IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 29, 2012
A DEFENCED CITY
For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. Jeremiah 1:18
I am thanking God for making us a defeced city in the storms of life. God's hand holds back the force of the enemy and allows us to survive and thrive right in the midst of the onslaught. All around us are angels with a divine commission to protect us. What shall we then say to these things? If God
be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)
Today, let us thank God for divine protection.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
THE PERFECTION OF BEAUTY IS IN JESUS
IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 28, 2012
THE PERFECTION OF BEAUTY IS IN JESUS
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Psalm 50:2
God has always desired a people for his glory, praise, and renown. God has desired Zion to place his beauty within. If the people of God will only worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. If the people of God will only cleave to Him; for He is our life. God has perfect beauty for His people. For the light of the knowledge of the glory of God is in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Today, let the perfection of beauty shine in you!
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 28, 2012
THE PERFECTION OF BEAUTY IS IN JESUS
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Psalm 50:2
God has always desired a people for his glory, praise, and renown. God has desired Zion to place his beauty within. If the people of God will only worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. If the people of God will only cleave to Him; for He is our life. God has perfect beauty for His people. For the light of the knowledge of the glory of God is in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Today, let the perfection of beauty shine in you!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
DESTINATION JESUS
IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012
DESTINATION JESUS
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
I Corinthians 9:24
What matters most? In other words, what are you seeking after? Many are seeking after wealth, privilege status, education, or sport notoriety; these are fine and well, but the Scriptures tell us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. As a believer in Jesus Christ you will have to put your other pursuits on hold to discover the deep and real riches in God.
Ask God to give you faith so that you will be able to journey with Him. God often calls you to go...not knowing where you're going. Each day you must submit to the leading of the LORD. God will amaze you as you will see that his WORD is alive and in control. As you walk by faith you will suffer and go through many trials. This is all part of the course...your destination is Jesus. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end of our journey (see Revelations 22:13).
Today...destination Jesus!
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012
DESTINATION JESUS
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
I Corinthians 9:24
What matters most? In other words, what are you seeking after? Many are seeking after wealth, privilege status, education, or sport notoriety; these are fine and well, but the Scriptures tell us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. As a believer in Jesus Christ you will have to put your other pursuits on hold to discover the deep and real riches in God.
Ask God to give you faith so that you will be able to journey with Him. God often calls you to go...not knowing where you're going. Each day you must submit to the leading of the LORD. God will amaze you as you will see that his WORD is alive and in control. As you walk by faith you will suffer and go through many trials. This is all part of the course...your destination is Jesus. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end of our journey (see Revelations 22:13).
Today...destination Jesus!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
DRINKING INTO ONE SPIRIT
IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 24, 2012
DRINKING INTO ONE SPIRIT
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. I Corinthians 12:13
The Church of Jesus Christ, the true Isarel of God has been made to drink of one Spirit--that is the Holy Spirit. Our faith, our power, our joy, our future, our salvation is in the Holy Spirit.We all acknowledge that Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one sent from God to save us. We all acknowledge the Jesus gave of his flesh and shed of his blood to redeem us. Jesus declared in the book of St John: He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. (John 6:56). Our communion is based upon the eating of the flesh and drinking of the blood of Jesus. We must partake. We must digest. We must be tranformed into one body--the body of Christ.
Our Bibles provide needed nourishment for the body of Christ. For the Holy Scriptures are the living Word of God. As we commune in the Word, we are quickened, changed and transformed by the renewing of our minds. The Spirit and nature of Christ indwells us as we feast on his Word, and we are built up a holy body.-- both Jews and Gentiles. Baptism also brings us into oneness, as well as prayer and fellowship.
Today, we rejoice as we are drinking into one Spirit.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 24, 2012
DRINKING INTO ONE SPIRIT
The Church of Jesus Christ, the true Isarel of God has been made to drink of one Spirit--that is the Holy Spirit. Our faith, our power, our joy, our future, our salvation is in the Holy Spirit.We all acknowledge that Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one sent from God to save us. We all acknowledge the Jesus gave of his flesh and shed of his blood to redeem us. Jesus declared in the book of St John: He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. (John 6:56). Our communion is based upon the eating of the flesh and drinking of the blood of Jesus. We must partake. We must digest. We must be tranformed into one body--the body of Christ.
