All Authority

Devotion:  Matthew 28:18

Everyone cheered wildly at the close of the wedding.  The couple had just spoken their covenant vows to one another as we heard the pastor say: “By the authority invested in me; I now pronounce you; husband and wife.”

It does not matter who you are; we all have people in authority over us.  Some are able to submit to authority figures; while others are always challenging the one God has placed in authority over them.  Pastors are given the authority by God and the state; to marry, to perform funerals and to shepherd the flock God has placed under them.

Jesus said He came to do the will of His Father.  Although He knew His sole purpose was to die on a cruel cross for your sins and mine; He begged; “Father if it be Your will, let this cup pass from me.  The Son of God concluded; “Not my will but Yours be done.” He also stated in the Lord’s prayer: “…Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

We live in an age that does not promote submission to anybody. Many hate authority figures of any kind.  Narcissistic behavior is at an all time high. Few people respect the offices of those placed in authority over them. In fact the Bible proclaims; that in the latter days:

^{2 Timothy 3:2  “}For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,”  

There is but One Person who truly does have all the authority in heaven and earth.  In this present day; many refuse to acknowledge His power and authority.  A day is soon coming; when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

According to Revelation 13:2; there will come a day when the dragon (Satan); will give the beast his “power, his throne, and great authority.”  There are times it looks as if Satan has already “taken over” this world; however, he can never have the authority given to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  All authority has been given to Him.  Satan’s days are numbered. His authority is limited.  He will be defeated by the authority of our Jesus, once and for all!

 

Prayer in Motion:

Lord Jesus, I submit to Your authority today and everyday going forward.  You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in my life. I bow in submission to You both now and forever.  I love You Lord.  In Jesus Name.  Amen

 

 

Your Inheritance

Devotion: Ephesians 1:17-20

Every parent wishes to leave his or her children an inheritance. It exhibits great love for the children with whom God has blessed them.  My dad left his two girls with a generous inheritance.  He expressed his wishes in his final will and testament.  We all should have an updated written will, on behalf of our children because we have no promise of tomorrow.

As Christians; you can know what is the hope of your Father’s calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.  He revealed to us His exceeding great power toward us, which He worked through His Son Jesus Christ by raising Him from the dead.  We get to inherit eternal, everlasting life with Christ!  That is absolutely amazing!

Here are just a few of the things you will inherit.

1.     To walk on streets of gold.
2.     To see your Jesus face to face.
3.     To hear; “Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter             into the joy of your Master.”
4.     To meet Paul, John, Matthew, Mark, Luke
5.     To be reunited with loved ones already in heaven.
6.     A city prepared in heaven for you.
7.     No more suffering, sickness, sorrow or pain.
8.     To forever be with the Lord.

I can think of nothing sweeter, richer or fuller than our eternal inheritance.  Your salvation brings redemption to your soul in this life and in eternity.  That’s why Christ died for you.   In doing so, He provided abundant life while you are still living on earth; before you go to your heavenly home. Christians are the most blessed people on earth.  An eternal inheritance is provided for the rich man; as well as the poor man.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord Jesus, thank You for my inheritance, kept in  heaven for me.  I thank You, praise Your Holy Name, honor You, magnify You my blessed Redeemer and Savior.  In Jesus Name.  Amen

Assaults of the Enemy

Devotion:  Ephesians 6:13-18

Priscilla Shirer says in her study on the Armor of God; “Being a believer doesn’t give you immunity from the assaults of the enemy; but it does give you access to the power of the Father; His power to defend you, as well as reverse what’s been done to you. In order to win the fight..the key is realizing you’re connected to more spiritual brawn than is coming against you.”

Did you hear what she said?

“You are connected to more spiritual brawn than is coming against you.”  Does that make you want to shout?  Hallelujah!

Your God is always greater!  He is always stronger!  All the power belongs to Him. He is mighty to save!

To be honest; I’ve always stopped at verse 17, thinking the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God, was the last piece of the armor.  However; as you move on to verse 18; you realize the part that completes your suit of armor. The main part. Without this one thing; you may as well leave your armor in the closet.

“verse 18:  “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” Priscilla states; “Victory in spiritual warfare is inseparable from prayer.”

