Month: January 2019

Jan

2019

Martha, Martha

Martha’s idea to invite Jesus to her home was turning out to be a problem for her. This was supposed to be a good thing. The Son of God is in my home! We had better get the best dishes out, the choicest drink and food; prepared just right! Everyone had better be on their best behavior too!

Mary, Martha’s sister, knew what was most important, and was not about to be moved. She decided to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to the Words of Life He would speak. She hung on every word! Martha was missing out, distracted by the busyness of preparations.

Martha was so distracted that she even complained to Jesus; “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” She now wanted her distraction to be everyone else’s distraction too, even Jesus!

Jesus was quick to set Martha straight, showing her that what Mary was doing was the best thing. Not that dinner preparations are not important, but sitting with Jesus is even better!

When faced with a distraction that threatens to pull your focus off Jesus, do what Mary did, and just sit still, and listen to Jesus. Rest assured that you are doing the right thing; the distraction will wait.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

Jan

2019

Anxiety in the Heart

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25

Anxiety defined: A state of apprehension, uncertainty, and fear resulting from the anticipation of a realistic or fantasized threatening event or situation, often impairing physical and psychological functioning.

Symptoms associated with anxiety . . .

1. Excessive worry

2. Sleep problems

3. Irrational fears

4. Muscle tension

5. Chronic indigestion

6. Stage fright

7. Self-consciousness

8. Panic

9. Flashbacks

10. Perfectionism

Anxiety often turns to depression; a sense of dread for the next day which sets up a sort of defeated mentality that says tomorrow will be at least as difficult as today was, maybe even worse, so why even get up!

Anxiety is a gift from the devil; a gift you must refuse to take, much less open.

To fight off fear and anxiety; designed, to steal, kill and destroy; you MUST use and understand God’s word! It is the only lasting and permanent antidote for this ungodly disease!

Jesus said . . .

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:23

Take some time today and look up these verses; you will be very glad you did!

John 14:1

John 14:27

Isaiah 40: 30-31

Romans 16:20

Philippians 4:6-7

1 Peter 5: 6-7

Psalm 103:1-5

Psalm 100

Proverbs 16:3

Proverbs 16:9

Jeremiah 17:7-8

James 1:2-4

Matthew 11:28-30

Deuteronomy 33:27

Psalm 9:9-10

Psalm 16:8

Psalm 46:1-3

Proverbs 3:5-6

Matthew 6:25-27

John 15:4-5

Psalm 34:17-19

Romans 8:28

Joshua 1:9

Jan

2019

Godly Sorrow

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10

“Godly sorrow” produces repentance. I have to ask; have you ever felt godly sorrow? Have you ever felt the need to repent, and then actually do it?

Because if you have not ever repented, you are NOT redeemed, and you are still in your sins, and are as lost as ever; even more lost, because you have deceived yourself into thinking you are redeemed, when in fact you are not.

Jesus said these stunning words . . .

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” Matthew 7:21-23

The most revealing and frightening aspect of this passage is that the people were convinced that they knew Jesus; when in fact, He NEVER knew them!

Jan

2019

Be Filled

It is clear in the Scriptures, that the Holy Spirit is most certainly a Person. He is able to teach, comfort, console, lead, and convict. Without the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we will be ineffective in all of our spiritual endeavors.

The Holy Spirit, being One with the Father, and the Son, empowers us to live victorious Christian lives. Apart from the Holy Spirit, we operate in our own strength, and are prone to frequent defeat. It is imperative that we are “filled with the Spirit.” How can we be filled; Jesus blazes the way, listen to His words . . .

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:9-13

Jan

2019

Adopted

If you ever wondered about God’s love for you, consider the language the apostle Paul uses to describe the relationship between God and you; he declared we are, adopted.

Adoption – “To take into one’s family through legal means and raise, as one’s own child”

“The adopted child is treated by law, as the natural child of the adopting parents, upon the entry of the final adoption decree. The adopted child, therefore, gains the right to inherit from the adoptive parents and adoptive parents’ relatives. . .”

(Adoption Information Clearinghouse)

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:4-6

Jan

2019

Sent with Authority

For those who have chosen to follow Jesus, you have a mandate to go out and declare that the Kingdom of God is near. The same directives He gave the early church, He gives you.

You are sent out with His authority, His power, and His might! Don’t fear the enemy, as you engage this mission, you have EVERYTHING you need!

