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.

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 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?

Investing in Your Eternity

1 Timothy 6:19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

When Russian Czar Peter the Great died, his daughter Elizabeta Petrovna came to the throne and became the Empress of Russia. She was perhaps the most flamboyant ruler ever to reign over Russia. The extravagance of her lifestyle was legendary. She owned more palaces than she could use, and the Cinderella-type carriages she owned were hand-carved and gold-leafed. In addition, the carriage doors and spikes of the wheels of each carriage werestudded with dazzling diamonds to match the solid gold crowns that were laden with emeralds and rubies and affixed to the top. The Empress Elizabeta also had an abnormal love of clothes. She completely changed her attire three times a day and never once wore the same article of clothing twice. This was no problem for her, given the fact that she owned 15,000 regal gowns, many of which were spun from pure silver and gold and encrusted with precious gems.



This ruler of Russia came to be known as the "party queen" because she threw hundreds of parties in her massive gold-gilded palaces. To make sure no royal woman ever wore the same gown to such an event twice, she established a new rule: Servants were to be stationed at all thedoors; then as each woman left the palace parties, the servants were to stamp the back of these fabulous gowns with a huge black ink stamp. The ink stampdeclared that the dress had already been worn to one party and could never be worn to another one. That stamp literally ruined the dress, ensuring that no one would ever dare attend one of the empress's celebrations in an already-used garment.



During the rule of Empress Elizabeta, she ordered the hundreds of massive columns and statues that adorned all her palaces to be covered with pure gold. However, when Catherine the Great came to power andbecame the Empress of Russia, she considered that much gold on the exterior of a palace to be garish and unfitting (although Catherine's lifestyle was actually no less ostentatious than Elizabeta's). Therefore, Catherine ordered her servants to scrape all the gold off the columns and statues and to throw it away, replacing it with white paint.



When the news of this disposal of gold reached the ears of the wealthy class in Saint Petersburg, a successful merchant came to Catherine the Great and asked if he could purchase the gold she was throwing away. Catherine sternly replied to him, "Excuse me, but who do you think I am? Do you think that I, the Empress of Russia, am so poor that I need to sell my rubbish?" With that, she ordered all the old, scraped-off gold to be thrownaway.



Once when I was visiting Saint Petersburg and touring some of these vast historical palaces, I pondered the way these wealthy rulers spent such massive fortunes on themselves. I thought, Today we visit the palaces of people who once lived luxuriously but whose bones now lie in their graves. Although these people lived in opulence during their lifetimes, what good does their wealth do for them now? Did they spend it all on themselves, only to spend an eternity in spiritual impoverishment? What is the eternal condition of these people?



If we are to live wisely, we must invest not only in temporary moments of pleasure, but also in the eternity that lies before all of us. Moments of pleasure in this life are enjoyable but fleeting; however, what we invest in eternity never fades. This is why Paul told the rich in Timothy's church that they were to be "laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life (1 Timothy 6:19). The same message applies to us today.



The words "laying up" are from the Greek word apothesauridzo. This Greek word is a compound of the word apo, which means away, and the word thesaurus, which is the Greek word for a treasure. The two words compounded together mean to store away treasure or to amass a fortune. The new word depicts people putting their investments in a safe place wherethey cannot be stolen, ruined, or diminished.

Most affluent and prosperous people work very hard to see that their money is invested in safe, profitable, money-making investments.This is why they put their money into stocks and bonds, property, art, or other investments that will eventually reap healthy dividends. They want to see their fortune grow. And if they are wise, they will not invest in ventures that are too risky because they don't want to see their fortunes stolen, ruined, or diminished. Likewise, God expects you to be wise with the finances He has entrusted to you. This is made clear in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, where Jesus commends the servants whocaused their resources to grow and rebuked the servant who did nothing to increase his financial capacity.



Based on Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25, we know that each of us should do everything possible to increase the size of our wealth. However, this financial increase isn't to be gained so we can hoard it or spend it on ourselves! Paul says that if we've been blessed with wealth, we need to also think very seriously about how to "lay it up" where it will never be diminished. In fact, he goes on to say that we should use our money to amass "... a good foundation against the time to come...."

The word "good" in the phrase "a good foundation" is the word kalos. The word kalos pictures something that is sound, healthy, fine, or excellent. The word "foundation" is the Greek word themelios. This word is most likely an early combination of the Greek word lithos, which means stone, and the wordtithimi, which means to place. It depicts that which is set in stone; a foundation that cannot be easily moved or shaken; or something so solid that it will endure the test of time. This is the reason it later came to be translated as the word foundation.



