Friday, October 30, 2015

Satan's Schemes

Satan’s Schemes

On Halloween, multitudes party and don’t really believe the dangers or the reality of Satan. You don’t want to focus on Satan this week or any other time, but it’s important to know that He does indeed intend to “steal, kill, and destroy” your life (John 10:10). It’s vital that you know his schemes.

We know from 2 Corinthians 2:11 that we are not to be ignorant of his schemes, we are not to let Satan outwit us and take advantage of us.

Did you know that Satan wants to shake your confidence in your relationship with God the Father?

What do you do in times like these?  Ephesians 6:11 and 16 say, “ Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil....taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

Dear friend, what God has spoken in light and assurance, do not doubt!  James 4:7 tells us:  “Submit therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

Kay Arthur

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Transformation to Holiness



Transformation to Holiness

It is through the Power of The Cross and His Grace that we are redeemed...and it is through our redemption that God sets us apart, sanctifies us and makes us wholly holy unto Him, for HE IS HOLY! 

Our transformation to holiness is commanded, equipped and performed by God and His Truth, His Word, as we walk with Him in obedience.

It is in this ongoing process of renewal and sanctification that our partnership with Him enables us to shed the former self...becoming holy and righteous by Him and through Him...according to His Will...for His Glory...forevermore.

"Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy." (Leviticus 19:2)

"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." (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17)

"And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:24)

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Armor Up!

Armor Up!

He has equipped us with everything we need to be victorious in Christ's Name...

Know your weapons, put on the full armor of God and fight the good fight with confidence!

Remember, He is for us so nothing can stand against us...we are already conquerors through Christ...and nothing can separate us from He who has made us citizens of Heaven! (Romans 8:31-39)


"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Holy Wholeness Prayer


Holy and Heavenly Father God,

I pray that today and every day You will partner with me in a thorough examination and cleansing of my heart…reveal, heal and deliver me of all the strongholds I am bound by in my life.

LORD, please expose with Your Truth and Light all the pain, fear, shame , guilt and sorrow that is hidden within dark places of my heart …all the things that prevent me from living a life of freedom, peace and joy that come from a transparent relationship with You.

Father, please show me how to come before You in  faith, trust, obedience and submission …and in this exchange, please reveal to me all the lies I have received and believed in my life…partner with me in replacing my deformed belief system with Your Word and Your Truth, which is infallible and endures forever.

Teach me Your Ways, LORD, and show me how to find freedom in forgiveness of self and others…to embrace myself as a new creation …to put away the former things and live each day in the way You designed and ordained long ago...and to see myself through Your eyes, as Your precious child and joint heir with Christ in Your Kingdom of Heaven.

Show me, LORD, how to receive Your Fatherly Forgiveness, Great Grace, Limitless Love and Marvelous Mercy…lead me to bathe in the peaceful, still waters of renewal and sanctification…anoint me with Your Holy Spirit until my cup runs over.

Write a new story on my heart, LORD…one born of The Holy Spirit and guided by the power of Your redemption and restoration...please bless and comfort me with a holy wholeness of healing that is only possible through You, Jehovah-Rapha, my LORD Who Heals.

Abba Father, I praise You for all that You Are, yesterday, today and tomorrow, and pray all these things in the Name of my Savior, Jesus Christ...

Amen.




~CWWinn~

Monday, October 26, 2015

Peace from Prayer

Peace is just a prayer away...

Prayer IS the ultimate coping mechanism!

Don't wait until you can't stand it anymore to kneel...because JESUS IS ALWAYS THE ANSWER!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

"Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven." (Psalm 107:28-30)

"Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)

"And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (Matthew 21:22)

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:24)

 "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it." (John 14:13-14)



Sunday, October 25, 2015

Agape Love


May we reflect on the fullest aspect of this truth and express our sincerest gratitude for the gift of pure agape love bestowed upon us by our merciful Creator...a gracious gift that only

He is capable of offering in its perfect form because of all that He Is, yesterday, today and tomorrow.

May we reflect on the magnitude of the intricate and infallible plan designed by our Abba Father...His mighty power and omniscience...and that in spite of our transgressions, He lavishes His love on us and calls us His children!

Oh, how He loves us!

Thursday, October 22, 2015

See the Deception...


“Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” (Matthew 2:7-8)
Anything done in secret does not manifest light but darkness. When King Herod "secretly" called the wise men it was because it was done by a deceptive spirit. He had no intention of worshiping King Jesus but rather drawn away by his own selfish desires and threatened by this King, he sought to act out and destroy this threat, put to death the Light of the world.
King Herod tried to manipulate those around him and involve others in his plot of deception. This is exactly how the enemy works. He deceives, manipulates and ultimately divides. The wise men were guided by the Spirit of Truth, they did not want to take part in King Herod's plot...Instead in reverent worship they bowed down to the King of kings, they fell at His feet and worshiped Him alone! It is described that they did not return word to king Herod but rather they went on their own another way...
Lord, let us be "wise men" and give us eyes to see the plots and deception of the enemy and bow down to One King! Let us not take part in his schemes, rather fall down in reverence and worship You alone!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Pointed to the Word...



Joshua is a prime example of the benefits of a worthy mentor. For years he remained close to Moses. He watched Moses as he followed God in an almost flawless manner. He learned to pray in a personal way from Moses. He learned how to obey through the example of Moses. And he learned how to stand solely on the Word of God.

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” (Joshua 1:8) The Old Testament is full of stories of how the people “forgot” God and His Word and suffered terrible consequences, however Joshua was faithful and true to God’s Word. He was mentored by Moses, and always pointed to the Word of God.

The Word of God has to be our foundation and our source of everything. If we stray from it our lives will suffer just as those before us. If we take heart and meditate on the Word day and night our lives will be fruitful and complete lacking nothing.

“I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.” (Psalm 119:16)

Monday, October 19, 2015

NO TEMPTATION HAS OVERTAKEN HIM...


“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

What a powerful verse! Imagine plugging into heaven and getting hold of the power God is giving you to overcome EVERYTHING. His Word needs to be our absolute truth. As we meditate on this verse and pull it apart, we can apply it and see the incredible power in it.

God lays the groundwork of victory right from the beginning of the verse. “NO temptation has overtaken you except such is common to MAN” –not to God. The only time temptation has taken over someone was “in the power of man”-in our own strength. “ONE IS TEMPTED WHEN HE IS DRAWN AWAY BY HIS OWN DESIRES AND ENTICED.” (JAMES 1:14) NOT God…it has NEVER overtaken Him!

We see why as we continue, right in the middle of this verse it declares “BUT GOD IS FAITHFUL”. He is always faithful, even in the middle of temptation. His character declares His faithfulness. I just love how this is right in the middle of the verse just like He meets us RIGHT in the middle of temptation with faithfulness. “WHO WILL NOT ALLOW you to be tempted beyond what you are able”-Shows His power and sovereign control even over the temptation. Satan still has to ask permission, HE ALLOWS it in His Sovereignty as an opportunity for great growth and power to be demonstrated, knowing full well in HIS strength you are able to overcome it. Not in MAN’s strength, but GOD’s strength. Nothing has overtaken in HIS strength. “SUBMIT TO GOD. RESIST THE DEVIL AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU.” (JAMES 4:7)

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless, Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 24-25)

Bold Faith


Bold Faith...

What if God places someone in your path today who needs to hear The Gospel of Jesus Christ...are you prepared to boldly share the source of your faith and fulfill your commission?

If so, invite someone to say this prayer with you and share The Mystery of Christ today! If you have never spoken this prayer, I invite you to pray out loud with me...

Dear Father God,

I realize I am a sinner in need of salvation. I can never save myself by good deeds or through special knowledge. Only Jesus can save me. So right now I place my faith in Jesus Christ. I believe Him to be the Son of God, who died for my sins, and rose from the dead to give me eternal life. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live for you. Thank you for accepting me and giving me eternal life.

In The Name of The Lord Jesus Christ I pray this,

Amen!

Immutability...


GOD IS THE GREAT I AM and is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow! His Truth, Character, Love and Promises are immutable and endure forever!

All that He Is...Creator, Protector, Healer, Shepherd, Provider, Master, Banner, All Knowing, All Seeing, Self Sufficient, Lord Of Hosts, Alpha and Omega, Holiest of Holies, God Most High of Peace, Love, Grace, Righteousness and Mercy...has no variability and is completely impervious to change!

Just consider what that truly means for us...for Eternity...

"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began..." (Titus 1:2)

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8)

Redeemption!


"But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.”
Isaiah 43:1

Fear not, when He has called you by name His redemptive power cannot be contained...

O "Jacob" created by the Lord, knitted in the womb, named by name, all by the Lord's design. His name Jacob literally means "deceiver" or "heel catcher", and that was exactly what Jacob was. But the Lord created and named him knowing in all of His infinite wisdom the plan He had! He did not stop there, for His ways are higher!

