MY UNDERSTANDING RETURNED

And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to Heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever. . . . At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of Heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down (Daniel 4:34, 36-37).

 

Repentance was the key to Nebuchadnezzar’s healing and deliverance.

 

To fall is bad enough, but to fall and not cry out for help, refusing to repent for your sin, is worse than the fall itself. Some people are so full of pride and consumed with their own self-sufficiency that they think, “If I can’t get up myself, I won’t let anyone help me.”

 

Maybe you are ashamed to let anyone know that you have fallen because you don’t want them to think less of you. Is your image so important that you’re willing to continue in your pitiful fallen state? Are you so deceived that you will not acknowledge that you have sinned? Stop being so proud. After all, isn’t that what caused you to fall in the first place?

 

Pride is dangerous because it forces you to lie needlessly in a helpless state for days - and sometimes years. If you had asked for help immediately, you could have gotten up and gone on with your life.

 

CONSIDERATIONS

 

1. Repent means to feel remorse,self-reproach, and to feel such regret for past conduct as to change one’s mind regarding it. It also means to make a change for the better as a result of contrition for one’s sins. Have you repented of conduct that you know God would not approve?

 

2. All are guilty of prideful thoughts and actions from time to time. Think of a time that you know pride was the root of the problem. Did you dig it out and destroy it? If not, do so soon.

 

3. Is it hard for you to ask others or God for help? Why?

 

4. After you ask God for help, how do you feel? Giving your problems to Him totally brings a peace that passes all understanding. Do you know that? 

 

5. Going on with your life after a fall or failure actually empowers you to do greater things. What greater thing can you begin today?

 

T.D. JAKES

RENEW YOUR STRENGTH

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:29-31).

When your pity party is over and you are ready for His help, God will say, “Don’t you know? Have you not heard Who I am - the everlasting God? I am the Creator of the universe. I am not a child; I am not a school boy - I am God. Who do you think you’re fooling? I’m God. I hold your breathe in My hands. I created your body. I heat your blood just hot enough to keep you alive but not so hot that you die. Who else do you allow to control your life? If it is not Me, then who? I love you. I created you in My image. I am that I am.”

What more does the Lord have to do or say to show you He loves you? Don’t let satan continue to fool you into thinking that God has forsaken you.

Stop doing things that you know you don’t have any business doing. Repent and confess your sins instead of spending time pointing out the sins of everyone else. Admit that you have fallen so that your healing may begin.

CONSIDERATIONS:

1. Have you hosted your own pity party lately? Did you invite others? How do you feel after the party is over? Refreshed or defeated?

2. Do you believe that God is the great “I am”? What does that title or term mean to you? Define the great “I am” in two or three sentences.

3. Think of 10 ways that the Lord helps you throughout each day. Write them down and thank Him for each one.

4. Has satan fooled you into thinking that God has forsaken you? What can you do to keep satan from fooling you?

5. Most people tend to judge others but don’t realize the things wrong in their own lives. The next time you start to say something about another, stop first and think about issues in your own life that need to be addressed.

T.D. JAKES

I CAN DO ALL THINGS

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

 

Deception is a trap and stronghold that ensnares many, especially those not content with their own present state in life. The Bible instructs us that we must learn to be content in whatever state we find ourselves. The apostle Paul learned that lesson well: “. . . for I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content” (Phil. 4:11 KJV).

 

This is not to imply that we should be satisfied with being bound by the devil or be content with complacency and mediocrity, thus not fulfilling the call of God on our lives. Not at all. We are to work to improve ourselves while at the same time remaining totally dependent on God.

 

Self-sufficiency means to be “sufficient in oneself” and not putting your faith in God’s assistance. Contentment, on the other hand, is to know with certainty and absolute firm conviction that God is able to meet your every need; Jehovah is your all-sufficiency. Contentment means that you are aware that you don’t covet another person’s position, property, possessions, or personality. Why? Because you know and are assured that all you presently have and all that you are today is more than enough in the hands of God. Whatever you need to do to fulfill God’s purpose you can do, not in your own strength, but through the strength and power of Christ that dwells within your innermost being. 

