“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor--Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever-- the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.”
‭‭JOHN‬ ‭14:16-17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In our last Grace for Today we looked at Part 1, of what I call The Great Exchange -Jesus is Leaving.

Jesus broke the news to His disciples that His time was up with them and that He was leaving.  

It was all part of the Father’s PERFECT plan!

After Jesus talks of His departure, He reveals what’s next:

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor--Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever-- the Spirit of Truth....”

Here’s the The Passion Translation:

“And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Savior, the Holy Spirit of Truth, who will be to you a friend just like me—and he will never leave you.” 

The Great Exchange would take place when the Holy Spirit would come in the place of Jesus.

The Holy Spirit would not only be all that Jesus was to them but the Holy Spirit would not only come to dwell with them, continually, but He would live in them.

We see God’s perfect plan on unfolding!

I’m sure it was a very difficult time for the disciples but once these things transpired and they looked back on what had happened, they would see the perfection of God at work!

His plan includes you!

Romans 8:28 brings this out.

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”
‭‭ROMANS‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In our next edition of Grace for Today I will share more on The Great Exchange

“Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now
I say to you.

Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.”
‭‭John‬ ‭13:33, 36‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In today’s Scripture Jesus is telling His disciples that He would be leaving them. This all transpired at what we call the last supper.

It had to have been a shock to the disciples to hear these words coming out of Jesus’s mouth. 

The disciples had given up everything to follow Jesus. Disciples left their jobs and their businesses behind. They left their homes and their families to be with Jesus. 

Now He’s leaving us! Really!

They have spent the last three years or so living with the Master and having the Master take care of them. 

He is THE ANSWER to everything!

Not only have they seen Jesus performing amazing miracles of healing and deliverance but they themselves would as well.

Jesus took care of his entire ministry team. They lacked absolutely nothing and always had more than enough to live on and to do the work of the ministry.

What an amazing faith adventure they have been on! Things are rolling right along!

The Master is leaving! Now what?

Right after Jesus breaks this news to the disciples He IMMEDIATELY tells them:

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:1-3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

My friend, you see the Father ALWAYS has the perfect plan in place for your life.

After telling His disciples He would be leaving, He instructs them to not let themselves be fearful or troubled.

We have the advantage of knowing exactly what happened after Jesus left, because we can read all about it in the Scriptures.

They could not pick up their genuine leather, thumb indexed Bibles to read all about what would transpire. 

They may not have had the written Word to refer to, but they had the Word Himself with them. 

Jesus offers comfort, that this separation is only temporary.

Next week we will look at part two of The Great Exchange.

The Father has an amazing plan and faith adventure to take you on. If you will listen and follow Him!

I would encourage you to follow Him boldly, confidently knowing, that He will take you on the most amazing faith adventure.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This is one of those Scriptures that really catches my attention. For me it’s like a bright neon sign flashing in the middle of a dark night. It can’t be missed!

It’s blunt and to the point.

He didn’t say if you love Me try to do what I’ve commanded. Give it your best effort and if you don’t succeed that’s OK.

Because it’s not OK! 

We don’t get a pass on this one!

When you look at what Jesus has had to say it will serve us well if we look at His words of instruction as commandments rather than suggestions.

This goes not only for the written Word of God but also for His leading by the Spirit.

Your rejection of Him speaking to you by the Spirit, to your inner man, reveals a lack of respect for Him.

We can’t disrespect Him and love Him at the same time.

Your our love for Jesus is revealed in your obedience to His instructions, both from the Scriptures and Him speaking to you.

Your inward witness.

I like the way The Passion Translation reads. 

“Loving me empowers you to obey my commands.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:15‬ ‭TPT‬‬

I really like that! 

Loving Him empowers us to obey. 

It’s not a forced obedience because it’s a choice on our part. We can elect to do what He says or not. 

It’s entirely up to us and we can always be confident that He will grace us to carry out His instructions for our lives.

He will help us, He will empower us! 

Father God we love You and thank You for Your Word that speaks to us. We also thank You that You are also speaking to us by the Spirit. 

Father we thank You for Your grace, Your empowerment, to carry out Your instructions.  We give You all the praise and the glory in Jesus Name.

It’s exciting day to be alive and expect great things to be happening because He is with you every step of the way!

“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:15-18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Glory to God it is a great day to be alive and serving the King of Kings.

We are so excited about what God is doing in the earth today and we are excited about what He desires to do through you.

You are very special to Him! You are one of a kind, there is no one like you. No one like you ever before and there will be only one of you to walk this planet. Ever!

You are special to God!

Special to Him and special to the work that He has called you to do.

In our Scripture today, Jesus is commissioning His disciples, instructing them in what they are to do after He is gone.

This work that He has been doing in His ministry was to be continued by them.

He told them:

• Cast out devils
• They would speak with new tongues
• They could expect God to supernaturally care and protect them
• Lay hands on the sick

This commissioning is not just for those 12 but it’s for you and I today!

This is our commission as long as we are living and breathing on planet earth. Many believers are wondering what God would want them to do with their lives. Well here’s where you start!

