Thursday, July 14th, 2011
Today's Passage: Hebrews 11: 1-16
Memory Verse: Hebrews 11: 1
Have you ever had a conversation with someone who's not really an atheist, but has never really given the things of God a chance? Eventually you hear the questions you knew were coming. How do you know God is real? How is it possible to believe in eternity? How do YOU know you've been given eternal life? If you're a brand new Christian yourself, maybe something that's said in today's blog will encourage you to share your faith. But if you've been a believer for some time, these words will only confirm what you've already explained time and time again.
The first thing someone who doesn't know God will try to do is discredit our faith by trying to make light of the fact that we can't see God. When they start to take you down this road, remind them about the air we breathe. We can't see it, but we know it's there because we can feel it as well as hear it, and it 's the thing that keeps us alive. Well, knowing God exists is kind of like that. No-one can see him and live, so He made it possible for us to feel and hear Him. Once we accept His terms, we begin to walk in faith.
As for the issue of eternity, we must tell them that unlike all other created things, we are spirit beings, and we live in these shells called bodies which do not last long. But something else we possess is the soul, that which was formed when God breathed into us at creation. Every human being has one that is unique to him or her, and that is why cloning of humans will never work. We believe in eternity because God tells us so in His Word. The soul and spirit are eternal, so there will have to be a moment of accountability when we will answer to the eternal Judge.
Which brings us to the final question: how do WE know we have eternal life? That's where this crazy thing called FAITH kicks in, and where each of us can only tell our individual stories. Before I came to know the Lord, everything around me told me there was a God. With every breath, I could feel Him willing me to surrender, but in love and not out of condemnation. Along with this knowledge was the dreadful fear that I would spend an eternity in hell if I didn't accept Him into my life. Somehow, I just KNEW that the physical death was not the end. In the same way, when I finally said yes to Jesus, that fear lifted immediately, being replaced by an intense anticipation of being in His Presence forever. If faith is being sure of what we do not see, and skyscrapers emerge from the imagination of architects, then our faith in the One True God is real, as is He.
Prayer: Father, no-one will ever be able to convince me that You're just a figment of my imagination. You've drawn me to Yourself with lovingkindness. Now, may I be used of You to do the same in the lives of others who don't yet know You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Had To See Uncle Ron!!!!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Today's Passage: Hebrews 10:19-25
Memory Verse: Hebrews 10:19,22
The summer season brings quite a bit of rain in Florida. One summer (I was probably about 12 years old), it seemed like it rained everyday. I remember because I was playing in the mud puddles with some friends when my Uncle Ron showed up. Uncle Ron was THAT GUY. Whenever he came around, he always had something cool for my brother and me. He talked cool, he walked cool, and he gave us the coolest gifts. Along with that, he had the fastest motorcycle (so I thought), and the best- looking gold-colored Porsche 944. Get the picture? This guy was the bomb!
So, there I went. I left my friends at the mud hole in a flash. I'm yelling "Uncle Ron, Uncle Ron" as I'm running down the street. Now that I think about it, I believe that's why he came with all that cool stuff. He liked being appreciated and pursued. See, he was made in the image of God, and God likes being appreciated and pursued. That's why He shows up in our praise and worship (lil' nugget). Anyway, when I got to the house, I saw Uncle Ron standing in the living room. I ran toward him, only to have my mom stop me. She said "Uh-uh, child! You are dirty and need a bath. Before you come and wallow all over him, go clean yourself up". She, of course, was right. Now being a boy, the bath thing wasn't always my favorite activity (keep it real, male readers), but today I didn't mind because the bath was going to give me access to what I wanted and needed. Our passage today gives us the spiritual explanation of my natural occurence. Verses 19 and 22 of it says "So, friends, we can now without hesitation walk right up to God, into the Holy Place. Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of His sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The curtain into God's presence is His body. So let's do it--full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out". We all know if it weren't for Jesus (our cleaner) we would never be "presentable" enough to be in the presence of the Father. That's why I ran toward the bathtub (felt an anointing right there), I know I needed it. Uncle Ron was waiting; and although he had come to see us, I wouldn't be able to enjoy his presence without washing off all the dirt (okay, really feelin' You right now God).
