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Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Fri Jun 14, 2013 10:31 pm | |
| June 9 APPLYING GOD’S PROMISES Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Two boys were playing on a hillside when they noticed the sun was about to set. “See how far the sun has gone!” exclaimed one of the boys. “A little while ago it was right over that tree; now it is low down in the sky.” The other boy replied, “Only it is not the sun that moves, of course, it is the earth. Do you remember, Father told us that?” The first little boy shook his head. “The sun did move for I saw it,” he argued, “and the earth did not move for I have been standing on it all the time. I believe what I see!” he exclaimed triumphantly. His brother replied, “but I believe Father.” In a similar way, faith must make a choice. You cannot look at appearances and examine your feelings, and have the faith of God at the same time. Your answers to prayer will come because you apply God’s promises. Prayer ThoughtYou have tried everything else, why not try God? Trust the One who will never let you down, no matter how dark the road seems. He is limited to only what you will believe Him for. June 10 THE NAME OF JESUS Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. On one occasion a doctor acquaintance of mine was working in the intensive care unit. The nurse who was working with the patient in the next bed, told him that her patient’s heart had stopped. He was busy with his patient, so he spoke to the other patient and said, “In the Name of Jesus, heart start beating.” He told the nurse to recheck the patient’s heart beat. The heart immediately obeyed because of the power of God being released through the doctor’s words. The nurse was amazed at what had just happened. You have the same authority to use the power of the name of Jesus when you are facing circumstances that are beyond your ability. Before you speak, expect the Lord to direct you, so that you remain in His will. Prayer ThoughtMatthew 12:37 says, “By your words you’re justified, by your words you’re condemned.” Since what you say is what you get, don’t ever say anything you wouldn’t want to get. Mark 11:23 and Job 22:28 state that - You’ll have what you say. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Fri Jun 14, 2013 10:32 pm | |
| June 11 JESUS WORKING THROUGH YOU John 14:12 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. In John 14:12-14 you see that Jesus expects you to follow His example, by meeting needs of the people around you. You will see the examples He set in the four Gospels. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you so that you are speaking in the will of God. One of the things you see Jesus do, was to control the weather. On one occasion I was showing a film to a Mexican Indian tribe. We were having our service under a tree, and all of a sudden it began to rain. I placed a piece of plywood over the projector to keep it from getting wet, and then I then asked myself why I had to do this. I next spoke to the rain in the name of Jesus, and commanded it to stop. The rain immediately stopped, and we continued with our service. Prayer ThoughtYou can claim a promise from the Bible, but make sure you’re fulfilling any conditions attached to it. If there’s a part that mentions you must pray, believe, etc., do it. God has promised what He will do, but has not promised when, but He always does it in time, His perfect time. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Fri Jun 14, 2013 10:33 pm | |
| June 12 REFLECTORS John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. A Christian whose life is not reflecting the nature of Jesus is bound by the carnal nature. This person is giving lip service to the Lord, but is not receiving his spiritual strength from the Vine, Who is the Lord. He will eventually be cut off as a branch and thrown away. Your daily actions, thoughts and conversation will show others where your strength is coming from. If you want increased spiritual strength and power from the Lord, you will have to spend more time studying your Bible, as well as talking to the Lord through prayer. God wants you to apply His teachings to your lifestyle. He will increase His faith in you, and you will begin to see the vision He has for you, fulfilled right in front of you. Expect Him to start working in a greater way in your life. Prayer ThoughtThe face of a Christian should be an advertisement of the goodness of God. What does your life reflect? Be careful how you live; you may be the only Bible some people ever read. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Fri Jun 14, 2013 10:34 pm | |
| June 13 THERMOSTATS Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Each of us is faced with problems. Many react to these problems like a thermometer. They can tell you all about the problem, but can’t control it. Others react like a thermostat; which has no power of its own. It allows outside power to flow through it and change the situation. Allow the power of God to flow through you to bring the answer for your problem, because you are in an attitude of praise. The prayers of a thankful heart are answered, because God’s faith is able to flow through you. Complaining will stop faith from working and allow doubt to come in. Go back over the blessings He has given you during he past month and thank Him once again for them. Now start thanking the Lord that the answers to your prayers are on the way, even if you don’t see them yet. Prayer ThoughtHave an attitude of gratitude. Attitude is vital - your words form your attitude. The reason you can trust and be at peace while going through the battle is because your loving Father has gone ahead of you. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Fri Jun 14, 2013 10:35 pm | |
| June 14 FAITH STOPPING WORDS Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Putting a bridle on your tongue is more than watching your language, it is paying close attention to the words you use. Negative words will stop you from seeing the fulfilment to the plan that God has for you. It will stop your faith from accomplishing anything through the power of God. Many people have gone forward for prayer, and believed God when their friends prayed for them. After they left the Church they stated that they did not know how their needs were going to be met. These words immediately stopped their faith, as well as the faith of their friends from allowing the answers to arrive. You become trapped by the words you use. Change you words to match what you’re praying for, showing others you are expecting God to meet the need. Thank the Lord that the answer is on the way. Prayer ThoughtThe angels are God’s messengers sent to accomplish God’s Word as you speak it. They listen to the voice of His Word! - Psalm 103:20. They’re not allowed to do one thing without an official work order! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Fri Jun 14, 2013 10:35 pm | |
| June 15 STRENGTH FOR THE WEAK Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait (entwine themselves) on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Do you feel helpless? Listen to what you tell others. Are you telling them about your problems, or are you telling what God has promised in His Word, and will do for you? Whenever you are complaining about your problems you stop faith working in your life. Start praising the Lord by telling them that God is going to honor His Word and cause a change to take place to meet the need. In the United States people may phone “9-1-1" for emergency help in time of need. God wants you to rely on His promises. Quote Psalm 91: 1, 2. As you dwell in the secret place of the Most High you will abide under the shadow of the Almighty. You will say of the Lord, “He is your refuge and your fortress; your God, in Him you will trust.” Prayer ThoughtMake yourself a “Never Again List”. Never again confess “I can’t for I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13; never again confess lack for “My God shall supply all your need, Philippians 4:19. June 16 POWER IN JESUS NAME Matthew 18:18 Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. A witch doctor owns a bar in Botswana, and on weekends he would turn his public address system as loud as possible, until two or three o’clock in the morning. People in the neighborhood could not sleep because of the noise. The police refused to do anything because the witch doctor could put a curse on them. The purpose of the noise was to provide more sales. I told the Christians what to do. I said: “In the Name of Jesus, you will lose one thousand pula, (the Botswana currency), every night you turn the volume up.” The next time my wife and I returned to the area, the noise was completely missing. The witch doctor had left word that he wanted to talk to me. Prayer ThoughtWords are one of our most powerful tools - Use them, use faith words. Refuse to say anything contrary to what you believe you receive. Jeremiah 29:11 states “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Abraham plunged into the promise God had given him and came up strong, sure that God would make good what He said. June 17 GOD’S PROTECTION FOR YOU Psalm 91:5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day. 14. Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. The enemy’s mission in this world is to hurt or destroy you. Sometimes you feel surrounded on every side. You can be protected by God’s armor as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18, but the enemy will also try to attack you from behind. It is now time to depend on the promises found in Isaiah. Isaiah 52:12 For you shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight; for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. Don’t let the enemy fool you, instead start applying Gods Word against him, and he will have to flee. Prayer ThoughtWhen you go into battle, your best weapon is to know the enemy’s tactics. Recognize them and come against him with God’s Word. Resist him and he will run, - try it - I have - it works! Know the source of your strength! June 18 DEPENDING ON THE LORD Isaiah 59:19 .....When the enemy comes in, like a flood the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. Many Christians in a time of need, tend to become afraid, or panic. God expects you to depend upon His promises in the Bible. Start quoting them, and the spirit of fear will be driven out by God’s power. Many translators put the comma after the word “flood” in the above verse. It should read: “When the enemy comes in, like a flood the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” When the enemy sprays you with a garden hose, the Holy Spirit uses a high pressure fire hose against his small garden hose. Start using your God-given faith that will allow the power of the Holy Spirit to defeat the attacks of these evil forces against you. Your Heavenly Father receives glory every time you defeat the enemy with the promises God has given. Prayer ThoughtIf you have the tools to build a house and never use them, I wonder what your house will look like? God has given all of the equipment you could possibly need or use but it will do you no good until - you use it! June 19 HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Some Christians have felt that God had deserted them when they were having trouble. Others have been accused of living in sin because trouble came their way. Most of the time this is not true, because the enemy is trying to defeat you. God’s promises still stand when you have trouble, because He has promised to never leave you or forsake you. During times of trouble, go to God in prayer. You must increase your Bible reading, which will increase your faith, see Romans 10:17. It then becomes necessary to believe what you have read and act on what you believe. Daniel was not protected from the lions’ den, he received his protection in the den, from the lions. This became a greater testimony to the people around him. Prayer ThoughtGod will give you what you need - when you need it. He did not supply manna for the Children of Israel before the time it was needed - He will be there when you need Him! Ask Him! June 20 GROWING IN MATURITY James 1:2 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. Many times Christians have problems because their faith is being tested. The above verse shows you that trouble produces patience, which produces maturity. (In several translations of James 1:3 the word “mature” is used instead of “perfect.”) You then become complete and lack nothing, since you are depending on the promises of the Lord. Daniel’s three friends received help in the furnace, not from it. They were promoted following the trial, Daniel 3:30. Many have asked the Lord to deliver them from their problem, which God was allowing to increase their maturity. Being delivered from the trial does not produce maturity - you are skipping the “process” which is needed for the experience. Prayer ThoughtIn the hard places, in the trials where everything seems unfair, God’s shaping you to possess greater things than you have ever known. This is not the devil’s hour, it’s God’s hour. June 21 THE JOY OF THE LORD Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Once a plane was delayed for four hours. The reactions at the airport varied greatly, depending on how much joy the people had in their hearts. Four passengers immediately sat down and began working on their lap- top computers. Several others began reading books or magazines. A few were very vocal with a lot of bad language. Happiness is governed by outward circumstances, whereas joy is not controlled by the things around you, because it comes from within. There will be times in your life when you don’t feel like rejoicing. It then becomes necessary to give a sacrifice of praise. When you thank Him for the things He has done for you in the past, you start to release a spirit of faith. This is the faith of God that will start to get things moving again. Prayer ThoughtThe joy of the Lord will always be your strength. It’s like a deep seated spring that never runs dry no matter what happens. It is the echo of God’s life inside you. If you have no joy - there is a leak somewhere!! June 22 ABIDING IN THE VINE John 15:4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. In order to continue to abide in my home, I need to eat on a regular basis, otherwise I will end up abiding in a cemetery. Abiding in the Vine, is referring to being entwined with Christ, and receiving spiritual food from Him and His Word on a regular basis. The only part of the vine that bears fruit are the branches, and those that don’t allow the fruit to grow from them, are removed from the Vine. You must remember that it is the branch that places the demand on the Vine for nourishment, and not the other way around. The attitude that “God knows where I live, and can give it to me if He wants to,” is expecting the Vine to place the demand on the branch for nourishment. How much nourishment do you want to receive from the Lord today? Ask Him to fill you with His presence today. Prayer Thought“Live in Me - you can’t bear fruit unless you’re joined with Me. Separated you can’t produce a thing. But if you make yourself at home with Me - you can be sure whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon.” -The Message. June 23 EVERYDAY CLEANING John 13:8 Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Most messages on Jesus washing the disciples feet, are based on the servant-hood of Jesus, and that we should have the humility of servants as well. The focus on the above verse is on the recipient. As Jesus went to each disciple, He scrubbed away the grime of the day’s journey, but Peter watched in horror as Jesus came to Him, and told Jesus not to wash his feet. Notice the response: “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Peter was clean, but his feet needed to be washed. This is like you and I, we have received salvation, but our thoughts can become contaminated by the things of the world. Cleaning between the toes of Peter, is like allowing the Lord to look into your thought life, so it can be cleansed as well. Are you willing for Jesus to clean every area of your thoughts? Prayer ThoughtAllow the Holy Spirit to search your heart. As you read the Word, He’ll show you areas that need attention. “Jesus be the Lord of all the kingdoms of my heart.” | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Sun Jun 23, 2013 2:29 pm | |
| June 23 EVERYDAY CLEANING John 13:8 Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Most messages on Jesus washing the disciples feet, are based on the servant-hood of Jesus, and that we should have the humility of servants as well. The focus on the above verse is on the recipient. As Jesus went to each disciple, He scrubbed away the grime of the day’s journey, but Peter watched in horror as Jesus came to Him, and told Jesus not to wash his feet. Notice the response: “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Peter was clean, but his feet needed to be washed. This is like you and I, we have received salvation, but our thoughts can become contaminated by the things of the world. Cleaning between the toes of Peter, is like allowing the Lord to look into your thought life, so it can be cleansed as well. Are you willing for Jesus to clean every area of your thoughts? Prayer ThoughtAllow the Holy Spirit to search your heart. As you read the Word, He’ll show you areas that need attention. “Jesus be the Lord of all the kingdoms of my heart.” June 24 PROTECTION IN TIME OF NEED Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. More than 500 people died in a big airplane accident that occurred in the Canary Islands. Fuel from the one plane poured into the hole of the other plane’s roof, causing an enormous fire, and many people burned to death. Most of the people began to scream, “We’re going to burn to death.” They received what they believed. One man kept quoting Psalm 91, and claimed that he was abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. He walked between the burning seats with the flames all around him. A hole had burned through the roof, and the Lord enabled him to climb through it without burning his hands. God protected the man because of his trust in the Scriptures. God promises you protection from fire or other danger in Isaiah, Daniel 3:19-25 and Hebrews 11:34. Prayer ThoughtIn Psalm 91 you see, - God, You’re my refuge. I trust in You and I’m safe. You rescue me, shield me, protect me under huge outstretched arms, and I am perfectly safe. Your arms fend off all harm! You order Your angels to guard me wherever I go! Hallelujah! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Mon Jun 24, 2013 9:22 pm | |