 

The apostle Paul said:

 

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:12-13).

 

T.D. JAKES

Is it possible to really fail in life if you are following My lead?

Proverbs 24:16

For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.

We All Stumble

We know the proverb says that the righteous can fall, even seven times, but will rise again (Proverbs 24:16). So, yes, it is possible to fail and to fall in life even if you’re following God’s lead. James said that all–that means all of us–stumble in many ways. If no one ever falls, then they’re perfect (James 3:2), so that would rule me out since I’m about as far from perfect as possible. Failure is how we actually learn the way not to do things. I think it was Thomas Edison who said that after failing thousands of times to make a light bulb that worked, he learned by how not to make it work; his persistent failures finally brought success. If you’re following God’s lead, I believe it is possible to fail in life because everything that happens to us always works out for our best (Romans 8:28).

Peter’s Restoration

On the night before Jesus was betrayed and arrested, Peter boasted that he would never betray Jesus (Luke 22:33), but Jesus said that he would do so three times (Luke 22:34). And Jesus told him to strengthen his brothers that when he returned to Him (Luke 22:32). Sure enough, Peter failed Jesus three times by denying Him (Luke 22:56-60). Right after that, Jesus looked at Peter (Luke 22:61), and Peter remembered Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s denying Him three times and went out and wept bitterly (Luke 22:62). Just think about how big of a failure Peter must have thought of himself. It must have been an enormous feeling of guilt, remorse, and regret. He had failed Jesus big time, yet Peter was restored and preached one of the greatest sermons in the Bible (Acts 2:14-39). Because of that sermon, about 3,000 souls were saved (Acts 2:41). So Peter’s failure in his life played right into the plans of God.

Paul’s Failure

Paul was about as successful as any man in Judea could be at that time. He had reached a pinnacle that most of the religious leaders only dreamed about. He was of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, a persecutor of the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless (Philippians 3:5-6). He had it made, that was until God struck him down on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:1-20). He greatly failed in his mission to destroy the church, but then he became the greatest missionary the world may have ever known and perhaps the greatest of all the apostles, although many debate that. In any case, it appeared to the Jewish leaders that Paul had failed in his missionary work, at times being beaten, stone, whipped, flogged, imprisoned, and even left for dead (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). However, what appeared to the world as failure was actually Paul following God’s lead, for He was told that He would suffer many things for Christ’s sake (Acts 9:16), and it proved to be true.

A Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for picking me up when I fall and when I fail. Thank You for the knowledge that even failure is a part of Your plan, intended to make me dependent on You and to trust You through it all, and in Jesus’ mighty name I pray.

Amen

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MORE MEANING IN LIFE?

Philippians 1:10-11

so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

What Is God’s Meaning for Our Lives?

According to Isaiah 43:7, everyone who is called by His name was created for God’s glory in whom He formed and made. We know we are referred to as the sheep of His pasture (Psalm 100:3) and that we are God’s own handiwork (Ephesians 2:10a). If the heavens declare God’s glory (Psalm 19:1-2), does that mean the creation was created to glorify God too and, since we’re part of His creation, that we were meant to glorify God? It would seem to fit what many Scriptures in the Bible say.

Created for God-Glorifying Works

Did you know that we were created as God’s handiwork and that He appointed us in advance for good works (Ephesians 2:10)? We are actually His instruments who were cleansed for special purposes, made holy, to be useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work that He sets before us (2 Timothy 2:11). Jesus told the disciples that He appointed them so that they should go and bear fruit, and that fruit is intended to glorify God (John 15:16). If you’re looking for meaning in life, are you searching for it in this world or from the trustiest of sources–God? Whatever we do, we should do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) because that’s why we were created.

Created in God’s Image

Mankind was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), and we are intended to be in the image of our Creator (Colossians 3:10). That’s why we need to put on the new self. We were created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24), and what counts is this new creation in Christ (Galatians 6:15). No wonder the psalmist says we should praise Him and glorify His magnificent name (Psalm 86:12). Over time we are being transformed into the image of God. So why keep looking for the meaning of life in this world? We already know it’s in doing good for God’s glory and to be remade or refashioned into the image of Christ, day by day.

