Saturday, September 30, 2017
Test it
Do not treat prophecies
with contempt 21 but test them all. A
word from God in the known language of the Audience
Nine Ways to test
Prophecy!
1. Does it glorify Christ?
The prophecy may not mention Christ by name, but does the whole message honor
and glorify him? This is always the Spirit’s primary work (John 16:14; 1 Cor.
12:1-4).
2. Does it edify the body
of Christ? Seven times in 1 Corinthians 14 Paul emphasizes this point when
discussing spiritual gifts, especially tongues and prophecy.
3. Is it in accordance
with the Scriptures? If we twist the Scriptures, we do so to our own
destruction (2 Pet. 3:16).
4. Is the prophecy given
in the spirit of love? This is the hallmark of the Spirit’s presence, even in
correction or rebuke.
5. Is Jesus lord of the
speaker’s life? A false prophet will be known by the fruits of his or her life,
said Jesus (Matt. 7:15:15-20).
6. Does the speaker submit
to the church leaders? Strong personalities with independent spirits caused
splits and divisions in the New Testament church, and do so today. Paul warned
the Ephesian elders about those “from among your own selves” who would draw
away disciples after them, and so divide the church of God (Acts 20:29-30).
7. Does the speaker allow
others to judge the prophecy? Such weighing should be the rule, not the
exception (1 Cor. 14:29).
8. Is the speaker in
control of himself when speaking? (1 Cor. 12:2 the passive “moved” and the
active “speaking”; see also 14:32).
Friday, September 29, 2017
Jesus calls His first Disciples.
Jesus calls His first Disciples.
John the Baptist was there with two of his disciples when Jesus walked by. John said, “Behold the Lamb of God.” When these disciples heard this they followed Jesus. Jesus asked them what they wanted. They were afraid to answer so they asked Him, where was His house? Jesus told them and they spent the day with Him. Two lessons we learn from this little statement of them spending with Jesus is: First, you need to spend time with Jesus to really get to know Him. The second is that when you really spend time with Jesus you will never be the same.
Andrew was one of the disciples here and he went back home and told his brother Peter that He had found the Messiah. John was the other disciple. They would be with Jesus for the first few months of His ministry.
The Lord is looking for disciples like these men. Individuals who are willing to give up all to follow Jesus Christ. Are you?
Healing
It is the week end and here is a simple but powerful thought. Bitterness in the heart will cause blindness in all areas of life. That is why we must walk in forgiveness. Forgiveness is immediate and long time healing for bitterness. It is Ok to be hurt but not stay hurt. Ask the Lord to help you forgive and then trust Him to help you to forget.
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Verse Today
1 Thessalonians 5:24New International Version (NIV)
24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
Classic Contest
Mark 1:12-13 and Luke 1:1-13
As we learned yesterday the temptation of Jesus was the classic contest between good and evil. Today the first thing we learn is that angels have been assigned to protect and help the child of God.
1. The devil has power over the Kingdoms of this world. It is also shown through this account that the devil’s primary desire is for people to worship him. Jesus refused to worship the devil and reminded Him that only the Lord is worthy of our worship.
2. This account shows that devil is a liar and he was defeated by Jesus who is the Son of God.
3. The kingdoms of this world can be given to any one the devil wishes. He will do this when the anti-christ is revealed.
4. The devil after he was unable to defeat and tempt Jesus left Jesus alone. That is the aim of the devil, he wants to isolate you and create a feeling of loneliness. The devil will also leave you alone like Jesus and be ready to strike again at a more opportune time. You must always be vigilant. Satan is looking for his next time.
Hurt
It is Thursday and here is your thought. It is o.k. to be hurt in life but not to stay hurt. The Lord is your healer and today let Him heal all your hurt, fear and pain. He will set your free so bring your hurt to Him and let Him heal you.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Proverb of Steel
Hurt in body will soon heal but hurt in the heart could
take a life time to heal or may never heal.
Healed heart
It is the middle of the week and here is your thought. Hurt in body will soon heal but hurt in the heart could take a life time to heal or may never heal. The marvelous thing is the Lord can heal the heart in just a moment. So give your heart to Him and He will heal any hurt it has has with His love and peace.
