Wednesday, June 8th, 2011
Today's Passage: James chapter 2
Memory Verse: James 2: 14 and 24
FAITH. What a powerful word. Without it, we can never please God. With it, nothing is impossible for us to accomplish in this world. Every trial and contrary circumstance that comes against us is for the purpose of building this great virtue in our lives. But James makes a profound statement in today's passage that we must consider: FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD.
What?! So I can possess all the faith to move mountains, but it profits me nothing if I DO nothing to put that faith into action? This statement takes away every excuse that we are insignificant, and have not been given free will to RESPOND to God's commands. Let's face it: if Abraham had not OBEYED God and moved when he was told to do so, He wouldn't be called the Father of faith today. And do you know what gave Him the grace to be called "friend"? His obedience when God required His son as a sacrifice.
Faith may be the substance of all things that we hope for, and the evidence of things that we do not see. But OBEDIENCE is the vehicle that moves faith and causes it to bring into fruition what we are dreaming of. And here's the thing many of us don't want to face: if we don't SHOW God that He can trust us to obey Him WHEN He says move, how can we expect Him to open windows for us to operate in greater levels of influence?
That said, our challenge for today is this: MOVE! There's no such thing as WAITING on God to open doors for us. He did everything He was supposed to do. He destroyed the works of the enemy through the blood of His Son, Jesus. Then He showed us how to defeat satan by obeying and selling out to Him. So when He tells you to do something, stop making excuses and calling it "standing in faith." Get in God's face and get behind what He's blessing. He loves the poor and broken. When you begin to do your part to bless them, He'll move on your behalf. Let's make this really practical. Whenever you hear the words "outreach" or "missions", your baby should leap. Do whatever you can to support those who are reaching the lost for Jesus Christ. Put your money and resources behind it. If you want to be a believer in action, this H.U.M.P. day challenge is for you. MOVE, and watch God respond.
Prayer: Father, thank You so much for Your Word. Our desire is to obey You unflinchingly. Whatever moves You is what we want to be involved in. Give us the grace to not be more focused on our goals than we are on touching Your world one act of obedience at a time. If you don't only look at faith, but are moved by our works as well, we will combine our faith with our works -- for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Disappearing Act
Tuesday June 7, 2011
Today's Passage: 1 John 3:16-18
Memory Verse: 1 John 3:18
Ever been to a magic show? Those things are crazy, aren't they? The guy comes on stage and starts pulling doves out of his sleeve, and pushing swords through his assistant. It's all entertainment. Oh, and don't forget the flowers in the walking cane and the old rabbit out of the hat bit. Success for these guys depends on whether or not they make you believe they can really make things disappear.
If we aren't careful, we can become magicians ourselves. According to today's passage, if you see a brother in need, and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And YOU made it disappear. Imagine standing on stage before God and saying "Now for my next astounding feat, I'm going to make Your love disappear". Not you, right? Well, each day God gives us life, we're on stage for Him. While on stage, we have the opportunity to show His love by caring for our fellow man. God expects this in His kingdom. As Christians, we simply cannot allow ourselves to have issues with love. It's the ONLY way to get to Heaven. If we see someone in need, and we have the means to help them, what should we do? We should help them because the adverse would be telling the world God's love doesn't exist. Christians can spend a lifetime preaching on street corners or singing in choirs; however, all the words they speak or sing mean nothing if they don't show His love. Truth is, the world doesn't care how much we know - they want to know how much we care.
Finally, we should always seek to make God's love available to others because it was once made available to us. Giving someone the same opportunity to live that you were once given is the best thing you could ever do for God. We have to adopt this mindset. The church can no longer hide behind its walls in obscurity. It's time for God's love to be put on display. So, if you have the means to do it, do it. It's your reasonable service.
