HIGHER GROUND: ONLY GOD CAN DO THIS

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

HIGHER GROUND: ONLY GOD CAN DO THIS

And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. Revelation 12:5

In Revelations, Chapter 12, we see a seven- headed dragon standing before the woman, waiting to devour her child.  But it is just like God to make a way of escape.  For the saints of God and for our sons and daughters, God's provision is higher ground.  He catches us up unto Himself and to His throne.  We (and our children) are safe from Satan's devouring power.  Remember, God has already chosen our children to reign in His Kingdom:


"Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth." Psalm 45:16

  "Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. 

  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:14,15) 

Today, as for me and my children (all five!), we will serve the LORD!

GUARD YOUR SONS

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

GUARD YOUR SONS

And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. Revelation 12:1-4

Satan wants to devour our seed.  Yes, our sons and daughters, and all the seeds of faith that God has placed in our hearts.  Satan wants to trample our plans and screw up our visions.  This is his purpose.  Guard your sons.  Guard your daughters.  Fill them with the Word of God so that when they are all grown up and on their own they will not depart from the Way the Truth and the Life.   In John 14:6,  Jesus says: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Satan is subtle and he devours in many ways.  Look at the soil of your life.  Who is coming in to bring a worldly, carnal influence?  Who is boasting in Mammon and his power, distracting your children (and you!) from dependence on the power of the cross?  Who is determined to draw your children away from you,  to establish them in the ways of the world?  (Please read Matthew 13:3-9)

Believe me, the dragon with seven heads and ten horns spoken of in Revelations 12 is still standing before the mother to devour her child.

Today, guard your sons!

STREAMS OF LOVE

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 28,2012

STREAMS OF LOVE

 But there the glorious LORD will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. Isaiah 33:21

In the Church of God the LORD is a place of broad rivers and streams.  Just when Satan wants to trap us, the Lord shows us streams of love, flowing with living water.  Perhaps the LORD is leading you to an act of service--helping children, the sick, the elderly, the poor or homeless.  By serving in this ministry you will feel the power of love that is  Christ Jesus.  Or perhaps the LORD is calling you to creativity.  Is there a song, a movie, a book, a meal God is directing you to create.  As you serve in this creative ministry you will know the love that is Christ Jesus. Is there a friend who needs your help?  Is there a child who needs your unconditional love and mercy?  Is there a mate who needs your forgiveness?  Flow in the provision that our glorious Lord has provided.  Flow in His streams of love.

Today, let God make a way for you.

THE LAW OF KINDNESS

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 27,2012

THE LAW OF KINDNESS

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26

Have you ever felt that the forces of hell were battling with you for your kindness.  Certainly, the devil wants to make you mad...to get you unsettled...to take your kindness.  Yes, the devil wants you to scream and fight and curse and hate. The devil wants you to be carnal.  Nevertheless, we must stand still, holding up the standard:  for in our tongue shall be the law of kindness.  And we will live in streams of love.

Today, God bless you!

HE IS OUR PEACE

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

HE IS OUR PEACE

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
For he is our peace who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partitionbetween us.  Having abolished in his flesh the enmity; even the law of commandments  contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.  Ephesians 2:13,14,15 Jew and Gentiles are reconciled to God in Christ Jesus.  Jew and Gentile make up the glorious body, the bride of Christ, the new Jerusalem.  No longer is there condemnation.  No longer is there the strife over the law.  No longer is there division--but peace. 

Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.
And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.And this man shall b the peace, when the Assyrians shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight pricipal men.  Micah 5:1,4,5

Today, let us thank God for Peace and for the anointed shepherds God has placed in this role.
 

A WELL OF LIVING WATERS

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

A WELL OF LIVING WATERS

A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.
Song of Solomon 4:15

And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this?Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river.Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh. Ezekiel 47:6-9

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.  John 7:38


 In the living waters of the Holy Spirit, we have a life flowing with resurrection power-- flowing with love, and forgiveness, and grace.  In the living waters of the Holy Spirit we are renewed day by day, and we have fellowship with the Father and one another. Today, let the living waters flow!

