My photo
1295 PARADISE HILL ROAD, CLARKSVILLE, TN 931.645.8785, United States
"WHERE PRAYER AND PRAISE TAKE YOU INTO HIS PRESENCE"

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

THE POWER OF OBEDIENCE

Genesis 12:1 Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, From your family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you. 2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." 4 So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him…


In January 1995, my wife and I came home from Germany to bring our 10-month old son (Calvin Ezekiel, a.k.a. “Zeke”) to meet our family. During the visit, The Lord spoke to me and said, “Go by Par Cable and introduce yourself to Sharroniese Horton.” Elder Horton is one of the most gifted musicians I’ve ever known. I’d heard about her community choir (The Voices of Faith) when I was here in Clarksville in the early 90’s. While visiting with her, I asked if she’d come to Europe to do a workshop for our community. The workshop in 1995 was such a success until the community requested her to come back two months before I left to come to Fort Campbell (Kentucky) in 1996! Despite solicitations from a host of other churches in Clarksville, she agreed to be our Minister-of-Music when we started Christ the Healer Church in 1998 and she’s been the only Minister-of Music our church has ever had. A simple of obedience had a resounding effect on my life.

In Genesis 12, The Lord appeared to a pagan gentleman from Mesopotamia by the name of Abram. Although God promised that he’d bless him if he’d leave his, “family, country, and promised inheritance,” I’m sure Abram never fathomed that his obedience to God would affect his life the way that it did. Despite the fact that Abram had no clue where he was going or when or how he’d get to wherever he was going, his simple obedience resulted in him being the earthly “father of the faith.”

Never underestimate the power of obeying God! One simple act of obedience could have a lasting effect on your destiny! The exhortation today is simple…obey God!

Let’s Pray: “Father, help us to simply obey You at all times and in every situation, in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Daily Prayer: “Oh, that You would bless me indeed,

and enlarge my territory,

that Your hand would be with me,

and that You would keep me from evil,

that I may not cause pain!”

The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10

Daily Confession:

Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail

Above only and not beneath

The lender and not the borrower

The conqueror and not the conquered



I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness

And for delivering my life from death and destruction

So that I shall live and not die to declare your works



I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body today

For by Your Stripes I'm healed

I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed

Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee



I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life today

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus

Thank You that all things are working together for my good

And that You always cause me to triumph



This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

In Jesus, Name, amen.



Bible Challenge

Who Am I?

1. I’m the 1st murderer in the Bible.



2. I’m the third child born to Adam and Eve.



3. I’m the oldest man that ever lived.



4. I’m the gentleman that, “walked with God” and didn’t see death.



5. I’m the father of Noah.



6. We are the three sons of Noah.

Monday, August 29, 2011

God's Gonna Do It This Time !!!!

I begin this week’s devotionals with a testimony of a miracle The Lord gave me over the weekend! For the past three weeks, my hearing had been impaired due to a combination of allergies and frequent flying in aircraft. When I went to the doctor three weeks ago, the physician informed me of the severity of my condition. He told me that if things didn’t get any better, he’d have to do surgery and put tubes in my ears for the rest of my life! I went to a Miracle Service Friday night asking and expecting God to heal me of the ailment. Unfortunately, the healing didn’t manifest as I’d desired. On Saturday morning, The Holy Spirit instructed me to, “pinch my nose and blow out.” Because I’d been swallowing and “pinching my nose and blowing” for the past three weeks without results, I really didn’t think it was going to work. But when I obeyed The Holy Spirit and pinched my nose, this time my ears opened!! Glory to the Name of Jesus!!!

Can you imagine the children of Israel’s response each time Moses would tell them, “Hold on, people of God. God’s going to deliver us from this bondage very soon. I’m going to tell Pharaoh that God said, “Let me people go...?” There were times when instead of things getting better for them after Moses’ proclamations to Pharaoh, they got worse! But after the plague of the firstborn, God’s people were freed from Egyptian captivity. God really did it, “that time!”

There is someone reading this devotional who has become,“… weary in well doing…” Once upon a time, you were optimistic about God’s Promises; now you’re struggling holding onto them. But I believe this is a season where The Lord is going to honor His Promises regarding you. I encourage you, child of God, to expect God to “do it this time.

” Let’s Pray: “Father, give us the faith to believe that You’re going to grant what You’ve promised, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

” Daily Prayer: “Oh, that You would bless me indeed,

and enlarge my territory,

that Your hand would be with me,

and that You would keep me from evil,

that I may not cause pain!”

The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10

Daily Confession:
Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail Above only and not beneath The lender and not the borrower The conqueror and not the conquered

I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness And for delivering my life from death and destruction So that I shall live and not die to declare your works

I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body today For by Your Stripes I'm healed I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee

I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life today For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus Thank You that all things are working together for my good And that You always cause me to triumph

This is the day that you have made I will rejoice and be glad in it In Jesus, Name, amen.

Questions of the Day Hebrews 11:17-22 1. According to verse 17, what did Abraham do “by faith”?

2. What did he believe that God was able to do (verse 19)?

3. What did Isaac do “by faith” (verse 20)?

4. What did Jacob do “by faith” (verse 21)?

5. What did Joseph achieve “by faith” (verse 2

Friday, August 26, 2011

The Devil's Destination

Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV) Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil
.


What I am about to tell you is so simple—yet it is also life-changing and revolutionary I want to help you understand how the devil tries to work in the realm of the mind and emotions. If you grab hold of these truths, they can set you free from the devil's lies forever!

In Ephesians 6:11, Paul explicitly tells us how the devil operates. He writes, "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." I want you to especially pay attention to the phrase "the wiles of the devil."

The word "wiles" is taken from the word methodos. It is a compound of the words meta and odos. The word meta is a preposition that means with. The word odos is the word for a road. When the words meta and odos are compounded into one word, as in Ephesians 6:11, it literally means with a road. You've probably already figured out that the word methodos is where we get the word "method." Some translations actually translate the word methodos as the word "method," but the word "method" is not strong enough to convey the full meaning of the Greek word methodos.

