Daily Devotional

Events in December 2024

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
November 25, 2024(1 event)

November 25, 2024

Job 23:3-4 If only I knew where to find Him, I would visit Him where He has taken His seat.
I would lay out my case before Him;
and fill my mouth with arguments.

Job desires the presence of God so that he might pray to Him. He desired to plead as before, one whom he knew would hear and help him. He longed to lay out his own case before the perfect and impartial Judge, in the presence of the all-wise God.

Pray Carefully and Thoughtfully

Before going to the Lord in prayer, lay out your case and be prepared to set forth your arguments to Him just as a petitioner comes into court well-prepared to state his case. Consider that you are about to address yourself to God. Feeling the reality of God's presence, my mind will be led by His grace into a humble attitude. (Gen 18:27)

Put Forward Your Case

Isaiah 41:21 Put forward your case! says the Lord. Submit your arguments! says Jacob's king.
KJV says, "Bring forth your strong reasons."

Feel the value of the mercy of God. State the reasons for your needing it.

The very act of prayer is a blessing. To pray is, as it were, to bathe in a cool, swirling stream and so to escape from the heat of earth's summer sun. To pray is to mount on eagle's wings above the clouds and get into the clear heaven where God dwells. To pray is to enter the treasure-house of God and to gather riches out of an inexhaustible storehouse. To pray is to grasp heaven in one's arms, to embrace the Deity within one's soul, and to feel one's body made a temple of the Holy Spirit.  ¹

I will take hold of the attributes of God - His justice, mercy, faithfulness, wisdom, and long-suffering,
I will take hold of all His promises in His word. He has said, "He will deliver you through six calamities, and calamity won't touch you through the seventh." Job 5:19

Psalm 27:8-9 My mind recalls Your word, "Seek My face," so Your face, Lord, I will seek. Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn away in anger from your servant. You have been my help; therefore, do not abandon or forsake me, God of my salvation.

I will pray, "Father in heaven, by Your holiness, existence, justice, and mercy, if truly You are God, now show Yourself to be the help of Your people."
Jesus says in John 14:13, "I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

I am now left with nothing more than praise. If the Holy Spirit shows me how to order my cause and fill my mouth with argument, I will present my case to the Lord, and my heart will then be filled with His praises.

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
November 26, 2024(1 event)

November 26, 2024

Ephesians 3:14- 19 This is the reason I bow my knees before the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its name. I pray that he would give you, according to His glorious riches, strength in your inner being and power through His Spirit and that the Messiah would make His home in your hearts through faith. Then, having been rooted and grounded in love, you will be able to understand, along with all the saints, what is wide, long, high, and deep - that is, you will know the love of the Messiah -which transcends knowledge, and will be filled with all the fullness of God.

"That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory." Grasp the scope of these words.

Provision:  You can come to God in prayer for anything. You do not need to fear to present your requests to God. You cannot ask too much. He can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. (Philippians 4:19)
Empowered: Strength from the Spirit of God in the inner man; strength in the soul; the strength of faith to serve God and to do our duty.
Indwelled: Jesus abiding in us as a living, loving Lord, guiding and directing us for the glory of God.
Established: rooted and grounded in love - - love that is the great rock foundation on which we build - - God is love.
Enlightened: comprehending the width, length, and depth of the vast system of grace that God is working out through the ages of time, which will be perfected in the ages to come.
Expanded: Know the unknowable - The love of the Messiah which transcends knowledge.
Enriched: Filled with all fullness of God yet, "Behold the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee" (1 King 8:27)
Experience the Great Depth of Christ's Love.  

If the law of Christ is written in our hearts and the love of Christ is shed abroad there, then Christ dwells there. Where His spirit dwells, there He dwells.

Fervently pray for God to strengthen your faith and grasp His love's expanse. He will answer you. He wants us to experience the great depth of His love.  
November 27, 2024(1 event)

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November 27, 2024

1 John 5:4  Everyone who is born from  God has overcome the world.  Our faith is the victory that overcomes the world. 
Faith is the cause of victory, the way, and the spiritual weapon by which we overcome.   In faith, we cling to Jesus, in contempt of and in opposition to the world.  Faith sanctifies the heart, purifies it, and has the indwelling Spirit of grace.  
Overcome or be overcome.
Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not depend on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
2 Corinthians 12:9 He has told me, "My grace is all you need because my power is perfected in weakness."
An overcomer is:
a follower of Jesus Christ who successfully resists the power and temptation of the world's system
is not sinless, but holds fast to faith in Jesus until the end
does not turn away when times get difficult
one who requires complete dependence upon God for direction, purpose, fulfillment, and strength to follow His plan for their lives.
What does it take to overcome?
James 4:7  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Ephesians 4:30  Do not grieve the Holy Spirit, by whom you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption.
Galatians 2:20  I no longer live, but the Messiah lives in me, and the life that I am now living in this body I live by the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Mark 13:13  You will be hated continuously by everyone because of My name.  But the person who endures to the end will be saved.
Therefore,
Romans 8:35-38 Who will separate us from the Messiah's love?  Can trouble, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, or a violent death do this?  As it is written, "For your sake, we are being put to death all day long.  We are thought of as sheep headed for slaughter."  In all these things, we are triumphantly victorious due to the One who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor anything above, nor anything below, nor anything else in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is ours in union with the Messiah Jesus, our Lord.
Rewards to those who overcome:
eat from the Tree of Life (Revelation 2:7)
unharmed by the second death (Rev 2:11)
eat from hidden manna and given a new name (Rev 2:17)
given authority over nations (Rev 2:26)
clothed in white garments (Rev 3:5)
made a permanent pillar in the house of God (Rev 3:12)
sit with Jesus on His throne (Rev 3:21)
And now, Victory
1 Corinthians 15:57-58    Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus the Messiah.  Be steadfast, unmovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that the work that you do for the Lord isn't wasted.  
November 28, 2024(1 event)

November 28, 2024

Romans 5:3-5 Not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Now this hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

I have been counseled in the past, when I am feeling sad or unhappy, to think of five things for which I am thankful. I know that I have much to be thankful for, a roof over my head, a nice bed and food on the table, but
I don't seem to be enjoying all that very much because of my other hardships and circumstances that are definitely not enjoyable

In 2 Corinthians 11:23-29 Paul summarizes his trials by listing the trails and hardships he faced which included being beaten three times, pelted with stones three times, shipwrecked, endangered from rivers, robbers and his own people as well as Gentiles, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, many periods of fasting, coldness, and nakedness. In Acts 16 Paul and Silas where stripped of their clothes and ordered to be beaten with rods. They were then thrown into the inner cell of the jail and their feet fastened in leg irons. What did Paul and Silas do? They prayed and sang hymns to God, edifying and encouraging the other prisoners.

It astonishes me to reflect on these accounts of Paul's dangers, hardships, and sufferings, and to observe his patience, perseverance, diligence, cheerfulness, and usefulness, in the midst of all these trials. It makes me think twice about complaining about my current circumstances. I will study here patience, courage and trust in God. I will learn to think less of myself and find ways to honor God in all things.