A Closing Prayer

Father, I am so far short of Your glory (Romans 3:23). I need Your help to become more like Your Great Son, Jesus Christ, so that whatever I do or say will glorify Him, for You desire glory for Your Son, and I know that I should, too. I pray for this in Your Great Son’s name, Jesus Christ.

Amen

What Has God Given You That He Intends For You To Share With Others?

Hebrews 13:6

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

A Faithful Steward

Peter admonishes us to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace (1 Peter 4:10). This means we should share with the Lord’s people who are in need (Romans 12:13). What does this look like? It means that we can buy something for someone who needs it but cannot afford it. It means that we can give someone whose car is broke down or who doesn’t own a car a ride to church. It means that God has entrusted to us resources that others don’t have with the express purpose of sharing them with those who don’t have much. What if your brother or sister has a need for clothing or food and you say, “Go in peace and be warm and filled,” but then do absolutely nothing about it (James 2:15-16). What kind of faith is that? It’s dead (James 2:17). If we are faithful stewards, we will help those who have nothing. You are probably blessed, but those who are blessed are intended to be a blessing to others.

A Brother or Sister in Need

If someone has this world’s goods and does not share, how in the world can they say they have the love of God in them? The Apostle John asks that if someone has the world’s goods and sees that his brother or sister has need but chooses to close his or her heart against him or her, how does God’s love abide in them (1 John 3:17)? The answer, of course, is that it doesn’t. I am not saying they’re not saved. John is only saying you can’t play the hypocrite and say you have God’s love within you yet never prove this love by sharing what you have with those who have little or nothing. If you close your ears to the poor, God may close His ears to your cries when you plead your need to Him (Proverbs 21:13).

Gifts of the Spirit

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not for our own use. They are intended to help others, to build up the church, to edify the church, and to strengthen the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:12). What has God given you that He intends for you to share with others? I believe it is our monetary blessings, our material resources, and our gifts of the Holy Spirit. We are given blessings to be a blessing. To hoard what we have for ourselves is to misuse or abuse these precious gifts or blessings that God has given us. Who knows? If we don’t share our blessings with others, God may take them back. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away (Job 1:21).

A Closing Prayer

Father, You have blessed us with more than what most of the world has. I need to learn to share and be a blessing to others, for that is why You have blessed me with so much, I am sure. I do know that it’s more of a blessing for me to give than to receive (Acts 20:35), and in Christ’s great name I pray.

Amen

Are you feeling like you need to be better before you can talk to God?

Romans 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

No Condemnation

We were all essentially on death row awaiting our execution (Revelation 20:12-15), but then Jesus stepped in and died for us and cleared us from this certain condemnation. So why do many still feel condemned? Why do we feel we are not good enough to talk to God? In reality, none of us are good in and of ourselves (Romans 3:10-12), but Jesus’ shed blood gives us the righteousness of Christ so that now the Father sees us as He sees His own son. This means that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). We cannot trust our feelings, but we can trust the Word of God. Who’s going to condemn us? Nobody because Jesus died for us and now intercedes for us, being at the very right hand of the Father (Romans 8:34), and that’s as intimate of an access to God as there is.

Our Mediator Intercedes for Us

Jesus Christ has every right, being God and perfectly sinless, to speak to the Father. But did you know that for those who’ve repented and put their trust in Jesus, they too have this right? But they still need a Mediator or an Intercessor. That Mediator is Jesus Christ. Jesus is able to save to the uttermost those of us who draw near to God through Him because he always lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). Without this Mediator, we’d have no access to the throne room of heaven. But now, with Christ entering into the Holy of Holies with His own blood, we can speak directly through Jesus to the Father.

The Reconciler

Jesus reconciled us to God by His own blood, by His own death, and the sinless became sin for the sinners. Those of us who were before His enemies are now His very own children, and we’ve been reconciled to God (Romans 5:10) because He died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). Our sins had previously separated us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), but we have now received reconciliation (Romans 5:11) through Jesus Christ. There was no other way this could have been done except by Jesus (Acts 4:12). So are you still feeling like you need to be better before you can talk to God? You can’t get any better than having the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

A Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for reconciling me to Yourself through Your Son’s supreme sacrifice, which made it possible to have access to You through my Mediator, Who intercedes for me when I need You, and I need the forgiveness of my sins (1 John 1:9). I thank You in Jesus’ precious name.

