghold of sin and temptation and make your thoughts obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
You now have prayer for the full armor of God: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, God’s Word, and prayer. I encourage you to know your weapons. As you get dressed in the morning, put on each piece for the protection you need. May God bless and protect you when you are wearing His armor.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Matthew 26:41
Jesus said, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
My Dear King~
I confidently come to Your holy temple, to the heavenly throne to receive mercy and find comfort in my time of need. I come with reverence because You are my King. You hear my voice and answer. You are my wise Counselor and Best Friend. Forgive me for watering down my true feelings and not telling You the whole truth. You love when I share my heart openly, honestly and sincerely. When I cannot find the words to say, You hear my silence.
Like a loving Father, You know the weaknesses that lead me into temptation. I climb up into the high and holy fort where I watch for the enemy to sneak up on me. From my safe tower, I shoot a prayer heavenward. Boldly, I ask for more faith to believe, and more power to receive. Surrendered to Your authority, You defend me every time. In Your strength, I defeat the power of sin and temptation. The impossible is suddenly possible.
Triumphantly, I claim the peace prize to guard my heart and mind. With peace oozing from my heart, the words flowing from my mouth will naturally spread Good News of Your great love. By Your grace, I will be more joyful in the hope of my salvation, more patient in my affliction and more faithful in prayer. Then I will claim the final victory for Your name sake. Amen.
Prayer is a powerful weapon when coupled with the sword of the Word. Do you use them together effectively to fight the enemy of sin and temptation?
“Prayer keeps us in communication with the Commander-in-Chief. As we pray, He directs us, guides us, protects us, and even shows us the parts of His Word that are needed for the victory at any given moment. We must learn to pray God’s Word back to Him. Our spiritual weapons for defeating the enemy are the Bible and prayer.” – Dave Butts, The Devil Goes to Church
Add prayer to the tools God gives you to combat the enemy to demolish the stronghold of sin and temptation and make your thoughts obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
You now have prayer for the full armor of God: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, God’s Word, and prayer. I encourage you to know your weapons. As you get dressed in the morning, put on each piece for the protection you need. May God bless and protect you when you are wearing His armor.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Ephesians 6:17
Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Matthew 4: 1 – 11
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:
"He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."
Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test."
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only."
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
My Jesus,
What an incredible and awesome teacher You are! Oh how I love Your principles. I meditate on Your laws all day long. Your lessons make me wiser than my enemies. When You write them on my heart, they are always with me. I have more insight than many influential, intelligent individuals when I carefully study Your Word. It infiltrates my heart and mind. I have more understanding than highly regarded, respected, religious leaders when I listen to and obey Your holy Scriptures.
You sympathize with my weaknesses because You were tempted in every way, yet were without sin. When I’m weak and hungry, longing to satisfy my deepest dreams and desires, You understand. Please give me patience to wait for You to feed me. Your Words are sweet to my taste. They are like rich, creamy chocolate to my mouth. They are the only thing that will satisfy my craving.
When I’m feeling insecure and inadequate, disillusioned and disheartened, You empathize. Please give me simple faith to believe that You are who You say You are, and can do everything You say You can do.
When possessions, power, and prestige are pursuing me, You commiserate with me. Please give me Holy Spirit power to resist worldly pleasures and worship You and You alone.
People will try to twist Your Words and take them out of context. Save me from lying lips and deceitful tongues. Give me more knowledge to recognize errors of interpretation and believe only the truth. By Your grace, I will try to memorize Scripture so that when I’m tempted, I can be like You in every way. Your Word will be the sharp sword I use to combat the enemy. With a complete understanding of Your principles for living, along with an obedient heart, I will walk on the pathway of righteousness. I long to be more like You, Jesus. It is through You I pray for power to triumph over temptation. Amen.
Are you prepared to be like Jesus and battle the enemy with the Word of God? If not, what will You do about it?
The sword of the Word is another tool God gives you to demolish the stronghold of sin and temptation and make your thoughts obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Matthew 4: 1 – 11
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:
"He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."
Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test."
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only."
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
My Jesus,
What an incredible and awesome teacher You are! Oh how I love Your principles. I meditate on Your laws all day long. Your lessons make me wiser than my enemies. When You write them on my heart, they are always with me. I have more insight than many influential, intelligent individuals when I carefully study Your Word. It infiltrates my heart and mind. I have more understanding than highly regarded, respected, religious leaders when I listen to and obey Your holy Scriptures.
You sympathize with my weaknesses because You were tempted in every way, yet were without sin. When I’m weak and hungry, longing to satisfy my deepest dreams and desires, You understand. Please give me patience to wait for You to feed me. Your Words are sweet to my taste. They are like rich, creamy chocolate to my mouth. They are the only thing that will satisfy my craving.
When I’m feeling insecure and inadequate, disillusioned and disheartened, You empathize. Please give me simple faith to believe that You are who You say You are, and can do everything You say You can do.
When possessions, power, and prestige are pursuing me, You commiserate with me. Please give me Holy Spirit power to resist worldly pleasures and worship You and You alone.
People will try to twist Your Words and take them out of context. Save me from lying lips and deceitful tongues. Give me more knowledge to recognize errors of interpretation and believe only the truth. By Your grace, I will try to memorize Scripture so that when I’m tempted, I can be like You in every way. Your Word will be the sharp sword I use to combat the enemy. With a complete understanding of Your principles for living, along with an obedient heart, I will walk on the pathway of righteousness. I long to be more like You, Jesus. It is through You I pray for power to triumph over temptation. Amen.
Are you prepared to be like Jesus and battle the enemy with the Word of God? If not, what will You do about it?
The sword of the Word is another tool God gives you to demolish the stronghold of sin and temptation and make your thoughts obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Friday, June 15, 2007
The Shield of Faith
Ephesians 6:14, 16
Stand firm then and take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Almighty God~
You are strong and powerful! Thank you for the mighty weapons you give me to battle the rulers and authorities who want to control me with their power. Because I understand my dire need for protection, I will intentionally put them on each day with determination to defeat the devil.
When Satan’s fiery arrows of insult impede and induce my tender heart, the shield of faith will protect me. The family crest is drawn in the precious blood of Jesus, telling the enemy that I belong to You.
There is a story in Matthew 9:18:26 about a synagogue ruler who believed Jesus could heal his dying daughter. The ruler sought Him, found Him, fell at His feet, and earnestly pleaded with Him. Jesus responded to this man’s faith by walking with him and healing his daughter. Along the way, they encountered a hopelessly suffering woman. She heard about Jesus, believed He could heal her of a lifelong of affliction, determined to find Him, and touch Him. Because of her persistent faith, she was healed, set free, and sent out with peace.
Please dear Lord, give me a shield of faith to:
Seek You in life’s most difficult moments
Fall at Your feet
Tremble in fear
Tell You the whole truth
Not be afraid
Just BELIEVE!!
Walking beside You with the shield of faith in place, there will be peace and freedom because I believe in the power of Jesus the One and Only. Amen.
Will you by faith seek Jesus for your hopeless situation? Fall at His feet, tremble in awe of His holiness, don’t be afraid to tell Him the whole truth, and just BELIEVE. He will touch and heal your heart and mind.
Stand firm then and take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Almighty God~
You are strong and powerful! Thank you for the mighty weapons you give me to battle the rulers and authorities who want to control me with their power. Because I understand my dire need for protection, I will intentionally put them on each day with determination to defeat the devil.
When Satan’s fiery arrows of insult impede and induce my tender heart, the shield of faith will protect me. The family crest is drawn in the precious blood of Jesus, telling the enemy that I belong to You.
There is a story in Matthew 9:18:26 about a synagogue ruler who believed Jesus could heal his dying daughter. The ruler sought Him, found Him, fell at His feet, and earnestly pleaded with Him. Jesus responded to this man’s faith by walking with him and healing his daughter. Along the way, they encountered a hopelessly suffering woman. She heard about Jesus, believed He could heal her of a lifelong of affliction, determined to find Him, and touch Him. Because of her persistent faith, she was healed, set free, and sent out with peace.
Please dear Lord, give me a shield of faith to:
Seek You in life’s most difficult moments
Fall at Your feet
Tremble in fear
Tell You the whole truth
Not be afraid
Just BELIEVE!!
Walking beside You with the shield of faith in place, there will be peace and freedom because I believe in the power of Jesus the One and Only. Amen.
Will you by faith seek Jesus for your hopeless situation? Fall at His feet, tremble in awe of His holiness, don’t be afraid to tell Him the whole truth, and just BELIEVE. He will touch and heal your heart and mind.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Guard Your Mind
Ephesians 6:17
Take the helmet of salvation.
Ps 27: 1-3
The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
O God my Savior~
Thank You for noticing and rescuing me when I was an unnoticed, unattractive, and unpopular cripple child. Not only did You notice and rescue me; but You also adopted and accepted me into Your loving family. In Your home, You healed and sanctified me. You made me righteous and holy. I was near death, but now I’m ALIVE! Thank you for the gracious gift of Your salvation! I’ll wear it as a helmet to protect my head.
I’m surrounded by bullies who try to prevent me from advancing Your kingdom. They devour me with doubt and discouragement. They attack my abilities and adequacy. They make me feel unworthy and unacceptable. They preoccupy me, and then steal my time and treasure. Anxiety and fear besiege me.
When I trust in You and Your saving grace the brilliant, illuminating light transforms my mind. In the luminosity, my fearful thoughts are changed. You shine truth on deception and empower me to make right choices. As I spend time with You, I see things that are noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. With my mind renewed, reeducated, and redirected I begin to think like Jesus. Wearing the helmet of salvation protects me from brutal barbarians. With complete confidence in Your strong power, one by one they stumble and fall.
Thank You for freeing me from their devastating power. Out of love and gratitude, I’ll set aside my fears, trust You, and go where You send me to serve others with love, kindness and gentleness. I’ll march forward victoriously, claiming new territory for Your kingdom, honor, and glory because of Jesus. Amen.
Will you put on the helmet of salvation, trusting God to protect your mind from the bullies who try to prevent you from advancing God’s kingdom by pounding you with doubt and discouragement?
Putting on the helmet of salvation is another way to demolish the stronghold of sin and temptation and make your thoughts obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Take the helmet of salvation.
Ps 27: 1-3
The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
O God my Savior~
Thank You for noticing and rescuing me when I was an unnoticed, unattractive, and unpopular cripple child. Not only did You notice and rescue me; but You also adopted and accepted me into Your loving family. In Your home, You healed and sanctified me. You made me righteous and holy. I was near death, but now I’m ALIVE! Thank you for the gracious gift of Your salvation! I’ll wear it as a helmet to protect my head.
I’m surrounded by bullies who try to prevent me from advancing Your kingdom. They devour me with doubt and discouragement. They attack my abilities and adequacy. They make me feel unworthy and unacceptable. They preoccupy me, and then steal my time and treasure. Anxiety and fear besiege me.
When I trust in You and Your saving grace the brilliant, illuminating light transforms my mind. In the luminosity, my fearful thoughts are changed. You shine truth on deception and empower me to make right choices. As I spend time with You, I see things that are noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. With my mind renewed, reeducated, and redirected I begin to think like Jesus. Wearing the helmet of salvation protects me from brutal barbarians. With complete confidence in Your strong power, one by one they stumble and fall.
Thank You for freeing me from their devastating power. Out of love and gratitude, I’ll set aside my fears, trust You, and go where You send me to serve others with love, kindness and gentleness. I’ll march forward victoriously, claiming new territory for Your kingdom, honor, and glory because of Jesus. Amen.
Will you put on the helmet of salvation, trusting God to protect your mind from the bullies who try to prevent you from advancing God’s kingdom by pounding you with doubt and discouragement?
Putting on the helmet of salvation is another way to demolish the stronghold of sin and temptation and make your thoughts obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Instruments of Peace
Ephesians 6:14-15
Stand firm … with Your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Matthew 5:9
Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God."
O God of Love and King of Peace~
I come before You with a humble and contrite heart seeking the blessing of Your beloved child. I want to climb the holy mountain and stand in Your sacred place. Wash my feet and fit them with a good pair of walking shoes for the journey. I will then take Your outstretched hand and begin walking boldly in faith. Together we will spread the Good News about the Gospel of Peace. Satan wants me to believe that telling others the Good News is hopeless and worthless. As I power walk with You, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Help me to focus on my relationship with You rather than my relationship with people. Knowing You more intimately and deeply, I can administer reconciliation to a broken and hurting world. As I come to You in Bible Study and prayer, in obedience and fully surrendered, please fill my life with more of You and Your holy, just and perfect love. When Your love freely flows from me I will supernaturally make right wrong relationships. I will be an instrument of peace.
Please, dear Lord, bless my beautiful feet as I faithfully love the people You’ve put in my path. Thank You for making Your love complete in me. With honor and gratitude, I’ll carefully, deliberately, and intentionally obey You so that a wicked watching world will see Your beautiful love and peace shining through me because of Jesus, the Lover of Peace, Jehovah Shalom. Amen.
Who so you need to share God's peace with today? Put on your walking shoes and go, make right a wrong relationship. Then, you will be an instrument of peace!
Where there is hatred, I will show Your love.
Where there is injury I will never judge.
Where there is striving, I will speak Your peace
to the people crying for release.
Where there is blindness I will pray for sight.
Where there is darkness I will shine Your light.
Where there is sadness I will bear their grief.
I will be Your instrument of peace.
Prayer of St. Francis
Stand firm … with Your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Matthew 5:9
Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God."
