Abiding TV

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:14, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

God has planted His seed of hope, power and victory inside of you!All you have to do is allow God to bring the best out of your life and decide you won't settle for "good enough." It may not always be easy to do this, but it's very possible! Perhaps you have made a hurtful mistake in your past, and that is still haunting you. If you let the enemy tell you that you're not good enough for God's forgiveness, then you're settling for less than God's victory. Setbacks are part of life, but Jesus said He came to give you an abundant life! If you decide to strive for excellence, there is no limit to what the Lord can do through you and with you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

God, I know that You have given me forgiveness and desire that I live in victory. I choose to live in Your victory today and not settle for "good enough." In Jesus' Name. Amen.

For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.

— Hebrews 4:12

People experiencing tragedy often become emotionally unstable and need to express their grief somehow. They may cry uncontrollably, and tears or other feelings of distress can come and go when least expected. Confusion, anger, fear, depression and waves of overwhelming feelings are common. In times like these, I believe it’s wise to look at King David.

In Psalm 42:5, we see that when David was feeling depressed, he resisted it. He didn’t sink into it or get into the pit of despair. He described how he felt, but he made a decision not to live by his feelings. He praised and trusted in God.

Most of us go through emotionally difficult times when tragic loss occurs, and we need to give ourselves time to grieve. As we go through the process, God wants to comfort us and give us the grace we need to get through it. Those who are walking by faith in God will come out of it even better than when they went in.

If you are hurting right now due to a loss in your life, I want to tell you that a new beginning is in front of you. Trust and praise God like David did. What Satan intends for your harm, God can turn around for your good!

Nehemiah 1:1-11

What’s your view of God? Do you see Him as the One who can handle every challenge you bring before Him? Nehemiah knew the Father in this way. On hearing of Jerusalem’s destruction, he mourned, fasted, and prayed for intervention.

For a glimpse into how Nehemiah viewed the Almighty, let’s look at his supplication. Notice that in verses 5-11 of today’s passage, Nehemiah addressed God in different ways. For example, he first used the name Yahweh—a term that means “I Am” and indicates One who never changes. Then he referred to the Lord as Elohim, a name that speaks of sovereignty. In presenting his request, the prophet chose language that indicated his full confidence in God.

And the Lord answered that prayer in a powerful, dramatic way. As cupbearer in the palace, Nehemiah tasted food and drink first to protect King Artaxerxes from possible poisoning. For a servant in this position, to look sad was risky, yet the terrible news disheartened him (Neh. 2:1).

The Lord worked powerfully: When the king asked what was troubling his cupbearer, Nehemiah expressed concern for the Jewish people. Instead of punishing him, Artaxerxes let him go to rebuild what had been destroyed and even supplied the materials! God handled what seemed like an overwhelming, impossible burden for Nehemiah, and He can do the same for us.

Having the right view of the Lord will allow us to approach Him with absolute confidence. And we know that He will hear and answer our prayers (Psalm 86:7). Remember, He is absolute in faithfulness and infinite in power. Our heavenly Father is the ruler over all.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 24-27

March 1, 2018
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV).

The key word in the scripture above is always. Knowing that we always triumph in Christ gets rid of the false philosophy, “win a few—lose a few.”

Just because it is God’s will that we always triumph doesn’t insure we will never be attacked or have adversity.

I’ve heard people say, “Well, I haven’t always triumphed.” That’s not God’s fault. His Word says He always causes us to triumph—and God is always right. In God’s mind, victory belongs to you. No matter what kind of persecution, adversity, or attack you may be under, God’s planned result is triumph.

Of course, you can choose to give up before victory comes; you can get weary in well doing before victory comes; you can even get discouraged and quit before victory comes. But I am totally convinced that God already has your victory planned out for you.

I’ve learned that what I do during an attack will determine whether or not I triumph. I made up my mind years go that I’m not going to accept failure. I’m not saying I’ve never had opportunity to fail or I’ve never had a setback. I’ve had plenty of these situations, but it’s never over until God has the opportunity to turn things around and lead me into triumph.

