The Good Body

Sunday, August 1st, 2010
Today's Passage: Ephesians 4:15-16
Memory Verse: Same

As you know, the bible teaches us that we're all apart of one body.  Although we make up different parts ( or members), we all have the same goal, which is to function for the body.  Have you ever seen a normal functioning body; one where its owner eats right and exercises regularly?  It's joints don't malfunction, and its muscles are strong.

What about the inside of the body?  In my opinion, how a body functions on the inside is just as important.  If our cardio vascular or respiratory system were malfunctioning, we wouldn't be able to perform the smallest activities.  What if the heart of our ministry decide it doesn't want to function (beat) this Sunday?  Where would the "life" of the ministry be?  There'd be no passion and probably no worship.  No one would be there to keep God's broken and hungry on our minds.  Who would drive us to want to see God's supernatural power?

Ever try to hammer a nail into a board?  Do you remember the first time you did it?  Okay, when you hit your finger didn't you feel it in your whole body?  Yes, you did.  It's a biological fact that the "whole" body responds when one (joint, member) is in trauma.  What can we learn from this?  We can learn to respond with love and mercy when a member falls.  We can learn to respond with compassion when a member is hurting.  Doing this ensures the strength of the body.  What about germs? Yuck!  But when a germ (or anything foreign) enters the body, there are particular measures taken to eliminate it.  Members don't make excuses for it, or pass by it as though it isn't there.  In the end, we have to do a better job of taking care of our "body".  When we begin to take care of "it", it'll begin to take care of us.

I challenge you to join Christ's body.  That goes beyond joining a church.  When you join the body of Christ, you commit yourself to active functioning.  Your goal is to aid the body in producing after God, showing 'total devotion' to its head - Christ.  Because no body part moves on its own,  every member must receive its instructions from the Head.  The Head tells the arms and legs to move, and it also tells the heart and lungs to pump, inhale, and exhale.  So find your place in the body.  No other member can do what you do.  Join now, the body's waiting.

Prayer: Lord I desire to find my place in You.  I don't want to go through my Christian life sitting idly on a church pew.  I want to do what You've called me to do.  I want to be sensitive to the needs of my fellow members.  So give me the strength to function and produce my share, in Jesus' name....Amen         

Someone to Speak

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

Today's Passage: Romans 10: 13-18
Memory Verse: Rom. 10: 13-14

The other night, I watched a documentary of Lee Malvo, the teen murderer accused of killing those people in Washington, D.C.  From prison, where he's serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole, he described the details of how he and his mentor, John Mohammad, managed to take out at least 20 unsuspecting people who were just going about their daily lives.  In a telephone interview with William Shatner, he told of the systematic way in which Muhammad transformed him into a cold-hearted killer in spite of the fact that he was only an innocent boy.

Something leapt up in my spirit when I heard a comment Lee Malvo made in response to a simple question.  When William Shatner asked him why he allowed himself to be brainwashed into killing so many people, he had this to say: "He was the only one who cared what happened to me.  He was the closest thing to a father I've ever known.".  Even the mother of one of the men who was randomly picked out to be executed commented on how different Lee 's life might've been if he'd met a real father.

My question today is this: what if we could rewrite the script in the lives of all the statistics we hear of everyday?  What if we could somehow rewind the tape to the days when they needed to hear the words, "God loves you and so do I?" Exactly how many serial killers and pedophiles would not be in our prisons today all because they heard someone say the words a father would say to his son: "I'm proud of you... You're fearfully and wonderfully made just the way you are... You're special to God, and to me..."

More than ever before, the body of Christ needs to arise and be the answer to the dilemma we're facing today.  There are young people all around us who really need to know that their lives DO matter.  How will they know unless we tell them that there is a God Who has carved out a life of purpose just for them?  It takes time and effort, but no sacrifice is too great when it comes to investing in the life of a young person.

Prayer: Father, You've shown us that our lives mean something to You.  Help us show others that their lives are precious in Your sight.  Give us the grace to see beyond the way they act and what they may look like on the outside.  May the script of their lives be re-written because we dared to love like You.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!                  

It Can Be Fun!

Friday, July 30th, 2010

Today's Passage: John 10: 7-10
Memory Verse: Jn 10:10

"Fun".  A word used to describe things we enjoy.  A word that tells others the event, place, or thing it's describing is something we'd love to do again.  That being said, can we use the word to describe our (Christian) lives?  

We're Christians, so we can't afford to live boring, mundane lives.  Lives like those don't reflect the beauty of communion with God.  They don't communicate our freedom to the world.  Typically, people don't consider being saved because of what they feel they have to "give up" -fun.  They want Jesus, but they don't want the rigors of religion.  After all, it's hard enough trying to live "the life", but trying to do it while you're bored is nearly impossible.  Believers should have more fun than anyone in the world.  When I talk about lives that are fun, I mean lives that are free of the stresses and aggravations of the world.  God has everything about us under His divine control.  He orchestrates our lives everyday.  Those who live by this belief are afforded the right to live free from depression and sin.  Therefore, our spare time is filled with positive thoughts and blessings.

I challenge you to have fun with this.  You should be in a ministry that excites you.  One where you know God's spirit will live and move.  Are you bored with the same-ole same-ole?  Has your walk of faith become a stick in the mud?  If so, I pray for a fresh move of God's spirit in your life.  I pray that praise and worship energizes you like never before.  Don't let the world have more fun than you.  Get radical in your faith and go with it.  God's ready....are you?

Prayer: Father, I am so grateful that You've made provision for me to live life to the fullest.  Everyday, You give brand new mercies to cover me no matter what season I'm going through.  I make a decision today to live each day fully, not waiting for something big to happen, but realizing that it already has: YOU LIVE IN ME.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.    

It's That Time of Year!

Thursday July 29, 2010

Today's Passage: Psalms 1:1-3
Memory Verse: Deuteronomy 28:12

It's almost here!  I can't wait.  I'm about to burst with excitement!  What is it?  It's football SEASON!  Okay, I get it.  Some of our readers have not been completely converted yet (lol), so they don't share my enthusiasm.  However, this is great segway for today's devotional.

Most, if not all, of us have been in a place where we were looking for a particular season to arrive.  We had heard the prophets declare "It's coming, It's coming, Hold on, it's coming", but we've yet to see anything.  For the most part, belief is not our issue, but perserverance, now that's a different story.  Everytime I see a NFL commercial I get a glimpse of the season yet to come, only to be jilted by the trickery of another TV commercial.   Hold fast my friends.  If God has spoken something into your life, the season of time for that thing is coming.   He isn't a man who can lie like the men who made those commercials.  What He has for you will be yours in due SEASON.   That's right, SEASON. 

Have you ever tried to eat a fruit before or after its season of harvest?  Yuck!  When I was a kid, we had 2 grapefruit trees and an orange tree in our backyard.  They made for wonderful snacks when they were in season.  However, as you could imagine, there were times my friends and I would try to eat them before it was time to harvest them.  Needless to say, we had some big time stomach aches.  We went through all that pain and discomfort because we "picked" our harvest before it was time.  Also, there were times when the season had passed, but we were still holding on to the fruit from the "last" harvest (I felt the Lord right then).  Ugh!  Our harvest had become this brown, rotten, stinky thing, instead of the blessing it intended to be.  So God knows when it's your season.  He knows if He brings the harvest too soon, it'll just cause you pain.  And If He brings it too late, You won't be able to use it.  Stick to God's plan and you'll be okay.  His ways are far superior to ours.  We can't go wrong with our lives in His hands. 

I can't wait for football season.  It's not here yet, but it's coming.  Your season may not be here yet either my Friend, but it's coming.

Prayer:
Father my life is in Your hands.  I'll not try to take it back by using my own understanding.  I'll stand in faith knowing You have everything under control.  You've always given me what I need when I need it.  You've never let me down.  So I praise You for Your faithfullness.  You are so Awesome...I thank You. In Jesus' name....Amen

H.U.M.P. Day!

Wednesday July 28, 2010

Hello Friends & Lifers!  Welcome to another edition of H.U.M.P. (His Ultimate Mission & Purpose) Day.  As you know, this is the time of the week when we put God's word into action.  I know, I know, we SHOULD do that everyday, but this way, we get to celebrate kingdom expansion as one body, joined and knitted together. 

This week's assignment is: Retool.  Let's join in as we retool a child for school.  We're gathering outfits, shoes, and school supplies for children who'll need a fresh start to the school year.  You may make your donations to Abundant Life.  If you've made your donations already, make sure to be present to help us staff this great event.  We'll need all the help we can get!  Pastors Chad & Nette will be holding a meeting on Friday August 6, 2010 (7pm) at Abundant Life Ministries to give you all the info you need.  You don't have to be a member of Abundant Life Ministries, but we highly suggest you be Totally Devoted to God (Td Nation) to understand the magnitude of this endeavor.  So come out and join the body for an awesome time of fellowship and blessing.  See you soon!