Let me make the meaning of this word real simple for you. As I said, the most literal meaning of the word "wiles" (methodos) is with a road. I realize this seems strange, but when you connect this to the devil as Paul does in Ephesians 6:11, it means that the devil is like a traveler who travels on a road. He is headed in one direction and has one destination.

Let me give you an example of what I mean. If you're going to take a trip, the logical thing for you to do is get a map and chart your journey to your destination. You don't take just any road; rather, you strategize to find the best and fastest way to get where you're going. Right? It would be pretty foolish for you to jump in the car and take off with no sense of direction. Taking any road could lead you in a multitude of wrong directions. It's just better to use a map and stay on track. Correct?

This is precisely the idea of the word methodos. The devil isn't wasting any time. He knows where he wants to go. He has chosen his destination. Rather than mess around on a bunch of different routes, he has mastered the best way to get where he wants to go. He is not a mindless traveler. And when he arrives at his place of destination, he has one main goal he wants to accomplish: He wants to wreak havoc and bring destruction. Therefore, we must ask: "Where is the devil traveling, and what does he want to do once he gets there?"

Paul answers the question about Satan's destination in Second Corinthians 2:11 when he says, "... we are not ignorant of his [Satan's] devices." Pay careful attention to the word "devices" in this verse. It is the Greek word noemata, a form of the word nous. The Greek word nous describes the mind or the intellect. Thus, in one sense Paul is saying, "... we are not ignorant of the way Satan schemes and thinks."

But the word noemata also denotes Satan's insidious plot to fill the human mind with confusion. There is no doubt that the mind is the arena where Satan feels most comfortable. He knows if he can access a person's mind and emotions, he will very likely be able to ensnare that individual in a trap. One writer says that the word noemata not only depicts Satan's scheming mind but also his crafty, subtle way of attacking and victimizing others' minds.

I personally like this because it identifies the primary destination of the devil—to get into a person's mind and fill it with lying emotions, false perceptions, and confusion. It was for this reason that Paul urged us, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

The words "bringing into captivity" are from the Greek word aichmalotidzo, which pictured a soldier who has captured an enemy and now leads him into captivity with the point of a sharpened spear thrust into the flesh in his back. The captured enemy knows that if he tries to move or get away, the Roman soldier will shove that spear clear through his torso and kill him. Therefore, this captive doesn't dare move but remains silent, submissive, and non-resistant.

However, when Paul uses the word aichmalotidzo in this verse, he writes in a tense that describes the continuous action of taking such an enemy captive. This is not a one-time affair; it is the lifelong occupation of this soldier. He constantly has a spear in his hand, and he is always pushing it against the flesh of an enemy's backside as he leads him away to permanent captivity.

Because the devil loves to make a playground out of your mind and emotions, you must deal with him like a real enemy. Rather than fall victim to the devil's attacks, you must make a mental decision to seize every thought he tries to use to penetrate your mind and emotions. Rather than let those thoughts take you captive, you have to reach up and grab them and force them into submission! You must take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ!

But if you're going to beat the devil at his game, you have to put all your energy into taking every thought captive. If you're not really committed to seizing every thought the devil tries to inject into your mind and emotions, he'll strike you again! So once you make the decision to do it, stick with it. It's time for you to take charge of your thoughts and drive his lying insinuations right out of your brain!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, I don't want the devil to fill my mind with insinuations and lies. My mind belongs to You, and the devil has no right to flood me with false perceptions, vain imaginations, or lies about who I am or what I will never be. I refuse to let him operate in me any longer! You have provided me with the helmet of salvation, and by faith I put it on to protect my mind against the devil's assaults. He can strike as hard as he wishes, but Your Spirit and Word protect me!

I pray this in Jesus' name!

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY
I confess that I bring every thought into the captivity of Christ! When the devil tries to invade my mind with lies, I capture those lies and drive them clear out of my brain! Rather than fall victim to the devil's attacks, I seize every thought that he tries to use to penetrate my mind and emotions. I grab each lie and force it into submission! Because I stand firm on the Word, the enemy's lies are not able to exert any power against me.

I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER
1.Can you think of one area in your mind where Satan repeatedly tries to attack you? What is that area, and how long has he been attacking you in this area of your thought life? Has it gone on for a day, a week, a month, a year, or for many years?

2.When you feel heavily assaulted in your mind and emotions and you need someone to pray with you, is there someone you know you can go to for prayer and support? If so, who is that person? If not, don't you think it would encourage you to find a friend to whom you could talk and who could help you resist the lies of the devil?

3.What is the most successful tactic you've learned to shut the devil up when he's trying to roar loudly inside your head?

Rather than fall victim to the devil's attacks, you must make a mental decision to seize every thought he tries to use to penetrate your mind and emotions. You have to reach up and grab those thoughts and force them into submission! You must take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Make Up Your Mind To Live Fearlessly And Peacefully in These Last Days!

1 Thessalonians 2:2 (NKJV) But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict
.


In Second Thessalonians 2:2, the apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonian believers and warned them about events that would occur right before the coming of the Lord. He wanted to prepare them so these major world events wouldn't take them off guard and throw them into a state of panic. Therefore, Paul told them, "That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand" (2 Thessalonians 2:2).

Notice that Paul told the Thessalonian believers not to be "soon shaken." The word "soon" is the Greek word tachus, which means quickly, suddenly, or hastily. The word "shaken" is the Greek word saleuo, which means to shake, to waver, to totter, or to be moved. The tense used in the Greek points to events so dramatic that they could result in shock or alarm. In fact, the Greek tense strongly suggests a devastating occurrence or a sequence of devastating occurrences so dramatic that they will throw the world into a state of shock or distress.

By using the words "soon shaken," Paul was urging his readers (and us!) to resist being easily shaken up by events that will occur just before the coming of Jesus. He was particularly careful to mention that we must not be "soon shaken in mind." The Greek word for the "mind" is nous, which describes everything in the realm of the intellect, including one's will, emotions, and ability to think, reason, and decide.

