Passage of the Day: 1st Corinthians 15: 54 – 55, 57 … When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." [from Isaiah 25: 8] 55 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" [from Hosea 13: 14] … 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
My Journal for Today: This is the last day in my April devotional series, taken from MacArthur’s Strength for Today, on the pertinence and power of the RESURRECTION of Christ in the life of the Christian.
It is true that many in this world run from their own mortality … from death; but in this “resurrection chapter” of his letter to the Church, the Apostle Paul, helps all Christians to be thankful that death no longer has any “sting” for the believer in and follower of The Christ. And Paul, using quotes from the Old Testament prophets, uses an apt word picture, taken from the OT Prophet Hosea, to help us see this truth about death.
When a bee stings someone, it leaves its stinger in its victim; and the bee dies. Well, death left its stinger in Jesus, Who took all the venom out of death on the cross, allowing His beloved Bride, the Church, to face physical death with the prospects and sweetness of eternal life before us – with no sting. We can also read this doctrine clearly and strongly taught in Romans 6: 9 …
SCRIPTURE: Rom. 6: 9 ... For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him.
Death no longer had mastery over Christ as He rose in His resurrection; and it no longer has any sting over believers, as His victory in resurrection will allow us to be raised again to be with Him forever.
And so, it’s no wonder that Paul exhorts all Christians by his own expression of thankfulness in 1st Cor. 15: 57 to praise God for His redeeming work on the cross, which has taken all the sting out of death and provides us with eternal hope that we could never attain on our own. Can I sense a “HALLELUJAH!” from any believers who is reading this? If you were sitting here with me, you’d certainly get one from this old warrior.
And furthermore, in his devotional for this date, MacArthur cites Rev. 21: 4 with the resounding glory we will realize in heaven, where there will be no pain.
SCRIPTURE:Rev. 21: 4 He [Jesus] will wipe every tear from their eyes [the eyes of the faithful]. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
That is what Christ’s resurrection has done to prepare a place for me with Him for eternity … for any and all who believe on Him; and I can only pray that any who are reading this have joined me in believing the truth of Christ’s resurrection. And I also pray that you have received His saving grace by your faith in what He did on the cross and by being raised again to take away our sins.
Here’s to celebrating Christ’s final victory in the resurrection!!
My Prayer Today: O Lord, I pray that all who read here will find the joy of heaven, eternal in Your resurrection. Amen
Showing posts with label victory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label victory. Show all posts
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, October 22, 2010
2010 – October 22 – No More Lame Excuses!
Study from God’s Word… Luke 3: 1-6 [Mat 3: 1-3 & Mark 1: 2-4]; Matt. 3: 4-6 [Mark 1: 5,6]; Luke 3: 7-14 [Matt 3: 7-10]; Luke 3: 15-18 [Matt 3: 11,12 & Mark 1: 7,8]; Luke 3: 21-13 j[Matt 3: 13-17 & Mark 1: 9-11]; Matt 4: 1-11 [Mark 1: 12-13 & Luke 4: 1-13]; John 1: 19-34 … Passage for Reflection: Matthew 4: 3 … NIV The tempter came to Him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
My Journal for Today: Have you ever, as a Christian, been tempted to handle some personal challenge or circumstance by taking the route of the flesh rather than the Spirit and then disclaiming your choice by saying (or at least feeling), “I’m only human.” Common now, fess up!!
Well, perhaps you’re not like the one writing this entry. I certainly have done that, thinking, “Surely they don’t expect me to be like Jesus!” Well, the truth is that no one can be God in the flesh; and so, “NO!” … no one can be or do what Jesus did in the wilderness by resisting temptation as Jesus did as the Son of God; but the truth is that ANY CHRISITIAN can do what Jesus did in the wilderness and resist Satan, the world, or our own flesh, but utilizing the power Jesus has given us with His enabling/empowering grace and by using the same strategy modeled by our Savior in dealing with our common foe, Satan.
When I became a Christian, God implanted His very Spirit, the same Spirit Who raised our Lord from the dead, within my “heart” (i.e., my spiritual being). And that indwelling Spirit allows me to be able to resist our spiritual enemies when I’m confronted in spiritual warfare. And my model, Jesus, in those two marvelous Gospel passages of Matthew 4: 1-11 and Luke 4: 1-13, showed us a battle strategy which will ALWAYS work in any of the only three forms of sin temptation the enemy can use to tempt mankind. And those three are (see 1st John 2: 16 [NKJV]). … the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. All temptation unto sin falls into one of those three categories; and Satan tried all three in his wilderness encounter with Christ, trying to get the Son of God, in His state of fully human limitations to use His Godly power to overcome the temptations He was experiencing in His in very human flesh.
So, what did Jesus do in his weakened flesh to combat this very powerful, but fallen angel? He did what any human can – or could – do. He wielded the very word of God, the “sword of the Spirit” (see Eph. 6: 17) to dispel the taunts of His arch enemy. He was tempted three times; and three times Jesus pulled out God’s truth from the Scriptures to wield against His enemy; and when all was said and done, Satan had to flee in defeat.
So, what does this show you and me as warriors in God’s army with Christ as our Commander and Chief? Well, Jesus himself has shown us how to confront any temptation from Satan himself and to dispel this enemy with the power which comes from/in His word. And so, any of us … me and you … can – and should – use this strategy to deal with the temptations of life.
I’ve been led by God’s calling and anointing to lead in a ministry to help Christian men who’ve fallen on the battle fields of sexual sin; and the Luke 4/Matt. 4 battle strategy is one we model, teach, and exhort all our men to use in battle. We want them (and I encourage you) to become skilled “swordsmen” in battle. And one cannot be an effective swordsman, wielding the Sword of the Spirit, without carrying that sword with him all the times, making sure it’s sharpened, and becoming well practiced in its use.
If you had to go to battle with a sword, would you be able to win against an effective swordsman, if you didn’t have a sword and he did? Don’t think that Satan doesn’t know God’s word. He even tried to use it against Jesus in the wilderness. But if we, as Christians, have the word of God planted deeply in our mind/hearts, we can do what Jesus did and wield it when tempted. God’s word certainly encourages us to do so in Psalm 119: 9-11, the passage I call the “9-11 power package" in Scripture. And beyond this, … how effective would you be as a swordsman if you were up against a skilled swordsman and your sword was dull and your enemy’s was well sharpened? … Duh! … And finally, how effective would you be if your opponent was well practiced as a swordsman and you had never practiced any sword skills to prepare for battle? … Again, … duh!