“And the apostles went out announcing the good news everywhere, as the Lord himself consistently worked with them, validating the message they preached with miracle-signs that accompanied them!”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:20‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Friend, you have been commissioned by the Master “to go” and Jesus will be working with you validating the message with miracles.

That is awesome and it doesn’t get any better than that! Jesus Himself is with you every step of the way!

So let’s not you and I delay any longer but as Larry the Cable Guy likes to say "Git-R-Done!

“Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭11:1-2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

God’s plan is for the Kingdom of God to be manifested and revealed in the earth, in this age. 

Our current home, earth, is filled with pain and suffering. It’s all around us and is impacting each of us, in someway.
What we see in the pain and suffering was not God’s original plan for you and I. Before Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden and disobeyed God there was no pain and suffering. There were no tears to be wiped nor bodies to be healed.

How it was before the fall and as it is in Heaven, is to be on earth! Right now!

We know in Heaven there is no pain and suffering, no tears to be shed. There, we will as believers, get to enjoy that.

But here in this life, this current life, there is too much pain and suffering!

If we are not careful it is very easy to be consumed with all the nastiness, and to focus in on it. If you do your hope and your faith will fade away.

I am not suggesting that we not understand what is happening around us but let’s always remember that God has an answer, and a plan to alleviate it.

Focus on the solution not the problem!

Jesus would do this through not only through His ministry and His disciples but through you and I as well.

What they started under the anointing of God we are to continue today! It is the anointing that breaks the yoke of all bondage!

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭10:38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

That same anointing that Jesus and the disciples operated in is available to us today.

We are not waiting to enjoy the benefits of Kingdom living when we reach Heaven but we can enjoy those Heavenly benefits now.

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ...”
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭5:20‬ NKJV

We are Kingdom representatives, Ambassadors for Christ.

Paul said this of himself “for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

So as His representatives, His Ambassadors what are we to do?

Let’s understand that God’s desire is for His Kingdom to be established in the earth, today. I believe there is some misconception that this will only occur with the second coming of our Lord Jesus.

“The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall praise You, O LORD, And Your saints shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, And talk of Your power, To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, And the glorious majesty of His kingdom.Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭145:9-13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Notice what it says! This gives us a glimpse into what we as His Ambassadors are to be doing.

“They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, And talk of Your power, To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, And the glorious majesty of His kingdom.”

Oh my friend His Kingdom is glorious! And that’s what we need to be doing, not only talking about how great it is, but demonstrating what Kingdom life is like.

“Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: “Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10:5-8‬ ‭MSG‬‬

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In today’s Grace for Today, God shows us through Ephesians 6 we are to be well dressed, ready for battle, wearing the armor of God. 

As I was reading this Scripture God quickened to my spirit what is found in verse 17.

He said we are to take, ”THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD.”

Let’s look at several other translations:

Amplified Bible Classic, “the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.”

Gods Word, “the sword that the Spirit supplies.”

He told us earlier in this chapter that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. This is something we must always remember.

It’s not the seen but the unseen we need to focus on. The spirit behind the activity.

Our battle is not against flesh and blood. Therefore the battle is not fought with physical weapons but weapons of the Spirit.

GOD’S WORD IS POWERFUL, IT’S SUPERNATURAL, IT’S A WEAPON!

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When Jesus was tempted by the devil He said “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭KJV‬

Jesus was quoting what we find in the book of Deuteronomy.

“man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭8:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

THE WORD OF GOD IS YOUR WEAPON THAT YOU USE AGAINST THE DEVIL!

The devil hates you because he hates God and he can’t take God out but he will try to take you out.

The devil will attempt to steal from you, kill you and destroy you. That’s his goal.

Take action today against the enemy in any area that he has come to steal, kill and destroy within your life or the lives of your loved ones. Take action today against his activity in the governments of the world or where ever God directs you to release His Word over a situation.

As you take up the Sword of the Spirit, declaring what God has said regarding the situation, you don’t have to physically be there to do battle.

You could be driving in your car or sitting in your living room and doing battle with those evil forces in your neighborhood or on the other side of the world.
God has given you the authority to do just that using the authority of His Word.

Jesus Himself said the words that He spoke are Spirit and life.

“It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:63‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

I like the way the Message Bible phrases it.

“The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower don’t make anything happen. Every word I’ve spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is life-making.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:63 MSG‬‬

His Word is life-giving!

Look what God said to Jeremiah regarding His Word.

“Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1:12‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

“to see that my word is fulfilled.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Imagine that! He is watching and looking for us to be bold enough to speak and declare His Word. Glory to His Name!

As you declare His Word, God and all of Heaven’s resources are made available and activated to bring to pass that which you have declared from His Word!

SO WHAT’S IN YOUR HAND?

Father we thank You for Your precious Word and for all that You have provided for Your children. We are so blessed!!

Linda and I want to thank you for partnering with this ministry through your prayers and financial gifts as God directs. 

We love you and boldly declare Jesus is Lord!

Ron and Linda

“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10:1, 7-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Glory to God it is a great day to be alive and serving the King of Kings. It is the Fourth of July, America’s Independence Day.