O God of Love and King of Peace~
I come before You with a humble and contrite heart seeking the blessing of Your beloved child. I want to climb the holy mountain and stand in Your sacred place. Wash my feet and fit them with a good pair of walking shoes for the journey. I will then take Your outstretched hand and begin walking boldly in faith. Together we will spread the Good News about the Gospel of Peace. Satan wants me to believe that telling others the Good News is hopeless and worthless. As I power walk with You, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Help me to focus on my relationship with You rather than my relationship with people. Knowing You more intimately and deeply, I can administer reconciliation to a broken and hurting world. As I come to You in Bible Study and prayer, in obedience and fully surrendered, please fill my life with more of You and Your holy, just and perfect love. When Your love freely flows from me I will supernaturally make right wrong relationships. I will be an instrument of peace.
Please, dear Lord, bless my beautiful feet as I faithfully love the people You’ve put in my path. Thank You for making Your love complete in me. With honor and gratitude, I’ll carefully, deliberately, and intentionally obey You so that a wicked watching world will see Your beautiful love and peace shining through me because of Jesus, the Lover of Peace, Jehovah Shalom. Amen.
Who so you need to share God's peace with today? Put on your walking shoes and go, make right a wrong relationship. Then, you will be an instrument of peace!
Where there is hatred, I will show Your love.
Where there is injury I will never judge.
Where there is striving, I will speak Your peace
to the people crying for release.
Where there is blindness I will pray for sight.
Where there is darkness I will shine Your light.
Where there is sadness I will bear their grief.
I will be Your instrument of peace.
Prayer of St. Francis
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Guard Your Heart
Ephesians 6:14
Stand firm then, with the … breastplate of righteousness in place.
2 Corinthians 5:21
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Righteous God~
You are my Shepherd and the Overseer of my soul. Holy and awesome is Your name! I praise You with all my heart for Your wonderful works. It is a delight to think about them. They are glorious and magnificent! Your righteousness endures forever! It is the foundation of Your throne
I am unfit to approach Your holy throne. My righteousness is nothing more than torn and tattered rags. Bare naked and disgraced, I have nothing to offer You but my hollow heart. Humiliated and ashamed of my filthy rags, by faith, I gratefully accept the costly robe of righteousness You freely offer me. Bought with the blood of Jesus, it has immeasurable worth! It truly is the greatest transaction of all time. I give You nothing and You give me amazing grace! Your deeds are great!
The glorious and magnificent robe protects my heart and covers my shame enabling me to stand firmer and taller before the adversary. Clothed and unashamed, I will show compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience even to the inconsiderate, unkind, proud, abrasive, and impatient. Zipped with love, I will forgive those who hurl insults at me, as You have forgiven me. Even when the pain is excruciating, I will follow Your example exercising self-control. You are the Perfect Pattern of righteousness. With the robe of righteousness in place, I’ll seek to live a holy life so rivers of blessings will flow through me for Your name sake. Amen.
Gratefully exchange your shameful sackcloth of sin for the radiant robe of righteousness freely offered to you by Christ Jesus. Praise Him that you can appear holy, blameless and pure!
To put on righteousness, choose to follow Jesus. He is righteousness. Put Him on your heart first each day by spending time in His Word, and He will protect you from the father of lies. This too will help you demolish the stronghold of sin and temptation and make your thoughts holy, pure, and obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Stand firm then, with the … breastplate of righteousness in place.
2 Corinthians 5:21
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Righteous God~
You are my Shepherd and the Overseer of my soul. Holy and awesome is Your name! I praise You with all my heart for Your wonderful works. It is a delight to think about them. They are glorious and magnificent! Your righteousness endures forever! It is the foundation of Your throne
I am unfit to approach Your holy throne. My righteousness is nothing more than torn and tattered rags. Bare naked and disgraced, I have nothing to offer You but my hollow heart. Humiliated and ashamed of my filthy rags, by faith, I gratefully accept the costly robe of righteousness You freely offer me. Bought with the blood of Jesus, it has immeasurable worth! It truly is the greatest transaction of all time. I give You nothing and You give me amazing grace! Your deeds are great!
The glorious and magnificent robe protects my heart and covers my shame enabling me to stand firmer and taller before the adversary. Clothed and unashamed, I will show compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience even to the inconsiderate, unkind, proud, abrasive, and impatient. Zipped with love, I will forgive those who hurl insults at me, as You have forgiven me. Even when the pain is excruciating, I will follow Your example exercising self-control. You are the Perfect Pattern of righteousness. With the robe of righteousness in place, I’ll seek to live a holy life so rivers of blessings will flow through me for Your name sake. Amen.
Gratefully exchange your shameful sackcloth of sin for the radiant robe of righteousness freely offered to you by Christ Jesus. Praise Him that you can appear holy, blameless and pure!
To put on righteousness, choose to follow Jesus. He is righteousness. Put Him on your heart first each day by spending time in His Word, and He will protect you from the father of lies. This too will help you demolish the stronghold of sin and temptation and make your thoughts holy, pure, and obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Monday, June 11, 2007
Buckle Up to Truth
Ephesians 6:14
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around Your waist.
John 8:42-47
Jesus said to them, "If God were Your Father, You would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to You? Because You are unable to hear what I say. You belong to Your father, the devil, and You want to carry out Your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, You do not believe me! Can any of You prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't You believe me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason You do not hear is that You do not belong to God."
Jesus,
Thank You for giving me direct access to Your Word, the Truth. What a blessing! When I seek You with all my heart and mind, You show me Your ways. You teach me and guide me. Your love and truth protect me. Thank You, Jesus!
Forgive me for not believing You! I recognize that Satan is the father of lies. There is no truth in him. Everywhere I go he is trying to deceive me. He entices me with lucrative language that sounds sumptuous. Please don’t let me give in to his lies, not even for one minute. He’ll subtly suck the life right out of me. Give me strength to cling to the fullness of life and Gospel of Truth. Please keep Your mighty hand on me. Help me to clearly understand and believe You. When I spend time with You, the Perfect Teacher, I’ll learn how You think and speak, and therefore how I should think and speak. You are the Perfect Example, showing me how to live. You give me the power to live like You. Thank You that the Truth is no longer etched on cold stone tablets, but carved on my heart through Your warm-blooded flesh as I spend time with You. What a blessing!
Please dear Lord, buckle the belt of truth around my waist so that I’m protected when Satan lures me with his counterfeits that look good. Surrounded by Your promises I’ll remain tightly fastened to You. Attached to You, I’ll believe that You are who You say You are: the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Amen.
Do you believe God? What He says is true! Buckle the belt of truth around your waist by spending time in His Word, then your mind will be prepared to battle the father of lies.
This is one way to demolish the stronghold of sin and temptation and take captive your thoughts making them obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around Your waist.
John 8:42-47
Jesus said to them, "If God were Your Father, You would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to You? Because You are unable to hear what I say. You belong to Your father, the devil, and You want to carry out Your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, You do not believe me! Can any of You prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't You believe me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason You do not hear is that You do not belong to God."
Jesus,
Thank You for giving me direct access to Your Word, the Truth. What a blessing! When I seek You with all my heart and mind, You show me Your ways. You teach me and guide me. Your love and truth protect me. Thank You, Jesus!
Forgive me for not believing You! I recognize that Satan is the father of lies. There is no truth in him. Everywhere I go he is trying to deceive me. He entices me with lucrative language that sounds sumptuous. Please don’t let me give in to his lies, not even for one minute. He’ll subtly suck the life right out of me. Give me strength to cling to the fullness of life and Gospel of Truth. Please keep Your mighty hand on me. Help me to clearly understand and believe You. When I spend time with You, the Perfect Teacher, I’ll learn how You think and speak, and therefore how I should think and speak. You are the Perfect Example, showing me how to live. You give me the power to live like You. Thank You that the Truth is no longer etched on cold stone tablets, but carved on my heart through Your warm-blooded flesh as I spend time with You. What a blessing!
Please dear Lord, buckle the belt of truth around my waist so that I’m protected when Satan lures me with his counterfeits that look good. Surrounded by Your promises I’ll remain tightly fastened to You. Attached to You, I’ll believe that You are who You say You are: the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Amen.
Do you believe God? What He says is true! Buckle the belt of truth around your waist by spending time in His Word, then your mind will be prepared to battle the father of lies.
This is one way to demolish the stronghold of sin and temptation and take captive your thoughts making them obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Friday, June 08, 2007
Wise Counsel
Psalm 16:7-8
I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
Secure and Steadfast God,
All You do is just and good! Thank You for graciously counseling me. Your timeless Words are very wise. Your timely advice is always right. Teach me to make good decisions that will please You. Tune my ears to recognize Your Voice, my mind to understand Your Words, and my heart to obey Your Ways. When I’m too exhausted to think clearly, in the silence of my soul, speak to me. Tomorrow is sure to be another exhilarating day with more unexpected twists and turns.
Please go ahead of me. I’m utterly dependent on Your wise guidance to lead me through uncertain situations. It is vital that I remain in constant communication with You by reading my Bible and praying. You know the way that will lead me to all Your hidden promises. Willingly, I’ll take Your strong right hand, walking through briars, thorns, and thickets. I won’t try to avoid pain, trouble and failure. Connected to You, they won’t hurt me.
Dear Lord, please give me the courage to hold on tightly, trusting that You know exactly where You’re taking me. Following Your reliable instructions, I’ll be secure and steadfast. Looking forward to the riches of heaven, eternity with You and everlasting happiness, my heart and lips will cheerfully sing a sweet song to the glory of Your holy, awe-inspiring name. Amen.
I need God’s counsel for __________________________________________. Pray, asking Him for wisdom. Open Your Bible and listen to His Voice. Obey His instruction and He will reward You with Words from heaven – the Truth! Then, you, too, will know that He is trustworthy and dependable. Praise Him!
I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
Secure and Steadfast God,
All You do is just and good! Thank You for graciously counseling me. Your timeless Words are very wise. Your timely advice is always right. Teach me to make good decisions that will please You. Tune my ears to recognize Your Voice, my mind to understand Your Words, and my heart to obey Your Ways. When I’m too exhausted to think clearly, in the silence of my soul, speak to me. Tomorrow is sure to be another exhilarating day with more unexpected twists and turns.
Please go ahead of me. I’m utterly dependent on Your wise guidance to lead me through uncertain situations. It is vital that I remain in constant communication with You by reading my Bible and praying. You know the way that will lead me to all Your hidden promises. Willingly, I’ll take Your strong right hand, walking through briars, thorns, and thickets. I won’t try to avoid pain, trouble and failure. Connected to You, they won’t hurt me.
Dear Lord, please give me the courage to hold on tightly, trusting that You know exactly where You’re taking me. Following Your reliable instructions, I’ll be secure and steadfast. Looking forward to the riches of heaven, eternity with You and everlasting happiness, my heart and lips will cheerfully sing a sweet song to the glory of Your holy, awe-inspiring name. Amen.
I need God’s counsel for __________________________________________. Pray, asking Him for wisdom. Open Your Bible and listen to His Voice. Obey His instruction and He will reward You with Words from heaven – the Truth! Then, you, too, will know that He is trustworthy and dependable. Praise Him!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
God's Sufficient Grace
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Eternal, Invisible, Almighty God-
Thank You for the prickly thorns of trouble and temptation sent to me by Satan. I now know that You authorized him to deliver them to me to keep my heart humble. I’ve repeatedly asked You to remove the pain of my afflictions and addictions. Instead You empowered me with grace to endure them. Your magnificent grace is enough to enlighten and enliven me. It is sufficient to strengthen and soothe me. When I am worn-down, weak, and weary from sadness, sickness, and sin, please purify my heart and fill it with faith to believe in Your almighty power.
By faith, I believe You will turn my hurts to hope, my loss to life, and my difficulties to determination. In the turmoil twisting around me there is a purpose. During chaos and confusion, Your power is manifested and magnified in me. Rather than dreading trials and tests, I need to delight in them. Instead of focusing on my inadequacies and insecurities, I need to focus on Your unfailing, everlasting promises to me. You have pledged to keep me, protect me, and teach me. You’ve promised to abide in me and be my strength. Now, I need to walk in faith by acknowledging, accepting, and acting on Your holy name – El Shaddai. To Your all-sufficient, all-powerful, almighty name be the glory forever and ever. Amen
Identify the prickly thorns sent by Satan to torment You. Thank God that they were sent to keep you focused on Him. Instead of focusing on your difficulties and despair, focus on God’s unfailing, everlasting promises. Search the Scriptures. Acknowledge God’s faithfulness, accept His powerful promises, and act in faith. Then, you will discover extraordinary delight in the midst of your despondency.
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Eternal, Invisible, Almighty God-
Thank You for the prickly thorns of trouble and temptation sent to me by Satan. I now know that You authorized him to deliver them to me to keep my heart humble. I’ve repeatedly asked You to remove the pain of my afflictions and addictions. Instead You empowered me with grace to endure them. Your magnificent grace is enough to enlighten and enliven me. It is sufficient to strengthen and soothe me. When I am worn-down, weak, and weary from sadness, sickness, and sin, please purify my heart and fill it with faith to believe in Your almighty power.
