THE ONLY TRUE GOD

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

THE ONLY TRUE GOD

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 17:3

There is only one GOD. He is the true God. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He is the great I AM. To know this GOD is to have life eternal.

Today, let us take the time to know GOD.

CALL NO MAN FATHER

IN THE BEGINNING..THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY September 29, 2011
CALL NO MAN FATHER

And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father,
Which is in heaven. Matthew 23:9

God desires to establish His kingdom on earth. First,
He will establish a relationship with man. He wants to be your Father.
He wants your worship and adoration.
Today, Let us worship our Heavenly Father and give Him all the glory.

CLOTHED

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, September 28,2011
CLOTHED

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve that thou mayest see. Revelation 3:18

God desires that our nakedness be covered, clothed. Jesus instructs us to buy from Him. How?
We take on His Presence, His Person, His Righteousness.
Today, let us be clothed with white raiment, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

THE BOSOM OF THE FATHER

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011
THE BOSOM OF THE FATHER

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten
Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared
Him. John 1:18

For all of us who have loving fathers, it is not too difficult to understand the dwelling place of Jesus. Scripture tells us that Jesus is in the bosom of the Father. In God's bosom there is pure love and peace and harmony.
This is where all of God's children should dwell. Moreover, we must bring souls to our Father's bosom, always making it our business to seek out the lost, and return them to the Father.

Today, let us rest in our Father's bosom and let us commit anew to winning souls for God.

RIVERS IN THE DESERT

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

RIVERS IN THE DESERT

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.  Isaiah 43:19

The Word of God tells us that we are to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him (Psalm 37:7).  Why?  Because the Lord desires to do a marvelous work in and through our lives for his glory and honor.  Yes, we are vessels being fitted for the master’s use.  He will shape us and he will mold us and he will try us in the fire…then we shall come forth: a new thing.  This is God’s creative power, God’s Holy Spirit at work in the life of his children.   Are you allowing God to do a new thing with your life? 

 First, we must submit to his will, doing all for the glory of God.  Pray “your kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  By submitting to his will, we receive divine direction from his Holy Spirit. Miracles break forth. This is how he makes a way for us in the wilderness.  He causes rivers of plenty, bounty, substance to spring forth in the desert place.

Today, let us expect and wait upon the rivers

HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2011

HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

The robe of righteousness Jesus purchased for us on the cross of Calvary is all we need for salvation.  Have you asked God for your sacred possession?  Isaiah 61:10 reads: " I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."

  Jesus paid the price for you to be wholly righteous, covered in His righteousness from now to eternity.  But you must let go of your self-righteousness--the righteousness that says you’re good because you go to church, wear the right clothes, refrain from the movies, pay tithes.  You must claim the righteousness of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  You must claim the righteousness that was purchased by Jesus; it is this righteousness alone that makes you an heir of God and joint heir with Jesus Christ.

Today, let us ask God to robe us in the righteousness of Christ alone.

THOU ART INEXCUSABLE

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2011

THOU ART INEXCUSABLE

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

                                                                                                                                         Romans 2:1

How does God know that the one who judges does the same thing?  God knows that due to the fall, we are conceived in sin and shaped in iniquity.  God knows that our hearts are desperately wicked.  Therefore, He will not excuse judging.  According to Scripture, judging is inexcusable.  Those who pick up stones to throw at others are the ones who have the most sins to hide.  They foolishly believe that their stones place them above the condemned, but instead God says he will measure his wrath out for you, and will unveil the thoughts and intentions of your heart.

Today, let us refrain from judging.

RIGHTEOUSNESS REVEALED

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2011

RIGHTEOUSNESS REVEALED!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:  for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.  Romans 1:16, 17

Where do we find the righteousness of God?  How might we be made clean, holy, and pure?  Many individuals enjoy serving the law; they love the rigid disciplines and the outward show.  Keeping the law keeps them in line.   Unfortunately, keeping the law will keep them under wrath.  For the man desiring to keep the law, must keep the whole law, and must trust the law to perfect him and to save him--but it can’t.  The law can only condemn man, and that same weary man must be judged for every deed that is evil according to the law.  The man who abides in the law will one day receive revelation of the righteous judgment of God:  “Who will render to every man according to his deeds” (Romans 2:6). No, the law does not bring righteousness—Jesus Christ does.  “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight:  for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20).

It is in the gospel of Christ the righteousness of God is revealed.  By faith we are saved.  Everyone that believeth in Jesus Christ has the righteousness of God.  The moment we judge our brother, we fall into condemnation. We fall from grace and the wrath of God must judge us.

 “For now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets, Even righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference” (Romans 3:21,22).

 Today, do you want glory, honor and peace?   Let us trust in Jesus Christ for our righteousness, continue in good works and keep our tongue and heart from judging.

