Saturday, August 5, 2017
Forgiveness Is A Decision
Matthew 6:14-15
For if I forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], my heavenly Father will also forgive me. But if I do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will my Father forgive me my trespasses. [Forgiveness is a requirement. It is not an emotion or a feeling but a decision. It is not based on their deserving forgiveness any more than I deserved forgiveness. This does not mean I must trust the person. They must earn my trust. I choose to live in instant forgiveness!]
Everything action that we take comes as a result of a decision that we make; in our minds, we think about what to do, the pros and the cons, and then we decide what is the best thing to do. Forgiveness is one of the those internal decisions that we make because it seems to be the only solution that makes sense. The world's view of forgiveness is not the same as God's view on forgiveness; the average person would say that they could forgive a person if that person apologizes for what they did, or if that person does some type of action to resolve the issue; the Lord says that forgiveness is a necessary discipline that His children should practice everyday, because we often encounter people and situations that require a forgiving nature.
God wants us to forgive the people in our lives, the coworkers, the bosses, the stranger that pushed you aside in the street to get into the door ahead of you - all of these people are loved by the Lord just as He loves you, and He wants us to show grace and goodwill to everyone that we meet, because He shows grace and mercy to us everyday!
It is often hard sometimes to deal with people that always want to get their own way, regardless of the cost to the other people around them or what it will take to accomplish that goal. And what happens when they get what they want? Many times it works out and there are no big consequences, but when it doesn't work out and there are HUGE consequences, they will deny that their actions were the cause of the issue. These are people and circumstances that require a forgiving spirit; arguments and resentments will not solve the crisis and will only make the problem worse.
Bring your fears, anxieties, anger, sorrows, and resentments to the Lord; confess to Him how you feel and surrender all of your issues at His feet, and let Him heal you of the pain, and then watch as He changes the circumstances in your life and turn that problem into a victory; He will settle the score with your true enemy, the devil, who uses unbelievers to put obstacles and hardships into your life!
We need to show the love of God by forgiving others and by cooperating with them when necessary. We could go live on a mountain and forget the rest of the world; the Lord is requiring us to live in the world to show what true love is. That usually means that we will face trials and tribulations, and that someone will hurt our feelings; when that happens, we have the priviledge to take it to Jesus Christ, who will understand our every thought and our desire to be loved. He will fill us up with that love, and He will cherish us, guide us, and heal us of every ache and trial if we let Him!
(Jesus says) "Be at peace, my children, because I am here for you. No one will be able to have the victory ultimately over you, because when the enemy comes into your life like a flood, I will be there for you. Release those who have hurt you and forgive them, and I promise that I will forgive you!
Friday, August 4, 2017
Listening To Your Heart
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
James 1:19
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
Listening is a wonderful attribute to have, we all need to listen to what God is saying to us, and then we need to obey His promptings in our hearts. We can overcome our circumstances when we move according to the Spirit; we can also be overcome by our desires and impure thoughts, but that is when we must bring our issues to God and ask Him to transform our hearts and minds. We need to get out of our own way and surrender our will to His, and when we position ourselves into God's way, He will give us the authority and the power to succeed!
I have learned that I should listen to those 'soft' promptings that come up from my heart, those 'soft' thoughts that come into my mind in certain situations. For instance, I was leaving my house, and I got a sudden thought that I should bring a full bottle of water with me as I walked to my destination. I had a bottle of water, but it wasn't full, in fact is was mostly empty. I dismissed the thought and left with the almost empty bottle because my destination was just down the street, and I reasoned, "I won't be long, so why should I bring a full bottle of water?"
Of course you know what happened - I was there in that office for at least 45 minutes, and I had to ask the lady that I was seeing if she had a bottle of water to give me, and she did. I left and came back home okay, because the lady had the bottle of water, and it was a hot and humid day. I should have listened to the 'soft' prompting from the back of my mind, which I know is the Holy Spirit, who oftens gives me these 'soft' promptings for my benefit and well being. He will guide you in the big picture of your life and in the little, ordinary things of life if you are willing to listen to him!
That is why listening to your heart is so necessary; the Holy Spirit transformed your spirit when you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and He lives in your heart, and all of the good things, the spiritual blessings will come from there, so be patient and listen for His promptings, and then when He gives them, remember to obey them!