| June 25 DO NOT WORRY Matthew 6:31 Therefore do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” Worry is the art of continuing to feel anxious or uneasy. Untold numbers of Christians have been tempted and are frequently yielding to worry. They spend fruitless hours worrying about something that never happens. The secret of answered prayer is to put Jesus in first place in your life, and come to a place of total dependency upon His promises. You must reach a greater understanding that God means you, and not just a selected few, for His promises. When you seek His will concerning the answers to your needs, and use the divine faith that He has given you, you will see your needs are met according to His resources instead of your own strength and resources. Look for Scriptures to overcome your concerns, put them to memory, then depend on them. Prayer ThoughtRemember when you’re worrying, you’re not trusting, and when you’re trusting, you’re not worrying. God knows your needs and has promised to supply, according to His riches in glory. His word never lies! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Wed Jun 26, 2013 6:44 pm | |
| June 26 MEETING YOUR NEEDS Mark 11:22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in (Greek = the faith of) God. 23. “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says.” Three times in verse 23 you see that you will receive what you say. What do you say when you have problems? Do you confess the problem? Do you say that you don’t know what you will do about the problem, that the problem will not go away. You will receive what you say, because God’s Word promises that you will receive what you say. You are believing that the problem will not go away. Start speaking the promises of God, believing what you say, and applying the promises to the situations in which you find yourself. Job 22:28 You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; so light will shine on your ways. Prayer ThoughtReverse from the negative to the positive. “I can do all things through Christ because He strengthens me.” Instead of confessing the problem, confess the answer, confess, believe and possess! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Fri Jun 28, 2013 5:50 pm | |
| June 28 RESPONDING TO THE PROBLEM Mark 11:14 In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard it. Mark 11:14 states: “In response Jesus said to it.” It is impossible to respond to or answer something, unless it first talks to you. The fig tree spoke to Jesus, by saying “I will not give you any figs.” The problem, or the mountain will talk to you and say: “I will not leave you. I am going to keep on giving you trouble.” You must speak to the mountain - or the problem, and tell it to leave in the name of Jesus. Jesus spoke to the fig tree. He did not pray about it, because He knew that He was operating in the Father’s will. The death of the tree started at the roots and not at the leaves. God starts to work at the root of the problem. Continue to believe God and thank Him for the answer that is on its way. God is expecting you to become mature in your praying and believing. Prayer ThoughtSpeak to your need or your problem - expect an answer, believe God’s Word to be true - speak those things that aren’t (using the faith of God) as though they were. God will reward your faith! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Fri Jun 28, 2013 5:50 pm | |
| June 27 FAITH IS PROGRESSIVE Mark 4:28 The earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. God increases your faith in the same manner. First the blade is visible. Before it became visible the root system had to start. As your faith is grounded more in the promises of God you see a greater amount of faith available. You are able to believe that God is able to accomplish greater things in your life. Meditation on the Word of God is the key to success in increasing your faith. It gives you ammunition to apply against the enemy forces of your soul. Each time you study the Bible you are able to receive more divine faith. You don’t receive it all at once. Your faith must be increased on a daily basis in order to withstand the enemy who will come against you in the future. God has great things in store for you, and is expecting you to develop a growing confidence in Him. Prayer ThoughtYour faith walk is a steady climb, one step at a time. The stronger you get, the higher you can go. As you read the Word and ingest it into your spirit, your strength will increase, and so will your faith! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Sun Jun 30, 2013 5:28 pm | |
| June 29 SUPPLYING YOUR NEED Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. God is not moved by need. If this were the case, He would bless only where the need is the greatest. People in various countries who are starving to death because of severe drought, would be greatly blessed. God would move only in the poor areas of your cities, and not in the wealthy areas. God does not respond to need, He always responds to faith, which is working in complete obedience to the Word. Philippians 4:19 is conditional. The Philippian Church had planted into Paul’s ministry, he could now promise them that God would meet their own needs. This would represent part of the harvest for the seeds that they had planted. The above verse is primarily a promise for those who have planted in the ministry of people working in God’s harvest field. Prayer ThoughtRemember: a stingy planter gets a stingy crop, a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything. He gives to you so you can give. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Sun Jun 30, 2013 5:30 pm | |
| June 30 FAITH AND PATIENCE Hebrews 6:12 That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Many believers, have operated in divine faith, but have not yet seen the harvest they were expecting. It is imperative that you sow in faith if you want to receive the blessings from the seed you have planted. A farmer doesn’t pull up the plants to see if they are growing, because he must wait for the harvest with patience. Expect God to do the miracle in your life, loved one, or neighborhood, by continuing to believe and thank Him for the answers with patience. What are you believing God for? Is it for unsaved members of your family? Start claiming Scriptures to cover your problem, such as Isaiah 44:3, 49:25, 54:13, 59:21 and Acts 16:31. Ask the Lord to soften hearts, and remove the things that are blinding their eyes, then ask Him to send someone into their harvest field who can minister to them. Prayer ThoughtTrust God from the bottom of your heart - He brings the increase, causes seed to grow and loved ones to come to Him. Don’t try to figure out on your own. Your job is to Trust! July 1 RECONCILED TO GOD Colossians 1:21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22. in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and irreproachable in His sight. Atonement is the center of God’s plan for your redemption, and is the first step toward eternity. When people look at you they may see sin, fault and failure, however God looks at you through the covering of the blood of Jesus and sees holiness instead of sin because He has already taken care of the sin. Instead of fault, God sees blamelessness. Instead of any failure He sees nothing for which you can be reproved or rebuked, because you have been covered with the righteousness of Jesus. Verse 23 shows this continues as long as you remain in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel. Prayer ThoughtYou are the righteousness of Christ, bought and paid for with a price. You have all the resources of Heaven at your disposal. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Mon Jul 01, 2013 10:12 pm | |
