Friday, December 9th, 2011
Today's Passage: Joshua chapter 7
Memory Verse> Joshua 7:13
People live with deadly things everyday, and lately, our society has become so comfortable with the idea of "freedom" to do whatever we want that some just walk in utter stupidity. With all the technology and worldly knowledge, how can we NOT know that wild animals are not a good idea to have as pets? Even when caged, they have the potential to calculate when and how they will move in for the kill. They do NOT see humans as friends or benefactors, despite what these deluded individuals may think. On the contrary, they only see their next meal. Yet some go out of their way to put themselves in harm's way, thinking that somehow they are doing the Earth a favor by keeping them.
We've all seen end results of the tragedies that have occurred as a result of having ferocious animals too close to humans: one or another of these individuals ultimately loses life or limb. One crucial mistake that we also make, although we would never consider our spiritual circumstances similar to the one just described, is to see sin as HARMLESS. We create our own version of what could be a deadly experience when we allow sin to be part of our lives. Think about it: sin, like a young wild animal, starts out as a cute, cuddly, seemingly manageable situation. It lures one into thinking they're in control. At this point, there's no roar, no teeth, and no fangs. Where's the harm? All they're doing is talking, texting, or looking, right? The harm in it is clearly depicted in the word of God. In the book of James, God says when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. (James 1:15). Like wild animals, sin doesn't stay small and manageable for long. It tends to grow into this destructive beast. Not long after that, the beast strikes at its closest victim....the one who nurtured, fed, and raised it.
Finally, choose righteousness and peace as pets (if you will). For when they grow, the one who nurtured them will become mature people of God, seeking only to please Him not others. They won't win you the prize at the local "dog and pony" show, but they will win the heart of the Father, from whom blessing after blessing will come. No risk, no danger.....and no stinky clean-up!!! Yuck...
Prayer: Father, You have set a clear path for us by showing us how to expose and neutralize sin. And You've also given us the power to trust that You have a way out of everything that threatens to destroy us. Help us to choose Your way over every temptation so that we can bring You the glory You deserve. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Don't Let Up!!!
Thursday, December 8th, 2011
Today's Passage: 1 Samuel chapter 11
Memory Verse> Ephesians 4: 27
When you feel the scratchiness in your throat especially during this time of year, and the fact that you have to keep blowing your nose and wiping your eyes to get the water out of them, you know well what's going on. We're in the midst of the Florida "cold-one-minute, warm-the- next" season that causes our bodies to be more susceptible to colds. Now, I certainly don't have time to get into the scientific reasons why this occurs, but we just know that an invasion is imminent. At that moment, we don't go to the store and buy over-the- counter drugs that make us weaker and more vulnerable to the viruses that have already made their way in, do we? Certainly not. We immediately kick into protection mode, doing things that will HELP our immune system do its job rather than hurt.
I,for one, being a person that has to use my voice at least three times during the week, cannot afford to be completely down with a cold, which turns into other things like laryngitis. So I begin to pile on the Vitamin C, make a point to keep my body covered, drink warmer liquids, and suck on throat lozenges. I don't let up for one minute, because doing so could mean not being able to do the thing I love so much: minister to God's people in song. So, as I've become older and wiser, I am learning not to take the cold symptoms lightly by putting off doing those things, or only doing them for a while and then stopping.
The point of all this is that we've already established how cunning and relentless the enemy is at trying to get in and taking over our entire existence. For this reason, when we identify thoughts in our lives that do not belong, it's a great idea to bind them. But we can't stop there. We must completely NEUTRALIZE them, rendering them completely useless and incapable of getting free and letting in others like it. Binding is just a temporary process that tells the enemy to be still for that moment. But in order for him to be totally defeated in that area, he must see that we have totally fallen out of agreement with his presence there. We cannot SAY, "devil, I bind you from bringing me that lustful thought" -- which works for that second because we're made in God's image-- then give in to getting the phone number, or allow ourselves to go to that website where we can continue to see those images. That's the foothold that causes the thought to become action, which then becomes a pattern that crystallizes into habits that can't be broken.