No Need to Fear

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

Today's Passage: Psalm 103
Memory Verses: Ps. 103: 2 and 16

Every now and then, I sit and watch the television show, "Monk", and laugh at the many hangups of an otherwise successful detective.  But there is a reality show, "Obsessed", which  involves the lives of people who are obsessed with some behavior or other.  Some may be hoarders, others obsessive-compulsive, and still others might struggle with drug abuse.  Therapists who attempt to help them go back to a time when something traumatic occurred in the life of the obsessed person.  Both the obsessed and their theapists agree that these "irrational fears" cause them to perform ritualistic behaviors in order to control or prevent bad things from taking place in their lives.

It's amazing to me how, with all the technology that's available, many people still don't know that there is a God Who loves them so much that He protects and covers them -- even when bad things do happen.  I believe this has been the enemy's plan all along -- from the first act of passing a law that would take prayer out of schools, to trying to stop any talk of God at all in a classroom.  When children are exposed to God, they are not only exposed to His laws.  They are also exposed to His love, and the security that comes with knowing Someone bigger than themselves is in control.  Unfortunately, when there is no mention of God, the opposite happens.  And this is where the enemy comes in.  He's free to torment those who haven't heard that God loves them and cares about what happens to them.  Thoughts of fear and insecurity prevail, and they develop these habits in an unsuccessful attempt to control tragedy.

The reality of life is that tragic things do happen.  As a result of disobedience and sin, the enemy has managed to wreak havoc in the lives of God's children -- then he goes one step further and tells them that it's because God doesn't care about them.  But today's passage confirms not only that God cares, but that He rewards us with peace and security.  The first two verses of this psalm describe the confidence of someone who has a personal relationship with the God of the universe.  Part of being totally devoted is trusting that He knows what He's doing, and being okay with not knowing all the answers, especially since we know the Person Who does.

You may not have fears as irrational as Mr. Monk and others, but there may be one or two areas where the enemy is trying to shake your faith in God.  Take the time today to read and re-read this psalm.  Write down all the promises God has made to you, and meditate on each one until every fear has been replaced with the assurance of His peace.  After watching all the wasted time and meaningless physical motions people with OCD go through, isn't it awesome to know that all we have to do is KNOW God's promise, and then just REST in it? 

Prayer: Father, thank You for providing a place for me under Your shadow.  I will say of You today that You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in Whom I will trust.  I will not be afraid of terrors by day or arrows by night.  Even if situations arise outside of my control, help me remember that NOTHING catches You by surprise.  I walk in Your peace in Jesus' Name.  Amen.

"The Sound"

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Today's Passage: Joshua 6
Memory Verse: Joshua 6: 20

Sounds.  They're all around us.  If you're a teacher or a student, the alarm between classes is annoying but important because it signals the end of one class and the start of another.  The toot of a train lets passengers know they're about to stop and pick up or drop off customers.  And let's not forget the angry honk of a car whose driver thinks you're about to hit him or her. However loud or soft, all sounds have significance.  In the spirit realm, this is no different.  God has lined up our victory in every area, but there are some things He expects us to do by faith.

Take the children of Israel at the gates of Jericho.  They were given specific instructions to march around the city for six days without making any noise.  But on day seven, they were told to march around the walls seven times.  On the seventh march, the priests were to make a loud blast with the ram's horn, after which all the people were to shout aloud.  At that moment, when the noise was at its loudest, the walls fell down flat.  This makes me wonder how many battles we could be winning while the noise is at its loudest when we are on one accord: during praise and worship.

Saints, when we're in worship, and the Lord unctions us to shout and praise Him out loud, there is a purpose.  Remember what the Word says about how our weapons are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds?  This simply means that the enemy is a bully that we cannot beat with physical strength.  Most of the time, he's bullying us into defeat by getting us to say nothing.  The funny thing about it is, if you've been pushed around one too many times by a real-life bully, you'll take it and take it until one day, you explode.  You let that bully know you won't be pushed around anymore, and you DON'T communicate this information in a whisper.  Well, what do you think the enemy is?  He's the bully who actualy already knows how he's defeated.  That's why he'd rather have a bunch of saints going through the motions during praise and worship than shouting for the victory.  That's why he rejoices when the praise team leader says, "Let's shout!" but the people stand and stare instead.

It's as if we're all standing in front of our wall of Jericho.  So many promises that we haven't yet seen.  So many old enemies standing between us and everything God says we can have.  All we have to do is follow His instructions.  March together (walk in unity with one another).  And when the time comes and the Lord gives the command to "shout!" let's begin to do so without reservation.  After all, He knows what it takes to win a battle.  Why do we hesitate to do things His way?  God is listening for the sound from us that moves Him to fight for us.  Let's give Him exactly what He wants to hear.

Prayer: Father, I've gone too many times without making the sound You're waiting to hear when I worship You.  I repent for being self-absorbed and unaware of the enemy's tactics to defeat me, my brothers, and sisters.  Help me not take another opportunity to participate in my victory for granted.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.           

The Sword of the Spirit

Sunday, July 24th, 2010

Today's Passage: Ephesians 6:10-18
Memory Verses: Eph. 6: 17-18

I'm sure you've heard the expression, "All dressed up and no place to go.". That's right -- I'm going to say it.  It doesn't matter how much military gear you have on.  If your weapons are not activated, you're a sitting duck.  And that's truly where spiritual warfare comes in.

The sword of the Spirit is the most important part of our armor.  Without it, we have nothing with which to counteract the enemy's attacks on our sisters and brothers.  This sword is The Powerful Word of the Living God.  It's Living and Active, sharper than any two-edged sword that exists in the natural.  So here's how your sword operates: every time a problem arises that calls for an answer from God, He's already given us His Word that we must keep meditating on so that the Holy Spirit can bring it to our remembrance.

Once that Word has been brought back to us, we HAVE to use it.  This passage in Ephesians tells us to use the sword of the Spirit to pray with all kinds of prayer and supplication IN the Spirit. This means that we have to see with the eyes of the Spirit so that we can speak (pray) the way the Spirit wants us to.  Now, let's rewind all the way back to Day 1 of this week.  Remember what we said about how closely connected being joined and intercession are?  If one of our brothers or sisters in the Lord is being attacked, but all we see is how weak and annoying they are, how can our prayers for them be effective?  

The enemy is counting on our tendency to only see what is done or said in the natural.  He wants strife and backbiting to be our focus, rather than true love and the strength to fight for one another.  As you put on your armor, remember that you can still be rendered powerless if the enemy can deceive you into thinking about your opinions and feelings rather than on the total Will of God.  Don't allow that precious Sword to be turned into an ordinary blade against our own body.  Let's pray like never before, and fight even harder.  The more we bond together, we are bound to be victorious.

Prayer: Father, I am so grateful that You've done everything to make sure I end up on the winning side. Please give me the strength to see my brothers and sisters as also victorious. Let me use the Sword of Your Spirit to fight for Your kingdom, and not to wound members of Your Body.  In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.

The Helmet

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Today's Passage: Ephesians 6: 10-18
Memory Verse: Eph. 6: 17

A friend of mine came to Bible study one night with his 4 year-old son.  While that in and of itself was not a strange occurrence, the fact that the little guy was wearing his t-ball helmet was.  My brother explained to me he made several attempts to take it off, but his son refused to release it.  Cute, huh?  

This shout out is for you little man.  I can hear the Lord say "If more of my children refused to take off their helmets, they'd be better off".  You see, God's helmet represents salvation.  It is literally the place where identification with Him is made possible.  The helmet of salvation is the part of the armor where validity, justification, mercy, and blessings are protected.  Think about it.  Taking a blow to the arm is usually not as damaging or fatal as a blow to the head would be.  God is teaching us that in the midst of this spiritual battle called life, always cover your head with the promise that you belong to God and will one day live and reign with Him.  Forgetting this truth would be like being in war but not knowing who you're for, or against.  

We wear helmets when performing activities that may cause injury to our head.  Biking, skating, sports, and climbing are all examples.  But don't forget military people wear helmets too.  They need protection for their heads while in the midst of battle.  God wants us to always wear our helmets too; and never take them off ....right Gavin?

I challenge you to study God's word about the helmet of salvation.  Understand that taking it off (by walking away from Him) can be costly.  It's vitally important to our spiritual lives.  So put on the whole armor of God so you can withstand the enemy in the evil day.  Next to the sword, it may be the most important piece of equipment we have.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your gift of salvation.  The very definition of salvation tells me that I belong to You, that You are my covering and my Savior.  As You prepare me for the life that I live, I realize that salvation is what covers my head.  It keeps my mind stayed on Your love for me, and the great sacrifice that was made to demonstrate that love.  Thank You, Father.  My helmet will always be in the place You instructed, in Jesus name...Amen!  

The Shield of Faith

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Today's Passage: Ephesians 6: 10-18
Memory Verse: Eph. 6: 16

Saints, the evil day that this passage talks about has come.  If there's ever been a time we needed people to come to the Lord, it's now.  They're hurting, things don't seem to be lining up for them, and it seems as if God is far away.  It's a vicious cycle because their hearts are not inclined to turn to Him.  So the more they push away, the farther away God seems to go.

