Prayer for 2017

Father, in the Name of Jesus, we ask for Your Divine intervention for a new fresh beginning. Open supernatural doors today in our lives.

Save and set us free from every satanic operation. Give us a double portion of your Spirit as we take back everything that the Devil has stolen from us: 

  

Our Emotional Health, Physical Health, Finances, 

Relationships, Children, Jobs, Homes, Marriages. 

  

We ask You to cancel every plot, plan, and scheme the enemy has devised against your children in the MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS AND BY THE POWER OF YOUR BLOOD. 

We declare: 

NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST US SHALL PROSPER. 

  

We speak LIFE into every dead situation in our lives And, we thank you that nothing is over until YOU say it's over! We speak  prophetically into our lives and to our situations: 

 

Our households are blessed; 

Our health is blessed; 

Our marriages are blessed; 

Our finances are blessed; 

Our businesses are blessed; 

Our jobs are blessed; 

Our children are blessed; 

Our grandchildren are blessed; 

Our parents are blessed; 

Our siblings are blessed; 

Our ministries are blessed; 

Our decisions are blessed. 

Mortgages are paid and debts are cancelled; 

Our hearts' desires are according to YOUR perfect will and plan for our lives.

In JESUS name, amen!  

Joy in Resting

We live in a day when so many people attempt to climb the ladder of success. But by working so hard to find happiness, we can miss the mark of genuine, joyful living. Paul points to contentment as a secret to gaining real joy and fulfillment. Contentment is not a lazy attitude or lack of motivation. Contentment is an ability to be thankful and joyful no matter the quality of life one has or the daily challenges and struggles. To stand fast in the Lord, is to stand fast in His strength, and by His grace.

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!” Philippians 4:1

Christians need to be called again and again to live joyfully. We have much more reason for joy than we do sorrow. It is the duty of the believer to take care and diligence in their faith. It is understandable to have concerns and we should use Godly wisdom. On the other hand, when there is fear and distrust, which is sin and foolishness, only creates confusion and distracts the mind. As a remedy against over thinking it, constant prayer is recommended. We don’t just prayer in certain times or for certain things, but in everything by prayer. We must add to our thanksgivings, our prayers and requests, and not only to better our situation, but to treasure the mercy God has given us. He finds pleasure when we show that we value His mercy, and that we depend on Him. The peace of God, the comfort knowing we have been reconciled to Him, and receiving His favor, and the hope of living in eternal blessedness with Him, are a greater good than can be fully expressed. This peace will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7.

Joyful living, and the peace that comes from it, keeps us from sinning through our troubles and from sinking under them. It keeps us calm and inwardly satisfied. Believers are to get and keep a good name, a people of noble character. The way that we conduct ourselves, whether we receive praise from other people or not, we honor God. All our privileges and salvation come from the free mercy of God but to fully enjoy them depends on our sincere and holy behaviors and attitudes.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9

The God of Miracles

“I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted. I remembered you, God, and I groaned; I meditated, and my spirit grew faint. You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak. I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; I remembered my songs in the night. My heart meditated and my spirit asked: “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?” Psalm 77:1-9.

The writer went through an experience which many of us have had, or will have at some time or another in living the life of faith. Here is a man who faced a very distressing circumstance which sent him flying to God for help. He tells how he prayed and wept and tried to meditate on God all night long, but, to his great distress, he received no help at all from God. As a consequence, doubts began to rise in his heart. He almost lost his faith. Eventually, he finds his way back to greater faith and trust in God than ever before.

God has declared His strength among the people. What God has done for his church has been a standing declaration of his almighty power. God brought Israel out of Egypt in the great Exodus. This was the beginning of mercy to them, and was remembered yearly by them in the Passover: “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” Psalm 77:14.

We would be wise to worship God. The pure in heart shall see God. Pure worship is exalting God for who He is and what He has done. Pure worship is the way to understanding God's heart. When we worship, we enter into His sanctuary. In the holy place we understand our God, and we can know that all His ways are just and right. We must have fellowship with holiness if we would understand the way God relates to man: “Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God?” Psalm 77:13.

