Daily Devotions |
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33 |
Today's Scripture““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”” |
The vast difference in the way the fighting men of Joshua saw themselves and the way the spies of Moses saw himself is reflected in their report. Both generations of Israel were faced with the same task to take the same land into possession; but only the men with the report of victory claimed the Promised Land. Our ability to possess our destinies are no different than that of Israel in the sense that our report of our future will determine whether we possess our purpose. I realize that we have studied Joshua a lot during these last few weeks. And much like Psalms during the first week of the Challenge, Joshua is the place God has us resting. I think that we are reading this story because God wants to encourage us but also because God wants to remind us. NO MATTER HOW BIG THE TASK THAT HE GIVES US MAY LOOK, OUR WORDS, OUR FAITH, OUR TRUST IN HIM DETERMINES OUR FUTURE. Joshua proves this to be so. The men in Moses' generation came back calling themselves grasshoppers, whereas Joshua's men came back declaring victory in all the lands from one woman's fear. How you view your future is going to always hold you back, because your report is often the opposite of the report God has put on your life. God had already declared that the land was Israel's. He had already named the land their's by promise. I have done this in my own walk. I have looked at what God said was mine in disbelief. But, my report must be the in alignment with God's word. If God spoke to the children of Israel and declared that the land was there's, even though they were facing giants, the men should have came back declaring that God was going to bless them to overtake the land which seemed impossible to possess. It's important for us to understand how big the Promised Land was. This was not some small territory that Joshua took over. It comprised many tribes of Canaanites and multiple city-states. But the report that the spies came back with from one part of the land gave them the courage to possess all that God had given them. | Today's Scriptures23Then the two men started back. They went down out of the hills, forded the river and came to Joshua son of Nun and told him everything that had happened to them. 24They said to Joshua, “The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.” |
Another part of the report that the men in Moses' generation that was troubling to me was the way they described their own blessing. The men called the land which was promised to them a land that "devours those living it it." They not only viewed themselves small in the face of their purpose, but they viewed their promise as a curse. How often do we allow our fear to diminish what God has given us? How many of us have spoken ill of the thing God has given us; like our jobs or our loved ones? The enemy thrives when we start to view the very things God gives us negatively. When we do this, we take care of the heavy lifting and all the enemy has to do is sit back and watch us sabotage ourselves. We have to be resolute to declare that God's promise will make not add any sorrow to our lives.
I have decided today that the only report I have is the report of the lord. Everything that God has called mines, I will posses in the name of Jesus Christ
I have decided today that the only report I have is the report of the lord. Everything that God has called mines, I will posses in the name of Jesus Christ
“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.”
Joshua 1:5-7 KJV
The Bible is really a story about the constant way that God steadily progresses his people forward to his will. We see this in the story of Israel and in today's passage specifically in Joshua. Isn't wonderful to serve a God whose will for you is growth? No where in the Bible are we instructed to fear our purpose or the path of our journey. Our submission to God ultimately leads to an increase in our faith. Today God is saying to us all, "Be strong and of good courage" what lies ahead will be greater than what is behind.
Joshua was tasked with taking the remnant of Israel over Jordan into the Promised Land. What I love about this first chapter in the book is how encouraging God was to Joshua. He gave Joshua the blessing of Moses and he gave him the constant encouragement to push forward, to be strong and to be courageous. Nothing in the Bible's text is there by mistake. I truly believe that while this chapter tells of God's encouragement of a young new leader that it applies to us all. We all have some "Promised Land." We all have a purpose before us. And sometimes the best way that the enemy can steal purpose from us doesn't include supernatural attacks or hindering acts; the devil simply needs to deter us with our fear.
Look at the journey Moses and God's people took in the wilderness. They allowed their fear to cause them to set up tents just outside of the promise. Their doubt in God's word kept them captive for years. We let it happen to us too! Our doubt that we can make it, keeps us from trying. Our hearts become discouraged when things look harder than we expected. Instead of upping our expectation for God's miraculous power concerning his Word, we start flailing in our purpose. We start settling for things close to our purpose instead of being strong in our faith and courageous in our declaration of God's word.
Joshua wasn't being told to be strong so he could go smiling in the face of the enemy asking if they would give them what God said was theirs. Joshua was reinforced by God that as he went into the battle that no man would stand before him. As you prepare to go into the promise of where God has sent you, don't expect things to be easy. But, expect that no matter what comes God is big enough to make his Word the truth.