Saints, hear this and settle in your hearts this truth: our enemy will NEVER give up trying to destroy us. He will not quit, and he doesn't care what he uses, as long as he's got access into our lives and uses that thing to take us out. Remember: the ultimate plan is to destroy the will of God for our lives. If he can use food, he will. If he can use lack of self-control in whom we allow around us, he will. If he can deceive us into thinking it's just a harmless little indulgence, he's got us. WE are the ones who must block him access and recognize the "symptoms" he uses, bind him, AND neutralize him by tagging those things for death (but that's the next blog). Right now, I need to get to work taking down every foothold I've given the enemy to take over. Are you coming?
Prayer: father, You are so faithful. You've given us everything we need to be victorious over the enemy in the areas of our struggles. You just need us to be in agreement with Your way of accomplishing that victory. I submit to You now, declaring that no longer will I make excuses for my struggles, but close every door of access to the enemy and depend on You for my deliverance. I declare submission over the readers, hearers and doers of Your Word today. In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: 1 Samuel chapter 11
Memory Verse> Ephesians 4: 27
When you feel the scratchiness in your throat especially during this time of year, and the fact that you have to keep blowing your nose and wiping your eyes to get the water out of them, you know well what's going on. We're in the midst of the Florida "cold-one-minute, warm-the- next" season that causes our bodies to be more susceptible to colds. Now, I certainly don't have time to get into the scientific reasons why this occurs, but we just know that an invasion is imminent. At that moment, we don't go to the store and buy over-the- counter drugs that make us weaker and more vulnerable to the viruses that have already made their way in, do we? Certainly not. We immediately kick into protection mode, doing things that will HELP our immune system do its job rather than hurt.
I,for one, being a person that has to use my voice at least three times during the week, cannot afford to be completely down with a cold, which turns into other things like laryngitis. So I begin to pile on the Vitamin C, make a point to keep my body covered, drink warmer liquids, and suck on throat lozenges. I don't let up for one minute, because doing so could mean not being able to do the thing I love so much: minister to God's people in song. So, as I've become older and wiser, I am learning not to take the cold symptoms lightly by putting off doing those things, or only doing them for a while and then stopping.
The point of all this is that we've already established how cunning and relentless the enemy is at trying to get in and taking over our entire existence. For this reason, when we identify thoughts in our lives that do not belong, it's a great idea to bind them. But we can't stop there. We must completely NEUTRALIZE them, rendering them completely useless and incapable of getting free and letting in others like it. Binding is just a temporary process that tells the enemy to be still for that moment. But in order for him to be totally defeated in that area, he must see that we have totally fallen out of agreement with his presence there. We cannot SAY, "devil, I bind you from bringing me that lustful thought" -- which works for that second because we're made in God's image-- then give in to getting the phone number, or allow ourselves to go to that website where we can continue to see those images. That's the foothold that causes the thought to become action, which then becomes a pattern that crystallizes into habits that can't be broken.
Saints, hear this and settle in your hearts this truth: our enemy will NEVER give up trying to destroy us. He will not quit, and he doesn't care what he uses, as long as he's got access into our lives and uses that thing to take us out. Remember: the ultimate plan is to destroy the will of God for our lives. If he can use food, he will. If he can use lack of self-control in whom we allow around us, he will. If he can deceive us into thinking it's just a harmless little indulgence, he's got us. WE are the ones who must block him access and recognize the "symptoms" he uses, bind him, AND neutralize him by tagging those things for death (but that's the next blog). Right now, I need to get to work taking down every foothold I've given the enemy to take over. Are you coming?
Prayer: father, You are so faithful. You've given us everything we need to be victorious over the enemy in the areas of our struggles. You just need us to be in agreement with Your way of accomplishing that victory. I submit to You now, declaring that no longer will I make excuses for my struggles, but close every door of access to the enemy and depend on You for my deliverance. I declare submission over the readers, hearers and doers of Your Word today. In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.
The Power's In Knowing Him!