I don’t know what you may be going through today, but I do know this: If you won’t give up God will always lead you in triumph.

Confession: I believe God will turn every adversity into victory. I believe God has a victory plan for every negative circumstance I face. I always expect victory because God has promised I can always triumph in Christ.

Author: Jerry Savelle

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ (Ephesians 4:14-15).

Some people have been Christians for many years, but they haven’t grown spiritually. Some aren’t even aware of the reality and necessity of spiritual growth. The Bible says, “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:1-2). This is God’s desire for you; He wants you to grow in fellowship with Him and in the things of the Spirit.

The latter part of our opening text says, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” This is God’s purpose for you; He doesn’t want you tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. He wants you stable, mature, and established in the faith.

Spiritual growth is like the growth of a newborn baby that has to go through several stages before coming to adulthood. It’s exciting to see the baby take its first feeble steps, make expressions, and attempt to hold things. It’s even more thrilling when the baby is eventually able to walk and run around, even though at first, with wobbling steps. In all of these phases, growth is progressive, and that’s the reason for the excitement.

It’s the same thing spiritually. When you’re growing spiritually, you’d notice you’re able to take charge of your life; you don’t need somebody to deal with the devil for you; you’re able to put him where he belongs by exercising your dominion in Christ! You’ve learnt the Word; you’re in charge and in control of your life. You can tame circumstances. That’s how it should be.

Desire more of God; desire more of His Word, for the Word of God is God. Feeding on the Word is the only means you can grow spiritually, and live the transcendent life in Christ. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3).

PRAYER Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the working of your Word in my life. My growth in life is evident and consistent, because I’m connected to my source—the Word—in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Mark 9:14-32
Numbers 7-8

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 23:1-10
Psalm 50-51

FURTHER STUDY:
1 Timothy 4:15
1 Peter 1:23
1 Peter 2:1-2 AMPC 

Thursday March 1st 2018

Memorise: This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8

Read: Proverbs 1:29-33 (KJV)
1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord:
1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
1:32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Bible in one year: 
Numbers 4,
1st Corinthians 14:26-15:11,

Hymnal: 
Sing hymn 6

Message:
Our memory verse today lets us know straightaway that not all success is the same. While some success can be good, others can be bad.  If you want your own success to be good, this Book of the Law, which is the Bible, shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall mediate on it day and night to ensure that you live according to all that it says. The word of God further emphasise the fact that not all success is good success. For example, Proverbs 1:32 tells us that if prosperity is put in the hands of a fool, it will eventually destroy him or her. This means there is a kind of success that brings destruction. We see this today in the lives of many seemingly successful people, especially celebrities and young stars all over the world. I pray that the kind of success and prosperity that destroys it owner will never come your way in the Name of Jesus.

Good success has many facets. It could mean prosperity without adversity. Proverbs 10:22 says that the blessing of the Lord makes rich and adds no sorrow. It could also mean promotion without the possibility of demotion. It is better not to be promoted at all, then to be promoted today and demoted tomorrow. Good success also refers to deliverance without any relapse. It is sad that some people who were once delivered have later relapsed into bondage again (Luke 11:24-26). Good success also manifest as victory without the possibility of future defeat, as well as processing an anointing that never dries up. Good success is salvation without backsliding, and it could also mean several other things. The Lord will grant you good success in the form of a blessing that lasts forever in Jesus’ Name.

For you to experience good success, you must first accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour. Then, you must submit to the authority of the Bible as the eternal word of God, through a diligent study of its teachings. You must take the word of God as your absolute guide in all matters relating to human life and existence. Your commitment and obedience to the word of God will bring you to a level of fellowship with God that attracts the assured presence of His almighty power, which enforces the manifestation of good success and prosperity in your life. As you endeavour to live according to God’s word today, good success and prosperity will accompany everything you do, in Jesus’ Name.
Prayer Point

Father, as I submit to the authority of Your word and apply its teachings to my life, please grant me good success in everything I do, in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Lessons was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical Church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

How can a young man stay pure? By reading your Word and following its rules.
—Psalm 119:9 (TLB)

Many of the difficulties we experience as Christians can be traced to a lack of Bible study and reading. We should not be content to skim through a chapter merely to satisfy our conscience.