We all have doubt from time to time of God’s great power and ability. We might think He won’t do great things like He does for others. Doubt makes us think God doesn’t hear our prayers. The answers we seek don’t come the way we expect, and God’s timing, well, seems to take way too long. When we doubt creeps in, and without delay, we are wise to turn our hearts and minds to what God has done: “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:11-12.

The remaining section found in the 77^th chapter of Psalm, goes on to tell of the Parting of the Red Sea, another miracle from God, our faithful Deliverer. Never stop believing God will help you overcome your biggest obstacles. With God on your side, He will help you conquer all your valleys, deserts, mountains, and storms.  

Fellowship: Supernatural Bonding

Christian fellowship exists only from God the Father, through Jesus the Son, by and in the Spirit, an established relation, a "new covenant" of grace with the body of Christ followers. Therefore, those who believe in the gospel of the resurrection are united in the Spirit through the Son to the Father: “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10.

This new established relation leads to the reality of a relatedness (united and joined) experienced relationship, a "communion" between man and God: “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins.” Colossians 2:13.

Those who are followers of Jesus Christ are in communion with Him, and the Father, in the Spirit but also with one another. This relatedness, relationship, and communion therefore is fellowship: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35.

Christian fellowship is a practical reality. We cannot practice all of Jesus’ commands by ourselves. We need other people to be obedient Jesus followers. We need fellowship with other followers to grow. We are co-workers in Christ: “Love one another” John 13:34. “Serve one another” Galatians 5:13. “Be patient with one another” Mark 9:50. “Accept one another” Romans 15:7. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” Ephesians 4:32. “Do not speak against one another” James 4:11. “Confess your sins to one another” James 5:16. 

Fellowship is needed, therefore required. Based on the encouragement which is in Christ, the comfort which comes from the unity that comes by and in the Spirit, and the kindness and gentleness from Christ-like followers, we are commanded to live a certain way. We are to live in love and harmony, not only because of natural friendship for one another, but because of our divine responsibilities as members of the household of God. Fellowship is supernatural bonding, with Christ as the foundation. This is why Paul's appeal for unity begins by focusing upon relationship in Christ, not relationship towards one another:

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,  then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Philippians 2:1-2. 

All Together Now

Throughout the world the universal meaning of “one” is unity. In the Bible, “one” symbolizes unity and primacy (the state of being first), and the oneness of the Godhead, also referred to as the trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). 

God has revealed true wisdom to us by His Spirit. No one can know the things of God, but the Holy Spirit, who is one with the Father and the Son, and who makes known Divine mysteries to His people:

“These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10-11.

The apostles were not guided by worldly principles. They had understanding of these things only from the Spirit of God. These things they declared in plain, simple words taught by the Holy Spirit, completely different from the language of man's wisdom:

“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.” 1 Corinthians 2:12-13.

Unconverted men are called carnal. They are represented as of a carnal mind, which is enmity against God: “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace, the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God." Romans 8:6-8.

Carnal behavior is giving into the lusts, the wants and desires of man's sinful nature. The canal man does not receive the secrets and mysteries of the Spirit of God. Prideful, worldly reasoning is a stranger to the Spirit of God and opposed to God’s ways:

“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments.” 1 Corinthians 2:14-15.

Only the Spirit filled man, does God give the knowledge of his will. The awesome privilege of unity in Christ, is that we have the mind of Christ revealed to us by His Spirit. We can therefore experience His life changing power in our hearts, producing the fruit of the Spirit in one accord: “For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16.

Psalm 6

We are born with a sinful nature therefore inclined to sin. The Bible continually says that salvation is found only from the Lord. The hope for deliverance and restoration can only be reached by mercy and mercy is shown vividly with those who have gotten off track.

