REFLECT

James, the half-brother of Jesus, gives one of the greatest promises in all the Bible. This promise has brought comfort and encouragement to every child of God and in every conceivable circumstance that life could bring. This promise gives the steps to overcome Satan every time, and it never fails. There are three steps and two specific promises.

Step 1:  James tells the believer to first, “submit…to God.” Submission is “surrender, to release control over, to place yourself under the authority of, to submit to one’s control.” In other words, you are no longer in control; God is. When you submit to God, you have all the resources of heaven available to you.

Step 2:  “Resist the devil.” “The devil,” Satan, is a real enemy; he is not just a force of evil. He knows what will tend to defeat you, where you are most likely to be defeated, and when you most likely will succumb to temptation. The word “Resist” means “to oppose, to stand against, to withstand.” It is an intentional, deliberate opposition to Satan. The promise is that he will flee, he will leave, he will exit in defeat. Wow, what a promise!

“Draw near to God” means “to approach.” God is approachable. You can approach Him through prayer, through opening His Word, through obedience to His will and through worship. When you do, the promise is that God draws near to you, He approaches you. The next move is yours. God is waiting on you to take the first step toward Him. Sometimes pride—wanting your way instead of God’s way—keeps us from taking this step. Drawing near to God is not a feeling; it is a willful choice.

DAILY DO IT

Ask the Holy Spirit right now, “Is there anything in my life I have not surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ?” Is there a habit you have not surrendered? Is there a relationship you have not surrendered? Is there an area of your life…Is there a grudge or spirit of un-forgiveness you have not surrendered? Let’s focus on that for a moment. Is there someone who has wounded or offended you whom you have not forgiven? Right now, surrender your right to hurt back the person who hurt you. Forgiveness is not a feeling, it is a choice you make. Un-forgiveness may be the area where Satan has found a stronghold in your life, and it is blockading what God wants to do in and through you. Chose to let it go!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him.”

— Andrew Murray

Have you ever experienced guilt and shame? Of course you have. Guilt is the feeling of dread and heaviness you experience when you have done something wrong. Shame, however, speaks more to who you are rather than what you have done. Shame makes you feel unworthy, inadequate and insecure. On the cross, Jesus Christ addressed guilt and shame. He did something so powerful that the ability of guilt and shame to destroy you was taken away—they were nailed to the cross.

In the beautiful chapter of Romans 8, Paul gave a reminder of all the benefits you possess the moment you come to Christ. Through confession and repentance, guilt and shame can be gone. Romans 8:1 is a declaration, a promise, that when a believer comes to Christ, his or her sin is forgiven and will never have to pay for. That’s what Jesus did—He paid the price for your sin!

The word “Therefore” is there for a reason. In chapter 7, Paul stated that a believer has victory because of the cross of Jesus Christ. So, based on that alone, and once you have received it, you have no condemnation. God does not hold you accountable for the sin that would send you to hell. Because of the cross, no sin too strong to say “no” to. Yet you will sin, and when you do, know that through Jesus, you can be forgiven. He declares you “Not guilty.” Satan, however, keeps saying “Guilty.” It is a matter of whom you are going to believe.

You cannot trust your feelings. They will lie to you and deceive you. You certainly cannot trust Satan—the Father of Lies. You must trust what God said, that when you are in Christ, you are no longer condemned. Notice “there is NOW no condemnation,” which means at this very moment, you are NOT condemned, nor will you ever be if you are “in Christ;” and you are in Christ when Christ is in you.

DAILY DO IT

What is in your life about which you feel guilty? What brings you shame? Was it something you have done or said? Was it the way you were raised, perhaps with a dad where your good enough was never good enough? Right now, bring your guilt and shame to the cross and surrender it to Jesus Christ. Commit that you will listen to what God says and not what your feelings, others or Satan say to you or about you. Thank God for His amazing grace!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

 “What do you do with the person who says, ‘I’ve asked God to forgive me about this, but I still feel guilty’?  I hear that statement over and over again.  I usually say to these people, ‘If you still feel guilty, then pray to God again.  But this time don’t ask him to forgive you for the sin that is haunting you.  Rather, ask him to forgive you for insulting his integrity by refusing to accept his forgiveness.  Who are you to refuse to forgive yourself when God has forgiven you?  When God promises to forgive his people when they repent, he is not playing games. If he says he will forgive you, then he will forgive you.  And if God forgives you, you are forgiven.’”

— R.C. Sproul

The angel had just announced to Mary that she, a virgin, would conceive and give birth to the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Can you even imagine what was going through Mary’s mind? “There is no possible way this can happen,” “It is simply impossible.” No doubt Mary asked the ancient, one-word question, “HOW?”  We often ask the same question when we don’t know what to do.

This verse is a call to faith—a call to look beyond what we can see, feel, touch, taste or smell, and a call latch onto a word from God, a promise.

“Impossible” means “cannot be done.” Is there anything in your life you have labeled “impossible?”