The words "time to come" are taken from the Greek word mello and describe events that are coming in the future. Later in the verse, Paul proceeds to talk about eternity, leaving no doubt that he is referring to eternity when he speaks of a "time to come." He wants to urge people to invest not only in the present, but also in the eternity that lies in all their futures.



You see, the money you spend on your own pleasures right now is gone once it is spent. It is normal for you to enjoy the finances you have worked so hard to attain. You should enjoy them. But to spend all of it on yourself here and invest none of it into your eternal future is simply stupidity. What you spend on yourself right now in this life is gone once you have died. On the other hand, what you sow into the Gospel reaches into thenext life as an investment that keeps growing for all of eternity—an investment that amasses for yourself an enduring, never-ending reward in the life to come!



If you are a wise investor, you are already aware that you must think long-term when you make your investments. Likewise, as you sow your seed into the Gospel and into those who take it to the ends of the earth, you must remember that you may not see the tangible fruit of your investment inthis life. But one day when you get to Heaven, you will at last see the phenomenal reward of your giving. Then you will reap the dividends of the finances you sowed into the Kingdom of God!

So don't spend all your money on your earthly existence and forget to lay up a good foundation for the eternity that lies in your future. Give now, and by faith prepare for yourself a wealthy existence in the eternity that lies before you!



MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, help me to always keep in mind that eternity lies before me. Too often I get so consumed in the affairs of this life that I forget to think about my eternal existence. I don't want to be so focused on making myself comfortable in this life that I forget to do what I must to make myself comfortable in the next life. Help me lay up a good foundation for the eternity that lies in my future. Holy Spirit, I ask You to teach me not only how to cause my personal wealth to grow here and now, but also how to sow financial seed into the Gospel that will benefit many and cause me to reap great rewards when I pass into the life yet to come!

I pray this in Jesus' name!



MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I boldly declare that I am investing in my future! All of eternity lies before me, so I am sowing seed into the Kingdom of God, believing that it will be multiplied back to me now as it is also laid up for me in my eternal future. I am a wise investor, so I sow regularly and faithfully into the work of God's Kingdom—and my faith investments are reaping for me a great harvest in the days to come!

I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!



QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

Are you sowing for eternity, or are you investing only for the dividends you can reap in this life right now?



What can you do to make sure you are not spending all your money on your present pleasures, forgetting to lay up a good foundation for the eternity that lies in your future?



When you evaluate what you sow into the Kingdom of God, can you conclude that you are serious about investing into eternity?



What changes do you need to make in your spending and investing habits in order to ensure that you will reap strong eternal dividends when you pass into eternity?



Why don't you make a list of the ministries and organizations where you sow your financial seed so you can reevaluate your giving and determine where you can give more?

If You're Financially Blessed, Don't Feel Guilty About It!

1 Timothy 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

Many years ago, my wife and I knew a family who was extremely wealthy. When I use the word "extremely" to describe their wealth, even this word inadequately expresses the immense reserves of worldly possessions they had accumulated. Due to their great-great-grandfather's wise planning two generations earlier, their family money had been invested in such a way that it couldn't be touched and therefore wouldn't be spent. As a result, the family investments had kept growing and accumulating for two generations.



Although vast sums of money were in the bank and belonged to these family members, they were not allowed to touch one cent of it until the date that had been set by their great-great-grandfather. They were enormously wealthy; yet they struggled financially to make ends meet because the treasure they had in the bank wasn't at their disposal. When we first came to know this family, the time had finally arrived—their money became available for them to use and enjoy. But because they had lived for so long with so little, they didn't know how to enjoy the money. In fact, even though they could purchase anything they wished, they didn't. They felt guilty about owning so much money.



So instead of enjoying their wealth, these family members just let the money sit in the bank, where it continued to grow larger. Meanwhile, they lived like people who were financially strapped for cash. They wore old clothes; they balked at spending the money to purchase a new car; and they were very concerned about what people would think of them if word ever got out about how much money they had in the bank. When I saw these people, I'd try to encourage them to go buy some new clothes, but they didn't want to spend the money to do it. Even though they could purchase anything they wanted, they lived like poor people.



When Paul wrote to Timothy, he gave him instructions for the rich people who attended his church. He said, "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17). I want you to notice that God's blessings are to be enjoyed. The word "enjoy" in this verse is from the Greek word apolausis, which describes a person who gets the maximum benefit from something he owns. Rather than feel guilty about what he owns, he derives great pleasure, gratification, and enjoyment from what he possesses. This means if God has entrusted abundant resources to you, you shouldn't feel guilty about your wealth or feel badly about enjoying it. God wants you to enjoy the blessings and resources He has entrusted to you! Paul asked the Corinthians, "... Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?" (1 Corinthians 9:7). In other words, if you have worked hard to produce the success you are now experiencing, it is right and normal for you to personally enjoy a part of it!



