The Lord's House Community Church

Thought for Today
 Incredibly, today is the last of the 21 days of prayer and fasting for 2024! We began on January 7 with an expectation that God would reveal fresh vision in our lives, especially with regard to His kingdom. As you recall, we compared the importance of maintaining vibrant spiritual vision to an annual eye check-up. Our goal was to let the Holy Spirit examine us and help us improve visualization of what He has for us with increasing clarity.

Great news! God has blessed your efforts. Your kingdom vision has improved by the power of The Holy Spirit. God has answered questions you have asked. He has shown you paths that lead to your kingdom purpose both now and in the future. You are able to see more clearly the miracles, strength, and other countless blessings which surround you.

Your heart confirms this in many ways.  For instance, you decided to read this final devotional because you desire to continue seeking Him.  So, you might be asking yourself, what’s next?

Habakkuk 2:2 says that the one who reads the vision will “RUN with” it. Use the momentum of the last 21 days to inspire you. Look for more opportunities to fast and pray throughout the year as you seek kingdom values with improved spiritual eyesight.

Habakkuk 2:3 makes it clear that the vision will speak truthfully. However, it has an appointed time for which we wait patiently to arrive. In the meantime, don’t walk, but RUN, toward the manifestation of the vision God has placed on the tablet of your heart!

Time to Pray!

Lord God, thank You for the progression in my spiritual eyesight. I trust You to increase my ability to see what is Your will for me as I go forward. In the name of Jesus. Amen

Scripture

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

Psalm 37:5

Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

Thought for Today

Have you ever thought, where would I be without the Lord God? If so, this was an expression of gratitude for all God has done and for the sacrifice of His Son which secured your salvation throughout eternity. God also wants you to be totally secure on earth in the present time. He is near and available to you every moment. But without faith in Him, you subject yourself to a life of uncertainty. Now is a good time to take inventory of the extent of your trust in Him. Ask yourself, where would I be without trusting the Lord God? 

Declare that you will take a stand against the devil that uses fear to torment you. Commit to full reliance on God’s truth and character. The nature of God is revealed throughout the entire Bible. He invites you to know Him intimately. You have spent time praying, fasting, and meditating on His Word during this time of consecration. It has brought you even closer to trusting Him with all your heart, as He tells you to do. These activities form a faith bond which cannot be broken. You will never doubt you are in His secret place where you are sheltered. You will not worry because you trust the One who keeps you under His wings.

Dedication to building a foundation of trusting God is not a one-time occurrence or to be done for a specific timeframe. It is a lifestyle of faith that is in constant motion and has many moving parts. Trust and faith are like muscles in the human body. They need to be used, stretched, and exercised to reach their highest level of strength. Likewise, our reliance on God will be tested and pulled upon. What may seem painful at the moment will yield righteous fruit (Hebrews 12:11).

Once you have established a close relationship with God you are free to build upon it. You are welcome to partake of all its benefits. Psalm 103:2-19 alone lists more than 25 godly benefits of trusting God. Among the highest is that you will have a faith that is the substance of the things you hope for. Your faith will be all the evidence you need to discern that God has unseen things in store for you (Hebrews 11:1).

Unfailing trust is also the way to please the God you love and serve. It means so much to Him that He says you cannot possibly please Him if you do not have faith. That is understandable, since He is the Almighty and Creator of all things on earth and in heaven. He is the Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and End of everything, the All Powerful One who can never be fully described. Have faith in God! As the great I AM, there is no one or nothing you could ever trust more.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7

It’s Time to Pray!

Father God, we worship You as the One can we trust in all matters of our lives. You reward us with benefits we do not deserve. Forgive us when we forget the magnitude of Your grace. In the name of Jesus…Amen

Scriptures

Matthew 18:9,10

Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”

Philippians 4:5

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

Colossians 3:12-13  

Thought for Today

The Bible instructs us to put on traits like kindness and tender mercies each day. On an average day, it is pretty easy to stay calm and pleasant. But the true test of obedience is when we encounter a stressful situation or an angry individual.  The Word tells us to be gentle toward all man (whether agreeable or angry). How is it possible to maintain a meek and mild spirit when you or someone you love is attacked?