Verse Today
1 Thessalonians 5:23King James Version (KJV)
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Jesus’ Temptation)
Matt 4:1-11 (Jesus’ Temptation)
I will be tackling this story over the next two days. There is too much truth to do it in one day. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be temped by the devil. Jesus was tempted three times and He used the Word of God to defeat the devil. It was the classic fight between good and evil and good won. If Jesus would have been defeated the plans and purposes of God would have been thwarted. This is a powerful lesson for us. Jesus’ use of the Bible in this temptation is also a guideline for how we can defeat the enemy in the time of temptation.
1. Jesus was led into the desert by the Holy Spirit. This was a time of testing and preparation. The desert experience is often the starting point of most ministries.
2. Jesus fasted for 40 days, He was a man willing sacrifice all for God.
3. Jesus in the first test was tempted to use His power for self. Jesus used the scripture to defeat the devil. He revealed that man does not live by bread alone but every word that comes from the mouth of. The word of God is food for the soul and God’s word for us today.
4. Jesus when he is tempting even used the bible.
5. Jesus was tempted to use His power to save His life. In this temptation, He was tempted to save His own life. Jesus would not put the Lord to a foolish test. We should not as well.
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
God's Touch
It is Tuesday and here is a powerful thought for you today. True healing happens when the great physician comes and applies His medicine and touch. Let the Lord touch you and then you in turn take his healing and touch others for His praise and glory.
Monday, September 25, 2017
Proverb of Steel
It is amazing that God will hit us with a spiritual two
by four and we will say He touched us.
Verse Today
1 Thessalonians 5:20-21New International Version (NIV)
20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good,
John the Baptist
Today we are doing our devotion differently. Instead of focusing on a scripture we will look the characteristics of John in a more topical format.
1. John practiced self denial.
2. He was a man of courage.
3. He was obedient to the cause he was given. Matt 3:15
4. John was a powerful preacher.
5. He was man of humility.
6. He had a burning zeal.
7. He was honoured by Christ.
8. John did not do any miracles.
9. He suffered martyrdom at the hands of Herod. Matt 14:10
There will always be a price for righteousness but the rewards always outweigh the price.
The Touch
It is the beginning of the week and here is a tongue and cheek thought. It is amazing that God will hit us with a spiritual two by four and we will say He touched us. Hopefully God does not have to use a hard knock to get our attention. Be open to what God wants and do His will as fast as you can and you will always be in the center of His will.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Friday, September 22, 2017
Proverb of Steel
Prayer is as powerful as God and since God is
all powerful, nothing can stop prayer.
Courage
Matt 3:11-12
Today we are going to look at the courage of John the Baptist. John like all reformers and prophets of God took his role as enlightening and restraining force for God very personally. He would speak against the sins of Herod and Herodias. This act would ultimately cost him his life.
1. John stood up to Herod the King about his marriage to Herodias the former wife of his brother Phillip.
2. He stood up to Herod at the peril of his life which later on was forfeited.
3. He preached to Herod about the things of God and this upset Herod.
4. He spoke against the things the leaders of the Jews were doing.
5. He told the tax collectors not to steal anymore.
6. He told the Roman soldiers to extort from no one.
7. He spoke against other things that the King did. Herod was a despot but John was not afraid to speak against him. The lessons we learn is that we are the conscience of our world. We have been entrusted by God to speak on His behalf.
Prayer
It is the weekend and here is a powerful thought. Prayer is as powerful as God and since God is all powerful, nothing can stop prayer. So today tell the Lord all the things that are going on in your life and the promise is that even before the prayer leaves your mouth, the answer is on the way.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Proverb of Steel
Nothing stands in the way of prayer. It
overcomes any obstacle, situation, force or person. So stand behind
prayer and move into victory.
Verse Today
1 Thessalonians 5:18New International Version (NIV)
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Who is Jesus
John 1:26-27
Today we are looking at John the Baptist’s picture of who Jesus Christ is. John saw Jesus as a particular person with a particular purpose.
1. John saw Jesus as more powerful than he.
2. He knew that he was not even worthy to untie Jesus shoes.
3. He knew that Jesus would soon baptise His followers with the Holy Spirit and fire.
4. Jesus is ready to gather His wheat in His barn and the chaff will be burned away.
5. Jesus is the one who is the Christ and John was going to have the privilege of Baptising Him, yet John knew he was unworthy. Today as a disciple of Christ you need to have a clear understanding of who Jesus is and your role in the Kingdom. If you are not familiar with your role, ask the Lord and He will show you His will and plan for your life.