No trouble, however severe, should hinder me from praise.
November 29, 2024
November 30, 2024(1 event)

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November 30, 2024

Psalm 51: 6 Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me

Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, "My intentions are pure; I am clean from any sin?"

Jeremiah 13:27 I've seen your detestable behavior: your adulteries, your passionate neighing, your lewd immorality on the hills in the field. How terrible it will be for you

Ezekiel 11:19 then I'll give them a united heart, placing a new spirit within them. I'll remove their stubborn heart and give them a heart that's sensitive to me.

The carnal heart, like a stone cannot be made to feel. I'm living among the dead and dying.
I ask that my heart be made tender and fit to receive impressions from God. It is Your work O Lord, it is Your gift by promise and I beg you for a happy change wrought by those promises - from death to life. I am in great need of these blessings - - in the name of Jesus Christ the Messiah, I ask for these promises in prayer.

I ask for a heart firmly fixed for God and not wavering. I ask to be made holy, to have a new spirit, a new temper and disposition; to act from new principles, walk by new rules, and aim at new ends. A new name, will not serve without a new spirit.

Where is Your Holy Spirit today O Lord? I am saved just as I am. (Acts 15:8-10) 

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's masterpiece, created in the Messiah Jesus to perform good actions that God prepared long ago to be our way of life.

It was His purpose, to which He prepared us, by blessing us with the knowledge of His will, and His Holy Spirit producing such a change in us, that we should glorify God by our good conversation, and perseverance in holiness.
December 1, 2024(1 event)

December 1, 2024

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 May our Lord Jesus, the Messiah Himself, and may God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good action and word.

God, even our Father, has loved us.

I can imagine the Lord's love to His disciples, His mother, the apostles, martyrs and great men of God, but it says here that the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself God, should love me, is something to contemplate!

If I take it Galatians 2:20 I see - "Who loved me and gave Himself for me," it is a fact that I am the object of divine affection.
December 2, 2024(1 event)

December 2, 2024

Psalm 8:1  How excellent is Thy name in all the earth.

How bright this glory shines even in this base world.  The birth of Jesus, the Messiah, His life, preaching, miracles, suffering, death resurrection and ascension are known throughout the earth.  No name is as universal nor power and influence so greatly felt as those of the Savior of mankind.  
December 3, 2024(1 event)

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December 3, 2024

Isaiah 57:15  For this is what the High and Lofty One says, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy.  He lives in the height adn in holiness, and also with the one who is of a contrite and humble spirit , to revive the spirit of the humble.

What is man that You are mindful of him?  Psalm 8:4

How shall we that are dust and ashes, speak to the Lord of glory?  Nothing is more likely, nothing more effectual to revive the sad spirits of those who believe, than to be assured of God's love to them.   He is my everlasting confidence, through life, in death at the day of judgment and for evermore.

Psalm 34:7  The angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear Him, and delivers them!

Please embrace this and move on in the Holy Spirit.
December 4, 2024(2 events)

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December 4, 2024

2 Peter 1:19-21  Therefore we regard the message of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp that is shining in a gloomy place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.  First of all, you must understand this; No prophecy in Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, because no prophecy ever originated through a human decision.  Instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

With such a firm and sure word to rest upon, how firm and sure should our faith be.  The Light of Scripture is cast into the blind mind and understanding begins to form.  

Scripture is the revelation of God's will and everyone should search it for understanding of the power and glory and truly divine sweetness of which it is.

Look to the word of God for advice, edification, exhortation and comfort.

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December 4, 2024

2 Peter 1:19-21  Therefore we regard the message of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp that is shining in a gloomy place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.  First of all, you must understand this; No prophecy in Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, because no prophecy ever originated through a human decision.  Instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

With such a firm and sure word to rest upon, how firm and sure should our faith be.  The Light of Scripture is cast into the blind mind and understanding begins to form.  

Scripture is the revelation of God's will and everyone should search it for understanding of the power and glory and truly divine sweetness of which it is.

Look to the word of God for advice, edification, exhortation and comfort.
December 5, 2024(1 event)

December 5, 2024

1 Corinthians 8:6 There is only One God, the Father, from whom everything came into being and for whom we live. And there is only One Lord, Jesus the Messiah, through whom everything came into being and through whom we live.

In Christ Alone - What does that mean?

It means I sacrifice self to submit entirely to Him and expel anything from my life that makes me put my hope and faith elsewhere.

Keep On!

Hebrews 4:16 So let us keep on coming boldly to the throne of grace, so that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Faith in the One Who Knows Me Best

Psalm 139:1-4 Lord, you have examined me; You have known me.
You know when I rest and when I am active.
You understand what I am thinking when I am distant from you.
You scrutinize my life and my rest; You are familiar with all of my ways.
Even before I have formed a word with my tongue, You, Lord, know it completely.

God has perfect knowledge of me; all my thoughts and actions are open before Him. This God, my God, knows all things and is omniscient. He is everywhere, is omnipresent. God notices every step I take, right or wrong. He knows what rule I walk by, what end I walk toward, what company I walk with. He knows what is in my heart, whether great longings or resounding rejections. What wondrous love this is! What amazing love that even as He knows me, He would still die for me.
December 6, 2024
December 7, 2024(1 event)

December 7, 2024

James 4:8  Come close to God and He will come close to you.

If I move toward God, He moves closer to me.   The Father will give me a wise spirit, along with revelation that comes through know Him fully.  Then, I will have the eyes of my heart enlightened and I will know the confidence that is produced by God who called me.  I will know the rich glory that is His inheritance among the saints and the unlimited greatness of His power for me according to His might strength which He brought about in Jesus the Messiah when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right and in the heavenly realm. (Ephesians 1:17-20)

As I align my priorities, my desires, my thoughts and behaviors with what He wills, I find that I am walking with Him.  

John 15:4  Abid in me, and I will abide in you.  Just as the branch cannot produce fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you abide in me.

All God is asking me for is simple, quiet fellowship with Him.  For His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30) 
December 8, 2024(1 event)

December 8, 2024

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest, Take My yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Bullinger says: We shall be "meek," not weak; "lowly," not holy (in ourselves) - no, nothing in or of ourselves; but all found in Him, holy in His holiness, lowly in His lowliness; "meek" in His meekness.

Rest of conscience equals peace with God, which is the portion of all who are justified by faith (Rom. 5:1).

Rest of soul is the same as that peace of God that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:6-7) and is enjoyed by all who learn to commit everything to the Lord.
December 9, 2024
December 10, 2024
December 11, 2024(1 event)

December 11, 2024

Joshua 1:8 This set of instructions is not to cease being a part of your conversations. Meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to carry out everything written in it, for then you'll prosper and succeed. I've commanded you, haven't I? Be strong and courageous. Don't be fearful or discouraged because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Meditating on God's Word brings His truths to memory.