You may put on every last piece of God’s armor; but if you forget to pray; you’ve just weighted yourself to the spot you are standing upon. You won’t be able to move one inch forward.  My dear reader; God provided the armor; but He wants you to talk to Him about His battle plan.  As you head into the battle, dressed for victory, there must be a strategy; God’s strategy.

You must have perseverance to pray.  It’s not a one time conversation with God.  He wants you to be watchful and listen for the voice of your Commander and Chief.  Ask Him to “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”  Then obey quickly all He says to do.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord, Jesus the assaults of my enemy are desperately trying to defeat me.  I know “my God is greater.  My God is stronger. Lord You are higher than any other. You are awesome in power.”  Oh God, here I am dressed in the armor You have provided.  No weapon formed against me shall prosper.  I will pray to You Lord and wait to hear Your plan.  No weapon formed against me shall prosper.  I trust  You Lord.  The victory belongs to You Jesus.  I worship You in Spirit and in truth!  In Jesus Name.  Amen

 

Power to Witness

Devotion:  Acts 1:8

If I have been given God’s call and power to witness; then why am I more concerned about my relationship with someone, over my relationship with Jesus?  Why would I cave into self preservation versus giving out the gospel of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?  These are questions I have been pondering, while studying the book of Revelation.

I believe I must release my fears, open my mouth and speak the truth of the gospel.  I also believe I have bought into the lies of my adversary Satan.  Will the person deem me self righteous?   Will I repel them so they never accept Christ as their Savior? Will I be considered foolish?

^{1 Corinthians 1:18 “}For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

I shudder to think how few people with whom I have shared the gospel.  Oh God forgive me.  Even if my gift is not evangelism; God says “Go and tell.”.  I am not shy about anything else. Although I hate confrontation; if the Spirit of the Lord tells me to go confront; I do it, albeit in fear and trembling.  Then why on earth would I neglect to share the best news ever?

I need to start asking the Lord daily, to show me someone with whom I need to share His gospel.  Then I need to watch to see whom He will bring.

We are living in the latter days.  We must be telling others the message of salvation.  God Himself will give us the power to witness about His Son Jesus.

^{Matthew 5:14-15} “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”

Prayer in Motion:

Lord Jesus, You are the most important Person in my life.  I am boldly asking You to send me someone today with whom I need to share The Way, The Truth and The Life.  I will open my mouth and know that You will fill it.  In Jesus Name.  Amen

 

 

Daily Derision

Devotion:  Jeremiah 20:7-10

Webster’s defines derision as ” a state of being laughed at or ridiculed.”  Have you found yourself in the place of derision?  It is not a pleasant place.  It’s definitely not somewhere you would choose to visit or stay.

Who wants to be mocked?  NO ONE!  Jeremiah the prophet found himself in derision because of preaching the Word of the LORD.  Jeremiah decided he would no longer make mention of God, nor speak His Name ever again.

How many of us are “shut up” by the policies at our job or our family members who don’t want to hear the truth of the gospel of our Jesus?  For Jeremiah it became a fire in his bones and he “became weary” of holding it back.  He could not do it!

In verse 11 of Jeremiah 20; Jeremiah states: “But the LORD is with me as a mighty awesome One…” That same LORD is with you my friend.  He is still the Mighty Awesome One!

If you are experiencing derision; I would suggest that you write down one or two of the following scriptures and post them in a prominent place.  As you read and mediate upon them; they will become the fire in your bones; instead of the derision you are hearing.

You need not fear the battle.  2 Chronicles 20:17

No weapon formed against you will prosper.  Isaiah 54:17

For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 1 Peter 3:17 

Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. Luke 21:28

He has enclosed you before and behind.  Psalm 139:5

Prayer in Motion:

Lord Jesus, I will no longer listen to the daily derision spoken to me.  I will speak Your wonderful Words over my life, until they become a fire in my bones. Thank You Lord for not leaving me comfortless.  You long to speak to my heart that my soul may hear.  Calm every doubt and fear.  I trust what you say over what man says.  I love You Jesus.  In Your Name I pray.  Amen

 

 

Most Valuable Person

Devotion: Exodus 3:14

Super Bowl!  Super Bowl! MVP!  MVP!  These were just a few of the chants I heard at the 2016 National Football Conference last night. The Panthers knelt and prayed before the game which melted my heart.  I think many of them know where their strength comes from.