David is often referred as “a man after God’s own heart.” In the 6^th chapter of Psalms we can see why he earned that notoriety. David was troubled, his whole soul was pouring out with remorse. His heart ached and his mind perplexed to the point where even his bones caused him agony. His pain and suffering brought him to total brokenness that seems to have no end. David is so humbled he fills his bed with tears late into the night. He heart cries out for mercy and healing, the relief that only the Father can give:

“Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long? Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. Among the dead no one proclaims your name. Who praises you from the grave? I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.” Psalm 6:1-7.

Having made his request known to God, David is confident that his sorrow will be turned into joy. Like David, and without doubt, we can know that our prayers are accepted, and in God’s perfect timing will be answered. God loves a humble heart! David prayers are accepted by way of the Mediator and Lord Jesus Christ. The Word conveys that prayers made to God, who is the righteous Judge and the provider of righteousness, pleads our case and who rights the wrongs.  As believers, through the blood and righteousness of Christ, we can go to God and plead with Him our case for pardon and renewal. Praise God He is just and faithful to grant us both! And because of this great gift we are to pray for our enemies and hope for their salvation:

“Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish; they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.” Psalm 6:7-10. 

Shame is a result of pride. The first book of Corinthians, chapter 13, is known as the love chapter. It shows us a better way, the most excellent way. A man after God’s own heart is humble and directed by his remorse and sorrow, rather than shame, when a relationship has been damaged. Humbleness is focused on the other person. Remorse and sorrow seeks peace and healing in a hurting relationship: “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” 1 Corinthians 13:6.

The Lord is God

Joel means “The Lord is God.” We don’t know a lot about Joel. He was a prophet and probably a priest. The book bearing his name reveals he was called to interpret the events happening in the nation of Judah. A plague of locusts had devoured every green thing, leaving nothing but desolation. The plague was no accident, God had sent them. But as devastating as the locust plague was, God’s impending judgment would be even more severe. Joel reminds the people that the Lord is God and that He is in control. Joel challenged the people to wake up and realize the consequences they would experience if they continued to rebel and disobey:

“The Lord thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty are those who obey his command. The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?” Joel 2:11.

The message of Joel warns of God’s judgment of sin but also that God pours out His blessing to repentive hearts. Joel gave them hope if they humbled themselves, turn their hearts toward him, repenting from sin. Only then would God will heal them and their land:

“Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may return and have pity and leave behind a blessing - grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God.” Joel 2:13-14.  

The people in Joel’s day are no different than the people living today; people are resistant to coming back to God. For some, they think it’s just too late for them; they wandered off track too far and it’s now too late to turn back. Some people just go through the motions; they change some outer aspect of themselves, but their heart is not genuinely seeking God’s heart. Other people think God is done with them; He has written them off and so they think they are beyond hope. God desperately wants to get our attention. He might use locust, or he might use some other unwelcomed method. Even so, His desire is for us to be close to Him and He wants to bless us: 

“His anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5.  

God does a great work in our hearts and in our lives. He pours out His Spirit. He renews us, makes us healthy and whole: “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten – the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm – my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed.” Joel 2:25-27.  

The Transforming Power of Knowing God

God is revealed through creation: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities-his eternal power and his divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:20. 

We know God by his handwork in the heavens: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1. We need only to look to the stars to see they are not by accident. Plants, the weather, depths of the ocean, etc. didn’t just happen. One would have to be taught not to see that God is alive and actively involved in His world. 

The more we get to know God, the more we want to be like him. God gives us the desire to know him and his attributes: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23-24.

Knowing God reveals the truth about who we really are. We discover He is perfect and we are imperfect. He is strong and we are weak. He is in control and our lives are often fractured with worry and fear: “Woe to me”! I cried, “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." Isaiah 6:5. When we see ourselves as we really are, the Lord lets us know that we can lean on Him and trust Him to make us like He is.  