Hide the Word of God in your heart! A little portion well digested is of greater value to the soul than a lengthy portion scanned hurriedly. Do not be discouraged because you cannot understand it all. Go on reading. As you read, the Holy Spirit will enlighten the passages for you. Reading the Bible has a purifying effect upon the heart and mind.

Prayer for the day
Let the enlightenment of the riches of Your Word sink deep within my soul, Lord.

For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning...to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness].

Romans 8:29, The Amplified Bible

As a believer, you're destined to be molded into the image of Jesus, to grow in spirit until you look just like Him. God's supernatural power began that process the moment you were born again. You were changed on the inside instantly. How successful you are in allowing this change to progress to the outer man is mostly up to you. We grow up spiritually just like we grow up physically.

What can you do to speed this growing process along?

Spend more time pursuing the things of the Spirit than you spend pursuing the things of the flesh. Become dedicated to the Word of God and to fellowship with Him. Be willing to pull aside from the busy things of life and get alone with Him, so He can guide you, teach you and share His likeness with you.

Have you ever noticed that if you spend time around people who have strong personalities, you will automatically be affected by them? You'll find yourself doing the things they do. Their mannerisms will rub off on you. You can't help it. They just influence you, especially if they are people you respect and admire.

The same thing is true in your relationship with God. If you spend enough time with Him, He's going to rub off on you! His ways will become your ways.

So make yourself available to Him by praying in the spirit and worshiping and loving Him. Hang around His Word and the people who love His Word and live it.

Before you know it, you'll begin to notice yourself changing. You'll find your character becoming more like His. You'll begin to think like He does and talk like He does and even act like He does. His image will begin to shine forth in you!

Scripture Reading:
1 Corinthians 3:5-18

Beloved. This thick darkness around you is not of Me. Do not faint, My Child. You shall see My Goodness in the land of the living. 

Though you may feel dead in your soul, I have come to bring you LIFE. The Resurrected King is raising you up from the ashes of defeat. I am the Victorious One. I am the Light of your life.

The burning ember in your heart shall be fanned by the very Breath of God. A bruised reed I will not break, and a smoldering wick I will not extinguish, till I lead justice to victory. It shall not be by your own works, but by My Grace are you set on FIRE once again. So do not "struggle" to believe. The very same Power that raises the dead dwells in you, Dear One. My Spirit is quickening your mortal body. I am He who was dead and I am alive forever more. I am a consuming Fire. All the walls around your heart melt in My Presence.

This bitter smoke around you that is so hurtful to your eyes shall be blown away by Winds of My Spirit. Instead of fear and confusion, My Fire shall ignite that spark of life in you that you thought had died. I am arousing a great Flame in you, the very Flame of the Lord. You shall burn once again with the very FIRE of your God. Arise and shine, Beloved. Your eyes shall become as Mine, blazing with the Fire of My Love. You shall see Me as I am and your heart shall rejoice. In My Light, you shall see Light.

...Psalm 97:5The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD; at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

...Matthew 12:20 A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory. 21In His name the nations will put their hope.”

...Luke 12:49 I have come to ignite a fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!

...Luke 3:16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but He who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and FIRE."

...Revelation 19:11Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its Rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. 12He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. 13He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God.

...1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.
amazing painting by Ricardo Colon; used with permission

Many of my elite have given into false imaginations and wrong mindsets. You must remain my hidden ones, my pure at heart. Do not multiply your words of pride, let not vainglory come out of your mouth; for Jehovah is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed (1 Samuel 2:3).

