THE LIFTER UP

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 31, 2013

THE LIFTER UP


But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. Psalm 3:3

Oh, how I love the Resurrection. I could fill my days thinking of its glory and power.  The Resurrection declares the victory of the Church over the prince of the world. Moreover, we see in the Resurrection the power to rise out of death; the power to rise out of shame; the power to rise out of defeat; and the power to rise out of every trap that the enemy would set.  In the Resurrection, the Church of Jesus Christ receives the blessing of being connected to a victorious Savior who has triumphed over the enemy's best attempts.

 Yes, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the  statement and demonstration of the power of God--but Jesus said in John 11:25 that He was the Resurrection:   "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: " Gloriously, Jesus Christ has the power within Himself to lift us up. In Christ, the Resurrection is not just a historic event, but a daily reality.   "But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head" (Psalm 3:3). In the midst of persecution and man's best attempts to discourage you, Jesus will save will.  He will raise you.  He will lift you up above your circumstance and bring heaven down to you.  Furthermore, Jesus gives us the power to lift up others.  He blesses us so that we can bless.  He fills us with His Holy Spirit so that we are able to encourage and strengthen and lift up those in need.  Truly, Christ in you is the hope of glory.  

Today, Happy Resurrection Day to you! 

THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE CROSS

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 29, 2013

THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE CROSS


 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:31, 32

The cross accomplished the casting out of the prince of this world.  Satan has no dominion over you.  In fact, Satan has no power.  In fact, Satan can only scare you and produce FEAR--"false evidence appearing real." In fact, Satan has no power in our homes, over our children, in our families, unless we open the door and invite him in.  He has been cast out through the power of the cross, so as we respect the cross and the work of Christ on the cross, we are delivered.

It is true that Satan has been distracting us for a long time--keeping our focus off of the cross.  He comes in and distorts our lives and churches and families because the cross is not central.  Satan, that old serpent, knows that the Church of Jesus Christ is a plaything without the preaching of the cross.

Jesus Christ knew that Satan had come into God's creation as described in Genesis 3: "Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat" (Genesis 3:1-6).

Jesus Christ knew that he was sent by God an offering, an atonement for sin. Jesus Christ boldly proclaimed the fulfillment of God's plan spoken in John 12:31:  "NOW IS THE JUDGMENT OF THIS WORLD:  NOW SHALL THE PRINCE OF THIS WORLD BE CAST OUT."   Jesus Christ on the cross casts out Satan and his authority, and his rule, and his destruction, and his damnation.  Jesus Christ on the cross establishes for all of eternity the reign and rule of the Kingdom of God.

Yes, Satan will continue to bruise our heel (persecution and temptation), but we shall bruise his head.  For as our Savior was lifted up from the earth, so too, are we lifted up from all that the devil would throw at us.  He is under our feet.  His devices and his influence are put under our dominion in Christ.  For we rule and reign with Christ Jesus!!!

Today, Do you see why Good Friday is so very GOOOOOD?

BEHOLD, CHRIST ON THE CROSS

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 27, 2013

BEHOLD, CHRIST ON THE CROSS


But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

The single act of Love displayed by Christ on the cross is the most powerful act of Love ever recorded in time.  This is the Love of God for mankind.  Undeserved.  Unworthy.  While we were sinners, hateful, and mean, God loved us and saved us.  While we were killing, and mocking, and abusing, and in darkness, God was merciful unto us.  While we were at our worse, condemning, God rescued us.
Behold, Christ on the cross and see the heart of God for you.  Think of a moment in your life when you were at your worse, unlovely, unbecoming, unmade.  Imagine someone seeing you--you would think they would naturally despise you--even run from you.  But God chooses to express His love for us in the very moment of our uncomeliness.  He looks upon us with eyes of grace and chooses us.  And covenants with us.  And says, "mine."
Yes, Behold Christ on the cross and see the very LOVE of GOD.

LIFT HIM UP

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 26, 2013

LIFT HIM UP
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32

In John 12:32 we see that Jesus is telling his followers that he will die the death of the cross.  For in crucifixion the body is raised from the earth.  This cursed and horrific act is the means by which God brought salvation to "all those who would believe"  on Jesus.  In fact, the criminal on the cross positioned next to Jesus was the first to be drawn by this lifting up as written in Luke 23: "And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?  And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."

Jesus knew that if man crucified Him, the power of God would be released for all of eternity.  This power is capable of raising man from the dead, erasing, forgiving every sin the worst sinner has ever committed.  This power opens graves and lets the dead live.  It opens prison doors and sets the captive free.  Jesus knew before they crucified Him, that if they did, the plan of salvation was set for eternity.  The devil meant it for evil but God meant it for good!  Lift Him up!!

