Devotions - Prayer
Satan’s Candy Store taken from John Piper
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin. (1 Peter 4:1)
First it puzzles. Did Christ have to cease from sin? No! “He committed no sin” (1 Peter 2:22).
Then it clicks. When we arm ourselves with the thought that Christ suffered for us, we realize that we died with him. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). When we die with him we cease to sin.
It’s just like Romans 6. “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. . . . So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:6–7, 11).
Peter says, “Arm yourselves with this thought!”
Paul says, “Consider yourselves dead!”
The weapon for our vacation is a thought/consideration.
When the temptations of Satan come — to lust, to steal, to lie, to covet, to envy, to retaliate, to put down, to fear — arm yourself with this thought: When my Lord suffered and died to free me from sin, I died to sin!
When Satan says to you, Why deny yourself the pleasure of lust? Why deal with the mess you could avoid by lying? Why not go ahead and get that harmless luxury you covet? Why not seek justice by returning the same hurt you received?
Answer him: The Son of God suffered (really suffered!) to deliver me from sinning. I cannot believe he suffered to make me miserable. Therefore, what he died to purchase must be more wonderful than the pleasures of sin. Since I trust him, my susceptibility to your allurements has shriveled up and died.
Satan, be gone! My mouth doesn’t drool any more when I walk by your candy store.
SO: Why deny yourself the pleasure of lust? Why deal with the mess you could avoid by lying? Why not go ahead and get that harmless luxury you covet? Why not seek justice by returning the same hurt you received?…..
Answer him: The Son of God suffered (really suffered!) to deliver me from sinning. I cannot believe he suffered to make me miserable. Therefore what he died to purchase must be more wonderful than the pleasures of sin. Since I trust him, my susceptibility to your allurements has shriveled up and died. Satan, be gone! My mouth doesn’t drool any more when I walk by your candy store.
We now fight From Victory not For Victory (1 JN 4:4) Amen
Read MoreMatthew 28: 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority(The scope of Christ’s authority is the entire universe) in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Scripture teaches us to tell others about Jesus Christ. And while sharing the gospel is awesome, it is simply not enough. We should continue to encourage and invest in new believers.
We don’t know where to begin reading in the Bible(Suggest the Book of Ephesians/read all 6 chapters each day for a month and journal what are hearing) or how to spend time with their heavenly Father.
Of course, God takes each person’s spiritual journey seriously, and He won’t leave a seeking heart unsatisfied. At the same time, we have a responsibility to invest in the lives of spiritual brothers and sisters by sharing our understanding and experience.
This type of teaching is called discipleship, and it is both an honor and a great responsibility. Verse 28:20 teaching them to observe. Disciples are not just taught what to believe, but how to obey. Jesus taught practical holiness. As you commence this type of relationship, consider the following points.
• First, make sure to continually spend time with the Lord so that you are growing and in tune with His Spirit.
• Second, be prepared with a plan. Your friend needs to understand the basics, such as how to read the Bible, what prayer is, and where to find fellowship. New believers will have questions–answers are important, as is your ability to find resources when you are unsure of how to reply.
• Third, help the individual understand generally what to expect as he embarks on his Christian walk.
Most of us learned, struggled, and learned some more till we began to understand the basics of life in Christ. Godly mentors can be a tremendous help.
And remember, no matter how long we’ve believed, we never stop needing advice and encouragement from those farther along in the journey.
Christ’s program of missions: “make disciples of all nations.” It involves three steps: (1) “go,” (2) “baptizing them” and (3) “teaching them to obey everything”.
Lord Jesus, I thank you for all the individuals that have spoken and taught me Your Word over the years. Thank you too Lord, for my weekly male mentor and my hourly female mentor Laura, my wife, our Home Church plus all the groups we do which speaks into me also. Bless them all Lord for all the seeds they have planted-I am so so blessed. Amen
Read MoreBOOK OF PHILIPPIANS
We can have joy, even in hardship. Joy does not come from outward circumstances but from inward strength. As Christians we must not rely on what we have or what we experience to give us joy but on Christ within us;.
Developing our character begins with God’s work in us. But Growth also requires self-discipline, obedience to God’s Word, and concentration on our part. Christ gives us power to lay aside our personal needs and concerns. We dare not be self-centered. When we give up self-interest, we can serve with joy, love and kindness.
JOY is the quiet, confident assurance of God’s love and work in our lives—that he will be there no matter what!
• Joy is Suffering 1:1-30
• Joy in Serving 2:1-30
• Joy in Believing 3:-4:1
• Joy in Giving 4:2-23
Read the ENTIRE Book of Philippians and Look For Balance!
1. All Jesus has done for you.
2. What you can do for Jesus.
3. See how all is based on Jesus Christ
4. We agree to have the mind set of Christ or to say–THINK LIKE GOD THINKS!
Read Philippians verses below and what do they all have in common?