Psalm 63:6 When I think of you in bed, I will meditate on You in the night watches.

Even in trials, I need to be in a frame of mind for praise and value God's loving kindness more than life. David comforted himself with thoughts of God. The mercies of God supported his soul.

Psalm 1:2 He delights in the Lord's instruction and meditates in His instruction day and night.

Focus on the word of God as the rule for our actions and the flow of our comforts.

Psalm 119:15 I will meditate on your precepts and respect your ways.

When read and studied with deep reflection and intentionality, the significance of the words goes deep into my heart, and the Holy Spirit can work through it to transform me from within.

Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is fair, whatever is pure, whatever is acceptable, whatever is commendable, if there is anything praiseworthy, if there is anything praiseworthy, keep thinking about these things. Likewise, keep practicing these things: what you have learned, received, heard, and seen in me. Then, the God of peace will be with you.

This peace will keep my heart and mind through Christ Jesus and keep me from sinking in times of trouble. It will keep me calm with inward confidence.

Take God's word deep into your heart so that the Holy Spirit can work through it to guide, purify, and transform you from within.
December 12, 2024(1 event)

December 12, 2024

Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous. Don't be fearful or discouraged because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Who is sufficient for these things? Who is qualified? 2 Corinthians 2:16

God gives power to the faint and gives might to those without strength. He perfects His strength in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Three sources of Joshua's strength as a leader of God's people:

Faith Luke 16:10 Whoever is faithful with very little is also faithful with a lot.  God's will for our life never comes through the big things but through the little things. If I can meet the slightest responsibility and dignify the smallest duty with the most response of my mind, heart, and personality, one day, God will relieve me of the little things and give me a big thing to do. Don't let past failures keep you from getting back on your feet and moving forward in God's will. Don't be fearful or discouraged.
A distinct Call Joshua 1:5-6 No one will be victorious against you for the rest of your life. I'll be with you just like I was with Moses - I'll neither fail you nor abandon you. One who is assured of the call of God is invincible. A sure calling from God makes a way across rivers and mountains if you go forward with the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "I come not to do my own will, but the will of Him that sent me." (John 6:38)
Indwelling of the Word of God Joshua 1:8 This set of instructions is not to cease being a part of your conversations. Meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to carry out everything written in it, for then you'll prosper and succeed. Through the Spirit of God, the Word of God brings fullness to your life and heart. It brings power and strength by His indwelling Spirit. There is no shortcut to holiness. If I want to be the least bit holy, I must pray to God and meditate on His Word. Jesus' power came from saturating Himself in the Word of God. "It is written..." (Matthew 4:1-11)

John 6:63: The Spirit gives life; the flesh accomplishes nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are Spirit and Life. To be immersed in the Word of God is to be assured of the presence of God. Then, no weapon formed against us shall prosper.

Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid because I am with you; don't be anxious because I am your God. I keep on strengthening you; I'm truly helping you. I'm surely upholding you with my victorious right hand.

Who is sufficient for these things? Who is qualified? One who is faithful called, and filled with the Word of God. I will take all my weaknesses, anxieties, and fears before Him. I will submit to the indwelling power of His blessed Spirit. I will ask for the qualities revealed in Jesus the Messiah to be imparted to me so that they may be real in my life. I will be silent with an open Bible and wait for God to speak. I desire to express heavenly light that the river of God would flow through me as a great blessing to others.
December 13, 2024(1 event)

December 13, 2024

Hebrews 12:1-2  Having so vast a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, and throwing off everything that hinders  us and especially the sin that so easily entangles us, let us keep running with endurance the race set before us, fixing our attention on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter oft he faith, who, in view of the joy set before Him, endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

With an understanding that there will be no rest until I reach heaven, I press on toward the mark and continue my journey for truth and my path to understanding of God's will for my life. I pray fervently that I would be a powerful witness for Him and bear much fruit - "one hundred fold" I truly believe He wills for all to be productive for Him so it is a sure thing that if I ask to be fruitful and multiply, He will allow it.

Therefore, I will onward march with the cross of Jesus going on before.

VCL Directives for this day:

Lay aside weights and sins
Run with endurance your life's path
Walk as a child of Light
Look unto Jesus
December 14, 2024(1 event)

December 14, 2024

Ephesians 6:12  Our struggle is not against human opponents but against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers in the darkness around us, and evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realm.

When faced with overwhelming challenges, take a moment to consider that the Lord has a message for you through His Word. This message can signify the end of your defeat by the impossible and the start of a victorious life that overcomes the world, fueled by your faith in God.

The power to overcome the impossible lies in Jesus Christ. Allow yourself to envision new possibilities for blessing and life. Step out in faith, and approach the brink of the river. It will dry up in the presence of the One who secured victory on the cross for you.

Lord Jesus, I believe that, although I may be unable, You are able.

Colossians 2:15 states that the Messiah disarmed the rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them and triumphing over them on the cross.

Revelation 7:17 assures us that the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs filled with the water of life, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.
December 15, 2024(1 event)

December 15, 2024

John 12:24 Truly, I tell all of you emphatically, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it produces a lot of grain. The one who loves his life will destroy it, and the one who hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me. And where I am, there my servant will also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

A Place of Remembrance 

Remember that all your sins were settled once and for all at Calvary. You must understand that not only did Jesus die for my sins, but I died with Him and in Him. Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me. 2 Cor 5:14 One died for all, then were all dead. Romans 6:4: We are buried with Him by baptism like Christ was raised up, and we should walk in newness of life. You must assent in your mind and heart the truth - that we died with Him. He must increase, and I must decrease. Jesus Only - God is calling me to die with Jesus. 

My calling must magnify the Redeemer. I must know that Christ in me is the hope of glory. I must beg Him to make me indifferent to the trifling concerns of this life so that I may serve the Lord Jesus with a willing mind and follow His holy example.

Questions to ask yourself:

Have you died with Christ?
Have you died to your reputation?
Have you died to your point of view?
Have you died to your self-esteem?
Have you died even to some of the precious, normal, natural things of life that are not God's will for you?
Are you facing life's future with an ambition to serve God?
Is it going to be the mission field, or is it going to be your relationships that haven't been called to the place to which God has called you?

A Place of Resurrection 

A place where reproach has been rolled away.

Ephesians 2:5-6 Even when we were dead because of our offenses, made us alive together with the messiah (by grace you have been saved), raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly realm in the Messiah Jesus.

Victory is found in the liberty with which Jesus Christ has set us free, deliverance from sin. We are not only identified with Jesus in His death, but we are also one with Him in His resurrection, and we are one with Him in His ascension, far above all principalities and powers.

Romans 8:23 Not only the creation, but we who have the first fruits of the Spirit also groan inwardly as we eagerly await our adoption, the redemption of our bodies.

We wait here in the flesh, in a body that quickly fades away. But we have available to us a life that is seated with Him in heavenly places, which, when He ascended into heaven, is poured out into the hearts of believers. In the flesh, I am on the earth, but in the Spirit, I am in heaven. In the flesh, I am subject to the devil. In the Spirit, I am with my Lord in glory.