I think you can see where I’m going with this. I hope you do! Because God has given the Christian the sharpest and most effective sword imaginable to do battle with our common enemy. And yes, Satan is a very powerful enemy and one who is a well-practiced swordsman. But we can do battle and win against him or any spiritual foe. God has given me (us) the Sword of the Spirit, … God’s word. But that sword can only be as effective as I (we) make it by my (our) practice and developed skills in its use. We can – and will – dispel any temptation, just as Jesus did in the wilderness, by carrying, sharpening, and practicing our skills with God’s Sword – His word.
So, no more excuses that our flesh is too weak to do battle against Satan. Let’s all carry God’s sword and be ready for battle by sharpening our Sword of the Spirit; and being practiced and ready for daily battle (and the battles come EVERY DAY!). And like Jesus, let’s wield the sharpened blade of God’s word when temptations come our way.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, I’m under the encouragement of 1st Cor. 10: 13 and Romans 8: 31 as I’ve come into your presence in my time with You today. Thank You, my Jesus, for my Sword [it’s sharpened and ready, Lord] so that I can do battle today in Your Name and for Your glory. Amen
My Journal for Today: Have you ever, as a Christian, been tempted to handle some personal challenge or circumstance by taking the route of the flesh rather than the Spirit and then disclaiming your choice by saying (or at least feeling), “I’m only human.” Common now, fess up!!
Well, perhaps you’re not like the one writing this entry. I certainly have done that, thinking, “Surely they don’t expect me to be like Jesus!” Well, the truth is that no one can be God in the flesh; and so, “NO!” … no one can be or do what Jesus did in the wilderness by resisting temptation as Jesus did as the Son of God; but the truth is that ANY CHRISITIAN can do what Jesus did in the wilderness and resist Satan, the world, or our own flesh, but utilizing the power Jesus has given us with His enabling/empowering grace and by using the same strategy modeled by our Savior in dealing with our common foe, Satan.
When I became a Christian, God implanted His very Spirit, the same Spirit Who raised our Lord from the dead, within my “heart” (i.e., my spiritual being). And that indwelling Spirit allows me to be able to resist our spiritual enemies when I’m confronted in spiritual warfare. And my model, Jesus, in those two marvelous Gospel passages of Matthew 4: 1-11 and Luke 4: 1-13, showed us a battle strategy which will ALWAYS work in any of the only three forms of sin temptation the enemy can use to tempt mankind. And those three are (see 1st John 2: 16 [NKJV]). … the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. All temptation unto sin falls into one of those three categories; and Satan tried all three in his wilderness encounter with Christ, trying to get the Son of God, in His state of fully human limitations to use His Godly power to overcome the temptations He was experiencing in His in very human flesh.
So, what did Jesus do in his weakened flesh to combat this very powerful, but fallen angel? He did what any human can – or could – do. He wielded the very word of God, the “sword of the Spirit” (see Eph. 6: 17) to dispel the taunts of His arch enemy. He was tempted three times; and three times Jesus pulled out God’s truth from the Scriptures to wield against His enemy; and when all was said and done, Satan had to flee in defeat.
So, what does this show you and me as warriors in God’s army with Christ as our Commander and Chief? Well, Jesus himself has shown us how to confront any temptation from Satan himself and to dispel this enemy with the power which comes from/in His word. And so, any of us … me and you … can – and should – use this strategy to deal with the temptations of life.
I’ve been led by God’s calling and anointing to lead in a ministry to help Christian men who’ve fallen on the battle fields of sexual sin; and the Luke 4/Matt. 4 battle strategy is one we model, teach, and exhort all our men to use in battle. We want them (and I encourage you) to become skilled “swordsmen” in battle. And one cannot be an effective swordsman, wielding the Sword of the Spirit, without carrying that sword with him all the times, making sure it’s sharpened, and becoming well practiced in its use.
If you had to go to battle with a sword, would you be able to win against an effective swordsman, if you didn’t have a sword and he did? Don’t think that Satan doesn’t know God’s word. He even tried to use it against Jesus in the wilderness. But if we, as Christians, have the word of God planted deeply in our mind/hearts, we can do what Jesus did and wield it when tempted. God’s word certainly encourages us to do so in Psalm 119: 9-11, the passage I call the “9-11 power package" in Scripture. And beyond this, … how effective would you be as a swordsman if you were up against a skilled swordsman and your sword was dull and your enemy’s was well sharpened? … Duh! … And finally, how effective would you be if your opponent was well practiced as a swordsman and you had never practiced any sword skills to prepare for battle? … Again, … duh!
I think you can see where I’m going with this. I hope you do! Because God has given the Christian the sharpest and most effective sword imaginable to do battle with our common enemy. And yes, Satan is a very powerful enemy and one who is a well-practiced swordsman. But we can do battle and win against him or any spiritual foe. God has given me (us) the Sword of the Spirit, … God’s word. But that sword can only be as effective as I (we) make it by my (our) practice and developed skills in its use. We can – and will – dispel any temptation, just as Jesus did in the wilderness, by carrying, sharpening, and practicing our skills with God’s Sword – His word.
So, no more excuses that our flesh is too weak to do battle against Satan. Let’s all carry God’s sword and be ready for battle by sharpening our Sword of the Spirit; and being practiced and ready for daily battle (and the battles come EVERY DAY!). And like Jesus, let’s wield the sharpened blade of God’s word when temptations come our way.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, I’m under the encouragement of 1st Cor. 10: 13 and Romans 8: 31 as I’ve come into your presence in my time with You today. Thank You, my Jesus, for my Sword [it’s sharpened and ready, Lord] so that I can do battle today in Your Name and for Your glory. Amen
Monday, August 09, 2010
2010 – August 9 – A Surprising Work of God
Study from God’s Word… 2nd Kings 24: 1 – 4; Jeremiah, Chapters 48 – 49 and Jer. 22: 18-23 + 2Kgs 24: 5-6 [2Chron 36: 8] … Passage for Reflection: Jeremiah 48: 10 … NIV “A curse on him who is lax in doing the LORD’s work! A curse on him who keeps his sword from bloodshed!”
