"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love" (1 John 4:8)
Love is a decision. It is a simple choice that we make all day every day. Deciding to love is no different than deciding to drive to the store. We make up our minds that we are going to the mall for a pink top. Every thought we have aligns to create the reality of that decision. In the morning, we should make the decision to love those around us. Now, I recognize it is not always easy to love people based on their actions. But Jesus died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). We do not love because of what a person does or does not do. We love simply because God said we are to love.
When we choose to walk in unconditional love, we stop the power of the enemy. The bible tells us that God did not give us a spirit of fear (2 Tim 1:7). God placed in each of us the ability to love like He loves. We have to choose to love. When we harbor unforgiveness or hatred, torment comes. Think about it: you spend 10 years mad a person. That person is not even thinking about the incident. You have been tortured with the thoughts replaying in your mind over and over again. As you replay the thoughts, you re-live the emotions.
Love covers sin (Proverbs 10:12). Stop allowing the enemy to torture you and stop your blessings. Choose to walk in love. Take a look at 1 Cor 13 also known as the love chapter. Insert your name and let the words resonate in you.
Love (Dayna) suffers long and is kind; love (Dayna) does not envy; love (Dayna) does not parade itself (herself), (Dayna) is not puffed up; 5 (Dayna)does not behave rudely, (Dayna) does not seek its (her) own, (Dayna) is not provoked, (Dayna) thinks no evil; 6 (Dayna) does not rejoice in iniquity, but (Dayna) rejoices in the truth; 7 (Dayna) bears all things, (Dayna) believes all things, (Dayna) hopes all things, (Dayna) endures all things.
8 (Dayna)Love never fails.
How can I do this you ask? Because of Jesus. He is my source. It is in Him we live, move and have our being and purpose (Acts 17:28). It is in Him that we are over comers (John 16:33; 1 John 4:4). Make the decision to walk in love. Of course the enemy is going to try to put everything in your way to make you not walk in love. But love is a decision. Choose to walk in love. Choose to recognize the enemy's devices and pray for strength to endure the fight. Choose to forgive. Choose God's way of doing things. The benefits are more fabulous than you could ever imagine (Eph 3:20).
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Trust
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;"Proverbs 3:5 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
As I was praying this morning I thought about this scripture and how easy it is to do this when things are going smoothly. But how do we trust in the Lord when the storms of life are blowing all around us? I just read a book titled, "The other side of faith." The focus of the book was how we allow fear into our lives without even realizing it. It is small anxieties over simple things. But the bible is very clear, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Phil 4:6 NKJV). This literally means that we should not concern ourselves with the cares of this life. As I pondered these scriptures, I thought of the Israelites prior to their departure out of Egypt. Exodus chapter 12 discusses the final plague that would strike Egypt. Draw your attention to verse 23: "When the LORD passes through to strike Egypt and sees the blood on the lintel and the two doorposts, He will pass over the door and not let the destroyer enter your houses to strike you."
We know the destroyer is the enemy as Jesus tells us he (the devil) comes to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). I was comforted by the thought that as long as I stay in the house covered with the blood of Jesus, the destroyer cannot harm me. There are many scriptures that talk about God raising a banner to protect His children when the enemy comes in like a flood (Ish 59:19) And we dwell in the secret place of the most high and hide under His wings (Psalm 91:1). All of a sudden it hit me, fear comes naturally to us. Think about that. It is easy to get into fear. It takes work to stand in faith. It takes work to trust in the Lord with all your heart when the bank account is low and the bills are high, the job is talking about lay offs, the cabinets are empty. It takes work to enter into the rest of God (Hebrews 4:11). It takes trust in God's word and His promises to cast down imaginations (2 Cor 10:5).
I have declared that 2012 will be a year of great victories. I have determined and purposed that my life will reflect the glory of God's goodness and greatness. I have decided to simply trust God. When my mind starts to wander to all the, "what ifs" and "what will I dos," I stop the thought and quote Psalm 23.
The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake.
