The Lord's House Community Church

In the Power of His Might

You Didn’t Know Your Own Strength

Scripture

Judges 16:28-30 Then Samson called to the LORD, saying, “O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!” And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars which supported the temple, and he braced himself against them, one on his right and the other on his left. Then Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So the dead that he killed at his death were more than he had killed in his life.

Thought for Today

Life is a precious gift from God, whatever each day brings. We are equally thankful to Him for theble ssings and challenges of each day. Some tests and trials seem overbearing. At times it feels like you can’t go another step. Our Heavenly Father knows we get weak. Isaiah 40:29 tells us, He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.  God promises He is always present to fortify us in the most troubling times (Psalm 46:1). 

When he senses you are frail, the enemy tries to create doubt. He attempts to weaken your faith with attacks of fear and doubt. He tries to convince you that God has abandoned you to cause you to give up hope. Overcome his attacks with God’s Word. There you will find many examples of people of God who received supernatural power just when needed.

Today, we will use the biblical account of Samson as affirmation that God never leaves or forsakes us. There are dozens of lessons we can learn from Samson’s story. Let’s look at how a few of his experiences can provide practical lessons for our lives in Christ.

1. Samuel’s Life Had Purpose and Destiny

In Judges 13:5 an angel of the Lord told Samson’s mother that she would conceive and bear a son. The angel said that he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines. In verse seven, the woman relates the story to her husband. She adds that the angel told her the child shall be a Nazirite toG od from the womb to the day of his death. God had a plan for Samson before he was conceived. In a moment of weakness have you ever wondered, like many, why you were ever born? Remember, God formed you – he knew you- before you your conception. Continue in His Word and prayer as He unfolds plans for you, including peace and an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11).

Throughout his life, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson, giving him unparalleled physical strength. In Judges 14:15, 16, the Spirit came “mightily” upon him when he tore a roaring lion to pieces with his bare hands! Samson also killed one thousand men singlehandedly with the jawbone of an ass (Judges 15:14, 15) in addition to other miraculous feats. God endowed you with powerful gifts of the Holy Spirit. Never doubt that the Lord has equipped you with the power to use them! Seek His face for instructions to shred the roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8) in your life into pieces.

Samson made repeated mistakes in his choice of women. He married a Philistine who betrayed his trust, although God used the relationship for His purpose. His connection to Delilah eventually ended in the loss of his gift and his life.

Judges 16:20-22 describes how she called a man to shave Samson’s head after coercing him into revealing it as the source of his strength. He was taken away by the Philistines, who blinded and bound him. His enemies praised their god for delivering Samson to them. They did not know God was not finished with Samson. 

Judges 16:22 reads, howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven. Think about the gravity of that statement as you remember what happened next. God had not forsaken him. They led Samson to the place where they could mock him. He prayed to God for strength, and his prayer was answered. His gift was restored for that moment in time. The entire arena came crashing down with one push.

Samson’s story is similar those of Christians today. A good number have found themselves in unholy alliances with personal, business, or other relationships. Others have committed different sins in moments of weakness. The devil tries to convince believers that God has turned His back. 

The truth is that a child of God is not stripped of their God-given gifts, according to Romans 11:29. Through confession and repentance, the believer can once again line up his Christian walk with God’s purpose for his life. 

God invites us to seek Him and His strength (1 Chronicles 16:11). He will never leave or forsake you. When you are at your most vulnerable, remember that your Strength is just a prayer away. 

It’s Time to Pray!

Lord God, You are gracious and merciful in all Your ways. Thank You for the outpouring of strength from heaven. Remind us to call upon You when we are weak and to have faith You will answer. In the name of

Jesus…Amen

Nothing But the Truth

Separating Fact from Fiction with God’s Word

Scripture

1 Timothy 4:1  Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.

Thought for Today

The fall of man began with a lie. In Genesis 3:4, the serpent told Eve, “You will not surely die” if she atefro m the tree which God had forbidden. From that statement until today, lies have become more acceptable than truth. The truth is exchanged for a lie (Romans 1:24, 25) in everything from media, to commerce, and even some religions. But you are one of God’s children. He has no greater joy than to see you walk in truth and light (3 John 4). He equips you to recognize lies, their consequences, and how to resist them in the name of Jesus.

