Daily Devotional for February 1, 2010
Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13
that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13
“Love has always been my modus operandi for I have loved you from the beginning with an everlasting love. There is nothing greater in this world than the love that I have for YOU” saith the Lord God Almighty.
What exactly do you know about love? Is it that special feeling that you reserve for those closest to you? Is it what you feel when you finally meet the person you want to spend the rest of your life with? Or is it the one thing that you’ve never really experienced before? There are many ways in which love has been described by those who claim to be experts on the subject. One person says it like this, “It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all” which is supposed to imply that love whether or not it leads to pain is worth experiencing. So, what is it about love that is so precious, so essential to the human experience? Studies have shown that children who are neglected by their parents during infancy and throughout their formative years usually end up seeking love and acceptance somewhere else. Thus, a young girl who is forced to grow up without a father will often go in search of a father figure during her quest for love. We were all created with the need to love and be loved. Yet there are times when due to the sins that we have committed, the rejection we have experienced, the emptiness of being neglected, the pain of being hurt and betrayed, we sometimes feel incapable of loving and even unworthy of being loved. The question we must then ask ourselves is, who is deserving of being loved? If you are guilty of murder, grand theft auto, hurting the feelings or others, even breaking up a person’s marriage, do you deserve to be loved by God?
According to God’s Word, He loves everyone, regardless of who they are and what they’ve done (cf. John 3:16). As he paused to consider the love of God, Apostle Paul said, “But God commendeth His love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (cf. Romans 5:8). Matthew Henry’s commentary adds that Christ “not only died for the helpless creatures [but for the] guilty sinful creatures, and therefore deserving to perish; not only mean and worthless, but vile and obnoxious, unworthy of such favor with the holy God.” Therefore my friend, despite what you have done, the Lord GOD Almighty loves you so much that He considered you to be worth dying for. Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (cf. John 15:13). Listen, He did not die for a person who was already clean, but for a person that He desires to make clean. Today His love is set upon you.
According to God’s Word, He loves everyone, regardless of who they are and what they’ve done (cf. John 3:16). As he paused to consider the love of God, Apostle Paul said, “But God commendeth His love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (cf. Romans 5:8). Matthew Henry’s commentary adds that Christ “not only died for the helpless creatures [but for the] guilty sinful creatures, and therefore deserving to perish; not only mean and worthless, but vile and obnoxious, unworthy of such favor with the holy God.” Therefore my friend, despite what you have done, the Lord GOD Almighty loves you so much that He considered you to be worth dying for. Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (cf. John 15:13). Listen, He did not die for a person who was already clean, but for a person that He desires to make clean. Today His love is set upon you.
Will you love Him in return?
Word For Today: If ye love Me, keep My commandments. - John 14:15 – A simple commandment which deserves a simple response.
[ 31 January, 2010 ] • [ icem ] • [ Leave comment - 872 ]
Daily Devotional for January 29, 2010
Justice and judgment are the habitation
of Thy throne: mercy and truth
shall go before Thy face.
Psalm 89:14
of Thy throne: mercy and truth
shall go before Thy face.
Psalm 89:14
You have been longing for peace and you have been asking God to change the situations around you but hear the voice of the Lord concerning you this day – “Change who you are, for the change that you desire will only come as you begin to take a look at yourself.”
Justice – a word which echoes loudly in the ears of many people and reflects the cry of many nations. Justice - a simple word that means fairness, impartiality, honesty, integrity, and righteousness. Oh, that justice would reign among men and women upon the face of the earth. Oh, that governments would exercise impartiality as they deal with those they govern; that legal systems would judge fairly as people are tried within courtrooms; that people would shun prejudice as they go about their daily affairs. Justice – it is the hope of many and the right of all.
Yet though many cry for justice, it is a fact that everyone wants justice to be done on someone else and not on themselves. Should each person stop and take time out to examine their deeds, they would realize that there are many times when they themselves have committed acts worthy of judgment, whether small or great. Nevertheless, most people only take notice of the sins and crimes of others and spend time evaluating the judgment that those persons should receive.
Today, our devotional scripture reminds us that God is a God of judgment and justice. According to Proverbs 21:3 it says, “To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” In other words, God delights more in a man that is just than a man who walks in false piety, and one who offers up sacrifices that are tainted with wickedness. As He looks upon the face of the earth God sees every deed and the intention that drives every action of man. He sees the injustice that proceeds from the hearts of people and He is grieved.
Many people conveniently forget that as well as being a God of love, God Almighty is also a God of judgment. Therefore, injustice will not always prevail; neither will the unrepented sins of men and women go unpunished. In his book, Job asked rhetorically, “Doth God pervert judgment? Or doth the Almighty pervert justice?” The Bible repeatedly reminds us that God is just and carries out judgment irrespective of who the person is. Remember justice will not only be executed on your cruel neighbor, or the one who stole your money, but you will also be judged for the things that you have done and the decisions that you have made. What would the verdict on your soul be? Would you be rewarded for living righteously according to God’s will? Or would you be condemned for a life lived in sin?
Yet though many cry for justice, it is a fact that everyone wants justice to be done on someone else and not on themselves. Should each person stop and take time out to examine their deeds, they would realize that there are many times when they themselves have committed acts worthy of judgment, whether small or great. Nevertheless, most people only take notice of the sins and crimes of others and spend time evaluating the judgment that those persons should receive.