Knowing God enables us to understand our world. We don’t have to panic every time we watch the news. He is in touch with our every need and in control of everything, no matter how large or small. Sometimes we have to hit rock bottom to find God:” When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!” Luke 15:17.

Knowing God makes us stronger and more secure. Even though we face troubles of every kind, we can be sure and confident that God is in control: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Revelations 5:12.

Knowing God introduces us to the world of His kingdom: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9. When we are born again, the new birth, God gives us insight to His ways. He introduces us to a whole new way of thinking and a new way of living. 

Through prayer and reading and study of the Word we gain a whole new eternal perspective. And that perspective lifts the mind and heart above the present irritations of daily life to be able to see a greater vision and purpose for living. When we know God, we discover that there is no better way to live and that living without him, we are not really living at all.

Praise to God for a Living Hope

Peter lets us know where we can find our hope and our inheritance. We may look elsewhere, but only in Jesus do we find real hope that carries us through this life and the inheritance to what awaits us in the next.

Apart from Jesus there is a false hope. Hope in the world fails, is vain and dead. The natural man finds himself in a state of hopelessness. What he searches for he does not find. But we thank God for his abundant mercy through Jesus, our living hope. Spiritual hope is living; it supports, has strength, is durable, and lasts. In irritations we have hope to be patient and kind. In struggles we have hope to persevere and to press on. In battles we have hope of victory. What awaits us is our hope of spiritual excellence and perfection. The living hope we have while on earth is but a shadow to what will come; the inheritance that will never end:

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,  who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5.

We rejoice in this living hope but as humans we live in a broken world. There are all sorts of afflictions; temptations, injustice, adversity, pain, and suffering of all kinds. God allows these difficulties to refine us in the fire. Our Christianity depends on our faith. There is nothing else spiritually good in us. A tried faith is more precious than gold. The testing of our faith is a process of purification. Suffering is meant to our advantage, not to our ruin, not meant to destroy but as a probation period. We need to suffer to grow but never longer than is needed. The effect of the trial is to give praise, glory and honor to Jesus Christ. The blessing we are receiving is the joy of salvation; knowing and believing in Jesus as Lord, and the restoration of our souls to which our faith in him is made complete:

“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:6-9.

Authentic Worship

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24.

We are no longer under the law but by grace. We share in the glory of the new covenant: “Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!” 2 Corinthians 3:7-9.

We don’t worship out of obligation, rites or rituals, rather we worship because we have a deep longing from within our heart in spirit and truth to love and adore God. Authentic worship is to learn his ways and to follow them. Authentic worship glorifies God and lifts him up: “I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.” Psalm 9:1.  

God knows the motive of the heart. Authentic worship does not seek the approval or admiration from others, rather authentic worship offers sincere praise, thanks, meditation and prayer: “I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.” Psalm 17:6.

We worship in truth with direct access to God through Jesus Christ. We worship God in the present: “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” Psalm 16:11.

God is looking for authentic worshippers who will worship him completely wherever they are and all that they do. We don’t worship to make ourselves feel better trying to clear the conscious: “Hear, O Lord, and my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer, it does not rise from deceitful lips.” Psalm 17:1.

We do not worship God while attending church service or meeting only. We worship God in spirit and in truth. The Bible says he is a pure spirit: “The Most High does not live in houses made by human hands” Acts 7:48. “And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else” Acts 17:25.

Therefore, authentic worship is what God seeks: pure, holy, spiritual worship. He wants what the soul offers rather than the body. His desire is our honor, respect, admiration, devotion and celebration of the heart rather than from the lips: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of the heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14.  

You Got to Serve Somebody

Philemon was a member of the Colossian Church and probably a convert of Paul. Onesimus was a slave of Philemon who robbed his master and fled to Rome and while under Paul’s preaching, was converted. Onesimus had an enormous debt to pay to his master but now he and Philemon had something in common: their shared faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” Romans 1:16.