Happy Fourth of July to you and your family!

We are so excited about what God is doing in the earth today and we are excited about what He desires to do through you.

You are very special to Him! You are one of a kind, there is no one like you. No one like you ever before and there will be only one of you to walk this planet. Ever!

Special to Him and special to the work that He has called you to do.

In our Scripture today, Jesus is commissioning His disciples, instructing them in what they are to do.

The work that He has been doing in His ministry was to be continued by them, after He leaves.

He told them:

• Preach the Gospel
• Heal the sick
• Cleanse the lepers
• Raise the dead
• Cast out devils

Here’s what we need to grasp today, is that this commissioning is not just for those 12 but it’s for every believer!

It’s our assignment as long as we are living and breathing on planet earth.

Many believers are wondering what God would want them to do with their lives. Well here’s where you start!
You have been commissioned by the Master “to go.” Sometimes I wonder why we wait, when He was very clear. He said go!

Too many have bought into the lie of the enemy that this commissioning is for just a select few. You know, those called to full-time ministry. Those apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. 

No, no, a 1000 times no! He has commissioned you and I to go!

Here’s something from Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke I saw on his Facebook page.

“By Faith twelve men (the Apostles) set out to tell the world about Jesus. One man (Paul) set out to demolish the ancient gods of Greece and Rome. Although emperors raged against them…THEY STILL DID IT! Well, Caesar had Paul beheaded in Rome, but 2,000 years later we still call our sons Paul and not Caesar. By faith we will cover the earth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. FOR SURE.  God bless you.”
Reinhard Bonnke

We have been commissioned by our Lord to tell the world about Jesus!

On this, America’s Independence Day, let us declare to all that liberty and freedom is available for all!

People can be set free from condemnation, sin, sickness, disease and poverty, in the mighty Name of Jesus!

Father we thank You that you are sending us out into our neighborhoods, villages, cities, states and around the world to declare there is freedom and liberty in the finished work of Your Son.

Thank You for Your anointing and for Your Word to carry out this assignment. We ask for a holy boldness to declare these truths.

And Father this we know and declare, that whom the Son sets free is truly free indeed!

“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭4:20-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Growing up as a kid I really enjoyed listening to the heavyweight fights on the radio.  From time to time I would hear the announcer declare that one of the fighters was staggered by a punch. Almost brought down by the blow!

I pictured the fighter staggering back on his heels, wobbling and dazed. The referee steps in and starts counting one, two, three, four; it doesn’t look good, he’s on the verge of being counted out and losing the fight. Well the battered fighter regains enough of his senses and the referee says fight on.

Knowing he’s ready to finish this guy off the aggressor moves in, when all of a sudden his dazed opponent gathers himself and starts landing powerful blows to the body in return. Things have turned! 
 
The dazed one is now pummeling his opponent and with one wicked upper cut he knocks him to the canvas.  
 
The referee steps in and begins counting one, two, and three, all the way to 10. Unable to get up off the canvas the referee raises the arm of the fighters gloved fist, he has won by a knockout. He is the victor!

Today’s Scripture is about Abraham and his trust in what God had promised would come to pass. He would become the father of many nations.
 
Take a moment and read Romans chapter 4. Abraham is about 100 years old and his wife Sarah is old as well and has never been able to have children. Kids? Really?
 
But God! 
 
God told Abraham he would be the father of many nations. Childless.... yet God said it. Abraham knew it would happen. He was convinced!
 
Abraham waited 25 years for God’s promise to be fulfilled. That’s a long time to wait, but He did. He stayed in faith and “staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief”
 
Doubt and unbelief will cause you to stagger!
 
Like that heavyweight fight, the enemy wants to knock us out! 
 
The enemy will try to stagger you with thoughts of failure, a bad doctor’s report and an unexpected bill.
 
But God!
 
Let’s be like Abraham! No matter what happened in his life, he stayed in faith. 
 
When difficulties came he did not stagger through unbelief but he stayed in faith.
 
Feed your faith starve your doubts!

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:26‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I think I know the answer to this question but I’m going to ask it anyhow. Have you ever been stuck? Stuck not knowing what to do?

Of course you have, we all have been there at one time or another. Frustrated because things aren’t working out and we don’t know how to fix it or do it.
Well we may not know how to fix it or do it, but God does! 

As a born-again believer you have the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, living in you. 

He’s the GREAT problem solver!

Remember with God all things are possible, Mark 10:27.

Jesus said the Holy Spirit is His Helper!
(He’s also called our Comforter, Counselor, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby)

He’s our Helper to help us in anything we need help with.

Isn’t that amazing? And it doesn’t matter what kind of information you need, He has the answer.

​Don’t know what to say?

“For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour and moment what [you] ought to say.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:12‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Don’t know how to fix it or what to do? The Helper will help you!

Here are a few Scriptures on God’s willingness to lead you.

“He leads the humble in doing right...”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭25:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“He leads me beside peaceful streams...”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Even there Your hand shall lead me...”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“He leads me in the paths of righteousness...”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

No matter what the situation that you need help with, even the most practical of situations, the Holy Spirit is your Helper!