| July 2 RECONCILED TO THE FATHER Luke 15:20 And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. The story of “The Prodigal Son” in Luke 15:11-32 shows the attitude God has toward those who do wrong after they are part of His family. Restoration is possible, when you decide to come back to Him. The father looked for his son every day, but did not force him to come back, and welcomed the boy when he returned. When you take your eyes off the Creator, and spend more time looking or lusting after part of His creation, you are starting to slip out from under the protection that was made available to you. God wants you back in the center of His will. The more you keep your eyes on Jesus, the easier it will be to remain under His protection. Make it a daily habit of spending time in prayer and Bible study. Prayer ThoughtAn eternity without God and the good things He has prepared, is a terrible price to pay for having your own way. “Seek Him first - all things will be added to you.” | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Wed Jul 03, 2013 8:55 pm | |
| July 3 MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION 2 Corinthians 5:19 That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing (not holding against) their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. You have been entrusted to represent Jesus to the world, and the only Bible some will read is what they see in you. You have been given the ministry of reconciliation to help break down barriers between individuals as well as your life reflecting the goodness of God. Jesus says in Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” When the nature of the Lord is being reflected through you, others will want to receive what you have. Years ago the advertisement of one automobile company was “Ask the man who owns one.” What type of response would they get from you if they were only looking at how you reflect the Master, instead of just listening to the words you say? Do they see the love of Jesus in you? Prayer ThoughtIf your life were an advertisement for God, would people want Him? God, show through me!! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Fri Jul 05, 2013 9:43 pm | |
| July 5 CHRIST YOUR COVERING 2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. Reconciliation continues to be possible for you as long as you remain under the covering and protection provided by Jesus. God cannot tolerate sin because of His nature. From His viewpoint you must be free of sin before He can accept you. Holiness is very similar to the glory of God. It is flowing out of His personality and Presence. Absence of sin is the result of holiness and is not holiness itself. Holiness is the character and nature of God, because God is holy. Jesus is the holiness of God extended to you, and He provides the way because He is the Way. You are accepted by God because Jesus was holy, and covered you with His righteousness, so God sees you exactly as He sees Jesus. God’s desire for you is that you see your fellow Christians as He sees them. Prayer ThoughtFor God so loved that He gave - You have the ability to love with God’s love as you are willing. His love enables you to see others as He sees them! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Fri Jul 05, 2013 9:44 pm | |
| July 6 NO CONDEMNATION John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. God does not condemn you because of His great love. Jesus does not condemn you because He came to give you life. You receive condemnation (John 3:15-21) only when you refuse to accept the only plan that God has for salvation, which is receiving Jesus as your personal Savior and living for Him. From the very beginning, God decided that those who came to Him, should become like His Son. He wanted the Son to be the first, with many brothers. God was the one who chose you, and then called you to come to Him. He declares you “not guilty,” because of your trust in the salvation provided by His Son. God fills you with Christ’s goodness, gives you right standing with Himself, and promises you will reign with Him. Prayer ThoughtWhat a plan! What a God! What a love that He would give His life that you might have right standing with Him. How can you do less than give Him your best? | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Sat Jul 06, 2013 10:11 pm | |
| July 7 GOD WANTS EVERYONE SAVED 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. God has provided salvation for everyone, however, not all men will accept. Put away ungodliness, because this is against the nature of God, as your righteousness does not save you. It is only the mercy of God that permits you to believe in Jesus and accept Him as your personal Savior. One of the duties of the Holy Spirit is to convict people of sin in their lives, see John 16:8-11. A person can constantly turn the Holy Spirit down if he wants to, but he will finally get to the place where the Holy Spirit will leave and not try to convict him any more. Genesis 6:3 tells you the Holy Spirit will not always strive or convict. Choose to follow Him now! Prayer ThoughtGoing your way, doing “your own thing” is all well and good, but God isn’t late with His promises and He longs for you to totally “give it all to Him” and let Him live His life in you! July 8 NO NEED FOR FEAR OF FAILURE Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. The atoning blood of Jesus continues to cleanse you all the time because you are His. You are not cleansed just by verbal confession because your lips can say words you don’t mean. True confession comes from the heart where your sincere desire is to please Him. God loves you so much that He wants you to know you don’t have to live in fear of failure in word, thought or deed. When little things distract you, a little temper rises or a bad attitude creeps in, and you forget to ask God’s forgiveness for it, He looks at your heart and your intentions. You are justified under the new law because of what Jesus did when He died for you, and that precious blood continues to cleanse as long as you want to stay under the covering God provided. Prayer ThoughtThere is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life is not yet fully formed in love, 1 John 5:18. The Message. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Tue Jul 09, 2013 4:42 pm | |
| July 9 CLEANSED BY THE WORD John 15:3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. You probably wash on a daily basis, because if you didn’t wash very often, you might get a skin infection, and the same thing is true with your spirit. You must be cleansed on a daily basis, taking time to study your Bible daily, because Jesus shows you that this will cause you to be cleansed from the contamination of the world. This cleansing continues to take place as long as you believe the promises of God that you read. Problems come when you don’t read God’s Word on a consistent basis. Most of the time your problems are not sins against God, but are problems and attitudes of man against man. A shortcoming continued, becomes sin, which is rebellion against God, and is not covered by the blood. When you repent, you come back under His protection. Prayer ThoughtIf your Christianity seems to be heavy, maybe you’re carrying too many “worldly” weights. Turn it all over to Him, He’ll carry them. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Thu Jul 11, 2013 7:03 pm | |
| July 10 YOU ARE SPECIAL Ephesians 1:4 Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. God demonstrated His love for you in an awesome way, by asking His Son to pay the penalty for your sins. Just think of it - before the world was formed, before anything was in existence, God had plans for your life. In the past you may have seen beautiful landscapes or things of great value. In the sight of God you are more special than any of those things, because they are going to be destroyed in the future, but you will last forever. To see more of God’s love demonstrated in your life, allow Him to work in you in a greater way. Prayer ThoughtGiving has everything to do with loving - God’s greatest gift was giving His Son. You must not only give what you have; you must also give what you are. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Thu Jul 11, 2013 7:03 pm | |
| July 11 HOLY AND BLAMELESS Ephesians 1:4 Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Before you were born, God knew that you would do things you would later regret, but He had a plan to present you blameless, and holy, regardless of your past. He is doing that now, but will completely fulfill that plan in your life in the days to come. If the enemy tries to tell you that you are not good enough because of all the times you have messed up. Don’t believe him, instead remind him of his future. You are considered blameless because God not only has forgiven your past, but He doesn’t hold it against you any more. This is something to rejoice about, because there is nothing you could have done to deserve salvation. Remember, Jesus paid it all for you, so now God looks at you without blame. Several times today, thank the Lord for enabling you to be blameless. Prayer ThoughtYou can’t change who you were, but with God’s help you can change who you are! Make Him the final authority in your life. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Thu Jul 11, 2013 9:09 pm | |
