Proverbs 18:9 – “He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.” NKJV

The Bible teaches, and experience confirms that prodigality is bad.  If we remember the parables of the talents, we realize that mishandling or not developing that which God has given is viewed negatively by the LORD.  Some people spend more than they can afford and always seek to live well above their means.  They are not good stewards and, in a sense, throw away what they have in wasteful living.  That is the Prodigal. 

The Bible also reveals that idleness is bad.  A person who is lazy and negligent in their work, labor, or duties is akin to those who openly and actively destroy.  Laziness is not just a propensity to avoid work it is destructive.  Torpidity siphons from that which is productive and squanders it on that which is unproductive.  It is visible in today’s ‘entitlement mentality’ crowd who are perfectly content to sit idle and allow the production of another to sustain them.  No wonder the apostle Paul declared that if one “would not work” they “should not eat”.  The operative word is Would Not!

This is true in the everyday matters of life, but it can and should also be applied to the spiritual.  If we are negligent in our studies, prayers, and labors for the Kingdom we adopt a life that is non-productive and even destroys.  If we see evil and danger and sit idly by, we are guilty of the blood of those who go into perdition without warning.  If we know to do good and fail to do it the Bible calls that sin.  How can we stand before the LORD expecting to hear commendation and acceptance when we have neglected that which we know?

Laziness or slothfulness is not a genetic or even a condition of one’s environment, it is a heart and mind condition.  Children need to be taught industry. My heritage taught me that you work for what you receive except for salvation. 

Grace is a free gift but if after receiving grace we sit idle and become slothful in our Christian responsibilities we are trampling underfoot the Blood of Jesus.  We do not work to earn our salvation, but we work because of our salvation.  I believe that Jesus’ statement in Revelation is applicable.  “I would that you were hot or cold but because you are lukewarm, I will spew you out of my mouth.” 

God is not asking everyone to be fanatical zealots.  He is asking that we bloom where we are planted and stand ready and willing to share our faith and present Him to the world.  The depraved man will be bent toward laziness and slothfulness but when the Holy Spirit resides in the heart, He always motivates us to action.

God bless you as you go through this day!

1 Peter 1:13-16 – “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”  NKJV

Without question, one can read this and see a visual of the long robes they wore and when they were performing labor or service, they would tuck them in their girdles or waistbands so as to be able to move freely without hindrance.  Although I fully concur that we must allow our minds to be free of encumbrances so as to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ there is something more that I would offer.

The loins are always understood as that part of the anatomy from which reproduction comes or is initiated.  Therefore, if we are to gird up the loins of our minds could it not be understood that we are to prepare ourselves so that our minds can give birth to thought and thereby imagination and creativity.  Is it not in the loins of the mind that we encounter our LORD in knowledge and fellowship?  Is it not in the loins of our mind that we embrace His life and have our minds renewed so that we become one with Him in our conscious thought?

If out of the physical loins, reproduction is possible then out of the mind’s loins we give birth to thought.  Peter’s instruction is, in my view, a directive and encouragement to bring our minds into obedience to Christ and thereby rest our hope squarely on the grace that comes to us through the revelation of Christ.  It is through this that we are better prepared and capable of obedience in all things. 

I find it disturbing that too many in Christendom give so little importance to the mind.  I am not suggesting mind over matter or any other metaphysical activity.  But I am saying that our minds are incredibly important in our spiritual development and walk.  If we are as we think in our hearts, then how could we not understand the value of the mind?  The mind, like the muscles in our physical body, must be exercised to have strength, discipline, and growth.  In the things of God, if we are to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, we must learn to gird up the loins of our minds.

I encourage you to allow God to expand your mind, stretch your thinking and infuse into you an ever-expanding imagination guided and led by the Holy Spirit.  How far can you think in Christ?   

God bless you as you go through this day!

Philippians 2:10-11 – “…at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  NASB

I am stunned at the lack of acknowledgment of God and His Authority in modern Christendom and my beloved nation of America.  I would never have believed that I would live to see a time when preachers of major national standing would proclaim that there were many roads to God and even that Jesus was not the only way to salvation.  Oh, I knew that there would be those who were nothing more than charlatans and frauds but when people who genuinely believe they are followers of God could adopt those views it is stunning.