My Journal for Today: As my devotional author, Dr. LaGard Smith, points out, these are tough words in today’s highlight passage, a judgment from God, in this case against the Moabites, who were unwilling to take up their swords to defend the God of Israel; and instead, became victims of their worship of “Chemosh,” the national god of these mountain people.
So, how do we apply this historical curse in today’s text to our lives today?
Actually it says a lot to me, being leader of a ministry called “Battle Plan Ministries [BPM].” Because one of the battle strategies we teach our men, men who’ve become “lax in doing the LORD’s work,” is to become swordsman, doing battle for the Lord in their quest to be warriors for righteousness in their lives. We know from studying and teaching the truths of Isaiah 55: 11, Ephesians 6: 17 and Hebrews 4: 12 that God’s word is our strongest – and really, the only - offensive weapon when fighting against the temptations of Satan and his worldly forces. Jesus showed us this strategy when he fought off Satan in the wilderness (see Luke 4: 1-13 - linked). And so, in BPM we teach our men, who desire to be victorious in spiritual warfare, to use “the sword” of God, i.e., His word, to fight and fend off the enemy.
And in today’s passage we read that God was pronouncing a curse on Moab because they had been “lax in doing God’s word,” unwilling to take up “the sword” for the One, True God and His righteousness. Rather they yielded to allow themselves to worship gods who had no power, idols in their land, gods which they were not willing to crush with the “sword of God.” And today we find many, if not most, in the world being unwilling to take up the “Sword of the Spirit,” i.e., God’s word, against the idols of the flesh, such as pornography. And to such a people, as He did with the Moabites, God pronounces His curse of death.
I hope and pray that any who read this are not living as did the Moabites. I pray that we all are wielding a ready, sharpened, and practiced Sword of the Spirit when we fight the daily battles WE WILL HAVE TO FIGHT (and we will !!). Because not becoming an accomplished swordsman for God, in His army, will make us vulnerable to the gods of the flesh and the deceit of our own evil desires (see Jer. 17: 9 and Rom. 3: 23). But the hope and promise and power of such truths as I cited above in Isaiah 55: 11, Ephesians 6: 17 and Hebrews 4: 12 [PLEASE go search out and meditate on those truths!] can give us victory in battle as we go forth in the Name of the Lord. Ignoring taking up the Sword, for God’s righteousness, however, will bring on any people the same curse that we read above from God leveled against the Moabites.
May we not be lax in taking up God’s sword to defend His truth.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, I pray victory for those who’re willing to take up Your Sword and do battle in Your Name. Amen
My Journal for Today: As my devotional author, Dr. LaGard Smith, points out, these are tough words in today’s highlight passage, a judgment from God, in this case against the Moabites, who were unwilling to take up their swords to defend the God of Israel; and instead, became victims of their worship of “Chemosh,” the national god of these mountain people.
So, how do we apply this historical curse in today’s text to our lives today?
Actually it says a lot to me, being leader of a ministry called “Battle Plan Ministries [BPM].” Because one of the battle strategies we teach our men, men who’ve become “lax in doing the LORD’s work,” is to become swordsman, doing battle for the Lord in their quest to be warriors for righteousness in their lives. We know from studying and teaching the truths of Isaiah 55: 11, Ephesians 6: 17 and Hebrews 4: 12 that God’s word is our strongest – and really, the only - offensive weapon when fighting against the temptations of Satan and his worldly forces. Jesus showed us this strategy when he fought off Satan in the wilderness (see Luke 4: 1-13 - linked). And so, in BPM we teach our men, who desire to be victorious in spiritual warfare, to use “the sword” of God, i.e., His word, to fight and fend off the enemy.
And in today’s passage we read that God was pronouncing a curse on Moab because they had been “lax in doing God’s word,” unwilling to take up “the sword” for the One, True God and His righteousness. Rather they yielded to allow themselves to worship gods who had no power, idols in their land, gods which they were not willing to crush with the “sword of God.” And today we find many, if not most, in the world being unwilling to take up the “Sword of the Spirit,” i.e., God’s word, against the idols of the flesh, such as pornography. And to such a people, as He did with the Moabites, God pronounces His curse of death.
I hope and pray that any who read this are not living as did the Moabites. I pray that we all are wielding a ready, sharpened, and practiced Sword of the Spirit when we fight the daily battles WE WILL HAVE TO FIGHT (and we will !!). Because not becoming an accomplished swordsman for God, in His army, will make us vulnerable to the gods of the flesh and the deceit of our own evil desires (see Jer. 17: 9 and Rom. 3: 23). But the hope and promise and power of such truths as I cited above in Isaiah 55: 11, Ephesians 6: 17 and Hebrews 4: 12 [PLEASE go search out and meditate on those truths!] can give us victory in battle as we go forth in the Name of the Lord. Ignoring taking up the Sword, for God’s righteousness, however, will bring on any people the same curse that we read above from God leveled against the Moabites.
May we not be lax in taking up God’s sword to defend His truth.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, I pray victory for those who’re willing to take up Your Sword and do battle in Your Name. Amen
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
2009 – Dec 30 – Battling Strongholds
Blogger’s Note: As I posted yesterday, I have completed Chuck Swindoll’s devotional book; and I have a devotional plan for 2010 to read through the Bible using a daily chronological bible and a companion devotional book (more on that on 1/1/10). However, there are two more days remaining in 2009; and I simply will not allow myself a devotional “vacation” in these two days. So, I prayed this morning for guidance, and the passages to which I’m referring below came to my mind; and I think I know why God, the Holy Spirit led me to these scriptures, about which I’ll explain below. So, please bear with me as I get a bit personal in my devotionals on these two days.
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Passage for Study: 1st Corinthians 6: 12 - 14 … 12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 13 Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.