1:6-7
2:2&5
3:15
4:2
4:10
HOW DOES GOD THINK?
* What does Luke 17:3 say is needed before forgiveness?
* READ MATTHEW 16:22-28 WHAT DOES IT SAY?
* HOW TO THINK LIKE GOD THINKS! Get Jesus character from the Beatitudes in Matthew 5.
Lord, Thank You for your Word which is Truth and following it, I can get some balance and purpose for my life. Amen
Read MoreBy John Piper
Do not be anxious, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.(Matthew 6:31–32)
Jesus wants his followers to be free from worry. In Matthew 6:25–34, he gives at least seven arguments designed to take away our anxiety. One of them lists food and drink and clothing, and then says, “Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all” (Matthew 6:32).
Jesus must mean that God’s knowing is accompanied by his desiring to meet our need. He is emphasizing we have a Father. And this Father is better than an earthly father.
I (John Piper) have five children. I love to meet their needs. But my knowing falls short of God’s in at least three ways.
First, right now I don’t know where any of them is. I could guess. They’re in their homes or at work or school, healthy and safe. But they might be lying on a sidewalk with a heart attack.
Second, I don’t know what is in their heart at any given moment. I can guess from time to time. But they may be feeling some fear or hurt or anger or lust or greed or joy or hope. I can’t see their hearts.
Third, I don’t know their future. Right now they may seem well and steady. But tomorrow some great sorrow may befall them.
This means I can’t be for them a very strong reason for not worrying. There are things that may be happening to them now or may happen tomorrow that I do not even know about. But it is totally different with their Father in heaven. He knows everything about them now and tomorrow, inside and out. He sees every need.
Add to that, his huge eagerness to meet their needs (the “much more” of Matthew 6:30).
Add to that his complete ability to do what he is eager to do (he feeds billions of birds hourly, Matthew 6:26).
So join me in trusting the promise of Jesus to meet our needs. That’s what Jesus is calling for when he says, “Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:12-13 (NIV)
Hurt and being alone can be found in most of our lives, but what joy there is when a friend steps in with a gentle smile and a few simple words of encouragement and suddenly you’re not alone.
Things one can say to a friend. Romans 12:12-13, in a section titled “Love.”
1. “You’re wonderful.”
(Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope …”)
The world is quick to tell us all the ways we fall short. We are hyperaware of our faults and frailties.
So, what a precious gift to remind a friend of specific ways they are a wonderful friend, a wonderful Jesus person, a wonderful wife/husband, a wonderful co-worker, a wonderful person.
2. “Me too.”
(Romans 12:12, “… patient in affliction …”)
What a blessing to remind a friend we all have afflictions, hurts, faults and tender places. We all get sick both emotionally and physically.
The patient friend freely gives grace because they so desperately needs it themself. “Me too” acknowledges I’m no better than you, but together we are stronger. It’s such a loving and disarming admission that we’re all in this together.
3. “I’ll pray.”
(Romans 12:12, “… faithful in prayer.”)
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to tell a friend you will absolutely be faithful in praying for them?
4. “I’ll share.”
(Romans 12:13, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need …”)
When we notice a need in a friend’s life, might we be willing to step in and be part of the solution?
We may not be the full cure, but we may of helped build a foundation of restoration and give this person the assurance God was working on their behalf.
5. “Come over.”
(Romans 12:13, “Practice hospitality.”)
Welcoming a friend inside the sacred space of our home is such a needed gesture. There’s just something about relationships that are less misunderstood when we get eye-to-eye, voice-to-voice and talk. Really talk.
I’ve found as we purposefully ease the loneliness ache in others, we will see it is beautifully eased in us.
Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of friendship. Please show me who I can encourage today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read MoreWe need to Repent!
*Every decision has a consequence!
Repentance has fruit and works; not just words.
*We need to return to God. Recognize the goodness of God!
*Repent while mercy is still available
*How many times do we sin yet He shows grace? I have learned that nothing compares to the love I have in Jesus Christ.
2 Chronicles 7:14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 15 My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.
*We must humble ourselves to be blessed..
Steps for God to Forgive and Heal Our Land.
1. Humble thy selves
2. Pray
3. Seek my face
4. Turn from wicked ways
God chastens His own children, but punishes the children of the world.
Blessings He Promises
1. God will hear us
2. Forgiveness of sin
3. Healing of the land
*Our requirement to God’s request for revival!
Joshua 24:15 But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.”
*One of the primary reasons we don’t see revival is when we forget the goodness of God. Pride rises up and we forget! GRATITUDE HAS LEFT US!
1 Peter 5:6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.
Without believers getting serious about making a difference in the society we’ve been called to there will be no change for good.
All our flowery words about Jesus are not enough. Our actions must match our words in order for it to become truth.
