Seek God for Deliverance

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

Psalm 34:4

I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

There are some things in life that we may find ourselves faced with that we frankly become afraid of facing, tackling or going through. We must remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind! (2 Timothy 1:7). When we recognize that we are fearful of a situation we must seek God! God is readily available to hear your faintest cry. Only God can reveal the hidden things that we sometimes cover up or maybe we are not even aware of them. Whatever the case, we can't walk in fear! We must seek God for the root cause of the fear and face it with power and faith! It is God who is able to deliver you from not some but all your fears. Do you have enough boldness to turn your face to God and ask Him for deliverance? God will deliver. The question is, "Will you accept and walk in that deliverance?"

Enjoy Your Life

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

James 4:14

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Today I want to encourage you to live life to the fullest. We don't know what our tomorrow will hold but today is set before you and it will not come back again. We can't get time to roll backwards so we must take full advantage of the here and now. Enjoy every moment. Again, we don't know what tomorrow holds but we can take control of our today. Love to the fullest, laugh and enjoy the company that has been placed around you and don't take people for granted.

The scripture today says life is a vapour that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away. Let's enjoy the life we have been given. If something in your life is zapping your energy do something about it! If you are not happy, fix the issue. God wants us to enjoy this beautiful thing He has given us called life. It is too short to live in misery and discontentment. Pray and ask God to help you fix those things in your life that are becoming a burden so you can be free to enjoy your life. Life is a gift. Don't waste it! Enjoy your life and put God in the center of it.

Jesus My Intercessor!

^{SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY}

^{Hebrew 7:25}

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Wherefore he (Jesus) is able to save us. Not just half do the job but to the uttermost(of the greatest or highest degree). Bless God! Our God don't half step. Now let's look closely at the next part. There is a certain way we must go to God to be saved. By Jesus Christ! There is no other way my friend to be saved other than through Jesus Christ! The Bible states that anyone who comes any other way is a thief and a robber. John 10:1-9. I am lead to post it so you may read it and not just take my word for it.

John 10:1-9 (KJV)

1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

² But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
³ To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
⁴ And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
⁵ And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
⁶ This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
⁷ Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
⁸ All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
⁹ I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Amen! Now that that's settled let's continue.
Seeing he (Jesus) ever liveth to make intercessions for them (me, you and every born again believer). What great news! Jesus is making intercessions (an interposing or pleading on behalf of another person; a prayer to God on behalf of another) for us. We all make mistakes and bad decisions but it is such a wonderful thing to know that Jesus is on our side. He is our lawyer if you will pleading our case to God. What comfort this information should bring to each Christian today. I don't know about you but with all my flaws I am sure glad to know that Jesus all powerful Jesus is on my side! Praise God!

What are you thinking about?

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

Have you ever paused to think about the things that you think about on a daily basis? The number of random things that go through your mind? The scripture today instructs us on the things which we should consciously be thinking.

Things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report. If we flood our minds with these things we won't have room to think and dwell on the negatives. 

Purpose in your heart today to manage your thinking. 

The Lord is My Shepherd

Today I want to offer you the 23rd Psalm.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

⁵ Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Jesus is the same

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Do you remember how Jesus healed the blind man? Do you remember when He raised Lazarus from the dead? Do you remember the woman with the issue of blood and how she was healed when she touched the hem of Jesus' garment?

My friend Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever. He can heal your broken heart. He can bring life to your dead situation. Jesus can heal any situation that you allow Him to come in and touch. Bring your situations to the one who has the power to change them. 

Many things is ever changing in our lives but we can be sure that Jesus will remain the same. 

Watch Out!

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY 

1 Peter 5:8 & 9

⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

⁹ Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

In today's scripture we are instructed to be sober (alert, not intoxicated) and to be vigilant (keenly watchful to detect danger; ever awake; watchful) because our adversary (one who opposes or attacks; opponent; enemy; foe) the devil, as a roaring lion walks about, seeking (searching; pursuing) someone to  devour (to consume destructively; to absorb or engross wholly)

I want to encourage you today to be on alert to be watchful because as Christian's we do have an adversary. The devil. His very intent is to destructively consume you, to engross wholly your focus. 

