Is God with you wherever you go?

Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Never alone. What a promise. No matter where you are God’s presence is there also, if you are a born again believer with God living inside you that is. What Psalm 139 emphasizes later, Joshua heard first hand. Basically God said to Joshua: I will go with you, and us (God is no respecter of persons), through all the seasons of life, through all our ups and downs, through temptations and triumphs, even through death. God will always be with us and He will always make a way for us where there doesn’t seem to be a way, if we will only rely on and listen to Him. When my sister lie on her death bed she told me; “I win either way!” She knew God was with her! On the darkest night, in loneliest place, far from family and friends, we are never alone if we are in Christ and He is in us. So we can take courage and feel His strength. Call upon the Lord and He is there. Be strong in the Lord and in His strength, we are not alone!

MY PRAYER…
Precious Father who is and was and is to come, thank You for being there and staying there when all others have forsaken and left me. You are the one constant in my life, life which is so full of change. Father thank You for Your Holy Angels which You have given charge over me, that they keep me in all my ways and protect me from evil. Help me become more steadfast and faithful in my commitments and relationships to honor You, glorify You, and to learn more about You. Lord empower me with Your Spirit to want more of You and less of the world. Through the Blood of Jesus I pray.
Amen

Do not live with the spirit of fear!

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 King James Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Power! We (as humans) love the concept of power. When it is Godly power, might does make right. Because Godly power will always be accompanied by love and administered in love, with the mind of Christ (a sound mind). God has given us His Holy Spirit (the power), Himself (agape or the God kind of love), and Jesus our example (a sound mind). These three together make a person’s life effective. Live life to its fullest through Christ; not as a closet Christian, afraid of standing true and firm, but as one who lives by God’s power, shares God’s love, and displays God’s virtues. One who isn’t afraid that the world might find out they are a Christian, God forbid. The world isn’t afraid of sharing their homosexual garbage and other immoralities with us why should we be afraid of sharing Jesus and our faith with them. It is after all what the Bible says we are to do! “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) Be always ready to minister in God’s power and Love, with the wisdom of God through the mind of Christ, in season and out.

MY PRAYER…
Holy Father God, You are without comparison in Your majesty and might. I have no right of my own to come into Your presence, and yet You have invited me there with Your love and by Your grace, through Christ. You are my Rock, my Fortress, and my Strength. I depend upon Your Love, Guidance, Power, and Your grace to sustain me through my storms and to reclaim me from my stumbles. I thank You that You have not given me a spirit of fear, but one of power, and love, and a sound (disciplined) mind through Christ. I want to be ready both in season and out from this day forward to proclaim Your Gospel to all the world. Help me Father to be diligent to prepare my heart. You are without comparison in all the world. I give you all glory and praise forevermore.
In Jesus name.
Amen

Are you held in the Lord’s hand?

[The Lord says,] “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Remember, fear is the opposite of faith. Fear will cause us to lose our will power and leave us feeling desperate and hopeless. That’s what terrorism is all about. The devil is a terrorist. He was a terrorist before the world knew what a terrorist was. But we have a loving God, a Father more precious than our natural father, who wants nothing more than to take care of our every need. He said He will strengthen us and uphold us with His righteousness. He will be your buckler and your shield if you allow him. He will be your standard and your defense against the power of the devil. But you must allow Him, He will not force Himself upon you. You must call on Him and fellowship with Him daily through Jesus, remember He is God, He is the Almighty, He is the Most High God, the Great I Am! In whom shall I trust?

MY PRAYER…
Almighty and Eternal Father, it is such sweet comfort to know that You are always there, always ready, always willing to meet my every need. To lift me up when I fall, to carry me when I am broken, to strengthen me when I am weak, to take away my fears when I become fearful. To fill me with Your Holy Spirit, the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Thank you, Father that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. In Jesus name I pray.
Amen