“For nothing” means “no matter what it is.” You can fill in the blank. “For _____________ will not be impossible with God.”

What about cancer? Nothing!

What about a broken marriage? Nothing!

What about a prodigal child? Nothing!

What about a financial issue? Nothing

What about a wound from the past? Nothing!

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit knows everything, can do anything and is present everywhere at all times. Someone said, “With God, nothing is Him-possible” (“Him” being our Lord God). So, let’s consider what is possible because of Him:

1.  Salvation is possible—forgiving the sin that would send us to hell and forever securing an eternal home in heaven.

2.  Overcoming sin is possible—any sin or situation Satan and the world throw at you.

3.  Answered prayer is possible—calling on God and God promising to hear and answer prayer.

4.  Peace is possible—the inner satisfaction of knowing God is in control.

5.  Joy is possible—the inner gladness that comes from trusting what God says.

DAILY DO IT

Today, I want you to thank God for what He made possible in Christ Jesus. “Thank You God for saving my soul, for giving me overcoming power, for promising to answer my prayers, for giving me the peace that passes all understanding and for giving me joy that is based, not on what is happening around me, but on what You are doing within me.” Bring your impossible situation to God right now, and thank God that NOTHING is impossible with Him. Praise God for HIM-possibilities.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Darkness comes. In the middle of it, the future looks blank. The temptation to quit is huge. Don’t. You are in good company… You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait. Pray without ceasing. Hope.”

—John Piper

Jude is the half-brother of Jesus Christ. In his short yet powerful book, he gives a memorable doxology. His book is about defending the faith—the beliefs of Christianity.

Let’s dissect these words, “Now to Him who is able…” If you stop there you could never write enough about the fact that God is able, He has the power to do anything. God is up for any challenge.

Jude is saying that God has power to keep you from falling into sin and to keep you saved. You are eternally secure if you are saved. I like to use the phrase, “IF saved, ALWAYS saved.” Because of what Jesus did on the cross, when you receive it, you can stand before God without condemnation. “Keep” means to hold onto in a way that no one is able to snatch you or take you away from your relationship with God. Jesus not only has saving power, He has keeping power. This alone is cause for great praise.

“Savior” means “deliverer, rescuer.” Jesus is your rescuer, your deliverer. Notice God is the only God, and the only Savior. Jesus is the one and only way to heaven, and to a relationship with God the Father. These are powerful words that describe a believers’ praise to God.

“Glory” means “great honor, respect.” Jesus is worthy and can be compared to none other.

“Majesty” means greater than all. Jesus is greater than______(you fill in the blank).

“Dominion” means there is nothing He cannot do. He has no boundaries.

“Authority” means “rule.” Jesus Christ is in control of the world and in control of your world. From the past, even before creation, to the end of time as we know it and beyond, our God, the Lord Jesus Christ reigns! Hallelujah!

DAILY DO IT

Jude gives us an amazing benediction. A benediction is a conclusion of an event. A benediction can be expressing a goodbye.

Think about your benedictions—the way you leave someone, how you say goodbye, how you exit a conversation with someone. Jude concluded with great encouragement and hope centered on Jesus Christ.

Today, think about the way you leave people with whom you are talking or having a meeting. Be conscious that when you leave someone, they feel hopeful and encouraged. Leave people with you having pointed them to Jesus Christ. Leave people with them looking forward to the next time they see you. Also, keep in mind that this may be the last time you see him or her, or at least the last time you have the opportunity to make a first or lasting impression. Leaving someone in an encouraging and hopeful way keeps the door open for further communication about Jesus Christ.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

 “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

—Author Unknown

I Corinthians 15 is the great resurrection chapter. Paul shows the benefits of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and one of those benefits is daily power to live in victory over sin, Satan and self. As Paul shares on the ramifications of the resurrection, he seems to be shouting out the words of verse 57. “But thanks be to God!” He is praising God, thanking God, worshipping the God of the resurrection. Our Savior faced the worst of what life could do to Him, then He died. Yet, He did not stay dead. Someone said, “Jesus borrowed a tomb because He only needed it for the weekend!” Paul shouts notes of “Hallelujah!”

Notice, “who gives us.” The way these words are written literally means, “Who keeps on giving and giving and giving to us.”

“Victory” means “overcoming power, conquering, the ability to win over someone or something, to utterly vanquish.” Through Jesus Christ and his resurrection, God keeps on giving everything you need each day to live in victory over sin, Satan, self and situations. He never runs out of ways to bring you victory.  

But, notice, the source of victory comes from only one place, “through our Lord Jesus Christ.” There is no one else who can bring you power to conquer your sin. There is no one else who can bring you the power to overcome Satan’s weapons and the world’s temptations.

Like Paul is doing, it is important that you and I never take for granted what Jesus Christ has done for us. Thank Him for this overcoming power.