This was probably the question the Apostle Peter asked on the night of Jesus’ betrayal. Naturally, emotions were running high among His disciples.  Peter could not contain his anger when they came to arrest the Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane. He drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s soldier. Immediately, Jesus healed the wounded man who was sent there to do him harm.

What Jesus said next helps answer the question at the end of the first paragraph. Jesus told Peter to put his sword away and asked him, “Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me”? The Lord knew that His disciples loved Him. Jesus certainly loved His disciples even more. But he would not allow the love that Peter had for him to disrupt what He was sent on earth to do (Matthew 18:10).

Jesus knew all things which lay ahead of Him but was determined to do the will of His Father. He would not shortcut the process to avoid the agony ahead. Neither would he allow God’s perfect plan to be contaminated by an act of violence from one of His own. To allow this would taint His message and give His enemies an opportunity to reproach His name and those of the disciples after His death.

There is no question that you will be tempted to engage in retaliatory conduct or speech. Second Timothy 3:1-5 says that in the last days, men and women would love themselves, have no natural affection, and engage in fierce behavior.

Keeping composed under fire is by no means easy. But, like Jesus, our goal is to stay on task and focus on pleasing God, who knows these things will happen. The Lord told Jesus to put away his weapon. Likewise, we must strive to put away (resist) anger when we are offended (Ephesians 4:31). Our life belongs to Christ; we do not want to blemish our Christian witness. If Jesus Christ Himself was under the authority of the will and purpose of God, we are even more so as beneficiaries of His sacrifice.

Study the Word to increase your meekness in times of testing. Pray for increased peace in times of turmoil. The Lord God sees and honors your sacrificial obedience to Him (Hebrews 6:10) and will reward you greatly.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

-Romans 12:21

It’s Time to Pray

Lord God, thank you for Your marvelous light in the darkness of this world. Thank you for victory over unkindness that may come against us. We ask You help us to forgive them as You have forgiven us. In the name of Jesus. Amen

Scripture

Proverbs 15:29

The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Mark 1:35

Thought for Today

The heart of a prayer warrior reflects the heart of God. A prayer warrior is selfless, gifted to see a situation and bear down in prayer for God’s will to be done. Rest assured God has heard your prayers during the 21 days of prayer and fasting. He knows that your heart’s desire is to continue to pray daily as you ardently seek His face. The bible is filled with men and women who knew the power of fervent prayer. The examples of how they prayed show us how to raise our prayer life to warrior level.

King David was a fierce fighter on the battlefield but his prayer life was even more ferocious. In almost every circumstance he faced, he prayed before responding or making quick decisions. Instead, David prayed to know the will of God and for guidance (1 Samuel 23:10-12). In his prayers he sought forgiveness, wisdom, and mercy. The psalms he wrote expressed his desire to grow closer in his relationship with God. Prayer was the strongest weapon in David’s arsenal. For these and other reasons, he is called a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).

The prophet Samuel’s mother, Hannah, fought off cruel ridicule as well as sadness, bitterness with passionate petitions. She intentionally went to the temple to offer a sacrifice and pray for a child rather than confront her husband’s other wife.  Hannah was in anguish, praying as her tears flowed. She promised that she would give the child back to the Lord if He granted her request. The intensity of her prayers was mistaken for drunkenness. Hannah was not concerned how she looked, she was wordlessly speaking in her heart the Lord God (1 Samuel 1:13). God rewarded Hannah with not only Samuel but six other children.

Jesus Christ was the preeminent prayer warrior when he walked the earth. Although He was the Son of God, he knew that prayer was crucial to his life and ministry. He rose before dawn to spend quiet time in prayer. Jesus taught His disciples that talking to God was integral to walking with Him. He provided a model so they would know how they ought to pray. Always, the Savior prayed with urgency and compassion. His prayers in John 17 reveal the heart of Jesus just before His crucifixion. Even as he hung from the cross, He prayed to the Father to forgive those who were ignorant to what they were doing.

The Savior of the world lived a lifestyle of prayer, even in His agony. God commands that we commune with him in prayer incessantly. Use the examples in the bible to intensify your prayer life. Among many things, effectual and fervent prayer gives you the advantage in spiritual warfare. It is a powerful weapon…and as you know, every warrior has a weapon.

Time to Pray!

