Spirit

16
Mar
2024
Empowered Witnesses

Empowered Witnesses

Commission and Promise

“Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” – Mark 16:20 (NIV)

In this verse, we see the disciples fulfilling the Great Commission given by Jesus, going out and preaching the gospel to the world.

But they did not go alone – the Lord Himself accompanied them, confirming His word with signs and wonders.

Empowering Presence

The disciples were not left to their own devices, relying solely on their own strength and abilities.

Instead, they were empowered by the presence of the Lord, who worked alongside them, validating their message with supernatural signs.

Confirming Signs

These signs were not mere spectacles or displays of power for their own sake. They served a specific purpose – to confirm the truth of the gospel message being preached.

They were tangible evidence that the words the disciples spoke were not their own, but those of the living God.

Ongoing Testimony

Even today, as we continue to spread the Good News of Christ, we can trust that the Lord is still at work, confirming His word through the transformative power of His Spirit in the lives of those who believe.

While the specific signs may differ, the principle remains the same – God continues to bear witness to the truth of the gospel through the changed lives of His followers.

As you go forth in obedience to the Great Commission, do so with confidence, knowing that the Lord Himself is with you, empowering you and confirming His word through the signs and wonders He performs in and through you.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith, Ministries, Trust
11
Mar
2024
Encountering the High and Exalted One

Encountering the High and Exalted One

Majestic God

“For this is what the high and exalted One says—He who lives forever, whose Name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”” – Isaiah 57:15 (NIV)

In this verse, we are introduced to a God who is both high and exalted, yet also intimately present with those who are humble and lowly in spirit.

Exalted One

God is described as the “high and exalted One” who “lives forever” and whose “Name is holy.”

These words paint a picture of a God who is supreme, sovereign, and transcendent. He is far above and beyond our understanding, dwelling in a “high and holy place.”

Intimate Presence

Yet, despite His majestic nature, God chooses to live and abide with those who are “contrite and lowly in spirit.”

He does not remain distant or aloof but instead comes near to the humble and brokenhearted, reviving their spirits and hearts.

Reviving Power

This is a profound truth: the God of the universe, the Creator of all things, stoops down to dwell with those who acknowledge their own limitations and brokenness.

He does not demand perfection or self-sufficiency but instead offers His reviving presence to those who recognize their need for Him.

As we gaze upon the majesty of God, we are invited to approach Him with humility and reverence; we also take comfort in knowing that He is not a distant deity but a loving Father who desires to revive our spirits and heal our hearts.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Humility, Thankfulness, Trust
23
Feb
2024
Weapons of Our Warfare

Weapons of Our Warfare

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV)

Weapons of the World

The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians, who were living in a city that was influenced by many worldly philosophies, cultures, and values. He was defending his ministry and authority against some false apostles who were boasting about their credentials, appearance, and eloquence. He also wanted to correct some of the problems and divisions that were affecting the church.

The weapons of the world are the methods and strategies that people use to gain power, influence, and success in this world. They include things like human wisdom, rhetoric, appearance, wealth, status, violence, and deception.

They are often based on pride, selfishness, and greed. They are designed to exalt oneself and to oppress others.

Why Are the Weapons of the World Ineffective?

The weapons of the world are ineffective because they are not able to deal with the real enemy and the real battle that we face as Christians.

Our enemy is not flesh and blood, but the spiritual forces of evil that are behind the systems and structures of this world. Our battle is not against people, but against the lies, temptations, and accusations that the enemy uses to keep us from knowing and obeying God.

The weapons of the world are also ineffective because they are not able to withstand the judgment and wrath of God. These are temporary, fragile, and futile.

All will perish and be destroyed when God comes to establish his kingdom and his righteousness.

What Are the Weapons of Our Warfare?

The weapons of our warfare are the methods and strategies that God has given us to fight the good fight of faith; including things like the Word of God, prayer, faith, love, grace, truth, and the Holy Spirit. They are often based on humility, service, and sacrifice. They are designed to glorify God and to bless others.

The weapons of our warfare are effective because they have divine power to demolish strongholds. A stronghold is a fortified place that the enemy has built in our minds and hearts to keep us from experiencing the freedom and victory that God has for us.

It can be a false belief, a sinful habit, a negative emotion, or a harmful relationship. The weapons of our warfare can expose, confront, and overcome these strongholds by the power of God.

How Do We Use the Weapons of Our Warfare?

Christians use the weapons of our warfare by relying on God and his resources, not on ourselves and our abilities. We need to recognize that we are not sufficient in ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God. We need to acknowledge that we are not wise, strong, or righteous in ourselves, but we have the wisdom, strength, and righteousness of God in Christ.

Use the weapons of our warfare by resisting the enemy and his schemes, not by conforming to the world and its standards. We need to be alert, sober, and vigilant, knowing that the enemy is prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Christians put on the full armor of God, which includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-18

The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. They are the weapons that God has given us to fight the good fight of faith.

Use them with confidence and courage, knowing that God is with us and for us, and that he will give us the victory.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith
31
Jan
2024
Satisfaction Guaranteed

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Revelation 2:7 – Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

Listen Up!

Jesus urges us to lean in and carefully heed the Spirit’s instructions for living counter-culturally as faithful believers. Obeying His voice positions us for blessing.

Though reviled by society, we must stay true to God’s values. Our citizenship is in heaven where an amazing inheritance awaits all who overcome in Christ.