The Islamic terrorist and their followers, as well the many other false religions refuse to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of the Living God and the only True God.  There are politicians in this nation who openly declare their atheism or opposition to God and His principles. Those are persistently attempting to push America toward being a totally secular nation. 

Some of those politicians seeking to promote abortion, same-sex marriage, and other biblically offensive lifestyles demand that Christians and Churches change their views, beliefs, and teachings to accommodate those things.  They disbelieve that God is God and that Jesus is LORD.  They live without fear of God and what that rejection will mean now and eternally.

They may boldly declare, as some in past ages, views and beliefs that clearly reject the Lordship of Jesus.  Some even believe that He was a prophet, a good man, and a worthy teacher, but reject his divinity.  They may say that now and believe they are right and have no fear of facing the consequences of those actions and beliefs. 

However, one day they will come face to face with their error, and at that point, with fear and trembling they will fall on their faces, bow their knees, and confess that JESUS IS LORD!  They will finally realize, tragically too late, what the devils already know, God is, and Jesus is God.

You may join people like Friedrich Nietzsche and believe that “God is dead” or say so with contempt for all who believe in God.  You may stand with people like Karl Marx and declare that “Religion is the opiate of the masses” and thereby declare your disbelief.  You may join those who have declared and believe that “Belief in God and Religion is simply a crutch for the weak.” 

Let me address that last statement and say, “Yes, God is a crutch for the weak in the sense that when we are weak, He is strong and as we recognize our weakness, we receive His strength.”  It is as we adopt the mindset of John the Baptist, “He must increase but I must decrease” that we gain His strength. You can bow now to God, or you will bow then.  There is no if, and, but, or maybe it is a factual reality that YOU WILL BOW! 

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior, I urge you to call upon Him, repent of your sins and receive His mercy, grace, and pardon.  He has promised that if we will call upon Jesus, He would in no way reject us.  John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”  You can BOW, NOW willingly and in faith or you will BOW THEN with fear and trembling and face the judgment of God.

May the Lord bless you richly as you enjoy this wonderful day in the LORD!

John 8:31-32 – “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ” If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”  NASB

My purpose is not to start a firestorm of religious argument but to call attention to both the requirement and promise of our LORD to those of that day and today.  He was speaking to Jews who believed Him or believed in Him.  They believed He was who He claimed to be, Messiah.  They believed that He had the words of eternal life.  They recognized Him as a great prophet and knew that His message was completely other than that of the religious leaders of their day.  The Believed!

Jesus then said something that is troubling for many.  He said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.”  There are many facets of what He said that need to be considered, observed, and accepted if we are to find, have, receive, and walk in the Abundant Life He Promised and become the Glorious Church He came to build. 

First, they were believers!  However, Jesus indicated that just believing was not enough to enter into that fullness He taught there had to be CONTINUING as well.  That continuing meant obedience to His words, precepts, and teachings.  It is only in continuing that we become genuine disciples not simply one that professes a belief that He is who He declares Himself to be. 

The profession of faith is the first step, not the entire race.  It is the beginning, not the conclusion.  If we stop there, we fall so far short of what God has for us we will be tormented by the enemy of our souls and never fulfill the words of Isaiah’s promise in 40:31 – “…They that wait upon the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up like the eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and to become weary.”  We will not find ourselves in the place of Psalm 91 nor will we truly embrace and experience the promise of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30.  So, continuing is a necessary ingredient in our spiritual development and life.

Next, Jesus promises that IF WE CONTINUE and become genuine disciples then two things will happen.  We will KNOW Truth and that Truth that we know will make us free.  I said the Truth that you know not just truth. 

Yes, God’s truth is what makes us free but if we do not know that truth, we will not exercise faith with regard, to it nor will we walk in that truth, and being made free requires both knowing and obeying therefore it is The Truth that You Know that makes you Free.  Not your own definition of truth but God’s Truth.  God’s Truth becomes part of your being, part of your consciousness, and shapes who you are.  So, continuing in His Word in obedience leads to Freedom. 

It is not enough to give mental assent to the truth we must CONTINUE in it.  It is not enough to express the belief that Jesus is the Christ we must CONTINUE in His truth and as we embrace that truth, walking it out in our lives that Truth liberates us, empowering us to stand in the face of all temptation and in the midst of any storm of life. 