Which is going to control my life, my body or my spirit? Which will decide my Christian calling, this flesh of mortality and defeat or the Spirit of liberty that Jesus has put within me? Am I going through my Christian life bound as a victim to this body of sin, temptation, and desire? Or by faith, am I going to take my place where I am in Spirit with the Lord Jesus and say to the devil, "Get out. I'll have no part with you."? I have two choices. Either I am going to let myself be victimized by the flesh, or I am going to let myself be conquered by the Holy Spirit.

Faith makes all this real, and only Satan can put doubts in my mind and tell me lies when God's Word says it is true. Any Christian who, by faith, takes his position on victory ground is invincible. If I step in by faith and claim that life which is far above all principality and power, I am beyond and out of reach of the devil.

Victory is only in the measure in which I have been humbled. It is triumph only in the measure I have gone down with the Lord Jesus to the grave.
December 16, 2024(1 event)

December 16, 2024

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah! He has blessed us in the Messiah with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm.

He *has blessed* us. Paul was not writing about something that may be ours when we get to Heaven, but right now, I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus. Understand that He has given us all blessings *now*; it is all ours to enter into and enjoy.

Some of these blessings:

forgiveness of our sins
justification from all things
sanctification in Christ
a robe of perfect righteousness
a heavenly citizenship
a place in the Body of the Messiah
heirs of His riches through the Messiah

Paul writes that my blessings are secure in Heaven, and He calls me in the Spirit to rise to my heavenly citizenship and live in this world as a heavenly man should live. I may draw from God all the resources I need to be more than a conqueror daily as I walk my life path.

I am sitting in heavenly places *in* Christ Jesus not only when I am happy and productive but when I am oppressed with the trials and tribulations. Christ is in the heavens, and God sees me in Him. I am blessed in Him, and all the treasures of Heaven are available to me. I am to draw on them as I need them so that I may be strengthened and rejoice as I go forth in His service in this life.

Allow the cross of Christ Jesus to be impressed on every part of you. Galatians 2:19

Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in union with the Messiah Jesus.

We all reach a point in our lives when the Lord tests the reality of our acceptance of the position God has offered in Christ Jesus. I must believe that Jesus has done it all for me. I must believe He has not left one sin, habit, or failure of my life undealt with. I must believe that in Christ Jesus, all my sins and failures have been disposed of once and for all. I must believe that, and then I am to consent my will and heart to the Spirit of the living God indwelling in me to make this transaction real.

John 15:1-2 I am the true vine, and my Father is the vintner. He cuts off every branch that does not produce fruit in me, and He cuts back every branch that does produce fruit so that it might produce more fruit.

The Spirit of God must write the lessons of His Word deeply in my heart, so deeply that I can proclaim them. I am dependent entirely on the Spirit of God to convict my heart and conscience and make this truth tangible and dynamic in my experience.

As a child of God, no matter how weak, I am in a position, potentially, of complete and absolute victory in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit of God must write the lessons of His Word deeply in my heart, so deeply that I can proclaim them. I depend entirely on the Spirit of God to convict my heart and conscience and make this truth real and dynamic in my experience. Come to the place of absolute renunciation of everything that the Spirit of God reveals to you that is contrary to His will. Ask Him to make Calvary's cross real in your soul, whatever it may cost you.
December 17, 2024(1 event)

December 17, 2024

Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and let a willing attitude control me.

I must learn to enjoy Jesus in my heart. Enjoying an indwelling Lord is essential to proclaiming a living Christ with my mouth.

How long have you been with God in the inner study with an open Bible, and waited on Him? There, your weakness could have absorbed His strength, and His power and peace have calmed your restlessness and feverishness, and your impatience have taken in the grace and patience of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Breathe through the heats of our desire Thy coolness and Thy balm." ¹

My heart is heavy with intense emotions and confusion. I pray for divine intervention to quiet my mind and bring inner peace. If I could but feel a breath of His presence, my mind would be soothed and calmed.

"Drop Thy still dews of quietness till all our striving cease; take from our souls the strain and stress, and let our ordered lives confess the beauty of Thy peace."²

Psalm 23: He prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.

Communion with God is an urgent need of my soul. I thirst for the living water only the living God can provide. My soul desires his constant fountain of life, light, and love.
To see God's face and be seen by Him - I would come into His presence, and my thirst would be satisfied.

Hope in God! In the morning, after a dark and troubled night, I seek His face and hope to be saved from my sadness. I search for the Words that put scorn on my laughing enemies. With all my heart, I desire for joy to be restored, the chains to be removed, and my prison walls shaken. Hope then in God. Seek His presence and be restored. Sow in your heart His words which "grow laurels of future victories, the roses of coming joy, the lilies of approaching peace." (Spurgeon)

I ask for my heart to be healed and restored and receive Your perfect peace. I ask for the oil of joy to be my portion. I put on the garment of praise, worshipping and honoring You. I receive freedom from all oppression in the name of Jesus!
December 18, 2024(1 event)

December 18, 2024

Philippians 4:19 And my God will fully supply your every need according to His glorious riches in the Messiah Jesus.

The Place of Realization - Realize that all my resources are to be drawn from a risen, victorious Lord.

God will fully supply at all times. Though there may be moments in our outward circumstances that cause us to wonder and question Him, and there may be times of mourning and sadness, there is never any pause in the supply of Light from the heavenly throne of God.

Look not only up to Jesus on the cross but up to Him on the throne. It is there that I draw infinite, heavenly power every moment of every day and discover that Jesus the Messiah who died for us is indeed Jesus the Messiah who is my life.

The place of realization is understanding that you are far more important to God than the work you do for Him and that every piece of work He entrusts to you is the means in His hands of causing you to grow into full likeness to the image of Jesus Christ.

Realize the strength and power God has given you by way of the Risen Messiah. Realize that once you step into a new life in the land of blessing and take in the resources from that full supply of His glorious riches, you are appointed a warrior in the battle against evil.

Are you ready to be strong and victorious for God and to see Satan put to the flight? Your ability to attain these good things, to have your longing soul satisfied, guidance and discernment of spiritual strategy, are fully supplied by
Jesus who provides victory from the cross and power from the throne

"When a Christian begins to count upon His presence, to reckon upon His victory, and to draw upon His power, it is like stepping into a totally different world." (Alan Redpath)
December 19, 2024(1 event)

December 19, 2024

Ephesians 6:10-12 Be strong in the Lord, relying on His mighty strength.  Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the devil's strategies.  for our struggle is not against human opponents, but against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers in the darkness around us, and evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realm.

Know the true character of your warfare!

hardness of hearts against the truth and the indifference of men and women to the gospel of Christ

blinded minds of those who believe not

resistance to the Word of God

divided homes

broken hearts

ruined lives

shattered testimonies

These are the battle fronts, and the enemy is turning on all his power, gripping hearts, blinding eyes, and bringing on darkness.