Resist the devil and he will flee

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
1 Peter 5:8-9 New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Notice that it says we must be self-controlled and alert! We must do our part first. Notice also that is says the devil is looking for someone whom he can devour. He can only do that if we allow him to! The devil (Satan not Lucifer) is real, whether you believe it or not. He and his power, and 1/3 of the angels that chose to follow him when he was cast out of heaven (He became Satan then –no longer Lucifer), are here on this earth and their only intention is to bring harm and discord to our lives. Satan is the father of all lies and the devil only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But let’s not spend our time worrying about him and what he’s doing. Notice it said that the devil was looking for whom he can devour. That means you must be able to be devoured or he can’t touch you! How do you stay un-devourable? Be COMPLETELY IN JESUS. Be so full of God, His Word, and the Holy Spirit that there just isn’t any room left for even the smallest things to scrunch in. Let’s just resist him and his demon cohorts and when we are tempted let’s just focus on Jesus. Jesus has already defeated Satan and his bunch, He’s the one who triumphed over Satan, hell, death, and the grave. He made a show of the devil openly and then Jesus gave us the keys to hell, death, and the grave. He gave us His Name to use to resist the devil. My victory is already assured me in and through Jesus, my Lord! Satan trembles at the name of Jesus and he will flee if he knows Jesus is living in you. You can’t make the devil run, but Jesus living and working inside you can. Just knowing about Jesus isn’t enough. It did help the seven sons of Sceva at all! They knew about Jesus and Paul, but the demons still tore them up! Because they did not know Jesus personally. Make sure you are abiding in the shadow of the Almighty and then Let him know Jesus is living in you!

MY PRAYER…
Thank you, Father God, for sending Your Son Jesus to break the evil one’s power over us. Through the death of Jesus and His triumph You have assured me that I can live life more abundantly, that I have power over the evil one through Jesus. Father I thank You that through Jesus I have a relationship and an everlasting covenant of life with You. Today, however, I thank You that You have made me victorious through Christ who strengthens me. In Jesus name, I pray.
Amen

Do you dwell in The Secret Place?

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalms 91:1 New King James Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Do you dwell (that means to live and abide constantly) in the Secret Place of “El Elyown”, the Most High God? Do you dwell (live and abide constantly) under the shadow of “El Shaddai”, The Almighty God? Of all the names for God those two are by far my favorites. The “Most High God, and The Almighty God”, there is NO other God like Him and NEVER will be. He is my all in all and everything you could ever need or want He can provide to you, if you trust in and rely on Him! No matter how we are attacked or persecuted if we are in that secret place of the Most High God no evil can befall us, no foe can touch us. Look closely at this verse. My God is the Most High God, there isn’t nobody, no other God, there ain’t nothing that’s as High and as ‘Big’ or as ‘Powerful’ as He is! He’s the Almighty, the most powerful, the all in all, He’s anything and everything you could possibly want or need! But you can’t be doing your own thing, you must abide in Him. You must walk and live and dwell in His shadow if you expect to receive from Him. You must allow Him to guide and direct your life. You must be in constant fellowship with Him and with His Word. His Word is life and health to all your flesh.

MY PRAYER…
Holy Father God, thank You for being my Fortress and my Refuge in life’s storms. Thank You Lord that You have covered me over and have delivered me from all evil. Lord thank You that I can abide in that secret place with You at all times and that You are my comfort and my strength when I am weak. Thank You Lord for placing Your angels with charge over me to keep me in all my ways. Lord, thank You that when I set my love upon You, You deliver me from life’s trials and that You know my name! That You have called me by Your name. Through Jesus, my Lord and Savior, I offer my thanks and praise.
Amen

Whose hands hold your life?

Jesus said, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
John 10:28-30 New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Remember this little ditty?
“He’s got the whole world in His hand.”
He’s got the whole world in his hands he’s got the whole wide world in his hands
He’s got the whole wide world in his hands he’s got the whole world in his hands

He’s got the little bitty baby in his hands he’s got the little bitty baby in his hands
He’s got the little bitty baby in his hands he’s got the whole world in his hands
He’s got the whole world in his hands…

He’s got you and me brother in his hands he’s got you and me sister in his hands
He’s got you and me brother in his hands he’s got the whole world in his hands
He’s got the whole world in his hands…

He’s got everybody here in his hands he’s got everybody here in his hands
He’s got everybody here in his hands he’s got the whole world in his hands
He’s got the whole world in his hands…
He’s got you and me brother…
He’s got the whole world in his hands…

God holds His children of faith in His hand. As long as they place their lives and their trust in Him, no one or nothing can steal them away. Yes, times may get tough and the going may get hard, but if you put your fait and trust in God He will see you through! You have a choice, it’s up to you! You can put your life in His hands through Jesus or you can remain of and with the world and perish with it as it perishes, the choice is yours entirely. But God tells you in His Word to choose Life!

MY PRAYER…
Oh Lord, thank You for Your steadfast and secure love. Thank You for the assurance that my future rests in Your hands. Thank You for holding me in Your protective grace. May I live today with confidence and joy knowing that no matter where I find myself, You are there to uphold and sustain me. For I have been given eternal life, sin no longer has dominion over me because I am no longer under the law, but now I am under Your grace. For those who are led by Your Spirit are not under the law, but under grace. For this grace, I thank You in Jesus’ name.
Amen

Are you a slacker?