God, bless you as you CONTINUE in His Word and FOLLOW Him fully and freely!

Luke 6:46-49 – “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?  47 ” Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like:  48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.  49 “But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.”  NASB

I have witnessed the disparity between what some people say and what they live both inside and outside the church.  That is a natural reality in life that people say one thing and do another.  However, when it comes to a relationship with God, just saying you are a Christian does not make you one.  Let me state, clearly, that I refuse to be anyone’s judge and if anyone professes, they are a believer I leave it with God.  I will evaluate the fruit of their life, contrast their life with their declarations, but leave the determination of whether they are or not to God. 

In this passage, Jesus identified this problem vividly and His words should resonate with us and provide sufficient cause for us to carefully examine our own lives.  Jesus asked, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”  Clearly, it is not our own declaration that makes His Lordship a reality in our lives it is the fruit of our lives that reveals the true condition.  I am not offering a justification for becoming judgmental and self-appointed fruit inspectors.  Jesus gave an analogy that is valuable for us as individuals in the self-examination of our own lives.  Let us examine his comparisons and see if we can glean benefits.  Walking the walk is vital.

If we Hear, the Words of our LORD and act on them in obedience Jesus said we could be compared to a prudent and competent builder.  That builder would dig a deep and solid foundation going to bedrock ensuring that if the floods or violent winds came the house would be strong.  In short, “having done all to stand, able to stand.” 

The person that Hears, the Words of Christ but does not act or obey them is like the person that ignores the foundation and erects his structure.  It may look wonderful on the outside but has no stability and will easily be destroyed. 

Obedience involves an investment of time and energy in allowing a solid foundation to be built. This is the work of the Holy Spirit with our cooperation as we “study to show ourselves approved unto God, rightly handling the Word of Truth.”  This is allowing the Love of Christ to be shed abroad in our hearts and a commitment to obedience.  This is a love relationship that is not interested in simply looking right or sounding right but being right.

Just because one professes to be a follower of Christ does not mean the fruit of their life will validate that claim.  When trouble comes, we find out what we are made of.  When the enemy comes in like a flood, we need a foundation that can withstand his assaults.  We must make Christ our Rock and upon that Rock build our lives, otherwise, it is the shifting sand of willpower and nothing more than rain on a tin roof.  Noise but no substance.

God, bless you as you seek Him in all things and at all times! 

Proverbs 2:1-9 – “My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, 2 Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; 3 For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; 4 If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, 8 Guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones. 9 Then you will discern righteousness and justice And equity and every good course.”  NASB

Solomon is deemed by many to have been the wisest man to ever lived, next to Jesus.  He gives an immensely powerful discourse instructing each of us on how to live and pursue our daily objectives in life.  Although Solomon may well have been talking to his own son, we can relate this to God and us, His children.  If we do, we can see the power of his instruction and the power of wisdom.

We are to receive His words or embrace, them allowing them to be assimilated and incorporated into our lives, our thinking, our living, and our actions.  We must receive God’s words and commandments as treasures.  Remember Jesus said, “…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21).  So, if we value God’s word as a treasure, we will anchor those commandments in our hearts and become joined with His word so completely we are inseparable.

We must pay attention or give heed to the understanding and truths that are revealed in God’s word.  We must seek the guidance of that the Holy Spirit brings to us.  We must allow that understanding to become part of us as we devour those morsels of truth in God’s Word. 

As we gain understanding we realize the value of discernment.  The more we understand the importance of discernment the more we cry out for the aid of the Spirit of God to help us.  He helps us to understand and have the ability to discern God’s precepts and principles and those things which transpire around us.  We are to seek God’s truths as though we were mining for golden nuggets in a stream or a mine in the natural.  It is in that condition and position that we learn the Fear of God and the power of Wisdom in our lives.

Wisdom becomes a shield to those who walk in integrity and a strong tower into which we can run for safety.  He becomes our shield and buckler protecting us from the onslaught and assault of the enemy of our souls.  We will then become able to demonstrate the heart and character of God and His wisdom before the world.  We will be able to choose the right paths and take the right fork in the road of life and as we walk in righteousness God will bring us into good pastures where we will have the Abundant Life Jesus promised.

God bless you as you embark on today’s journey in Jesus!