By faith, I believe You will turn my hurts to hope, my loss to life, and my difficulties to determination. In the turmoil twisting around me there is a purpose. During chaos and confusion, Your power is manifested and magnified in me. Rather than dreading trials and tests, I need to delight in them. Instead of focusing on my inadequacies and insecurities, I need to focus on Your unfailing, everlasting promises to me. You have pledged to keep me, protect me, and teach me. You’ve promised to abide in me and be my strength. Now, I need to walk in faith by acknowledging, accepting, and acting on Your holy name – El Shaddai. To Your all-sufficient, all-powerful, almighty name be the glory forever and ever. Amen
Identify the prickly thorns sent by Satan to torment You. Thank God that they were sent to keep you focused on Him. Instead of focusing on your difficulties and despair, focus on God’s unfailing, everlasting promises. Search the Scriptures. Acknowledge God’s faithfulness, accept His powerful promises, and act in faith. Then, you will discover extraordinary delight in the midst of your despondency.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Battle of the Mind
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
O God You are my Knight in Shining Armor! You rescue me and train me to fight fair and square. Your promises are the bedrock on which I firmly stand.
I’m fighting impurity and unrighteousness in a hateful, hostile world! Everywhere I turn, I’m bombarded with bullets of temptation. My mind is the battlefield where speculation, knowledge, and thoughts take place. Skirmishing with sin in a corrupt culture is a dangerous place to exist! I need You, God Almighty, to reach down from heaven and snatch me out Satan’s perilous grip.
By Your Spirit, I’ll claim the divinely powerful promises You’ve given me to destroy the barbarians who manipulate my mind with masterful marketing. Wielding the swift, sharp sword of Your Word, I’ll slash warped philosophies and cut through barriers erected against the Truth. You are my Commander-in-Chief. With my thoughts completely submitted to Your control, You’ll order every loose idea, emotion, and impulse to obedience.
As a loyal solider in the Army of Angels, please train and equip me with godly principles so that I’m adequately prepared to fight for what’s right in my uncivilized, unscrupulous surroundings. I want to know my Commander and recognize His rumbling voice. I want to believe Him! I want to trust Him! Above all, I want to obey Him and live triumphantly in the blessing of His fortified castle forever and ever! Amen.
What do you need to do to prepare your mind for the immense spiritual battle with evil and temptation in the uncivilized and unscrupulous society where you live, work and play?
Spiritual warfare is a reality that must be faced! It won’t go away. It is time to prepare ourselves to wage war, not as the world does, but with the weapons provided by the Spirit of God. – Dave Butts, The Devil Goes to Church
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
O God You are my Knight in Shining Armor! You rescue me and train me to fight fair and square. Your promises are the bedrock on which I firmly stand.
I’m fighting impurity and unrighteousness in a hateful, hostile world! Everywhere I turn, I’m bombarded with bullets of temptation. My mind is the battlefield where speculation, knowledge, and thoughts take place. Skirmishing with sin in a corrupt culture is a dangerous place to exist! I need You, God Almighty, to reach down from heaven and snatch me out Satan’s perilous grip.
By Your Spirit, I’ll claim the divinely powerful promises You’ve given me to destroy the barbarians who manipulate my mind with masterful marketing. Wielding the swift, sharp sword of Your Word, I’ll slash warped philosophies and cut through barriers erected against the Truth. You are my Commander-in-Chief. With my thoughts completely submitted to Your control, You’ll order every loose idea, emotion, and impulse to obedience.
As a loyal solider in the Army of Angels, please train and equip me with godly principles so that I’m adequately prepared to fight for what’s right in my uncivilized, unscrupulous surroundings. I want to know my Commander and recognize His rumbling voice. I want to believe Him! I want to trust Him! Above all, I want to obey Him and live triumphantly in the blessing of His fortified castle forever and ever! Amen.
What do you need to do to prepare your mind for the immense spiritual battle with evil and temptation in the uncivilized and unscrupulous society where you live, work and play?
Spiritual warfare is a reality that must be faced! It won’t go away. It is time to prepare ourselves to wage war, not as the world does, but with the weapons provided by the Spirit of God. – Dave Butts, The Devil Goes to Church
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Weak Warriors
Psalm 78:9-11
The men of Ephraim, though armed with bows,
turned back on the day of battle;
they did not keep God's covenant
and refused to live by his law.
They forgot what he had done,
the wonders he had shown them.
O Great & Mighty God,
Your Word is a swift, sharp sword that cuts to the very core of my soul. We, as a church are big cowards like the Ephraimites. You’ve armed us to the hilt for the spiritual battle, yet we’ve fearfully run away. We don’t believe in Your powerful, protective promises. We’ve ditched the indispensable weapons You made just for us.
Even though the Truth is readily available, we refuse to open our Bibles and access it. Because we don’t open our Bibles outside of church, we’re ignorant about Your Sacred Laws. If we don’t know them, how can we obey them? We’re busy making believers and baptizing them, neglecting to teach them to obey Your commands. We can’t instruct what we do not know ourselves. We’re a battalion of reckless rebels marching down a dangerous road.
Forgetting the high price You paid to save us from death and destruction, we’ve conscientiously objected to following You into combat. It’s each man for himself in this skirmish with the wicked world. Prayerless, we’ve abandoned our brothers and sisters, leaving them alone to fight the vicious foe. Self-absorbed, we’ve forgotten to declare the great works You’ve done. Have mercy on us for our lack of faith!
I never again want to withdrawal from the life-or-death fight with the Devil. I don’t want You to associate me with the weak and spineless Ephraimites who lost favor in Your sight.
From this day forward, I’m surrendering my life and my agenda to enlist in Your massive Army of prayer warriors. Equipped with Your Word, I’ll confidently open my mouth and speak in Your almighty power, watching until the enemy retreats. Show me a comrade who needs support today, and I’ll join them in the battle at the altar for the glory of Your victorious name. Amen.
Do you know someone in the midst of a spiritual battle? The enemy is strategically attacking Christ-followers from every vantage point. Who can you join in combat? I urge you, turn around and fight for someone in the name of Jesus. If you have a Bible and a mouth, you’re fully armed and equipped for combat.
Our pastors and spiritual leaders are under siege. The enemy is torturing and punishing missionaries worldwide. Our nation is under fierce attack. Marriages are falling apart. Children are innocent victims. There’s a whole world full of sick and suffering souls standing alone in their struggles. Everywhere there are broken hearts and shattered lives. You don’t have to look far to find someone to stand in the gap and fight with.
The men of Ephraim, though armed with bows,
turned back on the day of battle;
they did not keep God's covenant
and refused to live by his law.
They forgot what he had done,
the wonders he had shown them.
O Great & Mighty God,
Your Word is a swift, sharp sword that cuts to the very core of my soul. We, as a church are big cowards like the Ephraimites. You’ve armed us to the hilt for the spiritual battle, yet we’ve fearfully run away. We don’t believe in Your powerful, protective promises. We’ve ditched the indispensable weapons You made just for us.
Even though the Truth is readily available, we refuse to open our Bibles and access it. Because we don’t open our Bibles outside of church, we’re ignorant about Your Sacred Laws. If we don’t know them, how can we obey them? We’re busy making believers and baptizing them, neglecting to teach them to obey Your commands. We can’t instruct what we do not know ourselves. We’re a battalion of reckless rebels marching down a dangerous road.
Forgetting the high price You paid to save us from death and destruction, we’ve conscientiously objected to following You into combat. It’s each man for himself in this skirmish with the wicked world. Prayerless, we’ve abandoned our brothers and sisters, leaving them alone to fight the vicious foe. Self-absorbed, we’ve forgotten to declare the great works You’ve done. Have mercy on us for our lack of faith!
I never again want to withdrawal from the life-or-death fight with the Devil. I don’t want You to associate me with the weak and spineless Ephraimites who lost favor in Your sight.
From this day forward, I’m surrendering my life and my agenda to enlist in Your massive Army of prayer warriors. Equipped with Your Word, I’ll confidently open my mouth and speak in Your almighty power, watching until the enemy retreats. Show me a comrade who needs support today, and I’ll join them in the battle at the altar for the glory of Your victorious name. Amen.
Do you know someone in the midst of a spiritual battle? The enemy is strategically attacking Christ-followers from every vantage point. Who can you join in combat? I urge you, turn around and fight for someone in the name of Jesus. If you have a Bible and a mouth, you’re fully armed and equipped for combat.
Our pastors and spiritual leaders are under siege. The enemy is torturing and punishing missionaries worldwide. Our nation is under fierce attack. Marriages are falling apart. Children are innocent victims. There’s a whole world full of sick and suffering souls standing alone in their struggles. Everywhere there are broken hearts and shattered lives. You don’t have to look far to find someone to stand in the gap and fight with.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Victory in Jesus
1 Corinthians 15:57
Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Triumphant Lord,
You’re the Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Blessed Angels. I celebrate the sweet victory You’ve given me through Jesus Christ. As a result of the glorious conquest, I can stand firm on Your powerful promises expecting You to defeat the enemy again and again.
My mind is the battlefield where speculation, knowledge, and thoughts take place. It’s constantly clashing with the opposition of a corrupt culture. A ferocious, frightening, and confusing hailstorm of suffering, shame and sorrow bombard me. Condemnation ruthlessly assaults me. Guilt viciously attacks me. Dying to my past is agonizing. The enemy is rapidly advancing and I need to take hold of the indispensable weapons You’ve given me to wage war with this world. Igniting the dynamite of Your Word with the matchsticks of prayer and praise, I’ll successfully demolish the adversary.
You’re my Commanding Officer. Respecting Your authority is a matter of life or death. It’s imperative that I obey Your orders, submitting my thoughts completely to Your control. With You in charge, I don’t have be fainthearted or afraid. Terror and panic won’t besiege me. I just need to comply with Your commands and rely on Your almighty armament.
Thank You for Your faithful promise to go with me, fight for me and give me the exultant victory through Jesus, Your Son. Hallelujah! The battle’s won! Amen.
Thank God for the spiritual victory! It’s a command. You no longer have to live in fear of condemnation, guilt or death. Ignite His Word with prayer and praise, and the battle’s already won.
Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Triumphant Lord,
You’re the Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Blessed Angels. I celebrate the sweet victory You’ve given me through Jesus Christ. As a result of the glorious conquest, I can stand firm on Your powerful promises expecting You to defeat the enemy again and again.
My mind is the battlefield where speculation, knowledge, and thoughts take place. It’s constantly clashing with the opposition of a corrupt culture. A ferocious, frightening, and confusing hailstorm of suffering, shame and sorrow bombard me. Condemnation ruthlessly assaults me. Guilt viciously attacks me. Dying to my past is agonizing. The enemy is rapidly advancing and I need to take hold of the indispensable weapons You’ve given me to wage war with this world. Igniting the dynamite of Your Word with the matchsticks of prayer and praise, I’ll successfully demolish the adversary.
You’re my Commanding Officer. Respecting Your authority is a matter of life or death. It’s imperative that I obey Your orders, submitting my thoughts completely to Your control. With You in charge, I don’t have be fainthearted or afraid. Terror and panic won’t besiege me. I just need to comply with Your commands and rely on Your almighty armament.
Thank You for Your faithful promise to go with me, fight for me and give me the exultant victory through Jesus, Your Son. Hallelujah! The battle’s won! Amen.
Thank God for the spiritual victory! It’s a command. You no longer have to live in fear of condemnation, guilt or death. Ignite His Word with prayer and praise, and the battle’s already won.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Standing on the Promises of God
The Lord always keeps his promises.
Psalm 145:13
They believed his promises and sang his praise. (Psalm 106:12)
You will never abandon the godly.
You will keep them safe forever. (Psalm 37:28)
You bless the godly, O Lord;
You surround them with your shield of love. (Psalm 5:12)
When doubts fill my mind,
Your comfort gives me renewed hope and cheer. (Psalm 94:19)
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them. (Psalm 34:7)
Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
The Lord gives righteousness
and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
He does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities. (Psalm 103:2-6, 10)
The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life. (Psalm 121:7)
The LORD is God,
and he has made his light shine upon us. (Psalm 118:27)
The LORD has sworn
and will not change his mind (Psalm 110:4)
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (Psalm 34:18)
Your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:16)
The LORD protects the simple-hearted. (Psalm 116:6)
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake. (Psalm 23:1-3)
The LORD upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down. (Psalm 145:14)
You have given me your shield of victory.
Your right hand supports me;
your help has made me great. (Psalm 118:35)
The LORD watches over all who love him. (Psalm 145:20)
God is exalted in his power. (Job 36:22)
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures forever. (Psalm 125:1)
With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let's make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let's make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1 MSG)
Are you standing on the unfailing promises of God? Standing on His promises you cannot fall or fail. His promises will enable you to calmly sail through the storms.
To create this list, I searched through the Psalms for God’s promises from A-Z. Doing an exercise like this is invigorating. Try doing it for yourself! God gives us innumerous promises throughout the entire Bible. Search the Gospels for the everlasting promises of Christ our King or look for the beautiful promises stated in the writings of the prophets. Getting your eyes off yourself and onto the Living Word of God will give you delight in your despair.
Psalm 145:13
They believed his promises and sang his praise. (Psalm 106:12)
You will never abandon the godly.
You will keep them safe forever. (Psalm 37:28)
You bless the godly, O Lord;
You surround them with your shield of love. (Psalm 5:12)
When doubts fill my mind,
Your comfort gives me renewed hope and cheer. (Psalm 94:19)
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them. (Psalm 34:7)
Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
The Lord gives righteousness
and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
He does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities. (Psalm 103:2-6, 10)
The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life. (Psalm 121:7)
The LORD is God,
and he has made his light shine upon us. (Psalm 118:27)
The LORD has sworn
and will not change his mind (Psalm 110:4)
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (Psalm 34:18)
Your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:16)
The LORD protects the simple-hearted. (Psalm 116:6)
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake. (Psalm 23:1-3)
The LORD upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down. (Psalm 145:14)
You have given me your shield of victory.