| July 12 YOU ARE A MEMBER OF GOD’S FAMILY Ephesians 1:5 Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. A train can be scheduled or predestined to go to Chicago, and you have a choice to get on it if you want to. People who do not want to go to Chicagowill not get on the train. In the same manner people have received salvation are predestined to go to Heaven, but will only get there if they meet the requirements. Regardless of where your were born, or who your natural parents were, you have been adopted into the family of God, and God is your Heavenly Father, which gives you special privileges. When a person wants to see the president of his country, he needs to have a special appointment before he is given an audience. A child, who is a member of the president’s family, can walk in without a special invitation. You have the same privilege to go to God in prayer any time you want to. Prayer ThoughtHe’s always available, never on holiday. Your life can change by allowing God to change your heart! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Sun Jul 14, 2013 10:02 pm | |
| July 13 GOD POURS OUT HIS GRACE TO YOU Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of His grace, (favor, love-gifts) by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved. Many have the feeling that “grace” is something that is said, as a prayer before eating. When God talks about pouring out His grace on you, He is referring to His favor and love-gifts being given to you. Remember He is more willing to give you divine favor than you are willing to receive. This problem arises because human nature frequently wants to be self-dependant, rather than to rely on the help of others. Notice that God is not stingy with His favor (grace) and He lavishly pours it out on you from His riches. Remember you have been accepted in the Beloved, and God’s desire for you is to be constantly in tune with the Holy Spirit, so that you will always be in the right position to receive His favor and love-gifts. Don’t miss out by being out of touch with Him today. Prayer ThoughtGod always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him. If you’re heading in the wrong direction, God allows u-turns! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Sun Jul 14, 2013 10:03 pm | |
| July 14 YOU HAVE BEEN REDEEMED Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace As a member of the human race, you were born a slave to sin. It is far easier to do something wrong, because it is an effort to do something right. Christ set you free from this bondage by removing the guilt of sin, which immediately released you from the slavery of sin. After that, it became a choice when you did something wrong. Romans 6 shows you have been set free from sin: 6. Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 18. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 22. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. Prayer ThoughtHe has already won the battle, the victory is yours. The wise person lets go of the things he cannot hold to lay hold of the things he can keep! July 15 HIS FAVOR CAN COME TO YOU IN ALL WISDOM Ephesians 1:8 Which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence. Knowledge is increasing at an enormous rate today, however wisdom seems to be decreasing at the same rate. This is not God’s will for your life, because He has given much instruction in the Bible for gaining divine wisdom. Psalm 111:10 tells you “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” God wants to enable you to have clear insight into His will for your life, because He doesn’t want it to be a dark secret. This will only be possible as you spend time in His Word, and spend time with Him. Not only will He give you the understanding to know His will, but He will cause divine wisdom to abound toward you. He also wants you to be able to help others in their time of need. Prayer ThoughtIf God permits in His wisdom what He could have prevented with His power, it’s so that you’d bow your knees and say, “Yes Lord, Your will be done.” | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Tue Jul 16, 2013 5:13 pm | |
| July 16 GOD REVEALS HIS MYSTERIES TO YOU Ephesians 1:9 Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself. The Old Testament believers had a very small idea of what God had in mind for them, but we who live since the resurrection of Jesus have the ability to receive insight into God’s mysteries because the Holy Spirit has been sent to be your guide. You do not have to live under the bondage of depression, inferiority or anything else Satan wants to send your way, because the Holy Spirit is here to help you. Unfortunately some who claim to be Christians, only spend once a week with the Lord. Others will read a promise out of a promise box, etc., and feel they have done their duty. It’s not a matter of duty, but a necessity for you to spend time with the Lord on a daily basis, if you are going to continue to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Prayer ThoughtNever wonder why you have no faith for healing or your needs supplied, if you feed you body three meals a day, and your spirit a cold snack weekly. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Thu Jul 18, 2013 5:03 pm | |
| July 17 YOU WILL OBTAIN A GREAT INHERITANCE Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will. God has a plan for your life, and will complete it. He has an inheritance for you, and is expecting you to succeed, so that you will continue to be part of His plan. In the above verse Paul says, “We have obtained an inheritance.” You don’t see it yet, but it’s on the way. Once a small boy received three presents for his birthday, and later his grandmother phoned to say that she was sending him a bicycle. Later he was asked how many presents he had received, and he answered, “Four”, his father was surprised at the answer. The boy explained, “But Grandma phoned to tell me she was sending me a bicycle.” The bike was his, even though he had not yet received it. In faith he already had it. Prayer ThoughtFaith is not believing God can, faith is believing God will. It’s not the size of your faith that counts, but the God behind your faith! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Sat Jul 20, 2013 4:21 pm | |
| July 20 YOUR FAITH ALLOWS HIS POWER TO WORK IN YOU Ephesians 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power. In Ephesians 3:20 you have the wonderful promise that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that you ask or think, according to the power that works in you. The satanic forces have tried to blind you the believer, to the power of God that is available to you, because they know they are defeated when you use the authority of the name of Jesus. God’s power is available to you, and is way beyond most people’s comprehension. As you start to grasp the significance of that power, you can experience the transforming reality of living for God in your life. Two things must take place, first your divine faith must move, then God moves in answer to the use of your faith. Prayer ThoughtPrayer does not cause faith to work, faith causes prayer to work. Don’t dig up in doubt what you’ve planted in faith. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Sun Jul 21, 2013 3:04 pm | |
| July 21 YOU ARE AN OBJECT OF GOD’S PLEASURE Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us. In Ephesians 1:5 and 2:4 you see that because of God’s tremendous love for you, He gets great pleasure in showing you rich mercy. In fact, in the next verse you see another way He receives pleasure: Psalm 35:27 Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, “Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” You might not be feeling very prosperous today, because of all types of stress and problems. Remember a tea bag never releases its potential until it’s put in hot water. Start praising the Lord that the answer is on the way, and you’ll see it shortly. Prayer ThoughtOnly He who can see the invisible can do the impossible! If you want God to rule in your situation - start praising Him! July 22 SAVED BY GRACE, DIVINE FAVOR, - NOT YOUR WORKS Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. 9. Not of works, lest anyone should boast. Many feel they receive eternal life because of their works, and are frequently looking for ways to better their position. A person who is not sure if his works are good enough could become very depressed. Jesus has redeemed you, by giving His blood to pay for the penalty of your sin. Your good works have nothing to do with receiving salvation. Your good works after salvation, will demonstrate that you have been saved. The satanic forces may remind you of your past, but you can tell them to leave you alone, because God does not hold those sins against you any more, since He blotted them out, as seen in Isaiah 43:25 Prayer ThoughtIt is not faith and works; it is not faith or works; it is faith that works. Don’t look for man’s applause, look for God’s approval! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Tue Jul 23, 2013 5:13 pm | |