Today, our devotional scripture reminds us that God is a God of judgment and justice. According to Proverbs 21:3 it says, “To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” In other words, God delights more in a man that is just than a man who walks in false piety, and one who offers up sacrifices that are tainted with wickedness. As He looks upon the face of the earth God sees every deed and the intention that drives every action of man. He sees the injustice that proceeds from the hearts of people and He is grieved.
Many people conveniently forget that as well as being a God of love, God Almighty is also a God of judgment. Therefore, injustice will not always prevail; neither will the unrepented sins of men and women go unpunished. In his book, Job asked rhetorically, “Doth God pervert judgment? Or doth the Almighty pervert justice?” The Bible repeatedly reminds us that God is just and carries out judgment irrespective of who the person is. Remember justice will not only be executed on your cruel neighbor, or the one who stole your money, but you will also be judged for the things that you have done and the decisions that you have made. What would the verdict on your soul be? Would you be rewarded for living righteously according to God’s will? Or would you be condemned for a life lived in sin?
The justice of the Lord is sure
Word For Today: Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice? - Job 8:3 – Rhetorical, yet well worth consideration.
[ 28 January, 2010 ] • [ icem ] • [ Leave comment - 238 ]
Daily Devotional for January 28, 2010
The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee,
thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock,
whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart,
Who shall bring me down to the ground?
Obadiah 1:3
thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock,
whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart,
Who shall bring me down to the ground?
Obadiah 1:3
Hear the Word of the Lord, “I am He that causes the sun to shine on the just as well as the unjust. It is I, who will rain down the fiery wrath of My vengeance and judgment upon this wicked and cruel generation. In My love and compassion I have allowed mankind time in order to make up their minds to come to Me but hear Me when I say, time is swiftly running out.”
The world is moving at a pace that is increasingly escalating as the days go by. Some people feel as though they are being left out of the technological developments and inventions that have flooded onto the world scene. So many things have flooded the marketplace over the past few years that have caused some alarm for a few people who are afraid that these things are the beginning of the end of the world. Yet despite the overflow of events, the new inventions, the increase in calamities and natural disasters, the one constant and unchanging fact is that God is real.
Science has been on a tireless quest to prove that God does not exist. Many argue that man is a product of evolution just like every other creature. Many revere Darwin and his theories as though there is no doubt to what he says, yet these same people regard the Word of God as a lie. But how mistaken they are. There is a common misconception that because humans have a reasonable amount of ability to manufacture, invent, and exercise self will, that those things qualify men and women as gods over their own lives. There are numerous strains of popular philosophies that dictate that the self is god and that all that is required of each person is that he or she comes to the realization they are god in themselves and that they can do whatever they wish to do. Driven by this method of thinking, people have gone about to prove that they are in charge of the world they live in, even if it means making potentially destructive and hazardous instruments in the process.
So what do we make of the world that we live in? Is there hope for the future? With the determination of nation after nation to produce more and more nuclear weapons to fight their own selfish causes, where does it leave us? Well according to the Bible, it is God who holds the reigns of the universe and therefore it is in Him that we should place our hopes for the future. We are told in the Bible that men would grow increasingly sinful and prideful, but there is a set time when Jesus will return to snatch the faithful from this evil-saturated world. It is a simple promise: live your life in righteousness and devotion to God and He will keep you in peace even unto eternity. The question now is this…
Science has been on a tireless quest to prove that God does not exist. Many argue that man is a product of evolution just like every other creature. Many revere Darwin and his theories as though there is no doubt to what he says, yet these same people regard the Word of God as a lie. But how mistaken they are. There is a common misconception that because humans have a reasonable amount of ability to manufacture, invent, and exercise self will, that those things qualify men and women as gods over their own lives. There are numerous strains of popular philosophies that dictate that the self is god and that all that is required of each person is that he or she comes to the realization they are god in themselves and that they can do whatever they wish to do. Driven by this method of thinking, people have gone about to prove that they are in charge of the world they live in, even if it means making potentially destructive and hazardous instruments in the process.
So what do we make of the world that we live in? Is there hope for the future? With the determination of nation after nation to produce more and more nuclear weapons to fight their own selfish causes, where does it leave us? Well according to the Bible, it is God who holds the reigns of the universe and therefore it is in Him that we should place our hopes for the future. We are told in the Bible that men would grow increasingly sinful and prideful, but there is a set time when Jesus will return to snatch the faithful from this evil-saturated world. It is a simple promise: live your life in righteousness and devotion to God and He will keep you in peace even unto eternity. The question now is this…
Where does your future lie?
Word For Today: Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the LORD: for His name alone is excellent; His glory is above the earth and heaven. - Psalm 148:11-13 – At some point, every creature, both great and small will have to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. You will bow later if you refuse to bow now.
[ 27 January, 2010 ] • [ icem ] • [ Leave comment - 1477 ]
Daily Devotional for January 27, 2010
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee,
when my heart is overwhelmed:
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:1-2
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee,
when my heart is overwhelmed:
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:1-2
Hear the Word of the Lord, “I, the Lord, have not hidden Myself from you. I have made known to you My intentions, My love for you and I have invited you to come to Me. Why have you continued to ignore My voice? My child, what must I do to show you that I died so that you might live?”