Our Bibles provide needed nourishment for the body of Christ. For the Holy Scriptures are the living Word of God. As we commune in the Word, we are quickened, changed and transformed by the renewing of our minds. The Spirit and nature of Christ indwells us as we feast on his Word, and we are built up a holy body.-- both Jews and Gentiles. Baptism also brings us into oneness, as well as prayer and fellowship.
Today, we rejoice as we are drinking into one Spirit.
Friday, October 19, 2012
COME AWAY
IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 19, 2012
COME AWAY
My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. Song of Solomon
God desires to separate us unto Himself. He desires our affection, our time and attention. We must separate ourselves unto Him with love, prayer and devotion. We are His desire...and He is our desire, too.
Today, come away...!
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 19, 2012
COME AWAY
My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. Song of Solomon
God desires to separate us unto Himself. He desires our affection, our time and attention. We must separate ourselves unto Him with love, prayer and devotion. We are His desire...and He is our desire, too.
Today, come away...!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
PLANTED TOGETHER
IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012
PLANTED TOGETHER
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. Romans 6:5
We have been planted together. That means we were sown at the same time, in the same manner; and we shall grow up together in the likeness of Christ. We have been planted in the likeness of his death. For our planting has been that of persecution, ridicule, scorn, hatred, aversion, misunderstanding, confusion. The true Israel of God has died to sin and law, to be raised together in newness of life. Yes, the body of flesh, sin and carnality had to be destroyed, so that God might be glorified through our resurrection, our newness of life.
Do you recall how God planted you in the likeness of Christ's death? Did you go through a process of dying to sin...finally realizing that it had no power to save you? Did God prove to you that it was He alone who would raise you up in newness of life by His Spirit? Did you mourn, resist... and then rejoice?
How wonderful it is to be planted together. To know that I am not alone. To know that he is quickening another at the same time, in the same way--to bring forth a fruitful life. To know that there is another who has suffered the same, who has been loved creatively by the Father through the process of death and burial and resurrection.
Yes, the body of Jesus Christ is one body. Jew and Gentile planted together. Male and Female planted together. Rich and Poor planted together.
Together, Glory be to the Father and to the Son!
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012
PLANTED TOGETHER
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. Romans 6:5
We have been planted together. That means we were sown at the same time, in the same manner; and we shall grow up together in the likeness of Christ. We have been planted in the likeness of his death. For our planting has been that of persecution, ridicule, scorn, hatred, aversion, misunderstanding, confusion. The true Israel of God has died to sin and law, to be raised together in newness of life. Yes, the body of flesh, sin and carnality had to be destroyed, so that God might be glorified through our resurrection, our newness of life.
Do you recall how God planted you in the likeness of Christ's death? Did you go through a process of dying to sin...finally realizing that it had no power to save you? Did God prove to you that it was He alone who would raise you up in newness of life by His Spirit? Did you mourn, resist... and then rejoice?
How wonderful it is to be planted together. To know that I am not alone. To know that he is quickening another at the same time, in the same way--to bring forth a fruitful life. To know that there is another who has suffered the same, who has been loved creatively by the Father through the process of death and burial and resurrection.
Yes, the body of Jesus Christ is one body. Jew and Gentile planted together. Male and Female planted together. Rich and Poor planted together.
Together, Glory be to the Father and to the Son!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
YOUR KING IS MEEK
IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 17, 2012
YOUR KING IS MEEK
Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. Matthew 21:5
"Your King is coming unto you...he is meek and sitting upon an ass!" Does this sound like exciting news? Is this the news you would want to hear about your king? This is the news that proved to be a stumbling block for much of Israel, and this is the news that the church still seems to have a problem with today. Our King is not like anything of this world. He is not worldly, ambitious or aggressive. Jesus says: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" Matthew 11:29.