Bring no more offerings a vanity (emptiness, falsity, vainglory); [Your hollow offering of] incense is an abomination to me; the new moons and Sabbath, the calling of assemblies, I cannot endure— it is iniquity and profanation, even the solemn meeting (Isaiah 1:13). Woe, unto seekers of self, you have blood stained hands. I turn my back on you and set my face like a flint. I am calling out my new generation, My Jonahs.

The ones who will endure three days in the belly of the whale and come out rejoicing. My called out ones, set apart, sold out to the love of Christ. Not called or lured away by the lust, desires, and greed of this world. True warriors, prophets, an apostles for Jesus. Sanctified, purified by the fiery trials of affliction; coming out as pure gold and the glory of the Lord can be seen shining on their faces. With an appearance of being sprinkled with gold dust, they shimmer and sparkle with humility. Lowly in the world, but mighty in my kingdom.

Understanding the true price paid, by the one who gave it all, so they didn’t have to. The hidden ones are living laid down lives. Giving up their right to be right. Refusing to pick up offense or eat from the enemies table. Oh, how he loves you....Oh, how he has waited for you. The one singing, “I only want your presence Lord!” How lovely is your dwelling place; Lord Almighty! My Soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord (Psalm 84:1-2).

My heart says of you, seek his face! Your face, Lord, I will seek (Psalm 27:8). Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded (James 4:8). I have heard many a famous preacher stand in the pulpit and proclaim, “God allows U-turns!” My question to you today is, “Do you know what your turnaround cost God?” It cost him everything. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16)....Tammy Lang Jensen

“If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you . . . Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends” (Philippians 2:1-2 The Message).

Relationships are always worth restoring.

Life is all about learning how to love, and God wants us to value relationships and make every effort to maintain them instead of discarding them whenever there is a rift, a hurt, or a conflict.

In fact, the Bible tells us that God has given us the ministry of restoring relationships. For this reason a significant amount of the New Testament is devoted to teaching us how to get along with one another.

The apostle Paul taught that our ability to get along with others is a mark of spiritual maturity. Because Christ wants his family to be known for our love for each other, broken fellowship is a disgraceful testimony to unbelievers. This is why Paul was so concerned that the members of the church in Corinth were splitting into warring factions and even taking each other to court.

He wrote, “Shame on you! Surely there is at least one wise person in your fellowship who can settle a dispute between fellow Christians” (1 Corinthians 6:5 GNT). He was shocked that no one in the church was mature enough to help resolve the conflict peaceably. In the same letter, he said, “I’ll put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other” (1 Corinthians 1:10 The Message).

If we want God’s blessing on our lives and we want to be known as children of God, we must learn to be peacemakers. Jesus said, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9 NLT).

Notice Jesus didn’t say, “Blessed are the peace lovers,” because everyone loves peace. Neither did he say, “Blessed are the peaceable,” who seem to never be disturbed by anything. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who work for peace” — those who actively seek to resolve conflict.

Over the next few days, we’ll look at the steps necessary to resolve conflict. Peacemakers are rare because peacemaking is hard work. But because you were formed to be a part of God’s family, peacemaking is one of the most important skills you can develop!

Talk It Over

What people do you know who are peacemakers? How would you describe their character?
What is one thing you could do today to work for peace in your relationships and in your community?
Why is peacemaking such hard work?

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.”
(Jeremiah 17:7, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD:

Today, I want to declare words of blessing over you. I want to call forth your seeds of greatness. Someone may have told you what you can't become, but I'm here to tell you what you can become. As a believer in Jesus, all of the blessings in His Word belong to you! Receive it by faith today!You are a person of destiny. You are equipped. You are talented. You are creative. You were designed for a purpose. You are loved, chosen and accepted by Almighty God. There is nothing you can do to make Him love you more and nothing you can do to make Him love you less. His grace is sufficient for you. His angels have charge over you. You are blessed coming in and blessed going out. You have uncommon wisdom. You have uncommon joy. You have uncommon peace. He is your vindicator, and He will fight for you! No weapon formed against you shall prosper as you serve Him all the days of your life!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father God, thank You for blessing me as I put my trust in You. Today, I set my heart and mind on You. I praise You for Your goodness and faithfulness. I receive Your blessing upon every area of my life in Jesus' name. Amen.