​Today is Your Day of Victory
"Always remember what is written in the Book of the Teachings. Study it day and night to be sure to obey everything that is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything."
‭‭Joshua 1:8 NCV

Praise the Lord my friend what a great God we serve!

As I write this I hear the Lord saying, “today is your day of victory, expect it”

God has provided everything you need to be victorious today! And the key to your victory is found in your relationship with Him and His Word.

He told Joshua that if he was willing to study the Word and do what it says, he would be wise and successful in everything he did.

That is a promise from God to you and I today!

I’ll tell you what, I am for successful in every area of our lives. Every area!

You can see victory in your relationships, in your health, in your finances. Wherever you need to see victory He has provided everything you need to accomplish that, today!

Thank you Jesus!

“Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.
Matthew 14:24-26 MSG
​
In today’s Scripture from Matthew 14, it’s been a very long and demanding day for the disciples and Jesus. They’ve been helping Jesus with His preaching, teaching and finally feeding as many as 15,000 men, women and children. 

Once all the ministry was accomplished Jesus told his disciples to get in the boat and go across the sea of Galilee to the other side. 

He would send the multitude home and go up into the hills, to be alone, and pray into the night.

“Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.
Matthew 14:24-26 MSG

What a mess these 12 disciples found them selves in! After that incredible day of ministry, here they are in the early morning hours, in the middle of a terrible storm.

I’m sure they were worn out and obviously scared out of their minds!

Matthew‬ ‭14:26‬ ‭from the Complete English Version says “They were terrified and started screaming.”

That was a bad scene! Things didn’t look good!
‭
But here comes Jesus and He was quick to comfort them. He wasn’t going to leave them in that condition. Nor will He leave you in that condition as well!

“Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14:24-30‬ ‭MSG‬‬

I hadn’t really thought much about this before today, but as I’ve been looking at this Scripture, I see how the voice and words of the Master produced a perfect calm in Peter.

I mean he went from being terrified and screaming, to being perfectly calm. Stepping out of the boat and walking on upon those wind whipped, thrashing waves.

How could that happen? How can a person go from being terrified and screaming to being at peace?

Well Peter took to heart what Jesus said and I think that's a wonderful word of instruction for you and I today!

“Jesus spoke to them at once. “Courage!” he said. “It is I. Don't be afraid!” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭GNT‬‬

Those words from the Master had a tremendous affect on Peter. 

All fear left him and faith came!

Peter was always very bold and sometimes very presumptuous. Sometimes he was right and sometimes he was wrong! 

But I like that about him, he was willing to step out even if he might be making a mistake.

Think about this! There were 11 other disciples in that boat. But Peter was the only one, that could muster up the courage to ask Jesus if he could join Him on the water.

Peter was willing to take a step of faith, glory to God!

He wanted to be where Jesus was!

Yes he would take his eyes off the Lord at a point during his walk on the water. And yes he would start the sink because of that, but he got out of the boat!

​There will be many occasions in our life where we will have to decide whether we stay in the boat or get out. Whether we are willing to risk the criticism of others or the possibility of failing.

Be very strong and very courageous God told Joshua (Joshua 1) and that’s exactly the way we should live our Christian lives!

So let's get out of the boat today!

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
‭‭I John‬ ‭5:14-15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

And from Matthew 7:11 from the Passion Translation it makes this comparison, with an earthly father and our Heavenly Father:

“If you, imperfect as you are, know how to lovingly take care of your children and give them what’s best, how much more ready is your heavenly Father to give wonderful gifts to those who ask him?”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:11‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Take a moment and meditate on what our Heavenly Father wants to do for you today, and each and every day.

“How much more ready is your Heavenly Father to give wonderful gifts to those who ask Him.”

He’s your much more ready God! Ready to act on your behalf!

Confidence is such a powerful word and without it we are headed for defeat!

Confidence is knowing beyond any shadow of doubt.

Confidence is knowing that you know, deep down on the inside of you, that God will take care of this situation or need.

Confidence is always yes and amen!

A person with confidence is a person who is willing to step out in faith. In spite of the circumstances or resources. 

Why? Because our confidence is in Him!

To the baseball player stepping up to the plate trying to hit a 100 mph fastball, must have confidence that they can hit the ball.

“And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:14-15‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Our confidence is not in our ability, but it is to be founded upon His ability and resources. 

Go to Him boldly and confidently.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Oh what a precious promise God has given us! His invitation is always open to us as His children!

“Come boldly unto the throne of grace.”
​
“The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Come He says and join Me and tell Me what it is you desire. Ask of Me and I will give it to you.

He’s waiting your arrival today!

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Several years ago we replaced our little Volkswagen Beetle with a brand new vehicle. And I remember the first time sitting behind the wheel at the dealership looking at all the different buttons, switches and touch screen  wondering how all of this stuff worked.

It was way too complicated compared to our little VW. We decided this vehicle was to be ours and before leaving the dealership the salesman gave me a crash course on how some of the buttons and switches worked.