Amen

Jesus Calling

GIVE YOURSELF FULLY to the adventure of today. Walk boldly along the path of Life, relying on your ever-present Companion. You have every reason to be confident because My Presence accompanies you all the days of your life - and onward into eternity.

 

Do not give in to fear or worry, those robbers of abundant living. Trust Me enough to face problems as they come, rather than trying to anticipate them. Fix your eyes on Me, the Author and Perfecter of your faith, and many difficulties on the road ahead will vanish before you reach them. Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am holding you by your right hand. Nothing can separate you from My Presence!

 

HEBREWS 12:2; ISAIAH 41:13

REJOICE

God of the sky, God of the sea, and bird and tree, you are also the God of me.

The pebble fell. The water stirred and stilled again. The hidden bird made song for you. His praise you heard. You heard him sing from in the tree. And searching still I know you’ll see the love that wings to you from me. ~Lucy Shaw~

He Can’t Hurt Me Anymore {PASSAGE: Genesis 31:4-7}

Author: Brenda Wilbee

 

I remember one early spring day going out to my mailbox to look for a very late child support check. I was upset and even angry. Laban, it seemed held all the cards.

 

Then I opened my box and there was the front cover to my very first book. I remember looking at it,the sun warm on my cheek, reflecting off the glossy print; I saw my own name in big, bold type along the bottom. He can’t hurt me anymore.

 

I plugged in the tea kettle, realizing for the first time just how great, how dreadfully deep, how black and immense my fear as a single mother really was. I’d been living in the shadow of starvation and with the fear of homelessness, worry for my children’s welfare was always driving me to work harder, save more, juggle, skimp, go without.

 

Unlike Jacob, I didn’t have a Rachel to talk to, or even a Leah. But I had God talking to me. “I will allow him to cheat,” God whispered gently in the warmth of that early spring afternoon . . . “but, Brenda, I will never let him harm you. Ever.”

 

We can feel abandoned and orphaned, unheard from and insignificant in the great big world. But God . . . and we know that we are safe, because none of us are ever without help.

 

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 5: 11-12; Psalm 9: 7-12; Psalm 91: 7-12

Our Children Cannot Go Back {PASSAGE: Genesis 24:1-9}

Author: Gladis and Gordon DePree

 

We have come over a long road to the place where we are now . . . in human experience, and in our knowledge of God. It is an impulse stemming from good will to say to our children, “this is the way I have come . . . you must learn this way . . .”

 

But our children cannot go back to the land from which we have come. God has asked us to bring them to this place and from here they must be strong to go on into a new world which we may never comprehend.

 

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 102:24-28; Proverbs 6:20-23; Acts 2:40

The God Who Sees Me {PASSAGE: Genesis 16; 21:8-20}

Author: Mary Foxwell Loeks

 

During the construction of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., a visitor stopped to watch an elderly stone carver working painstakingly at his craft. The visitor noted that when this particular piece of carving was put in place, it would be next to the wall, where no one could see it.

 

“Why are you working so hard on something no one will ever see?” asked the amazed onlooker.

 

“God will see it,” replied the carver.

 

Sometimes it is a little unsettling to realize that ours is a God who is all-seeing! We’d rather put our mistakes and blemishes in the shadows, in a corner, against a wall-anything to get them out of sight. At times we succeed in hiding that which we wish to hide from other people, but we can never hide it from God’s penetrating, purifying gaze: “The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good” (Proverbs 15:3).

 

But there are other times, when, like Hagar, we marvel with gratitude at the God who sees. The problems we encounter that no one else seems to understand- God sees. The pain we feel-God sees. The tasks we perform for which no one thanks us or pats us on the back-God sees.