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” Luke 10:19

Jan

2019

Delivered

Humanity has been suffering the consequences of sin since the Garden of Eden. The world is littered with vain attempts by mankind, to correct this broken condition; it is evident that we are unable to cure this disease called sin.

Jesus however, is more than able; He is the Rescue, and our Great Deliverer, and when Jesus rescues, we are, rescued indeed!

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” Colossians 1:13-14

Jan

2019

Roaring Lion

Satan has considerable influence in our society. His malevolent intentions are evident the world over.

It seems with each passing day, the darkness of the devil’s evil persuasion is poisoning the hearts and minds of humanity in ever increasing proportions.

We must remain vigilant and on guard, keeping our minds clear of distractions, otherwise we fall into sin, becoming ineffective in our prayer, and even becoming a tool in that hands of our enemy.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

1 Peter 5:8

Jan

2019

Battle Lines

Battle lines have been drawn; an ongoing spiritual war, now fought in the heavenly realm; a war we must participate in. The stakes are high; and eternity hangs in the balance!

Satan’s rebellion against God’s plan, and subsequent deception foisted on humanity, initiated the conflict. However, God’s armory has everything we need, not only to protect ourselves from the attacks of a formidable foe, but to win the fight.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Ephesians 6:10-11

Jan

2019

Bible Study Series Released

We are thrilled to announce that our Faith Upside Down Bible Series “Learning How to Pray Upside Down” with companion Prayer Journals is now available on Amazon as a PAPERBACK or KINDLE.

We begin our journey together in the first study guide in this series PAPERBACK or KINDLE, “Conflict Begins” by going all the way back to the beginning, The Book of Genesis, rediscovering how it all began.

We will examine the devil, and some of the reasons he fell from his powerful position in heaven, gaining new insight into his motivation to deceive Adam and Eve. We will study his character, his scope of influence, along with his strategy and tactics.

In this study, we discover the awe-inspiring power and character of our God, along with His strategy, and we learn that our position in God’s family is secure; we are, “seated with Christ in the heavenly realms.”

In the second study guide, PAPERBACK or KINDLE, “Kingdom Life,” we head deeper into the Heavenly Realm.

We will become aware of this astonishing truth; we are expressing God’s Manifold Wisdom to the powers and principalities in the heavenly realms.

We begin to realize that our journey with Jesus is so much more than the salvation of our souls, but it is a participation in His Glorious work, advancing His Kingdom here on earth.

We take a fresh look at the importance of prayer, and learn that the “Lord’s Prayer” is a model for us to follow, not simply a prayer to recite.

Using Scripture, we will thoroughly examine our hearts, preparing for a Baptism of the Holy Spirit. We will learn how to operate with the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

In the final study guide, PAPERBACK or KINDLE, “Suit Up” we examine the full Armor of God. We learn what this armor is; how to wear it effectively, making sure we have a good fit.

After we put on the Whole Armor of God, we examine the Keys to the Kingdom, and learn what they unlock.

Finally, we will rediscover our mission, the very reason that God called us into His Kingdom, and has equipped us so completely.

We also are offering all three volumes in one book! The Learning to Pray Upside Down 15 Week Bible Study Guide, contains all three study guides mentioned above in one convenient volume.

Prayer, the most important discipline a Christian participates in; is also a discipline frequently overlooked. Our lives tend to be, jam-packed from the time we wake up, until we end the day, and far too often, we head to bed with a nagging feeling that we raced through the day, having little meaningful conversation with God.

A proven technique to help develop an effective prayer life is to begin a Prayer Journal. Taking a few moments each day to jot down your daily Bible reading notes, impressions from God’s Word, along with prayer requests and answers to your prayers, will help enlarge your prayer life.

Of all the things Jesus disciples saw Him do, they only asked Him to teach them one thing, and that was how to pray! This prayer journal will follow the outline of the Lord’s Prayer, helping and guiding our prayers.

Additional Scriptures related to prayer and faith, interspersed throughout the Journal, helping to ignite your prayer life.

3 Month Journal

Month: January 2019

Martha, Martha

Anxiety in the Heart

Godly Sorrow

Be Filled

Adopted

Sent with Authority

Delivered

Roaring Lion

Battle Lines

Bible Study Series Released

Recent Daily Word

Please Share