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
Listening is a wonderful attribute to have, we all need to listen to what God is saying to us, and then we need to obey His promptings in our hearts. We can overcome our circumstances when we move according to the Spirit; we can also be overcome by our desires and impure thoughts, but that is when we must bring our issues to God and ask Him to transform our hearts and minds. We need to get out of our own way and surrender our will to His, and when we position ourselves into God's way, He will give us the authority and the power to succeed!
I have learned that I should listen to those 'soft' promptings that come up from my heart, those 'soft' thoughts that come into my mind in certain situations. For instance, I was leaving my house, and I got a sudden thought that I should bring a full bottle of water with me as I walked to my destination. I had a bottle of water, but it wasn't full, in fact is was mostly empty. I dismissed the thought and left with the almost empty bottle because my destination was just down the street, and I reasoned, "I won't be long, so why should I bring a full bottle of water?"
Of course you know what happened - I was there in that office for at least 45 minutes, and I had to ask the lady that I was seeing if she had a bottle of water to give me, and she did. I left and came back home okay, because the lady had the bottle of water, and it was a hot and humid day. I should have listened to the 'soft' prompting from the back of my mind, which I know is the Holy Spirit, who oftens gives me these 'soft' promptings for my benefit and well being. He will guide you in the big picture of your life and in the little, ordinary things of life if you are willing to listen to him!
That is why listening to your heart is so necessary; the Holy Spirit transformed your spirit when you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and He lives in your heart, and all of the good things, the spiritual blessings will come from there, so be patient and listen for His promptings, and then when He gives them, remember to obey them!
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Confirming Your Petition
1 John 5:14-15
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
Learning how to pray can be an expression of your joy; as you grow in faith, your prayer life befores fuller, richer, more passionate and loving. You realize How much the Lord loves you and knowing that someone cares about you, the real you inside your heart, is breathtaking and refreshing. How could anyone not want to love a God who knows you so well, yet accepts you just the way you are?
Giving from the heart becomes a happy consequence of the Lord's acceptance of you. You will find that peace and fulfillment are the results, and that having the Lord in your life brings happiness and hope.
When you pray, ask the Lord to guide you into a deeper understanding of His will for your life; don't be afraid to share your heart with Him, and most importantly, ask Him for what you need, and then stand on the word of God and your faith in Him to guide you to the victory that you are asking for in your life!
When you declare victory before you see the manifestation of that victory, you are declaring to the Lord, to the world, to the entire universe that your God can do anything and that He will make a way for you! The devil and His demons will not be able to stand against you when you declare the victory and then turn it over to the Lord; you must be patient and wait for His timing and for His purpose for your life. Sometimes the answer comes quickly, and I know that it is a overwhelming experience to know that He is listening and that you can get your answer right away. I love it when He delivers quickly, but I am just as awestruck when He answers me at just the right time and in the correct series of consequences!
When you praise Him before the answer comes, you are confirming His right to be your leader and your guide, and you are declaring His power to do the extraordinary; we always say that we can handle our problems and our issues, but when we surrender it all to the Lord, we can see how He works from the spirit realm and how easy it really is for Him to solve the issues of our lives. Our problems tend to frustrate and weaken our resolve, but His tender care and love for us uplifts our spirits and gives us new life.
Be careful to give Him all the honor, the glory, and the praise for everything you do, for every situation that you find yourself in. It will help you to focus on Him and not the problem, and will set your mind to the 'victory mode' instead of the 'pity party' mode, and then you will appreciate what happens next, your victory given to you supernaturally from the heart of our God!
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Living In The Place Of Contentment
1 Timothy 6:6-7 NIV
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
I am amazed by the testimonies that I read about or see in videos, about the tragedies, pains, and sorrows of ordinary people, and how they brought their worries and issues to the Lord, and by their faith and His will, they came out of those situations with victory in their hearts, in their souls, and their situations. The children of God are favored with His power and His love, which may seem like an unfair advantage that He has given us, but when you think of all the suffering, cheating, abuses, and back office deals going on here on planet earth on a daily basis, God's favor is the balancing point against all of these things, and in fact supercedes everything that the devil and his demons can do against you and me!
I am still learning about myself, still blinded by some weaknesses, very aware of the ones that I am not blinded to, and I walk in humility as I see my God work His will for my life into those weaknesses and issues and that He is still able to reap a fruitful harvest.