“Even so you too outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
Matthew 23:28
2 Corinthians 7:10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
Lord Jesus heal our land. Change our hearts, mind and spirit one by one to KNOW YOU More. Help each one of us to lift the name of Jesus up in our families, friends, work and social groups. Let us be Your Voice to all we spend time with. Amen
Read More“I am the one who raises the dead and gives them life again. Anyone who believes in me, even though he dies like anyone else, shall live again. He is given eternal life for believing in me and shall never perish.” (John 11:25-26)
There are a lot of benefits to believing in Jesus and having a relationship with him, but even if there were nothing else, there would still be this, and it’s a pretty big deal: When you believe in Jesus Christ, you are guaranteed eternal life.
Your eternity is sealed because of Jesus’ Resurrection.
You see, Jesus bringing himself back to life changed everything. It literally split history into A.D. and B.C. It’s the most important event. And, it proved three things.
First, it proved that Jesus is exactly who he claimed to be. He repeatedly said he was the Son of God who came to die for our sins. And he did just that.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most well documented events in history. It would stand up in any court of law. In fact it has many, many times throughout centuries.
The Resurrection also proved that Jesus keeps his promises. Jesus told his disciples that he was going to let the people kill him and that he would come back to life. If he kept that promise, then you know you can trust the other promises in the Word of God.
The third thing the Resurrection proves is that there is life after death. If Jesus Christ hadn’t resurrected, you would have no hope for the future.
Jesus said in John 11:25-26, “I am the one who raises the dead and gives them life again. Anyone who believes in me, even though he dies like anyone else, shall live again. He is given eternal life for believing in me and shall never perish”.
That is an amazing benefit, and it’s available to you today. What’s the qualification? You must believe. You must be ALL In!
That is an amazing benefit.
“Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in Heaven one day. I confess my sin, and I believe that you are God, my Savior. Amen.”
Read MoreEven when we blow it badly and fail to remain an open, cleansed vessel for the Lord, He doesn’t stop loving us.
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord…When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong; because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24
” Then he(Jesus) said to them(disciples), “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”” (Mt 26:38).
*Jesus shares his burden with his disciples. He cared about his disciples and valued His relationship with them. Relationships are important to Jesus. Even as a leader, He shows His humility.
*In times of sorrow and despair Jesus prays.
Even Jesus, who has a perfect relationship with God, still needs to pray..how much more do we need to pray to remain in the Fathers will?
*When we pray we align our will to His. It’s accepting God’s call….not changing God but me.
*Can we tell God that it’s ok to do things His way? Do we trust Him enough? Can we submit? And obey? (Read Psalms 139:23-24)
*Obeying God is a decision WE make.
Hebrews 5: 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered.
Often the place of our greatest pain becomes the place of our greatest triumph.
Gethsemane was the place of Jesus’ greatest trial.
Three times He asked the Father to let this trial pass. It was not to be.
*The Father sent His Son to the cross to pay a debt owed by humanity.
*It was a personal battle to persevere.
The Word of God makes it clear that “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:13); “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Rev. 3:20); and “whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17). No one has ever been denied the opportunity to accept salvation (Ti. 2:11).
“We Fight FROM Victory—Not FOR Victory!
John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Thank You Lord that You are always there for us, watching over us, protecting us, and giving us strength. No matter what we’re facing today, Thank You that I can just turn to You. Help me Believe and Know that Jesus will pull us through anything because He will without question. (Col. 2:2-3). Amen
Read MoreGod’s commandments are not intended to make us miserable–they’re meant for our own happiness.
Satan’s lie in the Garden of Eden caused Eve to question God’s motives behind His command (Genesis 3:5).
Malachi 2:15 says God hates divorce. God doesn’t hate the people who divorce. He hates the act of divorce because of the damage it does to people. God loves people.
Today, people see divorce as an easy way out of marital problems. But this is based on the misconception that the mate is the problem–which is rarely the case.
People who blame their mate for their problems give in easily to divorce, thinking that a new partner will solve the situation.
Yet second marriages have over twice the failure rate of first marriages. That’s because we take ourselves and all our unresolved problems into the next marriage.
You can’t control other people–not even your mate. But through obeying the Lord, you can control yourself and have fullness of joy.
God’s commands tell us what will produce true happiness for us.
As a believer, God has provided the Holy Spirit for you and I so that we can experience the power of the gospel that allows us to live the Christian life.
Today, if you have not done so, invite the Holy Spirit to fill your life to overflowing so that you can be a witness in your home, workplace, city and nation.
Choose to make your spiritual condition your top priority. Spend more time on your spiritual well being than you do your physical well being. You and everyone around you will be eternally grateful that you did.
Heavenly Father, we know that a cheerful heart is a blessing to ourselves and others and a response of genuine trust in You. We ask that Your joy bubble up in our daily lives. Amen.
Read MoreThe Word of God assures us that our Father hears our cries and responds.
