Why Jesus Compared Unforgiveness To the Sycamine Tree

Luke 17:6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you

In Luke 17:1-6, Jesus taught His disciples about bitterness and unforgiveness and about how to remove these evil forces from one's life. As an illustration, Jesus likened these forces to the sycamine tree that was so well known in that part of the world. The word "sycamine" comes from the Greek word sukaminos, and it is the Greek word that refers to a tree that grew throughout the Middle East. When you understand everything that is connected to the sycamine tree, you'll know exactly why Jesus chose to use this tree as an example of bitterness and unforgiveness in Luke 17:6. In that verse, Jesus told His disciples, "... If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycaminetree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you." Notice that Jesus said, "... Ye might say unto this sycamine tree...." The word "this" indicates that Jesus was pointing out something very specific to them.



Keep in mind that Jesus was speaking of getting rid of bitterness and unforgiveness. In Luke 17:3, He told the disciples that they needed to forgive those who sinned against them. He then took it to the maximum in Luke 17:4 by saying that even if a brother does something wrong seven times in one day and is each time truly repentant, they were to keep on forgiving that offending brother. Forgiving once is already a challenge for most people. But to forgive someone seven times in one day almost sounds impossible to many folks. It must have sounded preposterous to the disciples as well, for they said, "... Lord, Increase our faith" (Luke 17:5). This statement was the equivalent of their saying, "Lord, we don't know if we have enough faith to forgive so many times in one day. You'll have to increase our faith if we're going to do this seven times in one day!"



That is when Jesus began to teach His disciples about speaking to bitterness and unforgiveness. He said, "... If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree...." When Jesus used the word "this," it was the equivalent of Jesus' telling them, "Bitterness and unforgiveness are just like the sycamine tree—and if you really want to be free of these attitudes, you can speak to this menacing growth in your life and command it to be planted in the seal" Before we can understand what Jesus taught about getting rid of bitterness and unforgiveness, we first need to see why He used the sycamine tree to illustrate these destructive forces. Was there a particular reason why He didn't use an oak tree, an apple tree, or a palm tree in this illustration? Why did He use the sycamine tree to symbolize the detrimental effects of bitterness and unforgiveness in a person's life?



As you look at the characteristics of the sycamine tree listed below, I believe you will comprehend why Jesus used this particular tree in this context.



1. The sycamine tree had a very large and deep root structure.

The sycamine tree was known to have one of the deepest root structures of all trees in the Middle East. It was a vigorous and robust tree that grew to a height of thirty feet or more. Because its roots went down so deep into the earth, it was very difficult to kill. Hot weather and blistering temperatures had little effect on this tree because it was tapped into a water source down deep under the earth. Even cutting it to its base would not guarantee its death because its roots, hidden deep under the ground, would draw from underground sources of water, enabling it to keep resurfacing again and again. In other words, this tree was very difficult to eradicate.

No wonder Jesus used this tree as an example of bitterness and unforgiveness! Like the sycamine tree, bitterness and unforgiveness must be dealt with clear to the roots, or they will keep springing up again and again. The roots of bitterness and unforgiveness go down deep into the human soul, fed by any offense that lies hidden in the soil of the heart. That hidden source of offense will cause these evil forces to resurface in a person's life over and over again. It will take a serious decision for that person to rip those roots of bitterness and offense out of his heart once and for all so they can't grow back in the future.



2. The sycaminetree's wood was the preferred wood for building caskets.

In Egypt and the Middle East, the sycamine tree was considered to be the preferred wood for building caskets and coffins. It grew quickly and in nearly any environment, making it accessible in many different places. It also grew best in dry conditions—the kind of conditions for which the Middle East is famous. These are two reasons sycamine wood was used in so many places for building caskets and coffins. Again, we can see why this illustration of the sycamine tree is so ideal for portraying bitterness and unforgiveness. Just as the sycamine tree grew very quickly, so does bitterness and unforgiveness. In fact, it doesn't take too long at all for these evil forces to get out of control and start taking over the whole place! When these fast-growing and ugly attitudes are allowed to grow freely, they not only spoil the condition of your own heart, but they ruin your relationships with other people.



Also, just as the sycamine tree grew easily in every environment, so does bitterness. It doesn't matter where people are from, where they live, what kind of cultural background they grew up in, or what level of society they belong to—bitterness and unforgiveness grow in human hearts everywhere, for they are universal in their scope of evil influence. The sycamine tree grew best where little rain fell and water was sparse. Isn't this just like bitterness and unforgiveness? These negative attitudes flourish where spiritually dry conditions exist. You can almost count on finding bitterness and unforgiveness growing and blossoming where there is no repentance, no joy, and no fresh rain of the Spirit.



And don't forget that sycamine wood was the preferred wood for building caskets and coffins. What a powerful message this is! It tells us that bitterness and unforgiveness are deadly. Harboring bitterness will spiritually bury you more quickly than anything else! These attitudes are the materials that Satan uses to put you six feet underground! Let me stress this point to you because it's so important: If you permit bitterness and unforgiveness to grow in your life, it won't be long until these attitudes have killed your joy, stolen your peace, and canceled out your spiritual life!



3. The sycamine tree produced a fig that was very bitter to eat.


The sycamine tree and the mulberry tree were very similar in appearance; the two trees even produced a fruit that looked identical. However, the fruit of the sycamine tree was extremely bitter. Its fruit looked just as luscious and delicious as a mulberry fig. But when a person tasted the sycamine fig, he discovered that it was horribly bitter. Mulberry figs were delicious and therefore expensive. Because of the cost of this fruit, it was primarily eaten by wealthier people. But the sycamine fig was cheap and therefore affordable to poorer people. Because the poor couldn't afford the luscious mulberry fig, they munched on the sycamine fig as a substitute.


However, the sycamine fig was so bitter that it couldn't be eaten whole. In order to consume an entire sycamine fig, the eater had to nibble on it a little bit at a time. After a pause, the eater would return to nibble on it again, but he could never devour an entire piece of this fruit at one time; it was just too tart and pungent to eat at one sitting.



Jesus lets us know that like the sycamine fruit, the fruit of bitterness and unforgiveness is bitter, tart, and pungent. Like the fig,most people who are bitter and filled with unforgiveness chew on their feelings for a long time. They nibble on bitterness for a while; then they pause to digest what they've eaten. After they have reflected deeply on their offense, they return to the memory table to start nibbling on bitterness again—taking one little bite, then another little bite, then another. As they continue to think and meditate on their offense, they internalize their bitter feelings toward those who have offended them. In the end, their perpetual nibbling on the poisonous fruit of bitterness makes them bitter, sour people themselves.

And just as the primary consumers of the sycamine fruit were poor people, those who sit around and constantly meditate on every wrong that has ever been done to them are usually bound up with all kinds of poverty. Their bitter attitude not only makes them spiritually poor, but they are also frequently defeated, depressed, sick, and financially poor as well.



4. The sycamine tree was pollinated only by wasps.

It is very interesting to note that the sycamine tree was not naturally pollinated. The pollination process was only initiated when awasp stuck its stinger right into the heart of the fruit. Thus, the tree and its fruit had to be "stung" in order to be reproduced. Think of how many times you have heard a bitter person say: "I've been stung by that person once, but I'm not going to be stung again! What he did hurt me so badly that I'll never let him get close enough to sting me again!" It is likely that people who make such a statement have been "stung" by a situation that the devil especially devised to pollinate their hearts and souls with bitterness and unforgiveness. When a person talks like this, you can know for sure that the wasp of bitterness got to them!

Jesus said that in order to rid this nuisance from one's life, a person must have faith the size of "a grain of mustard seed." The word "grain" is the Greek word kokkos. It describes a seed, a grain, or a very small kernel. Jesus uses the example of a "mustard" seed in this example. The word "mustard" is the Greek word sinapi, which refers to the small mustard plant that grows from a tiny, miniscule seed.

By using this word, Jesus was telling His disciples that a great amount of faith is not needed to deal with bitterness and unforgiveness. Any person who has even a tiny measure of faith can speak to bitterness and unforgiveness and command them to leave—if that is really the desire of his heart.

So what is your desire today, friend? Do you genuinely wish to be free from the bitterness, unforgiveness, and offense that has festered in your soul for so long? Are you ready to rip those destructive roots clear out of your heart so they won't be able to resurface in your life again? Are you tired of those detrimental attitudes killing your joy, stealing your peace, and nullifying your spiritual life? If so, be sure to read tomorrow's Sparkling Gem so you can find out exactly how to permanently eradicate these attitudes from your life!



MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, thank You for speaking to my heart about getting rid of bitterness, unforgiveness, and offense. I know from experience that these attitudes are a killer to my spiritual life. When I am filled with bitterness and unforgiveness, I become a sour hostage to my memories. When I am consumed with offense, I lose my joy and peace and my relationships with other people are horribly affected. I thank You for giving me all the faith I need to deal with this issue, Lord. Today I am asking You to help me start the process of ripping those foul roots out of the soil of my heart and soul. I pray this in Jesus' name!



MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I genuinely wish to be set free from bitterness, unforgiveness, and offense. I am weary of the way these poisonous roots have produced their deadly fruit in my life for so long. I am ready to do whatever is required to rip those roots clear out of my heart so they won't be able to resurface in my life again. By the power of the Holy Spirit and the authority God has given me, I repent of these detrimental attitudes that have been killing my joy, stealing my peace, and nullifying my spiritual life. By faith I am walking free from these enemies of my soul.

I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!



QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

Have you been harboring ill feelings deep inside your soul that are now beginning to affect your spiritual life?



Have you been feeling "dead" on the inside as a result of your tight hold on bitterness, unforgiveness, and offense?



Who is that person or group of people against whom you have been harboring these feelings?



Did those who offended you do anything to you that you haven't been guilty of doing to someone else in the past?



Has it helped you to hold on so tightly to these feelings of unforgiveness? Has bitterness improved the quality of your life?



Have your relationships become richer and fuller as a result of your clinging to offense?



What fruit has been produced in your life because you've allowed these negative attitudes to fester and grow?

Listed below are the Daily Focus, Reading Plan, and Diet Restrictions. God bless!

Day 8 – January 9, 2012

Daily Focus


Our Government and Its Leadership

Scripture References


Romans 13:1 (ESV) Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been insti- tuted by God.

1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplica- tions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

Reading Plan


Mark chapters 1– 4

Diet Restrictions


Eliminate all SWEETS, beef, and pork from your diet.

Listed below are the Daily Focus, Reading Plan, and Diet Restrictions. God bless!

Day 8 – January 9, 2012







Daily Focus





Our Government and Its Leadership







Scripture References





Romans 13:1 (ESV) Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been insti- tuted by God.

1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplica- tions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.







Reading Plan





Mark chapters 1– 4







Diet Restrictions





Eliminate all SWEETS, beef, and pork from your diet.

Please see the attached Fasting Guide for specifics. God bless!

Letter from the Bishop
Child of God,

It is with sincere humility that I lead our congregation and ministry partners on our FIRST ANNUAL 21-Day Fast. Because there are many misconceptions regarding fasting, it is necessary that I define this all-important discipline.

Fasting is a voluntary abstinence or restriction of food and/or activities for a specified period of time to devote ourselves to prayer and Bible study. It is a means of seeking God by denying the physical in order to focus on the spiritual. By definition, fasting is much more than abstaining from food! I often tell people that, “fasting without praying and seeking God’s Face simply means that we’ve just skipped a meal!”

Despite what many have taught, our primary purpose for fasting is not to get something from God; it is to draw closer to Him! James 4:8 reads, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…” Therefore, our fast will contain various spiritual components that will compel us to grow closer to The Lord. There will be a daily focus where we’ll emphasize a particular area of prayer and /or spiritual enrichment. Our designated prayer times will be 6 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m.
Additionally, there will be corporate prayer by teleconference on some days and we’ll meet at Christ The Healer Church for prayer on others. We will have a Bible-reading plan where we’ll read through the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—in 21 days. Finally, our fast will culminate with our church hosting Prophetess Marcia Morrison’s (my spiritual mother) Discipleship Encounter Phase II—Another Wave of Glory.

The fast will begin on Monday, January 2nd and will end after church on Sunday, January 22nd. Our fast will be a Daniel Fast which will become more stringent as the fast progresses. Every few days we’ll take away a member of the food group until we’re down to juices on the last day. We believe that our obedience to this schedule will result in ultimate purpose—experiencing more of the God’s glory!

In closing, thanks for going on this three-week journey with me—I’m confident that you’ll be glad you did.

Sincerely,




Calvin B. Lockett
Senior Pastor
Christ The Healer Church
Christ the Healer Church Fast Calendar
January 2012
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1

2
Corporate Prayer
6 pm 3
Partnership Prayer
@ your discretion 4
Corporate Prayer
6 pm 5
Partnership Prayer
@ your discretion
6
Conference Call
Prayer 6 am
#661-673-8600
Access: 369063
7
Corporate Prayer
6 pm

8
Partnership Prayer
@ your discretion
9
Conference Call
Prayer 6 am
#661-673-8600
Access: 369063
10
Partnership Prayer
@ your discretion
11
Corporate Prayer
6 pm
12
Partnership Prayer
@ your discretion
13
Conference Call
Prayer 6 am
#661-673-8600
Access: 369063

14
Corporate Prayer
6 pm

15
Partnership Prayer
@ your discretion
16
Corporate Prayer
6 pm
17
Conference Call
Prayer 6 am
#661-673-8600
Access: 369063
18
Corporate Prayer
6 pm
19
Conference Call
Prayer
#661-673-8600
Access: 369063

20
Conference Call
Prayer 6 am
#661-673-8600
Access: 369063
21
Conference Call
Prayer 6 am
#661-673-8600
Access: 369063







Scriptural References:
The Purpose of Fasting

Joel 1:14 (KJV) Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD,

Joel 2:12 (KJV) Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

Joel 2:15 (KJV) Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: 16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. 17 Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?

2 Chronicles 7:13 (KJV) If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.











Questions about Fasting

What kind of fast will we observe?
We will observe a partial fast—commonly known as a Daniel Fast based upon the fast that Daniel observed in Daniel 1.

What is the fasting schedule?
The fast will begin on January 2nd and will go through the worship service on Sunday, January 22nd. Because of the ease of which the fast will progress, we will fast for the entire 24-hour period each day.

Who should or should not fast?
All believers who are physically able (and medically cleared) to fast should do so periodically to bring their bodies into submission to the spirit of Christ. Anyone with physical or medical conditions that could be aggravated by fasting should consult their physician before participating in a fast. If you are medically unable to fast or abstain from the prescribed food/beverage, then find something else you enjoy doing and choose to fast from that – television, social networking sites, etc.

*Youth may choose to participate in a limited fast under supervision of parents or guardian. The limited fast includes selecting 1-3 days a week to participate in the prescribed Daniel fast and/or eliminating activities they enjoy during the specified time, such as social networking sites (face book, twitter, etc.), video games, television, cell phone usage (texting, phone conversations, etc.). During these times youth would seek God in prayer, listen to worship songs, join youth prayer groups, etc.
*Youth under the age of 12 are not encouraged to participate.

What if I have never fasted?
God is pleased at our desire to want to connect with Him. We encourage you to step out on faith and if necessary, gradually build up to the specified time. Each week do at least 1-3 days of fasting by skipping a meal. Do not become discouraged if you feel tempted to eat outside the prescribed Daniel fast parameters; God will give you the strength to overcome your temptation. Ask the Lord to identify someone that can hold you accountable and encourage you during this journey.






What do we do while we fast?
While you are fasting, you are encouraged to spend focused time in reading the Word, praying, and listening to The Voice of God. Prayer and listening to God is just as important as abstaining from food. We encourage you to journal what you hear God speaking. While at work or doing your daily chores, utilize break times as times to focus and mediate on God. Throughout the fast, use this time for focused meditation on God’s direction for you, your family and our church.

What should I expect? A natural response to fasting and prayer is an increase in hunger. As a result, you may experience hunger pangs, headaches, bad breath, and strong odor from your body as you are eliminating toxins from your body. For this reason, please consider personal hygiene and take extra care of your body. It is perfectly normal that you experience these things therefore, breath mints are acceptable.

What is the purpose of fasting?
Because fasting and prayer is aimed at breaking the bonds of evil on a person’s life, a loved one’s life, or on a body of believers, including a family, church, or ministry, expect distractions from the enemy. The bible tells us to be alert and vigilant for your adversary the devil is seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8) When fasting and praying, it is vital to be alert to the tricks, assaults of the enemy. This keeps you from “reacting” to the enemy instead of “responding” the way God desires.