Satan is a lie and the father of lies, according to John 8:44. His children imitate his works. Deception is the primary means he uses to deceive. However, we are not ignorant or susceptible to the devices of darkness, including lies (2 Corinthians 2:11). Lies fall into three common categories: commission, omission, and influence. Their basic definitions are as follows:

It is a mistake to think that only unbelievers tell lies. A good number of scriptural accounts reveal that people of God are subject to telling lies. For instance, Isaac lied to Abimelech about Rebekah being hissist er. Ananias and Sapphira were members of the church who lied to Peter concerning the money received for their land. 

Members of the body of Christ today are not exempt from temptations which include lies and other sins. However, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are convicted by the indwelling Holy Spirit when we sin. God has made provision for our sins. First John 1:9 says He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness if we confess them and repent.

Lies are poisonous with deadly consequences. More importantly, they are among the sins which are an abomination to Holy God. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists a lying tongue among the sins that God hates. Proverbs 12:22a confirms that lying lips are atrocious to God. 

Although you live in a lying world, you are not part of it. You are not subject to the lies of the enemy in whatever form they take. The Word of God is your light. It is the means used to uncover and conquer lying spirits. Use it as the sword of The Spirit to stand firm in the truth.

Pray as Jesus did in John 17:16-19:

They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify

Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. 

Time to Pray!

Lord God, thank you for the truth of Your Word to study so that we recognize deceit in all forms. Give us

the boldness to pull down strongholds built upon lies. Father, we desire to be Your delight and to deal

truthfully in everything we say and do so we can come before you with a clean conscience. In the name

of Jesus…Amen

Kindness is the Key

Cultivating a Meek and Mild Spirit

Scriptures

Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

Thought for Today

You are alive during these perilous times by the Will of God. You daily see people at their worst behavior. Not a day goes by that you don’t witness anger, rudeness, and dishonesty in the public sector. Undoubtedly, you have been personally affected or offended by someone else’s behavior.

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, among other traits. Verse 3 says they actually despise those that are good. As humans, our first instinct might be to retaliate. Truthfully, at times this might feel good. Getting even might even stop the person’s bully tactics. However, as a Christian you must know the difference between retaliation and defending yourself.

While several notable people in the bible defended themselves, they used the Word of God as the basis for defending their ministry and God. Yes, there will be times when you have no choice but to take a stand and draw the line. Since you represent the Lord, you must do so as He instructs.

Remember that Peter’s emotions got the best of him when they came for Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Luke’s account reads that Jesus knew what was ahead of him but asked the offers to let the disciples go free. In the heat of the moment, Peter drew his sword and sliced off the ear of the servant Maichus (Luke 18:1-11). Although Peter’s actions arose from his genuine love for the Savior, it was not the Will of Christ. He healed the servant’s ear immediately. He told Peter to put his weapon away and not to interfere with what the Father sent Him to do.

On the surface, defending the life of Jesus, who had done no wrong, seems a noble and even necessary action. However, Peter was under the authority of the purpose of God. All events went according to His Divine plan and could not be interrupted. You, along with everything you encounter, are also part of the purpose and calling He has on your life. 

Of course, it is tempting to right wrongs and injustices with words or actions that cut as deeply as Peter’s sword. It is hard to see and feel the sting of ungodly attacks toward you or your loved ones. God knows that we are dust and He has the answer to overcoming evil devices. Kindness is one of the mightiest weapons against hate.

Note Philippians 4:5 says to let your gentleness be made known to all men. Not just people that treat you kindly but also mean-spirited individuals. This doesn’t mean staying in their presence and accepting aggression or abuse gently. The end of the passage in 2 Timothy, which describes their behavior, ends with “from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5). You may have to put some distance between you and the other person. Always pray to the Father for protection and a sound mind, especially during a confrontation.