Prayer: Father, so many need Your love. They're in every city, every state, and every nation. Help us to see them as You see them. Break our hearts with the things that break Your heart. As we strive to be more like You, let us show Your love more and more. In Jesus' name. Amen
Today's Passage: 1 John 3:16-18
Memory Verse: 1 John 3:18
Ever been to a magic show? Those things are crazy, aren't they? The guy comes on stage and starts pulling doves out of his sleeve, and pushing swords through his assistant. It's all entertainment. Oh, and don't forget the flowers in the walking cane and the old rabbit out of the hat bit. Success for these guys depends on whether or not they make you believe they can really make things disappear.
If we aren't careful, we can become magicians ourselves. According to today's passage, if you see a brother in need, and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And YOU made it disappear. Imagine standing on stage before God and saying "Now for my next astounding feat, I'm going to make Your love disappear". Not you, right? Well, each day God gives us life, we're on stage for Him. While on stage, we have the opportunity to show His love by caring for our fellow man. God expects this in His kingdom. As Christians, we simply cannot allow ourselves to have issues with love. It's the ONLY way to get to Heaven. If we see someone in need, and we have the means to help them, what should we do? We should help them because the adverse would be telling the world God's love doesn't exist. Christians can spend a lifetime preaching on street corners or singing in choirs; however, all the words they speak or sing mean nothing if they don't show His love. Truth is, the world doesn't care how much we know - they want to know how much we care.
Finally, we should always seek to make God's love available to others because it was once made available to us. Giving someone the same opportunity to live that you were once given is the best thing you could ever do for God. We have to adopt this mindset. The church can no longer hide behind its walls in obscurity. It's time for God's love to be put on display. So, if you have the means to do it, do it. It's your reasonable service.
Prayer: Father, so many need Your love. They're in every city, every state, and every nation. Help us to see them as You see them. Break our hearts with the things that break Your heart. As we strive to be more like You, let us show Your love more and more. In Jesus' name. Amen
Look For the Remnant!
Monday, June 6th, 2011
Today's Passage: 1 John 2
Memory Verse: 1 John 2: 24 & 27
It's the most tired excuse a believer has ever heard, but it's used all the time nonetheless. If you were to ask a person who's flirted with the idea of being a believer why he or she hasn't completely sold out, the most popular response is that believers are "hypocrites". Let's face it, though. Believers have given those who are watching us some powerful ammunition to use against us.
Every now and then, believers are caught in this snare that the enemy sets for us all. Whether it involves adultery or some other sexual scandal, misuse of money within a ministry, or the discovery that someone who was highly respected in the Christian community is not living up to that standard, it leaves a bitter taste in everyone's mouths. It also gives the impression that the Christian life is impossible to walk out.
But this one thing is certain: our role model, Who came in the flesh and lived among us, never let us down. He was in the flesh just llke we are, and did not succumb to sin. Whenever we fall short, it's not because of Him. As a matter of fact, if we want to be honest, we fail lots of times because we choose so many others to emulate rather than Christ Himself. There was no compromise in Him, so where is the compromise coming from?
Verse 15 in John 2 makes it clear. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life stop us short of showing forth God's best every time. When our priorities are on the things of this world, what we will accomplish will end up being the things this world settles for: unfulfilled relationships, a quest for material things that never satisfy, and recognition for being nothing but promise-breakers. But if we keep our eyes on Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith, the anointing of the Anointed One Himself -- Jesus the Christ -- will keep us walking in His ways and obeying His commandments. Next time you talk to one of those people who're straddling the fence because they've not seen the real thing walked out, remind them to look for the remnant... those of us who choose to abide in Him and walk holy... because He did.
Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Jesus to show us that this Christian life CAN be walked out in the flesh. All You require is acts of obedience to Your will because You first loved us. May we be willing to make the sacrifice and stand for righteousness, so that the world will have no excuse but to yield to Your Majesty. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: 1 John 2
Memory Verse: 1 John 2: 24 & 27
It's the most tired excuse a believer has ever heard, but it's used all the time nonetheless. If you were to ask a person who's flirted with the idea of being a believer why he or she hasn't completely sold out, the most popular response is that believers are "hypocrites". Let's face it, though. Believers have given those who are watching us some powerful ammunition to use against us.