What are the benefits of fasting?
Fasting...
 helps to develop humility.
 intensifies the power of prayer.
 improves our worship of God.
 removes doubt and unbelief.
 make our witness bolder and stronger.
 gives us mastery over the flesh.
 helps us to break sinful habits.
 enlarges our spiritual capacities.
 rids the body of poisonous toxins.
 helps us to develop patience
 aids us in the prevention of disease
 brings revival to our churches




Journaling: Charting Out the Journey

A Christian journal helps you preserve the thoughts, prayers and promises of God that come to you throughout the day. It can be as significant as your spiritual companion or your annual reminder of how God’s promises have come to pass in your life. Whatever the reason, journaling is an important part of our Christian life.
Many times we need to reflect on our circumstances to gain a clearer understanding of God's Will for us. Writing something down brings clarity to those thoughts.

The wonderful thing about keeping a Christian journal is that you can write about anything that touches you while reading the Scriptures, fasting, and praying. That is exactly what you are asked to do during this fast and there are pages in this booklet set aside to start you on your journey of journaling for the year 2012.

In the space provided, respond to the following prompts:

I am believing God for…










My 2012 prayer list is…







My 2012 Goals are…

Spiritual—











Personal—











Professional/Educational—












The 21-Day Fast

As we journey through this time of fasting and prayer, follow these day-by-day instructions.

Day 1 – January 2, 2012
Daily Focus Repentance
Scripture
References 2 Chronicles 7:14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Reading Plan Matthew chapters 1- 5
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all PORK from your diet.
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)















Day 2 – January 3, 2012
Daily Focus Prioritize God before anything and everything else
Scripture
References Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Matthew 22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.





Reading Plan Matthew chapters 6– 9
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all PORK from your diet.
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)















Day 3 – January 4, 2012
Daily Focus We’ll Walk in Unconditional Love
Scripture
References Matthew 22:37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Reading Plan Matthew chapters 10– 13
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all BEEF and pork from your diet.
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)















Day 4 – January 5, 2012
Daily Focus Deliverance from Sexual Sins
Scripture
References Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that commiteth fornication sinneth against his own body.

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,



Reading Plan Matthew chapters 14– 17
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all BEEF and pork from your diet.
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)













Day 5 – January 6, 2012

Daily Focus Marriages and Families
Scripture
References Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Genesis 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.



Reading Plan Matthew chapters 18– 21
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all BEEF and pork from your diet.
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)













Day 6 – January 7, 2012
Daily Focus Deliverance from Sins of the Tongue

Scripture
References Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Psalm 141:3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

Psalm 39:1 I said , I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.



Reading Plan Matthew chapters 22– 25
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all SWEETS beef, and pork from your diet.
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)














Day 7 – January 8, 2012

Daily Focus Obedience
Scripture
References Leviticus 18:4 (ESV) You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the LORD your God.

Isaiah 1: 19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20 but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
Reading Plan Matthew chapters 26– 28
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all SWEETS, beef, and pork from your diet.
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)














Day 8 – January 9, 2012
Daily Focus Our Government and Its
Leadership
Scripture
References Romans 13:1 (ESV) Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
Reading Plan Mark chapters 1– 4
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all SWEETS, beef, and pork from your diet.
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)














Day 9 – January 10, 2012
Daily Focus Salvation of the Lost
Scripture
References John 3:16 (ESV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Reading Plan Mark chapters 5– 8
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all CHICKEN, sweets, beef, and pork from your diet.
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)














Day 10 – January 11, 2012
Daily Focus Perseverance
Scripture
References Psalms 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Reading Plan Mark chapters 9– 12
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all CHICKEN, sweets, beef, and pork from your diet.
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)














Day 11 – January 12, 2012
Daily Focus Financial Breakthrough
Scripture
References Matthew 17:27 (CEV) But we don't want to cause trouble. So go cast a line into the lake and pull out the first fish you hook. Open its mouth, and you will find a coin. Use it to pay your taxes and mine."

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Reading Plan Mark chapters 13– 15
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all SEAFOOD, chicken, sweets, beef, and pork from your diet. *NOTE: You may eat FISH
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)














Day 12 – January 13, 2012
Daily Focus Discernment
Scripture
References 1 Kings 3:9 (ESV) Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

John 2:24 (CEV) But Jesus knew what was in their hearts, and he would not let them have power over him.

Reading Plan Luke chapters 1– 3
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all SEAFOOD, chicken, sweets, beef, and pork from your diet. *NOTE: You may eat FISH
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)













Day 13 – January 14, 2012
Daily Focus Unity in the Body
Scripture
References Psalms 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

John 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
Reading Plan Luke chapters 4– 7
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all FISH & SEAFOOD, chicken, sweets, beef, and pork from your diet.
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)













Day 14 – January 15, 2012
Daily Focus Prosperity in the lives of God’s People
Scripture
References Deuteronomy 28:1-14 (PLEASE READ)

Psalms 35:27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Reading Plan Luke chapters 8– 11
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all FISH & SEAFOOD, chicken, sweets, beef, and pork from your diet.
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)














Day 15 – January 16, 2012
Daily Focus Wisdom
Scripture
References Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

James 1:5 (ESV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Reading Plan Luke chapters 12– 16
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all TURKEY, fish, seafood, chicken, chicken, sweets, beef, and pork from your diet.
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)














Day 16 – January 17, 2012
Daily Focus Productivity and Fruitfulness
Scripture
References John 15:8 (ESV) By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

Colossians 1:10 (ESV) so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Reading Plan Luke chapters 17– 20
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all TURKEY, fish, seafood, chicken, chicken, sweets, beef, and pork from your diet.
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)














Day 17 – January 18, 2012
Daily Focus Worry-free Lives
Scripture
References Matthew 6:25 (CEV) I tell you not to worry about your life. Don't worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn't life more than food or clothing?

Philippians 4:6 (CEV) Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God.
Reading Plan Luke chapters 21– 24
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all BREADS, turkey, fish, seafood, chicken, sweets, beef, and pork from your diet.
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)














Day 18 – January 19, 2012
Daily Focus Healing
Scripture
References Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

Luke 4:40 When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, "You are the Christ, the Son of God!" And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ.
Reading Plan John chapters 1– 5
Diet Restrictions Eliminate all BREADS, turkey, fish, seafood, chicken, sweets, beef, and pork from your diet.
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)












Day 19 – January 20, 2012
Daily Focus Deliverance
Scripture
References Matthew 6:13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one…

Psalms 107:20 He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.

Reading Plan John chapters 6– 10
Diet Restrictions Your diet should consist of FRUITS, VEGETABLES, JUICES, and WATER ONLY. Note: Fruit/Veggie Smoothies are acceptable
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)













Day 20 – January 21, 2012
Daily Focus Miracle-Working Power to come back to the church
Scripture
References Acts 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Reading Plan John chapters 11– 15
Diet Restrictions Your diet should consist of FRUITS, VEGETABLES, JUICES, and WATER ONLY. Note: Fruit/Veggie Smoothies are acceptable
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)













Day 21 – January 22, 2012
Daily Focus Manifestation of God’s Power in our every-day lives
Scripture
References Acts 5:14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them.

Acts 19:11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
Reading Plan John chapters 16– 20
Diet Restrictions Your diet should consist of JUICES, and WATER ONLY. Note: Fruit/Veggie Smoothies are acceptable
Daily Journal
Sample questions to get you started…
(What is God saying to me today? What do I need to say to God today? How am I feeling about the fast today?)












Journaling: Remembering the Journey

Now that you have completed the fast, reflect on your trials and triumphs as well as the journey as a whole. What have you gained and what were you able to release during this time of consecration and prayer?

Day 5 – January 6, 2012

Telephone #: 661-673-8600

Access Code: 369063

Teleconference Etiquette Tips

1. Choose a quiet location.

2. Learn all the features of your phone, especially how to operate the mute button. Mute your call to decrease background noise and interference. If possible, disable the call waiting feature to ensure no interruptions






















Daily Focus


Marriages and Families




Scripture References


Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.



Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;



Genesis 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.










Reading Plan


Matthew chapters 18– 21




Diet Restrictions


Eliminate all BEEF and pork from your diet.

Daily Devotional, Wednesday, January 4th, 2012 (Day #3 of our church's 21-Day Fast)

Praise the Lord! This is Day #3 of our church's 21-Day Fast. Again, if you're not a member of our church, please adhere to any/all fasting and prayer schedules established by your organization. We will meet tonight for corporate prayer at 6 pm prior to our Inspirational Session and School-of-Ministry.

Day 3 – January 4, 2012




Daily Focus


We’ll Walk in Unconditional Love




Scripture References


Matthew 22:37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.



John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”






Reading Plan


Matthew chapters 10– 13




Diet Restrictions


Eliminate all BEEF and pork from your diet.