How do we deal with such an enemy?  What is the secret for your victory? Ally yourself with the Captain of the host of the Lord. (Joshua 5:13-15)

11 Corinthians 10:3-4 We are living in the world, but we do not wage war in a world-like way. For the weapons of our warfare are n to those of the world. Instead, they have the power of God to demolish fortresses. We tear down arguments and every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive in order to obey the Messiah.

Ephesians 1:22-23 God has put everything under the Messiah's feet and has made Him the head of everything for the good of the church, which is His body, the fullness of the one who fills everything in every way.

Faith is looking back to Calvary's cross and looking up to the Heavenly throne, and so begins to drive heavenly power and count for God. Faith is in a Lord with unlimited power and authority, and that faith linked to this Lord becomes mighty and powerful.

When feeling weakness and power because of the enemy, perceive the greatness of that mighty power which affects the believer's conversion and is engaged to perfect His salvation.
December 20, 2024(1 event)

December 20, 2024

The place of our oneness with Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection is where we come to understand that He is in us to be our life and our victory and to meet our every need. Yet, there is still a force within our own personality, some weakness of temperament or character. Or a force outside of yourself in families and relationships that have a stronghold on you. How can these forces and strongholds be overcome?

Hebrews 11:30 By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.

By faith, we may be entirely sure of God's providence and His gracious and powerful presence. We have to come to the place where we are prepared to admit that some things in this life are too big for us and that the enemy's power is too great. If our "Jericho" is to fall, God must be the One to somehow bring it about. Before God entrusts us with a real measure of spiritual power, victory, and blessing, He brings us to a place where we have surveyed our Jericho to the point that we see that its conquest is hopeless. If you think you can go it alone, the omnipotent resources of God in Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord, cannot help us.

There will come a time in your life path when you will understand that any victory comes when you get to the place where you fully admit in His presence that you can win your battles yourself. "Oh Lord, I am absolutely helpless."

Link yourself in your weakness and helplessness to the omnipotent power of God. Wait on Him and listen for His voice. Fervently pray, and you will see the enemy begin to be afraid.
December 21, 2024(1 event)

December 21, 2024

"Shout, for the Lord has given you the city."
and the walls came tumbling down.

But then...sin (Joshua 7), the consequences of which affected others

Awaken, reform, and reconcile with God.
O Lord, what will You do for Your great name?

Times of danger and trouble should be times of reformation. Look at home, into your heart, into your house, and do a diligent search to find out if there is not some cursed thing there that God sees and abhors, some secret lust, some unlawful gain, some undue withholding from God or others.

When the sin of sinners finds them out, God is to be acknowledged.
O righteous God, I pray that you distinguish between the innocent and the guilty so they will not be treated as wicked.

God does not make it impossible for his children to sin; He always makes it possible for them not to sin. Defeat may happen in the life of the Christian, but it need not.
Defeat doesn't need to happen, but it may. If it does, it is essential to quickly discover the reasons for failure and immediately seek to remove them.

Reasons for Spiritual Defeat:

Overly self-confident - victory is only in Jesus, not ourselves. Apart from the grace of God and the blood of Jesus, the most minor temptations will be too powerful for us. The victory we won yesterday will not bring you power today. Romans 7:18 For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but I cannot carry it out. But then! 2 Corinthians 12:9 He has told me, "My grace is all you need because my power is perfected in weakness."

Neglect of prayer - failure to pray always makes us insensitive to sin.

Disobedience - 1 John 1:8-9 If we say that we do not have any sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and we're not being truthful to ourselves. If we make it our habit to confess our sins, in His faithful righteousness, He forgives us for those sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

Joshua 7:13 You won't be able to defeat your enemies until you remove what has been turned over to destruction.

Ephesians 6:13 For this reason, take up the whole armor of God so that you may be able to take a stand whenever evil comes. And when you have done everything you could, you will be able to stand firm.
December 22, 2024(1 event)

December 22, 2024

1 Corinthians 9:27 I keep on disciplining my body, making it serve me so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified.

Learn from this humility and caution and watch against surrounding spiritual dangers.
Hebrews:12:14-15 Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up and causes you trouble, or many of you will become defiled.

Bear up under your trials with faith and patience. Faith and patience enable believers to follow peace and holiness, as a one follows his calling constantly, diligently, and with pleasure.

What is the means by which God's mercy and blessing are obtained?
How do I go all in for a holy, dynamic Christian life?
-beliefs must become action
-the bible must be practiced
-life must be holy - by the Holy Spirit in us.

Oh God, how miserably I have failed to yield myself to the Holy Spirit, through whose power alone I can obey!

Walk in the Light as He is in the Light

1 John 1:5-7 God is light, and in Him there is no darkness - none at all. If we claim that we have fellowship with Him but keep living in darkness, we are lying and not practice in the truth. But if we keep living in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Let us plead guilty before God, be humble, and willing to know the worst of our case. Let us honestly confess all our sins in their full extent, relying wholly on His mercy and truth through the righteousness of Christ, for a free and full forgiveness, and our deliverance from the power and practice of sin.

The Law is no longer an obligation, it is a sheer delight to do the will of God and from within him the love of God is shed abroad by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5:5)
Hate what God hates and love what God loves. Grieve and mourn over sin for Jesus' sake and pray "O God, make me holy."
I am constrained to practice devotion and inspiration in my life. I am moved and compelled along because within me there is the fire of the love of Jesus.

Oh, that in me the sacred fire
Might now begin to glow;
Burn up the dross of base desire,
And make the mountains flow,
And make the mountains flow.
(Jesus, Thine All-Victorious Love by Charles Wesley)

Psalm 40:8 I delight to do Your will, my god. Your Law is part of my inner being.

Repent and humble yourself before the Lord quickly because the days are short. Do not trifle with God and play with New Testament holiness. Go to the cross and get right with God! There is no alternative. You must choose between life and death, blessing or cursing. (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Strategy for recovering ground that has been lost.

The Law of Liberty is realizing:

the place that God must have in my life

the way by which I am blessed

the way by which I would be cursed
December 23, 2024(1 event)

December 23, 2024

Philippians 3:13-14 Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I keep pursuing the goal to win the prize of God's heavenly call in the Messiah Jesus.

All our constant struggles as Christians have one objective: full salvation and complete deliverance from sin.

The cause of defeat can be discovered by prayer, but it takes more than prayer to recover the ground we have lost. The process of deliverance is gradual. Applying a divine strategy to our daily living against the master strategist, Satan, is required to outmaneuver his wily, subtle temptations.

Note:  If you are being tempted on all sides and surrounded by tribulations, it is because you are going right through with the will of God in blessing.  

1 John 4:1 Stop believing every spirit. Instead, test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

 In Joshua 9, Joshua and his crowd were deceived. Verse 14 - they did not ask the Lord about the strangers lying to them. They compromised and were easily fooled.   