He is the only True Source of our strength and hope.
2 Samuel 22: 7 But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I cried to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry reached his ears.
*It doesn’t matter where you are when you cry out to God, because He hears and is listening to you all the time. He knows and sees your heart, and knows your heart’s motives, but despite it all, God hears you when you cry out to him. Trust Him, believe Him, and leave it all on the alter. God is in Control!
God protects us and carries us gently when we are wounded!
*Isaiah 40:11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart.
**It all starts with the relationship we have with God. If He is your Shepherd then you allow Him to lead in all areas of your life!
*You dwell in His presence all the time – no time out! We are likened to a sheep because without a shepherd we have no direction. 1 Peter 2:25.
The sheep has no defense mechanism and always depends on the Shepherd to protect him. The best way to understand this is for us to talk with God – Job 22:21.
*****He is the Chief Shepherd, the Great Shepherd!
Experiencing God’s Love is the only thing that will give us hope for the future, even when we can’t understand the way in which He leads us.
* “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me…”Psalm 23:4
Afflictions teach us to bend our knees, to cry out to the Lord in all our
problems and troubles.
“I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You
have afflicted me” (Psalm 119:75).
**David is saying, Lord, I know why You
afflicted me. You saw that when all was going well, I went ASTRY, becoming
careless, so you allowed trouble to come upon me. You knew it would drive me to my knees and bring me BACK to brokenness. My affliction was evidence of Your faithfulness to me!
I know many people including myself who have had to battle awful bondages in their lives—drugs, alcohol, cigarette, co- dependency, Loneliness, Fear, Control, Unforgiveness, Feelings of Unworthiness, Shame-Guilt, Pride —and temptation rages every day. Yet I say to all such people:
** God Cares For You! God knows the misery you are going through and God alone has the power to deliver you.
The Lord does not constantly hover over you, saying, “You’re miserable because
of what you did. You failed Me and now you’re paying the price.”
No! You do not serve such a God, you serve a loving Father who feels your grief the moment you first feel it.
** No matter how you got into your affliction, God hurts with you
and He wants to deliver you.
You may think God is not helping you at all, but the very moment He heard your
cry, He went into action.
*”So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them” (Exodus 2:24-25).
* The word acknowledged here means, “He began to act.”
*God heard their cry and began taking action on their behalf.
**Rejoice and be grateful for the challenges that prove that you still have what it takes to face difficulties and overcome. It takes discipline and hard work, but you are well able to do what the Lord has set before you. This is a time when you can come face to face with fear and presumption and walk away knowing the truth. Renew your confidence and trust, and be convinced that you can do all things through Christ. Do not be afraid!
* Mark 10:27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
As we look at the fallen world around us, we all need to lift our eyes up to God and put ALL of our Faith and Hope in Him. For the saved In Christ, one day “God will wipe away every tear, there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.”
Revelation 21: 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.
As believers, we all need to live for Heaven and not get depressed or angry about our fallen world. Pain and suffering point us to God and how much we need Him.
Luke 11:28 Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”
Thank you, Father, that we are grass, that we do fade away and that you’re Word remains forever! Remind us of this in our personal wilderness. Thank You that You keep Your promises and never abandon those who serve You. Be with us and help us to share Your gospel message. Glorify Yourself in us that others may see Your righteousness, mercy and grace. Amen
Our love only becomes genuine when God’s Love first penetrates our hearts.
* “We love, because He first loved us.”
1 John 4:19
FORGIVENESS verses UNFORGIVENESS!
Forgiveness is probably the most difficult act we do, as humans–it is a God-like trait to be forgiving. It takes faith to forgive those who have offended us. Remember, among Jesus’ last words on the cross–“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”.
This morning, in prayer I was reminded of the last two weeks of communication with so many people in so many different situations and the one most common conversation we all had was: FORGIVENESS verses UNFORGIVENESS!
*So here goes a short thought on what I believe is one of the major problems we ALL phase in one area or another!
FORGIVENESS verses UNFORGIVENESS!
What are some Biblical verses to see what Jesus says:
* Matthew 6:13 And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. (From the Lord’s Prayer).
*Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
* Hebrews 12:15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
*Colossians 3:13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
*Romans 12:19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
“I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD.
Romans 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
*Christ sets is free!
My favorite Two verses and most convicting to me is:
1. Mark 11:25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
*Forgiveness – God loves us so much that He sent Christ to surrender his life so we might be free from sin. He also promised us grace to see us through; but as mortals we fall short of His glory and He is quick to forgive when we repent. As sons of God, we should learn to forgive, though the hurt is hard to forget.
