Do you begin each new day with God?

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Deuteronomy 6:7 New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
We should begin each new day with God. Time should be spent first with God before we ever venture out into the world around us. Remember we are in the world, but we are not of it! Every breath we take should be a powerful reminder that He has granted us another day of life to serve Him, that it is He who sustains our very life. Every beat of our heart should seem as though God Himself were there causing it to beat (because He is.) It should be a reminder of His love for us.. These simple blessings are so easily forgotten. We best remember to teach His ways to our children, to show them, and live them with and before our children always. We must be examples to our children, especially you fathers, for you are head of the family just as Jesus is Head of the church. Ask yourself this question: “Am I teaching them the ways of God or the ways of the world?” “Would Jesus do this if He were here?”

MY PRAYER…
Almighty God, Gracious Sustainer, and Undeserved Friend, thank You! Thank You Lord for this breath I take and for the heartbeat that sustains my life. Make me aware Lord as I travel, talk, rest, and work that You are the reason I live and that You are worthy of my very intentional best. Help me Lord to never forget to lift my voice in praise to You at all times. Through Jesus, my gracious sacrifice I pray.
Amen

Do you have a testimony ready to share?

In your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15 New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
What Peter is saying here is, “Always have a testimony to share.” We are to be ready, willing, and able to tell people about the “Good News”, the hope (“The Faith”) and the changes that Jesus has brought to our lives! To have a “Testimony” to share. After all He has made us able ministers of the Gospel (2 Cor. 3:6). To do this we must be meditating His Word always. We must have an abundance of the Word in our hearts for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks! But when we share this hope with others, two things are very important:

1. Our credibility — is Jesus really Lord of our hearts and our lives — Do we walk the talk? Are we really living the life of the Christian faith in Jesus, or do we merely just talk the talk? Do we show up for Church on Sunday and then live like the rest of the world all week? Smoking, drinking, cursing, partying and carrying on as the unsaved do. As Christians, we MUST live by faith, we MUST walk the talk always! Four (4) times in God’s Word He tells us the just (those who are in right standing with Him) must live by faith.

2. Our character — do we show gentleness and respect in our approach and speak in love? Are we lead by the Holy Spirit and His inner promptings when we tell others about Jesus? Or do we preach condemnation to them for the way they are? (I hope not!) Do we tell them what is theirs already through Jesus according to the Word if they will only believe? Do we tell them that God loves them and wants them to love Him. We must preach the Gospel (the “Good News”), not the “Law”. No man is justified by the Law. The goal is not to win arguments, but to win hearts and souls to Jesus!

MY PRAYER…
Holy and Loving Father, thank You for sending Your grace in and through Jesus. Thank You for having Your Word (Jesus) become flesh and dwell among us. Thank You for giving us an example to live by. I’m sure I would not have believed any other message than that of the “Good News” (the news of what Jesus had done for me!) Father, increase in me the conviction I need to share my faith in Jesus, but in a way that reflects Your grace. Let Your Holy Spirit fall on me anew each day, just as it did on the day of Pentecost, giving me the same boldness it gave Peter that day when he stood up and preached about Jesus, and 3,000 souls were added to the church in one preaching! Father, do in me what is necessary so that You can use me that same way. In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Amen

God’s promises are always ‘Yes’ & ‘Amen’!

But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
2 Cor. 1:18-20 New King James Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
None, not one of God’s promises are anything but yes and amen! God does not have any “No” answers or “I’m sorry not today in His New Testament!” When a child of God asks Him for something according to His Word, it is always “Yes and Amen!” It may not be for right now though, it is always in His good timing not ours. If you are hearing No after asking God for something according to His Word, you are not hearing God’s answer! My question then is “Who are you hearing from?” You may not hear any answer if you are asking amiss, it must be according to His Word. That means you must first know His Word before you ask. Remember, His Word is His Will! And you must be walking with Him in your life. You must know His Will for you and His Word concerning His will. That means you must be fellowshipping with Him and meditating His Word daily! Just going to ’church’ doesn’t make you a Christian, fellowship with Jesus makes you a child of God!