Love Without Hypocrisy

Romans 12:9 (KJV) Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Have you ever heard the words "I love you" from someone you really believed to be your friend, only to find out later that this same person talked behind your back, gossiped about you, and didn't treat you the way a real friend would? If you confronted that person about his actions, did he admit what he did and apologize for it? Or did he lie and try to cover up his deeds, even though you already knew the facts? Did it deeply disturb you to see him put on a fake face and pretend that he was your best friend and that none of the allegations were true, even though you knew he was lying?



If you have ever experienced a situation like this, you know how very hurtful it is when a "so-called" friend behaves this way. It shows a level of hypocrisy that is deeply disturbing. This type of behaviorshould never occur among believers, but unfortunately it does from time to time. To make sure you never fall into this kind of hypocrisy, the apostle Paul wrote and told you, "Let love be without dissimulation...." Before we get to the word "dissimulation," which is our primary theme today, we must first look at the word "love." It is the Greek word agape, a word that describes the highest, finest, and most noble kind of love. In the New Testament, it is the single word that is used to describe the love of God. The word agape is so filled with deep emotion and meaning that it is one of the most difficult words to translate in the New Testament.



Agape occurs when an individual sees, recognizes, understands, or appreciates the value of an object or a person, causing the viewer to behold this object or person in great esteem, awe, admiration, wonder, and sincereappreciation. Such great respect is awakened in the heart of the observer for the object or person he is beholding that he is compelled to love it. In fact, his love for that person or object is so strong that it is irresistible. In the New Testament, perhaps the best example of agape is found in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." In the phrase, "For God so loved the world," the word "love" is the word agape.



The human race was so precious to God and He loved man so deeply that His heart was stirred to reach out and do something to save him. In other words, God's love drove Him to action. You see, agape loves so profoundly that it knows no limits or boundaries in how far, wide, high, and deep it will go to show that love to its recipient. If necessary, agape love will even sacrifice itself for the sake of that object or person it so deeply cherishes. You can see from this description why agape is the highest, finest, and most noble form of love.



This is precisely the kind of love that should exist between believers. For instance, the apostle John wrote, "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:18). The word "love" in this verse is the word agape. The apostle John makes it very clear that real agape love is not merely a matter of speaking easy and empty words; rather, agape is accompanied by actions that are truthful. It is simply hypocritical to claim to possess such love while at the same time engaging in unfaithful behavior such as backbiting and gossiping.Agape would never behave in such a manner; rather, it is forgiving and helpful, willing even to sacrifice itself for the sake of someone else.



This is why Paul wrote, "Let love be without dissimulation...." The King James Version uses the old word "dissimulation," but the Greek word is anupokritos, and it describes something that is pretended, simulated, faked, feigned, or phony. It pictures a person who deliberately gives a certain impression, even though he knows the impression he is giving is untrue. In other words, this person is a phony.





So when the apostle Paul tells us to walk in love that is without dissimulation, he means this:



"If you are going to say you love someone, then make sure you really love them. Don't give an impression that isn't true. Don't say one thing and then do another. Your love should be without hypocrisy, so don't be phony when it comes to the subject of love."



Now let me ask you this question: Have you ever been two-faced with people who thought you were their friend? Did you say one thing to them but later talk behind their backs? Did you do exactly the same thing that someone else is doing to you right now? Is it possible that you are reaping what you have sown? Instead of getting bitter and hardhearted toward someone who has acted hypocritically in his friendship with you, learn fromthis experience.



Make a decision that you will not be phony or hypocritical in your relationships the way this person was to you. Meanwhile, make sure you forgive those who have wronged you. Let it go, and do your best to overlook their inconsistencies. The Lord will probably deal with them about their actions, so if they come to you in repentance, let them know they are forgiven. But most importantly, let this be a time when you decide that you will not be guilty of giving a false impression to a friend. Let your love be real. Don't be a phony.



MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I ask You to please forgive me for the times I've been an unfaithful friend. I know there have been times in my life when I gossiped and talked about people who were supposed to be my close friends. And I didn't stop there. Rather than confess what I did and ask for forgiveness, I tried to cover it up by acting like I hadn't done anything wrong. I am so sorry for what I have done. Please forgive me for lying. Please forgive me for being a phony in my relationships. I don't ever want to do this again, so I ask You to help me walk in truthfulness, integrity, and in genuine agape love. I pray this in Jesus' name!


MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I walk in the agape love of God. I am a sincere, truthful, and dedicated friend. When I say that I love, I genuinely love. I don't talk behind people's backs. I don't gossip. I don't betray the friends God has brought into my life. If I do accidentally say something that is out of order, I quickly go to my friend to confess it and to ask for forgiveness. This truthfulness causes my friends to trust me and to know that I am truly a friend indeed. I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!



QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

Can you recall a time in your life when a friend was dishonest with you?



How did it affect you when you discovered that this person had been two-faced?



Have you ever violated a relationship by being untruthful or by talking behind the back of another person?



What do you think the Lord would have you to do to make things right in that relationship?



What has Jesus taught you through that past experience of violating a friendship?


Why don't you get a notepad and write down the things you have learned from this experience that might later he

Don't Pay Evil Back for Evil!

Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Most all of us have thought at one time or another, Oh, how I want to get back at that person for what he did to me! If you have had that thought in the past, or if you've been thinking such thoughts recently, then what we're going to talk about today should be very helpful to you! In Romans 12:17, the apostle Paul told us, "Recompense to no man evil for evil...." The word "recompense" in this verse is the Greek word apodidomi, and it literally means to give back or to pay back. It carries the idea of returning something to someone. It is a compound of the words apo, which means back, as to return back, and the word didomi, which means to give. When compounded together, the new word gives the impression of someone who wishes to retaliate, to get even, or to take revenge. This person wants to pay someone back for what the other person did by doing the same thing to him; in other words, he wants to get even with the one who wronged him. In the Greek text, there is a negative in the verse, which means this action is strongly prohibited. Paul is ordering us not to do this!



Romans 12:17 goes on to say, "Recompense to no man evil for evil...." The word "evil" is the Greek word kakos. It describes an action that is harmful, hurtful, or injurious or something done with an evil intent. These are the actions of a person who intentionally acts to cause some kind of damage or ruin in someone else's life. But the Greek literally says kakon anti kakou, which means evil for evil. It is the idea of a person who thinks, You did wrong to me, so now I'm going to do wrong to you. I'm going to do to you exactly what you did to me. This is what the phrase "evil for evil" means in this verse.



A fuller interpretation of Romans 12:17 could read:

"Don't get even with people by retaliating and taking revenge. You should never get into the business of intentionally trying to hurt someone just because they hurt you." The flesh loves to retaliate against those who have wronged us, but this is not the way Jesus teaches us to behave. Instead of retaliating, we must seek to walk in peace and to have pure hearts before God. It is impossible for us to be pure before God while we are at the same time devising mischief for those who have wronged us. We have to stay out of the mischief business and leave our offenders in the hands of God.



During the holiday season, people frequently get their feelings hurt, misunderstand each other, or simply get their wires crossed because there are so many people to deal with and so much to do. Stress is definitely a factor during this season, often adversely affecting relationships and changing the way people perceive situations.


So if you get upset about something that happens, don't give in to your emotions and end up in a fight. Rather than letting yourself get all stirred up or allowing yourself to imagine how you can get even with the person who has wronged you, get alone with the Lord and let Him fill your heart with peace. Once His peace is ruling in your heart, you'll see the situation from an entirely different perspective. Even if someone really did wrong you, God's peace will enable you to have a positive attitude toward that person. Meanwhile, you'll be able to walk on in peace with a pure heart before God, free from all bitterness, anger, and strife!



MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I thank You for encouraging me to keep my heart free of strife during this extremely busy time of the year. There is so much to do, so many places I have to be, and so many people I need to see. I admit that the demands of this time of year put a lot of stress and strain on me. In the middle of all these activities, I don't want the devil to get the best of me, so I am asking You to fill me with Your peace. Let that divine peace rule me and my emotions so I don't let satan get the upper hand in any of my relationships during this special time of year. I pray this in Jesus' name!



MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I am free of strain and stress. My heart is filled with the peace of God, and that wonderful peace is ruling my heart, my mind, and my emotions. I am not quickly angered or offended. I walk in patience and kindness, and I am quick to forgive and to overlook the inappropriate actions of other people. Because God's peace is ruling in my heart, I will remain calm, peaceful, and undisturbed by anything that happens around me during this very busy holiday season.

I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!



QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

By knowing what has happened in the past, are you now able to recognize the people or the circumstances that the devil uses to trigger your emotions and get you upset?