THE FREE

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

THE FREE

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.   Matthew 10:8

God tells us that we have freely received… and we have.  As His children we have freely received the gift of salvation.  We have freely received the gifts of the Spirit.  We have freely received grace and divine care.  Every morning we freely receive of his new mercy.  And because we have freely received, we may freely give. 

How wonderful it is to have the privilege to serve God, freely.  Out of the abundance of our hearts we may give bountifully, not sparingly or confined by the law.  Christianity is not forced labor.  Freely we have received of God, and freely we shall give.

Today, let us enjoy our freedom by serving God bountifully.

GOD SHOWS UP

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 12,2011

GOD SHOWS UP

 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

  And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

  And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 

  When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

  And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. Acts 12:5, 7-11

God is ready to show up in our lives.   I want to see Him.  How about you?

Today, let us prepare to see and receive the goodness of God.

I WANT TO SEE YOU

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 11,2011

I WANT TO SEE YOU

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Matthew 3:11

I want to see the Holy Ghost and the fire.  I want to see the power of God in the earth.  I want to see it in the earth, in my life and in yours.  I want to bear witness to the wonderful works of God.

Today, let us pray for the Holy Ghost and fire, and watch and see a mighty act of God.

AN EVERLASTING LOVE

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, September 8, 2011

AN EVERLASTING LOVE

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love:  therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.  Jeremiah 31:3

Yes, God loves us with an everlasting love; He won’t walk out, won’t turn back, won’t let go.  This is His nature.  He will keep us as the apple of His eye until that blessed day when he brings us into His glory. 

Today, let us praise God for His everlasting love towards us! 

THE WORD WAS WITH GOD

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, September 7, 2011

THE WORD WAS WITH GOD

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

Are you with God?  Do you dwell with Him; can you say that you are daily his delight? Are you rejoicing always before Him? (see Proverbs 8:30)  Are you inseparable?

Today, let us be with God in prayer, in praise and in passion.

LEAD ME TO THE ROCK

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, September 6, 2011

LEAD ME TO THE ROCK

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  Psalm 61:12

Have you ever felt overwhelmed--like you were drowning, and you needed to be rescued?  You may reach out for help and then realize there is only ONE who can save you.  Is your heart overwhelmed?  Let me lead you to the Rock:  His name is Jesus. 

Today, Let us cry out for Jesus!

HOLIER THAN THOU

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, September 5, 2011

HOLIER THAN THOU

  "Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day"  (Isaiah 65:5).

How does one become holier than thou?  Interestingly, the Scripture tells us that these men and women separate themselves from fellowship; they have judged others to be less holy.  Apparently they have rituals, and practices which they feel are superior to the others in the body.  They have esteemed themselves higher than the body, as to become dismembered.  God says that these are a smoke in His nose, an irritating fire that burneth all day. We want to be on fire for God, but we must first love the brethren.  We must unite with the body by humbling ourselves and esteeming others better than ourselves. 

Today, let us ask God for forgiveness for any “ holier than thou” attitudes or dispositions that we may have, and let us embrace grace.

ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, September 4, 2011

ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”  (Philippians 4:19).

A Father can only supply his family’s needs according to the amount of wealth that he has.  If a Father is broke, he lacks the ability to supply the need.  In contrast, we understand according to the Scripture in Philippians 4, that our Heavenly Father has riches in glory.  It is from His heavenly, overflowing storehouse of treasures that he draws to supply our needs.  He tells us in Psalm 84:11, “no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”  Many of God’s children have needs, but are not able to access God’s blessedness.  Why?  The Scripture tells us in James 4:2 “…ye have not, because ye ask not.”

Today, let us go to God with a humble heart asking for our needs to be met, and see if God won’t open up the windows of heaven.

CONFESS YOUR FAULTS

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, September 2, 2011

CONFESS YOUR FAULTS

“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” (James 5:16).

We are not accustomed to developing intimacy in fellowship, in relationship.  We are not accustomed to trusting our brother or sister enough to be open and transparent.  Still, the Scriptures tell us to confess our faults one to another, and pray one for another, that we may be healed.  God performs surgery on our hearts as we open them to fellow believers.  As we open up (confess), we reveal what is going on inside.   We no longer hide our sins, bearing the burden alone, believing we can keep it under control.   When we confess our faults we exposeour faults so they lose their power.  We welcome our brother or our sister to come alongside as we recover, as we heal.  Is sin growing in your heart without being challenged?  Is your desire to sin kept undercover, free to corrupt your heart and soul? 

Today, let us confess our faults one to another, so that we might be healed.

DEMONSTRATION AND POWER

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

DEMONSTRATION AND POWER

"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (I Corinthians  2:4).

The  Holy Spirit wants to be made known, seen, evidenced, witnessed.  As we open ourselves to His power he will ignite the holiness of God.  You will feel his weightiness and tremble.  He is no one to play with. He is the Deep.

Today, let us move in the Spirit in such a way that we demonstrate and make known the power and presence of God.