The Eternal God in Us

God chose that His Son would come from the seed of Abraham; and that through Jesus, all the nations of the earth would be blessed. Every Authentic Believer is justified through faith in Christ, and blessed right along with faithful Abraham (Galatians 3:8-9, 14). The greatest gift God gives to all of us is His love (1 Corinthians 13:2,13; John 3:16).

God showed His love for us, while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). Then by faith, we received God's Spirit through salvation by hearing and accepting the truth of the Gospel (Galatians 3:2). 

As we trust God, His Spirit ministers to us and works miracles in and through us (Galatians 3:5). Christ's resurrection from the dead gives credence to our faith and frees us from our sinful nature (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17).

We gradually die to our carnality by surrendering every bit of our corrupted nature to God. We start to think as Jesus did, instead of with finite, earthly concerns and thoughts. We live as Jesus did with the fruit of God’s Spirit replacing the deeds of our flesh (Galatians 5:22-23).  

We dedicate our life to His service and we bask in His presence throughout the day. We are no longer carnal, but spiritual (Galatians 5:15-25). Coming to an awareness of our rest in God, we relinquish our hectic pursuit of the world and we walk in the center of God's will (Hebrews 4:10). 

Our desire to entirely surrender every area of our life to God increases with our spiritual maturity. He is our everything, and we want nothing more than our beloved God Himself. He dwells within us for eternity.

Prayer:

Father God, the law tutored us in righteousness, but it could never save us. Once we come to salvation, we no longer need the schoolmaster of the law, because we are Your children, saved by faith in Christ's work on Calvary's cross (Galatians 3:23-26). 

We cannot boast of our works of righteousness, because our eternal destiny is based solely on the works of Your Son, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). By faith, we have confidence that we will continually abide in You with joy (Philippians 1:25).

Thought for the Day:

We never need to worry about our life here on this earth, because God will never leaves us, and He will always sustain us. - Hebrews 13:5

Surviving Lonliness

When we lose a loved one, our job, our home, our church family or a beloved pet, depression often hinders our mind from seeing any joy in life. We wallow in self-pity and hide under the covers, nursing our wounds. 

Of course, we have a right to grieve, and it is very healthy for us to do so; but we often carry it way too far. We may even turn to addictions to erase our pain. We can choose to be lonely, or we can choose to reach out. A smile will change our whole attitude. 

Of course, a fake smile will wear thin and tears will often wash it away. The smile must come from our heart; therefore we need to think of something or someone that honestly makes us happy. The fact that Jesus saved us for eternity always puts a smile on my face.

Serving in our church family puts a song in our heart and a smile in our steps. Reading our Bible and other spiritual books, listening to praise music or watching inspirational movies and testimonies will also help to bring us up from the pit of depression. 

In addition, we can return to a previous interest, start a new hobby or get together with former, cherished friends. Making new memories and meeting wholesome new friends can also change our life.

Often our friends are too shy to reach out, or do not know what to say or how to help us. So, please communicate how you feel, return calls, invite people over for dinner or go out with the crowd and get lost in it. Some former friends may drift out of your life, but let them go. God has new friends for you just around the corner. Trust in Him to see you through this trying time and to bring you safely to His eternal joy.

Prayer:

Father God, You always use the negative aspects of our life for our good (Romans 8:28). We may not see anything positive at this time, but in hindsight, it becomes very clear that You had a purpose in it all (Proverbs 5:21). 

 We often want the answers now, but You have Your very own time and way to meet all of our needs (Proverbs 3:5-6). Remind us that rather than doing all of the talking during our times of prayer, that we need to listen in order to hear Your voice.

Thought for the Day:

Jesus comforts us with the consolation He received from our Father; and we can turn around and comfort others with the same reassurance He gives to us in our time of need. - 2 Corinthians 1:4

My Last Post !!!

 

One of these days, I will post my last devotion on this blog. I will no longer be here on earth, but I will be enjoying the treasures of Heaven. God will wipe away every negative emotion in my soul and heal all of my diseases (Revelation 21:4). I will worship around the throne with the angels and the host of Saints who went on before me (Revelation 4:8-11).

The glory of God will light the expanse of Heaven, brighter and warmer than the sun (Revelation 21:23, 22:5). I will see the river of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne, with the tree of life on both sides of the river for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:1-2). I will saunter through the heavenly tabernacle (Hebrews 8:5).