We need to ask the Lord to strengthen our resolve to live peacefully in this world, and that our lives become examples of true godliness; you know that you have spiritually matured when you suffer for doing right and being right, and there is nothing but peace and happiness in your heart!
Take all of your cares to Him, but also ask Him to make you a better christian, a better human being, and a good friend to the lost, the brokehearted, and the forsaken.
We all need to be bold with our love, to push past fear and low self esteem and seek our confidence and the power to do good things in the world from Him; He is an endless source of grace, love, and power, and when you finally realize just how much God loves you and how valuable you are to Him, you will never feel worthless again!
Ask the Lord to show you the breadth, the depth, and the length of His love for you, and be prepared to be amazed!
(Jesus says) I Love You I Have Wanted You Since Before The Foundation Of The World - I Suffered For You, So You Are Precious To Me - I Have Prepared A Place For You In My Father's House So That We Will Be Together For Always - That Is What Led Me To The Cross And That Is What Kept Me On It - That Is Why I Died For You - Trust Me In This - Ask Me To Show You How Much I Love You And You Will Be Truly Satisified With Me!
Philippians 4:12-13 NIV
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
I Promise To Love, Honor, And Obey........
I remember the old marriage vows because when I was a child watching tv shows in many of the wedding scenes these vows were repeated.
If it was a sitcom, there would usually be some type of funny scene, where the bride would object to saying "love, honor, and obey...."; the world's view of marriage was changing, and the media was used to direct us all to the 'new normal'.
The marriage vows have actually evolved over time, and the reasons for why these vows were said have also changed. In the beginning of the christian church, people were aware that marriage was a picture of the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church, we who are called, The Bride of Christ. Marriage vows and ceremonies were considered sacred because the relationship between a man and woman was to be an example of the sweet and close union between Jesus Christ and His followers.
Ephesians Ch 5 21-33
Instructions for Christian Households
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church — for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery — but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
The Oldest Traditional Marriage Vows:
Groom: I,____, take thee,_____, to be my wedded Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.
Bride: I,_____, take thee,_____, to be my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth.
The scriptures state that when christians marry, the man and the woman enter into a loving covenant with each other, which is binding until death. It is also a picture of the Blood Covenant between Jesus Christ and His Church, but this covenant goes beyond death, in fact it is a covenant that is everlasting! Jesus loved us so much that he was willing to give His life and His Blood to atone for our sins, and the only thing that He requires from us is to believe in Him, to Love, Honor, and Obey Him.......
It is truly an honor to know that the wedding covenant between a man and a woman points to the type of relationship that Jesus Christ has with His church; the wedding covenant is a way for God to show His children what type of relationship that He expects with us. It has been said that marriage is more helpful than harmful, to have a spouse, someone who has pledged to love you and cherish you, and to support you in your times of need. The Lord understood how hard life was going to be for us, and the wedding bond is an expression of sacrificial and selfless love.
It is sad to know that many marriages fall apart, and that christian marriages do not fare any better than secular ones. The Body of Christ has forgotten the wedding covenant is a sacred representation of Christ's love for us. When we become serious about this issue, when we are aware that this is something that God has ordained, and that it is a binding contract meant to last for a lifetime, then leaving when times are tough is out of the question, and we become willing to love each other with God's love.
Not only has the church forgotten how sacred and important marriage is to God, but they are unaware how they are to love each other in their marriage relationship. A man and a woman falls in love with each other, and they believe they are meant to be with each other, so the man proposes to the woman, and she accepts his ring and his proposal. They marry, and they believe that they have everything that they need to succeed in their marriage and in their lives together. It goes well for awhile, and then the issues of life pour in, and they begin to forget why they fell in love with each other in the first place, and not long after that, something major happens; they give up and divorce each other. What remains is anger, pain, and confusion because they don't know what went wrong.
The world does not have the best solution for a failed or failing marriage; God has always wanted His children to look to Him for all of their needs. He ordained marriage, but He also knew how hard it would be for a man and woman to keep that sacred bond if they do not allow Him to live in their hearts. Husband and wives should pray for each other, and encourage each other with the love of the Lord. They must allow the Holy Spirit to transform their hearts and minds, so that tenderness, compassion, and understanding becomes natural. What is missing in christian marriages is a surrender to the will, guidance, and love of God; we must go daily to Him for our daily bread, and for the strength to love ourselves and each other.
