The Value of God's Blessing

“God bless you” is a common response to people who sneeze. The reason behind this custom is that people used to die during the bubonic plague, and continual sneezing was a symptom of this illness. Now the words are used carelessly and often shortened to “Bless you”, leaving God out of the equation all together. However, God’s blessing is very powerful and coveted by people who know its value.

Jacob knew the value of God’s blessing. In fact, he bargained with his brother Esau to give to him, the younger brother, the blessing, which rightfully belonged to the older brother. If Esau valued his blessing, he would not have traded it for a bowl of hearty soup; but the carnal Esau was famished after a day of hunting, and his stomach ruled his head. He never regretted this decision either. In fact, God knew this would happen before it ever occurred (Genesis 25:19-34).

In today’s society, we continually compromise the values, which lead to God’s blessings. Adultery in marriage, sexual indulgence with the same gender, rebellion against parents and authority, witchcraft, God-haters, rejecting God’s truth to trust in Satan’s lies, and worshipping the created rather than the Creator are just a few of our transgressions. We also teach others to do these very same things (Romans 1). We fail to acknowledge God. We are too busy futilely planning our own life (Proverbs 3:5-6).

God promises blessings to His Saints, including those of peace, direction and abundance (Philippians 4:7; James 1:17; 2 Corinthians 9:8-10). We are His people, and He is our God (Ezekiel 36:28-38). As His Saints, we never worry about amassing the vanities of life, or even the essential things we need (Proverbs 30:8). God is always faithful. In our finite, human imagination we cannot even conceive of the wondrous bounty that God has planned for His people both now and in eternity (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Prayer:

Father God, the true essence of prayer is a direct line of communication with You. You are the source of all life and we truly value Your blessings in our life. The sinful lifestyle we give up in order to live in Your presence is nothing compared to the riches You have for us both now and in eternity (Acts 17:11; Romans 8:18-19). We stand firmly in the freedom of Your presence (Galatians 5:1). As we wait on You, we receive our strength for each new day (Isaiah 40:31).

Thought for the Day:

With God’s blessings in our life, we never have to give another thought to what we should eat or wear, because of what He has in store for us. - Luke 12:22-31

Divine Creativity

Read: Isaiah 65: 17-19

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Gen 1:1 (NKJV)

In the beginning, God created. What a wonderful vision these two phrases invoke in my mind’s eye! All that power swirling and flowing and forming the heavens, the earth and all that is in them! God went one step further and placed this powerful creativity in the heart of mankind also. Aesthetic details from Biblical authors are evident in the description of their biographies and autobiographies, as well as the poetic flare in the language used in several Biblical books. Many verses also attest to the inspired genius of Bible characters (Ex 31:2-11; 1 Chronicles 29:5; 2 Chronicles 34:11; Genesis 41:33-36; Esther 5, 7).

Jesus’ exhibits His storytelling expertise in His parables, which demonstrates the creativity He uses in His relationship with mankind. These parables illustrate the revelation of His character, plan, intention and care for humanity. The Bible is full of the inspiration of mankind as he/she follows the leading of God’s creative Spirit within them. Believers, then and now, reveal the gospel story to unbelievers through God’s creativity flowing through us.

Magical music, nurturing nursing, imaginative art, noteworthy news reporting, graphic designers, public speakers, craftsmen and women, striking fashions and creative hobbies all flow from us through the creative genius resident within our Father God. Each stroke of brilliance in mankind is a tribute to the insight that flows through us from the throne of God. God plants a seed in our imagination, and the Spirit brings fruit from it. Sadly, however, people usually take the glory for their resourcefulness, instead of giving praise to God who birthed the seed of genius within us.

In addition, our carnal nature often uses this innovative power for evil. We dream up ways to better our self at the expense of others, stepping on the downtrodden to build our own little empire. God intended for us to share in His creative influence with others in order to create a better environment for everyone. He also wants to nurture our spiritual power, so that we can inspire spiritual activities in others. We do not need to wait until heaven to find a place with no more tears, nor do we need an artist’s talent to create. God imparted His creativity in all of us to help our world to evolve into a better place for everyone to live.

The Spirit helps us to imaginatively relate the old, old story of Christ’s redemption to others as we communicate it with discernment, motivation and passion. In fact, He will use us in ways we never imagined. From your smile comes a responding grin, from your kindness springs more thoughtfulness, from your hospitality generosity grows and from your liberality more charity abounds. As we all allow God’s love to continually flow through us, we can change our world.