If your answer is yes, has the Holy Spirit shown you how to circumvent those moments so the devil can no longer ruffle your feathers and cause you to lose your peace?



If your answer is no, have you asked the Holy Spirit to teach you to recognize those moments so they won't be repeated in your life?



When you are tempted to be upset, what helps you the most to be filled with the peace of God? Is it reading the Word for a few minutes, praying, or listening to praise and worship music?



If you get upset about something that happens, don't give in to your emotions and end up in a fight. Rather than letting yourself get all stirred up or allowing yourself to imagine how you can get even with the person who has wronged you, get alone with the Lord and let Him fill your heart with peace.

The Lance of Prayer and Supplication

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

One of my favorite sections in museums is the one that displays armor used in the ancient world. I especially enjoy the section that displays the spears and lances that were used by the ancients. It is simply amazing to study the weaponry of the ancient soldier and discover how many different kinds of spears and lances were available to him. It becomes very evident that the spear and lance was one of the most important pieces of weaponry he possessed.



When Paul wrote his epistle to the Ephesians, he spoke extensively about the armor of God, urging believers to use their spiritual weaponry. However, as you study this full list of weaponry, it seems that the lance or spear, a key weapon, is missing. But although Paul didn't explicitly mention the lance, he did tell believers to take up the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11), implying a complete set of weaponry. We can therefore assume that Paul must have intended to include the lance or spear in this set of spiritual equipment.



The lance of our spiritual armor is found in Ephesians 6:18, where Paul says, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...." I call this "the lance of prayer and supplication." Let's look more closely at this piece of weaponry so you can better understand why I say this. The lances used by the large and diverse Roman army varied greatly in size, shape, and length. These weapons were devised to be used to attack an enemy from a distance. They were thrown with great force and hurled tremendous distances to strike the enemy from afar. Because different lances were thrown at different distances, they came in all sizes and shapes. The particular lance chosen by a soldier depended on how it was to be used.



By revelation, Paul begins to compare these various lances to the various kinds of prayer God has made available to us. This is why hesaid, "Praying always, with all prayer and supplication...." You see, when a believer effectively uses prayer, it becomes a lance that can be thrust forth into the spirit realm against the malevolent works of the adversary. By forcibly hurling this divine instrument of prayer into the face of the enemy, a believer can exert great spiritual power, literally attacking the devil from a distance in order to stop major obstacles from developing up close in his personal life.



I want you to especially notice the phrase "with all prayer." It is taken from the Greek phrase dia pases proseuches and would be better translated "with all kinds of prayer." Do you understand the various forms of prayer that are available for you to use as you pray and wage spiritual warfare? Don't wrongly assume that all prayer is of the samekind. Just as Roman soldiers used all kinds of lances in battle, Paul lets you know that many forms of prayer are available for you to use in the fight of faith. For instance, there is the prayer of faith, the prayer of agreement, the prayer of intercession, the prayer of supplication, the prayer of petition, the prayer of consecration, the prayer of thanksgiving, united prayer, and so forth. Paul instructs us to use every form of prayer that has been made available to us as it is needed. No one kind of prayer is better than the others; each serves a different and necessary purpose in the life of faith.



Never forget that prayer is a vital piece of your spiritual weaponry. If you neglect this strategic piece of weaponry, you will find that the enemy keeps attacking you from up close. But as you learn to pray with authority, you will develop the ability to strike the enemy from a distance and therefore maintain a victorious position in your life. God has placed the lance of prayer at your disposal so you can be assured of absolute and total victory. As you use this lance of prayer and supplication in all its various forms, you will continually reinforce Jesus Christ's triumphant victory over Satan and gloriously demonstrate Satan's miserable defeat in every area of your life!



MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I thank You for entrusting me with all the weapons I need to keep the devil defeated in my life. Forgive me for not always taking advantage of the full weaponry You have provided. Prayer is powerful—yet I admit that I have neglected this piece of weaponry in my life. Forgive me for allowing myself to get too busy to make time for prayer. Instead of ignoring this vital piece of weaponry, I want to learn how to use every form of prayer that is available to me so I can stop the devil from making up-close attacks in my life. Thank You for this vital weapon of warfare. Please teach me to use it powerfully, forcefully, and effectively against the works of the devil.

I pray this in Jesus' name!



MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that prayer is a vital piece of my spiritual weaponry. Because I use this strategic piece of weaponry, I am able to stop the enemy from attacking me from up close. I pray with authority, and that authority gives me the ability to strike the enemy from a distance while maintaining a victorious position in my life. With the lance of prayer at my disposal, I can be sure of absolute and total victory. Although the devil tries to attack me, I overcome each of his attacks by striking him from a distance as I thrust the lance of prayer and supplication into the realm of the spirit. I commit myself to using the lance of prayer and supplication in all its various forms. As I do, I will continually reinforce Jesus Christ's triumphant victory over Satan and gloriously demonstrate Satan's miserable defeat in every area of my life!

I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!



QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

Can you think of a time when you felt alerted in your spirit that an attack was coming from the enemy, and you disabled that attack by using your God-given authority in prayer?



What was that occasion? How did your aggressive praying stop that attack in your life?

Looking back on your life, what do you think would have happened if you hadn't listened to the Spirit of God and hurled the lance of prayer and supplication into the spirit realm?

If that attack against you had been successful, in what way would it have negatively affected your life?



Have you taken the time to stop and thank God for alerting you to this potential spiritual attack?



Are you aware of the different kinds of prayer that are available for you to use?



What are you doing to learn more about prayer and how to use prayer more effectively in your life?

Are You Living Only for Today—Or Living Also for Eternity?

2 Peter 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

One day I was standing at the foot of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt with my wife and sons. We had spent that entire week floating down the Nile River, touring all the sites of ancient Egypt, many of which were more than 4,000 years old. We were amazed at how well the condition of these ancient locations had been preserved. Finally we stood at the foot of the ancient, massive Great Pyramid of Giza. It, too, was in marvelous condition, considering that it had been standing there for so many thousands of years. It was very evident that the Great Pyramid had been built solidly so it would stand as an eternal remembrance to the Egyptian king who built it.



As I stood there with my family, I told my sons, "Thispyramid has stood here for thousands of years, but a day is coming in the future when it will be completely dissolved. When the final Day of the Lordcomes, the Bible tells us that everything that exists on the earth will melt with fervent heat, and the earth and all its works will be burned up. Boys,that means a day is coming when none of these monuments will exist any longer. Everything built by man will vanish, including these monuments that have stood the test of time for thousands of years. The only thing that will last is what people have done for Jesus Christ."



The scripture I referred to as I talked to my sons was Second Peter 3:10. This verse says that when the Day of the Lord comes, "... the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are thereinshall be burned up." According to Peter, when the Day of the Lord comes at the very end of the age, everything we presently see and know will be changed. Even the heavens as we currently know them will pass away. The words "pass away" are from the Greek word parerchomai, which pictures something that is temporary and will soon be passing away. Peter says that the present heavens will pass away with a "great noise." The words "great noise" are from the Greek word hroidzedon. This word describes a sound so loud that it is nearly deafening to those who hear it. It further carries the idea of a tremendous hissing, sizzling, cracking sound that rushes all about or a noise so thunderous that no one can escape it.

When these events transpire, the heavens and all "the elements" shall melt with a fervent heat. The word "elements" is the Greek word stoicheion, and it refers to everything that exists— from the heavenly bodies in the sky overhead to the mountains, the earth, the buildings constructed by man, and even the smallest atomic particles. Absolutely nothing will survive the transforming, purifying fire that will melt everything.



The word "melt" in this verse is from the Greek word luo, which normally means to loose. But in this case, it pictures the dissolving of matter and the complete dissolution of the earth's elements. This melting of the elements will occur because of a "fervent heat" that will be manifested on the Day of the Lord. The words "fervent heat" come from the Greek word kausoomai, which depicts a fire so intense that nothing escapes its blaze. It was used by medical writers to convey the idea of a fever that consumed a victim. This is an intense, raging, blazing, blistering, burning fire that consumes and hence purges everything it touches. Absolutely nothing will survive this fire when Jesus purifies this present world and creates a new heaven and a new earth.



I spoke these words to my sons because I wanted them to know that the only thing to survive this life will be what we do for Jesus Christ. We tend to think that our houses, buildings, and the things we construct inlife will live forever. But the truth is, even the structures that are built to survive through the ages of time will eventually pass away. Since only thatwhich is done for eternity will outlast this world, we can see why Peter asked the question, "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?" (2 Peter 3:11).