*Just because I can’t forget the hurt someone posed on me doesn’t mean I don’t forgive them. I forgive, move on with my life and wait for God to bless and heal me. Not forgetting keeps you from getting hurt the same way again and makes you grow spiritually. Amen
2. Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
*What this verse is trying to explain is that we as humans need to be KIND, TENDER and FORGIVING to each other SO we can be more like Christ Because Christ is kind and forgiving to ALL of us. We cannot be hateful and unforgiving and be with Christ the one and only Lord. GOD GAVE ALL-HIS SON JESUS!
*Our body is to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:24-26
** FORGIVENESS: Giving of the resentment against someone and our right to get even, no matter what has been done to us.
*Forgiveness is the “Surrendering of MY Right” to hurt you back if you hurt me.
** UNFORGIVENESS: The deliberate willful refusal to give up one’s resentment an right to get the wrong done.
The Nature of Unforgiveness is like a match that can be lit at any time.
* Nothing good can come from unforgiveness.
* Unforgiveness leads to bitterness, bitterness will eat away at our soul like acid in a paper cup.
The Scripture is Clear Concerning God’s View of Unforgiveness.
** The Terrible Consequences of Unforgiveness: (As humans we All try to come up with reasons to try to justify bitterness and unforgiveness).
* Develop a spirit of bitterness. (Hebrews 12:15)
** Unforgiveness has a harmful effect upon every aspect of your spiritual life.
* Prayer life is affected. (MATT 6:14-15)
* By praying and not forgiving we develop a callousness to the spirit of God, deceiving ourselves (1 JOHN 1:8)
** Unforgiveness has a detrimental effect upon one’s physical health.
*Heart problems, high blood pressure, etc. all documented.
* I would say through years of listening to people that 90% of people that seek counseling have an unforgiving spirit.
**Unforgiveness affects all other relationships.
* A child that sees unforgiveness and anger in their parents goes through life and sees that exhibited in their own life later in life.
*Unforgiveness begets bitterness; the things just like itself: hurt, pain, more deep-seated unforgiveness.
**Unforgiveness gives Satan a foothold in our lives.
*Each time we do not forgive Satan’s foothold gets a little deeper.
THE KEY IS: HOW DO WE DEAL WITH UNFORGIVENESS!
*Paul said, lay aside the things that pull you down. (HEB 12:1) He would not have said that if it was not possible through Christ.
Unforgiveness– IT. IS. A. DECISION. YOU MUST LAY IT DOWN.
1. Treat it as a serious offense in the eyes of God.
2. Assume full responsibility for your unforgiving spirit.
3. Confess your resentment
*Don’t just confess “Unforgiveness”. Be Honest with God about what you really FEEL(He knows your thoughts. And heart and motives anyway): do you want vengeance? Do you want to get even? Do you want to harm someone?
4. Acknowledge it is un-Christ-like, violation of the Word!!
5. Ask God to enable you to forgive.
6. Ask God to forgive you.
7. Begin praying for the other person. (LUKE 6:28)
8. If they are aware may have to ask them to forgive you.
* if the Holy Spirit leads you–go to them and tell them, this is what happened and I nurtured a heart of bitterness. I want to ask you to forgive me for my heart of bitterness. Will you forgive me?
9. Ask God if He would have you do something specific on behalf of the other person. Act of kindness.
10. Suppose reminded of hurt, don’t give in; Satanic trap. Thank God for his forgiveness.
11. If the other person is not alive address with God.
Prayer is that master key that unlocks all the blessings promised us by our Father. Though the vision may tarry, wait for it. So many of us want instant answers to prayers, but Gods time is the best. Whenever we pray, believe that God is able to keep His promises; and that promise is ‘God will supply all your needs according to His riches through Christ Jesus.
*Miracles happen every second. Some people are just blind to see. I don’t know what you are going through, but I know who will see you through. JESUS!
** How will you know you have truly forgiven the other person?
1. Feelings about the other person.
2. Feelings of concern, caring.
3. Willing to accept them as they are.
4. Seek the Lord to understand why they acted the way they did.
The Lord is always near to the broken and contrite heart.
* “He gathers the outcasts…He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:2-3
*God really does heal our broken hearts, and make us clean again.
” This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.”1 John 4:10-11
Lord, we NEED YOU!!! COME and take over my life!! I surrender ALL to YOU JESUS! REVEAL my True HURTS! I want to be HEALED! RELEASE the people involved, the ones I know and don’t Know. Lord, REFOCUS me on Your plan for MY life with no more unforgiveness in my heart. Set me FREE Lord, knowing You are in Control and have our Best interests in mind for your Glory and our Joy. Thank You For Guiding Us Through This Darkness To YOUR Light.
Thank you for Your promise of Psalms 32:8 The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
In Jesus’ Name We Pray, Amen.
OTHER VERSES:
Romans 12:20
Luke 6:35-38
Proverbs 20:22
John 13:34-4:8
Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry!!!
” And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27.
Although bitter food is good for the body, “bitterness” is never good for the soul.