DAILY DO IT

Take a moment to think about the following and fill in the blanks:

The sin that most often tempts me is _____________.

Satan most often attacks me when ________________.

The area I struggle with personally the most is __________________.

The situation I am facing right now that is causing me to worry is ___________________________.

The circumstance I am facing that is bringing me fear is ___________________________.

For each of these things, begin thanking God that through Jesus Christ, you have overcoming, conquering, more-than-winning power over them.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“The reason why many fail in battle is because they wait until the hour of battle. The reason why others succeed is because they have gained their victory on their knees long before the battle came. Anticipate your battles; fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory.”

—R.A. Torrey

This is one of my all-time, favorite promises from the Lord Jesus Christ. In it He declares that He is enough. No matter what you are going through, you must know that Jesus Christ is enough. Paul was facing a physical issue that was causing him great pain. Three times he cried out to Jesus to remove the cause of the pain and to heal him. Jesus’ response was this promise.

“Grace” is God’s “able-ness”—His sufficiency, empowerment, merciful kindness and perspective. His grace truly is amazing. “Grace” means everything you and I need to live in power, purpose and victory. Notice the source of this sufficiency— “My,” refers to Jesus Christ. The word “Is” means this present moment. In every moment, God’s grace is enough. Notice the word “sufficient,” which means “to be enough.” Jesus is saying what he gives you each day is enough grace to get through anything life or Satan throws at you.

“For power if perfected in weakness.” “Perfected” means “to carry you through to completeness.” Every trial, burden and difficulty in your life comes with great purpose. Jesus will supply everything you need to get through each of them and you will know it was done in God’s strength, not your own.

For me, the big take-away in this verse is, “Jesus is enough.” No matter what you are facing, no matter how difficult the situation, and no matter how adverse the circumstance, Jesus Christ is enough for you.

DAILY DO IT

What physical, emotional, relational, financial, or vocational need do you have right now? List them below. For me, I suffer with chronic back pain.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

God gives enough grace for today. So, it is a problem if you begin to worry about tomorrow when God gives grace only for today. Live in today’s grace, and when tomorrow comes, there will be a fresh, new supply of God’s “enough.”

Now, thank Jesus Christ that He will give you the grace to get through whatever you are facing. Tell Him, “Jesus, thank You for being enough for me.”

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace.”

 –Jerry Bridges

REFLECT

Every man faces temptation, and there is no sin in the temptation. Simply put, temptation is an invitation to disobey God. Sometimes the invitations are very attractive. They can also blind you and hide the destruction until after you have said “yes.” Satan knows what will tempt you most. He knows where to tempt you and when to tempt you. Temptations have many “knocks.” Paul teaches that every man is tempted. Jesus Himself was tempted like no other man, and He refused to open the door to sin.

In this verse, God is shown to do something with each temptation that comes your way—He will provide a way out, and “God is faithful” to always provide the way out before you say “yes.”.

“Beyond what you are able.” No temptation is never bigger than your God, nor is it bigger than what you are able to do with His power and help. He gives you the ability to say “no.”

“But with the temptation will provide the way of escape.” It means “a way out, an exit.” “Able” means “to have the resources available to you.” “Endure” means “to bear up under, sustaining power to keep going.” With every temptation, God hands you an Exit Sign designed personally by Him.

DAILY DO IT

Consider an Exit Sign. When do you most often see one? Usually over a door. When you see an Exit Sign, it is an announcement that in case of fire or an emergency, there is a way out, an escape. Right now, thank God that no matter what temptation comes your way, He WILL put an Exit Sign over it.

Today, when temptation comes, look for the exit God promises to provide. Ask Him to give you wisdom and discernment to see His way out. It is important to look for Exit Signs even before the temptation comes—plan your escape route.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Temporary happiness is not worth long-term pain”

– Author Unknown

Isaiah was worshipping God. The King, Uzziah, had died. There are times when circumstances lead believers to look up in worship to God, to call on His name. In the worship experience, Isaiah encountered and experienced God.

Today’s verse teaches that worship involves, among other things, verbal expression. As Isaiah experienced God, he could not hold back his praise. He had to say something.  He cried out in response saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts.” Isaiah uses the word “Holy” three times. Three in Scripture is the number of the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. “Holy” means “set apart, separated from anything sinful or evil.” Isaiah is expressing a reverential awe, a fear of almighty God. He realizes there is no one like Him. God is in a category all by Himself. In this worship experience, you hear the heavenly choir, the seraphim, the highest-ranking angel, express in the strongest possible way in the Hebrew language these words of worship.

The word “Glory” means, “heavy, weighty, something that has value, worth, meaning.” God has the ultimate worth and value.

“The Lord of hosts” means “Lord of the armies.” He is over all the armies of the world and the heavenly army of angels; and He is able to destroy any enemy. There is no part of this world in which God is not present, and there is nowhere in the world where He is not in absolute control. Praise Him for this right now!

DAILY DO IT

Tell God how much you love Him and what an awesome God He is.