Prayer:
Father God, let us act as Your playmates in the creative processes of life. Help us to allow Your Spirit to flow through us, so that we can help to bring forth Your Son in the hearts of everyone we meet. Plant in us the fruit of Your Spirit and help them to replace the carnal nature, which resides deep within our human psyche. Allow Your sanctifying process to perfect us one day at a time.

Thought for the Day:
Recognizing the hidden qualities in the ordinary aspects of life is what creativity is all about.

 

 

 

 

Thank you, Linda Dunaske, for the use of your photo.

A Positive Life

Read: Hebrews 12: 1-2

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” - 2 Corinthians 10:5

Today’s society is full of harmful influence, advice and conditions. We have so many negative thoughts circulating in our mind. We are pulled in so many unconstructive directions. We are bombarded with disheartening situations that pull us into depression and hopelessness. Satan, the god of this age, blinds the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the truth of the gospel of Christ, or that He is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4). As Christians, we can rise above his deception.

Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us how to change our focus, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…" When we have pessimistic influences, words or circumstances in our life, we do not have to dwell on them. We can follow the advice of scripture and change our focus away from our trials. Instead, we center our focus on Jesus and all that He means to us.

We allow God’s Spirit to change our attitude from anxiety, depression and desperation, to faith in His unconditional love and provision in our life. Jesus gave us an example when He changed His focus. "Jesus, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1-2).

In the Law of Moses hanging a criminal on a tree or cross was reserved for the most serious crimes, "And if a man has committed a sin worthy of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his corpse shall not hang all night on the tree, but you shall surely bury him on the same day, for he who is hanged is accursed of God, so that you do not defile your land which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance" (Deuteronomy 21:22-23).

When Jesus hung on the cross, He was totally alone. God could not look upon an accursed thing. Rather than focusing on the cross and the fact that His Father had to turn away from Him because of the shame of the whole worlds’ sin, Jesus changed His focus to the joy that awaited Him back in Heaven. Therefore, He was able to endure the circumstances of this horrendous scourging, crucifixion and death.

Thankfully, God shortened the time of Jesus’ suffering. The trial of Jesus lasted less than one day, from some time in the middle of the night until He was placed on the cross around noon and he died about six hours later. Even Pilate was amazed that Jesus died so soon (Mark 15:44). God is truly merciful to His children.

When something is happening that makes you uncomfortable or unhappy in any way, you have three choices:

1.  Give in and be a victim.

2.  Fight it every step of the way.
3.  Follow the Serenity Prayer and pray for wisdom and the ability to change the things you can change, and then to accept the things you cannot change by changing your focus about them.

As I stated earlier, Satan allures us into focusing on the negative aspects of the circumstances in our lives. God, however, encourages us not to conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. This is how we are able to test and approve what is God's good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:22).

Paul tells us to edit our thoughts in order to transform our mind. We conform our mind to the world and to Satan’s lies by listening to negative, accusing, perverted thoughts from secular humanism and Satan’s whispers to our imagination. Paul encourages us, though, to measure our thoughts against this simple test and to dismiss any thought that does not meet this standard (Philippians 4:8):

1. Is it true?

2. Is it noble?
3. Is it right?
4. Is it pure?
5. Is it lovely?
6. Is it admirable?
7. Is it excellent or praiseworthy?

As we renew our mind and put on the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippains 2:5), we start hearing and being led by the Holy Spirit. Helping us to know the will of God is the Holy Spirit’s priority. Paul promises that if we conform our mind to the mind of Christ, then "the God of peace will be with you" (Philippains 4:9). We cannot do this on our own, however, because Satan is very deceptive. We need help from the Holy Spirit.

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down to indwell mortal man. He lives in the spirit of every Believer. The Holy Spirit helps us to discern which thoughts are lies from Satan, and which thoughts are of God. The next time you realize that there is a war going on in your mind, pull out Paul's measuring stick and compare your thoughts with it. Is it true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy? Then think about such things; otherwise, dismiss the thought from your mind. It is not worthy of your time or attention.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, Your Spirit of truth guides us into all truth (John 16:13). He is our Counselor whom the Father sent in Your name. He teaches us all things and reminds us of every verse in God’s Word that we ever meditated on (John 14:26-27). Help us to throw out all those thoughts that do not measure up to Your truth. We will know that we have finished the task when the peace of God again rules in our heart (Philippians 4:7).