Start declaring that your are strong and courageous. Start receiving the promises laid out in Joshua. They are for us too. As we follow the leadership of our savior, every place he sends will prosper. If God has called you into this intimate walk with him through 100 Days of Excellence, start declaring that every time you trust in his word he will prosper his spirit in your soul. No more do we stand in doubt of God's power. We are his people and we will possess the land!
Listen to today's prayer over and over. Play it in your car and in your home. No demon will keep you from possessing what's beyond Jordan because God's word can't return to him void.
Joshua was tasked with taking the remnant of Israel over Jordan into the Promised Land. What I love about this first chapter in the book is how encouraging God was to Joshua. He gave Joshua the blessing of Moses and he gave him the constant encouragement to push forward, to be strong and to be courageous. Nothing in the Bible's text is there by mistake. I truly believe that while this chapter tells of God's encouragement of a young new leader that it applies to us all. We all have some "Promised Land." We all have a purpose before us. And sometimes the best way that the enemy can steal purpose from us doesn't include supernatural attacks or hindering acts; the devil simply needs to deter us with our fear.
Look at the journey Moses and God's people took in the wilderness. They allowed their fear to cause them to set up tents just outside of the promise. Their doubt in God's word kept them captive for years. We let it happen to us too! Our doubt that we can make it, keeps us from trying. Our hearts become discouraged when things look harder than we expected. Instead of upping our expectation for God's miraculous power concerning his Word, we start flailing in our purpose. We start settling for things close to our purpose instead of being strong in our faith and courageous in our declaration of God's word.
Joshua wasn't being told to be strong so he could go smiling in the face of the enemy asking if they would give them what God said was theirs. Joshua was reinforced by God that as he went into the battle that no man would stand before him. As you prepare to go into the promise of where God has sent you, don't expect things to be easy. But, expect that no matter what comes God is big enough to make his Word the truth.
Start declaring that your are strong and courageous. Start receiving the promises laid out in Joshua. They are for us too. As we follow the leadership of our savior, every place he sends will prosper. If God has called you into this intimate walk with him through 100 Days of Excellence, start declaring that every time you trust in his word he will prosper his spirit in your soul. No more do we stand in doubt of God's power. We are his people and we will possess the land!
Listen to today's prayer over and over. Play it in your car and in your home. No demon will keep you from possessing what's beyond Jordan because God's word can't return to him void.
“And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
1 Samuel 15:22 KJV
“Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”
Luke 2:41-52 KJV
In our flesh, we can get so wrapped up in a desire to be independent that we forget that we have a sovereign authority over us. As I studied the word this week I stumbled upon the adolescence of Jesus in Luke 2. As I read the story I noticed that the word mentioned Jesus' obedience to his parents.
If the sovereign Lord of all submitted to his authority, then why should we see obedience as labor. Our willingness to follow the leadership of God reflects our trust in his plan, but also our desire to grow. Jesus went back with Joseph and Mary and his obedience allowed him to grow in wisdom. Likewise we grow, when we submit to God's authority.
1 Samuel 5:22, tells us that obedience is better than sacrifice. Jesus's example proves to us that there is nothing more important than our duty to obey God's word. In understanding the true Business of the Father, our submission becomes an easy task; a practical response; a wonderful liberation.
What part of the Business of our Father has your obedience brought you to? How can you more freely answer the calling of being about the Father's Business.
If the sovereign Lord of all submitted to his authority, then why should we see obedience as labor. Our willingness to follow the leadership of God reflects our trust in his plan, but also our desire to grow. Jesus went back with Joseph and Mary and his obedience allowed him to grow in wisdom. Likewise we grow, when we submit to God's authority.
1 Samuel 5:22, tells us that obedience is better than sacrifice. Jesus's example proves to us that there is nothing more important than our duty to obey God's word. In understanding the true Business of the Father, our submission becomes an easy task; a practical response; a wonderful liberation.
What part of the Business of our Father has your obedience brought you to? How can you more freely answer the calling of being about the Father's Business.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”
Romans 12:2, 9-13 KJV
When profess to be Christian, or share the Bible on social media, we are declaring a powerful thing. It becomes easy to claim this faith but the reality of a Christian walk requires much more from us than we are willing to admit. A confession of belief should be followed by a life governed by God's word. God's word really does prepare us to be uncommonly good amongst people. In every aspect of our life the salvation power of Christ should be reflecting the miraculous power of God's power. The power of our submission is directly related to the power of God's providence. When we give up our way and take on God's, we start moving and sounding like God's love. The passage that we are focused on today reminds us of our day to day responsibility to be unusually kind and uncommonly giving.