Follow Isaiah’s example of personal holiness—confess any sin and seek God’s forgiveness.

Once Isaiah confessed and repented of his sin, and after he experience worship and adoration for the Lord, he surrendered and said to God, “Here am I, send me.” Will you say that to the Lord right now?  Will you pray, “Lord, no matter what, I will do it; no matter where, I will go; and no matter when, I will follow You”? Having a heart that is right with God puts you in a position of willingness to obey Him and go wherever He leads.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Holiness is the perfection of all (God’s) other attributes. His power is holy power, His mercy is holy mercy, His wisdom is holy wisdom. It is His holiness more than any other attribute that makes Him worthy of our praise”

— Jerry Bridges

Solomon was the wealthiest man alive in his time. He had it all—riches, money, land, possessions—anything and everything a person could ever want. He had power, prestige and popularity. He had privilege and the things the world touts as being the status of wealth. As King Solomon finished the wisdom book of Ecclesiastes, he had come to a conclusion about life, about what really matters and what is really important in life and for eternity.

All the things in the world and all the people in his vast sphere of relationships could not give him what he was looking for. That has not changed with time. It is like Solomon is saying, “After everyone has had their say; after everything has had an opportunity for input; and after you have visited all the places you can and experienced all life has to offer, the following is the ultimate purpose in life.”

Here it is: “Fear God and keep His commandments.” This is simple, yet simply profound. Let’s dig in and find out what it means. “Fear God” does not mean to be afraid of God, although you should be afraid of not obeying Him. “Fear” means “a reverential awe for, to stand in profound respect of, to experience the wonderment of.” You place almighty God in a category by Himself and live your life to worship, serve and please Him. Finding and living His purpose for your life is the ultimate and utmost life.

“Keep His commandments” means to do the will of God, to follow His Word, to obey Him fully, immediately and consistently; confess your sin; seek the Holy Spirit’s filling; say “Yes” to anything God wants and be sensitive to His voice.

If you want to find happiness, fulfillment, joy, purpose and peace, this is the game plan. Do not waste your time looking to other things or people for what only a relationship with God can bring.

DAILY DO IT

Today, focus on fearing God. When you truly fear Him, you will desire to keep His commandments. How long has it been since you have read the 10 Commandments? Let’s review them right now, and as we do, think about how you are doing keeping them.  

I.     You shall have no other gods before Me (Exodus 20:3).

II.    You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them… (Exodus 20:4-5).

III.   You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain (Exodus 20:7).

IV.   Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy (Exodus 20:8).

V.    Honor your father and your mother (Exodus 20:12).

VI.   You shall not murder (Exodus 20:13).

VII.  You shall not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14).

VIII. You shall not steal (Exodus 20:15).

IX.     You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor (Exodus 20:16).

X.    You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor” (Exodus 20:17).

Which commandments do you most need to work on today?

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Christ’s sheep are marked in the ear and the foot; they hear His voice and they follow Him.”

—Anonymous

Proverbs gives us principles or practical insight on how to live for God in all circumstances. This brings up a good point—there may not be a specific verse that speaks exactly to what you need or don’t need to do; however, God gives principles on how to decide about issues of right and wrong and what is in His will or out of His will. So, if you don’t find a Scripture that matches your specific situation, look for a principle—God’s timeless truths to give you direction.

Proverbs is a book of wisdom for everyday living. In today’s verse, we are told how to find what is truly good and how to be blessed. Let’s first define the words: “Good” means “happy, glad, prosperous and right.” “Blessed” means “happy.” In this verse the writer reveals two keys to living in real happiness:

1.     “He who gives attention to the Word”

The one who seeks to understand, study and gain insight into God’s Word will be blessed. Jesus Himself sais in John 13:17 that doing God’s will brings real happiness. Obeying God brings holiness, and holiness brings happiness. Many seek happiness and never find it; however, seeking holiness leads to happiness.

2.     “He who trusts in the Lord”

This is one who takes God at His Word, knowing He always keeps it—God never goes back on His Word. This is a picture of someone one who clings to God’s Word and refuses to let go.

Do you want to be happy? Do you want to live in such a way that neither your circumstances and situations or people dictate your feelings or attitudes? Do you want a life where worry and fear do not control your life? Then do two things: One, get in God’s Word— give “attention to” it. Read it, reflect upon it; pray it back to God; and listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit. It is important that you have a game plan. For example, read a a One-Year Bible every day. Two, take what God said, and believe it. Stake your life on it. Celebrate God’s promises. There has never been a scenario in which God did not keep His Word. Look in the rear-view mirror—your past. Has God ever not kept His Word to you? God’s track record in the past gives you great cause to have confidence for your future.

Try to fill in this blank: “I remember a time when God let me down. That time was ____________________.” If you are being totally honest, you will confess there has never been a time God let you down.