Every now and then, believers are caught in this snare that the enemy sets for us all. Whether it involves adultery or some other sexual scandal, misuse of money within a ministry, or the discovery that someone who was highly respected in the Christian community is not living up to that standard, it leaves a bitter taste in everyone's mouths. It also gives the impression that the Christian life is impossible to walk out.
But this one thing is certain: our role model, Who came in the flesh and lived among us, never let us down. He was in the flesh just llke we are, and did not succumb to sin. Whenever we fall short, it's not because of Him. As a matter of fact, if we want to be honest, we fail lots of times because we choose so many others to emulate rather than Christ Himself. There was no compromise in Him, so where is the compromise coming from?
Verse 15 in John 2 makes it clear. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life stop us short of showing forth God's best every time. When our priorities are on the things of this world, what we will accomplish will end up being the things this world settles for: unfulfilled relationships, a quest for material things that never satisfy, and recognition for being nothing but promise-breakers. But if we keep our eyes on Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith, the anointing of the Anointed One Himself -- Jesus the Christ -- will keep us walking in His ways and obeying His commandments. Next time you talk to one of those people who're straddling the fence because they've not seen the real thing walked out, remind them to look for the remnant... those of us who choose to abide in Him and walk holy... because He did.
Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Jesus to show us that this Christian life CAN be walked out in the flesh. All You require is acts of obedience to Your will because You first loved us. May we be willing to make the sacrifice and stand for righteousness, so that the world will have no excuse but to yield to Your Majesty. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Prayers That Prevail
Sunday June 5, 2011
Father, You are our peace and our source. We ask for Your presence today. More importantly, we can't stop thanking You for Your love. Mere words can't express how much that love means to us. Not only is Your love a remedy for us, it's also a perfect example for how we should live and treat others.
Lord, when we think of love, we immediately think of marriage. So, as wives, let us be the example You described in Proverbs 31. Let us be productive and nurturing, bringing increase to our households. Lord, we desire to be the helpmeet You designed us to be. So, give us what we need to meet the needs of our homes and communities. As husbands, let us see our wives as the gifts they are to us. Our desire should be to love them as You love the church, so turn our hearts back to that place. No more walls, no more unfair expectations, and no more one-sidedness. Let us be one in Your presence, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Father, You are our peace and our source. We ask for Your presence today. More importantly, we can't stop thanking You for Your love. Mere words can't express how much that love means to us. Not only is Your love a remedy for us, it's also a perfect example for how we should live and treat others.
Lord, when we think of love, we immediately think of marriage. So, as wives, let us be the example You described in Proverbs 31. Let us be productive and nurturing, bringing increase to our households. Lord, we desire to be the helpmeet You designed us to be. So, give us what we need to meet the needs of our homes and communities. As husbands, let us see our wives as the gifts they are to us. Our desire should be to love them as You love the church, so turn our hearts back to that place. No more walls, no more unfair expectations, and no more one-sidedness. Let us be one in Your presence, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Break the Cycle!!!
Saturday, June 4th, 2011
Today's Passage: Proverbs chapter 5
Memory Verse: Prov. 5: 15, 16 & 20
I'm sitting here reading the passage for today, and the one thought that keeps running through my mind is this: WHY WASN'T THIS PART OF THE BIBLE TAUGHT WHEN I NEEDED IT THE MOST? I know that God's ways are perfect, and that He gave us all a will to choose the right, but every time I think of the many wasted years I spent giving away my life to fulfill the enemy's purpose rather than God's, my heart breaks all over again.
Growing up as a pre-teen, with such an impressionable mind, I was sucked into the web of lies and deceit woven by the enemy concerning infidelity. Although my parents were happily married as far as I could see, and we had times of devotion in a Godfearing home as well as attended church everytime the doors opened, there was another message being preached louder than the ones we heard on Sunday. With the absence of the Holy Spirit's conviction, I was buying into the times my father would leave the house on weekend nights when my mother traveled out of town, staying out until two and three in the morning.