Worldly wealth empowers you to get things done; it enables you to be a blessing to other people; and it gives you the ability to sow into the work and advancement of the Gospel. So stop feeling guilty if you are financially blessed. Stop feeling like it's wrong that you got a promotion when someone else didn't. You have worked hard for the harvest you are now reaping, and it's time to start enjoying what God has done for you! Why don't you change the way you are thinking? Learn to see yourself as one who has been specially empowered in order to be a blessing to others and to give for the advancement of the Gospel. And if you want to enjoy some of your wealth along the way, there's nothingwrong with that either! God has given you all things richly to enjoy!



MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I have asked You to bless me financially. So when increased finances begin to come, please help me have the grace both to enjoy them and to use them for the advancement of Your Kingdom. I don't want to flaunt the money I possess or to frivolously spend it. Instead, I want to use it to do something positive and eternal in this life. At the same time, please teach me how to enjoy the financial increase You have blessed me with and to know that it is all right for me to personally derive some benefit from it as well. Help me to truly understand that You give us ALL things richly to enjoy! I pray this in Jesus' name!



MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I am blessed of the Lord. My personal finances are growing, and I am being positioned to become a source of huge financial blessing to other people. I have worked hard for the blessings that are coming my way, and I have every right to enjoy a part of them personally. The Holy Spirit is giving me wisdom to know how to administrate my finances—to whom I should give funds, as well as how I should spend and invest my money. I have the mind of Christ to deal appropriately with the financial blessings that God is sending into my life. I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!



QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

What would you do if a large sum of money was suddenlydropped into your hands today?



Are you sowing seed into the Gospel that will bring a harvest back into your life?

Where are you sowing that seed?



Why have you chosen to sow your seed into that particular ministry or organization?



Do you enjoy your possessions, or do you feel guilty about possessing them?

To fully enjoy what God has given you, what changes do you need to make in the way you think about material possessions?

Work Like a Farmer

2 Timothy 2:6 (NKJV) The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops.

When Paul wrote to Timothy to encourage him to bravely face his battles, he first told Timothy to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Then Paul changed his illustration and exhorted Timothy to develop the mentality of a professional athlete. But suddenly the athletic talk stops, and Paul begins to instruct the younger minister to start thinking like a farmer! Second Timothy 2:6 says, "The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits."



Paul's abrupt changes in his illustrations must have left Timothy's mind whirling! Paul had already told him to endure and fight like a soldier, then to prepare and train like an athlete. But now he tells Timothy to work hard like a farmer!

It's almost as if Paul says, "Timothy, you need to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Or let me give you another example: You need to train and prepare with the same determination and commitment an athlete possesses. Or here's another illustration to help you understand: You need to be hardworking like a farmer. I KNOW! You need to be all three of these things! You must fight like a soldier, prepare and compete like an athlete, and work like a farmer! You must begin to view yourself as all three—a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer!"



When Paul writes Second Timothy 2:6, he uses words that convey images of farming life. For instance, the word "husbandman" is the Greek word georgos, the word for a farmer who tills the soil. Because Paul uses the word georgos ("husbandman"), there is no doubt that he has the varied activities of a farmer in his mind as he writes to Timothy.



As Paul begins to convey this idea to Timothy, he starts by talking about the hard work of a farmer. He says, "The husbandman that laboureth...." The word "laboureth" is the Greek word kopos, which always denotes the hardest, toughest kind of work. This presents the idea of a person who works to the end of his strength or to the point of physical exhaustion. This farmer is an individual who is giving every ounce of his strength to finish the task before him. Although he is weary, he keeps plodding on step after step, refusing to give up. Rejecting the temptation to throw in the towel, he keeps plowing the ground before him because the task must be done by someone.



The picture this word kopos suggests is of a farmer who labors in the heat of the afternoon sun during the hottest season of the year with sweat pouring down his face. Although the ground is like hard, dry clay and the work is strenuous, the farmer just keeps on plowing and sowing, plowing and sowing. After he finishes plowing one row of his garden, he turns at the end of the row and starts all over again on the next row. By the end of theday, the farmer is physically exhausted, mentally drained, drenched with perspiration, and covered with dirt. He has done a hard day's work!