DAILY DO IT

Today I want to challenge you to make a commitment. This commitment will have transforming effects on your life, attitude, relationships and even your emotional and physical health. Determine to read the Bible through, and that you will begin today. Every Christian should read the entire Bible. When you get to Heaven you should be able to say to the Lord, “I read Your Word, every word of it.”

Find a game plan for reading the Bible through in a year and do it!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Faith comes alive when the Word read from the page becomes the Word heard in your heart.”

— Rex Rouis

Psalm 103 is written by David. In it he breaks out in praise to Almighty God. He lavishes praise to His Lord. “Bless” means “to speak well of.” He is proclaiming His adoration of who God is, his gratefulness for what God has done and how God has worked in his life personally.

First, David acknowledges the Lord. The name “Lord” means “the one true God.” There are many false gods masquerading as God, but our God knows all, can do anything and can be everywhere at once. No other God can do that. No one else is worthy of our praise. David understood the greatness of God and he could not contain his excitement.

“And all that is within me.” Here David is passionately excited about God. You cannot rely on your feelings when it comes to worshipping God, but worshipping God should make you feel something exciting. Are you excited about God, about worshipping Him, reading His Word and doing His will? If not, ask God to fill your heart with excitement about Him. Pray, “God I want to feel excited about You and Your will for my life.”

When David uses the word “soul,” he is speaking not just of the spirit, but of the mind, will and emotions. This involves thinking about ways that express praise to God (mind), choosing to praise God regardless of how you feel or your circumstances (will) and getting passionate about praising Him (emotions).

“And all that is within me” also expresses that true worship is not external—your body being in a certain position; your words or your location (where you go to worship). Worship begins with an attitude of your heart. An attitude of seeking and submitting to God.

Worship is not a feeling; it is a choice. So, regardless of what is happening or how you feel, choose to praise God. He is unchanging. The God Who parted the Red Sea, the God Who spoke the world into creation and knows no impossibilities is the same God whom David praised and whom you can praise.

Zero in on the word “Bless.” It also means “to kneel.” Another way to praise God is through prayer, on bended knees, crying out to Him.

DAILY DO IT

Today I want you to think back about a time and place where you experienced God in worship. When was it? Where were you? Describe the setting. What were you doing when you felt God’s presence? How did it happen? How did it affect your mind, will and emotions? Pray today that you will experience God in a new and fresh way. Today, ask God to show Himself to you in an obvious way.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“God is at work all around you and He invites you to join Him”

—Henry Blackaby, Experiencing God

This Psalm gives us great news. Our God is not a stingy, tight-fisted, selfish God; He is a giving, loving, selfless, sacrificing, unconditionally loving God. Our God is a good God and He desires to bring good to each of His children. Now it is important to define good. “Good,” by our definition, would involve a life free of bad things, sad things and evil things. “Good,” by God’s definition means anything that would cause us to be more like Him and teach us to depend upon Him. That is why even in the midst of tragedy and trauma, God can bring something good, something that will benefit us, something He will use in our lives to make us better and stronger. This is a promise from God Himself.

 “No good thing” means God will never keep from you anything that will benefit you. But here is the condition, you must walk uprightly. What does that mean? It means to live in holiness:  to live a life where you confess your sin and live in God’s grace; you choose to do His will and follow His plan and purpose; and you obey anything He tells you to do.

God is not a God who desires to keep things from you that would help you and make you happy. The world wants to portray God as someone who is basically a cosmic killjoy who gives you a list of do’s and don’ts so you won’t be happy. Nothing could be further from the truth. God wants to bless you, bring joy to you and give you all good things. As you seek to live in the center of God’s will, you can expect God to flood your life with those things that bring real joy. God’s part is to keep His Word and give you every good thing. Your part is to obey Him, follow Him and live in a constant state of readiness to promote Him. If it is good, God wants you to have it.

The ultimate example of God’s goodness came on the day Jesus died on the cross for the sin of the world, also known as, Good Friday.

DAILY DO IT

Today I want you to meditate on Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. Why on the worst possible day anyone could ever experience, would we call it Good Friday? Jesus was the epitome of One Who obeyed God, yet He died the most horrendous death a person could die. But, Good Friday is not called that because it felt good, but because of what God did through it. It is Good Friday because God ultimately dealt with the sin that separated us from God and would send us to hell. So, the next time something bad happens to you, remember the Good-Friday effect. God may be using something so that good will come out of it.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“What is good about Good Friday? Why isn’t it called Bad Friday? Because out of the appallingly bad came what was inexpressibly good. And the good trumps the bad, because though the bad was temporary, the good is eternal.”

—Randy Alcorn

The Psalmist shares a powerful testimony in his experience with God. His confession is that he would have felt hopeless, like giving up, had it not been for God’s character. The word “despair” means “the absence of hope, discouragement, the feeling of gloom and uncertainty, of dreadful fear.” Notice the word “Unless.” It makes all the difference. There is a shift from hopelessness to hope, from despair to expectation. The word “believed” is a key word. It means to trust, to be certain about.” The Psalmist was certain about God and His promises.