Childhood experiences that brings bad memories, Damaged emotions we can not let go, Regrets we can not forget, Hurtful words that cuts through our hearts, Betrayal of trust… The root goes deep and it slowly poisons us… our joy escapes us…. The cure… The GRACE of God that brings healing to our soul.
Forgiveness Ensures Freedom!
“See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” – Hebrews 12:15
In business and life the opportunity to harbor bitterness for a wrong suffered is great. We are given plenty of opportunities to grow bitter from relationships that bring hurt and pain.
The writer of the Hebrews passage above admonishes us not to miss the grace of God so that we won’t take up bitterness as a response to life’s pain.
He cautions us against this because he knows that a bitter root grows and grows until it eventually defiles many others through a wake of bitterness.
If bitterness is allowed to take root, we become imprisoned to it. God’s grace will no longer have as great an effect in our lives. We become ineffective, insensitive, and spiritually dead. We can even become physically ill from it.
God does not live in bitterness. He lives in grace. He has provided grace for every person to walk in.
Let me ask you a question: When does God give us “grace”? Oh, I know, every act of God is full of grace. But specifically . . .
“Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16
Answer from above verse: “in time of need.”
That is In trials, tribulation, distress, wilderness experiences, illness, suffering . . . whatever defines your unique “time of need.”
* Now, ponder this: “Be careful that none of you fails to respond to the grace of God, for if he does there can spring up in him a bitter spirit which can poison the lives of many others. Hebrews 12:15
One day I was challenged to deal with an individual who hurt me terribly. I was faced with a decision. Would I choose bitterness, or would I choose grace?
Replace Bitterness with Forgiveness
*If you don’t learn to transform the pain you’ll transfer it.
*You may be justified in your bitterness, but it still contaminates everything.
Oh, how my natural tendency was to choose bitterness. But God provided the courage to choose grace. With that grace came freedom – a freedom to love and even accept the person who was the source of such pain.
*Matthew 18:23-30
*Authentic forgiveness is never cheap!
*Forgiveness means you choose the way of LOVE over HATE, letting go of your right to hurt them back.
Matthew 6:14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
*Jesus gives a startling warning about forgiveness: If we refuse to forgive others, God will also refuse to forgive us. Why? Because when we don’t forgive others, we are denying our common ground as sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. God’s forgiveness of sin is not the direct result of our forgiving others, but it is based on our realizing what forgiveness means. It is easy to ask God for forgiveness, but difficult to grant it to others. Whenever we ask God to forgive us for sin, we should ask ourselves, “Have I forgiven the people who have wronged me?”
This is the real place where Christ’s power is most revealed. We cannot live without His supernatural grace.
Are you in need of grace today?
It is there for the receiving.
It will take courage to accept it and walk in it.
This will be your step to freedom!
God help me Forgive others as You have forgiven me and You Lord take any cup of bitterness from me, that I will be set Free. Give me the Grace I need for each hour of each day. God give me opportunities to show off your grace. Give me the strength and the wisdom to know your grace and to share it with others. Help me to go the extra mile for people, so that they can see God’s grace through me. I forgive all who have wronged me in the name of Jesus. “May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.”
2 Peter1:2 Amen
Ephesians 1:6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
Read MoreDo we need a Foot Washing?
*We are to help people come to
salvation by sharing the correcting, healing, washing, comforting Word of God.
God’s Love is as necessary to human life as the air we breathe or the water we drink.
* “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God.”Psalm 42:1
God’s Love eternally embraces the poor, the afflicted, the broken and the unlovely.
* “…the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners…”Isaiah 61:1
We are to take up the towel of God’s mercy and go to that hurting one.
* In the special love of Jesus we are not to judge him, expose him, lecture or find fault.
* Instead we are to commit to being his friend. We are to help him come to
salvation by sharing the correcting, healing, washing, comforting Word of God.
“And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
If you want to be kindhearted—to take up the towel to restore a brother or
sister—you do not need to know the details of how that person got dirty.
*Jesus did not ask His disciples, “How did you get such filthy feet?” He wanted
only to get the dust off of them. His love for them was unconditional.
Likewise, those who walk in the fullness of Jesus Christ must have this
Attitude of love toward those with dirty feet. We are not to ask for details.
Instead, we are to say, “Let me wash your feet.”
Too often Christians want to dive into all the gory details of a situation.
They come to a believer who has dirty feet, saying, “I want to wash your feet.
BUT tell me, what happened? How’d you get so dirty?”
At some point in the story of failure, the curious comforter realizes, “Oh, my,
this is worse than I thought. I can’t get involved in this.” And after a few
more details, he comes to the end of his puny human mercy.
** He judges the person as too evil, beyond help, and he drops his towel and goes his way.
***We cannot wash feet in a judge’s robes. *We have to take off our self-righteous garments before we can do any cleansing.