4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD as long as I live. (HCSB)
These words are always a comfort to me. Over the past few years, I have faced many challenges. But this year is my year to simply trust God. I have made bad decisions which resulted in negative consequences. But through all of it, God showed grace and mercy. This year I stand on the promise that He will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings that I can not contain. And He will rebuke the devour on my behalf because I return the tithe and bring an offering into His storehouse. (Mal 3:10-11).
God said to prove Him. Put pressure on the convenant to get all that He promised. All good gifts come from the Father above (Matthew 7:11 and James 1:17). It is time to stand on God's promises. I choose to trust His word. The Word is Jesus Christ (John 1:14). He is the promise on which we stand. No matter what you are facing. Look into God's word. Figure out what He wants you to do. Do it and then watch His glorious power manifest in your life.
Jesus made this simple declaration: "Have faith in God" (Mark 11:22). Let us choose to do that. Let us choose faith over fear. Let us create a better tomorrow by applying God's word.
As I was praying this morning I thought about this scripture and how easy it is to do this when things are going smoothly. But how do we trust in the Lord when the storms of life are blowing all around us? I just read a book titled, "The other side of faith." The focus of the book was how we allow fear into our lives without even realizing it. It is small anxieties over simple things. But the bible is very clear, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Phil 4:6 NKJV). This literally means that we should not concern ourselves with the cares of this life. As I pondered these scriptures, I thought of the Israelites prior to their departure out of Egypt. Exodus chapter 12 discusses the final plague that would strike Egypt. Draw your attention to verse 23: "When the LORD passes through to strike Egypt and sees the blood on the lintel and the two doorposts, He will pass over the door and not let the destroyer enter your houses to strike you."
We know the destroyer is the enemy as Jesus tells us he (the devil) comes to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). I was comforted by the thought that as long as I stay in the house covered with the blood of Jesus, the destroyer cannot harm me. There are many scriptures that talk about God raising a banner to protect His children when the enemy comes in like a flood (Ish 59:19) And we dwell in the secret place of the most high and hide under His wings (Psalm 91:1). All of a sudden it hit me, fear comes naturally to us. Think about that. It is easy to get into fear. It takes work to stand in faith. It takes work to trust in the Lord with all your heart when the bank account is low and the bills are high, the job is talking about lay offs, the cabinets are empty. It takes work to enter into the rest of God (Hebrews 4:11). It takes trust in God's word and His promises to cast down imaginations (2 Cor 10:5).
I have declared that 2012 will be a year of great victories. I have determined and purposed that my life will reflect the glory of God's goodness and greatness. I have decided to simply trust God. When my mind starts to wander to all the, "what ifs" and "what will I dos," I stop the thought and quote Psalm 23.
The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake.
4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD as long as I live. (HCSB)
These words are always a comfort to me. Over the past few years, I have faced many challenges. But this year is my year to simply trust God. I have made bad decisions which resulted in negative consequences. But through all of it, God showed grace and mercy. This year I stand on the promise that He will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings that I can not contain. And He will rebuke the devour on my behalf because I return the tithe and bring an offering into His storehouse. (Mal 3:10-11).
God said to prove Him. Put pressure on the convenant to get all that He promised. All good gifts come from the Father above (Matthew 7:11 and James 1:17). It is time to stand on God's promises. I choose to trust His word. The Word is Jesus Christ (John 1:14). He is the promise on which we stand. No matter what you are facing. Look into God's word. Figure out what He wants you to do. Do it and then watch His glorious power manifest in your life.
Jesus made this simple declaration: "Have faith in God" (Mark 11:22). Let us choose to do that. Let us choose faith over fear. Let us create a better tomorrow by applying God's word.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Enter the Rest
“ Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief" (Hebrews 4:11 KJV).