Proverbs 23:7 – “For as he thinks within himself, so he is…”  NASB

In considering this subject and picking up where we left off last time as we discussed the reality that We Become What We Think.  Today, I want us to go a step further and consider some additional realities in our pursuit to Soar like the Eagle rather than Quack in the Crowd and Fly with the Flock.

THE NUMBER ONE TARGET OF THE DEVIL IS OUR MINDS…

The devil knows that if he can keep us bound in our thought processes, he can keep us from becoming what God has designed and desires.  Ephesians 6:10-11 declares, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”  

The ‘wiles’ or ‘schemes’ of the devil are important to note.  The word comes from the Greek [methodia] from which we get the word, method.  The Amplified renders it “strategies of the devil.”  We know from Scripture that the devil is crafty and utilizes a well-thought-out plan of attack.  He is never just shooting in the dark hoping to hit something.  We are told in (v.12) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood…”  

We must remember that the devil operates in the realm of the mind and wants to inspire and induce negative, mediocre, non-challenging thinking.  In 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, he is called the “god of this world” and his activity is identified as “blinding minds.”  In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, we are instructed to take control of our thoughts, through the Holy Spirit.  As we do that and allow the reprogramming of our thought processes, we can begin to Soar with God rather than Flying with the Flock and Quacking with the Crowd.

WE MUST CONSIDER THE BATTLE AND THE BATTLEGROUND…

The passage in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 utilizes military language, and that imagery usually suggests physical combat.  Everything that takes place in this passage happens in the mind.  Let me offer an illustration that will help us see this truth.

In ancient days, cities were built inside thick and massive walls. The wall provided a formidable barrier to protect the city.  Before an alien force could conquer a city, it had to first overcome that protective shield. Towers were erected in strategic places along the wall for early warning and observation. 

In times of battle, seasoned men with an understanding of military warfare would be positioned in those stations and from those vantage points could see the advancing forces and shout back strategies for a counterattack. In order for the enemy to take the city, several things had to become a reality. The wall had to be scaled or penetrated. The towers had to be invaded or taken down. The military men had to be destroyed or captured.  In the NASB there is a reference to the “destruction of fortresses” and “destroying speculations.”

If you understand this passage as representing the Wall around the Mind you gain an edge.  Speculations may represent the reasoning (thought patterns or traditional thinking) that have been built in us by the enemy.  The immediate question should be, “How does God’s truth win this battle?”  These speculations that encompass our minds must be penetrated but how?  The Holy Spirit penetrates those walls with the truth of God’s Word and makes an opening.  Then, He (Holy Spirit) encounters, “Lofty things” which are mental blocks that have been erected against spiritual viewpoints.

The enemy encourages you and me to revert to carnal habits when under pressure, under attack, or experiencing a trial or test.  These “Lofty things” are natural thinking and humanistic to the core.  Too many, for too long, have convinced themselves that they lack the ability, or the risk is too great, and failure is sure, therefore accepting the status quo is the only logical pathway.  Those Lofty Things must be cast down!  What is God’s Ultimate Goal for Us?  That we take every thought captive. God wants to transform those old thoughts that defeat us into new thoughts that liberate us.  He wants to Reprogram us.

Consider the commitment God is presenting to us.  He will take the old habits and old thought patterns and Transform them.  If in our struggle to become like Him we face lust, pride, jealousy, envy, perfectionism, cynicism, and criticism.  God must penetrate those thought patterns, pull them down and break the chains that have us bound. There is Hope and He Can and Will Help.  God wants to enable us to take every thought Captive to the obedience of Christ and enable us to Soar like the Eagle rather than Fly with the Flock.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – “It is true that we live in the world, but we do not fight from worldly motives. The weapons we use in our fight are not the world’s weapons but God’s powerful weapons, which we use to destroy strongholds.  We destroy false arguments; we pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ.”  TEV

What do we do?  First, we admit we need God’s help.  Next, we ask for God’s help.  Then we commit to excellence.  May God, give you the wings of an eagle and enable you to soar to new heights.  

May the Rich and Bountiful Blessings of God be upon you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Jesus!

Proverbs 23:7 – “For as he thinks within himself, so he is…”  NASB

I, personally, desire to be an eagle and soar to those new and exhilarating and exciting heights that God has for me spiritually, emotionally, etc.  I have no desire to fly in a flock and quack with the crowd.  I want to rise above the level of mediocrity and the clutter of this distressed world and enjoy God’s best.  That is my desire! 