Onesimus understood he had wronged his master and that he needed to make things right with him. Paul becomes the middleman and sends a request to Philemon to welcome his wayward slave back with grace and forgiveness: “I appeal to you on the basis of love. I Paul an old man and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ appeal to you for my son Onesimus who became my son while I was in chains.” Philemon 1:9-10.

This is the same story of every man and woman. We are all wayward slaves who have run away from our Master: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. Our guilt was great and the penalty severe: “The wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23. We were not worthy when we were declared Not Guilty! Even though we broke the law, the law didn’t win! We are free from the law of sin and death!

Paul pleas with Philemon: “So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.” Philemon 1:17-18. We need to be reconciled back to God, grace and forgiveness, and we need a mediator to intercede in our behalf: “for there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” 1Timothy 2:5.

Just like Onesimus, we can find ourselves “on the run.” At some point, sin takes its grip and hold on us. We come to a fork in the road and realize the consequences of continuing on the path that ultimately lead to ruin: “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6.

Bob Dylan penned the lyrics to the song, “You got to serve somebody.” Paul wrote it like this: “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” Romans 6:16-18. 

Down on Bended Knee

“The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.” Obadiah 1:15

Obadiah tells the story of two nations, the nation of Israel and the nation of Edom. Behind the story of these two nations is the story of two men: Jacob was the father of Israel and his twin brother Esau became the father of the Edomites. The relationship between these two brothers was in constant conflict, even before they were born, they struggled together in their mother’s womb. Jacob, the younger brother had stolen the birthright from his older brother Esau and Esau never got over it.

This family feud marked the lives of these two men and the lives of their descendants, the two nations of Israel and Edom. The nation of Edom would stand by and watch with delight and laugh as Israel would be attacked by its enemies: “This is what the Sovereign Lord says about Edom-We have heard a message from the Lord: An envoy was sent to the nation to say, ‘Rise, and lets us go against her for battle.” Obadiah 1:1.

Obadiah teaches lessons about the attitude of pride and a desire for revenge will ultimately lead to destruction: “You should not look down on your brother in the day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble.” Obadiah 1:12.

Pride sets us up for the fall. Arrogance believes it is invincible, but an attitude of self-centeredness leads to failure: “See, I will make you small among the nations; you will be utterly despised.” Obadiah 1:2. A heart governed by the Spirit of God is aware of the attitudes of pride: self-sufficiency, self-righteousness, and self-centered judgmentalism: “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” Galatians 5:17.

We are to give our hurts over to the Lord: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.” Romans 12:19. A humble heart sets aside grudges and weeps with those who are hurting: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15.

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:11-14. 

He Fills Me Up

“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” Psalm 63:1-5.

We are God’s treasured children. He chose us from the beginning of the world with love that lasts forever. The Holy Spirit is at work in us that brings forth good fruit. Because He is a Holy God we are made righteous, whole and complete. Truth sets us free from sin and misery: “But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13.

We are called to follow, the outward call, of living out the gospel of grace and truth. The inward call is the workings of the gospel of grace and truth through the power of the Holy Spirit in us. Therefore, when we believe and obey the Gospel we will be with Jesus and will be a witness to the gospel and share in His glory: “To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 2:14.

The Bible tells us to stand firm and abide in Him. We must pay attention to the workings of the Holy Spirit, be diligent, equipping ourselves in Truth. “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15. “Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.” 1 John 2:28.

When we pray we pray to our God the Father but also to our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and we should pray in His name unto God. We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, and not just to endure or be patient, but joyful, in troubles, in pain and suffering. Our hope is grounded in the love and grace of God, the promises of God, the goodness and the faithfulness of God. Grace and mercy of God are what we hope for, and what our hopes are founded on, and not on any effort of our own. “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17.

He fills me up with good things, your Holy temple. He gives me love. He watches over me. He protects me from harm. He listens to my distress. He gives me rest. He gives me strength. He delivers me from evil. He is so good. He fills me up.    