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 New King James Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
The lord has promised that all who call (from their heart, truly mean it, not just with lip service) on His name will be saved. Because He has already saved them through the Cross. He is waiting patiently for each and every man, woman, and child to call on Him. He hasn’t picked and chosen amongst us just certain ones, as certain sects and men believe. He wants us ALL, the choice is ours. He is waiting to complete His spotless church. He has already provided for our (every man, woman, and child on the face of the earth) salvation, redemption, healing, prosperity, deliverance, and all things that pertain to life and Godliness that are part of that salvation. He’s just waiting for us to call on Him and claim what He has already given us. He is waiting for us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, so that He can add all those other things unto us. Or are you slack in calling on God? Won’t you do that today? Won’t you extend your faith in Him. Draw near to Him and He said He would draw near to us.

MY PRAYER…
Precious Father, Great and Patient Ancient One, please continue to empower me with the boldness of Your Holy Spirit that I might lead my loved ones and dear friends to repentance in You. That I may walk in the light of Glory and that You will be shone forth in all that I say and do. So that when Jesus returns for His special people, His spotless church, they may share in the joy and eternal life that Jesus has bought for us through His death, burial, and resurrection. In Jesus name I pray Father.
Amen

Are you hearing the Word of God?

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17 New King James Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Notice God’s Word didn’t say by having heard once or even twice or three times, but by hearing, and hearing what is preached about Jesus. What is it we are supposed to hear? The six o’clock news, the New York Times, the Kitsap Sun, the Seattle Times newspaper, Spike TV, M-TV, HBO Cable Network, CNN News, ESPN news, your neighbor next door, the guy down at the gas station, or some other news broadcasting station? No, we are supposed to be hearing and hearing by the WORD of GOD concerning Jesus Christ and Him crucified for us. We should be meditating on His Word day and night. We need to choose very carefully what we listen to, what we watch, and whatever else is feeding our natural senses, because our spirit man, the real us, is fed through the eye gate, the mouth gate, and the ear gate. Whatever we’re seeing, speaking, and hearing the most is what is going to get into our hearts (our spirit man). God said out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. In Proverbs it says: Keep (Guard) your heart with all diligence, for out of it [spring] the issues of life. We need to put on a spiritual filter and make sure that what we are hearing and seeing lines up with the Word of God, so that what we are speaking is also from God. Because if it doesn’t line up with God’s Word it will have the opposite effect of building faith…it will destroy Faith and cause unbelief, doubt, and fear. Remember, whatever is NOT of faith is sin.

MY PRAYER…
Precious and gracious Father, I ask You according to Your Word ((James 1:5 KJV) ” If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”) to give unto Your servants and your saints the wisdom and revelation knowledge of Your Word. Father, for everyone who reads this, place an urgency in their hearts, an unquenchable desire to read, study, and meditate on Your Word. That their faith may abound. That they may know the truth set forth in Your Word and that the truth will make them free. Father, I ask that you would reveal unto us the deceitfulness and the ploys that the enemy uses to destroy our faith. Father, reveal unto us how we, Your church, have been polluting our faith and compromising ourselves with the things of this world. Help us Father, to be strong again and to stand firm in our faith in Your Word and it’s standards. Father, I ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen

Is your faith as strong as Abraham’s?

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.
Hebrews 11:17-19 King James Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Talk about faith! When God asked Abraham to give his only son as a sacrifice, the one in whom he had been told He would use to make Abraham the father of many nations, Abraham didn’t hesitate. He believed in faith that God was able to raise him back up from the dead if need be. Abraham’s faith and obedience was all God wanted, so God stayed his hand from harming Isaac and provided Abraham with a ram to complete the sacrifice. But it was Abraham’s undoubting faith and obedience that moved God. It also opened the door for God Himself to then offer His only Son (Jesus) as a sacrifice for ALL mankind. Abraham’s faith made a way for God to use His only Son as a sacrifice for us, for all of humanity. Are you full of that kind of faith and would you be as obedient as Abraham was?

MY PRAYER…
Father God, thank You for not asking us to do that which we cannot in our own strength do, but for only asking that we have faith in You. You didn’t ask Abraham to do anything that You weren’t willing to do Yourself. Thank You, that You did in fact give Your only Son that I (and the rest of the world) might be saved. That through His blood and our faith in Him we might have life and life more abundantly. In Jesus’ name, Father, I pray.
Amen