Thursday Thought
It is Thursday and here is a powerful thought. Nothing stands in the way of prayer. It overcomes any obstacle, situation, force or person. So stand behind prayer and move into victory. God will always answer prayer. Pray and see heaven move on your behalf. It is the prayer of a righteous person that avails much.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Proverb of Steel
You have a choice to be a victor or
victim. To be a conqueror or be conquered. Be an overcomer or be
overcomed.
Forerunner
Matt 3:2-12
John had the task of preparing the people for the way of the Lord. The outward sign of the inward impact of His message was that people were baptised. This showed that they had truly repented of their sins. Water baptism was not unique to John or the church. It was a practice that was done for gentile converts to Judaism. John’s application was to show other that those who were baptised were truly sorry for their sins.
1. John did not baptise the Sadducees or the Pharisees because they were doing it for the praise of men.
2. He came to tell all of Jesus and How He was going to baptise people with the Holy Spirit and fire.
3. He told how Jesus was going to judge and burn away from motives.
4. All men who see God’s salvation have to come through Jesus Christ.
5. He taught that men should share their belongings with others.
6. John taught the tax collectors that they should be fair and not be dishonest with the taxes that they collect.
7. He told the soldiers to be content with their pay and not to be extorters.
8. He preached good news to people.
Over comer
It is the middle of the week and here is a powerful thought. You have a choice to be a victor or victim. To be a conqueror or be conquered. Be an overcomer or be overcomed. What an opportunity to change your world and situation. God will help you and together you will change your world. You can also be a model of grace and mercy. So choose today but choose wisely.
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Proverb of Steel
Death stalks all men. Sin stands at the
door of the heart. Hell waits to permanently hold the soul. Jesus
destroys death, exposes and changes the heart and robs hell. So who`s
camp do you want to pitch you tent?
John the Baptist
Mark 1:1-4
John was preaching in the desert of Judea close to the Jordan River. It was here that he baptised people for repentance of their sins. John was foretold by the prophet Isaiah. John was asked by the people if he was the Messiah. He answered, “No, he was the voice called by God to prepare the way of the Lord.”
1. John was a messenger sent by God to prepare the way of the Lord.
2. He was the voice who was calling in the desert, he was the one called to make the path straight.
3. He was not the Christ and he made sure his audience knew it.
4. He was unworthy to tie the shoes of Jesus.
5. He baptised people for the remission of their sins. John knew his role in the scheme of things. My prayer is that we would as well.
Freedom
It is Tuesday and here is your thought. Death stalks all men. Sin stands at the door of the heart. Hell waits to permanently hold the soul. Jesus destroys death, exposes and changes the heart and robs hell. So who`s camp do you want to pitch you tent? Jesus is the one who sets us free. Get free, stay free and help others to become free. What a mission.
Monday, September 18, 2017
Verse Today
Psalm 15:5King James Version (KJV)
5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be
Jesus
Luke 2:50-51
Jesus goes back to Nazareth and for some 18 years very is little known about how He lived. We know that He grew up and after His father died He operated the carpenter business until the time of His ministry was to start. Jesus was part of a large family at five boys and he had sisters as well. As the oldest it would have been His responsibility to take care of the family after His father died. That is probably one of the reasons why He did not start His ministry until 30.
1. Jesus spent some 18 years waiting for the go ahead of the plan and purpose God had for Him.
2. He grew in grace and favour with God and man. These were years of preparation. Often waiting is providential discipline for those a great task has been given.
3. It must have been hard but Jesus was willing to wait. We must learn to do the same. Waiting often keeps us from trouble and in the will of God.
Love
It is the beginning of the week and here is your thought. Love is the window of the heart. It gives a new perspective on life. When you love you will always be doing the will of God. Love is who God is. When you love you .are a channel for God to work. So love and be God's instrument today.
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Friday, September 15, 2017
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Proverb of Steel
Jesus stands at the door of the heart and
knocks, the problem is most people are listening for a door bell.