And every time another brother or sister was introduced to us from another woman-- siblings who were the same ages as my mother's children -- the message would get louder. Without realizing it, the iniquity of adultery was being passed on to me. Every popular song played on the radio, though it sounded so innocent, sent the message that only stolen or forbidden love was sweet. There was no longer any fun or passion in dull, boring married life. So by the time I was 16, I was content to be the secret lover of a married man.... Until the saving, delivering power of Jesus snatched me from the very depths of hell itself.
Had there been a spirit-filled minister like my pastors today, preaching of the traps set by the enemy, I at least would've known I was being used as a tomb for that man's lost soul. Somehow, when you look at adultery that way, it doesn't seem so exciting, does it? But the flip side of it is that being married to a spouse in love with the holy God Who set us free makes it exciting to wake up every morning with the same partner: no guilt, no secrets, and no lies. And do you know what the crazy part is? Even in godly homes where the Word IS taught, the world's influence is rearing its ugly head to our children through the media and even "Christian" artists. People of God, we must arise and live God's way ALL the way. Let's break the cycle of iniquity that threatens to be passed down to our children.
Prayer: Father, I believe the enemy is crafty, weaving the lies about sin being glamorous right in front of our faces. But even now, You are raising up a remnant who WILL NOT bow their knee to compromise. May Your love shine through, and the enemy's power be broken in our marriages until holiness is once more set as THE standard of our society. We WILL pray Your Will until we see it come to pass. In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Proverbs chapter 5
Memory Verse: Prov. 5: 15, 16 & 20
I'm sitting here reading the passage for today, and the one thought that keeps running through my mind is this: WHY WASN'T THIS PART OF THE BIBLE TAUGHT WHEN I NEEDED IT THE MOST? I know that God's ways are perfect, and that He gave us all a will to choose the right, but every time I think of the many wasted years I spent giving away my life to fulfill the enemy's purpose rather than God's, my heart breaks all over again.
Growing up as a pre-teen, with such an impressionable mind, I was sucked into the web of lies and deceit woven by the enemy concerning infidelity. Although my parents were happily married as far as I could see, and we had times of devotion in a Godfearing home as well as attended church everytime the doors opened, there was another message being preached louder than the ones we heard on Sunday. With the absence of the Holy Spirit's conviction, I was buying into the times my father would leave the house on weekend nights when my mother traveled out of town, staying out until two and three in the morning.
And every time another brother or sister was introduced to us from another woman-- siblings who were the same ages as my mother's children -- the message would get louder. Without realizing it, the iniquity of adultery was being passed on to me. Every popular song played on the radio, though it sounded so innocent, sent the message that only stolen or forbidden love was sweet. There was no longer any fun or passion in dull, boring married life. So by the time I was 16, I was content to be the secret lover of a married man.... Until the saving, delivering power of Jesus snatched me from the very depths of hell itself.
Had there been a spirit-filled minister like my pastors today, preaching of the traps set by the enemy, I at least would've known I was being used as a tomb for that man's lost soul. Somehow, when you look at adultery that way, it doesn't seem so exciting, does it? But the flip side of it is that being married to a spouse in love with the holy God Who set us free makes it exciting to wake up every morning with the same partner: no guilt, no secrets, and no lies. And do you know what the crazy part is? Even in godly homes where the Word IS taught, the world's influence is rearing its ugly head to our children through the media and even "Christian" artists. People of God, we must arise and live God's way ALL the way. Let's break the cycle of iniquity that threatens to be passed down to our children.
Prayer: Father, I believe the enemy is crafty, weaving the lies about sin being glamorous right in front of our faces. But even now, You are raising up a remnant who WILL NOT bow their knee to compromise. May Your love shine through, and the enemy's power be broken in our marriages until holiness is once more set as THE standard of our society. We WILL pray Your Will until we see it come to pass. In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.
Undefiled
Friday, June 3rd, 2011
Today's Passage: Hebrews 13:1-8
Memory Verses: Heb. 13:4 and Gen. 2:25
It's interesting to me that, as passionate as spirit-filled believers are about Christ, many of us are equally ashamed of anything to do with intimacy inside of marriage. Well, you just can't talk about marriage without discussing intimacy. So here goes. Today's passage commands us to honor marriage and keep the bed of man and wife holy (YES, I SAID IT: MAN and WIFE! For this is still God's ONLY definition of marriage no matter what anyone else has turned it into).