This verse is a powerful statement as we live in a broken world filled with evil. Unless we have hope in God, there is despair. It’s hard enough some days to make it with God, but how does a person make it without Him? What was the basis for this powerful belief and trust? Simply that God is good, and He brings good into the lives of those who trust and follow Him.

What is “the goodness of the Lord”? “Goodness” is God’s perspective, God’s gifts, God’s blessings, God’s favor and God’s promises. The belief factor means you trust that no matter what is going on around you, God is going to bring something out of it that is good. The operative teaching in this verse has to do with our perspective; in fact, that we have a God perspective.

The key issue is an understanding the difference between God’s definition of “goodness” and our definition of “goodness.” Our definition makes good is the opposite of bad—no difficulties, no problems, no bad days, no hurts, no wounds and no dread. However, God’s definition includes difficulties, trials, bad days, difficult people and trying circumstances. These are the ingredients God uses to mold us and help us depend upon Him. When God’s definition of good is embraced, a new perspective emerges, one that can see God using things people normally consider bad to help us become more like Him. Jesus is our ultimate example. He endured the cross—the ultimate bad—so we could experience His ultimate good—salvation and heaven.

DAILY DO IT

Make a commitment today that before the next event of bad news comes your way, you will look for something good out of it. Change your definition of good from being the absence of bad to God’s definition which sues good things and bad things to bring us growth and Him glory through our lives. Look back at some of your most difficult moments and ask, “Did God use that someway, somehow to help me grow?” It is often adversity that causes us to be more like Jesus.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“What is ‘good?’ ‘Good’ is what God approves. We may ask then, ‘why is what God approves good?’ We must answer, ‘Because He approves it.’ That is to say, there is no higher standard of goodness than God’s own character and His approval of whatever is consistent with that character.”

—Wayne Grudem

This is my life verse. I want you to think about the implications of what this Scripture is teaching. Notice that the Lord Himself is constantly looking, observing, watching for something or someone specifically. God is scanning, He is moving, He is active in every part of the Earth and is on the lookout for a particular person. I love that our God is personal, knowable, touchable and involved. He desires to bless and to show His favor on us. Now, God is not just looking for anyone, He is looking for someone in particular. Notice when He finds that person the promise is He will strongly support him. That means He will encourage him, support him, make him strong and even repair what is broken in him. This means “God will intervene,” He will show up, He will help you, He will reveal Himself to you.

The person God is looking for is someone who with his mind, feelings and will is passionately following Him. This person must be “completely His.” That means with every part of him, with every aspect of his life, with every fiber of his being, he is dedicated to God and doing His will.

When you pursue God with all your mind, heart and will, allowing nothing to detour you from your pursuit, and are willing to pay the price to know and serve God, you will get God’s attention. Imagine that! With approximately 7.4 billion people on planet Earth, you can get God’s attention. God always notices the man who is sold out to Him and will do His will no matter what, no matter when and no matter where.

How badly do you want to see God do something in your life? What are you willing to do to see God work in your life? Are you at the point where you are desperate to experience Him?

DAILY DO IT

Today, think about the eight characteristics of the kind of heart God is looking for. Strive daily for these:

1.     A Broken Heart- a heart that wants what God wants and crucifies what you want.

2.     A Faith-Filled Heart – a heart that believes what God says, regardless of circumstances or feelings.

3.     A Humble Heart – a heart void of pride and arrogance.

4.     A Surrendered Heart – a heart that is totally, unreservedly, submitted to God and His will. “When the will of God crosses the will of man, somebody has to die” (Addison Leitch).

5.     A Pure Heart—a heart that has confessed every known sin and has a passion to seek holiness, not happiness.

6.     A Scripture-Filled Heart—a heart that knows and acts on God’s Word.

7.     A Worshipping Heart—a heart filled with praise for Who God is and what God has done.

8.     A Prayerful Heart—a heart that cries out to God continually.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

The world has yet to see what would happen if someone, anyone would get thoroughly, totally, committed to God.” D.L. Moody responded with: “I will be that man.”

This is a personal promise from Jesus Christ, and oh what a promise it is When you consider the ramifications of this verse, you can get really excited. Jesus is promising He will personally work things out for you. He will provide everything you need, exactly when you need it. Now, this verse doesn’t tell you how God will do it, only that He will do it. Your focus must be on the “what”—“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,” and let God focus on the “how”—“and all these things shall be added to you.”

“Seek” is a passionate pursuit that is continual; you hunger and thirst for it; you are going hard after it. It means you put God first: He comes before you wife, your children, your money, your dreams, your habits, your friendships, your hobbies—your anything. Putting God first means you have a habitual, single-minded focus—you put what God wants ahead of what you or anyone in your life wants. “First” means “first in order of importance.” God and His will become the number-one priority of your life.