How are you doing? How are you really doing? Beyond the surface, beyond that which everyone can see…how are you doing? That is the question God is asking you today. You see, He is concerned about your well-being, about those things that pertain to you, about your inner man and the condition of your soul. Think of Him as who He is – your heavenly Father. On earth, a good parent is concerned about whether their child eats, sleeps, has clothes to wear, shoes for the feet, who their child hangs out with, and the mental and emotional wellness of the child among other things. Even so, God watches your life, the places you go, and the things you value that really aren’t very valuable. He watches your outlook on life and sees how you go about so carelessly at times unaware of the dangers that lie ahead of you. He looks at the condition of your emotional state, the fragility of your heart, the many times you’ve been wounded and the way anger and depression have become the outlets of your pain, and He is no less than concerned.
He has plans for you, from the beginning of time He knew you and He drafted plans for you; plans to propel you into your destiny, to prosper you spiritually and lead you in a healthy relationship with Him. He looks at where you are now and knowing where you can be and He constantly invites you to come closer. Only when you are fully surrendered to Him can you experience the completeness of that which has been prepared for you. Why don’t you draw closer to Him today? Tell Him of your struggles, those things that trouble you, even of the things that hinder you from surrendering. Take some time today and talk to Jesus.
He has plans for you, from the beginning of time He knew you and He drafted plans for you; plans to propel you into your destiny, to prosper you spiritually and lead you in a healthy relationship with Him. He looks at where you are now and knowing where you can be and He constantly invites you to come closer. Only when you are fully surrendered to Him can you experience the completeness of that which has been prepared for you. Why don’t you draw closer to Him today? Tell Him of your struggles, those things that trouble you, even of the things that hinder you from surrendering. Take some time today and talk to Jesus.
He’s waiting to hear from you!!
Word For Today: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. - Psalm 51:10 – This should be the cry of every heart that desires to be right with God.
[ 27 January, 2010 ] • [ icem ] • [ Leave comment - 1911 ]
Daily Devotional for January 26, 2010
CHRISTIAN DEVOTIONAL
Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans,
and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them;
but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.
Daniel 4:7
and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them;
but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.
Daniel 4:7
“I, the Lord your God, have told you in times past that I will not share my glory with another. Again I remind you that I AM, and there is nothing that I have made or nothing that I have done that will ever deny that fact. In this season, I am calling men and women who claim me as Lord to relax and allow Me to be that in your life, in your ministry, in your families and in your finances. I will be found by those who truly seek Me in this season.”
Oh, how wonderful it is when men can determine the distinction between the servants of the Lord in whom His Spirit dwells and those who rely upon other sources which, by the way, are unreliable. As we read Daniel chapter four in its entirety we will find an epilogue of Daniel [Belshazzar] giving credence and acknowledgement to the Lord as the high God and revealer of secrets. We who know Him have come to know Him as the God of revelation. He speaks to His servants revealing secret things and giving interpretation to visions and dreams. In our devotion today Nebuchadnezzar begins his discourse by ascribing to God the credit due His name and speaking of the power of His goodness. He says, “I thought it good to show the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. How great are His signs! and how mighty are His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation.” (cf. Daniel 4:2-3)
Next, this same king went on to describe his condition or state of mind which was due, in part, to a dream that he had. This dream troubled him tremendously and so he sought the counsel of the wise men of his court. These were men who professed to have the ability to make known all mysteries but there was no one among them that could give an interpretation to the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel, in whom the Spirit of the holy God dwelled, proved to be the only one capable of providing him with an accurate revelation of what God was revealing to his heart. God is and has always been the true source of every dream for He alone has the answer to the questions that dreams can leave us with. It is only as we look to Him for direction, not the shrink, not the crystal ball, not the palm reader, not anyone or anything else, will we ever be able to fully understand the mysteries and receive the direction and instruction that God wants to provide for our lives through our dreams.
Many times He sends certain dreams to warn us of impending disaster and other times He simply allows our dreams to draw us into deeper commitment and relationship with Him. Whatever His purpose, we ought to avail ourselves and let Him do in us as only He can do. Let Him lead and guide us into the truths of who He has destined us to be so that we become fashioned into the very image of God. If you read the entire fourth chapter of Daniel you will see that God intended to bring King Nebuchadnezzar down off his high horse so that he would once and for all recognize and begin to exalt God as the King of heaven. Are you experiencing dreams that you don’t understand? Do these dreams trouble you? Seek God for the interpretation, perhaps He is trying to get your attention. Perhaps He desires to again remind you that He is the King of heaven. If He had to drive a king out of His presence and cause him to live like a wild animal to get his attention, imagine to what lengths He will go to get your attention.
Next, this same king went on to describe his condition or state of mind which was due, in part, to a dream that he had. This dream troubled him tremendously and so he sought the counsel of the wise men of his court. These were men who professed to have the ability to make known all mysteries but there was no one among them that could give an interpretation to the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel, in whom the Spirit of the holy God dwelled, proved to be the only one capable of providing him with an accurate revelation of what God was revealing to his heart. God is and has always been the true source of every dream for He alone has the answer to the questions that dreams can leave us with. It is only as we look to Him for direction, not the shrink, not the crystal ball, not the palm reader, not anyone or anything else, will we ever be able to fully understand the mysteries and receive the direction and instruction that God wants to provide for our lives through our dreams.
Many times He sends certain dreams to warn us of impending disaster and other times He simply allows our dreams to draw us into deeper commitment and relationship with Him. Whatever His purpose, we ought to avail ourselves and let Him do in us as only He can do. Let Him lead and guide us into the truths of who He has destined us to be so that we become fashioned into the very image of God. If you read the entire fourth chapter of Daniel you will see that God intended to bring King Nebuchadnezzar down off his high horse so that he would once and for all recognize and begin to exalt God as the King of heaven. Are you experiencing dreams that you don’t understand? Do these dreams trouble you? Seek God for the interpretation, perhaps He is trying to get your attention. Perhaps He desires to again remind you that He is the King of heaven. If He had to drive a king out of His presence and cause him to live like a wild animal to get his attention, imagine to what lengths He will go to get your attention.