Your right hand supports me;
your help has made me great. (Psalm 118:35)
The LORD watches over all who love him. (Psalm 145:20)
God is exalted in his power. (Job 36:22)
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures forever. (Psalm 125:1)
With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let's make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let's make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1 MSG)
Are you standing on the unfailing promises of God? Standing on His promises you cannot fall or fail. His promises will enable you to calmly sail through the storms.
To create this list, I searched through the Psalms for God’s promises from A-Z. Doing an exercise like this is invigorating. Try doing it for yourself! God gives us innumerous promises throughout the entire Bible. Search the Gospels for the everlasting promises of Christ our King or look for the beautiful promises stated in the writings of the prophets. Getting your eyes off yourself and onto the Living Word of God will give you delight in your despair.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Mesmerized
Revelation 1:17-18
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Write, therefore, what you have seen.”
O Lord my God, how great You are!
You are the First and the Last; the Living One. Clothed with glorious splendor and breathtaking majesty, radiant light surrounds You. The clouds are Your chariot. Exalted in power, You ride on the wing of the winds. Totally preoccupied with Your magnificent greatness, I don’t have time to think about my own suffering and solitude. This stunning vision of Your glory in the midst of my despondency and despair causes me to fall completely prostrate at Your feet as though dead.
Stunned into dead silence, I can’t argue with You about Your purpose or plan; I can’t rationalize my attitudes and actions; there are simply no excuses or words to express; only dead silence. Absolutely still, there’s no more wrestling over my own hopes and dreams; no more wandering off in my own direction. Lying there, as a dead man at Your holy feet, unreservedly surrendered to Your holiness, my sole desire is to feel Your touch of greatness and hear Your tender voice of compassion.
Eternal Father, just as You picked up John in the midst of his suffering and seclusion, reach out Your strong right hand and touch me. Your almighty hand is my refuge. Supported by Your everlasting arms, I can experience inexpressible peace and comfort, trusting You to thwart off anyone or anything that tries to destroy my spirit. Secure and safe in the sanctuary of Your ascended glory, I’ll hear You tenderly say, “Do not be afraid, my child. You will not perish but prevail. No one can ever pluck you from My mighty grip of grace. I Am the Almighty One who holds the keys of death and Hades. I have freed you from eternal bondage and empowered you to live forever and ever. Go. Serve me through your suffering.”
O God, what incredible awe I feel kneeling before You! Your right hand has given me shelter, strength and security to survive and serve You through extreme suffering and solitude. In my despondency and despair, O Lord, be magnified. Blessed be Your glorious name. Amen.
If you are in the middle of a hopeless situation, remember that the power available to John is also available to you. What vision are you missing because you are preoccupied with your problems and your pain?
In the midst of misery focus on Jesus because when you’re mesmerized by His beauty, there’s no time to think of yourself. John’s fixation resulted in his prostration before the Holy One. Surrendered, silent and still at the feet of Jesus, he was given an assignment. Perhaps He has an assignment for you too. In order to receive it, you must get your eyes off yourself and unreservedly gaze at the greatness of God.
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Write, therefore, what you have seen.”
O Lord my God, how great You are!
You are the First and the Last; the Living One. Clothed with glorious splendor and breathtaking majesty, radiant light surrounds You. The clouds are Your chariot. Exalted in power, You ride on the wing of the winds. Totally preoccupied with Your magnificent greatness, I don’t have time to think about my own suffering and solitude. This stunning vision of Your glory in the midst of my despondency and despair causes me to fall completely prostrate at Your feet as though dead.
Stunned into dead silence, I can’t argue with You about Your purpose or plan; I can’t rationalize my attitudes and actions; there are simply no excuses or words to express; only dead silence. Absolutely still, there’s no more wrestling over my own hopes and dreams; no more wandering off in my own direction. Lying there, as a dead man at Your holy feet, unreservedly surrendered to Your holiness, my sole desire is to feel Your touch of greatness and hear Your tender voice of compassion.
Eternal Father, just as You picked up John in the midst of his suffering and seclusion, reach out Your strong right hand and touch me. Your almighty hand is my refuge. Supported by Your everlasting arms, I can experience inexpressible peace and comfort, trusting You to thwart off anyone or anything that tries to destroy my spirit. Secure and safe in the sanctuary of Your ascended glory, I’ll hear You tenderly say, “Do not be afraid, my child. You will not perish but prevail. No one can ever pluck you from My mighty grip of grace. I Am the Almighty One who holds the keys of death and Hades. I have freed you from eternal bondage and empowered you to live forever and ever. Go. Serve me through your suffering.”
O God, what incredible awe I feel kneeling before You! Your right hand has given me shelter, strength and security to survive and serve You through extreme suffering and solitude. In my despondency and despair, O Lord, be magnified. Blessed be Your glorious name. Amen.
If you are in the middle of a hopeless situation, remember that the power available to John is also available to you. What vision are you missing because you are preoccupied with your problems and your pain?
In the midst of misery focus on Jesus because when you’re mesmerized by His beauty, there’s no time to think of yourself. John’s fixation resulted in his prostration before the Holy One. Surrendered, silent and still at the feet of Jesus, he was given an assignment. Perhaps He has an assignment for you too. In order to receive it, you must get your eyes off yourself and unreservedly gaze at the greatness of God.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Gazing at God
Romans 8: 33-34
Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Revelation 1: 13-16
Among the lamp stands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty!
You are so good to me! You graciously give me all things! Your promises are powerful! They sustain me through suffering, seclusion and shame.
Gazing on Your majesty, I see Jesus, the Son of Man who experienced suffering, seclusion, and shame. He is beside You, dressed like a High Priest in a robe reaching down to His feet. He understands my pain and problems, and is pleading to You on my behalf.
The golden sash around His chest tells me He is a King who has full authority over everything that takes place in my life. His soft white hair reveals His wisdom and purity. He knows exactly what to allow into my life to make me holy, pure and blameless. Through my troubles, He is transforming me into the His likeness.
With angry eyes blazing like fire, He is serious and will avenge anyone who tries to hurt me. His feet are like bronze glowing in a furnace, ready to trample in judgment anyone who condemns me. Justification and condemnation belong to Him and Him alone! He will not tolerate anyone else doing His job.
When He speaks, His thunderous voice roars like the sound of water rushing over Niagara Falls. It drowns out all other sounds. With my attention focused on the Living Word of God, I can’t hear those who criticize and convict me. I only hear His piercing voice pardoning me.
He holds me in His strong right hand like the seven stars. Nothing can snatch me from His mighty grip of grace. He holds on to me tightly even when I let go of Him.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Lords Army is in charge of me. He gives me the weapon I need to combat the enemy, the Sword of His Word. Swiftly taking it, I confidently march forward inflicting anyone who insults me.
Gazing on the radiant face of the Son of Man, I know that in my desolation and isolation He is overruling me. No one else can accuse or defend me. He alone is the Holy, Almighty Judge and NOTHING can separate me from His love.
Thank You Lord for Your priceless promise in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Who is accusing you, God or man? Whose authority are you under, God or man? Who is pleading your case, God or man? In whom will you place your trust, God or man?
Choose to believe God and you will be blessed!
Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Revelation 1: 13-16
Among the lamp stands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty!
You are so good to me! You graciously give me all things! Your promises are powerful! They sustain me through suffering, seclusion and shame.
Gazing on Your majesty, I see Jesus, the Son of Man who experienced suffering, seclusion, and shame. He is beside You, dressed like a High Priest in a robe reaching down to His feet. He understands my pain and problems, and is pleading to You on my behalf.
The golden sash around His chest tells me He is a King who has full authority over everything that takes place in my life. His soft white hair reveals His wisdom and purity. He knows exactly what to allow into my life to make me holy, pure and blameless. Through my troubles, He is transforming me into the His likeness.
With angry eyes blazing like fire, He is serious and will avenge anyone who tries to hurt me. His feet are like bronze glowing in a furnace, ready to trample in judgment anyone who condemns me. Justification and condemnation belong to Him and Him alone! He will not tolerate anyone else doing His job.
When He speaks, His thunderous voice roars like the sound of water rushing over Niagara Falls. It drowns out all other sounds. With my attention focused on the Living Word of God, I can’t hear those who criticize and convict me. I only hear His piercing voice pardoning me.
He holds me in His strong right hand like the seven stars. Nothing can snatch me from His mighty grip of grace. He holds on to me tightly even when I let go of Him.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Lords Army is in charge of me. He gives me the weapon I need to combat the enemy, the Sword of His Word. Swiftly taking it, I confidently march forward inflicting anyone who insults me.
Gazing on the radiant face of the Son of Man, I know that in my desolation and isolation He is overruling me. No one else can accuse or defend me. He alone is the Holy, Almighty Judge and NOTHING can separate me from His love.
Thank You Lord for Your priceless promise in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Who is accusing you, God or man? Whose authority are you under, God or man? Who is pleading your case, God or man? In whom will you place your trust, God or man?
Choose to believe God and you will be blessed!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Eternally Secure
John 10:27-30
Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
My Ever Loving Father and Almighty Shepherd, Jesus Christ,
You are my powerful Protector and one and only Owner. O how Your sweet voice resonates deep within the inner ear of my soul. The longer I walk with You the more definite and distinctive it becomes.
You are the Great Shepherd of my weak, vacillating, trembling soul. Bought with Your precious, priceless blood, my heart is permanently branded with the seal of Your Holy Spirit. You can easily identify that I belong to You. You know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When I’m far away, You know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment, You know where I am. This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! I can never be lost to Your Spirit!
How precious it is to think that You give me eternal life – permanent life that never ceases; imperishable, immortal everlasting life that never ends. People and problems will persistently pull at me. Trouble and temptation will tirelessly tug at me. Sickness and suffering will steadily assail me. Through it all, I will not perish but prevail. No one or no thing can ever snatch me from the grip of Your almighty, tight-fisted, nail-pierced hand. You paid too high a price to ever let me go. As Your absolutely treasured possession, You firmly hold onto me even when I let go. Blessed assurance!
O Lord, I believe that You are faithful to all Your promises. Without reservation or hesitation, I’m choosing to believe that You’ll keep me eternally secure as I follow You. Keep my inner ears extremely sensitive to Your gentle whispers from heaven. Hearing You, I will immediately, resolutely and joyfully obey You bringing glory, honor and praise to Your powerful name. Amen.
If you are one of God’s chosen sheep, you are branded with the seal of the Holy Spirit. The seal guarantees that you are His possession, bought and paid for with the priceless blood of Jesus. (Ephesians 1:13) He paid too high a price to ever let you go.
His sheep listen to His voice and obediently follow Him, not making up their own whimsical rules as they roam to and fro. His sheep imitate Him. As you read the Word of God, what do you see Jesus doing? Are you following Him producing spiritual fruit that will bring glory, honor and praise to Him?
Jesus promises His sheep who listen to His voice and follow Him eternal security. You can choose to believe Him or argue with Him about this incredibly powerful promise. His Word says, according to Your faith it will be done to you (Matthew 9:29). Are you standing on the promises of Christ the Lord?
Standing on the Promises
Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
My Ever Loving Father and Almighty Shepherd, Jesus Christ,
You are my powerful Protector and one and only Owner. O how Your sweet voice resonates deep within the inner ear of my soul. The longer I walk with You the more definite and distinctive it becomes.
You are the Great Shepherd of my weak, vacillating, trembling soul. Bought with Your precious, priceless blood, my heart is permanently branded with the seal of Your Holy Spirit. You can easily identify that I belong to You. You know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When I’m far away, You know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment, You know where I am. This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! I can never be lost to Your Spirit!
How precious it is to think that You give me eternal life – permanent life that never ceases; imperishable, immortal everlasting life that never ends. People and problems will persistently pull at me. Trouble and temptation will tirelessly tug at me. Sickness and suffering will steadily assail me. Through it all, I will not perish but prevail. No one or no thing can ever snatch me from the grip of Your almighty, tight-fisted, nail-pierced hand. You paid too high a price to ever let me go. As Your absolutely treasured possession, You firmly hold onto me even when I let go. Blessed assurance!
O Lord, I believe that You are faithful to all Your promises. Without reservation or hesitation, I’m choosing to believe that You’ll keep me eternally secure as I follow You. Keep my inner ears extremely sensitive to Your gentle whispers from heaven. Hearing You, I will immediately, resolutely and joyfully obey You bringing glory, honor and praise to Your powerful name. Amen.
If you are one of God’s chosen sheep, you are branded with the seal of the Holy Spirit. The seal guarantees that you are His possession, bought and paid for with the priceless blood of Jesus. (Ephesians 1:13) He paid too high a price to ever let you go.
His sheep listen to His voice and obediently follow Him, not making up their own whimsical rules as they roam to and fro. His sheep imitate Him. As you read the Word of God, what do you see Jesus doing? Are you following Him producing spiritual fruit that will bring glory, honor and praise to Him?
Jesus promises His sheep who listen to His voice and follow Him eternal security. You can choose to believe Him or argue with Him about this incredibly powerful promise. His Word says, according to Your faith it will be done to you (Matthew 9:29). Are you standing on the promises of Christ the Lord?