So what does "undefiled" truly mean in this passage? Does it refer simply to there being no limit to the types of sexual acts that can be performed between husband and wife? I went to several Christian websites for some deeper insight, and found exactly that on the website of ministers/ marriage counselors Mike and Wanda Collins (check them out at www.Christian-marriage-today.com/about). One of the things they explained was that it's very easy for believers to take the Word out of context if not looking at the whole message within a particular scripture.
Having read ALL of verse 4, I understood them to mean that "undefiled" has less to do with how we interact with our spouses on an intimate level, and more to do with the things we MUST not allow to destroy that intimacy. God specifically says in this verse that fornicators and adulterers will be judged by God. That lets us know that God requires us to do everything possible to keep outside influences from defiling our marriage bed and removing the sacredness placed there by God when we said our vows. These influences include pornography, flirting with someone other than our spouses, and entertaining thoughts about others that make them look more desirable than the one God has blessed us with.
With that in mind, the word "undefiled" has taken on a new meaning for me. It helps me to understand that intimacy with my spouse is very much approved by God -- AS LONG AS IT IS NOT DEMEANING TO EITHER SPOUSE and brings no shame in the presence of God. But even more importantly, if I want to experience a deep intimacy and true fulfillment with my spouse like never before, nothing and no-one else can be brought into the marriage bed: not soul ties from past relationships, not fantasies about unholy sexual acts, or physical attraction to ANY other person than our mates. Jesus already warned us that the heart is where sin is committed. We must guard our marriages from the enemy's influence. This is truly what makes "undefiled" possible.
Prayer: Father, thank You for giving us Your Word so that we can walk in the fulness of wisdom and understanding in all things. I repent now and renounce all soul ties from past relationships that may be hindering the intimacy between me and my spouse. As we become more intimate with You, may we be released to walk in the fulness of everything You intended for us when You created us. In Jesus' mighty Name we do pray, Amen.
Today's Passage: Hebrews 13:1-8
Memory Verses: Heb. 13:4 and Gen. 2:25
It's interesting to me that, as passionate as spirit-filled believers are about Christ, many of us are equally ashamed of anything to do with intimacy inside of marriage. Well, you just can't talk about marriage without discussing intimacy. So here goes. Today's passage commands us to honor marriage and keep the bed of man and wife holy (YES, I SAID IT: MAN and WIFE! For this is still God's ONLY definition of marriage no matter what anyone else has turned it into).
So what does "undefiled" truly mean in this passage? Does it refer simply to there being no limit to the types of sexual acts that can be performed between husband and wife? I went to several Christian websites for some deeper insight, and found exactly that on the website of ministers/ marriage counselors Mike and Wanda Collins (check them out at www.Christian-marriage-today.com/about). One of the things they explained was that it's very easy for believers to take the Word out of context if not looking at the whole message within a particular scripture.
Having read ALL of verse 4, I understood them to mean that "undefiled" has less to do with how we interact with our spouses on an intimate level, and more to do with the things we MUST not allow to destroy that intimacy. God specifically says in this verse that fornicators and adulterers will be judged by God. That lets us know that God requires us to do everything possible to keep outside influences from defiling our marriage bed and removing the sacredness placed there by God when we said our vows. These influences include pornography, flirting with someone other than our spouses, and entertaining thoughts about others that make them look more desirable than the one God has blessed us with.
With that in mind, the word "undefiled" has taken on a new meaning for me. It helps me to understand that intimacy with my spouse is very much approved by God -- AS LONG AS IT IS NOT DEMEANING TO EITHER SPOUSE and brings no shame in the presence of God. But even more importantly, if I want to experience a deep intimacy and true fulfillment with my spouse like never before, nothing and no-one else can be brought into the marriage bed: not soul ties from past relationships, not fantasies about unholy sexual acts, or physical attraction to ANY other person than our mates. Jesus already warned us that the heart is where sin is committed. We must guard our marriages from the enemy's influence. This is truly what makes "undefiled" possible.