Secondary passage: 1st Peter 5: 6 – 11 … 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
My Journal for Today: To any dear one who might be reading this, … I needed a devotional to help me fill these two days; and so, as I said above, I prayed, remembering God’s truth in James 1: 5 – 6, that He will pour out His wisdom and will for any who diligently seek His truth. And I believe He’s done just that. Right now in my life, I’m dealing with a long-standing stronghold of sinfulness; and I need God’s power and grace to deal with a stronghold of habitual sinfulness in my life. So, coming to my Savior as instructed by 1st Peter 5: 7 (see above), I’m seeking God’s help to battle this sin in my life.
Some of you may know my testimony of God’s deliverance from years of habitual sexual sin before I became a Christian. Well, I now walk in freedom from the horrors of that pattern of sinfulness. If you don’t know my testimony and would like to read it, you can take this link [ http://battleplanministries.org/WS/Bill_B.html ] and read it. However, I want to journal this morning about another beachhead of sin in my life, one which I’m battling currently and with which I have struggled for most of my life. And that stronghold is GLUTTONY.
My friends, I have an obsessive-compulsive personality; and all my life I’ve been the chubby kid who has dealt with gluttony and overeating. When I was a kid I hated having to wear “husky” jeans. As a teen, athletics helped me to fight my tendency to become overweight; but as I moved into adulthood, I let myself go until I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes a little over 10 years go. God, in his providence/mercy then led me to a research study being conducted by the university where I’m on the faculty. They needed diabetic subjects for a longitudinal study of the effects of weight loss on type 2 diabetes. So, seven years ago, coming under the accountability of the study, I lost 47 pounds; and, to a great degree, I have been able to keep the weight off with a variety of programs provided by the study. However, in the latter part of 2009, I began slipping to where I’ve gained about 10 of those pounds back; and I find myself falling back into some of my old sinful patterns of off-schedule eating aand night-time snacking, as well as an inability to exercise the way I’ve disciplined myself due to a shoulder injury (which will require surgery soon).
Well, this morning I was praying, as Paul must’ve prayed for his “thorn” to be removed (see 2nd Cor. 12). I also prayed that God would give me some serious conviction and direction for these two days of devotionals for my morning journaling [having finished the Swindoll devotional book]. And faithfully, God, the Holy Spirit, bubbled the two passages above into my consciousness; and I’m here to confess today my conviction of sinfulness; and then tomorrow I will report where God is leading me to develop a “battle plan” to let Him empower me with His grace to become the overcomer He desires for me in this arena of my life.
I don’t know whether any of you will read and identify with my struggles with eating and body stewardship; but I know – and need to confess here - that my body is a Temple given to me which God can use for His glory, … but only when I’m obedient to keep His Temple clean and orderly [see 1st Cor. 6: 19]. So, God has got me under conviction to clean out this slovenly pattern of gluttony in my life; and to get His Temple back into order. I’ll tell you about where I’m going tomorrow; but today, if you can identify with the need to be more rigorous and deal with a pattern of habitual or recurring sin in your life, mediate on the passages above; and pray (as in James 1: 5-6) for God’s wisdom and His clear will to provide you with His enabling and empowering grace to move you where you should go in 2010.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, You are leading me; and I will follow Your will and Your way in the area of body stewardship. Shine Your light brightly so that my murky mind can follow You. Amen
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Passage for Study: 1st Corinthians 6: 12 - 14 … 12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 13 Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.
Secondary passage: 1st Peter 5: 6 – 11 … 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
My Journal for Today: To any dear one who might be reading this, … I needed a devotional to help me fill these two days; and so, as I said above, I prayed, remembering God’s truth in James 1: 5 – 6, that He will pour out His wisdom and will for any who diligently seek His truth. And I believe He’s done just that. Right now in my life, I’m dealing with a long-standing stronghold of sinfulness; and I need God’s power and grace to deal with a stronghold of habitual sinfulness in my life. So, coming to my Savior as instructed by 1st Peter 5: 7 (see above), I’m seeking God’s help to battle this sin in my life.
Some of you may know my testimony of God’s deliverance from years of habitual sexual sin before I became a Christian. Well, I now walk in freedom from the horrors of that pattern of sinfulness. If you don’t know my testimony and would like to read it, you can take this link [ http://battleplanministries.org/WS/Bill_B.html ] and read it. However, I want to journal this morning about another beachhead of sin in my life, one which I’m battling currently and with which I have struggled for most of my life. And that stronghold is GLUTTONY.
My friends, I have an obsessive-compulsive personality; and all my life I’ve been the chubby kid who has dealt with gluttony and overeating. When I was a kid I hated having to wear “husky” jeans. As a teen, athletics helped me to fight my tendency to become overweight; but as I moved into adulthood, I let myself go until I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes a little over 10 years go. God, in his providence/mercy then led me to a research study being conducted by the university where I’m on the faculty. They needed diabetic subjects for a longitudinal study of the effects of weight loss on type 2 diabetes. So, seven years ago, coming under the accountability of the study, I lost 47 pounds; and, to a great degree, I have been able to keep the weight off with a variety of programs provided by the study. However, in the latter part of 2009, I began slipping to where I’ve gained about 10 of those pounds back; and I find myself falling back into some of my old sinful patterns of off-schedule eating aand night-time snacking, as well as an inability to exercise the way I’ve disciplined myself due to a shoulder injury (which will require surgery soon).
Well, this morning I was praying, as Paul must’ve prayed for his “thorn” to be removed (see 2nd Cor. 12). I also prayed that God would give me some serious conviction and direction for these two days of devotionals for my morning journaling [having finished the Swindoll devotional book]. And faithfully, God, the Holy Spirit, bubbled the two passages above into my consciousness; and I’m here to confess today my conviction of sinfulness; and then tomorrow I will report where God is leading me to develop a “battle plan” to let Him empower me with His grace to become the overcomer He desires for me in this arena of my life.
I don’t know whether any of you will read and identify with my struggles with eating and body stewardship; but I know – and need to confess here - that my body is a Temple given to me which God can use for His glory, … but only when I’m obedient to keep His Temple clean and orderly [see 1st Cor. 6: 19]. So, God has got me under conviction to clean out this slovenly pattern of gluttony in my life; and to get His Temple back into order. I’ll tell you about where I’m going tomorrow; but today, if you can identify with the need to be more rigorous and deal with a pattern of habitual or recurring sin in your life, mediate on the passages above; and pray (as in James 1: 5-6) for God’s wisdom and His clear will to provide you with His enabling and empowering grace to move you where you should go in 2010.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, You are leading me; and I will follow Your will and Your way in the area of body stewardship. Shine Your light brightly so that my murky mind can follow You. Amen
Monday, August 03, 2009
2009 – Day 214.Aug 03 – Breaking Down the Walls
Passage of the Day: Esther 8: 15 – 17 … 15 So Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, with a great crown of gold and a garment of fine linen and purple; and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. 16 The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor. 17 And in every province and city, wherever the king’s command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them.