However, desire is especially important, but it is not sufficient.  If we are to accomplish this lofty goal, we must fight some fierce battles and endure some tremendous struggles.  We must realize that what and how we think is important.  Additionally, what we think about is important and we must gain control of our thought processes and bring them into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 

We will find it necessary to learn to Think Clearly (uncluttered minds), Think Courageously (filled with faith and courage) and Think Confidently (I can through Him. Victorious thinking). 

You will not become an eagle by simply deciding you no longer want to Quack with the Crowd or Fly with the Flock.  It takes work, effort, commitment, and discipline.  It takes determination and it takes courage.  It takes Faith.  I heard an illustration several years ago, that was incredibly inspiring.

The story is told that Andrew Jackson’s boyhood friends just couldn’t understand how he became a famous general and then the President of the United States. They knew of other men who had greater talent but who never succeeded. One of Jackson’s friends said, “Why, Jim Brown, who lived right down the pike from Jackson, was not only smarter but he could throw Andy three times out of four in a wrestling match. But look where Andy is now.” Another friend responded, “How did there happen to be a fourth time? Didn’t they usually say three times and out?” “Sure, they were supposed to, but not Andy. He would never admit he was beat — he would never stay ‘throwed.’ Jim Brown would get tired, and on the fourth try Andrew Jackson would throw him and be the winner.”  Picking up on that idea, someone has said, “The thing that counts is not how many times you are ‘throwed,’ but whether you are willing to stay ‘throwed’.” We may face setbacks, but we must take courage and go forward in faith. Then, through the Holy Spirit’s power, we can be the eventual victor over sin and the world. The battle is the Lord’s, so there is no excuse for us to stay “throwed”! 

The world is full of people who give up too quickly and sit back with arms folded, deep frowns on their faces, and skeptical stares in their eyes.  Their favorite words are “Why try? Give Up!  We can’t do that.  Nobody ever does those things.  They get all the breaks.”  We can rise up and be what God has designed and desired us to be, but It Takes Work! 

There are some important things to realize if we are going to Soar Like the Eagle rather than be Quackers in the Crowd.

WE BECOME WHAT WE THINK.

The truth is that we tend to act out or manifest what we take in or focus on.  Truly, we become what we think.  That is God’s words as seen in our text, not just my personal opinion.  In Romans 12:1-2 we are instructed to not be conformed [ducks, geese, turkeys] but transformed [eagles].  This involves our desire and God’s supernatural work.  We are to be Renewed (reprogrammed) in our minds (thought processes).  That truly is where it all begins.  That battle is literally won or lost in the mind before it is won or lost.

There is an interesting passage in 2 Peter 2:22 and I do not mean to be gross, but it reads, “It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to the wallowing in the mire.”  The question that comes to mind is Why?  Why does the dog or hog go back? 

The answer is that they do not think differently, they follow their unchanged nature.  You can give a Royals Royce to a person with no concept or appreciation for its worth, how to use or appreciate it and it will be no more than a VW Dune Buggy in short order.  Clothes, cars, possessions, or station in life without a change in thinking results in the same destitution as before.  We must be Renewed (reprogrammed) with the kind of information that will set us free.  We want to become eagles and soar not ducks and fly with the flock, quacking with the crowd.

I have observed that a sizable number of people, even in the church, are entrenched and bound by defeatist thinking.  I do not believe in ‘mind over matter‘ but in a very real sense, we think our way out of difficulties.  No, thinking will not change things that require effort and work, but it changes our attitude and enables us to focus on Him who brings us victory and shifts our view from the crowd to the clouds.

God, bless you as you embark on today’s leg of life’s journey, and I will have more to say in the next devotional on this matter!

John 7:37-39 – “Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ” If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.  38 “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'”  39 But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”  NASB

WOW!  Today is another beautiful morning, as I awaken and sit before the Lord enjoying the solitude of my quiet place.  Darkness fills the air in the natural and light fills my heart in the spiritual.  My coffee tastes especially good this morning, the Word is especially fresh and the communication with the Lord is enlightening.  He asked me the question above from the passage in John’s Gospel. 