Verse Today
Psalm 15:4New International Version (NIV)
4 who despises a vile person
but honors those who fear the Lord;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
and does not change their mind;
but honors those who fear the Lord;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
and does not change their mind;
Prophet
Matt 1:10
Over the next several days we are going to look at the greatest Old Testament prophet. He won this title because Jesus gave it to Him. He called John the greatest one born of women. John is called the Elijah of the Old Testament. In many ways they were similar. They both loved the outdoors. They both did the majority of their ministry in the desert. They both had similar dress codes and diets. They both preached repentance for sins. Both had fiery dispositions and those who followed them were men of the people. John and Elijah prefer being alone where Jesus and Elisha were men who ministered to the masses. John and Elijah confronted the vile leaders of their days with a message of holiness. For John this standard for holiness would cost Him his life
Today
Today is the middle of the week and here is a simple thought. Jesus stands at the door of the heart and knocks, the problem is most people are listening for a door bell. So today open the door of your heart and let Jesus in and He will give you abundant and eternal life.
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Proverb of Steel
Never be in a hurry to judge a person or a
situation until you have the whole story. You could look very foolish.
Jesus in jerusalem
Luke 2:41-50
Today we see Jesus going to Jerusalem with His parents to the Passover feast when he was twelve. When it was time to leave He stayed in Jerusalem at the temple. His parents did not realize that He was not with them until they were well on their way. In those days they travelled in large groups for protection. His parents returned to Jerusalem and it took them three days to find Jesus. When they asked Jesus why He was there he replied, “Where else would I be but in my Father’s house.” Even then Jesus understood his mission and purpose. Jesus went back to Nazareth and obeyed His parents from then on.
1. We find out that Jesus was dedicated to the Jewish faith.
2. That people in those days travelled in large groups for protection.
3. Jesus was a boy that was not afraid to ask questions of leaders and we should not either.
4. Even as a boy Jesus amazed people with His wisdom and understanding.
5. Even as a boy Jesus knew that God was His father and His purpose in life.
6. Jesus was a role model and model child. He honoured and obeyed His parents. Excellent lessons for us to learn today.
Verse Today
Psalm 15:3New King James Version (NKJV)
3 He who does not backbite with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
Tuesday Thought
It is Tuesday and here is a simple thought. Never be in a hurry to judge a person or a situation until you have the whole story. You could look very foolish. When you know the whole story you will also know how to be an encourage and help.
Monday, September 11, 2017
Verse Today
Psalm 15:2New International Version (NIV)
2 The one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;
Joseph
Matt 2:19-23
When Herod died, Joseph and Mary were told in a dream that Herod was dead and they could go back to Palestine. They did not settle in Judea because Herod’s son so they settled in Nazareth to fulfill another scripture.
1. God uses many forms of interpretation to get His message to His people He used a dream for Joseph. Three times this would happen.
2. Jesus was called a Nazarene to fulfill scripture. God is very concerned about your protection and fulfilling His plan and purposes for your life.
Forgive
It is the beginning of the week and here is a great thought. Forgive quickly, you will need someone to forgive you quickly one day. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself and others. It is also a gift of God. You were forgiven by the Lord and He expects you to do it to others.
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Saturday, September 9, 2017
Friday, September 8, 2017
Proverb of Steel
Foolish people share their opinion whenever they
can, to whoever they can. The wise person looks for an opportunity, at
the right time, for the right reason.
Verse Today
Psalm 15
A psalm of David.
1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
Who may live on your holy mountain?
Who may live on your holy mountain?
Devotion
Matt 2:19-23
When Herod died, Joseph and Mary were told in a dream that Herod was dead and they could go back to Palestine. They did not settle in Judea because Herod’s son so they settled in Nazareth to fulfill another scripture.
1. God uses many forms of interpretation to get His message to His people He used a dream for Joseph. Three times this would happen.
2. Jesus was called a Nazarene to fulfill scripture. God is very concerned about your protection and fulfilling His plan and purposes for your life.
Right time
It is the weekend and here is a thought for you. Foolish people share their opinion whenever they can, to whoever they can. The wise person looks for an opportunity, at the right time, for the right reason. So today choose to be wise and wait for the right time and see how God can use you to touch someone for Him.
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Proverb of Steel
A wise word spoken, at the right time, for the
right reason will heal, inspire, encourage and enlighten the soul and spirit.
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