He seeks an audience with you!!
Word For Today: Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and His ways judgment: and those that walk in pride He is able to abase. – Daniel 4:37 – In whatever way possible, by whatever means necessary, our God will be glorified. He will even bring you down, if that’s what it takes to lift you to where He wants you to be.
[ 25 January, 2010 ] • [ icem ] • [ Leave comment - 731 ]
Daily Devotional for January 13, 2010
I am come a light into the world,
that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness.
John 12:46
that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness.
John 12:46
“Limitations and boundaries are set by the logical process of the thought life but I am a God without limitations. Dare to take Me at My Word and I will move for you. Remember that I am the God of the valley, the wilderness, the desert, the mountains and all seasons.” There is a Pastor that needs to hear this – God is in charge and He is not limited. Wait, stand still and let God move.
Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s as clear as mud”? It simply means, you don’t understand. Maybe the way forward in your life seems murky, muddy, and unclear. Like in a job, relationship, etc? Plenty if you are anything like me. It may sound obvious but we can’t see through mud so the only thing to do is remove it out of the way. The only way we can do that is to use our laser vision. In other words, test all things in the light of Jesus Christ. How? You begin by asking yourself a simple question. Jesus said, “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.”
Do you believe in Jesus Christ? If the answer is ‘YES’, then test the way forward in the light of what you know about Him. Talk to Him; ask Him the next step to take. Understand this, when light shines it doesn’t intend to cast shadows but as the sun shines shadows become inevitable. Jesus is the light of the world, so whenever we test any decision or thought or idea or plan for the future against Him and His Word, the dark shadowy areas that we try to avoid become clearer. Can you see how it works?
If you don’t already believe in Jesus Christ then your first step should be straight forward. The fact is, we live in a world full of many shadows and dark places and if it is true that Jesus Christ is the light, our first step must be away from the darkness and into the light. If you will do that, you will be surprised how quickly things become clearer to you. It doesn’t mean choices will always be easy but you will be amazed how you to will begin to spot the dark areas that can so easily drag us down, confuse us and muddy the water.
We all have many important decisions to make throughout our lives; it never stops, does it? Job, partner, mortgage, etc but the biggest decision we will ever make is about eternity and where we will spend it. Get that right and we’re on the road to sorting all the other decisions too! Always remember this, to reject Jesus Christ, who Himself said “I am the light of the world”, is to reject God Himself.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ? If the answer is ‘YES’, then test the way forward in the light of what you know about Him. Talk to Him; ask Him the next step to take. Understand this, when light shines it doesn’t intend to cast shadows but as the sun shines shadows become inevitable. Jesus is the light of the world, so whenever we test any decision or thought or idea or plan for the future against Him and His Word, the dark shadowy areas that we try to avoid become clearer. Can you see how it works?
If you don’t already believe in Jesus Christ then your first step should be straight forward. The fact is, we live in a world full of many shadows and dark places and if it is true that Jesus Christ is the light, our first step must be away from the darkness and into the light. If you will do that, you will be surprised how quickly things become clearer to you. It doesn’t mean choices will always be easy but you will be amazed how you to will begin to spot the dark areas that can so easily drag us down, confuse us and muddy the water.
We all have many important decisions to make throughout our lives; it never stops, does it? Job, partner, mortgage, etc but the biggest decision we will ever make is about eternity and where we will spend it. Get that right and we’re on the road to sorting all the other decisions too! Always remember this, to reject Jesus Christ, who Himself said “I am the light of the world”, is to reject God Himself.
It couldn’t be any clearer than that, could it?
Word For Today: Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. – John 8:12 – He is that fountain out of which flows an intellectual light and a spiritual understanding.
[ 12 January, 2010 ] • [ icem ] • [ Leave comment - 1840 ]
Daily Devotional for January 12, 2010
And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground;
who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time:
afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake,
immediately they are offended.
Mark 4:16-17
who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time:
afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake,
immediately they are offended.
Mark 4:16-17
Hear the voice of the Lord, “My son I have called you, anointed and appointed you do not be discouraged but know that the Lord your God is with you” Daniele, be encouraged for your season of testing is at an end in a few days you will see the new beginning. There is an anointing released for the healing of the eyes, lay your hands on your eyes and declare your healing.
Consider for a moment someone who has become settled in a certain comfort zone or level where everything is just the way they want it to be. No difficulties, no worries, nothing to challenge them at all. Now imagine that same person being required to give up everything, their aspirations and even their right to retaliate or react to anything. It would be a time when their integrity and their strength of character would be put to the test. If this person is a child of God a time like this would challenge them to be a man or woman of their word while maintaining their position as God’s servant. This is when our faith is put to the ultimate test, where we are confronted with the task of remaining consistent while under pressure. It’s a time when regardless of whatever comes our faith does not waver and we explicitly trust God whether we see His promise or not, whether we feel Him near or not. This is where we are tested to see if we will simply trust His Word or try to move on our own strength.
In Mark 1:1-20 Jesus spoke to His disciples and the multitude about the parable of the sower. In verses 17-20 He makes mention of the fact that there are various degrees of people who hear the Word but among them there are certain ones who have different ways in which they choose to maintain the Word because of the different agendas that they have in their life. Some are governed by things such as sight and feelings and some are governed by materialism or the cares of this world. Finally, there are those who dare to allow the Word of faith to govern their lives.