A day is coming when all the material possessions you own and hold to be dear will be "dissolved." The word "dissolved" is from the Greek word luo, which is the same word mentioned above in Second Peter 3:10 to describe the complete dissolution of everything that presently exists. By using this word, Peter alerts us to the fact that nothing we presently own will last forever. In light of this truth, how should we view our material possessions, and how should we prioritize our lives?



Too often we devote the bulk of our time to our homes,gardens, cars, businesses, or other worldly affairs. Although we must give attention to the basic things that are necessary to life, we make a huge mistake if we focus on these temporal matters while neglecting the eternal spiritual issues that will pass from this life into the next. Only what is done for the Lord will last. Everything else will be left behind in a world thatwill one day be consumed with a fervent heat. Since everything will be dissolved, as Peter tells us, doesn't it make sense that we invest in our spiritual futures as well as in our present lives?



How should this knowledge affect the way you live? Peter asked, "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be...?" In other words, since the heavens and the earth and everything in them are temporary and will one day pass away, whatshould have your greatest attention and devotion?

Unsaved men in today's world live for the present. Often they do great philanthropic works because they want their names to be remembered in future generations. Their desire is to have people revere them, place their names on buildings, name streets after them, and so forth.



However, every building that bears a person's name will one day evaporate. The pyramids that have stood before us for centuries will one day be gone. Those who live only for the present or to impress men will be the greatest losers of all, for everything they have lived for will burn up andpass away, never to be remembered again. On the other hand, those who live for eternity, walk by faith, and obey what the Word of God tells them to do will make a name for themselves that will be remembered in Heaven for all of eternity. These are the biggest winners in life!


The message I conveyed to my sons that day in front of the pyramids is the same message I want to impress upon you today: Take the time to consider your priorities in life. Are you investing in eternity, or are youconsumed with natural things that won't survive that consuming fire, which will one day melt everything that exists? Since what you do for Jesus is the only thing that will survive, don't you think it would be wise to prayerfully consider your life to see if you are investing as much in eternity as you are investing in the present?



MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, please help me to live soberly and to invest not only in the present, but also in the eternity that is to come. I don't want to be among those who lived only for the present and therefore suffered loss because they forgot to invest in Heaven. Teach me how to manage and increase the material possessions You have given me so that I can use them to increase my wealth in Heaven. I am grateful for the things I own, but I am more thankful for the souls who are in Heaven because I used my resources to invest in eternity. Help me to use my life wisely and to live as I ought to live in light of eternity. I pray this in Jesus' name!



MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I am living for eternity. Although I thank God for all the possessions He has given me, I realize that all of these are temporary blessings. The greatest investment I can make is in my spiritual future, so in addition to managing the physical blessings God has given me, I am a wise investor in my eternal destiny. I spend the bulk of my time, my money, my talents, and my energies on things that will further God's Kingdom and outlast this world!

I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!



QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

In light of what you have read today, what changes do you need to make in your schedule and priorities in order to invest in things that will outlast this life?

Do you spend more time focusing on temporal matters that don't count for eternity, or do you spend a healthy amount of your time, money, talents, and energies on doing what God's Word tells you to do?

If Jesus were to speak to you directly today, do you think He would tell you that you are living primarily for today, or that you are also investing wisely in your eternal future?

The Annihilating Appearance Of Jesus Christ in Great Glory!

2 Thessalonians 2:8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

When Jesus comes at the end of the age, He will come in great power and glory In fact, when He comes, His glory will be so brilliant that it will totally annihilate the antichrist! This is why Paul told the Thessalonians, "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming" (2 Thessalonians 2:8). After time runs out for the antichrist to do his work on the earth, Jesus will come. And Paul declares that when the Lord comes, He will "consume" this evil leader "with the spirit of his mouth." The Greek word translated "consume" is anairo, which means to kill, to murder, to slay, to slaughter, to do away with, or to abolish. The meaning here is clear: When the Lord comes, He will obliterate the antichrist. He will wipe him out and permanently do away with him.



How will the Lord do this? Paul says that "... the Lord shall consume [the antichrist] with the spirit of his mouth...." The word translated "spirit" is actually from the Greek word pneuma, which is normally translated spirit. Thus, the verse could be translated, "BY the spirit of his mouth." This means that even though Satan energizes the antichrist with all the power he possesses, this evil leader doesn't stand a chance in the Presence of Jesus. Paul lets us know that this demonized leader doesn't even have enough strength to withstand one puff from the mouth of the Lord! The Greek word stomos describes the mouth of the Lord from which this obliterating power will come. You see, on that day the Lord will open his mouth and speak—and when He does, so much power will be released that it will permanently remove the antichrist from the world scene.



In fact, Paul says this final encounter with the Lord will "destroy" this evil leader. The word "destroy" is the Greek word katargeo. Paul uses this word twenty-five times in his New Testament writings, so we know exactly what he intends by using it. This word means to bring to nothing; to reduce to waste; to render inactive; to abolish; or to put out of commission. There is no doubt that when Jesus Christ comes, He will permanently put the antichrist out of commission! The rule of evil will come to an abrupt end when Jesus returns at the end of the age. I want you to know what Paul is talking about when he uses the phrase "the brightness of his [Jesus'] coming." The word "brightness" is the Greek word epiphaneia. This word was used in classical Greece to describe the sudden and occasional surprise appearance of the Greek gods. When the fabled gods suddenly appeared, they were glorious and mighty in appearance. Now Paul reaches into classical literature and borrows a word that clearly means Jesus' coming will take many by surprise and will be accompanied by great splendor and glory.



The world, entrenched in evil, will think it has won the victory and is secure in its plans. But then the Lord will come and take them all by surprise! Before anyone realizes what is happening, God's glory will fill the sky, and Jesus will mightily appear in the sky overhead. His "coming" (from the word parousia, which describes the Lord's strong Presence) will take the world by surprise, overwhelming everyone as every evil system set in place by unregenerate man is suddenly obliterated!



An interpretive translation of Second Thessalonians 2:8 could read:

"When the Wicked One steps onto the stage and makes his presence known, it won't be too long afterward that the Lord will come. And when He comes, His coming will be so grand, so glorious, and so overwhelming that He will totally obliterate the Lawless One by the mere breath of His mouth. Just one puff from the Lord, and this evil person will be incinerated! The very Presence of the Lord will eradicate him, permanently putting him out of commission."



You see, when you serve Jesus Christ, you have joined the greatest Champion in the universe. There is no power that can equal or surpass His power. There is no might on planet earth to compare with His awesome might. And just think—when you become a child of God, you become a joint heir with Him! Everything He possesses—including His power and His victory—becomes yours! You should rejoice in the knowledge of what Jesus will do by His mighty power when He returns at the end of the age. However, don't overlook the fact that this same power is available to you today. Jesus has given you His power so you can use it in this life.



So if evil is resisting you in some area of your life right now, open your mouth and let the power of God be released to obliterate that attack! Shock the devil with a sudden manifestation of God's power that permanently immobilizes him in every area of your life!



MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I thank You for Your awesome power that You have chosen to share with Your children. I don't ever have to let the devil run freely in my life. By opening my mouth and speaking the Word of God to my situation, Your power can be released to obliterate the enemy's work in my life. Thank You for making me Your joint heir and for investing Your great power in my life!

I pray this in Jesus' name!



MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I boldly declare that God's power resides in me. There is enough power inside me to obliterate any attack the devil would attempt to bring against my life. Rather than sit in fear and fret about what is happening to me, I will open my mouth, speak the Word of truth, and watch the power of God attack, overwhelm, and overcome the strategies that the devil has tried to use against me! I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!



QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

What are the areas of your life that seem to be under
demonic assault right now?


What are you doing to resist these attacks?



Are you foolishly shutting your eyes and hoping they will go
away by themselves?


Or are you opening your mouth to speak the Word of God and to release the power of God into your situation?



What scriptures should you be speaking over your life right now to bring a permanent solution to these assaults?

The Great Restrainer!

2 Thessalonians 2:6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

If Satan has been waiting to introduce the antichrist to the world, what is stopping him from allowing this evil leader to step onto the platform of the world stage right now? Why is it taking so long for the devil to finally bring this man to public attention? Paul answered this question when he wrote Second Thessalonians 2:6-8. He said, "And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming."