| July 23 YOU HAVE CONTINUAL ACCESS TO GOD Ephesians 2:18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, (favor, love-gifts), that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. You may have the idea that you are only to come to God in a time of great need or emergency. Or you may feel that you are inadequate to approach Him yourself because you are unworthy. The Centurion had this feeling, as seen in Luke 7:6-7. He sent his friends to ask Jesus not to come to his home, but only speak the word and his servant would be healed. He demonstrated far more faith than the average Jew, but many need to overcome the other trait he showed, feeling unworthy. You can to come to Jesus anytime! You’re always welcome. Prayer ThoughtEverything God did for Jesus, He has to do for you, since God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34), because He honors divine faith. Faith puts God between me and my problems. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Wed Jul 24, 2013 8:01 pm | |
| July 24 YOU ARE GOD’S WORKMANSHIP Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. - New Living Translation. God didn’t make junk when He made you! He has a special purpose for your life and wants you to trust Him, that it will be fulfilled. Remember, these purposes, your “works” do not save you, but will demonstrate to others that you have been saved. Every time a thought of depression, or a feeling of unworthiness comes to you, remind yourself that you are one of God’s masterpieces. He planned good things for you long ago, but as time went by, to you some of the plans didn’t seem to have been fulfilled. If you have made wrong choices, ask the Lord to forgive you, then ask Him to redirect your life back on the course He has planned. When Moses fled from Egypt, he thought God’s plan was over, but it was just starting. Prayer ThoughtWhen Satan brings a worried thought to your mind, tell him to talk to God about it. It’s all in God’s hands - not yours. - K. Copeland. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Thu Jul 25, 2013 5:30 pm | |
| July 25 RENEW THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MIND Ephesians 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Each one of you are a spirit being, living in a body, but the spirit part of you will never die. Your mind is also controlled by a spirit, which is not demonic in origin. Sometimes this is the controlling factor of the carnal nature. This part of you must be renewed, as well as your mind. God renewed your spirit when you received Jesus as your personal Savior, and now wants to renew your mind. This takes place in direct proportion to the amount of time you spend in the Word and in prayer. A teacher once told me she was being tempted in her thoughts. I suggested that every time she was tempted, let that be a reminder to pray for someone, and could select me if she wanted to. She would find that after a while the temptations would stop, because the satanic forces did not want her to pray. A month later she told me that the idea worked. Prayer ThoughtJust as a battery has to be set aside and recharged, or “renewed,” so you must plug into His word, and daily be recharged. Dead “batteries” produce no life.RENEW THE SPIRITOF YOUR MIND | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Thu Jul 25, 2013 9:03 pm | |
| July 26 PUTTING FEAR BEHIND YOU 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. God reacts to faith like Satan reacts to fear. Fear can control you in direct proportion to the problems that come your way. Fear is the opposite of faith, and both are released by expecting something you can’t see. Faith comes from seeing the Word, but fear comes from seeing the problem. Faith is released by the words of your mouth, and fear is also released by the words of your mouth. Fear does not have a claim over you. Faith will be built up in your life as you remove fear from your spirit. Focus on the answer to the problem, rather than on the problem. When you quote Scripture you are resisting the enemy who is tempting you with a spirit of fear. The more Scripture you quote to the enemy, the more pain you inflict on him. Prayer ThoughtBoth faith and fear sail into the harbor of your mind, but only faith should be allowed to anchor. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Fri Jul 26, 2013 10:01 pm | |
| July 27
GOD IS ON YOUR SIDE
Psalm 118:6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
In the above verse, as well as Psalm 124:1-2 you see that the Lord is on your side. Know that He is stronger than any force that may come against you. Your responsibility is to believe and act on the promises that He has given you. This is only possible when the promises of God have been planted in your spirit, and you depend on them instead of the circumstances that are causing the fear.
In Jeremiah 20:11 one translation puts it this way:
“The Lord is with me as a powerful giant, therefore my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten.”
Prayer Thought
Hope is greater than despair. No matter how deep you sink, God’s provision is there to raise you up again. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Sun Jul 28, 2013 9:05 pm | |
| July 28 PROTECTION FROM THE LORD Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord. News from most areas of the world show that problems are increasing, which causes you to become more fearful. In recent months computer viruses have caused major problems in many areas. I have received none of these problems, because I’m depending on God to honor His promises. When people try to form a weapon against my family, home or office, they will be un-successful because of His Word. Start filling your spirit with God’s promises and expect Him to provide what He said He would do. You serve a wonderful and loving Lord, who wants to help you in your time of need. Prayer ThoughtPut a demand on God’s promises. The devil at his best is no match for the Christian with God’s power. July 29 PLACING YOUR CONFIDENCE IN GOD Psalm 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God. Have you ever felt everyone was against you, and there was no way of escape? David felt like this many times when he was being chased by King Saul, who wanted to kill him. What did David do? He told himself to start concentrating on the Lord, Who was going to meet the need. So many times people become bound in their spirit, because they are looking at the circumstances instead of expecting the Lord to meet the need or provide the protection. When trials come your way look to God’s promises, and expect Him to honor His Word by meeting the need. He is longing to help you, but is waiting for you to rely on Him. Prayer ThoughtImpossibilities were created for the Christian to lay hold of God’s Word and DO IT! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Mon Jul 29, 2013 8:14 pm | |
| July 30 GOD LOVES YOU! 1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Your value to God is not based on your performance, it is based on His love for you, in spite of what you have done in the past. God does not place conditions on His love for you, because He loves you unconditionally. He tells you in Hebrews 4:16 to come boldly to Him, because He wants to meet your need. God wants you to have confidence in His Word, that He will honor it and meet your need as you apply the promises. Many people are only hoping God will meet their need when they pray, instead of coming in confidence. Don’t listen to voices that tell you your prayers will not be answered this time. Instead tell yourself that God loves you and wants to help you. The more you realize God loves you, the more you can depend on His Word and promises in it. Think of yourself as one of His favorites, then live and act in a way that will want Him to continue to demonstrate His love to you. Prayer ThoughtFor God so loved the world that He gave. You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Wed Jul 31, 2013 6:33 pm | |