As my husband and I were walking into the game;  along with our friend John; we stopped as the flag was being carried out. It took hundreds of people to carry out the rolled up flag.  To watch it spread out across the whole field brought tears to my eyes. I’m still proud to be an American.

Needless to say, this was an amazing game.  It got me thinking! What will it be like when a huge crowd of Christians kneel at the first sight of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  What kind of fan fare will there be?  I can only imagine.

While sitting at the game; I began to picture in my mind; a few thousand years of believers, gathered together around the Most Valuable Person to ever live.  He is now and forever will be!  We will forever be with HIM!  Oh my goodness!  We will be shouting: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive all blessing and honor and glory and power forever!”  Praise the Name of Jesus!

Oh dear reader; how I pray you and I make Him the MVP in our lives.  I believe after we are ushered into the presence of our Lord and Savior, we will first be on our faces, in awestruck wonder that we are there.  In Heaven!  With Him! When we are able to stand, there will be cheering like we have never heard before.  Elation!  We get to be with our Jesus forever!

Prayer in Motion:

Oh Lord my God; I worship You in Spirit and in Truth!  You are worthy, worthy, worthy to be praised.  All the honor, glory and blessing belong to You God.  I stand amazed in Your presence.   If you know this song:  sing it; right now.  “Holy Spirit You are welcomed here.  Come flood this place and feel the atmosphere. Your glory Lord is what my heart longs for.  To be overcome by Your presence Lord.”  I love you Lord!  In Your Name I pray.  Amen!

No Matter What

Devotion:  1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Can you think of a few people whom you know will stand firm, no matter what?  They are willing to face the consequences; because they believe so strongly, that the Truth will stand alone.

Righteousness is not popular.  I’m not talking about self-righteousness.  I’m talking “right before God kind of  righteousness.”  Doing what’s right, even if it cost your friendship, your reputation, even your job.  That’s hard stuff.

Job said in Job 27:6: “I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go.”

I know one such man, whose name is David Benham.  He lived in my neighborhood for several years before building a new house for his growing family.  I watched this young man stand for life for the unborn children. I watched him love his wife as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her.  I watched him “train up his children in the way they should go.”  Even after he moved away; I watched him take heat from HGTV, as he stood against the “gay” agenda.  David loves his wife. He loves his children.  He loves the unborn.  He loves gay people. All that he does; is done in love.  That’s why he bravely stands firm in the faith.  He is strong in the righteousness of Christ.

Ladies and gentlemen, we should desire to be righteous; make righteous choices, no matter the cost.  What is your price tag? At what point will you cave?  When the price is too high?  Are you willing to pay the cost, no matter what?

2 Chronicles 20:17 tell us:  “You will not need to fight in this battle.  Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!  Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you.”

This promise stands today.  No matter what;
“Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you.”

Prayer in Motion:  Lord Jesus, may I not fear what man can do to me.  If You are for me; who can be against me?  You are my Righteousness.  I would rather be “right with You” than with my fellow man.  You who knew no sin became sin for me; when You took my place on the cross.  May I stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, no matter what.

 

 

God’s Measure

Devotion:  Isaiah 40:12

Because my father was a carpenter; he had all sorts of measuring devices in his tool boxes in his truck as well as in the basement of our house.

There were tape measures, rulers, framing squares, calculators, scales, all sorts of ways to measure the dimensions of the houses he was ordained to build.  On many different occasions; I would observe him carefully measuring and marking with his carpenter’s pencil, so as to achieve the exact measurement.

The Bible speaks of God measuring things through out His Word. God measured the waters in the hollow of his hand.  Can you imagine?  He knew how much water was needed for the oceans, rivers, streams, ponds and lakes.

He measured heaven with a span.  A span is the full extent of something from end to end, the amount of space it covers.  He even calculated the dust of the earth in a measure.  He weighed the mountains with His scales.