Standing on the Promises
Friday, May 25, 2007
Praise the Lord
Psalm 92:1-5
It is good to praise the LORD
and make music to your name, O Most High,
to proclaim your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night,
to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
and the melody of the harp.
For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
How great are your works, O LORD,
how profound your thoughts!
O Lord Most High,
It’s a delight and honor to sing of Your wonderful works. In humble adoration, I gratefully thank You for Your ever loving kindness each morning. Your unbelievable mercy has kept me from complete obliteration. Each evening, I fondly remember Your incredible faithfulness. With a cheerful song in my heart, I love to tell of Your excellent greatness! My eyes have seen Your magnificent handiwork in the refuge of the mighty Cross!
Merrily, I sing the praises of my drastically changed life. Your marvelous, infinite, matchless grace has miraculously covered all my past, present and future stains. Clothed and unashamed, I’m free to come into Your holy presence and worship You. With sheer confidence, I can stand up and assuredly sing with all my heart, “How great is my God!”
Jesus, You mean the world to me! Your amazing grace and profound thoughtfulness have made me glad. I’ll sing of Your love forever because of the blessed promise I have in Your gloriously beautiful name. Amen.
It is good to praise the Lord! Bless Him for keeping you from complete obliteration. If you’re alive today, thank Him! It’s only by His amazing grace!
Reflect on the lyrics to Grace Greater Than Our Sin
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.
Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide;
What can we do to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
It is good to praise the LORD
and make music to your name, O Most High,
to proclaim your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night,
to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
and the melody of the harp.
For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
How great are your works, O LORD,
how profound your thoughts!
O Lord Most High,
It’s a delight and honor to sing of Your wonderful works. In humble adoration, I gratefully thank You for Your ever loving kindness each morning. Your unbelievable mercy has kept me from complete obliteration. Each evening, I fondly remember Your incredible faithfulness. With a cheerful song in my heart, I love to tell of Your excellent greatness! My eyes have seen Your magnificent handiwork in the refuge of the mighty Cross!
Merrily, I sing the praises of my drastically changed life. Your marvelous, infinite, matchless grace has miraculously covered all my past, present and future stains. Clothed and unashamed, I’m free to come into Your holy presence and worship You. With sheer confidence, I can stand up and assuredly sing with all my heart, “How great is my God!”
Jesus, You mean the world to me! Your amazing grace and profound thoughtfulness have made me glad. I’ll sing of Your love forever because of the blessed promise I have in Your gloriously beautiful name. Amen.
It is good to praise the Lord! Bless Him for keeping you from complete obliteration. If you’re alive today, thank Him! It’s only by His amazing grace!
Reflect on the lyrics to Grace Greater Than Our Sin
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.
Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide;
What can we do to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Light in the Darkness
Psalm 27:1-5
The LORD is my light and my salvation--
so why should I be afraid?
The LORD protects me from danger--
so why should I tremble?
When evil people come to destroy me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will know no fear.
Even if they attack me,
I remain confident.
The one thing I ask of the LORD--
the thing I seek most--
is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
delighting in the LORD's perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock. NLT
High King of Heaven,
Your Holy Word, the Bible, clearly illuminates the way for me. In the light of it, I never have to be afraid. In the dark, things appear distorted and misconstrued. I’m disillusioned, perceiving people and problems as bigger and more threatening than they really are.
Please dear Lord, may I live in the security of Your holy house every day of my life? Looking deep into Your blazing holy eyes, with my Bible open, I’ll contemplate Your powerful promises in the temple of my heart. Teach me in Your presence, to remain cool, calm and collect under pressure. At home with You, I’ll be safe from the vicious attacks of those seeking to destroy me.
O Lord, my God, I desire nothing more than to live happily in the tranquility of Your presence for the rest of my life. Please give me more faith to confidently and consistently rely on You, believing that as my beloved Father You will go the extra mile to protect and conceal me for the honor of Your high and holy name. Amen.
David encountered many frightening people and situations, but wasn't provoked by a sinful fear of man. When you're afraid, do as David did, turn to your King. Open your Bible and enter into the holy presence of our great, big God. Your perception will change when you seek His power, peace and protection. What scary person or situation do you need to trust in God for today?
If you can read this Psalm and say that it expresses the desire of your heart, then your fear is not a sinful fear of man.
The LORD is my light and my salvation--
so why should I be afraid?
The LORD protects me from danger--
so why should I tremble?
When evil people come to destroy me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will know no fear.
Even if they attack me,
I remain confident.
The one thing I ask of the LORD--
the thing I seek most--
is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
delighting in the LORD's perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock. NLT
High King of Heaven,
Your Holy Word, the Bible, clearly illuminates the way for me. In the light of it, I never have to be afraid. In the dark, things appear distorted and misconstrued. I’m disillusioned, perceiving people and problems as bigger and more threatening than they really are.
Please dear Lord, may I live in the security of Your holy house every day of my life? Looking deep into Your blazing holy eyes, with my Bible open, I’ll contemplate Your powerful promises in the temple of my heart. Teach me in Your presence, to remain cool, calm and collect under pressure. At home with You, I’ll be safe from the vicious attacks of those seeking to destroy me.
O Lord, my God, I desire nothing more than to live happily in the tranquility of Your presence for the rest of my life. Please give me more faith to confidently and consistently rely on You, believing that as my beloved Father You will go the extra mile to protect and conceal me for the honor of Your high and holy name. Amen.
David encountered many frightening people and situations, but wasn't provoked by a sinful fear of man. When you're afraid, do as David did, turn to your King. Open your Bible and enter into the holy presence of our great, big God. Your perception will change when you seek His power, peace and protection. What scary person or situation do you need to trust in God for today?
If you can read this Psalm and say that it expresses the desire of your heart, then your fear is not a sinful fear of man.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Giants and Grasshoppers
Numbers 13:28, 31, 33
But the people living there are powerful, and their cities and towns are fortified and very large. …"We can't go up against them! They are stronger than we are!" …We even saw giants there... We felt like grasshoppers next to them, and that's what we looked like to them!"
Merciful Father,
You are compassionate and gracious; slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, forgiving our wickedness, rebellion and sin. Your Words remind me repeatedly how much I’m like the Israelites. You’re leading me on the journey of a lifetime. You’ve promised me abundantly rich blessings and a full life. I’ve witnessed marvelous wonders – a drastically transformed life, miraculous healing, release from problems that have plagued me, freedom from addictions and much more. Yet, I still listen to and believe the naysayers. Forgive me O God, for not believing You.
I’m surrounded by powerful people who try to prevent me from advancing Your kingdom. They devour me with doubt and discouragement. They attack my abilities and adequacy. Their criticism makes me feel unworthy and unacceptable. They preoccupy me, stealing my time, talent, and treasure. They exaggerate the risk, telling me the mission is too dangerous or too difficult. Anxiety and apprehension besiege me. Their negative opinions have caused me confusion and chaos, robbing me of my hope and my joy. O God have mercy on me for forgetting who You are and allowing these individuals to control my life.
Please dear Lord, set me free from the devastating control that people have on me. Fill me with more of Your mighty power so that in Your strength I’ll courageously stand up against the opposition. Help me to make right choices based on Your wisdom, not intimidation. When I’m confronted by “big” people, please turn my eyes toward You. Gazing at Your awesome majesty, I can’t look at myself or others. Focused on You, I’ll be able to march forward victoriously, claiming blessed new territory for Your kingdom, honor and glory because of Jesus. Amen.
Who must you break free from in order to move forward to the land of blessing? Who’s holding you back, casting doubts on your dreams? Will you believe them or turn to God, trusting Him and Him alone to prosper and protect you?
Did you know that the command, “Do not be afraid” appears 65 times in the NIV Bible?
Being afraid is not wrong in itself. As creatures living in a sinful world we should be afraid at times. The problem is when fear forgets God. – Ed Welch, When People are Big and God is Small.
But the people living there are powerful, and their cities and towns are fortified and very large. …"We can't go up against them! They are stronger than we are!" …We even saw giants there... We felt like grasshoppers next to them, and that's what we looked like to them!"
Merciful Father,
You are compassionate and gracious; slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, forgiving our wickedness, rebellion and sin. Your Words remind me repeatedly how much I’m like the Israelites. You’re leading me on the journey of a lifetime. You’ve promised me abundantly rich blessings and a full life. I’ve witnessed marvelous wonders – a drastically transformed life, miraculous healing, release from problems that have plagued me, freedom from addictions and much more. Yet, I still listen to and believe the naysayers. Forgive me O God, for not believing You.
I’m surrounded by powerful people who try to prevent me from advancing Your kingdom. They devour me with doubt and discouragement. They attack my abilities and adequacy. Their criticism makes me feel unworthy and unacceptable. They preoccupy me, stealing my time, talent, and treasure. They exaggerate the risk, telling me the mission is too dangerous or too difficult. Anxiety and apprehension besiege me. Their negative opinions have caused me confusion and chaos, robbing me of my hope and my joy. O God have mercy on me for forgetting who You are and allowing these individuals to control my life.
Please dear Lord, set me free from the devastating control that people have on me. Fill me with more of Your mighty power so that in Your strength I’ll courageously stand up against the opposition. Help me to make right choices based on Your wisdom, not intimidation. When I’m confronted by “big” people, please turn my eyes toward You. Gazing at Your awesome majesty, I can’t look at myself or others. Focused on You, I’ll be able to march forward victoriously, claiming blessed new territory for Your kingdom, honor and glory because of Jesus. Amen.
Who must you break free from in order to move forward to the land of blessing? Who’s holding you back, casting doubts on your dreams? Will you believe them or turn to God, trusting Him and Him alone to prosper and protect you?
Did you know that the command, “Do not be afraid” appears 65 times in the NIV Bible?
Being afraid is not wrong in itself. As creatures living in a sinful world we should be afraid at times. The problem is when fear forgets God. – Ed Welch, When People are Big and God is Small.
Monday, May 21, 2007
The High Rock
Psalm 61:1-4
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
Mighty God,
You are My Rock, My Strong Tower, My Most High Dwelling Place, My Refuge, My Shelter
I praise You for majestic mountains. In the breathtaking beauty of nature, I see pillars of glory and feel the extraordinary glow of Your existence. You are a perfect, powerful, and prominent pinnacle of unimpeded protection. I want to climb the spectacular summit and hide in Your sanctuary forever where calamities cannot crush me, death cannot devour me, sadness cannot smother me, pain cannot press me, and anxiety cannot attack me
Thank You for making the holy, high, unmovable, unshakable Rock accessible to me through Jesus Christ. My heart is weak. I am depending on You to be my strength and my shield. With Your help, Almighty God, I will climb Your pristine peak and find powerful protection. Peacefully, I’ll rest in the safety of Your presence because You alone are my Rock and my Salvation. Amen.
A mighty fortress is our God! If your heart is faint call out to Him. Follow His Voice to the high and holy Rock of Jesus Christ. Rest in the safety of His presence where He promises to hide and protect you. This is the only safe place to be during the storms of life.
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
Mighty God,
You are My Rock, My Strong Tower, My Most High Dwelling Place, My Refuge, My Shelter
I praise You for majestic mountains. In the breathtaking beauty of nature, I see pillars of glory and feel the extraordinary glow of Your existence. You are a perfect, powerful, and prominent pinnacle of unimpeded protection. I want to climb the spectacular summit and hide in Your sanctuary forever where calamities cannot crush me, death cannot devour me, sadness cannot smother me, pain cannot press me, and anxiety cannot attack me
Thank You for making the holy, high, unmovable, unshakable Rock accessible to me through Jesus Christ. My heart is weak. I am depending on You to be my strength and my shield. With Your help, Almighty God, I will climb Your pristine peak and find powerful protection. Peacefully, I’ll rest in the safety of Your presence because You alone are my Rock and my Salvation. Amen.
A mighty fortress is our God! If your heart is faint call out to Him. Follow His Voice to the high and holy Rock of Jesus Christ. Rest in the safety of His presence where He promises to hide and protect you. This is the only safe place to be during the storms of life.
Friday, May 18, 2007
A Song of Praise
Recently, my heart has been troubled and my spirit disturbed by bad things happening to innocent people: The Virginia Tech Massacre, a local family slain, and children suffering the consequences of their parent’s sin; bomb threats in high schools, conflict in the church, and wars in the world. You don’t have to look far to be appalled by the headline news.
In my despair, I poured out my soul like the Psalmist. “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?” (Psalm 42:5) I then opened my Bible to 2 Chronicles 20 and God gave me these words:
2 Chronicles 20: 15, 17, 21-22
This is what the LORD says to you:
“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you. "
Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
"Give thanks to the LORD,
for his love endures forever."
As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the enemy.
This prompted me to take up my position, stand firm and wait for the deliverance of the Lord. Immediately, I began to sing and praise the Lord like the Israelites. As I did the Lord, indeed, set the ambush against the enemy. The power of praise set my heart, mind and soul free, and armed me with strength.
I will praise You, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the marvelous things You have done.
I will be filled with joy because of You.
I will sing praises to Your name, O Most High.
You are a shelter for the oppressed,
You are my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
You led me to a place of safety;
You light a lamp for me.
Your ways are perfect.
Scour the Psalms and write down all the ways God is strong, mighty, and powerful. If you dwell in the shelter of the Most High, then His strength, might and power are in you. Rest on His promises. This battle is His, not yours.
Whatever is troubling your spirit today, remember what the Lord says to you in His Word. Take up your position, stand firm, do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out and face tomorrow, the Lord will be with you. His Word says so. Do you believe Him?