Whoever or whatever controls a person's mind ultimately has the power to dictate the affairs and outcome of that person's life. Thus, if a person allows his mind to be doused with panic or fear, he is putting fear in charge of his life. Because Paul wanted his readers to remain in peace regardless of the tumultuous events that transpired around them, he urged them not to allow fear from these shocking and distressful events to penetrate their minds, will, and emotions.

Then to make certain we comprehend the magnitude of these last-day events, Paul went on to say, "That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled...." The word "troubled" is the Greek word throeo, which indicates an inward fright that results from the shocking occurrence described above. The shock resulting from these nerve-racking events could be so severe that it could cause a person to be devoured with worry, anxiety, or fear.

Paul is confident these events will not be only a one-time occurrence; thus, he uses a Greek tense that points to an ongoing state of worry and inward anxiety resulting from these outward events that keep occurring again and again. It is as if he prophesies that there is no pause between these shocking, debilitating, and nerve-racking happenings. One scholar therefore translates the word "troubled" as being jumpy or nervous.

These words are so jammed-packed with meaning that it is almost impossible to directly translate them. To help you see exactly what Paul was communicating to his readers, I have translated and paraphrased the original Greek words, pulling the full meaning out of each word and then transferring those meanings into the interpretive translation below.



All the words Paul used in Second Thessalonians 2:2 convey this idea
:

"Some things will be happening right before His coming that could shake you up quite a bit. I'm referring to events that will be so dramatic that they could really leave your head spinning—occurrences of such a serious nature that many people will end up feeling alarmed, panicked, intimidated, and even unnerved! Naturally speaking, these events could nearly drive you over the brink emotionally, putting your nerves on edge and making you feel apprehensive and insecure about life. I wish I could tell you these incidents were going to be just a one-shot deal, but when they finally get rolling they're going to keep coming and coming, one after another. That's why you have to determine not to be shaken or moved by anything you see or hear. You need to get a grip on your mind and refuse to allow yourselves to be traumatized by these events. If you let these things get to you, it won't be too long until you're a nervous wreck! So decide beforehand that you are not going to give in and allow 'fright' to worm its way into your mind and emotions until it runs your whole life."

Paul strongly urges us not to allow ourselves to be shaken or moved by anything we see or hear. He tells us that we must get a grip on our minds and refuse to allow ourselves to be traumatized by the events that occur in the world around us or to allow fear to control our whole lives. Instead of letting these things "get to us" and rob us of our joy, peace, and victory, we need to be deeply rooted in the confidence of God's promises!

If you take a look at the world around us today, it is clear that Paul's prophecy about the last days is unfolding before our very eyes. Because of the many different situations that our generation is facing, we must take a stand against fear and determine to stay in faith! But in order for us to stay in faith, it is imperative that we keep our minds focused on the Word of God.

Colossians 3:15 says, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts...." Verse 16 goes on to say, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..." When the Word of God dwells richly in our lives, it produces peace— so much supernatural peace that it actually rules our hearts!

The word "rule" that is used in this verse is the Greek word brabeuo, which describes an umpire who calls all the shots and makes all the decisions. You see, when God's Word is dwelling richly in your heart, suddenly the peace of God makes all the big decisions, calls all the shots, and umpires your emotions. Rather than being led by the ups and downs of the day or by what you read in the newspaper, you will be ruled by the wonderful peace of God!

But to receive this benefit of God's Word, you must let it dwell in you richly. This word richly is the Greek word plousios, and it can be translated lavishly. This presents the picture of you giving the Word of God a wonderful reception as you roll out the red carpet so you can richly and lavishly welcome the Word into your heart. When you let God's Word have this place of honor inside your heart, mind, and emotions, it releases its power to stabilize you and keep you in peace, even in the most difficult times.

There is no doubt that we are living in the very end of the last days. We are a chosen generation—and we will observe events that no other generation has ever seen.

If you are going to keep your heart fear-free so you can live in continual peace, you must make a firm commitment to let God's Word rule in your heart! God's Word will protect your mind and prohibit fear from worming its way into your emotions and turning you into an emotional mess. Is God's Word the foundation of your life today?

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I am so thankful that Your Word prepares us for every event that comes along in this life! I know I am living in the last days and that these challenging times require a higher level of commitment from me if I am going to live free from fear. This is such a critical moment for me to be strong, free, and secure. When I am strong I can be a tower of strength to others who are drowning in the world around me. Help me be that source of strength and power to the people who surround me, Lord. I want to be all that I need to be in this hour.

I pray this in Jesus' name!

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that God's Word dominates my mind, my will, and my emotions! Because I have put God's Word into my heart, I am not shaken or easily moved by the things that occur in the world around me. I know who I am; I am secure in my Father's love; and I recognize that He destined me to live in these last days because He has a special plan for me. Regardless of what I see or hear, I take my stand on the promises of God's Word, and it provides me with safety and security!

I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER
1.In light of the world events that have occurred in recent years, how pertinent for you are Paul's words in Second Thessalonians 2:2? Does it sound like Paul is writing about the nonstop traumatic events that have shaken the world over the past several years?

2.If it is true that we are living in the last days just before the coming of Jesus Christ, how should this affect the manner in which you are living your life?

3.Do you spend more time reading your Bible, reading the newspaper, or watching the news? Whatever you dwell on the most is what will dominate you, so isn't it time that you make God's Word the primary focus of your attention?

Monday, August 22, 2011

You Can Beat Any Temptation!


1
Corinthians 10:13
(NKJV) No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Everyone has to deal with temptations at one time or another, so you don't need to feel embarrassed if you're facing a particular temptation right now. But at the same time, you don't have to succumb to temptation, because it is something you can overcome! All temptations can be beaten! You just have to make up your mind that you're going to be the conqueror and not the conquered!

You may not have thought of it before, but the devil tries to lure you into sin by using your mind and emotions. He injects thoughts into your mind and emotions that act as stimulants to get you all stirred up in a certain area of your life. At that moment, you are consciously aware that you can let the temptation pass you by—or you can allow those thoughts to fester in your mind and take root in your emotions until they become a major stronghold in your mind to battle and conquer. By refusing to accept the thoughts in the first place, you can avoid the whole struggle!