God is always aware of what we face. In our human state, it is almost impossible to walk away when you’re being lied on or insulted. The Word of God ensures you have the help to overcome these challenges. Remember, you are a follower of the example of Christ. As such, you will suffer as He suffered yet without sin. Expect to be tested and tried (1 Peter 2:21, John 13:16).

God knows you might react to injustice with anger sometimes (Ephesians 4:26, 27). He loves you and knows you want to please Him even when you’re hurt and angry. He left His Word because He is well aware you cannot do it without Him.

We live in the evil day (Ephesians 6:13) and can expect more pressure from the enemy. Fight back mean-spirited aggression that comes your way using kindness, gentleness, and meekness. Read and memorize scriptures which remind you of the power of a kind word against wrath (Proverbs 15:1). Grow in faith and overcome the devil’s works by pursuing goodness and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11-12).

God’s Word is perfect soil to cultivate a spirit full of kindness and joy. Study examples of how kindness prevailed and changed lives, like in the book of Ruth. Search for opportunities to see goodness in others. Be generous with your acts of kindness. 

The Lord God sees and honors your obedience to Him (Hebrews 6:10). He showers you with rewards which include peace, increased faith, closer relationships, and better health. Most of all, when you work to maintain a life of goodness and kindness you store up treasures and eternal life in heaven.

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. Thank you for giving us victory over the effects of unkindness that may come against us. We pray for those who don’t know Your goodness or why they behave in anger. Use us to show them Your better way by our example. In the name of Jesus…Amen.

Free Delivery and No Hidden Costs

A Reminder that Jesus Paid it All

Scripture

1 Corinthians 6:20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

Thought for Today

God sees and honors your faithfulness during this time of prayer and fasting. He takes you to deeper levels with each passing day. You look forward to more profound revelation as these days go by. Let’s pause today to reflect upon why are you allowed to have such intimate access to God. This blessing is only available because of God’s gift of life – the Gospel found in Jesus Christ. 

Do you enjoy giving presents to others? Think about the recent holiday season. If you shopped for gifts, you probably purchased them from retail stores that offered free delivery. Perhaps you canceled an order upon discovering the merchant included hidden fees to offset the no-cost delivery. In the end, you paid the price for the merchandise and freely gave it to the intended recipient.

Think about how carefully you shopped for the people you love the most. You were not worried about the price of the gift. You gladly paid whatever it cost to show your love. Your goal was to give them something they wanted or needed. 

Compare the earthly endowment in this analogy to the sacrificial gift from your Heavenly Father (Matthew 7:11). He exchanged His only Son’s life for yours. There will never exist a gift at greater cost. 

God offers eternal life to everyone because He desires salvation for all of mankind (1 Timothy 2:1-7). He does not keep hidden what it takes to receive redemption. Countless scriptures reveal the road to salvation. Read the outcry of Apostle Paul to the unsaved in the 10th chapter of Romans for an example. In verse 9 He makes the truth of the matter clear:

 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine

heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Not everyone is willing to receive what Jesus freely gave. Some people allow pride to prevent them from accepting that deliverance comes through Him and not their works. Only the haughtiest person would try to take credit for the generosity of another. Would you ever consider letting someone else put their name on the tag attached to a gift you bought?

Likewise, God ensured that no one is allowed to brag that anything they have done is enough to take on the world’s sins. He sealed salvation in the blood of the Savior.

Other people are like Simon, the sorcerer mentioned in Acts chapter eight. He believed that he could buy the workings of the Holy Spirit. In addition, millions see themselves as too intelligent or highly esteemed to attain eternal life by the only means available. They are obsessed with their status in life. The blessings of seemingly insignificant Christians confounds them (1 Corinthians 1:27).

You receive assured blessings each day – far too many to count. Be intentional in showing your gratitude to God. Search scriptures to remind you of His deliverance from troubles which include affliction and the hand of the wicked (Psalm 97:10). Most importantly, remember that He delivered you from the bondage of sin and death (Romans 6:11-23).