Today, we thank God for the beautiful plan of salvation and we preach Christ crucified!

KEEP THE DOGS OUT AND AWAY

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 25, 2013

KEEP THE DOGS OUT AND AWAY


Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Matthew 7:6

They are looking for something to devour.  They are not content until they find something to destroy.  Through their words, their manner, and their unkind ways they are like dogs.  God warns us in Matthew 7:6 that we are not to give that which is holy to them.  They mock and ridicule the word of God; they find fault with the church of God; they speak against the man of God; they  ridicule and slander the saint of God; they crucify the Son of God.  And the words of wisdom that you share with them will be used against you.  They are mockers, betrayers and quite greedy.  Instead of taking out the mote in their own eye, they run after others to find fault.  They are dangerously evil and destructive.  But it may be easy to forget that they are dogs because they have a way of appearing nice, nice--deceiving even themselves.  But beware.

Christian man and Christian woman, guard the things of God.  Guard His calling upon your life.  Guard your church and your ministry.  Guard your children, your home and family.  Guard your resources and your friendships. And keep the dogs out and far away.

" Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out" (John 12:31).

THE POWER OF GOD

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 22, 2013

THE POWER OF GOD

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. I Corinthians 1:18

I'll tell you a secret:  The cross of Jesus Christ has within it, the power of God.  You may hear people talking about spiritual energy and meditative energy flows.  I don't know anything about that.  But to us who are saved, all power is in the cross.  For this one act of love-- in the one moment of time and history-- holds redemptive salvation for all of eternity.

When I behold  Jesus on the cross, I feel His love for me.  I feel the depth of His care and concern.  I feel His passion. Jesus on the cross brings me to rest, brings me to peace, brings me to renewal and to salvation.
For when the cross is preached the power of God is released and able to work in man's heart, soul, mind, body--renewing and transforming, building and edifying.  With Christ's arms outstretched, the sacrificial Lamb of God releases... divine LOVE.  This is all the energy we will ever need.

Today, let us preach and meditate upon the cross!

HURRAH FOR MISS ISRAEL

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 21, 2013

HURRAH FOR MISS ISRAEL


For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Luke 1:48

In Luke 1:48, we see Mary, the Mother of Jesus, rejoicing in that she was chosen by God.  She rejoices like one who has won a beauty pageant; she can hardly believe that God chose her... of all people:  "He hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden."  This is how God works.  He sits high, but he looks low.  Isaiah 57:15 describes God as the "high and lofty one" who dwells with the humble: "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."

Today, we celebrate the crowning of Miss Israel, Yityish Aynaw.  An Ethiopian Jew, she is the first woman of color to hold the title of "Miss Israel." She came to Israel when she was twelve years of age and is an orphan.  But today, she holds great responsibility in communicating the diversity, complexity, and potential of her great country--Israel.  Our prayers are for her and with her.  May God's hand hold her and may His face shine upon her. And our prayers are with the people of Israel, and especially with the struggle of the Ethiopian Jews.  May they be regarded, and respected and known. Hurrah for Miss Israel--2013!

NOTHING SHALL BE IMPOSSIBLE

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 20, 2013

NOTHING SHALL BE IMPOSSIBLE


For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37

As the Kingdom of God comes more and more into your life, you will know the reality of Luke 1:37.  Luke 1:37 records the words of the angel Gabriel as expressed to Mary.  Gabriel needed Mary to know that God was in the midst of a great work in her life and she need not doubt His power.  This knowledge is essential for every believer in God: "nothing shall be impossible."  This means that what God has purposed, He is able  to bring to pass...and shall.  This does not apply to whatever your mind thinks up--your checklist or wish list.  This statement is true in accordance to the work and will of God.

Today, and from this time forward, nothing shall be impossible! His Kingdom come!

WHEN THE TABLES ARE TURNED

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 19, 2013

WHEN THE TABLES ARE TURNED


When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.

  And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. 

 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. 

  For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. Exodus 7:9-12

And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; John 2:15

In the Old Testament Book of Exodus, Chapter seven, we see an interesting portrait of false prophets, here called sorcerers and magicians.  These men described in Exodus 7:11 were seemingly able to match the supernatural power of God that was with Moses and Aaron.  But, as we read in Exodus 7:12,  the power of God will swallow up and destroy all falsehood-- as Aaron's rod swallowed up the rods of the magicians.