Paul says we are to be gentle and patient with all people:
“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
Paul is saying, “You must be tenderhearted with everyone, willing to wash their feet. God will have mercy on them and deliver them from their sin.”
In a famous passage in John 13, Jesus took a towel and a basin and washed the feet of His disciples. He told them “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have
washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:14-15).
The disciples were twelve men beloved of God—precious in His eyes, full of
love for His Son, pure of heart, in full communion with Jesus. Yet they had
dirt on their feet!
Jesus, in essence, was saying to these men, “Your hearts and hands are clean,
but your feet are not. They have become dirty in your daily walk with Me. You do not need your whole body to be washed—only your feet.”
**The dirt Jesus mentions here has nothing to do with natural dirt. It is about SIN—our faults and failures, our giving in to temptations.
I wonder how many of us this past week fell into a temptation or failed God in some way?
It is not that we have turned our
back on the Lord. On the contrary, we love the Savior more passionately than
ever, BUT we fell and now we are grieving—because our feet are dirty.
Scripture tells us: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who
are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself
lest you also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).
The Greek word for trespass here
means “a fall, a sin.” We are to restore every Christian who falls into sin
if there is a repentant heart.
Foot washing, in its deepest meaning, has to do with our Attitude about the
dirt we see on our brother or sister. So I ask you: What do you do when you are
face to face with someone who has fallen into a sin or transgression?
As Jesus served His disciples, He calls us to serve others. He is calling us to see people through the eyes of God and with His love meet their needs.
But how?
(John 13: 3) Jesus was profoundly anchored in the love of the Father. His identity was secure.
We need a radical receiving of His love!
** We need to be Filled with God’s love (our cup overflowing) in order to give others our richness of love.
Jesus was teaching us how important it is to Humble ourselves before one another and also that we are all equal in Gods eyes. He said that we are to love one another unconditionally– this is how we will know the ones who are called and annointed of God. They will be Love.
1 John 2:9 If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is still living in darkness. 10 Anyone who loves another brother or sister is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.
The Lord is always near to the broken and contrite heart.
* “He gathers the outcasts…He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:2-3
Jesus, You showed true humility by washing the disciples feet. Jesus, Help each one of us to be more humble this day and follow Your example of Truth and Love so others may be set FREE for Your Glory. Amen
Mark 9:41 If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.
John 8:31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
God gave you, your life so that you can live it. No one can live it for you.
In the pattern of the Lord’s word HE has shown us the way. God’s call to us will be to come and walk upon the River of God where it is full to over flowing. And wherever the river goes it will bring life. Wherever we go, with the flow of that river, we will experience the fullness of His kingdom. So come. Let the Lord take us deeper. Come on; don’t stay where you are. The Lord’s giving you opportunity to be more than you’ve ever been before. So Come!
Our lives will become less cluttered, less stressful, and more fulfilling when we follow the MODEL Jesus provided. It may not always please everyone.
* Jesus never sought to please Everyone.
* Ask the Lord each day this week HOW you and He are to spend YOUR time. *Yield your schedule to Him.
* Let Jesus direct your every activity. **You may discover that He desires you to CUT BACK some things in order to spend more time alone with Him.
* JESUS will be faithful to show you. And you will become more fulfilled because you are centered in His will for you.
* Jesus often sought times of prayer and reflection away from the disciples. His life appeared to have a BALANCE of quiet moments and active ministry into the lives He came in contact with.
*How do we determine what we will be involved in each day of our lives?
*What keeps us in sync with the will of our heavenly Father for the daily tasks He calls us to?
**Jesus tells us that He was only involved in those things the Father was involved in. Nothing more, nothing less.
“Jesus gave them this answer: ‘I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.'” – John 5:19
So often we determine our participation in an activity based on whether we have the TIME to do it or whether we DESIRE to participate.
The REAL question we should ask is, “Does the Father want me to participate in this activity?” BALANCE!
******MOVING FORWARD*******
Scriptures: Romans 8
1st Step: Forget Your Past Identity
(v.1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, )
2nd Step: Forget Your Past Failures
(v. 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.)
3rd Step: Figure Out Who’s & What Side You’re On
(v. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.)
4th Step: Face The Responsibility & Consequences Of Your Choices
(v. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.)
5th Step: Keep The Faith
(v. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.)
6th Step: Fall On Your Knees & Ask For Help
(v. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. )
7th Step: Believe You Are Worthy
(v. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.)
8th Step: Trust God When The Flow Blockers Come.
(v. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?)
9th Step: How Bad Do You Want It.
(v. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.)
God has called each one of us to follow His example.
“Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:9-10
Lord help us to Listen,Trust and take action in moving forward with You. Let Your special gift you have gifted us with help others. Lord show me the BALANCE I need in my Life. Lord help me find more time for just the two of us to grow our personal relationship. I surrender to your will. In Jesus Name. Amen
Read MoreLoving God with “all our heart” doesn’t just come naturally to us. We must wholeheartedly choose to love, honor, and obey Him every day of our lives.