Wednesday December 7, 2011
Today's Passage: Matthew 16: 13-20
Memory Verse: Matt. 16:19
I don't know about you, but there are days when I feel so small in this world. Now, I don't don't mean that in a "woe is me" kind of way. I'm just amazed at the way God meticulously cares for me, when I must be a speck of dust in the grand scheme of things. The more I think about it though, the relevance of my life doesn't come from how big I am, it solely rests upon how big God is in me.
Matthew recorded a conversation in which Jesus asked His disciples who people, and they, said He was. Their initial answers consisted of names of mere men. They were the disciples' failed attempts to assess a value to what was priceless. But Peter gave a different answer. He said: "You are the Christ, Son of the living God"! That statement was a game-changer. It took Jesus from being a mere mortal to being so much more. This is what we have to understand. Alone, we are mere men; small, insignificant, incapable of caring for ourselves. But if God lives within us, we become people of power and authority; able to change any situation. Remember what I said before? It's not about how big I am in the world, it's about how big God is in me.
We don't have to feel small in this world because the size of the God that lives within us is enough. His jurisdiction stretches from the depths of Earth to the heights of Heaven. There's no issue our faith can't touch and no situation our prayers can't change. Jesus proved that point when He told Peter whatever he bound on Earth would be bound in Heaven. And whatever he loosed on Earth, would be loosed in Heaven. That's not little man stuff, baby. What is your capacity? How much of God are you allowing to live in you? Do you only want Him when you're in trouble, or are you TOTALLY DEVOTED? If you want to successfully effect change in your life (and in the life of your loved ones), you have to have the revelation Peter had. That is what makes your life bigger and better than you ever thought it could be.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word. I receive the promise that whatever I bind and loose has already been bound and loosed in Heaven. I take authority now by the blood of Your Son Jesus, and I bind every foreign substance that does not belong in my life. I also loose the freedom to walk in everything You have for me. My life is always Yours, in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Matthew 16: 13-20
Memory Verse: Matt. 16:19
I don't know about you, but there are days when I feel so small in this world. Now, I don't don't mean that in a "woe is me" kind of way. I'm just amazed at the way God meticulously cares for me, when I must be a speck of dust in the grand scheme of things. The more I think about it though, the relevance of my life doesn't come from how big I am, it solely rests upon how big God is in me.
Matthew recorded a conversation in which Jesus asked His disciples who people, and they, said He was. Their initial answers consisted of names of mere men. They were the disciples' failed attempts to assess a value to what was priceless. But Peter gave a different answer. He said: "You are the Christ, Son of the living God"! That statement was a game-changer. It took Jesus from being a mere mortal to being so much more. This is what we have to understand. Alone, we are mere men; small, insignificant, incapable of caring for ourselves. But if God lives within us, we become people of power and authority; able to change any situation. Remember what I said before? It's not about how big I am in the world, it's about how big God is in me.
We don't have to feel small in this world because the size of the God that lives within us is enough. His jurisdiction stretches from the depths of Earth to the heights of Heaven. There's no issue our faith can't touch and no situation our prayers can't change. Jesus proved that point when He told Peter whatever he bound on Earth would be bound in Heaven. And whatever he loosed on Earth, would be loosed in Heaven. That's not little man stuff, baby. What is your capacity? How much of God are you allowing to live in you? Do you only want Him when you're in trouble, or are you TOTALLY DEVOTED? If you want to successfully effect change in your life (and in the life of your loved ones), you have to have the revelation Peter had. That is what makes your life bigger and better than you ever thought it could be.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word. I receive the promise that whatever I bind and loose has already been bound and loosed in Heaven. I take authority now by the blood of Your Son Jesus, and I bind every foreign substance that does not belong in my life. I also loose the freedom to walk in everything You have for me. My life is always Yours, in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Thanks for Homeland Security!!!
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
Today's Passage> Psalm 119: 97-117
Memory Verse> Ps. 119:98
Imagine life in the natural with a body that allows every foreign object to take residence inside it without the ability to defend it. Cells that should be preparing to identify things that should not be are either slow in responding or totally unresponsive altogether. Without an immune system that does its part to protect us from deadly diseases, even the insertion of a vaccine would be no good. Now imagine the life of a young child or mother struggling to survive, totally defenseless against every invading virus or bacteria that exists. That's how people who have auto-immune deficiency diseases live-- especially those with AIDS.