 

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 46; Psalm 139:5-16; Isaiah 43:2

Passing the Buck {PASSAGE: Genesis 3:1-13}

Author: Joan C. Webb 

 

Read Genesis 3: 1-13: “Then the LORD God said . . . , ‘What is this you have done?’” (v. 13).

 

“What happened?” asked God. “Did you eat from that tree I wanted you to leave alone?”

 

“Yes, but it was that woman’s idea,” said Adam.

 

“It wasn’t really my fault,” said Eve. “That sneaky serpent tricked me.”

 

Adam blamed Eve. Eve blamed the serpent. It was the first game of pass the buck in human history. Some of us may still be playing this game. We fail to accept responsibility before God for our own feelings, thoughts and behavior. We say it’s our boss’s fault that we missed our child’s baseball game, when we scheduled the appointments. We may blame our spouse for failing to allow us to finish school, when we are the ones who gave up too soon.

 

Each one of us has a choice. We can choose to accept the things we can’t change and learn to act on the things we can change. We gain self-respect when we decide to stop blaming others for our dilemmas and start taking responsibility for our own choices.

 

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS: Proverbs 8:10; Hosea 5:15; Romans 14:11-12

Dry Fountains and Mists {Read 2 Peter 2::15-22}

These people are as useless as dried-up springs or as mist blown away by the wind (2 Pet. 2:17).

 

It is wonderful to start life with great expectations. Then nothing seems impossible and you meet each challenge with confidence, joy and an air of expectancy. Unfortunately, in the case of most people, it seems as if their hope fades and they become entangled in trivialities. Eventually they become satisfied with the mediocre, and disappointment and failure follow.

 

When this unfortunate condition develops, it should never be accepted as something unavoidable. It is necessary that you re-evaluate your values. Maybe the goals you strived for in the past are unreachable and the time has come that, in light of what you have learnt, you must set yourself new goals that are inspiring, yet reachable.

 

If you have not succeeded in meeting the high expectations you once had, don’t give in to self-pity, or blame other people for your difficult circumstances. Create goals that are within your reach and abilities, and work hard at reaching them. If you don’t work towards a worthy purpose, your life will stay average and disappointing. No matter what happened in the past, you can meet the future with renewed energy, enthusiasm and expectation.

 

By putting my faith in You completely, Holy Master, I strive to achieve Your purpose with my life. Amen.

Peace through Prayer {Read Hosea 7:1-16}

All of them are hot as an oven; they devour their rulers. All their kings fall, and none of them calls on me (Hosea 7:7 NIV)

 

Throughout the ages, the world we live in has known violence and war. Millions have suffered terribly and died as a result. If you analyze the reasons for this, you will find that they include greed, hunger for authority, jealousy, a thirst for revenge and blind aggression - to mention but a few.

 

While we are not for one moment trying to defend this conduct, it is, however, also true that victims often react with counter revenge that leads to more bloodshed. The international battlefield proves the destructive results of war. It was like this in Old Testament history and it is still the case today.

 

There is an essential urgency for all people in positions of authority to seek God’s help - not only when danger is imminent, but at all times. The Lord undertook to listen to us and to answer our prayers. Therefore, we must be praying people, seeking God’s guidance right through life in an effort to put an end to the atrocities born of violence and war.

 

Jesus instructed us to love. Do precisely this and see the amazing results. “Submit to God and be at peace with Him; in this way prosperity will come to you” (Job 22:21 NIV).

 

Prince of Peace, let the day come quickly then war will end and our hearts are filled with love. Amen.

When the Spring Goes Dry {Read Jeremiah 15:10-18}

Why then does my suffering continue? Why is my wound so incurable? Your help seems as uncertain as a seasonal brook, like a spring that has gone dry (Jer. 15:18).

 

When a water supply pipe in a big city breaks, it causes chaos and panic. For a few short hours the taps are dry and all the activities in the city are disrupted. Telephone lines are overloaded by anxious and furious people When the wells in rural areas dry up, life is made very difficult.