My Journal for Today: Let me go to the very end of Chuck Swindoll’s devotional for this date in his book. And it was today’s highlight passage from the Book of Esther which obviously inspired Swindoll to quote Psalm 30: 5, which declares, ... Weeping may last for a night. But a shout of joy comes in the morning.
And in today’s close to Chapter 8 of Esther’s story, we see a wonderful truth, which cannot be minimized in our lives today any more that it could be in the time of our Jewish Queen. And perhaps you need this truth in your life right now. Maybe you’re like the Jewish people were right before the Persian King provided protection and freedom for Esther’s people. Perhaps you’re down-hearted and depressed because of some pressing issue in your life. I think of a young Christian friend of mine, who is in prison now because of series of bad choices he made. I think of another recent acquaintance, another Christian brother, who is in the public eye of scrutiny and now faces a divorce. Both of these men, and perhaps you, are not quite in the place the Jews were in today’s scenario. But the hope described in today’s passage should give rise to the hope that is in the future for any Christian no matter what their down trodden state.
My friend, no matter how down your life may be at the foot of the cross, Easter is ahead. Nothing could be as bad as it was for our Savior, hanging on the tree of Golgotha; but for Jesus, and for anyone who has Christ as Savior and Lord, it may be Friday, … but … Sunday’s coming!
Right now, as I’ve read today’s passage and Swindoll’s devotional slant on this story, God’s Spirit has caused me to go back and meditate on Christ’s message of hope in His Temple declaration of Luke 4: 18-19, which was our Lord’s restatement of the fulfillment of God’s prophesy in Isaiah 61: 1-2. And it reads thusly, …
“ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”
As Swindoll rightly points out, Esther’s story, a segment in ancient Biblical history, is relevant for anyone who is facing intimidating circumstances; … for anyone who’s been scarred by damage or steeped in oppression; … or for anyone who seems to be incarcerated physically, emotionally, or spiritually. As Swindoll declares in bold type, the story of Esther is in the canon of Scripture because it loudly declares the message for any believer in Esther’s God, and especially for any believer in Jesus Christ, … There is hope!
And when you read today’s highlight passage or the declaration of Christ above from Luke 4 above, I hope you see that we all can rejoice as did the Jews in Esther’s story. Christ has set us free; and in Him, we are free indeed!
My Prayer for Today: Lord, in You, and only in You, do I find freedom. Amen
My Journal for Today: Let me go to the very end of Chuck Swindoll’s devotional for this date in his book. And it was today’s highlight passage from the Book of Esther which obviously inspired Swindoll to quote Psalm 30: 5, which declares, ... Weeping may last for a night. But a shout of joy comes in the morning.
And in today’s close to Chapter 8 of Esther’s story, we see a wonderful truth, which cannot be minimized in our lives today any more that it could be in the time of our Jewish Queen. And perhaps you need this truth in your life right now. Maybe you’re like the Jewish people were right before the Persian King provided protection and freedom for Esther’s people. Perhaps you’re down-hearted and depressed because of some pressing issue in your life. I think of a young Christian friend of mine, who is in prison now because of series of bad choices he made. I think of another recent acquaintance, another Christian brother, who is in the public eye of scrutiny and now faces a divorce. Both of these men, and perhaps you, are not quite in the place the Jews were in today’s scenario. But the hope described in today’s passage should give rise to the hope that is in the future for any Christian no matter what their down trodden state.
My friend, no matter how down your life may be at the foot of the cross, Easter is ahead. Nothing could be as bad as it was for our Savior, hanging on the tree of Golgotha; but for Jesus, and for anyone who has Christ as Savior and Lord, it may be Friday, … but … Sunday’s coming!
Right now, as I’ve read today’s passage and Swindoll’s devotional slant on this story, God’s Spirit has caused me to go back and meditate on Christ’s message of hope in His Temple declaration of Luke 4: 18-19, which was our Lord’s restatement of the fulfillment of God’s prophesy in Isaiah 61: 1-2. And it reads thusly, …
“ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”
As Swindoll rightly points out, Esther’s story, a segment in ancient Biblical history, is relevant for anyone who is facing intimidating circumstances; … for anyone who’s been scarred by damage or steeped in oppression; … or for anyone who seems to be incarcerated physically, emotionally, or spiritually. As Swindoll declares in bold type, the story of Esther is in the canon of Scripture because it loudly declares the message for any believer in Esther’s God, and especially for any believer in Jesus Christ, … There is hope!
And when you read today’s highlight passage or the declaration of Christ above from Luke 4 above, I hope you see that we all can rejoice as did the Jews in Esther’s story. Christ has set us free; and in Him, we are free indeed!
My Prayer for Today: Lord, in You, and only in You, do I find freedom. Amen
Sunday, April 26, 2009
2009 – Day 115.Apr. 26 – Walking In Victory
2009 – Day 115.Apr. 26 – Walking In Victory
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 18: 8 - 15 … Linked for your study …
My Journal for Today: The contrast between these two men is stark; and from this study of character, we learn a great lesson. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that David kept his focus on God; and he walked in victory. Whereas Saul became a prisoner to his own fears and jealousy; and he walked into a self-induced prison of paranoia.
So, we see the answer to the question, “How does a Christian walk in victory?” And the answer is right there, modeled by David. He focused on the Savior (i.e., God) and avoided the trap of falling prey to fear and reacting in anger. In spite of Saul’s hatred and even his aggressive anger, David CHOSE to love his king and to serve him; and he also chose to flee (as we’ll read later) rather than to strike back at his king.
David never took his eyes off of God; and as I sit here, reflecting on today’s passage, I have begun humming that old hymn, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, which has the formula which David used in the face of stress and worldly terror. In fact, I just plugged in my Ipod; and I’m listening to Alisa Dishong sing that old hymn …
Oh soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see.