*** “So I will sing praise to Thy name forever, that I may pay my vows day by day.” Psalm 61:8
“So Jesus replied, “My teaching is not from me, but from the one who sent me. If anyone wants to do God’s will, he will know about my teaching,..”
(John 7:17,18)
*Teaching is the basic building block for making disciples. Jesus was making disciples, not just converts.
MATTHEW 26:55 “… Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me.”
*The Greek word for “disciple” literally means “a learner,” and indicates “learning by endeavor” or what we would call “on-the-job training.”
Jesus said in John 8:31, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” Anyone who meets this criterion is Jesus’ disciple.
” Everyone who goes on ahead and does not Remain in the Teaching of Christ does not have God. The one who remains in this teaching has both the Father and the Son.” (2 John 1:9)
* We must be careful that we do not take for granted what Christ has done for us and that we Remain Focused on JESUS. If we wander away from the Truth in His Word,( at times it seems our culture has ‘run ahead’ and no longer continues in the teaching of Jesus, but mans teachings) we have cut off our relationship with the Father.
* We are all slaves to sin and as Christians we must run to Christ’s teachings and take His love to all the world (Mt.28:19&20).
***Our Witness to Non-believers!***
Read Luke 10 how Jesus did it.
*The key to witnessing is Obedience which means getting out of the barn and going where the harvest is.
*Verse 2 of Luke 10: Prayer Warriors!
Themselves praying for more Laborers.
*verse 3 “I am sending you out as lambs among wolves”. (GO)
*verse 5 Speak Peace. “‘May God’s peace be on this house.”(BLESS)
*Verse 7 accept hospitality(FELLOWSHIP)
*Verse 9 meet their NEEDS. ” Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.”
Verse 16 Share Gospel.(PROCLAIM). “Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me.”
The order: PRAYER–GO–BLESS–
“On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick…. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”Matthew 9:12–13
*Jesus knew who he was, according to God’s design;
* Jesus knew whose he was, according to God’s truth; and
* Jesus knew his purpose for being here on Earth.
**All this allowed him to relax and ignore what others thought or said about him.
*It meant Jesus wasn’t worried when others accused him of being a friend of sinners (Luke 19:7) because he was doing exactly what the Father sent him to do: persuade men and women to make peace with God (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Likewise, we’re to represent Jesus, speaking on his behalf to those still on the “outside.” Yet some of us are so isolated and disconnected from unbelievers that we rarely have any meaningful conversations with them.
*The tendency is that the longer we’re believers, the more insulated we become from unbelievers and perhaps the more uncomfortable we become with them.
The result: We no longer have friends who are non-believers.
Jesus’ actions suggest that our witness to non-believers starts with Friendship.
We earn the right to share the Gospel through relationship, where we show that we care about the person, not just baptism statistics.
*The apostle Paul encourages us to find common ground with non-believers. Finding common ground is an act of friendship; it guides us to look for the Positive instead of the negative in those outside the faith.Be an encouragement.
When Jesus met the woman at the well, he pointed to what she and he had in Common rather than the things he could rightfully condemn (John 4).
* As a result, she not only became friends with God, she brought her friends and family into the presence of Jesus.
John 12:32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw ALL people to myself.”(Key word ALL).
*Let’s lift up Jesus in our daily lives, and watch what Jesus will do.
How do we do that?
We obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and do what Jesus would do in every situation.
The Lord is enlightening the eyes of your understanding so that you can see beyond your circumstances and temporary issues to view and understand Your Calling more fully. This light will bring perspective so that you don’t obsess about that which will come to pass. Set your eyes and your faith on the things that matter long-term, and don’t worry.
*Ephesians 1:18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.
If we follow Jesus and obey what he tells us to do, then we will have our name written in the book of life. And that is something to be joyful about!
” Although he was a son, he learned obedience through the things he suffered. ” Hebrews 5:8
*When we suffer for Christ’s sake, we are learning to be obedient through our submission.
Lord, I rejoice because my name is in the book of life. I am happy that when I do your work I am filled with joy and happiness. Thank you for showing me how to live a joyful life here on earth.
Lord keep my focus on making “Your Name” Great! Continue to help me be a better witness for You– to PRAY- GO-BLESS-FELLOWSHIP-MEET NEEDS-PROCLAIM!
Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your perfect plans and your wonderful mercy and grace. Jesus, thank you for your mighty sacrifice and your love to do God’s will. Lord I ask that you help us learn to pray to grow nearer to you. To hear your voice and follow your will. Lord, help us be obedient to you and your will. Father thank you for your love and your unending promises and grace. Lord help me to not Just believe in the truth-BUT Also Walk in the Truth giving You all Glory and Praise. AMEN