But that's not how God designed for our bodies to operate. He created a highly effective defense system to first and foremost DETECT a foreign substance known as an ANTIGEN. The purpose of this foreign body (which could be as simple as the cold bug or as complicated as the AIDS virus-- it really doesn't matter--) is to invade, find a comfortable place, multiply, then take over the body's immune system. So whether big or small, the body sends out ANTIBODIES to IDENTIFY this foreign substance so that it can be arrested and rendered incapable of accomplishing its initial purpose.
How awesome is that, that God would pattern our physical bodies after the spiritual realm He expects us to live in! We already know that the thief in our lives is the enemy of our souls, whose sole purpose is to steal from, kill and destroy us-- and he really doesn't care whether he uses something simple or something deadly-- it all depends upon what we ALLOW. But God, Who is truly rich in mercy, has provided a way for us to defeat satan's plan. First and foremost, He has given us His Word, by which we gain wisdom and understanding as well as discernment. If we allow it to have first place in our lives, we can see those antigens coming a mile away. The negative attitudes, temptation to compromise, and opportunities to take another path other than that which God has laid out for us -- these "antigens" are everywhere everyday. But if we are being watchful as the Word instructs us, we can block them from accomplishing much even IF they do pass the first line of defense (HOMELAND SECURITY) and invade.
The second provision for defense against these deadly antigens is the Person of the Holy Spirit. He takes the Word that we hide in our hearts and brings it back to our remembrance at just the right moment that we need it. He lovingly helps us use our discernment and urges us to identify those foreign substances-- things that do not belong in our lives. Things like resentment, bitterness, unforgiveness, doubt fear, and every unclean thing that enters through our eye and ear gates and seeks a comfortable place in our thoughts. He knows the Father's heart towards us, and steers us in the way of utmost victory against those things. But He also knows there can be no destruction of these foreign substances IF WE DON'T FIRST IDENTIFY THEM. We are the only ones with the dominion and authority to refuse them access into our souls, so He supplies the ammunition of God's word and will, always reminding us of what our lives should look like as God's totally devoted. So the decision is again up to us: do we choose to IGNORE the provision that has been made to bring us victory? Or do we embrace it and allow it to be activated every day that we live in this fallen world? The evidence of our choice will be seen by all who watch our lives unfold and see our fruit. Remember: Invasion is inevitable, but TAKEOVER is NOT!
Prayer: Father, once again I thank You for the careful and thoughtful way You provide for me to always walk in triumph. I receive the Homeland Security of You a word, and I commit to letting it take root in my heart so that the Holy Spirit can use it to remind me of Your a will. I come into agreement with You, and give You permission to use me to destroy the enemy's plan in my life and the lives of all who love You. In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.
Today's Passage> Psalm 119: 97-117
Memory Verse> Ps. 119:98
Imagine life in the natural with a body that allows every foreign object to take residence inside it without the ability to defend it. Cells that should be preparing to identify things that should not be are either slow in responding or totally unresponsive altogether. Without an immune system that does its part to protect us from deadly diseases, even the insertion of a vaccine would be no good. Now imagine the life of a young child or mother struggling to survive, totally defenseless against every invading virus or bacteria that exists. That's how people who have auto-immune deficiency diseases live-- especially those with AIDS.
But that's not how God designed for our bodies to operate. He created a highly effective defense system to first and foremost DETECT a foreign substance known as an ANTIGEN. The purpose of this foreign body (which could be as simple as the cold bug or as complicated as the AIDS virus-- it really doesn't matter--) is to invade, find a comfortable place, multiply, then take over the body's immune system. So whether big or small, the body sends out ANTIBODIES to IDENTIFY this foreign substance so that it can be arrested and rendered incapable of accomplishing its initial purpose.