When you chose Christ, you inherited eternal fullness of life. Death no longer has the victory in your life. You and your loved ones do not fear its sting (1 Corinthians 15:54). Rather, death is merely the ending of a chapter in the book of your existence. You will never die (John 11:25-26). You may look forward with confidence to your final destination in the presence of the Lord forever (2 Corinthians 5:8).

You’ve come this far by faith. May you be uplifted and strengthened during your season of consecration as you re-examine the precious treasures found in Jesus.

Time to Pray! 

Our Father God, thank you for this needed time to remember Your most precious gift. Accept our heartfelt and humble gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus. Thank You for teaching us to show appreciation by glorifying You in our bodies and spirits. Allow us to reach people who do not yet know the wonders of Christ that last forever. In the name of Jesus…Amen 

Lost and Found Values

A tribute to the life, legacy and ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (with Excerpts from “Rediscovering Lost Values” preached by  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Second Baptist Church, Detroit, Michigan, February 28, 1954).

Scripture

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Thought for Today

We are living in a period of immense prosperity for some and profound poverty for others. There is a great divide in our nation and the world, and that divide is widening daily. We are also experiencing a rapid decline in moral values and good old-fashioned respect. It is difficult to remember a time when public name calling, character attacks and outright meanness were practiced daily by elected officials and business leaders who hold the highest offices in our country. This erosion of values at the top has swept through our society like a tornado through a defenseless community. We see it everywhere in our lives. People behaving rudely, yelling profanities, fighting others, and attempting the make their point by any means they choose.

The result? A fundament loss of human decency, lack of respect for other people and an indifference toward the laws of God. Where is the standard of moral law and values that was once part of the way we lived and taught our children to live? I submit that the standard has been lost because our society has strayed from practicing God’s values from the Bible. Certainly, there are many people who practice the moral values declared in God’s Word, however the soul of our nation is tainted by those who live lawlessly.

Dr. King stated, “The great problem facing modern man is that the means by which we live have outdistanced the spiritual ends for which we live.” In that moment, he revealed our focus on “means” or material things has exceeded of focus on spiritual values. When this happens in a society, people become so consumed with the pursuit of their rights and possessions that knowing and serving God and one’s neighbors loses importance.

But do not despair, all is not lost! We as a people can find, practice, and teach moral values again if we choose to return to the values God commands in the Bible as the basis for the way we live.

Dr. King expressed the same optimism later his sermon when He stated:

“If we are to go forward, if we are to make this a better world in which to live, we’ve got to go back. We’ve got to rediscover these precious values that we’ve left behind.”

In Deuteronomy 6, The Lord sums up this great moral command when The Lord declares through Moses, that they must “Love the Lord with all of their heart, soul and strength…” He further commends the words to their hearts and commands them to always teach these values to their children continually ().

 As he closes, Dr. King emphatically declares His faith in God to restore lost values by preaching” “I’m not going to put my ultimate faith in the little gods that can be destroyed in an atomic age, but the God who has been our help in the ages past, and our hope for years to come, and our shelter in the time of storm, and our eternal home.”

May the Lord restore and strengthen moral values in us as we love Him, keep His commandments, and obey His word. May we pass on our faith and values to our children that they will live by Your word.

Time to Pray

Almighty God, You have commanded me to love You with all of my being, to keep your commandments and teach them to my children.  Your word is the source of all truth, righteousness, and moral values.  I confess that I have allowed my values to stray from the standards of your word. Teach me to keep Your holy values at all times by the power of the Holy Spirit so that I may glory to Your name. Amen!

Entries in Your Joy Journal

Keeping a Record of God’s Blessings

Scripture

Proverbs 3:3-4 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.

Philippians 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Thought for Today

Do you write the events of your day in some kind of a journal? If so, you are among millions who record their thoughts, dreams, and plans in a notebook or an electronic device. Journaling has become an increasingly popular means to stay focused and organized with the tasks needed to reach life goals. For some people, writing is cathartic and releases negative emotions like pain and disappointment.

Today’s devotional focuses on a journal you should maintain that does not require a pen, paper, or a computer. It is written on the tablet of your heart. This journal is a record with just one subject, the goodness of the Lord in your life (Psalm 27:13). Think of it as a journal of joy, an accounting of how much God loves you. 