The Husband in the marriage vow represents Jesus Christ, that is why he is encouraged to love his wife with all of this heart, protect her and nuture her with selfless love, as a memorial to Christ's love for us. Jesus was willing to sacrifice everything, His heart and Blood to save us all, and that is the way a husband should feel toward His wife. The wife in the marriage represents the church, the Body of Christ, and she must love her husband with all of her heart, honor and respect him, and obey him. Obey means to be guided by him as God has made him the spiritual leader of the family and their household; we are not talking about obeying some tyrant dictator whom she must obey even has he uses and abuses her. This is leadership in love, as expressed by the word of God and as the Holy Spirit moves in the husband's heart.
Marriage was always to be considered a partnership between the man and the woman, just as there is a loving and perfect partnership and relationship between God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. It is an equal partnership, but God is the head of this trinity, and Jesus and the Holy Spirit allow themselves to be led by Him. It does not diminish their power or authority to be led by Father God, and the Father would never assert His authority selfishly over them, because He loves them with all of His heart and soul. That is how everyone should lead in whatever situation that they find themselves in, with love, compassion, and wisdom!
The marriage vows have actually evolved over time, and the reasons for why these vows were said have also changed. In the beginning of the christian church, people were aware that marriage was a picture of the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church, we who are called, The Bride of Christ. Marriage vows and ceremonies were considered sacred because the relationship between a man and woman was to be an example of the sweet and close union between Jesus Christ and His followers.
Ephesians Ch 5 21-33
Instructions for Christian Households
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church — for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery — but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
The Oldest Traditional Marriage Vows:
Groom: I,____, take thee,_____, to be my wedded Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.
Bride: I,_____, take thee,_____, to be my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth.
The scriptures state that when christians marry, the man and the woman enter into a loving covenant with each other, which is binding until death. It is also a picture of the Blood Covenant between Jesus Christ and His Church, but this covenant goes beyond death, in fact it is a covenant that is everlasting! Jesus loved us so much that he was willing to give His life and His Blood to atone for our sins, and the only thing that He requires from us is to believe in Him, to Love, Honor, and Obey Him.......
It is truly an honor to know that the wedding covenant between a man and a woman points to the type of relationship that Jesus Christ has with His church; the wedding covenant is a way for God to show His children what type of relationship that He expects with us. It has been said that marriage is more helpful than harmful, to have a spouse, someone who has pledged to love you and cherish you, and to support you in your times of need. The Lord understood how hard life was going to be for us, and the wedding bond is an expression of sacrificial and selfless love.
It is sad to know that many marriages fall apart, and that christian marriages do not fare any better than secular ones. The Body of Christ has forgotten the wedding covenant is a sacred representation of Christ's love for us. When we become serious about this issue, when we are aware that this is something that God has ordained, and that it is a binding contract meant to last for a lifetime, then leaving when times are tough is out of the question, and we become willing to love each other with God's love.
Not only has the church forgotten how sacred and important marriage is to God, but they are unaware how they are to love each other in their marriage relationship. A man and a woman falls in love with each other, and they believe they are meant to be with each other, so the man proposes to the woman, and she accepts his ring and his proposal. They marry, and they believe that they have everything that they need to succeed in their marriage and in their lives together. It goes well for awhile, and then the issues of life pour in, and they begin to forget why they fell in love with each other in the first place, and not long after that, something major happens; they give up and divorce each other. What remains is anger, pain, and confusion because they don't know what went wrong.
The world does not have the best solution for a failed or failing marriage; God has always wanted His children to look to Him for all of their needs. He ordained marriage, but He also knew how hard it would be for a man and woman to keep that sacred bond if they do not allow Him to live in their hearts. Husband and wives should pray for each other, and encourage each other with the love of the Lord. They must allow the Holy Spirit to transform their hearts and minds, so that tenderness, compassion, and understanding becomes natural. What is missing in christian marriages is a surrender to the will, guidance, and love of God; we must go daily to Him for our daily bread, and for the strength to love ourselves and each other.
The Husband in the marriage vow represents Jesus Christ, that is why he is encouraged to love his wife with all of this heart, protect her and nuture her with selfless love, as a memorial to Christ's love for us. Jesus was willing to sacrifice everything, His heart and Blood to save us all, and that is the way a husband should feel toward His wife. The wife in the marriage represents the church, the Body of Christ, and she must love her husband with all of her heart, honor and respect him, and obey him. Obey means to be guided by him as God has made him the spiritual leader of the family and their household; we are not talking about obeying some tyrant dictator whom she must obey even has he uses and abuses her. This is leadership in love, as expressed by the word of God and as the Holy Spirit moves in the husband's heart.