Having this posture is huge in today's world. Even presidential candidates sound off at one another in anger. However, our ability to start reflecting a love is given through following The example of Christ. God's love is so big it saved the world. It brings us to an unusual place of joy in a world filled with so many reasons to be angry and hopeless. Look at the scriptures. They direct is in the complete opposite "direction" than the world. From our temperament to our business dealings we ought to have a level of integrity because God's love implores to be better, think better than our flesh wants us to. We have to remember that we aren't better than others; salvation makes us better than our former selves.
You have a choice: Automatically respond to the world or respond to God's word and give that response unto the world. At our jobs, in our homes, with our peers we must start reflecting God's power. The best way to do so is to take our profession of the Christian faith seriously. Watching what we say and who we say it to. Why live this way? Witnessing that's why. People don't want to hear you talk about how great church was after you have been mean all week long. Could you imagine Donald Trump trying to tell the gospel to one of the business owners he swindled. It doesn't work. We cannot tell the good news of Jesus Christ and go off acting on impulse. That is why God in his providence sent his word, so that we have something to say to others. He gave us our script, we just have to follow it.
Consider yourself elected into Godly office. Everything you do effects the supernatural national security. And if you are not careful to have your confession of the faith, you just might be risking the Kingdom of Heaven in your home or on your job. Start with Romans 12, even if you don't possess some of those qualities begin speak those scriptures as if you were listing your own character traits.
Having this posture is huge in today's world. Even presidential candidates sound off at one another in anger. However, our ability to start reflecting a love is given through following The example of Christ. God's love is so big it saved the world. It brings us to an unusual place of joy in a world filled with so many reasons to be angry and hopeless. Look at the scriptures. They direct is in the complete opposite "direction" than the world. From our temperament to our business dealings we ought to have a level of integrity because God's love implores to be better, think better than our flesh wants us to. We have to remember that we aren't better than others; salvation makes us better than our former selves.
You have a choice: Automatically respond to the world or respond to God's word and give that response unto the world. At our jobs, in our homes, with our peers we must start reflecting God's power. The best way to do so is to take our profession of the Christian faith seriously. Watching what we say and who we say it to. Why live this way? Witnessing that's why. People don't want to hear you talk about how great church was after you have been mean all week long. Could you imagine Donald Trump trying to tell the gospel to one of the business owners he swindled. It doesn't work. We cannot tell the good news of Jesus Christ and go off acting on impulse. That is why God in his providence sent his word, so that we have something to say to others. He gave us our script, we just have to follow it.
Consider yourself elected into Godly office. Everything you do effects the supernatural national security. And if you are not careful to have your confession of the faith, you just might be risking the Kingdom of Heaven in your home or on your job. Start with Romans 12, even if you don't possess some of those qualities begin speak those scriptures as if you were listing your own character traits.
“Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”
James 3:4-5 KJV
If we want to head toward any of the things that we listed in registration there is one little thing we have God to get a hold of first: our words. Sometimes the hardest thing to change is how we think and speak about ourselves. But when we surrendered to God during the purge, we surrendered even our lips and mouths to God. Now, we are not confined to our own opinions or thoughts. Now we speak God's thoughts over our lives.
James 3 talks in depth about the tongue; of its power and its wickedness. But what I like the most is this metaphor in verse 4. If we were sincere about allowing God to lead us, he became our proverbial Captian. That means he directs our ship, including the rudder mentioned in the scripture. Now, whether we are comfortable with ourselves or not, we have to acknowledge that God told us we are "fearfully and wonderfully" made.
For me the thing I constantly speak over myself is that I have no patience. But God dealt with me, reminding me that patience is a fruit of the Spirit. Now that Christ is my head, I no longer claim my characteristics, but I have to claim those of the spirit. Even in the face of growing temptation to revert to my own traits I have to declare Galatians 5:22-23 over myself.
Every goal we listed starts with our mouths. And our faith in God's word will open doors to our petitions. Whatever it is that you have examined about your words that is contrary to God's word, surrender it and declare His word over your life.
If your negative words are pertaining to your health or fitness, remind yourself of Genesis 1:27. You were made in the image of our savior and that you are made whole. Let your faith make you whole like the woman with the issue of blood in Matthew 9:22. Begin to search the word for examples of healing and allow the testimony of the Bible be your strength. Be motivated by God's care in creating you.
All through the Bible are declarations for our edification. If you are being called into ministry read of the Levites in the Old Testament and begin to make the declaration in Isaiah 6:8: "Here Am I." Let your life be transformed in the promise of God to send you where there is a need.