There’s life for a look at my Savior,
And life more abundant and free.
[The Chorus] Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Oh, how I love returning to this old song and singing its truth, especially when I allow myself to look inward at self rather than looking outward to my Savior. In fact, this morning as I listened to Alisa singing this beautiful truth, my mind/heart was taken to a parallel truth from God which I memorized years ago. It’s found in the formula Paul declared in his powerful exclamation from Galatians 6: 9, which says, And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Oh how Satan and the world want us to get wrapped up in self and to take our eyes off of the Savior. And as soon as that happens, we can fall prey to the same demons which captured Saul’s spirit … fear, jealousy, and even paranoia. But if we do not grow weary and look inward to self, keeping our eyes on our Lord, as did David, the ways and circumstances of life, the darkness of our world, will be diminished by the Light of the Savior, … in the light of His glory and grace.
It is my prayer this morning that you know and remember that old hymn and you have joined me, singing the words above to your own heart, no matter what things of this earth are trying to capture your spirit. As Paul also wrote to Timothy (in 2nd Tim. 1: 7 – paraphrased), … you have not been given, as a Christian, a spirit of fear, but rather a Spirit of love and power and of a sound mind. Never forget those truths above, dear one; and let the Spirit of God shine God’s Light into your heart to diminish the darkness of despair and doubt which our enemies would try to bring into your life.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, You are my Light. Shine brightly so that I may follow Your path, fleeing from Satan and self, and keeping my eyes on You, my Jesus. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 18: 8 - 15 … Linked for your study …
My Journal for Today: The contrast between these two men is stark; and from this study of character, we learn a great lesson. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that David kept his focus on God; and he walked in victory. Whereas Saul became a prisoner to his own fears and jealousy; and he walked into a self-induced prison of paranoia.
So, we see the answer to the question, “How does a Christian walk in victory?” And the answer is right there, modeled by David. He focused on the Savior (i.e., God) and avoided the trap of falling prey to fear and reacting in anger. In spite of Saul’s hatred and even his aggressive anger, David CHOSE to love his king and to serve him; and he also chose to flee (as we’ll read later) rather than to strike back at his king.
David never took his eyes off of God; and as I sit here, reflecting on today’s passage, I have begun humming that old hymn, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, which has the formula which David used in the face of stress and worldly terror. In fact, I just plugged in my Ipod; and I’m listening to Alisa Dishong sing that old hymn …
Oh soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see.
There’s life for a look at my Savior,
And life more abundant and free.
[The Chorus] Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Oh, how I love returning to this old song and singing its truth, especially when I allow myself to look inward at self rather than looking outward to my Savior. In fact, this morning as I listened to Alisa singing this beautiful truth, my mind/heart was taken to a parallel truth from God which I memorized years ago. It’s found in the formula Paul declared in his powerful exclamation from Galatians 6: 9, which says, And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Oh how Satan and the world want us to get wrapped up in self and to take our eyes off of the Savior. And as soon as that happens, we can fall prey to the same demons which captured Saul’s spirit … fear, jealousy, and even paranoia. But if we do not grow weary and look inward to self, keeping our eyes on our Lord, as did David, the ways and circumstances of life, the darkness of our world, will be diminished by the Light of the Savior, … in the light of His glory and grace.
It is my prayer this morning that you know and remember that old hymn and you have joined me, singing the words above to your own heart, no matter what things of this earth are trying to capture your spirit. As Paul also wrote to Timothy (in 2nd Tim. 1: 7 – paraphrased), … you have not been given, as a Christian, a spirit of fear, but rather a Spirit of love and power and of a sound mind. Never forget those truths above, dear one; and let the Spirit of God shine God’s Light into your heart to diminish the darkness of despair and doubt which our enemies would try to bring into your life.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, You are my Light. Shine brightly so that I may follow Your path, fleeing from Satan and self, and keeping my eyes on You, my Jesus. Amen
Thursday, April 23, 2009
2009 – Day 112.Apr. 23 – “Trust Me”
2009 – Day 112.Apr. 23 – “Trust Me”
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 17: 48 - 51 … 48 So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49 Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. 51 Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it.
My Journal for Today: All God needed from David was one “Trust Me” moment; and with one smooth stone and a little middle-eastern slingshot, Goliath was felled to the amazement of all in that place that day; but the whole scenario was for God’s glory.
And all God needs from you and me is the trust expressed in Proverbs 3: 5-6 [link provided], a Proverb from God which I truly hope you have memorized and believe deeply in your heart. Because, if you do; and you’ve put that belief into the action of showering your mind with the memories of verses like Romans 8: 31 or 1st Peter 5: 7, you have the stones in your bag and the sling to take down any Goliath in your life.
Think about the stone of Romans 8: 31, which says, “If God be for us, who can be against us.” Or the backup of stone of 1st Peter 5: 6, which declares, “… casting all your cares on [God], for He cares for us.” My brother or sister, if you truly believe those truths; all you have to do is put one of those stones of truth into the sling of surrender to God; and God will do the rest with the reality of Prov. 3: 5-6 trust.
I really don’t need to prolong my devotional entry for today. No, what is needed if for you and me to have a few smooth stones in our shepherd’s bag of life; and then we simply need to go out and confront Goliath, believing that God will take one of the stones He has given us from His word to bring down the enemy. Jesus used three smooth stones like that in the wilderness (see Matt. 4 or Luke 4) to bring down the ultimate enemy; so, let’s take our stones of truth and go forth to take down our Goliaths and to give God the glory.
My Prayer for Today: You have given me the stones, Lord; now I go forward to take my giants down in Your Name. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 17: 48 - 51 … 48 So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49 Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. 51 Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it.
My Journal for Today: All God needed from David was one “Trust Me” moment; and with one smooth stone and a little middle-eastern slingshot, Goliath was felled to the amazement of all in that place that day; but the whole scenario was for God’s glory.
And all God needs from you and me is the trust expressed in Proverbs 3: 5-6 [link provided], a Proverb from God which I truly hope you have memorized and believe deeply in your heart. Because, if you do; and you’ve put that belief into the action of showering your mind with the memories of verses like Romans 8: 31 or 1st Peter 5: 7, you have the stones in your bag and the sling to take down any Goliath in your life.