Notice that Paul says, "And now ye know...." In the Greek, the sentence could be better translated, "Now, since I have already told you all these things, you ought to already know...." This is important, for it tells us that Paul had already informed the Thessalonian believers about events that would occur in the last days. Paul had only spent a mere matter of months with the Thessalonian church; we can therefore see from this passage of Scripture the importance he attached to their ability to understand end-time events. In the short time Paul was with the Thessalonian believers, he had instructed them so well on the events of the last days that he could now tell them, "Since I have already told you all these things, you ought to already know...."


Let me ask you this: If Paul used part of his brief stay with the Thessalonian church to teach them about the events that would occur in the last days, doesn't this tell us that our understanding of this subject should be a very high priority? We can't shut our eyes to these truths of Scripture. If Paul considered this theme so important that he would introduce it to a group of new believers, how much more do we who are seasoned believers need to grasp what the Bible teaches about the last days?


Paul told the Thessalonian believers that a Force "withholdeth" the antichrist from being revealed. Although the Greek doesn't specifically state the identity of the restraining Force in this verse, it seems to suggest that Paul is referring to the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. Think of it—what if the power of the Spirit of God was suddenly withdrawn or removed from the earth? It would be only a brief matter of time before the devil quickly consummated his dream of world domination. You see, the Holy Spirit is the Great Restrainer, and He is holding back this evil from coming to pass in the world today.


The King James Version uses the word "withholdeth" to describe this restraining work of the Spirit. In Greek, it is the word katecho and carries the idea of holding something down or suppressing something. It is clear that this is an evil so horrendous that it must be held down, held back, or suppressed lest it be loosed to release a wide range of wicked effects. The supernatural Force Paul refers to is stalling, delaying, and postponing the evil that is craving to be fully released and set into operation.


Peter tells us why the Spirit of God is stalling, delaying, and postponing this dreadful time at the end of the age. In Second Peter 3:9, he says that God is "... not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." God is holding back the ultimate day of evil to give unbelievers more time to come to Him in repentance. But a day is soon coming when the Great Restrainer will "... be taken out of the way" (2 Thessalonians 2:7). When this day comes, the hindering Power that has continuously delayed the worldwide domination of evil and lawlessness will be removed. It will be as though He is suddenly lifted out of the middle of everything. At that moment, the evil forces that have long been suppressed will suddenly be freed, and their wicked plans, purposes, and desires will be abruptly energized. When the supernatural hindering Force is removed, these events will quickly come to pass with no hesitation, for the Restrainer will be out of the picture.



Once the Restrainer is gone, the antichrist will "be revealed." The word "revealed" is the word apokalupto. The Greek word apo means away, and the word kalupto refers to something that is veiled, covered, concealed, or hidden. When these two words are compounded, they form the word apokalupto, which depicts a veil that has been removed, exposing what is behind the veil that was previously concealed or hidden from view. When the Holy Spirit's restraining power has been withdrawn, there will no longer be any force present to hold back the evil forces. Therefore, this evil leader who has been concealed and hidden from public view will suddenly "appear." In that moment, it will seem as if a stage curtain has been pulled out of the way so that he can make his grand appearance to the world.



Taking all these Greek words into consideration, an interpretive translation of Second Thessalonians 2:6-8 could read this way:



"Now in light of everything I've told you before, you ought to be well aware by now that there is a supernatural Force at work, preventing the materialization of this person and the disclosure of his identity.



"This restraining Force I'm referring to is so strong that it is currently putting on the brakes and holding back the unveiling of this wicked person, stalling and postponing his manifestation. But when the right moment comes, this evil one will no longer be withheld, and he will emerge on the world scene! The screen that has been hiding his true identity and guarding him from world view will suddenly be pulled back and evaporate—and he will step out on center stage to let everyone know who he is.


"These events have been covertly in the making for a long time, but the world doesn't realize that a secret plan is being executed right under their own noses. The only thing that has kept this plan from already being consummated is the supernatural Force that has been holding it all back until now.



"But one day this Force will be removed from the picture—and when that happens, these events will quickly transpire. The removal of this restraining Force will signal the moment when the Lawless One will finally make his grand appearance to the world...."


Can you image how quickly evil would take over the world if the Spirit of God stopped restraining the presence of evil? Because God is holding back this force of evil to give men more time to repent, we are still living in a period of grace when men can call on the name of the Lord and be saved. We are truly living in a season of grace that God is extending to the world just before the worst evil in human history is manifested on the earth.


If you haven't been spending much time in prayer for your unsaved friends and loved ones, why don't you start making it a high priority today to pray for their salvation? Right now God is holding back evil so that your friends—and all mankind—may have one last opportunity to come to Him in repentance before the end of the age is consummated and all the prophecies of the Bible are fulfilled.

Which of your friends need to be saved? How often do you pray for them? What are you doing to ensure that they have an opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ? If you possess the answers they need but don't share those answers with them, how do you think you will feel when you stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ?



If you do your best to introduce your loved ones to Jesus but they refuse to listen, at least your heart will be free of guilt on that day when you stand before Jesus. So why don't you begin to pray for them today? And while you're in that place of prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to give you another chance to share the Gospel with those whom you know and love!



MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I thank You for holding back the evil forces that want to manifest in the world today. It's hard to imagine what the world would be like if Your Spirit no longer suppressed the evil in the hearts of men. I thank You for working in the world today, and I thank You for giving my friends, family, associates, and acquaintances one last chance to come to You. Please help me recognize divinely appointed moments when I can present the Gospel to those who are near me. And I ask You to help me formulate my words so they can understand what I am communicating to them. Holy Spirit, as I speak to people, I ask You to do the work of conviction in their hearts so they will have a desire to believe and to repent. I pray this in Jesus' name!



MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I am sensitive to opportunities that God gives me to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't have a spirit of fearabout witnessing. Because the power of the Holy Spirit lives inside me, I am brave, bold, and courageous when it comes to telling the Good News of Jesus Christ. People need the Gospel—and that means they need to hear what I have to tell them. When I speak, God's Spirit anoints me and people listen. As a result of my obedience, I am being used by God to bring many people to salvation in these last days! I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!



QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

Who are the unbelieving family members, friends, associates, or acquaintances you are most concerned about?



Have you ever put them on a prayer list to help remind you to pray for their salvation every day?



Before you were saved, did anyone pray regularly for your salvation? Who was that person?



After you came to the Lord, didn't it make you thankful that someone cared enough to pray for you?



Have you ever taken the time to thank that person for making your salvation a high priority in his or her prayer time?



Is there someone you are going to see today who might be open if you shared the Good News that Jesus died for him or her?



Who is that person?

The Appearance of the Antichrist

2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

From my early childhood, I heard about the antichrist. In the many years that I've been Christian, I've heard people speculate that this person or that person could potentially be the antichrist. However, although these individuals may have been forerunners to the antichrist, none of themturned out to be the long-anticipated Man of Lawlessness described in the Scriptures. The Bible teaches us that at some point in the future, an evil ruler called the antichrist is going to step onto the platform of the world stage and take the leading role for a short time in the affairs of mankind. Many predecessors of the antichrist have alreadycome and gone, but according to this scripture in Second Thessalonians 2, the real antichrist is still yet to be revealed in the last times.



Paul tells us about the supernatural appearance of theantichrist when he writes about the last days in Second Thessalonians 2:3, 4. Paul writes, "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God."



Paul says that before the antichrist can be revealed, first there must be a "falling away" that takes place in the world. The phrase "falling away" is taken from the Greek word apostasia, which describes a falling away or a revolt. The writer Plutarch used this word todescribe a political revolt. The word apostasia is used to picture people who are turning away from the Lord. This word also occurs in the Septuagint version of Joshua 2:22, where it conveys the idea of rebellion against God. Thus, the word apostasia is a word that denotes rebellion, mutiny, and defiance.



Before the antichrist can be welcomed with wide-open arms by the world, a change in society's mentality must first take place. Paul usesthis word to predict a rebellion or mutiny against God that will occur in the last days. The text does not imply that this mutiny will occur within the Church; rather, it seems to point to a change in society's attitude toward God. Paul is describing a time when society's attitude toward God and holy things will become mutinous. Once this anti-God and anti-godliness mentality pervades society, the world will be primed andprepared to receive this man whom Paul calls "that man of sin."



The Greek word used here for "sin" is the word anomia. Translating the word anomia as "sin" is unfortunate, for the word anomia actually means without law and carries the idea of a lawless attitude. It has a definite article in Greek, which tells us emphatically that this individual is not just any person with a lawless attitude; rather, this is a reference to the man of lawlessness or the antichrist.