Eventually, the Lord will return to the earth with His Saints to destroy Satan and his pitiful army, which he gathers in the valley of Megiddo to attempt to war with God again (Revelation 16:14, 19:7-21). Jesus will defeat them with one word (Revelation 19:15; Zechariah 12:1-9). Then, Christ will make a new heaven and a new earth and we will dwell as the wife of King Jesus in the city of New Jerusalem (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-3, 10-27; 22:14; 10:10-27).

Prayer:

Father God, the fact that You count us worthy to worship the Lamb for eternity is more than our mind can comprehend (Revelation 7:9; Luke 21:36). In New Jerusalem, there will be no need for a temple, for You and the Lamb are our temple (Revelation 21:22). However, only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life will be able to dwell there with You for time without end (Revelation 21:27).

Thought for the Day:

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, nor has the full impact dawned on the heart of any human being of just how awesome Heaven will be for those who love God. - 1 Corinthians 2:9

The High Praises

 

As we praise the Lord, we exalt Him and bless His name each moment of our day, for as long as we live and then on into eternity. He is great and so worthy of all of our adoration. His greatness is incomprehensible to our finite mind (Psalm 145:1-3). His name will endure for eternity and every generation will know Him as Lord (Psalm 135:13).

Everyone that has breath praises Him in worship, in nature, with musical instruments and with dancing (Psalm 150:1-6). Each generation will communicate His works to the next, and they will declare His mighty acts to each individual, as well as to the nations, which He blesses (Psalm 145:4-6, 21).

Therefore, we should sing praises to the Lord our God, while we live (Psalm 146:1-2). The Lord longs to be gracious to His people. He makes every effort to show compassion to us. He is the God of justice and mercy, and we are blessed if we wait for His timing in everything we say and do (Isaiah 30:18). Singing His praises is good and beautiful.

God is the stability of all times, and we can trust in Him. He is a wealth of wisdom, provision and deliverance to those who put all of their faith in Him. Honoring the Lord is the key to receiving this treasure (Isaiah 33:6). We praise Him for His great mercy, which He gave us through His new birth; and for His living hope, which He provided through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (Psalm 147:1).

Prayer:

Father God, we bless You, because You hear our prayers. You are our strength and protection. Our soul trusts in You, because You are always ready to help us. Our heart exceedingly rejoices in the beauty of Your holiness and we give thanks to You in continual praises (Psalm 28:6-7). You are enthroned between the angels and You alone are the God over every kingdom and nation of this earth, which You created (Isaiah 37:16).

Thought for the Day:

The high praises of God are in our mouth, and His Holy Word is in our hands, as we hide it within our heart. - Psalm 119:11, 149:6; Hebrews 4:12

It Really is Your Choice

Jesus Christ provided for a way for us to enjoy the glories of Heaven (John 6:44; Acts 4:12, 16:30-31). He is the only way for us to receive redemption. That is why Christians are always sharing the good news of the Gospel of Christ. We may get on someone's nerves, but we share God's Truth for their benefit, not our own. We are already Born Again and our place in Heaven is already reserved.

What about your place in Heaven? Have you repented of your sins and asked Jesus to be your personal Savior (John 3:16)? Have you surrendered your life to His redeeming grace and realized the benefits of living in His family now and forever? There are multiple ways to enter eternity, but only one leads to Heaven; all the rest lead to hell (John 3:18).

Satan is very cunning. He appears as an angel of light and he perverts God's truth to his own advantage. He wants to take Jesus' place as King of the universe. He already rebelled against God and lost his place in heaven (Isaiah 14:12-14). Now he is the "god" of this world and he wants to stay that way (2 Corinthians 4:4). He fills the world with his lies in order to take as many people to hell with him as he can (John 8:44; Romans 1:25).

If you reject Jesus as your Savior and remain as an unbeliever, living in unbelief and sinful pursuits, you will never see God (Revelation 21:7-8). If you admit that you are a sinner, regret your sinful lifestyle, choose to live according to Biblical principles, ask Jesus to cover you with His precious blood, and place your faith in God's faithfulness, you will enjoy the blessings as a co-heir with Jesus of God's Kingdom (Romans 8:17).

Prayer:

Father God, I come to You in Jesus' name to acknowledge that I am a sinner. I am as grieved over my past lifestyle as You are. I want to turn from a life of sin and self-reliance, and live according to Your Biblical principles.