Marriage was always to be considered a partnership between the man and the woman, just as there is a loving and perfect partnership and relationship between God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. It is an equal partnership, but God is the head of this trinity, and Jesus and the Holy Spirit allow themselves to be led by Him. It does not diminish their power or authority to be led by Father God, and the Father would never assert His authority selfishly over them, because He loves them with all of His heart and soul. That is how everyone should lead in whatever situation that they find themselves in, with love, compassion, and wisdom!
Monday, July 31, 2017
An Ordinary Person
by Charles Stanley
Intouch Ministries
Matthew 4:18-20
The apostle Peter was an ordinary person who lived in an extraordinary time. His was the generation during which Jesus Christ lived on the earth, died for the salvation of mankind, and rose again.
It was through his brother Andrew that Peter (who was originally called Simon) met the Lord (John 1:40-42). When Jesus invited him to become a disciple, he immediately left his fishing trade and placed himself under Christ’s authority (Matt. 4:20). He became a passionate follower who consistently demonstrated an eagerness to be near the Savior and in the middle of whatever was going on. Whether meeting Jesus on the water during a storm (Matt. 14:27-29) or speaking to Him during His transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-5), Peter was devoted to his Master’s service.
In the beginning, the former fisherman was quick to speak and to act, and this impulsiveness created many problems for him. For example, when Jesus was talking about His imminent suffering and death, Peter objected, as if he knew better than the Lord. Christ’s rebuke was swift and direct (Matt. 16:21-23). The apostle, however, learned from his mistakes. He’s a good example of how we should let go of personal desires, wholeheartedly embrace Jesus’ way, and walk closely with Him (Mark 8:34).
The Lord chooses unexceptional people like Peter, you, and me to build His kingdom. He asks His followers to love Him above all else and fully commit to obeying Him. When we do, He will accomplish more through us than we could ever imagine.
Intouch Ministries Devotions
Intouch Ministries
Matthew 4:18-20
The apostle Peter was an ordinary person who lived in an extraordinary time. His was the generation during which Jesus Christ lived on the earth, died for the salvation of mankind, and rose again.
It was through his brother Andrew that Peter (who was originally called Simon) met the Lord (John 1:40-42). When Jesus invited him to become a disciple, he immediately left his fishing trade and placed himself under Christ’s authority (Matt. 4:20). He became a passionate follower who consistently demonstrated an eagerness to be near the Savior and in the middle of whatever was going on. Whether meeting Jesus on the water during a storm (Matt. 14:27-29) or speaking to Him during His transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-5), Peter was devoted to his Master’s service.
In the beginning, the former fisherman was quick to speak and to act, and this impulsiveness created many problems for him. For example, when Jesus was talking about His imminent suffering and death, Peter objected, as if he knew better than the Lord. Christ’s rebuke was swift and direct (Matt. 16:21-23). The apostle, however, learned from his mistakes. He’s a good example of how we should let go of personal desires, wholeheartedly embrace Jesus’ way, and walk closely with Him (Mark 8:34).
The Lord chooses unexceptional people like Peter, you, and me to build His kingdom. He asks His followers to love Him above all else and fully commit to obeying Him. When we do, He will accomplish more through us than we could ever imagine.
Intouch Ministries Devotions
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Overcoming the Faith Barrier
by Charles Stanley
Intouch Ministries
Exodus 3:10-17
God called Moses to do a great work for Him that would also bless the Israelites. Moses’ response to this awesome invitation was to offer excuses for why he couldn’t obey. This kind of attitude—which I call a “faith barrier”—can thwart us spiritually.
In Moses’ life, we see areas of weakness that can create such a faith barrier:
Poor self-image. When God gave the command to go to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses’ immediate response was to say, “Who am I?” (Ex. 3:11). Perhaps he was thinking of his occupation as a lowly shepherd living in Midian. Maybe he was referring to his upbringing and separation from his birth family (Ex. 2:1-4). Or he might have been recalling his past, when he killed an Egyptian and had to flee (Ex. 2:12). Whatever Moses’ objection was, the Lord answered with a wonderful promise: “I will be with you” (3:12).