“His Kingdom” is invisible, not visible; it is spiritua,l not a geographical location. “His [God’s] Kingdom” means His will, His way, His Word, His plan, His purpose. In other words, it is that which God rules. “His Righteousness” is to be right with Him and in the center of His will. You are separated from sin and fully, passionately dedicated to following and obeying Him.

So when I put “first” what God wants, “all these things,’’ meaning no exceptions.”will be added.”  Notice God doesn’t subtract, He adds. It means there is nothing you will do without when God is the priority of your life. You will have everything you need at all times. God never runs out of ways to meet your needs.

DAILY DO IT

Today I want you to think about God’s priorities and how they line up with your priorities. God’s priorities are:

1.     God

2.     Family

a.     Wife

b.     Children

c.     Other Family Members

3.     Church

4.     Your Job or Work

5.     Recreation, Playing

The key is keeping these priorities in order. If # 2, 3, 4 or 5 takes place of #1, there will be trouble. If any greater number comes before a lesser number, you invite problems in your life, and life gets out of balance. Daily check to make sure God’s priorities are your priorities.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now…When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased.”

—C.S. Lewis

The prophet Jeremiah is praying. He shouts in praise to the God Who spoke the world into creation. That is the kind of power our God possesses. J.I. Packer said, “You will never need more than God can supply.” Jeremiah is making this confession: The God Who created the world can do anything. The best way to begin your praying is by praising God and extoling His greatness, His amazingness and His sovereignty.

You can picture through Jeremiah’s words, that God holds out His arms and declares, the world into being. God speaks, and it happens.

Jeremiah announces that “Nothing is too difficult” for God. “Difficult” means “beyond one’s power.” Our power is limited. We cannot do everything; we cannot be everywhere at once; and we do not know everything. However, when you line up your limitations with God’s limitless power, there is great security. You might ask, “God can what?” Fill in the blank. Whatever you need, God can. Whatever messy situation you find yourself in, God can. Whatever relationship is broken, God can. Whatever financial turmoil you may be facing, God can. Whatever issue you are facing, God can. Whatever worry or fear that is visiting your mind or heart, you must know that God can.

Confess to God, “Nothing is too difficult for You.” What is your “Nothing?” Whatever it is, God’s power can overcome it. He is the God of miracles.

Do you need a miracle in your life today? Begin by confessing to God that you believe He can!

DAILY DO IT

Today what is the most difficult thing you are facing? What is the most difficult relationship you are involved in? What is causing you worry, fear or angst? What is the worst-case scenario you are facing? What battle or struggle are you facing? Once you name your difficulty, take it to God, and pray the following, “Lord God, You have made the heavens and the earth because You possess all power. You spoke, and the world came into being. You have a solution to every problem, every issue, every circumstance. Today I bring before You my difficult situation of __________________________  (name the difficulty). I confess to You I do not know what to do next, but I bring it to You and seek Your wisdom and Your intervention. In this moment, I release the difficulty I face. I trust You to bring something from it that will glorify You, something that will help me become more like Jesus and something that will help others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“When we have nothing left but God, then we become aware that God is enough.”

— Agnes M. Royden

Paul shares with us an unchangeable law—the law of sowing and reaping. This law always works and is always true, regardless of circumstances, whether a person believes or does not believe it and despite what people think or say to the contrary.

The seed represents everything you do and everything you say. Sowing is your activity, your actions. Reaping is something God does because of something you have done.

Paul reminds us that “God is not mocked.” No one can fool God. Mocking God is leaving Him out, ignoring or neglecting Him.

You cannot break God’s laws and expect to get by with it or escape the consequences. You cannot live out of God’s will and expect God to ignore it. However, when you obey God and follow His will, you can fully expect God to bless it, to reward it.

“Whatever a man sows” indicates that God encourages you to make the first move. You must sow something before you can reap something.

Notice, “whatever [you] sow, [you] will reap.” Whatever you give; will be given back. “Whatever” includes money, time, kindness, love, good deeds, anything. You will get back WHAT you give in kind. If you sow un-forgiveness, hate, unkindness, rudeness, stinginess, that is what you will get back. You choose what you reap, by choosing what you sow.

The law of the harvest means: You will reap exactly the same kind of thing that you have sown. You reap more than you sow. It multiplies—the more you sow, the more you will reap. Once you have sown, give it time. It takes time for us to see fruit or results once we have sown something. “Due season” is a specific time of blessing that will come. God promises. Just don’t give up!

DAILY DO IT

Today let’s apply the law of Sowing and Reaping to 5 specific areas:

1.     Financially—If you sow at least a tithe, you will reap God’s promised blessing. The minimum basis of obedient giving is the tithe, which is 10 percent of what you make. God will do more with the 90 percent left over than the 100 percent you might keep.

2.     Spiritually—If you sow time in God’s Word, sharing Christ, worship, and prayer, you will reap spiritual growth and God’s blessings.