We need to intercede for those around us like never before.  The harder men's hearts seem to grow, the softer ours should become towards God and His plan.  And how could this be made possible?  We've got to have on the whole armor.  So far, we've discussed the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shoes of the gospel of peace.  Today, we begin with the shield of faith.  This is the weapon that makes it possible for us to see what God sees when we look at one another in the body.  After all, while we were yet sinners, God used His faith to believe that if He offered up His Son as a sacrifice for us, we would accept that love-sacrifice.

Without this kind of faith, it is impossible to please the Father (Hebrews 11:6). We cannot refuse to believe that God will bring out the best in others as a result of our prayers.  How did God's love reach us in those deep, dark holes where WE were hiding?  Through the faith-filled prayers of other saints.  The encouraging word in today's passage is that, with this shield, we'll be able to quench (defeat, destroy, derail, and annihilate) EVERY fiery dart of the evil one.  So why do some of the darts get through, you may be wondering?  I'm glad you asked!

I believe our shield is not meant to protect just ourselves and our loved ones.  We're a family, a part of the body.  None of the parts of us is disposable.  But, many times, we fall for the deception of the enemy that we're in a particular situation by ourselves. We become "me"-oriented.  So, when we become separated from each other's hearts, the enemy can attack others around us.  But if we can ever get the mentality of the 300 Spartans in the movie of the same name, we'll find the battle so much easier.  Because we'll move with one accord, positioning our shields so that we ALL are protected from attacks on every side. That, Friends and Lifers, is the position of warfare.

Prayer: Father, I give You these parts of my armor that You gave me. Use them for the purpose of lifting up Your people today.  Give me a heart for those who cannot cry out for themselves. May I intercede for them, drawing them to Your heart.  I know this world won't be the same because of it.  In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen. 

That Still, Small Voice

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Today's Passage: Proverbs 2:1-5
Memory Verse: Same

Okay, you're about to do something really crazy.   You're really scared because it's a bad bad thing to do, but you have to, right?  Just before following through, "something" says "Don't do it!". You know you shouldn't ignore it, but you do it anyway.  

We've all been in this spot a few times (okay a lot).  The question is: why do we keep ignoring the voice?  That voice in your head is God's.  God has placed a portion of Himself in all of us.  He's there to keep us on the path He's ordered.  He knows in order to maintain a relationship, we must be close.  We must be able to hear Him to know Him.  We must be able to feel Him to see Him.  To truly be the image of God, we have to be keenly aware of His presence; always ready to respond to His voice.

Ignoring the Voice is like ignoring the red light at the busiest intersection in town.  When you do it, rest assured, something bad is bound to happen.  You can't afford to cut yourself off from the One who truly loves you.  He knows what's ahead.  You don't.  You can't yet see that what you're about to do is a setup.  You don't understand the enemy of your soul turns innocent fun into serious trouble.  Think of your own children.  If you see them about to do something that you know will hurt them now, or in the long run, do you let them do it?  No, you don't.  You scream it.  You yell it.  You do whatever it takes to save your baby.  Inasmuch as you are the child of the Most High,  He does whatever it takes to get through to you.   Proverbs 2:1-5 says "My child,  if  you receive my words, and store up  my commands within you, by making  your ear  attentive to wisdom, and  by turning  your heart  to understanding, indeed, if you call out for  discernment  – raise your voice  for understanding, if you seek it like silver, and search for it  like hidden treasure, then you will understand  how to fear the Lord, and you will discover knowledge about God."

I challenge you to draw closer to God through obedience.  The more you show accountability to Him, the more He'll trust you with.  Besides, listening to Him will keep you out of trouble.  Follow the steps He's ordered for you.  You'll do good to always listen to that Still, Small Voice.

Prayer: Father, I am so grateful that You desire the best for me. Every morning, I will rise up and seek Your wisdom. I will be still and listen for Your Voice. I depend on You for my direction and destiny. May I never mistake the voice of a stranger for Yours.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.          

H.U.M.P. Day!!!!

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010


Blessings, Friends and Lifers!  What a glorious time to be alive!  We're living in the greatest age of technology there has ever been.  But how many of us are actually using it to communicate God's love and mercy to others?  I've actually heard of churches where cell phones are used during the service to contact people who didn't make it that day.  They can hear the worship, or be a part of the prayer being lifted up.

While we may not all agree with even having cell phones out while church is going on, one thing we can all agree on is this: I'm sure we could use our phones more often to share our devotion to God with others.  So here's this week's HUMP DAY challenge for you.

Find someone ( a friend, an entire family or a single member -- even a stranger) to pray for today.  If you are familiar with Facebook, you'll see that there are lots of hurting people all around us.  Let the Holy Spirit lead you however He wants to.  You may want to send that person the written version of your prayer by text or through Facebook.  Or you may just want to keep it completely between you and the Lord.  Let's flood the heavenlies with prayers for one another this week and make Jesus famous!  Be blessed.

Spiritual Warfare II

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Today's Passage: Ephesians 6: 10-18
Memory Verses: Eph. 6: 11 and 13

The topic of spiritual warfare may seem to be one that is often talked about, but you'd be surprised to know how many believers actually go through their lives day in and day out, defeated with seemingly no answers.  Even totally devoted Christians who have a strong relationship with the Lord walk around "armed and dangerous" to all the host of heaven: but they themselves don't know it.  Our objective for this week is to activate your weapons, which have already been given to you.

In addition to standing firm in the strength of the Lord and knowing who your enemies are, you've got to put on your armor -- the whole armor-- if you want to be an effective prayer warrior.  The amazing thing about this armor is that it's one size fits all.  It's nothing like what David experienced when he was preparing to fight the giant.  Your armor could never be too big or small for you to wear.  It's invisible to all human eyes, but angels as well as demons can see it from miles away.

Part of the armor is the belt of TRUTH -- the truth of God's Word that never changes with situations.  If you want your prayers to be effective for the people you're praying for, remember that it does not matter what the problem is.  God's truth has a solution already in place.  There's nothing too big or small that the Word cannot be applied to.  You just have to apply it.  Another powerful part of your armor is the breastplate of righteousness, which only the blood of Jesus and the word of your testimony can activate.  If you've asked Jesus into your heart, and live for Him daily, the enemy cannot use people to get to your heart.  You will not be moved by every contrary wind, and the prayers you pray for yourself and others will be based on the Word, not emotions.

Next, don't forget that on your feet you must be wearing the shoes of the gospel of peace.  Remember our discussion last week about unity and being joined?  There's no way you can do that with power if you are walking in strife of any kind.  If you're praying for salvation for family members, or asking God to bring church members closer to Himself, God may be planning on using your walk to draw them.  But will He be able to trust your walk?  As a matter of fact, if any of us are holding iniquity (grudges, unforgiveness, anger, malice, etc.) in our hearts, those warfare prayers will go no higher than the ceiling.  As you can see so far, spiritual warfare goes hand in hand with a life and a heart of devotion to God as well as unity with our brothers and sisters.  Let's all pray that we do our best not to leave home without these parts of our armor.

Prayer:  Father, thank You for seeing how much I would need protection from the enemy long before I gave my heart to You.  I make a decision today to put on the whole armor so that I can stand against every scheme he has planned for me.  I also begin to lift up my sisters and brothers.  I declare that they, too, will begin to be "armed and dangerous" to the kingdom of darkness. I speak victory into all our lives today and everyday.  In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.     

Strategies for Spiritual Warfare

Monday, July 19th, 2010

Today's Passage: Ephesians 6: 10-18
Memory Verses: Eph. 6: 12

Okay -- we've spent quite a bit of time discussing being joined together, having the same mind, and loving one another as the body of Christ.  This week, we're going to begin talking about why God really wants us to have this attitude towards one another.  So here it is: the primary reason God desires us to walk in unity with each other is so that we can EFFECTIVELY pray for one another.  Unity opens the ears of God towards us as well as binds the enemy's hands from stopping our petitions from reaching the throneroom.  But effective spiritual warfare is what tears down his strongholds and destroys his walls of defense that stand to prevent us from really seeing changes around us when we pray.

Everything we've said so far about the body has been to cause all members to remember that they are important.  If this is true, then what a mighty army is about to be raised up to defeat the enemy!  First, every one of us needs to know that we are all strong soldiers in this army.  Today's passage says we can be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  When the strength of one of us begins to fail, we have one another to remind that one of Whose he or she is, and Who has already won the battle.  In the middle of a war, we have no time to form opinions about one another.  We are all on the same side.  There is no "us" against "them".  There's only us ALL against the enemy.

Which brings me to the next thing we cannot afford to forget in engaging in effective spiritual warfare.  We are not fighting human beings, to put it quite plainly.  Our enemy has already been defeated in the final war, but his strategy is to get us to lose the little battles along the way by focusing on one another's shortcomings and judging each other, rather than lifting one another up in prayer.  We are dealing with very crafty demonic forces that have been around since the fall of their lord, satan.  They, too, are aware of generational as well as regional curses.  Why?  They were the ones used by the devil to inflict these upon our ancestors long ago.  Without spiritual warfare, all they have to do is sit around and watch these same curses play out from one generation to another. 