Like many, you may have started off this year with goals and plans.You were on track, you felt good and you had your eyes fixed and focused on moving forward to completeness in Christ. But somewhere between January 1st and today you have gotten off track. That's because there are things that come to steal your focus. This is one of the enemy's tricks. If you have lost focus I encourage you to make the necessary changes to get back in alignment. 

Don't allow the devil to devour your dreams, your spirituality, your joy or anything that pertains to you. 

Notice the the phrase as a roaring lion. The devil is not a roaring lion but comes as a roaring lion. We give the enemy more power than he really has. He gains power when we neglect to be vigilant. 

Be assured that you will go through some things but you must resist stedfast in the faith! Don't allow your faith to fail. Stand firm, believe and be watchful. Don't allow the enemy to gain power over you for greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. Shake yourself, pray and take back the control that you allowed the enemy to have over you. 

Complain or Praise

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

Psalms 150

1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

² Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

³ Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

⁴ Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

⁵ Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

⁶ Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

Numbers 11:1

And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.

"Complain-Remain:Praise-Be Raised" -Joyce Meyer

The above was stated by Joyce Meyer. How profound. I am sure we can all find something to complain about however I am even more positive that we all have something, many things that would prompt us to give God praise. 

Complaining about a situation does not change the situation. When you count up the cost you will find to complain is to use energy unproductively. On the other hand, to give God praise does bring about a change. Your situation may not change immediately but losing yourself in praise to God has a way of transforming your mind. You will view your situation differently and your emotional mood will change. God is well deserving of our praise, that's a fact! 

In Numbers we see that God was displeased with the people because of their complaining. God was not only displeased but He also took action against them. Is there a situation in your life that you have been complaining about? Have it been getting worse? Well, maybe God is not pleased with the fruit of your lips. The good news is that God is merciful and you can decide to change the negative actions of your mouth today. 

There is a scripture that says in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Whatever situations come your way today, try giving God praise and not complaining. There are many ways to praise God and God loves to receive them all. So, whether you sing, dance, play an instrument or just utter a soft bless the Lord the goal is to offer up praise. God is waiting to hear from you in the midst of your trial. It is easy for us to praise God when things are working the way we desire. But when the pressure of life is consuming your mind, body and spirit will you complain or offer up praise to our deserving God? 

I leave you with the quote from Joyce Meyer. Complain-Remain;Praise-Be Raised

Keep Hope Alive

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

Romans 4:18-20

¹⁸ Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

¹⁹ And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:

²⁰ He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

The Reverend Jesse Jackson once said, "Keep hope alive". Have you lost hope in some of the situations in your life? Do you feel like some areas you just have to deal with because they will never change? Have you given up on the promises of God?

Will you accept my encouragement today? Never give up on hope. Keep hope alive. There are times in life where you have to against all odds still have hope. Abraham is a great example of hoping against all odds. Abraham and Sarah were old and past child bearing years BUT they were given a promise. Against all natural and emotional barriers they decided to release hope and believe in the promise. 

Let's pull out a few key points from this passage of scripture. 

1. Abraham believed the promise

2. Abraham exercised faith

3. Abraham did not give room to unbelief/ He continued to hope for that which seemed impossible

4. Abraham gave glory (very great praise/honor) to God

I also want to remind you that Abraham had a relationship with God. 

As you examine the points above, I challenge you to incorporated these points into your life that you may regain hope. Hope that is exercised will move you into faith. Faith that is exercised moves God. When God moves, things are transferred from the spiritual realm into being manifested in the natural. 
Don't lose hope. Don't allow disbelief to set in your mind and don't allow your emotions to dictate the essence of your situations. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
So I encourage you today to shake yourself and speak life! Remember that if God said it it shall come to pass. You must also do your part. Don't delay God's promises in your life by walking in unbelief and the emotional jail of hopelessness. 
It just dropped in my spirit to let you know that you, my friend, have been waiting on God but God wants you to know that He has been waiting on you! Do you need to make some adjustments in your life by using some of the key points in the passage? God don't move because of desperation but God moves because of faith.
I speak life over you today and I exercise my faith believing that your mind will be renewed and that hope will be alive in your heart and mind. 
Beloved, remember as a man/woman thinketh in his heart so is he! ...  (Proverbs 23:7)

Nevertheless!