You can access it at any time, from anywhere you are. It is always with you because it is inscribed upon your heart! As a child of God, you receive a wealth of blessings day-to-day to fill with entries to look back on for encouragement.

Philippians 4:8 shows you the method to use to add your entries. The verse contains a comforting list of positive adjectives like true, lovely, and good. Then it tells us to think, or meditate, on these things. Research shows that the average human has from 60,000 to 70,000 thoughts every day.  We are encouraged to intentionally meditate on the specific areas listed. Doing so prepares our thoughts for transcription to the tablets of the heart. 

A mind filled with the truth and goodness of the Lord is transformative (Romans 12:2). Soon, your thoughts penetrate your heart until it overflows with miracles that change your life. The bible tells us that all issues of life flow from the heart (Proverbs 4:23). Accessing and retaining the truth of the Word affects everything about you. Your finances, relationships, and walk with God reflect the His merciful Will. A heart full of joy also improves mental and physical health (Proverbs 17:22). Regular access to your joy journal allows you to view your past, present, and future life from a heavenly perspective.

The next verse explains the reward for thinking about these things. Philippians 4:9 reads: Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

 Note that the Apostle Paul wrote that following his example results in having the peace of God with you. Earlier in the chapter he describes the nature of this peace. Verse 6 in his message teaches us not be worried or anxious about anything. Paul writes that sending petitions to God will give us the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6). Note the final result is supernatural God-like peace, not happiness.

Does this mean we should not be happy? No, it does not indicate that by any means. Numerous scriptures affirm that God wants us to be happy. Among them include Proverbs 16:20, which says that “happy is he” who trusts in the Lord. Proverbs 3:13 tells us that the man who finds wisdom is happy. Yes, many scriptures invite us to be happy. But in truth, peace in your heart is far more valuable. 

You cannot obtain happiness, joy, comfort, or anything other good things if you don’t have peace. Happiness is a state of mind that is dependent upon circumstances. Some trials and tests make it impossible to feel happiness. Peace – God’s peace – doesn’t concern itself with what’s happening around you. It surrounds you with His love and gives you the strength and courage to get through the challenge. God’s peace holds your hand with love until you can get to the other side of the pain and feel happy once again. 

Develop a joy journal in your heart and access it in both good and tough times. When faced with a challenge, open your heart and see the things He has done for you which prove His love. In seasons of plenty, search the contents of your heart and speak words of love and gratitude to your Heavenly Father. 

You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but

with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Such confidence we have through Christ before God.

2 Corinthians 3:3,4

Time to Pray!

Lord God our Father. Thank You for the joy and peace You pour out each day. Cleanse our hearts so that we have the room to fill them with your truth and mercy. Teach us to bind Your words around our necks to remind ourselves of your goodness and mercy. In the name of Jesus…Amen

Day 7 January 14, 2023

Stay Focused Like Nehemiah

Exposing Distractions Disguised as Good Works

Scripture

Nehemiah 6:3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?”

Thought for Today

Distraction can draw attention away from an assignment, destination, or even a purpose. If you are like most people, it is not easy to refocus after an interruption. The devil regularly uses interference to break our concentration as we serve the Lord.

The book of Nehemiah teaches a great lesson in finishing an assignment without giving in to intervention. God used Him to lead rebuilding the walls surrounding the city of Jerusalem. This was a significant task. The barriers protected God’s people. They also symbolized the establishment of the Jews as a people of God. 

From the start of the project, Nehemiah’s enemies used trickery and other means to divert his attention. His words in Nehemiah 6:3 were in response to their fourth attempt to meet with him. They pretended to offer a gesture of friendliness. He saw through their façade. His response was, “they thought to do me harm” (Nehemiah 6:2). Nehemiah declared he would finish his assignment, completing the walls in fifty-two days.

The devil uses the same distracting tactics today. Second Corinthians 2:11 assures believers they are not unaware of his devices. You can easily spot open interferences and thwart attempts to disrupt your focus. Phone calls or text messages, social media, and various forms of entertainment are common diversions. Your thoughts can cause you to lose focus during study and prayer time. 