Thank You for sending Jesus to die for me and to pay the penalty of my sin debt to You. I believe that You raised Jesus from the dead and that He now sits at Your right hand. I want to take advantage of Your grace and to live a life of purity and truth.

I will serve You in gratitude for the many blessings You provide for me throughout my lifetime. In Jesus' name and for His glory. Amen.

Thought for the Day:

Once we place our full trust in Him and His promises, God keeps us in His hands and never forsakes us. - John 6:37, 10:28-29; Hebrews 13:5

The Lord of the Dance

When the Holy Spirit abides in us, He desires to develop His fruit in our life (Galatians 5:22-23). He cannot force us to live a fruitful life; therefore, He wants us to allow Him to flow in and through us. Our surrender enters us into a dance of joy with the Lord of the dance, and we sing songs to our Lord day and night (Psalm 149:3; Ephesians 5:19).

We sway with Him to the music He places in our heart, getting lost in the melody of His love and dedicating our life to His service. We praise Him with the tambourines and the dance (Psalm 150:4). Twirling in harmony with His melody (Psalm 149:3), we dance in joy because of His peace and provision (Jeremiah 31:4). There is always a time to dance (Ecclesiastes 3:4).

Those who seek the Lord lack nothing that we need to prosper in this life (Psalm 34:10). The Lord is our light and protection, and He gives us His kindness and respect. He withholds no good thing from those who walk in Holiness before Him (Psalm 84:11). As we submit to God and allow His peace to rule in our heart, He will make our way prosperous (Job 22:21).

God never allows His righteous ones to go hungry (Proverbs 10:3). When life devastates us, our heart loses its hope, but Jesus turns our mourning into dancing (Lamentations 5:15; Psalm 31:11). Then, we can once again praise Him with musical instruments and dance before Him in joy (Psalm 150:4, 149:3; 2 Samuel 6:14). God delights in the praises and love of His Saints (Zephaniah 3:17).

Prayer:

Father God, there is no need for us to live in fear and anxiety about what we need, because You know everything about us, and You graciously and generously supply all of our needs (Philippians 4:19; Matthew 6:31-32). You provide for us and protect us all of the days of our life (Psalm 84:11). You give us all good things to enjoy (Matthew 7:11). Teach us to dance with You, especially when life gets too hard to handle.

Thought for the Day:

Our Father in Heaven gives us whatever we ask, if we keep His commandments and do what pleases Him. - 1 John 3:22

Unfailing Love

All creation tells of God's glory, and no one has an excuse not to believe in Him, because of the beauty and marvel of nature (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:20). All of nature praises God. The trees and rivers sing for joy and clap their hands (Psalm 92:12, 98:8; Isaiah 55:12; 1 Chronicles 16:33). Even the rocks will cry out in praise to God, if His people fail to exalt Him (Luke 19:40).

God is righteous and demands perfection; yet He proved His love to us by sending His only son to pay the debt for our sins. Jesus also gave us His perfect righteousness (John 3:16-18; 2 Corinthians 5:21). God always forgives our transgressions and redeems us from our sins (Psalm 130:8: 1 John 1:9). God is an awesome God and He reigns in heaven and on earth (Psalm 68:35, 47:8).

God is a mighty warrior on our behalf. We find our contentment in His presence in our life (2 Chronicles 16:9; Zephaniah 3:17). Even if the earth quakes and volcanoes shatter the mountains, God's unfailing love for His people will never be shaken. His promise of peace will never be taken away from us (Isaiah 54:10). God's love for us is unconditional (Romans 5:8; Psalm 86:15).

His love does not rely on our behavior, but on His commitment to all of those who hope in Him (Psalm 33:22). God actually takes pleasure in those who trust in His steadfast love (Psalm 147:11). As we hope in God's affection for us, He keeps His eye on us (Psalm 33:18). We are never alone and He never leaves us or forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5). Since He loved us before we ever loved Him, we can also love one another (1 John 4:9-11).

Prayer:

Father God, we are more than conquerors in life because of Your love for us. Once we put our trust in You, nothing could ever separate us from Your love, which You give us through Christ Jesus, our Lord (Romans 8:37-39). You are rich in mercy. You made us alive spiritually along with Jesus, because of your love for us (Ephesians 2:4-5). Thank you for caring about every detail of our life (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Thought for the Day:

God's plan for authentic Believers is to prosper us, never to harm us and to give us hope for our future. - Jeremiah 29:11

Live Well with a Positive Attitude

I am so concerned about people who live from one day to the next in more pain and misery than they did the day before. Things never go right for them and they are always focusing on the negative aspects in their life. I know that some people are genuinely ill; but I have seen others, in the same position, with a smile on their face and a jaunt in their step.