By using this illustration, Paul tells us to face the facts: If you're going to reap a harvest, you have to get out in the field and do the job! If you will do your job faithfully like a hardworking farmer who wants to reap the benefits of a large crop, you will also reap an abundant crop of success and blessing.



Now we get to the rewarding part! The apostle Paul says, "The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits." This is God's personal promise to anyone who puts his hand to the plow and works hard—and it is His special promise to you!



Paul says that if you are faithful to work in His Kingdom, you "... must be first partaker of the fruits." The words "must be" in Greek is the word dei. It is always used to convey the idea of a necessity, an obligation, a requirement, a demand, or a rule to which there is absolutely no exception and that can never be broken. You could interpret the verse, "The husbandman that laboureth absolutely must be..." or "The husbandman that laboureth is obligated and under command...."



Paul tells what "must be" when he says, "The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits." In other words, God wants the committed, determined, hardworking believer to eat from the table of victory and to enjoy the sweet fruit of success before anyone else does!



When we look at the entire text of Second Timothy 2:3-6, we understand that God is telling us:



"If you will fight like a soldier; if you will prepareand compete like an athlete; and if you will put your heart and soul into working in your field the way a hardworking firmer does— here is what I will do for you. I am establishing a permanent rule—one that can never be changed, altered, or modified—and I am making it a top priority and a necessity that when your battle is over and you've proven yourself to be a good soldier; when your spiritual opponents are defeated and you've won your competition; whenyou've plowed your fields and your crops begin to grow and mature before your eyes—you WILL eat before anyone else eats!"



You see, God wants you to eat and enjoy the fruit of your labors, just as a hardworking farmer does after giving his life to see his crops grow in his field. Your part is to work your land and labor strenuously to see your dream come to pass; then God promises that you will eventually eat the fruit of your hard work! As you focus on doing your job well, you can expect to be blessed, recognized, rewarded, and remunerated for your efforts, for God says that anyone who works hard and sticks with his project to the end deserves to eat the fruit!



Warriors deserve rewards. Good athletes earn recognition. Farmers have every right to eat their crops. And if you are living and fighting by faith to see a certain victory in your life, you can claim God's promisethat a day is coming when you will eat the sweet fruit of victory!

This message must have been very encouraging for Timothy. At that moment, he was so immersed in the conflicts that swirled around him that his mind must have easily become swamped with fears and concerns about what washappening to his congregation. But Paul's encouraging message to Timothy is the same message God has for you today.



God is telling you, "If you will endure hardship as a good soldier; train and compete like a good athlete; plow your ground and work hard in the field where I have called you, no matter how hard or difficult it is—then I promise you that a day will come when things turn around. And on that day, you will be richly rewarded!"



MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I am so blessed to know that You want me to eat the sweet fruit of victory. That knowledge makes me want to work my ground evenharder to produce a great harvest for Your Kingdom. I know that in my own flesh, I will never be able to fulfill the dream You've given me. But by Your Spirit, I can do all things! So I ask You to fill me with so much strength and motivation that I'll never stop until I finally reap the harvest of my dreams! I pray this in Jesus' name!



MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I will never stop until I see the harvest of my dream. It's going to take hard work and some time, but I am going to keep plowing and cultivating my ground until I see my crops mature. A day is coming in my future when I will pull up to the table, take out my knife and fork, and dive into the sweet victory for which I've worked so hard! I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!



QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

What is the dream crop you've been working for and waiting
to reap in your life?


Are there changes you need to make in your work style if you are going to achieve the great, super-abundant dreams God has put in your heart?



If so, what are the changes you need to make to become a super-achiever?


Can you name five crops you've already reaped in life due to your hard work, consistency, and faithfulness

A Prayer That God Cannot Answer

2 Corinthians 12: 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Perhaps you've heard yourself praying this prayer in amoment of exasperation when dealing with people: "God, I can't deal with all these people anymore! Please remove all the people from my life who make me lose my peace and joy!"

As long as you live in this world, you will have challenges in your relationships with people. That's just a part of dealing with humanbeings. The only way you can be free of challenges with imperfect humans is to die prematurely and go directly to Heaven. But if you intend to live a fulllife here on planet earth, part of the package includes living with people who are far from perfect and who do things that occasionally surprise and disappoint you.

From Paul's words in Second Corinthians 12:8, it seems that he had prayed to be delivered of problem people on three different occasions during his ministry. He wanted to be free of these people so desperately that he said, "For this thing I besought the Lord thrice...."