How awesome is that, that God would pattern our physical bodies after the spiritual realm He expects us to live in! We already know that the thief in our lives is the enemy of our souls, whose sole purpose is to steal from, kill and destroy us-- and he really doesn't care whether he uses something simple or something deadly-- it all depends upon what we ALLOW. But God, Who is truly rich in mercy, has provided a way for us to defeat satan's plan. First and foremost, He has given us His Word, by which we gain wisdom and understanding as well as discernment. If we allow it to have first place in our lives, we can see those antigens coming a mile away. The negative attitudes, temptation to compromise, and opportunities to take another path other than that which God has laid out for us -- these "antigens" are everywhere everyday. But if we are being watchful as the Word instructs us, we can block them from accomplishing much even IF they do pass the first line of defense (HOMELAND SECURITY) and invade.
The second provision for defense against these deadly antigens is the Person of the Holy Spirit. He takes the Word that we hide in our hearts and brings it back to our remembrance at just the right moment that we need it. He lovingly helps us use our discernment and urges us to identify those foreign substances-- things that do not belong in our lives. Things like resentment, bitterness, unforgiveness, doubt fear, and every unclean thing that enters through our eye and ear gates and seeks a comfortable place in our thoughts. He knows the Father's heart towards us, and steers us in the way of utmost victory against those things. But He also knows there can be no destruction of these foreign substances IF WE DON'T FIRST IDENTIFY THEM. We are the only ones with the dominion and authority to refuse them access into our souls, so He supplies the ammunition of God's word and will, always reminding us of what our lives should look like as God's totally devoted. So the decision is again up to us: do we choose to IGNORE the provision that has been made to bring us victory? Or do we embrace it and allow it to be activated every day that we live in this fallen world? The evidence of our choice will be seen by all who watch our lives unfold and see our fruit. Remember: Invasion is inevitable, but TAKEOVER is NOT!
Prayer: Father, once again I thank You for the careful and thoughtful way You provide for me to always walk in triumph. I receive the Homeland Security of You a word, and I commit to letting it take root in my heart so that the Holy Spirit can use it to remind me of Your a will. I come into agreement with You, and give You permission to use me to destroy the enemy's plan in my life and the lives of all who love You. In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.
Little By Little
Monday, December 5th, 2011
Today's Passage: Deuteronomy chapter 7
Memory Verse> Deut. 7:22
God has given us so many awesome and precious promises! I love to read the book of Deuteronomy in the midst of a trial, because God clearly outlines in that book just how much He has invested in us. He lets us know that He will shower blessings upon us in the presence of our enemies-- in fact, He plans to take the land that belongs to our enemies and give it over to us, removing them out of the way as we go along. I must admit that I like the part about about being able to snatch the inheritance from those who refuse to acknowledge Him as God. That gets me charged and ready to walk in that promise right away.
But in all this excitement, the thing that sticks out is not so much that God will bless us and display us before our enemies; it's the fact that He'll EXPOSE us to them for a season. WHAT?! My earthly nature wants to scream, " Uh... Hello, Daddy?! I know You're God and all, but aren't You kinda keeping Your children in the grasp of death, surrounded by enemies? What's all that about?" And that's here His ultimate wisdom kicks in. Our pastors have been ministering to us about why building resistance is necessary for preparation to take the promise. But how is leaving our enemies all around us and taking them out one by one really going to prevent the invasion from taking place?
Even in the natural, God has made this concept clear to us by allowing us to be exposed to foreign and potentially deadly substances. Because we live in a fallen world, sickness is all around us, and we will eventually come in contact with a cold, the flu, or things that are worse. Why does He do this? He knows that the exposure is necessary so that our bodies, which are so efficient at protecting us, will recognize that something FOREIGN is threatening to invade and take over us. Our immune system will then begin to formulate antibodies to prevent this. But it is a PROCESS which takes TIME, and that's the element that makes the difference. We panic when we experience the presence of foreign substances round us, but it would be even more dangerous if God just caused them to disappear without allowing us to have to do anything. That's what the working of faith is all about, building resistance "little by little" so those foreign substances don't just run over us the next time.
What kind of God would He be if He just allowed us to receive the harvest of victory without having to engage in the fight ourselves? We would be weak and anemic, not being able to recognize and RESIST what comes to take us out, and the next potentially deadly substance we come in contact with WILL destroy us. So allow the process of God including us to destroy our enemies "little by little" to take place. Because He loves us, He exposes us to the deadly things in this world that SIN is composed of. The more we recognize its presence, the more power He gives us to fight off its ability to overtake us. But we MUST depend on Him and allow that resistance to be built. How well we do this will show in the next exposure to foreign substances. Are you ready?