In Mark 4:9 Jesus said, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Today we are being called to hear with the ears of the Spirit what God is saying to us so that we can be rooted and grounded in our faith in Him and His Word. We are living in a time and season when it is only our faith in the Word of God and the promise of His Spirit that will sustain us on our pilgrim’s journey while here on earth. It is through our ability to both hear the voice of the Spirit and differentiate between the three spirits that governs our existence (the Holy Spirit, the human spirit and demonic spirits) that we will be able to endure to the end. Unfortunately, today unless some Christians can see God’s promises right away they give up, or if they find themselves in a position where their comfort zone might be interrupted they find every excuse in the book to challenge the directive of the Spirit or just simply treat it as a matter for procrastination.
In Mark 1:1-20 Jesus spoke to His disciples and the multitude about the parable of the sower. In verses 17-20 He makes mention of the fact that there are various degrees of people who hear the Word but among them there are certain ones who have different ways in which they choose to maintain the Word because of the different agendas that they have in their life. Some are governed by things such as sight and feelings and some are governed by materialism or the cares of this world. Finally, there are those who dare to allow the Word of faith to govern their lives.
In Mark 4:9 Jesus said, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Today we are being called to hear with the ears of the Spirit what God is saying to us so that we can be rooted and grounded in our faith in Him and His Word. We are living in a time and season when it is only our faith in the Word of God and the promise of His Spirit that will sustain us on our pilgrim’s journey while here on earth. It is through our ability to both hear the voice of the Spirit and differentiate between the three spirits that governs our existence (the Holy Spirit, the human spirit and demonic spirits) that we will be able to endure to the end. Unfortunately, today unless some Christians can see God’s promises right away they give up, or if they find themselves in a position where their comfort zone might be interrupted they find every excuse in the book to challenge the directive of the Spirit or just simply treat it as a matter for procrastination.
You have to know that your feet are planted in something that is firm
Word For Today: Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. Hebrews 11:25-26 - Choosing to serve God requires a level of endurance in order to see His plan fulfilled.
[ 11 January, 2010 ] • [ icem ] • [ Leave comment - 627 ]
Daily Devotional for January 11, 2010
Ye have compassed this mountain long enough:
turn you northward.
Deuteronomy 2:3
turn you northward.
Deuteronomy 2:3
“I am your never ending source of refuge”, says the Lord. “I am He who was and is and is to come. Do not be afraid of this season of interference, these things needed to be so that I could have your undivided attention. In this season know that I am with you for I have declared that you shall be victorious and nothing that the enemy devises shall be able to stop you.”
“Long enough” this ought to be good news from the Lord for someone that has been battling with the many mountains of difficulties in your life and wondering if it will never come to an end. I hear the voice of the Lord saying, “It’s been long enough and it’s time for your change.” Change has come and it’s time to release the things that you have been accustomed to and using for support; the old familiar things that have kept you in bondage, going around in circles and making no progress. “Turn” says the Lord for now He has sent you directive to change your course of direction and has specifically told you where you must set your focus. Hearing words like these often has a way of stimulating excitement and filling us with great expectations but we must be cognizant of the fact that it will require hard work and dedication. It will also require your commitment to obediently follow the Lord’s instructions for it will not be presto-chango and ALL is changed. You will have to apply yourself to diligently seek the Lord, listen for His voice and then carry out His instructions precisely as He gives it to you.
When we think of a mountain we think of something that is high, rough, rugged, rocky terrain; something that is challenging and must be forged. There are many mountains in the world and men have gained reputations for conquering these mountains by meeting the challenge to get to the top. Mount Everest is one of these mountains and men and women across the globe have risked their lives to conquer this formidable giant. Perhaps your mountain is your marriage, job, children, socio-economical problems, interpersonal relationships or even the pain of the past. God is saying to you that you have been in this position for too long, focusing all your efforts and energy on the mountain when the solution to your problem is away from the mountain. If you could STOP, stand still and see beyond your situation you would see that God is the source of ALL that you need and that your focus should be on Him.
You see the problem lies in the extent of time that you have spent confronted by this situation; it has obscured your vision causing you to become mentally enslaved and accustomed to its existence. This obstacle has blocked you from seeing ALL that God has designed for you and has blocked you from having clear passage to the place that you desire to dwell. Well here’s the good news - You have been here far too long and the Lord is ready to bring you out by changing your focus. “How long?” you may ask. I hear the voice of the Lord saying in response to your question, “Now, the time is NOW! If you will hear My voice and follow Me.” If you have come to the place where you’re tired of the same old same old, then it’s time to change your focus and do what the Lord says to do. The Psalmist cried unto the Lord, “My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?” (cf. Psalms 6:3) He had had enough, have you reached that point as yet?
When we think of a mountain we think of something that is high, rough, rugged, rocky terrain; something that is challenging and must be forged. There are many mountains in the world and men have gained reputations for conquering these mountains by meeting the challenge to get to the top. Mount Everest is one of these mountains and men and women across the globe have risked their lives to conquer this formidable giant. Perhaps your mountain is your marriage, job, children, socio-economical problems, interpersonal relationships or even the pain of the past. God is saying to you that you have been in this position for too long, focusing all your efforts and energy on the mountain when the solution to your problem is away from the mountain. If you could STOP, stand still and see beyond your situation you would see that God is the source of ALL that you need and that your focus should be on Him.