The word "besought" is the Greek word parakaleo, an intense word that is derived from the Greek words para and kaleo. The word para means alongside, and the word kaleo means to call or to beckon. When compounded together into the word parakaleo, the new word pictures one who comes alongside someone else, as close as he can get, and then begins to passionately call out, plead, beckon, beg, and beseech that other person to do something on his behalf.

In using the word parakaleo in this verse, Paul lets us know that he had passionately asked God to answer this prayer. Paul had drawn asnear to God as he possibly could; then once he was in that close position, he earnestly pleaded with God, asking Him to deliver him from that thorn in his flesh and from the messenger of Satan that buffeted and constantly harassedhim.

Paul tells us that he asked God to cause this thorn in the flesh to "depart" from him. The word "depart" is the Greek word aphistimi, which means to depart or to remove and as a rule it is used to refer to people rather than things. The use of this Greek word amplifies the fact that Paul was praying to be freed of problem people! He was literally saying, "God, I don't want to deal with these people anymore. I earnestly ask You to please remove them from my life!"But here is why God cannot fully answer this kind of prayer: Even if God did remove this particular group of people that caused Paul such trouble, it wouldn't be long until another group of problempeople showed up!

As long as we live in this world, we will have to deal with people whom we don't enjoy or whom the devil tries to use to steal our joy and peace. If we constantly focus on getting rid of people we don't like or enjoy, we'll be praying to be delivered from people for the rest of our lives. As I said earlier, the only way for you to be permanently free of all imperfect-people problems is to go home to be with the Lord!



That's why the Lord told Paul, "... My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness..." (2 Corinthians 12:9). The word "sufficient" is the Greek word arkeo. This is an old Greek word that means to be sufficient; to be satisfactory; and to give protection, power, and help. In later Greek, it denoted a man who possessed great financial means. This type of person was sufficiently endowed with huge resources that were more than enough for him or for any endeavor he would ever attempt. Hence, he was financially strong or financially sufficient.

This is precisely the word the Lord used when He told Paul, "... My grace is sufficient for thee...." It was the equivalent of the Lord saying, "My grace is more than enough to protect you, empower you, and help you deal with the problem people you encounter in life. You will find that My grace is completely satisfactory in meeting your need and that it will make you sufficiently strong to deal with these situations."

Just like Paul, we may occasionally feel exasperated and incapable in our own strength to victoriously cope with troublesome people;nonetheless, the Lord gives us His promise: "... My strength is made perfect in weakness...." The word "strength" in this verse comes from the Greek word dunamis, the word for dynamic power. This is a strengththat always releases sufficient power and possesses the ability to make needed changes. God knew that Paul needed a new surge of divine power that would change his perspective and empower him to successfully overcome his struggles with people.



The Lord continued to tell Paul (and us), "... My strength is made perfect in weakness...." The word "weakness" in Greek is the word astheneo, which describes a person who feels weak, distressed, unsettled, or needy. If Paul was referring to physical sickness, as some assert, he would have used the word asthenes, which actually describesphysical ailments. However, because Paul used the word astheneo and not asthenes in this verse, he confirmed to us again that he was not talking about physical sickness; rather, he was referring to the distressing, unsettling emotions he experienced as a result of the people who were a constant source of conflict for him. The Lord knew that Paul felt insufficient in his own strength to successfully deal with these people.



But if Paul would open his heart to the Lord, God's promise was that His strength would be made "perfect" in his weakness. Here is the answer that Paul and you and I need when we feel exhausted in dealing with troublesome people and relationships. The word "perfect" is the word teleo, which means perfection, completion, or something that is mature. But the Greek tense used in this verse accentuates continuing action, which is a very important point! It means that this inflow of supernatural, strengthening power is not what God only does sometimes; it is power that God makes available at all times if we will only receive it. The verse could betranslated, "My power is constantly being perfected in you whenever you feel weak and needy...."





This verse could be taken to mean:

"... My grace is more than enough for you. If you'll receive it, you'll find that it will sufficiently endow you with more than you need to deal with any situation. My power is always on hand, available to help you in moments when you are weak and needy...."



So the next time you feel exasperated with people and are tempted to pray to be delivered from them, remember that this is a prayer you really don't want God to answer exactly like you asked. If He were to permanently remove you from "problem people," He'd have to take you home early! That is the only way you could ever be permanently freed from people who cause challenges for you.