I must admit thinking , as I was headed home, do I know enough about this vehicle to even drive it home, safely?

Well fortunately I didn’t wreck! First thing I did after we got home and admired the car a little I get out the owners manual and started to read. Well we did figure out how things worked.

I wanted to share that story because God has given us His “owners manual” which shows how everything works and operates in the Kingdom of God.

Look at the Word of God, His owners manual, as your personal owners manual given to you by God.

Because that’s exactly what He did!

Unless we know what’s in the owners manual, we won’t know how His Kingdom operates. In the natural world there are physical laws but in the Kingdom of God there are spiritual laws.

How those spiritual laws work and operate are found in His Word.

We must get in the Book. We have got to know what’s in the Book, or we will wreck!

Our lives are dependent on that and so are the lives of those we influence.

We must, read the Word, meditate in the Word, know the Word, recite the Word and be a doer of the Word!

God spoke directly to Joshua and told him exactly what he must do to succeed in leading God’s people:

“Never stop reciting these teachings. You must think about them night and day so that you will faithfully do everything written in them. Only then will you prosper and succeed.”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭GW‬‬T

Paul’s instruction, by the Holy Spirit, to Timothy whom he was discipling and training him for the ministry, said this:

“Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

The Word of God is like the blood that flows through your veins. Without it you will die!

The Word of God is like the oxygen you breathe. Without it you will die!

The 119th Psalm is all about the Word. I would encourage you to read and meditate on this Psalm. There are 176 verses in this Psalm so it’s a long one, but I want you to see how much David loved God’s instructions.

Take your time don’t be in a hurry and allow the Holy Spirit to help you!

“I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:14-16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:1-2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭5:18-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In today’s Scripture, which is a wonderful example of the love friends have for one another and their faith-filled determination, that would see their friend healed!

That’s what I would call some awesome friends who would do anything to get their sick friend to Jesus!

This same event is also recorded in other places in Scripture:

“Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭2:5‬ ‭KJV

In every one of these instances recorded in Scripture Jesus saw the faith of these men. 

It says He saw their faith! 

There is a demonstration of faith, when real faith is being acted upon. You can see it in action!

James says that faith without works, a corresponding action, is dead. 

I like the way the Message Bible brings this Scripture from James out:

“I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, “Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I’ll handle the works department.” Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.”
‭‭James‬ ‭2:18‬ ‭MSG‬‬

In other words, if there is no tangible evidence of your faith there is no faith.

We can talk all day about how much we believe and trust God. Even quote all the right Scriptures but are we acting out our faith? Putting feet to our faith we might say.

Real faith, faith that has been released, can be seen.

Now our faith is not in what we see but in what is not seen.

The world says, seeing is believing. But true Bible faith doesn’t work that way!
Thomas, one of Jesus’s disciples, was told by the other disciples, they had seen the Lord, alive after His resurrection. But Thomas would not believe unless he saw some physical evidence. 

“The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
‭‭John‬ ‭20:25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Thomas would believe and go on to be a powerful Apostle and Missionary, taking the Gospel to India. It was there that he was martyred for his faith in 72 AD.

Faith says I believe, not because I have seen it, but because I believe.

For that sick man and his wonderful friends that him to Jesus, Jesus saw their faith.

Is there something in your life of faith that Jesus can see? He is looking for it!

LET’S PUT FEET TO OUR FAITH!

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In today’s Scripture Paul said he finished his course! Some translations will say he finished his race. Paul got the job done!

And as he was coming to the end of his life he could look back with no regrets.

But had Paul made mistakes in his life? He sure did! 

He said this about himself: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”--and I am the worst of them all.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1:15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Too many of us are living in what I call, the Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve Land.

When you find yourself lamenting and thinking about how many times you may have missed it you will find yourselves living in that land, the land of regret. 

It’s a land where you have been unable to forgive yourself for your past mistakes either real or perceived. It’s a land filled with self condemnation. It’s a place filled with torment. It’s an ugly place to live! 

Your only thought seems to be if only I would’ve, should’ve, or could’ve.

If we look back on our lives everyone of us will find things that we could’ve handled or done differently. It’s always easier after the fact looking back!

In the would’ve, could’ve, should’ve land that’s where our focus is. 

First of all, most often we are comparing our lives before we came to Christ and made him Lord of our lives to our life with Christ.

Big difference!

Look at the apostle Paul. He was a persecutor of the church, he hated believers, had them arrested and thrown in prison though he thought he was carrying  out God’s plan. He himself said that he was a blasphemer. He was there consenting holding the coats of those that participated in the murder of Stephen.

If there was someone who could be regretful about his life before coming to Christ, it certainly was Paul, but he was able to move beyond that.

You see when you came to Christ and made Him Lord of your life He took care of your past.

As I was thinking about this the Lord said this to me; “As a child of Mine, you are no longer responsible for your past, I’am.”

I want you to think about that for a moment!

When you made Jesus Lord of your life, your Savior, God took care of your sin problem. He took care of all of your past would’ve, could’ve and shouldve’s. It was completely eradicated from your life. There is no record to be found.

He doesn’t remember neither should we!