| July 31 ALWAYS CAUSES YOU TO TRIUMPH 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. Stress is a major problem in many lives today, which causes many to lose time at work, or even lose their jobs. Stressful situations seem to be increasing on a continual basis, with no answers in sight. When you try to handle the situations yourself, you find the problems seem to increase, but when you go to the Lord, you will see answers come in the time of need. Allow the Lord to take the stressful situations out of your life and change them from stumbling blocks into stepping stones. Before answering a person who is causing stress, quietly pray for guidance, and He will show you what to say. The answer you give could help the other person overcome their stressfulness as well. Prayer ThoughtGod is in control of not only today, but also tomorrow. Don’t be troubled about tomorrow - God is already there! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Thu Aug 01, 2013 6:51 pm | |
| August 1 MINISTER WITH EFFORT OR OVERFLOW Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Every believer has been called to be a minister for the Lord. Some are called to be doctors, lawyers etc., but many have been called by the Lord to work in factories, farms, mines or other areas, but see no relationship to their job and church related activities. God has called you to the position you are in, regardless of how you view it. Stress and burnout can come when you don’t see your position as God views it. Why is it that sometimes two people who are equally talented, view their situations with opposite ideas. The one is bound by stress, and the other goes by overflow. To reach the level of overflow, where you can be most effective even with a very busy schedule, quality time must be set aside each day for prayer and Bible study. How much did you have yesterday? Prayer ThoughtWhat you do with the moment God gives you - is your gift to Him. Each moment you live is His gift to you. Honor the time He gives you. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Fri Aug 02, 2013 7:03 pm | |
| August 2 YOUR REFUGE AND FORTRESS Psalm 91:2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.” After a disaster, such as an earthquake, flood, tornado or hurricane, a place of refuge is frequently set up in a relatively safe place. People who are affected by the problem are asked to go there for help. Many Christians in a time of crisis, tend to become afraid or panic. God is expecting you to depend on His promises because He wants to stand behind you, to meet your need. Notice the first words in the above verse. God does not want you to verbalize the problem, but show you are depending on Him to take care of you in the problem. He wants to not only help you through the difficulty you are in, but also enable you to help others. He is expecting you to thank Him that He has the answer, and that He will supply everything required. Remind Him of the Scriptures you are depending on. Prayer ThoughtThanksgiving and praise are choices! God uses people as a source but - He is the CREATOR! Though the storms may rage, and the winds howl, He is your Refuge! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Sat Aug 03, 2013 11:21 am | |
| August 3 GOD FIGHTS FOR YOU Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. Many people are becoming more fearful, and don’t seem to have answers. However Deuteronomy 3:22 states: “You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you.” God wants you to look to Him, and what He has promised in the Bible. When the spies returned from Canaan to give a report to Moses, ten were very fearful. What was the problem? They forgot two of the promises God gave them. The first one was that God was going to send His Angel before them, Exodus 23:20. Eight verses later God promised to send hornets ahead of them that would drive the people out of the land. Regardless of how tall the giants were, they would “move out of town” when attacked by a few million hornets. Your problems are not too great for God to handle, so turn them over to Him today. Prayer ThoughtGod can’t break His word! Grab the promised hope and never, never let go! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Sun Aug 04, 2013 5:00 pm | |
| August 4 GOD WILL NOT FORSAKE YOU Deuteronomy 31:8 And the Lord, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Have you ever felt your prayers were not being answered, or God had forsaken you? These thoughts come from the enemy who wants you to feel discouraged. God tells you He will never leave or forsake you. When thoughts of doubt come, resist them in the name of Jesus, and then quote the above verse which will give him pain. You may be facing some severe health or financial problems, which may frustrate you. Don’t become discouraged, instead ask God to show you which promise He wants you to use against the problem. His promises are to be used as “tools” to come against the attacks of the enemy. Prayer ThoughtWhen you put God first, you’ll never feel you’re in second place! Make sure your ladder of success is leaning on the right building August 5 DON’T BE AFRAID Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Why does the Bible tells you over eighty time to not fear or be afraid? Is it because you seem to forget, and need to be reminded? God wants to strengthen you in your time of need, but you won’t accept the help when you are bound by fear. If this is your situation, tell the Lord you are tired of being fearful, and want Him to enable you to depend on the strength He has for you. He is more than willing to help you, but He is waiting for you to bring your need to Him. Problems are going to increase in the months ahead, but God wants to help you now, so that when those times come, they will appear to be small things to you, because of your new found strength. Depend on Him now, and His strength will flow to you. Prayer ThoughtFear knocked on the door. Faith answered. No one was there. Fear ends where God begins. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Tue Aug 06, 2013 7:36 pm | |
| August 6 STRENGTH IN TIME OF NEED Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait (entwine themselves) on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. All of you can run out of strength, and sometimes feel you can’t go on any further. The older you become the more visible this can become. Why is it that some people have a lot more strength than younger people? On one occasion my granddaughter, who was about eighteen at the time, was visiting us. A fire truck was about four blocks away, and she wanted me to run with her to see it. I gave her a head start, but arrived there a block ahead of her. I am depending on the Lord to renew my strength on a daily basis, because I know He honors His word. The way you will be able to depend on His promises more, is to entwine yourself with him, as strands are entwined together to form a rope. Spend more time in prayer and His Word each day. Prayer ThoughtHe is your strength, he is your source. A branch cut off from its source will never bear fruit, or survive. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Tue Aug 06, 2013 10:03 pm | |
| August 7 DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO? Psalm 37:23 The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. - New Living Translation. How many times have you not known which way to turn, or what to do, and many times wrong decisions are made? God delights in every detail of your life and wants to direct you around or through the problems. On one occasion the Gibeonites came to deceive Joshua, Joshua 9:1-16, but Joshua did not ask the Lord about it, verse 14. This is like many people who rely on their own ideas instead of asking the Lord for guidance. What decisions are facing you today? Ask the Lord for wisdom and guidance, expecting Him to honor the above verse. Start offering a sacrifice of praise, to show you are trusting in His Word. He wants to bless you in a great way to show others His favor to you. Prayer ThoughtFaith lets me see that God is bigger than my problems. Questions? Take them to the One who has the answers! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Thu Aug 08, 2013 9:39 pm | |
| August 8 AFRAID OF THE UNKNOWN Proverbs 3:25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; 9. for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught. The Lord wants you to have complete confidence in Him, expecting Him to take care of you during the time of need. There is really no reason for you to be afraid if you are expecting Him to meet the need. He has confidence in you, that you will depend on the strength that comes from Him, as well as the authority He has given you to resist the satanic forces and temptations. On many occasions, when an emergency comes, you will not have time to look for some Scripture, or try to remember one. It is very necessary to fill your spirit with the promises of God before troubles come, so that it becomes second nature to rely on them in a time of need. Expect the Holy Spirit to direct you to the promise most needed. Prayer ThoughtStrength in times of need comes from training to be like Jesus, not trying to be like Jesus! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Thu Aug 08, 2013 9:40 pm | |