JESUS, THE BAPTIZER

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 22,2012
JESUS, THE BAPTIZER

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 indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. Mark 1:8

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. John 1:33

When I received the gift of the Holy Ghost, the focus was on the Holy Ghost being a gift:  "Ask...recieve."  I have friends who have told me of their experiences which centered around "tarrying."
But I am struck by David Duplessis' understanding which focuses on Jesus as the Baptizer.  This is obviously scriptural, as Matthew 3:11 and Mark 1:8 and John 1:33 indicate.

In his book, A Man Called Mr. Pentecost, David DuPlessis says, "As for the baptism in the Holy Spirit, Christ immerses us in the Spirit, rather than in water, and He leaves us there.  We have to walk in the Spirit.  This is our new life."

Yes, Jesus is the baptizer and is desiring that all the members of His body be baptized in the Holy Ghost and fire, so that we are powerful and full of love and forgiveness.
Today, let Jesus be your baptizer!

COMING OUT!

IN THE BEGINING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 20, 2012

COMING OUT!

I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.  And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God:  many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.  Psalm 40:1-3 When God says that you're coming out of a horrible pit, believe me-- you are coming out!  The pit that you are in may be dark, lonely, painful and bitter.  Your pit may be a lot like Joseph's:
"And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him;  And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it" (Genesis 37:23,24). Regardless of the condition of your pit, or the reason for it, you can be sure that if God has sent you word of your deliverance then you are coming out as surely as Joseph came out; and as surely as Joseph was established, so shall the one who trusteth in the Lord.   Many shall see it and fear.

 Today... he hath put a new song in my mouth! 

 

THROUGH CHRIST JESUS

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 19, 2012

THROUGH CHRIST JESUS

 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  Phillipians 4:13

The Christian life is to be lived through Christ Jesus.  But what does that mean?  It means that we seek and settle to live through his resources.  Similar to a wife whose provision comes through her Husband, so the believer is to be  dependent upon Christ. Dependence does not mean inactivity. Just as it is proper for a wife to be full of good works, virtue, and industry; so, too, it is proper for the believer to have labour with their faith.  For faith without works is dead, according to James 2:26. The truth is that we are to engage in every work through the resources of Christ.  He gives us the strength, power, wisdom, insight and funding to accomplish every task.

There are several ways in which we can access the resources of Christ.  Prayer is primary:
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened" (Matthew 7:7,8).
Another way in which we live out of the resources of Christ is to destroy the flesh:
 "For if ye live after the flesh ye shall die:  but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live"( Romans 8:13).  
The practice of fasting is an effective method of destroying the flesh or mortifying the deeds of the body.
  Ultimately, it is our choice to live out of the resources of Christ because it is God's gift:
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Romans 6:22,2Today, I choose to live through Christ!

GOODNESS AND MERCY

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

GOODNESS AND MERCY

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.  Psalm 23:6

Goodness and mercy follow the child of God.  Goodness is lifting us up and causing good to come to us: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose"  (Romans 8:28). Goodness is there to smile upon us when we feel that all is lost. Goodness turns the enemy's trap into our sweet victory.  Goodness lifts us up and shows us the presence of heaven.  Goodness is ready to make our leap of faith worthwhile.  Goodness covers our sins.  Goodness loves us regardless of our failures and shows us the brightness of our future.  Like an angel, truly goodness is with us every step of the way.

And the blessings of God's mercy are ever with us, too.  Mercy is encouraging us.  Mercy is comforting us.  Mercy is forgiving and restoring us.  We can rest in the mercy of God:   "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22.23).

Today, let us thank God for goodness and mercy!

LIFE IN THE WORD

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 15, 2012

LIFE IN THE WORD

Deal bountifully with thy servant,that I may live and keep thy word.  Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.  I am a stranger in the earth; hide not thy commandments from me.

Today, let us live and keep the word of God in our heart.

ARE YOU A THIEF AND A ROBBER?

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 14, 2012

ARE YOU A THIEF AND A ROBBER?

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.  But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:1-10

God declares that salvation comes through Jesus Christ, but many desire to try to get to God some other way.  Jesus declares that he is "the door."  Tell me, why do so many try to get into  the sheepfold some other way ?:

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:10-12


Today, let us submit to the authority of Christ Jesus.  All Hail (Matthew 28:9)!