And we should do exactly what the Apostle Paul did regarding his past. It is God’s answer to being set free from the land of regret.

He said “forgetting those things which are behind, I press on…”

Let me encourage you today that your past is your past!

If you have regrets in your life, and you can’t seem to move on in life, you need to do exactly what the Apostle Paul said he did.

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Father we thank You today that You have taken care of our past. It’s no longer our responsibility because You sent Your best gift, Your Son Jesus, to take upon Himself all of our sins, mistakes and failures. 

Father help each and everyone of us not to go back to the land of regrets. For You have set us free and free we shall be, in Jesus Name.

“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19:26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

​What a wonderful, powerful Scripture this is. "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."

Jesus on more than one occasion encouraged His disciples and followers that whatever or whenever they were confronted with an absolutely impossible situationGod could fix it. God could handle it!

Jesus established in His own life, that what His Father had to say about something, was the truth and the final word.

All of us have faced and will face situations that are totally beyond OUR resources, OUR capabilities, etc. 

You know one of those NO WAY, NO HOW, AIN’T GOING TO HAPPEN SITUATIONS.

When you are looking at, what appears, to be an impossibility, the devil will be the first one to say there is no hope, you can’t, there’s no solution, there’s no hope.

That’s his specialty he’s really good at it!

Satan is out to take away any hope you might have.

But our good God is the God of all hope!

“May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭GNT‬‬

HE IS THE-SOURCE OF ALL HOPE. Meditate on that for a while! 

The devil is the father of ALL LIES! (John 8:44)

<< Test First Name >>, we have a decision to make. Do we believe what God has said in His Word, or do we believe what the devil has to say.

If the devil tried to pull that trick on Jesus (Luke 4:1-13), he will do the same with you and I.

Satan is your adversary (1 Peter 5:8) and he is out to steal from you, kill you, destroy you and everything you have.

He hates God and he hates you and he will use every trick, in his bag of tricks, to try to get you to yield to him.

How do we yield to him? By entertaining what he has to say. By considering those thoughts that come to our mind, contrary to what God has said in His Word. And by acting on and agreeing with what He has to say.

I like the way the Message Bible renders 1 Peter 5:8:

“Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:8 ‭MSG‬‬

Because we have an adversary, who is relentless, we must:

• Stay cool under pressure
• Stay alert at all times
• No napping
• Keep your guard up

So the next time the devil comes and says, there’s no hope, you can’t or there’s no solution, I want you to declare boldly, with confidence what Jesus Himself said “with God all things are possible.” 

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Today's Scripture talks about a “power that worketh in us.” 

The word "power" is the Greek word "dunamis"- Which can also be translated; force, miraculous power, ability, strength or mighty work.

It's where we get our English word dynamite.  

Now dynamite when detonated will bust things up that's for sure, and will certainly create a loud bang.

But we are talking about something that is much more amazing!

As a child of God that power is resident in you. His power is His ability. It’s His supernatural, devil destroying, yoke destroying, miracle working power, RIGHT NOW in you. 

So how do you get the power that’s resident within you out? How do you activate and release that power?

Well you have to flip the switch! Like turning on a light.

That power is released by what you say. Speak power words. Speak life and blessing.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

When you declare what God says in His Word, a promise, all the backing and power of Heaven is released.

Now read today's Scripture from the Passion Translation:

“Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:20‬ ‬‬

I like that, "never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this."

Now read it from the Amplified Bible:

“Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super abundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]–”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:20‬

When you release that power it will do, super abundantly, far over and above, infinitely beyond your highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams, your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination!

Do you get the picture? The power of God is residing in you as His child. Resident within you is the same power that raised Christ from the dead. It’s the same power that came upon Jesus when He was anointed by the Father when He began his ministry. (Luke 3-4)

Glory to God, go and do likewise!

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:7-8‬ ‭KJV‬

Glory to God! Linda and I are so grateful for each and everyone of you. We would like to let you know that we are praying for you, that God would show Himself strong on your behalf.

That God would open up the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing upon you, that you would not have room enough to contain all that He has for you.

We are believing and declaring over your life, that you will always have more than enough in Jesus Name!

Too often we go through life waiting only for our rewards in heaven. Someday in the by-and-by we will reap our harvest in Heaven. Yes you and I will be rewarded in Heaven for what we’ve done here on earth, in this life. But expect God to bless you, until you breathe your last breath, RIGHT HERE ON EARTH.

We know life is oh so very short! The saying, “time-flies” is so true. It’s Scriptural, James 4:14.

Our time on earth will be the shortest span of time of our eternity. Eternity does not begin when you die and leave this life, but it began when we were conceived in our mothers womb.

You are a spirit, you have a soul and you live in a body. Your spirit man is the eternal part of you. You were born into this world an eternal being.  

I have felt very strongly, the Lord impressing upon me, the importance of the partnership between our faith walk, and our love walk.

I know I need this in my own life just as you may as well! We are in this together!

Faith and Love. They are inseparable! 

If you are not in love you are not in faith.

In today’s Scripture 1 John 4:7–8, the Word implores us to “love one another.” 