 

Jeremiah was in the grip of problems and he started doubting God. He taught us earlier on that God is “the fountain of living water” (Jer. 2:13). Now he wondered if he was right. He was spiritually thirsty. Deep inside he started fearing that the message he brought to others was now backfiring on him. Some of the watercourses and brooks streamed with water in Israel during the rainy season. But many of them were deceptive streams. They dried up quickly and when the scorching summer heat came and the people were desperate for water, they had nothing to offer. He feared that God was acting like one of those unreliable brooks.

 

Are you afraid that God is like a stream running dry in your life? God’s answer to Jeremiah was, “No, Jeremiah, I never run dry.” No matter how scorching the heat might be, some rivers are permanent and steady and never dry up. God is one of them. He is an endless supply of goodness, grace, and strength. He will renew you and provide for you and sustain you. He flows like an everlasting stream.

 

Everlasting God and Father, flow strongly again for all who fear that You might disappoint them. Amen.

To Whom Do You Belong? {Read Jeremiah 15:10-18}

When I discovered Your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear Your name, O LORD GOD of Heaven’s Armies (Jer. 15:16).

 

Many military commanding officers enjoyed widespread recognition for their ability to command their troops. Just think of Pompey, Alexander, Napoleon, Wellington and Eisenhower, to name a few. The infantrymen were proud to be called “Wellington-men” or “Napoleon-men,” and so forth.

 

Jeremiah admitted that God was superior to all the gods and he often used the name “Lord, God Almighty.” The name is of military origin and is often translated as “Lord of Hosts,” the hosts being the soldiers. When a war is waged today, a general is appointed over all the others. He is known as the commander in chief. To Jeremiah, the God of Israel was the commander in chief and he was extremely proud to be on the Lord’s side. He belonged to the Lord, the Commander in Chief not only to Israel, but the Almighty over all people.

 

You have a choice who you want to belong to. You can be satisfied with a lesser god, but if you are, you will be on the losing side. It would be better to join the army of the greatest Commander in Chief of all time. He has a perfect strategy, a master plan and the hosts He commands are always victorious. Only He knows exactly how strong the enemy is, but He is not impressed by it. He knows that He can appeal to faithful soldiers - not only all over the world, but also to a host of invisible spiritual warriors who serve Him. His cause is just, His weapons are love and sacrifice and His final victory is certain.

 

Thank You, Jesus, that I may belong to You, now and forever. Amen.

Temptation {Read 1 Corinthians 10:12-24}

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall (1 Cor. 10:12)

 

Nobody is safe against temptation. As you grow in the Christian faith, your confidence also grows, and eventually you think nothing can disturb your spiritual balance. This is an extremely dangerous way of thinking. If you think the fact that you are a devoted Christian exempts you from temptation, watch out, because that is the forerunner of being caught in the snare of pride.

 

The way to feel secure in the Christian life, and live it triumphantly, is to focus your thoughts and spirit on the Living Christ. There are subtle temptations you cannot overcome in your own strength. If you are more self-confident than Christ-confident, you are certainly heading for a fall.

 

The Spirit of Christ reveals the subtlety of temptation. When you come face to face with temptation, you might become weak and find a good reason to give in to it. Don’t try to resist temptation in your own strength, but appeal to the Living Christ to stand by you and guide you. Temptation will back away from His truth and protective love.

 

The Holy Spirit of God will reveal the destructive power and foulness of sin to you and enable you to discern between truth and lies. He will give you the wisdom and ability to avoid and resist it.

 

Through the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, Holy Master, I am able to resist temptation. Amen.

Oversensitive {Read John 15:1-17}

“Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from Me” (John 15:4).

 

Perhaps you are one of those unfortunate people who go through life and are very easily hurt. Perhaps you are so sensitive about what others say and think about you that your whole life has become nothing but continuous misery. If you allow this condition to continue, it could seriously affect your mental and spiritual health. What a challenging thought that this is your own responsibility.

 

God gave you the responsibility of choice. You choose your thoughts and attitudes yourself, and you determine whether you will live on the mountain peaks of hope or in the valleys of despair. You might think these conditions are created by circumstances or your specific situation, but on a much deeper level it is the power of your own thoughts that shape you into what you are.