MY PRAYER…
Heavenly Father, Thank You for being my all in all. Thank You for having nothing but good answers for me when I ask you for something. Thank You Lord that I can place my trust in You, that I can rely on You when all else seems dim and gloomy. Father, thank You that you are always there willing and ready to answer me with Yes child and Amen daughter. In Jesus name, Father I thank You for Your loving care for me.
Amen

Are you filled with the entire Godhead?

For in Him(Jesus) the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete
expression of the divine nature]. And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead
—Father, Son and Holy Spirit —and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and
power].
Col 2:9-10 Amplified Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
All the fullness of the Godhead (the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) dwells in Jesus Christ (as a man). I didn’t say that the Bible did. Remember He was the Word become flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God! (John 1:1) If the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and the Word was God, then Jesus is God bodily or in the form of humanity. Now if you are in Him and He is in you then you are complete in Him. Then we have the full power of the Godhead dwelling within us, if we are born again, if we are in Christ! Why aren’t we walking in the miracles that followed Jesus? We need to learn to put a demand on that power of God that dwells within us. Quit asking God to come and do something that He has already done and given you both the power and authority to do yourself in His place! We need to bring forth all the power of the Godhead when we speak or act according to the Word of God. We need to expect the same results that Jesus got, that Paul got, that Peter and John got at the gate beautiful. We need to walk in the fullness of that Godhead!. How has it come to pass that this isn’t happening? I’ll tell you why, because of the doctrines of men (religion) that have crept stealthily into the Church over the ages from the very beginning. Because of the doctrines of men keep telling us the power has passed away. Do you know why they say this? They don’t know the Word and they don’t know how to walk in it, so they tell us it’s passed away. That’s not what it says in His Word! It’s time to get them (the wrong doctrines) out and Christ back in! Remember, All that really matters is “Jesus and His death, burial, and resurrection on high!” The same power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you. (If you are a born again Christian).

MY PRAYER…
Precious Father, help me to understand the fullness of Your power that dwells within me. Give me a revelation of what it is like and what it is for. Help me to put aside all things of the natural that hinder me and to learn to expect the same results that Jesus and the early church got when they applied Your Word to sickness, disease, and evil spirits. Lord, let the power of Your Holy Spirit manifest itself fully in all that I do and say so that the world will see the Glory of the Lord manifested bodily. But always remind me (caution me) to guard my heart and to give You all the Glory and all the honor. Father I will that Your Kingdom come and Your will be done here, now, on earth as it already is in heaven. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen

How will they hear the Word unless we preach it?

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Acts 2:41 King James Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Think about it, can you imagine a man who, just days before, had denied that he even knew Jesus. He gets filled with the Holy Spirit and fire (power), stands up and preaches his first sermon and 3,000 people repent (change their way of thinking and their lives) and call on Jesus to be their Lord! How would they have received the Word unless they heard it? How will they hear the Word unless we preach it? How can we preach the Word to them that need to receive it, unless we first receive it, are filled with the Holy Spirit and fire (power), and the commission from Jesus to go. If we remain inside the four walls of our church building and don’t go out how will they hear? Jesus said to GO into the world and make disciples of all nations! Two thirds of God’s name is “go”! We have to go and tell them, just like Peter went out of the upper room into the town square and preached the ‘Gospel’ to them that would receive. Peter wasn’t Pastor Peter or Reverend Peter, or 1st Pope Peter when he went out and told the people about the Gospel. He was just a believer, a disciple of Jesus, baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire that Jesus promised us and told us to receive before we went out. “(Zec 4:6 KJV) Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” Have you told anyone about Jesus today?

MY PRAYER…
Father, we ask You in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, to change our hearts. Help us to have the compassion that You have for the lost, those that don’t know the way home to You. Help us to become bold through the infilling of Your Holy Spirit, just like on the day of Pentecost. Lord, baptize us with Your Holy Spirit and with Fire, that we may become bold in the spirit for You. Just like the boldness that overtook Peter and saw 3,000 added to Your Kingdom in one preaching! Father, we give ourselves unto You this day, from this day forward to do Your will and Your Plan, Your way. In Jesus’ Mighty name.
Amen

Do you know what God has prepared for you?