Think about the stone of Romans 8: 31, which says, “If God be for us, who can be against us.” Or the backup of stone of 1st Peter 5: 6, which declares, “… casting all your cares on [God], for He cares for us.” My brother or sister, if you truly believe those truths; all you have to do is put one of those stones of truth into the sling of surrender to God; and God will do the rest with the reality of Prov. 3: 5-6 trust.
I really don’t need to prolong my devotional entry for today. No, what is needed if for you and me to have a few smooth stones in our shepherd’s bag of life; and then we simply need to go out and confront Goliath, believing that God will take one of the stones He has given us from His word to bring down the enemy. Jesus used three smooth stones like that in the wilderness (see Matt. 4 or Luke 4) to bring down the ultimate enemy; so, let’s take our stones of truth and go forth to take down our Goliaths and to give God the glory.
My Prayer for Today: You have given me the stones, Lord; now I go forward to take my giants down in Your Name. Amen
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
2009 – Day 111.Apr. 22 – “The Battle Is Mine”
2009 – Day 111.Apr. 22 – “The Battle Is Mine”
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 15: 40 – 47 … Link to study passage …
My Journal for Today: Let’s make this morning’s message simple. Go to the last verse (v. 47) in today’s highlight passage, as David cries out to this giant before him, “Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.“ And I have underlined the operant truth for emphasis.
David knew, in his heart, that this battle would showcase God’s strength in the face of his (David’s) weakness; and David had experienced that many times out in the fields, taking defenseless sheep from the mouths of hungry bears/lions. David KNEW that this battle was God’s; and David KNEW that God would prevail. How about you? When you face your Goliath today, will you be able to rely on your deep and abiding relationship with Christ, to let you face down your fears and let God do battle – for His glory – through you?
And I’m telling you that unless you are a practiced warrior, as was David, it will be highly unlikely that you face down your Goliath KNOWING that the battle is God’s, not yours. David had faith; but beyond his faith, David had experience and practice with that faith. He just KNEW that this battle was God’s battle; and so he boldly went forward. Fellow warrior, if you don’t believe that God’s truths like the ones I referred to yesterday (again see Isaiah 41: 10, Romans 8: 31, 1st Cor. 10: 13, and 2nd Cor. 12: 9) and you have not experienced those truths operating in your life, you are not likely going to march out to face those giants in your life.
But if you KNOW those truths; and you’ve practiced life with them to see them operate, you can and will face down your Goliaths and let God have the glory. That’s why I’m such an advocate of a battle plan which saturates our minds/hearts with God’s truth from His word. My weapon of choice to do battle with my Goliaths is God’s Sword. And I’m saying that if you’re not a warrior who carries a sharpened and practiced sword of the Spirit (see Eph. 6: 17) with you at all times, you’ll not likely be able to give God the battle and let Him win it through you. And if you don’t carry that sharpened and well practiced sword, you will likely cower before your Goliath rather than to face it down boldly as did David.
David’s weapons of choice were a few smooth stones and his sling, with which he was well practiced and skillful. So, my prayer today for all of us is that we take up God’s weapon (which is His truth) and practice with it (memorizing it and meditating on it daily as exhorted by Joshua 1: 8) so that when we are confronted by Goliath, we can pick up that practiced sword or those smooth rocks and let the battle be The Lord’s.
My Prayer for Today: Help me to be Your warrior, Lord; and my battles today are Yours. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 15: 40 – 47 … Link to study passage …
My Journal for Today: Let’s make this morning’s message simple. Go to the last verse (v. 47) in today’s highlight passage, as David cries out to this giant before him, “Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.“ And I have underlined the operant truth for emphasis.
David knew, in his heart, that this battle would showcase God’s strength in the face of his (David’s) weakness; and David had experienced that many times out in the fields, taking defenseless sheep from the mouths of hungry bears/lions. David KNEW that this battle was God’s; and David KNEW that God would prevail. How about you? When you face your Goliath today, will you be able to rely on your deep and abiding relationship with Christ, to let you face down your fears and let God do battle – for His glory – through you?
And I’m telling you that unless you are a practiced warrior, as was David, it will be highly unlikely that you face down your Goliath KNOWING that the battle is God’s, not yours. David had faith; but beyond his faith, David had experience and practice with that faith. He just KNEW that this battle was God’s battle; and so he boldly went forward. Fellow warrior, if you don’t believe that God’s truths like the ones I referred to yesterday (again see Isaiah 41: 10, Romans 8: 31, 1st Cor. 10: 13, and 2nd Cor. 12: 9) and you have not experienced those truths operating in your life, you are not likely going to march out to face those giants in your life.
But if you KNOW those truths; and you’ve practiced life with them to see them operate, you can and will face down your Goliaths and let God have the glory. That’s why I’m such an advocate of a battle plan which saturates our minds/hearts with God’s truth from His word. My weapon of choice to do battle with my Goliaths is God’s Sword. And I’m saying that if you’re not a warrior who carries a sharpened and practiced sword of the Spirit (see Eph. 6: 17) with you at all times, you’ll not likely be able to give God the battle and let Him win it through you. And if you don’t carry that sharpened and well practiced sword, you will likely cower before your Goliath rather than to face it down boldly as did David.
David’s weapons of choice were a few smooth stones and his sling, with which he was well practiced and skillful. So, my prayer today for all of us is that we take up God’s weapon (which is His truth) and practice with it (memorizing it and meditating on it daily as exhorted by Joshua 1: 8) so that when we are confronted by Goliath, we can pick up that practiced sword or those smooth rocks and let the battle be The Lord’s.
My Prayer for Today: Help me to be Your warrior, Lord; and my battles today are Yours. Amen
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
2009 – Day 103.Apr. 14 – Inner Qualities
2009 – Day 103.Apr. 14 – Inner Qualities
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 16: 11 … And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here.”
1st Samuel 17: 34 – 35 … 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35 I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it.
My Journal for Today: We now spring forward in our story about David from his anointing by Samuel to his confrontation with King Saul, who is now, in 1st Samuel 17 confronted with the Philistine Giant, Goliath. And Saul asks David how he can go against this enemy. And with no hesitation David gives his résumé of having killed lions and bears in the wilderness as a shepherd. Goliath was no big deal for young David because he had been schooled in the wilderness by God’s providence and power; and though young in years, David had seen God’s deliverance in action many times.