It's similar to a sexual temptation. You can choose to turn and look the other way, or you can dwell on that temptation until it fills your mind and imagination. If you choose to meditate on the thought that the devil is trying to put into your head, it won't be too long until the devil is waging a full-scale battle in your mind! If you don't put on the brakes and stop those thoughts, the devil will conquer you. That's why it's so important that you learn how to control your thinking. If you can keep your mind under the control of the Holy Spirit, you will make it almost impossible for the devil to defeat you in any realm of your life.

The devil is a master when it comes to mind manipulation. He knows that if he can get you to spend a little time meditating on something wrong, he can eventually entice you to do it! If the devil was persuasive enough to deceive brilliant, mighty, powerful angels, how much more easily can he deceive people who live in a far-from-perfect environment and wrestle daily with their own imperfections! The emotional makeup of human beings makes them even more susceptible to the devil's masterful skills of lying, deception, and manipulation.

Satan watches for the right timing. He comes along at an opportune moment. He waits until you're tired, weary, or exasperated. Perhaps you woke up in a bad mood; someone gave you a "look" you didn't like; or you just started off your day on the wrong foot. Then suddenly he strikes you with a thought—something that takes you totally by surprise when your guard is down!

When negative thoughts begin to deluge your mind, you need to know that it is Satan setting a trap in front of you. He is trying to ensnare you so he can cripple and devastate both you and the people you love. He's trying to get you to bite the bait so he can set the hook! But you don't have to fall into this trap anymore! If you really want out of this type of emotional quandary, there is a way out.

First Corinthians 10:13 promises, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

The word "temptation" is the Greek word peirasmos, and it may refer to any outside source that appeals to a weakness in your flesh. That appeal pulls you like a magnet; it lures you mentally, emotionally, and sensually; it fascinates the imagination; it entices the flesh to take a closer peek. If you don't stop this process, it will set its hook in your soul and haul you right smack dab into the middle of some kind of sin!

Because the word peirasmos ("temptation") can describe any weakness of the flesh, this scripture could apply to any fleshly weakness you might struggle with—from being lazy or easily offended; to thinking too lowly or too highly of yourself; to having a problem with anger or sexual temptation. Whatever your flesh responds to is what this word peirasmos refers to!

But this verse promises that God will make a way for you to escape temptation—if you really want to escape it! The Greek word for "escape" is the word ekbasis. This word is a compound of the word ek, meaning out, and the word basin, meaning to walk. When they are compounded together, it means to walk out, as to walk out of a difficult place; to walk out of a trap; or to walk out of a place that isn't good for you.

This makes me think of the time Joseph fled from Potiphar's wife when she tried to seduce him. Rather than stay there and try to negotiate in the midst of the situation, Genesis 39:12 says Joseph "... fled, and got him out." In other words, he got out of there as quickly as he could!

Negotiating with sin usually leads to falling into it rather than conquering it, so it's better for a person to just get up and get away from the situation as quickly as he can! This is why Paul was constantly telling the early believers to "flee" evil influences (see 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 10:14, 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22).

The word "flee" is the Greek word pheugo, which means to flee, to take flight, to run away, to run as fast as possible, or to escape. This means you don't want to succumb to those temptations that are surrounding you. You just need to get up, put on your jacket, pick up your things, and get out of that place of temptation as fast as you can! Let your feet fly as you flee that situation! You're not stuck there! You can get out! You can walk out of that place just as easily as you walked in there! Your feet work in both directions! God will make a way for you to escape those negative emotions if you really want to escape them. But you are the only one who can make the choice to jump through that escape hatch!
•If you know you're being tempted to angrily explode, walk out before it happens!
•If you know you're being tempted to get your feelings hurt, go somewhere else to avoid the offense!
•If you know you're being tempted to slip into a state of laziness, then get up and get busy!
•If you know you're being tempted to steal, get as far away as you can from the money or the coveted object!
•If you know you're being tempted to sexually sin, get out of that situation immediately!
•If you know you're being tempted to do anything wrong, it's time for you to flee from the temptation!

Millions of Christians are held captive because they will not take the leap through that escape hatch. As a result, they have no joy, no peace, and no victory in their lives. They may be Christians, but they're miserable because they haven't made the choice to jump through the escape hatch God has provided for them and leave all those negative temptations and garbage behind.

If you'll say yes to the Lord, He will show you how to walk out of this mess! You can avoid, evade, dodge, elude, shake off, get out of, and break away from every temptation! You are the only one who can choose to walk out of those killer mental attacks or negative situations. The moment you make that decision, your journey to freedom has begun!

So today the Lord is asking you: "Are you going to stay the way you are right now, or are you willing to take the proper steps to escape from this emotional temptation and demonic trap?" What is your answer? What are you going to do? God is waiting for you to decide if you will receive the freedom He is offering you or remain a hostage for the rest of your life. The choice is yours to make.

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, help me find the strength to say no to my flesh and to flee from temptation when it tries to wrap its long tentacles around my soul and drag me into some kind of sin. I know what it's like when sin calls out to my flesh, beckoning it to do something that is forbidden or wrong but I don't want to cooperate with it anymore. I want to walk free—to flee from sin and break free of its vicious grip. Help me bring my mind under the control of the Holy Spirit so I can think rationally when Satan tries to attack me through my mind, my emotions, or my senses.

I pray this in Jesus' name!

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that God makes a way for me to escape temptation. I do not negotiate with sin! When it tries to call out to me, I get up and get out as quickly as I can. I flee, take flight, run away from, and escape as quickly as I can when I know the devil is attempting to lure me into his trap. That's when I put on my jacket, pick up my things, and let my feet fly! God always makes a way for me to escape—and I always make the right choice to jump through that escape hatch!