After getting out of the tub, I was able to come hang out with Uncle Ron. Of course, he took advantage of his time with me by talking about the importance of school and advising me to listen to my mom. My time with him was always treasured. I hated for him to leave (guess it was that not having a dad thing). However, I was always left with the evidence of his presence. In contrast, the great thing about God is He never leaves us. He wants us to hang out with Him all the time. Inasmuch, He, too has the coolest things to say, and nobody has better gifts. Because of that, I'll always run to Jesus for a heart cleanse. I'll always seek Him for access to my Father's heart. Prayerfully, you will too.
Prayer: Thank You, Father for giving us access to You. Your presence is a strong tower and mighty fortress. We appreciate You, too, Jesus for being that sacrifice that allowed us to get there. You are a wonderful Savior. No-one comes to the Father without You, Jesus. So, wash us and prepare us for this holy visitation, in Your name we pray. Amen
Today's Passage: Hebrews 10:19-25
Memory Verse: Hebrews 10:19,22
The summer season brings quite a bit of rain in Florida. One summer (I was probably about 12 years old), it seemed like it rained everyday. I remember because I was playing in the mud puddles with some friends when my Uncle Ron showed up. Uncle Ron was THAT GUY. Whenever he came around, he always had something cool for my brother and me. He talked cool, he walked cool, and he gave us the coolest gifts. Along with that, he had the fastest motorcycle (so I thought), and the best- looking gold-colored Porsche 944. Get the picture? This guy was the bomb!
So, there I went. I left my friends at the mud hole in a flash. I'm yelling "Uncle Ron, Uncle Ron" as I'm running down the street. Now that I think about it, I believe that's why he came with all that cool stuff. He liked being appreciated and pursued. See, he was made in the image of God, and God likes being appreciated and pursued. That's why He shows up in our praise and worship (lil' nugget). Anyway, when I got to the house, I saw Uncle Ron standing in the living room. I ran toward him, only to have my mom stop me. She said "Uh-uh, child! You are dirty and need a bath. Before you come and wallow all over him, go clean yourself up". She, of course, was right. Now being a boy, the bath thing wasn't always my favorite activity (keep it real, male readers), but today I didn't mind because the bath was going to give me access to what I wanted and needed. Our passage today gives us the spiritual explanation of my natural occurence. Verses 19 and 22 of it says "So, friends, we can now without hesitation walk right up to God, into the Holy Place. Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of His sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The curtain into God's presence is His body. So let's do it--full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out". We all know if it weren't for Jesus (our cleaner) we would never be "presentable" enough to be in the presence of the Father. That's why I ran toward the bathtub (felt an anointing right there), I know I needed it. Uncle Ron was waiting; and although he had come to see us, I wouldn't be able to enjoy his presence without washing off all the dirt (okay, really feelin' You right now God).
After getting out of the tub, I was able to come hang out with Uncle Ron. Of course, he took advantage of his time with me by talking about the importance of school and advising me to listen to my mom. My time with him was always treasured. I hated for him to leave (guess it was that not having a dad thing). However, I was always left with the evidence of his presence. In contrast, the great thing about God is He never leaves us. He wants us to hang out with Him all the time. Inasmuch, He, too has the coolest things to say, and nobody has better gifts. Because of that, I'll always run to Jesus for a heart cleanse. I'll always seek Him for access to my Father's heart. Prayerfully, you will too.
Prayer: Thank You, Father for giving us access to You. Your presence is a strong tower and mighty fortress. We appreciate You, too, Jesus for being that sacrifice that allowed us to get there. You are a wonderful Savior. No-one comes to the Father without You, Jesus. So, wash us and prepare us for this holy visitation, in Your name we pray. Amen
Live By Faith!!