I have seen these same magician-types, these crafty workers, in the  house of God.  They dare to challenge the move and hand of God, to make a point and impress the people.  They craft sermons, they craft situations and anything their budgets and manipulative minds can think up--to fool the people and themselves.  They don't believe, really, that God works in supernatural ways, so they defy His power and mock the Holy Spirit. They are offended by the move of the Spirit and want sole control of the church. But just as Christ came into the temple and made a scourge of small cords and overthrew the tables, as described in John 2:15, so too, now.   Christ is coming into his house to turn the tables on these crafty workers."For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?"( I Peter 4:17).

Today, Watch the tables turn as Christ comes cleansing God's house!

LEANING ON JESUS' BOSOM

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 18, 2013

LEANING ON JESUS' BOSOM

Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. John 13:23

To find rest for your soul, I suggest that you learn to lean on Jesus' bosom.  He holds the rest for the weary.  He rejuvenates the soul of the worn.  He loves us entirely.  He recreates, remakes, and keeps us whole. This intimacy is essential, but it takes time and space.  You have to get rid of the clutter of the world and "steal away" like a baseball player stealing home--you've got to go for it.

Today, lean on Him!

RUNNING TO OBTAIN

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 15, 2013

RUNNING TO OBTAIN


Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.Psalm 24:3-5

Spiritual runners can and shall ascend into the hill of the LORD.  Through disciplines of prayer, devotion, fellowship, confession, and faith in Christ Jesus the  King of Glory comes in and dwells in His temple. Spiritual runners must lay aside vanity and choose humility.  And allow the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ to renew your soul.  This is the blessing of the Lord.

Today, run to obtain!

SPIRITUAL RUNNERS

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 13, 2013

SPIRITUAL RUNNERS

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.   And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.   I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:   But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.  I Corinthians 9:24-27

All runners spend a great deal of time training.  They condition their bodies so that they can obtain mastery.  In I Corinthians 9:24 we are told that spiritual runners are to run in a manner that will obtain the spiritual prize (crown).  This means that we must be very serious about the course which God has set before us.  What course, you may ask?  If you must ask this question, perhaps you are at the place in your race where you must be patient: your course is not yet set before you. Spiritual runners, unlike the natural,  run with patience because the course, the path, the plan and purpose is revealed over time, often gradually.  "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God"(Hebrews 12:1,2).

Jesus was twelve years of age when the Scriptures records his discerning of the course God had set before Him. And once Jesus saw the course God had set before Him he was steadfast and "straightway," moving with urgency and passion toward the calling.

Today, let us look to Jesus and run to obtain!

THE LOVE OF CHRIST CONSTRAINETH US

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 12, 2013

THE LOVE OF CHRIST CONSTRAINETH US
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.I Corinthians 15:14,15 


Christ demonstrated such love for us that we are constrained by his love.  We are confined, limited, pressed together, squeezed into His will, with delight.  We are constrained, joyfully living in the narrow path; We are not going about our own way but waiting for His grace to rescue us out of hardship, if he so chooses. 

Did you see what Jesus did for us on the cross?  Did you see how our Savior died for our sins, took them upon himself, was bruised and beaten so that we might be healed and made whole?  Yes, it is that LOVE which constrains us. We cannot live unto ourselves.  Indeed, we must walk worthy of God's great LOVE.

Today, be constrained by the LOVE of Christ!

STAY CONNECTED

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY...MARCH 10, 2013

STAY CONNECTED


Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:4,5

Stay connected to Christ.  He loves and cares for you.  He is your source of strength and glory.  He is your peace.  Because we are born again, in Him, we have no life outside of Him.  Without Christ, we are like the branches that are withered and tossed away (read John 15:6).  Christ nurtures our life; so, we must stay connected.
Today, let's stay connected!

ISRAEL MINE ELECT

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 9, 2013

ISRAEL MINE ELECT


Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:
And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
 For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
  I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
  That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.
  I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
  Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.
 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
  Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth?
  Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.
  I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.
 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.
  Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, there is no God.
Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.
 They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols.
  But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.
  For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.
 I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.
 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.
  Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.
 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
  I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
  Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.
 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. Isaiah 45


We have no need to ever be ashamed, confused, or confounded, because God is in us.  We have been raised up in righteousness, and God shall  direct all of our ways.  Our God does not change or leave us when trouble comes.  No, our God saves.  He provides everlasting salvation.  If God can create the heavens, and shape the earth and sea, surely we can look unto him as our Saviour.
Do you know the Lord as your Saviour?  If you have not asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart and rule there, you can ask him today.
Today is the day of Salvation!