It's all right to pray for others to be changed, but never forget that God wants to do a work inside you as well! He wants to change you so that you can successfully live in the midst of imperfect people. If you'll open your heart to receive what God has for you, He will fill you with His dynamic, supernatural power—divine power that will transform your thinking and inwardly fortify you to live successfully in this world. You'll be able to cope with the problem people you have to deal with—and you'll do it all with joy, peace, and victory! God will strengthen you and help you overcome your own weaknesses, making you sufficiently strong to handle every people challengethat ever comes your way!



So instead of constantly asking God to remove all the problem people from your life, why don't you change the way you are praying? Start asking God to release His power to change you so you can walk in peace and victory even when people fail or disappoint you. If you can learn to appropriate the power of God to deal with people, the devil won't be able to use people to steal your joy and victory anymore!



MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I realize today that I've been praying the wrongprayer! I've been asking You to remove all the problem people from my life;meanwhile, You've been wanting to reinforce me with sufficient strength to live with these people victoriously. Forgive me for wanting to run from my challenges. Help me face them bravely and confidently in the power of the Holy Spirit from this day forward. I know You want to give me this power, so I open my heart to receive it right now!

I pray this in Jesus' name!



MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that God's grace is sufficient for me! When I feel distressed because of what people do to me, I turn to the grace of God and allow the Holy Spirit to fill me with sufficient power to love the unlovely, to be patient with those who act ugly, and to walk in kindness and longsuffering with everyone I encounter throughout the day. My weakness in dealing with people disappears when I yield to the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells inside me!

I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!



QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

Have there been moments in your life when you were so exasperated with people that you were tempted to ask God to remove all problem people from your life?



Did you honestly think that was a prayer God could answer?



Did it dawn on you that God might want to change you so you can live victoriously in the midst of imperfect people?



Do you know of anyone who never has problems with people?



Since you will have to deal with imperfect people as long as you live on this earth, what kind of changes need to occur in you so you can live in peace with others and stop losing your joy all the time?

The Peaceable Fruit of Righteousness

(KJV) Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

As you grow in your walk with God, you will discover that one of the strongest forces you'll have to face and overcome is your own flesh! Your flesh will try to oppose you, stand against you, and coax you into believing that you can do a little but still get a lot.If you're going to be mightily used by God, your flesh must be disciplined so it can become an instrument through which the Holy Spirit can flow. You have to pay the price of crucifying the flesh in order to have the resurrection power of Jesus Christ expressed through your life.If you look at a child with no parental guidance or discipline, you'll see exactly what the flesh does when it has its own way. The child will probably lie around, watch television, and eat junk food from morning till evening. And any person who lets his flesh do what it wants will most likely adopt the same lifestyle! That's why dealing with the flesh is almost like chastening a child. The flesh must be controlled, corrected, and made to obey even if it wants to do otherwise. The process is painful, but the rewards are eternal!


This is what Hebrews 12:11 is talking about when it says, "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." The word "chastening" in this verse is the Greek word paideia, an old Greek word for the education or instruction of a child. It comes from the word pais, the Greek word for a boy. However, as time passed, the word paideia came to signify the education of all children. By the time of Plato, the word paideia included not only the education of children, but also of adults. The concepts of discipline and regimen were so intrinsically interwoven in this word that in Luke 23:16 and 22, the verb form of the word paideia is translated as the word "chastise" and refers to Jesus being whipped or scourged as punishment.



So when this verse speaks of "chastening" in Hebrews 12:11, it refers to disciplinary attitudes and actions that lead toone's betterment in life or to one's education. The fact that this word canalso be translated as a whip, a scourge, or punishment explicitly tells us that rigid discipline is required for the flesh to be chastened and changed so that fruit can be produced in one's life. The word paideia describes not only the process of education and change, but also the attitude required to bring about these benefits. An attitude of discipline is obligatory if the flesh is ever to make the needed changes. Although the benefits of disciplining the flesh are too many to list, Hebrews 12:11 informs us that when this disciplinary process is in full force, it doesn't seem joyous but rather feels "grievous." The word "grievous" is the word lupe, the Greek word for pain, distress, trouble, grief, or sorrow. Although the discipline itself is good for us and provides us with the means to change, the flesh hates it when discipline is forced on it!



Haven't there been moments when your flesh screamed indisgust at the idea of discipline and commitment? It may be painful for theflesh to be crucified, but it is essential if you're going to render your flesh dead to sin and alive to God so He can transform it into an instrument through which His power and wisdom can flow!

Hebrews 12:11 says that this discipline will yield "... the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." The word "exercised" is the Greek word gumnadzo. This word gumnadzo depicts radical discipline! It was the word the ancient Greeks used to portray the athletes who exercised, trained, and prepared for competition in the often barbaric athletic games of the ancient world. It is where we get the word gymnasium.