If we do all we can to prevent the pain or circumstances in our life, then we can look to God to deliver us from them. He may surprise us by taking us home to heaven, or allowing some major decision to be made that will affect our life drastically. However, we can continue to live a positive life by focusing on the pure, lovely aspects, which He constantly supplies for us (Philippians 4:8).

Expectations ruin our life and our health. We expect deep relationships, abundant finances, stellar health and increasing spiritual growth each day of our life. When this does not happen, we are devastated. Then depression settles in, coloring every other aspect of our life. Our spiritual, emotional, physical and mental health are all affected by our negative attitude.

We also get too involved in too many aspects of life; and this tires us out, pressures our schedule and makes us feel used and abused. We end up getting tension headaches, stress-related illnesses and our soul gets disheartened and miserable. We get grouchy, irritable and too sick to do anything. The answer is to live each moment in gratitude and praise, led by God's Spirit in every aspect of our life.

Prayer:

Father God, remind us to cast our cares on Your shoulders. You promise to take care of them and us (1 Peter 5:7). That means that we can thank You for the answers before we ever get them. If we focus on our troubles, we live in a negative spiral that can only get worse. This causes tension, fear, unhappiness and despair. However, if we live with our faith in You, we maintain a positive attitude. Then we will reap many more positive results in our life with Your love filling our soul with joy.

Thought for the Day:

Prayers of gratitude keep our focus on God's Presence in our life rather than on our circumstances. - Matthew 6:25-33; Luke 12:22-31

All Things Are New

 

Every person ever born inherits a sin nature from the first Adam, which results in our fall from God's grace (1 Corinthians 15:45). That is why God gives us both the desire and the power to walk in His salvation (Philippians 2:12-13). He purifies us in order to present us holy, blameless and beyond criticism. Holiness unites us with the Trinity of God (John 17:21).

Holiness does not involve legalism, stoicism or an angry God. There is nothing we could ever do, which is too hard for God to forgive. He knew we were going to commit sins before He ever created the world (2 Timothy 1:9). He sent Jesus to pay the debt for each sin we commit, as well as those things, which He led us to do and we failed to obey (John 1:29).

When we come to Christ in repentance, Jesus makes us a brand new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). He moves in and gradually removes every area, which stands in opposition to God. Then He remodels and restores us from the inside out (Romans 2:4, 12:1-2; Acts 11:18). God changes our will and our intentions. He is purifying for Himself a people who are passionate about obeying Him (2 Corinthians 5:15).

God helps us to stand firmly on the Rock of Christ, to remain steadfast in our devotion to Him and to cling to the hope He gives us through the Gospel of Christ (Psalm 18:2; Colossians 1:22-23). The entire Godhead is found in Jesus, and He and His divine nature abide in each of us (Colossians 2:9; 2 Peter 1: 2-4). I heard it said, "God cares about every aspect of our life, from the nursery to the nursing home."

Prayer:

Father God, by Your Holy Spirit and with Christ in us, we contain the fullness of Your power, authority, fruit and gifts (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:19). You call us to be light and salt in the earth so that people will see You in us (Matthew 5:13-16; Colossians 1:27). Remind us to cooperate with Your Spirit as He transforms us into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). Thank You for loving us enough to send Jesus to die in our place (Romans 4:25).

 

Thought for the Day:

God has good plans for our future; and He always gives us hope, regardless of our circumstances in life. - Jeremiah 29:11

Surviving a Second Marriage

Too often, a divorcee will run from one bad marriage to another. They do not allow themselves time to recover mentally, emotionally, physically, financially and spiritually from the initial abandonment before jumping into another wedding. This causes them to haul the heavy baggage of their unresolved conflicts into their next marriage.

The mental health experts all advise us to date many people for six months or more. This gives us an extensive idea of what type of person we can enjoy, get along with and live with on a daily basis. Some people worry about being alone for the rest of their life, and they marry the first person who is kind to them or who has the physical attributes that attract them.