| August 9 DELIVERANCE BY GOD Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. In a number of places the Bible tells you that you will have trouble, but also promises that help is available. Some have not seen the help they so desperately need, because they do not understand what is expected of them. If you were working for someone, would you be expected to do the work, or would you expect the boss to do it for you? The boss may show you how, but he’ll expect you to do the work. Many are expecting God to work for them, when He is expecting you to use the “tools” He has given you. These tools are the promises in His Word. Find the appropriate one to meet your need, then ask Him what His will is. When you know His will, and the timing, you can apply the promise to the problem. He wants to deliver you from the enemy who is causing the problems, after you use the “tools” He gas given you. Prayer ThoughtYou can’t adjust God to fit your needs, you’ve got to adjust yourself to fit God. God who made you will never turn His back on you | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Fri Aug 09, 2013 9:10 pm | |
| August 10 HEALING FOR YOUR BODY Psalm 103:3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 5. Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. God is a good God, and has provided healing for His people. Many have been bound by Church traditions which teach that divine healing is no longer available. Those Christian won’t receive divine healing, because they don’t know to believe for it. When you apply divine faith, in the will of God, you will see answers to what you are praying for. Divine faith works both ways - for or against you. When you believe you will not receive divine healing, your faith will keep you from being healed. Start believing that God wants to heal you, then you will start to see the fulfilment of His promises. Go a step further, claim the rest of the above verse, which tells you that your youth can be renewed. Prayer ThoughtCultivate God’s promises into the soil of your life. The health of anything, garden plants or heart, reflects what is going on underground. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Sun Aug 11, 2013 4:21 pm | |
| August 11 GOD’S HAND PROTECTS YOU Psalm 139:5 You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Did you ever feel let down and deserted during a time of need? Those who don’t understand the promises of God can sometimes feel devastated. When I was thirteen years old we moved to an isolated place in East Africa. One day my parents, brothers and sisters left for the day to pick up supplies, with the plan of coming back that evening. I stayed at home to unpack and protect the place. Something happened which prevented them from returning for three days. During that time I could have become very concerned, but was not the least bit fearful, because I had the protection of the Lord on me. You too, have that same protection, if you are a child of His. He has placed a hedge around you, but wants you to depend on Him to continue maintaining it. Take time to thank Him for the protection He has provided. Prayer ThoughtGod promised never to leave you, always be with you. To recognize Satan’s lies, focus on God’s truth! August 12 GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS COVERS YOU Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord. How many people have felt they should pray, but didn’t because they felt they were not worthy enough to have their prayers answered? Possibly you have been one of them, but you need to understand how God looks at you. Your prayers are not answered on the basis of your righteousness, they are answered on the basis of the righteousness of Jesus that is covering you. God sees you clothed with the righteousness of Christ as long as you are depending on Him. God is not too busy to be bothered with you, because you are extremely important to Him. Come now to Him in faith, so that He can respond to you in grace. Prayer ThoughtIf you never had trouble you’d never be a conqueror! Refuse to be defeated by the challenge. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Wed Aug 14, 2013 5:36 pm | |
| August 13 GOD’S GLORY PROTECTING YOU Isaiah 58:8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. When Solomon dedicated the temple, 1 Kings 8:11, the glory of the Lord filled the temple, which made it impossible for the priests to continue their work. This became a barrier for them to enter any further into the Temple. Isaiah tells you that God’s glory is to protect you from behind, or will prevent attacks from the rear, when you are allowing the glory of the Lord to dwell within you. You can still see the enemy attack you from the front, but God is expecting you to use your weapons He provided, in Ephesians 6:10-18. The Glory of the Lord is not mentioned in that list, because it’s a defense and not a weapon. Start allowing God’s glory to radiate through you in a strengthening way, as you study His Word. Prayer ThoughtWe all need a faith that will not shrink when washed in the waters of affliction and adversity. | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Wed Aug 14, 2013 5:37 pm | |
| August 14 GOD ANSWERS YOUR CRY Isaiah 58:9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, “Here I am.” If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness. When some people pray they picture in their mind that they are at the back of a long line, waiting to present their need to God. At the front of the line is a man who is asking the Lord for twenty million dollars for a new Christian hospital, and many others seem to have large requests as well. By the time they get to the front of the line, the Lord will be out of money. The enemy has distorted the picture of God’s love for them as well as His resources. This is contrary to Scripture, because Philippians 4:19 says God will supply all your needs. God wants you to come to Him with confidence, expecting Him to respond. Realize that there is no limit to the resources God has available. Depend on His Word, using it to have your needs met! Prayer ThoughtChrist has set you free to live a free life. Take a stand, if you have planted well - you will reap, guaranteed! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Wed Aug 14, 2013 10:57 pm | |
| August 15 GOD WILL DELIVER YOU Jeremiah 1:19 “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you,” says the Lord, “to deliver you.” Trouble is on the horizon for every country, but God is expecting you to depend on Him during those times of need. Recently there have been major problems in a number of countries in Africa, but we have been praying for the Christians in those countries. Your prayers can be hindered when you fail to depend on the promises of God for protection. Jeremiah tells you God is with you, and wants to deliver you. Once Jeremiah was in a dungeon and his friends dropped ropes for him to grab. Had he not done so, he would have stayed in the dungeon, Jeremiah 38:13. God has “dropped” His promises in the Bible for you to grab on to, so that you can be pulled out of the problems. Fill your spirit with more of His promises today, so that you can use them. Prayer ThoughtIn Philippians it says “I’ve got my eyes on the goal – I’m off and running, I’m not turning back.” Now that you’re on the right track - stay on it! | |
| | | Jackrabbit68 Moderator
Posts : 941 Points : 1027 Join date : 2011-02-16 Location : Boerne, TX
| Subject: Re: Daily Devotional Thu Aug 15, 2013 9:47 pm | |
| August 16 DELIVERED IN TIME OF NEED Jeremiah 15:21 I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible. Many are being attacked by ungodly people in various countries, however they don’t seem to see the fulfilment of the above verse. God wants to help you in your time of need, but your dependancy on His promises must become a life-stye. If your life-style has only been to depend upon Him in a time of emergency, next time you may panic, and forget to call upon Him. When going on a long trip, it will be necessary to fill the fuel tank several times, or else you will be stranded along the road-side. It is also necessary to spend time studying God’s Word, as well as speaking with Him on a daily basis, or else you could become controlled by a spirit of fear. Try to memorize three new promises each week, expecting God to honor them when needed. Prayer ThoughtAs you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. Have strength to stick it out over the long haul. - The Message. | |
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