I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER (Personal Reflections)
1.Can you think of times when you were tempted to yield to sin? Knowing that you needed to get up and get out of that place of temptation, did you stay and fall into some kind of sin? Were you sorry later that you didn't flee when you had the chance?
2.What is the chief area of temptation that you struggle with more than any other right now?
3.In order for you to walk free from the struggle of that temptation, what changes do you need to make in your life?

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Don't Give Place to the Devil!


You and I never have to fall prey to the devil! If we can shut every door, close every window, and seal every place in our lives through which the enemy would try to access us, we can prevent him from getting into the middle of our affairs.

One of the "entry points" the devil tries to use to enter our lives is relationships. If there is an unresolved issue or an ugly conflict with a loved one or friend, these conflict points often become entry points through which the devil tries to get a foothold in our relationships with those we love. Once the enemy is able to slip in through one of these "cracks" and build an offended place in our minds, then a wall has already begun to be constructed that will eventually separate us from the people we need and love the most.

In Ephesians 4:27, the apostle Paul writes, "Neither give place to the devil
." The word "place" is the Greek word topos. It refers to a specific, marked-off, geographical location. It carries the idea of a territory, province, region, zone, or geographical position. It is from this word that we get the word for a topographical map. Because the word topos depicts a geographical location, this lets us know that the devil is after every region and zone of our lives—money, health, marriage, relationships, employment, business, and ministry. He is so territorial that he wants it all. But to start his campaign to conquer all those areas of our lives, he must first find an entry point from which he can begin his campaign of unleashing his devilish destruction in our lives.

We often throw open the door to the devil when we:

* Refuse to let go of old hurts and wounds.
* Refuse to acknowledge what we did wrong.
* Refuse to forgive others for what they did.
* Refuse to stop judging others for their grievances.
* Refuse to admit we were wrong too.
* Refuse to say, "I'm sorry" when we're wrong.
* Refuse to lay down our "rights" for others.

If you and I do any of these things, we leave a "marked-off place" through which the devil can enter to accuse others in our minds. But we don't have to fall victim to the enemy's tactics. We can say, "No, you're not going to do this!"

We are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ, so we don't have to let the devil run all over us. The Bible boldly declares, "...
Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

The apostle Paul told us, "Neither give place to the devil." The Greek makes it clear that we must choose to give the devil no territory. You see, we have a choice: We can choose to "give the enemy place" in our minds and emotions, or we can choose to walk in the Spirit. If we choose the lower road, we will end up doing and saying things we later regret. Those regretful things are usually what opens the door for the devil to wreak havoc in our relationships.

I'm thinking specifically of a day I got very upset with one of our employees. I received information about one department of our ministry that really upset me. What upset me even more was that I believed one of our employees had known about this problem but hadn't conveyed the full truth to me about it. I scheduled a meeting to talk to that person the next morning to discuss this situation. That night as I lay in bed, I began to think about the problem we were facing. The longer I thought about it, the more angry I became that I hadn't been fully informed about the details as I should have been. I could feel a flash of heat pass through me as I kept pondering what to do next.

As I lay there in that bed, I began to take up an offense with this leader in our ministry. Once the devil got that foothold in my mind and emotions, it was as if a door had suddenly swung wide open for the devil to come in and begin accusing and slandering that precious employee to me. I tossed and turned all night long. I knew I could lay this issue down and walk in peace, or I could let it build in my mind until I became a walking time bomb. I chose to hold on to it and let it fester throughout the night.

The next morning when our meeting began, I exploded! My thinking was so distorted by the devil's ravings in my mind all night that I couldn't hear anything being said. I was livid with this employee. This employee couldn't even say anything, as I never even gave her ten seconds to respond to my accusations.

Later when the whole ordeal was over, I discovered that every detail of the problem had already been fully communicated to me. But I had been so busy at the time that I didn't even remember the conversation. Others on the staff remembered it very well. It was my fault that I didn't know and not hers.

I was so embarrassed that I had lost my temper. I asked my staff members for forgiveness, and they were spiritual enough to forgive me and allow me to be a man with real human frailties. Thank God, our long-term relationship and commitment to work as a team overrides moments of human weakness that all of us display at one time or another.

But there are many people who don't know how to recover from conflicts such as this one. Rather than face the situation head-on and either apologize or openly forgive, they hold their failure or their offense in their hearts, never forgetting it and never getting beyond it.

On the particular day that I exploded in anger, it was I who "gave place to the devil." As I tossed and turned in that bed the night before, I knew I was making a choice. I pondered the problem so long that I let anger well up inside of me and make my decision for me.

What about you? Have you ever given place to the devil by allowing anger, resentment, bitterness, or unforgiveness to have a "place" in you?

But let's look at the word "devil" for a moment. The word "devil" comes from the Greek word diabolos, an old compound word that is made from the words dia and ballo. This name is used sixty-one times in the New Testament. The first part of the word is the prefix dia, which means through and often carries the idea of penetration. Because dia is used at the first of this word, it tells us that the devil wants to make some kind of penetration.

We've already seen that the devil is looking for an entry point. Once a point has been located through which he can secretly slip into people's lives, he begins penetrating the mind and emotions to drive a wedge between those individuals and the other people in their lives. The enemy's objective is to separate them from each other with his railing, accusing, slanderous accusations.

You'll know when the accuser has gone to work in your mind because your whole perspective about the person you are upset with suddenly changes. You become nit-picky, negative, and fault-finding. You used to have high regard for that person, but now you can't see anything good about him at all. It's as if you've put on a special set of eyeglasses that are specially designed to reveal all his wicked, ugly, horrid details. Even if you do see something good in him, all the bad you see outweighs the good.

This is clear evidence that the work of the "accuser" has found an entry point to penetrate your relationship with that other person. He is trying to disrupt what has been a pleasant and gratifying relationship in your life. Don't allow that conflict, disagreement, or disappointment to cause you to pick up a wrong attitude that will ruin your relationship. That's exactly what the devil wants you to do!

Rather than allow this to happen, stop and tell yourself, Okay, this isn't as big of a deal as I'm making it out to be. The devil is trying to find a place in my mind to get me to start mentally accusing that person, and I'm not going to let him do it.