Prayer: Father, thank You for giving us Your Word so that we can walk in the fulness of wisdom and understanding in all things. I repent now and renounce all soul ties from past relationships that may be hindering the intimacy between me and my spouse. As we become more intimate with You, may we be released to walk in the fulness of everything You intended for us when You created us. In Jesus' mighty Name we do pray, Amen.
God's Abiding Love
Thursday, June 2nd, 2011
Today's Passage: 1 Corinthians 13: 1-8
Memory Verse: 1 Cor. 13: 1-2
If I remember anything about our marriage at the beginning, it would be that we were on two absolutely different islands with no clue what was going on in one another's hearts. My idea of love was that of the fairy-tale romance from the soap operas, while he probably just wanted the opposite of what he grew up seeing. As time went by, I would sometimes wonder whether my husband really loved me. I couldn't be sure of his love, because it seemed as if we couldn't agree on anything. It wasn't really until a couple of years later that I truly began understanding what true love was all about.
The first glimpse of God's love at work came when our family moved to ALM. My husband was attacked in the area of his credibility by a close family member, and that's when I truly understood the power of unity. As long as we stood together, nothing and no-one could come between us. I learned the true meaning of "love never fails".
Little by little, I've come to know that God tells us to love HIS way for a reason. The only kind of love that lasts is love that's long-suffering, kind, and refuses to see the other person as the enemy. No matter how we see things, there's only one way-- God's way. There is NO such thing as divorce, because God creates man and wife to fit each other. Never in the body of Christ will there ever be irreconcilable differences between us.
Now, fifteen years later, do we still encounter attacks on our family in one form or another? Of course. Is married life perfect? Of course not. But WE know who we are to each other: God's answer to those questions and problems from outside. Last December, when we renewed our vows to one another, there were none of the illusions from our earlier life. There was only a strong sense of God's deep, abiding love that will accompany us into eternity.
Prayer: Father, I praise You for Your love that has taught me to be selfless. When issues arise, I look for Your answer. May the world --and others in the body of Your Son -- see us walk out this powerful weapon against the forces of darkness. We live to bring glory to Your Name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: 1 Corinthians 13: 1-8
Memory Verse: 1 Cor. 13: 1-2
If I remember anything about our marriage at the beginning, it would be that we were on two absolutely different islands with no clue what was going on in one another's hearts. My idea of love was that of the fairy-tale romance from the soap operas, while he probably just wanted the opposite of what he grew up seeing. As time went by, I would sometimes wonder whether my husband really loved me. I couldn't be sure of his love, because it seemed as if we couldn't agree on anything. It wasn't really until a couple of years later that I truly began understanding what true love was all about.
The first glimpse of God's love at work came when our family moved to ALM. My husband was attacked in the area of his credibility by a close family member, and that's when I truly understood the power of unity. As long as we stood together, nothing and no-one could come between us. I learned the true meaning of "love never fails".
Little by little, I've come to know that God tells us to love HIS way for a reason. The only kind of love that lasts is love that's long-suffering, kind, and refuses to see the other person as the enemy. No matter how we see things, there's only one way-- God's way. There is NO such thing as divorce, because God creates man and wife to fit each other. Never in the body of Christ will there ever be irreconcilable differences between us.
Now, fifteen years later, do we still encounter attacks on our family in one form or another? Of course. Is married life perfect? Of course not. But WE know who we are to each other: God's answer to those questions and problems from outside. Last December, when we renewed our vows to one another, there were none of the illusions from our earlier life. There was only a strong sense of God's deep, abiding love that will accompany us into eternity.
Prayer: Father, I praise You for Your love that has taught me to be selfless. When issues arise, I look for Your answer. May the world --and others in the body of Your Son -- see us walk out this powerful weapon against the forces of darkness. We live to bring glory to Your Name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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