 Father God, increase my desire to pray this time set aside for prayer and fasting comes to a close. Continue to teach me through Your Word how to pray more consistently and effectively from the heart. Thank you for access to Your throne of grace. In the name of Jesus. Amen

Scripture

2 Thessalonians 2:13

But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you…because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth

Romans 8:12

For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

John 14:26

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.  

Romans 8:26

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Thought for Today

Let’s take a moment to give praise and thanks to God for His extreme abundance beyond what our minds can grasp! We do not take for granted His blessings of material resources and people that give us love and support. Above all, we owe Him limitless gratitude for giving us access to Him as the utmost competent and Divine Holy Spirit.

Below is an encouraging reminder of just a few areas in which He pours out His grace. The bible assures us of the following works of the Holy Spirit:

Sometimes we are challenged when trying to put prayers in words that make sense. There are moments we question if what we prayed for was the will of God. The Holy Spirit takes the strain from us to compose prayers perfectly. He is able to flawlessly express our heart to the Heavenly Father, knowing we don’t actually know what to pray for.

Time to Pray!

Scripture

Romans 12:6

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith…

Romans 12:8

He who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Thought for Today

The spiritual gift of exhortation is a priceless treasure from God. People with this gift have the ability to go far beyond cheering the mood of others. They are anointed to actually help them see their circumstances from a different perspective. The gift of exhortation allows the Holy Spirit to motivate people to become more positive and to persevere. This prompts the recipient to look to Christ in their lives rather than their situation.

Another word for exhort is encouragement, which means to “instill courage.” A person gifted with exhortation is used by God to revitalize another so that they become brave and are released from the spirit of fear. A word of inspiration is sometimes all that is needed to turn around a person’s whole life. Speaking kind words of reassurance to someone helps them feel confident to accept and walk in their own spiritual and/or natural gifts. 

God the Father knows that humans need a spiritual boost from others to inspire them to continue their journey. Likewise, everyone has received the benefit of a sincere compliment or praise, even people that have the gift of encouragement. Exhortation is a gift that costs nothing but is priceless in value. It has no limits with regard to age, race, religion, or language. Encouragement can be given and received almost anywhere, including:

Exhortation takes on a variety of forms depending on the people and situation involved. It is manifested in acts of kindness and gifts. Reading a scripture, sharing an uplifting song, and taking time in prayer are examples of exhortation. Seemingly small things like a listening ear or a smile can raise high the spirit of a person who is feeling lowly. A Spirit-given gift of exhortation is always rooted in love.

Keep in mind that encouraging yourself is as vital (if not more) than exhorting others. It is said that nothing can be poured from an empty vessel. You fill your spirit with exhortation when you pray your heart to God. You also do so by reading inspiring scriptures and declaring them over yourself. You are uplifted when you rebuke negative thoughts and speech. Finding joy in something or someone the Lord has given you brightens your day.

Encouraging, comforting, and supporting others reveals the gospel of Jesus in you. The Holy Spirit gives resources and gifts for you to give away to someone else. Still, He is gracious to allow you to get just as much as you give when you elevate others. 

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

It’s Time to Pray

God, we give praise to You for the honor of using our spiritual gifts to uphold someone else. When we are encouraged by another, remind us to return kindness to others. We bless You in the name of Jesus. Amen

Scripture

1 Corinthians 14:33  For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

1 Corinthians 14:40   Let all things be done decently and in order.

Thought for Today

No good thing can be completed correctly in an environment filled with disarray. Chaos is the enemy of production, while a calm spirit can accomplish much. Have you ever had a day packed with activities and tasks yet you still finished almost everything on your “to-do” to do list?  You were able to do so because your steps are directed by an orderly God. He gives you the strength to do whatever needs to be done (Psalm 119:133).

The Creator demonstrated quintessential orderliness from the very beginning. The account of creation of the heavens and earth in Genesis the first chapter provides a glimpse into His process.

God methodically planned the timing of the creation of elements to work in harmony with one another (day and night, for example). Although our minds cannot grasp the full magnitude of what He accomplished, we learn a Divine lesson of the value of thought and organization.

God’s standards of order and organization are revealed in every book in the Bible. Notice the intricate details with which he instructed Noah to build the ark (Genesis 6:13-22). The Lord God was the architect for Solomon’s temple; He directed everything from the tools used to build it, to the opulent materials and furniture (1 Kings 6), with supernatural precision. In the book of Judges, chapters 6-8, God gave Gideon a specific formula to guarantee victory. A well-organized plan produces magnificent results!