As it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Many of the things we anticipate and dream about are much less glorious in real life than they were in our imaginations. There is one event, however, that is better than we can imagine and is beyond our wildest dreams. When Jesus returns to take us home to the mansion He has prepared for us in our Father’s house, it will be far better than we can ever ask, imagine, dream or think of. We have no real concept of just what He has prepared for us. But, we also have no concept of what He has prepared for us right here, right now, on earth! Did He not say in Matt 6:10: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” ? We are to have here on earth now, what we would have in Heaven also! Jesus said that not me. He has called us to serve Him, to wait on Him and to finish the work He started here on earth. Have you answered the phone or are you just letting it ring? Have you checked your voice mail lately, perhaps you missed the call because you were too busy with everyday life. He even sent you a text message, did you get that message? The Bible!
Come Lord Jesus! I will go for You!

MY PRAYER…
Abba Father, thank You for knowing me before time began. Thank You for crafting me while I was still in my mother’s womb. Thank You for sending Jesus to redeem me from the curse and pay the price for my sins. And thank You in advance, Father, for the day Jesus comes to take me home to be with You forever. But in the meantime Lord, I ask that You begin to show me what You have prepared for me here and now. I want to go for You now Lord and do what You have called me to do. I will answer the call Lord, I’ll pick up the phone. I know You’re on the “Main Line”.
Through my Conquering Lord and Savior, Jesus, I pray.
Amen

Have you found the ‘Secret Place’ with God?

Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
Psalm 91:9-12 New King James Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Have you made El Elyown, the “Most High God”, your dwelling place? Do you dwell (live and abide) in the secret place of the Most High God? God must be your Lord, your ‘FIRST LOVE’, read these verses slowly and carefully, look closely at them, meditate them over and over. My God is THE Most High God, The only true God, and if you make Him your dwelling place look at what He says He’ll do for you! No evil shall befall you, no plague shall come near your dwelling, He shall give His angels charge over you, so that you won’t even stub your toe on a rock! Man that is awesome, He’s an AWESOME GOD, HE IS A MIGHTY GOD. But have you ever thought to ask Him to protect you from evil? To place His angels over you and your family? Have you ever commanded His angels to do His Word? Do you ever thank Him that no plague can come near your dwelling? Because He is your refuge. You have His promises as long as you do your part. Covenant means each party has something they must do, yours is to make Him your dwelling place and the Lord of your life. To let Him lead and guide you in ALL that you do and say. You must be born again of God and you must keep His Word.

MY PRAYER…
Most High God, I thank You that I can always abide in the comfort and safety of your “Secret Place”. Lord I thank You that as I abide in Your shadow and under Your grace and mercy that you allow no evil to befall me. Lord I thank You that I can ask for and expect from you that no plague will come near my dwelling(s), that You will give Your angels charge over me and my loved ones. Precious Father, I know that Your angels are at work in my life day by day and that the power of Your Holy Spirit strengthens me and helps me walk in a way that is pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus’ name, Father I thank You for Your protection and Your angels who watch over me.
Amen

Have you believed the Gospel?

Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,…
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 New King James Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
The Gospel story is really very simple to understand:
Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit as the Son of God.
Jesus was Born of a virgin. (She had known no man)
Jesus lived a sinless life as a man. (God in the form of humanity-The WORD made flesh)
Jesus died on the Cross for the sin of ALL mankind once for ALL. (Don’t ask Him to do it again by praying and asking God to do something that is already done! like heal you, that was finished on the Cross! Thank Him for it instead.)
Jesus was buried.
Jesus was resurrected the third day by the power of the Holy Spirit of God. (where by He defeated death, hell, and the grave!)
Jesus is now seated on the right hand of God, where He forever makes intercession for us, the Saints. (Saints = Those who are born again by His Blood having made Him their Lord, not someone who has been pronounced a saint by the Pope!)