John was given a measuring rod to measure the temple of God. In Revelation 11:1.  The Babylonians had destroyed the first temple built in Ezekiel’s day.  The Romans completely destroyed the second temple.  By the time of John’s Revelation; he was to build a new temple in Jerusalem.  John was not to measure the outer court; “because it has been given to the Gentiles.”

Measuring shows the owner’s intent to protect His treasured possession.  He must be exact in the ways and means he uses to measure his creation, so that it will stand strong.

Ezekiel saw a gloriously enlarged temple being measured in the midst of God’s judgement.  God commanded the Israelites after being delivered from Egypt to make a sanctuary for Him.

In the latter days, God, who measures everything concerning His children, will measure the amount of suffering of HIs servants. He will place limits on how much suffering He will allow for HIs honor and glory. At the appointed time, He will put an end to all suffering for those who belong to Him.

I am so thankful I serve a God who measures everything out for us; blessings, as well as suffering, trials, and tribulations.  He knows the exact amounts to allow as He conforms us into His image.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord, thank You for measuring everything that concerns Your creation.  Thank You for knowing exactly how much suffering and trials I need.  Thank You for all Your many blessings.  You are such a good God and I’m so thankful for you just measures and scales.  In Jesus Name.  Amen

 

God Speaks to You

Devotion:  John 10:27

Jesus longs for you to pray to Him.  There are times Jesus’ prayers become our own prayers, and our prayers find their way to God, because of Christ.  Jesus came to earth out of obedience to His Father.  It is through His death, burial and resurrection; that we have the high and holy privilege to speak to Him and listen for His voice.

There are many people who only think of prayer as petitioning God for something or someone.  That would be correct. However; it is so much more.  God created us for fellowship with Himself.  “Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you.”  He longs to speak to you.  It’s more than a one way conversation. We just need to develop the art of listening, truly listening.

Here are a few people who heard the voice of God.

Genesis 3:9 “Then the LORD GOD called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”  If you read on through verse twenty; you will discover the whole conversation between the Creator and His created.

Exodus 3: 4b-5 God called to him from the midst of a bush and said, “Moses, Moses!”  And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Do not draw near this place.  Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”

Genesis 22:1b-2 God said, “Abraham!”  And he said. “Here I am.”  Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”

Acts 22:7-8  “And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me. “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”  So I answered, Who are You, Lord?  And He said to me, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.”

Did you see that God called their names?  He wanted them to know He was speaking to them personally.  His voice is so powerful, if He had not said, “Lazarus come forth,” every dead person belonging to God would have immediately resurrected from their grave.  He knows you by your name.  He will speak to you using your name. Listen!

Adam, Moses, Abraham, and Saul all heard the audible voice of God conversing with them. Today, we hear God through His Word and as He speaks through the power of the Holy Spirit; Listen intently for His still small voice.

Prayer in Motion:

Today Lord, I will listen for Your voice.  Speak to my heart Lord Jesus.  Speak that my soul may hear.  I wait to hear the voice of my Savior.  In Jesus Name.  Amen

 

Clothed in a Cloud

Devotion:  Revelation 10:1-4

God uses the word cloud, 147 times throughout His Word. Every time He mentions the word cloud, someone or something is being covered.  His Holy presence is always implicated.

In Genesis 9:13:  God says, “I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.”

In Exodus 13:21: God says, “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way…”

Exodus 24:16 declares, “Now the glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days.  And on the seventh day He called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud.”

Exodus 40:38 tells us: “For the cloud of the LORD was above the tabernacle by day…”

In Matthew 24:30, we find…“then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will se the Son of the Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

A great encouragement is spoken in Hebrews 12:1, …”since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

Revelation 14:16 reports that, “He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.”

1 Thessalonians 4:17 promises, “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

In all these scriptures, God used His cloud to clothe, to lead, to show His glory, to speak promise, to protect, to bring justice to the earth and finally to bring His people to Himself.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of Your cloud.  I look forward to the day when You come back and bring us to Yourself in the clouds.  I know that no man can see God and live.  You graciously used clouds to cover Yourself, so that man could hear what You had to say.  Thank You that You now speak through Your Holy Spirit.  In Jesus Name.  Amen