This may cause us to marry the same type of person that just divorced us. Many divorcees ignore the red flags, which pop up with a person. The anger in their voice, the controlling attitude, the slight irritation or disappointment, the selfish decision, the broken promise, etc. are all red flags to alert us to the person's real personality. They may mask their true identity for a while, but once they know they won our affections, they gradually let their guard down.

So, when we find someone who really interests us, we should casually date them as a potential mate for three months first; and then at least three more months of seeing the person every day with their family, friends and workmates. This gives us a better view of how they really act, because they cannot pretend in front of people who already know them.

Prayer:

Father God, the devastation of divorce causes us to doubt our self, fear the future and believe that we will be lonely and unhappy for the rest of our life. Teach us that You are our mate and that You will provide for all of our needs, even the intimacy, which we crave (Isaiah 54:5; John 17:21). You stick closer to us than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). You care about all of our needs; so remind us to cast our cares on You, rather than to seek a mate too quickly and to marry out of Your will for us (1 Peter 5:7).

Thought for the Day:

Many people spend half of their life looking for love, but when they put their trust in God, He brings their true love along in His timing and way.

More info at:

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/christian_singles/being_single_and_faithful/reentering_the_dating_scene_after_divorce.aspx

Our Intimate Father

The Lord searches us and knows us intimately. He sees us when we sit down and wake up. He recognizes our thoughts, even the ones we have not even thought about yet. We will think about them tomorrow or next year, but He already knows what they will be. He already examined the actions, which we will take in the future, and He is personally acquainted with everything about us.

Before we even speak a word, God knows exactly what we are going to say. He enfolds us with His peace and covers our past and our future with His love. This familiarity with each and every one of us is too hard for our finite mind to comprehend. He is absolutely amazing (Psalm 139:1-6). Still, our soul yearns for Him in the night and our spirit attentively seeks Him all day long (Isaiah 26:9).

There is no place on earth that anyone can take us, which will be away from God's Spirit. His presence is always with us and in us. If we are in a plane, a submarine, a horrible circumstance or the most exhilarating event, His hand is right there to lead and protect us. His thoughts are centered on us. These facts are so precious to us; yet equally as unfathomable (Psalm 139:17-18).

Even in our darkest hour, God's presence in our life surrounds us with light, because darkness is not dark to the Lord. Darkness and light are the same to Him, and everything works out according to His plan. God formed us in our mother's womb. He wonderfully knit us together so that we would have the personality, shape and appearance that He wanted us to have. He made us uniquely His own (Romans 8:28; Psalm 139:7-12).

Prayer:

Father God, the soul of each person, even if they deny it, knows without a doubt that You are our creator. You watched as our embryo developed and You continue to watch as Your Spirit conforms us to the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). You pre-ordained every one of the days that we will live, and You wrote them down in Your book before one of them ever existed (Psalm 139:13-16). We give You all the praise, honor and glory for who we are in You.

Thought for the Day:

The Lord is righteous in all of His ways, and completely gracious in everything He does. - Psalm 145:17

Negative Emotions Unleashed

Our normal daily order in life is often disturbed by unexpected incidents, which may touch a sore spot deep within our subconscious mind. The unanticipated moment triggers negative emotions from our past, which are stored in our subconscious mind. They cause us to either over-react or to withdraw to nurse our wounds.

These dormant, negative emotions boil like a pot on the back burner of the stove. Sometimes, they will boil over the edge, often when we least expect it. People think we are crazy for getting upset over such a simple issue, but our reaction is actually stirred by years of pent up sentiments and fueled by a similar painful experience.

These feelings may continue to boil over until our soul is empty. Then we burn up from the inside out. False accusations, or being ignored or some misunderstanding may cause us to feel bitter, especially if this issue is never resolved. Bitterness is spiritual poison and defiles our whole life, which affects everything we do and everyone to whom we relate (Hebrews 12:15).

Bitterness sets us up for a snowball of negative emotions, which may eventually freeze out the people whom we love the most. We are usually kind, gentle and loving people; but the painful experiences of our past are whittling away at our inner strength and peace. Due to these subterranean emotions, we over-react negatively toward all further hurt.

The only cure for this vicious cycle is to go to God and to sit quietly in His presence as He reveals to us the root and origin of our negative emotions. He will reveal and heal the wounds in our soul and give us His peace and mercy (Lamentations 3:23). He will give us His joy and strength to face the adversity of life.