Open your mouth and begin to loudly sing and praise Him. The enemy that’s attacking your heart, mind, soul, and strength will be destroyed by the dynamite of praise!
In my despair, I poured out my soul like the Psalmist. “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?” (Psalm 42:5) I then opened my Bible to 2 Chronicles 20 and God gave me these words:
2 Chronicles 20: 15, 17, 21-22
This is what the LORD says to you:
“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you. "
Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
"Give thanks to the LORD,
for his love endures forever."
As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the enemy.
This prompted me to take up my position, stand firm and wait for the deliverance of the Lord. Immediately, I began to sing and praise the Lord like the Israelites. As I did the Lord, indeed, set the ambush against the enemy. The power of praise set my heart, mind and soul free, and armed me with strength.
I will praise You, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the marvelous things You have done.
I will be filled with joy because of You.
I will sing praises to Your name, O Most High.
You are a shelter for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
Those who know Your name trust in You,
for You, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for You.
Lord, have mercy on me.
Lord, have mercy on me.
See how my enemies torment me.
Snatch me back from the jaws of death.
Save me so I can praise You publicly,
so I can rejoice that You have rescued me.
(Psalm 9)
I love You, Lord;
(Psalm 9)
I love You, Lord;
You are my strength.
You are my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
In You I find protection.
You are my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
I called on You, Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and You saved me from my enemies.
You reached down from heaven and rescued me,
from those who hated me and were too strong for me.
You reached down from heaven and rescued me,
from those who hated me and were too strong for me.
They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress,
but You supported me.
You led me to a place of safety;
You rescued me because You delight in me.
You, Lord, rewarded me for doing right;
and restored me because of my innocence.
You light a lamp for me.
You, my God, light up my darkness.
In Your strength I can crush an army;
with my God I can scale any wall.
Your ways are perfect.
Everything You promise proves true.
You are a shield for all who look to You for protection.
You arm me with strength,
You arm me with strength,
and make my way perfect.
You make me as surefooted as a deer,
enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
You train my hands for battle;
and strengthen my arm to draw a bronze bow.
You have given me Your shield of victory.
Your right hand supports me;
Your help has made me great.
You gave me victory over my accusers.
The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock!
You gave me victory over my accusers.
The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock!
May the God of my salvation be exalted!
(Psalm 18)
(Psalm 18)
Scour the Psalms and write down all the ways God is strong, mighty, and powerful. If you dwell in the shelter of the Most High, then His strength, might and power are in you. Rest on His promises. This battle is His, not yours.
Whatever is troubling your spirit today, remember what the Lord says to you in His Word. Take up your position, stand firm, do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out and face tomorrow, the Lord will be with you. His Word says so. Do you believe Him?
Open your mouth and begin to loudly sing and praise Him. The enemy that’s attacking your heart, mind, soul, and strength will be destroyed by the dynamite of praise!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Angels Watching Over Me
Psalm 91:9-16
If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-
then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands.
"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."
Lord, Most High,
Thank You for making my heart Your home. You are my safe haven. I come in, shut the door, and rest in the shadow of Your almighty presence. From heaven on high, You order a battalion of angels to watch over me wherever I go. If I climb the highest, most majestic mountain, You are there. If I sink deep within the sea of sadness, You are there. In the darkness of distress and discouragement, You are there. In the light of love and laughter, even then, You are there. Thank You for the angels that surround the shelter of my heart, Your home.
Because I love You, I trust You to:
- Rescue me from sin and suffering
- Make me strong and mighty
- Answer me when I call You
- Be with me in times of trouble
- Deliver me from evil and temptation
- Honor me with the prosperity of Your presence
- Satisfy me with a full life
- Give me everlasting life and happiness
I know that problems will pursue me and danger will distract me, but with You living in my heart, I’ll survive. With the angels watching over me, I’ll bravely trample trouble beneath my feet and loudly proclaim “You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. You are my strength and my refuge.”
Please dear Lord, make my heart Your home today and send those beautiful, powerful angels to protect me as I come and go in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Imagine! If you are a child of God and have invited Him to live in your heart, He has sent His beautiful, powerful angels to protect you! Claim and believe His precious promises. Live in the fullness of His blessing. No matter your circumstances, He’s there, watching over You, protecting you within the walls of His Mighty Fortress. Praise Him!
I’m reminded of the childhood lullaby, Angels Watching Over Me:
All night, all day, angels watching over me, my Lord.
All night, all day, angels watching over me.
Sun is a-setting in the West;
angels watching over me, my Lord.
Sleep my child, take your rest;
angels watching over me.
All night, all day, angels watching over me, my Lord.
All night, all day, angels watching over me.
Copyright and Author unknown
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
God's Promise In the Rainbow
Recently, I was asked to speak to a group of women on the topic of prayer. Being a writer and not an experienced speaker, I was stressed out one night, wondering what in the world I was doing. Complainingly I asked God, “Who am I to teach women to pray your heart? How am I ever going to remember all this material?” In bed that night, tossing, turning, and tormented, I couldn’t rest.
The following morning I went to our sun porch, sat on my prayer chair wrapped in a soft blanket with my warm cup of coffee, ready to protest my assignment. Through the window I could see the silver sun rays beaming brightly through the ominous grey sky. Strangely, the rain began to fall and before I could utter a single word, I saw the most magnificent rainbow.
Then, I opened my Bible, prepared to thank God for His glorious presence and promise. Turning to John 14, Jesus gave me these final words, “The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Enveloped in the peace of His presence, the anxiety dissipated. Full of His power, I fearlessly stepped out of my comfort zone. Faithful to His promise, the Holy Spirit, indeed, reminded me of everything the Lord had spoken to me. Using Alvin Vandergriend’s Prayer Cycle, I enthusiastically taught an audience of about thirty women the Secret to Answered Prayer: Praying God’s Heart.
The most frequent comment I heard was, “Your face glows.” I wouldn’t know! I can’t see it. But, I would say that’s God’s glory shining through my heart. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.
In his power and with persistent prayer support, I accomplished my mission and the people noticed my radiant face. To God be the glory!
The next time you see a rainbow, remember God’s promise.
The following morning I went to our sun porch, sat on my prayer chair wrapped in a soft blanket with my warm cup of coffee, ready to protest my assignment. Through the window I could see the silver sun rays beaming brightly through the ominous grey sky. Strangely, the rain began to fall and before I could utter a single word, I saw the most magnificent rainbow.
Then, I opened my Bible, prepared to thank God for His glorious presence and promise. Turning to John 14, Jesus gave me these final words, “The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Enveloped in the peace of His presence, the anxiety dissipated. Full of His power, I fearlessly stepped out of my comfort zone. Faithful to His promise, the Holy Spirit, indeed, reminded me of everything the Lord had spoken to me. Using Alvin Vandergriend’s Prayer Cycle, I enthusiastically taught an audience of about thirty women the Secret to Answered Prayer: Praying God’s Heart.
The most frequent comment I heard was, “Your face glows.” I wouldn’t know! I can’t see it. But, I would say that’s God’s glory shining through my heart. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.
In his power and with persistent prayer support, I accomplished my mission and the people noticed my radiant face. To God be the glory!
The next time you see a rainbow, remember God’s promise.
Photo copyright of freefoto.com
Finding Rest
Psalm 62:5-6
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
O my Strength! You, my God, are my Fortress, my Mighty Rock, My Refuge. Peacefully resting in the presence of Your upright, unmovable shelter, I will not be afraid or discouraged. Your divine providence will save me and Your powerful grace will support me. You’ll readily supply all my needs, and strengthen me for the impending battle. Surrounded by the thick walls of Your mighty bulwark, people can’t harm me and problems can’t destroy me.
You alone are my Rock and my Refuge. People are as unpredictable as the wind. When I put my hope in their power and promises, I’m bound to be disappointed, discouraged and discontent. People, no matter how influential, don’t have an ounce of strength to shield me from deadly peril.
You, on the other hand, are steady, solid, and secure. You never change Your mind or change the rules. With my heart cheerfully set on Your promises, I can expect to receive unlimited power, unparalleled peace, and unrivaled protection. Daily pondering Your Word and communicating with You through prayer, my faith will increase to an unwavering steadfastness. My sheer joy in Your strength will swell into a holy triumph and I will sing of Your love for You alone are my hope, my Fortress, my loving God. Amen.
If you are pressed beneath problems, crushed under crisis, or pursued by people, run into the safety of Almighty God’s unfailing bulwark. A bulwark is a wall-like structure built to keep out attackers.
He’s expecting You. Open Your Bible and read His Word. Begin with this Psalm. Pray with expectancy. Resting on God’s holy, unchanging words, you’ll find unlimited power, unparalleled peace, and unrivaled protection.
A Mighty Fortress is Our God! A Bulwark never failing!
Photo courtesy of freefoto.com
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Lesson at the Well: Build Bridges
John 4:5-9
He came to a town in Samaria. Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well.
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?"
The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
Teacher,
Thank You for the lessons I learn when I take time to sit with You at Jacob’s well in Samaria. From the time I was little I was taught to separate myself from the world. I’ve been warned about places I should not go and people I should not be seen with. Surely, prominent people would judge me by the company I keep.
The lesson You teach me at the well is not to discriminate based on race, religion, gender, or government. This woman was from a dreadful place, a despised race, and living a disgraceful lifestyle. Under no circumstances would a respectable Jewish man talk to such a dishonorable character. You could have haughtily turned Your back on her saying, “I don’t relate to people like that.” But, instead You risked Your reputation to approach and speak to her.
Your Word says that if I have faith in You I will do what you did and even greater things. Surely, You will judge me by the company I keep. The truth is You didn’t keep company with outgoing, good-looking, or successful people. Even though You were a King, You associated with the forlorn, the friendless, and the forgotten. In order to do great things I’m going to have to radically change my mindset.
Jeopardizing my social status, I’ll have to force myself to spend time in places I never dreamed of going, with disreputable people. I’ll have to set aside my prejudices and proactively look for them where they are, relate to them as they are, and walk with them – stride by stride toward You. Please open the eyes of my heart and energize me with holy courage and compassion to intentionally go into unnatural and uncomfortable social settings for the explicit purpose of building bridges to the kingdom of heaven in Jesus name. Amen
How are you willing to risk your reputation to keep company with the kind of people Jesus associated with? What radical changes do you need to make to your lifestyle?
Surely, we will be judged by the company we keep. There’s nothing wrong with hanging out with good and godly friends. The problem occurs when they’re the only people we choose to associate with.
He came to a town in Samaria. Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well.
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?"
The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
Teacher,
Thank You for the lessons I learn when I take time to sit with You at Jacob’s well in Samaria. From the time I was little I was taught to separate myself from the world. I’ve been warned about places I should not go and people I should not be seen with. Surely, prominent people would judge me by the company I keep.
The lesson You teach me at the well is not to discriminate based on race, religion, gender, or government. This woman was from a dreadful place, a despised race, and living a disgraceful lifestyle. Under no circumstances would a respectable Jewish man talk to such a dishonorable character. You could have haughtily turned Your back on her saying, “I don’t relate to people like that.” But, instead You risked Your reputation to approach and speak to her.
Your Word says that if I have faith in You I will do what you did and even greater things. Surely, You will judge me by the company I keep. The truth is You didn’t keep company with outgoing, good-looking, or successful people. Even though You were a King, You associated with the forlorn, the friendless, and the forgotten. In order to do great things I’m going to have to radically change my mindset.
Jeopardizing my social status, I’ll have to force myself to spend time in places I never dreamed of going, with disreputable people. I’ll have to set aside my prejudices and proactively look for them where they are, relate to them as they are, and walk with them – stride by stride toward You. Please open the eyes of my heart and energize me with holy courage and compassion to intentionally go into unnatural and uncomfortable social settings for the explicit purpose of building bridges to the kingdom of heaven in Jesus name. Amen
How are you willing to risk your reputation to keep company with the kind of people Jesus associated with? What radical changes do you need to make to your lifestyle?
Surely, we will be judged by the company we keep. There’s nothing wrong with hanging out with good and godly friends. The problem occurs when they’re the only people we choose to associate with.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Go Two by Two
Luke 10: 1-3
The Lord sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you.”
Lord of the Harvest,
You are such an awesome teacher! I marvel at the way You teach me each day as I spend time with You reading my Bible. Doing the work of the gospel alone is intimidating, exhausting, and not at all the way You intended it to be. You don’t expect us to “go” single-handedly, but rather to “go” collectively.
You’ve shown me that two are better than one. Together we can strengthen and encourage one another. We can pick each other up after a fall, protect one another and hold each other accountable. As a team that has witnessed Your miracles, our testimony is extremely powerful and effective. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.
Please dear Lord, give me a clear vision of the ripe crop right here in my community. Equipped with power, passion, and prayer, I’ll dedicate my skills to diligently work plucking people for Your kingdom. The harvest is plentiful! I expect You to send other faithful followers to join me in the field. Together, we’ll gather the unsaved souls in our neighborhood. Knowing that You’re following right behind us, we’ll be confident that You’ll pick up our produce and carry them right into Your glorious kingdom in Jesus name. Amen.
Who is ripe for picking in your neighborhood? These disciples weren’t better educated, more capable, or of a higher status than other followers of Jesus Christ. They had no unique qualifications.
If you’ve received Jesus Christ as Lord of your life, you’re equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask God to unleash the power and to give you a clear vision of the harvest field. Then mobile a prayer team and go to work. Think of creative ways to show Jesus to your neighbors. Pluck the fruit one by one expecting the Lord of the Harvest to be right behind you picking them up.