It is often said that one’s character is defined by what we do when no one is looking; and David’s character had been schooled, if you refer to yesterday’s devotional in my journals, in the schoolroom of solitude and obscurity by the schoolmasters of monotony and reality. So, David may not have looked like it; but he was ready to do battle against any enemy; and he was saying confidently to his king, “Bring him on!”
Every day you and I face the Goliaths of this world. There is the tyranny of the urgent, by unimportant and trivial matters trying to take over. There is the terrorism of fleshly temptation. And all of these Goliaths are crying out, “Come against me; and I will take down your best.” And unfortunately most of God’s warriors these days sink from the terrorism in this world these days. Why? Well, it’s because we haven’t been schooled by the hard knocks of life and we haven’t seen God do His business. Therefore, we simply don’t have the confidence that we can, like David, slay the lions and bears of this world.
I work in a ministry where every day I have to go up against a Goliath in this world, the awesome power of Satan’s “XXX” Industry. Sex as a stronghold of sensual power and is a pervasive Goliath in today’s world; and it is bringing men, even Christian men, down into the pits of death in sexual sin, every day. But like David, I know that I can defeat this Goliath. I’ve been out there in the wilderness; and I’ve experienced what is promised in 1st John 4: 4, that my God is greater than Satan, the Goliath. I’ve felt the victory of Christ giving me His power to lift me above my enemies. So, I know the reality of Isaiah 41: 10 and Phil. 4: 13 and Romans 8: 31.
So, when any Saul of this world might say to me, “Bill, you can’t defeat Satan’s sensual forces in this world!” To that I say, “Bring them on; I’m ready … because my God is in my corner; and (from Eph. 6: 13-18) I’m fully armed and ready to do battle against any Goliath with God’s mighty weapon, …His word.”
For any who might read here, I’m not bragging on Bill Berry. I completely respect the power of my Goliath-like spiritual enemies, … Satan and my own deceitful heart. But my confidence to do battle is, as I’ve said, in a God Whom I’ve seen bring down many worldly Goliaths in my own life and in the lives of many others too weak to do battle alone, but relying on God’s strength to cover their weakness (see 2nd Cor. 12: 9).
Beloved, we can go up against Goliath today; but you’ve got to believe the truths of the Scriptures I’ve referenced above and you’ve got to be willing to put on your armor, take up your sword, and go to the high ground of prayer to do battle. You may need some seasoning and training out in the bootcamp wilderness of life. It takes time and practice, as David experienced as a shepherd, to become God’s well armed warrior who is a practiced and skilled swordsman of the Word. But when you’ve prepared yourself for the Goliaths of this world, as David had, you’ll be ready to stand forth and take the battle field to take on Satan’s Goliaths.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, show me the battle; I’m ready to stand with You for Your glory. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 16: 11 … And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here.”
1st Samuel 17: 34 – 35 … 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35 I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it.
My Journal for Today: We now spring forward in our story about David from his anointing by Samuel to his confrontation with King Saul, who is now, in 1st Samuel 17 confronted with the Philistine Giant, Goliath. And Saul asks David how he can go against this enemy. And with no hesitation David gives his résumé of having killed lions and bears in the wilderness as a shepherd. Goliath was no big deal for young David because he had been schooled in the wilderness by God’s providence and power; and though young in years, David had seen God’s deliverance in action many times.
It is often said that one’s character is defined by what we do when no one is looking; and David’s character had been schooled, if you refer to yesterday’s devotional in my journals, in the schoolroom of solitude and obscurity by the schoolmasters of monotony and reality. So, David may not have looked like it; but he was ready to do battle against any enemy; and he was saying confidently to his king, “Bring him on!”
Every day you and I face the Goliaths of this world. There is the tyranny of the urgent, by unimportant and trivial matters trying to take over. There is the terrorism of fleshly temptation. And all of these Goliaths are crying out, “Come against me; and I will take down your best.” And unfortunately most of God’s warriors these days sink from the terrorism in this world these days. Why? Well, it’s because we haven’t been schooled by the hard knocks of life and we haven’t seen God do His business. Therefore, we simply don’t have the confidence that we can, like David, slay the lions and bears of this world.
I work in a ministry where every day I have to go up against a Goliath in this world, the awesome power of Satan’s “XXX” Industry. Sex as a stronghold of sensual power and is a pervasive Goliath in today’s world; and it is bringing men, even Christian men, down into the pits of death in sexual sin, every day. But like David, I know that I can defeat this Goliath. I’ve been out there in the wilderness; and I’ve experienced what is promised in 1st John 4: 4, that my God is greater than Satan, the Goliath. I’ve felt the victory of Christ giving me His power to lift me above my enemies. So, I know the reality of Isaiah 41: 10 and Phil. 4: 13 and Romans 8: 31.
So, when any Saul of this world might say to me, “Bill, you can’t defeat Satan’s sensual forces in this world!” To that I say, “Bring them on; I’m ready … because my God is in my corner; and (from Eph. 6: 13-18) I’m fully armed and ready to do battle against any Goliath with God’s mighty weapon, …His word.”
For any who might read here, I’m not bragging on Bill Berry. I completely respect the power of my Goliath-like spiritual enemies, … Satan and my own deceitful heart. But my confidence to do battle is, as I’ve said, in a God Whom I’ve seen bring down many worldly Goliaths in my own life and in the lives of many others too weak to do battle alone, but relying on God’s strength to cover their weakness (see 2nd Cor. 12: 9).
Beloved, we can go up against Goliath today; but you’ve got to believe the truths of the Scriptures I’ve referenced above and you’ve got to be willing to put on your armor, take up your sword, and go to the high ground of prayer to do battle. You may need some seasoning and training out in the bootcamp wilderness of life. It takes time and practice, as David experienced as a shepherd, to become God’s well armed warrior who is a practiced and skilled swordsman of the Word. But when you’ve prepared yourself for the Goliaths of this world, as David had, you’ll be ready to stand forth and take the battle field to take on Satan’s Goliaths.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, show me the battle; I’m ready to stand with You for Your glory. Amen
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