Prayer: Father, You tell us in Your Word that You have a plan to destroy our enemy, sin. I declare that today I will trust the strategy You have out in place to defeat its power over me little by little. As I submit to Your will, You make me stronger and prepare me for the next level of trial which is sure to come. I surrender my life to You and rejoice that You will use me to show that sin CAN be defeated. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Deuteronomy chapter 7
Memory Verse> Deut. 7:22
God has given us so many awesome and precious promises! I love to read the book of Deuteronomy in the midst of a trial, because God clearly outlines in that book just how much He has invested in us. He lets us know that He will shower blessings upon us in the presence of our enemies-- in fact, He plans to take the land that belongs to our enemies and give it over to us, removing them out of the way as we go along. I must admit that I like the part about about being able to snatch the inheritance from those who refuse to acknowledge Him as God. That gets me charged and ready to walk in that promise right away.
But in all this excitement, the thing that sticks out is not so much that God will bless us and display us before our enemies; it's the fact that He'll EXPOSE us to them for a season. WHAT?! My earthly nature wants to scream, " Uh... Hello, Daddy?! I know You're God and all, but aren't You kinda keeping Your children in the grasp of death, surrounded by enemies? What's all that about?" And that's here His ultimate wisdom kicks in. Our pastors have been ministering to us about why building resistance is necessary for preparation to take the promise. But how is leaving our enemies all around us and taking them out one by one really going to prevent the invasion from taking place?
Even in the natural, God has made this concept clear to us by allowing us to be exposed to foreign and potentially deadly substances. Because we live in a fallen world, sickness is all around us, and we will eventually come in contact with a cold, the flu, or things that are worse. Why does He do this? He knows that the exposure is necessary so that our bodies, which are so efficient at protecting us, will recognize that something FOREIGN is threatening to invade and take over us. Our immune system will then begin to formulate antibodies to prevent this. But it is a PROCESS which takes TIME, and that's the element that makes the difference. We panic when we experience the presence of foreign substances round us, but it would be even more dangerous if God just caused them to disappear without allowing us to have to do anything. That's what the working of faith is all about, building resistance "little by little" so those foreign substances don't just run over us the next time.
What kind of God would He be if He just allowed us to receive the harvest of victory without having to engage in the fight ourselves? We would be weak and anemic, not being able to recognize and RESIST what comes to take us out, and the next potentially deadly substance we come in contact with WILL destroy us. So allow the process of God including us to destroy our enemies "little by little" to take place. Because He loves us, He exposes us to the deadly things in this world that SIN is composed of. The more we recognize its presence, the more power He gives us to fight off its ability to overtake us. But we MUST depend on Him and allow that resistance to be built. How well we do this will show in the next exposure to foreign substances. Are you ready?
Prayer: Father, You tell us in Your Word that You have a plan to destroy our enemy, sin. I declare that today I will trust the strategy You have out in place to defeat its power over me little by little. As I submit to Your will, You make me stronger and prepare me for the next level of trial which is sure to come. I surrender my life to You and rejoice that You will use me to show that sin CAN be defeated. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
A Tale of Two Choices
Saturday, December 3rd, 2011
Today's Passage> James 4: 1-8
Memory Verse> James 4:7
There's something about the way we think that acts as either a magnet for God, or a repellant. Sometimes I wish God just made robots who responded automatically to God's commands and ways. But He didn't. Instead, He created and placed His best inside of us and allowed us to choose Him. History has already shown us that it does us no good to let our minds wander.
Rewind to Eve. She loved God, but simply allowed herself to consider the options. Rather than asking God, Who was the source, she opened herself up to the suggestion that something was missing in what God had provided. How do you get someone who has nothing to convince you that he can offer you something more than what God had set aside? Yet this is what she was deceived into doing. And the moment she submitted to the enemy's voice rather than God's, she chose to resist Him. Funny how God's system seems like too much, but the gold- covered package the enemy's trinkets are wrapped in appear worth it.