3.     Relationally—If you sow time with people and invest your life in them, you will reap blessings in those relationships.

4.     Morally—If you sow a moral and pure life, you will reap experiencing God along with physical and emotional blessings.

5.     Physically—If you sow taking care of your body, you will reap the rewards of health.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“What I spent I had; what I saved I lost; what I gave, I have.”

—On an Old Gravestone

Chapters 1-8 of the Book of Romans are more theological in nature and chapters 9-16 are more practical and shows how belief affects and even determines behavior. When your belief is right, your lifestyle reflects it.

Romans 12:2 is one of the great Scriptures in all the Bible. It helps us know how to apply God’s Word to our lives.

One of the ways to learn Scripture is to take a verse and put it in your own words. I am not suggesting changing Scripture, but paraphrasing it. If I were going to paraphrase Romans 12:2, I would say, “Do not let the world without God mold you into its likeness, acting like the world, speaking like the world, dressing like the world, laughing at what the world laughs at, not taking seriously what God labels sin, and intentionally trying to blend in with the world and remain as inconspicuous as possible about being a Christian.”

 “Conform” means to let the world control your thinking. It’s living according to culture’s standards. “World” means this present age, the culture controlled by Satan. Paul said, instead of being controlled by the culture, begin to control the culture. “Transformed” means to change from the inside out. Let God control the internal and the external is affected. When God changes you, you can begin to change the world.

As a Christian, the difference you make is found in your difference from the world. I am not suggesting being odd, weird or obnoxious; I am suggesting a life that is markedly different from the world, which leaves out God and laughs at His Word. Instead of being like the world, you, as a believer, are called to continually be like Jesus Christ; and that begins in your thought life.

Paul says the believer is to renew his mind. The mind is the control center of your feelings, actions, words and attitudes. What you think about the most you will eventually act on. Your thought life is influenced by what you allow your eyes to be exposed to. Open God’s Word and think about what it says and how you can apply it to your life. It means intentionally aligning your thinking with God’s thinking, surrendering to what He says even before you know what He says. One of the best ways of renewing your mind is through meditation—taking a passage of Scripture and going over it again and again in your mind until it becomes part of you.

When you allow God’s Word to renew your mind, to control your mind, God reveals His will to you. When you have God’s will, you have something that is…

“Good” has the idea of being excellent and joyful. “Acceptable” means God applauds it. “Perfect” means full of integrity and virtue. Doing God’s will always ends well.

DAILY DO IT

Today think about this statement: “Stop the thought!” It a statement a seminary professor of mine made whenever a sinful thought crossed his mind. Saying it out loud interrupts the sinful thought. A fellow author and I developed an acrostic for S.T.O.P. It is S–Sinful thoughts confessed immediately. T—Think on these things. Meditate on Scripture. O-Order every sinful thought and place it under Jesus’ authority. P-Pursue Christ-mindedness. Seek daily to have the mind of Christ—to think as Jesus would, consistently about the things of God. So, today when a sinful thought hits your mind, S.T.O.P. the thought!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“God formed us. Sin deformed us. Jesus can transform us.”

– Anonymous

Today is the last day of our Wingman 31 Day Experiment.

In this verse God hands Joshua the key to success. As Joshua, who succeeded Moses as the leader of God’s people, had the task of crossing the Jordan River during the flood stage and leading the people to the land of promise, Canaan. It was as if God gave Joshua a pep talk, reminding him He would be with him every step of the way. In Joshua 1:8, God gives Joshua the prescription for success. The word “prosperous” means “to make progress.” God wants you to make progress.

There are four specific conditions for success God gave Joshua, which apply to you as well:

1.  Settle the Bible as God’s authority for what you believe and how you act. Have you settled this issue personally?

2.  Open God’s Word. Let it become part of your life, so much so, that when you speak, it is evident God’s Word has influenced you. Talk about it. Never be ashamed of it. Include it in your conversations.

3.  Consistently think about what God’s Word Says. Let it filter your thoughts, attitudes, words and actions.

4.  Obey God’s Word immediately and entirely. Obedience always brings the blessing of God.

Are you willing to do these four things? If not, you will not live in God’s kind of success; if you are, you will live God’s definition of success.

Joshua did cross the Jordan River, and he did go into the Land of Canaan; and God kept His Word—He always does!

DAILY DO IT

Today, I want you to take your Bible and hold it in your hands. Grip it tightly. Then I want you to make this confession to God: “My Lord and My God, I take Your Infallible Word, the Bible, and I make this confession to You today and every day of my life on Earth. I accept Your Word as the authority for my life, that what You say is what I must do; that what You command, I must obey; that what you think, I must think; and the way You say I must live is the way I will strive daily to live. I trust You to make me successful as a husband, father, and child of God. In Jesus name, amen.”

QUOTE OF THE DAY

 “It is a dangerous and misguided policy to measure God’s blessing by standards of visible, tangible, material success”

—Charles Colson