A Life of Lasting Significance

“This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” Hebrews 10:16

To the unbeliever, “a meaningful life” is contrived from a mix of one’s opinions, experiences, perspectives, realities, and the lack of understanding and knowledge of Biblical Truth. To the unbeliever, truth is abstract: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:4. There is a world view and there is God’s view of what it means to live a meaningful life according to His will and purpose.  

Every promise from God is declared through  Jesus Christ. God chose each of us for his good pleasure. We are his special possession: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9. When Jesus prayed for his disciples, he confirms them: “For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.” John 17:7-9.

Our purpose is to bring glory to the name of Jesus. We are his Life’s work: “All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.” John 17:10. Our Father in heaven watches over us, uniting us together with his Son as one into his Holy Family: “Holy Father, protect them by your power of your name-the name you gave me-so that they may be one as we are one.” John 17:11. Jesus prayed in our behalf. He knew the world would hate us so he asked the father to set us apart for his purpose: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:16-17.

A life of significance is firmly fixed in desire to follow the will and ways of God. We need to relate and respond to each other, lean and support, give and take, confess and forgive:  “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.” John 5:9-17.

We need each other. We are to work in unity. There is one body with many parts: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6. 

You get More when you are Thankful

“In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” 1 John 1:4-5.

An attitude lacking thankfulness leads to emptiness. In the garden Eve turned her attention away from all the blessings she already had to focus on what she did not have. Her negative thoughts and focus darkened her mind which led to temptation. “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” Genesis 3:6-7.

Eve was no longer thankful and satisfied. She reasoned with the lie of the evil one. She thought she needed more and she was deceived. Therefore, thankfulness is much more than being grateful. Thankfulness protects hearts and minds from evil and darkness. When we are grateful, we are equipping ourselves with a weapon of “Light” to fight spiritual warfare. Spiritual warfare is resisting, overcoming and defeating the enemy's lies including deception, temptations and accusations. 

An attitude lacking gratefulness will deceive the heart and mind to draw you away from the Light. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4. The shadows of darkness are weapons formed against us. They will not harm us if we believe and follow the Light. “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men” John 1:4.

Thankfulness requires discipline. Anything worth having requires effort. Disciplines produce an outcome. Thankfulness that builds character strength is a principal like cause and effect or what you sow you reap. Discipline is both a process and a result. We go through the process of discipline to achieve the goal, then discipline is produced. When you “work” at a discipline, you “become” more disciplined. When we refuse to follow God’s ways as Eve did, God disciplines us because He loves us.  “A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.” Proverbs 15:5.

The condition of the heart is reflected outwardly. ”Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23. A thankful heart leads to satisfaction. Satisfaction is contentment. When you are content, you don’t look for more; you are satisfied. Satisfied people are joyful people, and joy is health and strength. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:7. 

The devil made me do it!

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12.

During the 70’s, well known comic genius Flip Wilson, whose character “Geraldine Jones” made famous the line “The devil made me do it!” Blaming the devil for everything became a national catchphrase.  Funny as the joke is, playing the blame game, even blaming the devil, is refusing to own up to responsibility to choices and actions.  

The “fall of man” is explained in the book of Genesis. The devil is described as “the serpent, craftier than any of the other animals the Lord God had made.” Genesis 3:1. The serpent tempted and deceived them. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. John 10:10: “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44.

The enemy distorts the truth using confusion and messages of doubt. He makes his way seem a better way, a short-cut but he is a liar and a thief. The act of sinning that Adam and Eve did in the garden is about choice: The Lord God said to the woman, ‘What is this you have done?’ The woman said, ‘The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:13. We can blame the devil for our choices but responsibility for the act of sin is on us. “But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’" Jude 1:9.

The message of Jude is to “contend for the faith.” Jude 1:3. The Lord has given us everything we need to live victoriously. We have a call to persevere: “But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, ‘In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.’ These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Jude 1:17-21.