You see the problem lies in the extent of time that you have spent confronted by this situation; it has obscured your vision causing you to become mentally enslaved and accustomed to its existence. This obstacle has blocked you from seeing ALL that God has designed for you and has blocked you from having clear passage to the place that you desire to dwell. Well here’s the good news - You have been here far too long and the Lord is ready to bring you out by changing your focus. “How long?” you may ask. I hear the voice of the Lord saying in response to your question, “Now, the time is NOW! If you will hear My voice and follow Me.” If you have come to the place where you’re tired of the same old same old, then it’s time to change your focus and do what the Lord says to do. The Psalmist cried unto the Lord, “My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?” (cf. Psalms 6:3) He had had enough, have you reached that point as yet?
Enough is enough! It’s time to set your face in another direction!
Word For Today: Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. - Deuteronomy 5:32 – Do as He has instructed and keep your eyes focused on where He is taking you.
[ 10 January, 2010 ] • [ icem ] • [ Leave comment - 3329 ]
Daily Devotional for January 8, 2010
Casting all your cares upon Him;
for He careth for you
1st Peter 5:7
for He careth for you
1st Peter 5:7
“The noose around your neck seems to tighten with every move you make and all seems to be lost, but it’s at this point that I will show up and you will see that I AM GOD”, says the Lord. For that young man who is at the point of giving up, hear the Word of the Lord today – reach beyond the break and hold on. Beyond that situation, there is a place of safety.
I’ve often heard this passage of scripture and the thought would go through my mind, “that’s so easy for them to say when their lives are easy and they don’t have to go through what I’m going through.” But the reality of the situation is this; it doesn’t matter what someone else may be going through as long as I have the ability to cast my burdens upon Him. In other words, I must develop the discipline of releasing my struggles to Him and allow Him to carry them for me.
Cast – synonymous with words such as: shed; throw; emit; and transmit, all of which denotes the act of transferring what one has to another medium. In this case God is the object of our transference. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This verse relates to His desire to take that which would weigh or press us down and convert it into rest and peace thereby releasing us from the responsibility of working things out apart from Him. But what does this really mean? - to cast our cares upon Him; how is this done? Actually it is quite simple; you see as we recognize that God is the Creator of the universe and all that it contains we must then acknowledge that He is the only one who can sustain it; change anything in it, including all our situations. Therefore by virtue of ownership of ALL that is therein; we trust Him and go to Him in prayer saying: “Father I am struggling with this and it is oppressing me; so I give it to you and ask that you direct me as to how to solve this problem.” Having done that we must now trust Him by thanking Him for the solution; watch this, we don’t see it; but thank you Lord. We don’t know how or when He’s going to work it out; but thank you Lord.
Matthew Henry wrote in his commentary concerning 1st Peter 5;7: “The Apostle, knowing that these Christians were already under very hard circumstances, rightly supposes that what he had foretold of greater hardships yet a coming might excite in them abundance of care and fear about the event of these difficulties, what the issue of them would be to themselves, their families, and the church of God; foreseeing this anxious care would be a heavy burden, and a sore temptation, he gives them the best advice, and supports it with a strong argument. His advice is to cast all their care, or all care of themselves, upon God.” Simplified they were told in effect throw your cares, which are so cutting and distracting, which wound your souls and pierce your hearts, upon the wise and gracious providence of God; trust in Him with a firm composed mind, for He careth for you. He is willing to release you of your care, and take the care of you upon Himself. He will either avert what you fear, or support you under it. He will order all events concerning you in order to convince you of His paternal love and tenderness towards you; and all shall be so ordered that no hurt, but good, shall come to you.
Our sacrifice of thanksgiving in the midst of the symptoms of our struggles propels us into a new dimension of faith where we feel peace in the midst of the storm. Hallelujah Jesus! The storm is raging and we are tempest tossed but “thank you Jesus; we bless you Lord”. Our praise of thanksgiving releases the burdens; we are in the process of transferring – casting our cares upon Him. “Hallelujah Jesus; I thank you. My bills are due and I don’t know how I’m going to make it but I cast this care upon you. I transfer the responsibility of finding the solution to you and I just trust you. Thank you Jesus; Hallelujah! To God be the glory!”
Oh how awesome, for as we shout hallelujah and give Him thanks we feel the burdens lifting and our cares diminishing. Now a paradigm shift takes place in the realm of the Spirit and all of a sudden here comes a revelation. Here is the answer that has been evading you but it was right in front of you all the time. It was waiting for your “hallelujah!” Oh bless God; it was waiting for “thank you Jesus” to be released into the atmosphere so that the answer could be released into your hand. Give God the praise; give Him the glory and transfer your cares; release your burdens and walk in the liberty of His peace. Hallelujah Jesus! Now comes salvation; now comes deliverance.
Cast – synonymous with words such as: shed; throw; emit; and transmit, all of which denotes the act of transferring what one has to another medium. In this case God is the object of our transference. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This verse relates to His desire to take that which would weigh or press us down and convert it into rest and peace thereby releasing us from the responsibility of working things out apart from Him. But what does this really mean? - to cast our cares upon Him; how is this done? Actually it is quite simple; you see as we recognize that God is the Creator of the universe and all that it contains we must then acknowledge that He is the only one who can sustain it; change anything in it, including all our situations. Therefore by virtue of ownership of ALL that is therein; we trust Him and go to Him in prayer saying: “Father I am struggling with this and it is oppressing me; so I give it to you and ask that you direct me as to how to solve this problem.” Having done that we must now trust Him by thanking Him for the solution; watch this, we don’t see it; but thank you Lord. We don’t know how or when He’s going to work it out; but thank you Lord.