It’s our job to bring the people to Him. He does the work of saving them.
Here are a few creative ways to reach out to your neighbors:
1. Have a picnic. Invite another family of believers, along with one or two unsaved families. Tell stories about what God has done in your life.
2. Join with another believer to organize a pick-up game of kickball or basketball with the children in the neighborhood. Teach them to “play” like Jesus – fair and square.
3. Set up a lemonade stand and offer free lemonade and hotdogs on a hot summer day. Initiate conversation with those who stop by. Listen to their problems and offer to pray with them. Your generosity will show and tell them about Jesus.
4. Offer to do yard work for a shut-in person, single-mother, or a person with special needs. It’s the perfect time to plant posies that will bloom all summer for them to enjoy as a reminder of Christ’s love for them, as shown through you. Your kindness will show how much you love them.
5. Hold a Vacation Bible School for the neighborhood children in your backyard. On the last day invite the parents and share the simple truth about Jesus. .
Email me your creative ideas for outreach this summer and I’ll selectively publish them. Two minds are better than one!
The Lord sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you.”
Lord of the Harvest,
You are such an awesome teacher! I marvel at the way You teach me each day as I spend time with You reading my Bible. Doing the work of the gospel alone is intimidating, exhausting, and not at all the way You intended it to be. You don’t expect us to “go” single-handedly, but rather to “go” collectively.
You’ve shown me that two are better than one. Together we can strengthen and encourage one another. We can pick each other up after a fall, protect one another and hold each other accountable. As a team that has witnessed Your miracles, our testimony is extremely powerful and effective. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.
Please dear Lord, give me a clear vision of the ripe crop right here in my community. Equipped with power, passion, and prayer, I’ll dedicate my skills to diligently work plucking people for Your kingdom. The harvest is plentiful! I expect You to send other faithful followers to join me in the field. Together, we’ll gather the unsaved souls in our neighborhood. Knowing that You’re following right behind us, we’ll be confident that You’ll pick up our produce and carry them right into Your glorious kingdom in Jesus name. Amen.
Who is ripe for picking in your neighborhood? These disciples weren’t better educated, more capable, or of a higher status than other followers of Jesus Christ. They had no unique qualifications.
If you’ve received Jesus Christ as Lord of your life, you’re equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask God to unleash the power and to give you a clear vision of the harvest field. Then mobile a prayer team and go to work. Think of creative ways to show Jesus to your neighbors. Pluck the fruit one by one expecting the Lord of the Harvest to be right behind you picking them up.
It’s our job to bring the people to Him. He does the work of saving them.
Here are a few creative ways to reach out to your neighbors:
1. Have a picnic. Invite another family of believers, along with one or two unsaved families. Tell stories about what God has done in your life.
2. Join with another believer to organize a pick-up game of kickball or basketball with the children in the neighborhood. Teach them to “play” like Jesus – fair and square.
3. Set up a lemonade stand and offer free lemonade and hotdogs on a hot summer day. Initiate conversation with those who stop by. Listen to their problems and offer to pray with them. Your generosity will show and tell them about Jesus.
4. Offer to do yard work for a shut-in person, single-mother, or a person with special needs. It’s the perfect time to plant posies that will bloom all summer for them to enjoy as a reminder of Christ’s love for them, as shown through you. Your kindness will show how much you love them.
5. Hold a Vacation Bible School for the neighborhood children in your backyard. On the last day invite the parents and share the simple truth about Jesus. .
Email me your creative ideas for outreach this summer and I’ll selectively publish them. Two minds are better than one!
Friday, May 04, 2007
Praise the Name of the Lord
Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.
Psalm 34:3
Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name.
Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name.
Psalm 30:4
Almighty God
Almighty God
Alpha and Omega
Author and Perfecter of our faith
Blessed Redeemer
Blessed Redeemer
Bread of Life
Breath of God
Creator of Heaven and Earth
Creator of Heaven and Earth
Counselor
Consuming Fire
I will praise your name, O LORD, for it is good.
Psalm 54:6
Defender
Defender
Deliverer
Desire of nations
Everlasting Father
Everlasting Father
Eternal King
Emmanuel
Faithful God
Faithful God
Friend of sinners
Firstborn of all creation
Sing the glory of his name;
make his praise glorious!
Psalm 66:2
Great God of the universe
Great God of the universe
Glorious Lord
Gentle Shepherd
Holy One
Holy One
Hope of Heaven
Healer of My Soul
I AM
I AM
Image of the invisible God
Intercessor
Praise be to his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.
Psalm 72:19
Judge of the living and the dead
Judge of the living and the dead
Jesus Christ my Lord
Jehovah
King of kings
King of kings
King of glory
Kindred Spirit
Lord Most High
Lord Most High
Lover of my soul
Light of the world
I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.
Psalm 86:12
Merciful Father
Merciful Father
My Master
Messiah
Name above all names
One and Only wise God
Name above all names
One and Only wise God
Only begotten Son
Prince of Peace
Prince of Peace
Protector
Provider
Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.
Psalm 99:3
Quiet Savior
Quiet Savior
Quick Deliverer
Resurrection and life
Resurrection and life
Righteous One
Rock of my salvation
Sovereign Lord
Sovereign Lord
Strong Tower
Spirit of the Living God
Teacher
Teacher
Truth
Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Psalm 103:1
Understanding Father
Understanding Father
Unchanging Friend
Victorious Lord
Victorious Lord
Voice of the Lord
Very Great Reward
Vinedresser
Word of God
Word of God
Wonderful Savior
Wisdom of God
I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
Psalm 145:1
Xpected One
Xpected One
Xalted King
Xceeding Joy
Your Fear
Your Holy One
Your Heavenly Father
Your Fear
Your Holy One
Your Heavenly Father
God tells us 68 times in the Bible to either Praise His name or Exalt His Name. It will lift your spirits, bless your heart, and please your Lord if you obey. Prepare your heart for worship by praising His excellent name!
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Chosen To Go
1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
High and Heavenly King,
Hearing Your Holy Word thrills my heart! It stirs my soul to hear you say:
I am chosen
I am royal
I am holy
I belong to You
I praise You my Savior for finding me in the dark dungeon of despair. My Knight in Shining Armor, You rescued me and brought me out into the luminous light.
I was saturated in sin when You sought me.
I was chagrin with the crimson stain of shame when you chose me.
In my ripped rags, you made me royal.
My heart was hard and heavy when you made me holy.
Deep in debt, You redeemed me, purchasing me with the precious blood of Your Son.
I am jubilant that a broken, unbecoming being like me, would be belong to You!
I can’t keep quiet about my conversion! Your incredible mercy changed me. As a member of Your royal family, I am assigned to reign on earth to serve You. I must tell the inspiring story of my salvation and capture the curiosity of seeking souls. People all around me are in the same dark dungeon of despair that once detained me. They’ll die in there if I don’t rescue them for You. This is a mandatory mission! Urgently, I must go so that they will not perish in the poisonous pit of sin. Time is running out. Please dear Lord, give me the stamina I need to accomplish Your great commission.
To You who loved me enough to seek me, chose me, redeem me, and make me holy – be the glory and power forever and ever. Amen.
Claim your God-given identity and go in the power of the Holy Spirit on the mandatory mission to save souls!
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
High and Heavenly King,
Hearing Your Holy Word thrills my heart! It stirs my soul to hear you say:
I am chosen
I am royal
I am holy
I belong to You
I praise You my Savior for finding me in the dark dungeon of despair. My Knight in Shining Armor, You rescued me and brought me out into the luminous light.
I was saturated in sin when You sought me.
I was chagrin with the crimson stain of shame when you chose me.
In my ripped rags, you made me royal.
My heart was hard and heavy when you made me holy.
Deep in debt, You redeemed me, purchasing me with the precious blood of Your Son.
I am jubilant that a broken, unbecoming being like me, would be belong to You!
I can’t keep quiet about my conversion! Your incredible mercy changed me. As a member of Your royal family, I am assigned to reign on earth to serve You. I must tell the inspiring story of my salvation and capture the curiosity of seeking souls. People all around me are in the same dark dungeon of despair that once detained me. They’ll die in there if I don’t rescue them for You. This is a mandatory mission! Urgently, I must go so that they will not perish in the poisonous pit of sin. Time is running out. Please dear Lord, give me the stamina I need to accomplish Your great commission.
To You who loved me enough to seek me, chose me, redeem me, and make me holy – be the glory and power forever and ever. Amen.
Claim your God-given identity and go in the power of the Holy Spirit on the mandatory mission to save souls!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Called To Be Holy
Romans 1:5-6
Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Lord Jesus,
Truly, You are the Son of God! Your generous gift of grace is amazing! It came to me in the promised gospel when You lovingly called my name. Gratefully, I acknowledged You, believing that You lived, died, and rose into heaven.
The moment I responded to Your call, You adopted and accepted me into Your family. You chose me to be a holy, pure and blameless ambassador, representing the kingdom of heaven to a helpless and hopeless world. Setting me free from evil and temptation, You put holy fear in my heart and insisted that I live within Your limits. Out of sincere respect and honor, I’ll obey the parameters You set for me.
While I wait in the quietness of Your presence, teach me to be holy as You are holy. Search my heart and mind. Speak to me through Your Holy Word. Point out any wrong way in me. Immediately, I’ll turn around and go in a different direction. Bless me with wisdom, knowledge and understanding of Your will and Your way. Then, I will make wise choices.
Thank You for calling me out of all the people in the world to belong to You. Gratefully, I accept the responsibility that comes with it. For Your namesake, I’ll willingly follow the rules of Your family so that others will see You when they’re watching me. Amen.
If you are a believer, you have a call and a task. God has called you to be a holy, pure, blameless ambassador so that you can truthfully represent His kingdom on earth. Will you take time to develop holiness so that you can represent the One and Only True God to a watching world?
Take Time To Be Holy
William D. Longstaff, c.1882
Copyright Public Domain
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.
Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Lord Jesus,
Truly, You are the Son of God! Your generous gift of grace is amazing! It came to me in the promised gospel when You lovingly called my name. Gratefully, I acknowledged You, believing that You lived, died, and rose into heaven.
The moment I responded to Your call, You adopted and accepted me into Your family. You chose me to be a holy, pure and blameless ambassador, representing the kingdom of heaven to a helpless and hopeless world. Setting me free from evil and temptation, You put holy fear in my heart and insisted that I live within Your limits. Out of sincere respect and honor, I’ll obey the parameters You set for me.
While I wait in the quietness of Your presence, teach me to be holy as You are holy. Search my heart and mind. Speak to me through Your Holy Word. Point out any wrong way in me. Immediately, I’ll turn around and go in a different direction. Bless me with wisdom, knowledge and understanding of Your will and Your way. Then, I will make wise choices.
Thank You for calling me out of all the people in the world to belong to You. Gratefully, I accept the responsibility that comes with it. For Your namesake, I’ll willingly follow the rules of Your family so that others will see You when they’re watching me. Amen.
If you are a believer, you have a call and a task. God has called you to be a holy, pure, blameless ambassador so that you can truthfully represent His kingdom on earth. Will you take time to develop holiness so that you can represent the One and Only True God to a watching world?
Take Time To Be Holy
William D. Longstaff, c.1882
Copyright Public Domain
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Magnificent Love
1 John 3:16-23
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth.
Dearest Father in Heaven-
Your divine love is incredibly remarkable! That You would leave Your beautiful, majestic, celestial sanctuary in the sky to come to this hideous hole on earth to rescue hateful humans is unfathomable. I might die for someone really special, like my spouse or my child, but I’d never die for someone who despises me. Yet that’s exactly what you did for me. While I was Your worst offender, You intentionally died for me. Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus.
In light of the high price You paid to purchase my freedom, I ought not think twice about giving up my comfortable lifestyle for unpleasant people. I believe You put arrogant, obnoxious, mean-spirited individuals in my life to teach me to love Your way. Remind me daily of my own idiosyncrasies. I don’t like to admit it, but You know I’m far from perfect. Instead of uttering idle, meaningless chatter, help me to actively love unlikable people the way You love me. Recognizing my own unworthiness, will be my first step toward tolerating and showing mercy to them.
Please dear Lord, fill me with so much of Your magnificent love and mighty power that my vibrant faith will be contagious, proving to the watching world that I am Your beloved child. Because I long to make You happy, I’ll try my best to obey You by loving others in the name of Jesus. Amen.
How can you show the selfless love of Christ to an unlovable person today? It’s not easy and it’s not optional. It’s a command from the High King of Heaven who has paid a high price for you. It’s the least you can do to honor and glorify Him.
Jesus didn’t come to rescue good people, he came to save sinners. He expects us to love them too; after all, we’re amongst the throng!
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth.
Dearest Father in Heaven-
Your divine love is incredibly remarkable! That You would leave Your beautiful, majestic, celestial sanctuary in the sky to come to this hideous hole on earth to rescue hateful humans is unfathomable. I might die for someone really special, like my spouse or my child, but I’d never die for someone who despises me. Yet that’s exactly what you did for me. While I was Your worst offender, You intentionally died for me. Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus.
In light of the high price You paid to purchase my freedom, I ought not think twice about giving up my comfortable lifestyle for unpleasant people. I believe You put arrogant, obnoxious, mean-spirited individuals in my life to teach me to love Your way. Remind me daily of my own idiosyncrasies. I don’t like to admit it, but You know I’m far from perfect. Instead of uttering idle, meaningless chatter, help me to actively love unlikable people the way You love me. Recognizing my own unworthiness, will be my first step toward tolerating and showing mercy to them.