Paul points to a time when this evil leader will be "revealed." The word "revealed" is the Greek word apokalupto. It is a compound word, using the words apo and kalupto. The word apo means away, and the word kalupto is something that is veiled, covered, concealed, or hidden. When these two words are compounded, they form the word apokalupto, depicting a veil that has been removed, exposing what is behind the veil that was formerly concealed or hidden from view. Paul uses this word to inform us that a day is coming when the antichrist—who has been concealed and hidden from public view—will suddenly appear. In that moment when he suddenly emerges on the world scene, it will be as if a stage curtain has been pulled out of the way so that he can make his grand appearance.



Paul calls this wicked leader "the son of perdition." The word "perdition" is from the Greek word apoleia, which speaks of something that is doomed, rotten, ruinous, or decaying. Although this world leader may boast that he will lead the world to a higher and better day, what he will actually bring to the world is doom, destruction, ruin, rot, and decay. No redeeming value can be found in anything produced by the antichrist's rule. In the Greek text, Paul uses a definite article, loudly signaling that this evil world ruler is in a category like none other before him. He is not simply another evil person. He is THE Son of Doom and Destruction.



Next, Paul tells us that this wicked world leader will be one "who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewinghimself that he is God." The Greek word for "opposeth" is antikeimai, which means opposed to or against everything that is established. There is no doubt that this is a clear reference to the antichrist.

The word "antichrist" means against Christ. Thus, the Greek word used in this verse tells us that this evil leader will be against everything having to do with God. It is important to note that the Greek grammar used in this verse paints the picture of a continual, unending, and perpetual resistance against the things of God. This is not just a one-time resistance against the things of God; rather, this poisonous quality will be deeply ingrained in the character of the antichrist. Everything in this evil ruler will be opposed to God and all that He represents.



Paul also warns that the antichrist "... exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped...." The word "exalteth" is the Greek word huperairo, which means to exceedingly exalt oneself" or to be exalted highly. In this case, it is the idea of someone being exalted too highly. According to Paul, the antichrist will go to all lengths to exceedingly exalt himself in the eyes of the world. As we continue to study this verse, we discover that this wicked ruler will even attempt to sit in God's rightful place in the temple and elevate himself higher than God Himself!

Paul says that the antichrist will oppose and exalt himself above all "that is worshipped." The word for "worship" is the Greek word sebasma, which refers to anything that can be worshiped, including God. Here we see that the antichrist will attempt to stop the practice of worshiping God and demand that he become the primary focus of human attention and worship. Then Paul prophesies that the antichrist will sit in the very place of God in the temple. The word "temple" is the Greek word naos. It is sometimes used to refer to the innermost part of the temple and may be interpreted as the Holy of Holies. On the basis of this verse, many scholars assert that the antichrist will enter a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, where he will go into the Holy ofHolies and decree himself to be God incarnate.



Wasn't this exactly what Lucifer attempted to do when he declared that he would exalt himself above the very throne of God? Isaiah tells us of Lucifer in Isaiah 14:13, 14: "For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High." Following the long-held desire of Satan, the antichrist will again attempt to take the very place of God in the temple. Paul tells us that the antichrist will commit the ultimate offense of "... shewing himself that he is God." The Greek word for "shew" is the word apodeiknumi, which actually means to vividly portray; to point out; to illustrate; to show off; or to make a vivid presentation. This is the picture of the antichrist using all possible means to demonstrate that he holds a rank that is even higher than God Himself.



In Second Thessalonians 2:9, Paul warns that the antichrist will even employ supernatural signs and wonders to try to prove that he is God. He says, "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders." The words "with all" are from the Greek words en pase, which emphatically declares that the antichrist will come with all power—implying that he will make his grand appearance with all kinds of power and supernatural displays. The Greek word for "power" is dunamis, which describes something that is explosive or dynamic. It is where we get the word dynamite. This means that when the antichrist appears, he will come with all kinds of powers that are truly extraordinary in the opinion of the lost world.



The Greek word for "sign" is semeion. This word denotes an act that points the viewer in a certain direction or an action performed to prove a point. It also means a beacon, a signal, or a sign. Just as a sign on the road gives directions to a driver, these supernatural feats are intended to point the attention and focus of the world to the antichrist. The word "wonder" is the Greek word teras, and it is often translated miracles. This refers to something that causes people to marvel or to be amazed. The same word is used in Matthew 24:24, where Jesus warns that false prophets will perform wonders in the last days to deceive and to draw people away after themselves. Here it is used to say that when Satan finally has the opportunity to introduce his antichrist to the world, the evil ruler will energetically attempt to take the very place of God—even using lying signs and wonders to show that he is God.



When you put all these Greek words together, you discover that Paul's words in Second Thessalonians 2:3, 4, 9 could be interpreted:



"In light of these things, I urge you to refuse to allow anyone to take advantage of you. For example, you won't need a letter to tell you when the day of the Lord has come. You ought to know by now that this day can't come until first a worldwide insurgency, rebellion, riot, and mutiny against God has come about in society.

"Once that occurs, the world will then be primed, prepared, and ready to embrace the Man of Lawlessness, the one who hates law and has rebellion running in his blood. This is the long-awaited and predicted Son of Doom and Destruction, the one who brings rot and ruin to everything he touches. When the time is just right, he will finally come out of hiding and go public!



"Do you understand whom I am talking about? I'm describing that person who will be so against God and everything connected with the worship of God that, if you can imagine it, he will even try to put himself on a pedestal above God Himself—sitting in God's rightful place in the temple and publicly proclaiming himself to be God!

"This evil one will be energized by Satan himself as he makes his arrival known to the world with all kinds of dynamic supernaturalpowers—powers that are truly extraordinary. These lying signs and wonders and supernatural feats have only one purpose: They are designed to draw attention to the Lawless One and to make the world stand in awe of him."



Any Christian who is sensitive to the Spirit of God iskeenly aware that we are living in a time when society's attitude toward God is radically changing. The world is being primed and prepared to throw open its arms and receive this world ruler who will oppose God and bring rot, ruin, and destruction to mankind. Unfortunately, the lost world doesn't realize that it is being slowly seduced and trained for this moment the devil has long awaited.



As believers, we have no need to be afraid, for none of this will affect those who know Jesus Christ. However, it will affect those who are lost and without God. They will fall under the supernatural hypnotism of this devil-anointed leader. And if they don't come to know Jesus Christ before all of this occurs, they will be ensnared in the trap that the entire world is about to fall into in the days to come.

Please realize what a critical time you are living in right now. Jesus is coming quickly. Those who know Him will escape many of these trials and temptations, but those who don't know Him will be caught in the delusion and devastation. It's good to rejoice that you will escape, but what about those you love? What are you going to do to ensure that they escape the evil days that are coming upon the earth?



In light of this clear teaching of Scripture, don't you think it's time for you to reach out to your unsaved friends and family members and speak to them about the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you an opportunity to speak to them; then let Him fill your mouth with the right words as you earnestly plead with them to make Jesus Christ the Lord of their lives.



MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I ask You to give me the boldness I need to present the Gospel to my friends and family members who are unsaved. I know that ifthey don't receive Jesus, they will be lost in sin and caught in the delusion that is coming upon the world in the days to come. I don't want to stand before You knowing that they are lost because I was too afraid to open my mouth and tell them of Your saving blood. Holy Spirit, please give me the boldness I need and the right words to speak to those who are near and dear to my heart. When I stand before You, I want to be assured in my heart that I did everything I could to rescue those who are lost and perishing. Please help me to do this and to start today!

I pray this in Jesus' name!



MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I am not afraid to testify of Jesus Christ to others. In fact, the love of God compels me to reach out to those who are lost. I know I will give account for those I could have reached but didn't, so I will do everything I can to speak to them, to reach them, and to make sure they have an opportunity to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. If they refuse to listen or to receive, I will be freed from my responsibility. My part is just to make sure they had a chance to hear and to believe. The Holy Spirit is empowering me to testify, so starting today, I will follow His leading and speak to unbelievers about Jesus as God provides opportunities for me to do so. I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!



QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

Do you have unsaved friends or relatives who need to know the Lord before all these terrible events begin to unfold on the world stage?



Who are these loved ones? Do you regularly pray for their salvation?



How long has it been since you have personally presented the Gospel to those loved ones who are still unsaved? Is the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart, trying to prompt you to share Christ with them at this time?



Have you asked the Holy Spirit to give you an opportunity to present the Gospel to your friends and loved ones? When the Holy Spirit gave you an opportunity in the past, did you take advantage of it, or did you let it pass you by?



If you let it pass you by, why don't you ask the Holy Spirit to give you another opportunity to present Jesus to those whom you love?