Jesus cried out on the last day of the feast a question that would have been applicable to every person there.  “Is anyone thirsty…”  Then He gave the solution to quenching that thirst, “let him come to Me and drink…”  

This is not the first time that we have seen water regarding the people. We saw in Exodus 17 that Israel was encamped in Rephidim, but there was no water to drink, and God through Moses’ hand provided water from the rock (a type of Christ).  Here, Jesus was telling the crowd if you have a thirst there is water that will quench it permanently once you drink this water there will be an inner river flowing out of your being to continually satisfy. 

Remember the woman in Samaria (John 4) whom Jesus asked to give Him a drink and ultimately told her that there was water that she did not know about that would quench her thirst permanently?  Water that would become a foundation of water from within that would spring up into everlasting life was what He was offering her.

That Water of Salvation is available to everyone but ONLY those who THIRST find it.  If any man thirsts let him come unto Me and drink.  He speaks of the power of the Holy Spirit within our lives who will provide that continual flow of the waters of salvation in our beings.  He is offering that continual connection to Himself and the Father to whoever will come to Him and drink.

How do we drink?  We confess with our mouths the Lord Jesus and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead.  We confess our sins, and He is faithful and just to forgive us of all our sins.  We find that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.  We drink from the fountain filled with blood that flows from Emmanuel’s veins. 

We come to the Cross and receive the sacrifice that Jesus offered to pay for our sins.  We receive Him into our lives as Savior and as Lord!  He is the Water of Life, a continual flow from the throne of the Father to us who are thirsty!  But we must become thirsty, or we will never seek that flow!

Today, allow your hunger and thirst for righteousness to be satisfied by turning fully to Jesus with your heart, your soul, your mind, and your spirit.  Once you taste this water you will never thirst again! As you begin your day, go forth from the fountain of life having drunk from His waters, and be satisfied!  Once you have quenched your thirst at His fountain go forth and share that water with others who are searching and thirsty!

Blessings as you go through your day!  May the Lord provide all that you need to do all that your heart desires on this day!

Isaiah 59:19 – “So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, And His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.”  NKJV

It is another beautiful morning here in the DFW area in Texas.  I have been running behind this morning because after my time of prayer and fellowship with the Lord some things came up to delay my coming to the computer.  I love these cool fall mornings when I can rise before it is yet day and bask in the sunlight of His presence.  My heart has been heavy for some time over what I see in this present world and the Lord witnessed to my heart the following:

I look around at the world, our nation, much of the world of Christianity, and at individual lives and am troubled.  On the one hand, I see the Glory of the Lord moving, and on the other; I see the onslaught of the enemy coming in like a flood. 

For me to say that our nation is in trouble would be an understatement; it is a disaster!  For me to say that our world is troubled would also be an understatement, it is being dismantled!  For me to say that much of the Christian world has lost some of its direction would be an understatement, much is out of focus and out of order! 

I am not trying to be critical of the Church but when I look at what I see, I am not seeing what is depicted in the Bible as being the Church that Jesus is coming back for!  Since the Church is the people within it, my concern is not for the organized church but for the individual cells, members, or people within that great organism called The Church!

There have been times when I have felt overwhelmed by what I see and, in those times, the Lord will give me something to stand on.  This is one of those times and this passage is one of those passages – “When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.”  

That is my rallying cry today!  That is my inspiration today!  That is my declaration of faith today!  Therefore, it does not matter how big the battle, how fierce the attack, or how widespread the seeming destruction – GOD will and is Lifting up a Standard against the enemy.  Simply put, God will Stop him, and provide protection and we know that we have weapons that are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. 

Therefore, my word to you today is to relax and know that GOD is in Control and Will Not Fail.  He has promised to Never leave us nor Forsake us but is with us Always even to the end of the world!  No weapon formed against us shall prosper and every tongue that rises against us in judgment will be condemned.  We have been attacked on many sides regarding our faith, but we must never quit.  The only way the devil can win in our lives is if we quit.  The enemy is ramping up his assault, but the Spirit of God is rising up within the hearts of believers worldwide to stand in the gap and make up the hedge.  I, therefore, rest in the protection and provision of the Almighty! 

I urge you to approach your day with the confidence that even if the enemy comes in like a flood, God will raise up a standard against him.  Go in peace and rejoice our redemption draws near. 

Blessings to everyone!