Reserved for the Faithful

Paradise was barred after the Fall. Now, Christ promises crown conquerors the right to eat again from the tree of life in heaven’s restored Eden. What wondrous assurance!

As we follow the Spirit’s promptings, heavenly hope sustains us. Our struggling is not in vain. Eternal delight awaits where we’ll feast in unbroken fellowship with God.

Lord, Help Me Listen

Lord, tune my ears to hear Your Spirit’s voice above the noise and lies of culture. By Your grace, I want to live as an overcomer. Nourish my soul with the hope of paradise restored where I will dine at Your table.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
29
Nov
2023
Killing Sin Before It Kills You

Killing Sin Before It Kills You

Romans 8:13 – For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

Flesh vs. The Spirit

Each day we choose whether to operate by the flesh or the Spirit.

The flesh represents our sinful desires and tendencies, while the Spirit reflects God’s will and character.

Two Possible Outcomes

If we habitually gratify the cravings of the flesh, we’ll experience spiritual decay and death.

But if through the Spirit’s power we put sin to death, we’ll enjoy spiritual life and peace.

The Battle Within

Though Christ has broken sin’s power, the flesh wages war in believers.

We must actively crucify fleshly deeds lest sin destroy us. Our part is vital.

Empowered from Within

This battling is not meant to be done alone in the flesh.

As we yield to the indwelling Spirit, He gives strength to overcome temptation and walk uprightly.

Lord, Fill Me Afresh with Your Spirit

Lord, I confess that sin still crouches at my door seeking to devour me. Flood every corner of my heart afresh with Your Spirit so that I can gain victory over the flesh. Make me sensitive to sin’s first stirrings so I can reject it before it takes root. Daily crucify my sinful nature, that I might fully live by Your Spirit.

If you enjoy these daily devotionals, you may be interested in our short One Minute With God daily audio and visual thought provoking Scripture snippets to get your day started.

Check them out at @faithupsidedown on YouTube.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
25
Sep
2017
Are You for us, or For Them?

Are You for us, or For Them?

First and foremost I am a follower of Jesus; I love Him with all of my heart. You could say that I am a “believer.” To believe in Him is to buy into all He said and did . . . which I do!

 

Since I believe in Him, I am also keenly aware of the tactics of the enemy of Jesus, namely Satan. Yep, he is real and quite active today. The enemy loves division and is really, really good at promoting it.

 

It is his tactic to get opposing groups to form strong, unyielding views; to sharpen and divide them to the point of bloodshed if he can. Even a cursory view of history reveals how very good he is at this!

 

Once the devil gets humanity to the breaking point, he simply stands back and lets us destroy each other; this tactic has worked so very well, it is no wonder he keeps using it!

 

We need to understand that the cultural battles we are facing today such as; disrespect of flag and country, right vs. left, republican vs. democrat, etc, etc, are all manufactured by the devil to get us to fight. So where does Jesus stand on all of this?

 

I recall a story out of the Old Testament Book of the Bible, Joshua. God had sent the Israelites to go and take the Promised Land of Canaan.

 

Great battles were about to be fought and Joshua, a mighty warrior was prepared to get the job done. Here isan excerpt from the Book in the Biblethat bears his name . . .

 

Joshua 5:13-15

 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” 

 

“Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.”

 

Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” 

 

The commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

 

This is what we call a Christophany; it is a manifestation of Christ in bodily form, prior to His birth. I find this to be a fascinating encounter. I mean Joshua is ready for a fight, his mind is engaged and he knows that there is going to be bloodshed, as they take this land called Canaan. He sees a Man standing with a sword drawn, and he wonders if this might be the first encounter.

 

As he approaches the Man, I’m sure Joshua has his hand on his own sword, ready to do battle. Joshua’s question is revealing; “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

 

The question assumes only two options; if you are for us, then join us and let’s do battle! If you are for them, then I will have to slay you! Joshua has it in his mind that since he is about doing the Lord’s work, there can only be two options; you are either with me or against me; my way or the highway!

 

God’s response to the question is also revealing; He said; “Neither; but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.”

 

He said “neither.” Now the Hebrew word that is often translated to mean neither is a very small word, with big implications.

 

GREEK WORD: Lo; which literally means “NOT.”

 

Christ was the first to coin that little phrase . . . NOT!

 

Christ was trying to tell Joshua that whatever he was thinking about Him was NOT.

 

So when we ask Jesus what He thinks about the situations we are facing we might be surprised at His answer:

 

  • Are you for democrats or the republicans . . . NOT
  • Are you for or against flag burning . . . NOT
  • Are you for North Korea or America . . . NOT

 

 . . . And on and on we could go! The Bible say’s this about the thoughts of God:

 

Isaiah 55:8-9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

 

For the Christian, I think it is time we stop all the petty squabbles and finger pointing; stop with the name calling and boycotting. It is time to take off our sandals and get behind the Captain of the Lord’s Army and follow His lead. It is time to stop taking sides in a battle that has already been won and start working with and for our Captain!

 

Remember fellow Christian . . . these Words from Jesus

 

John 17:13-18

“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.  My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.  Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

 

You are no more a part of this world than Jesus is; so stop acting like it is and start living your life in Christ – Up-side Down! Your home is in heaven, you are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms.

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Posted by onthesolidrock in Faith, 0 comments