Diversions also hide behind well-meaning activities. The account of sisters Martha and Mary are an example of this (Luke 10:38-42). Martha was distracted by many tasks in their home. Mary sat listening intently to Jesus. The Lord corrected Martha for requesting Him to tell Mary to help her. He said she was distracted by many things when one was needed. 

Was Jesus chastising Martha for doing her chores? No, He was teaching her to prioritize her time and attention. In other words, good things often have the potential to distract us from matters that are in our best interest.  

For example, uplifting Christian music encourages the soul. But when the Holy Spirit prompts a believer to read the Word on a given day, obedience should preside over the enjoyment of Gospel music. 

Hidden diversions are not always bad habits. They keep you too busy to realize you are not giving the Lord the time you once did. Working overtime, maintaining relationships, and so-called “self-care” are all acceptable activities. Yet, even positive actions are distracting if they take priority over your fellowship with Christ. 

Unavoidable circumstances, such as illness, will arise and may disrupt your usual routine. But in general, what you do most often should reflect Christ, “who is your life” (Colossians 3:4).

You may be starting to lose your godly focus if:

It’s Time to Pray

Gracious and loving Father God we seek to put you first in our lives. Give us the desire and discipline to make you our priority, for only by Your grace and mercy do we exist. Thank You for redemption, forgiveness, and reconciliation through the blood of Your Son. In the name of Jesus…Amen

Day 6 – JANUARY 13, 2023

UNDISPUTED CHAMPIONS!

Romans 8:37  Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 

Psalm 118:14-16  The Lord makes me powerful and strong; he has saved me. Listen to the glad shouts of victory in the tents of God’s people: “The Lord’s mighty power has done it!
His power has brought us victory—his mighty power in battle!”

1 Corinthians 15:57  But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thought for Today

Watching the Georgia Bulldogs play the TCU Horn Frogs compete in the college football national championship game was a reminder of all that is required to be an UNDISPUTED CHAMPION. Both teams came into the game as the two top-rated teams in FCS. However, only the Georgia Bulldogs emerged from the game as the UNDISPUTED CHAMPION of college football.

UNDISPUTED CHAMPIONS are rare in any sport or field in life. Think about how difficult it is to compete against competitors for an entire season and be considered the very best team by sports reporters, competitors and fans. UNDISPUTED CHAMPIONS are not perfect, in fact they may have numerous imperfections. But these champions are known as champions for their ability to work hard, stay focused on their goal, stick together as a team, overcome adversity, persevere through difficult times and pursue victory with diligence.

In this life we face many challenges that are far beyond our natural ability to overcome them. Additionally, you have a formidable opponent in the devil who hates you and is constantly devising plans and schemes to defeat you by keeping you in a state of discouragement and despair. As we experience these things, it is critical trust God, call upon Him in prayer, stand on His Word and watch Him lead you to victory. The Apostle John declared our victory “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4) 

There is no dispute that after Jesus died on the cross that on the third day, God the Father raised His only begotten Son Jesus from the dead. In doing so, Jesus conquered death, hell and the grave. Jesus, the risen Christ, is the ULTIMATE UNDISPUTED CHAMPION! He has conquered all things for us, no matter what we face in life. And more, He has made you more than a conqueror and you are victorious through Him!

Time to Pray!

Lord Jesus, I thank You for saving me from my sins and giving me everlasting life through my confession of faith in You. I praise You as my Savior, Lord and UNDISPUTED CHAMPION who has defeated every foe that I will face in life. No matter what challenge I face, I am victorious in You. In Jesus name, Amen!

By Prayer and Fasting Plus Faith

Weapons of Warfare that Prevail 

Scripture

Matthew 17: 26-29 Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.”  But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge ofGod,  bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Thought for Today

The 17th chapter of Matthew and Luke 9:40-42 relate the same events of this occasion. Jesus, along with Peter, James, and John had just returned from the mountain of the Transfiguration. The scribes interrogated the remaining disciples as a great multitude gathered. Jesus asked them the reason for the questioning. A man from the crowd presented his demon-possessed son to Jesus. The evil entity continually tortured the boy, often throwing him violently into fire and water. It afflicted him with seizures and rendered him a deaf-mute. Adding to the dire situation, the man revealed that the disciples could not cast out the demon.