Our Savior is meek and lowly in heart. That does not mean that we have to be poor, uneducated or untrained. It does mean that we love the poor, the uneducated and the untrained. It does mean that, like Christ, we think of others better than ourselves. We see the beauty in a man or woman's soul--regardless of status. As Christians, we can't prefer a man by his outer appearance; we must prefer the heart of a man. Remember, God hides things from the "wise and prudent" but reveals them unto "babes"(Matthew 11:25).
The prideful and arrogant person constantly creates circumstances for himself where he is honored, served, esteemed. Jesus says in the tenth chapter of Mark, "Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:42-45).
Wow, our King is meek and lowly...and he reigns!
Today, let this heart be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 17, 2012
YOUR KING IS MEEK
Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. Matthew 21:5
"Your King is coming unto you...he is meek and sitting upon an ass!" Does this sound like exciting news? Is this the news you would want to hear about your king? This is the news that proved to be a stumbling block for much of Israel, and this is the news that the church still seems to have a problem with today. Our King is not like anything of this world. He is not worldly, ambitious or aggressive. Jesus says: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" Matthew 11:29.
Our Savior is meek and lowly in heart. That does not mean that we have to be poor, uneducated or untrained. It does mean that we love the poor, the uneducated and the untrained. It does mean that, like Christ, we think of others better than ourselves. We see the beauty in a man or woman's soul--regardless of status. As Christians, we can't prefer a man by his outer appearance; we must prefer the heart of a man. Remember, God hides things from the "wise and prudent" but reveals them unto "babes"(Matthew 11:25).
The prideful and arrogant person constantly creates circumstances for himself where he is honored, served, esteemed. Jesus says in the tenth chapter of Mark, "Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:42-45).
Wow, our King is meek and lowly...and he reigns!
Today, let this heart be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.
Monday, October 15, 2012
HIS GOOD PLEASURE
IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 15, 2012
HIS GOOD PLEASURE
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12,13
Finding the good pleasure of God takes some seeking. And then the working out of this salvation takes some real fear and trembling. But the Holy Spirit is in us to accomplish the good pleasure of God. He quickens us, inspires us, compels us, and comforts us as we trust him...trembling with each step of faith. But every step we take, every action we make, every prayer we send up, every hour we wait is worth it because it is for our Father's good pleasure.
God has a will for our lives, a good pleasure. We can bring eternal joy to our heavenly father as we engage in this will. Have you found the will God has for you? When you do the Holy Spirit will leap within you, quickening you, pushing you forward "both to will and to do," both to desire and accomplish, both to seek and to perform. True, sometimes all we can do is to "be still and pray," but our will is alive and energetic, loving, trusting, believing, hoping, anticipating and celebrating the good pleasure of God.
Today, we are celebrating the good pleasure of God!
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 15, 2012
HIS GOOD PLEASURE
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12,13
Finding the good pleasure of God takes some seeking. And then the working out of this salvation takes some real fear and trembling. But the Holy Spirit is in us to accomplish the good pleasure of God. He quickens us, inspires us, compels us, and comforts us as we trust him...trembling with each step of faith. But every step we take, every action we make, every prayer we send up, every hour we wait is worth it because it is for our Father's good pleasure.
God has a will for our lives, a good pleasure. We can bring eternal joy to our heavenly father as we engage in this will. Have you found the will God has for you? When you do the Holy Spirit will leap within you, quickening you, pushing you forward "both to will and to do," both to desire and accomplish, both to seek and to perform. True, sometimes all we can do is to "be still and pray," but our will is alive and energetic, loving, trusting, believing, hoping, anticipating and celebrating the good pleasure of God.
Today, we are celebrating the good pleasure of God!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
DISPLAYING THE BANNER
IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY...OCTOBER 14, 2012
DISPLAYING THE BANNER
Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. Psalms 60:4
Today, God has a banner to be displayed. It is the banner that says, "I am with you!" It is a banner that says, "No weapon formed against you will prosper." It is a banner that says, "The promises that I made to you are TRUE!" This banner is a sign to all : God is working everything together for GOOD!
Today, God says, "Display the banner!"