Our challenge today is to begin putting together what we're learning about how important each joint within the body is and start using that knowledge to fight for one another.  No matter where you are in your faith journey, know that God is making His strength available for you even now.  Stand firm in your place where God has assigned you to fight, and do not be deceived any longer about who your REAL enemy is.  You and I are now in the position of spiritual warfare.

Prayer:  Father, You're so awesome.  You've been preparing us all this time to teach us how to love one another so we can fight for each other like never before.  We repent of every time we've let the enemy win, standing by while he defeated one of us.  We are ready to start again through Your Spirit.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.        

The Father's Heart

Sunday, July 18th,  2010

Today's Passage: Psalm 50
Memory Verses: Ps. 50: 14-15; 23

Blessings, Friends and Lifers!  Today is another opportunity to go into the house of God with praise on our lips.  After all He is and does, this is our reasonable service to Him.  But there are some things we must be mindful of as we enter His house that I believe we all need to hear.

This passage seems to be admonishing us to be aware that no other sacrifice except genuine worship will be acceptable to Him.  Remember that He sees into our hearts, not just the outside like everyone else does.  We cannot bribe God to accept physical things in exchange for our lack of devotion.  Remember what happened between Cain and Abel?  God knew that it was Abel's desire to offer Him his best, while Cain was content to give God what was left over.  In other words, God is painfully aware of how much time we were willing to spend with Him this week. While bringing our tithes and offering into the storehouse is good, be careful about using it as a replacement of the true worship God desires from us.

Notice also the attitude God has towards those who come to church, but no transformation is made.  It's almost as if He sees us sitting on our pews with our fingers spiritually stuck in our ears while the word is being preached going:"La,la,la,la,la,la.  I don't hear You.  You're not talking to me..." God says to us today, be mindful not to be hearers of His word only.  Rather than walking away and immediately forgetting what He said, let's heed His word and hide it deep in our hearts so that in the evil day, we'll be able to stand against the evil one.

It all comes down to what He says in verses 14, 15, and 23.  When we come into His house with reverence and humility, knowing that only He can change us, God is able to reveal to us the places in our lives that need to be changed so they can reflect Him.  So let's enter the Father's house with our walls down and all our pretenses destroyed. Let's bow in true praise and worship, accepting His judgment.  In return, He promises us that He will show us His salvation.  I believe this means He will give us the clean hearts we need to have a real relationship with Him, so that He can show Himself faithful in and through our lives.

Prayer: Father, prepare me through Your Holy Spirit to enter Your Presence with true thanksgiving and a heart that's ready to turn from the things that break Your heart.  Create in me a clean heart, and renew the right spirit within me.  Show me Your salvation as I praise You with everything in me.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.   

What's In A Name?

Saturday July 17, 2010

Today's Passage: Matthew 1:21-23
Memory Verse: Psalm 9:10

Have you ever done research to see what your name meant?  People often ask the question "What's in a name?". Come to find out, a great deal of meaning goes into certain names.  Names do two things.  They label and describe.  They allow us to characterize, compartmentalize, and 
understand our social world.  

Our Savior has the ultimate name.  He has the name above all other names.  The first name His Father gave Him was Immanuel.  Immanuel means God with us.  It tells us when Immanuel's around, we are literally in the presence of God.  I don't have to tell you what being in God's presence means.  It's the most important thing in the world.  Being able to access God, through Jesus, no matter where we are, is a privilege not offered or experienced by false religions.  God's presence makes us who we are.  Without it, we're merely a civic club, or a social group.  So you see, the name Immanuel is a perfect reminder of who Jesus really is.  It keeps us from taking Him, or His presence, for granted.  
Jesus is also known as "Jesus Christ".  This name directly describes His anointing.  Christ means 'to smear'.  You know, like oil.  Jesus, the smearing of the anointing, is His holy name.  So when you're with Jesus, not only are you in the presence of the Most High, but something's going to get smeared with His anointing while you're there.  His influence is going to change someone's life.  That's why it's important to desire Him.  His name brings so much into your life.  Think about it.  When people say my name nothing happens.  In fact, people may even laugh because my name means nothing.  You'd think your pastor what crazy if he/she said "in the name of Chris" we pray, right?  It just doesn't have the same authority.  But say the name Jesus and the whole atmosphere changes.  Things become subjected to Him.  People who wish to reject Him become offended in secular circles.  You could say all the bad words, or tell all the perverted jokes you want, but the minute you start talking about Jesus, peoples' lives are subject up to change.

So I challenge you today to learn His names, all of them.  There are so many and all of them have different meanings.  For God, or Jehovah, He's Jireh, Shaloam, and Nissi.  Jesus is the Lion of Judah, Root of David, Rose of Sharon, and Lamb of God.  Research them all and apply them to your worship.  When you learn His name, you'll eventually learn yours.

Prayer: Lord your name is greater than all others.  I love your name and everything it stands for.  Demons tremble at your name.  Sickness and sin are subjected to you.  I'll forever call on your holy name because You're the only person who can take care of me.  I'll prIze you forever, in Jesus name....Amen.                 

It's All About the Love!

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Today's Passage: 1Corinthians 13

Memory Verse: 1 Cor. 13: 13

We've been talking a lot this week about how God wants us to get connected.  We learned at church that, no matter how powerful a body is, if the joints are weak, there will be problems in that body.  In the same way, the joints (where we as believers are connected) are the strongest parts of the body of Christ. Well, as I continued thinking about all that, the Lord gave me an image of joints that were not healthy.  In the medical field, this disease is called arthritis.  I'm no doctor, but basically what causes arthritis is when the joints have no lubrication in between them. The patient experiences pain at those places where the joints are forced to touch each other without that precious lubrication.

Since we are the body of Christos, the Anointed One and His anointing, isn't it amazing that He and His Father already figured out we would need that lubrication to hold us together without causing pain to one another?  It's all about love.  Love is what God gave us to allow us to co-exist in ways that would bring Him glory.  Love is a serious commitment. It requires us to think of others besides ourselves, sometimes even putting them BEFORE ourselves.  So it's understandable when many believers back away and hesitate to buy into walking in love.

But one major thing we must not forget is that this type of love, GOD's love, is freely available to us. It never runs dry, but keeps getting replenished the more we fill ourselves with Him.  If we allow His agape love to lubricate our joints, we won't be so quick to be done with one another, because it, like Him, is patient and long-suffering, slow to anger and abounding in mercy.  We won't let ugly words tumble out of our mouths like a fast-moving stream, because that love, like the Author, is kind and gentle, not rude, and not easily provoked.

What a wonderful world this would be if we, the Saints of the Most High God, showed His love like we should.  Many artists have written songs about it, but the love they're looking for cannot be found in the world.  This love is not a "me-first" love.  It is not self-seeking.  That's why, when Jesus was on that cross, all He could see was us, hopeless and lost if He didn't go all the way.  Even while we were yet sinners, hating Him and everything He stood for, He put our needs first.  We are required to do no less.  Even in the midst of persecution and strife, may we remember that the very ones inflicting pain on us NEED us to stand in the gap for them.  By this the world will know that we truly are the sons of God.  It's ALL about the Love.

Prayer: Father, thank You for showing me how to walk and talk Your language of love.  Because of what You did through Your Son Jesus, I can love my brothers and sisters.  I commit now to stand in the gap for each one, praying and believing the best about them until Your Perfect will is established in ALL our lives.  And the glory will be all Yours.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Obey Your Thirst!!!

Thursaday July, 15, 2010

Today's Passage: John 4:10
Memory Verse:

92, 94, 93, 92, and 94 are the temps for the the 5-day forecast where we live. Don't get me wrong, I love Florida but this is hot! When it's this hot things usually become dry, brittle, and dusty. We as Floridians usually run to our nearest watering holes to find relief. I think that's the way God wants us to be in the spirit also, always searching for water for relief of dry places.

Jesus told the Samaritan woman "If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water". It's God's will for us to have whatever we need. He never withholds anything from us. When we need things, it's our priority to know where to go to recieve them. If we don't know where to get them, we end up like the woman in our passage who tried to find life among dead things. We must know the generosity of God. We must also know those generosities come by way of Jesus. John 3:16 says that God loved the world so much He "gave". His generosity is no secret. He gives life to all who'll call on Him. Getting back to our devotional, we all experience seasons of dryness. There are times when our prayers seem like they leave our lips and fall straight to the floor. It seems our songs are just noise, and we can't seem to connect with God on any level. Jesus made it quite clear what we should do if we find ourselves in this situation: Ask. Ask Him for that time of refreshing you so desperately need. Ask Him for that fresh breath of life, or better yet for water. He said He'd give us fresh, living water. Imagine how that would feel in a hot, dry place. Go ahead, let Him pour it on your face, hands, or over your head. He's ready to give you all the refreshment you require. When you're thirsty, that thirst needs to be quenched. And not just anything will do. On a hot day coffee is not going to refresh you, neither will hot chocolate or milk. Only something cold will do. Your thirst, if you follow it, will lead you to the true "Quencher". So obey your thirst!!!