Strong’s Dictionary defines labor as: to use speed; to make effort, be prompt or earnest diligence, endeavor. As I read this passage of scripture, I thought to myself, “Why is it that we have to labor to enter into the rest of God?” Jesus said, “ Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
It is interesting to note that He said, “Let not.” Webster’s dictionary defines “let” as to allow or permit; to allow to pass, go or come, to grant the occupancy or use of space.” In others words, we have to power to decide whether or not we will let trouble occupy our hearts. It is also interesting to note that if we are to not let our hearts be troubled, then there are things that will attempt to trouble us or steal our rest.
Jesus clearly indicated that peace is a gift. He gave it to us. Imagine it is Tuesday and someone rings your doorbell. You answer and the person replies, “I have a gift for you. It is a check for $1million.” Did you do anything to earn the gift? Do you do anything to earn gifts? If your friend buys you a gift, did you earn it? No. It was just given to you because the person wanted you to have it. Jesus gave us the gift of peace because He wants us to have it. He wants us to embrace and accept His peace.
I would venture to say that Jesus honestly does not have any cares. How can I say that? Revelation 1:8 states, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Jesus knows the end from the beginning. He knows that the victory is won. This is why He tells us not to be discouraged or dismayed (Isaiah 46:10). We win because we are in Him.
The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). That is why we have to labor to enter into the rest of God. Yes, the rest is a gift. But the enemy wants to take that gift. We have to fight our flesh: mind, will, and emotions, in order to maintain the peace that Jesus provided for us.
Have you ever noticed that when you hear unpleasant news that your mind go off on a tangent? For example, you hear of a person possibly receiving a diagnosis of cancer. This has nothing to do with you. However, your mind provides pictures of you in the hospital, sick in bed, etc. It is not even about you. If you do not stop those imagines, that will become real to you and your emotions and body will began to act out the images in your mind.
You have to work diligently to make your mind focus on the things of God and His word. You have to fight the urge to have a pity party. You have to fight depression and fear. You have to fight to say, “The Lord God is my provider” when you have a stack of bills and $24 in the bank. You have to labor to enter God’s rest when your body aches from pain. You have to fight the good fight of faith to maintain your peace. The enemy can only steal from you if you let him. You let him by failing to maintain the confession of your faith. “So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word” (Hebrews 10:23 AMP).
If you were walking against the wind wearing a hat, you would hold fast to the hat so that it does not blow off of your head. You have to hold on to your peace in the same manner. Diligently press your way into the rest of God. Once you do, that peace will guard your heart and mind surpassing all understanding (Phil 4:7 NKJV).
Strong’s Dictionary defines labor as: to use speed; to make effort, be prompt or earnest diligence, endeavor. As I read this passage of scripture, I thought to myself, “Why is it that we have to labor to enter into the rest of God?” Jesus said, “ Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
It is interesting to note that He said, “Let not.” Webster’s dictionary defines “let” as to allow or permit; to allow to pass, go or come, to grant the occupancy or use of space.” In others words, we have to power to decide whether or not we will let trouble occupy our hearts. It is also interesting to note that if we are to not let our hearts be troubled, then there are things that will attempt to trouble us or steal our rest.
Jesus clearly indicated that peace is a gift. He gave it to us. Imagine it is Tuesday and someone rings your doorbell. You answer and the person replies, “I have a gift for you. It is a check for $1million.” Did you do anything to earn the gift? Do you do anything to earn gifts? If your friend buys you a gift, did you earn it? No. It was just given to you because the person wanted you to have it. Jesus gave us the gift of peace because He wants us to have it. He wants us to embrace and accept His peace.
I would venture to say that Jesus honestly does not have any cares. How can I say that? Revelation 1:8 states, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Jesus knows the end from the beginning. He knows that the victory is won. This is why He tells us not to be discouraged or dismayed (Isaiah 46:10). We win because we are in Him.
The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). That is why we have to labor to enter into the rest of God. Yes, the rest is a gift. But the enemy wants to take that gift. We have to fight our flesh: mind, will, and emotions, in order to maintain the peace that Jesus provided for us.