This word gumnadzo ("exercise") portrays people who want to develop and change so much that they are willing to put themselves through vigorous, demanding, and strenuous discipline in order to bring about change and to achieve the results they desire. Now Hebrews 12:11 uses the word gumnadzo to tell us that if we will discipline the flesh, we will see greatresults in our lives, for we will begin to yield "... the peaceable fruit of righteousness...."



Let's face it—there is nothing more thrilling than to see progress in your life. But to get the kind of progress you desire, you will be required to do something more than you've been doing. You will have to say no to your flesh, denying its appetites and disciplining yourself to do what God says even if your flesh doesn't want to do it. This process often feels long and laborious, but afterward when you can see and appreciate the results, you'll be so glad you didn't quit! So let the Holy Spirit exercise His discipline in your life. If you'll pay theprice to crucify your flesh and to submit yourself to discipline, it will pay off with big dividends. You may not see immediate, tangible results while you are training and preparing. But eventually you will see the fruit of your labor, and you'll be so glad you took your flesh to school and taught it toobey!



MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I admit that I need help in bringing discipline to my flesh and my emotions. Forgive me for being too easy on myself and help me to be fiercely committed to bringing my body and my flesh under the control of the Holy Spirit. I want to be Your instrument so Your power can flow freely through me. So please help me today to submit to Your Word and to the control of Your Spirit. From this day forward, I purpose to no longer give my flesh the freedom to have its way in my life!

I pray this in Jesus' name!



MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I declare that the Word of God and the Spirit of God are working inside me! Every day my flesh is being rendered inoperative and my body is responding less and less to sin as I reckon myself alive unto God. I am God's instrument. His power flows through me. Because I am allowing God to bring discipline into my life on a daily basis, I have become a mighty weapon He can use to set people free and to make a significant difference in the world around me!I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!



QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

What is the number-one area in your life in which you know you need more discipline?



What have you been doing to bring discipline to that part of your life?



If you haven't yet made any plans to change in this area of your life, what steps do you plan to take now that you've read today's devotional?



Do you want to stay the way you are, or do you want to bring that part of your life under the control of the Word and the Holy Spirit?



Name three areas of your life (such as diet, emotions,thought life, laziness, etc.) that used to be out of control but are now successfully crucified and brought under the control of the Holy Spirit.



It may be painful for the flesh to be crucified, but it is essential if you're going to render your flesh dead to sin and alive to God so He can transform it into an instrument through which His power and wisdom can flow!

Don't Disqualify Yourself!

1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Recent years have been painful for the worldwide Christian community as they have witnessed famous Christian leaders fall into sin time and again. Not so long ago, I sat in a hotel room and watched with a brokenheart as a famous evangelist, whose voice once touched the nations of the earth, preached with almost no effect on television. Because sin in his personal life had become public information years earlier, his words now seem empty, hollow, and irrelevant. Although he once preached to the nations of the world, now the world mocks him because they discovered the message he preached and the life he lived were not the same.



To me, one of the saddest things in the world is to see a man or woman whom God once powerfully used to preach the Gospel to millions of people around the world fall into sin. When that happens, it brings such shame to the name of Jesus Christ. These individuals may have once mightily impacted their nation or city for the Kingdom of God. But even if they are repentant and receive the forgiveness of God for the sin they committed, other people don't forget so easily. Like it or not, such sinful actions discredit them and ruin the effectiveness of their ministry. What they did or permitted themselves to get dragged into "disqualified" them from being as effective as they were before.



The apostle Paul wrote First Corinthians 9:27 to let us know that he never wanted to become discredited or disqualified. This is what he said: "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others,I myself should be a castaway."


When the King James Version uses the word "castaway," it is actually the Greek word adokimos, which comes from the word dokimos, an old Greek word that means approved. But when an a is added to the front of the word, making it the word adokimos, it reverses the condition, which means this is no longer an approved person. Now this person has become disapproved, discredited, or disqualified.



This is a person who has lost a high position he once held. Although he was once honored and respected, he has now become a "castaway." He has lost his testimony and forfeited his reputation; as a result, he has become discredited, dishonored, and shamed.


I'm certain that Paul must have seen many people fall into sin during the course of his ministry. One example that comes to mind is Demas, a leader who was so beloved and respected by the Early Church that he is mentioned along with Luke in Colossians 4:14. But this same Demas who was once respected on the same level with Luke is mentioned again in Second Timothy 4:10, where we discover that Demas forsook the apostle Paul, abandoned his faith, and escaped into the world to spare himself from possible persecution.