Neglecting prayer always leads to trouble and destroys the spirit of discernment. Neglect of prayer always suggests pride in our judgment, which is fatal. Spiritual power is cut out of your Christian living when you give Satan even one inch, listen to his persuasive words, and yield in some manner on a part of your life.

What is the answer to matching Satan and his subtle ways? NEVER trust your own judgment. Always lift your heart to God, for the path of faith and blessing may be opposite to what you call common sense. Do not be rushed. Dare to stand still until you have peace with God. Be strong enough and brave enough to dare to stand and wait on God.

Battles may be lost, but don't be disheartened or discouraged. Wars can still be won. God can overrule our sins and mistakes, even turning the harm into a blessing.

O that the flame on the altar of my love for Jesus will burn more brightly, and many will be saved through my life.

What we think may be a curse, the mistake from which we thought we could never be free, which seems to have ruined a testimony for right, is used by God to strengthen prayer life and deepen devotion. God turns the curse into a blessing. The love of God and His extraordinary providence, the matchless grace of Jesus, takes us with all our sins and mistakes and overrules them all to His glory.

Refuse to allow the devil to drag you down and keep you down. Forget the things which are behind and press on to those that are before.  

Philippians 3:13-14 Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I keep pursuing the goal to win the prize of God's heavenly call in the Messiah Jesus.
December 24, 2024(1 event)

December 24, 2024

1 Timothy 6:11-12 Pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the faith. Keep holding on to eternal life, to which you were called and about which you gave a good testimony in front of many witnesses.

There must be a conflict between corruption, temptations, and the powers of darkness. Eternal life is the crown offered for our encouragement. We are called to lay claim thereon.

Learn to conquer and possess all that is ours in a Risen Lord.

We have learned critical lessons:

disobedience and prayerlessness mean inevitable defeat

obedience, constant watchfulness, and utter reliance on the Lord ensure victory.

Faith, action, and ruthless, uncompromising, daring warfare will result in total victory.

I must be uncompromising in my testimony, courageous in my faith, and holy in my life. I must stand in awe and reverence by the presence of God, righteous in conduct, uncompromising in principles, passionate in my devotion to my Savior, sacrificial in my service, transparent in my life, bear the closest scrutiny of my strongest critics from which I would come out unscathed, a holy one of God continually.

How can this be true of me? How do I achieve this lofty list? The answer is found in:

The place of Remembrance - Remember that all your sins were settled once and for all at Calvary's Cross

The place of Resurrection - the place where reproach has been rolled away

The place of Renunciation - Believe that, in Jesus Christ, all my sins and failures have been disposed of once and for all.

The place of Restoration - Commune with God and drink of the living water that only the living God can provide

The place of Realization - Realize that all my resources are to be drawn from a risen, victorious Lord.

The place of Revelation - Know the true character of your warfare.

Maintain these places in your heart and motivations, and you will hold the secret to the power of a victorious Christian life.

Joshua 10:25 Don't fear or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous because this is how the Lord will treat all of your enemies whom you fight.

Declare with confidence, war on everything in your life that is sinful, every crippling thing in your Christian testimony such as jealousy, pride, a critical spirit, a harsh tongue - conquer the enemy in the name of Jesus.
December 25, 2024(1 event)

December 25, 2024

Hebrews 1:3 [Jesus, God's Son] is the reflection of God's glory and the exact likeness of His being, and He holds everything together by His powerful word. After He had provided a cleansing from sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Highest Majesty.

Every truth I learn must be applied by faith and appropriated into my personal life
or else it will mean nothing whatsoever.

If I am to go on with God on this path of life and walk with Jesus in victory and power I will find enough quiet time to reflect on what He has said to me, thank Him for the truth I have received, and lay claim for myself personally what God in Jesus Christ has done for those who believe.

Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high - the victory was won. When the world was breaking into pieces under the wrath and curse of God, because of the fall of man, the Son of God, undertaking the work of redemption, sustained it by His almighty power and goodness, the glory of His grace. Nothing can be added to the finished work of salvation.

Hebrews 10:12 When this Priest had offered for all time one Sacrifice for sins, "He sat down at the right hand of God."

Majesty Rest

The rest of the Savior is the rest of assurance and satisfaction that the work has been completed; all that needed to be done for the salvation of every soul has been accomplished, and therefore, "He sat down."

Seek an interest in this Sacrifice by faith and the seal of it to our souls, by the sanctification of the Spirit to obedience, so that the "law" is written in our hearts, we may know that we are justified and that God will not remember our sins anymore.

Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in union with the Messiah Jesus.

Believe! The Lord may chasten believers but will not be condemned by the world. By their union with Jesus Christ through faith, they are secured.

Ephesians 2:6-8 raised us with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly realm in the messiah Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might display the limitless riches of His grace that comes to us through His kindness in the Messiah Jesus.

The fruit of victory for Christ is rest.

Learn to rest in His strength so that He may mold you until you learn to let the storms of trials and tribulations subside into the rest of Jesus. One at rest lives above the storm, discerns God's wisdom, trusts God's loving heart, and can see God's unfolding plan in each conflict. Keep silent while you wait on the Word of God. Constantly live in touch with the throne. Rest in Jesus. Deep in your heart, this place of rest is a peace that no storm and no sorrow can ever disturb, no matter how unexpected or miserable and hard to bear.

How can this rest be mine?
Forgiveness. Be assured that you are forgiven. There is no need to work toward the Cross to obtain forgiveness because Jesus has done everything to save you. "It is finished!" He cried, "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect (Romans 8:33).

Victory. Child of God, begin to see that Jesus has done everything, that Satan is a conquered enemy and find the rest of victory. The devil cannot touch the life of the child of God who is resting in Jesus, for his life is hidden with Christ in God.

Calm - when our will is surrendered to God, and all its action flows from the power plant of God's will, disappointment becomes His appointment, and life is no longer a ceaseless struggle to get Him to do something that we think He ought to do.

Psalm 37:3-4 Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and feed on faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
December 26, 2024(1 event)

December 26, 2024

Joshua 13:1 Joshua was old, but there was still much land still to be possessed.

Romans 5:20 Now the Law crept in so that the offense would increase. But where sin increased, grace increased even more.

Reflect now on what has been conquered by the grace of God. Humbly and gratefully survey the years of memories that have gone by and carefully recall where the grace of God has triumphed so that you can look into His face and say, "But where sin increased, grace increased even more."

Can you now say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (11 Timothy 4:7)?

Our most profound blessings of the spiritual life cannot be held in the strength of our purpose. They can be ours only in fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom all our inheritance is vested, and from whom we receive every blessing by faith.

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah. He has blessed us in the Messiah with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm.

The experience of defeat can be followed by the relief of finding that the blood of Jesus cleanses and that the Savior is at our hand, by our side, and in our hearts to lead us on with Him. It is this that keeps us pressing toward the goal. He will never leave us or forsake us.