Have you ever noticed that when you hear unpleasant news that your mind go off on a tangent? For example, you hear of a person possibly receiving a diagnosis of cancer. This has nothing to do with you. However, your mind provides pictures of you in the hospital, sick in bed, etc. It is not even about you. If you do not stop those imagines, that will become real to you and your emotions and body will began to act out the images in your mind.
You have to work diligently to make your mind focus on the things of God and His word. You have to fight the urge to have a pity party. You have to fight depression and fear. You have to fight to say, “The Lord God is my provider” when you have a stack of bills and $24 in the bank. You have to labor to enter God’s rest when your body aches from pain. You have to fight the good fight of faith to maintain your peace. The enemy can only steal from you if you let him. You let him by failing to maintain the confession of your faith. “So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word” (Hebrews 10:23 AMP).
If you were walking against the wind wearing a hat, you would hold fast to the hat so that it does not blow off of your head. You have to hold on to your peace in the same manner. Diligently press your way into the rest of God. Once you do, that peace will guard your heart and mind surpassing all understanding (Phil 4:7 NKJV).
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Are you in a time of famine?
"There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham." (Genesis 26:1).
Chapter 26 is about Isaac. Webster's Dictionary defines famine as: "any extreme and general scarcity." People generally associate famine with food. But famine could relate to any life necessity.
When you read this chapter, you will notice Isaac followed the same pattern as his father, Abraham. When Abraham went to Egypt, he told Pharaoh that Sarah was his sister. That was partly true but she was first and first most his wife. Many plagues came upon the Egyptians as a result.
God told Isaac not to go to Egypt but rather to stay in Gerar (Gen 26:2). While there, Isaac told the men of Gerar that Rebekah was his sister. King Abimelech saw Isaac showing affection to Rebekah (that is another message about a husband's display of love for his wife) and asked Isaac why he lied. Isaac was afraid thinking the men would kill him and take Rebekah. Abimelech gave the decree that no one should touch Rebekah.
Isaac left there and moved out into the Valley of Gerar. The Philistines plugged all the wells that his father Abraham dug. Isaac however dug a well and found water. Because of arguing over the water, Isaac picked up and moved twice. Every time, he was able to find water. Notice the blessing of God on his life when he followed God's directions.
Let's back up to verse 12: "Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him."
Isaac sowed in a time of famine. That is critical to getting God's blessing. Being a person who gives. During a famine, things are scarce. Is there a famine in your life? Is there a storage of money? Love? Friendships? Then you need to sow in your time of famine. Many times when we hear of layoffs on the job, we stop giving and hoard what we have. Or if our spouses stop displaying affection, we withhold our love. But that is not the reaction we should have.
Let's visit Malachi 3:9-10:
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.
11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,
So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”
Says the Lord of hosts;
12 “And all nations will call you blessed,
For you will be a delightful land,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
When famine or lack tries to show up in your home and you faithfully return the tithe to God, you can stand on this promise that He will rebuke the devour for you. You do not have to do it. God does it!
Many people will say, "but I do not have anything to give. I barely have food for me and my family." You ALWAYS have something to give. Kenneth Copeland once said he used to put pens, pencils, the buttons off his shirt, shoe strings, whatever he could find into the offering bucket. Why? Because God looks at the heart. When you are committed to giving, then you are in position to receive all the blessings of God.
Jesus said, "give and IT will be given to you" (Luke 6:38). "It" is a very interesting word. Webster's Dictionary defines the word as: used to represent a thing, inanimate object or concept. In simpler terms, "It" takes on many forms. So you could read Luke 6:38 in this matter: Give food and food will be given to you. Give clothing and clothing will be given to you. Give love and love will be given to you. Give time and time will be given to you, etc.
When you are in a time of famine, do not stop your giving. Increase it! Choose to make a personal sacrifice to forgo your Starbucks coffee that week. Take a pair of pants out of the closet. Take a can of corn out of your cabinet. Decide to show love to your family and spouse. But do not fear! Your faith is in the act of giving.