Ignorance of God’s greatness. In order to carry out God’s plan, we need to believe fully in the One who has called us. When Moses questioned his assignment again, the Lord answered by revealing Himself as the great I AM and the One who had promised to rescue the Israelites (vv. 14-17). By trusting in the character and promises of almighty God, Moses would be able to carry out this seemingly impossible assignment.
Faith barriers hinder the flow of divine power in our life, slow spiritual growth, and prevent us from fully carrying out the Father’s will. We must remember who He is and where power comes from. We know that our heavenly Father is sovereign over all, and His Spirit empowers us to follow through in obedience.
Intouch Ministry Devotions
Intouch Ministries
Exodus 3:10-17
God called Moses to do a great work for Him that would also bless the Israelites. Moses’ response to this awesome invitation was to offer excuses for why he couldn’t obey. This kind of attitude—which I call a “faith barrier”—can thwart us spiritually.
In Moses’ life, we see areas of weakness that can create such a faith barrier:
Poor self-image. When God gave the command to go to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses’ immediate response was to say, “Who am I?” (Ex. 3:11). Perhaps he was thinking of his occupation as a lowly shepherd living in Midian. Maybe he was referring to his upbringing and separation from his birth family (Ex. 2:1-4). Or he might have been recalling his past, when he killed an Egyptian and had to flee (Ex. 2:12). Whatever Moses’ objection was, the Lord answered with a wonderful promise: “I will be with you” (3:12).
Ignorance of God’s greatness. In order to carry out God’s plan, we need to believe fully in the One who has called us. When Moses questioned his assignment again, the Lord answered by revealing Himself as the great I AM and the One who had promised to rescue the Israelites (vv. 14-17). By trusting in the character and promises of almighty God, Moses would be able to carry out this seemingly impossible assignment.
Faith barriers hinder the flow of divine power in our life, slow spiritual growth, and prevent us from fully carrying out the Father’s will. We must remember who He is and where power comes from. We know that our heavenly Father is sovereign over all, and His Spirit empowers us to follow through in obedience.
Intouch Ministry Devotions
Friday, July 28, 2017
How do you know if you have matured in God?
Philippians 4:11-13 New International Version (NIV)
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
When you start living for God, you will find that everything you used to do on your own must be seen through the eyes of God; by daily study of the Word of God, by prayer and supplication, you will be able to determine God’s standards for your life.
Sometimes you may be deceived by your own desires, you may find that you do something that is not in God’s will for your life, yet you feel prompted to do it anyway.
We won’t always know what is the best for our lives, and God realizes that we can and will make mistakes. He will not condemn us if we are sincere in believing that our actions were not an act of rebellion against Him. He knows our hearts, and so He will gently redirect our will and desires back into the fold of His love and guidance, but if we are willfully rebelling against God and His standards for our life, He will continue to warn us that we are going in the wrong direction. If we will not listen, He will let us go our own way.
Now, you really don’t want God to release His hand off of your life, because that gives the enemy, the devil, the right to enter into your deception and your willful pride and totally wreck havoc in your life! If you are not sure that you are following the Lord’s will for your life, come to Him right now, and ask Him to show you what He wants for you, repent and ask for forgiveness. He is gracious to all of those who are willing to live for Him.
Recently, I did something that I thought was of God., I felt prompted to do it, and even though on the surface it was not a evil act, it was out of God’s will for my life. The Lord allowed me to do it, and the results were just as they were when I had tried it before, I had no success. I realized that I had been deceived, and I asked the Lord what He wanted for my life. He told me that I needed to trust Him, that everything that I was going through was exactly what He wanted for my life, and that I needed to be patient, for everything that He promised me would come to pass. I asked for His forgiveness, and I received it, and continued to live in the place in which He has me in right now.
In the past when I took actions that were not successful, I would feel disappointed and sorrowful, and I must admit that I felt some of that in the beginning for this circumstance, but I also felt hopeful and peaceful, I knew that the Lord would guide me and take care of me.I knew that He was always there for me, in all of my periods of happiness and sadness, He would never leave me or forsake me, and this time, I did not focus on what I did not have, but I focused on what I do have, that I have a roof over my head, and food on the table, clothes on my back, and a healthy body and mind.