Love, the God kind of love within us, is a powerful force, enabling us to truly live out our lives, in love. It’s a love that is to be directed to others!

I’ve titled this Grace For Today Devotional,, “Will You Pass the Love Test?”

One of my favorite Scriptures regarding love is found in 1 Corinthian’s 13, often referred to as the Love Chapter.

Here is the Message Bible paraphrase, to use for our Love Test: 

“If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:2-7‬ ‭MSG‬‬
​
1. “If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.

2. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere.

3. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

4. Love never gives up. 

5. Love cares more for others than for self.

6. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.

7. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head.

8. Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” 

9. Doesn’t fly off the handle, 

10. Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, 

11. Doesn’t revel when others grovel, 

12. Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, 

13. Puts up with anything, 

14. Trusts God always, 

15. Always looks for the best, 

16. Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.

Well how did you do? Now you do not have to email me to let me know but prayerfully with the Holy Spirit’s help, let us make the necessary adjustments. 

The change won’t occur over night, but let it be a daily process where we are more loving, moment by moment, day by day. Considering what God has shown us in these verses.

Today’s Scripture is such a powerful Word that God has given and I know one thing for sure I can see myself here. As there have been times when I have grown weary, and even felt like giving up. 

I can hear God saying through this Scripture, DON’T QUIT, DON’T GIVE UP! 

Why did He tell us not to quit and give up? Because that’s exactly what the devil would want you to do! He tells us that because that’s a very real possibility! 

It will happen when we, “loosen and relax our courage.” It will happen when we quit living by faith, and start living by what we are seeing with our natural eyes rather than our spiritual eyes.

It will happen when we take our eyes off of the Word of God and start listening to our feelings. It will happen when we take our eyes off of Jesus. (the author and finisher of our faith).

I’ve come to realize that if we are looking for reasons to give up and quit, there will be plenty to consider. The devil has a complete smorgasbord of reasons that he will bombard you with.

Let me give you 5 points to consider that will help you stay on track, and stay with it:

1. If you are tempted to quit, please know that Jesus Himself experienced the same thing. You are not the Lone Ranger!

“Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin!”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:15‬ ‭CEV‬‬

2. Recognize that it’s a faith fight and not a flesh fight.

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26:41‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

3. Stay focused on the Word of God and His instructions. Do exactly what He says. 

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:7-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

4. Pray in tongues, your prayer language, often.

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,”
‭‭Jude‬ ‭1:20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

5. Remind yourself that what you are doing for God is a very big deal! It’s so very important to His plan, no matter what your role is.

“I want you to think about how all this makes you more significant, not less. A body isn’t just a single part blown up into something huge. It’s all the different-but-similar parts arranged and functioning together. If Foot said, “I’m not elegant like Hand, embellished with rings; I guess I don’t belong to this body,” would that make it so? If Ear said, “I’m not beautiful like Eye, limpid and expressive; I don’t deserve a place on the head,” would you want to remove it from the body? If the body was all eye, how could it hear? If all ear, how could it smell? As it is, we see that God has carefully placed each part of the body right where he wanted it.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12:14-18‬ ‭MSG‬‬

​Take a few minutes and read Numbers 13. There you will  see that the children of Israel, who had been delivered by the Lord from Egypt, are now on the edge of the Promised Land. The land that God has given them. It's their's God says.

So God speaks to Moses and says that he is to send 12 men to check out their new home. Take account and survey the land.

Those 12 men would go into the land and return 40 days later with a report status. Now remember this land is to be their new home. Chosen by God for them.

Here’s what 10 of the 12 spies had to say about what they found (and Anak’s descendants were giants). 

“Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there.”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭13:27-28‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

If you listen to the wrong voices you’ll find yourself in trouble and missing out.

They were kept out of the promised land because of what others said. The opinion of others.

Caleb, who was one of the 12 spies that went into the promised land, saw where this report was going. 

“Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭13:30‬ ‭NKJV

Joshua and Caleb knew they could but the others said we can’t. And the entire nation of the children of Israel believed the report of the majority.

They took a vote and they lost out!
‬‬
They were kept out of the promised land because of what they saw, and what they thought about what they saw.

Big mistake!

They were comparing natural things with natural. Their strength and ability was inferior to the giants in the land. That’s true. The walls of the cities were too strong to break through. True also.

But here’s where they really missed it! Missed it big time!

They had forgotten how God delivered them from Pharaoh and 400 years of slavery. How He brought them through the Red Sea escaping an army far superior in every way.

These men were comparing the strength of the giants to theirs, rather than comparing the strength of the enemy with God’s.

If God says you can then you can! He has qualified you, He has empowered you. Step out in faith trusting in what He says.

Just because the majority says it's true you will want to challenge every opinion and compare it with what God says and has promised.

When the doctor says there is no hope, we’ve done all that we can do. That’s His opinion but what does God say?

Because they bought into the "evil report", trusting man's opinion, rather than God's, they would not enter the Promised Land.  They would miss out!

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:14-16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I remember as a teenager going out fishing late one night away from all city lights. I don’t remember if I caught any fish but the one thing I do remember is how dark it was.