Learn to become a giver during your time of famine and you will reap 100 times just like Isaac. This particular case relates to money. But give with the expectation of having all your needs met according to Phil 4:19. Whatever your famine, choose to give with the expectation of receiving!
Chapter 26 is about Isaac. Webster's Dictionary defines famine as: "any extreme and general scarcity." People generally associate famine with food. But famine could relate to any life necessity.
When you read this chapter, you will notice Isaac followed the same pattern as his father, Abraham. When Abraham went to Egypt, he told Pharaoh that Sarah was his sister. That was partly true but she was first and first most his wife. Many plagues came upon the Egyptians as a result.
God told Isaac not to go to Egypt but rather to stay in Gerar (Gen 26:2). While there, Isaac told the men of Gerar that Rebekah was his sister. King Abimelech saw Isaac showing affection to Rebekah (that is another message about a husband's display of love for his wife) and asked Isaac why he lied. Isaac was afraid thinking the men would kill him and take Rebekah. Abimelech gave the decree that no one should touch Rebekah.
Isaac left there and moved out into the Valley of Gerar. The Philistines plugged all the wells that his father Abraham dug. Isaac however dug a well and found water. Because of arguing over the water, Isaac picked up and moved twice. Every time, he was able to find water. Notice the blessing of God on his life when he followed God's directions.
Let's back up to verse 12: "Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him."
Isaac sowed in a time of famine. That is critical to getting God's blessing. Being a person who gives. During a famine, things are scarce. Is there a famine in your life? Is there a storage of money? Love? Friendships? Then you need to sow in your time of famine. Many times when we hear of layoffs on the job, we stop giving and hoard what we have. Or if our spouses stop displaying affection, we withhold our love. But that is not the reaction we should have.
Let's visit Malachi 3:9-10:
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.
11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,
So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”
Says the Lord of hosts;
12 “And all nations will call you blessed,
For you will be a delightful land,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
When famine or lack tries to show up in your home and you faithfully return the tithe to God, you can stand on this promise that He will rebuke the devour for you. You do not have to do it. God does it!
Many people will say, "but I do not have anything to give. I barely have food for me and my family." You ALWAYS have something to give. Kenneth Copeland once said he used to put pens, pencils, the buttons off his shirt, shoe strings, whatever he could find into the offering bucket. Why? Because God looks at the heart. When you are committed to giving, then you are in position to receive all the blessings of God.
Jesus said, "give and IT will be given to you" (Luke 6:38). "It" is a very interesting word. Webster's Dictionary defines the word as: used to represent a thing, inanimate object or concept. In simpler terms, "It" takes on many forms. So you could read Luke 6:38 in this matter: Give food and food will be given to you. Give clothing and clothing will be given to you. Give love and love will be given to you. Give time and time will be given to you, etc.
When you are in a time of famine, do not stop your giving. Increase it! Choose to make a personal sacrifice to forgo your Starbucks coffee that week. Take a pair of pants out of the closet. Take a can of corn out of your cabinet. Decide to show love to your family and spouse. But do not fear! Your faith is in the act of giving.
Learn to become a giver during your time of famine and you will reap 100 times just like Isaac. This particular case relates to money. But give with the expectation of having all your needs met according to Phil 4:19. Whatever your famine, choose to give with the expectation of receiving!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Do Not Sign for the Package
Ding Dong!
The doorbell rings. You walk to the door and wonder who is on the other side. It
is a UPS delivery man and he has a package for you. You are curious as you did not order anything nor to your knowledge did anyone order anything for you. You politely ask, “From whom is this package?” The man replies, “Satan.” You laugh and ask him to repeat his statement. Again, he replies, “Satan. He is sending you sickness, poverty, disease, lack, divorce and depression.” You immediately tell the man, “No thank you. Send it back.”
If it were that easy, we would not fall for satan’s tricks. Paul wrote, we are not ignorant of satan’s devices (2 Cor 2:10-12). When I read that statement, it tells me that I can learn how satan operates so that I can identify his devices. Satan is cunning and crafty. Remember, he has been watching mankind for thousands of years. He attempts to present things in a positive light.