The Lord also requires orderliness when His people are gathered for service or worship. He intentionally directed the seating arrangement of the crowd of five thousand which gathered to be fed.  Later, the Apostle Paul instructed the church regarding church order in service, conduct, and the use of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians chapter 14). God cannot receive the worship and honor He is due in the middle of pandemonium. We must give Him our very best on every level when we gather in His name.

Moments of confusion, frustration, and inefficiency will happen; some days are more challenging than others. During these times we call upon God to make our paths straight again. But if frequent disorder is a lifestyle, we may be relying on ourselves rather than God. Only through Jesus can we do anything (1 John 15:4,5), which includes living an organized life. God teaches us how to escape the trap of a confused mind, reminding us to commit all of our works to Him so that He will establish our thoughts (Proverbs 16:3).

In addition, don’t neglect to always keep watch for signs that the devil is trying to steal and kill your peaceful existence with God. He looks for areas in your life that show signs of confusion, instability or commotion. He will target places and things that are closest to you, such as:

• Your home and family
• Church, Bible Study, and your Christian relationships
• Your workspace
• The mind and/or body of you or someone you love

You are not unaware of Satan’s schemes or subject to his authority. You can effectively fight back confusion and the mayhem that comes with it by the power of a sound mind which is yours in Christ. If chaos is threatening to overwhelm you, take back your God-given orderly life with weapons not made by hands (2 Corinthians 10:4-6).

 “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:2-3

It’s Time to Pray!

Father God thank you cleanliness of mind, body, and spirit through the blood of Jesus. We trust you to order our steps to paths of calm peace which reflects Your Presence. In the name of Jesus. Amen

Scripture

Psalm 20:1-3

May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion; May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice. 

Psalm 20:4-6

May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose.
We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand.

Thought for Today

 Would an inspiring prayer encourage you today as you (or someone you know) prepare for a battle you are facing? Psalm 20 is one of many earnest entreaties in the bible that speaks to the heart of those seeking the Lord God for answers and victory in troubled times.

In this prayer, David and the congregation gathered in God’s presence in the sanctuary just before battle. David prayed for their deliverance from trouble. He asked for heavenly defense against their enemies, while still acknowledging the need for atonement of their sins. David recognized that God knew the desires and plans of the king’s heart concerning the fight ahead. He requested they be granted.

Confident that God heard and would answer, the psalmist then exclaimed words of rejoicing and celebration-even before the actual battle began!  He declared that the Lord answers His anointed with saving strength. Later, he confirmed that God is the source of all victories, not human armies or weapons.

It was not unusual for ancient Israel to seek God in prayer before a contest. The nation as a whole considered entering the battlefield a deeply spiritual experience. For example, David made this abundantly clear as he stood before Goliath. He declared without a doubt that he came ready to fight in the name of the Lord. Therefore, he said, not only would he decapitate the giant Philistine, there would be nothing left of the Philistine camp but carcasses upon which the birds would feast (1 Samuel 17).

Psalm 20 is a model of petition, humility, faith, praise, and worship in prayer. The words were spoken to God in supplication for the individuals in the sanctuary as well as for the nation of Israel.  Like David, you can be assured that you are His anointed whom He loves, protects, and saves. Do not worry about the size or manner of conflict in front of you. Face your battle ready to fight in the name of the Lord. Your victory is His victory!

Time to Pray

 Lord God, we trust You to go before us in every encounter, large or small. Thank you for the victories you’ve given on our behalf. We praise you for those that lay ahead which You already seen and conquered. Hallelujah in the name of Jesus. Amen

Scripture

Hebrews 12:1,2 

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and^]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Philippians 3:13, 14

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

 2 Timothy 2:3

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Thought for Today

Christians are not immune to facing various challenges each day. Some trials may be severe or life-changing. We also fight for victory over lesser struggles that add up and weigh us down. Discouragement, weariness, and distractions are among many reasons you may have felt like giving up. You are not alone. The bible teaches that believers in Christ will have tribulation and sorrow. Nonetheless, the scriptures promise that just as Jesus overcame the world, by faith we can do the same.