For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.

— Hebrews 4:12

When people ask me where to start reading the Bible, I tell them there’s really no wrong place to start. You can study anything that’s going to help you.

When I first started studying the Word, I didn’t have very good relationships because I didn’t really understand what love was. So I studied the subject of love, and I learned that it’s more than just a gooey feeling. It’s a decision you make about how you’re going to treat people.

By studying what the Bible says about love, I learned how to love. Then my life began to change.

Whatever you’re dealing with, you can find scriptures about it by using a concordance. For example, if you’re dealing with anger or fear, flip to the concordance in the back of your Bible and locate those words to see which scriptures talk about those issues. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and reveal truth to you.

No matter where you start, remember that the Word is alive and God wants to speak to your heart today!

Colossians 3:15-17

Many believers look for a sense of peace as a sign to help them determine God’s will in their life. However, a peaceful feeling may not be enough evidence to verify that a person’s decisions line up with the Lord’s plans. It’s wise to ask ourselves, Whose peace are we experiencing? Sometimes our sense of tranquility can be attributed to our own satisfaction about a choice we’ve made.

Today’s passage talks about letting “the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Col. 3:15). This kind of settledness originates from Jesus Christ and is the umpire that determines whether your decisions fit with God’s will. The word peace indicates harmony and oneness. So to have God’s peace about a matter means your decision must be aligned with His will. The only way to determine this is by comparing your thoughts and choices with His Word. Are you thinking the same way He does? Did you make your decision using scriptural principles or your own human understanding?

One of the reasons we often make choices without the guidance of Scripture is because we want a quicker method for finding an answer. The Lord doesn’t just pour His thoughts into our brain without our cooperation. He molds us gradually, day by day, as we read His Word and let its truths sink into our mind.

Building steadily over time is the only way to internalize a foundation of God’s truth. With His instructions as your basis, you can make decisions with confidence, knowing you are following His will. Then you’ll have a sense of oneness with the Lord, and His peace will guard your way.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 21-23

February 28, 2018
For as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV).

If you want your future to improve, the first thing you need to do is change your identity, meaning what you see yourself to be. Your life today is a result of how you have viewed your identity in the past, and you will never think, speak, or act in a way that is contrary to your identity.

Gideon transformed from being a coward into a man of great courage the moment he took on a new identity (see Judges 6). When God called him a mighty man of valor, Gideon received his new identity and went on to become a strong and courageous leader. The only thing that changed that day was Gideon’s identity; he saw himself as God saw him.

Gideon could have been a mighty man all along, but God had to bring him to the point where he identified with God’s might rather than his own cowardice.

If you’re fed up with being the way you are and dealing with the same old problems, you can become a new person by taking on a new identity. You can throw off the old identity that you took on from other people, circumstances, and the world. Then you can take on the identity that was given to you by your loving heavenly Father, and become the person He always intended you to be.

When you made Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior, your position became “in Him” or “in Christ.” Now that you are in Him, you have access to the future God has prepared for you—a future that overflows with success, fulfillment, and prosperity in every area of your life.

But let me offer a word of caution: If you cling to your old identity you’ll never experience life to the full. I’ve seen people who have been saved for forty years and still have not discovered who they really are. They still hold on to that old identity, they are losers in life and not the winners God has called them to be.

Just as Gideon had to receive his God-given identity, so you must receive your identity in Christ. Choose to identify with Him and to enjoy the abundant future that God has determined for you.

Confession: In Him I am a new creation. I am victorious, an overcomer who can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. My future overflows with success, fulfillment, and prosperity in every area of my life.

Author: Jerry Savelle

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (James 1:25).

The Word of God is a mirror. The Bible says, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). When we look into the mirror of God, we see ourselves. We see the glory of God. The natural mirror portrays earthly reflections, but God’s mirror, His Word, is the perfect mirror that shows you who you are and exactly how God sees you.