If you are working toward entrepreneurship and are a woman read Proverbs 31 and declare that you display those traits. If you are a man declare Joshua 1:9 over yourself. Declare that you will be strong and of good courage! Your future is in the hand of God so trust that he will bring you to an expected end and remember to put him first in all you do.
When you find yourself speaking negatively about your finances, declare the promise of God in Matthew 6:26. Remember that God provides for the birds and that he too will provide for you. Allow God to give you wisdom as it pertains to your financial decisions. Prove God through trusting him with your tithe and offering and watch your understanding grow.
I know how easy it is to be constrained by fear or doubt. When disappointment comes to rob you of peace about your life, remember the sovereign nature of God. Isaiah 55:9 reminds us that His ways are not our ways, His thoughts are higher. Declare that His word is true no matter how our past, disappointments or hurts try to contradict it.
God has an expected end for all of us. We can start to declare the Word in Jeremiah 29:11, expecting that the plans that He has for us are plans to prosper us. And if we can't think of any other declaration to profess and confess, we can count of John 3:16. Speak this with me, God so loved us, that He gave His only son that I might have life everlasting!
Watch your mouth and watch God's promises come alive today.
James 3 talks in depth about the tongue; of its power and its wickedness. But what I like the most is this metaphor in verse 4. If we were sincere about allowing God to lead us, he became our proverbial Captian. That means he directs our ship, including the rudder mentioned in the scripture. Now, whether we are comfortable with ourselves or not, we have to acknowledge that God told us we are "fearfully and wonderfully" made.
For me the thing I constantly speak over myself is that I have no patience. But God dealt with me, reminding me that patience is a fruit of the Spirit. Now that Christ is my head, I no longer claim my characteristics, but I have to claim those of the spirit. Even in the face of growing temptation to revert to my own traits I have to declare Galatians 5:22-23 over myself.
Every goal we listed starts with our mouths. And our faith in God's word will open doors to our petitions. Whatever it is that you have examined about your words that is contrary to God's word, surrender it and declare His word over your life.
If your negative words are pertaining to your health or fitness, remind yourself of Genesis 1:27. You were made in the image of our savior and that you are made whole. Let your faith make you whole like the woman with the issue of blood in Matthew 9:22. Begin to search the word for examples of healing and allow the testimony of the Bible be your strength. Be motivated by God's care in creating you.
All through the Bible are declarations for our edification. If you are being called into ministry read of the Levites in the Old Testament and begin to make the declaration in Isaiah 6:8: "Here Am I." Let your life be transformed in the promise of God to send you where there is a need.
If you are working toward entrepreneurship and are a woman read Proverbs 31 and declare that you display those traits. If you are a man declare Joshua 1:9 over yourself. Declare that you will be strong and of good courage! Your future is in the hand of God so trust that he will bring you to an expected end and remember to put him first in all you do.
When you find yourself speaking negatively about your finances, declare the promise of God in Matthew 6:26. Remember that God provides for the birds and that he too will provide for you. Allow God to give you wisdom as it pertains to your financial decisions. Prove God through trusting him with your tithe and offering and watch your understanding grow.
I know how easy it is to be constrained by fear or doubt. When disappointment comes to rob you of peace about your life, remember the sovereign nature of God. Isaiah 55:9 reminds us that His ways are not our ways, His thoughts are higher. Declare that His word is true no matter how our past, disappointments or hurts try to contradict it.
God has an expected end for all of us. We can start to declare the Word in Jeremiah 29:11, expecting that the plans that He has for us are plans to prosper us. And if we can't think of any other declaration to profess and confess, we can count of John 3:16. Speak this with me, God so loved us, that He gave His only son that I might have life everlasting!
Watch your mouth and watch God's promises come alive today.
Listen to Today's Prayer
“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42 KJV
““Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.””
Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:30 KJV
Luke 10:38-42 KJV
““Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.””
Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:30 KJV
Wow, let me be transparent. Yesterday I didn't release a devotion. Though it was a slip of hand, following various struggles, I basked in the peace of having less work. I absolutely love churning in God's word to whip up the smooth interpretation that he gives me. But, it is work. Part of my routine was thrown off yesterday. I was so tired that I slept through my personal devotion time. In a hurry, I woke up settled into the word about the prayer and completely lost myself in the service of 100 Days of Excellence. This passage reiterated to me the necessity to do both. Tarry in God's presence and serve...simultaneously.