Thought for the Day:

Thoughts are powerful. Are yours inspiring transformation or pessimism? 




Thank you, Bill Ballew, for the use of your photo.

Gladness and Joy

Read: 1 Peter 1:8-9

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." -  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

There are so many unhappy people in the world. They despise their job, disrespect their spouse, are irritated with their children, want a better house and car and wish they could go to some exotic island for vacation. They live vicariously through books and movies, trading this figment of their imagination for reality. They are usually so busy working to get more stuff that they do not have time to attend church and to develop their spiritual life.

Sadly, some Christians often fit into this category as well. We put our own pursuits above God’s directives. We lay up more treasure for our earthly tabernacle than we do our heavenly one. At other times, we are so involved with searching for God's will that we are often frustrated when God seems silent on the topics we address with Him in prayer. God’s will is simple. He wants us to be transformed into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). If we keep our mind on Him, He will keep us in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). If we seek Him first, He will take care of every other component in our life (Matthew 6:33).

When we live each moment of the day in gratitude for what He already provided, He continues to abundantly supply our needs for that day as well. No matter how desperate the circumstances are in our life, He promises to work them out for our good (Romans 8:28) in His timing and in His way. As we live our life with open communication with His Spirit, He puts us in the right place, at the right time to give and to receive a blessing.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, although Your love is too great to fully comprehend, let us experience this love each day as we follow hard after You (Psalm 63:8). Let us be made complete in You, with all the fullness of life and power that comes from You (Ephesians 3:19). Give us Your shield of victory and sustain us throughout the trials of this life with Your mighty right hand (Psalm 18:35).

Thought for the Day:

Gladness and joy will overtake us, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.- Isaiah 35:10

The Battleground of the Mind

Read: 2 Corinthians 10: 3-5

“A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:13

Have you ever felt like you were going crazy? Nothing makes sense in your life. You have a war going on in your mind...like there is a whole crowd of people up there arguing! I have a simple explanation, and an even simpler solution for you.

Paul said it….“WE TAKE CAPTIVE EVERY THOUGHT TO MAKE IT OBEDIENT TO CHRIST."

Our soul contains our mind, will and emotions. In the Bible the soul is often referred to as the “heart.” This does not refer to our blood pumping organ, but our inner self ~ the soul. Paul learned that even though we are in a spiritual war, we don't have to use carnal weapons. God gave us divinely powered weapons to demolish all of Satan’s strongholds. We do this by taking every thought captive and having the mind of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5).

The imagination is where Satan likes to play. He perverts the truth and comes up with all sorts of lies to tell us, which unbelievably we accept as truth! Satan puts a thought there, and then we say, "Yeah!  That's right!" We dwell on it and believe his lies. Soon, we believe them as truth, and he sits back and laughs at us. He's got us right where he wants us.

The first negative thought in your mind is from Satan. It is his tempation to see if he can get your attention. Then, he tries to keep your attention by expounding on that first negative thought. If you agree with that thought, or if you entertain that thought and add other thoughts to it, then he’s got you right where he wants you.

But if you recognize that the first negative thought ~ the blasphemous, sexual, carnal, unholy, angry, bitter, resentful or belittling thought ~ is from Satan, then you can quote or read scripture to him, just like Jesus did on the mount after His 40 days of prayer and fasting.

On the other hand, the Holy Spirit lives in our Born Again spirit and He helps us to battle what the Bible calls...the old nature, the carnal nature, the flesh and the devil. It is a lifetime process. Our daily commission in found in Colossians 3:1: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.” As we seek God and His kingdom, we will not walk in the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

As you know, “What we believe, determines how we act.” When we believe Satan's lies, we exhibit negative attitudes. We get "stinkin' thinkin'." Satan knows that if he captivates your mind, then he can control your actions also.

Our safeguard, therefore, is to follow the advice we already read in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: to bring our thoughts into obedience to Jesus and to put on the mind of Christ.

The Word of God tells us not to conform to the world, but to think about:

1. Whatever is true
2. Whatever is noble
3. Whatever is right
4. Whatever is pure
5. Whatever is lovely
6. Whatever is admirable
7. If anything is excellent or praiseworthy
8. Whatever you have learned or received...or heard from...or seen in Paul ( and other Godly men and women ) put it into practice (Philippians 4:8).