Flash back to the Garden of Eden. In my opinion, the serpent must have been a beautiful creature. Why? Well, two reasons: 1) everything God made was good. 2) If it was unattractive, he would not have secured the woman’s attention long enough to have a conversation with her. The enemy will always try to attack your weak spot. That is why spending time in prayer and in the word is vitally important. Just because the fruit looks good, does not mean it is good for you.
How do we sign for packages that he sends? We do it with our mouths (Proverbs 18:21). We sign for satan’s packages when we speak contrary to God’s word. When we align our words with the situation rather than with the Creator of Heaven and Earth, we are accepting the items
satan is offering. Jesus clearly explained this principle. Read this in Matthew 6:31.
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we
drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
The doorbell rings. You walk to the door and wonder who is on the other side. It
is a UPS delivery man and he has a package for you. You are curious as you did not order anything nor to your knowledge did anyone order anything for you. You politely ask, “From whom is this package?” The man replies, “Satan.” You laugh and ask him to repeat his statement. Again, he replies, “Satan. He is sending you sickness, poverty, disease, lack, divorce and depression.” You immediately tell the man, “No thank you. Send it back.”
If it were that easy, we would not fall for satan’s tricks. Paul wrote, we are not ignorant of satan’s devices (2 Cor 2:10-12). When I read that statement, it tells me that I can learn how satan operates so that I can identify his devices. Satan is cunning and crafty. Remember, he has been watching mankind for thousands of years. He attempts to present things in a positive light.
Flash back to the Garden of Eden. In my opinion, the serpent must have been a beautiful creature. Why? Well, two reasons: 1) everything God made was good. 2) If it was unattractive, he would not have secured the woman’s attention long enough to have a conversation with her. The enemy will always try to attack your weak spot. That is why spending time in prayer and in the word is vitally important. Just because the fruit looks good, does not mean it is good for you.
How do we sign for packages that he sends? We do it with our mouths (Proverbs 18:21). We sign for satan’s packages when we speak contrary to God’s word. When we align our words with the situation rather than with the Creator of Heaven and Earth, we are accepting the items
satan is offering. Jesus clearly explained this principle. Read this in Matthew 6:31.
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we
drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
We sign for the package by saying or speaking about the circumstances rather than praising the Creator who has the answer for the situation you are facing. In the middle of the battle, we
have to stand firmly and declare the works of the Lord. We have to look that situation square in the eyes and declare God’s goodness and faithfulness. I do not know how long you may have to do this. My old pastor once said, “you just have to last one second longer than the devil.” But this is what must be done to maintain your victory.
have to stand firmly and declare the works of the Lord. We have to look that situation square in the eyes and declare God’s goodness and faithfulness. I do not know how long you may have to do this. My old pastor once said, “you just have to last one second longer than the devil.” But this is what must be done to maintain your victory.
Focus on the positive. Control your urge to say what you see. Stop yourself and say what God has said about the situation. Stand on the word until you see the situation change for the better.
The longer you stand, the more the enemy is going to throw at you.
The longer you stand, the more the enemy is going to throw at you.
Remember Jesus’ words, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have
peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
Jesus told us tribulations, tests and trials will come. But we are immune from their effects as long as we abide in Him. 1 John 4:5 explains that we overcome every situation. Search your heart and decide today that you will seek the Lord on all decisions. Decide to decline signing for satan's packages. Speak words of faith and power.
Remember what James wrote: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing…Let noone say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone" James 1:2-4, 13.
The victory is yours. Accept that package by speaking words of victory!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Pray the Solution
In 2 Chronicles 19:3, we are told of a situation involving the Israelites and King Jehoshaphat. The children of Israel were surrounded on three sides by three different armies. Jehoshaphat is no different that anyone of us today. Verse 3 states, "Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah."