What Martha should have done was learned the unforced rhythm of grace. At some point she should have given up the heavy burden of having a perfect house for her guest and focused on her honored guest: Jesus. But HOW? How was she to cook, clean, and host while resting at her savior's feet? The answer is so simple; it is kind of upsetting.
Priorities.
I always remember a lesson from my third grade class. (I went to a Christian school that taught some great kernels to us.) The teacher wrote the word JOY on the board. Then she created an acronym. Jesus. Others. Yourself. I doubt that the guests would have looked down upon Martha if she stopped being cumbered and went to be with Jesus. Her priorities were mixed up. Martha was operating in OJY. The burden of others is heavy! But in the KJV version of Matthew 11:30, the Bible tells us that the yoke of Jesus is light. I'm learning something else from Matthew. When you put God first, he tends to handle everything else. (Matthew 6:33)
Maybe if Martha had sat, her guests or her sisters would have filled in for her. Martha might have been blessed to be served by Jesus like those who ate the fish and loaves of bread. We will never know. But we can take this lesson to remind ourselves of the real priorities in life. I want JOY. So, I'm learning to take the yoke of Jesus first. From there I try to help where I can, serve where I'm needed, and bless those I love. When I get that order right, I'm usually already taken care of. I've typically given my problems to God. Free! 😁 By blessing others I've blessed myself. Encouraged. 👌🏽 And whatever else I really need I can focus in on. 🤔
Yes, this order is completely opposite of the way the world does things. The world tells you that if you don't worry about yourself no one will. I've been there and subscribed to that magazine and the facts are that if you surround yourself living the JOY model, you'll have people to have your back. The world (even the present church) tells us that gods serves us. Where is the wonder in a god whose primary concern is being my genie? That's the beauty of learning to follow the Master Plan, your way becomes small compared to the way laid out in the Bible. Others are the last thing the world worries about and usually only superficially. We usually only care when tragedy hits or opportunity seems to arise for us to benefit.
The world is living a YJO lifestyle. And so many of us are unhappy because of it. So many of us are broken because of it. If you have gotten your priorities mixed up; if you turn to Jesus only when it serves you; if you feel like life is battering you with impossible expectations start using the JOY method today. Choose to be both Mary and Martha: serving others but only after you have spent time with Jesus. You will find yourself rocking in the sweetest rhythm of grace. Full of joy because you let Jesus lead you to serve others ultimately blessing yourself in the process.
What Martha should have done was learned the unforced rhythm of grace. At some point she should have given up the heavy burden of having a perfect house for her guest and focused on her honored guest: Jesus. But HOW? How was she to cook, clean, and host while resting at her savior's feet? The answer is so simple; it is kind of upsetting.
Priorities.
I always remember a lesson from my third grade class. (I went to a Christian school that taught some great kernels to us.) The teacher wrote the word JOY on the board. Then she created an acronym. Jesus. Others. Yourself. I doubt that the guests would have looked down upon Martha if she stopped being cumbered and went to be with Jesus. Her priorities were mixed up. Martha was operating in OJY. The burden of others is heavy! But in the KJV version of Matthew 11:30, the Bible tells us that the yoke of Jesus is light. I'm learning something else from Matthew. When you put God first, he tends to handle everything else. (Matthew 6:33)
Maybe if Martha had sat, her guests or her sisters would have filled in for her. Martha might have been blessed to be served by Jesus like those who ate the fish and loaves of bread. We will never know. But we can take this lesson to remind ourselves of the real priorities in life. I want JOY. So, I'm learning to take the yoke of Jesus first. From there I try to help where I can, serve where I'm needed, and bless those I love. When I get that order right, I'm usually already taken care of. I've typically given my problems to God. Free! 😁 By blessing others I've blessed myself. Encouraged. 👌🏽 And whatever else I really need I can focus in on. 🤔
Yes, this order is completely opposite of the way the world does things. The world tells you that if you don't worry about yourself no one will. I've been there and subscribed to that magazine and the facts are that if you surround yourself living the JOY model, you'll have people to have your back. The world (even the present church) tells us that gods serves us. Where is the wonder in a god whose primary concern is being my genie? That's the beauty of learning to follow the Master Plan, your way becomes small compared to the way laid out in the Bible. Others are the last thing the world worries about and usually only superficially. We usually only care when tragedy hits or opportunity seems to arise for us to benefit.