It was absolutely pitch black! There was no light except the light that I had with me and without that light it was utter darkness. One of those, you can’t see your hand in front of your face deals!

This curse filled, sin filled world is a very dark place but thank God you and I, as believers, have been delivered from that darkness. Glory to God, thank You Jesus!

Jesus came into the world to be that light that shines brightly. Dispelling the darkness!

And now Jesus says we are the light of the world. 

You are a difference maker because when you show up on the scene, things 
change. Light dispelling all darkness. 

We are to be like that city set high on the hill, which is always seen, never hidden. Be like that bright light shining on the lampstand for all to see.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Father help us to be so bright, to so many people, that they would see our good works. You are the source of that light and as we stay connected to You, the power source, people will see the good works that we do and will glorify You, our Father.

God has given you an assignment in life. There is something He wants you to focus laser like on and not be distracted by other “good things.”

Your assignment He has given you is not contingent on what you have in hand, your resources, your support staff or your ability.

I understand that some are naturally gifted in certain areas but when it comes to the things of God, He can supernaturally anoint you to accomplish what He needs done through you. And provide whatever you need!

Jesus when He came to earth had an assignment:

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭4:18-19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭10:38‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Your assignment He has given you is a high calling from God! Don’t underestimate how important you are to fulfilling His Kingdom plan. 

Don't get sidetracked with things that do not pertain to your Heavenly assignment. Even things that we would deem as good can be a distraction from our calling.

Jesus was focused on His assignment and never lost sight of where He was headed:

“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:2 MSG‬‬

Jesus endured the cross and the shame that He received along the way. He kept to His assignment never deviating, never distracted, going to the cross for our salvation.

Before He took his last breath, hanging from the cross, He said IT IS FINISHED. 
Last week Billy Graham transitioned to his heavenly reward. When I think of people that have finished what God has given them to do in this life I think of Billy Graham. Here’s a quote from Billy Graham that contains truly godly wisdom for us:

”The legacy we leave is not just in our possessions, but in the quality of our lives. The greatest waste in all of our earth, which cannot be recycled or reclaimed, is our waste of the time that God has given us each day.”

I would strongly encourage you to stay laser focused on your assignment, and with God’s help, you will finish what He has called you to so and you too can say IT IS FINISHED.

I remember when our children were young and they were looking forward to Christmas or maybe a birthday and how they would let us know what they’d like to receive. And as I think back on those days I have to chuckle because our granddaughters are doing exactly the same thing. Usually in a not so very subtle way.

I remember how our kids used to go find the catalog from Sears Roebuck, Montgomery Wards, JC Penney or one of the others and they would start circling all those things they wanted.

Those were things that they wanted and it was always too many to number!

As Gods children there are things that we want and desire throughout our lives and God shows us in today’s Scripture exactly how they come to us.

First of all let’s get this out-of-the-way right now! I want you to know that there are no limits on what are good God can do for us or give us! The enormity or the price tag does not scare God! 

The reality is though, not everyone receives what they ask for, because there are two qualifiers in our Scripture that Jesus, the Master said, must be met first.

Again Jesus said “if you abide in Me, and My words abide in you you’ll ask what you desire and it shall be done for you.”

Qualifier #1 - Abide in Me

You’ve got to stay hooked up and linked up with Jesus! Allowing Him to live His life through you.

Qualifier #2 - His Word must be abiding in you

You’ve got to not only read the Word and hear the Word but you’ve got to latch hold of it and not let go!

I think the Passion Translation John 15:7 states it well: 

"If you live in life-union with me and if my words live powerfully within you - then you can ask whatever you desire and it will be done."

*|FNAME|*, God wants to bless you beyond anything you can possible imagine

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:22‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We say amen to the truth of the Word of God when we hear it preached or taught or maybe it’s something we’ve read, but it doesn’t seem to be working for me. Why is that?

As I was thinking about our Scripture for today the Lord said this; “If you will work the Word, the Word will work for you.”

And the Scripture also says that if we are not doing what we’ve heard we are deceived. Ouch!

I like what the Message Bible says; “Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:22‬ ‭MSG‬‬

We cannot shortcut any of God’s promises. He will not do for us what we need to do ourselves. God has His part and we have ours.  

Now I like shortcuts! With all of the electronic gadgets and helps that we now have, everything is so much quicker.

We’ve got fast food lanes, express checkout’s and quick pay. Now days orders can be made online and they will bring it to you, quickly! Within hours of placing an order with Amazon someone’s knocking on your door with the package. Amazing!

Order online and someone will do your shopping and when you go to the store they'll load it in your car. The list goes on and on.

It takes very little effort on our part to accomplish so much these days. Now that’s a good thing but we must be careful that we don’t forget to do our part as far as the Word of God is concerned.

Being a doer of the word requires effort, lots of effort! No shortcuts here! 

For every instruction you would read in the Word I would encourage you to ask the Lord how to apply it to your life and He will help you.

It’s one thing to know what to do but it’s another thing to know how to do it. And that’s what He will show you!

“If you will work the Word, the Word will work for you.”