Prayer: Lord I come to You for fresh water in a dry place. You are the only One who can supply me with it. I totally depend on You for sustenance of my life. When I'm dry and parched I'll find myself in You. I love You forever, in Jesus' name...Amen!

H.U.M.P. Day!!!!

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Blessings, Friends and Lifers!  This week, we're focusing on relationships inside the church.  So it's time to apply what we've been learning.  If you're one of those saints who's never had a meaningful conversation with another saint, we challenge you to do that today.  What we mean by that is this: go out of your way to find out something about another believer you didn't know before.  Maybe you've never even exchanged phone numbers with another person that you worship with.  Do it today.  Even more importantly, commit to praying for that person and his or her family on a regular basis.

For those of you who already do this, your challenge will be to restore a relationship with another believer at your church that has been breached in the past.  God doesn't care who was right or wrong.  Remember that if you left this earth today and stood before the Father, whatever you tried to explain to Him about the other person would be of no consequence.  Reconcile with that person today.  There are blessings being held up in your life until you do it.  God is a God of relationships.  That's the very reason He offered His Son as a peace offering to restore relationship with us although WE WERE WRONG.

We pray that, as you take a bold step of faith and follow God's heart today, He will flood your hearts with His love and grace to make or renew covenant relationships.  What an awesome, strong body He'll have when we restore the broken places!  Be blessed in Jesus' Name.   

I Need You to Survive

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Today's Passage: 1 Corinthians 12: 12-27
Memory Verse: 1 Cor. 12: 21

A few years ago, this song circulated among the Christian community, given to the body of Christ by God through Pastor Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Choir.  It seems to be the right kind of sappy song to leave you with a fuzzy feeling at the end of the service, and so it is no doubt sung at that time, with everyone holding hands and smiling at one another.  Yet, the sad truth is that we don't really feel towards each other the way the song suggests.

The verse goes: "I pray for you, you pray for me -- we're all a part of God's body.  Stand with me, agree with me.  We're all a part of God's body.  It is His will that every need be supplied.  You are important to me.  The chorus continues: "I pray for you, you pray for me -- I love you; I need you to survive. I won't harm you with words from my mouth.  I love you; I need you to survive."  Yet again, how often do we even take the time to get to KNOW each other in our churches?  Many come to a particular church on a regular basis.  Some may even tithe to that ministry and call that place their church home.  But they come late, and before the blessing is pronounced, they're out of there -- slipping through the side or back door as quickly as possible.  Actions speak louder than words, and what this behavior is communicating is that they're really not interested in getting to know the people at that church.  If this is the case, how are relationships going to be formed so that we can begin to pray for one another?  Bishop Ray said something so profound this past Sunday when he was ministering to us on the importance of relationships.  In the world, we are diligent in finding people who are like-minded.  If we like to drink, we'll have drinking buddies.  If we like to go to clubs, we'll have a crew we can depend on to go with us whenever we need them.  But when we come to Christ, for some reason we think we don't need this same kinship.  Some even go so far as to call it being "clickish" when they see groups of believers hanging out together on a regular basis.

On the other end of this issue, we see that there are those who take the risk of laying down their pride and joining in relationship with other believers.  They are the ones who become active and are quite faithful in ministry.  However, there is still a different kind of attitude in the way they see one another.  Rather than walk in covenant with one another, realizing that being in unity is not an option, there is a spirit of distrust and a quickness to form opinions.  We judge one another without having all the facts, and jump to conclusions, already having a "jump ship" button ready if something is said or done to us by someone in the ministry.  How come it's so easy to remember the shortcomings and faults of our brothers and sisters, holding grudges against them and breaking relationship?  Don't we realize that there is no way we will receive the blessings we need from God if there is a breach between us?  God won't even accept our offering if we have ought against one another.  Ecclesiates 4:12 says that the enemy's attacks won't even work if we are in kinship with one another.  So the opposite must be true if we separate from one another, right?

It is the strong belief of the pastoral staff at Abundant Life Ministries that we must begin to form sincere covenant relationships if we really want to see an outpouring of God's spirit and power in our churches in these last days.  Today's passage reminds us that as part of Christ's body, no one part can declare independence from another part.  We truly need one another to function properly.  It's NOT okay for the ear to say that the toes are not important.  The digestive system and the lungs can't gang up on the heart and begin to backbite it.  If the heart is weak, guess what?  The whole body will be sluggish and ineffective.  It's time to begin to restore relationships with parts of our body that have been cast aside, so our body can be whole again.  I'm so ready to see the 21st century church operate like the Acts church -- thousands being added daily, and everyone joining their resources together so that no-one is lacking.  But it won't happen until we all begin to say to one another -- and truly mean it -- "I need you to survive."

Prayer: Father, we repent for the many times we thought ourselves to be more important than some of our brothers and sisters in the body.  Flood our hearts with grace to see one another the way you see us.  May our lips be quick to lift up one another in prayer, encouraging and strengthening the weaker ones until they are what you made.  And You all alone will get the glory for this, because we will truly make You famous.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.     

The Same Thing

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Today's Passage: 1 Corinthians 1: 1-10
Memory Verse: 1 Cor. 1: 10

This morning, as we rehearsed in preparation for church service, something about the way the band sounded caught my attention.  I noticed that, in the middle of a song we were going over, the rhythm got a little out of sync.  The guitars and the keys seemed one full measure behind the drums.  It was barely noticeable to anyone else, but I immediately stopped moving because I felt as if there was no way to connect with this disjointed sound.  After only a few seconds, they all came back together, and all was well again.  But it got me thinking about how easy it is to get "out of sync" in the body of Christ.

 In today's passage, Paul is speaking to all the saints about two issues.  First, he asked that we all speak the same thing.  If you belong to a ministry, this part is very important.  I hope you're praying that God gives your pastor(s) revelation and direction about what to preach.  If this is taking place, then those words are anointed and coming from God Himself.  As a result, what's ministered in your church should not just be words to you.  They should be giant poster signs pointing in the direction of where God is taking you.  You should be meditating on those words, acting on them, praying for them to manifest in your life, and living them.  Over the last two years, this has become real for us at ALM.  Our journey to the new place God is taking us began with the GPS (God's Positioning System).  We then heard that it was time to GROW spiritually, financially, and numerically.  This year, we've been hearing and speaking that it's time to be NEW, and now we're in the midst of TOTAL DEVOTION which has brought us to THE TURN.

Next, Paul asked that there be no division among us in the body.  This ties in with making the word of the house a part of us.  When we all buy into that word, we'll begin to protect the anointing that God used to make it possible.  The people who are all connected (a word we'll be talking more about this week) under this word, as well as our pastors, should be the ones we desire to stay "in sync" with.  Just like with the music, if one of the parts in our body decided we wanted to say or do our own thing, others may not notice the breach.  We may be able to still go through the motions and pretend all is well.  But you'd better believe God doesn't miss a beat.  He's the ultimate Father, remember?  He can tell when His children aren't on one accord.  He's so serious about us walking in unity with one another that there are special blessings tied in with that unity.  It's a condition locked in that we can't get to until we "lock in" with one another.

Today, as you ask God's blessings on your life, remember the spritual connections with the people you are in ministry with.  God sees us all as one unit, not divided parts.  When we start seeing ourselves that way, sincerely speaking the same thing and joining with each other to accomplish God's purpose, the enemy has no chance of stopping us.

Prayer: Father, thank You for loving us enough to remind us that You want to hear us talk and act like Your children.  So I join my faith with that of my sisters and brothers, asking You to touch us all and make us one.  Our main objective is to make You famous, and to bring Your will to this earth.  We declare that by Your Spirit, we will speak and do the same things simply to please You.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.        

 

God, and God Alone!!!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Today's Passage: Psalm 44:6-7
Memory Verse: Same

The enemy never fights fair, does he?  He always finds a way to hit way below the belt.  The worst is when he uses people to come against us.  I know it's a spiritual fight, but the physical manifestations are still painful and life-changing.  How do we respond?  What works?  What doesn't? 

I'll tell you this:  the very thing that got you in the fight will be the thing that gets you out.  What is it?  It's total devotion to the Father.  So winning a battle is not predicated upon how much money is in the checking account, or how many people like me this week.  It's not dependent upon how many services I've attended, or how many good deeds I've done.  What gets me through a battle is God and God alone.  How many times have we tried to resolve issues by using our own devices?  We fall for that trick all the time.  We think by talking to this person less, or doing that thing more, its going to change the situation.   We have an aresenal of "personal" weapons (i.e. pouting, arguing, complaining, shutting down, disappearing, and withholding) that we think will change our situation.  Although we're saved and have become new creations, we've still managed to bring some characteristics of our old self along.  This is where these "personal weapons" reside.  They're merely defense mechanisms.  Things that let people know how disgruntled we are without us having to actually verbalize it.  When we use them, the devil laughs at us because he knows they never work.  They'll never accomplish what we want them to. 