Prayer:

Father God, teach us to rely on You and to stop attempting to meet life's challenges alone. Thank You for being our strong tower and for allowing us to run to You in times of adversity. You always keep us safe (Proverbs 18:10). Help us to forgive those who sin against us, just as You forgave us for sinning against You (Luke 11:4). Thank You for speaking Your truth to us about the underlying causes of our resentment and anger.

Thought for the Day:

A lifelong accumulation of emotional pain, humiliation, fear and false shame affects us every day of our life, until we allow God to speak His truth and to dispel the lies, which Satan planted in those memories.

To find freedom from your past read these three free chapters: http://theophostic.com/page13051343.aspx

I will be glad to pray with you for healing of past wounds.

God's Presence in Trials

God’s goal, through His Spirit, is to sever our connection to the vine of the flesh, the world and the devil, and to graft us into the Vine of Christ. He does this through the process of salvation. Then God's Spirit continues to convict us of our sins, as well as to give us the desire and the power to relinquish it (Philippians 2:12-13).

Our Savior dwells within us, and cannot associate with fleshly pursuits. God only withdraws His presence from us when we sin. He provides trials to insure that no flesh glories in His presence, but that He receives all of the glory due to His name (Psalm 29:2). God never uses trials for punishment, but He will use them to discipline us for our protection.

God also allows failure in our ministry or personal life to humble us into realizing that we do not live life according to our will, but according to His will. God may even allow our body to fail in some area, as a testimony that prayer is the only reason we are still living. In fact, God may chose not to heal us on earth, but to take us Home with Him in Heaven.

We do not need to live in fear and desperation; but simply to live in intimate fellowship with our Jesus, who abides within us. We get lost in His presence and affection. He fills us with His Spirit and thrills our soul with His blessings. There is no relationship on earth equal to this, because He knows us from the inside out.

We do not name and claim the victory, but we cooperate, as Christ in us works out our deliverance and sanctification (Psalm 18:6). Even our negative circumstances, when they are in the will of God for us, work out for our good (Romans 8:28). God will use trials to draw us back to Himself and to prove His love for us (2 Chronicles 15:4).

Prayer:
Father God, the Rock of Ages is our foundation, which no person or demon can ever shake. You allow us to be tested beyond our strength; often pressed out of the area of our expertise and abilities; but not beyond Yours. You do this so that we will learn not to trust in our self. Give us Your grace, as You use trials to prove us. Remind us to take You at Your Word and to believe in Your promise of ultimate victory.

Thought for the Day:

God purifies our life through fire, proves our faith as genuine when we go through various trials and suffering, and He will present our faith at the return of Christ to the earth. - 1 Peter 1:7

The "god" of This World

 

Before God created the Universe, He created angels (Revelation 5:11-14; Hebrews 1:14). Lucifer rebelled against God, and God cast him and his followers to earth. Then, Adam's sin forfeited dominion over the earth to Satan (1 Peter 5:8; John 10:10; Revelation 12:10). However, we live in a scientific age now, where technology reigns and thoughts of the devil seem more like a medieval fairytale.

Most people today doubt the existence of the devil. They even discount the Bible’s teachings about the devil and demons and demonic activity in spiritual places. The world pictures Satan as an impotent, little red demon with a pitchfork, a long tail, and horns coming out of his head. Most people who believe in God still do not believe in the devil.

One of Satan’s greatest triumphs is in causing people not to take him seriously. He deceives people by masquerading as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14; Isaiah 14:12). Satan will do anything he can, and use any means at his disposal to oppose and try to destroy the work of God and to take people to hell with him. Hell is a place that is prepared for Satan, his demons and unbelievers (Matthew 25:41; John 3:18).

Many people are actually ignorant and blind to Satan's strategy, power and plans. Our self-confidence overestimates our own abilities and underestimates the power of our spiritual enemies. Yet, other people see the devil and demons behind every rock and in every person. Some churches preach about Satan more than they exalt our Lord, Jesus Christ. They have more fear of the devil then they have faith in God.

Satan cannot do anything to us without God's permission. Then, God uses that trial for our ultimate good (Job 1:6-12; Romans 8:28). God advises us to put on His armor to withstand our spiritual enemies (Ephesians 6:10-18). He gives great spiritual power to those who believe (Ephesians 1:19). Ultimately, Christ in us is greater than any demon or person in the world (1 John 4:4).

Prayer:

Father God, the devil targets lost sheep, in order to keep them addicted to the world, the flesh and his wiles (Ephesians 2:1-3). He walks about the earth as a lion, seeking people to destroy (1 Peter 5:8). Help us to take Your warning seriously about Satan being a thief who comes to pilfer, wound and mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually annihilate anyone silly enough to follow his plan for their life (John 10:10).

Thought for the Day:

The Bible makes it clear that Satan is still alive and well on planet earth; and he successfully infiltrates the mind of unbelievers and deals a mighty blow to each successive generation.

Read: http://www.amazon.com/Satan-Alive-Well-Planet-Earth/dp/0310277914

Satan’s Names:

Abaddon (“destroyer”) (Revelation 9:11)

The god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4)

Accuser (Revelation 12:10)

Great Dragon (Revelation 12:9)

Adversary (1 Peter 5:8)

Lawless One (2 Thessalonians 2:18)

Apollyon (“destroyer”) (Revelation 9:11)

Liar (John 8:44)

Beelzebul (Matthew 12:24)

Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12)

Belial (2 Corinthians 6:15)

Murderer (John 8:44)

Deceiver (Revelation 12:9)

Prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2)

Devil (Luke 4:13)

Ruler of this world (John 12:31)

Enemy (Matthew 13:28, 39)

Satan (Acts 26:18)

Evil One (Matthew 13:28, 39)

Serpent (Revelation 12:9)

Father of lies (John 8:44)

Tempter (1 Thessalonians 3:5)

Our True Treasure

Psalm 131:1-3 are some of my favorite verses in the Bible. They speak about our soul - our thoughts, choices and feelings, which is often overlooked in the Christian walk. Popular in our culture today is the concept of the Inner Child. 

Some mental health professionals deny the reality of the Inner Child, but just as many promote the existence of this ego state. In these verses, David confirms the certainty of our soul with an Inner Child.

Prior to our salvation, our Inner Child is often in control of our life. We are swayed by the desires of our flesh, and we do whatever feels good. Once we accept Christ, the old nature is dead in Christ (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:4). We no longer find fulfillment in a sinful lifestyle. God is our exceeding joy (Psalm 43:4, 149:4).

Our soul, including our Inner Child, now finds true contentment, which comes from God alone, regardless of our circumstances. David realized that the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life (1 John 2:16) would get him nowhere in this life. 

David certainly was not arrogant, but he did desire the attention and approval of others, just like the rest of the human race. We want respect and validation from those who mean the most to us. Yet, at times, this can border on pride. David deliberately discarded pride (Psalm 131:1). 

He found peaceful gratification in his relationship with the Lord. In the silences, which David enjoyed with our God, his peace returned to him, even when Saul pursued him. He found pleasure in God as his true treasure (Psalm 16:11).

Prayer:

Father God, You rejoice over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). Help us to find serenity, joy and contentment of soul in You. Remind us that nothing this world offers equals to what You give us through Your mercy and grace. We want to tell the world what you mean to us. Give us daily opportunities to be a friend in order to win a soul to Your love. Take pleasure in us as we hope in Your steadfast love (Psalm 147:11).

Thought for the Day:

Our delight is always in the Lord, because we find our true pleasure and fulfillment in our Lord alone. - Psalm 37:4

God's Plan for Us

 

God designed the earth with the exact atmosphere needed for our survival. He continues to keep the earth's axis tilted so that we do not perish. He provides the ozone layer to protect us. He gives us the sun and moon for light and to grow plants, which provide us with oxygen and food to eat. God is our all in all (Ephesians 4:6).

He provides for us abundantly more than we could ever ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). His Spirit takes us through the stages of sanctification, and we die to our self and gradually gain God's perspective and attitude. We stop dwelling on earthly matters and we focus instead on eternal issues.

Realizing that Christ lives in us, we come to depend more on Him than on our human abilities or associates. If we are willing, Christ will live out His life in and through us. We quickly repent of any sin and lay down any idol, which the Holy Spirit identifies in us. 

We relinquish our independence and self-centeredness, and start to focus on abiding in the will of God in the beauty of holiness (1 Chronicles 16:28-19). We function in the Body of Christ, His church, as individual members of one Body (1 Cor 12:12-27; Romans 12:4).

When we give in to the temptation to sin, we even have an advocate with our Father, the Lord Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1). When we confess our sins, God is quick to forgive us (1 John 1:9). With Christ in us, there is no reason to choose to sin (Isaiah 35:8; Colossians 1:27; Galatians 2:20). We have everything we need, including deep fulfillment in body, soul and spirit, through our relationship with Him.