Matthew Henry wrote in his commentary concerning 1st Peter 5;7: “The Apostle, knowing that these Christians were already under very hard circumstances, rightly supposes that what he had foretold of greater hardships yet a coming might excite in them abundance of care and fear about the event of these difficulties, what the issue of them would be to themselves, their families, and the church of God; foreseeing this anxious care would be a heavy burden, and a sore temptation, he gives them the best advice, and supports it with a strong argument. His advice is to cast all their care, or all care of themselves, upon God.” Simplified they were told in effect throw your cares, which are so cutting and distracting, which wound your souls and pierce your hearts, upon the wise and gracious providence of God; trust in Him with a firm composed mind, for He careth for you. He is willing to release you of your care, and take the care of you upon Himself. He will either avert what you fear, or support you under it. He will order all events concerning you in order to convince you of His paternal love and tenderness towards you; and all shall be so ordered that no hurt, but good, shall come to you.
Our sacrifice of thanksgiving in the midst of the symptoms of our struggles propels us into a new dimension of faith where we feel peace in the midst of the storm. Hallelujah Jesus! The storm is raging and we are tempest tossed but “thank you Jesus; we bless you Lord”. Our praise of thanksgiving releases the burdens; we are in the process of transferring – casting our cares upon Him. “Hallelujah Jesus; I thank you. My bills are due and I don’t know how I’m going to make it but I cast this care upon you. I transfer the responsibility of finding the solution to you and I just trust you. Thank you Jesus; Hallelujah! To God be the glory!”
Oh how awesome, for as we shout hallelujah and give Him thanks we feel the burdens lifting and our cares diminishing. Now a paradigm shift takes place in the realm of the Spirit and all of a sudden here comes a revelation. Here is the answer that has been evading you but it was right in front of you all the time. It was waiting for your “hallelujah!” Oh bless God; it was waiting for “thank you Jesus” to be released into the atmosphere so that the answer could be released into your hand. Give God the praise; give Him the glory and transfer your cares; release your burdens and walk in the liberty of His peace. Hallelujah Jesus! Now comes salvation; now comes deliverance.
Shout Hallelujah and give Him your cares!
Word For Today: Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? - Matthew 6:25 – Simply put, He knows, so why worry?
[ 07 January, 2010 ] • [ icem ] • [ Leave comment - 1654 ]
Daily Devotional for January 7, 2010
But the end of all things is at hand:
be ye therefore sober,
and watch unto prayer.
1st Peter 4:7
be ye therefore sober,
and watch unto prayer.
1st Peter 4:7
Shock waves will flow through the earth as horrific stories shall unfold of the persecution of God’s people. In this time pray for the peace of Jerusalem, pray for the U.K as she will be targeted and much violence shall erupt there. Pray for the governments of the world as there will be unrest and many decisions to be made that will interrupt the peace of many nations and affect the economy causing fear to come upon many.
The period we are living in can only be described along the lines of being perilous. The Apostle Paul warned in 2nd Timothy 3:1 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” If we look close enough we can see an escalation of evil in our day and the fulfillment of many Bible prophesies coming to past especially pertaining to the persecution of God’s people. In view of this, those of us who walk in the Spirit are sensing the urgency to pray without ceasing, to make intercession like never before and to seek the Lord with ALL our hearts. There is also a fervent desire to live holy before God and man, to seek righteousness at all cost so that our lives will begin to shine and draw men to Jesus Christ so that our Father will be glorified.
As we consider the perils we are currently facing and are about to face we sense the need to make sure that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be able to stand in these days. In the book of Ephesians we are admonished to “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (cf. Ephesians 6:11) The call…the mandate for prayer is so imperative that we dare not forsake it for anything else less we perish for the lack thereof. Noted author E.M Bounds writes it beautifully in his book ‘The Weapon of Prayer’, he says, “Nothing is more important to God than prayer in dealing with mankind. But it is likewise all-important to man to pray. Failure to pray is failure along the whole line of life. It is failure of duty, service, and spiritual progress. God must help man by prayer. He who does not pray, therefore, robs himself of God’s help and places God where He cannot help man. Man must pray to God if love for God is to exist. Faith and hope, and patience and all the strong, beautiful, vital forces of piety are withered and dead in a prayer less life.”
The season of our day requires prayer and nothing less than prayer; we need to saturate ourselves with the presence of God so that our armor is effective and able to deflect the missiles of the enemy as he tries to divert our focus from the mandates of God for this dispensation of time. The weapon and power of prayer is what we need to employ in order to maintain the anointing for the warfare and to receive our strategies for the diverse attacks of the enemy. “Prayer is the sense of God’s need and the call for God’s help to supply that need. The estimate and place of prayer is the estimate and place of God. To give prayer the secondary place is to make God secondary in life’s affairs. To substitute other forces for prayer, retires God and materializes the whole movement.” (E.M Bounds) Finally, brethren let us pray and when all is accomplished that we’ve prayed for, then let us pray some more. Much prayer, much power; little prayer; little power; no prayer, no power.