People often make the tragic mistake of thinking that just because they have been successful in the past, they will continue to be successful in the future. But I have known many ministers of the Gospel whoonce experienced great success in the ministry and then slowly allowed their fire to go out. Whether they fell into sin or just became lethargic and complacent, the result was the same: They lost the cutting edge they once possessed in their ministries.



The primary reason people become discredited and shamed is that they don't control their flesh. Instead of crucifying the flesh and submitting it to the control of the Holy Spirit, they pander to the cravings of the flesh. As a result, they become dominated by the desires of the flesh, and those fleshly desires very deceptively lead them to fall into sin.



Paul was a great apostle who was filled with divine revelation and had preached to more people than anyone else in his day. Nevertheless, one of his greatest concerns was that after doing all he had done for the Kingdom, he might later become a "castaway"—the fate sufferedby others whom he had known. Paul didn't consider himself so high and mighty that he couldn't imagine this happening to him.

Rather than make the mistake others had made by letting his flesh get the best of him, ultimately destroying both him and his reputation, Paul acted with great determination to keep his flesh under control. This is why he said, "... I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection...."



The word "subjection" is the word doulagogeo, a compound of the word doulos and ago. The word doulos is the word for a slave, and the word ago is the Greek word that means to lead. This means that Paulmastered his body and flesh rather than allowing his body and flesh to master him. He knew that many believers allow themselves to be led about by their fleshly desires. But Paul was determined that he would be the master of his own flesh. He was going to keep it in "subjection." In other words, he was going to lead his flesh about as his slave rather than be its slave andpander to its carnal desires.



By mastering his body and keeping it under his control, Paul made his flesh an instrument through which he preached the Gospel. His feetbecame his tool to take the Gospel to places that had never heard the Good News. His eyes became instruments through which he was able to identify needs that God's power could meet. His voice became the voice of salvation, healing, and deliverance to those who heard him preach. His hands became the hands of God that brought a healing and compassionate touch to those in need. Paul'sbody, which he determined to make his slave and his instrument, was never allowed to have its own way. Rather, Paul kept it under his command and made it hisslave for the purpose of accomplishing his God-given dreams.



If you continue going the way you are going right now, is your physical body going to be a fine-tuned instrument that God can use, or is it going to be the very tool the devil uses to bring you into discredit andshame? Who is running your life today—you or your flesh?



If the apostle Paul was concerned that he could becomediscredited after all he had seen and done in the service of God's Kingdom, I think it would be wise for you to be concerned about who is running your life as well. Don't cut your flesh too much slack, friend, or it won't be long before it's running all over you and telling you what to do. You will reap the same result as others do when they refuse to discipline their flesh. In other words, you will eventually become broken by it.



Don't join the ranks of those who were once used by the Lord but are now set aside and ruined because they refused to bring their bodiesinto subjection. Your reputation, your influence, and the souls of unsaved men and women are at stake. Make sure you don't become a castaway after all thegood you have already done!



MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I never want to become a castaway who was once used mightily by You but who has now become disqualified for further use. I know of other people to whom this has happened. They were once mightily used, but they have since become discredited and disqualified because of their lack of passion or the immoral mistakes they have made in their lives. Help me to maintain Your fire in my soul and to walk a straight and narrow path that leads to life and abundance. I don't want to stray from the path You have set before me or toknock myself out of the race. Holy Spirit, I am asking You today to help me do everything I need to do to remain a viable, useful vessel in the hands of God. I pray this in Jesus' name!



MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I walk with God and make it my aim to be an upright, moral, and godly example. I refuse to allow sin to have a place in my life. When evil thoughts try to invade my mind, I take those thoughts captive and command them to leave. I am the temple of the Holy Spirit, and these thoughts and ideas have no place inside me. I have invested too much of myself into the work of God to allow such low-level thoughts to pull me down and take me out. Because I am committed, determined, and serious about my walk with God, my future is bright and the anointing of God will grow ever stronger on my life! I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!



QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

Do you know ministers of the Gospel or well-known Christians who no longer have the powerful testimony and influence they once did in the Body of Christ because they allowed themselves to fall into immorality?



Did those individuals lose their testimony to the extent that no one wants to hear what they have to say any longer?



As you ponder what happened to those individuals, what do you think was the primary mistake they made with their lives that allowed the devil to take them down and take them out?



As you look at what you are permitting in your own life, can you think of any destructive stronghold that could eventually grow into a problem serious enough to knock you out of the race of faith?



If yes, what is that sin, and what are you going to do about it?