There are times when we are bombarded with negative news. Food is low. No money in the bank. News of layoffs. Bills due. Pain in our bodies. Those are equivalent to Jehoshaphat's situation. We are surrounded on every side by a problem or circumstance of life. But notice Jehoshaphat's reaction, he sought the Lord and went on a fast! He immediately did what he knew to do.
Now, let's take a look at how he prayed. We will break it down into several sections. His prayer starts at verse 5:
5 Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the LORD’s temple before the new courtyard. 6 He said:
"Yahweh, the God of our ancestors, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You. 7 Are You not our God who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and who gave it forever to the descendants of Abraham Your friend? 8 They have lived in the land and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name and have said, 9 “If disaster comes on us—sword or judgment, pestilence or famine—we will stand before this temple and before You, for Your name is in this temple. We will cry out to You because of our distress, and You will hear and deliver.”
He started with praise and acknowledgement. He reminded God of the covenant with Abraham. He reminded God that they were in the place He called them to inhabit. And the last bolded part is my favorite. He acknowledged that God is the only source for an answer and that God will hear and deliver them.
The next section is where Jehoshaphat tells God the situation. Yes, God knows your situations and circumstances. Even Jesus acknowledged the Father knows what we need before we ask (Matthew 6:8). But we are to ask and receive that our joy may be full (John 16:23). Look at the words of Jehoshaphat:
10 Now here are the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir. You did not let Israel invade them when Israel came out of the land of Egypt, but Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them. 11 Look how they repay us by coming to drive us out of Your possession that You gave us as an inheritance. 12 Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast number that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to You.
The last line is the key phrase of the prayer - we do not know what to do but we look to you. That is very humbling because Jehoshaphat recognized his limitations with creating a solution. It is similar to us. We can not use the credit card to buy groceries. It's maxed out. We cannot call our parents or other family members because they are not in a position to help. We are at the mercy of our employers who seemingly hold the power of our futures in their hands. Cry out - "Lord, I do not know what to do but I look to you!"
Look at God's response which starts at verse 15:
15 ... “Listen carefully, all Judah (Insert your name - Dayna) and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, go down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem (Insert your name - Dayna). Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you."
Take your time and read through the answer. God told them exactly where the enemy was located and exactly what to do. God said, you do not have to fight. I will take care of it for you. Just stand still! In today's society, standing still is a challenge. We want to DO something. Even as Christians. We want to DO something to help God. But there are times when we have done everything that we know how to do and it is just time to stand on God's word and promises (Eph 6:13). God told them DO NOT be afraid. DO NOT be discouraged. This directive tells me that opportunities will arise in which fear and anxiety try to creep into your life. You have to choose to accept and receive the word of God.
During your test or trial, seek Godly counsel. There is nothing wrong with going to a more mature Christian to get confirmation on what you heard the Lord say to your spirit. Choose to rest on that word. After you have prayed the solution, receive the victory. Look at what happen beginning with verse 20:
In the morning they got up early and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa. As they were about to go out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem. Believe in Yahweh your God, and you will be established; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.” 21 Then he consulted with the people and appointed some to sing for the LORD and some to praise the splendor of His holiness. When they went out in front of the armed forces, they kept singing
Give thanks to the LORD, for His faithful love endures forever.
22 The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir who came to fight against Judah, and they were defeated. 23 The Ammonites and Moabites turned against the inhabitants of Mount Seir and completely annihilated them. When they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped destroy each other.
Because of their praise, the Lord delivered them from the hands of their enemies. The Israelites did not have to physically fight a war. The greatest battle is generally within yourself. You have to labor to enter into the rest of God and receive His promises. We have an adversary who will whisper "what are you going to do if you lose your job?" Where are you going to get money for groceries? How are you going to do this or that?"
You have to choose to be courageous in the face of those whispers. You have to choose to open your mouth and praise God. You have to choose to stand firmly on God's word. Choose today to declare the works of the Lord in your life. It is easy to fear. It takes work to have faith. Choose faith today and watch God destroy the enemies in your life too!