Manipulation has never won a battle for someone, nor has it aided them to the next level of their life.  It just creates a deeper hole.  It's a useless weapon.  We must get to the point where we decommission these weapons and establish the things of God has our tools of war.  Psalm 44:6-7 says, "I don't trust in weapons; my sword won't save me--but it's You, You who saved us from the enemy; You made those who hate us lose face."  Understanding this passage is the key to problem-solving.  Emotional reactions are rarely beneficial.  Spiritual wisdom produces peace.  So trust God to win the battle for you.  It's His battle anyway; you couldn't win it on your best day.  Only He can show you what's needed to be victorious.  We all want to win; we just have to learn how to win.  Winning comes through God and God alone.

Prayer:  Father, I depend on You for victory in my life.  Keep me in Your care.  Allow me to learn Your ways.  I realize the closer I walk with You, the more successful I am.  As the enemy seeks to flood my life, come and raise Your standard against him.  My faith and trust are in You...and You alone, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Be Made Alive!

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Today's Passage: Romans 8:11
Memory Verse: Exodus 17:11-12

My wife and I both have full time jobs, a marriage (of course), kids, and ministry.  Don't get me wrong, we love everything about our lives, but having to juggle it all can be tiring.  Having balance is the key, but sometimes having balance is easier said than done.  No matter what you do, at some point one thing is going to demand more of your time than the other.  In the midst of it all, Yas and I try not to let the "T" word enter our vocabulary.  We try to take breaks by going places and trying to sleep in, but it seems there's always something to do.  The devil plays in this realm too.  He tries to make the enjoyable things of our lives tiresome because he wants us to burn-out and/or quit.  If you ever feel this way, don't give in.  If there seems to be no life left in you, remember this:  God "energizes" those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts.  For even young people tire and drop out; young folk in their prime stumble and fall.  But those who wait on God get fresh strength.  They spread their wings and soar like eagles.  They run and don't get tired.  They walk and don't lag behind (Isaiah 40:29-31)."  What a power surge!  When things start to come down on me like a ton of bricks, I remind myself Who I'm doing this for.  I do it to bring glory to God.  My daily service is a form of "waiting" on Him. 

Usually, we think waiting is sitting still, practically doing nothing.  However, God's word clearly instructs us to work while it is day because no-one can work at night.  So waiting (according to God) means to prepare and to produce.  Now this is not to say a long vacation in some tropical place where you're totally being catered to is not encouraged (or needed).  Just know whereas that vacation is just what the body needs, it doesn't do anything for a depleted spirit.  A depleted spirit needs a fresh word from the Lord.  It needs to "wait" on God for its renewed strength.  So instead of saying the "T" word, seek the Lord for spiritual strength.  Whether you're in the Bahamas, or right there at home, God is closer than you think.  He's waiting to breathe fresh life and renewed energy into you.  He knows what's on your plate.  He knows what you have to juggle to get through a day.  So trust Him to give you what you need.

God will also provide relief through the hands of people.  God has placed certain people in your life to help you in these times.   You may know someone who'll watch the kids for an hour or so while you and your spouse enjoy a nice outing.   Maybe there's someone you can trust to stand in ministry for you so you can get a break.  Yes, the people around you are there to help you, so let them.  If you don't, and you ultimately burn out, we all lose.  Want proof?  Exodus 17:11-12 says "It turned out that whenever Moses raised his hands, Israel was winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, Amalek was winning.  But Moses' hands got tired.  So they got a stone and set it under him.  He sat on it and Aaron and Hur held up his hands.  His hands remained steady until the sun went down."  If it weren't for Aaron and Hur recognizing Moses needed help, Israel would've lost the battle.  Also, Aaron and Hur didn't stand in judgement of Moses for getting tired. Instead, they immediately provided the assistance their leader needed.  So, I challenge you to find your Aaron and Hur when you need them.  They'll hold you up while you're in recovery.  Don't give up.  Your family needs you, your workplace needs you, and your ministry needs you.  Find your time of refreshing in the presence of the Lord.  He'll give you just what you need. 

Prayer:  Father, give me sweet rest in Your presence.  The rigors of life sometimes weigh on me, but I'll never quit.  I avail myself to You.  So breathe fresh life into me.  In You, I'll remain focused and energized, ready to do whatever You ask.  As I praise You today, let the heaviness of life be lifted off of me, in Jesus' name...Amen.

"One Thing I Know"

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Today's Passage: John 9: 1-25
Memory Verse: Jn 9: 25

This story of the blind man, who was blind from birth but was healed, is a familiar one.  It reminds me of my own salvation story, and it aso reveals parts of human nature that leave much to be desired.  Here is a man whose entire life is made insignificant because of his inability to see.  He finds himself in a place where he is cut off from the world.  Even his parents, who no doubt have pity on him, cannot help him.  After a while, he resigns himself to the fact that his life will amount to nothing.  UNTIL he meets Jesus. 

Isn't it amazing how just ONE encounter with the Christ can totally change everything we ever thought was important?  But in spite of all this, the "religious folks" (Pharisees) are so bent on seeing Jesus as a devil that they ignore the fact that a man's life has been changed for the better.  They don't care that no longer will he have to sit by the roadside and beg to sustain his livelihood.  So they set out trying to discredit Jesus by asking all these questions.  I just love the man's response.

"Whether he is a sinner or not, I do not know.  ONE THING I DO KNOW: THAT THOUGH I WAS BLIND, NOW I SEE."  For this man, it mattered not what others thought about Jesus.  It did not matter in the least that they chose not to accept His divinity.  All he knew was that, in one moment in time, Jesus changed his life forever.  I'm sure it did not even matter that he was kicked out of the synagogue for defending the fact that Jesus was from God (John 9: 30-34).

We all could learn a valuable lesson from this man.  Once Jesus changes us,we need never again allow anything anyone else says or thinks to get our focus off that one thing.  When I gave my heart to the Lord, I came against arguments even from close family members about how it didn't require such drastic changes to live for God.  I was told once that the Bible was found not to be the true Word of God because there were "lost books", so there was no reason to accept or follow everything it said.  But, like the man in this story, I was able to say, "One thing I know: I once was blind, but now I see."  We must recognize the spirit of antichrist and not take it personally what's being said around us.  We must also accept the fact that there will be conflict because of the cross.  The Pharisees wanted this man to side with them and deny what had happened to him.  But he refused to ignore the new-found joy coursing through his veins. For this change, he was willing to withstand rejection, and so must we.  We must cling to this "one thing" and let that be our testimony for the rest of our lives.

Prayer: Father, You have given me the most important things there are: new life in Jesus, and freedom from the enemy of my soul.  May I never forget what You did, and the price You paid.  No matter what opposition I encounter, You've already given me power to overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of my testimony.  So let my testimony be the same until I see You face to face.  In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.      

MORE!

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Today's Passage: Luke 11: 1-13
Memory Verses: Lk 11: 9-10

As I got on the elliptical and began my workout this morning, I couldn't help thinking about an experience I had on the way to a Jaguars football game last season.  My husband, myself, and two of our friends had to park quite a ways from the stadium.  So when we began the trek, we saw a few people being transported on bikes and decided we wanted to try it.  I didn't think the guy who stopped to transport us could possibly carry all four of us.  Until I got on and watched as he practically stood up while he pedaled.  I noticed that he applied more force every time.  The fact that he was able to carry four adults at least a half a mile is still a mystery to me.  But as I battled the mountain of resistance 10 on that elliptical machine, I got a good idea of what that guy had to do to get us to the game.

With every revolution of that bicycle, he asked his muscles to supply more power.  The more weight applied, the more force he commanded.  And despite my unbelief in what he could do, we got to the stadium in a few short minutes with no problems.  No wonder that in today's passage, we receive an invitation from Jesus Himself to ask for more from our Father.  In a world that is filled with so much evil, it would be so easy to just give up and be swallowed up in despair.  Why would God want to be involved with people who couldn't care less about Him and His Word?  But this is exactly why God wants us to pray for more of Him and His Will in and around us.

We are the only connection this world has to God.  We are His hands, feet, and mouthpiece.  Were it not for the fact that we've been given the privilege to walk by faith and not by sight, we would not be able to see what He wants to bring to this earth.  Where there is death, He wants to give eternal life.  Where the enemy has instituted bondage through terror, He's made freedom available.  Where only strife and confusion abide, He wants to give peace that's filled with His wisdom.  And where there is so much hurt as a result of worldly, conditional love, He is the only One Who can bring His true love.  So when Jesus tells us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking, we need to do exactly as He says.

The harder it is to find evidence of God on this earth, the harder we need to press in to seek Him.  That's just the enemy's resistance to what God wants to do in and through us.  So no matter how hard it seems to be to keep praying that things are going to change around us, know that there is even greater reward in our persistance.  Did you notice how Jesus compared our Father's response to our own response as parents?  I love my children so much that, when they ask for something that I know will make their lives better, I'll move heaven and earth to get it for them no matter how long it takes.  How much MORE will God respond to our earnest request for MORE of Himself in us!  Keep praying, saints.  Keep seeking.  Keep asking for His glory.  I have a funny feeling that we're about to see such an outpouring of Him like never before.  And all because we dared to ask for more.