It says "He who formed you O Israel"...BUT God rich in mercy and grace, came down and wrestled with Jacob and "Israel" was formed. Jacob was crowned the name "Israel"-meaning "Gods fighter" or "triumphant with God". The redemptive power of our God intervened and touched Jacob's life and He was transformed.

This is the redemptive power of our God who reaches in our darkness and the life He created, He now forms into His image because He called us and we are His!

All Accounted For


Imagine there is a bank account that credits your account each morning with $86,400.
It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening the bank deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course?

Each of us has been given such a bank. It's name is TIME.
Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest in a good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no over draft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no drawing against "tomorrow." You must live in the present on today's deposits.

“God will repay each person according to what they have done.”
(Romans 2:6)

Our God gives us time, gifts, talents and resources that we are called to invest daily. To get the utmost return on our investment we need to be investing that time in Kingdom purposes where our return and rewards are eternal!

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
(Matthew 6:20)

The clock is running!!! You were created with a mighty plan and purpose. Treasure every moment that you have...

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Today is a gift. That's why its called the present...what are you doing with all He has given you?

Defined!

You are not defined by your difficulty. Although your trials can be utilized by God for refinement of character, YOU ARE DEFINED BY YOUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST!

You are who Christ says you are...not what someone else says or thinks...not your past, not your job, not your bank account or your circumstances.

Christ called us His friends and took the penalty for our transgressions so we could be joint heirs with Him!

Speak this truth into your life today and everyday...and may all the valleys of this life be utilized by The Lord to mold you into your authentic identity in Christ.

Colossians 3:3 – For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

John 15:15 – No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

John 1:12 – But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

Romans 8:17 – And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

A Promise of Completion


Father God,

I pray that today and every day we will be more fully persuaded and have a renewed confidence in this truth... You are a God who completes!

Father God, you lack nothing and we know that You do not not abandon ANY work You have ordained...You are The All Sufficient One and You are only capable of complete perfection!

Father, thank You for beginning the work of Grace within us and for comforting us with Your Truth...You alone will see through to completion Your work in us...according to Your Will...in order to accomplish Your Perfect Plan!

Thank You, Lord, that Your Promise includes for us an everlasting life and we humbly praise and thank You for sending Your Son so that we may dwell with You for eternity.

Father, we pray for strength of endurance as we set our eyes on Your Kingdom and we give You all the
Glory...in the name of Jesus Christ...Amen!
 
 

Monday, October 12, 2015

One Name to Proclaim!



“You are My witnesses,” says the LORD, “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the LORD, And besides Me there is no savior. I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed, And there was no foreign god among you; Therefore you are My witnesses,” Says the LORD, “that I am God.” (Isaiah 43:10-12)

We were created for Him! To know that He is God and to know all of who He is. To love Him with our whole hearts, soul, strength and mind. There was no God before Him and there will be no other gods after Him.  He is the beginning and the end. The Alpha and the Omega. And He chose us...

“But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.”
(Isaiah 43:1)

He created us, called us and redeemed us so we can make Him known!

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me" (Acts 1:8)

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Be Patient!



In Mark 8:22 Jesus heals a blind man but it takes time. It is written that Jesus spit on his eyes and layed  hands on him.  Jesus asked him if he saw anything? The man says " I see men like trees, walking".  Then Jesus put His hands on his eyes again and asked him to look up and the man "saw everyone clearly".

This is the only instance where a healing was done gradually.  It shows us that the Christian life is one of a gradual change.  Sure many immediate changes take place when we put our faith in Christ-Jesus forgives our sins and gives us eternal life. But our character and who we are takes time to change. That's why it's called "The Fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22).  Fruit does not grow over night but rather takes time. Be patient and stay the course, God will refine you. Amen.

-Pastor James Trent

Saturday, October 10, 2015

The Perfection of God's Word...


“As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” (Psalms 18:30)

Want to see just how perfect?
Here are some very interesting facts about God's Word...

Do you know shortest chapter in the Bible?

Answer - Psalms 117; with only 2 verses!

The longest chapter in the Bible?

Answer - Psalms 119; with 176 verses!

Which chapter falls in the center of the Bible?

Answer - Psalms 118

There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118.

There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118.

Add up the 594 plus 594, and you get 1188.

Now what is the center verse in the Bible?
           
Answer - Psalms 118:8

"IT IS BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD THAN TO PUT CONFIDENCE IN MAN." (PSALM 118:8)

So the next time someone says they would like to find God's perfect will for their lives, or that they want to be in the center of His will...it can be found directly at the center of His perfect Word!

"He is a shield to all who trust in Him." (Psalm 18:30)

Friday, October 9, 2015

God Will Not Be Mocked!


“Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?” And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.”
(Mark 7:18-20)

It was tradition in this time for the Jews to wash their hands in a specific way to eat that they might not defile themselves from the outside.  But Jesus was addressing their heart defilement...

To defile is to spoil, mar, degrade, desecrate, or profane.  The corrupted, darkened state of our hearts can defile us, spoil His goodness, mar his mercy, degrade His works and profane His name!

Isaiah prophesied of hypocrites and Jesus recalled his words, as it is written "This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." (Mark 7:6-7)

No amount of washing, smiling, masking, faking or facade hides our hearts from our God...

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” (Hebrews 4:13)

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
(Galatians 6:7)

Lord, let me not grieve your heart by the darkened condition of mine...

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Incorruptible Hope!



If our eyes are fixed on the things seen its easy to lose heart and be downcast in spirit when they perish. For we know these physical things will perish, therefore our hope is corruptible.

"For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat then it withers the grass; it's flower falls and it's beautiful appearance perishes."(James 1:11)

“All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the LORD endures forever.” (I Peter 1:24)

If we fix our eyes on the word of God and our hope in the things unseen, it is incorruptible.  Untouchable by the world, unshakable by the ruler of this world, and unmovable by things in this world. 

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,”
(II Corinthians 4:16-17)

“Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (I Peter 1:23)

Heart Transplant!



“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

God did the very first heart transplant...He won't keep you waiting, there's no appointment, and you don't need health Insurance to pay for it because it is a free gift.

Even better than that the heart that He gives to us is filled with the fruit of the spirit! "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
(Galatians 5:22-23)

If we just talk a minute to think about life before that day and give Him praise for all that has changed for the better since then!

Now may we continue to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”
(II Peter 3:18)

-From "God's Minute"

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Stack Your Stones!


“What do these stones mean to you?"- Joshua 4:6

God had the Israelites build a memorial of stones in the midst of the Jordan river after He fulfilled the promise of deliverance into the promised land.  He had them build it in a dry place not while the river was abundantly flowing, but dead in the midst, on dry ground, only to be been seen when the river was dried up. Why?

They are a reminder of the goodness of God.  They are a memorial of His ever merciful hand of protection. They are a proclamation of His provision. They are a testimony of His grace.  They speak of Him and everything He is! The stones were stacked in remembrance of the mighty Miracle He performed!

It is far to easy to get into a dry place and forget the goodness of our God. He had His people build this memorial with stones not visible while the streams of abundance flow but while the water was dried up!  It is those hard dry desert seasons we need to remember the great and awesome power of our God in our life!


Thursday, October 1, 2015

Serving God by Serving One Another


We are called to humble service to one another, just as Christ, The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, came as a Man Bondservant and Ransom for the human race. His Death and Sacrifice on The Cross is the highest form of humility and service!

This Truth alone should implore us to humble, loving service to The Body of our King!
In serving one another with patience, love and humility, we are also serving Him...fulfilling our commission...becoming more like Him!

Jesus spent His Life and Death here serving us in His calling. Therefore, let us be as we are called....diligent, patient, humble servants to Him and His Body and promote The Gospel of Jesus Christ, for The Glory of God!

"For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13)

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;" (Romans 12:10-11)

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:10-11)

by Christa Walton Winn

Abba Father God....

I pray that today and every day You will teach us how to replace our fears with faith...

That we will cast our anxieties, fears, doubts and uncertainties upon You and allow Your Perfect Love to drive out those feelings that are not born of The Holy Spirit....that we will surrender our troubles to You, our Holy Heavenly Father, who is ALWAYS GREATER than any rejection, failure, criticism, emotion or enemy we may face today or tomorrow.

I pray that we will grow an enormous and abundant faith in You, an all-knowing, ever-present, always-loving God and walk in the confidence and sound mind that comes from knowing who You Are...that our trust in You will produce in us a faith that will motivate us to just let go of the things that hold us back, give them to you and receive peace beyond measure in our hearts and minds.

I pray that we will cling to Your Truth and Your Promises and find refuge in You when we encounter dark valleys in our days, seasons and lives...place our trust in You, our Tower of Strength, for You Are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and You have repeatedly assured us that You are for us and will protect us.

Father, we thank You and praise You for Your Grace, Love, Mercy and Sovereign Protection in our lives! We thank You for the atoning Sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, so that we may be reconciled unto You! Thank You for our adoption and citizenship in Your Kingdom, Lord! Thank You for the security, peace and comfort that You provide in our authentic identity in Christ!

In Jesus Christ's Holy, Righteous Name...Amen!


by Christa Walton Winn