Instead of meditating on all the bad points of that person, look in the mirror yourself! Consider how many times you've let down other people; how many mistakes you've made in your relationships; the times you should have been held accountable but instead were shown unbelievable mercy. Remembering these things has a way of making you look at an offensive situation a little more mercifully.

Ask the Holy Spirit to take the criticism out of your heart and to cause the love of God in you to flow toward that other person or group of people. Pray for an opportunity to strengthen that relationship so all the entry places to your life and to that relationship remain sealed. Stop the devil from worming his way into the middle of your relationships with people you need and love!


MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I ask You to help me keep the doors to my heart and soul closed to the devil! I know he would like to slip into my relationships and ruin them, so I am asking You to help me stay free of offense, free of unforgiveness, and free of bitterness. I realize these wrong attitudes create "entry points" through which the devil tries to gain territory in my relationships. I don't want to give the devil a foothold in my affairs through a wrong attitude. So I'm asking You, Lord, to help me identify every wrong feeling or attitude in my life that the devil could use to ruin relationships with people I need and love.

I pray this in Jesus' name!

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I walk in forgiveness! Offense, bitterness, strife, and unforgiveness have no place in my life. The Spirit of God dwells in me, and He always convicts me of wrong attitudes that the devil could potentially use to bind me. I love Jesus, and I want to please Him; therefore, I refuse to allow these destructive attitudes to remain in me. I am full of mercy, longsuffering, and slow to anger. All of these qualities keep me safe and secure from the devil's attempts to invade me.

I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER


1. Can you recall a time when the devil got you all upset over something that wasn't really such a big deal? Did he stir you up so much that you couldn't sleep; you couldn't think straight; and you said or did things that you later regretted?

2. What did you learn from that experience? Did you see how the devil operates to toss you into a tizzy, steal your peace, and harm your relationships? If yes, how have you learned to keep the door closed so He can't access you this way again?

3. If you were counseling someone else who was struggling with a similar problem, how would you counsel that person to keep his heart free of bitterness, anger, or strife?

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

What Triggers a Demonic Attack?

2 Timothy 1:11, 12


What triggers demonic attacks against you, your dream, your vision, your calling, your business, your family, your church, or your ministry? What makes the devil so upset that he rises up to resist you and your efforts? If God chose you, why are you experiencing so many hassles and difficulties along the way to your goal of fulfilling all He has called you to do?

In Second Timothy 1:11 and 12, Paul gives us incredible insight into what triggers a demonic attack. He says, "Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things...." In this verse, Paul writes about his specific calling in the Body of Christ. He affirms to us that he is called and appointed to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. Then notice that he immediately follows by saying, "For the which cause I also suffer these things..." (2 Timothy 1:12).

The word "suffer" is the Greek word pascho, and first and foremost it means to suffer as a result of outside forces or outside circumstances. It could include physical suffering due to persecution; mental suffering due to outside pressures; financial suffering due to monetary hardships; or any inconvenience that stems from something outside of oneself or outside of one's control. Thus, the word pascho would depict any suffering or inconvenience due to forces beyond oneself.

When Paul wrote this verse, he used a tense in the Greek that lets us know he was experiencing these inconveniences at the very moment he was writing this epistle. At that time, Paul was in Rome, sitting in a prison cell, awaiting his own execution, and being accused of crimes that he had not committed. Because Satan couldn't find a way to personally destroy Paul, the enemy was manipulating outside forces against Paul and his ministry. The apostle's situation had been created by outside pressures that had nothing to do with himself but that the devil had orchestrated to use against him.

Satan was terrified of Paul's calling! The reason Paul was recurrently attacked is that the devil was fearful of the enormous progress Paul would make if he didn't face opposition. Paul let us know that his anointing, his calling, and his potential were the factors that triggered these demonic attacks. It's almost as though Paul was saying, "Do you want to know why I've suffered so many crazy things during the course of my ministry? Because I am appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles."

You see, Satan was scared stiff of what would happen if Paul operated 100 percent in his call. How much would he be able to accomplish if he had no resistance? If Paul was able to do the incredible things he did for God's Kingdom in the face of such opposition, what kind of Gospel advancements would he make if there was no opposition? This thought was so chilling to the devil that he threw every possible obstacle in Paul's path to slow him down, to discredit him, to destroy his friendships, and, if possible, to even kill him. Satan hated the call on Paul's life.

The reason Paul was never defeated by these attacks is that he had made a decision. He decided he would not stop or give up until he had apprehended that for which Christ Jesus had apprehended him (Philippians 3:12). Likewise, the only way you'll be able to resist the devil's attacks and successfully achieve all God has called you to do is by determining never to stop until you have accomplished your divine assignment. Jesus taught that those who "endure to the end" are the ones who will receive the prize (Matthew 24:13).

If you want to overcome all the attacks the devil tries to wage against you through outside forces, you will have to be determined to outlast every attack! Determination is a key factor in finishing one's race of faith.

Of course, no one can successfully resist the devil's attacks without the power of the Holy Spirit, but neither is the power of the Holy Spirit enough by itself. For that power to be effective, it must work in a committed person. God's power works in people who have resolve. It works proficiently through people who have decided they will never turn back until the assignment is finished. God delights in using people who are steadfast and unmoving in their conviction, tenacious and diehard in their commitment. He takes pleasure in those who have stamina, spunk, and a dogged determination to hold on to the vision He put in their hearts.

The most common reason people don't make it all the way to the end is that they weren't totally committed to completing the task assigned to them. Maybe they tried it or gave it a shot, but their commitment wasn't strong enough, and that's why they didn't make it.

There are many things Satan can do to try to elbow us out of the race, but the only one who can decide to quit is you or me. Satan can't make us quit. That choice lies in our hands alone.

If you make the decision to stay in faith and "slug it out" with the power of God at your side, you can do exactly what God called you to do. But you must begin with a rock-solid, hard-core decision to do it, do it, and keep doing it until it's done. Make any lesser choice, and you will never fulfill your God-given purpose.