Please dear Lord, fill me with so much of Your magnificent love and mighty power that my vibrant faith will be contagious, proving to the watching world that I am Your beloved child. Because I long to make You happy, I’ll try my best to obey You by loving others in the name of Jesus. Amen.
How can you show the selfless love of Christ to an unlovable person today? It’s not easy and it’s not optional. It’s a command from the High King of Heaven who has paid a high price for you. It’s the least you can do to honor and glorify Him.
Jesus didn’t come to rescue good people, he came to save sinners. He expects us to love them too; after all, we’re amongst the throng!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Dare To Be A Daniel
Daniel 1: 3-4, 17, 19
Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility- young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service.
Most High King of Heaven,
You have chosen and adopted me into Your royal family. Because You have made me righteous, I have no defects. All of my deformities were made perfect at the foot of the cross. The ashes of my sin were made into beauty. You have lavished me wisdom and understanding to know the mysteries of Your good, pleasing and perfect will. I am qualified to serve You, my high and heavenly King.
This world is not my home. My home is in heaven. Like Daniel, I am a foreigner in a strange place. The wholesome language I speak is uncommon here. The Christian literature I’m familiar with is abnormal. It’s imperative that I adapt to the way of life in the community where I live, work and play.
You’ve put me here to spread the Good News that Your kingdom is available to everyone who believes. I can only do that by earning the trust and respect of those around me. Please give me the desire to be like Daniel. I need to go beyond the pleasant walls and protection of my church and immerse myself in a corrupted culture. Clinging to my faith and trusting in Your power, I’ll infiltrate people with the truth about You in words they’ll understand. By developing meaningful relationships and clear communication, I’ll build bridges for them to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Please dear Lord, give me a courageous heart and determined mind to follow You beyond my perceived limits. Give me extraordinary wisdom and knowledge to fluently speak to those who differ from me. Use me to connect my community to Your glorious kingdom for the praise of Your name. Amen.
You don’t have to go to another land to learn a new language. Study the current culture in your community. You’ll probably discover that people don’t speak or act like you. In order to serve them for God, you need to know their values and traditions.
Dare to be a Daniel by building bridges with non-believers. Ask God to give you the wisdom, knowledge and courage of Daniel to boldly live out your life in your neighborhood. Find a non-church related group and begin interacting with them.
Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility- young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service.
Most High King of Heaven,
You have chosen and adopted me into Your royal family. Because You have made me righteous, I have no defects. All of my deformities were made perfect at the foot of the cross. The ashes of my sin were made into beauty. You have lavished me wisdom and understanding to know the mysteries of Your good, pleasing and perfect will. I am qualified to serve You, my high and heavenly King.
This world is not my home. My home is in heaven. Like Daniel, I am a foreigner in a strange place. The wholesome language I speak is uncommon here. The Christian literature I’m familiar with is abnormal. It’s imperative that I adapt to the way of life in the community where I live, work and play.
You’ve put me here to spread the Good News that Your kingdom is available to everyone who believes. I can only do that by earning the trust and respect of those around me. Please give me the desire to be like Daniel. I need to go beyond the pleasant walls and protection of my church and immerse myself in a corrupted culture. Clinging to my faith and trusting in Your power, I’ll infiltrate people with the truth about You in words they’ll understand. By developing meaningful relationships and clear communication, I’ll build bridges for them to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Please dear Lord, give me a courageous heart and determined mind to follow You beyond my perceived limits. Give me extraordinary wisdom and knowledge to fluently speak to those who differ from me. Use me to connect my community to Your glorious kingdom for the praise of Your name. Amen.
You don’t have to go to another land to learn a new language. Study the current culture in your community. You’ll probably discover that people don’t speak or act like you. In order to serve them for God, you need to know their values and traditions.
Dare to be a Daniel by building bridges with non-believers. Ask God to give you the wisdom, knowledge and courage of Daniel to boldly live out your life in your neighborhood. Find a non-church related group and begin interacting with them.
Friday, April 27, 2007
ABC's of Thanksgiving
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good!
Psalm 107:1
Adopting and accepting me
Blessing me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms
Choosing me and Crowning me with Compassion
Delivering me from all my fears and filling me with Divine power
Eternal life and Everlasting love
Forgiving and Forgetting all my sins, Freeing me from Satan’s snare, and Your Forever Faithfulness
Grace, grace, and more grace
Healing all my hurts and Hiding Your Word in my heart
Infinite mercy
Justifying me and filling my heart with the Joy of Jesus
Kindness
Lifting me out of the deep, dark, dirty pit and bringing me into the Light
Making me uniquely, fearfully, and wonderfully
Never abandoning me
Ordaining all my days before one of them came to be
Peace, Patience, Protection, Your Prosperous Presence, and Praying for me
Quieting my soul
Redeeming me, making me Righteous, and Reserving a Room in heaven for me
Satisfying my desires with good things, Saving me from death and destruction, and Setting me feet on Solid ground, Sending Your Spirit to live with me
Teaching me by Your Holy Spirit
Uniting me with Christ and other believers
Victory in Jesus
Washing me whiter than snow and Watching over me
eXtravagantly loving me
Your Holy Word spoken to me
Zipping my heart with zeal
Adopting and accepting me
Blessing me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms
Choosing me and Crowning me with Compassion
Delivering me from all my fears and filling me with Divine power
Eternal life and Everlasting love
Forgiving and Forgetting all my sins, Freeing me from Satan’s snare, and Your Forever Faithfulness
Grace, grace, and more grace
Healing all my hurts and Hiding Your Word in my heart
Infinite mercy
Justifying me and filling my heart with the Joy of Jesus
Kindness
Lifting me out of the deep, dark, dirty pit and bringing me into the Light
Making me uniquely, fearfully, and wonderfully
Never abandoning me
Ordaining all my days before one of them came to be
Peace, Patience, Protection, Your Prosperous Presence, and Praying for me
Quieting my soul
Redeeming me, making me Righteous, and Reserving a Room in heaven for me
Satisfying my desires with good things, Saving me from death and destruction, and Setting me feet on Solid ground, Sending Your Spirit to live with me
Teaching me by Your Holy Spirit
Uniting me with Christ and other believers
Victory in Jesus
Washing me whiter than snow and Watching over me
eXtravagantly loving me
Your Holy Word spoken to me
Zipping my heart with zeal
What are you thankful for? Prepare your heart for worship this weekend by making your own thanksgiving list.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Jesus' Food
John 4:34
"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”
Sovereign King of the Smorgasbord-
Forgive me for craving the wrong things! I think more about nourishing my body than my soul. Please fill me with so much of Jesus that I will desire nothing more. There is an endless line of hungry people right behind me if only I’d open my eyes and notice!
People are starving for something more! I’ve been indulging in the never-ending feast of Bread and Water without consideration of the destitute and diseased following me. They will perish without proper nourishment.
Empower me to do Your will and share the Bread of Life and Living Water, my Sweet Jesus, with the hordes of hungry and throngs of thirsty begging for something better. Let me serve them passionately, persistently, and pleasantly, making it my personal business. Its hard work but the wages and benefits are eternal. No other employer offers an eternal life insurance policy. No other business in town offers forgiveness, redemption, and healing. No other place serves all-you-can-eat love and compassion. Only at the Savior’s Smorgasbord will people eat and be satisfied.
The hours are limited, closing time is near. I must urgently accomplish the mandatory mission to feed the multitudes by giving them Jesus. Open my eyes to see discouraged, dissatisfied, and disgusted individuals:
Ravished for redemption, riches and relationships
Famished for forgiveness, friends and fellowship
Starved for salvation, security and sympathy
Hungry for healing, honor, and a hero
Longing for love, life and laughter
I will immediately bring them to Your Smorgasbord where they can gorge themselves with grace and be satisfied with the name of Jesus. Amen.
There’s a starving society surrounding you! You’ve been given a mission – to do the will of Jesus, feed them. Will you obey?
"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”
Sovereign King of the Smorgasbord-
Forgive me for craving the wrong things! I think more about nourishing my body than my soul. Please fill me with so much of Jesus that I will desire nothing more. There is an endless line of hungry people right behind me if only I’d open my eyes and notice!
People are starving for something more! I’ve been indulging in the never-ending feast of Bread and Water without consideration of the destitute and diseased following me. They will perish without proper nourishment.
Empower me to do Your will and share the Bread of Life and Living Water, my Sweet Jesus, with the hordes of hungry and throngs of thirsty begging for something better. Let me serve them passionately, persistently, and pleasantly, making it my personal business. Its hard work but the wages and benefits are eternal. No other employer offers an eternal life insurance policy. No other business in town offers forgiveness, redemption, and healing. No other place serves all-you-can-eat love and compassion. Only at the Savior’s Smorgasbord will people eat and be satisfied.
The hours are limited, closing time is near. I must urgently accomplish the mandatory mission to feed the multitudes by giving them Jesus. Open my eyes to see discouraged, dissatisfied, and disgusted individuals:
Ravished for redemption, riches and relationships
Famished for forgiveness, friends and fellowship
Starved for salvation, security and sympathy
Hungry for healing, honor, and a hero
Longing for love, life and laughter
I will immediately bring them to Your Smorgasbord where they can gorge themselves with grace and be satisfied with the name of Jesus. Amen.
There’s a starving society surrounding you! You’ve been given a mission – to do the will of Jesus, feed them. Will you obey?
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Imitating Jesus
John 14:12
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.”
Matthew 9:35-36
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Jesus, You are the King of Compassion!
If I follow You, I can easily see what You have been doing. The problem is I’m prone to wandering. Distracted by my own agenda, my mind is so focused on finishing my mission that I’m oblivious to the multitudes surrounding me. Forgive me for my lack of compassion! Open my eyes to see the lost souls entangled in the rush of life. Give me a sensitive spirit to stop and set them free. You’re not asking me to sell church. You’re asking me to:
Teach them by the example of my peaceful lifestyle what it means to know the Shepherd and be sheltered in the safety of His arms.
Preach the Good News by telling them the story of how You rescued me from Satan’s snare and brought me to the safety of the sheepfold.
Nurse their wounds caused by the disease of despair and sickness of sin.
Please give me a heart like Yours to teach, preach, and heal. Please fill me with fresh faith and Holy Spirit power to notice the harassed and helpless hordes crying for release. I will follow You and do the things I see You doing to bring glory and honor to Your name. Amen.
Ask God to put the name of one lost sheep on your heart and in your mind today. Begin to pray specifically for their release.
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.”
Matthew 9:35-36
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Jesus, You are the King of Compassion!
If I follow You, I can easily see what You have been doing. The problem is I’m prone to wandering. Distracted by my own agenda, my mind is so focused on finishing my mission that I’m oblivious to the multitudes surrounding me. Forgive me for my lack of compassion! Open my eyes to see the lost souls entangled in the rush of life. Give me a sensitive spirit to stop and set them free. You’re not asking me to sell church. You’re asking me to:
Teach them by the example of my peaceful lifestyle what it means to know the Shepherd and be sheltered in the safety of His arms.
Preach the Good News by telling them the story of how You rescued me from Satan’s snare and brought me to the safety of the sheepfold.
Nurse their wounds caused by the disease of despair and sickness of sin.
Please give me a heart like Yours to teach, preach, and heal. Please fill me with fresh faith and Holy Spirit power to notice the harassed and helpless hordes crying for release. I will follow You and do the things I see You doing to bring glory and honor to Your name. Amen.
Ask God to put the name of one lost sheep on your heart and in your mind today. Begin to pray specifically for their release.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Believe, Ask and Obey
John 14:12-18
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
Truthful King~
I can hardly believe my ears! You promise that I will do even greater things than You did! That’s an overwhelming oath. I will go places Your feet never went. I will claim new territory for Your kingdom, captivating people for You. Along the way I will witness unbelievable miracles. How can that be? I am merely human. You are God and You are everywhere!
I’m thankful that You lay out the plan for me:
1. Believe what You say is true
2. Ask in Your name
3. Obey
Working in Your power, with the Counselor, Comforter, and Helper living in my heart, I will have the strength to impact my community, country, and world.
This sounds like a simple strategy. My Spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. Please dear Lord, give me more faith to believe Your promise. I want nothing more than to be absolutely committed to You and the work of building Your kingdom. With all my heart I desire to accomplish great things for You in the power of Your mighty name. Amen.
Are you willing to follow God’s 3-step plan to bring lost and lonely people to His kingdom? Do you believe God? Do you love him enough to obey?
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
Truthful King~
I can hardly believe my ears! You promise that I will do even greater things than You did! That’s an overwhelming oath. I will go places Your feet never went. I will claim new territory for Your kingdom, captivating people for You. Along the way I will witness unbelievable miracles. How can that be? I am merely human. You are God and You are everywhere!
I’m thankful that You lay out the plan for me:
1. Believe what You say is true
2. Ask in Your name
3. Obey
Working in Your power, with the Counselor, Comforter, and Helper living in my heart, I will have the strength to impact my community, country, and world.
This sounds like a simple strategy. My Spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. Please dear Lord, give me more faith to believe Your promise. I want nothing more than to be absolutely committed to You and the work of building Your kingdom. With all my heart I desire to accomplish great things for You in the power of Your mighty name. Amen.
Are you willing to follow God’s 3-step plan to bring lost and lonely people to His kingdom? Do you believe God? Do you love him enough to obey?
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