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY...OCTOBER 14, 2012
DISPLAYING THE BANNER
Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. Psalms 60:4
Today, God has a banner to be displayed. It is the banner that says, "I am with you!" It is a banner that says, "No weapon formed against you will prosper." It is a banner that says, "The promises that I made to you are TRUE!" This banner is a sign to all : God is working everything together for GOOD!
Today, God says, "Display the banner!"
Thursday, October 11, 2012
LEANING UPON HER BELOVED
IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 11, 2012
LEANING UPON HER BELOVED
Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee.
Solomon 8:5
When Jesus came into the earth "he came unto his own" (John 1:11). The invitation for salvation had been given to the Jews. But when they rejected their Messiah, the invitation was open to all...to "whosover believeth" (I John 5:1). Still Jesus comes into his garden calling to "his sister, his bride," (Song of Solomon 5:1) desiring her. Yes, the Jewish nation is coming from the wilderness of sin and law, leaning upon her beloved, trusting in Jesus for completeness and shalom.
Today, let us pray for this togetherness.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 11, 2012
LEANING UPON HER BELOVED
Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee.
Solomon 8:5
When Jesus came into the earth "he came unto his own" (John 1:11). The invitation for salvation had been given to the Jews. But when they rejected their Messiah, the invitation was open to all...to "whosover believeth" (I John 5:1). Still Jesus comes into his garden calling to "his sister, his bride," (Song of Solomon 5:1) desiring her. Yes, the Jewish nation is coming from the wilderness of sin and law, leaning upon her beloved, trusting in Jesus for completeness and shalom.
Today, let us pray for this togetherness.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD
IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 4, 2012
HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD
Israel was holiness unto the LORD, and the first-fruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD. JEREMIAH 2:3
We are Holiness unto the Lord. We are consecrated to the service of God, As we go about our Father's business we shall be a peculiar people, known of God; the LORD will lift up his countenance upon us and give up peace.
As Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, was called out of his native land, we, too, must go the distance away from the worldliness of our past. God's goals and purposes look nothing like the world's. Our pursuit is wholly different from that which our fleshly nature desired to pursue.
It is through prayer, devotion and supplication that we will follow GOD in His consecrated service.
Today, write it upon your breastplate: HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 4, 2012
HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD
Israel was holiness unto the LORD, and the first-fruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD. JEREMIAH 2:3
We are Holiness unto the Lord. We are consecrated to the service of God, As we go about our Father's business we shall be a peculiar people, known of God; the LORD will lift up his countenance upon us and give up peace.
As Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, was called out of his native land, we, too, must go the distance away from the worldliness of our past. God's goals and purposes look nothing like the world's. Our pursuit is wholly different from that which our fleshly nature desired to pursue.
It is through prayer, devotion and supplication that we will follow GOD in His consecrated service.
Today, write it upon your breastplate: HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
A MORNING WITHOUT CLOUDS
The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.
2 Samuel 23:4,5
Today, may God bless you!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
CLEAR AS THE SUN
IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 2, 2012
CLEAR AS THE SUN
Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners? Song of Solomon 6:10
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 2, 2012
CLEAR AS THE SUN
Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners? Song of Solomon 6:10
Today, let us be clear, knowing that Jesus is with us.
Monday, October 1, 2012
A STRONG TOWER
IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012A STRONG TOWER
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from
the enemy. Psalm 61:3
Sometimes you don’t know exactly how the devil is trying to destroy you--you can just feel
the storm winds, you can sense the demonic attack; he is coming at you in so
many subtle ways, trying to take your stability, your joy, your health, your
peace. But God continues to supply an
abundance of wisdom, an abundance of strength, an abundance of knowledge, and an
abundance of joy. We are dwelling in the
strong tower of God-- safe and secure
from yeevery attack of the wicked one.
Wow! God amazes me. He builds us up so well that the enemy’s
huffs and puffs simply warrant a glance out the window. Yes, the devil knows his time is short so we
can expect a flurry of activity. But we,
the church of God, are busy getting ready for a wedding of heavenly
proportions. Let the devil rage…our
strong tower is stronger than ever before.
We are being preserved as we prepare for our big day!
Today, the bride is making herself ready, safe in the strong tower of God!
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