The grace of the Gospel is glorious to receive. He was made to be sin that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. The sacrifice related to us in the Gospel is incomprehensible. He laid down His life ONCE for ALL of mankind. A sacrifice so pleasing to God that it surpassed and put an end to the Law (Ten Commandments and their Levitical Law requirements) for atoning for our sin. The victory of the Gospel is eternal. Eternal life with Him and with the Father, in heaven!

MY PRAYER…
Almighty Lord, thank You for the empty cross, the empty tomb and Jesus’ victory over death, hell, and the grave. Just as Jesus’ death pardoned my sin, carried away my sickness and disease, poverty, and depression, His resurrection assures my future with You. Thank You for Your grace and mercy and the glory that now prevails in my life. May my life today be lived by the power presented by and in the Gospel of Jesus and by the same power that raised Jesus from the grave into heaven, Your Holy Spirit.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen

God is faithful and keeps His Word!

The Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Deuteronomy 7:9 New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
God is faithful and His covenant is a covenant of love not of hate or anger. The devil would love for you to think that God is a god of hate and anger toward you. No, God is a good God, He will not forsake us, but rather He will treat us better than we deserve. A covenant established with Abraham 430 years before the “Mosaic Law” (the core of which is the Ten Commandments) was given to Moses. A covenant that the “Law” could not and did not replace, but rather the “Law” only served as our guide & teacher unto Jesus. Just as any loving parent treats even a rebellious child better than they deserve, the only requirement to receive this covenant of love is that our hearts must be tuned to love and honor God as God. He only asks that we love Him and Keep His commandments, do what He said to do in His Word, daily. We must not think of Him as just a good luck charm or a weekly guest into our otherwise busy lives. What we do must be done in awareness that it is done before His eyes and must be done for Him! Everything we do must bring Glory and honor to Him as God. Remember this, God hears, sees, and knows what you think and do all the time, not just when you are praying or when you are in church. He even knows the thoughts of your heart!

MY PRAYER…
Father God, help us to understand Your ways. Help us to understand that You are not the one who brings evil or bad things upon us. But You are the one who will deliver us out of such things. You are He who will turn back our enemies and cause them to flee seven ways. For all good and perfect things come down from the Father of light. Thank You for the way You preserved Your promises to the Israelites and brought Jesus just as You promised. I trust Your promise to send Him back to bring me home to You. Please receive the deeds and words of this day as my thanks to You for Your covenant of love with me. Lord, help me to increase the effectiveness of my faith. In the name of Your Holy Child, Jesus, I pray.
Amen

Humble yourselves before God.

Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your
lives significant].
James 4:10 Amplified Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Humble yourselves. That sounds ridiculous, why would I want to humble myself? At least to the world and those that believe in “get ahead at all cost” and “don’t look back, the competition is gaining on you” it sounds ridiculous. But, humility is a forgotten virtue. Being humble doesn’t mean crawling off in the corner and letting the world walk all over you. Often confused with weakness or timidity, humility is about knowing your proper place in the spirit realm of God and in the world without flaunting it. Would you rather fall on the rock and be broken or have The Rock fall on you and crush you into many little pieces? Only God can exalt us in a permanent way, so the key is to know our place before Him and let Him put us in the place He chooses in order to bring honor to Him. Jesus said, “…If any man DESIRE to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) That’s humbling yourself. I had no desire to be a pastor, but God decided to put me in that position because it pleased Him.

MY PRAYER…
Abba Father, Most Holy God, thank You for allowing me into Your presence. When I think of all that You have done, the incredible universe You have made and hold together by Your Word, I am amazed that You would invite me into Your presence and care about my needs. I am in awe knowing You have a plan for my life that would please You. Help me this day to know my place in Your courts and Your presence. Help me to glorify You in what I do and say from this day forth. Let Your Holy Spirit lead and guide me in all things. Teaching me Your will and Your ways as we go.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen