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!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
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.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 21, 2012
HE IS OUR PEACE
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.
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!
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
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
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!
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!
Monday, August 20, 2012
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!
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 20, 2012
COMING OUT!
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
"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!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
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 6:22,2 Today, I choose to live through Christ!
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.
Friday, August 17, 2012
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).
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!
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