 

This thought can be overwhelming if it isn’t colored by the awareness of a Higher Authority. As it is possible for your thoughts to control your actions, it is also possible for the Spirit of Christ to control your thoughts. When you welcome the Spirit into every part of your life, He takes control of your thinking and you discover that the petty things that hurt you, don’t have the power to harm you anymore. Christ’s Spirit inside you is bigger than any influence or insult. 

 

Dear Savior, because You are in me, I am able to meet and overcome all negative and evil forces. Amen.

 

Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance. ~C.S. Lewis~

Abundance and Prosperity

Saint James Assembly of Faith·Tuesday, February 2, 2016

 

Until at last the Spirit is poured out on us from heaven. Then the wilderness will become a fertile field, and the fertile field will yield bountiful crops (Isa. 32:15).

 

Most people dream about riches and luxury. They enter competitions with fabulous prizes, they buy lottery tickets, they purchase shares that they hope will rise sky-high, or they bet on the horses. They think their problems will be something of the past if they could only make more money. Some people are stuck with the consequences of these empty dreams for the rest of their lives - even if they possess enough to live comfortably.

 

In the Bible there is also a dream of wealth and luxury. It is the same as the dream of righteousness, peace and healed bodies. We read that it will happen when God pours out His Spirit over us. God’s dream of prosperity is not that of incredible wealth in the hands of a privileged few, but an abundance of food so that everyone is nourished. God rejoices in human undertakings that flourish, especially if everyone benefits from it.

 

In the south of Israel, the desert is thriving where the abundant waters of the Galilean hills are canalized to the Negev desert. Farming is flourishing there, and in many parts of the world where relevant engineering is used, the sources of nature are being developed to the advantage of humankind.

 

Christians will hope, pray and work for a world in which there is enough for everybody. For this reason, they pray that the Spirit of God will act and bring about abundance as well as spiritual enrichment for all.

 

Lord of creation, let the time come when all people will have enough to eat and there won’t be famine anymore. Amen.

Where God Reigns

Even the hotheads will be full of sense and understanding. Those who stammer will speak out plainly (Isa. 32:4).

 

The issue of poor rulers is not the only thing that affects our sense of right or wrong. There are people around us with disabilities and inabilities. Some are blind, others stammer and yet others have mental impairments. When we meet such a person, or know one, we might feel that life is unfair and even wonder why God allows it.

 

The writers of the Bible clearly thought this was an abnormality that was not in keeping with God’s plan for complete perfection. The prophets refused to despair. They argued that if things were not like they were supposed to be, God would intervene in His time and put everything right. That’s why they dreamt of a golden age in the future where there would be peace, a good government, prosperity rather than poverty on earth, and that physically, all people would be perfect. God would make all these things happen when He came to rule over the universe as the one sovereign, unquestionable King.

 

It might sound like wishful thinking to talk about a perfect world. Don’t be too quick to brush aside this thought. Jesus Christ taught us to pray for it: “Let Your Kingdom come! Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Dreaming and praying about it awakens hope in our hearts. And when we hope for it, we declare that God will make these things happen on earth one day. We hope and pray that He will.

 

Father God, we pray for all people with disabilities. Speed up the discovery means to make life more bearable for them. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

A Prayer for February 2016

Gracious God and in Jesus Christ, our heavenly Father: You are the Source of every precious moment we are given in life. Already one month of the new year has passed like a fleeting thought, and I must confess in shame as I stand before You, that I am guilty of allowing the chances and opportunities You offered me to pass by. So much that I wanted to do, and so many noble resolutions fell by the wayside: prayer time in conversation with You to strengthen my faith; Bible study to know Your will for my life; reflecting on Your greatness and omnipotence and the wonder of Your creation; fellowship with You and Your other children; meaningful churchgoing for spiritual depth and growth; willingness to freely give my love to others. Thank You that You are a patient and merciful Gardener; that You forgive time and time again, and give me the strength to stay on the road of victory. Help me to make more optimal use of this month, and the rest of my life; that I will love You more; follow where You lead; serve You with more faithfulness! O God, who creates and restores, renew me and lead me through Your Holy Spirit on the path that Jesus prepared for me. I thankfully pray this in Jesus' name.
Amen.