Philippians 3:8-10 What is more, I continue to consider all these things to be a loss for the sake of what is far more valuable, knowing the Messiah Jesus, my Lord. It is because of Him that I have experienced the loss of all those things. Indeed, I consider them rubbish in order to gain the Messiah and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the Law, but one that comes through the faithfulness of the Messiah, the righteousness that comes from God and that depends on faith. I want to know the Messiah - what His resurrection power is like and what it means to share in His sufferings by becoming like Him in His death.

Complete Self-Surrender.

Why live in spiritual poverty? It is only when in our hearts we have accepted the authority of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, and every part of our being is yielded in unconditional surrender to the Trinity, that we may count on victory and seek to possess our possessions in Christ.
December 27, 2024(1 event)

December 27, 2024

Ephesians 1:11-12 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will: that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Those who believe these Divine teachings and see the glory of these truths receive a gracious promise that secures the gift of the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. The Holy Spirit sanctifies, comforts, and seals believers as the children of God and heirs of heaven. These are the first fruits of true and holy happiness. We were made for this, and for this, we were redeemed.

A life of worship - A life of witness

I must always choose the Lord, making this choice, even in a dark and weary journey. He offers me a life of worship, a life of work, and a life of witness. He takes this marred clay that is my life and molds it again into a vessel of honor, sanctified and worthy of the Master's use.

Job 23:10 Because He knows the road on which I travel when He had tested me, I'll come out like gold.
Ephesians 1:4 He chose us in the Messiah before the creation of the universe to be holy and blameless in His presence
Psalm 139:18 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are Thy works and that my soul knows right well.

So Ephesians 1:18 then with the eyes of your hearts enlightened, you will know the confidence produced by God having called you, the rich glory that is His inheritance among the saints.

We should pray daily and see more and more what the hope of our calling is and the riches of the Divine glory in this inheritance.
December 28, 2024(1 event)

December 28, 2024

Joshua 14:14 Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel.

Holy Spirit, illumine my heart! Caleb wholly followed the Lord, and he wholly drove out the enemy.

"Give me the hill country about which the Lord spoke back on that day." Caleb valued the promise that God had given him through Moses. Those who live by faith value that which God's promise gives far above what is provided by his providence only. Caleb did not fear the enemy. Hebron, the promised mountain, was settled on Caleb and his heirs because he followed the Lord God of Israel. Happy are we if we follow Him.

Numbers 14:8 If the Lord delight in us, then He will bring us into the land.

If the Lord has brought you through the wilderness this far (remember now His grace and mercy over the years), know that the Lord delights in you. "Therefore, we are able to overcome"

The land of blessing is inherited only by faith and obedience.

Romans 4:20-21 (Abraham) did not doubt God's promise out of a lack of faith. Instead, his faith became stronger, and he gave glory to God, being absolutely convinced that God would do what He had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness."

My journey may be dark or lonely, but God loves me. I know the reward will be mine; I will inherit the promise through faith and patience. My faith does waver sometimes, and I shrink from the battle of life. I am not continually alert to the enemy and don't always look to Jesus. I have been discouraged in my struggle to go on with God and have been tempted to complain. Yet, I am a sinner saved by grace!

I will catch a glimpse of Jesus now. I will look back and remember the pit from which I was saved, look back at the peace that came into my life, and remind my heart that my faith is founded on the conviction that "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16)

Catch a glimpse of the reward of obedience, sufficient to keep you true for all the rest of your life and which will bring you to the place that God has promised you. Have faith like Caleb based on an unshakeable conviction that the Lord delights in you. Does He delight in you? Look back at Calvary's cross. Indeed, God has shown His love toward us beyond all doubt in that "while were were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

2 Corinthians 4:16 This is why I am not discouraged. No, even if outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are being renewed each and every day.
December 29, 2024(1 event)

December 29, 2024

Joshua 17:18, but the hill country will also belong to you. Even though it's a forest, you will clear it and possess it to its farthest borders. You'll drive out the Canaanites, even though they have iron chariots and even though they're strong.

This verse is about faithfulness to the Lord and constant, persistent endeavor after holiness of life.

Personal Note:  These daily devotionals are truly my own daily devotional. It's what I'm working through myself each day. Today's entry is somewhat disjointed, so I must post these bits and pieces without much continuity.

Here are the questions I'm asking myself today:

Are you living to capacity right where you are?

What are you doing about it where you are, in the lot given to you?

What about the trees in your life that mar your vision, block your progress, and rob you of your victory?

How does my heart expand to receive more and more of Jesus?

Alan Redpath's Commentary on this verse: He will keep you where you are until you have occupied and lived to capacity just there, and until - in the place in which you are serving, in the lot that He has given you, up to the capacity of your heart for Christ - the enemy has been vanquished. The call of the Word is the constant, relentless, personal, ceaseless call to conflict and conquest. "Cut down the wood," says the Word of God. Faith must strike at the root of sin; the dead wood must go. The seeming impossibilities that face us are only to show what God can do to answer our faith, for within us is all the power of His indwelling Spirit.

Cut down the trees in your life that mar your vision! If I fail in the small portion allotted to me now, God can never trust me with anything greater.

In the light of the Cross of Christ:

the enemy has no right to dwell in you

his claim to your life was taken from him at Calvary

sin has no right to a foothold in the life of the child of God

Satan has no power in the presence of Omnipotence

by His blood and His resurrection; Jesus Christ is pledged to destroy the enemy utterly.

The indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, there is strength for every temptation, grace for every trial, and
power to overcome every difficulty

When by His power I have possessed my present sphere and have overcome the enemy where I am, He will enlarge my opportunity.

Prayer, "O God, make me more like my Savior. Increase my capacity and increase grace but go before me to cut down these trees that mar my vision and root out the sin in my heart that allows the enemy to continue 'dwelling in the land'
Let the capacity of my heart and the understanding of my mind increase as the years go by.

The capacity to receive the grace of God and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit is measured by the character of your obedience and your faith.

Get rid of the thing that robs you of victory, and grace will be poured into your life.

Desire greater obedience, discipline, faith, and fuller and more complete allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ, and your capacity will be unlimited. You will grow in it.
Christian growth depends on whether we expand spiritually and receive more grace. Therefore, we may be entrusted by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with a greater sphere of service, opportunity, and testimony.
December 30, 2024(1 event)

December 30, 2024

Joshua 18:3  How long will you delay taking possession of what the Lord has given you?

Secrets of how to live in the land of blessing
Perils to Avoid

Within a Christian, a fountain of life must be discovered. Pressing into that land of blessing means self-denial and sacrificing worldly habits and sins. There is no time to take a breather. No war is won on furlough. Do not cease expecting God to do great things.

Principles to Follow
Love the Lord your God, hold fast to the Lord your God (Joshua 23:8). Guard against apostasy, which results in defeat, discomfort, and disgrace.   

Safeguards
Obedience (Joshua 23:6) Do not neglect prayer, Bible study, and time alone with God.
 Separation (Joshua 23:7-8) Keep transparently clear of worldliness
Devotion to God (Joshua 23:11)  Love the Lord your God.      Take heed to love. Love is the greatest safeguard against walking carelessly, prayerlessness of spirit, and coldness of heart. 
Privileges We May Enjoy

Love is of God - God is love 
John 4:14. Whoever drinks the water that I will give him will never become thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become a well of water for him, springing up to eternal life.

John 14:21  The person who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by My Father, and I, too, will love and reveal myself to him.

To enjoy salvation and living in spiritual power to the full is a great blessing.
December 31, 2024(1 event)

December 31, 2024

Joshua 24:15  Choose you this day whom you will serv; ...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and truth
Choose this day whom you will serve.
I will serve the Lord!

Living Victorious in the Christian life is the key that unlocks the door to a new revelation of truth, a more profound experience of spiritual life, and a new anointing for the service of God. When truth takes hold of my heart, it becomes part of my experience. When I can speak of things I know and have learned, things I have proved and felt, Christian service is no longer overworked but overflowing.

Philippians 1:6 I am convinced of this, that the one who began a good action among you will bring it to completion by the Day of the Messiah Jesus.

Press on with God and be hungry for all He has for you in Christ. Claim Him by faith. Your experience enlarges as your capacity increases, your life becomes greater, and your self becomes smaller, and Jesus Christ becomes the altogether lovely One (Song 5:16)

"To myself, I will show a heart of steel, to my fellow man a heart of love, to my God a heart of flame." Augustine
January 1, 2025(1 event)

January 1, 2025

1 Peter 4:17-18 The time has come for judgment, to begin with the household of God. And if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who refuse to obey the gospel of God? "If it is hard for the righteous person to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and sinful person?" (Proverbs 11:31) So then, those who suffer according to God's will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do what is good.

The only way to keep the soul healthy is to commit it to God by prayer and patient perseverance in well-doing.

To Obey the Gospel of God

To obey the gospel is to act by God's will. (Romans 14:7-8; Ephesians 1:11)
My authority is God the Father (Romans 9:19-21; 13:1-2)
Obedience to the gospel requires unyielding commitment and patient endurance.

To obey the gospel means:

Believing in God the Father (Hebrews 11:6; John 10:38; John 11:25-27; 14:8-11)

Believing all that He has done for us in Jesus Christ (John 3:14-16)

putting faith and trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior: "And anyone who believes in God's Son has eternal life."

Repenting of sin (Acts 3:17-20); 8:22; 20:21; James 4:8-10)

Discipleship

Submit to Him and obey His Word (John 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10; 1 John 2:3-6, 3:21-24; 5:3)

Die to selfish desires (2 Corinthians 5:15; Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 4:2)

Take up your cross and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24)

Humbly serve others, loving them sacrificially (John 13:12-17; 15:9-14; 1 John 4:7-21)

Suffer for the sake of Christ (Acts 14:21-22; Philippians 1:29; 2 Timothy 3:10-12; James 1:2; 1 Peter 3:14)

Live for Christ - make it my aim to do His will and please Him in everything (Romans 14:7-8; 2 Corinthians 5:9, 15; 1 Peter 4:2)

Obedience will make you worthy for His kingdom

My aim is to do His will and please Him in everything.
January 2, 2025(1 event)

January 2, 2025

Proverbs 16:9  A person plans his way but the Lord directs his steps

I may think I am making my own way, but in reality the Lord is leading me through interesting paths for my discipline and blessing.

Proverbs 16:1  People plan but the end result is from the Lord

Proverbs 16:3  Entrust your work to the Lord, and your planning will succeed.

Recognize and respond to opportunities God sends your way.

Further study:

Proverbs 19:21

Proverbs 20:24

Proverbs 21:30

Psalm 37:23

Isaiah 46:10

Jeremiah 10:23
January 3, 2025(1 event)

January 3, 2025

Joshua 3:5  Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.

I must expect and prepare to pass ways I have not passed before. But in these paths of life, I may walk in bold cheerfulness - whether called to suffer pain, persecution, or poverty, I am following the Author and Finisher of my faith. (Hebrews 12:2) Faith will see the prints of the Redeemer's feet, which I will follow.

John 14:3 If I am going away to prepare a place for you, I will come back again and welcome you into my presence so that you may be where I am.

Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise.

Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee.

Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.

Take My Life and Let It Be - by Frances Ridley Havergal
January 4, 2025(1 event)

January 4, 2025

John 9:1-3 As He was walking along, He observed a man who had been blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned this man or his parents, that caused him to be born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned. This happened so that God's work might be revealed in him. I must do the work of the one who sent me while it is day. The night is approaching when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

Jesus healed many who were blind by disease or accident. Here, He cured the born blind. This showed His power to help in the most desperate cases and the work of His grace upon the souls of sinners, which gives sight to those blind by nature.

The blind man could not see Jesus, but Jesus could see him.
Uncommon calamities are not always to be thought of as special punishment for sin. Sometimes, they are for the glory of God and to manifest His works.

Charles Spurgeon tells a story of an elderly Christian born blind and a happy saint. One day, speaking with another believer, he said, "You know, I have so much more to give thanks for than you." "What! More than I?" the other exclaimed. "why, I have been able to see for years!" The blind man looked up with those sightless eyes. He said, "Oh, yes, but you have had to see so many things that have been disagreeable and distressing, so many faces that were unkind and angry and unholy, but the first face that I shall ever see will be the face of my blessed Savior, who loved me and gave Himself for me. So, I have more to be thankful for than you." It takes the grace of God to enable one to speak like that.

Settle in your mind and put your heart's trust in Him so that someday you will have reason to thank and praise Him even for the things that have caused you the greatest sorrow and made you weep the bitterest tears.
January 5, 2025(1 event)

January 5, 2025

Proverbs 4:23-27 Above everything else guard your heart, because from it flow the springs of life. never talk deceptively and don't keep company with people whose speech is corrupt. Let your eyes look directly ahead; fix your gaze straight in front of you. Carefully measure the paths for your feet, and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.

Lately, a feeling of inevitable change seems to lurk around me. There are so many fronts on which change can occur. Change, in the past, was mostly unexpected. Now, change is inevitable. There will be changes in parents as they get older. There will be changes in family members that deal with health issues. There will be changes with children as they grow up and make their way.

But my constant is the Word of God. In this time when change is no longer unexpected, Scripture must be my simple revelation as to what God will do for me, in me, and through me. I must have quiet faith in His sufficient grace.
My battle is not against flesh and blood, but against Satan and his demonic forces that use flesh and blood to oppose the Lord's work. If I hope to win the war and finish the work, I must use the spiritual equipment God has provided (Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:1-6)

How can I be compassionate on this day? How can I mourn what has been lost but give care outside of myself and my pain - for I am not desolated. Allow me to see this burden transformed into a blessing.

O Lord, help me to be a godly visionary who sees the invisible, chooses the imperishable, and does the impossible. Help me measure my problems by the greatness of God, not by my weakness and inexperience. Please help me to stand by faith like Nehemiah and change my world.

James 4:7-8, 10 Submit yourself therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.