The fact that you are reading these words means you have the faith to keep going.  Countless people who are mentioned in the bible had the same kind of faith. It is this faith that pushes through with perseverance until God gives the victory. Their experiences many thousands of years ago were left to teach and motivate you today.

The men and women found in Hebrews 11 are sometimes referred to as the “champions of faith.” Their lives are truly examples of the tenacious faith in God (not human perfection) that overcomes the most difficult situations conceivable. Noah, for example, was warned about God’s impending judgement upon the earth. He believed that The Holy God was justified in punishing a world steeped in unrepentant sin. Noah was moved with fear but still followed the detailed instructions God gave him to the letter. His tremendous faith resulted in the saving of his family and condemnation of the world.

In addition, Noah became an heir of righteousness. He forged ahead by faith to complete a humongous assignment without the need to know every detail of what lay ahead. Like Noah, your faith is the evidence of things not seen, it moves mountains, and overcomes the world (Hebrews 11:1, Matthew 17:20, 1 John 5:4).

Rahab’s name is forever included in the list of the foremost people of faith. She defied the orders of the king’s men and hid the spies of Joshua in her own home. Rahab lied about their location when their pursuers came looking for them. She had faith enough to believe that Joshua’s men were of God, which led her to act. She pushed past thoughts that her ungodly lifestyle prevented her from being used by God, resulting in great reward.

Hebrews 11 is packed with powerful accounts of people who pressed through all types of trials. Still, the writer admits that there wasn’t time enough to tell about even more people throughout history who demonstrated unimaginable acts of faith. Make it a habit to study their testimonies for inspiration and to fortify your own faith whenever you feel like you can’t go on. Remember, your faith will never fail you because it has been authored and finished by Jesus Christ!

 Time to Pray!

 Father God, thank you for a faith that endures all things. We are grateful to You for strength in our weakness and examples in the bible to boost our faith. In the name of Jesus…Amen

Scripture

 Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.

 1Timothy 4:1,2  I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

 Matthew 6:19-21  Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Thought for Today

The term “preparedness” is often used to describe a lifestyle wholly devoted to attaining and storing extra resources in the event of a disaster. The trend increased during the COVID 19 pandemic, as millions hoarded supplies for fear they would run out. According to a 2020 preparedness survey conducted by The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the pandemic changed the very culture of this country. 

For instance, 65% of Americans reported they searched the FEMA website for preparedness information. A total of 81% of report they gather extra supplies, and 48% created emergency plans for their families; a 6% increase in one year.

Not everyone that stocks up on extra supplies does so out of panic or fear. Yet there are millions who become obsessed with being ready for whatever may happen on earth in the future. Does that leave room to depend on God or to get ready for the coming of His Son, Jesus?

Christians are blessed with the spirit of a sound mind and wisdom from God, which ensures they keep track of the things needed for their families (James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6). But never do we allow terror to move us to stockpile food, weapons, or other items. We do not panic or become anxious because we trust God, who supplies our needs (Philippians 4:19). Instead, our concentration is to attain and keep ourselves in a constant state of readiness for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The scriptures affirm that Jesus will return for the Church, which is the Body of Christ. No man knows the day or the hour, yet we never doubt His return. As members of that Body, we are likened to a bride (1 Corinthians 11:4, Revelation 21:9-11). Love for Him prevents us taking a risk of being less than totally adorned and prepared to meet the Lamb who was arrested, beaten, tried, and crucified for our salvation.

The Holy Scriptures leave no stone unturned in equipping us how to prepare for His coming. Therefore, we don’t need to rush manically to get ready to meet him, the instructions are clear. The Word tells us to remain sober, watchful at all times. Always alert, we must stay always ready to fight against the wiles of the devil. Abiding in His Word, we maintain a readiness posture as we seek ways to share the Gospel of peace. The Word teaches us how to persuade, admonish, and encourage at a moment’s notice and live a life filled with constant prayer, service, and learning. A life filled with peace and good works has more value than a cache of temporal earthly riches.

You don’t know how much time on earth is left between finishing reading this devotional and being in the presence of the Lord Jesus. Why not choose to get ready and stay ready until you see Him face to face?

“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.”

1 Peter 4:7

Time to Pray!

 Lord God, thank You for the privilege of being a part of the Body of Christ. Help us to remember to live as You instruct us so that others will desire the same hope that we have. We praise you in the name of Jesus. Amen