Prayer: Father, we need more of You in our lives.  The only way our hearts, homes, jobs, and everywhere we go can be impacted by Your glory is if You flood us with more of You.  Holy Spirit, we specifically ask for You to pour out of Yourself into us.  Fill us, possess us, and use us to do the Will of the Father in this end-time harvest.  And all the glory will be Yours for every life that is changed.  In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen.        

Keep It Holy....

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Today's Passage: Exodus 20:8
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 1: 15-16

Having the opportunity to cast down the spirit of religion in the church is something I always look forward to.  Y'all know how I feel about it.  We're literally having a celebration for God on Sundays, yet restricting his attendance.   Church has become so man-driven it's mind boggling.  However, in this new season, a lot of churches are shaking themselves loose from religious practices.  They are also doing a great job of keeping things holy (not traditional) while becoming new. 

While we seek to remain fresh and new in our style,  we still have to keep things holy, meaning sanctified or set apart.  There are a few things we as the body of Christ must establish as a foundation:
1. The Tithe is holy
2. The Life is holy
3. The Sabbath (day of worship) is holy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
By definition, anything God has specifically designated for Himself is called holy.  The 3 items mentioned before are things God explicitedly said belonged to Him.  God required all the tithe to be brought into the storehouse.  Doing so would bring blessings the obedient wouldn't have room to recieve.  The 10% He designated as "tithe" was established for Him by Him, thus making it holy.  Meaning it is not to be comprimised in any way.  We are not to change it to 8% or 12%, or designate it for something other than His tithes.  Church, we must be careful.   Holy items are not to be manipulated. 

Second, our lives must be holy.  God's word says, "Be holy for I am Holy."  This means our lives must be a picture of total devotion to Him.  No comprimise.  We can't desire to identify with Christ with our mouths, but desire to identify with the world with our lifestyles.  As I said before, we are not religious but we are holy.   Just like the tithe, God wants our lives to be set aside for Him.  His word likens our lives to "sacrifices".  Sacrifices are things given up to show love or devotion.  He plans our lives, orders our steps, and decides the outcome.  Life is given by Him, so it is to be offered back to Him. 

Lastly, the Sabbath (worship day) is holy.  Sunday is our holy (sabbath) day.  God said it is to be set aside for Him.  We have to understand that the life of the believer mustn't compromise this fact.  So missing Sunday worship to sleep in, just stay home, and/or walk in strife with your Pastors, is not keeping God's day holy.  It amazes me to see how many empty church pews there are in reference to how many broken people there are in the world.   Even if we're on vacation with our families and will not be in church on Sunday, find time for prayer and worship in order to dedicate the sabbath to God.  Then go have fun.  He deserves it.

So I challenge you to make these 3 items holy again.  God requires it.  Showing this type of obedience unlocks God's presence in your life.  Remember, it's not religion.  If you don't attend church on Sunday because your place of worship is boring or not spriritually uplifting for you, find one that is.  Make sure you are presenting your body as a living sacrifice, "holy" and acceptable to Him.  He says it's our reasonable service.  So stand in the liberty by which Christ has made you free.  When you do however, stand in holiness, knowing that these things are designed to change us.  We are not to change them.

Prayer:  Father, my entire life is yours.  You've consecrated me and set me apart to do Your will.  Because of You, I am holy.  I will always walk in Your ways, staying close to You.  It's my privilege to tithe, live right, and worship with Your children.  Forgive me for doing these things with no passion, because they show my devotion to You.  I renew my commitment to be obedient and keep it holy before You.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.      

Count Your Benefits

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Today's Passage: Psalm 68: 19
Memory Verse: Same

With sorrow, poverty and misfortune all around us, it's difficult to really see how extremely blessed we are.  This morning, I woke up in a real bed with a roof over my head.  I went to the sink and out came clean running water.  I turned on a stove and was able to cook breakfast for my family.  Then I washed a load of clothes and spent the rest of the day relaxing and not doing very much.  How is all this interesting, you say?  THERE WAS NO DRAMA TO DEAL WITH.  Everything in my life is not perfect right now, but God is really good.

If you think that what I just described is not worth mentioning as a day loaded with benefits, let me rewind to a typical day in my life about nineteen years ago.  During the heat of the Liberian civil war, with guns firing and sometimes missiles being dropped all around us, we would wake up and have to walk about 30 minutes to get water from a well for drinking, cooking, and bathing.  At any given moment, with dead bodies strewn around us, we were likely to be stopped and searched by rebel soldiers.  Yet and still, the fact that we were still alive and with the majority of our family was the blessing we held on to with all our hearts. 

Today's passage is another of the many precious promises from our Father that every single day, no matter what situation we find ourselves in, we have available to us a load of benefits -- everything we need to let us know that our God loves us.  Need a little more understanding of what "benefits" are?  The 'B'is obviously for blessings in the form of brand new mercies that make any situation liveable.  'E' is God's eternal love for us, no matter how many times we've failed.  'N' is His never-ending grace and mercy towards us.  The other 'E' is for His everlasting goodness that supercedes any man-made or hell-sent tragedy.  'F' is for God's favor which also never runs out in spite of how little we deserve it.  'I' is for His guarantee of intimacy with us -- we have His undivided attention.  'T' is for the trust we can count on in our God: He'll never go back on His Word.  And, last but not least, He promises that He'll be the same yesterday, today, and forever, no matter how drastically things change around us.

Today, take advantage of all the benefits the Father has made available to us.  Rather than focus on your problems, I can bet you'll be so blessed when you start counting your benefits that your attitude will determine how wonderful your day's going to be.  Now what could be better than that?

Prayer: Father, I thank You today for all Your benefits that I've enjoyed over the years, and for those that I haven't even seen yet.  I'm so glad that our relationship has made all these blessings possible.  May I never take them for granted, but do my best to bring You praise in everything I do.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.       

Worth the Wait

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Today's Passage:  Isaiah 40: 27-31
Memory Verse: Is.40: 31

Forty-five minutes.  The amount of time it takes to get on an elliptical exercise machine and burn roughly 850 calories.  For someone like me who's set a goal of shedding a minimum of forty pounds over the next four months, it seems more like forty-five years when I'm on that machine.  After a long period of different strategies to accomplish this lofty task, I finally believe God has given me the grace to do it this time.  But the price that must be paid for my goal is not an easy one. After about ten minutes on the elliptical, I begin to get the sensation that I'm losing my breath.  As the machine takes me from an easier resistance to a much more challenging one, everything within me wants to quit.  I actually find myself beginning to contemplate compromise: "After all, I only burned 400 calories the other day; I don't really have to go that far today.."

Then something begins to rise up within me as I cry out to the Lord in desperation.  I know that if my life is going to change for the better in this area, I've GOT to stick it out.  I could use my free will and get off of that machine at any time, but if I want to get rid of this weight that's slowing me down, I can't quit.  So I begin to praise God like I'm crazy, and prophesy that nothing is impossible with God.  And I keep moving on that machine.  Then, every few minutes, I reach out and gulp my water like I'm dehydrated in the middle of the desert.  And I breathe as deeply as possible with every movement, having learned that more oxygen will generate more energy.  So as I continue to move, drink, breathe, and praise, I gain the strength I need to make it through that 45-minute workout.

Saints, we're all running a race to live our lives for the Christ.  We've all got a goal (press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of Jesus).  And there's always weight we must get rid of -- weight that will set us off course and take our eyes off the goal.  When running becomes hard, know that the enemy's number one goal is to get you to just quit --or at least stop long enough to lose your passion for the Lord.  You'll know you're in danger of walking away from God when you begin to contemplate compromising rather than doing things His way.  More time on the job will begin to seem like a better idea than going to church or spending time with other believers.  All of a sudden, things you're going through may seem so far removed from anyone else, and you may think that no-one could possibly understand, so you'll begin to feel that being by yourself is better than being around "them".

Here's where my workout experience may help you.  No matter how weary you may get, God's word assures us that He NEVER does.  So if you give in and run away, you'll actually be running from the Source of strength that God is.  Slow down just enough to meditate on Him and Who He is.  In this season, more time with Him is what you need, not less.  You can't be too proud to cry out to Him in desperation.  You must know that if you're going to live this Christian life successfully, you can't do it on your own.  Drink of the life-refreshing Water that is His Son, Jesus.  Praise Him and prophesy to yourself that you WILL be everything that He created you to be no matter what it looks like.  Keep moving, drinking, breathing, and praising.  As you do this, you'll find that waiting on the Lord was worth it.  Your strength will begin to return, and you'll be ready to run with joy again.  God's promise is sure: those who wait will find their strength renewed.  They will not be weary to the point of quitting, but will run with endurance. 

Getting on that machine everyday is still a big challenge, but I'm beginning to feel as though, before too long, my strength will be greater than it is now.  So spiritually or physically, it's worth it to wait on the Lord.

Prayer: Father, I am so grateful that You, the Creator of the ends of the earth, never faint nor grow weary.  Your understanding is unsearchable, and You give power to those who are weak. Strengthen Your sons and daughters today.  Breathe into them the strength they need for the race.  All the glory will be Yours for the victory they walk in.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.            