There are times when we are bombarded with negative news. Food is low. No money in the bank. News of layoffs. Bills due. Pain in our bodies. Those are equivalent to Jehoshaphat's situation. We are surrounded on every side by a problem or circumstance of life. But notice Jehoshaphat's reaction, he sought the Lord and went on a fast! He immediately did what he knew to do.
Now, let's take a look at how he prayed. We will break it down into several sections. His prayer starts at verse 5:
5 Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the LORD’s temple before the new courtyard. 6 He said:
"Yahweh, the God of our ancestors, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You. 7 Are You not our God who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and who gave it forever to the descendants of Abraham Your friend? 8 They have lived in the land and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name and have said, 9 “If disaster comes on us—sword or judgment, pestilence or famine—we will stand before this temple and before You, for Your name is in this temple. We will cry out to You because of our distress, and You will hear and deliver.”
He started with praise and acknowledgement. He reminded God of the covenant with Abraham. He reminded God that they were in the place He called them to inhabit. And the last bolded part is my favorite. He acknowledged that God is the only source for an answer and that God will hear and deliver them.
The next section is where Jehoshaphat tells God the situation. Yes, God knows your situations and circumstances. Even Jesus acknowledged the Father knows what we need before we ask (Matthew 6:8). But we are to ask and receive that our joy may be full (John 16:23). Look at the words of Jehoshaphat:
10 Now here are the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir. You did not let Israel invade them when Israel came out of the land of Egypt, but Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them. 11 Look how they repay us by coming to drive us out of Your possession that You gave us as an inheritance. 12 Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast number that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to You.
The last line is the key phrase of the prayer - we do not know what to do but we look to you. That is very humbling because Jehoshaphat recognized his limitations with creating a solution. It is similar to us. We can not use the credit card to buy groceries. It's maxed out. We cannot call our parents or other family members because they are not in a position to help. We are at the mercy of our employers who seemingly hold the power of our futures in their hands. Cry out - "Lord, I do not know what to do but I look to you!"
Look at God's response which starts at verse 15:
15 ... “Listen carefully, all Judah (Insert your name - Dayna) and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, go down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem (Insert your name - Dayna). Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you."
Take your time and read through the answer. God told them exactly where the enemy was located and exactly what to do. God said, you do not have to fight. I will take care of it for you. Just stand still! In today's society, standing still is a challenge. We want to DO something. Even as Christians. We want to DO something to help God. But there are times when we have done everything that we know how to do and it is just time to stand on God's word and promises (Eph 6:13). God told them DO NOT be afraid. DO NOT be discouraged. This directive tells me that opportunities will arise in which fear and anxiety try to creep into your life. You have to choose to accept and receive the word of God.
During your test or trial, seek Godly counsel. There is nothing wrong with going to a more mature Christian to get confirmation on what you heard the Lord say to your spirit. Choose to rest on that word. After you have prayed the solution, receive the victory. Look at what happen beginning with verse 20:
In the morning they got up early and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa. As they were about to go out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem. Believe in Yahweh your God, and you will be established; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.” 21 Then he consulted with the people and appointed some to sing for the LORD and some to praise the splendor of His holiness. When they went out in front of the armed forces, they kept singing
Give thanks to the LORD, for His faithful love endures forever.
22 The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir who came to fight against Judah, and they were defeated. 23 The Ammonites and Moabites turned against the inhabitants of Mount Seir and completely annihilated them. When they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped destroy each other.
Because of their praise, the Lord delivered them from the hands of their enemies. The Israelites did not have to physically fight a war. The greatest battle is generally within yourself. You have to labor to enter into the rest of God and receive His promises. We have an adversary who will whisper "what are you going to do if you lose your job?" Where are you going to get money for groceries? How are you going to do this or that?"
You have to choose to be courageous in the face of those whispers. You have to choose to open your mouth and praise God. You have to choose to stand firmly on God's word. Choose today to declare the works of the Lord in your life. It is easy to fear. It takes work to have faith. Choose faith today and watch God destroy the enemies in your life too!
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