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

Mark 14:36

And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me:nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where what you wanted didn't add up to God's will for you? A time when you wanted to stay but knew God's will for you was to go?

You wanted to walk away from the fire but God said walk through the fire? 

This scripture is taken from an account where Jesus was about to face the agony of the Cross. He stopped to have some alone time with His Father. He went off to pray. He recognized that all things were possible to God! And that is still the case today. There is nothing too hard for God. Jesus prayed in a  moment of humanness that what He was about to face would be taken away but with the next breath Jesus declared, Nevertheless! not what I will or want but what thou (God) wilt or wills.

My friends we must come to an understanding that God's will for our lives is best. Even in the  most difficult circumstances, when we want the cup to be taken away, we must turn our hearts to accepting God's will for our lives. Many "cups" will not be taken away but if you can believe that God knows what's best then it will be with a trusting heart that you can speak, Nevertheless, God, your will be done. 

Keep Praying

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

James 5:16

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

The scripture today encourages us to confess our faults to one another. It is important that you have at least one person in your life that you can be free to confide in without condemnation. This person should not be one who will agree with you in your error but one who will not judge you and will pray for you. Confession is not for allowing you to stay in error but for you to admit to the error and get help that you may be healed and delivered from the error or sin.  Be advised that it is not wise to tell everyone your business but it is good for the soul to have someone in whom you can confide. Someone spiritual that will pray for you. 

The later part of the scripture makes a statement that is refreshing and encouraging. 

Effectual-producing or capable  of producing an intended effect, valid or binding, as an agreement or document.

Fervent- having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm. 

I encourage you to continue to pray. Your prayers are being heard. Don't get weary in your prayer life. Be steadfast. Pray effectual and fervent prayers from the heart. If you are in right standings with God then you can be assured that your prayers are availing much! 

Avail-to be of use or value to; profit; effective use in the achievement of a goal or objective

May I offer the King James Version Dictionary definition of righteous (man/woman). I felt it in my spirit that someone would question what defines a righteous man. Please remember that it is not talking about your works! The Bible declares that our righteousness is as filthy rags. That is a study for another day. If you are saved and your heart is to please God and you are walking in obedience to God's Word my friend you are by the grace of God, a righteous man/woman. 

KJV Dictionary Definition: righteous

righteous

RIGHTEOUS, a. ri'chus.

1. Just; accordant to the divine law. Applied to persons, it denotes one who is holy in heart, and observant of the divine commands in practice; as a righteous man. Applied to things, it denotes consonant to the divine will or to justice; as a righteous act. It is used chiefly in theology, and applied to God, to his testimonies and to his saints.

The righteous, in Scripture, denote the servants of God, the saints.

I hope you have a full understanding of today's scripture. My prayer is that you don't stop praying but that you will be encouraged to continue in prayer. Remember that our timing is not God's timing. But His timing is always best. For He sees the entire picture and we only have snapshot. As you continue to pray add in thanksgiving. Thank God for hearing and answering your prayer. Give Him an advance praise! 

Sacrifice of Praise

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

Hebrews 13:15

 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

The fact that God is a good God does not fluctuate with the uncertainties of our circumstances. Whatever our situation, we should remain aware that God is worthy of praise and thanksgiving. He has promised to be with us and to help us if we call upon His name. So if you are in a difficult place in life right now don't neglect to give God praise even if you have to offer a sacrifice of praise. I have found in my life that in my lowest place, if I begin to praise God and think of His goodness I begin to feel better. Even in the pits of our lives we have much to be thankful for. Begin to give God the fruit of your lips by offering thanksgiving and praise unto His name. I know you will reap the benefits of it and feel better and God will get the glory. 

Mind Discipline Practices cont.

As promised, here are more of the mind discipline practices from the eat to live class.