Freedom!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Today's Passage: Psalm 34:22
Memory Verse: Same

Happy Independence Day, Friends & Lifers!  This is the day the greatest country in the world celebrates her independence -- her birthday actually.  In July of 1776, the United States of America became a nation.  Now there were several hinderances to that independence.  The Brittish colony was a stronghold that had to be uprooted.  They were not willing to give up the control they had over the Americans.  It kind of reminds me of when I changed "spiritual" governments.

When we try to live without Christ, we become oppressed by our enemy.  There was a price that had to be paid for our freedom.  Not being able to pay that price led to lives of bondage and destruction.  Thanks be to God the day came where our freedom was purchased by Him.  Because of what He did, we have the authority to walk in freedom of life in His name.  Our government is now on His shoulders.  Our laws are totally different.  As a matter of fact, all we have to do is love our neighbor and stay totally devoted to our King (yes, King).  Our nation is not a democracy....it's a theocracy.  No offense to the democratic way of doing things, but I don't get to (or want to for that matter) vote on who and what I'm going to follow.  Where God goes, I go, and where He stays, I stay, and what He says, I say.  He is my King and my Savior.  In  His kingdom, His health plan, national security, and economy are second to none.

So I pray you choose the freedom that Christ has given you.  Once you experience that freedom, you'll never return to that yoke of bondage again.  Jesus has already paid the price for your freedom, and whom the Son sets free is free indeed.  That makes Independence Day even more special.  Also, Psalm 34:22 says "God pays for each slave's freedom; no-one who runs to Him loses out."  So let's celebrate the fact that we will not lose out by becoming citizens of God's kingdom.  The only thing we'll be losing is the sin that is keeping us oppressed.  So let's praise God with great energy tomorrow because we're FREE.  We've not earned freedom, but it's been graciously given by a holy and righteous God.   By definition, being free means being liberated, exempt from outside authority, preserved, released, not held down (chained or shackled), and loosed.  All of those depictions of freedom describe God's love for us.  There's nothing like being released to turn away from sin and addiction.  I'd hate to have to submit everytime the addiction called.  I'd hate to have to give in everytime the stronghold pressed down on me.  The definition also said by being free, we are "preserved".  God says He knows the plan He has for us.  He plans are to set us aside and bless us.  That's the very depiction of preservation and freedom, isn't it?  

So I challenge you to live free by His mercy and love.  Live free by His truth and justice.  And live free by His patience and peace.  One day in His kingdom is better than a thousand anywhere else.  Celebrate His love tomorrow and thank Him for giving you your own personal Independence Day. 

Prayer: Thank You God, for freeing me from the bondage of sin.  Just as our country celebrates its freedom, I rejoice for mine.  I'll never forget what You did for me Jesus, so I am gratetful.  You have my total devotion forever...in Jesus' name Amen.   

Curses That Block Blessing

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

Today's Passage: 1 John 4: 7-21
Memory Verse: 1 John 4:7-8

The Bible says we should honor our parents in order to have longer days. Is it possible that obedience could be the key to long life? One of the curses that block blessing is dishonoring our mother and father. In what ways can we bring honor to our parents? Well, let's start with defining the word. Honor is honesty, respect, bringing high esteem to, and integrity. In a nutshell, when we become people who are honest, respectful, full of confidence, and self-assured, we bring honor to our parents. It says we've had a "good" upbringing. It also says we have a good covering. See, God wants us to honor our parents because honoring "them" brings glory to Him. Yes, mannerable children are perfect reflections of a famous God. If you're an adult, it's never too late to start honoring your parents if they are still living.  Even if they're not, God will place elders in your life that He'll expect you to honor as if they were your earthly parents.  Doing so will extend your days and allow you to walk in the blessings of God.

The next curse that blocks blessing is racism. It amazes me that people go to church Sunday after Sunday with racial issues in their heart. It's as if they think God's going to finally reveal who the true master race is once we get to Heaven. Well, He is. Only He's going to reveal it's the "human" race. And only those who have been totally devoted will be rewarded by Him. We've talked about this issue before on this blog. Racism is an ugly spirit sent to divide mankind so the devil can conquer mankind. We cannot be followers of Christ and oppress, neglect, hurt, or curse His creation. There'll be no racial division in Heaven, folks. So, there shouldn't be any on Earth. John asked the question: "How can you love God who you have not seen, but hate your brother who you see everyday?" (1 John 4:20). The answer is, it's not possible. So don't have your blessings blocked because of something as foolish as racism. Love God and man with all your heart and the blessing of the Lord is yours. Remember, He said it is in unity He commands the "blessing": life forever more.

Prayer: Father I know that honoring my mother and father is important to You, because Jesus honored You in everything He did.  Give me the grace to honor those whom You've put in my life, and to show love to those who still don't know that You love them.  Help me to walk out true love that is patient, kind, not easily provoked, and longsuffering.  As I walk in this kind of love, get the glory and allow me to make You famous all the days of my life.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Curses of Witchcraft and Harming the Innocent

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

Today's Passage: Mark 11: 12-14, 20-21
Memory Verse: Gal. 3: 1

Many may find it hard to believe, but witchcraft or sorcery is just as real today as it was in the days of the disciples.  The word "witchcraft" is defined as "medication, magic, sorcery -- or a person who is a druggist or poisoner" (pp. 128-129, Ten Curses that Block the Blessing).  We've already expressed how important it is not to speak destructive words over ourselves or others.  Now we need to expose the possibility that you may not be experiencing success in a certain area because someone may have spoken death, failure, or sickness upon you in that area. 

Because of how easy it is for words to be spoken without realizing their effect, it is possible that someone you know may have done this -- knowingly or unknowingly putting a curse on you.  Let me give you a personal example to prove my point.  When I was about 10 or so, I had a heated argument with an extended family member on my mother's side. Although very young, I remember the resentment I felt towards this family member, who lived with us and spent most of his waking hours drinking and annoying everyone.  That particular day, I was fed up with him being around, and told him as much.  As we went back and forth, I finally said, "I hope you die!"  I thought that all I was doing was ending the argument by having the last word.  But within the next 3 months or so, that man was hit by a car and died on the spot.  I believe that my words were spoken with enough passion to literally curse this person. Today's passage shows that the power of words spoken with passion has a life-changing impact.  Search your heart and life for any times when someone may have done the same over your life for whatever reason.  Begin to break the curse of their words over your life, and receive healing in Jesus' Name.

The next curse that blocks God's blessing in our lives is the harming of the innocent, or the shedding of innocent blood.  Often we can apply this in a spiritual way when we address slander or backbiting among believers, because spiritually we are tearing into the flesh of the person without a cause.  But what I want to focus on is literally shedding the blood of human beings, causing death.  The most common cause in our society today is abortion, where millions of God's precious babies are destroyed for one reason or another.  No matter how justified we think the reason to be (research to end cancer; rape or incest; deformity of the fetus; unwed mother, etc.), God's standard will always be "THOU SHALL NOT KILL".  We seem to respect animal life so much more than the only life with a soul that God breathed into -- humanity.  For this reason, it seems as if God looks away while so many atrocities are committed.  I am sure that if we were to research areas where natural disasters and other things happen to end human life on a large scale, we would find that innocent blood has been shed.  Let's even look at how easy it is for people -- even young children nowadays -- to take the lives of others without a second thought.  There is a curse released on our society because we have turned a deaf ear to the cry of the innocent blood being shed daily.

I'll be the first to tell you that I am by no means condemning anyone.  But in order to seek God's complete healing, we must look sin in the face and confront it, repenting and completely turning away.  I didn't realize how common abortion was in my family until I found myself in an abortion clinic years ago, getting rid of my own baby because I wasn't yet married and was still in school.  The chilling thing was that I had already accepted Christ in my heart; yet even though I heard the compassion in the voices of the believers that day as they stood across the street from the clinic, begging me not to kill my unborn child, I ignored them and proceeded to get rid of this "inconvenience".  I am committed to uprooting this iniquity so that my daughter and her daughter never have to open themselves up to such a curse.  If you're reading this and are contemplating abortion, THERE IS A WAY OUT.  But if you're like me and have already done this, THERE IS HEALING, FORGIVENESS AND FREEDOM FROM THE CURSE THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS.  I praise God for giving me four beautiful children today, in spite of my selfish decision.  As you repent for your sin, ask God to break the curse over you and your family.  He is faithful to forgive and restore.    

For those of us who may not personally have had this experience, take a moment to pray for God to touch the hearts of lawmakers who have made it so easy for the devil to wreak havoc on our society through abortion.  Pray with us that hearts will be turned back to God's way before the end-time harvest, and before Jesus comes back.  Let's pray a breaking of this curse off of America.

Prayer: Father, we as a people have done many evil things to break Your heart.  Please forgive us for our sin of shedding innocent blood, or watching it done and pretending not to notice.  Give us clean hands and pure hearts, and help us fight for justice for the innocent.  As our hearts turn back to You, break the back of the enemy in this area, and break the curse over our lives, so that we can bring glory to Your Name.  In Jesus' Name, we ask this, Amen.