Daily Prayer:
“Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain!”

The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10

Daily Confession:

Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail

Above only and not beneath

The lender and not the borrower

The conqueror and not the conquered



I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness

And for delivering my life from death and destruction

So that I shall live and not die to declare your works



I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body today

For by Your Stripes I'm healed



I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed

Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee



I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life today

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus



Thank You that all things are working together for my good

And that You always cause me to triumph



This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

In Jesus, Name, amen.


Question-of-the Day

Write out the following Scriptures:

Romans 8:35, 37-39



How do these Scriptures inspire you?

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Look at What You've Been Given In Jesus Christ

You have been given so much in Jesus Christ! You have no legitimate reason for failing to be an awesome success in life, because you have so much going for you! In fact, you have much more going for you than you could possibly imagine. Today let me encourage you with just a few of the things you've been given in Jesus Christ!

John 1:12 says, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." This verse reveals that you received divine power the day you became a child of God. The word "power" is the Greek word exousia. It describes delegated authority or influence. The day you chose to make Jesus your Lord and Savior is the day He delegated to you the power and authority to become a child of God. Think of it—at that moment of decision, all the power, authority, and divine influence that is resident within the mighty name of Jesus Christ came to live on the inside of you!

So rather than complain that you're weak and nothing special, it's time to start laying claim to what is stored up inside you! The same explosive, dynamic, phenomenal authority and power that resides within Jesus has now been delegated to reside in you!

As if that wasn't already enough, Second Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." This verse says you're a brand-new creature if you are in Christ Jesus. The word "new" is from the Greek word kainos, and it describes something that is brand new or recently made. It also carries the idea of something that is superior. This means when Jesus Christ came into your life, you were made brand, spanking new! The new you is superior to the old you! In fact, you are so new that this verse calls you a new "creature."

The word "creature" is the Greek word ktisis. It is the same word used to describe the creation of the world. When God created the universe, he used no existing materials or old elements to make it. Everything in creation was newly made. Now that same word is used to describe what happened to you the day you got saved. Everything about you is new! You're not an amended, corrected, improved version of what you used to be. You are an absolutely brand-new creation! You are completely detached from the person you once were before Christ.

Psalm 103:12 tells you how far your old ways have been removed from you: "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." When Jesus Christ came into your life, He created you to be free from the past, free from the negative effects of your family, and liberated from all former hang-ups—in short, a brand-new creature!

So stop laying claim to your family's genetic problems, inheritable sicknesses, dysfunctional behavior, disorders, hang-ups, curses, or any other negative thing that was a part of your life before Christ. That old person no longer exists. He is dead. You are brand new.

But wait—there's so much more that you've been given in Jesus Christ! For instance, Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

The first part of this verse says that you and I are God's "workmanship." This comes from the Greek word poiema. The word poiema carries the idea of something that is artfully created. The Greek word for a poet, poietes, comes from this same word. In reference to a poet, this Greek word would denote one who has the extraordinary ability to write or create a literary masterpiece.

Because Paul uses the word poiema to explain what happened when you became a child of God, it emphatically means that on the day you got saved, God put forth His most powerful and creative effort to make you new. Once God was finished making you new, you became a masterpiece, skillfully and artfully created in Christ Jesus. There's nothing cheap about you at all! God's creative, artistic, intelligent genius went into your making.

Look how much you've been given in Jesus Christ! Don't you think it's time to stop moaning about how dumb, stupid, ugly, or untalented you "feel" compared to others? Those "feelings" are all lies. Some of that may have been true before you were born again, but none of it is true of you now that you are in Christ. God turned you into something spectacular. That's who you are now! So lay claim to your new identity Adjust your thinking and talking to reflect who you really are!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Entitled or Thankful?


Luke 15:11-13 (NKJV): 11 Then He said: "A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.



A young man walked up to his father and said to him, “Old man, when are you going to die so that I can have my inheritance?” From a cultural perspective, this is exactly what happened in the Parable of The Prodigal Son. Jesus told the story of a man who had two sons. The younger of the two asked their father for his share of the estate. In that day, for a child to ask his father for his inheritance while the father was still alive was the same as wishing he were dead. It would be one thing if the young man were asking for his inheritance to give away or to help someone else. But the young man’s motive was totally selfish. The Bible says that he, “…wasted his substance with prodigal (riotous) living.”

While we recognize that the young man was self-consumed, it was his attitude of self-entitlement that motivated him to disrespect his father in such a manner. The young man didn’t get the money because of his ability, his wisdom, or his work; his father gave him the inheritance! But instead of being thankful that he’d been included as an heir, he felt entitled to his father’s estate! One writer commented, “The son did what sinners have done throughout history—he accepted the blessings of the father while at the same time, he turned his back to Him.”

Christians must always be thankful that God has made us, “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.” And we must be careful that we never allow the “spirit of entitlement” to affect us! How can you tell that you’ve been infected? It is when you take God’s Blessings for granted to the point that you’re not as thankful as you once were. Don’t allow your greed for gain to cause you to be ungrateful! As we begin another day, pause to thank The Lord for all of the wonderful blessings that He’s already bestowed upon you.

Let’s Pray: “Father, thank You for all you’ve done for us. We pray that we’ll never allow the spirit of entitlement to infest us. If we’ve been affected, deliver us today we pray, in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Daily Prayer:
“Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain!”

The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10

Daily Confession:

Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail

Above only and not beneath

The lender and not the borrower

The conqueror and not the conquered



I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness

And for delivering my life from death and destruction

So that I shall live and not die to declare your works



I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body today

For by Your Stripes I'm healed



I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed

Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee



I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life today

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus



Thank You that all things are working together for my good

And that You always cause me to triumph



This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

In Jesus, Name, amen.


Challenge-of-the Day

Who Am I?

1. I am the son of Adam and Eve after Abel died.

2. We are the two brothers who covered our father’s nakedness.

3. I departed with Abram after he left his country.

4. I am the 1st son of Abram.

5. I am the 2nd wife of Abraham that gave birth to several children
after Sarah died.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Lord, Don’t Let Me Miss My Blessing!