Jesus was aware that the disciples prayed as He taught them to pray. Apparently, their prayers were ineffective for the task they faced. There are several types of prayers, such as petition, supplication, praise, and intercession. On this occasion, Jesus spoke about prayer in the form of spiritual warfare. This type of prayer is mighty through God. It is so forceful that it rips down strongholds. Warfare prayers take misaligned thoughts into captivity in the name of Jesus. They are unrelenting (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and fervent (James 5:16). Combine these prayers with faith to increase your confidence in God (1 John 5:14).

Prayer, Fasting, and Faith Combined

Are you reading this during a time you've set aside for prayer and fasting? Our prayer for you is that the words of Jesus encourage and strengthen your faith during this season of consecration. Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Believe in the power of prayer, faith, and fasting for the win!

It’s Time to Pray!

Thank you Heavenly Father for Your inspired Word that equips us to conquer the attacks of the prince of the power of the air. We are grateful for times like these to focus on You and listen for Your Will in our lives. Bless the brothers and sisters worldwide who are also seeking Your face each day. In the name of Jesus…Amen.

Day 4, January 11, 2023

The Blessing in Pressing Through

God Honors Faith that Pushes Past Adversity

Scripture

Luke 8:43-48 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

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.

Thought for Today

Jesus healing the woman with the 12-year issue of blood is familiar to most Christians. The miracle demonstrates how the Lord honors faithful determination. Jesus acknowledged her trust and rewarded her with a healthy body. The details in Luke’s writing give us insight into Jesus as Lord. As believers in Him, we may expect similar blessings as the woman Jesus healed on this occasion.

What other blessings did this woman receive during the brief encounter with the Savior?  Healing and relief from many years of suffering and shame alone were worth fighting through a desperate crowd. She did what she had to do to touch the garment of The Great Healer, activating an outpouring of even more blessings.

For instance, the woman received the benefit of financial relief.  She had spent all her money on doctors and found no cure for her ailment (v3). The Bible does not mention her again, but perhaps she went on to produce income as a healthy person.  What we do know is that Jesus freed her from the bondage of useless medical debt in one instant.

In addition, this unnamed woman could lay claim to one of the most powerful testimonies in the Bible. Imagine if you could relay a testimony of what the Lord did for you… as He stood in your presence! She actually heard the sound of His (human) voice. Her eyes witnessed His interaction with the disciples in real time. Is there any wonder that she declared Jesus (v 47) and testified the details of His miracle to all the people?

Afterward, Jesus gave her comfort and affirmed her faith. He gifted her with wholeness and peace (v 48).  Consider her example as you ask God for extraordinary strength to knock down barriers and draw near to Him. Be mindful that pressing in does not mean demanding God to answer prayer. Note that although she was persistent, the grateful woman came to Jesus with humility (v 47) and reverence. 

Take a moment to read 2 Timothy 2:3-7, which compares a faithful Christian who forges ahead to good soldier.  The warrior disengages from life’s affairs to endure hardness. His desire is to please the one that enlisted him.  The passage also mentions awards granted to a competitive athlete and the harvest of a hardworking farmer. Their rewards illustrate the benefits of pushing past difficulties.

The Bible reminds us that our ways are before the Lord’s eyes. He ponders our goings. You have stretched yourself in hard times to attend church, pray, or serve the Lord. Take comfort in knowing that your efforts have not escaped His notice.  Every challenge, test, and trial you overcome for the sake of Christ brings you closer to the goal. Your ultimate prize is the upward call of God in Jesus!

Time to Pray!

Father God, thank you for fresh grace and mercy this day. We pray for perseverance in the most challenging times and ask You to strengthen us in areas of weakness. Thank You for Your many blessings, although pleasing You is our greatest reward. In the name of Jesus…Amen