 

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 12, 2012

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

Thus saith the LORD, the heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. Isaiah 66:1,2 Are you choosing your own ways, or are you trusting in the WORD OF THE LORD?  Have you read your bible today?  Do you fear his Word?  Are you willing to be instructed by it?  God wants satisfy your soul and bring you to abundace of peace through His Word.  God is ready to do great and mighty things in you, if you would make the Word your delight. Today, let us read our bibles!

PERFECTLY JOINED TOGETHER

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 9, 2012

PERFECTLY JOINED TOGETHER

And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.  What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.  Mark 10:8,9

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you;  but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.  I Corinthians 1:10

Marriage is a mystery.  How does the Holy Spirit join a man and woman together in one spirit?  It is as if their union, their marriage, has created a whole new person in the earth.  "They are no more twain (two), but one flesh" (Mark 10:8).  This union of love, reverence, and intimacy has such wonderful ability to create new and good things.  Yes, children!  And many other good works shall be created in the marriage union.

  It is God's design that in the environment of love, reverence, and intimacy new creation will take place. When we enter into union with God there is a new man  that is created.   We are no longer to walk outside of the new man, independent, separate, carnal, as if we are not joined to God.  But we are to walk in this new man...which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (Ephesians 4:24):

 "There is one body, one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all , and in you all"  (Ephesians 4:4-6).

Today, let us thank God for the joining together!!

HOLY PREPARATIONS

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 7, 2012

HOLY PREPARATIONS

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelations 21:2

Preparations for "wedding day" are full of excitement.  Getting everything done is simply a part of the program-- manicures, pedicures, hair-dos and spa trips.   There are checklists for the florist, for the bride's maids, for the reception hall, for the menu, for the music, for the photographer... and of course, there are those wonderful moments of trying on the wedding gown.  Yes, these are worldly preparations. 

I Corinthians  speaks of the difference between a wife and a "holy" virgin: 
"There is a difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband" (I Corinthians 7:34).
 
 Jesus tells a parable of the five virgins to illustrate the necessity of spiritual, holy preparations:


Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.  Matthew 25:1-13

Though marriage is honorable and the bed undefiled, we must make sure that our earthly duties do not consume us so that we pay no attention to our heavenly calling:
But this I say, brethren, the time is short:  it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;  And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. I Corinthians 7:21-23  The bride of Christ must be holy, prayed up, filled up with the Holy Spirit, full of good works, prepared with gospel preaching and well practiced in speaking the word of her testimony.  Surely, our groom is soon to return and we must make ourselves ready! 
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. Revelations: 19:7,8
Today, let us not be careless in our preparations, but let us be diligent, holy, spiritual, and upright as we await the return of our soon coming King! 

SPEAKING THE WORD

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 5, 2012

SPEAKING THE WORD

My tongue shall speak of thy word; for all thy commandments are righteousness.  Psalm 119:172

Speaking the word of God is the work of the believer.  We are blessed to speak, live and love His word.

Today, speak the word of God and love his righteous commands!

THE PATH OF THE JUST

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

THE PATH OF THE JUST

But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Proverbs 4:18

God opens up the path of abundant life for the upright.  For those who have chosen to live for Him, He directs their path.  The path we travel becomes more clear, more perfect, as we behold Him.  The Light of Christ shines on us and illumines our existence, giving us joy and peace and prosperity.  He rescues us from every snare and keeps us safe and on our way...to the perfect day.

Today, How is your walk?

WHERE YOU GO, I WILL GO

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 1, 2012

WHERE YOU GO, I WILL GOD
And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.  Ruth 1:16,17

  Ruth's mother-in-law was a woman who belonged to the family of God.  Though Ruth had not grown up in a godly family, she grew to love the God of her husband's family.  When her husband passed away, she refused to leave her mother-in-law, not because she was a good cook or a stylish dresser.  Ruth clave to her mother-in-law because of her mother-in-law's God. Ruth's mother-in-law, Naomi, served the God of heaven; the Creator of all the earth; the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.   Ruth had the opportunity to return to her home of origin with all of its allure and idolatry, but Ruth clave to her new family, determined  to go forward.   Ruth models the steadfast love that is vital for every believer.Today,let us be determined to go forward forever with God