Isaiah 43:19 (NKJV) “Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it?…”


A common courtesy while driving is to halt at traffic lights at a distance which allows vehicles access to the road. In Clarksville, one of the most difficult places to gain entry to the highway—especially during busy times—is the BP station at the end of Tiny Town Road. The 7 a.m. and the 5 p.m. rush hours present a real problem to those parked at the service station needing to get someplace quickly. I’ve been caught there before and have been frustrated by the lack of courtesy of drivers during those times! Because of my strong belief in the law of reciprocity, I decided to sow the seed of courtesy this morning en route to an appointment. Although I created an entryway for a car parked at the edge of the road needing access, the driver of the vehicle never took advantage of the opportunity afforded her. When the light turned green and I drove past, I found out why—she was texting on her phone! Her phone distracted her to the point that she probably didn’t even see the blessing right in front of her.



In the 43rd chapter of Isaiah, God promised that He’d usher His people into a season of hope, restoration and deliverance. The Bible says in verse 19 of that chapter, “Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth…” But a very interesting thing happened in the next clause of that verse. Directly after making such a powerful statement and giving such hope, he asked the question, “…Shall you not know it?...” This question suggested the possibility of God’s people being in a season of blessing and they not even recognize it! My prayer for us today is two-fold. First of all, in the words of one of my fathers in the gospel, Bishop Paul S. Morton, I pray that, “Whatever The Lord is doing during this season that He not do it without us.” But secondly, I pray that we recognize The Move and The Blessings of God during their manifestation.

Let’s Pray: “Father, we pray that we not miss our season(s) of blessings, in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Daily Prayer:
“Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain!”

The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10

Daily Confession:

Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail

Above only and not beneath

The lender and not the borrower

The conqueror and not the conquered



I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness

And for delivering my life from death and destruction

So that I shall live and not die to declare your works



I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body today

For by Your Stripes I'm healed



I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed

Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee



I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life today

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus



Thank You that all things are working together for my good

And that You always cause me to triumph



This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

In Jesus, Name, amen.


Challenge-of-the Day

1. Who was locked in the lion’s den but The Lord locked the jaws of the lions?

2. Who took a visit to the Potter’s House?

3. Who saw the vision of the valley of dry bones?

4. Who “saw The Lord, high and lifted up, and His Train filled the temple?”

5. What is significant about these four gentlemen?

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Our True Treasure


2 Corinthians 4:7 (TLB) But this precious treasure—this light and power that now shine within us —is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own.


The story is told of a picture that was purchased for less than $5. Although the portrait was housed in a nice frame, there was nothing extravagant about it to bring any “real” value. But the owner of the picture made an interesting discovery upon opening up the frame. When the portrait was opened, another picture was found inside. When appraised, the hidden portrait was worth millions of dollars. The owner became a millionaire—not based upon the portrait’s external appearance—but because of the unseen portrait on the inside.

There are more than a few Christians who are focused on their public images instead of dealing with the inner man. Our capitalistic society intertwined with our postmodern views on spirituality have caused us to be external in our interpretations of Christianity. When God looks at us, He starts from the inside-out and not the outside-in. The Lord informed the prophet Samuel that, “… ‘the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’”(I Samuel 16:7)



Paul told the church at Corinth that our true treasure is housed in perishable containers (earthen vessels, clay jars…) (II Corinthians 4:7) Always remember that our most valuable asset is that which is inside us.



Let’s Pray: “Father, help us to realize where our true value lies, in Jesus’ Name, amen.”



Daily Prayer:
“Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain!”

The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10

Daily Confession:

Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail

Above only and not beneath

The lender and not the borrower

The conqueror and not the conquered



I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness

And for delivering my life from death and destruction

So that I shall live and not die to declare your works



I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body today

For by Your Stripes I'm healed



I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed

Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee



I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life today

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus



Thank You that all things are working together for my good

And that You always cause me to triumph



This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

In Jesus, Name, amen.


Questions-of-the Day

Read Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 11:1, and II Corinthians 4:18. Are there any similarities in these three verses? If so, what are they?

Monday, August 1, 2011

God’s Doing A New Thing!

Isaiah 43:19 (NKJV) “Behold, I will do a new thing…”


It has been said that, “the only constant in life is change. While change may not be the world’s only constant, it’s definitely one of life’s major ones. For example, the weather on this 1st day in August is far different than it was on January 1st (7 months ago) or even April 1st (4 months ago). There is even a sharp contrast between the 1st day of summer (June 22nd) and the last day of summer (September 22nd). If you were to look back through your photo album, you’ll notice a progressive change in your appearance.

One of the devil’s greatest tactics is to convince believers that our situations aren’t going to change. Satan bombards our minds with the idea that our seasons of tests, trials, and tribulations are permanent and not temporary. But some of our favorite Bible verses carry the idea of change. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “ To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven…” The Bible says, “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5, NKJV) After Job had endured suffering for over 40 chapters, the Bible records, “And the LORD restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42:10, NKJV)

God says through the penmanship of Isaiah, “Behold, I will do a new thing…” (Isaiah 43:19). On this 1st day of the 8th month, let’s believe God that, “things are going to change.”

Let’s Pray: “Father, we agree in prayer that You’ll change those things and those areas in our lives that need changing, in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Daily Prayer:
“Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain!”
The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10

Daily Confession:

Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail

Above only and not beneath

The lender and not the borrower

The conqueror and not the conquered







I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness

And for delivering my life from death and destruction

So that I shall live and not die to declare your works



I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body today

For by Your Stripes I'm healed

I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed

Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee



I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life today

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus

Thank You that all things are working together for my good

And that You always cause me to triumph



This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

In Jesus, Name, amen.



Questions of the Day

Jonah 1:1-3

1. What instructions did God give Jonah?

2. Why did Jonah have to go on this assignment?

3. What was his response?

4. Where did he go instead?