As we consider the perils we are currently facing and are about to face we sense the need to make sure that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be able to stand in these days. In the book of Ephesians we are admonished to “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (cf. Ephesians 6:11) The call…the mandate for prayer is so imperative that we dare not forsake it for anything else less we perish for the lack thereof. Noted author E.M Bounds writes it beautifully in his book ‘The Weapon of Prayer’, he says, “Nothing is more important to God than prayer in dealing with mankind. But it is likewise all-important to man to pray. Failure to pray is failure along the whole line of life. It is failure of duty, service, and spiritual progress. God must help man by prayer. He who does not pray, therefore, robs himself of God’s help and places God where He cannot help man. Man must pray to God if love for God is to exist. Faith and hope, and patience and all the strong, beautiful, vital forces of piety are withered and dead in a prayer less life.”
The season of our day requires prayer and nothing less than prayer; we need to saturate ourselves with the presence of God so that our armor is effective and able to deflect the missiles of the enemy as he tries to divert our focus from the mandates of God for this dispensation of time. The weapon and power of prayer is what we need to employ in order to maintain the anointing for the warfare and to receive our strategies for the diverse attacks of the enemy. “Prayer is the sense of God’s need and the call for God’s help to supply that need. The estimate and place of prayer is the estimate and place of God. To give prayer the secondary place is to make God secondary in life’s affairs. To substitute other forces for prayer, retires God and materializes the whole movement.” (E.M Bounds) Finally, brethren let us pray and when all is accomplished that we’ve prayed for, then let us pray some more. Much prayer, much power; little prayer; little power; no prayer, no power.
Anybody want to pray with me?
Word For Today: Pray without ceasing. - 1st Thessalonians 5:17 – Prayer is the mandate for this season.
[ 06 January, 2010 ] • [ icem ] • [ Leave comment - 488 ]
Daily Devotional for January 6, 2010
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions,
and over all the power of the enemy:
and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luke 10:19
and over all the power of the enemy:
and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luke 10:19
The Lord is calling His people to keep their focus upon Him for He is our only source of help. The storm winds may blow and strange things may occur but the Lord is unchangeable. The word for this season is, “Trust the Lord and keep your eyes focused upon Him.”
The word ‘power’ is indicative of might, strength, and force. It is also referred to words like “valor,” “rule” and “dominion.” We, as the children of God, are called to walk in power and to exercise it as the Holy Spirit urges us to take control of the situations we are facing and bring them under subjection. This is the mandate for the people of God in this dispensation of time, to declare the authority and power of our God and to make known His authority against ALL principalities and power. It is a call to decisive action and full demonstration of our power of attorney on earth and citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven, a Kingdom with an authority that supersedes anything that dwells in the universe. Therefore, my brethren, identify the demons that are attacking you and take authority over them by rebuking them in the name of Jesus Christ.
It is time for us to recognize that in the arena of life we will only survive if we walk in the authority that has been bestowed upon us through the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He sent out His 12 disciples who represented a greater following of disciples that were to come throughout the centuries which validates the fact that we must live in demonstration of His power. It’s time to declare, “Enough is enough! In the name of Jesus Christ I bind up your works and take authority over every power and influence of darkness that has been sent against me. Satan the Lord rebuke thee!” The church must begin to operate in the dominion power of Jesus Christ and in full exercise of the divine authority which was transferred to us through our spiritual re-birth and our right as heirs of the Kingdom of our God.
In Matthew 10:1 we read of the fact that power is mandatory for the life of the followers of Christ because here it says, “And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.” It was impossible for the disciples to function effectively without the transference of divine power. This is further confirmed in the book of Acts 1:8 which says “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Power! “ye shall receive power” The entire Bible gives us a depiction of the power and authority that is ascribed first of all to God and then to those who would follow Jesus Christ. There was nothing accomplished by the early church without a full demonstration of the power of the Spirit.
Beloved, take authority - arise in the power of the Spirit, rebuke, bind and take control of the situation for the Lord has given unto you power. In other words, He has equipped you with everything that you need for your warfare, everything that you need to combat the enemy. This power has not been given to those who do not know Christ regardless of who they are or their accolades but it is given unto the church “…to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.” What are you waiting for?
It is time for us to recognize that in the arena of life we will only survive if we walk in the authority that has been bestowed upon us through the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He sent out His 12 disciples who represented a greater following of disciples that were to come throughout the centuries which validates the fact that we must live in demonstration of His power. It’s time to declare, “Enough is enough! In the name of Jesus Christ I bind up your works and take authority over every power and influence of darkness that has been sent against me. Satan the Lord rebuke thee!” The church must begin to operate in the dominion power of Jesus Christ and in full exercise of the divine authority which was transferred to us through our spiritual re-birth and our right as heirs of the Kingdom of our God.
In Matthew 10:1 we read of the fact that power is mandatory for the life of the followers of Christ because here it says, “And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.” It was impossible for the disciples to function effectively without the transference of divine power. This is further confirmed in the book of Acts 1:8 which says “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Power! “ye shall receive power” The entire Bible gives us a depiction of the power and authority that is ascribed first of all to God and then to those who would follow Jesus Christ. There was nothing accomplished by the early church without a full demonstration of the power of the Spirit.
Beloved, take authority - arise in the power of the Spirit, rebuke, bind and take control of the situation for the Lord has given unto you power. In other words, He has equipped you with everything that you need for your warfare, everything that you need to combat the enemy. This power has not been given to those who do not know Christ regardless of who they are or their accolades but it is given unto the church “…to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.” What are you waiting for?
Arise in power and take authority!
Word For Today: And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. - Acts 6:8 – God has released Divine energy whereby we are empowered to work great wonders and miracles among the people, but it is only experienced as we operate in faith.
[ 06 January, 2010 ] • [ icem ] • [ Leave comment - 1375 ]