Prayer:

Father God, You could save us from sin to serve You as a bond-servant until we pay off our sin debt to You. However, in Your mercy and grace, You make us Your children instead (Ephesians 1:4). All that You have is ours. We are co-heirs with Jesus of Your entire Kingdom (Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:4-7). Thank You for Your love and for appointing angels to minister to us even while we still live on this earth (Hebrews 1:14).

Thought for the Day:

God has an inheritance for us that will never weaken, spoil or expire. - 1 Peter 1:4

Hope in God

 

Jesus carried our sins and our sorrows to the cross (Isaiah 53:4). He lifts up everyone who falls and carries those who are exhausted (Psalm 145:14). He heals our broken heart and He binds up our wounds (Psalm 147:3). Everything is possible once we start to believe in God's faithfulness (Mark 9:23). 

He rescues godly people from trials, because we put our hope in Him (2 Peter 2:9; Psalm 39:7). God will give us grace only for today, because tomorrow's grace will not come until tomorrow. As long as we are alive, we still have hope in His promises (Ecclesiastes 9:4; 2 Peter 1:4). 

When we put our expectation in God rather than in our self, people or karma, our soul is no longer depressed or worried (Psalm 43:5). We find rest in God alone, because our only real hope comes from him (Psalm 62:5).

God is our helper and we have no reason to live in fear. All we have to do is to cry out to the Lord and to pray to Him for help. He always hears us, because our cries reach His ears (Psalm 18:8). 

When trouble surrounds us on every side, He always gives us a way out. Even though life is hard at times, He strengthens us, helps us and holds us up with His strong right hand (Isaiah 41:10; 2 Corinthians 4:8).

Total surrender to God is the key to making sense of your circumstances. Surrendering our family and our future to God, walking away from the worries and leaving it all in His hands is the only thing that will keep us sane. Walking in obedience to His Spirit moment by moment through the day will bring us closer to intimacy with God than anything else we could ever do.

Prayer:

Father God, teach us that full surrender of our life to You is the safest place to live. When we get our eyes off our self and onto You, You keep us in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). You lead us one step at a time (Matthew 6:31-34). Remind us not to look at tomorrow, but to look at today and to obey Your Spirit, even if we do not like what is happening and we do not want to obey.

Thought for the Day:

The Lord remains close to the desolate and He saves those who are trampled by life's circumstances. - Psalm 34:18

The Beauty of Holiness

What most people do not realize is that there is beauty in holiness (Psalm 29:2, 96:9). There are church denominations, which add to Biblical law and fence members of their congregation into a narrow, legalistic lifestyle, which is more rigid than God ever intended. 

The standard by which we judge our behavior is not by human dogma, activities or acceptance, but the Truth of God's Word.However, there is also a tendency today to skirt Biblical directives and to partake in sinful activities, which we justify in our own heart as harmless. 

When we flirt with the flesh, the world and Satan, we walk a fine line between God's Truth and Satan's lies. We compromise our character. By our thoughts, words and deeds, we tarnish the name of our Father God.

We even shut up the Kingdom of Heaven for some, because of our hypocritical lifestyle (Matthew 23:13-14). God is holy, and He dwells within us; therefore, He desires His habitation to be a place of holiness (1 Peter 1: 15-16). 

Before He even created the world, God planned for His Saints to live a holy, blameless life before Him, out of our love for Him (Ephesians 1:4, 2:10).Human beings are so self-centered that we cannot comprehend the fullness of life beyond the grave. 

We think that we have to experience all that life on this earth has to offer, because we only have one life to live. This is a lie straight from the pit of hell. Our earthly life is merely temporary (James 4:14). It is our life in God's eternal Kingdom that is our true life.

Prayer:

Father God, our sinful habits and our sinful lifestyle spit in Your face (1 Thessalonians 4:7). We focus on issues in this life, when that is not what You are really concerned about at all. Many people wonder what Your will is for them. Your will is more about our sanctification than our place of employment, brand of car or style of clothing (1 Thessalonians 4:3). 

Giving thanks for our lot in life is also Your will for us (1 Thessalonians 5:18). You actually put us in the neighborhood and occupation in which we can further Your Kingdom, and that should be our daily focus.

Thought for the Day:

God calls us to be a living testimony of the change His presence makes in our life and as examples of righteous living to the praise of His glory. - Ephesians 1:12