Monday, July 11th, 2011
Today's Passage: Galatians 3: 1-14
Memory Verse: Gal. 3: 13-14
In these last days, we are constantly flooded with sights and sounds that contradict our values. "Touch it, taste it, buy it. You know you want it. And if you stop pretending and get in touch with your true feelings, you'll experience happiness and fulfillment.". This is the message that's being sent to us on every wave of false instruction (as we learned in yesterday's message). And so, in order to combat the flood of iniquity that threatens to impose itself on the people of God, I can see where the need to remind God's people of His laws is necessary.
But today's passage will have us remember that on our best day, there is absolutely NO WAY we can live righteously by walking in the law. I needed the Holy Spirit to give me a true understanding of how walking in the law works contrary to walking by faith, and He showed me the previous chapter in Galatians. Peter, now one of the apostles of the faith, was engaging in a practice that caused Paul to have to rebuke him publicly. He had no problem hanging out with Gentiles when there were no other Jews around. However, as soon as Jews were present, he began treating his Gentile brothers as if they were not worthy to be called Christians.
As a result of Peter's hypocrisy, other Jewish believers began carrying themselves in the same way, thus making what Christ did on the cross (bring us all together by His blood) of no effect. Which brings us to the place in today's passage where Paul had to correct them all. Paul was basically asking them this question: after all Christ's death purchased for us, why are you going backward, choosing to believe that following the law will continue to bring freedom when it was never able to free us before? We are Abraham's descendants,because he chose to let go of all he knew and embraced the new life God was giving him. He realized he was nothing in and of himself, but his new identity was in Jehovah God.
So here's a question for us all today: are we truly believing God's solution to our sin problem is totally capable of finishing the work He started in us? Or are we reaching back to hold on to religious practices because we can take credit if we are successful? You see, faith means WE are no longer in control, but have to depend on God's direction. We have no agenda other than being obedient to God's voice. But reverting back to the law is not only spitting in God's face, but is also a surefire way to keep all the curses Christ redeemed us from. Today, may your heart choose to believe the truth: that real blessings come only through relationship with Jesus Christ, which will compel us to obey Him out of love, not out of obligation. Be free to live righteously because Jesus MAKES us free, not because we're forced to follow a set of rules. Make no room for living under the curse.
Prayer: Father, thank You for using the law to get us to the place of GRACE. I've learned that grace is what holds me in place while I'm moving towards the inheritance that You promised Abraham. Cleanse me now from any desire to go back to following laws that do not reveal Your heart towards me. I let go of the law and release myself to live in the Spirit-- by faith. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Galatians 3: 1-14
Memory Verse: Gal. 3: 13-14
In these last days, we are constantly flooded with sights and sounds that contradict our values. "Touch it, taste it, buy it. You know you want it. And if you stop pretending and get in touch with your true feelings, you'll experience happiness and fulfillment.". This is the message that's being sent to us on every wave of false instruction (as we learned in yesterday's message). And so, in order to combat the flood of iniquity that threatens to impose itself on the people of God, I can see where the need to remind God's people of His laws is necessary.
But today's passage will have us remember that on our best day, there is absolutely NO WAY we can live righteously by walking in the law. I needed the Holy Spirit to give me a true understanding of how walking in the law works contrary to walking by faith, and He showed me the previous chapter in Galatians. Peter, now one of the apostles of the faith, was engaging in a practice that caused Paul to have to rebuke him publicly. He had no problem hanging out with Gentiles when there were no other Jews around. However, as soon as Jews were present, he began treating his Gentile brothers as if they were not worthy to be called Christians.
As a result of Peter's hypocrisy, other Jewish believers began carrying themselves in the same way, thus making what Christ did on the cross (bring us all together by His blood) of no effect. Which brings us to the place in today's passage where Paul had to correct them all. Paul was basically asking them this question: after all Christ's death purchased for us, why are you going backward, choosing to believe that following the law will continue to bring freedom when it was never able to free us before? We are Abraham's descendants,because he chose to let go of all he knew and embraced the new life God was giving him. He realized he was nothing in and of himself, but his new identity was in Jehovah God.
So here's a question for us all today: are we truly believing God's solution to our sin problem is totally capable of finishing the work He started in us? Or are we reaching back to hold on to religious practices because we can take credit if we are successful? You see, faith means WE are no longer in control, but have to depend on God's direction. We have no agenda other than being obedient to God's voice. But reverting back to the law is not only spitting in God's face, but is also a surefire way to keep all the curses Christ redeemed us from. Today, may your heart choose to believe the truth: that real blessings come only through relationship with Jesus Christ, which will compel us to obey Him out of love, not out of obligation. Be free to live righteously because Jesus MAKES us free, not because we're forced to follow a set of rules. Make no room for living under the curse.
Prayer: Father, thank You for using the law to get us to the place of GRACE. I've learned that grace is what holds me in place while I'm moving towards the inheritance that You promised Abraham. Cleanse me now from any desire to go back to following laws that do not reveal Your heart towards me. I let go of the law and release myself to live in the Spirit-- by faith. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Prayers That Prevail
Sunday, July 10th, 2011
Today's Passage: 1 Timothy chapter 1
Memory Verse: 1 Tim. 1:5
Father, I praise You today for Your gracious sacrifice of Jesus' blood extended to grant me access into the inheritance of kingship. You've revealed to me that Your ultimate goal for me is to walk in love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. I desire to love your people with Your love, seeing beyond what human eyes can see. I want to see them the way You see us all -- complete.
Not only do I desire to love Your way, but I also want to make better choices in my relationships with Your people based on a good conscience. We could all pretend as if we didn't really mean the words we said or the things we did. But when I look in the mirror, I want to see myself the way You see me and be willing to tell the truth about my motives. I do hear Your Word and acknowledge that I will stand before You, and I want to hear You say You know me and welcome me into Your Presence.
With this in mind, I purpose in my heart to walk in a sincere faith. I have been placed on this earth for a limited time, so I want to spend every waking moment being used for the purpose of building Your kingdom. I come into agreement with every plan You have made for my life. I choose not to be on the outside looking in, but rather to plunge myself into worshipping You like never before. I hold firmly to faith and that good conscience You've told me about, and I FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT. For Your glory, in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: 1 Timothy chapter 1
Memory Verse: 1 Tim. 1:5
Father, I praise You today for Your gracious sacrifice of Jesus' blood extended to grant me access into the inheritance of kingship. You've revealed to me that Your ultimate goal for me is to walk in love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. I desire to love your people with Your love, seeing beyond what human eyes can see. I want to see them the way You see us all -- complete.
Not only do I desire to love Your way, but I also want to make better choices in my relationships with Your people based on a good conscience. We could all pretend as if we didn't really mean the words we said or the things we did. But when I look in the mirror, I want to see myself the way You see me and be willing to tell the truth about my motives. I do hear Your Word and acknowledge that I will stand before You, and I want to hear You say You know me and welcome me into Your Presence.
With this in mind, I purpose in my heart to walk in a sincere faith. I have been placed on this earth for a limited time, so I want to spend every waking moment being used for the purpose of building Your kingdom. I come into agreement with every plan You have made for my life. I choose not to be on the outside looking in, but rather to plunge myself into worshipping You like never before. I hold firmly to faith and that good conscience You've told me about, and I FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT. For Your glory, in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Just Taste and See!
Saturday, July 9th, 2011
Today's Passage: Romans 10
Memory Verse: Rom. 10: 9-10
After spending two nights in a workshop called "12 Gates of Restoration", I've gained much insight into the world of the broken and bound. First, individuals have to come face to face with the fact that they need help with the addiction or problem that's keeping them in bondage. Then, they must be able to look inward and face the issue that's causing pain. Slowly but surely, the individuals being led into full recovery establish a foundation with twelve gates of virtuous living to replace the lifetime of selfish existence they had before seeking recovery.
Something else that strikes me about this particular program is that it's completely based on the Word of God. Everyday, the ladies make a declaration from Deuteronomy 28 that outline the promises of God. It gives them an opportunity to experience faith that comes by hearing. The more they hear who they are, the more they can believe that they can reach for the truth and become what they're declaring. It didn't take long for me to realize that this is necessary no matter whether we are struggling with addictions or not.
God has given us awesome creative power, just like Him. It's like His Word is hanging like fruit on a healthy tree, and all we have to do is reach out and take a bite of it. There's really no limit to how much we eat, and once we take it in, it's a part of us forever. No-one can erase or remove that word in any way. So when we declare it, and believe that it will come to pass even as we speak it, the same miracle of eating a luscious fruit from the tree of life will occur in the spirit as it does in the natural.
Today, as you arise, may God's Word be the fruit that you taste and consume. Then, once you've digested it, you can regurgitate it and watch it grow wherever you plant it. You can speak and declare salvation for loved ones, deliverance for those struggling with unforgiveness and pain, and restoration for relationships. Just taste and see that His Word is good, and everywhere we sow it, it SHALL bear more fruit.
Prayer: Father, I thank You that the moment I confessed Your Word and believed it could save me, You immediately responded by coming into my life. Now, I apply the goodness of Your Word to every other area of my life. I declare that I SHALL accomplish everything You intended for me and my family. I give You glory for everything You're going to get out of my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Romans 10
Memory Verse: Rom. 10: 9-10
After spending two nights in a workshop called "12 Gates of Restoration", I've gained much insight into the world of the broken and bound. First, individuals have to come face to face with the fact that they need help with the addiction or problem that's keeping them in bondage. Then, they must be able to look inward and face the issue that's causing pain. Slowly but surely, the individuals being led into full recovery establish a foundation with twelve gates of virtuous living to replace the lifetime of selfish existence they had before seeking recovery.
Something else that strikes me about this particular program is that it's completely based on the Word of God. Everyday, the ladies make a declaration from Deuteronomy 28 that outline the promises of God. It gives them an opportunity to experience faith that comes by hearing. The more they hear who they are, the more they can believe that they can reach for the truth and become what they're declaring. It didn't take long for me to realize that this is necessary no matter whether we are struggling with addictions or not.
God has given us awesome creative power, just like Him. It's like His Word is hanging like fruit on a healthy tree, and all we have to do is reach out and take a bite of it. There's really no limit to how much we eat, and once we take it in, it's a part of us forever. No-one can erase or remove that word in any way. So when we declare it, and believe that it will come to pass even as we speak it, the same miracle of eating a luscious fruit from the tree of life will occur in the spirit as it does in the natural.
Today, as you arise, may God's Word be the fruit that you taste and consume. Then, once you've digested it, you can regurgitate it and watch it grow wherever you plant it. You can speak and declare salvation for loved ones, deliverance for those struggling with unforgiveness and pain, and restoration for relationships. Just taste and see that His Word is good, and everywhere we sow it, it SHALL bear more fruit.
Prayer: Father, I thank You that the moment I confessed Your Word and believed it could save me, You immediately responded by coming into my life. Now, I apply the goodness of Your Word to every other area of my life. I declare that I SHALL accomplish everything You intended for me and my family. I give You glory for everything You're going to get out of my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Christ Did It All!
Friday, July 8th, 2011
Today's Passage: Romans chapter 5
Memory Verse: Rom. 5: 6 & 8
The closest comparison I can make to what Christ did for us would have to be what a parent of a wayward child does. After raising and taking care of that child all his or her young life, it's heartbreaking when he or she throws away life for addiction. We see it often on episodes of "Intervention". Family and friends become terribly upset that the parents still accept that individual after everything he or she does to push them away. Taking money from them, cursing them out when he or she doesn't get his/her way, and then blaming them for the misfortunes of his or her life seem only to push the parents to be more compassionate towards that wayward child.
But when I look at my own life, I really get a picture of how much Christ loves us. When I think of the many years I spat in God's face, my heart breaks. I loved singing from the age of four, and went to church every week, singing what I thought was praises unto a God that I obviously didn't know anything about. Yet He saw what His Father intended me to produce when He created me. That alone gave Him the faith to get on that cross and stay there. So, while I was in my heart-hardened state of sin, with no intention of giving my life to the Lord, He sacrificed it all for me and would've done it even if it were just for me.
Now, multiply that by every rebellious soul that ever lived. Can you imagine the heartache experienced by our God? To be rejected millions of times over, by Your OWN creation? No wonder God had to be reminded that He promised never to wipe us all out ever again! But that's where this thing called faith working through love comes into play. He walked by faith to believe we would accept His Father's grace before we ever conceived of the idea. So all WE had to do was accept the fact that we were accepted long before we were even born.
I love this awesome example of the faith we'll need to walk in when we're praying for loved ones and even strangers who have yet to accept Christ into their hearts. All we need to really remember is that we were once in the same place... But for the grace of God. If I know anything about our Savior, He didn't model anything for us He didn't think we could do. Even when going through tribulations, He would not have us ignorant of the fact that we've got our faith to stand on while we are processed through that season. Saints, there are no excuses for us. Christ did it all. He literally set the example for every possible scenario we could imagine. All we have to do is walk it out.
Prayer: Father, as long as I live I'll never be able to comprehend the height and breadth and depth of Your great love for me. But by Your grace, I accept it and believe Jesus' blood makes me worth the sacrifice You both paid. I extend my faith now to receive the grace needed to see loved ones and even my city surrender to Your lordship. In Jesus' Name, I declare that their hearts are opening to receive what You so freely gave. Amen.
Today's Passage: Romans chapter 5
Memory Verse: Rom. 5: 6 & 8
The closest comparison I can make to what Christ did for us would have to be what a parent of a wayward child does. After raising and taking care of that child all his or her young life, it's heartbreaking when he or she throws away life for addiction. We see it often on episodes of "Intervention". Family and friends become terribly upset that the parents still accept that individual after everything he or she does to push them away. Taking money from them, cursing them out when he or she doesn't get his/her way, and then blaming them for the misfortunes of his or her life seem only to push the parents to be more compassionate towards that wayward child.
But when I look at my own life, I really get a picture of how much Christ loves us. When I think of the many years I spat in God's face, my heart breaks. I loved singing from the age of four, and went to church every week, singing what I thought was praises unto a God that I obviously didn't know anything about. Yet He saw what His Father intended me to produce when He created me. That alone gave Him the faith to get on that cross and stay there. So, while I was in my heart-hardened state of sin, with no intention of giving my life to the Lord, He sacrificed it all for me and would've done it even if it were just for me.
Now, multiply that by every rebellious soul that ever lived. Can you imagine the heartache experienced by our God? To be rejected millions of times over, by Your OWN creation? No wonder God had to be reminded that He promised never to wipe us all out ever again! But that's where this thing called faith working through love comes into play. He walked by faith to believe we would accept His Father's grace before we ever conceived of the idea. So all WE had to do was accept the fact that we were accepted long before we were even born.
I love this awesome example of the faith we'll need to walk in when we're praying for loved ones and even strangers who have yet to accept Christ into their hearts. All we need to really remember is that we were once in the same place... But for the grace of God. If I know anything about our Savior, He didn't model anything for us He didn't think we could do. Even when going through tribulations, He would not have us ignorant of the fact that we've got our faith to stand on while we are processed through that season. Saints, there are no excuses for us. Christ did it all. He literally set the example for every possible scenario we could imagine. All we have to do is walk it out.
Prayer: Father, as long as I live I'll never be able to comprehend the height and breadth and depth of Your great love for me. But by Your grace, I accept it and believe Jesus' blood makes me worth the sacrifice You both paid. I extend my faith now to receive the grace needed to see loved ones and even my city surrender to Your lordship. In Jesus' Name, I declare that their hearts are opening to receive what You so freely gave. Amen.
Don't EVEN Try Me!
Thursday, July 7th, 2011
Today's Passage: Daniel chapter 3
Memory Verse: Dan. 3: 17-18
It occurred to me today that it's so easy for many believers to understand the concept of standing up for themselves in the natural realm. They've learned enough to know that we are called to be humble as Jesus was, yet not pushovers. As a result, they walk around with this militant attitude, just waiting for someone to cross them. In their defense, Christians really do have to send the message that we are not put on this earth to be taken advantage of.
Needless to say, it comes as a surprise that we allow the enemy, a bully if I ever saw one, to walk all over us when he rears his ugly head. Of course, we know that he uses human beings, but we forget that our battle is not against flesh and blood. I never tire of reading the faith account of the three Hebrew boys, who made a stand against an entire kingdom and its laws. We are living in a day when the laws are being re-written for no other reason than to show the people of God that our God, the Omnipotent God Himself, has no power against the will of man.
But we can certainly learn from this passage just how to win. First of all, Daniel and his friends are great examples of how close our walk needs to be with God. They prayed without ceasing, as should we. We must never downplay the necessity of speaking to and hearing from God, because we have no clue what season He wants to prepare us for. Notice that they did not bother to engage the people who no doubt had negative words to say about their lifestyle. They saved their emotional and spiritual strength for the principalities and powers that "tried" them in the form of the lawmakers and even the king himself.
I just love their response to the king's command to worship his idol. Here's my interpretation: "O great King, you are most certainly powerful. No man can stand against your laws and win. That's why we wouldn't dare answer you on those terms. But even you are NO match for our GOD! And as we submit to Him, HE will arise to deliver us out of your hand." My absolutely favorite part of all is their concluding statement: "But EVEN if He chooses NOT to deliver us, WE will still NEVER bow to your god.". Now THERE'S a militant attitude to emulate! No matter how they change the laws, no matter how they persecute us, may we be bold enough to stand against every attempt to try us. May we say, "With all due respect, don't even presume to think you can try me and win!"
Prayer: Father, You are the very same God today, yesterday, and forever. You've given us this wonderful example of standing up to the enemy in faith. Help us remember to pull on Your grace, which will never fail us. We declare now strength to stand in the life of every man, woman, boy and girl who is called "SAINT". May we ever live to bring You glory. In Jesus' powerful Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Daniel chapter 3
Memory Verse: Dan. 3: 17-18
It occurred to me today that it's so easy for many believers to understand the concept of standing up for themselves in the natural realm. They've learned enough to know that we are called to be humble as Jesus was, yet not pushovers. As a result, they walk around with this militant attitude, just waiting for someone to cross them. In their defense, Christians really do have to send the message that we are not put on this earth to be taken advantage of.
Needless to say, it comes as a surprise that we allow the enemy, a bully if I ever saw one, to walk all over us when he rears his ugly head. Of course, we know that he uses human beings, but we forget that our battle is not against flesh and blood. I never tire of reading the faith account of the three Hebrew boys, who made a stand against an entire kingdom and its laws. We are living in a day when the laws are being re-written for no other reason than to show the people of God that our God, the Omnipotent God Himself, has no power against the will of man.
But we can certainly learn from this passage just how to win. First of all, Daniel and his friends are great examples of how close our walk needs to be with God. They prayed without ceasing, as should we. We must never downplay the necessity of speaking to and hearing from God, because we have no clue what season He wants to prepare us for. Notice that they did not bother to engage the people who no doubt had negative words to say about their lifestyle. They saved their emotional and spiritual strength for the principalities and powers that "tried" them in the form of the lawmakers and even the king himself.
I just love their response to the king's command to worship his idol. Here's my interpretation: "O great King, you are most certainly powerful. No man can stand against your laws and win. That's why we wouldn't dare answer you on those terms. But even you are NO match for our GOD! And as we submit to Him, HE will arise to deliver us out of your hand." My absolutely favorite part of all is their concluding statement: "But EVEN if He chooses NOT to deliver us, WE will still NEVER bow to your god.". Now THERE'S a militant attitude to emulate! No matter how they change the laws, no matter how they persecute us, may we be bold enough to stand against every attempt to try us. May we say, "With all due respect, don't even presume to think you can try me and win!"
Prayer: Father, You are the very same God today, yesterday, and forever. You've given us this wonderful example of standing up to the enemy in faith. Help us remember to pull on Your grace, which will never fail us. We declare now strength to stand in the life of every man, woman, boy and girl who is called "SAINT". May we ever live to bring You glory. In Jesus' powerful Name, Amen.
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