I remember how many people in the world are suffering and how they would love to be in my position. There are so many things I would like to have, but they are nothing compared to God’s grace and love! He will bring me through this time, and I will be a better christian, a better person, and a loving and compassionate friend to those who will need my help.
How do you know that you have matured in Christ? Measure your response to suffering and hardship, to rejection and the unfair advantages that other people may have over you. Can you smile when you have been cheated? Can you find peace in your heart when you go to Him in prayer? Have you surrendered your heart and mind to Him when He asks you to go His way instead of your own? Congratulations, my friend, because if you can feel joy and peace in your heart when you go through hard times, it means that you know the secret to happiness!
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
When you start living for God, you will find that everything you used to do on your own must be seen through the eyes of God; by daily study of the Word of God, by prayer and supplication, you will be able to determine God’s standards for your life.
Sometimes you may be deceived by your own desires, you may find that you do something that is not in God’s will for your life, yet you feel prompted to do it anyway.
We won’t always know what is the best for our lives, and God realizes that we can and will make mistakes. He will not condemn us if we are sincere in believing that our actions were not an act of rebellion against Him. He knows our hearts, and so He will gently redirect our will and desires back into the fold of His love and guidance, but if we are willfully rebelling against God and His standards for our life, He will continue to warn us that we are going in the wrong direction. If we will not listen, He will let us go our own way.
Now, you really don’t want God to release His hand off of your life, because that gives the enemy, the devil, the right to enter into your deception and your willful pride and totally wreck havoc in your life! If you are not sure that you are following the Lord’s will for your life, come to Him right now, and ask Him to show you what He wants for you, repent and ask for forgiveness. He is gracious to all of those who are willing to live for Him.
Recently, I did something that I thought was of God., I felt prompted to do it, and even though on the surface it was not a evil act, it was out of God’s will for my life. The Lord allowed me to do it, and the results were just as they were when I had tried it before, I had no success. I realized that I had been deceived, and I asked the Lord what He wanted for my life. He told me that I needed to trust Him, that everything that I was going through was exactly what He wanted for my life, and that I needed to be patient, for everything that He promised me would come to pass. I asked for His forgiveness, and I received it, and continued to live in the place in which He has me in right now.
In the past when I took actions that were not successful, I would feel disappointed and sorrowful, and I must admit that I felt some of that in the beginning for this circumstance, but I also felt hopeful and peaceful, I knew that the Lord would guide me and take care of me.I knew that He was always there for me, in all of my periods of happiness and sadness, He would never leave me or forsake me, and this time, I did not focus on what I did not have, but I focused on what I do have, that I have a roof over my head, and food on the table, clothes on my back, and a healthy body and mind.
I remember how many people in the world are suffering and how they would love to be in my position. There are so many things I would like to have, but they are nothing compared to God’s grace and love! He will bring me through this time, and I will be a better christian, a better person, and a loving and compassionate friend to those who will need my help.
How do you know that you have matured in Christ? Measure your response to suffering and hardship, to rejection and the unfair advantages that other people may have over you. Can you smile when you have been cheated? Can you find peace in your heart when you go to Him in prayer? Have you surrendered your heart and mind to Him when He asks you to go His way instead of your own? Congratulations, my friend, because if you can feel joy and peace in your heart when you go through hard times, it means that you know the secret to happiness!
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Take My Yoke
by Charles Stanley
Intouch Ministry
Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus invites all burdened individuals to come to Him for rest, yet so often we misunderstand what He is offering. When stresses and problems weigh us down, the most natural response is to ask God for relief: “Lord, I can’t carry this anymore. I’m going to leave it here with You.” Having dumped the burden like a bag of garbage, we walk away but remain unchanged inside.
God doesn’t operate that way. Christ’s invitation is to join Him in the yoke so you can walk and work together. He doesn’t want just your burden; He wants you. The yoke of Christ is a symbol of discipleship, characterized by submission and obedience to Him. God’s goal isn’t simply to give relief by removing a weighty trial or affliction; He longs to draw you to Himself in a close and trusting relationship. Those who take Him up on His offer will turn from their old ways and be transformed.
The process of lightening the load begins with learning to know and understand the Lord. The burden is not necessarily removed, but our thoughts and responses are changed as we begin to love Him, trust Him, believe His promises, and rely on His power. Then, as the weight of the affliction shifts from our shoulders to His, we will discover relief, although the situation may remain unchanged.