Funny, too, how the minute we submit to the enemy, we automatically draw closer to him rather than God. Remember what happened when they ate the fruit? They went running away from God's Presence, and wanted nothing to do with the One Who created them for fellowship. This is exactly what happens to us when we submit to the enemy. But rather than focus on the fear of what we lose when we fall, how about zoning in on what we get when we do the OPPOSITE of what the enemy wants? How about doing it GOD's way? His Word tells us not to covet what does not belong to us. Rather, ask God to open His floodgates of blessings so that we can display how great He is. Can you imagine how much we forfeit because we refuse to change our attitude about WHY God wants to bless us?
This attitude change makes the difference in who gets our devotion. If we submit to God, we are choosing to be a friend of God, accepting the fellowship He's always wanted with us. And as we submit, this resistance will build inside us to repel the enemy, who cannot stay wherever we are one with God. It's a simple tale of two choices; who we serve is completely up to us.
Prayer: Father, words will never be able to express how grateful I am that You chose me before the foundation of the world. I choose to submit to Your way, even when it requires me to wait rather than give in to temporary pleasures. It's YOU or bust. I am Yours forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage> James 4: 1-8
Memory Verse> James 4:7
There's something about the way we think that acts as either a magnet for God, or a repellant. Sometimes I wish God just made robots who responded automatically to God's commands and ways. But He didn't. Instead, He created and placed His best inside of us and allowed us to choose Him. History has already shown us that it does us no good to let our minds wander.
Rewind to Eve. She loved God, but simply allowed herself to consider the options. Rather than asking God, Who was the source, she opened herself up to the suggestion that something was missing in what God had provided. How do you get someone who has nothing to convince you that he can offer you something more than what God had set aside? Yet this is what she was deceived into doing. And the moment she submitted to the enemy's voice rather than God's, she chose to resist Him. Funny how God's system seems like too much, but the gold- covered package the enemy's trinkets are wrapped in appear worth it.
Funny, too, how the minute we submit to the enemy, we automatically draw closer to him rather than God. Remember what happened when they ate the fruit? They went running away from God's Presence, and wanted nothing to do with the One Who created them for fellowship. This is exactly what happens to us when we submit to the enemy. But rather than focus on the fear of what we lose when we fall, how about zoning in on what we get when we do the OPPOSITE of what the enemy wants? How about doing it GOD's way? His Word tells us not to covet what does not belong to us. Rather, ask God to open His floodgates of blessings so that we can display how great He is. Can you imagine how much we forfeit because we refuse to change our attitude about WHY God wants to bless us?
This attitude change makes the difference in who gets our devotion. If we submit to God, we are choosing to be a friend of God, accepting the fellowship He's always wanted with us. And as we submit, this resistance will build inside us to repel the enemy, who cannot stay wherever we are one with God. It's a simple tale of two choices; who we serve is completely up to us.
Prayer: Father, words will never be able to express how grateful I am that You chose me before the foundation of the world. I choose to submit to Your way, even when it requires me to wait rather than give in to temporary pleasures. It's YOU or bust. I am Yours forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
"Vaccination Situation!"
Friday, December 2nd, 2011
Today's Passage> 1 Samuel chapters 18-20
Memory Verse> Psalm 144: 1& 2
It is quite amazing how the human brain works. Although many scientists do not acknowledge that their ability to learn and solve problems comes from God, we know that no-one but God could give humans the intellect to figure out how to make something like a vaccine. It's intriguing to say the least. I didn't realize until I was in my early thirties that the stuff they put in your body is actually the same illness you're trying to avoid. In order for the vaccine to work, or to make you "immune" to the illness, you have to take in a small dose of the actual illness and allow it to enter your system so that you can be "exposed" to it.
This is necessary in helping you build immunity.
I know God is the author of the wisdom behind the creation of vaccines, because His kingdom works exactly the same way. Only God can expect us to do the very thing that would potentially kill us, exposing ourselves to it and all its dangers. That's what He did to David. He sent Samuel to anoint him king when he barely knew himself, then taught him how to be the best shepherd boy he could be. He stayed in the fields with his father's sheep, protecting them from the lions, tigers and bears that threatened to destroy them. Little did he know that it was about to get worse.