6. Practice daily prayer and/or meditation (Prayer or meditation puts you in a state of oneness, deep appreciation and peace.)

7.Live in integrity (Living in integrity means you will always be telling the truth, and living in alignment with your true character, morals and values.)

8.Follow the "career" path of your choosing (Recognize and own your unique talents and strengths and choose to utilize them in a career that you love.)

9. Incorporate the Laws of abundance into your daily life. (Choose daily to give to others and receive from others unconditionally.)

10. Keep your physical surroundings clean and organized (External clutter leads to unnecessary internal clutter, inefficiency, and confusion.)

Any change you make toward a positive goal will yield results. Choose to make changes no matter how small toward your desired results. Small changes become accomplishments. Celebrate your accomplishments and strive to enjoy everyday of this wonderful life that you have been given by our Great Creator.

Hang in there!

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. We may find ourselves in situations where the enemy of our souls have  turned up the heat in our lives. We may feel like satan and our enemies  have the upper hand. But I want to encourage you today to stop depending  on your feelings.  If the scripture says and it does, that you are the head and  not the tail then you must believe it and begin to act like it. I don't care how  you feel!  Please allow today's scripture to minister joy to your soul. The situation or  problem that you are going through has an expiration date. It won't last  forever.  The scripture states that the God of peace shall not might or maybe  but shall bruise satan under your feet shortly. Hold on, hang in there. This  too shall pass. The storm will be over soon. Until then rely on the grace of God  to be with you. Remember God's grace is sufficient! God's strength is made  perfect in our weakness. Again, my brothers and sisters, Hang in there.

Mind discipline Practices

These came from the eat to live class. Want to share them. I will list 5 of the 10 now and will list more at another time.

1. Set and achieve daily goals

 (You can't get from here to there until you know where there is.)

2. Take quality time out everyday for the special people in your life. 

(Don't neglect the ones you love most by thinking they will always be there) (Don't get to them later, get to them now)

3. Follow through with a well-planned exercise regimen

(Do some form of exercise at least 3 times a week)

4. Set and uphold your personal standards and boundaries.

(Setting boundaries is very important and never make excuses for them or for your personal standards)

5. Eat a healthy, well-planned diet

(Discipline yourself to nurture your body with healthy food)

Practice these five disciplines and you are on your way to a healthy mind, body and soul. Five more to follow. Stay tuned.

God's Love

 ^{SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY}

John 3:16-17

16 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. 

¹⁷  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Let us never forget the love that God has for us. God loves us so that He gave of Himself, His only Son that we might be saved and not experience the ever turmoil of hell. If we believe in Jesus we can have eternal life. Believing in Jesus and asking Him to come into your life and be your Savior is the beginning of a personal relationship with Him. What joy and peace Jesus bring into your life. 

Do you feel condemned? I want to inform you today that although many preach condemnation and fear tactics. God is love! God didn't send His Son, Jesus into this world for you to feel condemned but for you to have the opportunity to choose life. To choose to believe in Him and be saved. Make a choice today to make Jesus the Lord of your life. 

If you are already saved, please allow this to be a reminder of how much God loves you. 

Maybe you have slipped back into sin or made a wrong choice. Repent. Ask God to forgive you and you will be restored! What a wonderful God we serve! Don't allow condemnation to consume you. Just ask for forgiveness and move forward. Utilize the great gift of love that God so freely gives.

Humility equals exaltation

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

1 Peter 5:6 & 7

6. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

⁷ Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

If we want to be exalted in any area of our lives we must first practice humility. You might find it easy to humble yourself to your boss, your parents or even your spouse. Have you humbled yourself under God's mighty hand? To humble yourself under the hand of God means you allow God to do what He wills in your life. You take direction and instruction for Him. When we achieve this it is easy to cast our cares on God. We don't have to walk around with the weight of our situations on our shoulders. God is there waiting and willing to carry the load for you. Allow Him to be your burden bearer. We know that God cares for us, loves us and wants the best for us. 

Do you need to practice humility? Allow God to take control of your life. Humble yourself to His direction and watch how He exalts you in due season.