Throw out all those thoughts that do not measure up to this list! You will know you have finished the task when the peace of God again rules in your heart. Look at Philippians 4:7..."And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Being led by the Holy Spirit helps us to know the will of God and to have the peace of God. No more lunacy warring in your mind!  Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, the carnal mind is enmity against God, because it is not subject to the law of God (Romans 8:7). If we are still carnal, then envy, strife, and divisions are common among us. Help us not to follow after the carnal thoughts, which fight against Your Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:3). Help us to walk by Your Spirit and to be led by Your Spirit moment by moment throughout the day.

Thought for the Day:

“Either you must learn to take your thoughts captive – or Satan will take you captive with your thoughts!” -  Kay Arthur

Complete Surrender

Read: Ephesians 3:16-19

"That you may really come to practically know, and experience for yourselves the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge without experience, and that you may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself! - Ephesians 3: 19 (Amplified Version)

Jesus promised that He would make His home within us (John 14:16,20,23). He does this through His Holy Spirit. The Spirit moves into our newly, Born Again spirit at the moment of Justification and He starts cleaning up our act. He purposefully enters us - body, soul and spirit - with the objective of making a conquest of our life through the process of Sanctification. This process of Sanctification means, “to become holy.”

The Holy Spirit establishes His authority, and at the same time He begins conquering for the Lord all of the unconsecrated areas in our lives. The idea of the Holy Spirit invading our being stimulates my imagination. The definition of “invading” refers to the incursion of an army with the intention of winning. I love the concept that the Spirit intends to vigilantly continue to defeat every ungodly area of our mind, will and emotions as we relinquish control to Him.

Without surrendering to the Spirit’s invasion, we never mature in our spiritual walk. We remain carnally minded and live in spiritual vacillation, like a yoyo on a string. We read the Bible, pray and fellowship with Believers only until something else comes along that takes our attention away from spiritual things. We walk on the edge of the wider road of worldly pursuits and partake in every activity that happens to entice us away from walking the straight and narrow road with the Lord.

If we are not able to grasp and understand the depth of God's love for us, then we may also resist His work in our lives. If we walk in the flesh, then the Spirit of God is not in us. If we do not have the Spirit, then we are not Born Again, and we do not belong to God. Once the Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, dwells in us, then the Spirit will also give life to our mortal bodies. (Romans 8: 9-10) With the Spirit of God living within us, we flourish in the Spirit instead of subsisting in the flesh.

Another consequence of not relinquishing total control of our lives to the Spirit is a lack of the fullness of God in our lives. Due to past experiences, we may harbor fear and believe that God is untrustworthy. This happens because we are experientially unaware of the depths of His great love for us. God's love is so powerful and immense, that Paul prays in Ephesians 3:16-19, that we will at least begin to grasp with understanding the expanse of God's boundless love for us.

It is only by living through repeated trials in our life that we come to trust God to fight for us and to bring us through these conflicts as victors. We experience the depth of God’s love as He works out all things in our life, even the negative things, for our good. Then, the issues, which used to cause us worry, irritation and anger, or which previously catapulted us into a deep depression, no longer bother us like they used to. If we are truly Born Again, then God loves us enough to bring discipline into our lives (Hebrews 12:6). 

When God blinded Saul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), He brought Saul to the saving knowledge of His love for him. Often our rebellious lives involve years of frustration and possibly some physical and emotional pain, until we come into oneness with God’s Spirit. This is when we know without a doubt that we are loved deeply by an all-seeing, trustworthy God who has a perfect plan for our life. God sees the big picture and He meets all of our needs according to His glorious riches. His plans are to prosper us and not to harm us. They give us hope in a blessed future. (Jeremiah 29:11).

After we give God permission to take over the territory between our ears, He aggressively spreads throughout our entire being, eliminating our pre-existing carnal nature and desires, and replacing all of our harmful thought processes with Godly ones. He fills us with His Spirit throughout all of our being, and the fullness of God gives us the richest measure of His presence within us (Ephesians 3:16-19).

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, any experiences in our lives that are not viewed through the microscope of Your incredible love for us, may cause our faith to crumble. Then we will fail to bear the kind of fruit that You desire. The fruit of Your Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Help us to surrender to Your will and to give Your Spirit full reign in our lives.

Thought for the Day:

The Spirit daily works in our lives to replace our carnal attitudes with Godly attributes.