ALL THINGS UNDER CONTROL

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WIORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 8, 2013

ALL THINGS UNDER CONTROL


For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. I Corinthians 15:27,28

These verses in I Corinthians speak of the reign and rule of Christ Jesus.  He has been given dominion over the Kingdom of God.  For it is God who chose His Son to rule, for He is worthy.  All things will be put under His control.  In fact, He works through you and He works through me to subdue and to conquer.  He wants to lift up a standard in the earth, in every industry, in every nation, in every home.  He wants every soul under his control. "Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezekiel 18:4)  It is not God's desire that any man perish, but that all come to repentance, as spoken in 2 Peter 3:9.  God gives us a ministry of reconciliation, to bring the sinner out of sin, and into repentance, thus under the rule of Christ Jesus.  For in Christ Jesus there is life forevermore.

Today, the Lord subdues.

HIS KINGDOM COME

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 7, 2013

HIS KINGDOM COME


But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Matthew12:28

In this Scripture, Matthew 12:28, Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God.  This Kingdom is the rule of God on the earth.  It is the demonstration and power that is God produced.  As it is in heaven, so shall it be on earth.  Just as God has all dominion and rule in heaven, so too shall you witness His dominion and rule in the earth.  That is why we must pray as the Lord taught his disciples in Matthew 6:  "Thy Kingdom come thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). The Spirit of God is resident, present, alive in me and in you to cast out devils.  The Spirit of God is present in me and in you to tread over serpents, to wrestle principalities, and to rule with all power.

Are you filled with his Spirit today?  Have you separated yourself from the world and worldliness?  Do you hate the things that Satan loves, and do you love the things that Satan hates?  God's kingdom demands that we actively engage in the work and will of God, casting out devils by the Spirit of God.

Today, Let His Kingdom come!

PUSH!

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 6, 2013


PUSH!

When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
  And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,
  And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;
 For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. Deuteronomy 20:1-4

What is it that stands before you, daring you to advance?  Maybe it is  a challenging work situation; maybe it is an office worker; maybe it is a church matter; maybe it is a test; or maybe it is depression, determined to stop you as you are engaged in prayer and life in the Word. God is with you as you go out to battle against your enemies.  He wants to you push forward, and not draw back.  The bible tells in the book of Hebrews:  "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.  But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul" (Hebrews 30:28,29).
Today, push through the darkness and the stronghold.

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO GOD

 IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 5, 2013

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO GOD

And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.
 To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel.
  Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.
  And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD.
  And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites, stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel with a loud voice on high.
  And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
  And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.
  And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
  For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.
  And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.
  And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.
  And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.
  Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies.
  And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD.
  And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel.

Our battles belong to God.  We don't need to dwell in strife or deal with contention.  We need only to set ourselves and see the salvation of the Lord.  He will conquer in His time.  When we sing and praise His Holy name He is delighted and will move on our behalf.  Surely, everyone around will see and know that God is moving, and that He is for us.

Today, Praise the LORD; the battle is the LORD's

STRONG AND CAPABLE

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 4, 2013

STRONG AND CAPABLE


And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
  And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.
 them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?
  And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
  And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.
  Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt:
  And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. Exodus 3:11-17

We must know that we are strong and capable of accomplishing any task that God sets before us.  "Certainly, I will be with thee," says the Lord.  Just as he spoke to Moses so many years ago, God is speaking to his covenanted people, his church.  God has a plan, a purpose and a destination for our lives, but we must run in the power and presence of I AM.  For I AM is the Creator; He is the Originator of all things in heaven and in earth.  I AM is all knowing and all present.  There is no one, no time, no place outside of His Authority.  Moses became strong and capable of delivering the children of Israel from the bondage of the Egyptians once he knew the strength and ability of I AM.

Today, we are strong and capable because we know the strength and ability of I AM.

" And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." Daniel 11:32

LET THE RIGHTEOUS BE GLAD

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 3, 2013

LET THE RIGHTEOUS BE GLAD

To the chief Musician, A Psalm or Song of David. Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.  As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. Psalms 68:1-4

Let us stand upon these scriptures, and let us be glad.  God is in the midst of a great work and we shall be rejoicing before God; we shall exceedingly rejoice.
Today, be glad!

THE KINGS CAME AND FOUGHT

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

THE KINGS CAME AND FOUGHT


 Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.
  Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches.
  Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.
  The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.
  They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.
 The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
 Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones.
Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.
 Judges 5:15-30

When there is a need, the noble person will respond.  There are always selfish reasons to look the other way.  You may have other things to do.  You may act as if you don't know or see what is going on.
Nonetheless, using incredibly profound language, Jesus rebukes the man who gave an excuse after receiving a call to service: "And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.  Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:60).

Today, be kings!