The world is living a YJO lifestyle. And so many of us are unhappy because of it. So many of us are broken because of it. If you have gotten your priorities mixed up; if you turn to Jesus only when it serves you; if you feel like life is battering you with impossible expectations start using the JOY method today. Choose to be both Mary and Martha: serving others but only after you have spent time with Jesus. You will find yourself rocking in the sweetest rhythm of grace. Full of joy because you let Jesus lead you to serve others ultimately blessing yourself in the process.
“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “ Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are Godʼs children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:13-18 NIV
Romans 8:13-18 NIV
The world has so many things to call us. But, if the Spirit of God be in us, we call ourselves the children of the true and living King. As we have discussed our loved ones this week, I have constantly reminded myself that I not only have an earthly father but also a supernatural father. As I have prayed, "Abba Father!" my expectation of God's power has been based on the passage of today's devotion.
If I have walked in the spirit, I can claim to be a son! In modern times we like to get hung up on the semantics; but let's be clear, in biblical times and terms you want to be called a son. Unlike a daughter, sons could receive inheritance. Sons carried on the name of the father. Sons were granted the promise that they would be given a portion of their father's blessing. Daughters had no claim to these things. We could talk about the fairness of ancient familial laws or we can focus on the emphasis in this scripture.
God in his sovereign nature knew both men and women would read this text. And he wanted to make the distinction. We are not only blessed to call God father, we are blessed to claim the inheritance of heaven. For in my father's house, their are riches untold! John 14:2 tells us that there in heaven there are many mansions. They are ours to claim.
I recieve the inheritance of God by operating by the Spirit. By aligning ourselves with the Word and taking time to have a private, intimate relationship with Christ we accept our new lineage. Our submission to God is a formal adoption and we are given new identities, new heritage.
The new new identity we claim wipes away the curse of sin. It wipes away the bloodline that separates us from the gift of heaven. This new lineage takes away the stain of sickness and fear and replaces it with wholeness by the blood of the lamb. Make it your goal today to operate in your heavenly heritage. Start looking at the earthly bondage around you and calling it a lie. The only truth that matters in the truth of Christ; the truth that has reconciled us to God and makes us joint heirs of the inheritance of heaven.
Do you receive your new heritage? Then begin to pray not only for the loved ones near you but pray for the Kingdom of Heaven, your godly family. Let your supplication be that God's Kingdom come here on earth. Let your faith allow you to walk with the spirit and stand strong in the face of fear. Because if you claim kinship with the Lord of Lord what can truly claim your inheritance. Your blessing from your supernatural Father exceeds this earth and flows into eternity.
If I have walked in the spirit, I can claim to be a son! In modern times we like to get hung up on the semantics; but let's be clear, in biblical times and terms you want to be called a son. Unlike a daughter, sons could receive inheritance. Sons carried on the name of the father. Sons were granted the promise that they would be given a portion of their father's blessing. Daughters had no claim to these things. We could talk about the fairness of ancient familial laws or we can focus on the emphasis in this scripture.
God in his sovereign nature knew both men and women would read this text. And he wanted to make the distinction. We are not only blessed to call God father, we are blessed to claim the inheritance of heaven. For in my father's house, their are riches untold! John 14:2 tells us that there in heaven there are many mansions. They are ours to claim.
I recieve the inheritance of God by operating by the Spirit. By aligning ourselves with the Word and taking time to have a private, intimate relationship with Christ we accept our new lineage. Our submission to God is a formal adoption and we are given new identities, new heritage.
The new new identity we claim wipes away the curse of sin. It wipes away the bloodline that separates us from the gift of heaven. This new lineage takes away the stain of sickness and fear and replaces it with wholeness by the blood of the lamb. Make it your goal today to operate in your heavenly heritage. Start looking at the earthly bondage around you and calling it a lie. The only truth that matters in the truth of Christ; the truth that has reconciled us to God and makes us joint heirs of the inheritance of heaven.
Do you receive your new heritage? Then begin to pray not only for the loved ones near you but pray for the Kingdom of Heaven, your godly family. Let your supplication be that God's Kingdom come here on earth. Let your faith allow you to walk with the spirit and stand strong in the face of fear. Because if you claim kinship with the Lord of Lord what can truly claim your inheritance. Your blessing from your supernatural Father exceeds this earth and flows into eternity.
About the Challenge
The 100 Days of Excellence challenge is a 100 day journey to completely rearrange the course of your life. It is about seeking the thrown of God to hear what his plan is for our lives. It is a commitment to carry out every action in your future in the spirit of excellence.
Get your challenge resources here.
Archives
December 2016
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
October 2015
September 2015