We are to agonize over pursuit of pleasure, looking deep in the heart, and questioning thoughts. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

Two Kinds of Wisdom

“Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” Proverbs 8:10-11

The “good life” is found in Christ, by learning His ways and gaining understanding to His Kingdom, not the kingdoms of this world. Jesus came to earth to serve, He humbled himself: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13

There is a battle waging a war within our hearts. Fighting and quarreling comes from evil desires: “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.” James 3:14.

The world says “I did it my way.” Such prideful arrogance leads to destruction and ruin: “Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” James 3:15.

The world’s wisdom is not like the wisdom from the Lord. When we follow Jesus, He gives the proper perspective, what to avoid, and how to live better: “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” James 3:16

Godly wisdom ignites our desires to follow God. It gives us insight, direction, and meaning to life. The wisdom that God freely gives shapes our behavior and attitudes:  “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace- loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17

If at all possible, we are to live in such a way, to be at peace with everyone. We are to humble ourselves, and He will lift us up. “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:18

Spiritual Warfare

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.  No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”  1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

The Bible says we must follow Christ: “Those without vision cast off restraint. Blessed is he who keeps the law.” Proverbs 29:18. As Christians, we are in a battle to stay on the path that leads to glory. Commitment to vision is needed. Hard work requires self-control, discipline, is intentional, and requires dedication to excellence. To have such spiritual transformation, renovation of the heart is the foundation to change: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-25.

The way to victory is a radical path of faith in Jesus because of who He is and what He has done to give us the victory over sin and temptation. Faith demands us to persevere through suffering, to endure hardship, and to push past our weariness as we approach the finish line. “This body of ours had no rest, but we are harassed at every turn, conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforts us.” See 2 Corinthians 7:5-6.

We push forward and strain ahead, to keep the victory and becoming more like Jesus. The trophy is our freedom in Christ. “It is freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1.Our reward is in Jesus. Unless He is the major pursuit of our lives all other pursuits are dead end streets. They don’t work, don’t satisfy, and have no fulfillment.  Anything other than the love of Christ won’t do for us what we think they are going to do. Read Matthew 6:33. 

You will Find Him when you Seek Him

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalm 23:1. When we seek God, we will always find him. He watches over us, He cares for us. He is full of tenderness and compassion. He listens to our hearts through sincere prayers, requests, praise, and cries for help. He is with us: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” Psalm 8:4. The Lord hears the prayers of the righteous.  
   

 “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters.” Psalm 23:2. When we seek God he knows what we need. He is our provider, our portion, our strong hold. He is the remedy for our disease. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.” Romans 3:23-24. We must become dependent on him and count on him.

“He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3. When we seek God, he heals our hearts. His name means healer. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.” 2 Chronicles 7:14-16. We are His temple. We are Holy for He is Holy. 

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4. We can know that through times of great pain and suffering, he cares for us. “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” Proverbs 3:11-12. “The rod of correction imparts wisdom.” Proverbs 29:15.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5. When we seek God, we will great gain. He is our banner of victory. Through him, the battle is won. We are his people: “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” John 2:20. “The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” Prov 16:5.  

 “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6. When we seek God, we will live with him in eternity. We may live in this world, but as believers, we are not of this world. While on earth, we are aliens, yet citizens of heaven. “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.” Hebrews 11:13. His love endures forever.

God is at work within us. When we seek God, we will be fully known: “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12. Look to the Lord and you will not fail: “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways.” Psalm 128:1

Perfect Love

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18

The definition of fear is “a distressing emotion aroused by impeding danger, evil, pain, etc., whether it is real or imagined. Fear is the feeling or condition of being afraid.” We fear many things including the fear of the unknown and loss: fear of death, illness, disasters, failure, rejection and loneliness.  The “unknown” can keep us feeling uneasy and uncertain. We can plan, be prepared and hope for the best, but we just don’t know the future and the outcome. Others common fears include the fear of flying, heights, public speaking, the dark, spiders, clowns, crime, the economy, the environment, the government, and on and on it goes.