But here's the interesting part, as Pastors Chad and Nette explained to us: because David was already exposed to dangerous situations, he was PREPARED to face Goliath without even realizing it. When he saw the Philistines making a mockery of God's people, he just had to respond. But he already had what it took to do so. And just when you thought he'd already done enough, God thrust him into another "vaccination situation". He caused the people to show David more favor so that Saul could drive himself deeper out of his place as God's chosen. Pretty soon, Saul was relentlessly pursuing David, trying to kill him at every turn. But once again, David somehow knew he had been prepared in advance for this kind of hostile environment, and he was able to stand.
Whatever your "vaccination situation" today, God has already figured out how much of that deadly substance you need to be exposed to. As you submit to it, in much the same way we as parents do with our children because we trust the doctor's word, you will find yourself built up and ready to face greater levels of adverse circumstances for the glory of the Lord. Oh- by the way, David is known in the Bible for being the most prolific writer and psalmist, as well as the king after God's own heart. Do you think maybe it was from everything he allowed himself to be exposed to? Makes me want to jump up on the Doctor's table and say, "Hit me up with some of that deadly juice, Doctor Jesus! I love the results!"
Prayer: Father, I expose myself to every adverse thing You've already pre-determined for me to walk through. I want my life to accomplish everything You set it out to do. Even through the valley of death's shadow, I will not fear because my life is filled with Your purpose. Thank You for Your ways. I. Submit to You now in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage> 1 Samuel chapters 18-20
Memory Verse> Psalm 144: 1& 2
It is quite amazing how the human brain works. Although many scientists do not acknowledge that their ability to learn and solve problems comes from God, we know that no-one but God could give humans the intellect to figure out how to make something like a vaccine. It's intriguing to say the least. I didn't realize until I was in my early thirties that the stuff they put in your body is actually the same illness you're trying to avoid. In order for the vaccine to work, or to make you "immune" to the illness, you have to take in a small dose of the actual illness and allow it to enter your system so that you can be "exposed" to it.
This is necessary in helping you build immunity.
I know God is the author of the wisdom behind the creation of vaccines, because His kingdom works exactly the same way. Only God can expect us to do the very thing that would potentially kill us, exposing ourselves to it and all its dangers. That's what He did to David. He sent Samuel to anoint him king when he barely knew himself, then taught him how to be the best shepherd boy he could be. He stayed in the fields with his father's sheep, protecting them from the lions, tigers and bears that threatened to destroy them. Little did he know that it was about to get worse.
But here's the interesting part, as Pastors Chad and Nette explained to us: because David was already exposed to dangerous situations, he was PREPARED to face Goliath without even realizing it. When he saw the Philistines making a mockery of God's people, he just had to respond. But he already had what it took to do so. And just when you thought he'd already done enough, God thrust him into another "vaccination situation". He caused the people to show David more favor so that Saul could drive himself deeper out of his place as God's chosen. Pretty soon, Saul was relentlessly pursuing David, trying to kill him at every turn. But once again, David somehow knew he had been prepared in advance for this kind of hostile environment, and he was able to stand.
Whatever your "vaccination situation" today, God has already figured out how much of that deadly substance you need to be exposed to. As you submit to it, in much the same way we as parents do with our children because we trust the doctor's word, you will find yourself built up and ready to face greater levels of adverse circumstances for the glory of the Lord. Oh- by the way, David is known in the Bible for being the most prolific writer and psalmist, as well as the king after God's own heart. Do you think maybe it was from everything he allowed himself to be exposed to? Makes me want to jump up on the Doctor's table and say, "Hit me up with some of that deadly juice, Doctor Jesus! I love the results!"
Prayer: Father, I expose myself to every adverse thing You've already pre-determined for me to walk through. I want my life to accomplish everything You set it out to do. Even through the valley of death's shadow, I will not fear because my life is filled with Your purpose. Thank You for Your ways. I. Submit to You now in Jesus' Name, Amen.
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