The more you look into the mirror of God, the more you’re changed to become what you see. So, keep looking, because as you look, you’re metamorphosed; your life becomes increasingly excellent. But if you take your eyes away, you’d live a confused life because you’re looking at the wrong thing. Our opening verse says, “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

James 1:22 says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” If you’re a doer of the Word, when you look into God’s mirror, you don’t forget who you are. The one who doesn’t do the Word has an identity crisis.

No matter the challenges you face and the troubles that may come your way, stick to the Word. Always remember what the Word says about you: you’re more than a conqueror; greater is He that’s in you than he that’s in the world. Maintain this consciousness.

PRAYER Dear Father, I thank you for your Word transforms me from glory to glory, and instills in me the mindset of the just. I’m a doer of the Word, and not a hearer only. Therefore, I’m blessed evermore, living transcendently over and above sickness, disease, Satan and circumstances, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Mark 8:27-38, 9:1-13
Numbers 5-6

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 22:11-30
Psalm 46-49

FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 19:7
2 Corinthians 3:18 AMPC
Hebrews 12:2  

Mark 4:8

“But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”

Perhaps you have marveled at God’s instantaneous healing miracles. Perhaps you believed that He would do the same for you. But now, when you see your own healing taking so long to manifest, you are tempted to give up.

My friend, when the manifestation does not come instantaneously, we are not to be discouraged because Jesus let us in on a secret when He shared the parable of the sower. (Mark 4:3–20)

The parable of the sower teaches us that once we receive God’s Word into our hearts regarding our situation, God’s blessings will manifest in progression. When we receive our thirtyfold manifestation, it means that 70 per cent of that condition is still there. But some of us give up at thirtyfold because we still feel more pain than relief.

We need to realize that we are thirtyfold better than before, and our sixtyfold is coming! Once we receive our sixtyfold manifestation, there is still 40 per cent that is not well. But we are more healed than sick now, and we only need to get ready for the hundredfold manifestation!

For years, I had a skin condition. Medication did not help and, finally, after I had done everything I knew to do, I decided to take the Holy Communion and pray about it. I said, “Father, I have an infirmity. I don’t know what is hindering the physical manifestation of this healing. Holy Spirit, I am trusting You to make perfect intercession regarding the manifestation of my healing.”

That was how I prayed for my skin condition. Did I look into the mirror to see if it had left? Of course I did! I am like anyone else. But did I stop praying? No, I kept on praying until one day, I heard a voice within me say, “Look at your body.” When I looked into the mirror, the skin condition was completely gone! I was totally healed, but the manifestation of the healing was gradual.

Today, if you have seen only a thirtyfold increase in your situation, don’t give up. The sixtyfold, then hundredfold increases are on their way to you!

Jeremiah 27:45 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel…I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are on the ground, by My great power and by My outstretched arm, and have given it to whom it seemed proper to Me."

“In the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior.  The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity.  –John Adams, Second President of the United States

John Adams understood that the Holy One of Israel, Jesus Christ, the Maker of heaven and earth and all that dwell therein, is to be honored and recognized as the Hand, which not only created the land we proudly call our home, but also formed it into a nation, and from its inception, up to this very day, sets a President over it, for His divine purposes.

Today, as we give honor to the Presidents of America, past and present, let us pray a prayer for the Office of the Presidency of the United States of America in the spirit from which it was created, the Holy Spirit of Jehovah, God:

Father, we thank You for the privilege of living in the greatest of nations, which still emanates Your glory because Your hand remains upon us.  Lord, God, stand guard over the Office of the Presidency and provide supernatural protection and wisdom necessary to navigate among today’s increasingly perplexing domestic and international challenges.  And help our faith in knowing that You are indeed perfecting every detail.  This we ask of the King of glory, in His name, the precious name of Jesus, amen.
Foundations of Faith

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16

Walking in the spirit. That's the key to overcoming the flesh. If you follow the prompting of the Spirit of God within you, you won't be dominated by the pressure your flesh tries to put on you.