When we are fearful, we are in a battle for our very lives. Fear creates discouragement which leads to army of problems including anxiety, depression and others. Fear is punishment but there is life by the Spirit. “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Galatians 5:16. The Bible tells us repeatedly how to retrain our minds against fear and to stand firm in His perfect love for us: “This is what the Lord says to you: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. You will not have to fight the battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” 2 Chronicles 20:15&17.

Hearts needing transformation and renovation desire money and other external comforts to make them feel secure. The Bible tells us to be content and not fall into temptation which leads to ruin or punishment; “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

God’s grace is enough: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.” 1 Peter 1:13-14. The world looks at us in amazement because we have heart and mind of Christ. No matter how odd we may appear to the world, we must follow the Lord’s leading. There is freedom in Christ. Stand firm knowing His perfect love that drives out fear. 

Transformation of the Heart

Total transformation of the heart takes time, sometimes perhaps more than we would want to admit. Psalms 119 gives us many answers how to walk consistently with God.

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from the commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statues as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word." 119:9-16. 

Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord." 119:1 
These verses are packed with disciplines to stay in his Word, and to "be" conformed to His image: 
Be committed to stay in the Word. Be consistent: 

As much as possible, try to do daily bible reading, from your phone, on Facebook, or even the good old fashioned way, straight from the pages of your bible! 

Be thoughtful: meditate on the word, do a bible study. Look up the definition of words if you are not sure what they means.look up other verses on the subject. 

Be teachable: Allow the Holy Spirit to convict you. Be humble. Be open to truth. 

These actions produce a changed and joyful heart full of thankfulness.

Spiritual Blessings in Christ

Our God is good. This is what He has done for us who believe in him:

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment to bring all things in heaven and earth together under one head, even Christ." Ephesians 1:3-10.

This is where you stand, your position with God through the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ: 

1. We are chosen and made us holy and blameless, his adopted sons. We are secure and reconciled with God! 
2. He has given us his glorious grace, redeemed us through the blood, the forgiveness of sins. All barriers between us and God have been destroyed! 
3. He has lavished on us all wisdom and understanding and he has made known to us the mystery of his will. We have the Spirit of God in us that gives us insight to the mystery of grace! 
4. He makes his love known to us and fills us "to the measure of all the fullness of God." Eph 319. Praise the Lord!

Process of Growing

"Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." John 12:24

The process of growing wheat takes about a year and goes through four growth stages. First the plant grows leaves and branches. Then it shoots up stems, growing to it's full height. Then the stems terminates in it's head and it develops flowers, fertilizing its self from the movement of pollen. Once this happens the grain is it's ripping stage, the plant begins to wither and die. Each grain or kernel of wheat has it's own resources to protect and nurture the embryo of the wheat germ (as in germinate), allowing it to grow out of the soil into a new wheat plant, continuing the cycle of growth.

God made us us to grow and multiply: "Be fruitful and increase." see Genesis 1:28 But just like the wheat plant, unless we die to self, we cannot fully grow, increase and multiply. "What you sow does not come to life unless it dies." see 1 Corinthians 15:36.

This process of dying to self is for the believer who has decided to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ: "Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God." Romans 8:8. Life with Jesus no longer revolves around a "me" attitude. When self-centeredness begins to die, finally I begin to live. The "old self", of self-centeredness and sinfulness begin to fall away.

This lifestyle of making life "all about me" no longer fits. We no longer have to struggle with the sinful nature because there is life in the Spirit: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit." Romans 8:1-4.

Death to self is a radical concept. But it is a principal, a design of God, shown in the example of a kernel of wheat dying, that it may grow and multiply. We must die to self, so that we can live the way God had intended. To accomplish this transformation or renovation of the heart, He uses our pain and sufferings but rejoice: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4.

Our suffering in Christ leads to a future glory: "I consider that our present suffering are not worth comparing with the the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18. "In all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37. Because of who Jesus is and what He has done, you have greatness in you!