Being yoked with Christ results in rest for your soul. Life’s pressures may not lessen, but if you are intimately linked with Jesus, your soul is free from churning anxiety, and His peace is ruling in your heart. You have nothing to lose—except your weariness—and much to gain.
Intouch Ministries
Intouch Ministry
Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus invites all burdened individuals to come to Him for rest, yet so often we misunderstand what He is offering. When stresses and problems weigh us down, the most natural response is to ask God for relief: “Lord, I can’t carry this anymore. I’m going to leave it here with You.” Having dumped the burden like a bag of garbage, we walk away but remain unchanged inside.
God doesn’t operate that way. Christ’s invitation is to join Him in the yoke so you can walk and work together. He doesn’t want just your burden; He wants you. The yoke of Christ is a symbol of discipleship, characterized by submission and obedience to Him. God’s goal isn’t simply to give relief by removing a weighty trial or affliction; He longs to draw you to Himself in a close and trusting relationship. Those who take Him up on His offer will turn from their old ways and be transformed.
The process of lightening the load begins with learning to know and understand the Lord. The burden is not necessarily removed, but our thoughts and responses are changed as we begin to love Him, trust Him, believe His promises, and rely on His power. Then, as the weight of the affliction shifts from our shoulders to His, we will discover relief, although the situation may remain unchanged.
Being yoked with Christ results in rest for your soul. Life’s pressures may not lessen, but if you are intimately linked with Jesus, your soul is free from churning anxiety, and His peace is ruling in your heart. You have nothing to lose—except your weariness—and much to gain.
Intouch Ministries
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
How to Handle Burdens
by Charles Stanley
Intouch Ministries
Psalm 55:1-23
In today’s reading, David was overwhelmed with the weight of external pressures and internal anguish. Burdens come in a variety of emotional, spiritual, and physical forms, but they all feel heavy and cause weariness. Every one of us can identify with David’s desire to “fly away and be at rest” (v. 6).
Some of the loads we carry are not part of God’s plan for us. We lug around the guilt that lingers even after confession of sin and also try to function while carrying worry about the future. Then we top it off with a little bitterness and unforgiveness because life has not been fair. These burdens aren’t from the Lord, and He won’t help you carry what He has told you to release.
Other burdens, however, are entrusted to us by God. He gives us responsibilities, which can weigh us down, and He sometimes allows relational difficulties that tear at our heart. And when such problems and trials are persistent, they can drain our vitality and threaten to overwhelm us.
But remember, every circumstance in life is lovingly sifted through the Lord’s fingers before reaching us. From His perspective, those things that are too heavy for us are opportunities for dependence upon Him. God never intends for any of His children to carry a burden without His help. He says to give it to Him (v. 22) and promises to sustain us.
Casting your cares upon God means releasing them fully into His control. You will no longer be free to manage and manipulate the situation toward your desired outcome, but the freedom Christ offers will release you from the burden’s weight. He’ll sustain you with His peace as you trust Him.
Intouch Ministries Devotions
Intouch Ministries
Psalm 55:1-23
In today’s reading, David was overwhelmed with the weight of external pressures and internal anguish. Burdens come in a variety of emotional, spiritual, and physical forms, but they all feel heavy and cause weariness. Every one of us can identify with David’s desire to “fly away and be at rest” (v. 6).
Some of the loads we carry are not part of God’s plan for us. We lug around the guilt that lingers even after confession of sin and also try to function while carrying worry about the future. Then we top it off with a little bitterness and unforgiveness because life has not been fair. These burdens aren’t from the Lord, and He won’t help you carry what He has told you to release.
Other burdens, however, are entrusted to us by God. He gives us responsibilities, which can weigh us down, and He sometimes allows relational difficulties that tear at our heart. And when such problems and trials are persistent, they can drain our vitality and threaten to overwhelm us.
But remember, every circumstance in life is lovingly sifted through the Lord’s fingers before reaching us. From His perspective, those things that are too heavy for us are opportunities for dependence upon Him. God never intends for any of His children to carry a burden without His help. He says to give it to Him (v. 22) and promises to sustain us.
Casting your cares upon God means releasing them fully into His control. You will no longer be free to manage and manipulate the situation toward your desired outcome, but the freedom Christ offers will release you from the burden’s weight. He’ll sustain you with His peace as you trust Him.
Intouch Ministries Devotions
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