As you listen to the written Word and the Holy Spirit telling you what to do, you'll constantly be making little adjustments in your life according to what He says. And those little adjustments will keep darkness from overtaking you.

You see, God knows just what you need. He can look ahead in your life and see the traps and pressures the devil is laying for you. So follow the Holy Spirit's leading and He will maneuver you safely around them to victory.

Scripture Reading:
1 Corinthians 10:1-14

Beloved. Do not be moved by what you see, My Warrior. Maintain your stance. Keep your eyes upon Me. By moved by My Word only. 

For I am everything that I say that I am, and I will do everything that I have spoken. No word shall return to Me empty and void. It will accomplish that to which it was sent. Nothing can stand against your God.

You are in Me and I in you. You are My Intercessory Warriors. When you speak and pray, believe that IT IS FINISHED. Come into agreement with My Word. There is no negotiation for you are speaking your Father's words and not your own. I do not waiver. I do not change My mind. I do not consult the enemy. I command, direct, and decree. And so shall you, My Warrior Bride.

Do not be silent in battle, My Child. When the devil comes to confront you, tell him IT IS WRITTEN. Announce your identity. You are My son/My daughter made in My image. He will know that he is not up against you, but Me. I have your back, Beloved. You fight from a place of victory. You are telling the enemy that you yield your own will to Mine. Tell the devil to "GET BEHIND ME, SATAN". And he must flee! Having done all, stand, My Love. Stand on My Word. And I shall send angels to minister to you after every battle. I will contend with those who contend with you. Do not fear, Beloved, but rise up, knowing who you are in Me. Your feet are on the Rock and you shall not be moved.

Decree a thing, and it shall be established for you: and the Light shall shine upon your ways. You shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand still, and SEE the salvation of the LORD. Fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against the enemy for the LORD will be with you! Have not I commanded you? BE STRONG & COURAGEOUS; be NOT AFRAID! The LORD your God is with you wherever you go!

Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

...Mathew 28:19"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

...2 Chronicles 20:17 "You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf....' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the LORD is with you."

...Job 22:28 You shall also decree a thing, and it shall be established for you: and the light shall shine upon your ways.29When men are cast down, then you shall say, There is lifting up; and He shall save the humble person.30He shall deliver the innocent man: and he is delivered by the pureness of your hands.

The strong arm of the Lord is your guide. He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, enabling me to stand on Mountain Heights (Psalm 18:33). God will be with you on the mountain, and he will walk you through the valley.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4).

Our God is not a vicarious God. He is not moved and waved about by the feelings and actions of others. He is consistent and long-suffering, never leaving your side. In the deepest valley you are with me. If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there: if I make my bed in Sheol (hell), you are there (Psalm 139:8). The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth looking for those who love him and are called according to His purpose. Are you fulfilling your whole purpose?

Or have you become weary and laid down on the highways and byways of your life. Well lead, follow, or get out of the way; because the glory train is coming through. Do not be caught naked and unaware, be clothed for the journey. Girded about with the TRUTH and wearing the full armor of God. But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard (Isaiah 52:12). I will strengthen you for your journey, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

When you are at your highest high, I am there....when you are at your lowest low, I am there.... I am the King of your castle, I am the Lord of lords. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending; yet, I have no end. I am the one true living God. Those who thirst for me, will never thirst again. Those who wait on me, will not be disappointed. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry (Habakkuk 2:3).

I am the God of your circumstance, happenstance, and accidents. Call to me in any and all situations. Surely I will hear from heaven and answer you. And it shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear (Isaiah 65:24). The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Call to the Lord, ask him to search your heart today. Say Lord, if there is anything known or unknown to me that is hindering my walk with you, search it out, burn it up and let it fall to the ground. More of you and less of me....How do two walk together unless they agree (Amos 3:3). And how do I give you the reins, unless I SURRENDER....

Tammy Lang Jensen